To prevent bank loot by terrorists in Kashmir, Indian Army trained the security guards of banks situated in south Kashmir’s Anantnag High Ground on August 14.

Police sources told MyNation that terrorists were facing a cash crunch and that is why they were looting banks since the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8, 2016.

“Based on the interaction with bank officials of various banks, it was noticed that the guards employed for security lack courage, confidence and skills to react appropriately during such situations,” a top Army officer said.

The officer said a plan was prepared and meticulously executed, based on the analysis of the issue, in order to mitigate this problem and prevent such incidents in the future.

“This included personal interaction with bank officials of different banks including the State Bank of India, Jammu-Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, etc by the respective COB commanders, auditing the security measures, reaction capability analysis etc,” the officer added.

The Army officer said a need was felt to give the guards of banks a firing practice, which would enhance their confidence and capabilities to react during such an incident.

The Army coordinated well with the banks and private security agencies to ensure the maximum presence of guards for this drill.

“The guards were given adequate firing practice in various weapons like AK 47, INSAS and 12-bore rifles by the Army at the Anantnag High Ground to mitigate fear, instil confidence and enhance their skills,” said the Army officer.

The officer said it was a fruitful exercise, visible in the satisfaction and enhanced confidence level of these guards and it was likely to yield good results in the future.