Deal terrorists with utmost firmness: Antony

In the wake of fierce gunbattle intermittently continuing for five days between Security Forces and militants in Kupwara district in Jammu & Kashmir, Defence Minister A K Antony has instructed the Army to deal with the situation with utmost firmness.

The incidents highlight the nature of threat the country faces from the terrorists, Antony said after reviewing the security situation in a high level meeting, and directed the Army to keep tight vigil ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in J&K.

At least 17 militants have been killed so far in the encounter. The combing is still on while the intermittent firing has gone down. Also, eight jawans, including a Major, have sacrificed their lives.

“It was a hand-to-hand fight with militants at a few places,” defence spokesperson Lt Col JS Brar said, “the bad weather and difficult terrain forced encounter to enter six day while the rugged terrain in the area precluded use of any heavy weapons.”

The meeting was attended among others by Chiefs of all the three wings of the Army General Deepak Kapoor, Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Air Chief Marshal F H Major and the Defence Secretary Vijay Singh.

Implementation of Cabinet decisions relating to Maritime Security such as Joint Control Room of Navy and Coast Guard and acquisition of Ships and Aircraft were also reviewed in detail.

The issues also included the setting up of Coastal Radar Stations to provide coverage to the entire coastline. It was said that the Coast Guard would do it in a time bound manner.

Another meeting is proposed to be held on the Maritime Security issue next week in which representatives of other ministries and organizations, including MHA, Ministry of Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas will also be involved.