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Truce takes effect in J&K

Security forces suspended all combat operations Monday in Jammu and Kashmir in line with the Ramzan ceasefire, hours ahead of commencement of the holy month, but were on high alert to thwart any attempt by militant groups to carry out violent activities in the state.

The security forces have suspended their operations in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to observe a month-long ceasefire in the state, official sources in New Delhi said.

The security forces had been asked to stay on high alert during the ceasefire, defence sources said.

The sources said cordon and search operations against militants had been stopped and raids would remain suspended during the holy month.

During the unilateral ceasefire, the security forces have been directed to stop offensives against militants and exercise restraint in case of any provocative actions by them.

Union Home Minister L K Advani termed the ceasefire, rejected by many militant groups, as a "second opportunity" for Pakistan since last year's Lahore peace process and asked Islamabad to avail it by stopping cross-border terrorism in the state.

"What Pakistan can do now is to immediately stop infiltration by militants and their training in camps as also supply of weaponry and explosives like RDX to them," he told reporters in New Delhi.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah asked militant groups to shun violence and help in restoring peace in the state.

Conveying his good wishes to the people on the eve of the month, Abdullah urged them to pray for success of the prime minister's initiative for peace in the state.

Lt Gen H M Khanna, General Officer Commanding of the Northern Command, had on Saturday announced that instructions had been issued to all field commanders to suspend combat operations during Ramzan against "all tanzeems (outfits) across the board irrespective of their stance, standing and political leanings."

Field commanders have been instructed to exhibit restrain and "retaliation action will only be initiated if all other avenues are closed," he said.

PTI

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