Centre announces conditional ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan

Centre on Wednesday asked the forces not to launch operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the month of Ramzan. However, forces have been given the right to retaliate "if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people."

The announcement comes just a week after Mehbooba Mufti convened an all-party meeting in Srinagar which called for ceasefire during Ramazan.

"The Centre asks Security Forces not to launch operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. Decision taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment," Home Ministry said on Twitter.

It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror. Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers & sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties," it said.

The Centre has asked the security forces to not launch operations in the region during the next thirty days.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has been informed about the decision, the ministry of home affairs said.

CM Mufti had urged the Centre to consider a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir starting from Ramzan in mid May till the completion of the Amarnath yatra in August.

"Everyone (all parties) agreed that we should appeal to the Centre to consider a ceasefire like the unilateral ceasefire in (former PM Atal Bihari) Vajpayee's time in Ramzan (later this month) till Amarnath yatra and Eid," she had said.

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