File image | Photo Credit: PTI

Srinagar: Terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba has rejected the Centre's move to announce a conditional ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy Muslim month of Ramzan. LeT spokesperson Abdulla Gaznavi said in a statement that they will continue to target the Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir during the month of Ramzan.

Earlier in the day, the Centre announced that it has asked the security forces not to launch security operations in the state during Ramzan in order to help peace-loving Muslims observe the holy month in a peaceful environment.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, clarified that the security forces can retaliate if attacked by the terrorists. They can also intervene if necessary to protect the lives of innocent people.

PTI reported that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was informed about the Centre’s decision by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. "It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror," an MHA spokesperson said.

Centre announces conditional ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir; no anti-terror operations during Ramzan

Politicians in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed the Centre’s move to announce a unilateral ceasefire in the state.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire & would like to thank @narendramodi ji & @rajnathsingh ji for their personal intervention. My gratitude also to the leaders & parties who participated in the All Party Meeting & helped build consensus towards this announcement,” Mufti tweeted.

“The month of Ramadan is a harbinger of peace & such a decision will go a long way in creating a peaceful & amicable environment for a sustained dialogue,” she added.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted, “On the demand of all political parties (except the BJP, which had opposed it) the Centre has announced a unilateral ceasefire. Now if the militants don’t respond in kind they will stand exposed as the true enemies of the people.”