Zero tolerance to rights violations in Kashmir: Army commander

There will be zero tolerance to rights violations by troops in Jammu and Kashmir, the army's northern command chief said Thursday as he briefed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on counter-insurgency operations in the state.

A defence spokesman said Lt.Gen. Sanjiv Chachra called on Abdullah here and also briefed him on security situation.

"The army commander reiterated the army's commitment to zero tolerance towards human rights violations and that the cases of misdemeanour, if any, would be dealt with severely.

"The army commander also briefed the chief minister about the recent DGMO-level (director generals, military operation) talks between India and Pakistan and also the security situation on the line of control (LoC).

"The chief minister appreciated the successful operations conducted by the army and commended the restraint exercised by the troops ensuring that there was no collateral damage to civilian life and property," the defence spokesman said.

Lt.Gen. Chachra arrived here Thursday on a three-day visit to the Valley to conduct a review of the security situation.

He also visited some forward posts and interacted with the officers and other ranks at these places.