Terror Attacks in Jammu Show Our Neighbour’s Desperation: L-G Manoj Sinha

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday claimed that the recent terror attacks in the Jammu areas show "our neighbour's" desperation as terrorism is on its last breath in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr. Sinha who was speaking at the attestation cum passing out parade of the 16th border battalion batch of the J&K police at its subsidiary training centre at Talwara in the Reasi district in an obvious reference to Pakistan said, "Terrorism is breathing its last breath and this has made our neighbour, the exporter of terror, desperate. The recent terror acts are a sign of our enemy's desperation."

Pertinently, eight pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine were along with the driver and conductor of a bus killed and 41 other passengers injured when it skidded off a hilly road and fell in a deep gorge after being targeted by a group of militans, believed to be Pakistani nationals and their local accomplice, in Reasi recently.

Referring to this and other terror incidents that took place in the Jammu region's Doda, Poonch and Rajouri districts earlier this month, Mr. Sinha vowed to eliminate the perpetrators and their overground associates. He said, "Our aim is the complete elimination of terrorism. We must hunt down the terrorists and their aides, who are harboring them."

As many as 860 new recruit constables of the border battalion of the J&K police have completed their rigorous training at its Reasi subsidiary training centre. The Lt. Governor congratulated them for becoming an integral part of the J&K police. He said, "I am confident that these brave personnel will discharge their duty with utmost responsibility, sensitivity and dedication and carry the rich legacy of J&K police forward."

Mr. Sinha lauded the J&K police for its "valour, sacrifice and selfless service to the nation". He said, “J&K police have always shown high level of professional excellence under extremely challenging circumstances. For several decades, this elite police force is working with dedication to preserve the integrity and security of our country and has kept the wheels of J&K's progress moving”.

Reiterating the "resolve" of the administration, the police and Central security forces to root out terrorism from J&K, the Lt Governor asked the new recruits to work "as a force multiplier in neutralizing the terror threats".

Speaking on the emerging threats of drug trafficking, cybercrime, and radicalization, Mr. Sinha emphasised the need to ensure a high level of motivation and professionalism in the police "to keep a step ahead of the adversaries".

He said, “I have great faith in J&K police, the Army and our security agencies. They are not only responsive to the safety and urgent needs of citizens but also effectively tackling terrorism in cyberspace,” he said.

Commending the J&K police also for its civic action programmes, the Lt. Governor said, "We are committed to the modernization of the police force and the welfare of the police and security personnel and their families".