J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

BJP flays J&K refusal 
Free hand to security forces against militants
M.L. Kak

Jammu, May 25
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP is “upset” over restrictions imposed on security forces in carrying out “multidimensional” operations against militants in Doda district. BJP president, Dr Nirmal Singh, said here today that the “field reports received by me” indicate that there were more than 800 militants operating in Doda district and security forces “have not been given free hand in carrying out anti-insurgency operations.”

He held the state government and the centre responsible for their failure in evolving a comprehensive policy for tackling the activities of militants.

Dr Nirmal Singh said the government issued no directions to the security forces, especially the Army, for the launching a manhunt against the militants even after the rebels massacred 32 Hindus in Kulhand village and in the Basantgarh area recently. He said as a result of government’s soft approach towards militants the rebels had felt encouraged in carrying out two grenade attacks on peaceful demonstrators in Doda town, in which two persons were killed and 57 injured, demanding setting up of additional security pickets and strengthening of village Defence VDCs in sensitive areas of Doda district.

To a question the BJP Chief said “the dharna staged by people from Doda in front of the office of the Divisional Commissioner in Jammu will continue till more VDCs were constituted for those living in small villages vulnerable to rebel attack were provided with weapons.”

He alleged after the government’s forced lull in counter insurgency operations militants had resurfaced in Doda district which called for steps by the Government to halt drift in the security situation.