*Efforts on to check attack on civilians
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Apr 14: Multi-pronged counter-terrorism strategy chalked out by various security forces in tandem with each other is yielding positive results in the militancy-infested Jammu and Kashmir with security forces neutralizing large number of terrorists and successfully foiling infiltration attempts from across the border during 2014.
However, frustrated over the tightened security grid and subsequent denial of logistics from their mentors on other side of the borders, the militants already operating in the hinterland increased attacks on the civilian population for being soft targets. But directions have been issued for initiating more measures to check attack on civilians, which are aimed at creating fear psychosis.
Disclosing this in its latest report, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs said, “the security situation in J&K has witnessed significant improvement in recent years”, adding “although in 2014 there was a slight increase in the number of terrorist incidents, security forces were able to neutralize 110 militants as against 67 in 2013”.
Stating that ongoing militancy in the State is intrinsically linked with infiltration of terrorists from across the border both from the International Border as well as the Line of Control, MHA said, “during the year 2014, infiltration attempts decreased by 19.85% in comparison to the previous year due to tightened security and vigil on the borders”.
In 2011, there were 247 infiltration attempts while as the number increased to 264 in 2012 and 277 in 2013. However, during 2014, the number came down to 222, the lowest during the last four years.
Frustrated over tightened security and denial of logistics due to check on infiltration, the militants already operating in the hinterland of the State increased their activities during 2014 and made soft targets by ensuring casualties of the civilians. “The year 2014 witnessed 30.58% and 86.66% increase in the number of terrorist incidents and casualties of civilians in comparison to the previous year”, the MHA report said.
However, there was 11.32% decrease in security forces fatalities in the year 2014. Moreover, 64.18% more terrorists have been neutralized in comparison to the year 2013, the MHA report said while mentioning that law and order situation in J&K has been under control.
“The security situation is being monitored and reviewed by the Chief Minister of the State in the Unified Headquarters/Command with senior representatives of the State Government, Army, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies”, the report said, adding “the Ministry of Home Affairs is also monitoring the security situation closely and continuously in addition to the State Government and the Ministry of Defence”.
Stating that Union Government in tandem with the State Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain cross border infiltration, the report said, “this approach includes strengthening of border management, multi-tiered and multi-model deployment along the International Border/Line of Control and infiltration routes, construction of border fencing, improved technology, weapons and equipment for security forces, improved intelligence and operational coordination to check infiltration and pro-active action against terrorists within the State”.
“The Government has adopted various tactical and operational strategies to degrade the efforts and capabilities of militants to disturb peace in the State”, MHA said, adding “Union Government is encouraging policies to mainstream the youth and discourage them from joining militancy”.
“The endeavor of the Government is to proactively promote synergized measures by all security forces to safeguard the borders from cross-border terrorism and to contain militancy”, the MHA said, adding “Government is committed to ensure that the democratic process is sustained and the primacy of civil administration restored to effectively tackle the socio-economic problems facing the people on account of the effects of prolonged militancy”.
To support the State Government in its initiatives, the Union Government has been making available contingents of Central Armed Police Forces as and when necessary and also has been providing assistance to strengthen State Police, the report said, adding MHA is also reimbursing the expenditure incurred by the State Government on a variety of security related measures.
During 2014-15 financial year, a sum of Rs 287.94 crore has been reimbursed to J&K Government under Security Related Expenditure.
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