Rajnath arriving tomorrow, will review security

JAMMU: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will be arriving in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday during which he will review the security situation in the state, specifically in the Valley and along the India-Pakistan border, besides interacting with political leaders.

The visit of the home minister comes days after successful conduct of urban local body elections and just ahead of the panchayat elections, which were boycotted by the two major political parties -- the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party.

During the day-long visit, Singh will attend a high-level meeting with Governor Satya Pal Mailk and top civil, police and security forces officials and assess the prevailing situation.

“The home minister will review the security situation, particularly in the valley and along the border with Pakistan, during his visit on October 23,” a Home Ministry official said Sunday.

The Pakistan-based terror groups had also threatened to disrupt the poll process.

The home minister is expected to meet leaders of political parties in Jammu and Kashmir during his visit, the official said.

The state has been under the Governor's rule after PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had resigned as Chief Minister in June following the withdrawal of support by the BJP to her government.

Singh is also likely to meet representatives of some civil society groups, another official said.

Unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has been continuing with incidents of violence perpetrated by terror groups taking place regularly.