Khursheed Wani    

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday concluded his two-day visit to Kashmir on a note that central government would kindle new aspirations and hopes amongst the people of the embattled state through development and good governance.

Singh had arrived here on Wednesday along-with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and a host of central officials in his ministry.

During two day stay, Rajnath Singh had back to back review meetings to oversee the overall internal security and law and order situation, conduct of ongoing Amarnath Yatra and status of developmental works. Due to inclement weather, Singh could not embark on a visit to holy Amarnath Cave where paying obeisance was on his schedule.

Rajnath Singh held discussions with Governor Narendra Nath Vohra and discussed various important issues relating to security management, implementation of development programmes and positive engagement of the youth in the State. Governor briefed Home Minister about the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

An official spokesman said that Singh reiterated the government's commitment to take all possible measures that would bring accountability, transparency and good governance in the system.

"With renewed focus on good governance and development, the Centre is looking forward to kindle new aspirations and hopes amongst the people of the State," he said. Singh said development and good governance had remained elusive for the common people of J&K. "The solution to problems lies in empowerment of the people and strengthening the institutions of local self-governance," Singh said in a statement.

The Union Home Minister said the dream of a developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir would be realised when there is peace and normalcy in the state. It is the Government's firm resolve to bring peace, stability and prosperity through an honest, effective and efficient administration for the problems facing the state, he added.

In separate meetings Singh and Ajit Doval were briefed about the issues, challenges on militancy front, cross border and LoC infiltration and preparedness of the security agencies.

This was the Home Minister's first visit to the state following the collapse of PDP-BJP coalition government after BJP pulled out of coalition on June 19. A day after, Governor's rule was imposed in the state.

Home minister's visit assumed significance in the backdrop of United Jehad Council's announcement that July 8 would be observed as the second anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani in the both parts of divided Kashmir. Council led by Hizb chief Syed Salahuddin has called for shutdown on the day. The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) led by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and yasin Malik has also called for a shutdown on July 8 and scheduled a public meeting at Tral, the home town of the slain commander in south Kashmir. The authorities are apprehensive of major militant strikes on Burhan's anniversary and possible recruitment to their ranks.

Before departure, a high level meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh at Raj Bhawan discussed and reviewed the security and prevailing ground situation in the State particularly in Kashmir region. The law & order situation and PM's Development Package and other developmental projects in the State, were also reviewed in the meeting. Official sources said the meeting was briefed about various security issues and challenges and also apprised about the preparedness to meet any security challenge.

Courtesy: Pioneer: Friday, 06 July 2018