Reduce troops, stop HR violation we will consider ceasefire: HM

Srinagar, Sep 20 (UNI) The Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) today made a conditional offer to consider a ceasefire proposal during the holy month of Ramzan, starting next week.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (M) has welcomed the HM's statement and said it was a step forward. However, the CPI said no conditions should be put for the ceasefire from any side.

A spokesman of the outfit told local media organisations that it was ready for a limited ceasefire, provided India take some concrete steps to make it possible.

He said the HM will consider ceasefire and stop attacks on security forces and their installation during the holy month of Ramzan if India agrees to scale down troops presence in the state, stop all Human Rights (HR) violations and release all political prisoners languishing in jails in and outside the state jails for years.

The HM had earlier announced a ceasefire in 2000 and held one round of talks with the union Home Secretary. However, the talks failed.

Mr Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, state secretary, CPI (M) has described the HM's ceasefore offer a step forward. However, he said no conditions should be put by any party for ceasefire.

He urged the union government to reciprocate immediately.

Mr Tarigami claimed that the era of realisation and reconciliation has dawned in and the contending parties should not loose the opportunity by applying conditions to certain bold moves.

He cautiously added that for achieving durable peace in the region, both sides have to move in forward direction. For that, he said, certain bold initiatives are necessary from both the sides to address the legitimate demand like reduction of troops and release of political detenues.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) youth leader Bashir Assad has also welcomed the Hizb offer and has urged for unconditional bilateral ceasefire to give respite to the suffering masses of the trouble torn state.

UNI BAS VD RS1840