Lieutenant Governor Reviews Security Readiness in J&K

Srinagar, October 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took a detailed look at the security situation and preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. He did so at Lok Bhawan, where he also presided over a high-level security review meeting.

Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police from across the Union Territory took part in the meeting. The review examined the broader security scenario and the capacity of district administrations and police to respond to emerging challenges.

The discussions emphasised strengthening coordination between civil administration and police officers. The aim is to evaluate the security situation in individual districts and ensure that security is managed effectively across the Union Territory.

Senior officials briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the existing position, recent security incidents and the steps taken in their districts to prepare for possible threats. The review is part of a continuing administrative effort to keep the security situation under close watch and to ensure that district-level machinery remains ready to act.

Under the constitutional and legal framework that governs the Union Territory, law and order, police, public order and security come directly under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor and the Central Government. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, places public order and police matters outside the powers of the elected legislative assembly.

Amendments made later to the Rules of Business under the Act have further clarified the Lieutenant Governor's administrative control and decision-making powers over the police, prisons, prosecution and forensic science departments.

The Lieutenant Governor also has jurisdiction over appointments, transfers and service matters of All India Services officers, including IAS and IPS officers. His consent and approval are also necessary for proposals relating to the appointment of the Advocate General and other law officers, prosecution sanctions and decisions on legal appeals.

Security management, anti-terror operations and action against terror networks are among the principal responsibilities of the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor, which functions in coordination with central security agencies.