Lapses will be inquired & action taken; people’s concerns will be addressed: Sinha

LG Manoj Sinha meeting locals at Dhangri in Rajouri on Monday. - Excelsior/Gafoor Bhat
LG Manoj Sinha meeting locals at Dhangri in Rajouri on Monday. - Excelsior/Gafoor Bhat

‘Those responsible for attack will be punished’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that lapses pointed out by the people in terror attack followed by IED blast at Upper Dhangri in Rajouri district will be inquired into and action taken based on findings and assured the people that their other issues too would be addressed.
In a brief chat with media persons after meeting family members of the terror victims and holding security review meeting in Rajouri, Sinha said a thorough probe will be conducted to reach to the depth of unholy attempt (by the militants).
“Some concerns have been raised by the people. They will be addressed. Some lapses have also been pointed out. They too would be inquired into by a Committee and action taken on basis of the findings,” he said. Click here to watch video
The Lieutenant Governor declared that whosoever responsible for the terror attack will be punished. Army will conduct searches in the area.
On protection to minorities, he said it will be given wherever required.
Earlier, Sinha met people protesting against the double terror strikes at the same site in Rajouri within hours, and said the Government is committed to eliminate terrorism from the Union Territory and help the affected families.
“I have heard several people among you. It is a commitment of the Government of India to stamp out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG told the protesters.
He was accompanied by Home Secretary RK Goyal, DGP Dilbag Singh, BJP chief Ravinder Raina, ADGP Mukesh Singh and Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar.
“Your feelings will be fully respected,” the LG told the protesting people, who raised questions on the security situation in Rajouri and also said the withdrawal of weapons from Village Defence Committees (VDCs) have made them an “easy prey” to militants.
Sinha said there is no compensation to these deaths. “It is a grave loss to the families,” he added.
“We have given full freedom to security forces. Terrorists will pay a very heavy price for this despicable attack. We will crush terrorists and their ecosystem,” he added.
He announced that the VDCs will be strengthened.
Sinha reviewed security situation at Rajouri headquarters with top officials of Army, police and paramilitary forces.
Expressing sympathies with the families, the LG said he had come to express his condolence and share their grief. He told the family members that entire nation and the Government stand firmly with families of terror attack in this hour of grief and the administration is committed to look after needs and issues of all families and people of the district.
“I and my administration are with these families in stamping out terrorism in J&K. Whatever is to be done, will be done for the families,” he said.
The LG also met locals, leaders and the grieving families.
Earlier in the day, Sinha announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia and a Government job to the next of kin of the civilians killed in the incident. He said those behind the terror attack will not go unpunished.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack in Rajouri. I assure the people that those behind this despicable attack will not go unpunished. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families,” Sinha said in a tweet.
He said the seriously injured would be given Rs 1 lakh.