As pro-Amarnath protests continued in the region, the Army on Friday issued a strict warning that anyone who tried to disrupt communication lines by blocking national highways and railway tracks would be treated as “anti-national”.

Addressing the media, GOC of Rising Star Corps Lt Gen Vinay Sharma said the Army would not hesitate to use force and open fire on such persons, after exercising maximum restraint. “Anybody who crosses the Lakshman Rekha, will be treated as anti-national by the Indian Army and will not be spared. The Army, after exercising utmost restraint, will use force,” he warned.

He also cautioned that the prevailing situation in the state could work to the advantage of terrorists. “There are intelligence reports that the militants will try to exploit this abnormal situation and may trigger blasts,” he said. “The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are round the corner, and keeping in view the sensitivity of the state, the militant groups would try and take advantage for carrying out subversive acts,” he said. “Our biggest fear is that terrorists could trigger blasts among the protestors and cause huge loss of life and property.”

Referring to the killing of a civilian in Kathua district, Sharma said the troops had resorted to firing after a large mob had gathered near Kathua and assaulted an Army convoy. Denying reports of an economic blockade, he said: “The highways have been cleared and about 400-500 trucks are again plying.”