‘Pays tribute to security personnel who lost their lives while performing duties’
Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the security agencies including paramilitary CRPF in Kashmir to maintain highest vigil while performing the duties.
A senior MHA official told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), that the ministry has paid rich tributes to the slain security forces. “We paid a rich tribute to the security forces who laid their lives when they were performing their duties ,” the official said, wishing not to be named.
He said that strict directions have been passed to all security agencies in J&K Union territory which include “not to lower guard, maintain highest vigil while on duty and to ensure militants are strictly dealt with so that they don’t dare to attack security forces”.
“We have asked the security forces including paramilitary CRPF men to maintain extra alertness while performing duties with regard to Covid-19 in Kashmir valley,” the official said, adding that the forces have been asked to go after the militants wherever there is information about presence of militants.
“There should be no leniency for militants. Despite the fact that Covid-19 has thrown up a major challenge, we have directed security forces to eliminate militants whenever there is an input,” the official maintained.
Another official in the MHA told KINS that the security agencies have already been asked to maintain close watch in markets, busy places and outside religious places in Kashmir so that “militants who are coming to attack are neutralized before they target forces”.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently had lauded the role of police men and CRPF in fighting militancy and dealing with the Covid-19 challenge.
Sources said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Defence Ministry have already asked security forces in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory to remain all-out alert along the Line of control and keep a close eye on “infiltrates”.
“Troops have been asked to maintain the highest possible vigilance along the International Border and Line of Control in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch and Baramulla, Kupawara and other districts of the Union territory,” sources said.
“A large number of militants are waiting at launch pads on the other side of the LoC to sneak into this side. They will attempt infiltration,” the MHA have told the troops.
“You need to take measures, and beef up counter-infiltration posture to take care of the situation.” the MHA has said.
It is to mention here that over the years the LoC has witnessed a series of ceasefire violations leaving several people dead and wounded besides triggering migration to safer locations by hundreds of the border-dwellers. The International Border (IB) in Jammu region also saw escalation in such incidents.(KINS)
