NEW DELHI, July 11:
As uneasy calm prevailed in Kashmir today, a high-level meeting of senior Union Ministers and officials chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked security forces to make “judicious” use of force and ensure smooth movement of Amarnath pilgrims.
The meeting called to discuss the tense situation in Jammu and Kashmir arising out of killing of a Hizbul Mujahideen’s divisional commander Burhan Wani, was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and NSA Ajit Doval among others.
It took stock of the situation in the State which witnessed widespread violence after killing of Wani on Friday in an encounter.
Chiefs of Central security agencies briefed the Ministers about the steps taken to bring back peace and normalcy in the Valley, that saw death of nearly 23 people.
All forces were asked to ensure security of Amarnath pilgrims and enhance vigil along the border to check fresh attempts of infiltration from across the border.
Sources said security forces were asked for judicious use of force against protesting civilians.
Besides, stone pelters, who are mostly teenagers, have to be dissuaded by parents from indulging in stone pelting.
Parrikar told reporters that an over all assessment of security situation in Kashmir has to be done by the Home Ministry and Army was ready to provide any assistance like increasing force levels in any areas required.
The meeting was briefed that situation in Kashmir valley was better today and steps are being taken to improve further tomorrow, sources said.
Earlier in the day, with Kashmir in turmoil, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reached out to opposition leaders including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and discussed the prevailing situation there.
During the telephonic conversation with Gandhi and National Conference leader Omar, the Home Minister discussed with them efforts to bring back peace and normalcy in Kashmir valley, which is witnessing violent protests after killing of militant leader Burhan Wani on Friday, official sources said.
The Home Minister’s discussions with Gandhi and Omar, who ruled Jammu and Kashmir between 2009 and 2015, are believed to be an attempt by the Central Government to take opposition leaders into confidence.
Singh is also speaking to other opposition leaders on the Kashmir situation, sources said.
The Home Minister has already spoken at least twice to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and assured her all Central assistance to tackle the violent protests.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister reviewed the Kashmir situation for the second time in as many days and instructed officials to do the needful to bring back normalcy in the State.
Meanwhile, the Centre is making all efforts to restore peace in Kashmir valley, which is facing protests over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen divisional commander Burhan Wani, Union Minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir today said.
After assuming the charge as the Minister of State for Home, he told reporters, “The Central Government wants that peace be restored in Jammu and Kashmir as early as possible. We are making all efforts for it.”
The Minister said Home Minister Rajnath Singh was personally monitoring the situation in the Valley and has directed officials to ensure that paramilitary forces in Kashmir provide all assistance to the State Government for restoration of peace and normalcy in the Valley.
Ahir said Singh is planning to speak to leaders of different political parties about the situation in the Valley.
Ahir, however, parried a query on whether the situation was handled properly.
Ahir is a four-time MP from Maharashtra. Prior to taking over as MoS Home, he served as MoS (Chemicals and Fertilizers) in the Modi Government.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval returned home today, cutting short his visit to Kenya where he was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed confidence that solutions would be found to the situation in the Valley.
Doval, who has been sent home 24 hours early by the Prime Minister in view of the situation in Kashmir, is regularly taking stock of the developments in the Valley with officials.(PTI)
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