Sleepless nights for Independence Day

Sleepless nights for Independence Day
AJAY SURI

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 12: For the first time, the Union Home Ministry has involved the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in anti-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir. The immediate aim is to put all resources in top gear for the smooth passage of Independence day. In addition, securty forces have been put on a red alert in almost the entire North-East, J&K and Delhi.

The CISF in J&K -- normally entrusted with ``static'' duties such as safeguarding vital installations -- has now been given powers to tackle militants.

In the process, a significant redeployment of forces, mainly of the BSF, CRPF and the CISF, is taking place in the troubled state. This means that CISF jawans in the Valley now have a licence to pursue and engage militants in armed conflicts beside doing their regular job of keeping watch over power plants, airports, dams and important Government buildings.

The new powers will remain with the CISF even after I-day, officials disclosed, the aim being to provide security forces in J&K with ``more teeth and staying power.''

With the threat of heightened militancy by numerous Kashmir groups looming large, officials say they wont't leave anything to chance. Home Ministry shot off the first special advisory to J&K, asking for extra measures, immediately after Hizbul Mujahidin's withdrawal of ceasefire. A special control room is now being set up at North Block, from I-day eve onward, to co-ordinate with the various state police and other security agencies nationwide.

As for Jammu & Kashmir, North Block officials said they have already held detailed talks with the state DGPs and the IGs of Jammu and Srinagar. New Delhi, it is learnt, is expecting by tomorrow a ``total feedback'' on the measures having been taken to secure life and property in the state.

Kashmir, though in limelight now, is not the only potential troublespot. Naxalites in Andhra Pradesh and separatist organisations in a large number of areas in North-East (specifically Assam, Tripura and Manipur) have been zeroed in by New Delhi as other groups to look out for during the next three days.

In this regard, disclosed senior Ministry officials, detailed advisories have been sent to these states. In Assam, the focus is on oil pipe-lines and security forces have been instructed to be extra vigilant here.

In Rajasthan, meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has asked district collectors and police superintendents to remain alert against any disruption in peace and communal harmony, specially in view of the warning sounded by the Union Home Ministry.