Getting militants to mainstream part of ‘Operation All-out’: DGP

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 31

Claiming that ‘Operation All-out’ is a holistic strategy to bring back normalcy, J&K Police chief Shesh Paul Vaid today disclosed that they had been able to dissuade at least 70 youth from joining militancy this year.

Outlining the achievements of 2017, Vaid said the “fight against terrorism will continue till lasting peace is restored in the state”.

“But at the same time, our priority will be to bring the local youth (who have joined militancy) back on the right path. With the collective efforts of parents, civil society and the J&K Police, we have been able to dissuade 70 youth, including budding sportspersons, from joining terrorism,” DGP Vaid said.

He was flanked by newly promoted Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Munir Khan and senior police officers at a press conference here today.

The DGP said 206 militants, including 85 locals and 121 foreigners, were killed in 2017. He said almost the entire militant leadership was also killed this year.

Vaid, however, clarified that “Operation All-out” was not only about eliminating militants.

“It is a holistic strategy aimed at helping young men to come out of the web of terrorism. It is not an easy way to success, but the attitude, patience and pledge has made our efforts tangible. In June and July, we made an appeal to the youth to shun the path of violence. After a few months of persuasion by the field officers, it is heartening to note that the parents, especially the mothers, are also coming forward in bringing back the youth who have joined militancy,” Vaid added.

“As long as our neighbour keeps sending people here, the police, security forces and people of Kashmir will have to go through the challenges,” he said.

At least 31 policemen and 24 civilians were also killed during encounters in 2017.

On high number of civilian casualties during gunfights in 2017, Munir Khan said: “Security forces started operating in the areas where, for some reasons, for the last two years, the police could not enter.”

“There was stiff resistance at some places and during encounters there were some civilian casualties because of cross-firing. We have been appealing to the people to avoid going to the sites were encounters are on because it is going to result in mishaps and civilian casualties,” the ADGP said.

He said they targeted the militant leadership in 2017.

“The leadership of the militants besides taking active part in terror activities was recruiting the youth. So we targeted them. After this, things have improved and the recruitment has come down drastically,” Khan added.

284 cops awarded for meritorious service

Jammu: Director General of Police Shesh Paul Vaid has awarded the DGP Commendation Medal and certificate to 284 policemen, 12 Army men, 36 BSF, CRPF and SSB personnel, three civilians and six government employees for their meritorious and exemplary performance in 2017.  The DGP has also sanctioned Rs 8,10,000 in favour of 270 policemen for their outstanding performance during law and order duties. tns