Amit Shah reviews J&K security situation

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed the functioning of the security grid and all security-related aspects in Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government is committed to zero tolerance for terrorism.

During the meeting, Mr Shah also reviewed the preparations for a G-20 meeting to be held in Srinagar next month and directed all relevant agencies to work in coordination for the successful conduct of the event.

At the security review meeting, attended by national security adviser Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha, among others, the home minister took stock of the functioning of the security grid and various aspects related to security, an official statement said.

The home minister also reviewed the area domination and zero terror plans, the law and order situation, cases related to UAPA and other security-related issues. He appreciated the efforts of the security agencies and administration of the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir for the significant reduction in cross-border infiltration and improvement in law & order. He also advised the officials to strengthen routine policing.

Meanwhile, India on Thursday dismissed Pakistan's objection to the hosting of the G-20 meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and said these conferences are being organised across the country and it is "natural" to hold them in the two Union territories too, as they are its "integral and inalienable" parts.

India is hosting a meeting of the G-20 Tourism Working Group in Srinagar in May, while a youth engagement group meeting is scheduled to take place in Leh later this month.

On April 6, Jammu and Kashmir director general of police Dilbag Singh said militancy has not ended in Jammu and Kashmir yet, but it is on the wane as the number of ultras has declined to an all-time low.

He said local youths who were pushed towards militancy have now returned to the mainstream after leaving that path.

Those who attended the meeting included Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, DGP Dilbag Singh and other senior officials, the sources said.