Chidambaram satisfied with Omar’s handling of security (Second Lead)

SRINAGAR - Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Sunday, expressed his satisfaction over the state government’s handling of the security situation in the Kashmir Valley.

Chidambaram flew to the north Kashmir Baramulla town Sunday afternoon and went around getting a first-hand feel of the ground situation.

He also interacted with some locals at the Baramulla town where strict security arrangements had been made for the home minister’s arrival.

The home minister chaired a meeting of security officials at Dak Banglow in Baramulla town where the state director general of police, Kashmir divisional commissioner, senior army officials, district magistrates of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts besides senior district level police officers were present.

A delegation of the local Congress workers also met the home minister in Baramulla.

Later, Chidambaram attended a meeting of senior officials in Srinagar, which was also attended, among others, by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Lt.Gen. N.C. Marwah, commander of the army’s 15th corps, and other senior officials of intelligence, local police and paramilitary forces were also present at the meeting.

The Srinagar meeting was mainly focused on development as the home minister took stock of various developmental projects started by the state government,” a senior official said here.

Sources here said Chidambaram has expressed satisfaction over the handling of the law and order situation by Abdullah-led coalition government.

Contrary to expectations, Chidambaram did not make any announcements regarding the release of youth arrested in the valley for stone pelting during the last over four months of unrest, during which 110 people have lost their lives.

I have come to listen and get a feel of the overall security and political situation in the state,” the home minister told reporters in Baramulla town.

It is also reliably learnt that the home minister has left to the chief minister the decision to release and withdraw cases against youth arrested for stone pelting in the valley.

Abdullah has already said the arrested youth would be released and cases registered against them withdrawn to bring the disgruntled youth back into the political mainstream.

Chidambaram later flew to New Delhi, concluding his visit to the state.