Home Secretary chairs security review meet in Srinagar

Srinagar, Apr 23: Before leaving for New Delhi, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan Wednesday chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including two foreigners.

The meeting was attended by J&K Chief Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), senior officials from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Armyís 15 Corps, Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, and top-ranking officers from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The primary agenda of the meeting was a detailed discussion on the Pahalgam terror strike, which occurred in the scenic Baisaran area of Pahalgam.

The isolated nature of the location and the absence of immediate security deployment were identified as major vulnerabilities during the meeting.

Sources in the security establishment said that there was currently no permanent presence of security forces in the meadows of Baisaran Valley, which is encircled by dense forests.

ìThe security gap is prompting authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy for the permanent deployment of security forces in the vulnerable areas,î an official privy to the meeting said. ìStress was laid on the fact that faster response times and stronger deterrence are necessary to prevent such attacks in the future.î

The security review also called for the urgency of realigning forces ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which commences on July 3.

Given the expected influx of yatris and tourists, ensuring foolproof security has become a top priority.

The official said that the security agencies were also planning to fortify the rear forest routes and monitor high-altitude paths to check terrorist movement.

This includes the deployment of quick response teams, drone surveillance, and additional checkpoints.

Following multiple security meetings chaired by the Union Home Minister both in New Delhi and Srinagar, officials will soon draft the final contours of a restructured security grid for the Kashmir Valley. This grid will include significant changes in deployment strategies, especially in and around Pahalgam and key pilgrimage routes.