The government forces are having a tough time in Shopian district where militants carried two attacks on police and army in less than 24 hours, leaving an army soldier dead and a cop injured.Sources told Srinagar-based news agency GNS that groups of local militants in Shopian have increased their activities from past one week and are continuously trying to carry out strikes against government forces.“Recently, many young boys have joined the militant ranks in the district and this is worrisome for the security agencies,” a police official, wishing anonymity, said. “At present, there are 11 militants active in the district which include 5 new recruits as well,” he said.The forces, he said, have stepped up anti-militant operations in the southern Kashmir district and are regularly conducting search and cordon operations. However, the militants managed to give slip to forces three times since Sunday. Even today, the forces conducted a search-and-cordon operation at Barbugh Imam Sahab area.“The motive of attacks on police is to snatch weapons. The new recruits need weapons and that is why these attempts are being made,” the official said.
They said the militants hailing from neighboring Pulwama are also active in the district. “There are around 30 militants active in both the districts,” sources said, adding majority of them are associated with Hizbul Mujahideen. “These militants are highly motivated,” they added.Another police official, however, said that the militants are under pressure and that is why they are carrying attacks on forces. “They want to ease the pressure,” he said.Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Kumar said the operations to neutralize the militants are on in Shopian.“The cordon and search operations are underway in the district. Yesterday there were operations as well and they are continuing,” he told GNS over phone. The DGP admitted that new boys have joined the militant ranks in the district but he said that several of them have been brought back by police. “We have successfully brought several youth back into mainstream after proper counseling,” he said.
When asked why local youths are joining militant ranks, he said: “some elements are misguiding them.” “I appeal youth to focus on education, sports and nation building instead of joining militants. They should work hard for the betterment of their career and future,” he added. (GNS)