Army helps locals combat terror in J&K

SRINAGAR: War on terror has got a lethal edge after local people joined hands with the army to defeat the militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

This follows the increased threat by militants to unleash terror in the violence plagued state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Col SD Goswami, defence spokesman in the army’s Dashmesh battalion at Jammu, says that army has donned the mantle of empowering the civilians of far flung areas in self defence to combat the menace of terror.

“Around 30 men and 22 women were given arms training in remote areas of Jhangar in Nowshera tehsil. They were trained to keep vigil, pass information regarding unusual activities, organize themselves to thwart any untoward incident and handle firearms,” Goswami said.

“A three day training camp was organized by the Col Ajai Sharma, Commanding Officer of Dashmesh battalion. A total of 30 men and 22 women including young people underwent the training. The response was overwhelming and heartwarming for the men in uniform,” he said.

The defence spokesman pointed out that the onset of summers and opening of passes increase the threat of infiltration and subsequent terror attacks by militants. “It is an accepted fact that the civilian population of Jammu and Kashmir has been at the forefront to curb the menace of terror unleashed by militants,” he added.

The army has also rejuvenated the Village Defence Committees in remote areas of Sariya, Pogla and other adjoining villages to take on the militants head on in these areas.

“It is our joint endeavor to bring about peace in the state. This camaraderie between the civil populace and men in uniform is the best way to defeat the menace of terror unleashed by the militants in the state,” he said

Defence spokesman said the army has assured civilians of all assistance in defeating terror.