NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and top officials of both the ministries and those from the intelligence agencies.
The 90-minute meeting at Singh’s residence was also attended by the Centre’s interlocutor on Jammu and Kashmir talks Dineshwar Sharma and chiefs of paramilitary forces. It was decided to strengthen the counter-insurgency grid and intensify anti-terrorist operations in the insurgency-hit state.
The move comes amid inputs that the Pakistan-sponsored terror groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad are aiming to carry out major terror strikes in the Valley, especially against security forces, and are seeking to spread their bases in North Kashmir. The terror groups have a strong presence in south Kashmir, sources said.
Sources said targeted action against terror masterminds in the Valley will be intensified amid the tightening of the security grid in the hinterland and along the border and Line of Control.
During the meeting, it was also decided to strengthen the vigil along the LoC and in the Valley to check any terror strike.
Over the past year, security forces have eliminated 180 terrorists in the Valley. Terror groups are under pressure to lift the morale of their cadres and enhance recruitment of youth to their fold in the Valley.
The strategy of the Centre is continuation of the dialogue process with all stakeholders under the stewardship of former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma and sustained operations against terrorists.