he government has asked security forces not to launch operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan, home minister Rajnath Singh has said, responding after Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sought a ceasefire request a week ago. Singh said the decision was taken to help people observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment. On May 9, CM Mufti had said the Centre should consider a unilateral ceasefire in the state. Starting from Ramzan in mid-May till the completion of the Amarnath Yatra in August. She made the remarks after chairing an all-party meeting, which was convened to discuss the present situation in Kashmir Valley. Recently, a tourist from Chennai was killed in stone pelting near Srinagar on May 7. The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP opposed her call for a unilateral ceasefire. They claim that such a step is not at all in “national interest”.