1. Ceasefire Extension
The Times of India reported that many of the restrictions imposed upon Kashmiri group leaders had been lifted, though clashes with security forces continue. Protests had erupted after several people had died while in custody of security forces and others had been shot while protesting.
Hurriyat, JKDFP leaders set free; clashes continue
Spokesmen for the Harkatul Mujahideen and the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba rejected the ceasefire extension, stating that there has been no ceasefire on the ground in Kashmir, and they called for continued violence against Indian forces. Syed Salahuddin, leader of the Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan, also criticized the ceasefire as "worthless" and pressed India for assurances on the "core issue" of Kashmir. However, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference praised the ceasefire extension, and said that it hoped the ceasefire was aimed at the initiation of dialogue to solve the Kashmir issue.
"Militants reject ceasefire extension"
"Mujahideen reject ceasefire extension"
"Pak, militants shrug off `worthless' truce"
"Pak-based outfits reject ceasefire extension"
"Hurriyat welcomes ceasefire extension"
In an essay in the Times of India, Aunohita Mojumdar states that in Kashmir there is uncertainty as to which parties are covered by the ceasefire because of the large number of armed groups operating in Kashmir and in the vicinity of the Line of Control. Mojumdar states that Kashmiris support the peace initiative but are increasingly distrustful of the Indian government's gestures. In a separate article, Mojumdar writes that while the ceasefire had led to a calm in Jammu and Kashmir, the recent custodial deaths and the firing upon demonstrators have inflamed villager's sympathies for the plight of militant groups.
"Truce raises more questions than it answers"
"People resigned to extension of ceasefire in J&K"
"Civilian deaths swelling militant ranks"
