‘Local recruitment cause of concern’
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Sept 7: General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps of Army Lt General A K Bhatt today said that Army will increase operations against militants ahead of elections for their smooth conduct.
Speaking to reporters in South Kashmir, he said that it is the duty of Army to maintain peace. “It is the duty of Army to have peace and prosperity so that elections will be conducted successfully”, he said.
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Lt General Bhatt said that they will step up anti militancy operations ahead of elections for achieving peace. “We will do our best for this and will be continuously conducting counter terrorist operations against terrorists. In present or any situation, it’s the duty of Indian Army to diffuse terrorist organizations and we will continue doing so”, he said.
The GOC said that elections are best for empowerment of people and hoped people will take part in it. “Elections are the best empowerment for the people at grass root level and I believe people will participate in the elections”, he said.
On the growing number of militants, Lt Gen Bhatt said that it is a cause of concern but said of late it has started decreasing. “Recruitment of local militants is an area of concern for us but it has been decreasing. As per last reports, it has decreased and I believe it will further decrease in future”, he said.
The Corps Commander thanked the security forces and administration for successful Amarnath Yatra. “I am thankful to the security forces, administration and the locals for the successful of Amarnath yatra this year”, he said.
Asked about action taken against Major Gagoi, Lt Gen Bhatt said: “We are doing the enquiry on our own and action will be taken as per the rules.”
And security forces this morning detected a live hand grenade inside a nallah near Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar city.
The grenade was detected by paramilitary CRPF inside the nallah and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately rushed to the spot.
The patrolling party of 144 battalion detected the grenade at around 8:45 am inside the nallah which is close to the Dachigam National Park. After being detected, the device was later destroyed without causing any damage by the paramilitary troops and the BDS squad of police.
Militants today lobbed a grenade at a bunker of the paramilitary Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Mehjoor Nagar area of Srinagar city.
The grenade exploded inside the SSB bunker. However, no one was injured in the explosion. A police official said that they were ascertaining the nature of the explosion. No militant outfit has so far claimed the attack.
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