L-G directs forces to fortify security grid across J-K, ensure strict action against terror sympathisers

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reviewed the security situation and preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and directed forces to fortify the security grid and ensure the strictest possible action against those who are harbouring terrorists.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday reviewed the security situation and preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and directed forces to fortify the security grid and ensure the strictest possible action against those who are harbouring terrorists. A security review meeting was held here ahead of the annual 'Darbar Move', with the secretariat scheduled to close in the winter capital Jammu on April 30 and reopen in Srinagar on May 4. During the meeting, Sinha reviewed the progress on the 'Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan' and district-wise preparations for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, an official spokesperson said. The meeting, which was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, besides top officers of police and administration, apprised the L-G on law and order, and security scenario across districts, the spokesperson said. They also shared details on the progress of the 100-day anti-drug campaign and preparations in view of various pilgrimages across the Union territory, including the Amarnath Yatra, Kausar Nag Yatra and Budha Amarnath Yatra. The L-G issued a firm directive to fortify the security grid through coordination among security forces, ensuring seamless and impenetrable shield against emerging threats. He directed the strictest possible action against individuals who harbour terrorists and overground workers (OGWs) linked to terror groups, vowing zero tolerance for those who shelter threats to national security. The L-G directed the deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to ensure seamless coordination between the police, civil administration and security forces, the spokesperson said. He also urged them to conduct block-level and police station-level camps regularly for resolving general grievances of the public. On the 100-day 'Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan', the L-G directed outcome-based efforts with a whole-of-society approach to combat the drug menace. He called for stringent action against drug smugglers and peddlers in coordination with all the stakeholders. Sinha emphasised the need to identify narco-corridors in the Jammu division to dismantle networks operating in those areas. He also stressed the need to conduct a study on region-wise substance abuse trends and a vulnerability index, using WHO's standard methodology. With respect to arrangements for Amarnath Yatra and other upcoming pilgrimages in Jammu division, the L-G directed the DCs and SSPs to conduct a comprehensive review in their respective districts. The Lt Governor further directed DCs to drive seamless execution of the 'Vibrant Villages' programme to deliver rural health, development, economic transformation and social upliftment, and to ensure 100 per cent screening for non-communicable diseases.