Jawans hail move, officers cautious

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Hizbul Mujahideen's call for ceasefire has been taken well by the security jawans patrolling the streets or in bunkers ...

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Hizbul Mujahideen8217;s call for ceasefire has been taken well by the security jawans patrolling the streets or in bunkers across the Valley. However, officers with the Army and other security agenices are guarded in their statements.

Head Constable Prem Kumar of the 91 battalion of CRPF, which keeps vigil at the Air Cargo complex at Lal Chowk in the city, is happy with the development. He says the ceasefire call will, hopefully, put an end to the 11-year strife in the Valley. Kumar said if the move gets translated into reality and other militant outfits also follow suit, the Valley would witness an end to a perpetual bloody conflict that has left thousands dead.

His colleague, Abdul Leheji of Uttar Pradesh, also welcomes the decision saying it would be fruitful for the security forces as well as public to begin life anew. 8220;If the fighting stops, people can live peacefully and strive for success. Security forces are here for maintaining peace,8221; he said.

A BSF officer patrolling a downtown street said he and his colleagues were feeling relaxed. He said during his one-and-half-year stint here, he was sometimes feeling depressed. 8220;Peace is important everywhere. If it prevails over and other outfits too take a cue, then Kashmir will take a big leap towards progress. Moreover, the securitymen will also reciprocate in the same way,8221; he said.

Senior police and security officers, however, are tight-lipped and are closely watching the developments. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Dr A K Bhan said 8220;we will repond positively to the move8221;. He, however, did not elaborate.

An Army officer said it was premature to comment at present and said they were keenly observing the situation. 8220;It is difficult to perceive what it means and how it will work for us in future. We have not spelling it out as yet and will let you know after some days,8221; he said.

However, K Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of BSF, Kashmir, welcomed the decision saying this will usher peace in the Valley. 8220;It is right time to work towards peace. The strife-torn people also deserve it and it is in the larger interests of the country . Once our duty stops here, we will go back to the borders,8221; he said.

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State Home Minister M A Lone said it is a welcome development that will help peace return to the Valley. He, however, said that it is premature to jump to conclusion.