Pakistan is not only “sponsoring terrorism but also sending its nationals to Kashmir in the garb of fighting jihad”: Ex-JK DGP
   26-Dec-2018
 
 
Former DGP of Jammu & Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar was delivering the Lalitaditya Memorial Lecture in Pune, organised by Sarhad organization, where he said that there is a need to give strong message to Pakistan for its support to terrorism. He said “A stern message needs to be sent to Pakistan in terms of retaliation. We need to make it more costly for Pakistan because today Pakistan is not feeling the pinch it should feel”. Underlining the role of Pakistan in providing active support to terrorists, the former DGP said Pakistan is not only “sponsoring terrorism but also sending its nationals to Kashmir in the garb of fighting jihad.” He added “No matter which government is in power, Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism in the Valley”.
 
 
He even cautioned that India needs to develop a clear-cut policy on terrorism especially when America is pulling out of Afghanistan. He said “Now US is exiting Afghanistan. It has its implications in Kashmir. It is a matter of time that we will be feeling its implications in the Valley. After the US withdrawal, the terrorist organisations will feel pumped up, emboldened”. America is withdrawing it 7000 troops, who are stationed in Afghanistan and providing training and advising local forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State group. Adding to the caution he said the America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan would embolden the terrorist outfits to target India, therefore, India must devise the strategy to deal with terrorism in Kashmir.
 
 
 
 
He strongly advocated for bringing Sufism back to Kashmir. He said “The Valley has a rich history of Sufism but over the years it has moved towards Wahabism”. He laid emphasis on the need of taking concrete steps to deal with anti-national forces and developing a policy to encourage youth to give up terrorism and put them into gainful employment. He mentioned “We have 25,000 surrendered terrorists in the state. But, we failed to engage with them successfully. Even if 10% of them rethink of joining terrorism, it would be a big problem for us. Therefore, we need to work on this aspect of reform and engage with them”.