Levels of infiltration, insurgency levels in Kashmir on decline - India Army

NEW DELHI, Sep 28 (KUNA) -- Indian Army Chief General J J Singh Friday stressed that infiltration of guerrillas from Pakistan and levels of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and the country's North East have been minimised.
"Situation is fast coming to normal and grounds have been created for a final settlement of these issues," Gen Singh told reporters at Delhi, ahead of his retirement as the Chief of Indian Army on September 30.
"Iron fist and velvet gloves policy is a resounding success," Gen Singh said.
"In the conflict-prone areas of Jammu and Kashmir and North-East, the levels of violence have been considerably brought down. People have rejected terrorism and there is now a wish to lead a peaceful life," the Army Chief said.
"The Army has been able to overcome the challenge of the guerrillas," he said, adding "the operations are based on sound intelligence inputs and support of the people".
"The policy of iron fist and velvet gloves is not only being acclaimed internally, but being seriously examined by all other militaries facing similar challenges," Gen Singh said.
"If you win the hearts and minds, you have won half the battle," he said adding, "The Indian Army is projecting no-nonsense approach to terrorists, while at the same time trying to reach out to the public".
Gen Singh said the pace of modernisation in the Indian army was going on at full swing. (end) dr.bs KUNA 282225 Sep 07NNNN