Ajit Doval, PK Mishra Re-appointed, PM Reviewed Security Situation in Jammu and Kashmir

Manas Dasgupta

NEW DELHI, June 13: Mr Ajit Doval and Mr PK Mishra have been re-appointed the National Security Advisor and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister respectively with effect from June 10.

Both the appointments will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi or until further orders and both of them will have the rank of cabinet minister in the table of precedence during their term in the office, a statements announcing the appointments issued by the government on Thursday said.

Mr Modi soon afterwards reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with Mr Doval and other senior officials in the face of sudden spurt in terror activities in the region during the last few days. The Prime Minister was given a full overview of the security-related situation in Jammu and Kashmir and was also apprised of the counter-terror efforts being undertaken.

During the meeting, Mr Modi emphasized the importance of deploying the full spectrum of India’s counter-terror capabilities. He also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed the deployment of security forces and counter-terror operations, official sources said. The Prime Minister also spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take stock of the situation and was briefed on the efforts being undertaken by the local administration.

This recent encounter follows a series of terror attacks in the Jammu and Kashmir region over the past few days. Jammu and Kashmir region has been witnessing a surge in violence with three significant terror attacks, on a bus in Reasi causing it to plunge into a gorge resulting in the deaths of at least nine pilgrims and injuring 42 others, the Kathua terror attack in which two terrorists and a CRPF jawan were killed during exchange of fire and the attack on security forces camp in Doda injuring at least half-a-dozen security personnel. In a fourth attack early on Thursday morning, a constable of the Special Operations Group (SOG) sustained injuries in an encounter in Doda district, said the Jammu and Kashmir police.

One group comprising three to four terrorists were present in the higher reaches of Doda, a senior police officer had said on Thursday morning, adding a search operation was on to neutralise them on the challenging terrain.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday released sketches of four terrorists involved in two attacks in Doda district and announced a reward of ₹ 20 lakh for information leading to their arrest. “Jammu and Kashmir Police has released sketches of four terrorists who are believed to be in the upper reaches of Bhaderwah, Thathri, Gandoh and carrying out terror-related activities,” a police spokesperson said. “A cash reward of ₹ 5 lakh for information about each of the terrorists has been announced. The Jammu and Kashmir Police appeals to the people to provide information about the presence and movement of these terrorists,” the spokesman said.