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| Infiltration, unprovoked firing serious issue, Pak too concerned: HM | | Assures 'strengthening' of Cross LoC trade, asks officials to check contraband smuggling Performs 'Aarti' at Raghunath Mandir, meets several delegations | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 12: Beginning his security review visit to J&K from the winter capital on a positive note while airing optimism for betterment of situation on all fronts, the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today said infiltration from across the border and unprovoked firing continued to be serious issues which would be raised at appropriate quarters, notwithstanding the fact forces are guarding the borders well with complete vigil. Home Minister infused hope for prospects of growth and promotion of the Cross LoC trade facing hurdles on a score of fronts, assuring these would be addressed soon by taking requisite steps.
"My ministry is well aware of the attempts of continuous infiltration and ceasefire violations ….we constantly get reports on that and these will taken up at right quarters…..", Shinde said while replying to a question of media persons at Octroi Post in RS Pura Sector. The Union Home Minister however gave a pat and credit to forces, saying " Our vigilant jawans and officers are guarding the J&K borders well …… there is no shortcoming and adequate measures are in place……..more steps are under consideration of the government wherever required to upgrade the security grid."
To another question related to digging of tunnel in Samba by Pak Rangers, the Union Home minister said all these matters were raised by him at Male SAARC summit with Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik and he too reciprocated positively to address the concern of India at such moves. Shinde said the issues would again be taken up and discussed in detail in the Unified Command meeting scheduled tomorrow at Srinagar for broader security review of situation across the state. Pakistan too is concerned about this issue and have shown keenness to address them, he said. To a query on security of Panches and Sarpanches he said the matter would be elaborately discussed with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in tomorrow's meeting.
Sources said the Home Minister took a comprehensive review of the security scenario on IB in RS Pura sector where he went up to forward areas and interacted with the jawans and officials of BSF seen as a morale boosting move. The Home Minister covered the distance from Jammu up to Octroi Post by road as the defence authorities did not allow chopper operation citing security reasons, sources added.
Earlier, Shinde reached Jammu at 9 in the morning and flew first to border district of Poonch where he took stock of the status of Cross LoC Trade between the two sides of border . He interacted with traders delegation led by Pawan Anand during which he was conveyed the key demands traders have been airing to make the trade meaningful and effective. The main issues included review of the item list which traders are demanding to be increased from present 21 to 50, travel permits and visa to traders from both the sides besides system of spot delivery and establishing of banking as well as telecom facilities for smooth trade. The Home Minister while listening to all these issues is reported to have given full assurance that Centre would support them fully and their genuine grievances would be addressed , this being key CBM initiated to improve ties between India and Pakistan. He said all shortcomings and loopholes marring the trade would soon be plugged. The Home Minister later paid obeisance at Raghunath Mandir and performed Aarti this evening after he returned from RS Pura. Various delegations including PCC leaders, Chamber of Commerce and Industries, POK refugees and Kashmiri Migrants called on Home minister to present their issues before him. |
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