Union Home Minister Amit Shah appreciated the “significant improvement” in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, while reiterating the zero tolerance policy of the Modi government for militancy.
He also stressed on continued strict action against “militant funding” and stated that the security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath yatra commencing 1st July would be tightened further.
The Home Minister, who arrived Kashmir on two-day visit on Wednesday, took a series of review meetings related to security preparedness for Amarnath yatra, overall security scenario, status of various developmental schemes. He also met various delegations that include Sarpanchs, Panchs and a few youth delegations at SKICC before wrapping up his visit.
Informing the media persons about the decisions taken and the
directions passed by the Home Minister, Special Secretary Internal Security in Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), A P Maheswari said that Shah appreciated the significant improvement in security situation.
“He directed that there should be zero tolerance towards militancy and militants,”Maheswari informed.
“The Home Minister also stated that there should be continued strict action against terror funding. He stated that the rule of law should be enforced.”
“The Home Minister after reviewing overall security scenario directed that security arrangements of Amarnath Yatra will be tightened further.”
Maheswari said the security agencies gave a detailed briefing on the security scenario in the State, the results of last one year’s efforts of containing militancy and their future plans. “While the improvements in the security scenario were noted and appreciated, there was a detailed discussion on what further improvements could be made for restoring peace and normalcy in the State,” he said.
J&K Chief Secretary BVR Subramanyam said that Shah directed to ensure poorest of poor gets the benefits of welfare schemes. “The Home Minister held a number of meetings to assess the security scenario, review preparations for the Amarnath Yatra and provide good governance in the State,” he said. “The meetings were attended by Governor Sataya Pal Malik, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, all four advisors to the Governor and senior officials of the State and Central governments, security agencies and armed forces.”
The J&K Chief Secretary said that the review of development programs focussed on improving the lives of common man. “The review covered a wide range of issues connected with improving the economic condition of the people of J&K, provide them with employment and livelihood opportunities and benefits of social security schemes and raising their income,” he said.
Subramanyam said that the review focussed on good governance, accelerating development, strengthening the panchayat and municipal system, fast tracking the implementation of Prime Minister’s Development Package and building first rate infrastructure.
“The review also focussed on inclusive growth for all communities, balanced regional development with special emphasis on employment generation and reaching out to the youth,” the J&K Chief Secretary said.
According to the J&K Chief Secretary, the Home Minister stated that the state should ensure that the newly established Panchayati Raj and ULB system takes deep roots and establishes itself as the third tier of government. “The Home Minister stressed that there should be a drive to ensure that Panchayats and ULBs spend the funds given to them. These funds run into thousands of crores and ensuring their proper utilisation would benefit the people,” he said.
The J&K Chief Secretary stated that the Home Minister stated during his meeting with the delegation from Gujjars and Bakerwals that there are many socially disadvantaged groups in the state such as Paharis, Gujjars, Bakarwals and other economically weaker sections of the society. “The Home Minister said that the reservation benefits extended to them should be implemented vigorously and no posts in these classes should go vacant,” the Chief Secretary informed.
According to the Chief Secretary, the Home Minister stated that state government should take steps to ensure that the newly created ACB focuses on cases of rampant corruption by the “High and Mighty.”
The Home Minister maintained that government should prepare a programme for reaching out to the youth who are highly skilled such as MBBS, Engineers, MBAs, etc and do not have gainful employment or livelihood.
The Union Home Minister stated that he would review periodically the performance of the State on multiple fronts, the J&K Chief Secretary informed the media men at Media Complex here.
Union HM Amit Shah appreciated “significant improvement” in security situation in J&K
