India resumes 'hunting terrorists' in Kashmir

The Indian government today announced it will not extend the "suspension of operation against terrorists" in Jammu and Kashmir state announced at the start of the month of Ramandan in May.

Security forces have been asked to resume operations to prevent terrorists from launching attacks and indulging in violence and killings, the home ministry said in a statement, as our New Delhi correspondent reports.

It said that on May 17, the government of India took the decision that security forces will not conduct offensive operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramadan in the interests of the peace-loving people of the state in order to provide them a conducive atmosphere to observe Ramadan.

"It was expected that everyone will cooperate in ensuring the success of this initiative. While the security forces have displayed exemplary restraint during this period, the terrorists have continued with their attacks, on civilians and security forces, resulting in deaths and injuries," the statement said.

So, "the government of India decides not to extend the Suspension of Operations in J&K announced in the beginning of Ramadan. Operations against terrorists will resume," it said.

The withdrawal of the unilateral ceasefire during the Ramadan came a day after the Eid –ul-Fitr and three days after senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper, was shot dead outside his office. Bukhari had supported the Ramadan ceasefire.

The Indian Home Ministry statement said the government commended "the role of security forces for having implemented the ceasefire decision in letter and spirit in the face of grave provocation to enable the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramazan in a peaceful manner."

"This has been widely appreciated by the people all over the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. and has brought relief to the common citizens," it added.

The statement said security forces "are being directed to take all necessary actions as earlier to prevent terrorists from launching attacks and indulging in violence and killings."

However, the "government will continue with its endeavour to create an environment free of terror and violence in Jammu and Kashmir and it is important that all sections of peace-loving people come together to isolate the terrorists and motivate those who have been misguided to return to the path of peace," said the statement.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the government is committed to working for creating an environment free of terror and violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said the Ramadan ceasefire by security forces was not reciprocated by terrorists nor by separatists and there has in fact been a spurt in targeted violence even on Saturday when Eid was celebrated.

The Eid festivities in Kashmir valley were marred by clashes between protesters and security forces and one person was killed in a grenade blast in Anantnag district. A total of 22 people were injured as youths clashed with security forces in various parts of Kashmir.