Mitra is MHA’s new adviser on J-K

The Centre has appointed T K Mitra as adviser to the Home Ministry on Jammu and Kashmir. Mitra, a 1966 batch IPS officer, will mainly advise the ministry on strategies to tackle the terrorist menace. He had earlier served in various capacities in central police organisations, the Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

The role of an adviser assumes importance in view of the changing tactics of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, necessitating an adequate response from the security forces. Attacks on tourists and pilgrims have become more common place in recent months instead of car bombs and fidayeen attacks.

At a meeting in South Block last month, it was decided that redeployment of forces in the state would be done after an evaluation of the threat perception in different areas.

Mitra, whose appointment was cleared by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), had retired as Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in November 2004. The post of adviser had fallen vacant after the retirement of J N Roy.