Says security gaps must be addressed to ensure public safety
Urges comprehensive anti-terror strategy in wake of recent terror attacks
Srinagar, Oct 28: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar on Monday, attended by top officials from the J&K Police, civil administration, District Commissioners (DCs), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from all districts across the Kashmir Division. The meeting came in the backdrop of recent terror incidents that claimed the lives of civilians and security personnel, prompting an assessment of the overall security arrangements in the region.
Senior officials present included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti, ADGP (Law & Order) Vijay Kumar, ADGP CID Nitish Kumar, Principal Secretary to LG Mandeep Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Bidhuri, IG Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, and other DIGs, DCs, and SSPs.
During the meeting, LG Sinha reviewed the functioning of the security grid and directed all concerned officials to take pre-emptive measures against potential terrorist threats. “We must safeguard peace and the pace of development. At the same time, the strongest possible actions need to be taken against terrorists and those who are providing support, safe havens, or any assistance to terrorists. Our aim is to ensure socio-economic development and promote a sense of security among the people,” he said.
He emphasized the need for stringent action against those spreading anti-national propaganda or threatening public safety and law & order. “A zero-tolerance approach and greater vigilance and coordination between security agencies are essential to crush the terror ecosystem,” the Lieutenant Governor stressed.
Addressing the issue of narco-terrorism, LG Sinha highlighted the need for immediate action to dismantle such networks. He instructed that dealing with narco-terrorism must be prioritized to prevent its spread and neutralize the menace.
The Lieutenant Governor called for vigilant surveillance of anti-national elements and directed the officials to ensure the safety of every citizen, including migrant laborers and other employees. He urged the identification and rectification of any gaps in security measures, reiterating that security cover should be upgraded, especially around critical infrastructure projects, to prevent any adversarial attempts.
LG Sinha’s directives were reinforced during a recent Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting held on October 24, where he urged security agencies to eliminate terrorism from the region. He advocated for a comprehensive strategy targeting terrorists and their networks, with a clear message to dismantle local support systems aiding and abetting terrorism. He also underscored the need for continuous surveillance around vital installations to thwart any malicious attempts.
In addition to security, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of accelerated development across the Kashmir Division. He directed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor the implementation of schemes aimed at the welfare of farmers, rural and urban development, self-employment, and other key initiatives under central sector schemes. Enhanced road and telecom connectivity in remote areas was also highlighted as a priority to foster socio-economic growth.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the efforts of the J&K Police and administrative machinery for ensuring the peaceful conduct of elections and the successful management of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. He acknowledged their role in maintaining peace and security, reiterating the need for consistent efforts to sustain this atmosphere.