‘Extremist Mindset’: Pakistan On CDS Rawat's De-Radicalisation Camps In Kashmir Remark

Pakistan on Friday condemned the statement of Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat where he suggested de-radicalisation camps for radicalised youths in the Kashmir Valley. Rawat on Thursday had said de-radicalisation camps are operating in the country as it was necessary to isolate people who are completely radicalised.

In an address at the Raisina Dialogue, General Rawat, delving into the situation in Kashmir, said girls and boys as young as 10 and 12 years are being radicalised in the Valley which he described as a matter of concern.

Condemning Rawat’s statements, the Pakistan Foreign Office said, “These remarks are reflective of the extremist mindset and bankrupt thinking that have evidently also permeated the state institutions of India.”

The FO said Rawat’s remarks on FATF were further proof of India’s repeated attempts to politicise FATF’s technical proceedings.

“Pakistan has consistently sensitised the world community about India’s malicious campaign in this regard. We expect that the FATF members would reject these Indian machinations,” the FO said.

Containing radicalisation is key to effectively combat terrorism: Bipin Rawat

Gen Rawat had said containing radicalisation is key to effectively combat terrorism, adding radicalised young people were involved in pelting security forces with stones in Kashmir.

Identifying radicalisation is a major challenge, he said, adding it can be countered with effective programme.

“You got to start looking at where the radicalisation is taking place. Who are the people involved in radicalising the people. It is happening in schools, universities, from religious places and sites, and then there are group of people who are spreading this,” he said.

The former Army chief said it was important to isolate people who have been radicalised.

“You have to start isolating these people gradually and then start a counter radicalisation programme by identifying people who have been radicalised and to what degree.

“You have to segregate them... Then look at those who have been completely radicalised. First target them and then also start looking at the future, like what we have seen in Kashmir,” he said.