Taking on terrorists

Militancy has come down in Kashmir but not eradicated. Terrorists strike at their choosing if they can because they operate underground. They have hideouts not only on this side of the LoC and in the jungles where they dump arms and ammunition but also among some vulnerable inhabited areas in the valley. In particular, the town of Sopore has remained infested with such jihadis succeed in infiltrating from Kupwara border. Sopore has a vast hinterland which gives them facility to retreat and hide if they are hard pressed. Numerous clashes between the jihadis and security forces have taken place in and around Sopore town.

Contiguous to Sopore is Rafiabad, which also remained infested with jihadis for a long time. In strategic terms, Sopore enjoys key position because it stands at cross roads to Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla and Srinagar. Additionally as the town is located on both banks of Jhelum, its strategic position is enhanced. In an encounter with the jihadis in Chhanpora, Sopore, we have lost a valuable ASI, Kafeel Ahmad, a veteran of many gun battles with the jihadis. Three other SOG personnel of his party were wounded. We bow our head in reverence to the brave policemen who had mustered courage and launched an attack on the hideout of militants in a private house in Chhanpora. Kafeel attained martyrdom by sacrificing his precious life for the country and the state. Earlier also, he had gunned down two dreadful commanders of the Lashkar in different gun battles. Obviously, the State and Central Governments will take care of his bereaved family and provide them all succour they deserve as a martyr in service to the nation.

Chhanpora incident tells us that we cannot lower our guard against jihadi insurgents. They are receiving full support from underground militant organizations and the two operatives who are reported to have been the main actors in Chhanpora attack are said to be Pakistani nationals. Evidently, they have managed to sneak into our side of the LoC, found some sympathizers in parts of the valley and have been operating at different places. Prior to Chhanpora gun battle, they have also been involved in other killings and violent attacks. They managed to give a slip to the security forces that had cordoned off the affected area. Earlier also they have given slip to the security forces. It is, therefore, important that they are tracked down and liquidated. It may take some time but that is the right course to meet this menace. At the same time, the Security Forces need to have a second look at their anti-infiltration strategy and plug the loopholes if any. It is reported that the two Pakistani militants who are responsible for Chhapora attack have been in the valley for a long time and have been operating at different places in different times. This notwithstanding, the border security force will have to intensify vigil on the border. It is to be recollected that the Commander of the Northern Command during his recent three-day visit to border posts in Kashmir said that our adversary has the plan of intensifying militancy related activities in J&K with the purpose of disrupting the forthcoming parliamentary and legislative assembly elections. The enemy tried it in the past and failed. Future bodes worse rewards for them. The simple message to the insurgents is "we will hunt you down wherever we find you in Kashmir

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are Author’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy: The Daily Excelsior: 10th January, 2024