Security Beefed Up In Kashmir Ahead of PM Modi’s J&K Visit

Security forces have been put on an alert in Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu on Tuesday.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Range VK Birdi chaired a meeting with top security officials aimed at reviewing and strengthening security arrangements.

PM Modi will be visiting Jammu on February 20 and will inaugurate and lay the foundation of various projects while addressing a public rally on the same day. 

Recognising the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between security needs and the smooth conduct of events, IGP Kashmir directed officers to ensure heightened vigilance, particularly during night hours to mitigate the risk of terrorist threats.

Earlier this month, two non-locals from Punjab were killed in the Shalla Kadal area of Srinagar following which a terror associate was arrested. 

“The meeting aimed to comprehensively review and strengthen security arrangements in anticipation of visits by VVIPs to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as other events in offing,” police said. 

Police noted that during the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was given by participating officers on the security plans devised in the backdrop of upcoming events. 

“Recognizing the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between security needs and the smooth conduct of events, IGP Kashmir directed officers to ensure heightened vigilance, particularly during night hours, to mitigate the risk of terrorist threats,” officials said. 

Emphasizing the imperative to bolster intelligence gathering and anti-terror operations, IGP Kashmir urged officers to minimize the risk of untoward incidents by strengthening security at vulnerable points, especially during significant events. 

“Special attention was given to enhancing security along the National Highway, tunnels, minority pickets, and other critical pockets,” the police said. 

During the last few years, minorities and non-locals have been targeted by Pakistan-based terror groups. 

The IGP has issued specific directives to intensify security and surprise naka measures in both uptown and downtown areas of Srinagar, with 24×7 patrolling and increased presence at entry and exit points of the district. 

“The IGP also stressed the importance of briefing personnel to take care of SOP, considering the heightened security concerns during events,” the Kashmir police zone said. 

Additionally, the IGP Kashmir Zone emphasized the critical need for thorough monitoring of vulnerable areas and prompt action against suspicious activities. Special instructions were given to border district heads to maintain strict vigilance along the LoC and hinterland to prevent potential terror activities.

Birdi reiterated the importance of collective vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the Kashmir valley.

The meeting was convened at PCR Kashmir and was attended by senior officers of various security agencies including police, Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, CISF besides state and Central intelligence agencies.