J-K cops to get bullet-proof vehicles: Rajnath

Srinagar: The Centre has allocated funds for the purchase of bullet-proof vehicles for Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said during his interaction with cops in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Sunday. His announcement comes in the wake of the killing of six police personnel, including SHO Feroz Ahmad, in Achabal area of Anantnag district on June 16. The slain SHO had requisitioned a bullet-proof vehicle in view of the danger posed by militants in south Kashmir but was not provided one.

"We have allocated funds for the purchase of bullet-proof vehicles for Jammu and Kashmir police," Singh said in Anantnag, 52 kilometres from here. The home minister also said the Centre has approved funds for opening a trauma centre for police personnel and lauded them for working in the "extremely challenging conditions" in the Valley.

He paid tributes to the sacrifice made by ASI Abdul Rasheed and constable Imtiyaz who were killed in militant attacks in south Kashmir recently.

"Their supreme sacrifices have been made for Kashmir. We are proud of the police personnel. You are working in extremely challenging conditions here. I do not have words to praise the bravery of our brave personnel from Jammu and Kashmir police. Even the Prime Minister has praised your courage," he said.

Underlining the priority attached by the Centre to Kashmir, Singh said no other home minister had ever visited the state so frequently. "I have come to the state the fifth time within a year or so."

The home minister said he had come with an open mind and was willing to interact with anyone who wanted to help in resolving the problems facing Kashmir.