Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): Only 30 infiltrators have sneaked into Kashmir this year from across the Line of Control (LoC) compared to 130 during the same period last year, Indian Army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps commander (Chinar Corps), Lt Gen BS Raju, today said.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the passing out cum attestation parade at JAKLI centre in Rangreth, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Lt Gen Raju credited the decline in the infiltration to effective counter infiltration measures of the Army.
“This year we have stopped infiltration to large extent,” he said, adding that, “Last year, 130 infiltrators managed to sneak into Kashmir, however, this year it is less than 30.”
BS Raju said that much change has been happening. “I hope this will also reflect in the change on the ground also,” he added.
The Lt Gen stated that this morning, Army foiled a weapons smuggling bid into Kashmir across the Kishenganga river in Keran sector and recovered four AK rifles, 8 magazines and 240 rounds.
He said the cache was recovered because of the surveillance devices.
GoC Raju said that the terrorists are being killed in the operations in the hinterland.
“This morning we killed two terrorists including one foreigner in the Kulgam encounter,’’ he informed.
He further added that after six months the recruitment of terrorists went up again last month, but for the last 15 days it has gone down.
BS Raju also stated that the recruitment of terrorists is little more in south Kashmir than in the north.
He further said that the economic activity has also started in Kashmir, apple and paddy cultivation has also begun. “I hope slowly people of Kashmir will tread on the path of happiness,’’ he added.
Replying to a question about presence of terrorists at the launch pads, the 15 Corps commander said some 250-300 terrorists are at the launch pads but despite their efforts the Army has been able to prevent infiltration.
Replying to another question about surrender policy, the Army officer said that they have recommended a policy but it is yet to be formalised. “Even in the absence of a policy we have been taking care of those who return,” he said.
Speaking about Shopian fake encounter, he said the court of inquiry has been completed and on the basis of the inquiry they found some wrongs were committed. “We have ordered a summary of evidence and we have covered some distance and hopefully we will reach the next stage soon,” he said.
-CHK
