SAMBA: Centre is worried over the “increased infiltration” this year in Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said today said.
“Looking at last year’s record, we are not worried. This year, however, we are worried because of the increased infiltration. I have been discussing this with my officers about the reasons behind the infiltration,” Shinde said while addressing the troops in Samba.
He is visiting the Jammu area in the wake of escalation of the ceasefire violations along the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC).
136 ceasefire violations have been reported so far this year, the highest in the past eight years. Even yesterday, Pakistani Rangers opened fire at 10 border posts, injuring two persons.
Because of these violations, the Union Home Minister will not able be go to any forward post and will have to confine himself to meeting BSF personnel in Samba district in this region.
He expressed government’s “full support” for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and said they have been granted the status of ex-servicemen like their counterparts in the defence services.
“The CAPF are not given the status of ex-servicemen like the defence forces. When I said this to the PM, he asked me to bring a note regarding this in the Cabinet. You all will be happy to know that CAPF have been granted the status of ex-servicemen,” Shinde said.
He also said that the Ministry is considering extending few more benefits to CAPF personnel.
The Home Minister also sought to boost the morale of forces saying the government is aware of the hardships faced by them while guarding the country and will take steps to address their issues. (AGENCIES)
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