‘Valley situation not as bad as projected’

The situation in Kashmir is not as bad as is being projected and the army is confident of bringing it under control soon, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat said on Saturday.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the spring-term combined graduation parade for 199th Pilots and Ground Duty Officers Course at Air Force Academy at Dundigal on the outskirts of Hyderabad, General Rawat said the security forces were doing a great job in bringing the situation under control. Admitting that some parts of south Kashmir were still troublesome, he said necessary action was being taken to ensure peace in the Valley.

Reiterating that the army was not violating any human rights, he said misinformation was being spread among the people, which was causing trouble. “Possibly that is compelling the younger generation to pick up arms. But I am quite confident that soon, they will understand that violence is not good for the state and for the people. All that armed forces want is peace and tranquillity in the Valley,” he said.

General Rawat said officers were well-trained to handle situations where school children were pelting stones. “We are an army that strongly believes in human rights, we have an impeccable record. We know how to deal with children and women in such situations,” he said.

Replying to a question on the alleged use of human shield, General Rawat said the army would take action only after considering the nature of the task they were expected to carry out. “Such actions are based on circumstances but efforts are being taken not to violate human rights,” he said.

We are an army that strongly believes in human rights, we have an impeccable record. We know how to deal with children and women...

GENERAL BIPIN RAWAT, Chief of Army Staff