NEW DELHI, Sept 13: The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir has suggested that a ceasefire be observed by militants and security forces in the disputed state during Ramzan, the Indian Express reported on Wednesday.

It said Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday sought a complete halt in militant violence on the eve of the holy month beginning Sept 25 and said the government would reciprocate.

“Azad’s statements suggest that a ceasefire in Kashmir, contingent on Islamabad taking action on militancy, could be on the Havana table,” The Express said.

“The time has come to openly declare stoppage of all kinds of violence, attacks on innocents, throwing of grenades, planting of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) and resorting to harassment of people by militants,” Mr Azad said in a statement. “Keeping in view the holy month of Ramzan, people would appreciate it (the ceasefire),” he said, adding that the government would be happy to respond to a ceasefire.

Mr Azad hoped that this ceasefire would not only help in the state’s progress and development but also provide an opportunity to the people to get rid of violence and misery forever.

“Militants will also realise that peace is the demand of the people and gun culture has no relevance in any civilised society when matters can be sorted out on the table through dialogue in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

“Although Azad did not mention the Havana meeting, his surprise announcement regarding the cessation of hostilities is seen as a way to test the waters before the Singh-Musharraf meeting,” The Express said.