Rajnath Singh in Kashmir, reviews security situation

SRINAGAR: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after arriving here on a two-day visit during which he would hold talks with various stakeholders in the Valley and invited all those who believe in ' Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat'.

Singh was briefed by top civil, army, police and paramilitary officials about the prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley, which has been witnessing unrest for the last 47 days after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8.

The Home Minister was conveyed that there has been improvement in situation on the ground, there is no scarcity of essential commodities and health services are functioning, official sources said.

As many as 66 persons, including two police personnel, have been killed and several thousands injured ever since the turmoil began. Among them is a youth who was killed in fresh clashes in Pulwama today.

Before leaving for Kashmir, the Home Minister said he will hold talks with all stakeholders and those who believe in 'Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat' are welcome.

Singh said he would be staying at Srinagar's Nehru guest house where he will interact with cross section of people on Kashmir issue.

"I shall interact will civil society groups, political parties and other stakeholders," he said on Twitter.

"Those who believe in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat are welcome," he added.

He will also hold meetings with Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

This is the second visit of the Home Minister to the Kashmir Valley since the trouble began.

The Home Minister had said the Centre wants an emotional relationship with the state and not just need-based.

Singh had said the central government will talk to whosoever needed once peace and normalcy is restored in the state.

"As far as Government of India is concerned, I want to make it clear that we don't just want need-based ties, but to build an emotional relationship with Kashmir," he had said, reaching out to the people in the Valley while making a fervent appeal to them to help restore peace and normalcy in the state.

On Monday, while meeting a joint opposition delegation led by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his "deep concern and pain" over the situation there and asked all political parties to work together to find a "permanent and lasting" solution to problems in Jammu and Kashmir.