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| Those who earlier supported ceasefire, want its end | | Kashmir back to haunting 90's period | | Early Times Report
Jammu, June 15: The voices demanding the ceasefire in strife-torn and the violence-infested Jammu and Kashmir have all of a sudden become silent following the unnatural spurt in violence, bloodshed, and mayhem.
Even the strongest supporters of the ceasefire in Kashmir Valley are now opposing its extension, stating that the way terrorists were allowed to roam scotfree has wrecked havoc in the already tension-ridden region of Kashmir. There are also reports that the way in which veteran Kashmiri journalist Syed Shujat Bukhari was assassinated by the terrorists is a clear indication about how much has the ceasefire instilled confidence in the terrorist ranks of carrying out the attack that too in a broad daylight and get away from the scene.
On May 16, the start of the holy month, the federal government declared a ceasefire in the state and directed the security forces not to launch any anti-terror operations in the region. However, the truce was rejected by the separatists and the terrorists.
General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the army based in Kashmir's capital city- Srinagar told New Delhi based TV channel- on June 12 that around 200 to 250 terrorists are waiting at the launch pads in Pakistan to enter Kashmir. "The Amarnath Yatra is very critical to us. If the suspension of operations continues, we will have a degree of difficulty to carry out our role. But whichever way the government decides, we are ready", said Lt General Bhatt.
The army officer added that all launch pads in Pakistan are full of terrorists and every night for the last one month attempts are being made to push more and more men into the valley. "Every night insome area or the other an attempt is being made to infiltrate. According to the information we have, there are 225 to 250 terrorists at various launch pads", the officer said.
As per the government estimates, Kashmir has witnessed 54 incidents of violence since the announcement of the Ramzan ceasefire. "There is no reason why the ceasefire should be extended and why it should be demanded by any of the political group. The violence has increased manifold since the announcement was made and the terrorist organizations are treating this ceasefire as a blessing in disguise to strengthen their cadre once again. A journalist is murdered in cold blood in open and an army trooper is abducted and then killed. No one has any idea about what is going on," says a functionary of a Kashmir based mainstream political party.
Furthermore, it would be interesting to witness what strategy will the government adopt as the annual Amarnath Yatra is about to begin. In the backdrop of the surge in the militant-related violence across Kashmir, will the government allow the extension of the truce or foil the plans of the terrorists.
The 60-day-long religious trek, snaking through the hills, shall commence on June 28 on the occasion of the "auspicious" day of Jyestha Purnima, as per Hindu calendar, and conclude on August 26, on Shravan Purnima.
As per the official data, more than 1.5 lakh pilgrims have so far registered to visit the Amarnath cave, located 3,800 meters above sea level in the Himalayas of the state. |
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