PM Modi steps up security in Kashmir ahead of J&K visit

Security forces in Kashmir have been put on alert ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu on Tuesday.

Kashmir Inspector General of Police (IGP) VK Birdi chaired a meeting with senior security officials to review and strengthen security arrangements.

Prime Minister Modi will visit Jammu on February 20 and address a public rally on the day and inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several projects.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between security needs and smooth conduct of activities, IGP Kashmir directed officials to ensure heightened vigilance, especially at night, to reduce the risk of terror menace.

Earlier this month, two non-locals from Punjab were killed in Srinagar’s Sarakadar area, following which a terrorist associate was arrested.

“The meeting was aimed at comprehensively reviewing and strengthening security arrangements in anticipation of visits by dignitaries to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and other upcoming events,” police said.

Police noted that during the meeting, participating officers were given a comprehensive briefing on security plans for the upcoming incident.

“Recognizing the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between security needs and smooth conduct of activities, IGP Kashmir has directed officials to ensure heightened vigilance, especially at night, to reduce the risk of terror menace,” officials said.

Stressing the need to step up intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations, the IGP of Kashmir urged officials to enhance security at vulnerable points, especially during major incidents, to minimize the risk of untoward incidents.

“Special attention is being paid to strengthening security on the country’s highways, tunnels, ethnic pickets and other key areas,” police said.

Ethnic minorities and non-locals have been targeted by terrorist groups in Pakistan over the past few years.

The IGP has issued specific instructions to enhance security and raid naka measures in residential and city center areas of Srinagar, conduct 24×7 patrols and tighten vigilance at entry and exit points in the area.

“The IGP also emphasized on the importance of briefing personnel on adhering to the SOPs in view of heightened security concerns during the event,” the Kashmir Police District said.

Further, the Inspector General of Kashmir stressed the urgent need for thorough monitoring of vulnerable areas and prompt action against suspicious activities. Persons in charge of border areas are specifically instructed to maintain strict vigilance along the Line of Control and hinterland to prevent potential terrorist activities.

Bodhi reiterated the importance of collective vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors of the Kashmir Valley.

The meeting was held at Kashmir PCR and was attended by senior officials of various security agencies including police, army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, CISF, besides state and central intelligence agencies.