No Political Interference Will Have Any Impact On The Military Operations says, Army chief

NEW DELHI: Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have been continuing  their activities during Ramadan, taking advantage of suspension of the ceasefire by the Centre, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday. The Army Chief also added that the Governor's rule in the state is unlikely to change anything about the ongoing military operations.

Operations in the Valley would continue as before, Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of an event in the national capital. "Operations were being carried out earlier as well. Then we saw a phase of suspension of operations because we wanted people to get a chance to offer their prayers during Ramadan without any kind of problem. Despite that, terrorists continued with their activity, which is why the suspension of operations was cancelled," the Army Chief said.

The action that was being taken earlier will continue, Rawat further asserted. Referring to the imposition of Governor's rule in the state after the BJP pulled out of its alliance with the PDP, he said, "We don't think there will be any impact. We don't have any kind of political interference." 

There has, he said, never been any kind of restriction on the force on how it should conduct its work. The security forces have very strict rules of engagement and "take action" in accordance with them, Rawat said.

The ceasefire announced by the Centre for the month of Ramzan was revoked on Sunday. Aurangzeb, an Army jawan, was killed by terrorists and journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead two days ahead of Eid. 

On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir was placed under Governor's rule for the fourth time in the last 10 years after the BJP withdrew support to its alliance partner, prompting Mehbooba Mufti to resign as chief minister.