Sir — This refers to the article, “A hardline approach in J&K” (May 18) by JK Verma. A unilateral ceasefire declared by the Union Home Ministry, unwarranted at this juncture, is neither salutary for the security forces nor for the general masses as the latter has already started alienating from the terrorists.
The writer has rightly said that a unilateral cessation of military action against stone-pelters in general and terrorists in Pakistan in particular, will only embolden them. They may use this month-long time to re-group themselves and attack our forces, while the latter will be in hibernation mode, thanks to the Union Government’s declaration of conditional ceasefire. Earlier in 2000, during the Vajpayee regime, a similar ceasefire was announced during Ramzan, which resulted in escalation of terrorist activities, including an attack on Srinagar airport. Therefore, a ceasefire at this moment will be highly counter productive. The sooner it is withdrawn the better it will be for the nation as well as for the security forces.