Title : Statement regarding Terrorist Violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
(v) Terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir * THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SHRIPRAKASH JAISWAL): On behalf of Shri Shivraj V. Patil, I beg to lay on the Table a statement regarding the terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir. * Laid on the Table and also placed in Library. See No. LT 2870/2005
1. The overall levels of violence in the State of Jammu and Kashmir have been perceptibly lower in 2005. The first ten months of 2005 have witnessed 22% fewer terrorist incidents as compared of the corresponding period of 2004. Till October 2005, 219 terrorists are estimated to have infiltrated, which is a decline of 55% over 2004.
2. There has been a significant increase in the tourist inflow to the Valley in 2005 as compared to 2004. Till October this year, 5,33,211 people have visited the Valley as against 3,03,109 people during last year. Amarnath Yatra was completed peacefully with 3.88 lakh pilgrims having darshan of Holy Cave. The revival of tourism, along with the successful Amarnath Yatra has given a boost to the economy of the State. A yearning for peace and normalcy among the people is also discernible.
3. However, of late, terrorist outfits have been resorting to demonstrative action to make their presence felt by using car bombs, IEDs and suicide attacks and targeting political leaders/activists and security forces.
4. We are sorry to inform that Dr. Ghulam Nabi Lone, MoS (Education) was assassinated at his residence on October 18, 2005 in Srinagar in a terrorist attack. Terrorists also tried to storm the residence of Md. Yusuf Tarigami, MLA but were prevented by the timely action by the security personnel. The terrorist struck at a time when the entire Government machinery was engaged in providing succor to the victims of the earthquake.
5. Soon after the new Government took over in the State. Terrorists undertook some high profile incidents between November 14 to 16, 2005. On November 16, 2005, a car bomb blast took place near J&K Bank Headquarters, in Srinagar located near the TRC, killing 4 persons and injuring 50 including the MLA and former Minister. On November 15, 2005, a terrorist hurled a grenade while a former Minister was addressing a meeting at Tangmarg, District Baramulla. The former Minister suffered minor injuries. Six persons were killed and 71 persons were injured in the incident. On November 14, 2005 terrorists hurled a grenade and opened fire on the CRPF bunker at Lal Chowk, Srinagar. Three civilians and two CPRF jawans lost their lives and nine persons sustained injuries.
6. The escalation in terrorist violence in terms of high profile incidents may be viewed in the context of the political transition in the State. The State Government is determined to continue operations to contain and control terrorism in J&K.
7. The political changeover in the State has been usually accompanied by a spurt in violent incidents. A similar trend was seen when the previous Government has assumed office in November 2002. Terrorists had carried out 10 major incidents, including the suicide attack on Raghunath Temple, between November 2002 to January 2003. Another reason for the escalation in demonstrative violence is that the terrorist outfits wish to prove that despite the recent earthquake, their striking capabilities and their resolve to terrorize stand undiminished. Though the number to infiltrators has gone down due to the border fencing and effective counter infiltration measures, the infiltration continues in a calibrated manner. Funding of terrorist organisations from the other side of the border also continues.
8. The Unified headquarters (UHQs), under the Chairmanship of chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of India are continuously refining and monitoring the strategies for countering the nefarious designs of terrorist outfits. Security Forces have been asked to enhance their vigilance and coordinate efforts with intelligence agencies more effectively.
9. Government is committed in its resolve to bring normalcy to the State of Jammu and Kashmir and pursuing a holistic multi-pronged approach. The Government has initiated a political dialogue with various political parties, communities and regions about the all round development of Jammu & Kashmir. The Prime Minister held discussions with a five-member delegation of All Party Hurriyat conference (APHC) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on 5th September 2005. During the discussions, the Prime reaffirmed his faith in the peaceful resolution of all issues pertaining to J&K and reminded the delegation that violence had no role in a democracy. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a life of peace, self-respect and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
10. The Government is determined to take all necessary action to contain the nefarious activities of terrorist groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
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