Union Home Minister to chair high-level meeting on J&K in New Delhi 

SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is going to chair a high-level meeting in New Delhi for a review of development works and the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir at New Delhi on January 2.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Rajouri on December 27 and chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in the two districts.

Lieutenant Governor Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary AK Bhalla, top MHA officials dealing with Jammu and Kashmir, heads of paramilitary forces and Intelligence agencies, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Home RK Goyal, Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain and Additional DGP Law & Order Vijay Kumar are expected to attend the meeting among others.

FLASH : First time in the history, locals and tourists in a huge gathering celebrate #NewYear2024 in front of Clock Tower at Lal Chowk #Srinagar in #JammuKashmir.

Reports: @MakhdoomiEmaad pic.twitter.com/voH8rfk0Vn

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 31, 2023

Official sources told The New Indian that there could be two sessions—-one about development works and another likely to remain focused on law and order situation, mainly in Rajouri and Poonch districts where 19 soldiers were martyred in four incidents this year.

This is the first major review of development works and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir by the Union Home Minister in 2024 which may set the agenda for development and anti-terrorist operations for the year.

FLASH : Visuals from Lal Chowk #Srinagar . For the first time in history, people in huge numbers have gathered to celebrate and welcome #NewYear2024. Local artisans are performing with vibrant decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.

Reports: @MakhdoomiEmaad pic.twitter.com/X6Bju10GMG

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 31, 2023

“While the security situation of the entire Jammu and Kashmir will be under review at the meeting, the surge in terror attacks this year in Rajouri and Poonch districts and steps required to eliminate 30-odd terrorists who could be hiding in Pir Panjal mountains, forests and other vulnerable areas, will figure prominently at the meeting,” the officials said.

According to the officials, ongoing development works in Jammu and Kashmir including those under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) etc will also be reviewed at the Home Minister’s meeting.

“Several developmental works are under execution in Jammu and Kashmir post-August 2019 which include the projects undertaken by the Union Territory Government besides the Centrally funded. All these will come up for review,” the officials said, adding that the projects are now meeting timelines set for their completion.