Kashmir: Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday began her 2-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to review the preparedness of the Indian Armed soldiers on borders and security in the hinterland.
The two-day visit would be her first since she assumed office as the Defence Minister of India.
According to a report in the Hindu, a newspaper based in India, “sources in the ministry said Ms. Sitharaman will visit forward posts on the line of control (LoC) in the Valley, the line of actual control (LAC) between India and China in the Ladakh region and the Siachen Glacier — world’s highest battle field at an altitude 5,400 metres during the visit.”
“Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat is likely to accompany the Defence Minister during her J&K visit,” reports said.
The Indian Army helpline, on being asked the plan of the Defence Minister on her 2-day visit to the valley, hung up after hearing the question.
She will also review the security situation in the valley with top Indian army commanders focusing on anti-militancy operations those have taken a heavy toll of militants during the recent months.
Almost all top commanders of various militant outfits have been killed since operation ‘All Out’ was started by the Indian Armed forces.
“Anti-militancy operations will be reviewed by the defence ministry during her stay in the state,” reports said.
While speaking to the FreePressKashmir, the Jammu Kashmir Police Control Room (PCR) said, “Neither you can ask us any questions, nor we can answer any. It (the security) is all handled by the Indian Armed Forces. They (the army) don’t even let us look in their direction.”
