Violence levels down in Valley, Pak can’t digest it: DGP
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Mar 12: Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Kumar Deka today said that Kashmir is witnessing change and there is an atmosphere of peace in the Valley and credited the Jammu and Kashmir Police for protecting the country.
Deka, who is also the chairman of the All India Police Sports Control Board, said this while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 71st BN Mullik Memorial All India Police Football Championship 2022-23 at the Bakshi Stadium here. “Kashmir is witnessing a change. There is an environment of peace,” he said.
The IB Director said it was a matter of pride for him to have come to Kashmir to witness such an event in which 1,600 players from across the country are participating in the event.
Deka complemented the Jammu and Kashmir Police for being at the forefront of protecting the country and its sovereignty.
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“The Jammu and Kashmir Police has made excellent arrangements for which I am thankful to the DGP and his team. Such flawless arrangements have been made for so many people, it is not easy,” he added.
He said that the event will be an opportunity for these players to interact with the Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel and the people of Kashmir, get to know about the situation here and spread the message of peace and love all over the country. “Sports is a tool to strengthen team spirit, the biggest example of which is this football tournament,” he said.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, JK Police chief Dilbag Singh said that while some incidents are taking place, violence has largely come down in Kashmir and attempts are being made to wipe out remnants of militancy.
He, however, said that violence has not totally ended. “We have to remain cautious and alert”, he added.
“Targeted killings have also come down. Some incidents take place sometimes but we taken those seriously and counter measures are being taken. Attempts are on day and night to wipe out the remnants of terror and these will continue,” he said.
The police chief also expressed happiness that youngsters who used to play with grenades are today taking part in sporting activities. “Today, they have bats and balls and the message of peace rather than grenades in their hands. I want to congratulate my people, my youth for this,” he said.
Singh said that while Kashmir is moving forward on the path of peace which is getting stronger but the enemy is finding it hard to digest it. “Our youth have to remain cautious and not fall prey to Pakistan’s lust for violence and think about their families, society and its development,” he added.
The DGP said that the pro-Pakistan forces and Pakistani agencies have always indulged in violence in Kashmir and do not like peace here. “I want to appeal to our youth that the time has come to make these evil designs unsuccessful and strengthen peace,” he added.
Singh said that infiltration of militants from Pakistan is in control but it increases whenever the snow melts. “If there are any such attempts, we will foil those. We have taken all measures,” he said.
The DGP accused Pakistani agencies of running narcotics and terror together. “We have seized many such assignments. Both these things (narcotics and ammunition) are coming together. Even cash, which is being used for militancy.
“In Poonch, we seized cash of about Rs 1.5 crore, weapons, seven kilograms of heroin. This money made from the sale of narcotics is being used for terrorism. Our endeavour is to bust, end all such modules,” he said.
He said agencies of J&K and the National Investigation Agency are working together to root out such cartels.
“We have joined the Narcotics Control Bureau as well. Such cartels, which have inter-state ramifications or operations, will be destroyed on every level. For that, a joint effort is needed and we are doing that,” he added.
Singh said that the properties of those harbouring militants are attached only after investigations. “If it is found that the property owner has used his property (for terror) by his own will, then such an action is taken. Otherwise, no action is taken. We warn people regularly not to use their properties for such acts,” he said.
“If someone is driving (militants) in his car and we seize it, is it wrong? If anyone is allowing them inside his home, and it is used for a terror activity, is it wrong when we attach it? We will not forgive any such act,” he said.
Earlier, the IB chief and DGP Singh threw open the tournament. About 1,600 players and support staff from a record 42 teams – 34 men’s and eight women’s – are participating in the nine-day event.
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