Home minister Rajnath Singh reviews security situation in Kashmir, Assam

Home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in both Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, regions that have been grappling with law and order in recent weeks

Home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in both Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, regions that have been grappling with law and order in recent weeks.

Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel move through Nowhatta in Srinagar during an encounter with the militants on Monday. In the wake of recent militant attacks and the Kashmir unrest, the home minister sought a review of security measures. (PTI Photo)

Top security officials including national security advisor Ajit Doval, Union home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and chiefs of intelligence agencies briefed the home minister on the prevailing situation in both states.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the past month has seen a series of clashes between locals and paramilitary and police forces in the aftermath of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani death. More than 60 people have died in the violence, and thousands injured, while the Centre has also faced backlash over the use of pellet guns.

Read | It’s yesterday again: Kashmir’s old wounds need political healing

Singh instructed officials to try their best to restore peace in the border state as early as possible and avoid casualties of both civilians and security personnel, sources said.

In Assam, militant attacks in the past three weeks have left the state on edge. Suspected ULFA militants exploded a series of five bombs in Charaido and Tinsukia districts as the state was celebrating country’s 70th Independence day. However, there was no casualty or injury in any of the explosions.

Read | 2 dead, 7 injured after suspected Ulfa(I) militants open fire in Assam

Singh was also briefed about the overall security measures taken in the country, apart from a detailed briefing on the infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of Kashmir, where five militants were killed by security forces on Monday.

A CRPF commanding officer was also killed on Monday and nine other personnel of the paramilitary force were injured in a militant attack in Nowhatta in downtown Srinagar. Five persons were killed and several others injured on Tuesday as security forces resisted stone-pelting protestors in Budgam and Anantnag districts.

Read | I-Day attack: Securityman, two militants killed in Srinagar gunfight