Rajnath Singh: 25 per cent decline in terror cases in Jammu & Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday claimed that the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir was looking up with a 25 per cent decline in terror-related incidents, belying fears that the BJP-PDP alliance was under strain due to growing activity of separatists and hardline elements in the Valley.

"Existence of a peaceful atmosphere is a pre-requisite for development in any state or the country. Let me tell you that there has been a significant improvement in the security situation in J&K.There is 25 per cent dip in terror incidents," Singh said at a press conference to announce an economic package as part of the Centre's overall development road map for the state.

The joint press conference addressed by Singh and finance minister Arun Jaitley announced a package of Rs 2,437 crore for relief and rehabilitation of flood-hit people and reconstruction of dwellings and other infrastructure damaged in last year's deluge.

TOI had reported on Tuesday that Singh and Jaitley would address a joint press conference to unveil an economic package for J&K.

The short-term initiatives included extending central assistance to J&K to rebuild damaged houses and restore key infrastructure including the Jammu-Srinagar highway , provide additional foodgrain at BPL prices and provide a boost to tourism sector.

As part of its long-term vision for balanced development of all three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the government will be sending a team of officials to discuss a larger development plan covering power, education, tourism, health and other sectors.

The team, which will comprise CEO of Niti Aayog and expenditure secretary , will study various suggestions and forward its recommendations to the government.