Influential Delhi group CCG calls for peaceful Ramzan in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A Delhi-based group of eminent personalities led by senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Monday called for cessation of violence during the month of Ramzan, scheduled to begin later this week, in Kashmir and urged the Centre to use the opportunity to begin dialogue with all stakeholders in the state.

The Concerned Citizens Group ( CCG), which visited the Valley several times during the unrest last year and held talks with separatists, also asked Pakistan to strictly observe the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).

It urged the neighbouring country to absolutely desist from “aligning itself with forces that advocate militancy and terrorism” in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement signed by 21 distinguished personalities, including Sinha and Ex-RAW chief A S Dulat, the CCG said, “We would like to appeal to the governments of India and state also to take the lead and declare that forces will respond only in cases of extreme provocation and in self-defence.”