‘It wasn’t a ceasefire, but suspension of operation in view of Ramzan’: Rajnath Singh

Srinagar

Amid continuing criticism over the announcement of a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday once again asserted and clarified that the government hasn’t tied the hands of the security forces, reports claimed.

On May 16, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced that security forces would not engage in any anti-militant operations in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan. The Ministry had, however, clarified that the security forces reserve the right to take retaliatory action if they are attacked or if it is necessary to protect the lives of innocent civilians.

According to a report published by Times Now, Singh on Monday refused to call it a ceasefire choosing to describe it as suspension of operations. The technical term for this is NICO – Non-Initiation of Combat Operations.

“It wasn’t a ceasefire, but suspension of operation in view of Ramzan. But it was clearly said that we will resume operations if any activity takes place. We haven’t tied the hands of our security forces. Our forces killed five militants when an attack took place,” Times Now, quoted Home Minister as saying.

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