Homing In On Kashmir

On his maiden trip to Kashmir as home minister, Amit Shah outlines the BJP’s plans for the valley

- Tariq Bhat

HOME MINISTER Amit Shah’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir on June 27—his first to a state after swearing in—was unique in many ways. He became the first Union minister to visit the family of a slain Kashmiri police officer, did not meet leaders of the regional parties, and restricted his trip to the Kashmir region only.

Moreover, for the first time, the separatists did not call for a strike, like they had in the past when Central leaders visited the state.

Top officers of the police, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Army briefed Shah about the security situation, operations against militants, the situation at the Line of Control, and security arrangements made for the 45-day annual Amarnath yatra.

According to sources, the yatra, which started on July 1, figured prominently in the meeting. In addition to police and other forces, 30,000 CRPF men have been deployed for the pilgrimage. Moreover, arrangements have been made for satellite and chip-based tracking of pilgrims’ vehicles to keep them on the radar of security agencies. At the registration counters, pilgrims would be given microchip-embedded wristbands that are connected to satellite towers installed at various locations. About 200 CCTV cameras have also been installed at the base camps and at vulnerable points, including some spots on highways.