Increasing militant attacks in Kashmir belies govt claim on forces' success

Increasing number of militant attacks belie govt's normalcy claims in Kashmir

The increasing number of attacks on political activists and policemen by militants has belied the government's claims that the ultras were on the run and security forces were dominating terrorists in Kashmir.

Within a span of just 24 hours, militants attacked the residences of two legislators of ruling PDP in Wachi, Shopian and Tral of Pulwama in south Kashmir on Thursday and Friday with grenades. Though in both the attacks, no loss of life was reported, they were enough to send a message that the militants were still in a position to carry out attacks even at the residences of protected persons.

On Tuesday, when a mob of 200 people, reportedly backed by militants, set ablaze the house of a PDP worker, who was earlier killed by ultras in Shopian district, the message was loud and clear that the new wave of militancy in Kashmir was still holding the ground.

Besides attacking security forces, the militants have been increasingly targeting political activists, local policemen and their families since early this year. The attacks are mostly happening in the south Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Anantnag.

BJP leader and J&K deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh believes that the houses of MLAs were being attacked by the militants in a bid to create fear among the people. "Anti-national elements are trying their best to create a turmoil-like situation," Singh said on Saturday.

However, he said, the security forces were dealing with the situation and those involved in such incidents would be dealt with in accordance with law. A senior police office told DH that militants were still getting local support to carry out attacks in Kashmir, especially in the southern districts. "No doubt, more than 150 militants have been killed this year, but the fact remains that the number of active militants hasn't changed significantly due to these killings," he said.

"Out of 150 militants, about 70 were killed on the LoC, while infiltrating from Pakistan. The rest were killed in the hinterland. But, more or less, the same number of youth have joined militant ranks this year," he reasons.

The officer said greater involvement of local militants in terror activities was a cause for concern for the security establishment. "The local recruitment of militants is still going on. There are more than 1,000 overground workers, who organise protests, help militants in logistics and carry out reconnaissance for militant attacks in their respective areas," he said.