Malik Sumeed
Bandipora 10 November (KNB): There are around 200 militants active in the Kashmir, and among them 50-60 militants are currently located in the northern zone of Kashmir said Maj Gen H S Sahi at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, where the Finale of Major Gopi Singh Rathore Memorial North Kashmir Football Championship 2020 was played.
On the sidelines of the event, Sahi said that in the month of June and July forces killed several leaders of different militant outfits in many encounters, and that had a great impact on building a peaceful and safe atmosphere around Jammu and Kashmir, which is quite apparent to all of us.
“So far we have successfully killed several local as well as foreign leaders of the militant outfits active in north Kashmir and we can all feel the peace that has prevailed lately,” he said.
Regarding the militants surrendering in Kashmir, Sahi said that local youth who had joined militant groups ‘accidentally’ are surrendering and in recent months we have all seen how these young boys have given up arms and returned home.
He added that as per the government policy we are trying to reach them with a message of positivity from our side and ask them to give up arms and come back to the mainstream”.
Upon being questioned about the presence of foreign militants in the valley, H S Sahi replied, “around 45 foreign militants are currently active in north Kashmir.”
“The efforts of security forces has made them shiver in their boots and every action they have planned so far, has failed and in no way they are being successful,” he added.
Regarding the future plans of forces in Kashmir, H S Sahi said, “I want to assure you that in future these militants will not be able to disrupt peace in the valley and we’ll make sure of that”.
He added that forces will continue their operations and peace will prevail in Kashmir.
About the elections in the Valley he said that the forces will make sure that the elections will be held peacefully.
“The people of Kashmir will exercise their democratic rights very well,” Sahi said.
With reference to the DDC Polls he said that all the security arrangements have been made and a positive response from the people is much expected.
“We appeal the youth of Kashmir to participate in these elections”, adding, “youth of Kashmir is important for us, we need support from them and those who have accidently opted for illegal activities (militancy, stone pelting) must surrender and head back home, he emphasized.
Pertinently, The final match of Major Gopi Singh Rathore Memorial North Kashmir Football Championship 2020 was played at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Bandipora today.
The two finalists had an intriguing battle on the field with 2-1 score, as the final whistle was blown. Team from Sopore won the competition by scoring two goals, while the team from Bandipora just scored one in the second half. (KNB)