Yogesh
Jammu, Oct 25: The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General M.V. Suchindra Kumar, Friday said that the Army is focusing on “breaking the cycle of violence and dismantling the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir” while the army was also empowering youth and women as well.
He also said that recruitment in militancy rank is in single digits while 720 terrorists were neutralized by security forces in last 5 years, which frustrates adversary
“In the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, our efforts are concentrating on breaking the cycle of violence and dismantling the terror ecosystem, empowering youth and women, facilitating education, promoting sports and reviving the rich historical and cultural legacy. The core of this strategy is to strengthen the relationship amongst the citizens and the soldiers while encouraging nationalist and mainstream narratives, particularly amongst the youth,” Lt Gen Kumar said at Northern Command Headquarters, during his median media briefing since assuming the charge of Army Commander.
He added that through integrated military and social outreach efforts, the Indian army is contributing to the broader process of Nation-building.
Gagangeer/ Gulmarg attack
Speaking about the recent surge in terrorist attacks including one at Gagangeer, Ganderbal that left seven labourers including a doctor dead and the fresh attack on army convoy at Baramulla’s Gulmarg in which three soldiers and two porters were killed, the GoC-in-C said that the matter was discussed during Unified Headquarters meeting in Srinagar on Thursday, where a strategy was formulated.
The GOC-in-C further stated that the Army is reassessing strategies in light of suspected cross-border support for the attackers. He stated that while specific operational details couldn’t be shared, the Army is adjusting its strategies to address emerging threats.
“I would not like to share details of an ongoing operation but what I can inform you is that we took stock of the new challenges, the modus operandi of the terrorists, the support they are likely to be getting from across the border and we are making a strategy to tackle this,” he said.
Jammu region
Referring to the security situation in the Jammu region, the army commander said that various agencies are undertaking operations to achieve the desired outcomes.
“This region which is starting from Kathua and Samba along the border and then Poonch and Rajouri besides hinterland areas of Reasi Kishtwar and Doda… was largely peaceful for the past ten to 15 years. There is a huge challenge along the International Border and Line of Control. There is nearly 210 kilometres of International Border and about same in LoC,” he said adding, “Army and other agencies making sure that anti-infiltration grid along the Line of Control is strengthen with due focus on counter-terrorism operations in the hinterland which certainly created an environment of peace and development in the Union Territory.
“The adversary is frustrated due to our successes. Their aim is to push terrorists across, but we have foiled infiltration attempts. Their goal is to instil fear among the population, but we will not allow it,” he stated.
Calibrated action on terrorism
The army commander said security forces have been able to neutralise 720 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years.
“Security forces have been able to neutralise 720 ultras in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years. As far as residual terrorists are concerned, multiple agencies keep updating figures. They are varying between 120 to 130. Now, the recruitment figures are in single digits and are at its lowest,” the general officer sad and adding, “anti-infiltration grid along the Line of Control and focused counter-terrorism operations in the hinterland have managed to create an environment of peace and development in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Without naming Pakistan, the Officer said. “Adversary is frustrated due to our successes and their aim is to push terrorists across, but we have foiled infiltration attempts. Their goal is to instil fear among the population, but we will not allow it.”
Synergy stakeholders
Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar emphasized the importance of the synergy between the Indian Army, civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces, Police, and Intelligence Agencies in achieving a peaceful and secure environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also mentioned the Army’s commitment to the principle of ‘Service Before Self’ and its role as a key facilitator in Nation Building through various activities such as border security, counter-terrorism operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and aid to civil authorities.
“In addition to our role in internal & external security of the nation, we are also focusing on carrying out development activities in the region. He noted that the synergy between the Army, civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces, police and intelligence agencies has yielded substantial benefits.
“Village Defence Groups (VDGs) have ensured the security of remote areas for decades. The VDG setup is being strengthened, with over 600 VDGs being established and 10,000 modern weapons provided to them. They are also being trained,” he said, adding “Army also provides training to Jammu and Kashmir officials and officers”.
Youth and Women empowerment
The Officer said that Indian Army is making efforts to empower youth and women, enhance education, promote sports, and revive the rich historical and cultural legacy.
“Empowering youth and women, facilitating education, promoting sports and reviving the rich historical and cultural legacy is one of core focus of army in Jammu and Kashmir. This strategy is to strengthen the relationship amongst the citizens and the soldiers while encouraging nationalist and mainstream narratives, particularly amongst the youth,” Lt Gen Kumar said.
He also said that through integrated military and social outreach efforts, the Indian army is contributing to the broader process of Nation-building.
“These initiatives have not only fostered greater community engagement but also supported the successful execution of kinetic operations in the region. Through integrated military & social outreach efforts, we are contributing to the broader process of Nation-building,” he said.
Operation Sadbhavana Projects are being undertaken to execute development activities in border / remote areas of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. We are providing quality education to a large number of students from the Union Territories in the Army Goodwill Schools. Students are also being sponsored to study outside the Union Territories through the Jammu & Kashmir Special Scholarship Scheme and Army Public School residential School programs which are being conducted by us,” he said.
On Indian China
About India, and China reaching an agreement on border patrolling, Lt Gen Kumar said that the consensus achieved includes patrolling and grazing to traditional areas.
“To put it very briefly, India and China have been involved in talks both at the diplomatic and military levels to resolve differences in balance areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Pursuant to the talks, broad consensus has been achieved to restore the ground situation based on principles of equal and mutual security. The consensus achieved includes patrolling and grazing to traditional areas,” he added.
Disengagement of troops of India and China has started at two friction points in Demchok and Depsang Plains in the Eastern Ladakh sector, defence officials said.
On October 21, India announced that it reached an agreement with China on patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh ending the over four-year-long military standoff.
The border standoff between India and China began in eastern Ladakh along the LAC in 2020, sparked by Chinese military actions. This incident led to prolonged tensions between the two nations, significantly straining their relations.
The General Officer said that Indian and Chinese diplomatic and military negotiators have been in close contact with each other in a variety of forums. He said as a result of these discussions, agreement has been arrived at on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas, leading to disengagement and a resolution of the issues that had arisen in these areas in 2020.
