‘Our enemies cannot consume peace in Kashmir’: Army chief expresses ‘concern’ over revival of terror in Rajouri-Poonch sector
Army Chief General Manoj Pande also termed the situation in the Rajouri-Poonch region as a “worrying issue” as a lot of terrorist activities have taken place in the area in the last five to six months.
Jammu Kashmir News: Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande on Thursday said that India’s adversaries are encouraging and sponsoring the revival of terrorism in the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir as peace and normalcy have returned to the Kashmir Valley, a fact that the irritates the country’s enemies.
“As the situation in the valley becomes normal, this is one area where our adversaries have been active, in terms of inciting terrorism, and encouraging proxy tanzeems to operate in this area,” he said.
The army chief also termed the situation in the Rajouri-Poonch region as a “worrisome matter” as a lot of terrorist activities have taken place in the area in the last five to six months.
“In the last five to six months, there has been an increase in terrorism in Rajouri and Poonch. Terrorism in that area was eradicated in 2003 and peace remained until 2017-2018,” he said.
General Pande said that keeping in view the situation, the Army has taken various measures such as strengthening deployment of troops, strengthening intelligence apparatus and reaching out to locals among others to curb terrorist activities in the area .
‘Zero tolerance’ towards human rights violations
Speaking to a press spokesperson in the national capital, the army chief said he has conveyed an unequivocal message to the soldiers and commanders that there will be “zero tolerance” towards human rights violations and that they must operate in a professional manner.
Three civilians were killed in Poonch last month, allegedly during questioning by the army in connection with an ambush of army personnel by militants. Four army soldiers were killed in the ambush.
“My guidance to soldiers and commanders is unequivocal – in terms of respect for human rights, there will be zero tolerance for actions under that,” he said.
“We have prepared clear guidelines describing what you (army personnel) should do and what you should not do in those areas and so that the soldiers can (operate) in a professional manner,” General Pande said.
In an indirect reference to the death of three civilians in Poonch, General Pande said the “affected village” has already been adopted by the army.
“I visited the area after the incident. We have been in contact with the local community,” he said.
‘Pak’s support for terror infrastructure continues’
Without naming Pakistan, General Pande said support for “terror infrastructure” continues. “The situation in Poonch-Rajouri is a matter of concern for us,” General Pande said.
It is known that the terrorists operating in the Rajouri-Poonch area are highly trained in carrying out terror attacks and ambushes.
“Our anti-terror operation in those areas will continue in a ruthless manner so that normalcy returns to the area as soon as possible,” the army chief said.
Asked about highly trained terrorists carrying out the attacks, he said the military is learning “tactical lessons” from the adversary’s modus operandi.
Focus on human intelligence
The army chief said his force is focused on strengthening human intelligence, including synergizing the army’s efforts with other agencies. He added that the support of the local population is also “extremely crucial” in counter-terrorism operations.
“We have already taken follow-up actions,” he says.
The Army chief of staff said the military is also looking at strengthening its ability to use technology to gather intelligence.
“We have improved our deployment and also reoriented some units,” he said.
At the same time, he said the troops were told to operate professionally.
The Army chief said that 45 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir in the last three years.
Maintain truce
The Chief of Army Staff said the ceasefire with the Pakistani army along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir is holding, even as there have been continuous infiltration attempts, “which we have been able to successfully thwart through a robust anti-infiltration network.”
“In the IB (international border) sector, attempts to smuggle into narcotics and war mongering shops through drones continue. But we have an effective anti-drone system,” he added.
In the hinterland of Jammu and Kashmir, General Pande said there was an overall decline in the level of violence in 2023.
“However, Rajouri and Poonch area witnessed increased terrorist activities. The proxy Tanzim operating in these areas continue to receive support from across the border. The terrorist support infrastructure continues,” he said.
(With PTI inputs)