If we move out of Handwara, anti-militancy operations will be affected: Army officers

The Army is concerned that a demand to remove its post in Handwara, Kashmir, may affect its anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Handwara has been on the boil since 12 April when four people were killed in Army and police firing after locals protested the molestation of a minor girl allegedly by an Army man. The firing began after an Army bunker was set aflame and soldiers were surrounded.

As a fallout of the firing and deaths, the district magistrate will be writing to the Army to remove its Handwara post, possibly under political pressure, according to The Economic Times.

However, Army officers say that the Handwara post is crucial for anti-militancy operations in the area, since it overlooks five converging roads.

An Army officer said: "The post is of strategic importance and has been vital in keeping an eye on over ground workers. It is a major town post that is led by a company commander."

The 21 Rashtriya Rifles that mans the post has killed 14 militants in the area since 2014.

"The 21 RR has a good grip on the area and has neutralised two militants already this year," said Col SD Goswani, spokesperson for the Army's Northern Command.