NEW DELHI: The Centre today announced an end to the Ramzan ceasefire in Jammu & Kashmir.
The home ministry tweeted today saying the Centre has decided against extending the ceasefire.
The ministry added that security operations against terrorists will now resume.
Sources told media yesterday that that cessation of operations by the security forces was supposed to a be a confidence-building measure but was reciprocated neither by terrorists nor separatist elements like the Hurriyat. In fact, just last week, in a shocking turn of events, journalist Shujaat Bukhari was gunned down in Srinagar, and another jawan of the Rashritya Rifles, Aurangzeb, was abducted +and his bullet-ridden body was later found. Both these incidents sparked a debate on the extension of the Ramzan ceasefire.
Not any longer. Security forces will now take all necessary action against those indulging in violence and terror, tweeted home minister Rajnath Singh.
The government is committed to working for creating an environment free of terror and violence in J&K. It is important that all those who have interests of people of J&K, and especially the youth, in mind to isolate the terrorists and work towards bringing back misguided youth to right path, said a home ministry statement.
The home minister congratulated the security forces for their “exemplary restraint” – during the Ramzan ceasefire – in the face of grave provocation by terrorists. Terrorists indulged in wanton killing of innocent civilians and attacks on security forces during the suspension of operations, said the home ministry statement.
“It was expected that everyone will cooperate in ensuring the success of this initiative. While the Security Forces have displayed exemplary restraint during this period, the terrorists have continued with their attacks, on civilians and SFs, resulting in deaths and injuries,” said Singh.
“It is important that all sections of peace loving people come together to isolate the terrorists and motivate those who have been misguided to return to the path of peace,” said Singh.
The suspension of offensive operations in Jammu & Kashmir, announced to break the cycle of violence and provide a peaceful atmosphere during Ramzan, got over at midnight on Saturday amid a strong possibility of security forces renewing strikes against terrorists.
Yesterday, one person was killed in clashes that broke out between protesters and security forces in Anantnag. An Army jawan was also killed as Pakistani troopers targeted a patrol party along LoC in Rajouri district of J&K.
Prasanta Patnaik 
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