As tensions escalate in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday presided over a high-level security meeting which was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Arvind Kumar, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Samant Kumar Goel and senior Home Ministry officials.
Amid escalating tensions in Jammu and Kashmir a major security build up has sparked fears and tensions among the locals and tourists.
Considering the timing of the meeting it is expected that the Minister discussed internal security as well as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir where the Amarnath Yatra has been curtailed after the government warned of terror threats.
All Amarnath pilgrims as well as tourists have been told to return “as soon as possible.”
Shah spoke about the preparation to deal with terror attacks and deployment of security establishment in the Kashmir Valley amid inputs that Pakistan-backed terrorists were planning to target the Amarnath Yatra, which is an annual month-long Hindu pilgrimage which started on June 28 and was to end on August 15, the sources said.
Shah is reportedly going to visit the state soon.
The Home Minister was apprised of the situation on the border where some Pakistani soldiers were killed by Indian forces when they tried to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of July 31-August 1.
The Minister’s meeting and the abrupt axing of the Amarnath Yatra on Friday and the security build up has set off yet another round of speculation about the Modi government’s next move in Jammu and Kashmir. The unprecedented series of events have left locals and even the local Kashmiri parties blindsided.