Srinagar, April 25 (KNO) : The year 2017 didn’t only saw the highest number of civilian causalities at 40 but also a surge in the infiltration attempts and the successful bids, forcing the Kashmir’s security grid to go for an early “summer strategy.”
The security grid that comprises—police, army and the CRPF apart from the intelligence agencies, have already been in a huddle to ensure peaceful summer in Kashmir in the backdrop of spike in local educated boys joining militant ranks, especially in the southern Kashmir. According to police estimates, 30 boys have joined militancy in the recent past while as 11 have returned. As per the annual report of ministry of Home Affairs year 2017-2018, more civilians died as compared to the last year.
“However, causalities of security forces have decreased in comparison to the last year. The year 2017 also witnessed a 6.21 per cent increase and 166.66 per cent increase in the number of militant incidents and fatalities of civilians respectively in comparison to the corresponding period of 2016,” the report reads. However, there is 2.44 per cent decrease in casualties of security forces in comparison to the corresponding period of 2016.
“During the year 2017, 42 per cent more militants have been neutralized in comparison to the corresponding period of 2016,” the report said. It says that from 277 infiltration bids in year 2013, 407 were reported in year 2017. It is believed that 123 militants have managed to sneak in, the report has hinted. A senior police officer said that every summer in Kashmir throws a challenge so would be the upcoming summer. “We are hopeful all remains peaceful,” he said wishing not to be named. Hinted that soon after the darbar move offices would open in the first week of May in Kashmir after six months gap, top brass of police, army, and the CRPF would rub shoulders to give final touches to the “summer strategy.”