ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said that support of the local people was critical for success in operations against terrorists.

He was speaking to troops during his visit to forward posts in Swat and Besham on Monday, says an ISPR press release.

Gen Kayani appreciated the efforts of tribesmen to evict foreign elements from their areas. He appealed to the people of Swat to come forward and help restore normalcy. He assured them that the army was there to help restore law and order. He asked the local commanders to extend all help in providing medical facilities to the victims of militant attacks.

He appreciated the troops for undertaking difficult tasks in a challenging environment.

Gen Kayani said the success depended upon professionalism, aggressive spirit and sense of purpose. He said it would be ensured that troops engaged in operations against militants were provided full capability and capacity to complete their task.

He said that military operations were only means to the end. He said the political and administrative reforms strategy was the main prong to resolve the issues.

“Support of the local people is essential if we want to succeed in our mission and we must ensure positive engagement with them,” he added.