New Delhi: The pro-Pakistan militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen on Monday announced a three-month unilateral ceasefire in Srinagar and expressed its readiness to hold negotiations with the Centre to resolve the Kashmir issue.

The Centre, in a quick reaction, welcomed the decision. A statement issued by the Home Ministry on Monday evening said, ''We have noted the announcement made by the Hizbul Mujahideen and any move which points towards peace is welcome.''

The statement, however, said the Centre was in touch with the state government and watching the situation closely.

Earlier, Hizbul Mujahideen 'operation chief' Abdul Majid Dar announced the unilateral ceasefire for three months and the readiness to hold talks. Dar, who was the 'divisional commander' of Hizbul Mujahideen before going to Pakistan a few months ago, had returned here recently.

Hizbul Mujahideen, a dreaded terrorist outfit operating in Kashmir which has its base in Pakistan, also claimed responsibility for the rocket attack on the BSF camp in downtown on Monday. No one was killed in the attack.

Hizbul Mujahideen is the second militant outfit to announce ceasefire after the moderate JKLF.

UNI