Minister holds security review meeting with officers
Avtar Bhat
UDHAMPUR, Apr 27: Union Minister in PMO with Independent charge of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh today said Modi Government will take appropriate action against the terrorists responsible for recent Pahalgam carnage in which 26 tourists were killed.
Talking to reporters here today on the sidelines of a security review meeting held in the aftermath of Pahalgam carnage and recent terrorists’ presence in Udhampur district where an Army man attained martyrdom, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has taken serious cognisance of the recent dreaded terrorist attack in Pahalgam and there are no two thoughts that Government will take firm action against terrorism.
Earlier, he was also briefed by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take charge as GOC-in-C Northern Command, Udhampur from May 1.
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He assured the people that whatever the decision will be taken by Narendra Modi Government they will be in the larger interests of country and its people. “The Government will take inputs from Home Ministry, Defence Ministry and External affairs Ministry as they have all the inputs which we and others don’t have and on the basis of these inputs the Government will take the firm action, he added.
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He said in Udhampur also the movement of suspects (terrorists) was seen and a jawan of Army attained martyrdom during a fight with terrorists some days back. He said in the light of that and recent surfacing of terrorists in Kathua a security review was held here with officers from civil and police administration and security agencies.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that during the terrorists’ attacks in some areas of Kathua district also such meetings were held by him with officers during his several visits in the district. He said in today’s meeting some important measures and options regarding security were discussed but it will not be appropriate to share them with the media in view of security concerns.
The Union Minister assured that whatever shortcomings are observed, they will be overcome as Modi Government has resolved to take the firm and decisive action against terrorism.
In addition to strong security related measures to be taken by the Government, Dr Jitendra Singh said thrust will be given to development in the region which included pacing up of work on development projects like roads, bridges etc.
He said while construction of roads and bridges on one hand will facilitate ease of travel, on the other hand construction of roads and bridges is important from security point of view also.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the representatives of Udhampur including MLAs, civil society members, Chairman DDC, members of Beopar Mandal and Chamber of Commerce attended the meeting.
He said the cooperation of people and Government in weeding out terrorism is very important and expressed the hope that with the cooperation of people, Government will successfully overcome the situation. Terming the people of Udhampur most patriotic, he said they have always stood the tests of time whenever nation faced any crisis.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the various measures for giving impetus to development in the Jammu region were discussed and besides the intensifying the work on developmental projects the work of Udhampur airport has been started and the arrangements for annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra have also begun while the recruitment drive in the Army for local youth has also started.
Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that he had also been briefed and had a detailed meeting with Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take over as GoC-in-C Northern Command Udhampur from 1st May. He appreciated the role of the Indian Army in keeping the morale of the general public high through their strategic presence at sensitive points.
He also extended good wishes to Gen Pratik Sharma who is taking over command at a time when J& K is in focus.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also expressed his appreciation to the district administration, for their ongoing efforts in maintaining law and order and supporting developmental initiatives.
Detailed discussion about hotspots, vulnerability and strategies to plug the same were discussed in length and. breath. Directions were issued to work in sync and coordination with all security agencies.
The Minister said the security forces had spelt out a plan to keep the confidence of the general public high and not let them feel insecure by any means.
Senior officers DIG Udhampur Reasi Range, Sarah Rizvi , DC Udhampur Saloni Rai, SSP Amod Nagpure, ADDC Rajinder Singh , ADC Prem Singh , ACR Umesh Shan, SDM Chennai Ranjit Kotwal ,SDM Ramnagar Rajinder Singh Rana, SDM Dudu Manmeet Kumar & SDM Basant Garh, Waheed Ul Rehman, SDPO Ramnagar, Sultan Mirza, SDPO Chenani Sukhvir Singh, DY SP HQ Prahlad Sharma and DySP PC Udhampur Asgar were present at the meeting.
Later, Dr. Jitendra Singh held a comprehensive interaction with public representatives and local citizens, and offered reassurance amid security concerns.
During the meeting, while reassuring the citizens about reinforcement in security deployment, Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasized the Government’s initiatives for the all-round development of the district. He highlighted several key infrastructure and public welfare projects in the region which are being expedited because of their security relevance as well.
These, the Minister said, include the widening of the Dhar Road for smooth movement of security forces and the much-anticipated Ujh Multipurpose Project which is also proved vulnerable for cross border infiltrations and is being pursued by both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. He expressed optimism about positive progress on the project.
Adding to the infrastructure push, he informed that the proposed Chatargala Tunnel project is on the agenda, promising to further improve road connectivity in the region and avoid its turning into a militant hideout particularly when it is snow clad and cut off. . He said that efforts are underway to improve mobile connectivity in Udhampur, with the installation and streamlining of mobile towers across the district.
Addressing the needs of youth, the Minister announced that army recruitment drives have resumed, and discussions have already been held with the incoming General Officer Commanding (GOC), Lt Gen Prateek Sharma.
He further underscored Udhampur’s growing importance in the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, particularly as train services will directly connect pilgrims to the area.
Dr. Jitendra Singh called for the formation of a Civil Society Committee to facilitate regular feedback and timely inputs. He added that such a mechanism will enhance participatory governance.
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