The Narendra Modi Government is unlikely to extend the ongoing unilateral ceasefire beyond Ramzan. Top Government sources on Friday indicated that the forces would turn on the heat on terrorists once the holy month is over.

While this is the prevailing viewpoint in the Government, Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat on Friday linked the continuation of the unilateral ceasefire with activities of Pakistan and terrorists sponsored by it.

The Government sources said there is no decision on extending the ongoing unilateral ceasefire beyond Ramzan. “The ceasefire announced by the Government is not complete ceasefire, but a “conditional” one. The Centre has asked the security forces not to launch operations during Ramzan, but it has reserved the right to retaliate, if attacked or if it is essential to protect the lives of the innocent people,” said sources.

Not being so categorical, the Army chief told reporters in Pahalgam that peace would prevail if Pakistan stops infiltration and closes terror camps across the border. “We want to restore peace on the borders. But, as you know, there is a continuous violation of ceasefire by Pakistan which causes loss of life and property to the people. When such an action takes place, we also have to respond. We cannot hold back our hands,” he said, adding, the ceasefire violation would be retaliated at any cost.

Holding out an olive branch in Jammu & Kashmir, the Army chief on Friday also hinted at extension of unilateral ceasefire beyond Ramzan on the condition that terrorists equally reciprocated.

He said the suspension of operations against ultras in Kashmir during the month of Ramzan has been done to give the people sense of peace and normalcy. “The way an atmosphere of peace has prevailed during these days, the people are very happy. If this atmosphere of peace continues, then I assure you that we will think about continuing with NICO (non-initiation of combat operations). But if there is some action by the terrorists, then we will have to rethink on this ceasefire or suspension of operations or NICO,” he declared.

Meanwhile, terrorists killed a north Kashmir resident by slitting his throat while police foiled a rifle-snatching bid at a power grid station in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. In another incident, a sniffer dog was killed when ultras hurled a grenade at an Army camp in Kulgam district of south Kashmir.

Sources said throat-slit body of a man Muhammad Maqbool Wagay was found at Gund Prang Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. A police official said that the victim was a butcher by profession who was abducted from his home by unknown gunmen. His throat-slit body was recovered by locals during pre-dawn hours who informed police.

Hundreds of people participated in the last rites. The police blamed the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba for these killings.

Reacting on the ceasefire in the Valley, General Rawat said the suspension of anti-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir was an attempt to make people realise the benefits of peace. Rawat was interacting with reporters at the Army Goodwill School at Pahalgam in Anantnag after inaugurating the digital education facility at the school.

“If the situation continues to stay peaceful then they will think about continuing with a unilateral ceasefire. But if the ultras carry out action then we will have to rethink,” Rawat said. “If Pakistan really wants peace, then we will want them to take the first step by stopping infiltration of terrorists into our side. The ceasefire violation mostly takes place to aid infiltration,” Rawat added. “We want peace at borders but as you know Pakistan continuously violates ceasefire that causes loss of life and property and in such a case we have to retaliate,” he added.

Courtesy: The Pioneer, Saturday, 26 May 2018 | PNS | New Delhi