No rise in militancy, situation under control: Ahir

Union Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir interacting with media at Humhama in Srinagar on Friday.
Union Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir interacting with media at Humhama in Srinagar on Friday.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 19: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir today said the situation in Kashmir is under control and the security forces are capable of dealing with militants both within the Valley and those infiltrating from across the Line of Control (LoC).
Speaking to reporters after taking part in the Dussehra celebrations at Border Security Forces (BSF) camp Humhama here, Ahir said that there is no rise in militancy in Kashmir. “There is no rise (in militancy)”, he said.
The Union Minister said that the troops along the LoC and International Border are foiling infiltration attempts from across the border. “We have been foiling the infiltration attempts and we will continue to do so. The soldiers are fighting the infiltrators and terrorists,” he said.
Ahir when asked about the claim of Jaish-e-Mohammad militant group, that a BSF jawan killed along the border in Jammu sector last month was killed by them and they had snatched his weapon, said the Centre does not trust the Government of Pakistan or the terrorist groups.
“We have doubts on sincerity of both what the Pakistan Government and the terrorist outfits say. We don’t trust either of them. Our charge against Pakistan Government stands even today,” he said.
Asked about the low voter turnout in the Municipal polls in Kashmir, the Minister said elections are the biggest component in a democratic process. “We do not want to keep Kashmir away from the democratic process. To hold the elections is a responsibility of the government. We cannot deprive the citizens of their right to vote,” he added.
He said the election is a way to peace which will lead to increase in development. “The funds can be put to better use by these elections”, he added.
It may be mentioned here that earlier this month Ahir blamed National Conference and People’s Democratic Party, who boycotted Local Bodies and Panchayat elections, for playing into the hands of militants.
The Minister also took part in the ‘Shastra (weapons) puja’ as part of Dussehra celebrations. He also interacted with the BSF personnel during the function. He lauded the role of BSF for protecting the borders and foiling the infiltration bids from across the border.

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