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The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, recently conducted a high-level security review meeting with senior officials, underscoring the ongoing commitment to eradicate terrorism from the region. This meeting, held on April 30th in Jammu, involved key figures such as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti, ADGP CID J&K, Nitish Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, IGP Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti and DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, highlighting the comprehensive approach taken to address the security challenges. The primary focus of the meeting was to assess the current security landscape and formulate strategies to counter the persistent threat of terrorism effectively. The Lieutenant Governor issued specific directives aimed at strengthening the security apparatus and ensuring the complete dismantling of the terrorist ecosystem within Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among various security agencies to achieve this objective. The phrase 'coordinated measures' suggests a unified approach, eliminating departmental silos and fostering seamless information sharing and operational collaboration. This is crucial because terrorist networks are often multifaceted, involving various actors and activities that span across different jurisdictions and areas of responsibility. A fragmented response would be less effective in addressing such a complex challenge. Sinha's directive underscores the government's recognition of the importance of a holistic strategy that integrates intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and community engagement. The meeting, therefore, represents a significant step towards consolidating security efforts and reinforcing the government's resolve to create a safe and secure environment for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The composition of attendees reflects the importance placed on a coordinated and comprehensive security strategy, pulling together intelligence, law enforcement, and governmental administration.
A central point of emphasis during the meeting was Lieutenant Governor Sinha's assertion that the destruction of terror emanating from the neighborhood is a 'collective resolve' of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation. This statement not only acknowledges the external dimensions of the terrorism challenge but also underscores the importance of national unity in confronting it. By framing the fight against terrorism as a 'collective resolve,' Sinha aims to foster a sense of shared responsibility and purpose among all stakeholders, including the security forces, government agencies, and the general public. This unified front is seen as essential to effectively isolate and neutralize terrorist elements. The reference to 'our neighborhood' alludes to the cross-border nature of terrorism affecting Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that the problem originates from external sources. This external dimension adds complexity to the security challenge, requiring not only internal security measures but also diplomatic and strategic efforts to address the root causes of terrorism in the neighboring region. Sinha's statement implies that sustainable peace in Jammu and Kashmir requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the internal and external factors that fuel terrorism. The collective resolve mentioned by the LG includes the unwavering support and resilience of the local population. He recognizes that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have borne the brunt of terrorism for decades and their determination to reject violence and embrace peace is crucial for the long-term success of counter-terrorism efforts. The emphasis on collective resolve is not merely rhetorical; it is a strategic imperative aimed at mobilizing all available resources and capabilities to confront the challenge of terrorism in a united and coordinated manner. Sinha’s words serve as a powerful reminder that defeating terrorism requires a sustained commitment from all segments of society and the government.
Furthermore, Lieutenant Governor Sinha issued specific directives regarding action against Over Ground Workers (OGWs), who provide logistical support to terrorists. He emphasized the need to identify, target, and dismantle the infrastructure that supports terrorism in every corner of the Union Territory. This includes addressing the networks that provide logistics, identify targets, and facilitate the escape of terrorists. The focus on OGWs is significant because they play a critical role in sustaining terrorist activities. These individuals, often operating under the radar, provide essential support such as shelter, transportation, information, and financial assistance to terrorists. By disrupting these support networks, the security forces aim to weaken the operational capabilities of terrorist groups and make it more difficult for them to carry out attacks. Sinha’s directive reflects the understanding that a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy must address not only the armed militants but also the underlying support structure that enables them to operate. Identifying targets, as mentioned by Sinha, is a key aspect of counter-terrorism operations. This involves gathering intelligence on individuals and organizations that are involved in terrorist activities and prioritizing them for investigation and prosecution. The term 'infrastructure and support system' encompasses a wide range of resources and facilities that terrorists rely on, including safe houses, training camps, communication networks, and financial channels. Dismantling this infrastructure is essential to disrupt terrorist operations and prevent future attacks. The phrase 'every nook and corner of Union Territory' underscores the comprehensive nature of the government's efforts to eradicate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. This implies a proactive and relentless pursuit of terrorist elements and their support networks throughout the region. The directive to dismantle the infrastructure 'permanently' suggests a long-term commitment to preventing the resurgence of terrorism in the region. This requires not only immediate security measures but also sustained efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and build a more resilient and peaceful society.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of ensuring a sense of security among the common people. This recognizes that the ultimate success of counter-terrorism efforts depends on the trust and cooperation of the local population. When people feel safe and secure, they are more likely to provide information to the authorities and support efforts to maintain law and order. The term 'sense of security' goes beyond mere physical safety; it also encompasses psychological well-being and confidence in the ability of the government to protect its citizens. Creating this sense of security requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only visible security measures but also effective communication, community engagement, and responsive governance. Visible security measures, such as increased patrols and checkpoints, can help to deter terrorist attacks and provide a sense of reassurance to the public. However, these measures must be implemented in a way that does not unduly disrupt daily life or create a sense of oppression. Effective communication is also essential to build trust and confidence. The government needs to provide accurate and timely information to the public about the security situation and its efforts to address it. This helps to dispel rumors and prevent the spread of misinformation. Community engagement involves building relationships with local residents and involving them in efforts to maintain security. This can include setting up community policing initiatives, organizing awareness campaigns, and providing support to victims of terrorism. Responsive governance is about ensuring that the government is responsive to the needs and concerns of the people. This includes providing access to essential services, addressing grievances promptly, and promoting economic development. The Lieutenant Governor's emphasis on ensuring a sense of security among the common people reflects the understanding that the fight against terrorism is not just a military or law enforcement operation; it is also a political and social undertaking that requires the active participation and support of the local population. Sinha's statements underscore the holistic approach required, one that weaves together security operations, community engagement, and effective governance.
Furthermore, Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized the need to further strengthen the security grid and stressed the importance of better coordination and synergy among the security agencies. This highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir. The term 'security grid' refers to the network of security forces, intelligence agencies, and other organizations that are responsible for maintaining law and order and preventing terrorist attacks. Strengthening this grid involves improving its capabilities, expanding its coverage, and enhancing its coordination. The phrase 'better coordination and synergy among the security agencies' emphasizes the need for seamless collaboration and information sharing between different organizations. This is essential to prevent duplication of effort, avoid gaps in coverage, and ensure a unified response to security threats. Achieving better coordination and synergy requires establishing clear lines of communication, developing common operating procedures, and conducting joint training exercises. It also involves fostering a culture of trust and cooperation among the different agencies. The Lieutenant Governor's emphasis on strengthening the security grid and enhancing coordination reflects the understanding that the fight against terrorism is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a collective and coordinated response from all stakeholders. This coordinated approach can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts and contribute to a more secure and stable environment in Jammu and Kashmir. Better intelligence sharing, joint operations, and a unified command structure are vital for achieving this objective. The relentless pursuit of dismantling terrorist networks, combined with efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population, signals a comprehensive and strategic approach to combating terrorism in the region. Sinha’s leadership aims to create a climate of peace, stability, and development, laying the foundation for a brighter future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The sustained commitment to security, community engagement, and responsive governance signifies a holistic strategy to address the root causes of terrorism and build a more resilient and peaceful society.
Source: Destruction of terror emanating from neigbourhood is our collective resolve: Lieutenant Governor