NSA Tells Security Agencies in J-K to Put Act Together

New Delhi, June 22 (UNI) Alarmed at the escalation in terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has directed the security agencies to further coordinate their efforts aimed at countering militancy in the northern state.

The central directive to the police, paramilitary forces and the Army was read out at a high-level meeting in Srinagar yesterday -- chaired by National Security Advisor MK Narayanan -- held in the wake of the recent upsurge in terrorist violence especially against tourists and 'Amarnath Yatra' pilgrims.

Mr Narayanan, who made a surprise visit to the valley, asked the security agencies to ensure synergy among themselves with the one-point agenda of ''hitting at the militants'', official sources here said.

The National Security Advisor -- accompanied by Army Chief General JJ Singh and Intelligence Bureau Director ESL Narasimhan -- further told senior officers of the Army, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, state police and Intelligence Bureau to work as a team to combat militancy.

Mr Narayanan also pointed to the growing number of incidents of violence and an increase in infiltration from across the border, the sources said Mr Narayanan's visit to Kashmir closely followed a presentation made by the Army to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee when he visited Poonch district for the inauguration of the Poonch-Rawalkot bus service earlier in the week. United Progressive Alliance Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was also present at the presentation.

Meanwhile, in intesified combing operations to unearth wherewithal of the terrorists, the Army has unearthed two arms caches in Khanabal of Machal Sector and Naugam in Kupwara Sector.

Acting on definite intelligence, 41 Rashtriya Rifles personnel searched the wooded areas close to Naugam and recovered one sniper rifle, two rifles, one pistol, two UBGLs, 17 grenades and 12 kgs of explosives in addition to two radio sets.

Based on a tip-off on the same day, in another operation launched by 20 JAK RIF in the area of Khanabal, a major arms cache was found.

Troops of this battalion recovered four AK-47 rifles, one Sniper rifle, five pistols, one revolver, two flame throwers, two UBGLs, 851 grenades and 35 Improvised Explosive Devices in addition to 50 Kgs of explosives, 13 anti-personnel and two anti-tank mines besides six radio sets.

According to an official spokesperson, the recovery of such large quantities of grenades, explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices was significant considering the recent terrorist attacks on tourists in Srinagar and pilgrims visiting the Amarnath shrine.

UNI DG VD GC1937