J&K: Ceasefire violations rose during suspension of ops

Ceasefire violations and cross-border firings in Kashmir had increased by more than double during the month of Ramzan when suspension of anti-military operations was in place, the government said on Tuesday.

During the month of Ramzan — from May 17 to June 16 — there were 338 incidents of ceasefire violations and cross-border firings in Jammu and Kashmir as against 139 during the previous 31 days — from April 16 to May 16.

This was disclosed by Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

The government had in May announced the suspension of anti-military operations for a month starting from May 17 when the holy month of Ramzan started in a bid to bring normalcy back in the violence-hit Jammu and Kashmir.

However, the government refused to extend it in June citing that terrorists aided by Pakistan continued with their attacks on civilians and security forces.

Days later, the BJP also pulled out of the PDP-led coalition government.

According to MHA data, there were 177 ceasefire violations or cross-border firings in April, which rose to 351 in May.

However, it dropped to 58 last month. Fourteen security personnel and 11 civilians were killed in these three months due to ceasefire violations and cross-border firing.

"In the event of persistent cross-border firings/ceasefire violations along Line of Control and International Border by Pakistan, the people residing in the affected areas have to leave their homes temporarily. The affected families are shifted to safer places. They are provided with all kinds of basic amenities like water, electricity, medical aid, etc. at the designated safe shelters," Ahir said.