JK Gov hits out at those asking demilitarisation

Srinagar, Oct 9: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha has strongly criticised those demanding demilitarisation in the strife-torn state and lamented that militants chose to strike by engineering violent incidents even during natural disasters.

''On the one hand, the people speak very high of the Army and its help during calamities and peace while on the other some are demanding demilitarisation,'' Gen Sinha told a commemorative function held in memory of victims of the devastating earthquake on October 8 in 2005 here last evening.

During the earthquake, the Governor said the Army formations moved out in remote areas and within hours launched massive rescue operations along with the Indian Air Force.

''Most of the victims told me that but for the Army, they would have not survived. The people are appreciative of the armed forces,'' he added.

Despite suffering causalities, Gen Sinha said the Army lost no time in evacuating the victims to hospitals, opened up relief camps and arranged food for the people observing fast during the holy month of Ramzan.

An Army patrol got wiped out due to a rolling boulder when they were approaching towards a remote village for carrying out relief and rescue operations, he added.

The Governor, however, lamented that as the civil society was engaged with rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures after the powerful earthquake, militants chose to strike by engineering violent incidents.

''They (militants) have launched terror attacks even during the snow-storm in Kashmir early last year when the whole administration and the Army were busy in relief work. The militants attacked the Divisional Commissioner's office which was the nodal point for relief and rehabilitation of the sufferers,'' he added.

Gen Sinha said the country's response to the quake was splendid and established the fact that Kashmir was embedded in soul of India.

Due to concerted efforts of the Army, the civil administration, different states of the country, NGOs besides political, social and religious organisations not a single casualty occurred due to lack of medicare or want of shelter.

UNI

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