Army Comdr says situation under control
720 ultras killed in J&K in last 5 years
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Oct 25: Northern Command chief Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar today said the Union Headquarters has formulated a strategy following spate of terror attacks in Jammu and
Click Here To Join Daily Excelsior on WhatsApp And Get Latest News Kashmir and troops are concentrating on breaking the cycle of violence, dismantling terror ecosystem and empowering youth and women.
“Our efforts are concentrating on breaking the cycle of violence and dismantling the terror ecosystem. There is a synergy between Army, civil administration, paramilitary forces, police and Intelligence agencies which has paid rich dividends,” the Army Commander told reporters at Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur today.
Without giving details, Lt Gen Kumar said the Unified Headquarters has discussed the spate of terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir at a meeting in Srinagar and formulated a strategy.
The Unified Headquarters meeting was held yesterday in Srinagar under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and was attended by the Northern Command chief, other top Army Commanders, paramilitary forces, Intelligence agencies, JKP and other senior officers.
The meeting comes after series of terror attacks in the Kashmir valley including Gangangir in Ganderbal and Bota Pathri near Gulmarg in Baramulla.
“The core of this strategy is to strengthen the relationship between citizens and soldiers while encouraging nationalist and mainstream narratives, particularly among youths. These initiatives have not only fostered greater community engagement but also supported successful execution of kinetic operations in the region. Through integrated military and social outreach efforts, we are contributing to the broader process of nation-building,” the Army Commander said, and assured that the situation is under control.
Lt Gen Kumar said due to concerned and synergized efforts of the Army and all other agencies and stakeholders, there has been peace, prosperity and improved security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army will forever strive to provide a secure environment to the people of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, he added.
On security forces’ ongoing response, Lt Gen Kumar said the security forces have been able to neutralise 720 ultras in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years.
“As far as residual terrorists are concerned, multiple agencies keep updating figures. They are varying between 120 to 130. Now, the recruitment figures are in single digits. This is at its lowest,” he added.
The Northern Command chief said that the Anti-Infiltration Grid along the Line of Control and focused counter-terrorism operations in the hinterland have managed to create an environment of peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir which has frustrated the adversary.
“Aim of the adversary is to push terrorists across, but we have foiled infiltration attempts. Their goal is to instill fear among the population, but we will not allow it. (But) I must assure you that situation is under control,” he said, adding: “Our endeavours in kinetic and non-kinetic operations have facilitated greater security”.
Referring to the security situation in the Jammu region, he said that various agencies are undertaking operations to achieve the desired outcomes.
“Village Defence Groups (VDGs) have ensured the security of remote areas for decades. The VDG setup is being strengthened, with over 600 VDGs being established and 10,000 modern weapons provided to them. They are also being trained,” he said.
The Army Commander said the region which is starting from Kathua and Samba along the border and then Poonch and Rajouri besides hinterland areas of Reasi, Kishtwar and Doda was largely peaceful for past 10 to 15 years. There is huge challenge along International Border and Line of Control. There is nearly 210 kilometres of International Border and about same in LoC, he said.
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