New Delhi, Nov.7 (ANI): Two brave soldiers of the Indian Army, hailing from the Kashmir Valley, made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation on November 3. They were killed by Pakistani troops from across the Line Of Control in the Gurez Sector.
The soldiers, Rifleman Tariq Ahmed Lone, a resident of Baktoor, Gurez, and Rifleman Waseem Ahmad Lone, a resident of Bandipora, were serving with the 160 Battalion of the Territorial Army (TA).They were killed while patrolling forward areas in the Gurez Sector where there was an indication of infiltration by some Pakistani terrorist groups.
Visibly upset troops of 3 Sikh and 13 Sikh, with whom these brave soldiers were attached, gave a befitting response to Pakistan with heavy retaliatory fire.
The bodies of the soldiers were handed over to their families with full military honours. The Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps, Lt. Gen. S.K. Dua, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers. Their units also were full of praise for their heroism while guarding the borders of their country in very treacherous terrain and difficult conditions.
While reflecting on the death of these two honest and brave Kashmiri soldiers, one wonders as to why human rights organisations, that are otherwise so active in the valley, have not raised concern over this wanton killing. These organisations have never lost an opportunity to malign the Indian Army with accusations of human rights violations and now now, when Pakistan has brutally killed two Kashmiri soldiers, whose only fault was that they joined the army to serve their nation, there is a deafening silence from them.
One cannot help but feel that they apply different rules for different people and that their agendas are based on well established vested interests.
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The manner in which the Kashmir media covered the martyrdom of Riflemen Tariq Ahmed Lone and Waseem Ahmad Lone was also quite disappointing. Here were two local heroes who had laid down their lives while guarding their own people and the local media chose to ignore their great sacrifice. Most Kashmir-based newspapers carried a terse two paragraph item on the incident and no more.
These very newspapers give voluminous space to the killing of terrorists as was seen just a few days back when Abu Qasim, a foreign terrorist of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), was killed. Abu Qasim was a criminal and a sadistic killer who had the blood of many innocent Kashmiri civilians on his hands. Despite his criminality, he was glorified by the Kashmir media.
Some vested interests collected a large crowd for his funeral which was religiously reported by all Kashmir-based newspapers.
Undoubtedly, there is a media set up in the Kashmir Valley that caters to secessionist and divisive forces. Why this segment has been allowed to continue with its nefarious activities is something that defies logic. The state government should put a lid on this perfidious activity sooner than later.
The dastardly killing should also have caused concern in the international community since it exposed the continued violence that Pakistan is perpetrating along the Line of Control.
Only recently, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had committed to reducing violent engagement with India, and this is how the army of his country has responded to his promise.
Pakistani leaders make promises on Kashmir that are meant to be broken. It is now up to the international community to call their bluff. In his next meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the President of the United States should seek to know the concrete steps taken to make good the promises made.
Recruitment for the Territorial Army is largely done from the terrorist infested districts of the state, including Baramulla, Kupwara and Jammu. The minimum education level required for recruitment is the eighth standard and the age limit is 25 years and below. Ex-servicemen, Ex-STF/SPO and surrendered militants are also enrolled in TA (H&H).
The response for this recruitment has been overwhelming and the performance of the soldiers is much beyond expectations.
The bravery exhibited by Rifleman Tariq Ahmed Lone and Rifleman Waseem Ahmad Lone is reflective of the ethos and dedication in the TA (H&H) Battalions in Kashmir. They were attached with units deployed on the Line of Control and, in view of their detailed knowledge of the terrain; they were assisting the troops in identifying the possible infiltration routes that the terrorists would follow. Possibly, they had taken the patrol very close to an area from where infiltration was to be attempted, which provoked firing from the Pakistan side.
Divisive forces and terrorists organisations operating in the valley are quite worried since the erstwhile recruitment areas of terrorists are now providing soldiers for the TA (H&H) battalions. TA (H&H) battalions in Jammu and Kashmir are playing an important role in counter-terrorist operations in the state.
By making the supreme sacrifice, Rifleman Tariq Ahmed Lone and Rifleman Waseem Ahmad Lone have done their nation, the Indian army and their families proud.
Appropriate action definitely needs to be initiated against all anti-national elements who cause impediments in the peace process.
It has to be ensured that the sacrifice of these two brave soldiers does not go in vain.
The author, Col.