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Civilian casualties increased
during J&K ceasefire

Official figures show that the number of civilians killed by militants increased from 134 (from September 19, 2000 to November 27, 2000) to 201 (from November 28, 2000 to February 5, 2001) while the number of those injured rose from 182 to 374.

The number of militants killed during security operations decreased considerably from 389 to 153.

A total of 707 incidents of violence were reported during the 70-day ceasefire period from November 28, 2000 to February 5, 2001, compared to 746 during the same period from September 19, 2000 to November 27, 2000.

The number of security personnel killed decreased from 95 in the earlier period to 54 in the second phase of the ceasefire. The number of injured personnel, however, increased from 164 to 214.

Damage to government buildings, educational institutions, shops and hospitals increased considerably during the second phase of the ceasefire while damage to private houses decreased.

Meanwhile, official sources said the security scenario in the state was being continuously monitored and security forces had been instructed to remain fully vigilant to react appropriately to any hostile action by militants.

The sources said security forces had devised a multi-pronged strategy to be adopted during the ceasefire period. This includes continued anti-infiltration operations at the international border and line of control, area domination and other steps for protection of minorities, scattered and remote populations, protection of vital installations and security camps.

It also involves refraining from initiation of combat operations against terrorists in the hinterland and controlling crime and handling law and order.

The sources, however, maintained that there had been a perceptible change in the general atmosphere in the state in terms of overwhelming positive response from the public and political parties even though the extent of violence had not seen any significant decline, except on the border and LoC, because of the militants' hostile attitude to the peace initiative.

They regretted that Pakistan had not recognised the need for peace and continued to promote, encourage and abet cross-border terrorism.

UNI

The Kashmir ceasefire: The complete coverage

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