JAMMU: While the government has begun deploying additional companies of the paramilitary forces and the Army in different areas in the Kashmir valley including some border segments the militants have stepped up their attacks on the security forces during the past fort-might.
Reports said that the plan to tighten security measures was introduced recently when the Army and then the para-military forces “conquered” the Rainawari area in Srinagar city which was regarded by militants as a “free zone” for the past six months. Though no major success was achieved from these raids the security forces established their presence in the area. More searches are to be carried out to prevent militants from creating the area as a safe abode.
In addition to this heavy deployment of security forces has been ordered Uri Kupwara ‘Safapore Patan Keran and Bandipore areas to prevent trained militants from entering into the valley. Official sources said that during the past three months over 1500 militants were able to cross the Line of Actual Control but the security forces accounted for over 1100 persons of whom about300 were killed and the rest arrested.
The remaining 400 are at large.
Several new check posts have been set up in North-Kashmir to check infiltration and smuggling of arms. On the other hand militants have succeeded in mounting pressure on the security forces the recent incidents of prolonged exchange of fire between the security forces and the insurgents at Pulwama and earlier in Sopore indicate the militants have heavy arms. Official sources said that during the past three months militants launched about 100 rocket attacks in various areas of the valley the main target Were the security forces However only four or five attacks proved successful.
The abduction of K.Doraiswamy who was released in exchange for the freedom of nine’ militants paralyzed the state administration However after his releases more people have been kidnapped. At present nine persons are in captivity. They are son of a police officer Asgar Ali Khem Lata Wakhio former state tourism minister O.N. Wakalu former Principal of Regional Engineering College Dr. Khosa of General Insurance Company Dr. Vijay Kumar and four security camp intelligence personnel.
So far the state Govt seems to have taken a tough stand. The Govt’s attitude has evoked sharp criticism from various quarters who question the Govt’s flip flop attitude.
Two sons of Dr. Wakhiu, who are camping in Delhi, said that their appeal is directed towards the captors because the govy had not taken any interest in the case.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 13, 1991
