Security forces taking strong action to eliminate terrorism in Poonch Rajouri – Lt Gen Dwivedi

Srinagar: Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday said security forces were taking strong action to eliminate terrorism in Poonch Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said there was prosperity in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch and the living standard was getting better with the increasing investment and job opportunities to the people.
“But the peace and prosperity did not digest to our neighbouring country”, Lt Gen Dwivedi told reporters in Rangreth area on Srinagar outskirts.
“..And they (Pakistan) increased the presence of the militants in these districts”, the Army Commander said and added “we are taking strong action against it and in the coming days there will be control over it.”
He said there is a dire need of coordination between the local populace, Police and military to come over the past deficiencies in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri.
Lt Gen Dwivedi said the number of Police stations is being increased and reorientation programmes are being conducted to thwart the Pakistan designs from across the border
He said that the situation along the border in China is stable.
“Northern border area is stable, but I would say it is not normal, it is sensitive. There were seven friction points and out of which five have been solved through mutual sittings and the talks on a few points are going on, he added.
Replying to a question, the Army Commander said they have declared 2023 as a zero-infiltration year.
“There was no infiltration from the Line of Control in 2023”, Lt Gen Dwivedi said and added “but as you say, still so many militants are coming to this side from across the border. If you see, among the terrorists that have been killed, only 21 are locals whereas 55 are foreign terrorists and we are taking action against these as well”.
He said the local recruitment of militants has declined and 121 local youth, who were thrown into the militancy in 2022, the number was just 19 last year.
“We have taken measures against the promotion of foreign terrorists and this will be continued in the year 2024”, Lt Gen Dwivedi added.
UNI