Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar: Defence minister Arun Jaitley and Army chief Bipin Rawat arrived here to review overall security situation, particularly on the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB), following almost daily ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu region.
Meanwhile, unprecedented security arrangements have been made in summer capital, Srinagar, where additional paramilitary forces and state police personnel had been deployed since early this morning to prevent any untoward incident.
Mr Jaitley, who is also Finance minister, is scheduled to chair two-day GST meeting here on May 18 and 19 advanced his visit by a day to review the overall security situation with Army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior security force and intelligence officers.
Mr Jaitlay is arriving here for the first time since he took over additional charge as Defence minister after the exit of Manohar Parikar, will chair a high level meeting here later today to review the security situation in the Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit of Defence minister comes at a time when Pakistani troops are violating 2003 ceasefire between the two countries and targeting civilian positions in Jammu region, particularly Rajouri, Poonch, Noushera and other areas since two Indian soldiers were killed and later their bodies mutilated by them (Pak soldiers). However, Indian soldiers are giving befitting reply to Pak troops unprovoked firing.
The visit also assumes significance as senior Army officers will brief Defence minister about the measures taken to foil any Pakistani attempt to send more trained militants into Jammu and Kashmir as the snow on the infiltrating routes has started melting.
Mr Jaitley and Army Chief are discussing the security situation with senior officers here at a time when daily reports are being received about protests by students in educational institutions in the valley.
Meanwhile, hundreds of state police and paramilitary forces, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons, could be seen deployed in Srinagar, particularly in the civil lines, including historic Lal Chowk, Budshah Chowk and other areas to prevent any demonstration during the visit of Defence minister. However, there was no such deployment in the down town and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK).
Meanwhile, the authorities have already suspended teaching work in S P Higher Secondary School (HSS) on Moulana Azad road in the city for the past about one week following massive clashes between students and security forces.
Mr Jaitley is also scheduled to attend the 14th GST Council Meeting to be held at S K International Convention Complex (SKICC) on the bank of Dal Lake. (With inputs from UNI)
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