The Hindu : Rationing to choke militants' supply lines

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 23, 2003

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Rationing to choke militants' supply lines

By Our Staff Reporter

Jammu June 22. In an attempt to strike at the supply lines of militants and prevent essential day-to -day goods reaching them in the hills, the authorities have resorted to rationing in the border areas.

Recently, after the operations in the heights of Pir Panchal to flush out militants, it was found that the terrorists bought essential items in bulk and stocked them. Food grains enough to feed the cadres for several days were found in their hideouts. Tonnes of dry fruits and large quantities of toiletries too were found. Strangely, they were even storing fertilizers for agricultural purpose. Electronic goods such as pencil cells were found in thousands for use in communication equipment.

It would be impossible for the militants to carry tonnes of food grains from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. They must be buying their requirements from the local market. The authorities have now issued clear instructions to shopkeepers not to allow anyone to buy more than what a family will need. Even where there is no rationing, a strict vigil is being maintained after some people were found to be buying much more than a family would need. "Militants usually force locals in the remote hills to get goods from the local market for them,'' a senior Army official said.

Rationing was being resorted to in the areas near the Line of Control in the Rajouri-Poonch belt of Jammu region such as Mendhar, Surankote, Thanna Mandi, Dharhal, Buffliaz , Dadmote and Rajdhani. In more sensitive zones, shopkeepers have been directed to keep a list of the buyers.

Senior officials admit that rationing cannot ensure that the goods do not reach the militants, who are willing to pay much more than the market price. For instance, a militant pays up to Rs.450 for a kilogram of chicken, which is normally sold for Rs.60. Similarly, a pencil cell costing Rs.10 can be sold for Rs.50 in the border areas.

Simultaneously, the security forces are continuing their drive to bust militant hideouts with increased police support. Talking to The Hindu, the DIG (Rajouri-Poonch) S.M. Sahai, said: "Police are now actively involved in the operations in the hills, as they know the terrain and the people. Police and the Army are now working in tandem in all kinds of operations in the hills."

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