Army Chief must act against anti-national elements irrespective of political dispensation: Cong

New Delhi [India], Feb. 16 (ANI): With Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat warning that those Kashmiris supporting terrorists would be considered anti-national, the Congress on Thursday said that action must be taken against such elements irrespective of their political dispensation or from civil authorities. Congress leader Tom Vadakkan told ANI that the Army Chief must apply his mind for the political entity in the play, specially the ruling PDP party, who is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Yes the army chief is correct. .. It is therefore important for the army chief to go and arrest and take action against whoever may be, whether he is from political dispensation or he is from civil authorities action must be taken against every anti-national," he added. Upset with the killings of jawans in a recent encounter with terrorists in the Valley, Rawat on Wednesday lashed out at those obstructing Army's combing operations. "Those who obstruct our operations during encounters and are not supportive will be treated as overground workers of terrorists," said Rawat after paying tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in encounters with terrorists in Kashmir on Tuesday. Urging the local people to extend their support to the security forces trying to maintain peace in the Valley, Rawat said they won't be spared if they continue resorting to negative acts. "Our idea is not kill these young boys, but to bring them into mainstream. But, if they wish to remain in this manner, we will target them with harsher measures," he warned. General Rawat expressed his disappointment about the involvement of local people in terrorist acts, whether directly or indirectly. He said such actions are the reason for the high number of casualties among security forces. Four army personnel, including a major lost their lives in two encounters in the Bandipora and Handwara areas of North Kashmir on Tuesday. Three other officers and three civilians sustained injuries as well. Four militants were also neutralised. (ANI)