Advani mooted ceasefire proposal for J-K

By Harish Gupta

NEW DELHI, Nov 30: Contrary to reports, the unilateral ceasefire proposal in Jammu and Kashmir by Indian security forces during the month of Ramzan was first mooted by Union Home Minister LK Advani in October last.

Advani, who also heads the Department of Kashmir Affairs told Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee that the second peace initiative was worth risking in view of the suggestions received from various sections of the Valley and outside.

He also informed the Prime Minister that Gandhian and former MP Nirmala Deshpande had come to him with Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) MLA of Jammu and Kashmir Yousuf Tarigami.

They felt that if the Indian government declared unilateral ceasefire in the Valley during the month of Ramzan, it would send right signals, he said.

Nirmala Desphande also informed Advani that before making such a proposal, she had discussed the same with several groups in the Valley. They also felt that sincerity of the Indian government will be further strengthened if this initiative was taken.

It was in this back-drop that Advani took up the issue with Vajpayee. It is learnt that Vajpayee decided to call a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for a detailed discussion.

J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah specially flew in here to attend a quiet meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The Army expressed certain reservations on the unilateral ceasefire. However, after two rounds of talks at various levels in the government, it was decided that the government must go ahead with the second initiative, after last year’s Lahore peace process.

The Cabinet Committee on Security’s resolution was cleverly worded. It said the forces will not take any initiative in the Valley to fight militancy during Ramzan. But they will not hesitate in retaliating.

When contacted, Deshpande confirmed that she visited Advani along with the CPM MLA and the initiative was expected to bring desired results.

Advani confirmed that Desphande had come to him with the proposal and the second peace initiative was taken by the government after detailed discussions at the CCS.

Islamabad had missed the opportunity given in February 1999. “This is the second one,” Advani said.

He told journalists yesterday that, “Militants can do what they want in Kashmir but now I am addressing Pakistan. What Pakistan can do now is to immediately stop infiltration by militants and their training camps as also the supply of weaponry and explosives like RDX to them.”

(Source: Indian Express)

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