Srinagar, Mar 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday stated that the shifting of army units from Jammu to Ladakh following the Galwan clash with China created security gaps, lead-ing to an uptick in terrorist attacks in the Jammu Division.
While visiting the families of four policemen who lost their lives in the Kathua encounter, Omar said that the security vacuum caused by the redeployment of forces over the past few years had contributed to an increase in attacks in districts like Reasi and Jammu city. “This is not a new is-sue. Over the past 3-4 years, we’ve seen such incidents in various areas of Jammu,” he added.
Omar explained that while the army couldn’t be removed from the Kashmir Valley, units were redeployed to Ladakh, resulting in a shortage of forces in Jammu. “This shortage will be ad-dressed gradually,” he assured.
When asked about the government’s earlier claims of ending terrorism in Jammu, Omar empha-sised that such promises must be backed by concrete actions. “Terrorism won’t end with mere promises. It needs a comprehensive strategy and sustained effort,” he said.
On the issue of improving the situation in the valley, Omar refrained from making direct political comments. “If I answer this question directly, I’ll be accused of playing politics. But the reality is, we need to take concrete steps to improve the situation on the ground,” he added.
Regarding support for the families of those martyred in terrorist attacks, Omar confirmed that the government would provide jobs under SRO 43. “Anyone who dies in service or is a victim of terrorism is entitled to a job under SRO 43. If the widow is a graduate, she will have the first right to employment,” he said.
Omar assured that the Home Department would process the SRO cases and offer relief to the families of the four policemen martyred in the recent attack. “After Eid, when the office reopens, these cases will be prioritised, and the necessary relief will be provided,” he added.
When asked about future steps to curb terrorism in the region, Omar said that the government would focus on strengthening security measures. “We are committed to preventing such inci-dents, reducing terrorism, and preventing further mourning in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
On the identity of the terrorists involved, he noted that while no official confirmation was avail-able, it appeared to be the work of a new terrorist group.
Omar also praised the police for their swift response in preventing further casualties. “The four brave policemen made the ultimate sacrifice, but their actions saved many innocent lives,” he said.
He confirmed that investigations were ongoing, and authorities were working to uncover more details about the attackers.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today paid floral trib-utes to Head Constable Jagbir Singh, who made the supreme sacrifice during a two-day long encounter in Kathua.
Leading the wreath-laying ceremony at Police Headquarters, Gul-shan Ground, the Chief Minister honored the bravery and dedication of Head Constable Jagbir Singh, who was in charge of the Safiyan police post.
Describing his sacrifice as the highest form of duty, CM Omar Ab-dullah said, “His courage and commitment will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.”
Later, the Chief Minister visited the families of the slain police-men—Balvinder Singh, Tariq Ahmad, Jaswant Singh, and Jagbir Singh—expressing his deep condolences.
“Visited the families of our bravehearts—Balvinder Singh, Tariq Ahmad, Jaswant Singh, and Jagbir Singh—who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Kathua encounter. Their sacrifice is etched in our hearts forever. We stand with their families in this hour of grief,” the Chief Minister said.
