Security forces to resume counter-terror ops in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: In the wake of spurt in attacks, army and other security forces will resume counter-terror operations besides enhancing protective measures at key installations and stepping up vigil in the hinterland in Jammu and Kashmir.

The decisions were taken today at a security review meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and attended by Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda, Commander of Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen S K Dua, Director General of state police K Rajendra Kumar and senior officers of CRPF and Intelligence Bureau.

The meeting reviewed the situation consequent to the terror attack at Pampore in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, which ended two days back after three days.

"It was recalled that after the Pathankot terror attack, it had been decided, during the then period of Governor's Rule, that a Multi-Agency Security Audit shall be conducted by the state police in close collaboration with the IB, Central Armed Police Force, Army, Air Force and other concerned agencies.

"In this context, and in the background of the terror attacks at Poonch, Uri, Handwara and, most recently at Pampore, it was agreed that surveillance should be enhanced not only along the IB and LoC, as already done, but also in the entire hinterland, counter-terrorist operations should be resumed and, side by side, identified steps should be taken to safeguard and effectively ensure the safety and security of all civil and military vital installations and establishments in the state," an official spokesman said.

Two militants took shelter inside a government building in Pampore, 16 kms from here, on Monday, triggering an encounter with security forces which lasted for 56 hours before both the militants were killed.