Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 2: Army today said that it is fully prepared to foil infiltration attempts from across the Line of Control (LoC) and ready to meet any challenge to ensure peaceful conduct of annual Amarnath yatra.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen Satish Dua told reporters at the sidelines of a function in North Kashmir’s border town of Uri that the troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) are fully geared to scuttle any infiltration attempt. “The number is meaningless. How many are ready do not bother us. Those who try to infiltrate, I want to assure you that our Army, Rashtriya Rifles, are fully geared up. We are ready to foil any infiltration attempt,” he said.
About the local youth joining militancy in large numbers, the GOC said the facts are against this notion as much less number of youth joined militant ranks compared to last year. “Last year, a large number of youth got recruited in militancy. But this year we are witnessing a decline in the trend. This year the number is very less compared to the last year and among those who joined the militant ranks, six have returned or surrendered,” he said.
Lt Gen Dua said there is no dearth of people in the Valley who are misguiding the youth. He, however, said: “we try to ensure that the youth treads on the right path. The Army is present in far flung areas and those who want to tread the right path, we are there to support him wholeheartedly.”
The Army Officer said that Amarnath yatra is a challenge every year. “But we are ready to meet any challenge, whether it is Amarnath yatra, or any other such venture,” he said.
The GOC inaugurated “Chinar Youth Club” at Uri that was set up by Army as part of Operation “Sadhbhavana” (goodwill) to provide ample opportunities to the local youth to hone their skills in different fields including sports and education.
Lt Gen Dua said Army wants to channelize the energy of the youth in positive direction and have initiated a number of measures under operation Sadhbhavana.
“We intend to start training for IAS competitive exams for the desirous youth from this year,” he said.
Army officer referred to Army’s Super-30 and said it has brought laurels as 16 of the 26 students were selected for the IIT this year. He said Army is also providing coaching to the local students for the National Defence Academy Exams.
Referring to the Chinar Youth Club, he said Army is setting up 70 such clubs across the Valley. “More than 20 have already been set up and in the next couple of months, the rest will be completed,” he said adding the aim of these clubs is to provide an opportunity to the youth to come together and take part in sports activities and enhance their knowledge.
“There is a library, computer centre, gymnasium, facilities for different sports besides facilities like career counseling and education counseling. Today TATA group organized a special class. TATA has come forward and had sent 30 youth from south Kashmir Anantnag to outside for three months training and thereafter they will be given jobs in the TATA workshop. You know through Tata Consultancy Service, we have sent a number of youth outside over the past two or three years under ‘Udaan’ scheme.
“It is not possible that every youth will get a Government job orcbecome a soldier or get an appointment in police, so we are trying to hone the skill of the youth to make him confident enough to start self employment,” the Army Commander said.
On the development of Border villages, he said the State Government is undertaking the welfare measures for the people since the situation in the hinterland has become by and large peaceful.
“The development programmes for the border villages is done by government. There was a time, 10-15 years ago when the militants presence prompted Army to come forward and start a number of developmental initiatives under Sadhbhavana. Today situation is relatively very calm and the development programmes are undertaken by the Government. However, Army is doing its part when the funds are made available under Border Area Development Programme,” said Lt Gen Dua.
The GOC dismissed as “baseless” that Army is not allowing tourist activity in Tosamaidan in Central Kashmir Budgam district and Bangus valley in Handwara area of Kupwara district. “The reports are baseless and irresponsible. Three years back the lease of Tosamaidan expired and the State Government decided not to renew its lease agreement and wanted us to clear the area of the littered explosives, which was a genuine demand.
“Army under an operation cleared the whole area and handed it over to the then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Since then, the land is not with us and tourists are going there as well,” the GOC said.
Lt Gen Dua said Bangus valley is very sensitive area and close to the border but anyone wants to visit there can do so.”As far as Bangus valley is concerned, the people mostly do not visit there as it is very sensitive area and also close to the border. If someone wants to visit the Valley, we will try he will go there,” he said.
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