Major shift in security situation in J&K, decrease in stone pelting incidents: Rajnath Singh

“There has been an incident in Kulgam. I have been informed that some civilians have been killed in it. It is very unfortunate. I have been told that the operation had concluded and the security forces had left but some people went there and an explosion took place due to some reason. We are pained at the loss of lives,” Singh told reporters here. He added, “If there is an operation by security forces, I appeal to the people that they should not try to go there. The security forces do take precautions and we have repeatedly directed them to do it.”

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti also met with Rajnath and appealed to resume dialogue between India and Pakistan. “Good relations with Pakistan have a positive impact on the ground situation in the state and it also encourages reconciliation among stakeholders within the state which automatically results in decline in alienation levels of people,” the Peoples Democratic Party leader said.

Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister leaving after a press conference at Raj Bawan in Srinagar. (Express Photo by Shuaib Masoodi)

The visit by the home minister also holds significance as the BJP had recently claimed victory in the urban local body elections, held after a gap of 13 years in the state. In the election which was boycotted by the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and marred by a low voter turnout, independent candidates took the lead in Srinagar Municipal Corporation and won the most wards across Kashmir, where the BJP managed to make inroads too.

Earlier, the home minister held review meetings on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley and along the border with Pakistan. Singh also met Governor Satya Pal Malik, former CM Omar Abdullah and top civil, police and security forces officials.