PDP, Oppn terms suspension of 'Ramzan ceasefire' as unfortunate; BJP welcomes the step

Srinagar, Jun 18: The ruling Peoples Democratic Party and opposition parties, including National Conference and Congress, have termed suspension of 'Ramzan ceasefire' as unfortunate.

However, PDP’s coalition partner in the government, the BJP, welcoming the decision by the Centre, said, ''it is the only way to counter militancy.''

“The decision to suspend 'Ramzan ceasefire' is unfortunate. The operations against militants were suspended by the Centre on the request of state government and other political parties so that normalcy could be restored in the Valley,” a senior PDP leader said.

However, he said it proved to be one sided decision as militant attacks intensified during this period, making it impossible for the Centre to extend the 'ceasefire'.

“Many people died during this period, including senior leader and Risking Kashmir Editor in Chief Shujaat Bukari. So such an atmosphere was created where it appeared that the 'ceasefire' had no success,” he said.

“It is the responsibility of all stake holders to support such initiatives. So in future, all stakeholders have to extend support to such initiatives so that conducive atmosphere is built to initiate meaningful dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue,” he added.

BJP leaders have, however, welcomed the decision by the Centre to end the 'Ramzan ceasefire'.

“Militants were taking advantage of the 'ceasefire'. Pakistan and militants didn’t even spare Eid… It was necessary to resume operations against militants as they only understand the language of guns. It is the only way to counter militancy,” J&K Legislative Assembly Speaker Nirmal Singh said.

However, taking a dig at all those who are celebrating failure of 'Ramzan ceasefire', Vice-President of opposition National Conference Omar Abdullah said these people are celebrating its failure as if it had been announced by enemy.

“The ceasefire or NICO was the Centre’s initiative & yet these people are celebrating its failure as if it had been announced by our enemies. It’s failure of everyone who wanted to give peace a chance,” Mr Abdullah, who is the former chief minister of the state, wrote on micro-blogging site.

NC chief spokesperson Aga Ruhullah said the decision to suspend operations against militants was taken without doing any homework. “There are two aspects of 'ceasefire'. When the announcement was made by the Centre, NC had asked it to back 'ceasefire' with a political initiative. But no such thing happened,” he said.

He said the Centre had done no homework before announcing the 'ceasefire'.

“Had the Centre worked out a plan before announcing 'ceasefire' things would have been different,” he added.

Mr Ruhulla said NC had also appealed to militants to end attacks.

Hitting out at the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief G A Mir said no one was consulted before announcing halting of operations against militants and on one was approached before the 'ceasefire' was called off.

“No homework was done and no ground report was looked at before taking the decision of halting operations against militants. It was necessary to consult people and built a consensus on the 'ceasefire'. And it was required to back the initiative by political dialogue, but no such thing happened,” Mr Mir added.