Security beefed up in Valley, put on high alert

With J& K governor N. N. Vohra emphasising on protecting lives of security personnel deployed along the Indo- Pak border, all security forces deployed along have been put on high alert and instructed to maintain strict vigil specially against snipers deployed by Pak Rangers and Army.

As many as 8 of the 11 security personnel killed along the border have been victims of sniper firing from across the border. The issue was discussed at length during a high- level security review meeting chaired by Governor Vohra where situation along the IndoPak border was reviewed.

Top security said that border guarding forces have been issues specific instructions to strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs) while on patrolling duty specially along the International Border where Pakistani forces have a logistical advantage.

Forces like the BSF and Army have been asked not to expose themselves to open surrounding as this would provide a clear target to Pakistani snipers from across the border. Patrolling teams have been asked to take advantage of the `` natural covers like thick growth, rocks and pillars wherever possible’’ so that they can avoid sniper firing. In areas where movement of vehicles is possible the security personnel have been asked to use them instead of resorting to patrolling on foot.

Additional high quality bullet proof vests and helmets have also been provided to border guarding forces to protect them from such cross border firing. Intelligence reports have already confirmed that both Pak Army and Rangers have deployed a large number of highly trained snipers close to the border to target Indian security forces rather than going for heavy shelling now.

In view of the changed modus operandi of Pakistani forces, Indian security forces have been out on alert to reduce casualties. Governor Vohra has insisted on protecting lives of security personnel at the border.