The Home Ministry said on Thursday that it had discussed the security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra but there “was no discussion on the extension or otherwise of the suspension of operations” in the Kashmir Valley.
The cease operations announced on May 16, a day before the month of Ramzan commenced, comes to an end on June 16.
Different voices have emerged in the government regarding the success of the ceasefire-ops. The Army has in several internal meetings expressed its opposition to the ceasefire-ops.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh presided over a meeting at his residence on Thursday to discuss the security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra that begins on June 28.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Intelligence Bureau chief Rajiv Jain, Army chief Bipin Rawat and Central Reserve Police Force Director General R.R Bhatnagar also attended the meeting.
Lashkar attack
Last year, eight persons were killed when a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims from Gujarat was attacked by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants near Batingoo in Anantnag district.
A Home Ministry official said they had increased the deployment of security personnel this year. The Amarnath Yatra spans nearly 60 days.
Cross-border firing
“The unabated cross-border firing from Pakistan was also discussed. Ceasefire violations have not stopped and it is a cause of concern,” said a senior official.
A Home Ministry spokesperson said Thursday’s meeting was about the security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra.
“We have given all reports to the government and it is for them to decide the extension of SoO or otherwise,” another official said.