HM reviews national security, suggests 'high alert'

Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviews security situation in the aftermath of surgical strikes across the Line of Control; high security alert sounded in all states bordering Pakistan; security further tightened in vital security installations across the country.  Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly along the border with Pakistan in the wake of the

surgical strikes by the Army on terror launch pads in PoK. During the hour-long meeting, the top security brass of the country briefed the Home Minister about the situation along the border, and steps being taken to foil any Pakistani design to attack BSF posts, besides safety of civilian population living in forward areas.

The Home Minister instructed the officials to ensure that the forces posted along the border remain on alert as the situation along the Indo-Pak border continues to be volatile, after yesterday's surgical strike by the Army. Those who attended the meeting include National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and top officials of security and intelligence agencies. 

BSF has put all its units along the Indo-Pak border on "high alert". Orders have been issued to all its units along the IB in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat to step up vigil, and bolster their numbers at the posts, by bringing in all personnel who are in the reserve. 

BSF has also restricted all civilian movement along borders with Pakistan. The border guarding force has also been asked by the Home Ministry to provide manpower to local administration, for helping in evacuating people from border villages to safer locations. 

Meanwhile BSF in Jammu has denied media reports that army has taken over in place of BSF in border areas. BSF said that no army personnel have been deployed in border areas of Jammu region. 

Punjab is on maximum alert. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal directed Deputy Commissioners to identify suitable locations for setting up camps, and ensure that none of the residents being evacuated were put to any inconvenience. 

Gujarat has also been put on high alert. Three districts of the state-- Kutch, Banaskantha and Patan-- share boundary with the neighbouring country. 

In Rajasthan, the state Home Minister convened a high level meeting in Jaipur to take stock of security arrangements. Chief Secretary and Director General of Police along with senior officials of home department attended the meeting.