Firdous Qadri
Srinagar, March 22 (GNS): Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar on Monday said while sticky bombs and IEDs remain a problem, ensuing Amarnath Yatra shall be ensured peacefully.
“We are fully alert. We are working out where more additional forces are needed, were drones are to deployed,” the top police officer said while responding to a question on sticky bombs during a press conference here.
“This time the (yatra) routes will not be left unsecured even during the night. We will sanitize all roads. We will be carrying nocturnal deployments by mobile vehicles patrolling and use drones,” he said, adding, “We will try our best so that there is incident-free Yatra. Sticky bombs are a problem and we will install 360 degree cameras in vehicles. There is going to be distance between yatra and public vehicles and people will cooperate with us. Time factor will be factored in.”
Asked about the strategy regarding steel bullets, known as armour piercing bullets in security jargon, , he said: “It is nothing new. You know it required level 4 bulletproof. We have a few and are procuring more. It is not the case. When there was no protective gear, cricket was played then also. Were there no operations carried in past. It is not an issue for us whether militants carry AP rounds or what. Our people are professional and brave.”
Regarding damage to houses during gunfights, he said: “There is damage and militants also carry grenades. When we open fire, throw smoke shell, or fire UBGLs fire erupts, we don’t set fire. In congested localities, more houses than targeted house get damaged. It is the reason we bring fire brigade vehicle close.” “we cannot stop, we can reduce the damage.” GoC Victor Force, Rashim Bali—accompanying him—called it a professional hazard. (GNS)
