SRINAGAR: Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said procedural lapses and non-adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by security forces were the reasons why militants succeeded in striking at them this year.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a police function here, Mr Abdullah said that in almost all the big militant strikes that took place this year it was found that militants took advantage of minor or major lapses on part of the security forces.
“I am not just referring to Hiranagar and Samba incidents. I am referring to all the incidents in which the militants have got the better of the security forces,” he said.
Mr Abdullah said he believed that at some point of time there has been relaxation of the SOPs that were put in place. “Had the SOPs been followed, I believe these incidents would not have taken place. I think it is important that the SOPs be followed and these militants be denied an opportunity to have successes like these.”
The Chief Minister said that the security forces will have to remain vigilant as the militancy in the state has not waned completely so far.
“There is still some effect and influence present and to finish it off, it is our duty that we do not give them even one chance of success. Wherever the militants attack, they have to be dealt with an iron fist,” he added.
