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Farooq returns, finally!

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani on evolving a strategy to tackle the growing militancy in his state.

Dr Abdullah arrived in Delhi on Tuesday night after a two-week holiday in London.

Dr Abdullah also discussed with Defence Minister George Fernandes the situation on the Line of Control, where heavy exchange of firing is continuing.

The Centre views the spilling over of militancy to Himachal Pradesh from JK, as seen on Monday when Pakistan-trained militants gunned down 33 people in Chamba district, very gravely. Advani had said in the Rajya Sabha that Dr Abdullah was contacted regarding the escalation of violence. He had also spoken to Governor Girish Saxena, he said.

The Centre has already directed the state security agencies to co-ordinate with the Himachal Pradesh police to flush out the militants.

Incidentally, the continued absence of the chief minister from the state was criticised by many political parties.

UNI

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