Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today directed the security forces to go after those instigating youths to indulge in violence in Jammu and Kashmir and try to bring back normalcy in the State within a week. The directive was given during an hour-long meeting the Home Minister had with top security officials, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Director, Intelligence Bureau, Dineshwar Sharma and other top officers of Ministry of Homes Affairs, para-military forces and Intelligence agencies besides others in New Delhi this afternoon. Sources said the Home Minister conveyed that the security forces must go after the instigators of the violence in Kashmir valley and book them as they continue to disrupt normal life for 65 days after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8. Singh said that normalcy should be brought back within a week and school and other educational institutions should function as students are worst sufferers during the prolonged turmoil, sources said. Attempts should also be made to reopen shops and other commercial establishments which were shut completely, the Home Minister told the officials. The Home Minister reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where a policeman and three militants were killed in two separate incidents today. The officials briefed the prevailing situation in Kashmir valley as well as along the border and the steps taken to bring back normalcy in the State, sources said.
The unrest had started following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8. So far, 78 people have lost their lives in the 65 days of turmoil. Sources said the Union Home Minister also reviewed terror attack in Poonch this morning. The officers briefed him about the attack and steps taken to neutralize terrorists, safeguard vital installations and protect civilians. According to sources, the Union Home Minister passed several instructions to the top officers of the MHA, para-military forces and Intelligence agencies to improve situation in the Kashmir valley and check terror attacks. The Home Minister, who has thrice visited Jammu and Kashmir including two exclusive visits to the Valley and one to Jammu and Kashmir as head of All Party Delegation was again expected to visit the Valley after Eid. This time, he will also visit Ladakh, where there was strong resentment against the All Party Delegation for ignoring the mountain locked region.
Source : Daily Excelsior
