Guv chairs review meet; expresses grief, directs Div Comm to inquire

Jammu, Dec 15: In a meeting involving senior officers of the State and of Central Police Forces, Governor Satya Pal Malik undertook a detailed review of Law and Order and other security related issues at Raj Bhavan here this evening.

Governor expressed grief over the loss of lives during the anti-militancy operation in Sirnoo area of Pulwama district on Saturday, in which 7 civilians died after post- operation clashes.

The meeting was attended by K Vijay Kumar Advisor to Governor;B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Dilbagh Singh, Director General of Police; UmangNarula, Principal Secretary to Governor; R.K. Goyal, Principal Secretary Home; SDS Jamwal, IGP Jammu and officers of State and Central Police forces; Baseer Khan, Div. Commissioner Kashmir; Muneer Khan, ADGP, Law and Order; S.P. Pani, IGP, Kashmir and  Ravideep Singh Sahi, IG CRPF participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

Governor reviewed the latest security scenario in Kashmir including details of the counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations undertaken recently. He directed the security forces to minimize the collateral damage during anti-terror operations. He has recommended people-friendly measures during such operations, asking the security forces and the administration to address the post operations complications.

After reviewing the prevailing security situation and arising challenges Governor emphasized the crucial importance of maintaining sustained close watch on the ground situation, and appreciated the sustained real time coordination and synergy between the Security Forces and the Civil Administration.

Pained by the unnecessary and avoidable loss of civilian lives in operation, Governor appealed to the people to keep a distance from areas where anti-militancy operations are in progress. He appealed to them not to go near such areas during or immediately after such operations.

Governor directed security forces to give time for people to evacuate from an area during an anti-militancy operation as per the laid down SOP.

Governor also directed Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to inquire the incident that happened in Pulwama on Saturday and suggest precautions to minimise civilian casualties in anti-militancy operations.