SRINAGAR: In view of the militant attacks targeting civilians in Sopore, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Wednesday asked the security agencies to take all measures to maintain peace and tranquility to help flood-affected people rebuild their lives.
Sayeed issued the instructions during a meeting of the Unified Headquarters (UHQ) to discuss the entire gamut of security-related matters in the state, an official spokesman said.
Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh was also present at the meeting chaired by Sayeed and attended by the top brass of army, police, intelligence agencies and paramilitary forces.
The Chief Minister was briefed on wide-ranging matters and overall security scenario along Line of Control and International Border and steps being taken by security agencies to maintain peace in the state.
Sayeed expressed concern over targeted killings of civilians in Sopore and emphasized upon taking all out measures to avoid recurrence of such incidents in the future, the spokesman said.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the arrangements for smooth conduct of the ensuing Amarnath Yatra, he said.
Highlighting the priorities of the Government, in particular good governance, transparency and corruption-free administration, the Chief Minister asked the security agencies to infuse a greater sense of security among the people.
Sharing concern regarding the incidents that have taken place in Sopore town, the security agencies assured that all out efforts will be made to apprehend those responsible for the attacks, the spokesman added.
Militants have shot dead six persons, including separatist activists and former militants, in Sopore town over the past three weeks, leading to fear among the residents of the north Kashmir town. The militants have been identified as Abdul Qayoom Najar and Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, who are believed to have defied the command of Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin and operating under the shadow name of Lashkar-e-Islam outfit. Najar alias Nazarwala, a resident of Sopore, is believed to have fallen out with Pakistan-based Salahuddin after the recent attacks on telecom towers which claimed two lives.
Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey, Director General of Police, K. Rajendra, GoC XVI Corps, Lt. Gen. Rajiv Tiwari, GoC XV Corps, Lt. Gen. Subrata Saha, CoS XIV Corps, Maj Gen. Avinash Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary, Home, R. K. Goyal, Joint Director, IB, Srinagar, Commissioner, SB, Jammu and Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir Divisions attended the meeting.
Also present in the meeting were IGP CID, J&K, IGP, Kashmir Zone, IGP, Jammu Zone, IG CRPF (Admn), Jammu, IG, CRPF (Ops), Kashmir, IG CRPF, Jammu, IG, BSF, Kashmir and IG BSF Jammu.