Srinagar, Feb 25: The Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, Nalin Prabhat today chaired a comprehensive security review meeting in Budgam to assess the prevailing security scenario and operational preparedness of the district.

The meeting was attended by S.J.M. Geelani, Special DGP Coordination; IGP Kashmir Zone V.K. Bird; DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajeev Pandey; SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar; besides Additional SP Budgam, all SDPOs, DySsP SOG, SHOs, DOs, and other senior officers of District Budgam.

During the review meeting, SSP Budgam presented detailed briefing on counter terror operations, law and order management, measures to prevent crime, action against drug trafficking, area domination plan and overall security scenario of the district.

The DGP reviewed ongoing kinetic and non kinetic operations, anti terror strategies and measures to dismantle overall separatist and terror ecosystem in the district. He stressed for actionable intelligence generation by field officers and directed to maintain sustained operational momentum. Highlighting, the current security challenges, DGP directed officers to undertake non traditional, non conformist and modern tactics to neutralize Pakistani terrorists.

He called for focused approach and renewed efforts against terrorists, their support networks to eliminate terrorism and establishing peace in the district.

To strengthen the overall security grid, the DGP emphasized on maintaining seamless coordination with sister agencies, effective area domination plan and surveillance on traditional terror symathisers and separatists network of the district. While reviewing law and order, he stressed on taking preventive measures against miscreants, engaging peace loving citizens in day to day activities of policing and adopting measures to bridge the gap between police and public.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, the DGP urged officers to continue counter terror operations in the area and remain committed to establish long lasting peace and stability in the district.

Srinagar, Feb 25: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan arrived here on Wednesday evening on his maiden visit to Kashmir valley during which he will attend the Kashmir University’s 21st convocation, officials said.

The Vice President was received by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior officials of the administration and police on his arrival at the technical airport at around 5 PM, officials said.

The Vice President’s cavalcade drove to the Lok Bhawan here, where he will be staying for the night, they said.

On Thursday, Radhakrishnan will be the chief guest at the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir here and will address the gathering in his first visit to Kashmir since assuming office.

Meanwhile, a comprehensive multi-layered security grid has been put in place for the VP’s visit, including around the university campus in the Hazratbal area of the city here, the officials said.

Security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable locations, with heightened alertness maintained to counter potential terrorist threats. Checking and surveillance have been stepped up across the Valley, officials said.

Additional checkpoints have been set up at important entry points, especially around the city, and increased patrolling, area domination operations, and surprise inspections are being conducted along vital roadways to prevent any untoward incident, they said.

Vehicles are being randomly checked at entry and exit points of the city, especially on the roads leading to the university, the officials said.

Authorities have issued a public advisory for diverting traffic on a number of roads connecting the Kashmir University — the venue of the convocation.

Roads around the University, including the Boulevard Road and Foreshore Road, have been sealed for the general public, the officials added.

Chief Minister Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed the visit of the Vice President to Kashmir.

“Students are eagerly waiting to receive their degrees and medals from him. This is his first visit after assuming office and we welcome him,” Abdullah told reporters here.

LG Sinha, who is also the Chancellor of the Kashmir University, will preside over the convocation, while Chief Minister Abdullah, who is also its Pro-Chancellor, will attend the convocation as the Guest of Honour.

A total of 59,558 degrees, which include 44,910 undergraduates, 13,545 postgraduates, 461 MD/MS, four MCH, 18 M.Phil and 620 Ph.Ds, shall be conferred during the convocation.

Srinagar, Feb 25: In a sustained and proactive drive against illegal mining, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Ganderbal has intensified its action across the district. During the course of action, Police teams seized 08 vehicles including 05 Tractors & 03 Tippers involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minor minerals across the district.

According to the statement, these vehicles were found transporting illegally extracted material from Nallah Sindh without the mandatory permissions. Acting swiftly and in close coordination with the Geology & Mining Department, teams from the respective police stations intercepted and seized these vehicles on the spot, tightening the clampdown on illegal mineral transportation in the area.

Police reaffirm its unwavering commitment to protecting natural resources and curbing such unlawful activities. Offenders are once again strictly warned to desist from illegal mining and mineral transportation. Police will continue to take stringent legal action against all violators involved in unlawful extraction, transportation, or trade of minerals, the statement reads.

Srinagar, Feb 25: Jammu and Kashmir will be the last region in the country to enforce the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) guidelines, Education Minister Sakina Itoo said on Wednesday, a day after the School Education Department (SED) issued the formal order.

Speaking to reporters, Itoo said, “We are not implementing the TET orders immediately. J&K will be the last region in the country to conduct TET examinations.”

She said many teachers have dedicated decades of service to educating students and their concerns will be taken into consideration.

Earlier, the School Education Department had designated the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education as the nodal agency to conduct the TET examination. —(KNO)