Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 7

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday welcomed the dismantling of an alleged militant network linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, calling it a positive development while raising concerns about continued infiltration into the region.

Police recently arrested five people, including a Pakistani national accused of evading capture for more than 16 years, after uncovering the network with links across multiple Indian states.

“It is good that it was busted, but alongside that, the question arises – where did they come from and why did they come?” CM Omar told reporters in Jammu.

He questioned repeated claims that militancy has ended, saying the emergence of such networks indicates otherwise.

“We are told that terrorism is over and there is no trace of it left, yet such modules keep getting busted and terrorists coming from across the border are found,” the CM said.

He also dismissed remarks by Pakistan’s defense minister, Khawaja Asif, calling them unrealistic.

Referring to past incidents, CM Omar said attempts to carry out major attacks had failed. 

“They could barely reach Jammu and did not cause any significant damage. They could not even reach the country’s capital. The dream of reaching Kolkata should be forgotten,” he said.

The CM urged a focus on improving bilateral relations instead of escalating tensions. 

“It would be better if they focus on improving relations rather than worsening them further,” he said, emphasising the need for continued vigilance against militant activity.