Defence minister arrives in J&K, visits forward LOC post
MAIDEN TRIP Sitharaman meets Mehbooba, reviews force’s antimilitancy preparedness
SRINAGAR : Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her maiden Jammu and Kashmir visit on Friday and reviewed the security situation in Kashmir with a focus on ascertaining force’s preparedness in tackling militancy in the region.
Later in the evening, she met CM Mehbooba Mufti and also called upon governor NN Vohra.
Northern Army commander Lt General D Anbu and Chinar Corps commander Lt General JS Sandhu received the minister at the Old Airfield in Srinagar upon her arrival. The minister visited the strategically-important Chinar Corps to oversee the security situation in the Valley, an army spokesperson said.
“She visited the forward areas and was briefed about the robust counter infiltration posture along the Line of Control,” the spokesperson added.
The minister’s visit to strifetorn Valley comes against the backdrop of security forces upping the ante against militancy in the region.
Kashmir witnessed an increase i n anti-insurgency operations after a rise in militant attacks following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July last year
More than 140 militants have reportedly been killed in the valley this year after security forces drew up a hit-list of top militant commanders.
“She appreciated the effectiveness of the intelligence and operational grids and com- mended the troops for the excellent operational successes. The defence minister complimented the commanders for the high level of synergy achieved with the J&K police and central armed police force,” the army spokesman said.
Sitharaman will spend the night in Srinagar and will fly to Thoise (Siachen) on Saturday.
BSF-PAK RANGERS MEET
The BSF held a sector commander level flag meeting with Pakistan Rangers, during which neighbouring country’s force assured that it would hold the sanctity of the 2003 ceasefire pact and the BSF said that it won’t fire first but added that it reserves the right to hit back, if provoked, an IB official said.