Hope all in Kashmir will reciprocate to Centre's peace move during Ramzan: BJP

The BJP on Thursday expressed hope that the Centre's decision to stop operations of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan will be reciprocated by all in the valley.

"We welcome the prudent decision taken by Hon'ble PM and HM with a profound hope that this gesture will be reciprocated by one and all in the valley (and it) will witness peace during d holy month of Ramazan (sic)," BJP's General Secretary Ram Madhav tweeted.

He, however, said only Army operations would halt during Ramzan, not their "retaliation".

"This gesture does not mean security forces will be sitting ducks. They will take appropriate measures to ensure peace," he said.

Madhav is the BJP's pointsman for Jammu and Kashmir, where his party is a junior partner to the PDP in the government.

Echoing similar sentiments, his party colleague and Union Minister Ravi's Shankar Prasad said the government's decision was driven by a humanitarian approach, adding that Ramzan was a "festival of joy".

Prasad said if terrorists attacked on behest of Pakistan, the Army will not restrain from giving a befitting reply.

The Home Ministry today announced that the security forces will not launch any operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan, seen as a conciliatory move by the Centre as it tries to restore peace in the Valley.

The announcement by the Home Ministry came two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Earlier, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had said that the central government should consider a unilateral ceasefire in the state starting from Ramzan till the completion of the Amarnath yatra in August.

The Ministry said the security forces, however, reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.

The fasting month of Ramzan starts tomorrow. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has informed Mufti of the central government's decision.