Minimise visibility of troops in civilian areas: CM to Army Chief

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 14

Laying stress on the need for maintaining greater vigil along the borders to prevent infiltration, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today called for minimising visibility of troops in civilian areas and tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister said this in a meeting with Chief of Army Staff Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag in which they discussed important matters relating to internal and external security management in the state and general geo-political situation in the region. The Army Chief was accompanied by GOC-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda, 15 Corps GOC Lt Gen Satish Dua and other senior commanders.

Mehbooba said that the troops should ensure that no civilian is harmed and there is minimum damage to civilian properties during encounters with the militants. “While the Army is competent enough to deal with the situation along the borders, for internal security, police and paramilitary forces should shoulder the greater responsibilities,” she said.

The Chief Minister urged the Army commanders to help consolidate and carry forward the state government’s confidence building measures on the security front and initiative of border tourism which would go a long way in ensuring peace and tranquillity along the borders and within the mainland.

While appreciating the role of the Army in civic action programmes, like Operation Sadbhavana, Mehbooba asked it to involve the local youth in sports and skill development, especially in the remote border areas of the state.

On Monday, the Army Chief had called on Governor NN Vohra in New Delhi. During the meeting, they covered a wide range of issues from overall security scenario for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra and the Anantnag Assembly bypoll, an Army spokesman said.

Earlier, Gen Dalbir Singh was briefed by Lt Gen Satish Dua about the preparedness of Chinar Corps in dealing with the emerging security challenges and measures to thwart any misadventure by the inimical forces. The Corps Commander also highlighted the steps adopted to integrate the efforts of various security forces for efficient intelligence network and synergised conduct of operations.

The Army Chief also visited the forward area of Baramulla as also Awantipura where he was briefed upon the operational readiness by the respective formation Commanders. He also interacted with officers and men during the visit complimenting them for their untiring efforts.

Expressing his satisfaction over the measures instituted by Chinar Corps to ensure security in the Valley, Gen Dalbir Singh reiterated the continued need for integration and close coordination amongst all security agencies.