Social media fueling radicalisation in J&K, Army dealing with it seriously: Gen Rawat

'Situation in Kashmir improving, terrorists now frustrated'

JAMMU: Blaming social media for the rise in radicalisation among the youth of state, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat on Saturday asserted that Army was tackling the same with a 'lot of seriousness'.
"Radicalisation is taking place, mainly because of the social media in Kashmir. It is a worldwide phenomenon. We are addressing it with a lot of seriousness," Rawat said, while talking to reporters in Jammu after he presented President's Standards to 47 Armoured Regiment at Sunjuwan Military Station, Jammu.
General Rawat presented on behalf of President of India to the regiment, the Standard, a prestigious honour conferred upon it in recognition of its unflinching meritorious service since its raising on 15 November 1982, besides releasing a "Special First Day Cover". Earlier Standard Presentation ceremony showcased a mounted parade by the Regiment on the T-72 Tanks with clockwork precision and immaculate coordination.
Talking to reporter after the conclusion of this mega function, Gen Rawat touched upon an array of issues, while maintaining the Jammu and Kashmir government, the police, the administration and every stake-holder here was concerned about making the situation in Kashmir better.
"We are trying to ensure that people are being weaned away from this kind of radicalization taking place, mainly the youth," he said.
Gen Rawat also asserted that the security situation in the Kashmir Valley was improving.
"I think the security situation in the Kashmir Valley is improving and what is happening now in the Kashmir Valley is possibly highlighting the frustration of the terrorists and those who are supporting them," he said.
The Army chief said that the "ups and downs" in terrorism keep happening.
"We will keep eliminating terrorists, and some wayward youth, because of the social media campaign of radicalisation, will come and join," he said, adding that most of them were now operating overground and were surrendering.
When asked about NIA raids on separatist leaders in Kashmir Valley, General Rawat said, "In Kashmir, we are following the government's approach. The NIA raids are part of it. Whatever success is achieved, will emerge in future."
Asked about the reopening of terror training camps across the LoC, Rawat said that they were never closed.
Militants were stationed in the training camps even then as they are today, he said.
On whether the Army will again carry out surgical strikes to dismantle the terror camps across the border, Rawat said, "We have already said that surgical strikes were a method (to deal with terror infrastructure across the border). There are other methods also."
The Army chief also said that the enquiries into the terror attacks in Pathankot, Uri and Nagrota had been completed and action taken.
"Punishments are being awarded to the people who are found guilty. Nobody is spared," he said.
Asked about his reaction to the statement of Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Jawed Bajwa that his country wants to have peaceful relations with India, Rawat said the military has a task and it will continue to perform the task.
"Any talks or anything that has to be done will be decided at the political level. If the political hierarchy takes a political call, we will continue to perform and do our tasks that have been entrusted to us," he said.
On the challenge being faced by the government and the security agencies due to the alleged braid chopping incidents which have triggered violent protests in the state, Rawat said, "Why do you see it as a challenge."
It has been happening in other parts of the country and now it has started happening in Kashmir as well, the Army chief said.
"We don't see it as a challenge. It is a routine matter.
Civil administration and police is taking action into it and it will be foiled," he said.
Asked if the separatists were taking advantage of this to trigger turmoil in the Valley, he said the role of the media was important to uncover the truth behind it.
On increase in ceasefire violation attempts and especially the incidents of snipping on Indian soldiers, CoAS said that snipping is a new method the enemy has adopted among many methods of targetting Indian soldiers on LoC and army has been giving the befitting reply.
Army chief General Bipin Rawat said today that the Army has to remain prepared to counter any Dokalam-like situation along the Sino-India border.
Rawat also said that the mountain strike corps, designated as 17 Corps, was being raised as a "force of deterrence" and the process of its establishment was on schedule.
Asked if the 17 corps was being established to counter China, Rawat said, "Why should we say it is against whom? It is for deterrence and deterrence is against any threat that may confront the nation."
The Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had cleared the setting up of the 17 Corps in the latter part of 2014.
Asked if there was any possibility of a Dokalam-like standoff with China in any other part of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Rawat said, "We have to remain prepared".
Talking about whether the militancy graph has gone down after initiatives under the 'Operation Sadhbhavana', Rawat said, "Winning hearts and minds (of people) is part of any counter insurgency strategy and our nation has been following it rightly."
"Success has been achieved through Operation Sadhbhavana which is evident the way you see the goodwill of schools in carrying out competitions. There are any number of people joining and supporting the campaign," he said.
Rawat said action was being taken to secure all military establishments and garrisons.
Earlier, Sunjuwan Military Station, Jammu witnessed a historic moments today when the Standard Presentation ceremony showcased a mounted parade by the Regiment on the T-72 Tanks with clockwork precision and immaculate coordination.
Led by Parade Commander Col. Anubhav Gairola, the Armed units presented a parade of tanks and gave salute to the Army Chief after they received the President's Standard.
47th Armoured Regiment was raised at Babina in Uttar Pradesh on November 15, 1982 and it was the first armoured regiment to be equipped with Russian T-72 tanks.
The regiment has served in various armoured formations in the Western, Southern, Northern and South-Western Commands during its 35 years of glorious service.
The regiment has participated in all the major operations of Indian Army including Operation Trident (1986), Operation Vijay (1999) and Operation Parakaram (2001).
During its tenure in the Northern Command from 2002-06, the regiment participated in operation Rakshak where it executed multifarious operation tasks like demining, road opening, deploying surveillance detachments and providing quick reaction teams.
Not only this, the regiment also effectively participated in internal security duties at Sonipat in Haryana during anti-Mandal Commission riots.
Speaking to the troops here, the Army chief urged them to remain ready as they are facing multifarious challenges on the security front, from ensuring safeguard of the borders to the internal security.
"I feel fortunate to be presenting President's Standard to 47th Armoured Regiment whose responsibility has increased after receiving the honour," Rawat said.
"The morale of the regiment is high which can be seen from your report card of participation in most important operations in the country," he said.
The Standard presentation ceremony showcases a mounted parade by the regiment on the T-72 tanks with clock-work precision.
The occasion was attended by many senior serving and retired military officers and civil dignitaries including Lieutenant General DR Soni, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC, Lieutenant General Surinder Singh General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command and Lieutenant General D Anbu, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command.