Sitharaman reviews security in J&K, meets CM, Governor

Srinagar: In her first visit to Jammu and Kashmir as Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday reviewed the security situation in the state and also called on Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Governor N.N. Vohra.

Her visit coincided with one year of the Indian Army's surgical strike on terrorist hubs in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

Immediately after her arrival, the Defence Minister was given a briefing by field commanders about the ongoing anti-militancy operations in the hinterland and the Line of Control (LoC) which divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

A Defence Ministry statement said Sitharaman visited the Srinagar-headquartered Chinar Corps "to review the overall security situation in the Valley".

Accompanied by Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat, she was received by Northern Army commander Lt. Gen. D Anbu and Chinar Corps commander Lt Gen. J.S. Sandhu.

Sitharaman also visited the forward areas along the LoC and was briefed about the "robust counter infiltration posture" along the boundary separating Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

She was subsequently briefed by Gen Anbu at Badami Bagh Cantonment on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and given an overview of the counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist operations undertaken in the recent past, the statement said.

"She appreciated the effectiveness of the intelligence and operational grids and commended the troops for the excellent operational successes, which had contributed significantly towards a secure environment in the state," it added.

Sitharaman complimented the commanders for the "high level of synergy achieved with the the state police and the central armed paramilitary forces".

She later met the Chief Minister and called on the Governor.

Sitharaman will stay in Srinagar overnight and fly to Thoise in Siachen -- the world's highest battlefield -- on Saturday before returning to New Delhi.