Militancy on decline in J&K: Army
‘Army to undertake small-scale precision operations, focus on killing foreign militants, top commanders’
Stating that internal security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is “stable and peaceful”, a top Army official Monday said militancy indicators have shown a “declining trend” in the state, but cautioned against “radicalisation”.“The internal security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is stable and peaceful. The counter-militancy operations are effective and the potential of militants have significantly reduced,” a senior Army officer told PTI.
“There is high level of synergy among all security forces and government agencies. Consequently, terrorism indicators have shown a declining trend”, he said.
The army official said development activities on the government front have increased in the state.
“Developmental activities of the government are picking up momentum. Economic activities, trade, tourism etc are on the rise. School and colleges are functioning well”, he said.
“Owing to isolated militants incidents, the prevailing peace continues to remain fragile”, the officer said.
He, however, said, in the current atmosphere, while the forces will continue to neutralize militants and eradicate the residual militancy from J&K, the people must guard against radicalisation and nefarious designs of Pakistan”.
Army maintained that there is no change in Pakistan posture and it continues its intransigence on proxy war.
“Notwithstanding, Pakistan continues its intransigence on proxy war and fuel separatist sentiments in J&K”, the officer said.
“Accordingly, it continues to finance, train, equip and attempt to infiltrate militants across LoC. Most such militants are neutralised on the LoC itself”, he said adding “There are reports of some militants who have successfully infiltrated this year”.
He said the militants could carry out some strikes and therefore the need for caution remain.
On the issue of strategy in the winter, the officer said, “in the coming months, the forces will continue to further improve the security situation in J&K by consolidating on the gains in the summer months”.
“The counter-infiltration operations are an important aspect of counter-proxy war operations”, he said, adding, “the winter months will be utilised to further strengthen the counter infiltration grid along the LoC”.
“The LoC Fence will be made more robust and lasting”, he said.
The winter months will also be utilised to review and further improve various aspects of counter-militancy operations in the hinterland, he said.
“Army will especially focus its operations on eliminating foreign militants and militant leaders”, he added.
“Care will however be taken to undertake small-scale precise operations without causing hardship to the villagers and the residents and without damage to life and property of innocent civilians”, he said.
The officials said coordination and synergy with other forces and government agencies to ensure lasting peace will also be an important aspect of the Army’s activities.
