New Delhi: A week after an army patrol party was attacked in Kupwara, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit the North Kashmir district as part of his two-day visit to the state. Sources have told CNN-News18, that Rajnath Singh will kickstart his valley visit with detailed interactions in Kupwara.
“Home Minister is scheduled to meet delegations from border areas, Gujjars, Paharis, citizens of Kupwara and also security personnel,” an official told CNN-News18. Militants had attacked an army patrol party in Kupwara on May 31 by lobbing grenades. On May 18, a day after Centre announced Ramzan ceasefire, a fierce gun battle between terrorists and security forces happened in Kupwara that killed three terrorists.
The gunfight occurred in Brinjal forest area of Vilgam about seven kilometers from the tehsil headquarters. Officials said that Rajnath Singh would review the progress of the Kupwara and Baramulla under the Aspirational Districts Scheme which is to improve socio-economic conditions in the 115 districts identified from 28 States. In his attempt to reach out to the youth in Kashmir, Home Minister is scheduled to attend an hour-long event in Srinagar with focus on sports and youth. But the big talking point of Rajnath Singh’s visit will be the review of the ongoing cessation of operations. Home Minister has not ruled out extension of the ceasefire beyond Eid and sources said he will review the security situation in Srinagar with top officials of state police, paramilitary, IB and state government.
Amarnath yatra is scheduled to begin from June 28 and officials said any decision on extension of current peace initiative will have to factor in the Yatra. “In light of the attack last year, security has to be full proof. No risk can be taken,” an official said. After reviewing the security arrangement, Rajnath Singh is expected to join Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for Iftar on Thursday evening before flying to Jammu on Friday.