Failing to disrupt peace, Pak & terrorists target economy, apple trade

Ever since the Narendra Modi government took the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 and Article 35 A, Pakistan was hoping that local Kashmiris would be up in arms. But our neighbour was left disappointed with the kind of response that came in. Several intelligence inputs suggested that Pakistan was tactically preparing to disrupt the law and order situation in the Valley. From a series of ceasefire violations to infiltration attempts, Pakistan has aided and abetted the activities of terrorist groups in the last few weeks.

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Target: Lucrative apple trade

A clear pattern is now emerging – a deliberate attempt made to cripple the economy of the Valley. Civilians and labourers from other states are being targeted by terrorists. Apple trade, a lucrative and crucial component of the region's economy, has come under severe pressure. Six people have been killed by terrorists with the sole aim to instill fear among locals with an apparent threat to life should they continue the trade. “This is peak business season in Kashmir. This spate of killings has only one aim – instill fear,” said an apple trader based in Shopian.

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Republic TV spoke to prominent businessmen of the Valley who did not want to be named, lest they get targeted by terrorists. “It is high time that we get the business establishments up and running. No one is interested in anymore bandh or bloodshed. Peace and prosperity are what will defeat the intentions of these terrorists,” said a prominent hotelier based in Srinagar.

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On Monday night, two truck drivers from Haryana and Jammu were targeted in Bijbihara, Anantnag where a police party was on patrol duty nearby. One of them, Narayan Dutt of Katra was shot at and the other one escaped to a nearby place. In the meantime, police started the lookout and chased the fleeing terrorists. During the operation, one dead body of a suspected terrorist was recovered with a bullet injury in his chest. His identity is being established. However, as per others, he is the same person who attacked the two drivers.

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