Shah calls for greater synergy among security agencies to combat terrorism

Ubeer Naqushbandi/Animesh Singh

Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a coordinated synergy between security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to thwart any attempts of sabotaging peace by terror groups.

He attended a high-level review meeting with top officials of the UT and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Army on Thursday.

He directed all security agencies to continue working in a coordinated manner to eliminate terrorism in the Union Territory. Shah further emphasised on the need to implement the Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan in mission mode.

The meeting incidentally took place hours after security forces killed five militants, believed to be from Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. In the gunfight, two soldiers were also injured.

The deliberations also were the first to be held after the recently concluded Assembly elections in J&K. The meeting also assumed significance as there have been several incidents of violence in Jammu region and Kashmir valley, especially after Omar Abdullah took over as the UT’s Chief Minister.

The meeting was attended by the top security brass, including Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Intelligence Bureau Chief Tapan Deka, DG BSF Daljit Singh Chaudhary and DG CRPF Anish Dayal Singh, as well as J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat. Several other top officials, including J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were also present in the review meeting.

During the meeting, Shah further said that owing to the Centre’s Zero Tolerance Policy against terrorism, the goal of ‘Terror Free Jammu and Kashmir’ would be achieved at the earliest and all resources will be made available for this. He also said the Central Government, with the joint efforts of all security forces, was committed towards establishing complete dominance over terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, security forces described Thursday’s operation as a “big success” and “big blow” to the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, considering Farooq Nali — believed to be the oldest surviving militant commander of the outfit — was killed during the encounter in the Kadder Behibagh area.

Officials said Nali was a key member of the Burhan Wani group and classified as an ‘A++ terrorist’. He carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head and was said to be active since 2014. His death marks a significant setback for the terror outfit in Kashmir, as an entire operational squad, including its commander, has been eliminated.

Official statistics show that Jammu region has witnessed a spike in militancy-related incidents, in which 45 persons — 18 security personnel, 14 civilians and 13 militants — have lost their lives. Besides, the Valley witnessed a spike in militant activities, including an audacious attack on Z-Morh tunnel in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, in which seven persons died in Octo