Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, days after the terrorist group released a hit list of 56 workers belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla (File Photo/ANI) Image Credit: ANI
The meeting was attended by other senior officials of the ministry, paramilitary forces, Jammu and Kashmir administration and police.
An official said that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir was reviewed during the meeting.
Another official said it was a regular monthly review meeting and some representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir administration participated in it through video conferencing.
Members of the Kashmiri Pandit community working in the Valley are reportedly in a state of panic after the terrorist group released a ‘hit list’ of 56 workers among them.
A blog linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, published a list of 56 Kashmiri Pandit workers recruited under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package (PMRP) and warned of increased attacks on them.
After the targeted killings by the terrorists, many Kashmiri Pandits who were posted in the Valley under the PMRP have shifted to Jammu and have been protesting for over 200 days demanding the transfer of the rest.
Jammu and Kashmir has seen sporadic incidents of violence in recent months, including attacks on innocent civilians, security forces and attempts at infiltration from across the border, officials said.
The government had told Parliament that since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 till July 2022, 118 civilians, including five Kashmiri Pandits and 16 Hindus and Sikhs, had been killed in Jammu and Kashmir.
The killings of Kashmiri Pandits sparked protests by community members, who demanded improved security and shifting of government employees to safer places.
In May, four Hindu pilgrims were killed and at least 20 injured when a bus caught fire near Katra in Jammu.
Police suspect that a sticky bomb may have been used to start the fire.
Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on 5 August 2019 and bifurcated into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Context and Background
Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla conducted a comprehensive review of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in light of recent developments in the region. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi, brought together top officials from various security agencies, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and intelligence agencies. This review aimed to assess the current security landscape, address emerging challenges, and strategize on future actions to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Recent Security Developments
Jammu and Kashmir have been a focal point of national security due to its strategic location and history of insurgency and cross-border terrorism. The region has witnessed significant improvements in security metrics over the past few years, particularly following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which granted special status to the state. However, sporadic incidents of violence and attempts at infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) continue to pose challenges.
In recent months, there have been targeted attacks on civilians and security personnel, signaling a shift in the tactics employed by insurgent groups. These incidents have raised concerns about the resurgence of militant activities, necessitating a robust and adaptive security response.
Key Points of the Review Meeting
Assessment of Current Security Measures:
The meeting began with a detailed presentation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, highlighting the current security measures in place, recent incidents, and the overall law and order situation. The presentation covered various aspects, including counter-terrorism operations, public safety, and coordination among different security agencies.
Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Efforts:
Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and sharing to preempt potential threats. He called for greater synergy between the local police and central forces to effectively counter the evolving tactics of insurgent groups. The use of advanced technology, including drones and surveillance systems, was discussed to monitor and prevent infiltration attempts.
Community Engagement and Civil Administration:
Recognizing the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the local population, Bhalla underscored the need for proactive community engagement initiatives. He stressed the role of civil administration in addressing the grievances of the people and fostering a sense of trust and cooperation. The importance of development projects in improving the socio-economic conditions of the region was also highlighted.
Border Security and Infiltration Prevention:
The BSF and the Indian Army provided an update on the measures taken to secure the international border and the LoC. This included the deployment of additional personnel, installation of sophisticated surveillance equipment, and construction of physical barriers. The importance of maintaining high alertness levels and quick response capabilities to thwart infiltration attempts was reiterated.
Coordination with State Government:
The need for seamless coordination between the central and state government was emphasized to ensure effective implementation of security and development strategies. The role of the newly established Union Territory administration in supporting security efforts and facilitating development projects was discussed.
Future Strategies
Holistic Security Approach:
Bhalla advocated for a holistic approach to security that combines military, intelligence, and socio-economic strategies. He called for continuous monitoring of the security situation and regular updates to adapt to the changing dynamics of the region.
Focus on Youth and Education:
One of the critical strategies discussed was the focus on youth engagement and educational initiatives. Providing the youth with opportunities for education and employment is seen as a key factor in preventing them from being lured into militant activities. Skill development programs and sports activities were proposed as part of this initiative.
Strengthening Local Policing:
Enhancing the capabilities of the local police force was identified as a priority. This includes better training, provision of modern equipment, and improving the working conditions of police personnel. Community policing initiatives were also proposed to build trust between the police and the local population.
Conclusion
The review meeting led by Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the security and stability of Jammu and Kashmir. By addressing the current challenges and planning future strategies, the aim is to create an environment where peace and development can thrive. The collaborative efforts of the central and state governments, along with the active participation of the local community, are crucial in achieving this goal. As the region navigates through its unique challenges, a concerted and multifaceted approach will be essential in maintaining peace and promoting prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.
