‘Situation undergoes major change after 370 abrogation’
Targeted killings show Pak’s frustration
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 22: Northern Command chief Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi today said around 300 militants are present in Jammu and Kashmir, while 160 others are waiting on the launch pads for an opportunity to sneak into this side from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan.
Click here to watch video
However, he said, the security situation in the Union Territory has undergone a major change after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and terrorist activities have been controlled to a large extent.
“Around 300 militants are present in length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir but we are making sure they are not able to carry out any action,” the Army Commander told reporters on the sidelines of platinum jubilee of historic ‘Poonch Link-up Day’ function in the border district of Poonch.
Asked about the number of militants present on the launch pads in Pakistan, Lt Gen Dwivedi said around 160 militants are present across the Line of Control — 130 in north of Pir Panchal (Kashmir valley) and 30 in south of Pir Panchal.
“As per our data, 82 Pakistani militants and 53 local militants are active in the hinterland, while the area of the concern is the criminal activities of 170 others who are not identified,” he said.
Reacting to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent statement hinting at retrieving Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK), Lt Gen Dwivedi said a Parliamentary resolution exists on the subject, therefore it is nothing new.
On security situation in Kashmir, the Army Commander said it has undergone a major change after the abrogation of Article 370 and the civil administration is doing a great job to ensure peace and development and making sure terrorism is put on back seat.
“All the trend lines which were there, are coming down (post abrogation of Article 370), to the extent, and today peace and development has taken the Central stage and there is a great space to meet the people’s aspirations. The civil administration is doing a great job in occupying that space and making sure that terrorism is put on a back seat,” he said.
Asked whether the terrorism has been controlled, he said, “Yes, to a large extent.”
However, he denounced the targeted and selective killings and said it shows the frustration of Pakistan.
“The people from outside, the neighbouring country, are adopting other means like smuggling pistols, grenades and drugs to carry out minor actions — targeting innocent and unarmed persons who have come here to earn their livelihood and support the Kashmiris,” Lt Gen Dwivedi said.
He said it is very sad that such incidents are taking place but police, security forces and the civilians have come together and decided that they will not allow such acts to happen.
“Whatever is happening is very less and efforts are on to further reduce such types of incidents. Anyone who indulges in such types of misdeeds is getting appropriate responses,” Lt Gen Dwivedi said.
Referring to Pakistan, he said when nothing was achieved by sending big weapons and raising the Kashmir issue at UN, OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) and with other countries, they went for such type of actions like targeting innocents and sending small weapons and drugs.
“Drugs worth Rs 45 lakh were seized in Baramulla (north Kashmir) along with other weapons and grenades. Likewise, in other border areas, huge cache of drugs are being seized. Militants are being killed but they say you are killing smugglers, which means they admit that they are sending drugs. It is very wrong on part of Pakistan,” he said.
He said counter-drone equipment have been deployed at different places in Jammu and Kashmir to check airdropping of weapons and drugs from across the border.
Dwivedi said the security agencies have also identified all the places where weapons are being dropped to ensure that militants, who are running short of arms, do not get hold of the weapons.
“Drone is an evolving technology and in the coming days, you will see action from both sides — they (Pakistan) will try to send drones (with weapons and drugs), we will deploy counter-measures using technology,” the Army Commander said.
Lt Gen Dwivedi said militants are present in Jammu and Kashmir but despite planning to carry out an operation, they are not able to strike due to a shortage of weapons.
“We have installed counter-drone equipment at different places and are also looking at those places where drones were used to drop weapons. We have earmarked those places and are taking appropriate action so that terrorists cannot get the weapons,” he said.
Sending a strong message to youngsters in the Valley, Lt Gen. Dwivedi said they have to come forward and support the Army, which is doing its best to ensure a bright future for them.
“I want to tell the Kashmiri youth that whatever is here is meant for them and we will continue with our efforts for your bright future. You have to come forward and extend your support in this endeavour,” he said.
He added that nobody benefitted by joining terror ranks over the last 30 years.
“There is no development across the border and see for yourself how India is marching ahead and is going to head G20,” Lt Gen Dwivedi said.
He said 35 per cent of those recruited by terror outfits are below the age of 20 years and 55 per cent are aged between 20 and 30 years.
“We have to focus on the education and upbringing of the youngsters, provide them an opportunity to move out and see the development in different parts of the country,” he added.
The Army has already sent 1,800 students from Jammu and Kashmir to different States for education, Lt Gen Dwivedi pointed out.
Earlier, remembering the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers and citizens of the region while defending Poonch, Lt Gen. Dwivedi, Lt Gen. Manjinder Singh, GOC, White Knight Corps, and other senior military and civil dignitaries laid a wreath at the Namansthal War Memorial.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
