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| Caution: Militants at work | | Violence surges ahead of elections | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | July 20
What was widely feared by many few months back is now clearly visible and is making everyone –the security agencies and general people –to worry about the coming days.
As a typical symbol of election years, the militant violence is on constant upsurge and it is likely to further escalate in the following months. Even though the militant activities never ceased in the recent past but of late, the targets are more specific, pointed and certain. Looking at the string of incidents, it appears that militants have drawn a full calendar of activities which guides at least one attack every day.
For last ten to 15 days hardly a day may have passed by when the militants did not strike. The attacks during these days have been of the surgical precision as the target was never missed. A grenade attack in Banihal and another explosion near Srinagar killing ten soldiers including officers has come as a shock for the security forces.
The worries of the security forces and agencies are further aggravating with rising levels of infiltrations. The EARLY TIMES had already reported last that infiltration through the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla and Kupwara is following ever increasing trends. While the reported incidents of infiltration are a major warning signal at the face, far more in number unreported incidents are taking sleep out of the villagers in these districts. Many villagers, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch areas, have claimed that they often seen hordes of militants camping in secluded places or passing through. Reports reaching from Doda also suggest that militant are building up bases in the upper areas of this mountainous region.
The top security bosses had already expressed their fears of escalation of violence in run up to the elections. Chief of Army Gen Deepak Kapoor has said two months back that the militants are planning a major offensive creating a wave of terror for keeping people away from the election process.
Meanwhile, condemning the increased militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister A.K. Antony Sunday praised the Indian Army’s role in the restive state where polls are due later this year.
"What happened in Kashmir is unfortunate and the militants are out to create trouble. They do not want to have a free and fair election. But we will ensure that free and fair elections are held and for that we will do everything possible," said Antony. Antony was referring to Saturday's militant attack on an army convoy in Srinagar that left seven soldiers dead and at least 14 injured.
"We are very proud of the armed forces personnel who are doing a great duty for the country by even risking their lives," Antony told reporters in Thiruvanathapuram. Antony said even though the “climate” was very hot in Delhi, "I have come here to take part in the celebrations of the Indian Air Force unit here”.
He apparently referred to the political crisis in New Delhi that arose after the Left parties withdrew outside support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government. The government is facing a crucial confidence vote in parliament Tuesday and the UPA is trying to cobble up the magical number of 272 MPs, much needed for its survival in power. |
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