Amit Shah begins pivotal 3-day visit to J&K, reviews security, and strategizes with BJP leadership
JAMMU, Apr 6: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Jammu on Sunday evening to kick off his crucial three-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir. This visit comes at a politically significant time, as it marks Shah’s first trip to the Union Territory following the formation of the National Conference-led government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah last October.
Landing at Jammu airport in the evening, Shah was warmly welcomed by a high-level delegation including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, J&K BJP chief Sat Sharma, and BJP national general secretary and J&K in-charge Tarun Chugh. Former state BJP president Ravinder Raina and former deputy chief ministers Kavinder Gupta and Dr. Nirmal Singh were also present to receive him.
Soon after his arrival, Shah proceeded to Raj Bhavan and later headed to the BJP headquarters at Trikuta Nagar, where he chaired a high-level closed-door meeting with party MLAs and senior office-bearers. The meeting, which began around 8:40 PM and lasted nearly two hours, focused on key issues facing the Union Territory, particularly the growing challenges related to internal security, cross-border terrorism, and drug trafficking.
According to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, Shah actively sought feedback from the legislators regarding the current law and order situation, and guided them on how to counter the political narrative being built by the National Conference around sensitive issues like the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the abrogation of Article 370, and the long-standing demand for restoration of statehood.
Shah reportedly instructed party MLAs to remain vigilant against what he described as attempts to mislead the Muslim community and polarize the public on religious lines. He also emphasized the need for a proactive political strategy, both within the assembly and at the grassroots level, to expose the “anti-people policies” of the present UT administration.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina, speaking to the media after the meeting, stated that Shah lauded the dedication and hard work of party workers, particularly in light of the BJP’s sweeping success in the Jammu region during the recent assembly elections, where the party secured a record 29 seats. Shah, he added, encouraged the cadre to further intensify organizational efforts across the entire Union Territory to ensure continued public support and stability.
The timing of Shah’s visit is particularly important as it coincides with the BJP’s foundation day. Earlier in the day, BJP leaders and karyakartas celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm. J&K BJP chief Sat Sharma hoisted the party flag at the headquarters in Jammu in the presence of senior leaders, including MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Kavinder Gupta, and Sunil Sharma. Flags were also hoisted at all district offices and homes of party workers across J&K.
Security has been tightened across the region, with police and paramilitary forces on high alert throughout Shah’s stay, especially due to a major ongoing anti-terror operation in the Kathua district. The operation, launched on March 23 in the dense forest areas of the Hiranagar sector, followed the infiltration of five terrorists across the International Border. A fierce encounter on March 27 led to the deaths of four brave policemen and two terrorists.
On Monday, Shah is scheduled to visit the BSF’s forward post named ‘Vinay’ in the Kathua sector to assess the security situation on the ground. He will also meet with the family members of Jammu and Kashmir Police martyrs at Raj Bhavan and distribute appointment letters to those selected for compassionate appointments.
On Tuesday, Shah will travel to Srinagar, where he will hold a comprehensive review meeting on various development initiatives being undertaken in the region. He will also chair a high-level security meeting to evaluate the prevailing security dynamics and law enforcement coordination in the Valley.
The visit is being closely watched both politically and administratively, as it is expected to shape the BJP’s narrative in the Union Territory in the lead-up to future electoral contests and also lay down the Centre’s roadmap for strengthening internal security and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
