Background A strong counter infiltration grid adopted by the Indian army and its willingness to hit hard against any Pak post supporting infiltration, has reduced infiltration levels in Kashmir. An approaching summer may bring forth increased attempts however each should be met with enhanced volume of fire, seeking to deter and eliminate. Internally, the rapid culling of foreign militants, which […]
The Hindu published an article last week entitled, ‘One year on, life in shreds for human shield’. The article is based on a recent interview with Farooq Dar, the individual who was tied to a jeep by Major Gogoi a year ago, during the by-elections to rescue a team of security and election staff trapped in a booth and threatened […]
The rape of Asifa in Kathua, has brought forth fissures within the state of J and K, which had existed, but remained brushed under the carpet. Any rape is a slur on society and that of a minor is the most heinous crime which can never be forgiven. While those responsible should be severely punished, however the investigation and subsequent […]
The encounter at Shopian last weekend resulted in the death of 13 militants, most of whom were locals. Omar Abdullah tweeted, ‘Is no one in a position of power in Delhi alarmed by this, because I certainly am’. Recent reports indicate a sharp increase in the number of local youth joining militancy in the valley. As per police reports, there […]
A recent press report stated that the number of youth joining militancy in 2017 was 126, a sharp increase from 88 in 2016. This was the highest in the last seven years. The figures began to rise after the violent summer of 2016, post the elimination of Burhan Wani. From 2010 to 2015, the militancy had very few local militants, […]
There have been differences within the ruling coalition of J and K on the newly proposed surrender policy of the state government. It was blocked by BJP members of the state cabinet after being proposed by Mehbooba Mufti. The J and K government proposed to grant an amount of Rs 6 Lakhs to each surrendered militant along with job schemes. […]
In recent times questions are being raised on reasons behind increasing number of youth picking the gun in lieu of the pen in Kashmir. The most common reasons being given are radicalization, highhandedness of security forces, lack of employment opportunities and poor governance. The most dominating factor mentioned by all is radicalization. Security experts claim the current tipping point in […]
Post the Sunjuwan attack, Mehbooba Mufti asked the government of India to initiate talks with Pakistan. She even stated in the state assembly, ‘If Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti say talk to Pakistan, they are dubbed anti-nationals. There is no alternative except by holding talks’. She went on to add, ‘we have fought three wars, 1947, 1965 and 1971 and […]
Post the Shopian firing incident, in retaliation to stone pelting, resulting in two deaths, the state lodged an FIR against army personnel including the officer who was leading the convoy, even though the officer was not present at the scene of the incident. The mob attempted to snatch army weapons and even tried to lynch the JCO leading the convoy, […]
The recent decision of the J and K state government to condone stone throwers, many of whom were habitual offenders, while charging army personnel, who were victims of stone throwing and opened fire in self-defence, in an FIR, is the latest confused news emanating from the valley. Photographs of damaged vehicles, injured army personnel and littered stones were ignored. Had […]