Attack on security forces in Valley a proxy war from across border: J&K govt

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday said the recent attacks in the Valley on security forces were not an ordinary law and order problem but a proxy war from across the border.

"It is not just a law and order problem. It is a proxy war war from across the border," Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said in the Assembly here.

"We are in touch with the Centre over the matter. We want to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Amarnath yatra and tourist season," said Singh, who assured the House that the state government will make a detailed statement tomorrow after Opposition leader Omar Abdullah demanded a statement from 
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on the security situation.

Omar said while it was good that government was concerned about the safety of Amarnath pilgrims and tourists, it should also think about the safety of the people living in the state.

"The Amarnath Yatra will be over in a month and the tourist season will finish in two months but what about the safety of people living in the state throughout the year, especially those living in the border areas?" the former chief minister asked.

He said although the house has been in session, the government has maintained a silence over the security issue.

"Today we come to know about various things through the media.

"Media reports say the infiltration is up or down, another report says CRPF will be withdrawn from road opening duty and another one says BSF will be recalled for counter-insurgency duties. What is the truth? The government should make a detailed statement on this," the former chief minister said.

Launching a scathing attack on the Chief Minister for making short appearances in the House, Omar said "she chooses a question and intervenes during the 
Question Hour. That makes up for the press release and then she is not here.

"Please tell the Chief Minister to come to the House and make a statement on the issue tomorrow," he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister responded by assuring the Assembly that the government will make a detailed statement on the issue tomorrow, the last day of the ongoing budget session.

Earlier, National Conference MLAs Ali Mohammad Sagar and Devender Rana, supported by CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami, said that while everyone was concerned about the security issue, the state government was "silent".

"The Prime Minister is concerned, the Defence Minister and Home Minister are concerned about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The team from Centre is here and DG CRPF is also here.

"But the state which is affected, its government is silent," Sagar said.