Excelsior Correspondent/PTI
NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR, June 2: Concerned over a series of attacks on telecom towers in the state, the Centre today asked Jammu and Kashmir Government to ensure security of communication infrastructure and come out with an action plan to deal with militants’ threat.
In an advisory, the Home Ministry asked Jammu and Kashmir Government to urgently review the security situation in the wake of several attacks on mobile towers and killing of people connected with the communication networks.
“Urgent review may be undertaken to assess the extent of the threat and its fallout. Suitable counter measures, including security cover wherever necessary, may be put in place urgently to prevent recurrence of such incidents and to ensure smooth functioning of the communication infrastruture,” the Home Ministry told the State Government.
Asking the State Government Government to provide a detailed action plan to deal with the situation arising out of the militants threat, the Home Ministry said security is vital for ensuring smooth functioning of the communication network in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, official sources said there was no organisation called Lashkar-e-Islam, which claimed responsibility for the attacks on telecom infrastructure, killing of two people and threatening some cellular companies.
State police has assured the Union Home Ministry that if there is a need, police will run these vulnerable towers, they said.
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India have already written to the Home Ministry as well as the State Government seeking urgent intervention pointing out that some employees, retailers and franchises have stopped work following militant attacks and threats.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called a high-level meeting of senior civil and police officers to review the security and law and order situation in the State.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Director General of Police, K Rajendra, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B B Vyas, Principal Secretary, Home, R K Goyal and IGP, Kashmir, SJM Gillani.
During the meeting, the situation following attacks on mobile tower installations, in particular North and Central Kashmir, was also discussed.
Taking strong note of the disruption of cellular networks in various parts of the Valley, Mufti Sayeed observed that people cannot be pushed into Stone Age as modern-day functioning in Government, Banking, Tourism, Education, and other vital sectors, in particular, old-age pension and e-transfer of insurance claims and compensation to flood-affected victims are totally dependent on internet connectivity. He said cellular networks have become lifeline as these services are availed by all sections of the society.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed DGP to take all possible steps to thwart any attempt to disrupt cellular networks in Valley and provide security to mobile tower installations and owners. He said the miscreants cannot be allowed to take law into their own hands and police should deal sternly with such elements.
The Chief Minister also directed the DGP to ensure that uninterrupted mobile network connectivity is provided to the people.
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