Locals sabotaging anti-terror operations

Security forces asked for better coordination

NL Correspondent

SRINAGAR: The security forces have been directed better coordination during encounters with terrorists in valley in Kashmir Division of Jammu Kashmir state.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Javaid Mujtaba Gilani, said the government has already issued advisory, asking people to stay away from encounter sites. “It is for the safety of the people not to create obstructions' in anti-militancy operations,” he said.

The IGP said there was a “close coordination” between security agencies during encounters to avoid the casualties. “The police is always trying to keep mob away from encounter sites by non-lethal weapons to avoid civilian casualties,” he added.

Army has asked police “don't let the crowds” to come closer to encounter sites during gun battles with militants to avoid civilian casualties as they (Army) were not carrying mob control weapons.

“Our job is not to deal with the crowd since we are not carrying non-lethal weapons. It is the police and para-military forces who are carrying weapons to disperse the mob,” an Army officer said, wishing not to be quoted by name, as he was not authorized to talk to the media.

“The Army has asked police many times to keep crowds away from encounter sites so that there is no interference from locals while fighting with militants. This issue has again been raised with the police and para-military forces as we are not carrying the mob-control devices. We have no option rather than to fire if mobs come closer to encounter sites which could turn into fatalities,” the officer added.

Since February 2016, the police had cautioned people many times through an advisory, asking them to stay away from the encounter sites to ensure “anti-militancy operation and no civil causality”. Despite that people have been rushing to encounter sites in a bid to help militants to escape. Authorities on last Thursday issued fresh advisory on encounters in Kashmir and asked people to stay away from encounter sites to avoid collateral damages during anti-militancy operations. Police sources said the security agencies have been told to ensure better coordination during encounters. “Police have been told to ensure that people don't come close to encounter sites. If protestors come closer to encounter sites then Army may fire at them like what happened in Kulgam,” a police official said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had said that people creating hurdles during anti-militancy operations and displaying flags of Pakistan and ISIS in Jammu and Kashmir will be dealt as “anti-nationals and will face harsh actions”. He had said those supporting militant activities are being given an opportunity but if they continue with their acts then forces will come down hard on them.

Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, has also come out in support of the Army Chief. He said Army has been given “free hand” to deal with locals in Kashmir who help the militants.