Expresses grief over loss of CRPF men
Srinagar, June 13
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Thursday that the ‘fidayeen' (suicide squad) attack in Anantnag district on Wednesday was carried out at the behest of Pakistan.
Speaking to the media here, Malik said: “Pakistan ordered yesterday's fidayeen attack. Whenever there is peace in the Valley, Pakistan tries to disrupt it by resorting to such attacks.”
The Governor said the peaceful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections had not gone down well with the handlers of militants in Pakistan.
Asked if it was a matter of concern that the attack was carried on the road that will be taken by pilgrims for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, he said: “Security forces would not allow militants to get near the ‘yatris'. The attack was not on the ‘yatris' as the ‘yatra' is yet to commence.”
Malik expressed deep anguish on Thursday over the loss of CRPF men in Wednesday's terror attack in Anantnag district as floral tributes were paid to the slain personnel at a function held at Humhama.
Condemning the attack, the Governor said his heart went out to the departed soldiers and their families, a Raj Bhawan spokesperson said.
“Whenever successful attempts are made by the security forces to conduct peaceful elections or for continuous elimination of terrorists, the masterminds of terrorists from across the border order them to carry out fidayeen (suicide) attacks on forces and Wednesday's attack in Anantnag district was also a fidayeen attack,” Malik said.
He said the terrorists and their handlers should know that “our resolve to eliminate this menace (of terrorism) is unshakable”.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held for the five Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who were killed in the attack at Anantnag's Khanabal on Wednesday evening.
Five CRPF troopers, including two Assistant Sub-Inspectors and a militant, were killed in the suicide attack on the K.P. Road in Anantnag town. A civilian woman and three security men including a Station House Officer (SHO) were injured.
