Return of Pandits to Kashmir, illegal immigrants on Ministry of Home Affairs list

New Delhi: Return of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir Valley, checking of influx of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and improving Centre-state relations are among the key issues to be flagged by the Home Ministry for action by Narendra Modi when he assumes charge as Prime Minister.

However, the issue of setting up of the controversial National Counter Terrorism Centre, which Modi had vehemently opposed as Gujarat Chief Minister, has not figured in the report which Home Ministry is likely to present next week before Modi.

Home Ministry has put together its plan for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, many of whom are still living in camps in Jammu, and how they are to be provided with security once they return to the Valley.

The report notes that infiltration from Bangladesh has come down to a great extent but not stopped totally as fencing along the 4,096km-long Indo-Bangla border is yet to be

completed due to various factors, including existence of riverine areas.

Return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley and zero tolerance towards Bangladeshi immigrants are two key areas of focus for BJP.

Home Ministry has stressed on frequent interactions between the leaders of the central and state governments to improve relations as cooperation among them is necessary for the implementation of the Union government's development and security agenda.

The ministry has suggested that the Inter-State and Zonal Councils should be reactivated with active participation of chief ministers and central leaders.