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Govt to review strategy in J&K
Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi |
April 01, 2003 04:02 IST
The central government has decided to review the existing macro-strategies of the security forces and intelligence agencies working in Jammu and Kashmir and to suggest appropriate strategies to counter the terrorism in the state.
Union Home Secretary N Gopalswamy told reporters after a 75-minute meeting between central and J&K government officials that a panel would conduct the review.
It would have representatives from the army, central paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, apart from the J&K government and its police force.
After discussions with the concerned agencies, it would visit the state before finalising its report, to be submitted within the next three months.
"It was agreed that the Union and state governments would function in complete harmony on all security-related matters pertaining to J&K," Gopalswamy said.
Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani, J&K Governor G C Saxena, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, Defence Minister George Fernandes and External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha were among those who attended the meeting.
Contradicting Sayeed, N Gopalswamy said the Special Operations Group of the J&K police, specifically tasked to counter militants, has not been disbanded.
"The SoG has been redeployed and it is carrying on with its task," he said.
The SoG faced several allegations of atrocities and was unpopular among the masses. The Mufti said it was disbanded as part of his efforts to impart a ‘healing touch' in the militancy-infested state.
Among other matters discussed were the ever-changing routes for infiltration, intelligence-driven operations and special measures for protecting of Kashmiri Pandits in the valley.
It was decided to initiate action, according to law, against those providing support and backup to terrorists and secessionists, to integrate efforts to block flow of funds to terrorists and ensure energised and pro-active anti-terrorist operations.
It may be noted that a similar Special Group, constituted in 1998, had prepared a strategy and action plan for tackling terrorism in J&K.