By: Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the security agencies including Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary CRPF in Kashmir to maintain highest vigil while performing the duties.
The directions come two days after a Sub-Inspector of Police was killed in a militant attack in Khanyar area of Srinagar’s old city.
A senior MHA official said that the ministry has paid rich tributes to the slain security officer. “We paid a rich tribute to a Sub-Inspector of Police who was killed in a militant attack in Khanyar area of Srinagar’s old city, “the official said, wishing not to be named.
A Sub-Inspector identified as Arshid Ahmad of Kulmuna Kupwara was critically injured when a militant fired at him from a pistol at point blank range on on Saturday. He was removed to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) where he succumbed to injuries.
The MHA official said that strict directions have been passed to all security agencies in J&K Union territory which include “not to lower guard, maintain highest vigil while on duty and to ensure militants are strictly dealt with so that they don’t dare to attack security forces”.
“We have asked the security forces including paramilitary CRPF men to maintain extra alertness while performing duties,” the official said, adding that the forces have been asked to go after the militants wherever there is information about presence of militants.
“There should be no leniency for militants. Despite the fact that in the last one and half years Covid-19 has thrown up a major challenge, we have directed security forces to eliminate militants whenever there is an input,” the official maintained.
Another official in the MHA said that the security agencies have already been asked to maintain close watch in markets, busy places and outside religious places in Kashmir so that “militants who are coming to attack are neutralized before they target forces”.
Meanwhile sources said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Defence Ministry have already asked security forces in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to remain all-out alert along the Line of control and keep a close eye on “infiltrates”.
“Troops have been asked to maintain the highest possible vigilance along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch and Baramulla, Kupawara and other districts of the Union territory,” sources said.
It is to mention here that on the side lines of the wreath laying ceremony, the DGP while speaking to media had said that the SI Arshid Ahmad was a brave and young officer who was at the threshold of the service and was deployed for medical checkup of an accused to a hospital and on his return he was attacked.
Considering the killing of Arshid Ahmad a tragic loss for JK police, DGP extended his condolence to the bereaved family.
Dilbag had said that “every life lost is cause of concern for them and added that militants involved in the attack have been identified and follow up operation has been launched adding that perpetrators of the criminal act would be brought to justice soon”. (KINS)
