(LiveMint)
Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday met Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik in Srinagar to discuss the security situation in the state, as the centre prepares to hold municipal and village local body elections. Accompanied by Indian Army chief general Bipin Rawat, Sitharaman was on a day-long visit to the state, which has been under governor’s rule since June, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decided to exit the coalition government with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
J&K municipal elections are slated be held across four phases between 1 and 5 October, while the panchayat polls will take place across eight phases from 8 November to 4 December. News reports say that terrorist groups active in the state have warned political parties and voters to stay away from the polls.
“There was a discussion on the security situation in the state, including internal and external factors. As you know, there have been some targeted terrorist attacks—at members of the security forces and their families. There has been some unrest in the state and firing across the border. There was a general review of the situation and security preparedness,” said a person familiar with the development, requesting anonymity.
