Where is the ceasefire headed? Have militant groups been able to regroup in this period?
The borders have been quiet. People living in the rural hinterland have been able to come out without fear to tend to their fields. Beyond that... On the flip side, militants have free access to towns and urban areas. Infiltration continues unabated and the militants have been able to consolidate their positions. They have also inflicted sufficient damage on security forces. More importantly, they have been able to severely hit our intelligence network by targeting informers, spos (special police officers) and former militants. That is cause for worry.
Do you agree with the new line of thinking in the army that counter actions should be launched against groups like the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed?
None of these subversive groups ever accepted the ceasefire. They have gone hammer and tongs at us and inflicted incessant loss to our security forces. These groups, especially the Lashkar, have specifically trained their guns on the police. I have lost over 50 men in this period. But remember, the law of the land cannot be abrogated irrespective of these groups’ affiliations. These criminals are rapists and extortionists and will not be allowed to go scot-free. Maybe the army can’t indulge in combat operations but the police will continue to work.
There are disturbing allegations that the Special Operations Group (sog) of the state police has violated the ceasefire call by resorting to extortion and harassment of locals.
Anybody who works will always be targeted. The sog has done a commendable job in this period. The allegations levelled are vague. If there are specific complaints, I will deal with it seriously. All this has been fuelled by militant groups.
What is the morale of the forces now and how has this bolstered the confidence of the militants?
Our morale is high despite the spiralling violence. Prior to the ceasefire, 50 per cent of incidents were at the initiation of the security forces. At this point, the militants are calling the shots. People now have no option but to provide them food and shelter. It is difficult to say whether it is out of fear or motivation.
What has been the tangible effect on the ground?
A significant aspect during the ceasefire is that dormant groups like the Al Umar and the Jamait-ul-Mujahideen have re-emerged in the militant lexicon. Another problem is that people are taking to the streets. Processions and demonstrations are on the rise. Look at those who came after the shootout in Srinagar airport! Fear has set in amongst the people.
What would be the likely effect if for some reason the ceasefire was called off now?
Some forward movement has to take place at the official level. At this moment, the militants may be perceived to have the upper hand. But it won’t take long for us to establish ourselves. We will be able to get at them.
