Srinagar, Apr 3: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is all set to embark on Mission Kashmir from April 6.
His visit follows a recent gunfight in Kathua, where two militants and four police personnel were killed.
However, on Tuesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit was not linked to the anti-militancy operation in Kathua.
“Do not link the Union minister’s visit to the Kathua (operation). His programme was finalised before the Kathua encounter. It is a coincidence that his visit comes around the time of the Kathua operation,” the chief minister told reporters after launching a free bus service for women at SKICC.
The home minister’s visit does not have a security agenda only, Abdullah said.
“While the security (situation) will be reviewed, he (Shah) has planned a public meeting in Jammu as well … Then, in Srinagar, he (Shah) will review the development work and inaugurate some projects,” he added.
Shah will hold a high-level meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials from paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, Jammu and Kashmir police, and the civil administration.
This will be his first security review in J&K after the recent assembly elections and the formation of the Omar Abdullah-led government. Since December, the Union home minister has conducted five security meetings on J&K in New Delhi, but this will be his first on-ground review.
During his visit, Shah is also expected to visit the international border (IB) to assess the security situation following reports of infiltration attempts from Pakistan. He will review measures to prevent intrusions and neutralise militants who have entered the region.
He is also likely to meet families of policemen killed in the Kathua encounter to offer support and recognise their sacrifices.
The meeting will also be attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, senior Army officers, and the heads of BSF and CRPF, who will accompany the home minister from New Delhi.
Discussions will focus on anti-militancy operations, border security, and protecting key infrastructure, especially ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on April 19, when he is set to flag off the first train to Kashmir from Katra. Ensuring the safety of railway tracks and stations will be a major priority for security forces.
Shah last visited Jammu in September 2024, when he launched the Bharatiya Janata Party’s election campaign highlighting the party’s focus on regional development and security. The detailed itinerary of Shah’s visit is being finalised and is expected to be officially announced soon.
Home Minister has been closely monitoring security developments in Jammu and Kashmir and has been regularly visiting the Union territory to fine-tune strategies to counter security threats.
The security of Jammu and Kashmir has become a central subject after the abrogation of Article 370 and the home ministry has been taking a keen interest in ensuring peace in the region.