Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Apr 19: Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh, today visited Kashmir to review the security situation against the backdrop of civilian killings in Handwara and Kupwara in security forces’ firing. And the tension in North Kashmir’s Handwara and Kupwara towns was defused today following week long protests after an Army bunker in the Main Chowk, Handwara was removed.
A Defence spokesman said: “General Dalbir Singh, the Chief of Army Staff, accompanied by Northern Army Commander Lt General DS Hooda, today visited the Srinagar based Chinar Corps. The Army Chief was briefed by Corps Commander, Lt Gen Satish Dua, on the overall security situation and the preparedness of Chinar Corps in dealing with emerging challenges.”
The Army Chief’s visit comes after week long protests against alleged molestation of a girl by a soldier in Handwara and followed by security forces firing on a mob that tried to ransack the army bunker and set it on fire leaving three persons dead. However, the girl and army denied any molestation attempt by army soldier.
The spokesman said that Singh was briefed about the incidents in Handwara which witnessed violent protests in the past few days. Sources said that army chief asked the top brass of the army that Handwara type incidents should not be repeated in future and army should remain alert to prevent such types of incidents.
Sources said that Army chief was given detailed briefing about the Handwara incident. He was told that some elements who are hell bent to disturb peace tried to foment trouble.
The Army chief also visited Kupwara where he was briefed about the situation along the Line of Control and the hinterland. He was given briefing about measures taken by the army to prevent infiltration from across the border. He was also informed about the activities of the infiltrators who are concentrating on the launch pads across the LoC.
“The Army chief expressed satisfaction at the operational preparedness of the units deployed along the Line of Control and hinterland”, the spokesman said. He said Gen Singh impressed upon all to ensure security in the area.
In the meantime, the tension that prevailed in North Kashmir’s Handwara and Kupwara towns and adjacent areas was defused today after army handed over the bunker of the Main Chowk in Handwara to local authorities and it was immediately dismantled by the Municipal Committee Handwara. As the demolition began, the people started to gather in the roads and welcomed the move.
Cabinet Minister and Handwara MLA, Sajjad Gani Lone arrived in the town and addressed people in the Main Chowk where the bunker was demolished. Lone in his address said that the Government has fulfilled the demand of the locals and assured that action would be taken against the accused forces personnel.
There was no protest in the town and people welcomed the move. After the bunkers’ demolition was over, the authorities didn’t impose restrictions in the town and the situation remained completely peaceful.
The situation in nearby Kupwara town also remained peaceful today and even people resumed their business activities. Authorities relaxed the curfew at 8 a.m. till 11 and then again extended the deal up to 6 pm.
However, a protest was staged by people at Trehgam town after which police summoned local civil society and traders to Trehgam Police Station. After negotiations the locals decided to end their protest and restore normal life.
The curfew has been lifted now from the entire district and normal activities would resume from tomorrow. The educational institutes including colleges and schools shall remain open from tomorrow.
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