Local militants in Kashmir Valley go into hiding

Srinagar, Aug 30 (IANS) Local militants have gone into hiding following pressure from security forces and are now giving space to foreign terrorists, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Wednesday.

Inspector General of Police Munir Ahmad Khan said the local militants had gone into hiding after successful operations by the security forces.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a cleanliness drive at the police control room complex here, he said foreign terrorists were now trying hard to make their presence felt in the Valley.

"Because of the successes that the security forces got, in which top commanders of LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen were eliminated, the local militants have gone into hiding and are looking for other ways to survive.

"We have reports that they have moved to the higher reaches. They used to freely roam in build-up areas, which has now stopped. They have now given space to foreign militants, whether of Jaish or other groups," he said.

Asked whether the security forces were on high alert after the Pulwama attack, Khan said the forces had to remain alert always.

"There is no high alert, but after the Pulwama incident, we have to remain more careful," he added.

Commenting on reports that militants had stopped using mobile phones to avoid getting traced, he said: "We are facing militancy since 1990. There was a phase when there were no mobile phones, still the militants were neutralised. Now, there is a phase wherein mobile phones are there and militants are getting neutralised."

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