In meeting with top security brass, Mehbooba advises 'humane touch'

Put end to civilian killings, carry operation without collateral damage

Shabir Ahmad
SRINAGAR: Amid looming political uncertainty, Chief Minister Mehooba Mufti Tuesday urged security establishment to put an end to civilian killings and carryout anti-militancy operations without causing damage to life and property.
This was stated by Mehbooba while chairing a crucial Unified Headquarters(UHQ) meeting here, which discussed prevailing security scenario of Kashmir, tying of Budgam resident to an Army jeep, killing of eight people on April 9 and student protests, that have literally started to engulfed the already trouble trodden valley.
The meeting was attended Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, Chief Secretary, B. R. Sharma, Financial Commissioner & Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B B Vyas, Principal Secretary, Home, R. K. Goyal; Director General of Police, Dr. Sheesh Pal Vaid, GoC in C of Northern Command, Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu; Corps Commanders of various Army formations operating in the State, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, senior officers of CRPF, BSF and J&K Police and intelligence agencies.
A top official who was part of the meeting said although the session was cordial, however, Chief Minister initially expressed concern over Kashmir situation by saying that there was urgent need to put an end to the prevailing hostile environment. "In spite of instilling sense of security to the people, masses are frightened," she told the meeting. "There is urgent need to introspect. There is urgency to put an end to civilian killings and the palpable fear."
She urged upon the security agencies to take all measures to see that an environment of peace and tranquillity is maintained to help the people who are trying hard to rebuild their lives in the aftermath 2016 unrest.
Mehbooba according to the official expressed concern over killings of civilians political workers and emphasized upon taking all out measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future. She also reviewed the arrangements for smooth conduct of the ensuing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, that is slated to being in first week of June.
She according to official, during the meeting, highlighted the priorities of the Government, in particular good governance, transparency and corruption-free administration. "Minister emphasized upon the security agencies to infuse a greater sense of security among the people."
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was briefed on wide ranging matters and overall security scenario along LoC and International Boarder and steps being taken by security agencies to maintain peace in the State were discussed in the meeting.
Representatives of Army, Police, paramilitary force and intelligence agencies gave a detailed briefing during the meeting.
Army in his briefing during the meeting said there has been further spurt in locals joining the militants' ranks. They said about half dozen youth in Budgam district of central Kashmir have joined militant ranks. " We have intensified ant-militant operation and route to Yatra is secured a month before start of pilgrimage," Army officials told the meeting adding that people friendly operations under Sadbhavana are being carried out in every nook and corner of valley . The Army also apprised the participants about the recruitment rallies being held in various parts of valley for absorbing the youth in force.
The Chief Minister urged Army to get more closure to people, especially youth by organizing interactive sessions and sort of counseling. " During the sessions that youth should be made aware how to come out from vicious violence cycle."
Regarding, the tying of youth to Army jeep in Budgam district on April 9, Army told the meeting that inquiry into the incident is going on. "We did that to stop stone throwing into the area. The people, particularly the youth have gathered for breaching the piece," Army told the meeting. " The findings of inquiry will be made public and Army will fully co-operate into the police investigation."
Representatives of police briefed Chief Minister about April 9 killings and prevailing security scenario in Kashmir. "In most parts of Budgam, the mobs tried to snatch weapon, EVMs," police told the meeting adding that security forces on duty opened fire in self defence.
Police also told the meeting, every effort is being made to contain student protests and eminent citizens in respective areas have been roped in for the purpose.
The Gawrakshak incident that took place in Reasi district of Jammu also figured in the meeting and Mehbooba asked Director General of Police (DGP) to invoke stringent laws to avoid such incidents.
DGP informed that meeting that about half a dozen local youth who have joined militant ranks have been back to their homes. " Police is in contact with families to get their wards surrendered," DGP told the meeting.