Rajnath Singh is also likely to meet representatives of some civil society groups. (Express photo by Anil Sharma)
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday held a review meeting on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the valley and along the border with Pakistan. Singh also met Governor Satya Pal Malik and is scheduled to meet top civil, police and security forces officials at Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre and assess the prevailing situation. The home minister is also likely to meet representatives of some civil society groups during the day-long visit, according to PTI. Huge security arrangements have been put in place in Srinagar for Singh’s visit.
Singh’s visit comes following the urban local body and the panchayat elections in the state in which the BJP dominated the Jammu Municipal Corporation while the Congress emerged the single largest party in the Valley and Ladakh as results were announced. In an election conducted amid a boycott by the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and marred by a low voter turnout, independent candidates took the lead in Srinagar Municipal Corporation and won the most wards across Kashmir, where the BJP managed to make inroads too.
Huge security arrangements have been put in place ahead of Rajnath Singh visit. (ANI photo)
The state has been under the Governor’s rule after PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had resigned as Chief Minister in June following the withdrawal of support by the BJP to her government. Unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has been continuing with incidents of violence perpetrated by terror groups taking place regularly.
Rajnath’s visit comes just two days after six civilians were killed in an explosion at unsanitisded encounter site at Laroo in south Kashmir’s district on Sunday.
(With PTI inputs)