J-K meet decides to review security

Emphasis would be laid on protecting the minorities and also vital installations in the state. Better coordination among various security agencies, and also between Centre and the state, was absolutely necessary, it was felt.

The special group, to be chaired by Special Secretary (J-K) in Ministry of Home Affairs Ashok Bhandari, will go into all security related issues and review macro-strategies to be followed to counter terrorism in the state. The group will also include MHA Joint Secretary Rakesh Hooja, state DGP, chief secretary, representatives from the Army, Intelligence Bureau (IB), BSF and CRPF.

The group, to give its report in three months, will hold detailed discussions with various security agencies, and suggest new strategies and action plan, said Home Secretary N. Gopalaswami.

The meeting, among others, was attended by Defence Minister George Fernandes, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, state Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Governor G.C. Saxena, DGP, Army Chief General N.C. Vij, Army commanders of both Srinagar based 15 Corp and Nagrauta based 16 Corp and DGs of CRPF, BSF and ITBP.

The Army Chief expressed ‘‘deep concern’’ about the lack of coordination between police other Central para-military forces, sources said.

Gopalaswami confirmed that the Nadimarg massacre happened due to a “collusion” of local police with terrorists.