If collateral loss feared, don’t carry out operation: Mehbooba to Forces

Stresses adherence to standard operating procedures

After a spree of civilian killings in the past three weeks, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today asked the top security forces officers to prevent collateral damage and strictly follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) while dealing with any situation.
“If there are apprehensions of collateral damage during an anti-militancy operation then it should not be carried out,” she said. Mehbooba issued the directions while chairing a crucial Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting to discuss the security situation in the region. The UHQ is the topmost security grid of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces, J&K Police and the Central and state intelligence agencies to synergise the anti-militancy operations in the state.
The top security officers, during the meeting, were of the view that stone-throwing was a greater challenge in the present situation, sources said.
The CM asked the security agencies to behave more humanely with the locals and work in coordination with the J&K Police, the sources said.
“The collateral damage should be prevented at any cost during encounters or law and order situations. The SOP should be followed strictly while handling with situations,” Mehbooba told the officers, according to sources.
At least 13 youths have been killed in security forces action since March 28, triggering a series of protests in the Valley.
Schools and colleges across Kashmir were shut by the government last week after recurring student protests against police action on students of Government Degree College, Pulwama, on April 15. About 50 students of Pulwama college were injured on that day.
Mehbooba also asked the top security officers that efforts should be made to bring the local militants back into the mainstream. She asked the officers to ensure a cordial atmosphere so that development projects takes place.
“Last year, we suffered a lot on the development front. This year, we should ensure a cordial atmosphere,” she said.
Referring to the recent attack on Gujjars in Reasi district, the Chief Minister said they should not be harassed. “The law should strictly be enforced there,” she said, while referring to an attack on a nomad family by cow vigilantes in Reasi.
An official spokesman later said that the CM directed the security agencies to ensure that the inter-community harmony and amity among various sections of society was maintained at all costs.
“The culprits must be brought to justice if found spreading hatred against a section of society or in the name of a social cause. And, if need be, strict provisions of law be slapped on such hate-mongers who are found taking law into their own hands,” the spokesman said.
Geelani condemns PDP leader’s killing
Srinagar: Separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani on Tuesday condemned the killing of ruling PDP’s district president Abdul Gani Dar. Geelani in a statement said he had deep concern over the killing of political worker. “There is no justification for these killings. It is unfair and against humanity to kill a person for his specific ideology or affiliations,” Geelani added. Denouncing the incident, Geelani said “secret killings would lead us to chaos”. “Killing merely on political affiliations or for one’s political ideology is against the teachings of Islam,” he added. Dar, Pulwama district president of the PDP, was shot dead by suspected militants in Pulwama district on Monday. tns

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