Dear Editor,
The Valley, post-Burhan Wani, witnessed real danger with locals swelling up the terror ranks. Learning a lesson from the past that force alone can’t win hearts, the holistic ‘Operation All-Out’ was started to turn the page around and it has been a landmark of all sorts. The report card shows that 206 militants, including 85 locals and 121 foreign infiltrators have been killed in 2017. It claims to have almost wiped out the entire militant leadership and dented the capabilities of the terror groups, with local support. Security forces have earned good faith among the locals and pulled away at least 70 youth from terror, with footballer-turned-militant Majid’s homecomig being the most talked about success story. They are also reviewing cases of first-time stone-pelters and protestors to grant them amnesty. NIA raids targeting terror funding outlets and appointment of the Interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma are also seen as positive developments.
However successful, it could not stop youths from joining militancy. The police records show that the highest number of local youth has picked up arms last year. Locals are still helping terrorists to escape. Also, new groups like ‘Kashmiri Fidayeen’and leaders like Zakir Moosa (Al-Qaeda) are emerging, challenging the operation’s objective. The infiltration, exfiltration, and social media influence of terror groups is still a concern.
Security officials are optimistic about the situation, but rightly said, they can tackle militancy, not end it. A brave political move is needed to end the cycle of violence, once and for all.
Harry Walia
Jammu
