PAKISTAN is “pushing terrorists” across the Indian side of the so-called Line of Control which separates the two countries in an effort to sabotage peace efforts in the disputed Kashmir region, a senior police officer has claimed.
By Ciaran McGrath 22:19, Mon, Feb 24, 2020 | UPDATED: 22:40, Mon, Feb 24, 2020
Kashmir: Civilians mourn losses after cross-border attacks
Tensions over Kashmir and neighbouring Jammu are regarded as a major flashpoint between India and Pakistan, and threatened to boil over last year when the killing of 44 Indian military police in an attack by a suicide bomber prompted a retaliatory air strike on what India said were terror training camps on the Pakistani side of the divide. Dilbag Singh, Director General of Police (DGP) with Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) said: “The ceasefire violations by Pakistan has increased manifold with an aim to push as many terrorists into this side to sabotage the peaceful atmosphere.
“Despite increased ceasefire violations, we are alert to the challenge and have already foiled a number of infiltration attempts.”
Mr Singh, speaking to reporters at the 9th Police Martyr’s Memorial Inter Club T-20 Cricket Championship in Kathua district, said the security grid imposed along the Line of Control on the International Border was designed to prevent further incursions.
The security grid along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) is strong to scuttle Pakistan’s designs and ensure further improvement in the overall security situation in the coming months, he said.
Dilbag Singh accused Pakistan of “pushing terrorists” over the Line of Control (Image: GETTY)
Mr Singh said all three had been members of Jaish-e-Mohammad, a Pakistan-based Jihadist group.
He added: “Our security grid is very strong and we are prepared to foil Pakistani attempts to push terrorists into this side.”
Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani stands on a vehicle during a rally in Kashmir (Image: GETTY)
Nevertheless, striking a positive note, Mr Singh said there had been a fall in the number of local youths joining what he described as “terrorist” organisations.
He explained: “The inclination of local youth to join terrorism in the Valley is on the decline.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Image: GETTY)
Kashmiri people shout pro-freedom slogans as senior Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani addresses them (Image: GETTY)
“Sport activities are getting a big boost with proper infrastructure and training.”
He also said information provided by members of the community had been crucial in foiling attacks.
He added: “Sometimes people come forward with information on the basis of suspicion. This is very good and shows that people are very active.
The disputed Kashmir and Jammu regions in the north of India (Image: GETTY)
“We act on the inputs and have successful operations against terrorists. The operation against them is moving very fast.”
Nevertheless, he put the number of “listed terrorists” in the region at between 240 and 250.
He also paid tribute police personnel killed in the line of duty in sacrifices which the JKP would not forget.
People chant slogans as they carry banner during a gathering in Kashmir (Image: GETTY)
He added: “Police will continue its efforts to promote sports to channelise energy of the youth in the positive direction to build a better society, keep our youths away from drugs and other social ills and give platforms to choose sports as a career.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has faced large scale-protests at home and criticism abroad for enacting a citizenship law which is regarded as discriminating against Muslims, amid increasing concerns about the perceived undermining of India’s secular traditions.
The measure came months after the Indian government withdrew the special autonomy given to Muslim-majority territory of Kashmir.
No comments:
Post a Comment