Srinagar, 21 Jan 2022. Core Group consisting of top officials of Civil Administration,
Intelligence Agencies and Security Forces in J&K, met today at Badami Bagh
Cantonment, to review the security situation in Kashmir. The meeting was co-chaired by
the General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps, Lt Gen DP Pandey and Director General
of Police Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Dilbag Singh.
The core group reviewed the intelligence inputs and security parameters of
2021. Year 2021 witnessed a reduction in terrorist infiltration, reduced terrorist incidents,
reduced terror recruitment, increased operations based on HUMINT, reduced collateral
damage, no civil casualties in law and order situation, reduced SF casualties, increased
arrest of terrorists and booking of OGWs; all pointing to effective conduct of joint
operations and activities by intelligence and security agencies. There has been increased
neutralization of Pakistani terrorists, in last few weeks. The effort of the frontline soldiers
and operatives of all agencies were acknowledged by all present.
The core group discussed fresh strategies of the terrorist organizations and their
handlers including use of Hybrid terrorists and targeting of soft targets. 15 terrorists killed
in 2021 were fresh names not on the security forces radar. The setting up of SIA and the
increased booking by NIA is showing impact of focused intelligence and investigation
efforts. These efforts have been effective in targeting drug, hawala and the OGWs
networks. Legal action on those willfully harbouring terrorists is being increased as the
harbourers have direct involvement in terror activities.
The officials stated that the ceasefire has improved the security situation along the
border, however, intelligence inputs of terrorist launch pads and terrorist training activities
in Pakistan indicate the need to be alert along the Line of Control. On the Line of Control,
late snow has kept the infiltration routes open for longer time, however effective
domination has ensured decrease in overall infiltration including those from South of Pir
Panjal. The vigil on the Line of Control, against infiltration of men, drugs and weapons is
continuing.
The officials shared the challenge of propaganda of the nexus through internet and
social media. Sadly, these efforts include propaganda to legitimize killing of Kashmiri
civilians by the terrorists. The use of social media to spread disinformation is widespread
and needs to be countered proactively by a joint effort. Efforts at synergy in exposing fake
news, booking of radicals trying to foment unrest and proactive sharing of information by
state agencies are being upgraded.
The DGP and the Corps Commander commended the officials present on
improved security indicators. They appreciated that post the abrogation of Article 370,
certain benchmarks were set, which have been achieved successfully for the restoration
of peace and prosperity in the region. The DGP stated that reduction in local terrorist
recruitment is one parameter that all must approach with continued focus. A special
mention was made on the measures taken to minimize the collateral damage in
operations despite risk to own soldiers. He recommended continued efforts to give chance
of surrenders to local terrorists to give them a second chance at living a fruitful life. The
Corps Commander called upon all to treat 2022 as a transformative year where common
man used to zero civilian casualties in 2021 should see 2022 as the year when things
turned for good for the long term. He cautioned the trend of the terrorists to use urban
areas with thick built up area for operations as they provide more avenues to hide or
escape and puts higher onus in security forces to exercise restraint to avoid collateral
damage. He expressed satisfaction at low SF casualties in 2021 by better intelligence-
based operations and improved tactical drills. He called for continued efforts along with
the civil society to counter the separatist propaganda and break the cycle of violence for
long term peace in Kashmir.
