Feels bad even if militant is killed: Governor Malik
SRINAGAR, JUN 24 : Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik today said that he feels bad even a single life lost in the valley adding that even if that life is of a militant.
While speaking to the media, Malik said that they wanted the militants to rehabilitate and return to their homes. “It feels bad even if there’s loss of one life, even of a militant, as we want all to come back and that we make good rehabilitation offer. Killing is no solution, as militancy is not in the gun but in the brain,” he said.
Malik also lauded the security forces for their efforts in removing militancy from Jammu and Kashmir. “Security forces have done amazing work recently,” he said. Malik said that he wished that the youth shun the path of militancy.
He said that killing militants is no solution and wouldn’t end the “real problem”. “When I took over as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, I tried to give them (security forces) the best possible facilities. I have seen they conduct their operations in tough situations and heavy snow. It’s a difficult task,” Malik said.
Malik, however, complimented the forces for what he said working tirelessly to protect their land. “The achievements of security forces are always worth praise. I don’t need media platforms to compliment them. I am doing my best to provide them all the facilities they deserve because when we sleep at 3 am, they conduct operations in snow outside. The day I joined J&K, I started working for the welfare of forces and I’ll keep working for them,” he added.
Malik was the chief guest while Amitabh Mattoo, former vice-chancellor, University of Jammu delivered the memorial lecture.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that democracy was deep rooted in the Indian society which thrives on democratic principles giving the real power to the common man.
Mattoo in his lecture said that freedom of expression, values and institutions were at the core of the Indian democracy. Historically, great leaders expressed their narratives through their own newspapers maintaining highest standards of objectivity, accuracy, accountability and humane approach, he said.
“Today in the post-truth world, the media is driven by technology where the news flows seamlessly across borders. The democratisation and decentralisation of news forms of media presents a diabolic situation which presents a great challenge for the future,” he added. The Governor’s statement came a day after three militants were killed by security forces in an encounter in Baramulla district on Wednesday.
The three were identified as Suhaib Farooq Akhoon, Mohsin Mushtaq Bhat and Nasir Ahmad Darzi, police said. The police added that they were involved in several militancy-related cases in north Kashmir.
Earlier this week, encounters also took place between security forces and terrorists in Shopian and Budgam. The brother of a serving IPS officer was among the six militants who were killed in these two separate encounters.
