Summer Eclipse

Fear of heightened tension in the Valley

By Fayaz Wani

After the lull of few months, the violence level in Kashmir has risen as militants have gone on 'offensive' and turned the heat on security agencies in the month of July, which accounted for as many as 71 deaths, including 21 security personnel.

The security agencies apprehend a conspicuous rise in militant activities as the Independence Day draws closer and Jammu and Kashmir prepare for the polls later this year.

Defence sources told FORCE that the scores of militants had managed to sneak into Kashmir which had led to the recent spurt of violence in the Valley. “Infiltration is taking place and many militants have managed to sneak into Kashmir,” informed Inspector General of Police, S. M. Sahai. Army’s spokesman in Srinagar, Lt Col A. K. Mathur said that nearly 19 infiltration bids had been foiled this year so far. “In these attempts 42 militants were killed,” he added. He, however, said it is difficult to ascertain the number of militants crossing over as “It is not possible to check 100 per cent infiltration because of the terrain.”

Commenting on the recent spate of violence in Kashmir he said, “This is a phenomenon that has been observed since past so many years in the State. The militants increase their activities in summer months after the snow starts melting.”

“With intention to disturb peace and elections,” according to army spokesman, "The militants have increased their activities and may try to raise the level further.” He said that security forces were taking adequate preventive measures. In the month of July, at least 71 persons including 21 security personnel and 31 militants were killed in a span of 25 days. “We fear that they may try to carry out more grenade and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosions in Kashmir to target security forces and civilian,” acknowledged CRPF DIG (Operations) M. P. Nathanael.

It is in place to mention here that FORCE in its issue few months back quoting security officials had predicted that the militants may increase the level of violence and resort to more IED and grenade explosions. Statistical records confirm that from July 18 the militants have been carrying almost daily grenade attacks in the Valley.

July 18: A para-military vehicle attacked in Banihal injuring 35 persons including an Assistant Commandant of the para-military force.

July 19: The Hizbul Mujahideen militants struck in a big way by blowing up an army vehicle in an IED explosion at Narbal in outskirts of Srinagar. At least 10 soldiers were killed and 21 others injured in the powerful explosion, the worst in Kashmir for nearly two years. July 20: Suspected militants lobbed a hand grenade targeting tourists at a health resort in Gulmarg. Among the victims were a tourist and a civilian.

July 23: The militants attacked a para-military picket in downtown injuring two CRPF personnel and a civilian.

July 24: Militants targeted non-Kashmiri labourers and hurled a grenade towards them at Batamaloo bus stand. Four children and mother were killed in the explosion that drew strong condemnation from all walks of life.

“The militants will not only target security forces but may also try to hit civilians to give the impression to the international community that all is not well in Kashmir,” observed Lt Col Mathur. In wake of the surge in the militant violence, security across the entire Valley has been stepped up. “The security measures for the smooth conduct of Independence Day,” according to para-military officer, “used to be put in place from the second week of August. This time around owing to the stepped-up violence, we have already started preparing for August 15 by raising the alertness level.” The security personnel have been directed to remain extra vigilant to thwart any militant attack. “Additional nakas and road blocks have been set up in Srinagar to prevent militants from transporting ammunition into the summer capital,” said M.P. Nathanael. A police officer, requesting anonymity, said that the vehicles entering Srinagar from different district headquarters are being thoroughly searched and the passengers frisked. “The security measures would be further intensified in the coming days,” he added.