Guv to admin, forces on Highway ban: Ensure common people are not harassed

Srinagar, Apr 6: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday directed the administration to ensure that no Kashmiri is harassed in the wake of the order banning civilian movement on the highway for two days in a week.

The Governor said this while he was being briefed on the security situation in Kashmir, post Pulwama attack, at a high level meeting at Raj Bhavan, here on Saturday.
“Governor observed that the common people should not be put to inconvenience on account of curbs imposed during the movement of security convoys and suitable framework be put in place so that there is no unnecessary restrictions on the travel of civilians especially in emergencies,” said a Raj Bhavan spokesperson.
He underlined the importance of sustained efforts to bring peace and harmony in the society for the overall benefit of people.
After reviewing the prevailing security situation and arising challenges, Governor, as per the spokesperson, stressed the crucial importance of maintaining a sustained close watch on the ground situation.
He emphasised on the need to maintain and improve synergy between the security forces and the civil administration and uncompromising adherence to procedures which ensure against collateral damages while delivering effective counter-militancy responses.
Governor especially stressed the need of a heightened vigil along the IB and LoC, providing adequate security to all protected persons and all important establishments and installations.
The meeting was attended by K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to Governor; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary Home; Lt. Gen. KJS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps and Baseer Khan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.
The Governor during the day also visited the famed Tulip Garden here and praised the scenic beauty of Kashmir
“Kashmir is world’s most beautiful place and the people living here are very warm-hearted and hospitable,” he said urging people around the world to visit the valley.
“There is no threat to the tourists in Valley as the people living here show their utmost love and hospitality towards the tourists,” he said.
The Governor remarked that people from various parts of world, who have visited Kashmir in the past, are witness to the welcoming nature of the people and have felt no threat of any nature.
He was accompanied by all his four Advisors: K Vijay Kumar, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, KK Sharma and K Skandan and Chief Secretary, BVR ‎Subhramanyam. Besides various high level officials from Administration were present on the occasion.
Governor also went around the garden and inspected the facilities being made available for the tourists. He directed the concerned authorities for preparing a comprehensive proposal for improving the garden with modern equipment and technology.
Governor stressed on capacity building of the officers and officials so that they can improve their skills and access information about global best practices in order to enhance their capabilities for providing better facilities to the Tourists.
Governor was informed that the garden which is spread over 30 hectares of land and is situated in the mesmerizing foothills of the Zabarwan hills on the banks of the Dal Lake is Asia’s largest tulip garden where over 12 lakh tulips of 51 varieties have been grown, all in full bloom these days. The garden was thrown open for the public on Sunday.