SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a comprehensive security review conducted on Tuesday, delved into the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shah underscored the critical importance of strictly adhering to established procedures in the execution of counter-terror operations within Jammu and Kashmir.
This marked the first such meeting since the unsettling terror attack on December 21 in the Poonch-Rajouri area, resulting in the loss of four soldiers in an ambush by unidentified militants. The aftermath saw the discovery of four villagers, picked up by the Army for questioning, found dead the following day with visible signs of multiple injuries. The disturbing video depicting their alleged torture in Army custody soon went viral on social media.
The extensive two-and-a-half-hour meeting saw the Home Minister scrutinizing the area domination plan of security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, to eradicate the looming threat of militany.
“In reviewing the functioning of the security grid and the overall security scenario of Jammu and Kashmir, Amit Shah instructed to strengthen the counter-terrorism operations and the need for the complete elimination of the terror eco-system,” said the Ministry of Home Affairs in its statement.
Shah, in his directive, urged security agencies to ensure an “appropriate deployment in vulnerable areas,” reiterating the government’s commitment to a “zero-tolerance approach against terrorism” under the steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite the unwavering stance against terrorism, Shah underscored the importance of observing due procedures in counter-terror operations.
He reiterated the pivotal role of enhancing the local intelligence network while applauding the tireless efforts of the security agencies and the administration of the Union Territory for successfully curbing terror-related incidents, infiltrations, and improvements in the overall law and order situation.
Attending the meeting were key figures including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Chief of Army Staff, Director IB, Heads of CAPFs, Chief Secretary, and DGP of Jammu and Kashmir.
The region of Pir Panchal has previously witnessed a similar unfortunate incident in November of the previous year, where an anti-militancy operation in Rajouri’s Kalakote resulted in the deaths of five soldiers, including two captains.
Further adding to the trend, April and May 2023 saw ten army soldiers lose their lives in twin attacks in the Rajouri-Poonch region during anti-militancy operations. The region, which had remained relatively free of militancy between 2003 and 2021, experienced a surge in encounters in the subsequent years.
Pir Panjal, encompassing Rajouri district along with parts of Reasi districts, has experienced an uptick in militancy, with security sources attributing frequent ambushes by militants in the region to this surge.
Home Minister Shah, recalling a similar high-level review meeting on January 13 last year, reiterated that all security agencies are actively engaged in a decisive battle against terrorism, adhering to a zero-tolerance policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This commitment was further reiterated in another review meeting in the national capital on April 13 last year, where Shah stressed the reinforcement of the 360-degree security mechanism.
A senior government official, as reported in The Hindu, disclosed plans to deploy anti-drone technology along the Pakistan border within the next six months. Three Indian companies have been shortlisted for this indigenous initiative, ensuring that the technology and systems employed will be entirely of Indian origin. The official emphasised the holistic approach, stating, “Even the screws will be made in India.”
