Jammu, Dec 18 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday directed security forces to ensure safety of civilians during anti-militancy operations.

Chairing a high-level security meeting in winter capital Jammu, the Governor reviewed the security scenario in the state, including details of the counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist operations undertaken recently.

"The Governor reiterated the vital importance of the laid-down standard operating procedures being adhered to by the Army and other security forces to avoid incidents of civilian casualties and collateral damage," an official source said.

"He also re-emphasized the crucial importance of sustained collaborative action between the armed forces and the state police and the civil administration in dealing with difficult situations involving safety of civilians."

The Governor stressed the need for heightened vigil of all important establishments and installations. He also lauded the role played by the security forces in the incident-free conduct of polls to the urban local bodies and panchayats, sources said.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the civil administration, police, Army, Central forces, state and central intelligence agencies.