NEW DELHI: Hitting out at “sources beyond the border” from where the terrorists were getting the support, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Tuesday said that they will continue their operations in eliminating militants in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We can easily understand from where these terrorists get support. It is clear that from beyond the border, they are getting assistance,” the Army Chief said without naming Pakistan on recovery of a United States Army-issue weapon, appearing to be a Colt-manufactured M4 carbine from the hideout during the operation.
In the morning, the armed forces killed Jash-e-Muhammad Chief Masood Azhar’s nephew Talha Rashid in a Jammu and Kashmir Police-led operation.
Addressing reporters here, Gen Rawat said, “The operation will continuously take place. If the terrorists attack the people, buildings, police stations or political entity, the Army will try to neutralise them as soon as possible.”
Reacting to his killing, the General said, “Our main aim is to end terrorism whether the terrorist is nephew of Masood Azhar or from other religion.”
Two days ago, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had visited the forward area post in Arunachal Pradesh’s Kibihutu for the first time after assuming the charge of defence ministry, to which China has protested, saying “the area was disputed land”.
The Army Chief said, “The Raksha Mantri (defence minister) visits the forward areas to meet the troops in person and understands various issues engulfing them. Visits by the Raksha Mantri are always a source of motivation for the troops. The minister has to visit the areas where the troops are deployed. After all, it’s the ministry of Defence which provides support to us.”
Prior to Ms Sitharaman’s visit, the Chinese administration had also raised question over spiritual guru the Dalai Lama’s visit in Tawang in April this year and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tour in 2015. (AGENCIES)
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