NEW DELHI – Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir amidst reports of around 230 infiltrators waiting on the Line of Control in Pakistani side to enter into Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
During the two-hour long meeting, also attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba among others, the home minister was given a detailed presentation on the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly along the International Border and the Line of Control.
The home minister took stock of the situation and was briefed about the steps taken to maintain peace along border areas as well as in the Valley, a security official said.
Officials in the capital said the meeting came amidst report that around 230 militants were brought to launch pads by Pakistan to push them into Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant General K J S Dhillon, General Officer Commanding, 15 Corps, which looks after the Kashmir Valley, had recently said there have been infiltration attempts from across the border.
“The launchpads in PoK have been full tanzeems including LeT, JeM, Hizbul and Al Badr, frequently come to Pakistani posts. Every day, there is firing. Attempts of infiltration are also made in Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu sectors,” he had said.
Normal life remained paralysed in Kashmir Valley for the 43nd consecutive day on Monday following abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. All businesses remained shut and public transport was off the roads.
Internet services remained suspended across all platforms.
While landline across the valley were functional, voice calls on mobile devices were working only in Kupwara and Handwara police districts of north Kashmir, officials said.
While most areas of the valley were restriction-free, the deployment of security forces continued on the ground to maintain law and order, these officials said.
Restrictions were first imposed across Kashmir on 5 August when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcate the state into two Union territories.
Authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.
Most of the top-level and second rung separatist politicians have been taken into custody while mainstream leaders including three former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have also been either detained or placed under house arrest.
JK Governor Calls on PM
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and is believed to have briefed him about the security situation in the state.
Normal life remained affected in the Kashmir Valley for the 43rd consecutive day on Monday.
“Shri Satya Pal Malik, the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir called on PM @narendramodi,” the prime minister’s office tweeted.
Malik is believed to have apprised Modi about the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said.
On August 5, the central government had announced the abrogation of the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into Union territories.
The two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh will come into existence on October 31.
While security forces have eased restrictions in many parts of the Valley, normal life continues to be affected as business establishments remained shut and only a few vehicles plied on the roads.
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