news details |
|
|
| GOI accepts 'truce' failed to achieve desired results, directs SFs to resume operations against militants | | | Jehangir Rashid
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, June 17: Government of India's decision to stop anti-militancy operations during the holy month of Ramadan seemed to have backfired and it is due to this reason that security forces have been directed to act tough against the militants across the length and breadth of the state from today onwards. The central government today candidly accepted that the ceasefire did not help in achieving everlasting peace and tranquility in Jammu & Kashmir especially Kashmir valley. It said that militants intensified operations against police, security forces and civilians leading to killings in different parts of the valley.
During the truce period the militants had a free access and during this period they carried out many attacks on police as well as security forces. Although, the forces exercised restraint the militants did not do the same. Policemen turned out to be lame ducks during the period with some of them being killed by the militants.
People in general believe that the killing of senior journalist Syed Shujaat Bukhari was an outcome of the truce declared by New Delhi on May 17 as soon as holy month of Ramadan began. Besides, the attack leading to the killing of Shujaat, Srinagar, the summer capital of the state witnessed some grenade attacks during this period.
"It is highly disturbing that militants entered Srinagar and fired at least 70 rounds towards the vehicle of Shujaat along with the two Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and that too at Press Enclave. Lives of senior journalist and two PSOs could have been saved had the truce not been in force in Kashmir valley," said a group of people while sharing views with Early Times.
During his recent visit to Jammu & Kashmir, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had remained non-committal with regard to extension of truce in the state. The Home Minister had said that decision with regard to same would be taken after reviewing the overall security scenario.
Many people especially the People Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were hoping that the ceasefire should be extended so that peace is given a chance to return to Kashmir. Killing of Shujaat coupled with denial of separatists to enter into a dialogue with New Delhi became the ultimate reasons for resumption of operations against militants.
A press note issued by Press Information Bureau (PIB) said that on May 17, Government of India took the decision that security forces will not conduct offensive operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramazan. This decision was taken in the interests of the peace loving people of J&K, in order to provide them a conducive atmosphere to observe Ramazan.
"Government commends the role of security forces for having implemented the decision in letter and spirit in the face of grave provocation, to enable the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramazan in a peaceful manner. This has been widely appreciated by the people all over the country, including J&K, and has brought relief to the common citizens," said the PIB press note.
The PIB press note said that it was expected that everyone will cooperate in ensuring the success of this initiative. While the security forces have displayed exemplary restraint during this period, the militants have continued with their attacks, on civilians and security forces, resulting in deaths and injuries.
"Security forces are being directed to take all necessary actions as earlier to prevent terrorists from launching attacks and indulging in violence and killings. Government will continue with its endeavour to create an environment free of terror and violence in Jammu & Kashmir. It is important that all sections of peace loving people come together to isolate the terrorists and motivate those who have been misguided to return to the path of peace," said the PIB press note. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
