Agencies
SRINAGAR: As the central government decided not to extend the noninitiation of combat operations (NICO) by security forces, the state government said that the effort was not reciprocated positively while the main opposition party termed NICO’s failure a failure of everyone who wanted to give peace a chance.
“Sad, important measure that could have set stage for purposeful dialogue not reciprocated except with provocative attacks. It could have led to way out of bloodshed, destruction. But for that everyone had to be on board.
Reiterate to strive for peace with dignity,” Naeem Akhtar, public works and culture minister, tweeted on Sunday. Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had made repeated appeals to militants as well as separatists to respond to the Centre’s gesture, but to no avail.
During Ramzan, 56 people including 17 civilians, 22 militants, five policemen, four army personnel and eight BSF men were killed. Attacks on army camps, installation of IEDs and grenade attacks continued as well.
The recently appointed deputy chief minister, senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta, said, “A befitting reply will be given to everyone who indulged in such activities. We will find all the culprits.”
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted, “The ceasefire or NICO was the Centre’s initiative & yet these people are celebrating its failure as if it had been announced by our enemies. Its failure is the failure of everyone who wanted to give peace a chance.”
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