Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Friday the creation of a security grid in the region, and that it would be strengthened within three months, stating that the perpetrators of the recent terror attacks in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, would not be spared. He also stated that the grid would be strengthened within three months.
He stated that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir should not be evaluated “based on a single occurrence” and that, after the repeal of Article 370 in 2019, the Union Territory has experienced the lowest number of incidents and fatalities.
“Even in terms of killings of minority groups, these three years have seen the lowest numbers,” Shah said at a press conference in Jammu.
Bad weather prevented him from travelling to Rajouri to meet the relatives of the victims of the terrorist attack.
“Do not evaluate the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir based on a single occurrence. In response to a query about the security situation in the UT, Shah stated, “If you want to judge it, judge it since the commencement of militancy, and you will find that following the abolition of Article 370, J&K has seen the fewest occurrences of violence and resulting deaths.”
He stated that the goal and determination of security services is to eradicate militancy in J&K within the next few years.
“Our security forces are working in this direction and have provided terrorists with appropriate responses.” Currently, more terrorists than civilians are being killed. Even in terms of minority homicides, these three years have seen the lowest numbers,” he remarked.
In response to the events in Rajouri, he stated that he had convened a security review conference with Jammu’s security agencies and military personnel.
“We have discussed the establishment of a security grid in the region over the next few days. I am able to state that all agencies are 100% vigilant and ready to face the upcoming challenges…. All agencies have committed to creating a full-circle security ring and discussed the matter. Likewise, intelligence agencies have made a decision and plotted a route… “I am confident that the J&K Police will swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.
He stated that the investigation into the two incidents in Rajouri had been transferred to the NIA.
“The NIA and Jammu police will jointly investigate the case. This group will examine the case in light of all instances that have occurred in the last and a half years. In addition, the Jammu and Kashmir security plan has been given a timeframe, and it has been agreed that the security grid will be improved in every region within three months. I want to tell the people of Jammu that whatever of the terrorists’ intentions, our agencies would secure Jammu with the utmost vigilance,” he said.
Shah stressed that the decision to reinstate Village Defense Committees was not in response to the events in Rajouri. He stated, “This decision was made in August of 2022.”
He lauded the tenacity of the Jammu people and assured them that the government stood with them.
“Due to terrible weather, I was unable to travel to Rajouri today. However, I have spoken with the victims’ families over the phone. I, along with J&K LG Manoj Sinha, patiently listened to them. Their perseverance is an example to the entire nation. Everyone stated that this is our territory and we will not leave. There were also families from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “It’s a significant deal that you’re still battling despite such an incidence,” he remarked.
“Whether in the Valley or Jammu, the administration stands behind the families of victims. There are planned programmes for them. “LG has been granted the authority to tailor government programmes to the needs of the victims,” he said.
