Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said his official visit to Jammu and Kashmir and meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were cordial and centred on development prospects and good governance.
Shah arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and took stock of the prevailing situation in the Union Territory.
“We have always supported regional governments equally, without any bias,” Shah said during a conversation with reporters after concluding his three-day visit.
He emphasised that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remained committed to working with the elected leadership of Jammu and Kashmir.
This comes amid a standoff between the administration and political leadership over a recent reshuffle involving 48 JKAS middle- and lower-rung officers.
“We will not let anyone conspire to spread terror in J&K. If anyone tries such things, they will be punished,” the minister warned, asserting that national security remains a top priority.
“Security and separatism: on these issues our stand is firm. We will not compromise, nor will we allow anyone else to do it,” he added.
Asked whether the recent terror attack in Kathua was linked to Pakistan-backed infiltration, Shah remarked, “Infiltration is, of course, backed by Pakistan and not someone else like Russia. And this has been happening for years. But our soldiers and the government are both alert, and we will punish them if they try.”
During his visit, the Home Minister held meetings with top officials, political leaders, and members of the security establishment to assess the ground situation and strategise the way forward.
Two separate encounters were reported in the forested areas of Udhampur and Kathua even as Shah wrapped up his tour and departed for Delhi.
Although much of Kashmir remains relatively calm, official data suggests that militancy continues to plague several parts of Jammu, excluding a few isolated pockets.
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