Governor, CS in Delhi as Pakistan makes its ‘fears of India’s punitive action’ public

“SF’s Ops against terror, not Kashmiris”

JAMMU: Amidst heightened security concerns and speculations rife about possibility of punitive action against Pakistan in wake of Pulwama terror attack, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik today flew in to the national capital for consultations with top functionaries at the Centre.

Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Election Officer Shailendra Kumar and a number of other officers from the state’s administration are already in New Delhi since Monday for election related meetings. The CS, CEO and other officers are returning tomorrow following hectic rounds of meetings with the ECI authorities, the Governor’s exact schedule was not known.

Even as crucial discussions were already going on about the possibility (or not) of holding assembly elections together with the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the post Pulwama attacks situation has changed the dynamics of situations. While the security forces are already in an aggressive mode to avenge the Pulwama attack, the Centre and top leaders of BJP have been dropping hints at punitive action against Pakistan.

Defiant Pakistan appears to have sensed the mood in New Delhi as it was evident through Prime Minister Imran Khan’s broadcast while, pleading his country’s innocence, looked convincing India not to attack his country. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mohammad Qureshi has also written a sort of distress letter to the United Nations urging immediate intervention for de-escalation in the region.

In the backdrop of emerging security situation, the Governor’s visit to New Delhi assumes significance even as the timeline for elections remains a matter of speculations.

Meanwhile, Governor Malik has lauded the army, police and paramilitary forces in neutralizing militants in an encounter at Pinglena village of Pulwama, even as he asserted that the ongoing operations by security forces in Valley were against Pakistan-sponsored terror groups and their masters and "not against Kashmiris", who are equally determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism.

He also expressed grief on the martyrdom of the army and police personnel in the said operation and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and expressed sympathy and solidarity with family members of the martyrs.

Malik, while talking to a news agency in the national capital, said the situation in the militancy-hit state was fast returning to normal.

"Things are improving in Jammu and Kashmir and those responsible for the February 14 dastardly terror act have been punished by the security forces," he said.

Malik thanked various state governments who have stepped in at a crucial time and are helping is protecting the lives and property of Kashmiris residing in those states.

"I have always maintained that Kashmiris also want to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the state," he said.

He maintained that it was a fight against Pakistan and its policy of supporting terrorism.

There were some incidents after the February 14 terror attack on a convoy in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

"There have been some anti-social elements which have been attempting to stoke a communal fire but these have been nipped in the bud," he said.

Malik also lauded security forces for neutralizing three terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) including the mastermind behind the recent terror attack on the CRPF convoy, and said it was a matter of pride for the nation that senior officers are leading from the front in the anti-terror operations.

Malik spoke to Brigadier Harbir Singh, Commander 12 Sector RR, and Amit Kumar, DIG South Kashmir and their family members and inquired about their wellbeing. He has wished a speedy recovery to them and other security personnel injured during the operation.

The Governor observed that it is a matter of pride for the nation that senior officers from the army and security forces are leading from the front in anti-terror operations.

The Governor particularly appreciated Brigadier Singh who had voluntarily returned from leave to lead this operation.

"I have also complimented the General Officer in Command Lt Gen K J S Dhillon for talking straight during his press conference. I hope that the message will go straight where it should go," he said.

Lt Gen Dhillon had said that anyone picking up gun in the Kashmir valley will be eliminated by the security forces.

Earlier, the Governor had deputed his advisor Vijay Kumar to visit Srinagar and ensure the best possible medical attention is provided to injured army and other personnel in the incident, the spokesman said.

Governor is also personally monitoring the situation of the students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in various Universities and Colleges across the country. Governor stated that the Liaison Officers appointed at major locations were found to be very useful and they have taken care of the safety and security of students from the State.