Chairs two back to back review meetings in Delhi, LG Sinha, DGP Prabhat, top security officials attend meet
Diplomat Desk
Jammu,(DD)Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched a comprehensive security initiative in Jammu and Kashmir, setting an ambitious target of achieving ‘zero infiltration’ in the region as part of a broader, renewed campaign against terrorism.
In two back-to-back high-level review meetings in Delhi since yesterday, Shah discussed the evolving security landscape with top officials, emphasizing that the terrorist ecosystem in the Union Territory has been significantly weakened due to the coordinated efforts of the central government and security forces over the past few years.
The meetings were called in response to the recent terror attack in Kulgam district on February 3, which claimed the life of ex-serviceman Manzoor Ahmad Wagay and injured his wife and niece. Shah expressed his deep concern over the attack and reassured that such incidents would not deter the government’s resolve to wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. He ordered an intensification of counter-terrorism operations, with a focus on border security, intelligence-sharing, and combating terror financing.
Shah further emphasised that the government’s goal is to completely uproot terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, with special attention to curbing terror financing, which often involves proceeds from the narcotics trade. “We must continue our efforts to eliminate the sources of terror funding with the utmost urgency and rigor,” Shah stressed during the meetings.
In addition to Shah, the security reviews were attended by top officials, including Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, among others. This series of discussions marked the first time in recent history that the Home Minister held such detailed, consecutive security reviews for Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the importance the central government places on the region’s safety.
The high-level discussions were aimed at enhancing the security situation and ensuring that all security agencies are aligned in their efforts to protect civilians, particularly in the face of rising terrorist infiltration and cross-border activities. Shah also noted that border security forces and paramilitary units will be given additional resources to strengthen their presence along the Line of Control (LoC) and other vulnerable areas.
The government is also focusing on improving coordination between intelligence agencies, the Army, paramilitary forces, and local police to disrupt terrorist operations more effectively. The review meetings come as part of the broader effort to ensure long-term peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by cross-border terrorism and insurgent groups operating in the region.
Shah’s visit and the follow-up reviews highlight the central government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security of the region and its residents, while also emphasizing that the fight against terrorism will remain a top priority.(DD)