Mehbooba asks Army chief to step up vigil on LoC

Army Chief General Dalbir Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met here on Tuesday, amid a sudden spike in militant attacks in the Valley.

Ms. Mufti stressed greater vigil on the Line of Control (LoC) and the need to decrease soldiers’ footprints in urban pockets.

Accompanied by GOC-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda and GOC 15 Corps, Lt. Gen. Satish Dua, Gen. Singh and Ms. Mufti discussed important matters relating to internal and external security managements in the State.

According to a government spokesman, Ms. Mufti was briefed about the overall security scenario and the steps being taken to maintain peace in the State through greater public participation.

The Chief Minister called for “greater vigil along the borders to prevent infiltration.”

She also stressed the need to minimise the visibility of the troops from the civilian areas and tourist places in the State.

“The troops should ensure that no civilian is harmed and there is minimum damage to civilian properties during encounters with the militants,” Ms. Mufti said.

“While the Army is competent enough to deal with the situation along the borders, for internal security, the police and the paramilitary forces should shoulder greater responsibilities,” she added.

Ms. Mufti also urged the Army commanders to help consolidate and carry forward the State government’s confidence building measures on the security front and initiative of border tourism, “which would go a long way in ensuring peace and tranquillity along the borders and within the mainland.”