Over 200 youth were prevented from joining terror ranks last year: GoC DP Pandey
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Over 200 youth were prevented from joining terror ranks last year: GoC DP Pandey

• Peace has become permanent feature in Kashmir • Enough security measures in place for annual Amarnath Yatra

Post by on Friday, May 6, 2022

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Srinagar, May 05: General officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based Army’s 15 Corps Lieutenant General D P Pandey Thursday said last year Army prevented more than 200 youth from joining terror ranks in Kashmir.
Addressing the reporters in Srinagar, the GoC said that in the past year, they prevented nearly 230 youth from joining terror ranks and brought them back to the mainstream, adding that it was his biggest achievement.
Lt. Gen. DP Pandey said they worked on two fronts, one to neutralize terrorists and to ensure surrenders in live encounters and to prevent youth from joining terror ranks.
"We wanted to reduce number of terrorists.  I think we did well on both levels," he said.
Outgoing GoC said, “He came to the Valley with a philosophy of breaking the cycle of violence in Kashmir and succeeded to a large extent.
“It was nothing unique, but continued what his predecessors did in the past," he said.
"This time media had covered it freely what the army was doing, and it came to notice of the general public," the Army officer said.
“Now peace has started to become a permanent feature. Though some people won’t be happy with the peaceful atmosphere and they will keep on trying new methods to disrupt it, however, there will always be counter-measures to defeat such elements,” he said.
"Be it Rashtriya Rifles in the hinterland or the soldiers on the LoC, both were an intimate part of the Kashmiri society.
“Both faced challenges together and succeeded,” the senior Army officer said.
The GoC said that J&K Police is getting so much human intelligence as people do not want terrorists to come and stay in their homes.
"Now the time has changed, people don't want to be called terrorist supporters openly. There are places where terrorist supporters or super OGWs are being isolated. It is the major change happening now, and everyone is happy with this change,” he said.
About US weapons used in Afghanistan are making inroads to the Valley, the GoC said that these are not challenges but there are changes required in procedures, drills, and practices.
 "There are some weapons which have come across with American stamp or with night scopes but we have already changed our style of functioning,” he said.
Regarding the challenge of hybrid terrorists, the GoC said it is not a big challenge anymore. “It was difficult early to identify a government servant, a shopkeeper, or a student aged 15 or 16 indulging in terror activities.
"Now society is so vibrant and such elements are being identified in a jiffy. Parents too are keeping a close watch on the children so that they don’t tread a wrong path,” the GoC said.
On the ceasefire pact and its benefits, the army official said it was never a challenge for the army but people on either side of the fence used to suffer.
“Today, people on both sides of the border are living a peaceful life which is a good gesture,” he said.
Replying to a query about Amarnath Yatra, the GoC said that there will always be threats to disrupt Yatra, but the security systems and measures taken will always foil such plans.
"There is a good security system being put in place and such threats will always exist. We will be prepared," he said.
About the amnesty policy for misguided youth, the GoC said it is very simple. "If you pick up arms, you are on the wrong path. Step out, join the social stream and if you do not want to come out publicly to surrender then reach out to the nearest company commander.
"The company commander of RR or the police personnel will ensure that you are taken out of the circulation and go through the process of rule of law. Thereafter, join the society. It is the best amnesty possible." "A number of people have opted for it," he said.
The GoC said it is an important juncture in recent history where doors for peace, stability, progress, prosperity, and happiness are opening up like never before.
He said there is a popular saying “success comes through lanes and from backyards, not from the front door. This is so true for our Kashmir today," GoC said.
"We hear a number of people talking about the ‘Kashmir problem’ all the time. I believe it is not a ‘Kashmir problem’ but a ‘problem in Kashmir’. The wrong terminology maligns the land and people of Kashmir," he said.
 
 

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