Pathankot attack: J&K on high alert, top cops visit International border

Following Saturday’s terror attack in neighbouring Pathankot, security in and around security forces’ bases and other vital installations across Jammu and Kashmir was beefed up.

Immediately after the pre-dawn attack, the security forces guarding the airports in twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu and various military and air force installations were asked to remain vigilant against possible militant fidayeen strikes.

State’s director-general of police K. Rajendra Kumar visited the border police posts established on 24 kms area of twin districts of Kathua and Samba along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan “to take on spot stock of security scenario besides assessing precautionary measures being taken up in these vulnerable areas”. Mr Kumar was accompanied by IGP Jammu, Danish Rana, SSP Kathua, Navin Jain and SSP Samba, Joginder Singh.

An official release said the police chief interacted with the police personnel deployed on border posts and enquired about the prevailing situation in these areas. He asked them to be extra vigilant and be alert at all times to avert any incident similar to the Pathankot attack. He also asked them to maintain close liaison with the local populace to gather intelligence on any suspicious movement in the area and later interacted with the local residents to seek their cooperation in the effort to safeguard the interests of the nation.

Later, the DGP met tje police officers of twin districts at Kathua. He was briefed by district Superintendents of the police on the security grid and the preparedness to tackle any militancy attack. He was also briefed about the deployment of manpower at vital installations and Nakas established to check any movement of militants and other anti-national elements, the release said.

The police chief asked the field officers to monitor the situation and take all preventive measures for the security of vital installations in the area besides that along the Pathankot-Jammu stretch of the National Highway 1 A.

“He said that intelligence grid should be strengthened and CCTVs installed at all important and busy places to make the efforts fruitful”, the release said. It added Mr Kumar emphasised upon the officers to ensure coordination with other sister agencies and share intelligence inputs to avert any attempt by the militants firmly. He also asked them to follow the SOPs in letter and spirit while dealing with the situations in order to avoid inconvenience to the common masses.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Kumar said all vulnerable infiltration routes along the border with Pakistan in Jammu region have been plugged and extra barricades and drop-gates set up along the highways especially Pathankot-Jammu stretch of the NH 1A. Also, quick reaction teams have been put on stand-by. Meanwhile, the BSF which forms the first defence line along the IB too has alerted its men against possible infiltration attempts by militants.