Centre says no security ops during Ramzan in J&K, Mufti welcomes move

New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday asked the security forces not to launch operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the month of Ramzan.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has informed about about Centre's decision to J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its tweet, said: “Decision taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment.”

However, the security forces reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people, the ministry further said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah welcomed the Centre's decision. The announcement comes a week after Mufti had said that the central government should consider a unilateral ceasefire in the state starting from Ramzan till the completion of the Amarnath yatra in August.

"The decision would go a long way in healing the wounds of people of the state who have been suffering the pain of violence and uncertainty for the past three decades or so. What best a time to go for this decision than the onset of holy month of Ramadhan which promotes values of patience, self-restraint and tolerance," Mehbooba said in a statement.

The ministry also said that the Government expects everyone to cooperate in the initiative to observe Ramzan in a peaceful manner.

In another tweet, the ministry said that it is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror.

The holy moth of Ramzan is likely to start tomorrow or Friday depending on the sighting of moon.

(With PTI inputs)