Review of Security Scenario in Jammu by Union Home Secretary and Director IB
In a recent development, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, accompanied by Director Intelligence Bureau (IB) Tapan Deka, conducted a thorough review of the current security situation in the Union Territory of Jammu. The focus of the review was primarily on Counter Terror (CT) Operations aimed at targeting terrorists, dismantling terror infrastructure, and monitoring activities along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).
The Union Home Secretary and Director IB, along with other senior central officials, arrived in Jammu on January 14 for a two-day security assessment visit.
Upon their arrival, the central team immediately convened a high-level review meeting at the Convention Centre Jammu, which lasted late into the evening.
During the meeting, the top central officials discussed and evaluated the existing security arrangements, particularly in preparation for Republic Day celebrations and in light of challenging weather conditions. They emphasized the need to strengthen the anti-infiltration grid through a coordinated approach among all security agencies, as per the directives of the Union Home Minister.
The visiting team was briefed on the current security scenario and ongoing operations in various parts of the Union Territory, with a special focus on the heightened activities observed in the Jammu region originating from across the border.
Given the escalated attempts by Pakistan-based handlers to infiltrate terrorists and arms through drone operations and other routes, especially during adverse weather conditions such as dense fog, all security agencies were urged to maintain vigilance and work together to eliminate terrorists hiding in mountainous areas like Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Kathua, and Reasi.
The central officials stressed the importance of continuous, coordinated operations by security forces to prevent the regrouping of terrorists and thwart any potential terrorist activities. They highlighted the need for active participation from civil administration in collaboration with security agencies. Additionally, they emphasized the fortification of the anti-infiltration grid through enhanced surveillance using advanced technology, as well as the importance of human intelligence and the Village Defence Guards (VDGs).
The meeting was attended by key officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Home, J&K Chandraker Bharti, BSF Director General Praveen Kumar, CRPF chief G P Singh, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat, J&K Intelligence chief Nitish Kumar, and other senior Army, Police, civil, and intelligence officers.
Amid heightened security alert ahead of Republic Day celebrations, the visit of the central team holds significance, especially considering the recent incidents of drone incursions and sightings of armed suspects in the border districts of the Jammu region.
Security forces have been actively engaged in multiple operations to combat terrorist activities in regions like Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Udhampur. Even on January 14, Cordon and Search Operations were underway in various villages following inputs on suspicious movements.
Following the discussions in Jammu, the central team is expected to further enhance collaboration among different security agencies working on the ground and may visit the International Border before departing for the union capital.
Security Review Meeting in New Delhi
Prior to the visit to Jammu, on January 8, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, chaired a security review meeting in New Delhi to discuss the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, Shah emphasized the need to continue Counter Terror (CT) Operations targeting terrorist infrastructure and financing. He instructed all security agencies to remain vigilant and work in synergy to maintain the progress achieved post the abrogation of Article 370, with the ultimate goal of a ‘terror-free J&K’. He assured full support to provide necessary resources for this mission.
These developments underscore the ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures and combat terrorism in the region, with a focus on coordination among various security agencies and leveraging advanced technologies for enhanced surveillance.
