Sitharaman, Gen Rawat discuss security issues with Malik
SRINAGAR :Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman accompanied by army chief General Bipin Rawat visited Kashmir on Sunday to meet the newly appointed governor, Satya Pal Malik, and review security and governance issues of the state.
Sitharaman discussed prevailing security issues and conduct of the urban local body and panchayat elections to be held between October and December with the governor at Raj Bhawan.
“The governor and defence minister discussed several important inter-related issues concerning effective management of internal and external security, particularly in the context of increasing attempts at infiltration and the ongoing anti-terrorist operations,” a Raj Bhawan spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Malik and Sitharaman had detailed discussions on the urban local bodies and panchayat elections, the crucial need for strengthening and the maintenance of vital road networks and strategic connectivity in J&K, particularly in the Ladakh region.
“The governor lauded the Northern Army’s working in total coordination with the civil administration, state police and central armed forces for ensuring safety and security of the people,” the Raj Bhawan spokesperson added.
Jammu and Kashmir has been under governor’s rule since the coalition government of PDP and BJP fell apart in June. Satya Pal Malik was sworn in as the 13th governor of the state last month, replacing NN Vohra, who held the post since 2008.