THE apprehensions about the influx of Taliban fighters into Kashmir after the fall of Kabul in 2021 did not materialise and no Afghani Taliban has infiltrated into the Valley, a senior Army officer has said here. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Chinar Corps Lieutenant General A D S Aujla also said that due to the ongoing internal crisis in Pakistan, there are no major worries regarding Kashmir but the Armed Forces have to remain alert to thwart any attempts to push in infiltrators, narcotics or weapons. “As far as the apprehensions which were there post Taliban 2.0 are concerned, we could see the manifestations (of concern) on this side as well in Kashmir but it never happened,” Lt Gen Aujla told PTI in an interview on Wednesday. A certain amount of chatter was being reported on the other side in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), but it never translated into reality onto this side, he said.

“So, there was no infiltration of any Afghani Taliban... To that effect, we have been able to control (things),” he added.

The GOC said India has grown in stature in a number of domains, including military, foreign affairs and economy, and is counted amongst “the very best and the most powerful” countries today. “With that stature today, I think we are in a better position to convey and convince people across borders in many terms, which augurs well for the country. So, while the western adversary (Pak) which is closest to us may not agree and actually feels bad about this... the rest of the countries are now... in alignment with us on many matters,” he said. So, there is hardly a chance of something emanating from the other side and disturbing the peace and tranquillity of Kashmir, he added. Asked about the current situation in Pakistan and its effect on Kashmir, Lt Gen Aujla said the crisis in the neighbouring country was bound to happen.

The situation in Kashmir has improved vastly over the last few years but the time is not ripe yet for the Army to go back to the barracks. The number of active terrorists in the valley is at its lowest in last 34 years, said the GOC. The Army is just a tool in the plans of the Government to ensure that Kashmir prospers, flourishes, and blossoms. “We will work collectively with the State Administration, with the other agencies so that we can see the better Kashmir before we can take a call. It will be taken appropriately at the right time,” he added.