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J&K civil defence wing on alert

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir police have fully reactivated their civil defence wing for an alert in case of an air attack.

As part of the ongoing drill, the sirens fitted on top of various police stations and other government buildings have been activated in the summer capital, Srinagar and other places.

The Jammu and Kashmir police chief has already cancelled the leave of the police personnel and both jawans and officers have been directed to be present round the clock in their respective places of posting.

"We are taking all precautionary measures. Everybody is praying the two countries should not go to war," said a senior police officer. Other measures to help the people in case of an emergency have been taken.

Meanwhile, defence officials in Srinagar said that ground troops might mount the final assault in the coming days after the Indian Air Force neutralises the positions of Pakistan-backed infiltrators.

"Ground troops cannot move in that difficult terrain (along the Line of Control) unless the supply lines are cut," sources said, adding that that it would take over a week for the IAF to clear the ridges. Once they are cleared, the deployment of ground troops would begin.

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