Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 2: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and discussed with him various issues concerning the State including security situation, tourist season, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits and issues of border areas.
Official sources told the Excelsior that during 20 minute meeting, Mehbooba briefed the Home Minister on the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley and border areas.
The issue of setting up colonies for displaced Kashmiri Pandits and Sainik Colony were said to have figured in the meeting, sources said. The State Government has already denied that there was any proposal to set up Sainik Colony in Kashmir but it was ready for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir valley.
Sources said at least three sites have been identified by the Jammu and Kashmir Government for setting up colonies for displaced Kashmiri Pandits and it has been conveyed to the Union Home Ministry for assessment sometime back.
The separatists have given call for Kashmir bandh on June 3 against setting up of separate colonies for Kashmiri migrants and Sainik Colony.
Sources said rehabilitation of those affected during the devastating floods in September 2014 and re-development of damaged infrastructure projects were also discussed by Mehbooba and Singh.
The State Government wants some immediate measures to be initiated for rehabilitation of flood victims and preventing 2014 like flood situation in the State.
According to sources, Mehbooba was reported to have sought early release of funds under Rs 80,000 crores worth Prime Minister’s Re-construction Plan (PMRP).
Mehbooba, who is contesting by-election from Anantnag Assembly constituency, which was today postponed to June 22, also discussed the election scenario with the Union Home Minister. The BJP hasn’t fielded any candidate from Anantnag.
Mehbooba called for reviving the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in Jammu and Kashmir to consolidate the fresh peace efforts in the State.
The Chief Minister discussed with Rajnath the security and developmental issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed the urgency of rejuvenating the CBMs in the State to put the peace and reconciliation process back on track.
She held wide-ranging discussions with the Home Minister on the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir and along the borders in the State.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for reviving the intra and inter-state Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in Jammu and Kashmir including rehabilitation of the Kashmiri youth who had gone across for arms training and are now eager to return and live normal life.
She also called for opening more cross-LoC points in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for free movement of people and goods. She specifically stressed the need for opening Suchetgarh-Sialkote and Kargil-Skardu routes to increase people to people contact in the region.
Responding to the issues raised by Ms Mehbooba, the Union Home Minister said the Government of India would work out the modalities for legalising the Nepal route for return of Kashmiri youth from PoK. He also assured the Chief Minister of opening more cross-LoC points for movement of people and goods.
The issue of arranging transit accommodation for migrant Kashmiri Pandits also came up for discussion. The Chief Minister said the State Government would make arrangements for accommodating the migrant Kashmiri Pandits in transit accommodation till their permanent settlement at their native places.
She also called for raising additional IRP battalions in Jammu and Kashmir to create employment opportunities for the local youth.
Rehabilitation of those affected during the devastating floods of September 2014 and reconstruction of the damaged public infrastructure projects were also discussed by the Chief Minister with Mr Singh.
Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have great expectations from the present Coalition Government in the State and it needs all possible assistance from the Centre for ushering J&K into an era of peace, progress and prosperity.
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