Army has been at the forefront to operate against militants in Kashmir Valley. It has been facing stiff resistance from local population while dealing with militants in any area and at times, while dealing with the local protesters it fails to avoid civilian casualties. The incidents at Frisal Kulgam and Kakapora Pulwama are glaring examples, how Army failed to contain protesters that resulted into the deaths of some innocent civilians. However, yesterday’s incident at Pulwama proved that situation can be avoided from turning bad to ugly, if maximum restraint is exercised.In Pulwama town on Thursday, a private vehicle though according to reports was parked on wrong side was hit by an Army vehicle. Without dispersing protesters and using force Army pooled money and compensated the losses of the local driver. “Though people amid anti-India slogans have cornered army vehicles, yet Army didn’t retaliate. The calm and compose army men exercised maximum restraint and allowed local police to settle the matter amicably. I tell you with authority if Army handles all the situations in such a manner, no civilian will ever get killed in Valley,” a group of elders told news agency CNS shortly after the grenade blast in town that resulted in the death of a civilian Muhammad Ayoub Wani.
These elders rued that any situation in Valley is tackled through brute force. “Bullets, pellets and tear-smoke shells are not being used on pro-freedom protesters only here in Kashmir, but ordinary protesters protesting against the power-cuts, pending salaries, non-regularization too face lathi’s and tear-smoke canisters even if they adopt non-violent methods,” they said.A senior scribe said that though Army always try to avoid collateral damage during any encounter, yet sometimes, the lack of coordination between different agencies result in the civilian deaths. “If we look at past, we find ‘unprovoked’ use of force and firing have killed people here. The way Army handled the situation in Pulwama is really appreciable. They can take a cue from this incident and start differentiating between protesters and militants.” A Defence official said that Army is pro-people that always wants to work for the betterment of the people. “Nobody can seek pleasure by killing a human. Before starting any operation, we ensure the safety of every civilian. There are clear cut directions to soldiers to exercise maximum restraint. Protesters should understand that soldiers are too humans and they too have right to safeguard themselves.” (CNS)