J&K: Eliminate Terrorists, But Start The Political Process Soon
By A Special Correspondent
First publised on 2020-06-07 20:33:27
About the Author
The anti-terror operation carried out jointly by the Army and the J&K Police in Shopian district of the state today shows that the security agencies beefed up their informant network and have applied themselves to ensure that little or no collateral damage happens during such operations. The way the security team carried out search operations in the area after receiving information about the presence of terrorists and then encircled the exact location after the terrorist fired at them showed that planning and execution has been made robust and the idea is to capture or kill the terrorists without suffering losses and ensuring that civilians also do not suffer.
This is in direct contrast to the way terrorists were taking
out senior security officers in encounters in April and May. In the first week
of May, the Army lost
senior and experienced officers of the rank of a Colonel and a Major and a day
later, the CRPF lost three of its jawans. That had made the terrorists
bolder. But the killing of Riyaz Naikoo, also in the first week of May, took
the wind out of their sails. It also acted as a huge morale-booster for the
security forces. Since then, the operations are being conducted with precision
and the terrorists are on the run.
In a separate statement issued today, the Army has said that support for terrorism has declined in the state. It also said that the recent "uncoordinated" acts showed "signs of desperation" as there was no local support which is proved by a huge dip in local youth joining terror outfits. This is a good sign and the government must now move to start the political process in the state. The Army must continue its operation to wipe out the remaining splinter groups but a permanent solution can only be found if people elect their representatives and a state government is in place.
