Suspension of operations in JK opportunity to engage with youth: Lt Gen Dua

Lieutenant General Satish Dua today said that the suspension of operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan was an opportunity to engage with, and bring back into the mainstream, youth who have joined the ranks of militants.

Dua is currently the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).

The Centre, on May 16, had announced that the security forces would not launch any operation in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan but reserved the right to retaliate if attacked.

"It is unfortunate that some youth are joining militancy but the government has now declared a halt in operations during the holy month of Ramzan. Civil society, government organisations, NGOs and elders can engage with their children in order to bring them back into the mainstream," said Dua.

"These youth are our children but they are misguided. We are hopeful of positive results during this one month window," he said.

Dua was talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a valedictory function of flagship courses at the Military Institute of Technology (MILIT) here today.

Replying to a question on terror activities during the suspension of operations, Lt Gen Dua said that in such a scenario where terrorists opened fire at the security forces, the latter had the right to retaliate in self-defence.

"During the suspension of operations, we (armed forces) will not initiate any activity. But while doing this (retaliating), they (security forces) will take all precautions. That mechanism is already being built," he clarified.

Cncommenting on the integration among tri-services, Dua said that the prime minister, over the last couple of years, had given great thrust on the integration of the forces and, hence, the Ministry of Defence was working in that direction.

"We have already identified many areas where the tri-service integration is there and where it has to be ireased," he said.

Speaking about artificial intelligence, the official said that it was a comparatively new subject, adding that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was "already doing something".

"We have the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) (under the DRDO) in Bengaluru and they are working on this subject," he said.

Earlier in his address to the officer-students, Dua asked them to keep abreast of the latest technological developments.

A total of 146 officers from the Indian armed forces, and five officers from the Sri Lankan defence forces, completed the technical officers and naval staff courses from the MILIT.