News Kashmir Exclusive
Killings . killings and killings are haunting the valley of Kashmir since long time. Six Civilians died and scored got injured just a week back after five militants were killed in Shopian encounter, including an Assistant Professor of the Kashmir University.
To discuss the volatile situation and especially the escalating violence, A meeting of all parties in Jammu and Kashmir was convened by the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti . It has recommended that the centre announce a ceasefire with militants during the holy month of Ramadhan and the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
As a matter of fact, Representatives of all parties in the state will also seek a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she added. PM Modi is scheduled to visit the state very soon.
“Young kids are telling their mothers — we are going for an encounter. I want to ask, how can we improve the situation? As a government, we need to find solutions to improve the lives of the next generation, of the youth in colleges and universities,” Ms Mufti told the meeting.
Importantly, Home ministry officials are worried about the recent spurt in encounters in the valley, particularly those in the past week. According to reports. This year, as many as 45 young men from Kashmir have joined the militant ranks.
Since the holy Islamic month of Fasting Ramadhan is about to arrive many are hoping that it returns some sort of peace to the bruised and violence hit valley of Kashmir.
While talking to the News Kashmir, Muzamil Maqbool, a young peace activist stated – “ I think government of India must start the peace process with Pakistan on Kashmir as soon as possible. (Operation all out) won’t serve any purpose. With every youth getting killed in Kashmir, we are annihilating the issue more with people in tremendous grief sorrow and agony. All the stake holders must join their hands together to form a peace treaty not only for the month of Ramadhan but beyond and forever. Integral part aka atoot ang is burning. Those who claim it must wake up before it is too late.”
Pertinently, In November 2000, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajaypee had declared a unilateral ceasefire in Kashmir for the holy month of Ramadhan. The ceasefire was extended for five more months by the before ending it on May 23, 2001.
That ceasefire announcement had followed a unilateral ceasefire by militant group Hizb-ul- Mujahideen in July 2000 that resulted in failed talks with then Union Home Secretary Kamal Pande at Nehru Guest House Srinagar .The militant outfit withdrew its truce within two weeks after Government of India refused to accept its demand, mainly the inclusion of Pakistan in talks on Kashmir.
Hope is that Ramadhan 2018 becomes harbinger of peace and solace to pain hit Kashmir.
