PM Narendra Modi takes stock of situation in Jammu and Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi went into a huddle with Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh on Friday evening during which situations arising out of the increasing terror attacks were discussed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File Photo)

NEW DELHI: In the wake of the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari and security personnel, the government is bracing up to toughen its stand against terrorists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi went into a huddle with Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh on Friday evening during which situations arising out of the increasing terror attacks were discussed.

The government is also taking a grim view of further extending the ceasefire beyond the Ramazan, which has concluded, with Eid being celebrated on Saturday. “The Prime Minister and Home Minister had one on one meeting for about an hour. Singh briefed the Prime Minister about the ground assessment in the Kashmir valley. Before heading for the meeting, Singh had gathered inputs from all security agencies during the time of ceasefire announced for the month of Ramazan,” sources said.

Prime Minister and Home Minister assessed the practicality of further extending the ceasefire for Amarnath Yatra, which is beginning June 28 even while the emerging views within the government is not to go for it in the backdrop of increased terror attacks in the valley.

Sources said that Singh apprised the Prime Minister that the security agencies are firmly against further extending the ceasefire in the valley for the Amarnath yatra. It has been stated that it would prove to be a challenging task to provide security to the pilgrims of the Amarnath yatra if there happens to be ceasefire, sources added.

Before heading to the high level meeting with the Prime Minister, Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh said that he would speak on the issue of ceasefire on Sunday. “Let people celebrate Eid first,” Singh stated.

Incidentally, the government had earlier stated that the ceasfire could be extended till the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra. However, the targeted killings of the journalist and other security personnel have brought the spotlight on the government’s decision to announce ceasefire in the first place for the month of Ramazan with critics noting that the terrorists got a breather to launch terror attacks.

Incidentally, the ceasefire announcement had come even while the BJP had earlier been opposed to the all party demands of Jammu and Kashmir for measures to boost confidence among the people during the month of Ramazan. “The killing of the journalist has reaffirmed that Pakistan continues to export terrorism in the Kashmir valley, which must meet the tough response from the security personnel,” sources said.