Home Minister to lead high-level security review in Jammu

Srinagar, Feb 5: Union Home Minister Amit Shah would on Friday afternoon chair a high-level security review meeting in Jammu, with a sharp focus on evolving security challenges in J&K, including the strategy for the coming summer months, intensification of anti-terror operations, strengthening of the counter-terrorism grid and tackling the growing menace of narcotics.

Shah would chair the review meeting after returning from visits of some posts on the border.

Soon after his return, he would distribute appointment letters among the relatives of personnel who sacrificed their lives during anti-terror operations.

Officials said he would inspect Border Outpost (BoP) Gurnam and later launch six welfare schemes at BoP Bobia aimed at improving facilities and support for security personnel deployed along the borders.

He is also scheduled to meet at Lok Bhavan in Jammu the families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty where he is expected to pay tribute to their sacrifices and interact with their kin.

On February 7, Shah will chair a separate review meeting focused on development works in J&K, taking stock of the progress of key infrastructure and welfare projects across J&K, officials said.

Top officials of security establishment said that meeting, scheduled for late Friday afternoon, comes at a crucial time as security agencies prepare for the summer season, traditionally marked by increased movement in higher reaches and a heightened risk of infiltration and terrorist activity.

ìSummer has always been a sensitive period from a security perspective. The Home Minister will review preparedness and issue clear directions to ensure there is no operational gap,î a senior security official said.

The meeting would be attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Chief Secretary, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command, the Director General of Police (DGP), Director of the Intelligence Bureau, heads of various paramilitary forces, ADGP CID J&K, and other senior civil and security officials from J&K.

According to officials, Shah will take a comprehensive review of ongoing anti-terror operations in Jammu, particularly in districts like Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, and Poonch, where security forces have been engaged in sustained search operations against terrorists hiding in dense forests and mountainous terrain.

ìThe focus will be on plugging infiltration routes, dismantling terror modules, and ensuring seamless coordination among the Army, Police, CRPF, and intelligence agencies,î an officer privy to the preparations said. ìThe Home Minister has consistently emphasised zero tolerance towards terrorism, and that approach will guide the discussions.î

Strengthening the counter-terrorism architecture is expected to be a key agenda item, with officials to brief the Home Minister on intelligence-sharing mechanisms, technological surveillance, area domination plans, and measures to choke terror financing and logistics networks.

ìThe meeting will focus on bolstering security infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency to address persistent challenges of terrorism and infiltration,î another senior official said. ìA thorough evaluation of J&K’s security landscape will be conducted, covering recent incidents, emerging threats, and progress in maintaining peace and stability.”

He said that the meeting would review ongoing counter-terrorism operations, including the disruption of terrorist modules and efforts to eradicate terrorism.

“The government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism will be reaffirmed,” he said.

Another major thrust of the meeting would be on narcotics, which officials describe as both a law-and-order and national security challenge.

ìDrug trafficking is increasingly being used to fund terror activities and destroy the social fabric, especially among youth,î a senior Police officer said. ìThe Home Minister is expected to review enforcement actions and direct a more aggressive, intelligence-led approach against drug networks.î

Officials said Shah would also assess the overall security situation in the Jammu region, including recent incidents, recovery of arms and ammunition, and the effectiveness of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and other community-based security measures. ìThe idea is to stay ahead of threats rather than react to incidents,î another official said. ìThis review will help fine-tune strategies ahead of the summer season and send a clear message that the security grid remains alert and proactive.î The meeting is expected to culminate in a set of actionable directives aimed at further tightening security, improving inter-agency coordination and ensuring sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal networks operating in the region.