Pandits urge govt to launch all-out ops against militants

The All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) has urged the state and Central government to abandon the “wait and watch” policy in dealing with the rising militancy in the Kashmir valley and launch an all-out operation against terror groups and their over-ground workers (OGW).
Addressing a meeting, ASKPC president Ravinder Raina said repeated attacks by militants and looting of banks gave a clear message that the situation in the Valley had deteriorated due to the policies of the government, which had failed to act against the pro-Pakistan and separatists elements.
“Everybody is looking towards the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police, which had once broken the backbone of militancy in the Valley. There is a need to strengthen the police and give them the necessary powers to act against terrorists,” Raina said.
The ASKPC has also expressed concern over the safety of Prime Minister package employees who are posted in Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam and demanded that they should be shifted to Jammu.
“The employees are under tremendous pressure as during the last one year transit camps were attacked by stone-throwers and now the rising militancy is putting the lives of these employees in danger. There seems to be policy paralysis at the government level,” alleged Dr TK Raina, general secretary, ASKPC.
The ASKPC has said the holding of meetings in the North Block will not serve any purpose and the situation could only normalise if tough measures are taken and security grid is strengthened by giving free hand to security forces.
The Pandits’ body has also urged the government to provide appropriate security at all temples and religious places, which include some of the ancient temples, and take a decision on the future of more than 2,000 employees who returned in 2010 to start their life afresh in their homeland.