DGP asks militants to take advantage of ‘peace initiative’ and ‘join mainstream’
Srinagar, May 17: Director General of Police (DGP) 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 Ramazan and ask their sons to leave the path of violence.
The Union government yesterday directed government forces not to launch counter-terror operations during the Muslim holy month which began today, but said they reserve the right to retaliate if attacked.
“Taking advantage of fresh initiative of GoI (Government of India) during Ramazan, families of local militants should urge their sons to leave path of violence and join them to live peacefully. Wish them good luck,” the 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 Ramazan in a peaceful environment.
However, it clarified that the government forces “reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people”.
Vaid had in the past too appealed to the families of Kashmiri militants to urge their sons to join mainstream.
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.
