Srinagar: Top Security and civil administration officials on Wednesday met at the Army Corps headquarters here to devise a joint strategy to counter the
agitation call given by hard-line faction of Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Kashmir valley.
"A special Core Group meeting which was chaired by the Security Adviser to the Chief Minister Lt Gen N C Marwah was held here. It discussed measures to effectively counter the protest calendar issued by the Hurriyat and formulated a detailed joint strategy to restore normalcy in Kashmir. The
strategy will be implemented with immediate effect," a defence
spokesman said after the meeting.
Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, Inspector General S M Sahai, top CRPF and intelligence officials attended the meeting.
Although the spokesman did not elaborate, highly placed sources said as part of the strategy, the security forces will reduce movement to avoid confrontation with protestors.
"The whole idea is not to be in confrontation with the crowds to avoid loss of life and property. Maximum restraint on part of the security forces was emphasised and all concerned agencies were directed to ensure that the message percolates to their personnel on ground," the sources said.
The meeting was held in response to the call given by Geelani to people to march towards the security forces` camps on September 21 to press for demilitarisation of the state.
Geelani yesterday issued a fresh protest calendar which read "there will be no shutdown from 7 pm to 7 am during the strike days. All the business establishments, including manufacturing units, flour mills, cement factories will remain open. Shops and other establishment can do the normal business
during late night hours. Transporters can ply normally during late night hours."
PTI
