Srinagar, Oct 26: General
Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps Lieutenant General BS Raju Monday
appealed to local militants to “switch-off” the path of militancy or
face tough action from the Army.
The
GOC 15 Corps BS Raju who was talking to reporters on the sidelines of
Yusmarg festival in central Kashmir’s Budgam district appealed militants
to “switch-off” the path of militancy and subsequently spoke tough
saying “Otherwise whosoever will contest army with weapon in his hand
will be dealt hardheartedly”.
The
army officer however maintained that those who shun the path of
militancy and violence will be facilitated to return to their homes.
GOC
15 Corps while continuing appealed local militants to say ‘good-bye’ to
militancy and start a peaceful and dignified life. “I appeal to youth
who are ready to shun militancy to return to their homes as the
environment is favorable for them for starting a peaceful and dignified
life”, he said.
On October 22, GOC
Kilo Force Major General HS Sahi told the media that the Army has sent
its recommendations to the Government regarding surrender cum
rehabilitation policy for the militants willing to switch-off the
militancy and join the mainstream however there was no final draft ready
yet. He had said that the policy will take time to get finalized but
the Army would continue to follow the existing one and will allow local
militants to surrender and start a new life.
Terming
bloodshed and destruction in Kashmir repercussions of militancy, the
GOC 15 Corps BS Raju said that “militancy has devastated the entire
Jammu and Kashmir”.
GOC asserted
that the situation in south Kashmir has started limping back to normalcy
as economical activities have started to accelerate. “Situation in
southern parts of Kashmir including Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama and
Shopian districts are comprehensively normal. Economic activities have
started to take up. Fruit growers are busy sending their crop outside
markets. We hope our children will soon join schools if Covid-19
pandemic will not stay more here”, GOC has said.
To
a query he asserted that the overall situation in the valley is
peaceful. “The overall situation in Kashmir valley is peaceful.
Militancy related activities have declined as compared to the past.
Youth have started to concentrate on their future as many have shine in
professional examinations recently which is really a good sign of the
situation”, Srinagar based Army chief said.
While
reiterating the assertions of combating infiltration on LoC, the GOC
said that this year army has been able to plug the infiltration to a
large extent but maintained that ahead of snowfall and winters, the
attempts may increase, but our forces are alert and maintaining tight
vigil to frustrate the bids.
He said
the Army is organizing Yusmarg festival every year aimed to provide a
plate form to local youth to express their talent. “We have recorded
sound participation of people in the festival this year as compared to
the past. Several medical experts and NGOs participated in the event and
alerted people about the drug menace”, he said. (KINS)
