India declares cease-fire in Kashmir during Ramadan
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}India's home ministry says government troops in disputed Kashmir have been asked to stop counterinsurgency operations during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
The ministry in a series of tweets on Wednesday said the decision was made so that Muslims can observe the holy month "in a peaceful environment."
Another tweet said Indian troops "reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}No rebel group fighting against Indian rule immediately issued any statement about the announcement.
Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim it in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Indian-controlled Kashmir be made part of Pakistan or unified with the Pakistani-controlled part as an independent country.