Militant Alliance Rejects Ramadan Ceasefire in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 31: The United Jehad Council – an alliance of the militant groups operating in Kashmir has ruled out announcing of ceasefire during Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Indian administered Kashmir.

“Ramadan is the month of jihad. It is month of jihad against oppressors. There is no question of ceasefire during this month. In the past, we had announced unilateral ceasefire but the experiment failed as it only benefited India and harmed our cause and interests,” UJC chief Syed Salauddin told a local news gathering agency KNS in a tele-statement.

He said the militant alliance is ready for dialogue with India if it accepts Kashmir as a disputed territory.

“Indian government should revoke draconian laws like AFSPA and PSA, release all political prisoners, withdraw soldiers from villages and towns and accept Kashmir is a dispute and we will be ready for talks,” he said.

The UJC chief said they were neither against dialogue in the past nor in future. “But it (dialogue) should be meaningful and Kashmir centric and tripartite.”

He alleged that New Delhi was never sincere in dialogue on Kashmir. “History of the last six decades is witness that India never sincerely wanted to resolve the Kashmir dispute. India is neither sincere not serious but wants to continue with status quo,” he said.

“In the name of CBMs some steps are being taken. We aren’t against trade and travel across LoC. But if someone thinks it is the solution, he is wrong. India is trying to hide atrocities of its seven lakh soldiers in Kashmir in the garb of talks,” added UJC chief.

Fayaz Wani
Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.