Centre's 'Operation halt' a joke, claim separatists

Separatists today termed a "cruel joke" the Centre's announcement that security forces will not launch any operations in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan but reserved the right to retaliate if attacked.

"Operation Halt is a cruel joke with the freedom-loving people of Kashmir, who are engaged in a legitimate movement for right to self-determination," the separatists said in a statement.

The JRL -- comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik -- issued the statement after a meeting of the separatists who also called for a shutdown on Saturday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state.