BATOTE(DODA): Militants operating in the highly mountainous district of Doda are desperate and disillusioned due to the constant pressure by the security forces under the overall operational command of the Rashtriya Rifles. This claim was made by Maj Gen Yogi Bahl, commander of the “Delta Force’ while talking to a group of media persons last week. Maj Gen Bahl, alleged that some individuals are giving highly exaggerated account of the happenings in this mountainous and far flung district for political mileage and said that with the deployment of Rashtriya Rifles in September 1994 the situation has changed for the better.
He said that the morale of the militants was at low ebb following concerted efforts by the security forces, we are seeking encounters whereas militants have adopted a strategy to hit soft targets like killing of minority community, kidnappings and looting with an aim to communalize the situation, he added. Maj Gen Bahl said that Hiabul Mujahideen has suffered due to desertion in it’s ranks to HarkatulAnsar, an outfit controlled by Afghans, In 199293, the Hizbul Mujahideen had nearly 225 men in Doda but the number has come down lobeiween 56 to 70 now, The HarkatulAnsar has a strength of 65 to 80 men and nearly 50 to 60 foreign mercenaries who provide leadership and try to build the morale.
He said that there are not more than 430 to 516 militants in the district according to intelligence reports, he vehemently denied that there are more than 3000 militants operating in the district.
Brigadior LL, Singh, commander of the sector, who is a war veteran and a highly decorated soldier said that in ‘one operation in Marmat area bordering Udhampur, more than hundred rifles were captured.
On the question on the spurt in kidnappings, Maj Gen Bahl said that during April 1995 (0 July 1995 only 13 kidnappings had ken place, On the other hand the local newspapers had reported 49 incidents during the period.
He said that only six members of a marriage party were abducted but after released. Interestingly, the state government hid put the number of kid napped marriage party at 10, He said that militants who are in Teague with ores contractors took 18 forest workers on the issue of payments but later released them.
Asked about the migration from Sumbar area, the “Delta Force” commander said that the incident was a result of personal rivalry. He said that 34 firing incident son security forces, 37 killings and 18 incidents of arson were reported during April 1 to July 31, 1995 in the district.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 18, 1995
