Author:
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: February 15, 2001
Introduction: Militants are exploiting
the truce, says J&K's DGP
The Jammu and Kashmir police have
been under fire for the past five weeks for alleged custodial killings
and violation of the unilateral ceasefire. In fact, the police's counter-insurgency
wing, the Special Operation Group, is being singled out as the public enemy
No 1. Director General of Police Ashok Kumar Suri, who took charge in November
last year, tried to clear the air withNAZIR MASOODI.
Q.: Has there been a spurt in militancy
related incidents since the unilateral ceasefire began in Jammu and Kashmir?
A.: Yes, there has been a spurt
in militant activities. The level of violence has increased during the
ceasefire. Since the past two-and-half months, there has been a threefold
increase in civilian casualties (including those injured in grenade attacks).
Militants have come to urban areas, including Srinagar city, and have strengthened
their network. The unilateral ceasefire has given them (militants) a free
hand. They even demonstrate their presence, as they did at the Jamia Masjid
at Srinagar and at the airport and Police Control Room.
Q.: Such attacks were being carried
out by militants earlier as well when security forces and police were on
the offensive.
A.: Yes, but the graph of attacks
was less before the ceasefire. They are now taking advantage of the unilateral
truce. However, security forces and the police are doing their best to
prevent these activities. We recently busted the network of two militant
groups, Jamiatul Mujahideen and Hizbul Momineen, and also killed the militant
involved in the Red Fort attack.
Q.: Militants have threatened to
intensify their strikes, especially Fidayeen attacks, on security forces
and police. Is anything being done to prevent these attacks?
A.: There can be no mechanism available
to prevent Fidayeen attacks. Militants choose their target and plan the
timing and place. It is only if people provide prior information that these
attacks can be prevented.
Q.: Police are being accused of
violating the unilateral truce launched by the Prime Minister. For instance,
SOG is carrying out anti-militancy operations despite the ceasefire.
A.: The police have not violated
the ceasefire. The force is not for combat operations, that's the job of
the security forces. My basic job is policing and we will continue to maintain
law and order. Our job is to detect crime and if you say the ''detection
of criminals'' violates the ceasefire, I can't help it.
Anyway, the Prime Minister has not
used the word ''ceasefire'', it is the media which manufactured it. The
PM has said ''non-initiation of combat operations''.
Q.: There are allegations of custodial
killings by the Special Operation Group, including the killing of Bilal
Ahmad Mir, the State Forest Corporation (SFC) driver whose jeep was used
by militants in the Srinagar Airport attack.
A.: We have always said Bilal was
in our custody. We apprehended him but he was not killed during custody.
He was killed when he was being taken to a militant hideout for recovery
of arms, where militants fired on the police party resulting in Bilal's
killing.
Q.: Why was Bilal the only one to
be hit by militant bullets? The police party escaped the attack.
A.: No, that's not true. Go and
see the hospital records. Our two jawans were also injured in the shootout.
Q.: There is a public demand to
initiate inquiries into such killings. Why not order a probe if Bilal was
not killed in custody?
A.: We will initiate an inquiry
if there's the need. However, that's not needed. I will take action against
anybody violating the law. We will deal with militants with a heavy hand;
at the same time no innocent will be harmed.
Q.: The state police is facing a
problem of credibility. Guilty cops are not being punished. Police officials
who were found involved in innocent killings were not touched.
A.: I don't want to dig old graves.
But I will ensure that no innocent will be harmed again. 2001 is the year
of police-public relations. I want to build confidence among the people.
Q.: There are largescale allegations
of corruption in the police department. After taking charge, you have set
up complaint boxes. How many complaints have you received so far? What's
the nature of complaints?
A.: I have received 12 complaints
against the police over the last two months. Most of these were allegations
of corruption. We have initiated inquiries as well as action against some
officials. Acting on a complaint, I handed Rs 1.25 lakh back to a person
which a deputy superintendent of police and a sub-inspector had gobbled
up. They will be placed under suspension.
Q.: Have you any clue about who
killed the Sikhs at Mehjoor Nagar?
A.: Lashkar-e-Toiba has killed
the Sikhs. We have clues about the killers. Al-Qasim is nothing but the
Lashkar.
Q. :But how will you convince people
? After the Chittisingpora killings, the five ''foreign militants'' killed
at Panchalthan in an ''encounter'' were local civilians. Chatha Guru, who
was apprehended on the ''charges'', proved to be innocent.
A.: Once we get hold of the criminals
responsible for Mehjoor Nagar killings I will produce them before the people.
