The Indian army has dismissed claims that it has resumed Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) in the Kashmir valley as part of counter-insurgency strategy. Speaking with The Indian Express, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said, “We are not returning to classical CASO in Kashmir, because we know they cause hardship to the local people”. Rawat’s comment came amid reports that the army has conducted CASO in 15 villages in Shopian district last Thursday, which involved nearly 4,000 soldiers of the Rashtriya Rifles.
Notedly, the army had discontinued CASO nearly 15 years ago as it did not bring out expected results. Moreover, it also alienated the local population from the army. Under the operation, people of an entire village were rounded out at the break of the dawn while the army carried a massive search operation.
Underlining the army’s operating philosophy that all Kashmiris are not involved in militancy, Rawat said, “We understand that all Kashmiris are not involved in the so-called militancy. There are few, select in number, who indulge in terror and violence. Our job is to separate the terrorists from the Kashmiri people and target the terrorists.”
Referring to the recent killing of the Kashmiri Army officer Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz, Rawat said that all Kashmiris should condemn this attack.
Underlining that Lieutenant Ummer was trying to take Kashmir forward, the army chief said that the young officer was a role model for all young Kashmiris and this action has taken Kashmiris back.
“ These people are discouraging Kashmiris from availing job opportunities while thousands of people line up for police recruitment. How can they explain this dichotomy? This act (of Lieutenant Ummer’s murder) should be condemned by all Kashmiris.” he added.
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