Srinagar, Mar 9: Hinting that Government may request Army to help contain protests in Kashmir, General Officer Commanding (15 Corps) Lt General Om Prakash Saturday said that a ‘counter-agitation strategy’ involving Army besides Police and CRPF can be put in place to deal with the prevailing situation.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Old Air Field here, Gen Prakash said, “We have a counter-agitation strategy, which is a joint strategy involving Army, Police, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies. That has been in place several times. We will go by that strategy. The strategy has worked well. We will be able to control the situation with that,” he said and added that in case need arises the strategy can be once again put in place.
The senior Army General said that investigations into the killing of Baramulla youth are going on at fast track.  “In the investigations, representatives from Army, civil administration and police are involved,” he said and added that Army’s only motive is that inquiry should be transparent. “For the same, Army is cooperating,” he said.
Prakash said there are apprehensions of infiltration as snow would melt soon on mountains. “We are meeting today and devising a strategy to bring infiltration to zero. We will keep in view the past experience,” he said.
He said north Kashmir is more prone to militancy than south. “We are ready to tackle any militant threat. We are aware of the threats and are dealing with them,” he said and added that soldiers at Line of Control are always alert.
CORE GOUP MEETS
Meanwhile, Army Saturday held this year’s first Core Group meeting at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar to review the overall security situation in Kashmir and to draw the roadmap for sustaining peace in the Valley.
The meeting was co-chaired by Lt Gen Om Prakash, GOC 15 Corps and Director General of Police Ashok Prasad. Senior officers of Army, Police, CRPF, BSF, Intelligence Agencies and Civil Administration participated in the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Prakash complimented the officials for “high level of synergy” and the bonhomie exhibited by all the stakeholders in addressing the security concerns of the Valley.
Prasad while addressing the gathering expressed similar sentiments and further elaborated on the key security initiatives put in place to manage the law and order situation in Kashmir. “Major efforts required to be taken by various security agencies with regard to sustaining peace and harmony through the summer of 2013 were also discussed,” sources said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 9 Mar 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 9 Mar 2013 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 10 Mar 2013 00:00:00 IST