Terrorists unaccountable entities; challenge posed being tackled with full might: DGP

Jammu, July 15: Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain Monday asserted that terrorists, though less in number, being unaccountable entities posed a security challenge yet it (challenge) was being and would be tackled effectively, with full might.

He stated that there was a spate in terror attacks because the adversary or enemy had been able to find a gap. It (gap) would be plugged through an effective blend of human and technology related intelligence.

DGP was responding to media queries on the sidelines of an event at IIM, Jammu.

Event related to the inauguration of orientation programme of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu for the incoming batches at its state-of-the-art campus in Jagti to welcome the 5th Batch of PhD, the 3rd Batch of PhD (WP), the 9th Batch of MBA, the 3rd Batch of MBA (HA&HM), and the 4th Batch of EMBA.

“As I’ve reiterated earlier, the number of terrorists is not much. It is very less. But the lesser number, at times, cannot be the exact yardstick to assess the situation or reflect its gravity. Because they (terrorists) are unaccountable entities. Even a single unaccountable entity, an outside killing machine or a man sent to kill indiscriminately, without any connection to this land, with no purpose but to revive and increase the level of violence, fear and terrorism, is a challenge,” Swain said, when asked about the number of terrorists active in J&K witnessing spate in terror attacks.

With regard to a question about the purpose and outcome of recent joint inter-state security coordination meeting of top officers of BSF, JKP and Punjab Police held at District Police Lines, Kathua and facts behind apprehensions of terrorists infiltrating through Punjab border and entering J&K, DGP stated, “Some infiltration is taking place, it is a common-place knowledge. We tried to deliberate between ourselves about new methods and modus operandi they (terrorists) were adopting such as a little while ago we talked about tunnels. How do (can) we address that (challenge of tunnels) more effectively? There are certain things which are of operational confidentiality. But we tried to put our minds together to see that we have a response which will eventually work.”

“So, it is only a question of time as I’ve been saying (that they will be effectively tackled). Suddenly there is a spate (in terror attacks) because the adversary or enemy has been able to find a gap. But we will plug the gap through human and technology related intelligence – a combination of both.”

Earlier, the afternoon session of IIM orientation event featured an engaging talk by the Director General of Police (DGP), coordinated by Dr Mahesh Gadekar and Dr Sumesh P S.

Prof B S Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, Mekhla Sinha, Executive Director, GHRDC, Dr Sunil Gupta DIG JSK Range, IIM staff, Jurisdictional Police officers and galaxy of students were present on the occasion.

Swain delivered a powerful message emphasizing the critical importance of clarity, especially in matters of national security.

Sharing his valuable experiences and insights of over three decades as practitioner of national security management in a wide range of positions and responsibilities, DGP stressed that clarity was paramount in matters of national security, as it directly impacted the safety and well-being of citizens.

In his address, Swain, while delineating on the terror-ecosystem, mentioned that Pakistan successfully infiltrated all important aspects of civil society.

While reflecting upon the present scenario, DGP stated, “Many may argue that it’s the fear of the State that kept people inside (their home). But believe me, this is not the whole truth. Full truth is that Pakistan successfully infiltrated all important aspects of civil society. Thanks to so-called mainstream or regional politics in the valley. There is overwhelming evidence to show that many had perfected the art of running with hare and hunting with the hound, which left both the common man and the security men bewildered, frightened and confused.”

“Visiting the homes of killed terrorists and expressing sympathy in public was normal. While the elimination of new recruits in terrorism was allowed and tacitly encouraged, those who facilitated recruitment and arranged finances were never investigated. It was forbidden to go near Jamaat-e-Islami that provided religious and ideological justification to the perfidies of terrorists…. This was despite being an open secret that Jamaat was not only able to sabotage the government efforts to normalise the situation but also had a terror finance network that played a big role in mobilising street protests,” DGP said.

“It was not even possible to counter those vilifying everything about the Indian State and its armed forces as a part of deliberate and systematic creation and propagation of false narratives, based on half-truths, out of context presentation of facts, malicious and selective propaganda. SP rank officers were arrested and put in jails alongside terrorists, for crimes they had never committed,” he pointed out.

He stated that a lack of clarity could have dire consequences, potentially costing lives.

Swain highlighted instances where a lack of clarity led to unfortunate consequences, underscoring the need for clear communication and strategy in security operations.

In this connection, he referred to the 2014 drowning case, saying, “The drowning of two girls Neelofer and Asiya in 2014 was allowed to be hijacked by narrative terrorism who held the valley to ransom, hartals and rioting for many weeks. A very detailed investigation by the CBI and verified by the AIIMS forensic proved it was an accident,” Swain stated.

“Things had come to such a pass that the so-called mainstream political parties had started cultivating leaders of terror networks and sometimes directly to further electoral prospects,” he recalled.

DGP Swain stated that it was the unflinching stance and strategy of the Government of India and the armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies backed by the population that put this dubious duplicity to an end and brought peace.

“It is a call at the highest level that the political and economical opportunities would no longer be the prerogative of the privileged few but would be available to all. This is one reason I believe that the streets (in the valley) are looking calm,” he asserted.

DGP also shared his vision for a secure and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, where citizens could live without fear. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between security forces, intelligence agencies, and the public in achieving this goal.

Swain stated that it was a privilege to “share his thoughts, and opinion to the undeniably best brains at their age, experience and exposure.”

The lecture was attended by new batches of PhD full-time, PhD working professionals, MBA, MBA Hospital Administration and Healthcare Management, and EMBA students.

DGP also planted a Rudraksha tree on this momentous occasion.