SRINAGAR: Governor K.V. Krishna Rao ruled out a swap of prisoners for the four Western hostages and indicated that the government was ready to launch a rescue operation only if the governments concerned accepted the risks involved.
Gen Rao made these remarks in an interview to a television network even as the director-general and another senior officer of the National Security Guards (NSG) were discussing the option of a commando operation with the police and Army authorities here.
The two NSG officers arrived here last week along with V.K. Jain, special secretary in the Union home ministry. They were accompanied by counterterrorism experts from the— US, UK and Germany They met the governor Highly placed security officials confirmed that a military operation was being discussed, but said no decision had yet been taken.
Gen Rao said in the interview There are no problems in launching an operation, but we cannot guarantee the safety of the hostages.” But personally, he felt “it is not a sensible option.”
A section of the security officials here point out that the risk involved in a rescue operation would be worth taking since the safety of the hostages is not assured otherwise too.
Gen Rao, who had earlier talked of reports that two hostages had been shot at by the kidnappers, said:” “We have been assured that they are all safe,” But he added:” We are seeking photos and audio recording to prove they are really safe.”
The governor said” The key to the crisis is in the hands of Pakistan If Pakistan restrains them (AlFaran) and gives them necessary direction, they (hostages) will be released.
Pakistan denies that it is abetting militancy in Kashmir and has condemned the hostage taking,
Interestingly, security officials are unhappy that Gen Rao has been talking to the media about the hostage crisis at a “crucial time.”
An official spokesman reiterated that the government was in touch with AlFaran but did not answer question about the progress, if any.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 25, 1995
