Anti-terror operations remain priority: IGP Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 28: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone Sujit Kumar on Friday reviewed security arrangements at Hazratbal and other congregation points in Srinagar.
Kumar, who took charge as IGP Kashmir on Thursday evening, assured people that the Kashmir Zonal Police remains committed to their safety and security and reiterated that anti-terror operations remain a priority.
IGP Kumar after assuming the office, visited areas witnessing large gatherings on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Hazratbal, the IGP said the police are focused on ensuring peaceful and smooth congregational prayers while maintaining security arrangements across the city.
“I congratulate everyone and want to assure the people that the Zonal Police is always there for you,” IGP Kumar said.
He also sought cooperation from the public in maintaining peace and law and order, acknowledging that heightened security arrangements and traffic restrictions could cause inconvenience to commuters, particularly around major religious gatherings.
“Many people are offering prayers today, so we seek your cooperation. We understand movement is difficult for the public,” he said.
The IGP said the police and other security agencies had put in place arrangements to facilitate the large gatherings and ensure the safety of devotees visiting Hazratbal and other religious places.
During his visit, Kumar reviewed the security deployment, crowd-management measures and coordination between the police and other security agencies at locations witnessing large congregations.
On the ongoing counter-terror operations in Kashmir, the IGP said tackling terrorism remained the foremost priority of the police and that the force would continue its operations against terror networks. “Our operations were the first priority in the past and they remain the first priority today as well,” he said.
Pertinently, the visit came as thousands of devotees gathered at Hazratbal and other shrines and mosques across Kashmir for prayers and religious gatherings marking Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), with security and traffic arrangements stepped up at major congregation points.
Police and security personnel were deployed at strategic locations, while arrangements were made to regulate the movement of people and vehicles around areas witnessing heavy footfall. (KNO)