SRINAGAR: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone VK Birdi presided over a security review meeting on Wednesday with officers of police, intelligence agencies & security forces to discuss various strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing law enforcement efforts and ensuring public safety in view of the upcoming auspicious occasion of Mehraj-ul-Alam at Police Control Room Kashmir.

V.K Birdi was briefed by the participating officers about the security measures put in place to tackle any untoward incident across the valley. 

The chair was also briefed about the action taken against the militant associates as well as the inimical elements. The officers were also directed to generate actionable inputs to thwart attempts of anti-national elements to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the valley. 

IGP Kashmir also reviewed the traffic arrangements in place for the convenience of the general public and further directed SSP Traffic to deploy sufficient manpower on the ground in view of the upcoming auspicious occasion of Mehraj-ul-Alam.

"IGP Kashmir underscored the necessity to fortify the security grid, aiming to prevent potential militant attacks and maintain seamless coordination among the various forces operating on the ground", reads a statement issued to GNS. 

V K Birdi directed officers to closely monitor the activities of militant associates and ensure strict legal measures are taken against them. 

He, as per the statement, also emphasized the need to strengthen intelligence networks, particularly in districts near the Line of Control (LoC) where the possibility of militant infiltration exists.

During the meeting, IGP Kashmir emphasized the importance of proactive policing measures to address emerging challenges and maintain law and order effectively. 

Discussions in detail about the implementation of innovative policing techniques, leveraging technology for crime prevention, and strengthening community engagement initiatives were held. 

The chair also highlighted the need for enhanced efforts to curb the drug menace by dealing actively against the drug peddlers who are ruining the lives of people living in the valley. 

The integration of technology in policing operations was among the points of discussion, with a focus on leveraging advanced surveillance systems, data analytics, and digital platforms to enhance investigative capabilities and improve overall efficiency.

The meeting was attended by DIG BSF Srinagar S.S Chandel, DIG IRP Kashmir Abdul Qayoum, DIG CRPF (SOS) Dinesh Kumar Singh, DIG CRPF (KOS) Pramod Kumar Mehra, DC SB Srinagar, SSP PCR Kashmir, SSP Security Kashmir, SSP CID SB Kashmir, SSP Traffic City Srinagar, SP South Srinagar, SP PC Srinagar and other officers & representatives from ITBP, SSB, CISF. Moreover, the meeting was attended virtually by DIG SKR Anantnag Shri Altaf Ahmad Khan-IPS, DIG NKR Baramulla Vivek Gupta-IPS & all SSsP of the districts across the valley.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement the discussed strategies effectively and maintain close coordination among all stakeholders to address present and future challenges in law enforcement. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain while expressing hope for a peaceful Republic Day across the UT on Thursday said that police have addressed potential threats and devised a response to contingencies.

Talking to reporters in Jammu, DGP Swain, said that police have taken care of all the possible threats ahead of the Republic Day.

“All security arrangements are in place. We have held UT level and provincial level review meetings. We have discussed issues with all the stakeholders including the army and the Central Forces. A detailed plan has been framed. We have taken care of possible threats and devised our response to contingencies. Hopefully, we will celebrate Republic Day peacefully,” he said.

“All security arrangements are in place. We have held UT level and provincial level review meetings. We have discussed issues with all the stakeholders including the army and the Central Forces. A detailed plan has been framed. We have taken care of possible threats and devised our response to contingencies. Hopefully, we will celebrate Republic Day peacefully,” he said.

The DGP expressed his joy over the 72 gallantry awards received by the JK police on Republic Day. “It is a matter of great pride and joy that J&K police personnel have been bestowed with 72 gallantry medals by the President of India. I congratulate the police, LG Manoj Sinha, and the Ministry of Home Affairs for acknowledging the J&K police’s contribution towards ensuring peace.”

He said while fighting militancy and proxy war sponsored by the neighbouring country, over 1600 policemen were killed. “The huge sacrifices of forces is the benchmark of demonstrating the commitment to national security. There are hundreds of other policemen who have suffered injuries, displacement, intimidation and family dislocation,” he said, adding that these are the tales and sagas of untold stories which isn’t well chronicled. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah on Tuesday chaired a review meeting on the security situation of Jammu & Kashmir, in wake of recent attack in Poonch. 

National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Chief of Army Staff, Director (IB), Heads of CAPFs, Chief Secretary & DGP, UT of Jammu and Kashmir attended the meeting held in New Delhi.

“During the meeting, Amit Shah reviewed the area domination plan of security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir to eliminate the threat of terrorism,” reads an official statement. 

While reviewing the functioning of the security grid and overall security scenario of Jammu and Kashmir, Shah instructed to strengthen the “counter-terrorism operations and need for complete elimination of terror eco-system,” the statement, as per GNS, said. 

“He also advised the security agencies for appropriate deployment in vulnerable areas,” he said, adding, “He reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government will continue to adopt a zero- tolerance approach against terrorism.”

Union Home Minister stressed all due procedures should be adopted while dealing with counter- terror operations. Shah underlined the importance of further strengthening the local intelligence network.

“Union Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and administration of the Union Territory for significant decline in terror related incidents, infiltration and improvement in law & order situation.” (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V K Birdi on Saturday directed the officers to keep a hawk's eye on the situation and identify the people with nefarious designs who are hell bent to disturb the atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

He said this while chairing a security review meeting in North Kashmir’s district Bandipora to assess and enhance the security measures.

The security meeting was attended by Deputy Inspector General of police north Kashmir Vivek Gupta, SSP Bandipora Lakshay Sharma, Additional SP Bandipora Sandeep Bhat and other officers of the district, a police spokesman said.

Birdi stressed upon strengthening collaboration between different law enforcement agencies for seamless information sharing and joint operations besides exploring innovative technologies to augment existing security infrastructure and response capabilities.

He stressed upon the officers to increase focus on human intelligence alongwith technical inputs to flush out the inimical elements besides exhorted upon to take stringent action against any person or organization supporting anti-national activities.

The IGP also stressed upon the officers to keep a hawk's eye on the situation and identify the people with nefarious designs who are hell bent to disturb the atmosphere of peace & tranquility.

Highlighting the approach to combat the drug menace, he said that law enforcement agencies are committed to intensifying operations and adopting advanced techniques to dismantle drug networks.
Birdi directed for finalization of the pending cases/public complaints to give relief to the general public and directed for speedy disposal of cases assigned to them for conducting the investigation.

The IGP reiterated the significance of community participation in maintaining vigilance and urged citizens to remain vigilant while assuring them of continued efforts to enhance security measures.
He briefed the officers to ensure the highest standards of public safety and urged them to work impartially and take stern action against any violation of the law.  (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Police on Thursday said that an interactive meeting with DIG ranges and District SP's was held by newly joined IGP Kashmir V. K Birdi today in the afternoon. The district and range heads of Kashmir Zone were directed to focus on quality investigation in terror crimes and narco-terror related cases to dismantle terror ecosystem.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that IGP Kashmir stressed upon the officers to ensure the improvement in overall working of Policing at Police Station and sub-divisional level with refinement in record building and investigation.

According to police spokesman, he stressed upon the officers to make good public relations and focus on people sensitive policing. Addressing public grievances should be the top most priority of valley Police besides their operational and crime related commitments.

He stressed upon transparent and efficient Policing with coordination with all sister agencies in the valley, reads the statement.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that the foolproof security cover was ensured for the Ashoora procession that started from Bota Kadal area and will culminate at ImamBara Zadibal, Srinagar.

Talking to reporters, ADGP Kumar as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that foolproof security cover is in place for the smooth conduct of the Ashoora in which Shia mourners are taking out a Zuljinah procession from Bota Kadal area to Imambara Zadibal. “Officers were deployed on ground from midnight to ensure deployment as per the plan,” he said, adding that “allowing the historic procession after a long gap reflects changing Kashmir.”

He said police provides security cover for such events but “ultimate credit goes to the people.” “Without peoples’ cooperation nothing is possible,” the ADGP said.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Muhammad Aijaz Asad said that the administration stands with the Shia community on the eve of Youm-e-Ashoora, the day Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred in Karbala.

“Today, the need of the hour is to spread the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS),” he said. Pertinently, the administration allowed the grand Ashoora procession from Bota Kadal to Imambara Zadibal on the occasion of Ashoora.

Earlier, on 8th Muharram, the administration had allowed the procession from Guru Bazar to M A Road to Dalgate, for the first time in 34 years. Shia leaders and mourners had thanked the LG Manoj Sinha led administration for the historic decision. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Additional Director General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar along with IG CRPF, BSF and other officers visited Amarnath Cave to reviewed security arrangements.

In a tweet, The Kashmir Zone Police wrote, "ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar alongwith IG CRPF, IG BSF, 3 Sector Commander, SSP Anantnag & CO ITBP visited Panjtarni & HolyCave. Reviewed security arrangements & interacted with other stakeholders. All officers also inspected track jointly between panjtarni and Holy Cave, reads the tweet.

Amarnath Yatra is set to commence on July 1st, 2023, a trek through the mountains of south Kashmir Himalayas to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Army, police and civil administration on Saturday held joint security conference for the success of the upcoming 62-day long Amarnath Yatra beginning next month. 

“A joint security conference between Security Forces & Civil Administration officers was held with an aim to increase synergy, interaction and coordination between the civil and security agencies for the success of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra,” a defence ministry spokesperson based in Srinagar in a statement to GNS.

The 62 days long yatra to the 3,880 metre high Cave shrine is scheduled to start on July 1 from two routes — the traditional 48-km Nunwan route in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam and the 14-km Baltal route in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal.

“Detailed briefing and discussions provided an opportunity for deliberations on important issues of mutual interest impacting the security of the Yatra,” he said, adding, “All officials stressed the need for harmonious functioning of the government agencies to make the event successful.”

In view of the prevailing internal security situation, he said, an overview of the security was also undertaken to ensure complete synergy between all security agencies and the civil administration for a coordinated effort towards the achievement of the laid down goals for a smooth and incident free Yatra. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday iterated the Government's commitment to ensuring the best possible arrangements during the Amarnath Yatra.

The Lt Governor said, the J&K Government is committed to ensure that the best possible arrangements are put in place for the comfort and well-being of pilgrims during this year’s Amarnath Yatra.

The 62-day-long Shri Amarnathji Yatra will commence on 1st July this year, simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district and it will culminate on 31st August 2023.

The Lt Governor attended the Pratham Puja to mark the ceremonial beginning of the Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, through video conferencing today.The Lt Governor sought the blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health and well-being of one and all.Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has been organising Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima every year.

“For millions of devotees all over the world, pilgrimage to the Holy Cave of Baba Amarnath is a cherished life-long dream,” the Lt Governor said.

“Dedicated efforts have been made in the last few years to bring about perceptible improvements in infrastructure and other facilities” he said

.“The officials of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board are working hard to ensure that needs and requirements of devotees are taken care of during the Yatra. We are constantly striving for better facilities and services for pilgrims,” the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor also acknowledged the immense contribution of the local residents to the successful conduct of the Yatra that will commence from 1st July. It will also increase the livelihood opportunities and boost the local economy, he added.

Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, members of the Shrine Board; senior officials of SASB, Army and Lt Governor’s Secretariat also attended the Pratham Puja.

SRINAGAR: Four days ahead of the high profile G20 working group meeting on tourism, elite National Security Guards (NSG), also known as the ‘Black Cats’ and Marine Commandos (MARCOS) have been deployed in Srinagar to neutralise any security threat.

On Thursday, the Black Cats appeared at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk and took stock of the situation. The NSG accompanied by police and CRPF were seen going inside hotels at the Lal chowk.

“The NSG along with special operations group of J&K police have been deployed at several venues to counter fidayeen (suicide) attacks. They will also be responsible for countering any drone attacks,” officials said, adding “all security agencies are working in synergy.”

On Wedneday, marine commandos were deployed in Dal lake for the security of the G20 meeting at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), from May 22 to 24. The marine commandoes have taken rounds of the Dal lake to counter militant threats.

Additional Director General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said a three-tier security will be put in place for the G20 meeting.

“For air surveillance, anti-drone equipment is being set up. We are taking help from NSG and the army for the same..." Kumar said.

Kumar said that there will be no restrictions during the G20 meeting.

“Some people are spreading these rumors and they will be identified and brought to justice,” he said.

There is a possibility that the visiting foreign delegates of G20 nations may take boat rides in Dal Lake. The G20 delegates will be taken to the ski-resort of Gulmarg on May 24. The delegates will return to Delhi on May 25.


Apart from the deployment of elite commandoes, Police, Army, CRPF and SSB have stepped up security across the valley. In Srinagar, forces were seen frisking people and searching vehicles


The preparations are on war footing for the smooth conduct of G20 meet which is the first major international event in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

On Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir Police cautioned people against some international mobile phone numbers, which, it said, are being used to spread rumours about upcoming G20 events and anti-national messages. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah held a review meeting on the security situation of Jammu & Kashmir in New Delhi on Thursday. National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director (IB), RAW Chief and other senior officials of the Government of India, including the Officers from Jammu &Kashmir attended the meeting.

Union Home Minister reviewed the functioning of the security grid and various aspects related to security, according to a statement.

He reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Government of India is committed towards zero tolerance against militancy.

Amit Shah also reviewed the Area Domination Plan, “Zero Terror Plan”, Law and order situation, cases related to UAPA and other security related issues.

“Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and administration of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for substantial reduction in cross border infiltration and improvement in law & order and also advised to strengthen the routine policing.” 

Home Minister also reviewed the preparation of G-20 Meeting which is scheduled to be held in Srinagar in May, 2023 and asked all agencies to work in a coordinated manner for successful conduct of the event, the statement added. (GNS)