Terrorism Indicators Decline In J&K: Army Commander

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Western Army Commander Manoj Kumar Katiyar on Thursday said terrorism indicators in Jammu and Kashmir have shown a sustained decline and the overall situation in the Union Territory has become“very normal,” even as the Army remains alert to cross-border threats.

Addressing reporters, Lt Gen Katiyar said all terrorism parameters in J&K have consistently gone down.“The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has become very normal. However, this is a well-planned conspiracy by Pakistan to send a few terrorists to disturb the atmosphere. Our Army and all departments of the civil administration are fully prepared,” he said.

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Responding to queries about recent encounters in the Kathua-Kishtwar belt, the Army commander said forces act swiftly on credible intelligence inputs.“Wherever we receive information, we take immediate and prompt action. This year, in several successful operations, we neutralised terrorists who had come to create disturbances in our country,” he said.

On reports of revival of terror launch pads and camps across the border, Lt Gen Katiyar said the Army is closely monitoring developments.“We are fully aware of what actions are taking place there. If they are trying to regenerate or reassemble their terrorist bases, we have that information. We will formulate our plans accordingly,” he said.

Referring to reports that terrorist infrastructure was being rebuilt after Operation Sindoor, the Army commander said Pakistan's military leadership seeks to remain relevant through confrontation with India.“Despite repeated peace efforts from our side, they keep doing something to keep this confrontation alive,” he said, terming it a matter of concern.

He asserted that India would respond more forcefully to any future provocation and would not be deterred by nuclear threats.“We see it as a bogey meant to prevent us from taking strong action. We will not get deterred by nuclear threats,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of Operation Sindoor 2, Lt Gen Katiyar said Pakistan had been taught“a very strong lesson” during Operation Sindoor and any renewed misadventure would invite a harsher response.“If they create conflict conditions again due to their internal reasons, we will respond in an even better and stronger manner,” he said.

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Clarifying the sequence leading to the ceasefire after the events of May 7, 2025, the Army commander said that India's Director General of Military Operations conveyed completion of action and sought talks, which were initially declined.“Fighting continued for the next 88 hours. After extensive damage to their military bases, their DGMO approached our DGMO, and it was during that conversation that the ceasefire draft was prepared. After deliberations, our government accepted the request,” he said.

Rejecting suggestions that India had targeted civilians or political leadership during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Katiyar said the response was precise and objective-driven.“We did not target any civilian areas. We initially targeted only terrorist bases. When Pakistan attacked our military stations, we responded by attacking their military stations and air bases,” he said.

On infiltration, he alleged that the Pakistan Army was supporting the movement and training of terrorists.“The terrorists are coming after training, and there is a possibility that the Pakistan Army may be helping in their training,” he said.

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While declining to share operational specifics about the extent of damage inflicted on terror launch pads and camps, the Army commander reiterated that the Army continues to closely monitor terror infrastructure and remains fully prepared to respond to any threat.

“The response will be stronger than what we have done earlier. How far we go and at what level depends on the situation at that particular time, but we are very clear that the response will be harsher than last time,” Lt Gen Katiyar said.

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