Presence of Army increased in southern Kashmir as part of ‘Operation All Out’: Sandhu
Srinagar
Army has increased the number of operating bases in southern parts of Kashmir as part of its “Operation All Out, a top army commander said on Saturday, asserting that the situation in the valley was much better than last year.
Lt Gen Sandhu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar based Chinar Corps, said the Army had increased its operating bases in southern parts of Kashmir with an aim to clear the region of militants as part of its ‘Operation All Out’.
The Army commander was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Delhi Public School in Srinagar where he inaugurated a computer museum.
“Last year, the presence of militants in southern parts of Kashmir had increased and especially in Shopian, there was a larger presence of militants. We had to continue operations against them. So, we have opened new operating bases there, at least seven to eight in Shopian. We have also increased operating bases in Pulwama and Kulgam. The aim is to try and clear that area of the presence of militants,” he said.
He said many local youths had joined the militant ranks in the valley.
“Yes, there have been a number of local boys who have joined the militants and I hope that in due course they will start realising that it is not worth it,” he said.
The GoC, however, said the situation in Kashmir was much better than last year and the violence levels had reduced to a great extent.
“(The situation is) much better than say few months ago or last year. The situation is improving. There is a lot of normal activity which is going on, business activities, people are doing their normal day to day life (activities). The violence levels have reduced to a great extent,” he said. (Agencies)
