Terrorism yet to be over in J&K: Former DGP Khoda

Srinagar, June 06: Former Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Kuldeep Khoda on Tuesday said that terrorism is yet to be over in Jammu and Kashmir. He also said that Pakistan “despite using its all channels and agencies” failed to disrupt the G20 proceedings.
“Terrorism still exists in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and is yet to be over completely. The recent Dangri incident in the Rajouri district was an unfortunate and tragic one. Poonch and Rajouri areas were peaceful but Pakistan is trying to rejuvenate its activities through penetrating from these districts,” Khoda told a local news agency – Kashmir News Service (KNS), in an interview.
He said the families of the slain civilians in Dangri Rajouri should be given due compensation without any delay. “The J&K government should expedite the compensation process to the victims as it will rebuild their confidence in the administration,” he said.
The former DGP said that the G20 summit was an international standard-level event which was successfully held in Srinagar. “There were grave challenges to police, security and paramilitary forces, army and other intelligence agencies but all contributed in tandem and ensured a peaceful and incident-free summit. The summit disseminated a positive message worldwide,” he said, adding, “Though Pakistan tried a lot and used its all channels and agencies to disrupt its peaceful conduct. it failed and was exposed. They influenced OIC member countries and pleaded with them to boycott the summit. We know China has a pro-Pakistan foreign policy as far as India is concerned.”
He said the G20 summit was purely a tourism conference and important for Kashmir. “Tourism has a vast stake in J&K’s economy. The summit will greatly boost J&K’s economy in the future and it will improve means of livelihood as well,” he added.
About the decline in stone pelting incidents in the Kashmir Valley, the former DGP said citizens are important ingredients of society and have first and foremost roles in peace-building measures. “Besides, there is a role of government agencies to put a full stop to anti-national activities. From the last 3 to 4 years, the NIA, ED and other probing agencies nailed the elements behind terrorism in J&K. Funding channels that led to youth towards separatism and anti-national activities were chocked. The ring leaders have been arrested and lodged in jails. This mechanism closed doors for those who had an inclination towards joining militancy and separatism politics in J&K,” he said.
Speaking on the issues faced by SPO recruited in J&K Police, Kuldeep Khoda said there should be a permanent and encouragement policy for these “irregular” forces so that they will render more in restoring peace in the region. “The SPOs have an important role in bringing peace and maintaining law and order situation. This force played an unforgettable role in Poonch and other areas in wiping out militancy. Unlike past, their number is high today so there should be a concrete policy for them as they are well-trained personnel and should be preferred in the department,” he added.
(KNS)