Situation in Kashmir is not as bad as projected: Bipin Rawat

General Rawat says that the army is confident of bringing the situation in Kashmir under control. “The situation in Kashmir is not as bad as it was projected,” he said addressing a press conference at the Air Force Academy here on the sidelines of combined graduation parade.
 
“The security forces are doing a great job in bringing the situation under control. Some parts of South Kashmir are indeed troublesome, but necessary actions are taken to ensure to bring peace to the valley,” the General said. However, he did not see any harm in posting army in close proximity with people so far the aim is to bring peace.
 
“Indian army belongs to its people. We are people armed forces. We have been called upon to do a particular task, by the government of India because they felt that there is a requirement for the army. We are there to see that situation is brought under control, therefore in the present juncture, we have to continue with the task in the manner in which we were carrying on,” Bipin Rawat said.
 
Reiterating that the Indian Armed forces are not violating any human rights in the valley, he said that there is some misinformation being spread among people of Kashmir, which is causing trouble.
 
“Possibly that was the compelling younger generation to pick up arms. But I am quite confident that soon they will understand that violence is not good for the state and for the people.  All that armed forces want is peace and tranquillity in the valley”. He said that officers are trained to handle such situations where school children are pelting stones.   “We are an army that strongly believes in human rights, we have an impeccable record. We know how to deal with children and women in such situations,” he said.
 
Refusing to comment on the ongoing political blame game over trouble in Kashmir he said that armed forces don’t care about statements by politicians. “We have a task at hand, for that we work round the clock,” he said. Replying to a question of another incident of alleged Human shield by the army in Kashmir he said that army takes action only after considering the nature of the task that they are expected to carry out. “Such actions are based on circumstances but efforts are being taken not to violate human rights,” he said without confirming the incident.