Recovery of anti-aircraft gun triggers grave doubts in Kashmir

The recovery of an anti-aircraft gun on Saturday in Kupwara in north Kashmir has raised serious doubts about the security situation in the valley.

Disclosing that a huge quantity of ammunition was also recovered in the joint operation conducted by the Border Security Force and the Special Task Force, top police officers said the recovery has grave implications.

Considering that most VVIPs in the state including Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah use helicopters, the possibility of a deeper conspiracy cannot be ruled out. The fact that this is the first time in the past seven years -- during the period, 30,000 AK-47 and AK-56 rifles were seized -- that an anti-aircraft gun has been seized in Kashmir adds to the seriousness of the situation, forcing the authorities to order a thorough review of VIP security arrangements.

Another cause for concern is that scores of militants have sneaked into the valley during the last three months, prompting Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Friday to urge Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral to take note of the infiltration. He also said Pakistan should stop abetting militancy if it intends to have friendly relations with India.

Gujral on Friday congratulated the Kashmir people for ''decisively defeating the insurgency''.

Delivering his valedictory address at the 12th All India Whips Conference in Srinagar, Gujral said, ''Kashmir is turning the corner and the sunshine is discernible after a long spell of darkness. Whatever shadow is seen, it is the handiwork of those who have no public support.''

Despite Gujral's optimism the security forces were not willing take any chances for the prime minister's visit. Tight security arrangements were evident with troops patrolling the area where the prime minister's meeting was held. Motor boats carrying Border Security Force troops made rounds of the Dal lake even as the valley observed a strike in response to a call given by the All Party Hurriyat Conference. Shops remained closed and traffic was off the roads.

Addressing the delegates, Dr Abdullah lashed out at the local media. ''They seem to be representing the militants, and have been highlighting the human rights violations.... I would have taught them a lesson. But I am not a dictator.'' Protesting against the statement, local media representatives walked out of the conference hall and condemned the chief minister's views.