Srinagar
Sustained counter-insurgency operations in the Valley has resulted in a remarkable change in the security situation, this was stated by army a day after six militants were killed in an encounter on Saturday in Hajin belt.
Expressing hope that “peace would be restored soon,” General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 15 Corps Lt Gen J S Sandhu claiming that forces had killed at least 125 militants in the Valley.
“We have killed about 190 terrorists as on date, in 2017. Out of these 190, 80 are local terrorists and 110 foreign.
Out of these 110, 66 terrorists were killed near the LC while infiltrating. What we find this year is that we have killed approximately 125-130 terrorists in the hinterland of Kashmir Valley. This has resulted in a remarkable change in situation,” GOC said during a joint press briefing along with Director General of Police Dr S P Vaid.
Lt Gen Sandhu lauded the joint efforts of J&K police, intelligence agencies and the CRPF.
“Based on specific information, joint operation was launched by CRPF, Army, J&K Police in which six terrorists were eliminated, all were foreign terrorists. Commend all agencies who worked to ensure success of the operation,” he said.
Dr Vaid also hoped that Kashmir would be free from violence soon.
“Kashmir valley needs to be free from violence, terror, guns and drugs. Commendable joint effort by our agencies, jawans. Wish very soon we can see Kashmir free of violence,” he said.
While referring to local militants, Lt Gen Sandhu said they must realise that they are proxies for Pakistan. “The local terrorists must realize that it is easy to call yourself a Mujahid. But are you a Mujahid, or just a proxy for Pakistan?” he said.
Appealing to militants to lay down their arms and surrender, Lt Gen Sandhu said: “Come back to the mainstream, this will facilitate return of peace to the valley. We are ready to receive them in an honorable manner.”
During the presser, Dr Vaid confirmed that one of the militants killed was Owaid alias Osama, 25, the son of Lakhvi’s brother Zaki-ur-Rehman Makki.
