Nation on alert, extra vigil in metros

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 30

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the security situation in the country, taking stock of the forces’ preparedness along the western border in view of yesterday’s surgical strikes by the Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Edit: After the strikes

During hour-long deliberations, the top security brass briefed Rajnath about the steps being taken to foil any Pakistani design to attack Border Security Force posts. They also elaborated on the measures taken to ensure the safety of civilians living in border areas.

 Sources said Rajnath directed officials to be on high alert. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and top officials of security and Intelligence agencies attended the meeting. Meanwhile, the MHA has issued a countrywide alert, asking states to heighten vigil to foil any attempt by Pakistan-based terror groups to carry out attacks, especially in metropolitan cities. The border states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat were also directed to remain vigilant.

Rajnath told reporters that all attempts were being made to secure the release of an Indian soldier who had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan. He said the government had taken note of the reports that stated that an Indian soldier was in Pakistan’s captivity.

Sources in the MHA, however, said the minister had not spoken to anyone in Pakistan to secure the release of the soldier in captivity, but they went on to add that the ministry would soon make moves in that regard.

Army sources yesterday said, “One soldier from 37 RR with a weapon has inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control. Pakistan has been informed by the DGMO on the hotline.” Sources said the incident was not related to the surgical strikes in PoK.