SRINAGAR: A day after a young army officer was abducted and killed by militants in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrisi arrived in Srinagar on Thursday to review security situation in the Valley.
Mehrishi arrived here this morning to hold deliberations with State leaders and civil and police officials on the prevailing situation in the Valley and the continued student protests.
After landing in Srinagar, Mehrishi called on Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti.
“During the meeting, the Union Home Secretary discussed overall situation in the State with the Chief Minister,” an official spokesman said.
According to sources, Mehoboba briefed the Home Secretary about the overall situation in the Valley.
“She also briefed Mehrisi about the steps being taken by the government to prevent recurrence of 2016-like agitation and end ongoing student protests,” they said.
They said Mehrisi expressed concern over the surge in militant violence and attacks on police and security forces.
Later, Union Home Secretary, called on Governor N N Vohra at the Raj Bhavan, here.
“The Governor and the Home Secretary held extensive discussions about issues relating to effective maintenance of law and order,” a Raj bhavan spokesman said.
He said they also discussed matters relating to the security situation along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC), increasing attempts at infiltration and growing incidence of militancy in the Valley.
Sources said Governor expressed concern over the ongoing student protests in the Valley and told Mehrishi that he met CM, Education Minister, opposition leader and academicians to find a way to resolve the student unrest.
The union home secretary will chair a security a security review meeting with senior security officials of the State to take stock of the situation and suggest measures to be taken to restore peace in the Valley and end student protests.
Mehrishi’s visit comes a day after abduction and killing of young army officer Lt Umar Faiyaz by militants in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, where he had gone to attend the marriage of his cousin.
There has also been a surge in militant violence in south Kashmir.
The south Kashmir, which was epicenter of last year’s turmoil, is fast emerging as stronghold of militants. It witnessed three militant attacks, 12 killings and three bank robberies last week.