08-12-2023 : The investigation into the tragic killing of Jammu and Kashmir Police Inspector Masroor Ahmad Wani has taken a significant turn, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) now at the helm, as confirmed by a senior police officer. Inspector Wani, who fell victim to a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist while engaged in a game of cricket in Srinagar back in October, succumbed to his injuries at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Thursday. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Vijay Kumar, speaking at a wreath-laying ceremony for the slain officer, revealed that the NIA and JK Police would jointly conduct the investigation, expressing confidence in bringing the culprits to justice. While some leads have been obtained, the details of the ongoing investigation remain undisclosed to the public.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of maintaining law and order as a basic right for the public, ADGP Vijay Kumar pledged stern action against those attempting to disrupt it, be they separatists, miscreants, or terrorists. When questioned about preventive measures to avert similar attacks in the future, Kumar highlighted the existence of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for police personnel. Despite issuing multiple SOPs after extensive consultations last year, he acknowledged occasional deficiencies and stressed the need for strict adherence to these protocols.
In response to queries regarding advance information about the attack, Kumar acknowledged a lapse in communication despite there being prior input shared with the officer. He emphasized the importance of rectifying such oversights, urging all officers to make their personnel aware of SOPs and ensuring strict compliance. Addressing the broader context of counter-terrorism efforts, Kumar outlined a comprehensive strategy involving both kinetic and non-kinetic operations. The fight against terrorism, he asserted, has been ongoing for the past few years, encompassing a holistic approach that combines targeted actions against militants and their sympathizers. As part of this ongoing effort, authorities are continually refining non-kinetic operations, underscoring their commitment to combating the terror ecosystem comprehensively.