Army Chief on Kashmir visit, discusses security with Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: Amid the rise in militancy-related incidents and infiltration attempts, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh on Tuesday met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and discussed the security situation including arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath yatra.

The meeting covered a wide range of issues from the overall security scenario to the specific arrangements for the 48-day yatra which is scheduled to start on July 2, an army spokesman said.

Gen Singh also discussed with Mehbooba the security arrangements for the by-polls to Anantnag Assembly constituency from where the Chief Minister is contesting, the spokesman said. The polling will take place on June 22.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda and Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Satish Dua were also present in the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Army Chief was briefed by Lt Gen Dua about the preparedness in dealing with the emerging security challenges and measures to thwart any "misadventure by the inimical forces".

The Corps Commander also highlighted the measures adopted to integrate the efforts of various security forces for efficient intelligence network and synergised conduct of operations, an Army officer said.

The Army Chief also visited the forward area of Baramulla as also Awantipora where he was briefed upon the operational readiness by the respective formation Commanders. He also interacted with officers and men, complimenting them for their untiring efforts, the officer said.

Expressing his satisfaction over the measures instituted by Chinar Corps to ensure security in the valley, Gen Singh reiterated the continued need for integration and close coordination among all security agencies.

The Army Chief's visit to Kashmir comes against the backdrop of escalation in militancy-related incidents in the Valley and increase in infiltration attempts. Even on Tuesday, Army intercepted a group of terrorists who were trying to infiltrate into Kashmir from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Prior to his arrival in the Valley today, the Chief of Army Staff had a meeting with the state Governor N N Vohra in New Delhi on Monday.