Terrorists in Kashmir may be adopting new strategy on the behest of remote controls. However, the strategy seems to have changed. It could be owing to more effective anti-terrorism measures taken by the security forces including the State Police Force that curb their movement in stealth or operating from the hideouts. From terror related incidents at Shupian and Mirgund near Pattan in which terrorists gunned down three policemen around Amshipora, and shot at and wounded a police officer in Mirgund while he was traveling in a bus we get a clue that they have changed their strategy.
Terrorist attacks have increased after the formation of the Coalition Government. Why is it so? Other serious questions ask for answer. The Chief Minister has been strongly advocating human approach to militant psychosis. In fact, he has come with a bucket-full of soothing balm to rub in the “wounds” of the militants. As Chief Minister, he has shown gesture of goodwill towards the bereaved families by conveying condolence on the tragic losses. Applying balm to the “wounds” of militants should have prompted the terrorists to de-escalate violence and agree to be part of national mainstream. We understand the Chief Minister is pursuing that agenda with seriousness.
The two incidents of violence in Shupian and Mirgund, in which precious lives of police personnel were lost, clearly show that terrorists are getting outright support in the localities where they are operating or where acts of murder take place.
Terrorists have adopted the new tactics of targeting police personnel, not necessarily of officer’s rank. They intend to create fear among the police force because of late State Police has become pro-active in tracking down the militants, unearthing their hideouts in forests and sequestered places and also tracing the trail of their movement. After all the vast majority of local people are fed up with militancy and militancy related activities. They want to get rid of it and as such, they would very much like to be in close touch with the police. This has heightened the ire of terrorists against the State police and we have numerous incidents of attacks on police stations not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu.
This naturally calls for greater preparedness for the police in all areas of security bandobast. The police force is to be equipped with sophisticated weapons, provided with streamlined surveillance upkeep, advanced communication facility, rapid mobility and above all advanced training in combating militant assaults. Today our policy force is much advanced and more effective in combating terrorists. Nevertheless, there is no space for complacency at any stage. All police stations and police posts, especially those in vulnerable areas, need strengthening and further insulated against terrorist attacks. The police will have to tighten security for personnel on duty as well as make its intelligence outfits more effective.
Resurgence of militancy in Kashmir, howsoever small and sporadic is undoubtedly a serious matter. What terrorists are doing in Kashmir is part of the big game their handlers want them to play. Army camps and police posts are their targets. Infiltration bids of terrorists continue even despite army and security forces neutralizing them. Their handlers seem to be desperate in pushing the active cells for some sort of thrill and bizarre activity to keep the pot boiling. It further shows the bi-polarization of power and authority in Pakistan. Twin incidents of attacks on police personnel speak of new strategy on the part of Kashmir terrorists. As long as horrendous incidents like these continue to happen, the question of withdrawing AFSPA will remain a moot point.
The elected Government must react to the new strategy of the terrorists of attacking police and security personnel of grassroots ranks.
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