Mufti, Union Home Sec discuss overall security situation

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi today discussed overall security situation and other wide ranging issues in the State.

An official spokesman said Mr Mehrishi called on Mr Sayeed here this afternoon and discussed wide-ranging issues pertaining to law and order and overall security situation in the State. He was accompanied by Secretary, Internal Affairs, MHA, Ashok Prasad.

Mr Mehrishi briefed the Chief Minister about the present status on the internal security front in the State. During the meeting, Mr Sayeed referred to several proposals of the State Government in respect of which the decisions are required to be fast-tracked in the Union Home Ministry.

He urged the Home Secretary to expedite progress on sanction of five IR battalions, up-gradation of police training institutes, continuation of police modernisation as a Centrally-Sponsored Scheme and restoration of flood-damaged infrastructure.

Proposals regarding up-gradation of police training institutes and continuation of reimbursement of up-gradation of Police-Public School and Hospital have been submitted to the Home Ministry.

The Chief Minister also raised the issue of inclusion of loss of livestock or crops due to cross-border firing in the existing ex-gratia scheme under  Security-Related Expenditure for which a comprehensive proposal has been submitted to MHA in October last year.

The issue of enhancement in honorarium of SPOs and Voluntary Homeguards, besides continuation of cash payment in lieu of appointment in Government service were also discussed in the meeting.

The Home Secretary assured early positive consideration of various pending issues as well as those highlighted by the Chief Minister. (AGENCIES)