Jammu and Kashmir [Images] Chief Minister Ghulam [Images] Nabi Azad said the government will respond to a ceasefire by the militants during the holy month of Ramadan beginning later this month.

In a statement, Azad said, 'The people of Jammu and Kashmir are completely fed up with violence.

'The time has come to openly declare stoppage of all kinds of violence, attacks on innocents, throwing grenades, planting IEDs and resorting to harassment of people, by militants,' the chief minister said.

He said that keeping in view 'the holy month of Ramadan, people will appreciate the same, and from the government's side, we will be happy to respond to a ceasefire, which should not limit to the holy month of Ramadan only, but can be extended beyond that period in case militants decide to shun the violence.'

Such a move would not only help in the progress and development of the state, but provide an opportunity to the people to get rid of violence and miseries for ever, Azad said.

Militants will also accordingly realise that peace is the demand of the people and violence has no relevance in any civilised society," he added.