Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Feb 11: While the foreign militants are still dominating the local cadre in view of inadequate support and new recruits, nearly 30 to 40 terrorists are still operating in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Doda, Ramban and some other parts of Jammu region.
Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu Sector, G J Singh while talking to `Excelsior’ at the sidelines of Investiture ceremony at CRPF Headquarters here today disclosed that due to increasing domination of security forces and reducing level of infiltration from across the borders, the strength of militants operating on this side, has considerably gone down in last few years. “The terrorists are lacking local support and changing mindset of the local youth has contributed a lot towards reduction in the number of ultras,” he said.
Referring to the present strength of ultras, the IG said on the basis of intelligence inputs gathered it has been established that nearly 30 to 40 militants are operating in parts of Jammu region. He said majority of them are camping in the hilly areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Mahore, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar but most of them have almost stopped their activities for some time now. During these days, there is heavy snow on the higher reaches and in view of severe winter and contained movement, they are believed to be taking shelter at different places as per their convenience. Under such circumstances, they will not strike in their respective areas to avoid direct encounter with forces.
Responding to another question, the IG said local people have seen long phase of militancy, blood shed and destruction here. The misguided youth have realized that nothing could be achieved with gun and there is definite change in their mindset. The militant outfits are not getting now the local boys as feeding cadre to run militant activities here. The boys are looking for jobs, opting for their better future and safety of their families besides living peacefully.
The `Sadbhavana tours’ of boys and girls besides elderly people from militancy infected areas, organized by the security forces in J&K have also helped a lot to these locals to realize the facts, vastness of this great country and prosperity and progress in other parts. The change in their mindset and declining support to militancy has demoralized the militant- cadre in the region. He said the CRPF is also organizing such tours and will continue to do so.
When asked about the strength of foreign ultras, the CRPF IG said foreign and local militants are in the ratio of 60: 40 this time in his area of operation (Jammu region). He said the local people hesitate these days even to provide shelter and food to the terrorists. In plain areas of Jammu, their strength is negligible and most of them are operating in the hilly areas. In view of some recent developments along the borders, the forces have increased vigil and CRPF companies deployed on the Internal Security duty have also gone extra vigilant. In most of the areas, they are operating with local police.
Reacting over the situation in parts of Jammu region and Kashmir as well after hanging of Parliament attacker, Afzal Guru, the IG said some reaction was expected in this part and additional CRPF companies were deployed at several sensitive places. Curfew was going on in many parts of Valley but in parts of Jammu region including Kishtwar, Ramban Rajouri and Poonch, Police and paramilitary forces were put on alert. He claimed that except some protests at Kishtwar and Banihal, situation was normal in Jammu zone.
Mr Singh said nearly 15 CRPF Battalions were presently deployed in Jammu zone while in Kashmir, their number of around 52. He said the CRPF has totally taken over from BSF deployed in Internal Security duty in J&K and in many parts of valley, the Force has also withdrawn its bunkers in view of improving situation.
Commenting on the preparedness of the CRPF in view of annual Shri Amarnath Yatra in J&K, Mr Singh said, the BSF as per its assigned task every year, will perform duty of providing protection to the pilgrims, their camps, yatra convoy and performing ROP (road opening) job. Additional deployment is also made to maintain vigil on the National Highway at identified locations from Jammu onwards. A few meetings on the annual yatra arrangements were held recently and another one is being held on 19th of this month again with SASB officials and other top officials in the State Administration, the IG added.
Earlier, the IG awarded DG’s Commendation Disc & Letter to 6th Bn of CRPF for best cost effectiveness and financial discipline for the year 2011-12. Six other CRPF personnel were also honoured on the occasion for their personal exemplary performance at unit level. DIG CRPF, Group Centre Ban Talab, Arun Kumar was also present besides other senior officers.
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