Srinagar, Sep 2: Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Defence Minister, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff, Genl. Bipin Rawat, held discussions with Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan here on Sunday.
She was received by the Governor on her arrival at the Raj Bhavan. The Defence Minister extended warm greetings to Malik on his appointment as Governor of J&K.
“Governor and Sitharaman discussed several important inter-related issues concerning effective management of internal and external security, particularly in the context of increasing attempts at infiltration and the ongoing anti-militancy operations,” a Raj Bhavan spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Governor and Defence Minister had detailed discussions on the Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections which will be conducted in the months of October – December this year, crucial need for strengthening and the maintenance of vital road networks and strategic connectivity in J&K, particularly in the Ladakh region.
“Governor lauded the Northern Army’s working in total coordination with the Civil Administration, State Police and Central Armed Forces for ensuring safety and security of the people,” he said.
Earlier, Sitharaman visited the Balbir forward post, along with Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. At Balbir forward post, the Defence Minister met with troops of the 28th Infantry Division. She is the first Defence Minister to do so.
Speaking of firsts, on January 17, Nirmala Sitharaman became the first woman defence minister to take a sortie in the all-weather, long-range fighter Sukhoi-30 MKI jet.
Donning an olive green G-seat with a helmet, Sitharam took off the sortie from Jodhpur. After the sortie, Nirmala Sitharaman had called the experience memorable and the ride a smooth one.
