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If detecting criminals violates the ceasefire, we can't help it'

If detecting criminals violates the ceasefire, we can't help it'

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.
 


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