Defence minister on Kashmir visit
Sitharaman to ascertain preparedness of the forces in tackling militancy
SRINAGAR: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Srinagar on a two-day visit on Friday to review the security situation in the Valley.
SRINAGAR: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Srinagar on Friday for a two-day visit, during which she will review the security situation in Kashmir with a focus on ascertaining force’s preparedness in tackling militancy in the region.
This is Sitharaman’s first visit to the state after she took charge of the defence ministry. Northern Army commander Lt General D Anbu and Chinar Corps commander Lt General JS Sandhu received the minister at the Old Airfield of Srinagar upon her arrival. An army spokesman said Sitharaman interacted with troops at a forward area post in Kashmir on the first day of her tour.
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 in 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 val- ley this year after security forces drew up a hit-list of top militant commanders.
BSF-PAK RANGERS MEET
The Border Security Force (BSF) held a sector commander level flag meeting with Pakistan Rangers days after the Indian force targeted farms and residences of neighbouring country’s serving and former army officers near the border as part of its ‘Operation Arjun.’
“On the request of Pakistan Rangers, a sector commander level flag meeting was held between BSF and Rangers on Friday from 1100 hours (11 am) to 1245 hours (12.45 pm) in Suchetgarh area,” said an official release issued here.
During the meeting, Pakistan Rangers assured that they would hold the sanctity of the 2003 ceasefire agreement between the two countries and the BSF said that it won’t open fire first but added that India reserves the right to hit back, if provoked, an Intelligence official said.