2. Responses to Ceasefire Offer
India expressed cautious welcome at the ceasefire, stating it would watch the situation. An Indian government official said, "Even if the outcome cannot violate the constitution, this does not mean we will only talk with those who swear by the document." The Indian government's offer is somewhat contradictory, but indicates increased flexibility in its approach to talks.
"Cautious govt welcomes move; Army wary"
"Centre's unconditional talks offer stands"
In response to the ceasefire offer by the Hizbul Mujahideen, the Indian army has been ordered by its commanders to suspend all operations against Islamic militants in the Kashmir for the first time in eleven years. Lieutenant General JR Mukherjee said, "I have instructed all field commanders to suspend operations against the Hizbul Mujahideen. However, our operations against other [militant groups] will continue." Other militant groups vowed to continue their attacks. The army said that the Hizbul Mujahideen represent 800 of the 1500 active militants in Jammu and Kashmir.
"India Suspends Kashmir Operations"
"Army suspends operations against Hizbul"
A Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman said that Pakistan recognized the All-Party Hurriyat conference as the representative of the Kashmiri people and would therefore be guided by its response to the ceasefire declaration by the Hizbul Mujahideen. The Hizbul Mujahideen was expelled, because of its ceasefire declaration, from the Mutihadda Jehadi Coucil, a body comprising representatives from sixteen militant groups active in the Kashmir. The English-daily The News carried an editorial which said, "the offer is the first sign of flexibility from a mainstream group."
"Pak. will go by Hurriyat response to ceasefire offer"
Other Pakistan-based militant groups criticized the Hizbul Mujahideen ceasefire offer as a being "not the Hizbul Mujahideen's announcement but of some so-called commanders who have been bought by India." These groups include the Jamiatul Mujahideen, Tehrikul Mujahideen Jammu and Kashmir, and the Al-Badr Mujahideen. They promised to continue their struggle for the liberation of Kashmir. The ex-militant Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) also criticized the announcement as poorly planned and ill-timed.
"Hizbul offer a 'gimmick', say Pak.-based groups"
"Ceasefire in Valley: Hizb leaders avoid comment"
"2 groups of Mujahideen oppose truce with India"
The All-Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Abdul Ghani Bhat said, "The call for ceasefire made by the Hizbul Mujahideen is a step towards peace." He further said, "The situation is still hazy. ... I have read in newspapers that India has welcomed the ceasefire. But, if Pakistan does not, it will not succeed. Pakistan is yet to respond." The APHC executive council later met and concluded that the Hizbul offer was "hasty," would "create confusion among the people," and "creates hurdles in the settlement of the Kashmir problem." The APHC was reported as saying that it would welcome talks between the Indian government and the Hizbul as long as the APHC was not marginalized it the process.
"Ceasefire a step towards peace: Hurriyat chief"
"Hurriyat regrets Hizbul ceasefire call"
"Hurriyat not against talks"
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah asked all other militant groups to follow the Hizbul Mujahideen and declare a ceasefire. Nine other militant groups have rejected the ceasefire, putting into doubt any foreseeable success.
"Abdullah asks militant oufits to follow Hizbul"
"Harkat to continue freedom struggle"
"Laskhar, Al Badar cast shadow over Hizbul ceasefire"