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Soldiers Won't Lower Guard in Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Jan 26: On Tuesday, the pro-Indian governor of the Indian administered Kashmir, N. N. Vohra said that the Indian soldiers deployed in the region won't lower their guard.

Addressing a function to mark the 60th India's Republic Day, Kashmir Governor Vohra said, "During past two two decades the growth of extremist ideologies and terrorist activities, sponsored and supported from across our frontiers (referring to Pakistan), have resulted in enormous human and economic losses."

"While the outgoing year (2009) witnessed a significant decline in militancy related incidents in the region, there has been a sustained increase in infiltrations in the past weeks," he said.

Ruling out lowering of the guard, he said, "The surge in infiltration leaves no scope for lowering of the guard by the soldiers. They will need to maintain constant vigil on all fronts while ensuring that the rights of the people are respected and protected and no law abiding person suffers any harassment".

Referring to the agitations and strikes in Kashmir, he said agitations led to violent confrontations and repeated calls for observing shutdown have resulted in severe economic losses, varied adversities for the common man and daily wage earners. "The functioning of public institutions has been most adversely affected and the repeated disruptions of the academic schedules have done irreparable damage to the future of the younger generation".

"The elements in our society who have not so far been inclined to pursue the democratic path for the resolution of their demands need to seriously reflect on the untold losses suffered by the people in the past years and recognize the futility of continuing on the path of confrontation. We must bring to an early end this most unfortunate phase of agitations and confrontations. It would be necessary for all those who hold contrary beliefs to come forward to participate in a meaningful dialogue. Our liberal democratic framework provides ample space for divergent thought and opinion. Conciliation and dialogue are the best means of resolving all issues involving contrary positions," he added.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.