J K News Today
Srinagar, June 17:
There should be no grumble over the Government of India’s decision to call off the Ramzan ceasefire after the holy month was over with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr on Saturday.
First, the Government of India had not committed itself to the extension of the suspension of operations against the militants beyond the Ramzan ceasefire .Therefore, holding it responsible for not being at fault is patently wrong .
Secondly, the ceasefire did not generate any hope of the violence going down when the security forces were confined to their camps and under strict instructions not to retaliate unless attacked . The level of violence was peaking and it was acquiring savage dimensions. A Kashmiri journalist was killed in broad-day light on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, while a soldier was abducted and subsequently murdered while he was headed home to be with the family on the day of Eid festival.
Third, the government of India had held out a promise of talks with all, including the Hurriyat Conference to end the long spell of violence and look for a middle-ground . The response was a ruthless rejection .
Fourth, the violence in the hinterland, particularly stone throwing and clashes were re-appearing on the scene. This was causing civilian casualties and that was a big loss to the people of Kashmir and also causing a deep hurt to Delhi at the international level.
Five , the firing and shelling from across the border was causing civilian and soldiers’ killings . This was an unpleasant reality .
It was becoming difficult for Delhi to stay on the course of the ceasefire longer than the specified period , that made it to direct security forces to undertake operations as they were doing before the Ramzan ceasefire.