MHA says prepared to handle any security situation in Jammu and Kashmir

Official sources said the Centre has already sent over 20,500 central paramilitary personnel to the state in the view of Wani’s first death anniversary and the ongoing Amarnath yatra.

Ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of militant Burhan Wani, the home ministry said it was prepared to handle any security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

Villagers carry the body of killed rebel Jehinger Ahmad in a truck during his funeral at Keller, 49 kilometers south of Srinagar, on July 4. (AP Photo)

Official sources said the Centre has already sent over 20,500 central paramilitary personnel to the state in the view of Wani’s first death anniversary and the ongoing Amarnath yatra.

“We are prepared to handle any security challenge,” a senior home ministry official said on Tuesday.

Four districts of the state--Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag--are on the boil since Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8 last year.

Over 80 youths from these area have taken to arms following Wani’s killing, sources from the state had said.

Seventy-six people besides two police personnel were killed during the five month-long unrest in the Kashmir valley.

The state government has announced a 10-day summer vacation in all educational institutions in the valley from July 6.

The vacation coincides with a protest schedule issued by United Jehad Council (UJC), an amalgam of militant organisations operating in the Valley.

Last year, the vacations were announced in schools from July 1 to 17.

The UJC had announced a protest programme on Monday in connection with what they called the first death anniversary of Wani.