LG reviews security situation in UHQ meeting - Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting here on Wednesday, reviewing the security situation across Jammu and Kashmir in light of the recent activities, particularly the deadly Gagangeer attack.

The attack, which claimed the lives of seven people, including non-locals, has heightened concerns about the security of civilians and non-resident workers in J&K.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dullo; Home Secretary; General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar; Director General of Police (DGP), Nalin Prabhat; GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava; heads of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs); Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, Vijay Kumar; ADGP CID Nitish Kumar; ADGP Jammu Anand Jain; IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi; intelligence agencies, and civil and Police administrators from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

The meeting thoroughly assessed the overall functioning of the security grid.

Special focus was placed on counter-terrorism operations, infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC), and International Border (IB), and preventive measures to maintain peace in J&K.

The Gagangeer attack in the Ganderbal district, which occurred on Sunday, marked one of the deadliest assaults in recent times.

Seven persons, including a doctor, were killed in the attack.

In recent weeks, there have been some attacks targeting non-locals, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas of Kashmir.

During the UHQ meeting, the security agencies reassured the LG that robust measures were in place to prevent further incidents.

They said that operations against terrorists and their Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) would continue relentlessly.

“We will not allow anyone to disrupt the prevailing peace,” the senior security forces’ officials appraised, emphasising the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

Senior Army officials informed the LG about the increased vigilance along the LoC and IB, apprehending a surge in infiltration attempts as winter approaches.

“The terrorist groups have attempted to push operatives across the border before snowfall blocks traditional infiltration routes. The LG underscored the need for the security grid to be on high alert during this period, and preventive measures were discussed, including heightened surveillance, the use of advanced technology like drones, and increased patrolling in vulnerable sectors,” official sources said.

Efforts were also reviewed to dismantle terror networks operating in Kashmir.

The crackdowns on OGWs that provide logistical and operational support to militants were praised, and security forces vowed to sustain pressure on these networks.

Several preventive measures were discussed to avert future attacks and safeguard civilians, especially the soft targets.

The meeting stressed the importance of area domination in vulnerable areas and asked the security forces to increase their presence through mobile patrols, roadblocks, and surprise search operations.

Given the looming winter months, which pose challenges to both security forces and civilians, the UHQ reviewed strategies to ensure smooth operations during harsh weather.

Army officials presented their plan for enhanced vigilance along the LoC, with the deployment of specialised winter warfare units in high-altitude sectors.

Officers from intelligence agencies briefed the LG on the need for seamless sharing of information to thwart any planned attacks.

Coordination between the Police, Army, CAPFs, and intelligence agencies was deemed critical in preempting such strikes.

The Unified Headquarters expressed confidence that the prevailing peace, which had led to a revival of tourism in Kashmir, would be maintained.

The LG emphasised the need for routine policing to maintain law and order, even in areas that are not traditional terror hotspots.

Despite the recent surge in terror-related incidents, security agencies reassured the LG that the overall situation was under control.

Senior officials from the Army, Police, and other agencies apprised LG Sinha of counter-terrorism efforts, emphasising that terrorists were on the back foot due to sustained operations.

The meeting reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of civilians and maintaining normalcy in Kashmir.

The LG commended the efforts of security forces in combating terrorism and restoring normalcy in J&K.

He also directed the administration to ensure that all possible steps are taken to safeguard civilian lives, especially in light of the upcoming winter months, which pose logistical challenges to both security and civilian life.