Security already beefed up across J&K
Srinagar, Feb 18: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone V. K. Birdi on Sunday convened a meeting which was attended by senior officers of various security agencies to comprehensively review and strengthen security arrangements in anticipation of visits by VVIPs to the UT of J&K, as well as other events in offing, a police statement said.
“During the meeting comprehensive briefing was given by participating officers on the security plans devised in the backdrop of coming events. Recognising the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between security needs and the smooth conduct of events, IGP Kashmir directed officers to ensure heightened vigilance, particularly during night-hours, to mitigate the risk of terrorist threats,” the statement said.
Emphasising the imperative to bolster intelligence gathering and anti-terror operations, IGP Kashmir urged officers to minimise the risk of untoward incidents by strengthening security at vulnerable points, especially during significant events.
“Special attention was given to enhancing security along the National Highway, tunnels, minority pickets and other critical pockets,” the statement said.
“Furthermore, specific directives were issued to intensify security/surprise naka measures in both uptown and downtown areas of Srinagar, with 24×7 patrolling and increased presence at entry and exit points of the district. The IGP also stressed the importance of briefing personnel to take care of SOP, considering the heightened security concerns during events.”
The IGP Kashmir Zone emphasised the critical need for thorough monitoring of vulnerable areas and prompt action against suspicious activities.
“Special instructions were given to border district heads to maintain strict vigilance along the LoC and hinterland to prevent the potential terror activities,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the security forces have been put on an alert in Kashmir ahead of the visit of Prime Minister NarendraModi to Jammu on Tuesday.
Police and paramilitary forces are conducting random checking of vehicles at dozens of places in the city and elsewhere, officials said here on Sunday.
Special checking points, including entry and exit points have been set up at various places in the city as a precautionary measure, the officials said.
Although the prime minister will be visiting the Jammu region, the security forces in the valley have been put on an alert to ensure that terrorists do not carry out any subversive activities during the high-profile visit to the Union Territory, they said.
This will be Modi’s second visit to Jammu and Kashmir during his second term in office.
The Prime Minister is expected to inaugurate various development projects during his visit to Jammu which include the AIIMS hospital Jammu, world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab river and Devika river project in Udhampur.
Modi is likely to remotely flag off the first train in Sangaldan-Baramulla rail link and also address a public rally in Jammu later in the day.
