Governor’s Rule in Kashmir: Operations Resumed After the Fall of PDP-BJP Government

On Friday, June 22, four militants, a civilian and a policeman were killed in an encounter at Khiram Srigufwara in the volatile district of Anantnag. The incident happened on the third day of Governor’s rule in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was introduced after the collapse of BJP-PDP government. Of the four militants, two were identified as locals. Besides, 13 civilians were injured at the encounter site.

The encounter had started early in the morning after the security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the village - marking the resumption of operation after the end of unilateral ceasefire in the valley. The forces zeroed in the house where four militants were believed to have been hiding. As per the sources, the owner of the house, Mohammad Yousuf Rather, succumbed to the bullet injury and his wife also suffered injury in her hand. The militants are believed to be affiliated to ISJK, which is allegedly the local unit of the Islamic State.

Civilians living around the encounter site were moved to a safe distance. However the locals allege that forces did not evacuate the members of the house where militants were hiding. “The security forces didn’t even try to evacuate the members of the house they zeroed in. The forces have launched Operation All-Out and now they are not going to spare anyone. We, civilians, bear the burnt of both militancy and the wrath of Indian Security forces,” said a local, hailing from Anantnag on the condition of anonymity. Of the militants, one local militant is identified to be from the heart of the state, Srinagar. Currently, the Internet services have been stopped in the valley.

Political analysts believe that the Governor’s rule has brought more bloodshed and civilians killing with itself, which will have its own consequences. With the reins of state being passed in the hands of Governor NN Vohra, the anti-militancy operations have been strengthened. National Security Guard (NSG) commandos will participate in the operation along with army. Besides army, Central Reserve Police Force, police, BSF operating in the valley, NSG is the latest addition for which was formed in 1984 following operation Blue Star and Indira Gandhi’s assassination.

“If the operations will be aggravated, the more backlash will be seen on the ground,” said Parvez Imroz, human rights lawyer and activist. Sources have revealed that NSG commandos will be deployed with the army in the militant-affected areas of South Kashmir. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Governor adviser, Vijay Kumar has been asked to review the security situation of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Kashmir has suffered two wars and the 90’s aggression indicating how resilient its people are. But after the fall of the government, the state is completely backed by the Centre under the garb of Governor and this is going to provoke more youths and violence is going to be on rise,” said Yonus, hailing from Downtown, Kashmir.