Chairs United HQ meeting I Says any incident of civilian killing reverses all gains
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has urged the security agencies to conduct operations keeping in view the safety of the people so that an environment of peace and tranquillity is maintained to enable the government to implement its agenda of good governance and development.
Mehbooba, chairing her first meeting of the Unified Headquarters here today, took stock of the security-related matters and peace on borders in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh was also present.
The Chief Minister was briefed by top officers of the Army, police and the civil administration about the overall security scenario as well as the steps taken to maintain peace in the state.
In her opening remarks, Mehbooba emphasised a humane approach while dealing with the law and order situation on the ground. She insisted that the standard operating procedures should be maintained at all costs. “Any incident of civilian killing reverses all gains that have been achieved so far,” she observed.
While asking the security agencies to maintain restraint at all costs so as to avoid any civilian casualties and collateral damage, the Chief Minister said it would be in the fitness of things to give an option of homecoming to the local youth who have picked up guns.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of United Headquarters as an apex platform to synchronise the endeavours of the civil administration, security forces and the J&K Police for evolving a cogent response to tackle the internal and external challenges to peace in the state. For a sense of normalcy, visibility of the security forces and bunkers should be minimised in the civilian areas, she added.
Mehbooba stressed reducing the footprint of security forces at various tourist places and airports to cause less inconvenience to visitors and welcome them with a sense of normalcy.
Referring to the importance of peace and tranquility along borders, the Chief Minister insisted upon taking forward the initiative of border tourism started by former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at Suchetgarh in Jammu. She also asked the security agencies to showcase the Baba Chamliyal area as a symbol of great reverence.
On the smooth conduct of the Amarnath yatra, the CM stressed the involvement of the locals to facilitate the visiting pilgrims. “Kashmiris have for long been an epitome of hospitality which they have proved time and again during the yatra. Our young boys should be made part of this activity,” she said, adding that this would go a long way in generating a positive perception about the youth who are otherwise being demonised.
The Deputy Chief Minister, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the coordination between various wings of the security forces and maintained that it was due to their coordinated efforts that peace had been restored and sustained across the state and “now the onus lies on us to ensure that it remains constant”.
He said necessary arrangements should be made for the smooth conduct of the Amarnath yatra.
Chief Secretary BR Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen DS Hooda, Director General of Police K. Rajendra Kumar, GOC of 15 Corps Lt Gen SK Dua, GOC of 9 Corps Lt Gen Ashok Ambre, GOC of 14 Corps Lt Gen SK Patyal and other senior police, security and civil administration officials attended the meeting.
