Army reciprocates Hizbul8217;s stand

SRINAGAR, JULY 28: Even though the army has temporarily stopped action against militants in the Valley following Hizbul Mujahideen's recen...

SRINAGAR, JULY 28: Even though the army has temporarily stopped action against militants in the Valley following Hizbul Mujahideen8217;s recent offer of a ceasefire, they are still to receive directions from the Government.

8220;We are very happy on ceasefire announced by Hizbul Mujahideen. The armywill not launch any operation against the militants,8221; said Major General Basant Singh, Chief of Staff COS, 15 Corps. Maj Gen Singh hoped the Government of India will positively respond to the ceasefire offer. 8220;The Government will do what people of Kashmir seek. People feel relieved and the government will follow the suit,8221; the COS said.

Maj Gen Singh informed that the Hizbul has suspended its activities after the ceasefire, 8220;we take HM8217;s word, and in fact, there is no Hizb8217;s action against the security forces after the ceasefire8221;.

Terming the ceasefire significant as the Hizbul is the biggest militant outfit in the Valley, the COS said the army has not launched any operation afterthe Hizbul offer. He said after the ceasefire there has been no deliberate action by army against militants. Maj Gen. Singh, however admitted that it is difficult to differentiate if a militant belonged to the Hizbul or some other outfit.

He said the Hizbul did not offer ceasefire under the pressure ofPakistan or Indian forces. The credit of ceasefire, he feels, should go tothe people who are fed up with militancy and want to get rid of the 11 year long bloodshed. 8220;Yeh logoun kay zour say huwa, ne ke Pakistan ya hamaray zour say huwa 8221;It was not Pakistan8217;s pressure or our force, it was the pressure from people of Kashmir that Hizbul Mujahideen offered ceasefire,8221; the COS said. He added that 8220;militancy can only survive if there is localsupport.8221;

The COS said they have taken precautionary measures since variousother outfits are operating in Valley. 8220;We have to take precautions. Ifthey militants come and attack us there will be response,8221;he said.

He said strict vigil is being maintained along the Line of Control. Maj Gen Singh said Pakistan has not stopped pushing in militants. 8220; TheyPakistan are constantly pushing in militants. The infiltration is goingon and we track down any one who try to infiltrate,8221; he said.