Separatists ‘getting funds from Pak’: GoI

New Delhi, Apr 03: Some key separatist leaders have been “receiving instructions and financial support” from the Pakistani establishment for disruptive activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said inputs indicate “existence of nexus or collusion of disrupting elements sponsored by the neighbouring country and separatists in Kashmir”.
“Some of the key separatist leaders have been noted being in touch with militant leaders based in Pakistan and PaK,” he said replying to a written question.
“They have also been believed to be receiving instructions and financial support from the Pakistani establishment for adverse activities in Jammu and Kashmir,” Ahir said.
He said recently the NIA arrested some separatists in connection with their source of funding and necessary action was taken against such elements in accordance with the provisions of law.
“There is a well-established institutional mechanism to effectively deal with illegal activities on the India-Pakistan border and Line of Control. A terror funding and fake currency cell has been set up in the National Investigation Agency to investigate terror -funding cases,” he said.
The government of India also said militants in Jammu and Kashmir have been resorting to “glamorisation” of militancy to recruit ‘misguided youths’ in their outfits.
Ahir said the state has been affected by militancy that is “sponsored and supported” from across the border and levels of the violence in various districts of the Valley are linked to infiltrations.
The government regularly reviews the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and in order to prevent activities of militants, numerous steps have been taken including strengthening of operational grid with enhanced human intelligence and use of technical intelligence grid.
“The government has also continuously encouraged policies to mainstream the youth, including providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy,” he said.
Replying to a question on whether militants activities have increased in Jammu and Kashmir after the surgical strike in PaK on September 29, 2016, Ahir said the suggestion was not correct.
“188 militant incidents were reported during six months period before the surgical strike. 56 security personnel and 10 civilians lost their lives in these incidents.
“On the other hand, 155 militant incidents have been reported during six months period post the surgical strike. 29 security personnel and 10 civilians have lost their lives in these incidents,” he said.