News

Amarnath Yatra: ‘No compromise on security of Yatris,’ says Delhi

Amarnath Yatra will commence on June 29 this year. (FPK file Photo)

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government was capable of dealing with the situation in the Valley and the Union government would provide all support “to maintain peace and restore normalcy” in the state, said Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday.

“The state government is capable of handling it (the situation in Kashmir). The necessary inputs and support will be given by the central government,” the Union minister of state for home told reporters.

Rijiju, who was in Jammu as chief guest of the final match of the Oorja football tournament held by the SSB, said “security cannot be compromised at all”.

Asked about the government’s strategy to deal with the incidents of militants openly targeting the police, he said, “all strategy has to be made with due consultation with the state government because we have an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Sixteen cops of Jammu and Kashmir police were killed in various militant attacks this year, so far. In a major attack, six cops including an officer were killed when militants ambushed their car in Achbal area of Anantnag district on June 16 evening.

“The state government’s inputs and strategy are to be given priority. The Centre cannot just make a statement and intervene,” he said.

Replying to another question about the strategy to deal with the “fear generated” by militants, he said, “people of Jammu and Kashmir will not take it lightly as they will not just lie down. These kinds of barbaric attacks on civilians and the police cannot be accepted and welcomed by any sensible person.”

“Any sane person will condemn such a brutal act,” he said while condemning the killing of six police personnel in an attack by militants on a police party in the Valley.”

Kiren Rijiju

“I have come here to close this important tournament of the central paramilitary forces where youth from the state are participating. A positive message should go to the people. I do not want to say anything to score some political points,” he said.

The Union minister, while replying to a question about the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, said, “security arrangements are in place for the annual Amaranth Yatra in the Valley and there will be no compromise on that part.”

When asked about the final match of the ICC Champions Trophy between India and Pakistan, he said, “I support Indian in any sport it is playing.”

“If we have to take India forward in the world of sports, then we have to take Olympics seriously,” he said.

Click to comment
To Top