MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) cabinet has approved creation of a counter-terrorism department (CTD) in accordance with the anti-terrorism National Action Plan. The federal government would provide funds and technical assistance.

The cabinet while reviewing the security situation on Wednesday decided to recruit around 500 personnel for the CTD from the state and take the services of the Special Services Group of the Army for their training. Latest weapons and gadgets will be provided to them for a rapid response.

Plans are afoot to make CTD operational by the end of May under the head of Additional Inspector General of Police, Minister for Higher Education Matloob Inqilabi said at a media briefing.

The cabinet, he said, had decided to review arms license policy and the policy to import construction blasting material to prevent its misuse.

Community participation will be ensured by forming peace committees from ward to divisional level to thwart any untoward incident, he added.

Database will be made for non-subjects and foreigners residing in the AJK, he said.

Published in Dawn January 8th , 2014

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