def-min-rajnath-singh-leads-critical-meeting-on-j-k-security

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a significant meeting on Wednesday to address the increasing terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting, which took place at South Block, was attended by key security officials, including Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Director General of Military Operations Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma.

 

The heads of various security-related agencies were also present. The timing of the meeting is crucial, as it comes just a day before Independence Day on August 15.

 

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has recently witnessed a surge in terrorist activities, prompting a high-level response from the central government. In anticipation of possible threats, security forces across the region have been placed on high alert to ensure public safety during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

 

This heightened security is a direct response to the ongoing challenges posed by militant groups in the area. Just days before this meeting, on August 10, an encounter in Anantnag resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and a civilian.

 

The gunfight broke out during a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Kokernag area of Anantnag.

 

The soldiers, identified as Havildar Dipak Kumar Yadav and Lance Naik Praveen Sharma, were honoured by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and all ranks of the Indian Army for their bravery and sacrifice.

 

The recent escalation of violence in Jammu and Kashmir has been alarming. The region has seen several attacks, including an assault on an army convoy in Kathua and skirmishes in Doda and Udhampur.

 

In July, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reported to the Lok Sabha that 28 people, including civilians and security personnel, had been killed in 11 terror-related incidents and 24 counter-terror operations up to July 21 this year.

 

In addition to the ongoing violence, there have been recent confrontations along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. Last month, Indian Army troops successfully foiled an attack by the Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) in the Machchal sector of Kupwara district. The skirmish resulted in the death of one Pakistani intruder and one Indian Army soldier, with four others, including a major-rank officer, sustaining injuries.

 

The meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlights the government's commitment to addressing the security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. As the situation remains tense, the focus will likely be on enhancing coordination among security agencies and ensuring that the region remains secure during this critical period.