Take advantage of Centre's peace initiative, join mainstream: J&K top cop to terrorists

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid on Thursday said the families of local terrorists should take advantage of the Centre's announcement that no operations would be launched during Ramzan and ask their sons to leave the path of violence.

The Union government yesterday directed security forces not to launch counter-terror operations during the Muslim holy month which began today, but said they reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

"Taking advantage of fresh initiative of GOI (Government of India) during Ramzan, families of local terrorists should urge their sons to leave path of violence and join them to live peacefully. Wish them good luck," the director general of police (DGP) said today.

The Union Home Ministry's announcement came two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.
The ministry said the decision has been taken to help peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment. 

However, it clarified that the security forces "reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people".
Vaid had earlier, too, appealed to the families of Kashmiri terrorists to urge their sons to join mainstream in the past.

More than a dozen terrorists have laid down arms in the valley since last year after police announced that they will let terrorists surrender even during ongoing operations.Most of these terrorists have returned home after appeals by their families.