Suspension of operations may extend till Amarnath Yatra after review
Srinagar: The Government of India (GoI) is reportedly in the process of initiating some more ‘Confidence Building Measures (CBMs)’ in Jammu and Kashmir during the Ramzan, which could be announced after the review of ceasefire announced by the central government last week.
Highly placed sources told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that GoI may also extend the ongoing suspension of operations till Amarnath Yatra after reviewing its impact on ground.
“Central leadership has discussed the CBMs, which the State Government expects from the Centre at this stage with a view to keep the summer peaceful and ensure arrival of tourists in the State,” sources claimed.
Sources said that with a number of steps having already been taken for restoration of peace and normalcy, the GoI is firm to take more such steps shortly.
Sources believe that these CBMs may be announced after the return of Centre’s Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma to New Delhi and the review of ceasefire announced by the central government last week.
Dinshwar Sharma is on a visit to valley. The interlocutor Thursday visited Makdoom Sahab here and prayed for permanent peace in the Jammu and Kashmir. “Sharma was received by the group of people here in Makdoom Sahab. The people told the interlocutor that India must take steps for the peace in Kashmir,” said one of the local residents who was present at the shrine.
“We want both the countries to start dialogue and bring peace in Kashmir,” one of the old aged man was seen told the interlocutor.
Sources said that Sharma on the occasion said that he is here to pray for the permanent peace in the Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources further said that on his return to New Delhi, the Centre’s Interlocutor is likely to discuss situation of Jammu and Kashmir with the MHA and the proposed CBMs.
“Dineshwar Sharma will discuss the steps required to maintain peace in the Kashmir valley so that the tourist season, which has suffered since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen divisional commander Burhan Wani in July 2016, is good this year,” sources said, adding that the interlocutor have exchanged some ideas with the people in Kashmir for keeping the summer peaceful.
It is to mention here that during Sharma’s previous interactions in interior areas of Kashmir, he had briefed the top Union Home Ministry officials about steps required to engage youth, generate employment opportunities and give boost developmental works in far-off and hilly districts.
Meanwhile sources said that centre may consider extension of the ceasefire if the Ramzan passes peacefully. “After reviewing the impact of the ceasefire, centre may extend it further,” sources claimed.
“The review will be called where in overall impact of the ceasefire and its impact on local sentiments will be discussed,” sources maintained.
The Prime Minister during his visit to the valley last week had said that Kashmir problem could not be solved by bullets or abuses but embracing Kashmiris.
The Government of India has also ordered security forces in the state not to launch operations during the holy month of Ramzan.
Sources said that the Ministry of Home Affairs have also got reports from the Jammu and Kashmir that Ramzan ceasefire has been much appreciated by the people of the state. “There has been no report so far pointing to zero initiation of cordon and search operations (CASO). JK police have also informed that barely five stone pelting incidents were reported between May 17, when the suspension of operations came into force, and May 21, as compared to the peak of 92 incidents witnessed between April 1 and 5 this year,”
Now if everything goes well and militants respond positively to ceasefire, then the suspension might be extended till Amarnath Yatra as well,” said sources.
(With inputs from KNS)
