Police eye on minority pickets, highway in Kashmir

Naseer Ganai

Srinagar, February 18

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s J&K visit, Kashmir IGP VK Birdi today reviewed the security situation, giving directions to the officers concerned to enhance security along the highway, tunnels and minority pickets. He also directed officers to ensure heightened vigilance, particularly during night hours, to mitigate the risk of terrorist threats.

Birdi 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.”

A police spokesman said the IGP emphasised the need to bolster intelligence gathering and anti-terror operations. “Special attention was given to enhancing security along the highway, tunnels, minority pickets and other critical pockets,” the spokesman said.

“Specific directives were issued to intensify security, establish surprise checkpoints in both uptown and downtown areas of Srinagar with round-the-clock patrolling and increased presence at entry and exit points of the district,” the spokesman said.

Birdi was chairing a high-level security meeting at the PCR, Kashmir. The meeting was attended by senior officers of various security agencies, including police, Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, CISF besides state and central intelligence agencies.

“The meeting aimed 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,” the police spokesman 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 spokesman said.