Srinagar, Feb 25 — The Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, presided over a detailed security review meeting in Budgam on February 25, assessing the current security landscape and operational readiness in the district. The meeting, held at the Budgam police headquarters, aimed to address ongoing threats from separatist and terror groups in the region.

Security Review and Operational Readiness

The review meeting included senior police officials such as Special DGP Coordination S.J.M. Geelani, IGP Kashmir Zone V.K. Bird, and DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajeev Pandey. Also present were SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar, Additional SP Budgam, all SDPOs, DySsP SOG, SHOs, DOs, and other senior officers from the Budgam district.

SSP Budgam provided a thorough update on counter-terrorism operations, law and order management, crime prevention strategies, and efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region. The meeting focused on assessing the effectiveness of area domination plans and the overall security scenario in Budgam.

Call for Modern Tactics and Intelligence Gathering

DGP Prabhat emphasized the need for actionable intelligence and sustained operational momentum in counter-terrorism efforts. He called for non-traditional and modern tactics to neutralize Pakistani-backed terrorists, highlighting the current challenges posed by separatist networks in the district.

According to the DGP, officers should adopt unconventional strategies to dismantle the terror ecosystem in Budgam. He urged field officers to remain vigilant and ensure that intelligence gathering remains a top priority to counter evolving threats.

During the meeting, the DGP directed police officials to focus on identifying and disrupting the support networks of terrorists. He stressed that eliminating these networks is essential to achieving long-term peace and stability in the district.

Strengthening Coordination and Public Engagement

To enhance the overall security framework, the DGP emphasized the importance of smooth coordination with sister agencies such as the intelligence and paramilitary forces. He highlighted the need for effective area domination plans and continuous surveillance of traditional sympathizers of separatist groups.

On the issue of law and order, the DGP stressed the importance of preventive measures against miscreants and the need to engage peace-loving citizens in daily policing activities. He called for bridging the gap between the police and the local population to build trust and improve cooperation.

Before concluding the meeting, the DGP reiterated the importance of maintaining counter-terrorism operations in the area and urged officers to remain committed to establishing lasting peace in Budgam.

Budgam has historically been a hotspot for separatist activity, and recent intelligence reports indicate increased movement of militants in the region. According to local police data, there have been 12 reported incidents of violence in Budgam since January 2024, with 15 people injured and 3 fatalities recorded.

Analysts say that the current focus on dismantling terror networks aligns with broader security strategies across Jammu and Kashmir. In 2023, the state government launched a series of operations aimed at disrupting cross-border terror financing and recruitment networks, which have seen some success in recent months.

According to a recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), J&K reported a 12% decrease in terrorist-related incidents in 2023 compared to the previous year, although the region still accounts for over 25% of all such cases in the country.

What remains to be seen is how effectively these strategies will translate into long-term peace. The DGP’s emphasis on modern tactics and community engagement suggests a shift in policing priorities, which could have significant implications for public safety and regional stability in the coming months.