SRINAGAR: The Centre’s unilateral ceasefire against terrorists during the holy month of Ramzan has no desired impact as terror-related violence continued unabated and showed an upward trend in the last 20 days.The data shows an upward trend in the killing of civilians and security men compared to last year during the same period. In the last 20 days, militants killed more than three dozen people including cops and security forces’ men and threw over 18 hand grenades at various places across Srinagar and in parts of south Kashmir, leaving more than two dozen persons and security men injured, according to official figures. At least 143 people including 37 civilians, 71 militants and 31 security personnel were killed since January this year. Out of 143, over three dozen people were killed only during Ramzan ceasefire. Around 40 odd Kashmiri youth joined militant ranks in the name of Jihad , an official source said.Besides terror attacks at various places and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and international border by Pakistani troops, stone pelting on the forces including police remains rampant particularly in old Srinagar city. A young stone-pelter Kaisar Bhat was run over by a CRPF vehicle while it was trying to escape an attack by a frenzied mob attack in Nowhatta.Last year after surge in terrorism in the first part of 2017, security forces had launched an offensive and revived Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) in the Valley after 15 years, against militants in the Valley. But chief minister Mehbooba Mufti took the state’s opposition parties on board and urged the centre to announce ceasefire during Ramzan and Amarnath yatra.“Indoctrination in favour of Pakistan and jihad is so powerful among the separatist youth in Kashmir that the Ramzan ceasefire had no real effect in bringing peace. The offensive of the terror groups is forcing security forces to retaliate,” a police officer said.By halting combat operations against terrorists, security forces are providing them breathing space in south Kashmir, a security expert said. “They are re-grouping and consolidating their position with people’s active support.”However, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police S P Vaid is still hopeful that the Centre’s unilateral ceasefire would have a positive impact. Vaid also expressed confidence that the annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir, starting next month, would pass off peacefully.Interestingly, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday tweeted, “Even as we see the ceasefire bringing great relief to the people of J&K, militants seem to be continuing their violent activities & desperately trying to sabotage the process. I only hope that they realise the futility of their actions soon.”

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