Udhampur, 28 April (H.S.): Union Minister in PMO with Independent charge of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh today said Modi Government will take appropriate action against the terrorists responsible for recent Pahalgam carnage in which 26 tourists were killed.
Talking to reporters here today on the sidelines of a security review meeting held in the aftermath of Pahalgam carnage and recent terrorists’ presence in Udhampur district where an Army man attained martyrdom, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has taken serious cognisance of the recent dreaded terrorist attack in Pahalgam and there are no two thoughts that Government will take firm action against terrorism.
Earlier, he was also briefed by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take charge as GOC-in-C Northern Command, Udhampur from May 1.
He assured the people that whatever the decision will be taken by Narendra Modi Government they will be in the larger interests of country and its people. “The Government will take inputs from Home Ministry, Defence Ministry and External affairs Ministry as they have all the inputs which we and others don’t have and on the basis of these inputs the Government will take the firm action, he added.
He said in Udhampur also the movement of suspects (terrorists) was seen and a jawan of Army attained martyrdom during a fight with terrorists some days back. He said in the light of that and recent surfacing of terrorists in Kathua a security review was held here with officers from civil and police administration and security agencies.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that during the terrorists’ attacks in some areas of Kathua district also such meetings were held by him with officers during his several visits in the district. He said in today’s meeting some important measures and options regarding security were discussed but it will not be appropriate to share them with the media in view of security concerns.
The Union Minister assured that whatever shortcomings are observed, they will be overcome as Modi Government has resolved to take the firm and decisive action against terrorism.
In addition to strong security related measures to be taken by the Government, Dr Jitendra Singh said thrust will be given to development in the region which included pacing up of work on development projects like roads, bridges etc.
He said while construction of roads and bridges on one hand will facilitate ease of travel, on the other hand construction of roads and bridges is important from security point of view also.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the representatives of Udhampur including MLAs, civil society members, Chairman DDC, members of Beopar Mandal and Chamber of Commerce attended the meeting.
He said the cooperation of people and Government in weeding out terrorism is very important and expressed the hope that with the cooperation of people, Government will successfully overcome the situation. Terming the people of Udhampur most patriotic, he said they have always stood the tests of time whenever nation faced any crisis.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the various measures for giving impetus to development in the Jammu region were discussed and besides the intensifying the work on developmental projects the work of Udhampur airport has been started and the arrangements for annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra have also begun while the recruitment drive in the Army for local youth has also started.
Dr Jitendra Singh also disclosed that he had also been briefed and had a detailed meeting with Lt Gen Pratik Sharma who is to take over as GoC-in-C Northern Command Udhampur from 1st May. He appreciated the role of the Indian Army in keeping the morale of the general public high through their strategic presence at sensitive points.
He also extended good wishes to Gen Pratik Sharma who is taking over command at a time when J& K is in focus.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also expressed his appreciation to the district administration, for their ongoing efforts in maintaining law and order and supporting developmental initiatives.
Detailed discussion about hotspots, vulnerability and strategies to plug the same were discussed in length and. breath. Directions were issued to work in sync and coordination with all security agencies.
The Minister said the security forces had spelt out a plan to keep the confidence of the general public high and not let them feel insecure by any means.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
