Antony asks troops to be more vigilant prior J&K polls

The Defence Minister AK Antony on Wednesday asked the security forces to be vigilant to foil any terrorism activities in the valley of Jammu and Kashmir and at the same time to be more cautious towards human rights. He called upon the troops to take utmost care to see that human rights are not violated at any cost during their operation against militants.

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The minister, in his two-day visit to the state to review the security situation prior to the elections scheduled later this year, said that there is possibility of attempts of more infiltration and violence by militants to disturb peace during elections and hence there is a greater need to foil any militant strike in the state.

While addressing troops at Baramulla garrison helipad, Antony expressed his satisfaction in the improved security system of the state. He said that safety and security will create the right atmosphere for holding elections in a free and fair manner. He uttered his confidence that the troops will be able to meet these challenges.

Antony said, “One of the prime purposes of his visiting to Jammu and Kashmir was to have a first-hand experience of the conditions in which our brave soldiers are working against heavy odds away from their near and dear ones. Describing the situation as ‘a trying experience’, he said, only a few days ago some of our Border Roads Organisation personnel, who are not even engaged in any combat activity, became the victims of militant violence. ‘It is most unfortunate that the BRO personnel, who are involved in creating infrastructure such as roads and bridges, became targets of militants.”

On behalf of Centre, the minister pointed out his government’s constant effort to address the overall growth and development of the state. He said, ‘the centre will leave no stone unturned to ensure the speedy economic development of Jammu & Kashmir in an ‘inclusive manner’ to cover all sections of society.’

The Defence Minister said, the Centre along with the State Government have taken a series of measures in recent times to redress the grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir on issues relating to occupation of immovable property by the Forces.

The Defence Minister also mentioned the issue of Armed Forces in the Sixth Pay Commission, and assured to bring ‘a satisfactory and amicable solution’.

Furthermore, Antony said ‘knowingly or unknowingly, Armed Forces must not create any kind of difficulties for the local population, while taking action against militants’. He complimented the Army for their stellar role in coming to the aid of civilians during natural calamities and reaching out to the people of the State through various welfare measures under operation Sadbhavna.

He said the Government will give a further boost to the Sadbhavna programme as it aims at assuring the citizens that the troops are there to protect.