Increased terror attacks in Srinagar a ploy to derail upcoming byelections, says DGP
The increased presence of over ground workers of militant outfits in Srinagar is under the scanner of security forces
› The security scenario is a challenge for sure. It is evident that the ruling alliance is interested in allowing it to deteriorate further. NC SPOKESPERSON
SRINAGAR: The string of militant attacks in Srinagar in the last few days is likely to cast a shadow on the upcoming bypolls.
DGP J&K Police SP Vaid says the escalation in attacks is aimed at derailing the elections process as militants’ presence has increased in Srinagar.
“(If) there are more attacks in Srinagar (it) means there is more militant presence. It seems the increased attacks are to cast a shadow on the upcoming byelections,’’ he said .
This is the first time in many years that security forces are worried about presence of militants in Srinagar, which was considered militancy-free zone till now.
Police says there is no active militant from Srinagar, however it is not an “out of bounds for militants from other areas”. The security establishment is also looking at increased presence of overground workers in Srinagar.
“Although no Srinagar youth seems to be an active militant, but militants from south Kashmir or other areas can always come, attack and go back,’’ Vaid said.
RECENT ATTACKS
In the backdrop of the Lok Sabha bypolls for Anantanag and Srinagar seats scheduled on April 9 and 12 respectively, there has been an escalation in militant attacks in the Valley.
At least two security men lost their lives and 20 others were injured during three attacks in Srinagar since Sunday.
Seven CRPF personnel were injured and one jawan succumbed to his injuries on Monday after suspected militants opened fire on a CRPF convoy in Sempora area on the outskirts of Srinagar bordering south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
CRPF officials said the security men travelling in the convoy were coming for the upcoming election duties.
The attack, third in two days, comes less than 24 hours after a constable lost his life on Sunday evening. At least a dozen personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF were injured in the grenade attack.
Earlier, militants had attacked an army convoy in which three soldiers were injured.
POLITICIANS TREAD A CAUTIOUS PATH
While security officials say they are geared up to “face the challenge’’, politicians are exercising caution.
On the first day of his campaign the PDP candidate for Anantnag seat, Tassaduq Mufti, had asked his party workers to “exercise caution” during campaigning.
“First save yourselves, winning elections come later,” he had said. Former chief minister and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah had also asked the government to ensure security for all candidates during the run up to the elections.
Parties are however hopeful that the attacks will not dampen the spirits of the people.
“It is an attempt to derail the election process. This is nothing new. It has been tried in the past but failed. It is sad that innocent lives are lost and families destroyed in the process,” said PDP spokesman and senior cabinet minister Nayeem Akhtar.
However, the National Conference has blamed the ruling PDP-BJP alliance for “letting the situation to deteriorate”.
“The security scenario is a challenge for sure. It is evident that the ruling alliance is interested in allowing it to deteriorate further. It is clear that they don’t want high turnout,” said NC spokesperson Junaid Mattoo.
READY TO FACE ANY CHALLENGE: CRPF
The security establishment however says they are geared up to face the challenge.
“The escalation of militant activities was already expected. We are always up to the challenge and will ensure that security for the elections is done as best as possible,’’ said S N Srivastava, special DG CRPF Kashmir Zone.
He was speaking during the wreath laying ceremony for the CRPF jawan Bassappa Bajantri killed in Monday’s attack. Six other CRPF men and a 10-yearold girl were injured during the attack when suspected militants ambushed their convoy near Pantha Chowk on SrinagarAnantnag highway on the outskirts of Srinagar on Monday.