In the clamour and commotion that marked the beginning of Budget Session of the State Legislature, some important matters that should have received notice of media, somehow went unnoticed. Both the Governor in his inaugural address and the Chief Minister in his speech on February 12 lauded Security Forces for their courage and determination in protecting and preserving the integrity and sovereignty of the State while combating externally sponsored and internally supported armed insurgents in Kashmir.
It is noteworthy that while performing their duty of defending the country, our soldiers have maintained the highest standard of professionalism which means showing fullest restraint in face of grave challenges and immensely difficult situations. The army is strictly adhering to the policy of zero tolerance against violation of human rights of ordinary civilians. They have strict instructions from their superior commanders to ensure that while meeting the challenge from the terrorists, civil lives are protected in all circumstances. Apart from how they are required to handle the attacks from insurgents, GOC-in-C, Northern Command Lt. Gen. Sanjiv Chachra has taken some specific decisions meant to reinforce army-civilian understanding and coordination. Many buildings that are no more in use with the army have been restored to the civilian administration. The Commander has issued strict orders to the rank and file that collateral damage during the conduct of operations has to be avoided. Perhaps no better proof of army willing to protect human rights of civilians can be there anywhere in the world where counterinsurgency operations are conducted. It has also been decided by the Commander that as part of Army’s Participative Initiative, all future developmental initiatives should focus on local resources including manpower. Under Operation Imdad, the Army has been extending humanitarian assistance to the people in remote mountainous regions where they live in harshest climatic and topographical conditions. Apart from streamlining army’s contribution to peace and security and humanitarian assistance to the needy civilian population, steps have been taken for reaching the families of martyred soldiers. The Commander of Northern Command has been instrumental in organising the first ever meet of Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, Porters and students of Army Goodwill schools as part of socialization process.
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