Srinagar - Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the security situation and steps taken to combat terrorism in Kashmir Valley in the wake of a spate of attacks on civilians, particularly non-local labourers and minorities. Shah reviewed the security scenario at a meeting held at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar and attended by top civil administration officials, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and senior security officials from the Army, CRPF, police and other agencies, officials said.
The home minister was briefed about the steps taken to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and counter-infiltration measures taken by the forces, the officials said. Shah's visit to Kashmir comes in the backdrop of 11 civilian killings in the valley in October alone. Five of those killed were labourers from Bihar, while three, including two teachers, belonged to minority communities in Kashmir.
Earlier in the day, Shah met the family of slain Inspector Parvez Ahmed, who was killed by terrorists last month. During his visit, the Home Minister met Pervez Ahmed's wife and handed over official papers for a government job. Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar and was welcomed by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
This is Amit Shah's first visit to the erstwhile state after the Centre abrogated Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 and bifurcated it into two Union Territories.
His visit came amid the concerns over the targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks majorly targeting minorities and non-locals in Kashmir. A total of eleven civilians, including migrant labourers, were killed this month in terror attacks.
Shah will also inaugurate the first direct international flight between Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar and Sharjah in UAE today. He will also hold interact with members of Jammu and Kashmir's Youth Clubs. On Sunday, Amit Shah will visit Jammu where he will address a public rally - Jan Samwad. He will again fly back to Srinagar where he will spend all three nights.
Ahead of Home Minister's visit to the union territory, several traffic restrictions have been imposed in Srinagar including those driving two-wheelers subjected to intensive security checks. In addition, a total of 50 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams have been deployed to Jammu and Kashmir for security purposes.