Citizens group supports Mehbooba Mufti's demand for ceasefire in J-K during Ramzan

A group of citizens, including former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha and former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, today extended support to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's call for a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during the month of Ramzan till completion of the Amarnath Yatra.

In a statement issued here, the Concerned Citizens' Group said it strongly endorses the joint demand of the political parties of Jammu and Kashmir for a ceasefire during the sacred month of Ramzan.

"The security forces must observe the ceasefire strictly and should fire only when fired upon," it said.

The group said the government of India must initiate a purposeful dialogue, in the meanwhile, with all stakeholders in a time-bound manner.

They appealed to people to abjure violence during Ramzan and Amarnath Yatra.

The group comprises Yashwant Sinha, Wajahat Habibullah, former Air Marshal Kapil Kak, senior journalist Bharat Bhushan and Sushobha Barve.

On Thursday, the chief minister had said the central government should consider a unilateral ceasefire in the state starting from Ramzan in mid May till the completion of the Amarnath yatra in August.

She made the remarks after chairing a four-hour all-party meeting, which was convened to discuss the present situation in the Kashmir Valley.

However, BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit opposed the unilateral ceasefire demand.

The party's state unit said militants were demoralised due to Army action and a unilateral ceasefire would ease pressure and allow them to re-energise.