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Indian troops on defensive in occupied Kashmir

NEW DELHI: A newly revived Mujahideen movement has put the Indian forces on the defensive. It is better armed, better trained and more daring, reports the USA daily "The Washington Post."

According to the daily, the operating methods of the freedom fighters are secretive and spectacular. In the past, armed squads would ambush military patrols or hurl grenades at police posts and run away. Now they force or sneak their way into protected to security facilities with guns blazing, seemingly prepared to die. Since November they have attacked half dozen security compounds in the region, leaving more than 50 people dead, the daily said, adding: "In the past the army would cordon off areas, stage crackdowns and catch or kill Mujahideen. Now it is other way around," he added.

The Indian security forces, initially caught off guard by the ruthless new assaults, have responded with a vengeance, counter-insurgency. Indian troops raid villages and urban neighbourhoods daily. Once abandoned security practices, such as frisking bus passengers and making residents squats outdoors for hours while their home were searched, have been reinstated.

According to witness, some security units are retaliating against the public, as in the market burning in Pattan. Army spokesman said the blaze was started by cross fire with the insurgents, while police said it was caused by an electrical short circuit. Residents said troops used gasoline and mortars to set the block afire.

The result of such incidents, local Kashmiris say, is that popular anger against the Indian government is rising and support for the Mujahideen, is spreading, the daily concluded. APP