Sitharaman visits forward areas along LoC in Kashmir

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday visited the forward areas along the Line of Control in Kashmir and was briefed by the top military brass on counter-infiltration operations.

Sitharaman, accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, arrived in Srinagar on her maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir after becoming the first full time woman defence minister of the country and straightaway went to Kupwara sector in north Kashmir for an on ground assessment of the situation along the LoC, defence officials said.

During her two-day visit, she will review the security situation along the LoC in the Valley and the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh region of the state.

A defence spokesman said Sitharaman was briefed about the "robust counter-infiltration posture along the Line of Control" during her visit to forward areas.

"The defence minister was subsequently briefed by the Army Commander in Badami Bagh Cantonment on the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and was given an overview of the counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations undertaken in the recent past," he said.

The minister appreciated the effectiveness of the intelligence and operational grids and commended the troops for the excellent operational successes, which had contributed significantly towards a secure environment in the state, officials said.

"The Raksha Mantri complimented the commanders for the high level of synergy achieved with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and central armed paramilitary forces," the spokesman said.

Later in the evening, the defence minister also interacted with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and called on Governor N N Vohra.

Sitharaman will be staying in Srinagar overnight and fly to Thoise, Siachen, in Ladakh region tomorrow for reviewing the security situation in the area falling under Army's 14 Corps.

Photographs: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com, ANI