Following the Pahalgam terror incident that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, the Himachal Pradesh Police have stepped up security throughout the state, particularly in the districts of Chamba and Kangra, which border Jammu and Kashmir.
Condemning the terrorist attack, which is the bloodiest in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said the police have been instructed to maintain watch along the Jammu and Kashmir border.
In an official statement, CM Sukhu described the terror attack as a "cowardly act" and said, "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this incredibly painful time. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the families of the victims and with all those affected by this barbaric act." "May the almighty grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured," he added.
According to a police statement, field units had been instructed to increase patrolling and surveillance in public gatherings, bus stops, tourist attractions, sensitive areas, and religious places.
The report stated that the district police have been instructed to increase security at interstate borders by conducting routine vehicle inspections and identity checks.
The statement further said quick response teams and anti-sabotage checks at vulnerable spots would be ensured, and that special surveillance would be kept over the movement of migrant labourers while suspicious or undocumented individuals would be monitored.
All station house officers have been instructed to stay vigilant and keep in contact with people of all sections of society in order to maintain peace within the state, the police said.
All police superintendents have also been told to maintain preparedness to react quickly to any unfortunate situation, make sure that communication systems are efficient, and evaluate and reinforce contingency plans.
Meanwhile, former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur also condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and said "such cruelty" cannot be tolerated in a civilised society.
Terming the attack as extremely sad and inhuman, Thakur, the leader of the opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, said the heinous act was not only a blot on humanity but also a cowardly attempt to destroy peace and goodwill.
"Such cruelty cannot be tolerated in any civilised society. I share the grief of the families who lost their loved ones and pray to the Lord to give these families the strength to bear this irreparable loss," Thakur said in a statement issued here.
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