Amid “fresh threats” being issued via United Liberation Council (ULC), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), to Kashmiri Pandit employees working in Kashmir valley, former DGP SP Vaid on Monday coined the suggestion of arming vulnerable Pandit employees with small firearms for their self-protection.
“This latest threat to Kashmiri Pandits must not be taken lightly.The fact that the threat letter contains names, addresses, vehicle numbers and mobile numbers suggests that someone with access to sensitive information may be involved,” said Vaid in a post on X.
He said the reported inclusion of names and personal contact numbers of Kashmiri Pandit employees was a matter of serious security concern and cannot be dismissed as an isolated incident. “The biggest question is who is providing the names and contact numbers of these employees, and how are these details reaching those issuing the threats? Wanchoo appealed to Union home minister Amit Shah and lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha to ensure that the matter received the highest level of attention and that the security apparatus conducted a coordinated investigation.
“Wherever possible, vulnerable employees (Pandit) should also be posted to secure government premises such as deputy commissioners’ offices, the secretariat and protected directorates, rather than leaving them exposed as soft targets,” he added. He said that the J&K administration needed a high-level security action plan, led by the chief secretary, DGP, ADG CID and other security chiefs, specifically to protect Kashmiri Pandits. Security agencies must trace the source of this information and investigate every link involved in its collection, leakage and circulation,” Wanchoo said.
“At the same time, Kashmiri Pandits must be given proper threat-awareness, do’s and don’ts, and basic tactical training. Wherever legally feasible, those facing credible threats should be considered for licensed small arms and trained in their safe and effective use.
The ability to defend themselves can itself serve as a deterrent,” he said.
