Srinagar, Nov 14: Former Army commander Lieutenant General D P Pandey has said it is difficult for security agencies to predict the exact location of a terrorist attack even with comprehensive intelligence inputs, amid questions over recent security incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a video message shared on social media, former Army Gen. as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said intelligence inputs could help security agencies assess threats but could not guarantee precise prediction of where terrorists might strike.
“With all my experience, and you can see it all over the world, you have 100 per cent intelligence, but it is very difficult to know at what exact location a terrorist will attack or fire on you,” he said.
His remarks come amid criticism over the recent Kulgam attack and questions about possible intelligence lapses.
The former Army officer maintained that the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir had improved and credited the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces for containing terrorist activities.
“Do appreciate that the situation in J&K today is very good. If you look at the operations happening around the world, the contingency operations, we are doing extremely great,” he said.
He also claimed that terrorist recruitment had declined and their activities were largely under control, while describing recent attacks as an indication of desperation among terrorist groups.
“Recruitment is down, and the actions of the terrorists are under a lot of control. They have a desperation to do something,” he said.
Calling for public support to security personnel, he said the forces were working to safeguard people and the country.
“Let’s appreciate their hard work and be with them, support them. They are there for you, and they are for your country,” he said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of the November 11 attack on a CRPF checkpoint in the Akhran area near Mir Bazar in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, in which three CRPF personnel were injured after suspected terrorists opened fire.
Security forces subsequently launched extensive cordon-and-search operations to track down the attackers, who escaped towards a nearby forested area.
The search operation entered its fifth consecutive day on Sunday, with security agencies also probing possible links of local terror networks and support elements to the attack.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened across Kashmir, with additional checkpoints and intensified vehicle checking and frisking at several locations. (KNS)
