Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 16: As tensions escalated on the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) due to unprovoked firing by Pakistan Army and Rangers, Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami today visited forward areas on the IB in Jammu sector and later held a high level security review meeting with top brass of para-military forces, civil and police administration.
Mr Goswami, who arrived here this morning on his first two days visit of the State after assumption of charge of the Home Secretary, said the BSF has succeeded in thwarting all infiltration attempts on the borders. He called upon the BSF to maintain strict surveillance on the borders.
The Union Home Secretary, who would visit holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji tomorrow and later review the shrine security at another high level meeting here before returning to New Delhi, today also visited BSF Headquarters at Paloura and CRPF Headquarters at Bantalab and met the senior para-military officials to review security with them.
In brief inter-actions with reporters after security review at Octroi Post in Suchetgarh sector of RS Pura tehsil this morning and later in Jammu, Mr Goswami, the son of the soil, said there was no report of infiltration along the International Border in Jammu sector and asserted that BSF was always alert and guarding the border in the best possible way.
“BSF have been asked to be alert all the time and maintain vigilance. This is their mandate and they are doing it in the best possible way,” Mr Goswami said, adding, that there was no report of any possible infiltration via the IB.
Asked about the fear psychosis generated among troops due to the recent killings by sniper firing, Mr Goswami said, “I have met jawans and found their morale is high…They are guarding the border with vigilance and alertness.”
The Home Secretary said this was a ground assessment visit and the decision regarding the next step would be taken after a meeting with senior Defence officers from New Delhi, including the Joint Secretary dealing with border management.
He, however, dismissed reports of Central Intelligence agencies holding Bajrang Dal activists responsible for the Kishtwar communal clashes.
“I have not seen this report.. I do not have any knowledge about any such report,” Mr Goswami said when asked by a reporter about any such report with the Centre.
“I have come here to take a review of the border situation and that of Jammu region – we have been briefed”, Mr Goswami said.
“I also met the people of the region,” he said.
“I have noted down all the points — After returning back we will examine these points in MHA — After that what is needed to be done — will be decided,” Mr Goswami said.
He reviewed security scenario on the IB including the incidents of firing from Pakistan with the senior BSF officers.
He added that he would submit a comprehensive report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir including the borders on his return to New Delhi.
Though the Home Secretary didn’t visit Kishtwar, which reeled under curfew for eighth consecutive day today, he was reported to have assessed the security scenario of Kishtwar at the high level meeting of the officers.
He said some issues of land compensation of the farmers were pending, which would be discussed with the authorities.
“I have come here with a team of senior officials of Home ministry to inspect and review the security situation along the International Border and also meet jawans–we have been briefed,” Mr Goswami said.
The senior officials briefed Mr Goswami about the increase in ceasefire violations, firing, snipping incidents besides infiltration attempts from Pakistan.
During his interaction with the troops deployed along the borderline with Pakistan, Mr Goswami told them that they are doing a “good job”.
Meanwhile, at Octroi Post, Mr Goswami accompanied by IG BSF, Jammu Frontiers, SS Tomar was briefed on the situation by Commandant GS Dhaliwal. He inter-acted with BSF officials and jawans and praised their dedication for safeguarding the international boundaries.
The BSF officers were understood to have apprised the Home Secretary about frequent ceasefire violations on the International Border by the Rangers and their attempts to push militants into this side. They also briefed Mr Goswami about the militants awaiting across the IB to infiltrate into this side.
Later, Mr Goswami visited the BSF Headquarters at Paloura and CRPF Headquarters at Bantalab and had inter-action with senior BSF officers. DIG BSF Jammu NS Jamwal briefed Mr Goswami about the prevailing scenario in the region and activities of the BSF especially anti-infiltration and anti-militancy measures.
The CRPF officers also briefed the Home Secretary about their role in security scenario of the State.
In the afternoon, Mr Goswami held a high level security review with top brass of para-military forces, Intelligence agencies, civil and police administration. The security review lasted two and a half hours (3 pm to 5.30 pm at State Guest House).
Sources said the senior officers of civil and police administration apprised the Union Home Secretary about security scenario in the region in Kishtwar and its aftermath in which curfew was clamped in eight out of 10 districts of Jammu region. They apprised him of present situation, which was peaceful in entire region excepting Kishtwar, where curfew remained in force for eighth consecutive day today.
Mr Goswami reviewed security along the borders and hinterland with the top brass and stressed for strict surveillance against anti-national and anti-social elements.
The officers of para-military forces, Intelligence agencies, civil and police administration gave their assessment of the situation to the Home Secretary.
Mr Goswami also took assessment of the requirements of all agencies and assured them that they would be considered and fulfilled shortly. He lauded the agencies for maintaining close liaison and making successful the Amarnath yatra.
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