J&K CM Reviews Situation, Says Civilians Should Not be Harmed

Srinagar: As tension prevailed in Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday held a high-level meeting with top police and intelligence officials of the state to review the situation and directed that no harm should come to civilians while dealing with law and order issues.

Mehbooba, who arrived from Delhi after a three-day visit, will be camping in the Summer capital of the state to monitor the law and order situation "as long as necessary", official sources said.

Soon after arrival, she met top police and intelligence officials of the state including Director General of Police K Rajendra Kumar at her official residence.

"The Chief Minister directed the police officials to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure that civilians are not harmed while dealing with law and order situations," official sources said.

The security review meeting was held in the wake of tense situation prevailing in the Valley since Tuesday when three persons including a woman were killed in firing by security forces during protests against alleged molestation of a college girl in Handwara town of Kupwara district.

Another youth died on Wednesday when he was hit by a tear gas shell in the head in Drugmulla area of Kupwara district as protests spread to many areas of the north Kashmir district, forcing the authorities to impose curfew-like restrictions.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Asgar Hassan Samoon also reviewed law and order situation in the Valley following the Handwara incident.

The meeting was attended by DIG, Central Range (Kashmir) GH Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone and other Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir division through video conferencing, an official spokesman said.

He said the Deputy Commissioners told Samoon that situation is peaceful overall and the necessary deployment of forces has been made at sensitive places.

The Divisional Commissioner asked Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to carry out time-bound probe into the Handwara incident.

Samoon, while stressing the need for maintaining vigil, directed the police officials to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures in their respective districts and ensure that there is no loss of life or property during law and order situations.

He also directed officials to remain present at their offices and maintain close liaison with the police.