No firing during Ramadan says Modi-led government; will there be peace?

Ramadan is the time for prayer, fasting and of good deeds, and all the Muslims are following this.

But is it possible to follow this at the borders?

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that the Centre has told security forces to not launch any operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan, however, the forces reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

In a series of tweets, the Home Minister’s Office (HMO) said:

The Centre asks Security Forces not to launch operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. Decision taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment.
HM Shri @rajnathsingh has informed the Chief Minister, J&K of Centre’s decision.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

Security Forces to reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.
Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers & sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

This order came after the Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed to the Center to announce a unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir during the upcoming Amarnath yatra and the holy month of Ramzan.

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MIXED REACTIONS OVER CENTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

There has been a mixed reaction in Jammu and Kashmir over the Centre’s decision to halt military operations during Ramzan.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the ceasefire and would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister, Rajnath Singh for their personal intervention,” Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted.

Former chief minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the move and warned the militants that they would stand exposed “if they don’t respond in kind.” Lashkar-e-Toiba, however, dubbed it as “nothing but drama”.