Avinav Verma
Jammu:Amid fresh security concerns following the circulation of an alleged threat letter targeting Kashmiri Pandit employees working in Kashmir, the administration has asked around 2,800 Kashmiri Pandit, PM package, non-PM package and migrant employees to stay away from physical office attendance until August 20.
The employees have also been kept out of Independence Day stadium duty, according to sources and credible media reports, as security agencies maintain heightened vigilance across the Valley ahead of the August 15 celebrations.
While no formal written order has been issued so far, verbal directions have reportedly been conveyed to officers, heads of departments and Drawing and Disbursing Officers to allow the employees to remain away from physical duty during the period and ensure that they do not face administrative difficulties because of their absence.
The decision followed a representation by the Srinagar Employees Collective to Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, seeking exemption from physical attendance and Independence Day duties in view of security concerns.
The employees’ body had sought relaxation until August 25, but the administration has so far allowed it up to August 20.
The move comes after an alleged threat letter surfaced online, warning Kashmiri Pandits working in the Valley to “change their ways” and reportedly carrying the names and phone numbers of some migrant employees.
The letter has been attributed to a group calling itself the United Liberation Council, which security agencies are examining for possible links to militant networks.
Police sources are verifying the authenticity of the letter, and officials have not so far established its source or any direct connection with a militant organisation.
According to sources, the alleged message specifically targeted Kashmiri Pandit employees working in the Revenue Department, accusing them of being involved in government action against properties linked to terrorists.
The circulation of the message has heightened anxiety among employees and their families.
The development has also come barely two weeks after two migrant workers were killed at a brick kiln in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on July 31, prompting heightened security measures for migrant workers and minority communities.
Sources said security arrangements for migrant employees have since been strengthened, while those whose names were allegedly circulated in the threat message have been advised to remain particularly vigilant and move to safer locations if necessary.
The latest directions have already prompted some employees and their families to leave the Valley for Jammu. A PM package employee said several Kashmiri Pandit employees had moved with their families, while some others continued to stay back because their children were studying in Kashmir.
Employees said they were informed verbally that they would not be required to report physically to their offices during the relaxation period.
The directions have also reportedly reached government schools and other departments. A government school principal said migrant employees were initially asked to be given greater flexibility in attendance before being told to remain at home for some time.
The government has made GPS-based online attendance mandatory for teachers in Kashmir, but migrant employees have reportedly been exempted and allowed to mark their attendance through an arrival register.
The precautionary move comes against the backdrop of targeted attacks on Kashmiri Pandit employees in 2022. A series of militant attacks that year killed five people, triggering protests and demands by employees for transfers outside Kashmir. The government, however, shifted them to comparatively safer locations within the Valley.
Around 6,000 people have received employment under the Prime Minister’s Special Employment Package for Kashmiri Pandits over the years, with service in Kashmir being a key condition of the rehabilitation programme.
For the affected employees, the latest arrangement provides temporary relief amid renewed fears over their safety.
The decision to keep them away from Independence Day stadium duty is particularly significant as the celebrations involve large public gatherings and heightened security arrangements.
Security agencies are continuing to assess the alleged threat message and maintain increased vigilance across sensitive areas of the Valley ahead of Independence Day.
Security stepped up across J&K
Multi-layered arrangements in Kashmir, intensified LoC and IB vigil; anti-terror drills and surprise checks conducted
Jammu/Srinagar: Security arrangements have been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, with security forces stepping up surveillance in cities, along the borders and at vital installations to ensure peaceful conduct of the functions.
In Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (IGP) V K Birdi said multi-layered security arrangements had been put in place across Srinagar and other districts of the Valley. He said security had been strengthened not only at the venues of Independence Day functions but also in surrounding areas and vulnerable locations.
Birdi, who reviewed the preparations at Balidan Stambh in Srinagar on Tuesday, said the police had put all necessary security arrangements in place and appealed to people to participate in the celebrations in large numbers.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Police always maintains robust security arrangements not just in Srinagar city, but across various districts of the Valley,” Birdi said, adding that security measures had been extended to areas surrounding the city as well.
The main Independence Day function in Srinagar will be held at Bakshi Stadium, where preparations are being closely monitored by the administration and security agencies.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Tuesday inspected arrangements at the stadium and reviewed seating, the public address system, overhead covering of stands and adherence to protocol during the singing of the National Song and National Anthem.
He directed departments concerned to complete all arrangements well in advance and ensure proper coordination for the smooth conduct of the function. In view of the possibility of rainfall, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation was asked to keep an effective dewatering mechanism in place, including operational readiness of the Fire and Emergency Services dewatering pump.
Officials were also directed to ensure floral decoration of the podium and operational readiness of all seven LED screens installed at the stadium. Contingents from schools, colleges and the Sports Council are also being prepared for participation in the ceremonial proceedings.
Meanwhile, surprise frisking and checking of pedestrians, shops and vehicles was conducted in Lal Chowk and other parts of Srinagar as part of the heightened security measures.
Birdi said investigations into the recent attacks in Anantnag and Pulwama were underway and declined to share details, saying information would be provided when it was appropriate to do so.
Security has also been stepped up along the Line of Control and International Border, particularly across vulnerable stretches.
Additional surveillance and area domination measures have been intensified in the Gurez, Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors of north Kashmir and in the Sunderbani area of Jammu.
Along the International Border, BSF personnel are maintaining round-the-clock patrolling and monitoring sensitive locations with electronic and digital surveillance systems.
Troops deployed along the LoC have intensified patrolling and surveillance and are maintaining close coordination to detect suspicious movement. Drones and quadcopters equipped with high-resolution cameras and night-vision capabilities have also been deployed in difficult terrain.
Smart fencing and other electronic surveillance systems are being used at vulnerable points, while rapid response teams and specialised units have been kept ready for quick deployment.
Security forces have also been conducting exercises to test their preparedness for possible infiltration attempts and attacks on forward positions. Recently, troops in the Sunderbani sector conducted drills simulating infiltration and attacks on fortified positions.
In the Udhampur-Reasi range, Deputy Inspector General of Police Shiv Kumar Sharma chaired a security review meeting and directed officers to strengthen arrangements around vital installations, religious places and other sensitive locations.
Special focus was laid on the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, important public places and venues hosting Independence Day programmes.
The DIG directed officers to intensify checking and surveillance, strengthen access control and ensure adequate deployment of personnel and traffic management arrangements.
He also stressed close coordination among the Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces, intelligence agencies and other stakeholders, besides round-the-clock vigilance and prompt response to any emerging security challenge.
In Jammu region, the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted long-range patrolling and an anti-terror mock drill in Samba to assess operational preparedness ahead of August 15.
The Special Operations Group covered nearly 20 kilometres from Jatwal to Lala Chak along the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway before conducting the mock exercise at the border police post in Lala Chak.
During the drill, two simulated terrorists were shown attacking an establishment. SOG personnel responded by establishing a cordon and neutralising the simulated threat.
The exercise was aimed at testing response mechanisms, coordination, tactical preparedness and the ability of personnel to handle contingencies.
With Independence Day celebrations approaching, security agencies across Jammu and Kashmir are maintaining heightened alertness, with increased patrolling, surveillance, checking and coordination at key locations and vulnerable points.
SFs launch search ops in districtDoda, Poonch
Four suspected terrorists seen near Ramtund Peak
Jammu: Security forces have launched separate search operations in the Doda and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir following reports of suspicious movement and the sighting of a group of suspected terrorists in remote forested areas.
In Doda, a video purportedly showing four suspected terrorists scaling Ramtund Peak has surfaced, prompting a major anti-terror operation in the mountainous belt, officials said on Tuesday.
The Ramtund area is close to the Seoj Dhar belt of Udhampur district and comprises dense forests and difficult mountainous terrain. Security agencies consider the area sensitive as the adjoining mountain belt has previously been used as a possible transit and concealment route by terrorists.
According to officials, some locals captured the video and alerted security forces on Monday afternoon. Following the alert, forces launched searches across the surrounding forests, ridgelines and mountain tracks.
Reinforcements from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF were mobilised from Udhampur on Tuesday morning as the operation was expanded across the difficult terrain.
Preliminary inputs suggest that the group may comprise three foreign terrorists and one local, officials said. However, there has been no contact with the suspected group so far.
Meanwhile, another search operation was launched in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district after suspicious movement was reported near a tunnel construction site.
A security guard deployed at the site noticed the movement and fired three to four rounds as a precautionary measure. No loss of life or damage to property was reported.
Following the incident, a joint operation involving the police, Special Operations Group and CRPF was launched around 6 am in the forest areas of Bhatadurian, Sangiot and adjoining locations.
Security personnel are conducting searches across the forested and mountainous stretches to ascertain the nature of the movement and locate any suspects.
The two operations come amid heightened security and intensified patrolling across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. Security forces have increased surveillance in vulnerable forest and border areas and are maintaining close coordination to respond to any suspicious movement.
Further details of both operations are awaited.
