Governor Satya Pal Malik has ordered Kashmir’s divisional commissioner, Baseer Khan, to probe the Pulwama incident and suggest precautions to minimise civilian casualties in anti-militancy operations.

In a late night meeting at the Raj Bhavan here on Saturday, Malik undertook a detailed review of law and order and other security related issues following death of seven civilians during the anti-terrorist operation at Pulwama in South Kashmir.

Governor’s advisor, K Vijay Kumar, BVR Subrahmanyam, chief secretary; Dilbagh Singh, Director General of Police; Umang Narula, principal secretary to Governor; RK Goyal, principal secretary, Home; SDS Jamwal, IGP Jammu and officers of State and Central Police forces; Baseer Khan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Muneer Khan, ADGP, Law and Order; SP Pani, IGP, Kashmir and Ravideep Singh Sahi, IG CRPF participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

Governor reviewed the latest security scenario in Kashmir including details of the counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations undertaken recently. He directed the security forces to minimize the collateral damage during anti-terror operations. He recommended people-friendly measures during such operations, asking the security forces and the administration to address the post operations complications.

After reviewing the prevailing security situation and arising challenges, Governor emphasized the crucial importance of maintaining sustained close watch on the ground situation, and appreciated the sustained real time coordination and synergy between the Security Forces and the Civil Administration.

Pained by the avoidable loss of civilian lives in the operation, Governor appealed to the people to keep a distance from areas where anti-militancy operations are in progress. He appealed them not to go near such areas during or immediately after such operations.

Governor directed security forces to give time for people to evacuate from an area during an anti-militancy operation as per the laid down Standard Operation Procedure (SOP), said an official spokesman.