Tougher strategy planned against Kashmir protesters

JAMMU - The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have decided to get tough with troublemakers in the state, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, an officer said here.

The army commanders, officers of the paramilitary and Jammu and Kashmir police, including Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, have in a coordinated approach decided to take to the “next level” their strategy of fighting the insurgents and those sponsoring street protests, the officer told IANS.

According to the new strategy, the security forces will go all out against terrorists and also take action against workers of terror outfits, sources said.

“The security forces would move ahead with their strategy regardless of the sponsored criticism against them by the separatists and their supporters, working in the valley,” said a sources said.

The focus of these forces was on refining the strategy in the light of the ground situation and “take the level of synergy between all agencies to the next level to thwart any attempts by inimical elements to destabilise the valley,” the officer said.

He, however, did not give details of what the “next level” would be.

The basic objective is to restore normalcy in Kashmir, he said.

More than 100 people have died in over four months of protests in the valley.

Earlier in mid-September, the security agencies decided to break the cycle of protests by imposing curfew and others strict restrictions.

The tough approach has paid off so far. It has instilled fear among the people against joining the separatist-sponsored protests, an officer told IANS.

The strategy would be taken to a higher level as signs are emerging that militants have started reviving their activities. The killing of three militants in Malura village on the outskirts of Srinagar a few days ago, was indicative of the fresh plans of the terrorists, the officer said.