Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a security meeting in Srinagar on Wednesday and directed the security forces to intensify the anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha urged the security forces to avoid harm to civilians during such operations.
The meeting was held in the backdrop of the killing of a truck driver identified as Waseem Mir, in Baramulla on February 6 in Army firing and the suicide of young Makhan Din in Kathua allegedly after torture by police to admit his involvement with militants.
The two incidents sparked outrage across Jammu and Kashmir with political parties accusing the security forces of high-handedness and demanding investigations. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government ordered a probe into the two incidents. He also raised the matter with Home Minister Amit Shah.
Today’s security meeting comes a day after the high-level meeting by the Home Minister in New Delhi on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by senior security officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Home Secretary Chandraker Bharti, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, ADGP CID Nitish Kumar, ADGP Armed Anand Jain, and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi.
Officers from central paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, all range Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), DIGs of J&K Armed Police, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from all districts, and Commandants of all J&K Armed Police were also present.
According to sources, the meeting discussed anti-militancy operations, infiltration and drug addiction.
Sinha was briefed about the current security situation and efforts to maintain peace in Kashmir. Security in Srinagar was heightened tightened given the meeting.
Meanwhile, Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said that Abdullah should have been invited to the meeting.
“We have already acknowledged that the Lieutenant Governor is responsible for overseeing law and order. However, in principle, Omar Abdullah should have been invited to the meeting due to his vast experience in handling security matters in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Since Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory key levers of the power are in the hands of Sinha. It will remain so until the restoration of statehood.
