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Army orders halt to offensive: PTI

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt General H M Khanna, issued the instructions to field commanders on the Line of Control and in the state to stop the offensive against the ultras during Ramzan.

In a statement from the Northern Command headquarters at Udhampur, Khanna said, "The suspension of combat operations shall apply to all tanzeems across the board, irrespective of their stance, standing and political leanings."

He said he had issued instructions to the field commanders to show restraint and not to retaliate despite provocation.

The statement said, "A deliberate de-escalation up to a level of near ceasefire is intended. However, a high degree of vigil and surveillance is being maintained and any action threatening the safety of troops and installations will receive an appropriate response."

Stating the troops had a right to retaliate in self-defence, Khanna said, "This can be done only after all other avenues are closed."

"Cordon and search and seek and destroy missions are being suspended," he said, adding that in the hinterland, routine activities like patrolling would continue to maintain confidence of the people.

Appealing to all militant outfits and their political wings to respond positively to the ceasefire offer, Khanna said, "I hope we jointly make a success of this window of opportunity. I, therefore, call upon members of all tanzeems to lay down arms and follow the path of peace for the overall well-being of the state."

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