Shah's Mission Kashmir begins with visit to slain cop’s family

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the family of Jammu and Kashmir Police Inspector Parvez Ahmad who was shot dead by militants in June this year.

Shah met his wife, Fatima, and handed over the order of government job. Parvez was posted in Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) of Jammu and Kashmir Police. On June 22, he was killed outside his house at Nowgam.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Minister of State in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Director General of Police Dilbag Singh were also present.Shah has arrived in Srinagar for a three-day visit in the union territory. It is his first visit since the special status to the state was revoked on August 5, 2019.

“Honourable Union Minister Shri @AmitShah ji reaches #Srinagar. We warm-heartedly welcome you to the crown of #India. The people of J&K have high hopes and expectations from your visit. We are hopeful that the issues related to PRIs are addressed during the visit,” Member of District Development Council Srinagar and BJP leader Aijaz Hussain tweeted.

The visit comes at a time when there has been a series of targeted killings of minorities and migrant workers.

Shah is scheduled to chair a security review meeting which would be held at Raj Bhawan. The top brass of the security apparatus of the country, including the Intelligence chief, BSF chief, CRPF Director-General, and other top security officials would also be present.

The top security brass of the country along with the J&K police chief would brief the minister about the overall situation.

The meeting may devise a fresh strategy to deal with militants, officials said.Shah will also inaugurate a direct international flight from Srinagar to Sharjah in the UAE this evening.

As per his schedule, the Union Minister would also interact with young members of J&K’s Youth Clubs. Shah is also likely to meet the family members of the civilians who were killed in recent targeted attacks. He will be visiting Jammu where he is scheduled to address a public rally.

In Srinagar, a security blanket has been thrown across the city to ensure that the visit of the minister passes off peacefully. While patrolling and frisking have been intensified over the last few days, drones have also been pressed into service for aerial surveillance of the city.

Additional deployment of forces has been made across the city. New bunkers have come up to keep a vigil in the vulnerable areas. Security around the areas with minority populations has also increased. The sharpshooters have also been deployed at vantage points in many parts of the city, police said on Saturday.

This month Srinagar has witnessed three brief gunfights and seven civilians have been killed in targeted attacks.(UNI)