Security scenario in the valley is still uncertain and unpredictable. Militants often change only tactics. The question is closely connected to the withdrawal of AFSPA and reduction of the presence of armed forces in the valley. Reports pouring in from reliable sources as well as from army intelligence reveal that infiltration activity from the other side of the LoC continues unabated. There is no sign of relent in Pakistani jihadis trying to sneak in along the long and porous border, particularly Krishna Ghati in Poonch and Mendhar areas. No less are Tithwal and Karen areas, the Tootmar and Nuthatches Gali whetting the appetite of the jihadis to infiltrate now that snow has melted over the passes. The traditional methods of infiltration, meaning infiltrating under cover of fire from Pakistani military, continue as usual.
From early days of tourism in 1990, jihadis have made Sopore and its hinterlands their base in the valley. We know that prior to the jihadi attack on Khazir Muhammad, Sarpanch of Krankshavan in Sopore area, three more Sarpanchs were attacked following which many of them resigned. The militants want to create disorder and frustration among the people and thus destabilize the Government.
The Government has taken some measures to counter the threat. But it seems that more effort has to be made. Though it is not possible to provide personal security to all of the 340000 elected members of the Panchayats in the entire state, but it should be possible to register the support of the people who have voted for their Panchayati members. They have to become part of security arrangement for their respective Sarpanchs and Panchs. After all they have voted the most popular parsons to the local Panchayat just because they feel their chosen persons are capable of delivering goods. The assailants in the case of Khazir Muhammad of Krankshvan village carried arms and rode a motorcycle. Obviously, they came from some distance and from some specific direction. The local people must have known and seen them. They have to be instilled with confidence and security and asked to find out the clues or report to police whenever they find jihadis roaming in their localities. Security agencies have to lend their support to them. Instead of making it unavoidable for the security forces, police and the army to cordon off the village or locality where attack took place, the people in the locality have to play their role. It is the local party men, MLAs and other political and social activists who have to step in and play a role. Such situations cannot be left entirely to the care of the security forces. Local population and civilian personalities have also to cooperate with the security forces. It is the duty of the ruling coalition to ensure that there is robust relationship and connectivity between the masses of people and the political leadership.
Moreover, a solitary case here or there, should not deter the Government from taking a strong view of security scenario. Event the smallest incident of militancy has to be responded to so that the militants do not get the impression that they can indulge in subversion and then run scot-free. The MLAs of the border districts of the valley, should come together to hammer out common strategy for the security of Panchs in heir respective constituencies. If need arises, they can also request the State Government to lend them good offices of the security authorities for guidance and good will. A large-scale concerted effort by the elected representatives and the Panchs should be able to produce foolproof security mechanism for the Panchs.
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