Calling for a close coordination among various security agencies, Governor NN Vohra Wednesday asked the security top brass to execute anti-militancy operations professionally to avoid civilian casualties.
During the two-hour-long security review meeting at Raj Bhavan, his first after taking over the reins of the state, Governor stressed on launching operations against militancy in a most professional manner using latest technology.
“You must make it a point that civilian population is protected and zero collateral damage takes place while you carry out anti-militancy operations. Civilian protection should be the top priority of forces as one such incidents casts shadow on all good work,” Vohra was quoted as saying by an official who attended the meeting.
Chief secretary BB Vyas, principal secretary home R K Goyal, director general of police (DGP) SP Vaid, IGP Kashmir SP Pani, northern army commander lieutenant general Ranbir Singh, IG CRPF (operations) Zulfikar Hassan, IG CRPF Ravideep Sahi and the other officers of security and intelligence agencies were present.
A senior security official said the Governor was briefed about prevailing situation in Kashmir, especially militancy, recruitment of youth into militant ranks, law and order and the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
Though the security agencies have already decided to intensify its operations after the Centre decided not to extend the one-month-long non-initiation of combat operations, the meeting agreed on going after militants only “after corroborating human and technical intelligence”.
A Rajbhavan spokesman said the Governor stressed on constant surveillance of ground situation and asked officials to act immediately on reports suggesting security problems.
“Governor stressed on the need of cohesive action being taken to enforce constant vigil along the International Border and LoC, effectively maintaining internal security and ensuring the safety of protected persons, sensitive establishments and installations,” the spokesman said in a statement.
“In this context, Vohra asked representatives of all the forces to identify all existing gaps and ensure coordinated action on the ground for providing prompt and strong anti-militancy responses on all fronts.”
The meeting also reviewed important security related issues in regard to the Amarnath Yatra beginning June 28 and identified certain issues which shall be dealt with on most urgent basis, the Rajbhavan spokesman said.