Make most of govt's Ramzan peace move, join ranks: J&K top cop to militants

Jammu and Kashmir police chief S P Vaid today said the families of local militants 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 on Thursday but said they reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.

Taking advantage of the fresh initiative of GOI (Government of India) during Ramzan, families of local militants should urge their sons to leave the 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 militants to urge their sons to join mainstream in the past.

More than a dozen militants have laid down arms in the valley since last year after police announced that they will let militants surrender even during ongoing operations.

Most of these militants have returned home after appeals by their families.