Rajnath Singh set for 2-day Kashmir visit

Union home minister Rajnath Singh will visit Kashmir for two days starting Saturday to carry out a detailed security review and calm tensions in the wake of the recent violence that left 47 dead in the Valley following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

The Centre is not only concerned about the recent violence in Kashmir Valley but there is considerable worry about almost a 200 per cent increase in infiltration from across the border this year. Till June 30, militants had made 90 infiltration attempts against 29 for the corresponding period last year and 47 in 2014. Checking infiltration will be one of the key agendas during the home minister’s visit.

What is even more startling is that of these attempts, 54 were successful against five in 2015 and 10 in 2014 during the same period. Home ministry officials feel that with a sharp increase in militant infiltration, the Valley will sooner or later see a major increase in subversive activities.

“Due to sustained pressure by security forces, these militants are not able to strike freely. But the fact that they have successfully managed to cross over and are already in the Valley, they will launch a major operation at the first given opportunity,” a senior ministry official said.

Sources said the home minister, during his meeting with the security and intelligence top brass in Srinagar, will try and zero in on the specific reasons for the increased infiltration. Mr Singh, sources said, is keen that infiltration from across the border should be completely plugged and a formidable security cordon should be put in place along the Line of Control and the international border.

Mr Singh will also meet governor N.N. Vohra and chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to discuss the recent violence in the Valley. In addition, the home minister also plans to meet representatives of other political parties, social groups and prominent citizens to asses what the common people expect from the governments, both at the Centre and the state, so that normalcy can be restored in the Valley.

While speaking in Parliament, he had assured that he would visit Kashmir, saying, “We are sure that we will succeed in improving the condition in Kashmir.” He has also announced the setting up of an expert committee to recommend an alternative to pellet guns. The ministry is also planning to review the security protocol for forces deployed in the Valley.