Srinagar becomes new epicentre for terror activities in J&K
Darpan News Desk IANS, 07 Sep, 2021 11:35 AM
New Delhi, Sep 7 (IANS) Despite the number of terror incidents has gone down by 40 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir as compared to the last year, the capital city Srinagar, has become the new epicentre of terror activities in the last one year, leaving behind some south Kashmir districts.
A source in the security set up said that Srinagar alone recorded 16 terror-related incidents, 21 per cent of the total of 75 incidents reported from across the Valley till so far this year, leaving behind the traditional hotbed of terrorism of Pulwama, Anantnag and Shopian.
These revelations are part of an internal assessment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) which has been playing a crucial role in anti-terror operations in the UT and also intelligence agencies which were sent to the government.
According to the report, "Srinagar emerges as the hotspot of terrorists. Incidents (are) being driven by TRF and the capital town has also reported the maximum security forces' casualty in action this year. Out of the 15 casualties reported across the Valley this year, eight came from Srinagar."
Srinagar has also recorded the highest number of recoveries of IEDs and out of 8 IEDs recovered so far, three are from Sringar.
"Reflective of increasing violence, out of 75 terrorist incidents reported in the Valley this year, Srinagar accounts for the maximum number of incidents (16, 20 per cent) which is significantly higher than its share in the previous years (2019-6 per cent, 2020-5 per cent). This year, however, a shift in focus is clearly discernible," the report revealed.
"Another worrying trend is the propensity of terrorists to use IEDs in Srinagar. Out of 8 IEDs recovered this year, 3 were in Srinagar. It is assessed that 8-10 terrorists are active in the district (Srinagar)," it added.
The security forces have assessed that increased terror activities in Srinagar is a result of the recruitment drives initiated by the Pakistan based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)'s front - The Resistance Front (TRF)'. Its commander Abbas Sheikh is named as one of the top 10 terrorists by the J&K Police and has been frequently spotted in Srinagar with an aim to recruit militants and develope a strong network of hardcore OGWs (overground workers), an official in the security forces said.
According to officials, several people of Khakrai village had allegedly consumed alcohol on Saturday, after which three persons died on Saturday and Sunday. As the incident came to light, State Excise Minister Jagdish Devda assured strict action.
The required measures, including development of infrastructure like construction of roads, tunnels and strategic railway lines, are taken to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India, the minister said.
He paid homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces personnel during the Kargil conflict in 1999 by laying a wreath at the Dagger War Memorial in Baramulla during a solemn ceremony.
In a report submitted to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry, the Delhi Government has stated that the minimum environmental flow for dilution of the polluted water in the Yamuna in Delhi will be required to meet the desired water quality levels in the river for bathing.
The farmers have rejected the meagre compensation awarded by the district revenue officers (DROs), who have been designated as competent authority for land acquisitions.
