As part of the development review, the meeting noted with satisfaction that 17 Central sector schemes had reached 100% saturation in the UT. Also, the meeting was apprised that the J&K industrial policy had so far brought investments total of Rs 25,000 crore into the UT, of which Rs 12,000 crore is for Kashmir region. The meeting discussed a need to upgrade the power generation as well as transmission and distribution network in the UT to serve these upcoming industries in sectors like food processing, pharmaceuticals, IT sector and services. Better road connectivity plan to link the villages was also discussed.
NEW-DELHI: Taking note of the recent rise in infiltration into Jammu & Kashmir by terrorists from Pakistan and likely scenario of sophisticated weapons left behind by the US troops in Afghanistan eventually finding their way into the hands of Jaish e Mohammad and Lashker e Taiba fighters in J&K, the Centre has decided to tighten the border grid.
A review meeting chaired by home minister Amit Shah here on Thursday, also discussed the need for an upgrade in weaponry of the Indian forces responsible for tackling infiltration, in the near future. The meeting — attended by J&K LG Manoj Sinha, NSA Ajit Doval, Chief of Army Staff M M Naravane and heads of BSF, CRPF, J&K Police and intelligence agencies – saw Shah share a detailed assessment of issues related to both security and development fronts in J&K.
The concerns that came up included the rise in infiltration, particularly the increased presence of foreign terrorists in North Kashmir, and future impact of Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in the light of its close ties with ISI and its protégé terrorist outfits. The assessment is that while the rise in infiltration may not be directly related to resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan, it could be part of a more “aggressive strategy” by Pakistan’s ISI to create trouble in Kashmir in the days and months to come, by pushing in as more Jaish and LeT terrorists.
While no immediate impact of Afghanistan events is expected in Kashmir, there are concerns about some sections in J&K viewing Taliban takeover as “victory of Islamist forces” in the neighbourhood and using it for fan radical sentiments among locals. “The police and agencies are keeping a close watch,” said a source.
While no immediate impact of Afghanistan events is expected in Kashmir, there are concerns about some sections in J&K viewing Taliban takeover as “victory of Islamist forces” in the neighbourhood and using it for fan radical sentiments among locals. “The police and agencies are keeping a close watch,” said a source.
Meanwhile on Thursday, the availability of Central credit for the high-density plantation scheme in J&K – in addition to capital support provided by the UT government to meet 50% of requirement of planting high density crops in one hectare area — was announced by agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar. J&K LG conveyed his “special gratitude” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the agriculture minister for on-the-spot announcement of the initiative, saying that it will change the horticulture landscape of the UT.