Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, May 05 (KINS): The Home Minister Amit Shah while paying tribute to the forces who got killed in Handwara encounter, asked the security forces to maintain zero tolerance over infiltration and other militant activities.
According to news agency KINS, Home Minister Amit Shah in his message has said, “Tributes to our courageous soldiers and security personnel lost their life in Handwara. Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. They served the nation with utmost dedication and worked tirelessly to protect our citizens. Condolences to their families and friends,”
Meanwhile, according to an MHA official close to Home minister, Amit Shah took stock of the overall security situation of Jammu and Kashmir and recent militant attacks on security forces in the Kashmir valley.
The official told KINS on condition of anonymity that Amit Shah has asked the security forces to remain on “highest alert” in the wake of the attacks in valley.
“Considering the unfortunate loss of life of security forces in the recent militant attacks, the entire security apparatus needs to be on the highest alert during the duty hours” sources quoting Home Minister said.
Sources said the Home Minister has stressed for maintenance of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) during all search operations and called upon the troops to show zero tolerance towards infiltration and other militant activities.
On Monday three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their life in a brief Shoot out at Wangam, karlgund Handwara in which a mentally unsound boy got also killed.
On Sunday two senior Army officers of Colnel and major rank were among five security personnel got killed in gun-battle in Handwara area of North Kashmir.
Sources said that soon after the militant attack on security forces in Handwara, the home minister discussed the situation in detail with the top officials of MHA wherein he deliberated upon to further strengthen security grid in the union territory.
“Home Minister took comprehensive review of security situation including the threat perceptions from across the borders,” sources said.
Sources said that Amit Shah also directed the top authorities of Jammu and Kashmir Union territory to take all the steps required to keep militancy under check in the valley. “Home Minister was satisfied with the progress of anti-militant operations,” sources said. Meanwhile sources maintained that MHA has directed the forces in Jammu and Kashmir to be in high alert off any possibility of attacks.
An advisory has been issued to all para-military forces to maintain extraordinary vigil during duty hours and on their security establishments in Jammu and Kashmir including those located close to the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), to guard against possible attack.
Sources said that intelligence agencies have told the MHA that they have noticed heightened activity by militant groups, along the border. (KINS)
