Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 2: Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, today asked the troops deployed for counter militancy operations in Kashmir to be prepared to meet emerging security challenges effectively.
General Rawat today reviewed the prevailing security situation in Kashmir and the strategy for counter militancy operations.
Accompanied by the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Army chief was briefed by Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, at Badami Bagh Cantonment on the overall situation and major operational, informational, logistical and administrative aspects pertaining to the Corps.
The Corps Commander informed the Army chief that troops achieved major successes after they launched major offensive against militants in South Kashmir during summer last year. He was informed that in last six months troops killed 158 militants killed mostly in South Kashmir including top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansarul Gazwatul Hind. He was told that over all 252 militants were killed last year across Kashmir which is highest in recent years.
Lt General Bhatt told Gen Rawat that troops have been successful in reducing the foot prints of militants in South Kashmir. He was informed that there has been decrease in the incidents of stone pelting during the anti-militancy operations.
However, concern was expressed over local youth joining militancy in Kashmir. This year highest number of local youth joined the militancy. The Corps Commander stressed for engagement of youth that can arrest the trend.
General Rawat once again reiterated that focus should be on intelligence based surgical operations so the collateral damage is minimized. He stressed for more coordination between various security agencies so that the militants are not able to re-group.
A Defence spokesman said here that later in the day, the Army chief visited the formations and units deployed in South Kashmir, where he was briefed by the local Commanders on existing security situation and the measures instituted to ensure close coordination with all security agencies towards maintaining vigil and peace in the Valley.
“During his interaction with the soldiers on ground, the Chief of Army Staff lauded them for their high levels of morale and dedication and further reinforced the need to be prepared to meet emerging security challenges effectively”, the spokesman added.
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