Centre to increase security in Jammu and Kashmir amid escalating Gaza conflict; Holds high-level meeting 

GAZA: As the conflict between Hamas and Israel escalates, there are concerns about its potential impact on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The country's security agencies are in the process of conducting a review of security arrangements following indications that street protests and the presence of foreign terrorists may soon be in Jammu. Plans for implementing additional security measures are also being considered. After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the street protests in Jammu have reduced significantly.

A high-level meeting was held yesterday in Srinagar with top officials and security agencies of Jammu to review the security measures. A top official said they discussed new security arrangements and curbing protests in case of protests. The situation in Gaza is being closely monitored by Kashmiris, with signs pointing towards possible street demonstrations. It is feared that this will lead to a breakdown in law and order, the top official added.

Another official revealed that the number of foreign terrorists in the area has increased. This is due to less local recruitment. Of the 46 terrorists killed by security forces this year, 37 were Pakistanis. There were only nine residents. He also stated that this is the first time in 33 years of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir that foreigners have been killed more than local terrorists.

As per the Union Home Ministry's report, 130 militants are currently active in the Jammu region, with half of them being foreign nationals. A senior official in New Delhi revealed that Pakistan is dispatching an increased number of militants to Jammu, who are believed to be hiding in mountainous areas and may eventually descend to the valleys to engage in terrorist activities.

The meeting was chaired by RR Bhatnagar, advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, and attended by senior officers including Army Commander Upendra Dwivedi, Jammu and Kashmir DGP, Chinar Corps Commander, and other high-ranking Army officials.