India-Kashmir-Militants
The director general (DG) of the state police, Kuldip Khoda, Friday said that security of political leaders, including that of pro-independence Hurriyat Conference, would not be slashed, and that the recent upsurge in violence was an attempt by the militants active in the state to register their presence.

In reference to the escalating incidents of violence, the DG said that the security forces were ready to tackle any challenge.

He said that militants active in the state had received special instructions from across the border to step up their activities in view of the forthcoming assembly elections to vitiate the atmosphere with fear and terror.

Referring to the incidents in capital and other places, he said that these were bids by militants to show their presence.

The director general said that police operations against militants were proving successful and pressure would continue to be mounted on the latter.

He disclosed that several militants had succeeded in infiltrating into the state and were trying tooth and nail to create disturbances in the valley.

The director general, however, said that no one would be allowed to disrupt the law and order situation as the police, the paramilitary forces and the army were better coordinated throughout the state to crush anti-peace elements.

"We are deeply concerned at the loss of life in violence," he said.

The top police officer said that every possible means would be used to hold the upcoming elections in a fair manner, and certain revolutionary measures were underway.

"Every possible effort will be made to conduct the forthcoming elections peacefully," he said.

Replying to a question on reduction in security of political leaders, the state police chief said that security of political leaders would be ensured in view of the upcoming polls.

Ruling out reduction in security of political leaders, he said that it was a matter of human life. "One can't play politics with it," he said.

"Security and politics are two separate issues. One can't play politics with human lives," he said.

He asserted that politicians, including separatist leaders, would continue to retain their level of security, and that there would be no reduction on this account.

"The security of separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, will be ensured, and there is no room for apprehensions in this context," he said.

"Political leaders will conduct their poll campaigns in view of the upcoming elections and they will remain under threat from gunmen, because of which reduction in security is not without danger," he said.

He said that the Narbal blast was a bid to damage the tourist industry of the state.

"But a strict eye is being kept on troublemakers," he said.