Let's give peace a chance in Kashmir: Indian army chief

NEW DELHI: Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said that peace should be given a chance in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

In an exclusive conversation with The Economic Times, the Indian army top boss stated that he supports dialogue to solve the ongoing problems in the restive valley, and to break the cycle of militant groups recruiting more Kashmiri youth.

“Talks must happen. The issue is that a lot of locals are joining militancy. We kill them and more would join. Infiltration can be controlled, but this cycle of recruitment of local youth can go on and on. So…let’s give peace a chance and see,” he said.

He refrained from shedding light on a probe against Indian Major Leetul Gogoi who made headlines after using a Kashmiri youth as a human shield in a Srinagar hotel.

“The inquiry is on. I had also made the statement that strongest punishment would be given to him if he is found guilty.”

Regarding on the situation along the nation’s frontier with China, Rawat said the situation had “returned to normal” following the recent Modi-Xi summit.

“Things at the Line of Actual Control are normal as earlier. We are encouraged by the meetings at the highest level.”