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"The further extension of the unilateral ceasefire is as good as raising a structure of unbaked bricks during an unpredictable and violent monsoon," said Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, chairman of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
"Whether or not the ceasefire is extended in Kashmir, it is extremely unlikely to bring any change in the situation on ground," he added.
"There is no ceasefire. It has in fact proved a cover-up for custodial killings, indiscriminate shoot-outs and humiliating harassment in Kashmir."
"Unless we address the core issue, no ceasefire can produce any results," he said.
However, J&K Minister of State for Home Mushtaq Ahmad Lone said, "The ceasefire has brought much needed relief to the people living in the border areas."
He said the National Conference fully supported the extension of the ceasefire and said, "I hope good sense will prevail on the various militant groups and they will respond positively to ensure peace not only in border areas but in the valley too."
"By extending the ceasefire they are trying to deceive the world," said Salim Geelani of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, headed by Shabir Ahmad Shah. Geelani, who recently met the central interlocutor K C Pant, said, "Last week, the Special Operations Group of the J&K police arrested a party worker outside our office and later killed him. Is this the ceasefire?" he asked.
"After announcing the ceasefire they should have ensured its implementation on the ground," added Geelani.
The average Kashmiri remains unconcerned about whether or not the ceasefire is extended. "It makes little difference now. We are talking of a ceasefire that doesn't exist on the ground," said Bilal Ahmad, 48, a Srinagar businessman.
With a daily death toll of eight to 15 persons, it is difficult for locals to guage the significance of official cessation of combat operations against militants.
"The official ceasefire exists only on paper. Violence has only increased," said Abdul Rashid, a college lecturer.
"This ceasefire has not achieved any results. It has lost the significance," said Mohammad Shafi Qureshi, president of the state unit of the Congress.
Qureshi said, "The common man has lost interest in it as he is under great stress. The killings are continuing. The government is groping in dark."
"The various channels they have opened up with various groups here has led to further confusion. There is no trace of a ceasefire on ground," he said.
The Complete Coverage: The J&K Ceasefire
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