Srinagar- Admitting the security lapse in Sopore militant attack in which two Municipal Councillors and a cop were killed, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar Tuesday said that had the PSO’s present at the spot retaliated, militants would not have succeeded in their efforts.
He said four PSOs have been suspended while as an OGW has been arrested who has revealed that the plan to carry out the attack was hatched by one LeT militant and a foreigner at his home.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath laying ceremony of a CRPF man, who was injured in Lawaypora militant attack and succumbed yesterday, at RTC Humhama here, the IGP said: “There has been some security lapse in Sopore attack. There were four PSOs present and had they retaliated, the militants would not have succeeded in their efforts,” the IGP Kashmir said as per news agency KNO.
He said that Municipal Committee chairman of Sopore had not informed the police about the meeting. “So there was no additional deployment. But still four PSOs were enough to retaliate which they didn’t,” the Kashmir police chief said.
He said that police and other security forces will intensify the anti-militancy operations and those involved in Sopore attack will be either be killed or arrested. “One OGW has been arrested already and after interrogating him, we have come to know that one LeT militant Mudasir along with a foreigner carried out the attack,” the IGP said.
Asked whether vehicles with outside registration numbers are being used by militants in J&K, the Kashmir police chief said that a few vehicles seized recently were used by militants to carry out attacks on security forces including the one used for “Lawaypora attack.”
“That’s why RTO has issued an order making it mandatory for vehicles with outside registration to register the same within 15 days,” IGP Kumar said, adding that police will plug the loopholes in the days ahead and also conduct short-refresher courses for the PSOs.
Police To Revisit Existing Security Deployments
Earlier IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar chaired a security review meeting here through video conferencing with Range DIsG and district SSsP of Kashmir. DIG CKR Srinagar and SSP Srinagar attended the meeting physically at PCR Kashmir, a police spokesman said.
“On the occasion, IGP Kashmir was briefed by the participating officers about the overall security scenarios in their respective areas and the security measures being adopted to counter the challenges,” the spokesman said in a statement.
While interacting with the officers, IGP Kashmir urged upon them to revisit the existing security deployments including checkpoints/nakas at strategic locations, surprise nakas, limited surprise CASOs in crowded places etc.
“He also urged upon the officers to strategise the deployments on day-to-day basis to thwart the nefarious designs of (militants) and anti-national elements in view of huge rush of tourists and upcoming Amarnath Yatra.”
The top police officer of Kashmir also stressed for better synergy and coordination with other security agencies deployed in their respective areas besides ensuring regular briefing of the manpower working under their command at all the levels on ground.
Highlighting the importance of the measures to be adopted post-militant attack, IGP Kashmir directed officers to formulate a proper SOP so that all proactive measures are adopted immediately which include CASOs, placing cut-off points on exit routes, use of drones etc. to avoid the escape of “culprits/suspects.”
IGP Kashmir also directed the officers to review the existing security deployed with the PPs/vulnerable persons residing in their respective areas.
He also instructed officers to ensure better coordination and synergy with them, besides formulate a mechanism so that prior to their visit to any place or area they inform the local PCR/concerned Police Station, for their hassle free and secure movement, the spokesman said.
“It was also decided that a proper SOP regarding security of protected persons/vulnerable persons containing DOs/DON’Ts shall be formulated and issued shortly.’
The IGP Kashmir also reiterated the need to enhance anti-militancy grid by generating specific intelligence and intensify CASOs or anti-militant operations in their respective districts and take all proactive steps for maintaining peace and stability in their respective areas.
“He also emphasized upon the officers to keep strict vigil over the (militant) associates and take all necessary measures under law against them.”
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