Army chief confident of controlling situation in Kashmir

Hyderabad, June 17 (IANS) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday exuded confidence that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir would be brought under control soon and said there was no cause for worry.

He said the situation was "troublesome" only in some parts of south Kashmir but he was confident that it would be brought under control.

"Security forces and all agencies are doing a great job to bring the situation under control. Some parts of south Kashmir are troublesome. Necessary action is being taken to ensure the situation there is soon brought under control. I don't think there should be any cause of worry in any of you," he said.

The army chief was talking to reporters after reviewing the combined graduation parade at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal here.

Rawat said there was misinformation and disinformation being spread among the people of Jammu and Kashmir which was causing trouble and possibly compelling some of the younger generation to take up arms.

"I am quite confident that they will soon understand that what they are doing is not good for their own state and people. All that armed forces and security forces want is peace and tranquillity in the valley," he said.

"I am quite sure of some of the young people who should have books and computers in their hands and preparing for exams to get into IITs and IIMs will soon be brought on the right side of the fence. They themselves will understand that they are not taking the right path. I am quite confident the situation will be brought under control," he added.

Gen Rawat claimed that the Army had a very good human rights record. He said the armed forces had stringent rules of engagement and were trained to handle the situation where children and women are involved.

"When they find there are children and there are ladies who are coming in front, they deal with them accordingly. Harsh measures are never used. We are an army that believes strongly in human rights," General Rawat said.

Asked about the army using human shields to quell violence, the General said they were trained to perform under such circumstances.

When asked if he would make using human shields a party Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the Army chief said: "No it's not. It depends on circumstances. Our effort is to make sure human rights are not violated."

On ceasefire violations by Pakistan, Rawat said they were done with a purpose but the army was facing and countering them.