Srinagar: A delegation of foreign envoys in India were on Thursday given security briefing by top police and army officials at army headquarters, here.
“The team of Heads of Missions visited Headquarter 15 Corps in Badami Bagh Cantonment today interacted with Lieutenant General B S Raju, General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps and other senior officers including Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar. The envoys were briefed by the police and army representatives on the ground situation at the line of control and in the hinterland,” an army spokesman said.
He said police briefing included an update on the efforts on ‘mainstreaming the youth’ and ‘policing under COVID 19 challenges’.
This was followed by an Army briefing which included a brief historical update and the current situation in J&K.
The event concluded with a question answer session wherein the Heads of Missions asked questions to GoC.
In response to the queries, GoC informed them about the multi-pronged and integrated approach of the Indian Army and Police in J&K.
On being asked about the status of various militant organisations, GoC shared overall the security indicators have improved however the militants still retain the ability for a militant act.
He said despite the militant estimates reducing to nearly 200, the edifice of counter militancy operations still requires a grid deployment to ensure security to the citizens residing in the UT. “International experiences including in Afghanistan prove the need for boots on ground in Counter militancy operations”.
The GoC said while grassroot politics is taking root, the militant organisations effort to target political workers is a worry. “It is a clear message that Pakistan sponsored elements do not want a change to status quo. Any activity that leads to normalization of the situation is opposed.”
On being queried about de-radicalisation efforts, GoC shared that the principal supporters in such efforts are the parents, society elders and friends who help in identification of youth vulnerable to radical ideology.
A joint civil society and government effort is made to counsel and support such an identified youth. The visiting envoys expressed satisfaction at the soft policing being attempted in J&K.
On being queried about role of NGOs in supporting the government efforts, the GoC said that many local and national NGOs are helping in government effort in J&K, these are in diverse fields including drug abuse, women empowerment and skilling of the youth. “The national NGOs bring in skills, technology and help in building cross regional linkages, which would prove invaluable in the long term.”
