Srinagar, Aug 5 (KNS): Expressing serious concern over the youth joining militant ranks in Kashmir, General Officer Commanding Lt General Subrata Saha Wednesday said some initiatives for youth empowerment and employment have to be taken to stop this trend.
According to KNS correspondent while talking to the reporters after flagging-off girl’s educational tour to various states of India, the GOC said, “There are multiple reasons that local youth are joining militant groups. We too are concerned and trying our level best to stop this trend. We want to engage the youth and today’s tour of girls to different states of the country is part of that initiative. Now even girls are motivated and are happy to tour outside. If carry these initiatives of empowerment and employment forward, I think there is no reason why this trend should continue.”
There has been growing trend of educated youth joining militant groups in the Valley, which has become a cause of concern for the government and security agencies alike.
Subrata Saha said 20 girls of SSM College Pattan will tour to Indore where they will visit IIT, IIM, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Infantry School. He said besides that these college girls will also meet army chief and attend Prime Minister’s address at Red Fort on August 15.
The GOC claimed that there has been zero infiltration across the LoC. “We have been able to achieve zero infiltration so far in this period.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWhen snow melts it takes a while for anti-infiltration system but the credit goes to the soldiers and intelligence network and some depth changes that we have been able to stop infiltration,” he said. “The front line along the border has been made thicker and we have strengthened intelligence network and our troops are ready to face the challenge.”
However, he said continuous efforts have been made across the border to infiltrate militants into this part of Kashmir. “Eight infiltration attempts have been made this year in which 17 terrorists have been eliminated.”
The GOC termed Tuesday’s Tral incident in which two security forces were killed a mistaken identity. “Tral incident was very unfortunate and a mistaken identity in which two night dominations fired at each other. We are collecting the details and investigations are going on.”
Two security personnel were killed after security forces fired upon each other in south Kashmir’s Tral area.
Saha said the security forces were taking preventive measures to ensure safety of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. “The CRPF and the army are deployed along the Highway to make it protective.”
The GOC refused to comment over the arrest of a Kashmir based London doctor. “It was apprehended by the J&K and investigating and will be premature to comment.”KNS