Centre Announces An End To Ramzan Ceasefire In Jammu And Kashmir

The Home Ministry has finally announced that the unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) will come to an end, and that security forces will henceforth begin punitive action against terror outfits in the valley.

The ceasefire, announced by the Home Ministry at the request of J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, was being questioned as it witnessed an escalation of violence by terror outfits.

In their latest attacks, terrorists in the valley had killed Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari and an Indian Army jawan who was heading to his native Poonch for Eid festivities. The murders, committed just as the Muslim holy festival of Eid was around the corner had sent shockwaves through the country.

The unilateral ceasefire was being questioned even before the Home Ministry announced it but the ministry had gone ahead with the decision. The terror groups in J&K had made no reciprocatory announcement.

However, now that the Amarnath Yatra is to commence from 28 June, the Centre wants to ensure safe passage to the Yatris. In a shocking turn of events, the Yatra had come under attack from terrorists last year in which eight Hindu pilgrims were killed.