J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

No decline in infiltration: agencies
Jammu, March 9
Several state government agencies connected with monitoring activities of militants have contested the claim of the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, that infiltration had declined since the enforcement of ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir.

PDP activist, 5 others killed
Srinagar, March 9
A People’s Democratic Party activist, a former militant and a couple were among six persons killed in the militancy-related violence in the Kashmir valley since last night, an official spokesman said today. Militants shot dead PDP activist Mohammad Jamaal Wagay Hardinav in the Shopian area of south Kashmir late last night, he said.

Troops foil plan, kill 3 militants
Jammu, March 9
Indian troops foiled a major plan of militants to kick up subversive violence in the Thana Mandi area of Rajouri when three rebels were killed in an encounter at Dodasan village today. 

No decline in infiltration: agencies
M.L. Kak
Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 9
Several state government agencies connected with monitoring activities of militants have contested the claim of the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, that infiltration had declined since the enforcement of ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir.

These agencies claim that if there was a drop in the rate of infiltration from across Kupwara and Karan Sectors, it was because some of the border areas and the mountain passes were under snow. However, this had been compensated for by the Pakistani agencies by escalating the rate of ingress from across Poonch, Rajouri and the international border.

According to these agencies, the exact picture will emerge gradually as the mountain passes have been opened recently.

A number of officers manning these agencies said since the announcement of the ceasefire, militancy-related violence had escalated as far as attacks on civilians and security personnel were concerned.

In support of their contention, they said since February 20 and March 8, 40 security personnel, 28 of them policemen, were killed in various parts of the state.

A state government press note indicated that during the first 100 days of the ceasefire, the rate of elimination of militants had registered a marked decline, owing to non-initiation of combat operations against the rebels.

During the past 100 days, 243 militants had been killed against 537 eliminated during the 100 days preceding the ceasefire. This revealed that there had been a 55 per cent decline in the killing of militants during the 100 days of the ceasefire.

Against this, the rate of killing of civilians at the hands of militants had witnessed a 42 per cent increase. As many as 288 civilians were killed during the past 100 days against 202 eliminated during 100 days prior to the ceasefire.

The state police became the main target of militant attacks and during the past over three months 48 policemen were killed against 26 during the pre-ceasefire period. The ‘fidayeen’ attack on the Police Control Room in Srinagar on February 9 and ambush near Manjakot in Rajouri district on March 2 resulted in the killing of 21 police personnel.

The killing rate of special police officers, members of village defence committees and counter-insurgents, called Ikhwanis, too, registered an increase during the past 100 days of the ceasefire. During this period 23 SPOs, six VDC men and 16 Ikhwanis were eliminated by the militants, indicating a 50 per cent increase in the rate of killing.

The only satisfaction one can draw is that the level of violence has remained static. Against 1,023 incidents registered during the past 100 days, there were 964 incidents during the corresponding period prior to the November 28 ceasefire.

Random firing increased from 176 to 259 in which 215 persons lost their lives. The casualties in grenade and bomb blasts increased from 23 to 49. There was a step-up in ‘fidayeen’ attack.

These attacks organised mostly by activists of Lashkar-i-Toiba claimed the lives of 41 persons, including nine civilians. At least 154 were injured in retaliatory action by the security forces. At least 17 ‘fidayeen’ were killed.

The police, claims that increased casualties in the police force has not “dampened the fighting spirit among the men”. Field reports reveal that the police has been forced to be on the defensive.

Prior to the announcement of the ceasefire, senior police officers, besides jawans, were seen offering prayers in mosques and in congregations on religious festivals. The scene has changed to a large extent.

When contacted, a number of senior police officers confirmed that they had to offer Id prayers in their homes. They did not want to take the risk of joining the congregation in mosques.

These officers said: “We and our men have been bound by the ceasefire” and even the dreaded Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police, which has eliminated scores of hardcore militants, had to adopt a low profile during the past 100 days.

When several traders, intellectuals and government employees were asked if they enjoyed Id festivities, they said “we had mutton courses and fun with our kids but there was no peace of mind.” They elaborated “the situation had drifted and everyone feel scared.”

“Since the militants, especially foreign mercenaries, have fortified their bases in urban and rural areas, a majority of people are living under the shadow of fear and uncertainty, they explained.

PDP activist, 5 others killed

Srinagar, March 9
A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) activist, a former militant and a couple were among six persons killed in the militancy-related violence in the Kashmir valley since last night, an official spokesman said today.

Meanwhile, SOG and Rashtriya Rifles personnel, in a joint operation, arrested a militant Irshad Ahmad from the Potshahi area in Kupwara district and seized 1.2 kg explosives and two grenades from him, spokesman said. PTI

Troops foil plan, kill 3 militants
Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 9
Indian troops foiled a major plan of militants to kick up subversive violence in the Thana Mandi area of Rajouri when three rebels were killed in an encounter at Dodasan village today. 

The police said following information, the troops cordoned off the village where the militants were preparing for a major offensive against the security forces and some political leaders. As the troops neared the hideout, they came under heavy fire in which one soldier was killed and another was seriously wounded. The troops retaliated, killing three militants.

Large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered.