Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 15

Describing the attack on Amarnath yatris as “one reversal”, the Army’s topmost officer in Kashmir Lt Gen JS Sandhu today vowed to continue targeting militants in the region.The General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt Gen JS Sandhu, also hoped the situation would improve in Kashmir soon.“…Amarnath yatra attack has been one reversal but we will continue our operations and will continue targeting terrorists,” Lt General Sandhu told reporters on the sidelines of a passing out parade.Seven pilgrims, including six women, were killed and 19 others were injured when suspected militants attacked a yatra bus in Anantnag district on Monday evening. The killing of pilgrims evoked widespread condemnation across Kashmir. The forces have launched a massive hunt to the track the prime suspect, Pakistani militant Abu Ismail.“When the action (against the militants involved in Amarnath attack) is complete, you will come to know,” he said.The Corps Commander said the situation would improve in the Valley.“I am not too worried about situation becoming too bad or alarming. The situation will remain under control. In fact the assessment is we will continue improving the situation,” he said.He said there was no confirmation of Kashmiri Army man, Zahoor Ahmad Thokar, who deserted his unit last week along with a weapon from Baramulla, joining militant ranks.“We are tracking him,” he said.The Army has also taken action against its men found guilty of not working in a professional manner after some videos surfaced on social media showing Kashmiri youth being beaten up by the Army.“Some of the videos are old, some of videos were doctored to some extent sometimes. We keep ensuring that people continue working in a professional manner in the Army. When I find a person not behaving in a professional manner, we continue to haul them up…we have investigated these videos and wherever we found evidence against soldiers, we have taken action,” Lt General Sandhu said.