Pampore attack: Why are terrorists specifically targeting the EDI building?

The encounter between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pampore entered third day on Wednesday. Terrorists have once again attacked the Entrepreneur Development Institute (EDI) at Sempore-Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

Terrorists had targeted the same EDI building in February this year. Five security personnel and a civilian employee of the institute were killed in the attack, while three militants were gunned down in a 48-hour operation.

Terrorists targeting the same building twice in eight months have raised questions as to why they are specifically targeting the EDI building. The exact reason for this is not known yet. 

In recent times, the state government has taken several initiatives in an effort to bring peace to the Kashmir valley, which has been witnessing unrest for months. The initiatives are aimed at inspiring the Kashmiri youths to pursue something to make themselves self-reliant instead of ‘stone pelters’’.

By attacking the EDI building, which provides vocational training to the youths, the terrorists, it seems, want to send a message to keep them away from such institutions.

Watch | Pampore encounter enters day 3; two terrorists gunned down, standoff continues

What Omar Abdullah said about the attacks?

In a series of tweets, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised this point in detail. 

“All the EDI ever did was train young Kashmiri boys & girls to stand on their own feet & not seek government jobs. Militants don’t like that!”

“No wonder for the 2nd time this year they have attacked the institute. They want young Kashmiris to be subservient & bitter not self-reliant.Every day it’s either militants snatching guns or then militants staging attacks. How can the centre be so blasé about where J&K is headed??” he tweeted.

No wonder for the 2nd time this year they have attacked the institute. They want young Kashmiris to be subservient & bitter not self-reliant

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 10, 2016

All the EDI ever did was train young Kashmiri boys & girls to stand on their own feet & not seek government jobs. Militants don't like that!

— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 10, 2016

About JKEDI

In an effort to effectively enable entrepreneurship development in the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government established the JKEDI in March 1997. The regular activities of JKEDI begin from February 2004. The JKEDI Community Organisers are spread in all of the 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir.