Army Is In Kashmir To Save Lives, Not To Kill: Joshi

Army is in Kashmir to save lives, not to kill them: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Army’s Northern Command, Yogesh Kumar Joshi.

On Monday he called the new youths who have joined terrorist organizations, citing their families, that they have accepted their mistakes and joined the mainstream.

Ready to be, they will be welcomed with an open heart. But those who go against the nation and kill innocent people, they will not be spared.

Addressing a function at Mansabal Lake Park in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir, GOC-in-C Joshi said that Army is celebrating the 23rd anniversary of a homecoming of 23 boys here today.

These youths, residents of the Gurez sector, were forced by terrorist organizations to take up arms but were saved by the army in time. After explaining them, they handed them over to their families.

He said that today, I am happy that these 23 people are leading a happy life with their families.

During this, the GOC-in-C gave a message to the new youth who joined terrorist organizations that if they are ready to accept their mistake and join the mainstream, then we will also welcome them with open arms.

We are for the end of terrorism in Kashmir.

Even during the encounter, it is our endeavor that the local terrorists surrender. We are here to save lives and not to kill.

He assured that the army and administration would extend full cooperation to bring the surrendered terrorist into the mainstream.

He will ensure that the youth who give up arms can lead a better life in society with their families.

The commander said that in the last few months he has seen that the families of youths of the valley who have gone on the path of militancy.

They are appealing to them to leave the path of gun and violence and return to their homes. It really hurts to see this.

Even the army is not happy with the killing of local youths who took up guns under the guise of anti-national elements. This is why terrorists are repeatedly asked to surrender during encounters.

All this is because the army also wants the youth to join the mainstream leaving the path of terrorism and lead a better life with their families.

The GOC-in-C said that the army has stepped up counter-terrorism operations only to establish peace in the Kashmir Valley.

But even during these campaigns, the army personnel attach great importance to the protection of human rights while campaigning.