The Ceasefire That Wasn’t: Record Number Of Grenade Strikes, Surge In Violence During Ramzan In J&K

The Centre’s decision of a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) was met with increased violence even as forces were asked to suspend security operations in the state.

The month-long ceasefire saw a record 20 grenade attacks, 50 terrorist strikes and a total of 41 deaths even as forces were asked to show restraint, Hindustan Times has reported.

Last year too, the Ramzan period had witnessed 43 deaths while 32 deaths were recorded in 2016.

However, this year, following Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s request, the Home Ministry had decided to go for a unilateral ceasefire hoping that terror outfits would respond in kind. That however, hasn’t proved to be the case.

Following the actions by the terrorists, the Centre yesterday (17 June) decided to withdraw the ceasefire and security forces were asked to resume all operations against the terrorists.

24 of the dead were terrorists belonging to outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, Al Badr among others, while nine security personnel were martyred during the period.

Meanwhile, across the border, Pakistani forces continued their unprovoked attacks even as the Indian Army had sent out a message of peace during Ramzan.