Amit Shah Chairs High Level Meet, Discusses J&K Situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high level meeting on Friday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

He directed that the security grid in Jammu and Kashmir should be further strengthened to ensure zero cross-border infiltration and to eliminate militancy.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief Gen Mukund Naravane and other senior officers of the central and Jammu and Kashmir governments attended the meeting.

The home minister directed that the security grid should be further strengthened to ensure zero cross-border infiltration and to eliminate terrorism, an official statement said.

He appreciated the efforts of the security agencies which have led to the reduction in militancy incidents in Jammu and Kashmir over the last few years.

The number of terror incidents has declined from 417 in 2018 to 229 in 2021, while the number of security forces personnel martyred has reduced from 91 in 2018 to 42 in 2021, the statement said.

The home minister reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including along the International Border and the Line of Control, official sources said.

Shah also took stock of the progress of the development initiatives taken in the union territory, they said.

Later talking to reporters, Sinha said the home minister reviewed the pace of progress in development matters and the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

He described the hour-long meeting as “very fruitful”.

Asked about the possibility of resuming the annual Amarnath Yatra, which has not been held for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sinha said a decision in this regard will be taken soon.

“Due to Covid, the Yatra (pilgrimage) could not be held (for last two years). We will review the situation and take a call,” he said.