Pakistan likely to instigate violence in Kashmir, says Army Chief Bipin Rawat

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said Pakistan is likely to instigate violence in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to internationalize the Jammu and Kashmir issue. “From the rhetoric and false information campaign launched by Pakistan, it is evident they are likely to create a situation to instigate violence,” Hindustan Times quoted Rawat as saying.

Tensions are high in Kashmir after New Delhi on August 5 announced abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and decided to bifurcate the state into Union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh - hours after Kashmir was placed under a total clampdown.

“We must gradually allow the people to appreciate the benefits that will accrue to them with the actions were taken by the government. Curbs on social media will prevent the spread of disinformation and therefore our actions should be calibrated,” General Rawat said.

Rawat said preventing loss of life in Jammu and Kashmir was a priority for the Army. “The situation in J&K, and the Valley, in particular, must be managed to avoid loss of innocent lives,” he said.

On Monday, terrorists belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group on Monday abducted and killed two members of the nomadic Gujjar community from a forested area in Pulwama district, police said.

Abdul Qadeer Kohli of Rajauri district and Manzoor Ahmed of Khonmoh area of Srinagar were abducted by unidentified gunmen from 'Dhok', a temporary shelter, from the forested area of Tral in Pulwama district around 7:30 pm, a police spokesperson said.

This is the first terrorist attack after the BJP-led NDA government abrogated provisions of Article 370. 

On August 20, an Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist and a special police officer were killed, while a police sub-inspector was injured in a gunfight in Baramulla district of north Kashmir - the first encounter between security forces and ultras after August 5.

Following the Centre's move, restrictions were put in place in Kashmir Valley. Though restrictions have been eased in most of Kashmir, normal life continued to remain paralysed with shops and business establishments closed and transport off the roads.