Indian military operations against freedom fighters in held Kashmir territory were suspended Wednesday in a rare gesture for the holy month of Ramadan. The 30-day halt is the first of its kind in Indian-held Kashmir for nearly two decades, and follows an escalation of violence in recent months in the Muslim-majority Himalayan region. India has 500,000 troops in held Kashmir.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the suspension was to allow a peaceful celebration of the fasting month. The decision means Indian troops will stop the pursuit of freedom fighters and door-to-door house searches - but they will still retaliate if attacked, officials said.
In a statement, Singh sought the cooperation of "everyone" in the initiative but did not make a direct call for freedom fighters to suspend hostilities.
There was no immediate response from groups that have been fighting Indian rule in the territory for nearly three decades.