LG Sinha chairs high-level security review meeting, directs sustained crackdown on terror networks across Kashmir

• Calls for strengthening counter-infiltration measures, intensifying action against narco-terrorism and combating radicalisation
• Communal Harmony and Law & Order Must Be Preserved at All Costs: Lieutenant Governor

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and other senior administrative and police officials to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and administrative functioning across Kashmir Division.

The meeting deliberated extensively on existing security arrangements, counter-terrorism strategies, inter-agency coordination and future operational action plans aimed at maintaining peace, stability and public order throughout the Kashmir Valley.

The high-level meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo; Chief Secretary Designate Dr. Sajjan Singh Yadav; Director General of Police (DGP) Shri Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Shri Chandraker Bharti; Special Director General, Coordination, Police Headquarters, Shri S.J.M. Gillani; Additional Director General of Police, CID, Shri M.K. Sinha; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), Shri M. Raju; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Govind Jaiswal; Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Shri Sujit Singh; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shri Anshul Garg; Range Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs); Deputy Commissioners; Senior Superintendents of Police; and other senior officials.

During the deliberations, the Lieutenant Governor issued directions for sustained, intensified and decisive action against terrorist networks and their support structures. He underscored the need to further strengthen counter-infiltration mechanisms and ensure seamless coordination among the District Administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for the effective execution of counter-terrorism operations.

Emphasising the importance of maintaining vigilance within the administrative machinery, the Lieutenant Governor directed Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to closely monitor anti-national elements operating within the administration and accord the highest priority to initiatives aimed at countering radicalisation.

He further instructed the concerned authorities to undertake monthly reviews of action relating to the attachment of properties belonging to narco-terrorists and individuals associated with the terror-supporting ecosystem. Stressing that the campaign against narco-terrorism must continue without interruption, he called for relentless enforcement action against drug smugglers and peddlers to dismantle the drug-trafficking network and advance the vision of a Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the importance of responsive governance and effective public service delivery, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for the prompt and effective resolution of public grievances. He observed that strengthening public confidence through closer engagement and coordination among citizens, the police and the civil administration remains essential to ensuring lasting peace and stability.

Reiterating the administration's uncompromising position on maintaining communal harmony and public order, the Lieutenant Governor categorically directed officials to ensure that the law-and-order situation and communal amity are not allowed to deteriorate under any circumstances.

"Under no circumstances should communal harmony and the law & order situation be allowed to deteriorate. We must institutionalize best practices and implement District Convergence Plans to ensure sustainable peace and development," the Lieutenant Governor said.

To strengthen the administration's response to the growing challenge of misinformation, he also called for the establishment of dedicated social media cells at the district level. These cells, he directed, should ensure the timely identification and swift countering of misinformation and misleading content to prevent its potential impact on public order and communal harmony.

Taking stock of the administrative preparedness ahead of the approaching winter season, the Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned departments and district administrations to ensure adequate stocking and uninterrupted availability of essential commodities. He also emphasised the need to establish robust and effective snow-clearance mechanisms to minimise public inconvenience and maintain essential services and connectivity during adverse weather conditions.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects being implemented across Kashmir Division, with discussions encompassing their present status and the need for effective administrative oversight to ensure continued progress.

The Lieutenant Governor's directions underscored the administration's focus on strengthening the security framework, dismantling terrorist and narco-terrorist networks, preventing radicalisation, safeguarding communal harmony, improving public grievance redressal mechanisms and ensuring comprehensive administrative preparedness for the winter season.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on coordinated institutional action, effective implementation of administrative directives and sustained efforts towards ensuring lasting peace, security, stability and development across Kashmir Division.