Shah calls another high-level meeting on Sunday…

||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 16, 2024||

New Delhi: In a decisive move to address the escalating security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting today in the nation’s capital. This critical assembly comes in the aftermath of four recent terror attacks in the Jammu region and ahead of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage. Shah is set to hold another comprehensive review with top officials, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, NSA Ajit Doval, and senior military and paramilitary personnel, on Sunday.

The recent wave of violence, which included a deadly attack on a bus carrying Shiv Khori pilgrims on June 9 in Reasi district, has necessitated a stringent reassessment of the security landscape. This attack resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives and left 43 others injured. Additional incidents in Hiranagar and Doda further underscore the volatile situation, with Pakistani terrorists and local security forces clashing violently, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Director General of Police RR Swain will represent Jammu and Kashmir at the forthcoming meeting. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, and leaders from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Intelligence agencies are also scheduled to attend.

“Security for the upcoming 52-day Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage, beginning on June 29 and concluding on August 19, will be a major focus of Sunday’s meeting,” sources revealed. The high-level review will be the first of its kind chaired by Shah during his second term as Union Home Minister. Ensuring the safety of the pilgrims and preventing further terrorist activities are paramount, especially in light of the recent Reasi attack.

Additional paramilitary forces, many of which had remained in Jammu and Kashmir post the Parliamentary elections, will be deployed to bolster security during the pilgrimage. Over 400 additional companies are expected to be stationed to ensure a peaceful and secure yatra.

A significant part of the strategy discussion will involve targeting terrorist cells in the Rajouri-Poonch areas of the Pir Panjal range. These groups are believed to be responsible for the Shiv Khori attack and other violent incidents in the region since January 2023. Efforts to neutralize these threats will be intensified, recognizing the persistent danger they pose.

Another critical issue on the agenda is preventing infiltration along the International Border from Jammu to Kathua. Recent reports indicate that terrorist groups intercepted by Village Defence Guards in Udhampur and the attackers in Hiranagar had infiltrated from this area. Determining whether these infiltrations are facilitated through tunnels, breaches in fencing, or other methods will be crucial in formulating an effective counter-strategy.

Today’s meeting underscored the Home Minister’s commitment to maintaining security and peace in the region. Sunday’s follow-up meeting aims to solidify a robust security framework to protect both residents and pilgrims amidst the heightened threat of terrorism.

Key Points from Today’s Meeting:

1. Recent Terror Attacks: Review of the deadly bus attack in Reasi and subsequent incidents in Hiranagar and Doda.

2. Security for Amarnath Yatra: Detailed planning for the 52-day pilgrimage starting June 29.

3. Paramilitary Deployment: Over 400 additional companies to be deployed for the yatra.

4. Anti-Terror Strategies: Plans to eliminate terrorist groups in the Rajouri-Poonch areas.

5. Border Security: Measures to prevent infiltration along the Jammu-Kathua border.

As Jammu and Kashmir brace for the pilgrimage season, the government’s heightened vigilance and comprehensive security measures aim to safeguard the region and ensure the smooth conduct of the annual religious event.