Militancy cannot be ended without people’s support, says Omar

Amid the ongoing anti-terror operation in Kathua district of Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said militancy cannot be finished in Jammu and Kashmir without the support of people.

Talking to reporters outside the Legislative Assembly in Jammu, Omar, who was asked about the ongoing operation in Hiranagar area of Kathua district, said no contact has been established with the group of ultras.

“Though it (security) is directly not our responsibility, I am repeatedly saying that militancy cannot be finished without the support of the people. The elected government is making attempts and is supporting (Lt Governor) to keep situation under control and maintain peace,” the chief minister told reporters outside Assembly before the start of the day’s business.

He said such things have happened in the past as well, but added no contact has been established with the ultras. “The search and cordon operation that is going on is on the basis of suspicious movement. Let us see how the situation develops,” he said.

The Chief Minister said since the area is located near the border, the infiltrators might have come from across the border. “Let us see if anyone is found there or not,” he said.

Asked about frequent targeting of Kathua and Billawar by terrorists, the chief minister said many areas of Jammu belt has seen terror activities over the past couple of years as “we have seen it in Rajouri and Poonch and several others areas”.