SRINAGAR: A high-level joint security review meeting took place in Srinagar to assess the potential repercussions of the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and to formulate a strategy to counter it.
A winter strategy was also finalised, involving vigilant monitoring of J&K’s internal security situation and bolstering security along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border in anticipation of increased infiltration attempts before snowfall blocks infiltration routes.
A statement from a Defence spokesperson in Srinagar to the news agency KNO indicated that top security agency officials convened at the army’s 15 Corps headquarters in Srinagar. The meeting was presided over by LG’s Advisor RR Bhatnagar and co-chaired by northern army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi.
Other high-ranking attendees included the army’s 15 Corps commander, DGP Dilbagh Singh, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, Special DG (CID) R Swain, and senior army officers.
The Defence spokesperson explained, “Numerous aspects related to the prevailing security situation in the Union Territory were discussed. Senior officials from the military, state administration, and security agencies attended the meeting. The situation in the Middle East was discussed, and various contingency scenarios were considered. The meeting also addressed security concerns related to the upcoming winter season.”
Sources familiar with the meeting told KNO that LG’s advisor RR Bhatnagar emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in J&K. He commended the significant contributions of security forces, including the police, in maintaining a peaceful environment by eradicating terrorism and swiftly dealing with those opposing peace. Bhatnagar stressed to the officers the need to ensure that peace remains undisturbed.
One source informed KNO that the Advisor stressed the importance of preserving peace in J&K while closely monitoring the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. “We need to be cautious about the developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on the situation in J&K. Regardless of the circumstances, we must maintain a peaceful atmosphere, and our security agencies are fully capable of doing so,” the Advisor was quoted as saying.
The northern army commander expressed satisfaction with the current peaceful environment and stated that the security grid would prevent any adverse impact of the Middle East crisis on J&K while monitoring suspicious individuals and troublemakers closely.
It was unanimously agreed to maintain a vigilant eye on all developments and ensure that the situation remains under control on the LoC and IB, as well as in the hinterland. The meeting also discussed the winter security strategy, considering the potential increase in infiltration attempts along the LoC before winter sets in and blocks infiltration routes.
In the hinterland, it was decided that close scrutiny would be maintained on suspects and those opposing peace to ensure that the peaceful situation is not disrupted. The security grid officers pledged to take all necessary steps to maintain peace in J&K. Narco-terrorism was also discussed during the meeting, with a consensus emerging to combat narco-terrorism and the channels promoting it in the Union Territory. (KNO)
