Army chief says involving locals must to stem militancy in J&K

NewDelhi: The new Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat today strongly made a cause of involving local people in Jammu and Kashmir and convince them that all efforts are being made by the government and security forces to ensure "peace and harmony" in the militancy-hit state. He also made a veiled attack on Pakistan and referred to the "proxy war" launched by the western neighbour for quite sometime now.

"We are to ensure that people of the state understand that all efforts taken by the government and security forces is to ensure peace and harmony in the state," Gen Rawat told the annual news conference here. He said "Last couple of months in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed some violence" and concerted efforts by the Army and other security forces and "synergised" works were able to bring the situation under control.

The General said there was a greater significance of "intelligence" gathering also and said, "whatever we do, the information and intelligence is important". He said in all these - people's support and involvement -- will be vital. "While we have challenges along our borders,we have to be concerned about proxy war, terror that are affecting secular fabric of our nation," he said. (UNI)