G20 event in Srinagar: Top official reviews security, China and Pakistan opposes move
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New Delhi: Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka landed in Srinagar on Tuesday afternoon to review security ahead of the G20 working group meeting.
The 3rd working group G20 meeting on tourism will be held in the city later this month. But, China and Pakistan have opposed the move to hold any G20 meeting in Kashmir.
Security agencies are carrying out a thorough assessment considering the recent attacks in Poonch and Rajouri. Specialised National Security Guards (NSGs) teams and the Special Operation Group - the counterterrorism unit of the J&K Police will be deployed in all venues.
A source close to the matter told NDTV that all stakeholders operating in the valley made a PowerPoint presentation explaining the changes made in the security grid for venues and visiting dignitaries. Forces have been given a refresher on Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) after setbacks in Rajouri and Poonch.
Another source said that there have been inputs indicating that Pakistan is trying to intensify terror activities to derail the G20 meeting. "North Kashmir has witnessed three back-to-back encounters between security forces and militants in the past five days, in which five terrorists were killed."
Officials find it concerning that three of them were from South Kashmir. "Their presence in North Kashmir, close to Gulmarg tourist resort, has given rise to fear about the possibility of a major terror strike in the valley."