BSF opposes demilitarisation in Kashmir, infiltration down

Srinagar, Apr 20 (UNI) Opposing any demilitarisation in Kashmir, a senior Border Security Force (BSF) officer, however, admitted that infiltration from across the border has come down as compared to previous years.

Demilitarisation will take us again to 1990 situation when militants were moving freely, killing innocent people destroying government and private property, Inspector General (IG) of BSF J B Negi told reporters at a function organised in connection with passing out parade at Humhama today.

Mr Negi said there was a considerable improvement in the overall situation in Kashmir valley, including remote areas.

But if we withdraw security forces from any area, the people of that area will be exposed to militants again, he warned.

The militants are on the run as local people are providing information about the militant presence and their arm dumps, he said adding any moves towards demilitarisation would agaom encourage teh militants enabling them to move freely, particuarly in villages and remote areas.

The head of the BSF on the Kashmir frontier reiteroted that he was opposed to any demilitarisation under the present circumstances.

When asked about the infiltration, Mr Negi said it has come down as compared to previous years.

A number of factors were responsible for decrease in the infiltration, he said.

However, he voiced apprehension that militants will try to sneak into this side from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) once the snow starts melting in the passes. But, he said, security forces guarding the Line of Control (LOC) are ready to foil any such attempt.

He explained a large number of militants are waiting in the launching camps near the LOC, waiting for an opportunity to enter this side.

''Intelligence inputs said that militants are using Poonch and Rajouri routes to infiltrate into Jammu region,'' said Mr Negi.

UNI