Speaking on the recent incidents of unrest in Kashmir, home minister Rajnath Singh directed security forces to come down heavily on those instigating violence and choreographing stone pelting mobs in Kashmir.
The directive to bring normalcy in the state was issued by him while chairing a high-level meeting in Delhi which was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and intelligence chiefs. He also said that schools, colleges and other educational institutions must be reopened within a week and students should attend classes “without fear.” Attempts should also be made to reopen shops and other commercial establishments which were shut completely, he added.
Meeting Nabeel Ahmad Wani, the topper of Border Security Force (BSF) exam, he also urged others to follow his example and reviewed the situation in the strife ridden state. The officials briefed Singh about the current situation in Kashmir Valley as well as along the border and the steps taken to bring back normalcy in the state, official sources said.
The unrest had started following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8. Till now, 80 people have lost their lives in the past 65 days of turmoil.
Three militants and a policeman were killed and six others, including an police officer, were injured in twin encounters between security forces and four terrorists in Poonch town of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.
The encounters between security forces and the militants, who were holed up in a house and another structure near the under-construction Mini Secretariat, erupted at around 7.30 am and continued through the day.
“Three militants have been knocked down. The civilians, who were held hostage, have been safely evacuated. Operation is still on,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Rajouri-Poonch range Johny Willian told PTI.
