Srinagar: Overall defence situation, security to sarpanchs and panchs and attempts of infiltration from across the border were discussed on Saturday at a meeting of the Unified Headquarters under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde here.
The consultations took place in the backdrop of resignations by sarpanchs and panchs following killing of three elected representatives and threatening letters appearing in the Kashmir valley asking them to resign or face consequences.
The deliberations were attended by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Miniter Tara Chand, Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani, security advisors to the government, and senior officers from Army, paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies and state police.
Mr Shinde, on his first visit to the state after assuming office, toured border areas and interacted with field commanders and was informed about the measures taken to prevent any infiltration from across the border.
He was apprised that a large number of militants are waiting in launching pads near the Line of Control (LoC) to sneak into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to snowfall.
The Union Home Minister was told about the counter infiltration measures taken by the troops deployed on the border. Official sources said the Minister was informed that overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed improvement during the past few years.
It was due to improved situation, a record number of tourists, both foreigners and Indians, visited the Kashmir valley this year.
Mr Shinde was told that the number of militancy incidents has come down as against previous years.
The matter regarding withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) also came up during the meeting. The meeting discussed the security to sarpanchs and panchs, who have alleged that besides threat perception, the state government has failed to empower them.
The Chief Minister has already announced that adequate measures would be taken to provide secure environment to these elected representatives so that they could serve the people at grassroot level.
Mr Shinde later visited Hazratbal shrine, which houses the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad.
Besides, he will have a shikara ride in the Dal Lake and also visit the shrine of Sheikh Nooruddin Wali at Charar-e-Sharief.
The Union Minister is scheduled to address Congress leaders and workers here tomorrow besides meeting different delegations before flying back to Delhi later in the day.
He had wide-ranging consultations with Governor N N Vohra on several important matters at an hour-long meeting held at Raj Bhavan here last evening.
The Governor and the Union Home Minister discussed issues which related, interalia, to the ongoing pace of socio-economic development of the State, strengthening the functioning of Panchayats, elections to Panchayat Samitis and Urban Local Bodies and matters relating to internal and external security management. Mr Shinde toured border areas in Jammu yesterday. (UNI)