Radicalisation of Kashmir youth matter of concern, says Army

Ravi Krishnan Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Nagrota, December 17

A corps commander on Wednesday said it was the state policy of Pakistan to help terrorists, who will always try to infiltrate into India, especially Jammu and Kashmir. Responding to media queries on the sidelines of “Vijay Diwas” celebrations here yesterday, GOC of Nagrota-based 16 Corps Lt Gen RR Nimbhorkar also expressed grave concern over the radicalisation of youth in Kashmir and stressed that all stakeholders, viz, teachers, parents, peers and government must play their role before the situation turns ugly, akin to what was happening in Europe and West.

When asked about the recent espionage racket unearthed by the Delhi Crime Branch in Rajouri, Lt General Nimbhorkar said, “The enemy tries to get into our system to get information about us. This has been happening since time immemorial. What we need to do is to remain very vigilant and make sure that such things don’t happen. And, if one odd incident happens then we have to take corrective action. I am quite certain that our security apparatus is well in place and we are well geared up to face any challenge.” When asked whether more Army officers and ex-servicemen from Rajouri and Poonch were under scanner, he said: “I cannot disclose that how we go about managing a procedure. Our procedures and safeguards are in place. Suffice to say that our systems are in place and we are well geared up to tackle any challenge.” “While it is the state policy of our adversary to help terrorists, who will always try to infiltrate for maintaining a level of terrorism, we have taken adequate measures to foil their attempts and ensure that they don’t get a chance to get inside for subversive activities,” he added.

On intrusion bids by militants, Lt General Nimbhorkar said: “The Army remains vigilant 24x7. But our systems and our methodology changes with climatic conditions and temperature on the ground.” Soldiers on the ground are very, very alert and we have thought out a well-established strategy to counter infiltration bids, he added.