Rijiju in Kashmir, reviews security, lauds troopers

SRINAGAR: Commencing his two-day visit to state, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday took review of the over-all security situation in the valley, in view of the recent fidayeen attack on a BSF camp near Srinagar International Airport, besides visiting CRPF and BSF camps in Srinagar and also attending the musical concert of Adnan Sami on the banks of Dal lake later in the evening.
The union minister also met the security men in Kashmir, lauding them for their 'highest degree of bravery and professionalism' displayed in adverse of the situation.
Rijiju who arrived in the summer capital at 0835 hours on Saturday morning was received by BSF Inspector General (IG), Kashmir Frontier, Sonali Mishra.
After receiving the guard of honour, Rijiju reviewed the security situation and challenges faced by the troops in the region.
He applauded the professionalism of BSF troops, who efficiently eliminated the three militants without causing any collateral damage and at the same time minimal damage was caused to BSF. A BSF jawan was also killed in the attack.
The Minister also commended the overall performance of BSF for effectively defending borders of India against Pakistan and Bangladesh and admired the legacy of the Force.
He also interacted with officers and subordinate officers at Frontier Headquarter; also he met and appreciated the courage of brave Force personnel who bravely faced the militants and neutralized them.
Later in the day Rijiju, accompanied by Special DG CRPF, S N Srivastava, and IG operations Kashmir Zulfiquar Hasan and local police officers, visited the headquarters of 116 Battalion CRPF, a CRPF spokesman said.
DIG (Ops) CRPF Anantnag, Mohsin Shahedi, briefed the minister and gave a power point presentation on security situation in Kashmir and achievements of security forces during last one year, the spokesman said.
Shahedi also elaborated on the new challenges ahead and core issues of concern requiring intervention of the Ministry.
Rijiju later addressed a Sainik Sammelan of CRPF jawans and lauded the efforts of CRPF in conducting numerous successful operations in the Valley in perfect coordination and synergy with police and Army and also maintaining a very difficult law and order situation in the face of grave provocation.
Rijiju urged on the officers and men to continue the good work and bridge the gap with civilians created by unrest of 2016 by undertaking meaningful civic action programmes.
During the interaction, the jawans raised few questions about the force and welfare related issues.
The Minister assured to look into the grievances on priority.
The IGP Hasan presented a memento to the chief guest on the occasion.