Chidambaram reviews security in Kashmir’s Baramulla town

SRINAGAR - Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Sunday visited Baramulla town in north Kashmir on Sunday to review the security situation there.

He also chaired a security meeting of senior police, CRPF and army officials and held separate meetings with Chief Minaiter Omar Abdullah, local politicians, students, traders, members of Pahari Cultural Forum and the Gurduwara Prabandhak Committee.

During the security meeting, Chidambaram was briefed by the Deputy Commissioners of three north Kashmir districts - Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipore.

He also interacted with officers before chairing a high-level meeting that focussed on infiltration bids mounted by militants from across the border and the law and order situation.

Later, he received delegations, including those of the National Conference, the Congress, the Transporters’ Association, the Fruit Growers’ Association, the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the Tangmarg Beopar Mandal and the Pahari Welfare Forum.

The delegations demanded that 6,000 Army vehicles plying on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway daily be stopped, and instead be directed to run in the evening hours to avoid inconvenience to the people and losses to businesses.

Chidambaram had earlier on Saturday visited flood-ravaged Leh to assess the rehabilitation work and directed local administration to complete the unfinished work before the onset of winter season.

He also assured flood survivors that the Central and Jammu and Kashmir Government would help them in every possible manner.

“I know that you have all suffered in the recent floods but I want to tell you that both Central and State government will help you in every way,” said Chidambaram.

Chidambaram also inaugurated a newly constructed two-room set floor, for the flood victims.

Chidambaram”s visit assumes significance in view of the just-concluded visit of three- interlocutors appointed by the Central Government. (ANI)