In a significant development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to embark on a crucial three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, arriving in Jammu on Thursday evening. This visit comes at a pivotal time, as the region grapples with heightened security concerns, including ongoing military operations in Kishtwar and frequent intrusions by Pakistani drones along the border areas.
Security Review Amid Ongoing Challenges
According to official sources, Shah's itinerary includes a comprehensive assessment of the security landscape. On Friday, he is likely to visit forward areas in Jammu to evaluate the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. This hands-on inspection aims to provide firsthand insights into the operational dynamics and challenges faced by security forces.
High-Level Meetings and Strategic Discussions
Shah is scheduled to conduct a detailed security review meeting with top officials from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, and intelligence agencies. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who heads the Unified Headquarters (UHQ), is expected to participate, along with representatives from the Union Home Ministry. These discussions are particularly timely, given the current security context.
Kishtwar Operations and Militant Activities
The security review gains urgency due to an ongoing Army operation in the Kishtwar region of Jammu. Forces are actively tracking a group of Jaish-e-Mohammad operatives in the snow-clad mountains of Chatroo. Despite multiple engagements over the past fortnight, the militants have evaded capture, leveraging the difficult terrain and dense forest cover. Tragically, a soldier lost his life in an encounter with Jaish terrorists in the Son Nar area of Kishtwar on January 18, underscoring the risks involved.
Drone Intrusions and Border Threats
Adding to the security concerns, there have been frequent reports of Pakistani drones intruding into Indian airspace along the LoC and International Border, especially in the Jammu sector. These incidents highlight the evolving nature of threats and the need for robust countermeasures to safeguard national sovereignty.
Political Engagement and Developmental Focus
Beyond security matters, Shah will interact with political leaders at Lok Bhawan in Jammu, fostering dialogue and addressing regional issues. On Saturday, he will proceed to Srinagar for a similar security review, while also assessing the progress of existing developmental projects and inaugurating new initiatives. This dual focus on security and development reflects a holistic approach to governance in the region.
Historical Context and Previous Visits
This marks Shah's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since September last year, when he chaired a security review meeting in Jammu following the annual Amarnath Yatra. His return underscores the ongoing commitment to monitoring and enhancing the region's stability amid dynamic challenges.
Overall, Amit Shah's visit is poised to address critical security gaps while reinforcing developmental efforts, aiming to bolster peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir during a period of heightened vigilance.
