The Centre plans to take “stringent action” against separatists and subversive elements in violence-torn Kashmir in the days to come, a home department official revealed on Friday.
The cordon-and-search operation – a law-enforcement strategy used in the violent 90s – has been brought back as part of this decision, the official said, adding that the idea was to always keep “ultras and terror sympathisers” on their toes.
A top BJP leader in Delhi, for his part, disclosed the government’s plans to cut the “supply lines” that fuel street protests in Kashmir. “Normalcy can be restored only if we nip the unrest at its source. Knowing that not every Kashmiri is a separatist, we have launched the process of identifying troublemakers,” he said.
Meanwhile, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has arrived in Srinagar to investigate alleged funds received by separatist leaders to pursue subversive activists. “Yes, an NIA team is in Srinagar,” director general of police SP Vaid told HT on Friday evening.
The move came after some senior separatist leaders were heard admitting to being funded by Pakistani sources in a television sting operation. Ayaz Akbar, spokesperson of the hardliner Hurriyat faction, refused to comment. “No official has approached us yet,” he said.
Kashmir deputy chief minister Nirmal Kumar Singh had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi the previous day to discuss security arrangements for the impending Amarnath Yatra amid the volatile situation in the Valley.
{{/usCountry}}Kashmir deputy chief minister Nirmal Kumar Singh had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi the previous day to discuss security arrangements for the impending Amarnath Yatra amid the volatile situation in the Valley.
{{/usCountry}}The annual pilgrimage to the Himalayan heights of south Kashmir, which attracts lakhs of pilgrims from India and abroad, is scheduled to begin on June 29.
A party source said Modi received detailed updates on violence in the state, cross-border shelling in Nowshera, and preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, during the 45-minute meeting. “The Prime Minister was also briefed about the implementation of the Rs 80,000-crore development package for Kashmir,” he said.
Meanwhile, defence minister Arun Jaitley visited forward areas of Rampur sector in north Kashmir on Friday. Accompanied by major general RP Kalita, he interacted with troops and hailed them for their grit, determination and selfless service to the nation.
(With inputs from Srinagar)