New Delhi, May 7 (H.S): Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting on Wednesday in New Delhi with the Lieutenant Governors and Chief Ministers of border states adjacent to Pakistan and Nepal. The meeting included the Lieutenant Governors of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal, as well as representatives from the Sikkim government, who joined via video conferencing. Senior officials from the Home Ministry, including the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that after the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the country would give a strong response to the perpetrators of this terrorist attack and those supporting terrorism. The Home Minister expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi's determination and decision regarding Operation Sindoor. He mentioned that Operation Sindoor is a fitting response to anyone who casts an eye toward India's borders, armed forces, and citizens. All the Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors present at the meeting commended the Prime Minister and the three armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor.

Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the significant response following the Pahalgam terrorist attack through Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the Modi government's commitment to zero tolerance towards terrorism. This operation was executed based on specific intelligence and targeted nine locations associated with terrorist activities, successfully dismantling facilities linked to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Such decisive actions have been pivotal in uplifting national morale.

Shah instructed all states to follow provided guidelines for mock drills and ensure the uninterrupted operation of essential services such as hospitals and fire brigades. He called for heightened readiness among state forces, including the SDRF and Civil Defense, to manage any potential crises.

Additionally, he stressed the necessity of strict monitoring against anti-national propaganda on social media and urged prompt collaboration with state and central agencies. To foster public confidence, Shah encouraged steps to minimize fear and combat misinformation while improving coordination among local administrations, the military, and paramilitary forces, reinforcing security at vulnerable sites.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar