Tasaduq Hussain
Baramulla, Aug 31: The army on Monday said that the people in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have rejected the narrative of militancy and are supporting army in blocking the supply chain of advanced weapons meant for militants along the LoC.
A grand function was organized in Baramulla by the army to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Hajipir pass victory.
Talking to reporters on sidelines of the function, GOC 19 Infantry Division Baramulla, Maj Gen Virender Vats, according to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the people in Baramulla have always supported security forces and the army along the line of control (LoC) and its was because of the people’s support that the forces have blocked the supply chain of advanced weaponry to militants in the valley.
He said that the locals have always supported the army and even at present people are with forces in the battle against the militancy while as people in Baramulla by-large have rejected the narrative of militancy.
About the militants presence in north Kashmir, the GOC said that very few militancy incidents have surfaced in north Kashmir but the intensity is very low. “Militants suffered heavy loss and those involved were killed soon after they carried out the attacks,” he said.
On the graph of infiltration, he said that the army has always been successful to maintain the sanctity and guard the line of control (LoC) since the support and advanced weaponry militants in valley desire to get from other side of the border is totally blocked by army an example of which is the recovery made from the militants killed within the valley (Only pistols are recovered from their possession) and the support from locals has made it possible.
Baramulla district will be on top when peace will fully prevail in Kashmir, he said.
Answering the query about the figure of militants in north Kashmir, he said: “I won’t be able to put a figure to the number of active militants in northern belt but largely the intensity in north Kashmir is not what we see in south Kashmir and that is primarily related to the support given by people to security forces.”
About the recruitment as a challenge to security forces, the GOC said that the recruitment has happened in small numbers. it hasn’t been eliminated but the numbers have come down.
Meanwhile, army in its statement issued to KNO said that to commemorate this glittering military victory and to honour and re-dedicate the bonds of friendship, Dagger Division of the Indian Army celebrated the 55th anniversary of the capture of Hajipir Pass by organizing a series of events at its headquarters located in Baramulla town on 31st August 20.
It said that the locals, who mindless of their own safety lent invaluable support to the Indian Army in the 1965 Hajipir Operation were invited and felicitated by Maj Gen Virendar Vats, SM, GOC 19 Infantry Division in a poignant ceremony at Thimayya Auditorium.
It added that the veterans and Veer Naris were presented with a gift and a framed certificate, recognizing their valour and sacrifice —(KNO)
