CHANDIGARH: Pundit Sita Ram, SSP Batala, admitted that the militants had become too bold of late and had even engaged the security forces in “pre-arranged encounters” at pre declared sites. During one such instance a militant group led by Rajwinder Singh put up a naqa (interception point) on the Amritsar Ferozepur highway during daytime by felling trees. He then telephoned the district police chief to come and test his security forces might against the Sikh militants.

The police obliged by reaching at the spot, there was a 30minute pitched battle. Nine security forces men were injured and the wireless set of the SSP’s vehicle was smashed. No militant was killed. Nor any militant was injured. After the battle the militants quietly withdrew.

Also, Mian Nawaz Sharif who took over as Prime Minister of Pakistan this week has sent cold shivers down the spine of Indian security forces engaged in fighting secession in Punjab and Kashmir.

Senior police and paramilitary officers in private discussions are perturbed at the Prospect of increased military support to the dissidents in the two states by the Islamic Jamhuri Ittehad government at Islamabad. Mian Nawaz Sharif was close to ZiaulHaq and knows senior Sikh leaders.

More than once the Indian police authorities publicly claimed that they were in possession of evidence of help to Sikh militants provided by the West Punjab State government headed until recently by Mian Nawaz Sharif. This support was reportedly extended when the Central Pakistan Government headed by Ms Bhutto had disclaimed the Central Pakistan Government headed by Ms Bhutto had denied any use of the “Sikh card” in that country’s relations with India.

Mian Sharif’s accession to power comes at a time when the Indian security forces are quite demoralised in dealing with the so called militant problem. Pundit Sita Ram, Senior Superintendent of Police, Batala district, admitted that no one from the public sides with the police or the administration.

As many as 13 major militant groups are active in Batala district alone, according to Pundit Sita Ram. These include the ones led by Dharam Singh Kashtiwal. Sukhwinder Singh Pappu, Sarbjit Singh, Kulwinder Singh Kind of and Narain Singh. The fallout of the increased use of landmines and booby-traps by militants had led to total suspension of night patrolling by the security forces, Even during daytime, it is said, the militants openly roam about in villages addressing the public in village gurdwaras. At many places the militants “invited” the security forces for an armed duel.

Another cause of concern for the security forces is the breakdown of the rural defence system manned by special police officials. There are 54 such SPO posts in Batala district. But these pickets have failed to serve any useful purpose, according to the police. The pickets have more or less become a liability and have failed to meet the challenge of the militants who strike at their targets at will. These pickets are not being wound up solely for the reason that such an action will further spell demoralisation.

In September the Government of India tried its hand at inducting the National Security Guards who had to be quickly withdrawn because they failed to serve the purpose of killing, injuring or arresting any militant.

CHANDIGARH: At least 24 people, including a Lt Gen of the Bhindranwale Tiger Force of Khalistan (BITFK) Balkar Singh alias Fauji, were killed in Punjab on Nov 5.

Fauji along with seven other nationalists was killed in a fierce encounter in Taran police district.

Elsewhere, three security men were among 17 persons killed and five militants nabbed, in the state during the last 24 hours, the director general of Punjab police, KPS Gill, told PTI here Monday. A home guard personnel also deserted his post and took away a large quantity of ammunition.

Reports said the militants ambushed the security men who were proceeding to Kapurthala from Sri Hargobindpur near village Butala.

The killed have been identified as police constable Bawa Massiah and special police officers Sewa Singh and Harjit Singh.

A civilian Harjit Singh, Granthi of Gurdwara, was killed in the cross firing. The injured, SPO Buta Ram and the civilian Banta Ram were admitted to a hospital.

AnSI Parkash Chand and head constable Norang Singh were shot dead at Loht Badhi police post near Pharmari village in Sangrur district, police said here.

Two persons, Gurmit Singh and Ramesh Singh, were gunned down by some militants in Rehahi Khurd village near Batala.

Militants also shot dead a woman, Sumitra Devi, in Kathunangal town of Majitha district, police said here.

An unidentified man was killed in an encounter near village Bhaian under Verowal police station in Amritsar district Monday afternoon. One Ak47 rifle and some ammunition was recovered from the spot.

The security forces also shot dead two of the three unidentified Pakistani intruders in the Dera baba Nanak sector of the IndoPak border in Gurdaspur district.

Article extracted from this publication >> November 9, 1990