Srinagar, May 17
The Northlines has taken its stand from day one on most commonly used term ‘Ceasefire' as a misnomer as it is simply an initiative by the Union Home Ministry of putting the security operations in valley on hold till the month Ramadhan. The term ‘Ceasefire' has different connotation other than what actually New Delhi has announced and which meant as halting of security operations.
Some of the media entities later followed the correct terminology and has stopped using the term ‘Ceasefire' that has flavour of Kashmir separatists' phraseology. Later, many voices, including those of some retired defence officers, have been raised over the term ‘Ceasefire' and its announcement in Kashmir.
The ‘unilateral ceasefire' announced by Government of India for the month of Ramadan in Kashmir Valley is being widely discussed on social media networking sites. A very few have opposed the government decision while majority are supporting the move hoping that peace may finally prevail in conflict zone Kashmir.
Retired Lieutenant General Tej Sapru said that it is not a ceasefire at all but NICO which stands for Non Initiation of Counter Insurgency Operations. “I appreciate the Government's declaration of Non Initiation of Counter Insurgency Operations (NICO) as I call it (not Ceasefire). It is an excellent gesture for our people in Kashmir and I do hope that everyone makes the best of it to rethink the narrative positively for lasting peace,” Sapru tweeted.
Another retired army officer who is known for his anti-Kashmir stand also took to twitter and expressed resentment over the government move.
“Has our Home Ministry been outsourced to Mehbooba Mufti? She wanted 9730 stone pelters released- our Home ministry promptly okayed it. Just 2 days later they were attacking an army convoy to lynch a JCO and wounded 7 soldiers and later killed a tourist and smashed the head of a school kid. They have been brazenly intervening in army ops to kill terrorists. The other day The Army chief rightly cautioned against a ceasefire in Kashmir. The 200 odd terrorists are under serious pressure. Every time that happens the OGWs and separatists start a campaign to stop Army ops, break the momentum of SF and give the terrorists a breather to rest and recoup. The army is being asked to stop operations have the terrorists ever said they will? Have they announced a cease fire? What if they kill two busloads of Amarnath pilgrims? Who will be responsible? Why are we in such a dire appeasement mode?” Maj Gen G.D Bakshi said.
