Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to examine the security situation in the valley state. Notably, this will be Jaitley’s first visit to the state after he took over the charge from Manohar Parrikar. His visit came amid intensified tension on the Line of Control (LoC) and increasing student turmoil in the state.
The visit was also advanced by a day. He was scheduled to head the two-day long Goods and Services Tax (GST) council meeting beginning on Thursday.
During his visit to the LoC, the Defence Minister would meet the field commanders. The minister will be updated on the overall preparation of the army to confront challenges of ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The plan of action will be discussed on the increased risk of infiltration as the snow starts to soften on the mountains.
Reportedly, the continuing students’ turbulence fanning separatist thoughts in the valley would also remain in center. “The impact of unrest on the overall security situation cannot be wished away. Therefore, the visit will also focus on ways and means to help the civil administration bring the situation under control,” a top official said, reported India.com.
