In the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370, the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have made significant strides in their ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. A determined crackdown on a terror network operating in the region has yielded positive results, officials on Wednesday said.
A senior rank police officer at PCR told Rising Kashmir that over the past four years, various efforts are being taken to track down ‘terror’ recruitment and so far they have been successful as around 200 vulnerable youth were counselled across the Valley.
“Following zero infiltration along borders from the past four years, we were able to focus on curbing terrorist recruitment and it was tactically controlled,” he said.
The officer said infiltration attempts at an all-time low, security forces have redirected their focus on curbing the recruitment of local youth by terrorist outfits.
“Extensive community outreach programs, engaging with local leaders, and sensitizing families about the dangers of radicalization have been instrumental in dissuading vulnerable individuals from joining the path of violence,” he added.
The officer said hundreds of terrorist associates were apprehended during the past several years. These associates were actively involved in providing logistical support, recruitment assistance, and intelligence to the terrorist organization, he added.
“The relentless pursuit of terrorists and their collaborators has resulted in a perceptible improvement in the security situation across the region. With key figures within the terror network being neutralized, the number of incidents of violence has seen a decline, and the people of valley are witnessing a return to a semblance of normalcy,” he said.
The senior officer further said the success of the crackdown can be attributed, in part, to the support and cooperation received from the local population. The people have played a crucial role in providing intelligence and information, thus facilitating targeted operations against the terrorists and their associates, he said.
“With the improvement in the security situation, our focus is on promoting development and economic growth in the region,” he said.
Another police officer posted at South Kashmir wishing anonymity said in a parallel effort to weed out any infiltration of terror elements in the administrative apparatus, the authorities-initiated a thorough screening process of government employees.
“This investigation led to the identification of some employees with suspected terror links. Swift and decisive action was taken, and those found guilty were terminated from their positions, ensuring that the terror network does not exploit the system from within,” he said.
The officer said the decision to remove such individuals from their positions is seen as a necessary measure to maintain the integrity and credibility of the state.
He said the crackdown on the terror network has significantly disrupted their nefarious activities. Most terror operatives of the terrorist groups have been killed, apprehended, weakening their ability to carry out attacks and spread violence in the region, he said.
“We emphasized that the crackdown on the terror network would further strengthen the security apparatus and prevent any potential terror strikes in the region,” he said.
The police officer said they have assured the public that their commitment to combating terrorism remains steadfast. He will continue to closely monitor the situation and take pre-emptive measures to ensure that any attempts by terror groups to reorganize or regroup are thwarted promptly.
