Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday directed officials to deploy a full spectrum of counter-terror measures in Jammu and Kashmir in a high-level meeting attended by National Security Advisor (NSA)Ajit Doval and other senior officials.  The review was held in the backdrop of four terror attacks in as many days in Reasi, Kathua and Doda.

Given this development, Modi also spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and discussed the deployment of security forces and anti-terror operations.  Sinha briefed Modi on the efforts being undertaken by the local administration.

In the wake of a sudden upswing in the terrorist violence across different districts of the Jammu region, the security forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir are bracing for a bigger challenge of peaceful conduct of the 52-day-long Amarnath yatra starting June 29. The meeting, meanwhile, also took stock of deployment of security forces and counter-terror operations and Modi was given a comprehensive overview of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

The Prime Minister directed officials present at the meeting to deploy the full spectrum of the country's counter-terror capabilities to restore peace in the region.

Terrorists struck at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda districts over the past four days, killing nine pilgrims and a Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF)jawan and leaving seven security personnel and several others injured.

Massive search operations were launched by security forces in forest belts of different districts of Jammu and Kashmir to track down and neutralise the ultras involved in the recent terror attacks in the Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir Police has also released sketches of four terrorists involved in two attacks in Doda district and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to their arrest.

"Jammu and Kashmir Police have released sketches of four terrorists who are believed to be in the upper reaches of Bhaderwah, Thathri, Gandoh and carrying out terror-related activities," a police spokesperson said.

On Sunday, terrorists opened fire on a 53-seater bus carrying pilgrims when it was en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra from the Shiv Khori temple. The bus, ferrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, plunged into a deep gorge following the gunfire, killing nine people and injuring 41 others.

On Tuesday, terrorists fired at a joint checkpost of the 4 Rashtriya Rifles and police at Chattergalla in Bhaderwah while a search party in the Gandoh area of the district was attacked on Wednesday, resulting in injuries to seven security personnel, including a policeman.

This year's annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath is expected to attract over 5 lakh pilgrims. In 2023, over 4.45 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance inside the cave shrine.

Since the yatra is taking place in the shadow of 'audacious' terror strikes on pilgrims and security forces the entire focus is shifted to ensuring the safety and security of the pilgrims reaching here to offer special prayers.