Defence Secretary G Mohan Kumar meets CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed; discuss J&K's security situation

SRINAGAR: Union Defence Secretary G Mohan Kumar today called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and discussed wide-ranging issues related to security situation in the state.

Kumar met Sayeed at his residence here this morning. General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt General Subrata Saha, was also present at the meeting, an official spokesman said.

During the meeting, Sayeed referred to several issues, including expansion of Jammu and Kargil Airports required urgently to broaden the scope of airline operations in the two regions, the spokesperson said.

The Chief Minister had earlier discussed the issue with the Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar during his visit to the summer capital in May wherein he had highlighted the imperative need for extending the runway at the Jammu Airport, he said.

The issue of transfer of Lower Khurbathang Plateau at Kargil for expansion of Kargil Airport was also discussed during the meeting.

The Chief Minister also stressed upon the Defence Secretary to expedite vacation of Tattoo Ground, in Batamaloo here, so that civic facilities are developed in larger public interest, the spokesman said.

Sayeed also suggested setting into motion an institutional mechanism involving state government officials and Army authorities to settle the issue of reconciling the status of excess land presently with the Army in a time-bound manner, he said.

The issue of providing employment to local youth in eco-Territorial Battalions for their contribution in afforestation drives in the state was also discussed in the meeting, he added.

The Defence Secretary assured early positive consideration of the various pending issues as well as those highlighted by the Chief Minister, the spokesman added.