Security of those hobnobing with Pakistan will be reviewed: Rajnath

Civilian traffic to be restricted during movement of security forces convoys

16/02/2019

SRINAGAR, Feb 15: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the security of those hobnobing with Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, and getting funds from there will be "reviewed", an apparent reference to the leaders of separatist Hurriyat Conference.
Singh, who held a review meeting with top officials of the Army, paramilitary force and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the wake of yesterday's Pulwama terror attack, also said that from now on civilian movement will be halted whenever a big convoy of security forces makes a movement.
"I want to assure the people of the state that we will not let the machinations of those who want to promote terror from the other side of the border succeed," said the Home Minister while addressing the media.
"There are some elements that are with the ISI, such people are playing with the future of Jammu and Kashmir. There are some people who are taking money from Pakistan and ISI. I have said that security review of such persons should be done," he said.
Singh did not elaborate but the reference was clearly to the leaders of the Hurriyat Conference regarding whom there have been demands of withdrawal of their security for their anti-India activities.
"In the wake of the suicide attack on CRPF convoy that happened yesterday, it has been decided that the civilian movement will be stopped for some time when a large convoy of security forces passes through an area. Civilians will face a little difficulty, we apologise for it," the Home Minister said.
Asserting that people who try to disrupt communal harmony at this hour will not be spared, he said, "There are some elements who will try to attack the communal harmony, I want to say that strictest action will be taken against them."
He said that a request to state governments to help the families of the deceased soldiers has been made.
"I have requested the state governments to extend the maximum help they can lend to the bereaved families. I have given all the necessary directions to the officers. The morale has not taken a hit. We will see this fight against terrorism to the end," Singh said adding all countries in the world are united to fight against terrorism.
The union minister also met the injured CRPF personnel at the Army Base Camp in Srinagar.
Earlier today, he paid tribute to CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack, at the wreath-laying ceremony at CRPF camp in Budgam.
Accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and Army's Northern Command Chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, he also lend a shoulder to mortal remains of a CRPF soldier.
A CRPF convoy, while moving from Jammu to Srinagar, was attacked by a suicide bomber in Lethpora area on the national highway at around 3.15 pm yesterday.
According to CRPF, 37 of its personnel were killed and five injured in the attack. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack.
The government will review the security of the people working at the behest of Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Friday, in an apparent reference to separatist leaders, in the wake of the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.
After chairing a high-level security review meeting, the home minister said it has been decided that no civilian traffic will be allowed during the movement of security forces' convoys.
In a veiled reference to separatists, including Hurriyat Conference leaders, Singh said the security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its ISI should be reviewed.
"There are elements and forces who take money from Pakistan and the ISI. I have asked the officials concerned to review their security," Singh told reporters at the end of his day-long visit to Kashmir.
The home minister said some elements in Jammu and Kashmir had links with the ISI and terrorist organisation, but the government would defeat their designs.
"Such people are playing with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the future of the state's youth. Our war against terror is in a decisive phase and I want to assure the nation that we will win it," he said.
The home minister, who arrived here following the worst terror attack on security forces in the state in the past three decades, also visited the injured jawans undergoing treatment at a hospital here.
Singh said it was decided that the civilian traffic movement will be halted temporarily when big convoys of security forces are on the move.
"This may cause inconvenience and I apologise for this but this is necessary for safety of jawans," he said.
Singh said he has issued necessary instructions to the security agencies in the wake of the suicide terror attack on the CRPF convoy. "The morale of the security forces is high," he said.
He said the Centre and the state governments were with the bereaved families of the CRPF personnel killed in the attack. "I have asked all the state governments to provide maximum help to the bereaved families," he said.
Asked if the attack was a result of security lapse, Singh said the incident is being investigated.
On the violence that erupted in Jammu on Friday, the home minister said he has asked the state administration to deal with full force with those elements trying to disturb communal harmony and peace.
Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.
The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said those responsible for the attack will pay "a very heavy price" and security forces will be given a free hand to deal with terrorists.
In a hard-hitting speech, Modi said the "blood of the people is boiling" and forces behind the act of terrorism will be definitely punished.

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