Amit Shah to Visit J&K for High-Level Security Review, Border Inspection, and Meetings with Families of Martyrs
Jammu, March 31: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Jammu and Kashmir for a high-level security review, tentatively scheduled for April 7 and 8. During the visit, he will assess the security situation with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials from paramilitary forces, intelligence agencies, J&K Police, and civil administration. Shah will also tour the International Border (IB) and meet the families of police personnel who have attained martyrdom in counter-terror operations.
The visit comes in the wake of a fierce gun battle in Rajbagh, Kathua, where two terrorists were eliminated, but the attack also led to the martyrdom of four police personnel. Official sources indicate that Shah’s visit will involve strategic discussions on counterterrorism measures, the increasing trend of infiltration from Pakistan, and strengthening border security to prevent further intrusions.
Shah is expected to chair a high-level security review meeting, attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in charge of J&K, and top Army officials stationed in the region. Heads of paramilitary forces, including the BSF and CRPF, will accompany him from New Delhi, underscoring the Centre’s focus on reinforcing security in J&K, particularly in the Jammu region.
Since December 2023, the Home Minister has conducted five security review meetings on J&K in New Delhi. However, this will be his first in-person security review in Jammu post-Assembly elections and after the formation of the new government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Shah had previously held discussions with Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding security concerns in the region.
Shah’s visit to the International Border (IB) will be a key part of his itinerary, where he will assess security arrangements in infiltration-prone areas. Recent intelligence reports have suggested increased terrorist movement across the border, raising concerns about potential terror attacks and sleeper cell activities in the region. The discussions will focus on eliminating threats posed by infiltrators and implementing stricter surveillance mechanisms.
“The Home Ministry is deeply concerned about the rising infiltration incidents from across the International Border and their subsequent impact on internal security,” sources said. The review will examine new strategies to achieve zero infiltration and ensure that any terrorists who have managed to sneak in are neutralized swiftly.
As part of his visit, Amit Shah is also expected to meet the families of police martyrs, offering condolences and assurances of government support. This move reflects the Centre’s commitment to recognizing the sacrifices of security personnel in the fight against terrorism.
Security arrangements will also be a top priority ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on April 19, during which he is scheduled to flag off a new railway service to Kashmir from Katra. With increased terror threats to key infrastructure, security agencies will strengthen surveillance of railway tracks and stations to prevent any potential sabotage attempts.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Centre has intensified counterterrorism efforts and introduced developmental initiatives in the region. Shah’s upcoming visit aims to bolster security strategies, prevent cross-border threats, and ensure stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
