26-09-2023 : Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh, addressed the media and emphasized that the recent Kokernag encounter had not disrupted the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the region. He stated that the situation in Kashmir remained as peaceful as it was before the encounter, underscoring the resilience of the local environment.
Speaking to reporters during the inauguration of a modular police station in Katra, Jammu, DGP Singh acknowledged that while the Kokernag encounter had occurred, it had not led to any significant alteration in the overall security landscape. He attributed attempts to magnify the Kokernag encounter to the actions of vested interests seeking to disrupt the prevailing peace.
DGP Singh explained that the advantage in such situations typically lies with those who initiate hostilities. In the Kokernag encounter, he noted that the terrorists had initiated gunfire, which led to the unfortunate killing of three officers, including two army personnel and a police officer. He commended the security forces for their successful seven-day operation, which ultimately resulted in the elimination of the dreaded Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Uzair Khan and his associate. DGP Singh expressed pride in the efforts of the security forces in tracking down and neutralizing the hiding terrorists in the challenging mountainous terrain.
Furthermore, the DGP reiterated the commitment of the police and security forces to eradicate terrorism from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized their determination to continue pursuing and eliminating the remaining terrorists in the region.
Dilbag Singh also highlighted the increased efforts against narco-terrorism, pointing to the rise in arrests, filed FIRs, and registered cases related to narco-terrorism. This demonstrated the authorities’ resolve to tackle this multifaceted challenge.
Regarding the newly inaugurated police station in Katra, the DGP stated that it would enhance the support and services provided to pilgrims visiting the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The replacement of the old, dilapidated police station with a modern facility aimed to better cater to the needs of the pilgrims, contributing to their safety and well-being.