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War on Terror

21 Jun 2008, NewAgeIslam.Com

Back to Jihad in Jammu and Kashmir

By The Pioneer Edit Desk   It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that there is cause for concern over jihadis billeting themselves in caves and specially dug out shelters, called dhoks, in the upper reaches of Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu & Kashmir, as reported by this newspaper on Thursday. Intelligence input regarding this sinister development should shake authorities out of their comfort zone. The UPA Government -- known for dithering on tough anti-terrorist measures and rewarding the families of hardened jihadis killed by security forces -- should look into the matter and take the nation into confidence. It is anybody's guess as to how many terrorists have taken shelter in the heavily forested hills. But one thing remains certain: All is not well in Jammu & Kashmir. The recent spurt in infiltration and terrorist activities in the State is a clear indication that bad times lie ahead for the people of Jammu & Kashmir after a brief lull in subversive activities. The last four months have fetched disturbing news on a regular basis. There have been at least 21 infiltration attempts; 10 of these have been foiled by the Army and, in the process, 23 infiltrators were killed. What is distressing, though not entirely unexpected, is the Pakistani Rangers should have actively assisted the jihadis in trying to sneak into this country despite the ceasefire agreement along the LoC. Not too long ago, terrorists managed to enter Samba sector; elsewhere, they have already demonstrated their fire power in fierce encounters. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that of late there have been encounters in Srinagar after a long time, suggesting that the dwindling number of jihadis has gained strength.    The recent spurt in jihadi activities and rise in infiltration bids can be attributed to two factors. First, Jammu & Kashmir is busy preparing for Assembly election due in November this year. It stands to reason that terrorist and separatist organisations should try to disturb the election process. Defence Minister AK Antony, during his recent visit to the State, has warned that terrorist attacks could increase with the dates of the Assembly election in Jammu & Kashmir drawing nearer. The other factor for the rise of terrorism in the Valley could be the ongoing political instability in Pakistan, where the PPP is in power but not in control. The result is terrorist outfits led by Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat-ul Mujahideen continue to operate with impunity -- and at times in connivance with sections of the Pakistani establishment, especially the ISI. Now that Gen Pervez Musharraf has been virtually marginalised, these outfits believe they can revert to the old days of unabated cross-border terrorism, more so because it serves the ISI's purpose to demonstrate its clout to the civilian Government in Islamabad. It is also possible that cross-border terrorism is being tacitly promoted by Islamabad to divert attention from domestic problems which are increasing by the day. If the Durand Line can be breached, why not the LoC? Whatever the truth, the Union Government can ill afford to shut its eyes to the situation in Jammu & Kashmir; it must act without losing time, if only to avoid being taken by surprise. Meanwhile, it would be a good idea for New Delhi to let Islamabad know that India's patience can't be taken for granted.   http://www.dailypioneer.com/indexn12.asp?main_variable=EDITS&file_name=edit1%2Etxt&counter_img=1