Army Chief back in Valley, reviews situation

Majid Jahangir & 

Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Srinagar/Jammu, August 23

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh reviewed the overall security situation in strife-hit Kashmir today. This was the Army Chief’s second visit to the state in a week.

The Army Chief reportedly issued clear directions to his men to go after militants in the region with anti-militancy operations having almost come to a halt following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani last month.

“There were clear directions on starting anti-militancy operations, especially in south Kashmir,” said sources privy to the Army Chief’s meeting with officials in Srinagar and the headquarters of Victor Force at Awantipora in south Kashmir.

At the Victor Force headquarters, the Army Chief was apprised of the latest situation in south Kashmir, which had been the epicentre of the present unrest.

There had been instances in the past over a month of armed militants making their appearance during public rallies, mostly in south Kashmir.

The Army Chief asked his men to ensure free movement of  convoys on highways and other roads. During the current unrest, movement of Army convoys was allowed only  during night. They have resumed plying during the day a few days ago.

Col NN Joshi, defence spokesman in Srinagar, said the Army Chief directed his men to ensure measures to prevent free movement of armed militants jeopardising the lives of innocent civilians.

The Army Chief reportedly expressed concern over the incident at Khrew in Pulwama last week, wherein college lecturer Shabir Ahmed was allegedly beaten to death by Army men. The General called for maximum restrain while dealing with protesting mobs.

“The Army Chief took feedback from local commanders over the Khrew incident,” the sources added. The Army had to face outrage over the incident.