Srinagar: Killing militants shouldn’t be treated as a cause for celebration, National Conference vice president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday.
“I beg to differ, a great year would be one in which no young man would join militancy, no terrorists would be killed & no security personnel would lose their lives in encounters. The compulsion of killing militants/terrorists shouldn’t be treated as a cause for celebration (sic),” Omar tweeted reacting to General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh’s statement describing 2018 as a good year on security front.
Reacting to tweet by a TV channel, Omar reiterated that “a great year would be a year in which security personnel don’t lose their lives in encounters but that part doesn’t suit your narrative & when have you guys ever been honest to the cause of journalism.”
Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said that “over 250 militants”, 54 others were arrested and four others surrendered last year.
“The 2018 has been remarkable year for armed forces on security front. As per the record of last ten years, army along with other forces have neutralized many militants. Many militants have surrendered under pressure and many others were arrested alive,” said top army commander while talking to the reporters after inaugurating a Bridge, spanning over Suran River which connects Kalai area to Chandak area in Poonch district.
“More than 250 militants were killed, 54 others arrested and four others have surrendered,” he said, adding, “This speaks about the strength of our security establishment,” the officer said.
He said that the army was giving “befitting reply” to Pakistan army along the Line of Control whenever there were instances of any ceasefire violation or snipping.
“As per intercepts viewed by us, Pakistan army and militants suffered huge loss in the retaliatory action on our part,” he added.
The bridge has been constructed by Border Roads Organization and as per the army, “The bridge will reduce traffic congestion in the city and ease out inconvenience caused to the people specially Budha Amarnath Shrine pilgrims in Mandi as it reduces the travelling time considerably.”
The bridge, the army commander is an important strategic asset as it enhances the movement of military equipment and troops in a faster time frame, he said. “The Indian Army and BRO has been working towards infrastructure development in the remote and far-flung areas and improving the road connectivity, he said.
