There is a general perception that the level of violence, initiated by the militants in Kashmir in the 1990s and supported by those from across the border, has come down to a great extent of late and that there is much improvement in the security scenario, especially, in the last six months. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone S M Sahai in an interview to Zahoor Malik of Deccan Herald throws light on the present security scenario and the related issues. Excerpts

Deccan Herald:  There is a general impression that the situation has improved a lot in Kashmir particularly during last six month. Do you agree?

SM Sahai: It is very true that the situation has improved a lot in Kashmir. The level of violence initiated by militants is very low. Now, around 84 per cent of the violence is in fact initiated by the security forces while as only16 per cent by the militants. Whenever police and security forces get information about the presence of militants anywhere, they act quickly and in the subsequent encounters the militants get killed. That is why we were successful in not only killing a large number of militants, but even their commanders. Only some days back we killed five militants within two days. One of the killed militants was active for the last 16 years in south Kashmir. Militants have reduced their attacks as they have lost the capability to attack the security forces and police. They look for soft targets like innocent civilians.

DH: What are the reasons behind the militants having lost the ability to strike?

SMS: The successes achieved by the police and security forces have broken the backbone of militants. We have constantly maintained pressure on them. Secondly, the common people also come out with information regarding the movement and activities of the ultras. This information helps us in carrying out pinpoint operations. While conducting the operations, we try our level best to avoid inconvenience to the people.

DH: Some people say that the recent developments in Pakistan have also affected the situation in Kashmir. Do you agree with this perception?

SMS: No, I don’t agree with this view. Whatever be the developments in Pakistan, those have not helped in improving the situation in Kashmir. The improvement in the situation is because of our own efforts. The terrorist-related infrastructure still exists in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) and Pakistan. The training camps are functional, their propaganda and the fund collection also continue. I think the terrorist related network has got strengthened in Pakistan as the militants managed to kill a former prime minister there.

DH: How many militants are still in Kashmir and which group is more active?

SMS: There are about 500 militants including foreigners presently in Kashmir. Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant group is more active than other groups including Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), which has been weakened.

DH: Recently the HM chief, Syed Sallah-u-Din, who also heads United Jihad Council,  a joint platform of various groups, stated that militants will not resort to violence in assembly elections, scheduled in September-October this year. How are you going to respond to his statement?

SMS: His statement has no significance as militants have lost their strength. They know they cannot disrupt the electoral process. Still they try to give an impression that they are doing something good. Why did not he make such a statement in 2002 assembly polls? We will continue our fight against militancy.

DH: If the militants come with a ceasefire offer to strengthen the ongoing peace process, how will the police react?

SMS: As I said the militants have lost the strength to fight. So they are looking for other options like ceasefire.

But their intentions are not sincere. Still if they make a ceasefire offer whatever be the decision of our government at that time we will go by that.

DH: On one side while you state that there is lot of improvement in the situation, then why the allegations of human rights violations by police and security forces continue?

SMS: Like the security situation, there is also lot of improvement on human rights front. Whenever any incident of the human rights violation comes to our notice, we take quick action. Not a single incident of custodial killing or custodial disappearance occurred last year.

DH: It is being seen in recent past that police and CRPF are coming to the forefront of anti-militancy operations and the Army’s role is getting reduced. Is it because of some latest government policy?

SMS: Maintaining law and order is the primarily responsibility of police. Keeping in view the requirement of the situation during an operation we accordingly ask other forces to assist us. Sometimes it is the CRPF and sometimes the Army who assist us and at times police, CRPF and army jointly conduct the operations.

DH: Keeping in view the improvement in the situation, some political parties have been demanding troop reduction and high powered committees were set up on the directions of the prime minister to give recommendations in this connection.  Do you think  the troop reduction will affect the security scenario?

SMS: Since the issue is under consideration at the highest level, I will not comment.