Omar warns of strong action against disruptive elements

Faced with continuing trouble on the streets, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday directed the security forces to ensure that there were no human rights violations, and at the same time warned of strong action against "instigators and disruptive elements" who were "misguiding" the youth.

Chairing a high-level meeting of senior ministers and top police officials, Omar asked security forces to exercise utmost restraint while dealing with the civilians and said those found guilty of human rights violations will be dealt with strictly as per law.

"My government is concerned, conscious and vigilant to deal firmly with those found indulging in human rights violations," the Chief Minister asserted.

Making it clear that death of any innocent civilian is a cause of deep concern for the government, he, however, said that the government cannot afford to be complacent against those who want to be a law unto themselves and disturb the peace and tranquility in the state.

"My government is committed to maintain peace and order and shall take strong measures against those elements who for their own political considerations and vested interests want to exploit and misguide the youth of the state," he said at the meeting convened to discuss the situation following the killing of two youths in Sopore in North Kashmir.

Omar laid special emphasis on the need for the security force personnel to strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to deal with any situation particularly in the light of the recent developments.

All the ministers issued an appeal to the people to see through the nefarious designs of those elements who, without forsaking their own comforts, were putting the people of the state in discomfort.

They said the mischief mongers will be identified and punished.

While taking stock of the situation, the Ministers took some important decisions to fix accountability and take appropriate measures to effectively deal with the law and order situation.

The meeting was attended among others by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Cabinet Ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Chief Secretary SS Kapur and Director General Police Kuldeep Khoda.