KL News Network
SRINAGAR
Indian defence minister’s statement that endorsed intelligence-backed “targeted kills” against militants in Kashmir has backfired Friday with former J-K chief minister Omar Abdullah and the firebrand lawmaker from Langate terming it an attempt to revive the dreaded renegade culture in Kashmir.
BJP’s Manohar Parrikar, an incumbent defence minister of India, apparently remarked in the heat of moment: “Kaante se kaanta nikaalte hain” (you have to extract a thorn with a thorn).
Our proactive attitude is to identify terrorists and then effectively neutralise them, Parrikar said, stressing: “Every case is handled firmly with clear-cut intelligence for targeted kills.”
Hours after his statement, former J-K CM and National Conference’s working president, Omar Abdullah took to his twitter to register his reaction: “Looks like Mufti Syed is reviving & empowering the Ikhwanis.” That’s the only way, he wrote, to carry out “terrorists killing terrorists” policy of MOD.
Later, the lawmaker, known for his fiery reactions termed Parrikar’s remarks “unacceptable”.
“The intentions are clear that GoI intends to revive counter insurgency and is in search of Kuka Parrays and other renegades of their times,” Er Rashid said. “Mr Parrikar’s threat to sponsor terrorists speaks of his arrogance and disrespect towards human rights.”
Rashid went on to say that Parrikar should understand that before reviving counter insurgency, “GoI must explain the constitutional validity of counter insurgents and VDCs, and punish them for their brazen terrorist activities sponsored by the state.”
Notably, Parrikar’s statement is the first forthright acknowledgement by Indian defence minister, wherein he said: “You have to neutralise terrorist through terrorist only. Why my soldier has to do it all the time?”
Parrikar visited Jammu and Kashmir Friday to review the security situation, his second visit since November last year. Accompanied by Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag and others, Parrikar will hold meetings with Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in Srinagar.
“Mr Parrikar’s statement is a confession that Indian army and other agencies lack professional skills and have not been able to control militancy despite their all atrocities,” Er Rashid said.
