NEW DELHI Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from June 7 to 8.
He is likely to discuss the law and order situation in the state.
Singh is likely to highlight that by announcing the truce, the centre showed its willingness to bring permanent peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
The home minister has, however, pointed that the centre’s decision not to proactively carry out operations during Ramzan was different from a unilateral ceasefire. The minister has said it had been clearly stipulated that the security forces would resume operation if any terror activity takes place. “We haven’t tied hands of our security forces,” he said.
Singh would also focus on the fact that his government has taken an initiative and would like to engage Hurriyat leaders. “The DGMO of both India and Pakistan have agreed to honour the ceasefire. So if the borders are quiet, then the next step would be to engage with all stakeholders in the valley. The home minister would highlight this aspect too,” a senior officer told NDTV.
Rajnath Singh has already announced that the centre is willing to talk to Hurriyat leaders. “If they are ready to talk, it would be a positive step,” another official said.
Singh would put the onus on the Hurriyat leaders to come to the talking table. So far, the leaders have not given clear a indication if they would like to engage with the centre.
People familiar with the matter say the home minister’s schedule is being chalked out. “He would also be reviewing the security pertaining to Amarnath Yatra,” an officer said. This year’s 60-day Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin on June 29.
“This would be a mega security review as only after that the forces would move in to take their positions,” a senior state police officer said.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, whose term is to end later this month, also called on the home minister on Friday to discuss arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra. Mr Vohra might seek an indefinite extension till the time the next suitable successor is found, people with direct knowledge of the matter said.
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