Is it The Return Of Massive Search Operations or A Response to Rising Militant Activities in Kashmir?
On 4th May 2017, Indian Army alongwith other security forces launched a massive search operations in the Shopian district of South Kashmir. Armed forces personnel not only cordoned off the multiple villages but they also laid a siege around the vast paddy fields and orchards. And as usual the masses responded with Pro-freedom slogans and stone pelting.
Reportedly 8 CRPF and Policemen and 32 protesters were wounded in these clashes. There are few allegations by local residents that government forces ransacked their properties, which were refuted by the police official.
According to the Police and Army officials, the search operation was a response to the surge in militant activities. In past month the unrest and violence in valley has revived itself to hit the headlines of Delhi again. Bank robberies, attack on SFs and massive stone pelting have been the talking point.
But Is It The Only Reason For Conduct Of Such Operations?
Recently the militant outfits active in the valley have released few videos in which a group of 18-30 militants can be seen together. A show of strength in a way.
In early 90’s the terrorists use to operate in large numbers and till early 2000, there have been numerous occasions wherein a group of 5-15 militants were neutralised in a single operation.
But from over a decade these terrorist outfits grew up with time. In addition, they started operating in small groups to lessen the chances of encounter with the Armed Forces. Army also started launching specific cordon and search operations in order to bring down the hassles faced by common man.
As a result, these specific and swift operations worked for better and helped in reviving situations and limiting collateral damage. But now with these videos and intels about movement of terrorists in large numbers and increase in attacks on SFs, the need for such operations becomes inevitable.
The only thing to notice consequently will be,
Will it become a trend or just means to achieve desired end?