In a major achievement before the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir which is likely to happen after one decade, security forces have killed three militants in three different operations on Thursday. These engagements are an indication of the insecurity that defines the union territory in the run-up to polls, which continues to experience a high rate of terror attacks despite changes in its political firmament towards electoral politics.
The first two, took place in the Machhal and Tangdhar sub-sectors in the Kupwara district of North Kashmir, fifty kilometers apart from each other. In these operations, two terrorists were nabbed and killed while the forces averted their attempt of infiltration from the LoC. The Machhal and Tangdhar sectors of the line of control are considered to be easy constructions for the infiltrators and they often try to cross the border in these areas. Such attempts at infiltration have been thwarted, in what shows that the security has been ramped up as the region heads to polls to avoid any increase in violence by the forces.
Authorities said the terrorists were attempting to cross to the other side of the border with an aim of sneaking into the country during the night or when the terrain is rough. Nonetheless, security might have succumbed to the threats, but due to their vigilance, they were able to deal with them and thus prevent them from causing havoc in civilian lives and/or peace in the region.
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In another incident in the Jammu region an operation started in the Lathi area of Rajouri district. Security forces had launched the operation following receiving intelligence information which suggested the terrorists’ presence in the area. The mission degenerated to shooting in a few minutes with the terrorists firing at the incoming forces. The following fight led to the neutralization of another terrorist which confirms the existence of a constant threat by militants in the area.
These operations have emerged at a sensitive time in Jammu and Kashmir especially as the union territory prepares for Assembly Polls after the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year. The elections that are expected to be conducted after a decade are therefore considered as necessary for the redesigning of the political system in the region. Yet, a striking terrorist elements’ presence and a possible use of force are still important threats to security agencies and the administration.
These operations by the security forces show their readiness and firmness to provide the much-needed security in the run up to this important electoral process in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The neutralization of these terrorists is clear indication that the security architecture is effective in the sub region; however, it also signals that there are more tests to be faced when it comes to a free and violence-free election.
