Frontier India Current Affairs

Written on June 17, 2008 – 7:41 pm | by FICA |

The Defence Minister AK Antony today asked the state government officials and security forces to make all efforts to ensure ‘peaceful, free and fair elections’ in the state of Jammu & Kashmir which goes to the polls later this year. Antony, who is on a two- day visit to the state, chaired a meeting with the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in Srinagar, where a review of the security situation in the state and progress made on the Recommendations of the Expert Panel Committee was held. Antony said the coming months are going to be crucial as there are forces within and outside the state which will make efforts to thwart the process of holding elections in J&K.

Antony complimented the security forces for their sacrifice and determined efforts which has helped in bringing down the level of militancy related violence not only in the valley but also in the state. He called upon the security forces to achieve the objective of neutralizing the militants with minimum inconvenience to the people. In this regard, he also asked the security forces to vacate all remaining public buildings and ensure that human rights are not violated in the process.

The Defence Minister said security forces alone cannot provide lasting peace, stability and prosperity. For this, the people have to realize that peace alone pays dividends. He said the Centre will provide all support to make J&K one of the frontline states in development. He said what the state needs today is continued stability and peace for greater development and prosperity. Shri Antony said the Ministry of Defence had acceded to all the requests made by the State Government in the last meeting in Srinagar.

Speaking at the meeting, Ghulam Nabi Azad thanked the Defence Minister for taking a series of measures for the welfare of the people. He said the security situation in the state has improved considerably leading to higher tourist traffic and reduced number of violent incidents inflicted by the militants.

Antony drove down to attend the meeting immediately after his arrival in Srinagar this afternoon. The meeting was attended among others by the Chief of Army Staff Gen Deepak Kapoor, the Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, the Chief Secretary SS Kapoor, Special Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, ML Kumawat and senior security and state government officials.

The Defence Minister will visit some forward areas in the State tomorrow and interact with the jawans before returning to Delhi.