Place Gen Rawat’s statement in context

With six soldiers laying down life in the line of duty in less than week, the anguish in the Army is difficult to hide. A statement of anguish is, therefore, being bitterly reacted without giving a though as where this anguish is coming from. In Jammu and Kashmir mainstream politicians as well as separatists have criticized army Chief General Bipin Rawat’s statement warning local youth against creating hurdles during anti militancy operations even as the government came to his defence. Both the camps said that such a statement would fuel a spurt in militancy in the state. The opposition National Conference expressed disappointment and dismay over the “belligerent remarks” of the army chief and said such posturing would compound the situation and increase the hostility in the Valley. A ruling Peoples Democratic Party spokesman has said: “This has not happened today, there have been occasions in the past also. That is why we say in any circumstances, a disciplined force observes restraint. This is a welfare state and we are committed to certain principles”. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat’s statement, which has evoked sharp reactions from country’s top intellectual elites and many political parties, has to be understood in a particular context. While the last few days have been very gloomy, the whole of last year has been highly depressing for the armed forces, if seen through the operational parameters. 2016 was the bloodiest year of half a decade in terms of insurgency and counter-insurgency operations but what should have worried the Army is fast dwindling ration of militants killed per single loss of a soldier (ideally not a single loss should happen). Last year it was less than two militants killed per single death of soldiers. This is disturbing. Earlier the militants had hidden support from the locals, which could have been coercive at occasions but now people are baring the bullets to come in open and help militants escape during encounters with security forces. General Rawat on Wednesday said that people interfering during anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir will be considered anti-nationals and will face action. His tough talk came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he paid last respects to three of the four soldiers, including a Major, who were killed in two separate encounters in Kashmir on Tuesday. As long as there is no other political alternative promising peace, the Army will have to keep on fighting the militants. If people come in the way that would only complicate the situation.