Terrorism indicators show declining trend in J&K:Army official

Asserting that internal security  situation in Jammu and Kashmir is "stable and peaceful", a top Army official today said terrorism indicators have shown a "declining trend" in the state, but cautioned against "radicalisation".

"The internal security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is stable and peaceful. The counter-terrorism operations are effective and the potential of terrorists have significantly reduced", a senior Army officer told PTI.

"There is high level of synergy among all security forces and government agencies. Consequently, terrorism indicators have shown a declining trend", he said.

Army also asserted that development activities on the government front have increased in the state.

"Developmental activities of the government are picking up momentum. Economic activities, trade, tourism etc are on the rise. School and colleges are functioning well", the officer claimed.

"Owing to isolated terrorist incidents, the prevailing peace continues to remain fragile", the officer said.

The Army officer further said, "in the current atmosphere, while the security forces will continue to neutralise terrorists and eradicate the residual terrorism from J&K, the people must guard against radicalisation and nefarious designs of Pakistan". Army maintained that there is no change in Pakistan posture and it continues its intransigence on proxy war.

"Notwithstanding, Pakistan continues its intransigence on proxy war and fuel separatist sentiments in J&K", the officer said.

"Accordingly, it continues to finance, train, equip and attempt to infiltrate terrorists across LoC. Most such terrorists are neutralised on the LoC itself", he said.

"There are reports of some terrorists who have successfully infiltrated this year. These terrorists could carry out some strikes and therefore the need for caution remain", the officer added.

On the issue of strategy in the winter, the officer said, "in the coming months, the security forces will continue to further improve the security situation in J&K by consolidating on the gains in the summer months".

"The counter-infiltration operations are an important aspect of counter-proxy war operations", he said, adding, "the winter months will be utilised to further strengthen the counter infiltration grid along the LoC".

"The LoC Fence will be made more robust and lasting", he said. The winter months will also be utilised to review and further improve various aspects of counter-terrorism operations in the hinterland, he said.

"Army will especially focus its operations on eliminating foreign terrorists and terrorist leaders", he added.

"Care will however be taken to undertake small-scale precise operations without causing hardship to the villagers and the residents and without damage to life and property of innocent civilians", he said.

"The coordination and synergy with other security forces and government agencies to ensure lasting peace will also be an important aspect of the Army's activities", the officer said.