Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar on April 8. During the meeting, the focus was on the prevailing security situation in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In recent times, infiltration along the Kathua-Jammu border, as well as the situation in the depth areas of the Jammu division, has caused concern.
Earlier in the day, Shah also chaired a meeting in which he reviewed the progress of various developmental works. The progress being made on various infrastructure and welfare projects underway in the UT were discussed. The upgradation of the Jammu-Srinagar highway with several new bridges and widening of road has significantly reduced the travelling time between the two major cities, he was told.
Incidentally, travelling between Jammu and Srinagar used to take up to eight hours or even more earlier. This travel time has now come down to almost half, mainly due to Chenani and Banihal tunnels and widening of the road.
The Katra-Srinagar train, which is likely to be flagged off on April 19 (or 20) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an infrastructure project aimed at integrating Kashmir with the rest of the nation via railway network. Since mid-January, the start of regular train services to Kashmir have been on cards. However, security concerns have stalled it so far, but it looks like a lot of tourists will be able to travel to Kashmir on trains.
During the review of the security meeting, top officials from all security agencies operating in J&K, including the Army, CRPF, BSF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police, briefed Mr Shah on the current situation. The ongoing operations and increased vigil needed on the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) were also discussed. A detailed discussion was held on ways to strengthen security in the border areas and prevent cross-border infiltration which is a major headache.
Shah directed the security forces to take decisive action against anti-national elements and terrorists, while maintaining a public-friendly approach in their operations to build trust with civilians.
“The Home Minister made it clear that the fight against terrorism must be relentless, but the approach towards the public should remain sensitive and approachable,” a senior official present at the meeting said.
As Jammu and Kashmir is a UT, the Centre remains directly in control of its security apparatus, Shah reiterated, adding that the region’s peace and stability remain a top priority. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is in charge of the home department of the UT and he was also present in all meetings.
In the UT, in the present scenario, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah doesn’t have a role in the maintenance of law and order situation, as in the past. New protocols have evolved over the last few years regarding review of security situation and the Central government’s monitoring has become more central to the issues pertaining to the UT now.
Earlier, in the developmental review meeting, the Home Minister evaluated the progress of key infrastructure and welfare projects being implemented under the Central government’s development agenda.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and LG Sinha attended this meeting, along with senior officials from both the Central and UT administrations.
The discussions focused on accelerating infrastructure growth, boosting tourism, enhancing connectivity, and improving the delivery of welfare schemes across the Union Territory.
“The Centre is fully committed to ensuring rapid and inclusive development in J&K. Our goal is to bring visible change to the lives of people across both Jammu and Kashmir regions,” Shah said during the meeting.
Shah’s interactions with local delegations during his visit were meant to gain grassroots-level feedback on governance, development, and security-related issues.
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