Attacks on innocent civilians unpardonable: Centre

Srinagar, June 16 (UNI) The Centre today termed as ''unpardonable'' the recent attacks on innocent civilians in the Kashmir valley and asserted that full-fledged counter-insurgency operations will continue to keep the militants at bay.

Addressing a news conference here, Union Home Secretary V K Duggal said as per the statistics available, the overall level of militancy this year was less than compared to 2005.

However, he said the Kashmir valley has witnessed an escalation of violence in the recent past.

''There have been attacks on innocent civilians. These incidents are unpardonable,'' Mr Duggal added.

However, he said full-fledged counter-insurgency measures would continue to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

To a question on infiltration, the Union Home Secretary said the security agencies were fully prepared to meet any eventuality.

About the increase in the alleged human rights violations in some parts of the valley recently, Mr Duggal said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had categorically prescribed zero tolerance for security forces in this reagrd.

''Those who violate the human rights will have to face legal action,'' he added.

Addressing a Unified Command meeting here on May 24 during his two-day visit to Kashmir to chair the second round-table conference, the Prime Minister had asked the security forces to be humane and work within the prescribed parameters while dealing effectively, efficiently and firmly with the militants.

''You must be steadfast in your commitment to human rights and there should be zero tolerance for custodial killings,'' Dr Singh had told the security forces.

UNI AG MSJ PC2005