Return of Army only after peace in Kashmir: Governor

Jammu, Mar 14 (UNI) Rejecting the demand of demilitarisation, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha today said the Army will return to barracks once peace returns to the terrorism-plagued state.

''Every other day terrorists kill innocent people and how can their security be put in jeopardy,'' the Governor said while interacting with a group of elders here this morning after their return from 'Watten Ki Seir' organised by the Army under Operation Sadhbavna.

Lt Gen Sinha said, ''Peace is imperative for progress and the Army is supplementing the efforts in restoring complete normalcy in the state. There might be an odd black sheep even in the Army, as such elements are every where in the society. The Army has been taking strict action against any of its personnel found guilty of human rights violations.'' Responding to the averments by the village elders, eulogising the role of the Army particularly in remote and rural areas, the Governor said they were only performing their duties. The Army is for the protection and welfare of the people, he said while referring to the assistance provided during snow tsunami, floods and earthquake.

The Governor also recalled the unblemished role of the Army during the siege of Hazrathbal and Chrar-e-Sharief shrines, the latter having been burnt by terrorists. In contrast, he said other armies did not hesitate in targeting mosques in the wake of quelling terrorism. In this context he cited the examples of Iraq and Waziristan in Pakistan.

''During 18-years anti-terrorism operations, security forces did not even once resorted to air strikes nor used heavy artillery for fighting terrorists,'' he said and exuded confidence the state government and the security forces will soon be in a position to restore complete peace and normalcy in the state.

UNI