Author: PTI
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: January 9, 2010
URL: http://www.dailypioneer.com/227918/JK-remains-vulnerable-to-militant-attacks-Chidambaram.html
The Government on Friday said the country,
especially Jammu and Kashmir, remains vulnerable to militant attacks sponsored
by forces from across the border.
Complimenting the state police and CRPF for
successfully eliminating two militants in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar on Wednesday,
Home Minister P Chidambaram said the militants were in communication with
their handlers outside the country.
"The incident highlights the fact that
the country, especially Jammu and Kashmir, remains vulnerable to militant
attacks sponsored by forces from across the border," he said in a statement.
The Home Minister said at the same time the
country's capacity to neutralise a militant attack has also increased considerably.
"I would emphasise once again that the
country, especially the security forces, must remain in high level of vigilance
but there is no cause for panic. We must remain calm and confident that our
security forces can face any challenge," he said.
The Home Minister noted the swift action by
Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF personnel in neutralising the two militants
without suffering any casualties.
"They also evacuated nearly 600 civilians
to safety. It is noteworthy that the Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF conducted
the operations without calling the NSG or Special Forces of the Army,"
he said.
Security forces killed the two LeT terrorists,
including a Pakistani, after storming a hotel in busy Lal Chowk area.
A policeman and a civilian were killed while
11 persons, including two CRPF jawans, were injured in the encounter.