Conflict

Ramzan ceasefire is expected to end with Eid, NSA Ajit Doval says ‘purpose has been served’

The unilateral ceasfire which was announced by the government of India for the month of Ramzan is expected to end with Eid. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval while speaking to the NDTV said that the purpose of the ceasefire has been served.

Doval indicated that the offer was only for Eid. The ceasefire has triggered a spurt in terror activities and senior officers say they will present the facts before Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who would chair the meeting on Amarnath Yatra in Delhi on Thursday.

“We wanted to give respite to the common man in the Valley during Ramzan, so they can observe the holy month peacefully. And during Ramzan we stuck to our stance. The people there are happy and the purpose is served,”Doval told NDTV.

The data collected by the home ministry indicates that terror-related incidents in the Kashmir valley increased by more than 100 per cent during Ramzan.

Before the ceasefire was announced — April 19 to May 16 — only 25 terror-related cases were reported. But after the announcement, as many as 66 cases were reported between May 17 and June 13.

“We had suspended cordon and search operations till Eid. Why should the government announce anything now, so after Eid “ceasefire” would just lapse,” a senior intelligence officer explained to NDTV. The officer also said they will provide a detailed presentation before the minister. “Facts are sacrosanct. Assessments can vary, so he can judge by himself,” he added.

Recently, Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat had hinted that the ceasefire might be extended beyond the month of Ramzan. However he had added that if militant activities didn’t stop, the initative would come to a halt.

Morever, in an interview with the Economic Times, Rawat pointed out that that he was in the favour of ‘dialogue to break the cycle of militant groups recruiting more Kashmiri youth.’

“Talks must happen. The issue is that a lot of locals are joining militancy. We kill them and more would join. Infiltration can be controlled, but this cycle of recruitment of local youth can go on and on. So…let’s give peace a chance and see,” he said.

Recently, Rawat had said that Kashmiri yout must realize the ‘Azaadi’ (Freedom) is not possible. 

“I want to tell Kashmiri youth that Azadi isn’t possible. It won’t happen. Don’t get carried away unnecessarily. Why are you picking up weapons? We will always fight those who seek Azadi, those who want to secede. (Azadi) is not going to happen, never”.

Earlier, Rawat had said that militancy has not given Kashmiris what they desire for.

“It has not given them what they desired for. You cannot cede away from India. People have realised that. Some have got radicalised… I feel most of them want to join the mainstream,” Rawat had said.

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