The Quint has learnt from sources in the Intelligence Bureau that over 300 terrorists have infiltrated into Kashmir since the unrest erupted in the Valley post Burhan Wani’s death.
Besides that, over 100 Kashmiri youth were ‘indoctrinated’ and joined militancy in this period, sources said. The youth are now receiving training in terror camps in the jungles of Shopian and Kulgam district.
We are facing challenges on two fronts. One is the law and order problem in Kashmir, which has come down in recent weeks. The other is militancy. In the coming days, terror attacks are likely to increase.Zulfiquar Hasan, IG, CRPF
Hasan said he “apprehends multiple terror attacks” in the near future. However, he also claimed that the CRPF is fully prepared to handle any crisis. But the question remains, how did militants manage to enter India in such large numbers? Are there porous areas at the border that are compromising the security of the country?
There are two kinds of terrorists. There are the fidayeens who come with a set agenda or goal to accomplish a terror strike in a particular place. Then there are those who recruit local youth and conduct training. These terrorists stay (in India) for a few months and then go back.Senior IB official
Strife, Terror Strikes to Rise in Valley
According to sources in the security forces, Kashmir is going to witness a rise in violence and terror attacks in the coming days. If infiltration across the border is not stopped immediately, it could turn into a major problem in future.
On the other hand, the internal unrest in Kashmir will also increase after the harvesting season, which is likely to conclude by the end of this month. However, at present, violence has decreased on the streets of Kashmir.
For the past few weeks, violence has come down. The large number of arrests by the J&K police have scared people. Also, people have realised that stone-pelting is a futile exercise. Fatigue has set in.Zulfiquar Hasan, IG, CRPF
Security forces say the restraint shown by them has also helped bring down the violence.
In the morning briefings, we tell our jawans that these protesters are our own people.Kishore Kumar, CRPF Commanding Officer
According to security forces, pellet guns are used in the rarest of rare cases. Tear gas shells are used first. If at all they fail to control the crowd, only then are pellet guns fired.
Participation of Women and Kids in Protests a Cause for Concern
The Hurriyat calendar, which is released every week, is closely followed by the protesters. The Quint has accessed this week’s calendar, in which 25 October is to be observed as ‘Women’s Day’. Women have been told to assemble and protest in different places on this day.
Women’s Day: Assemble & occupy local chowks and centres from zuhr (afternoon) to asr (late afternoon) in the vicinity of your mohallas, villages and localities. Protest with flags, placards and banners with freedom messages and slogans.Hurriyat calendar
Sources in the security forces say the protests are not restricted to urban areas. The unrest has spread to villages and the hinterland. Stopping villagers from entering the cities to protest while keeping the highway open for ensuring logistical supply is another challenge facing the security set-up. Besides, unlike previous years, this time the Valley has seen the involvement of women and children in protests.
It is difficult to disperse a mob if women and children are participating in a protest. We can make arrests and stop a mob in an all-men protest, but we can’t do this if women and children are involved.Paras Mani Chander, CRPF Deputy Commanding Officer
Since security personnel are the prime targets, officials staying with their families in Kashmir are concerned about the safety of their loved ones.
My 12-year-old daughter wears a hijab and goes to school in a school van. I do this to make sure she does not stand out as the daughter of a member of the security forces.Senior Member of Security Forces
Another member of the security forces told us that he has made his 12-year-old daughter change the way she dresses. In fact, she also reports to her father if she sees violence on the streets while commuting between home and school.
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