Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehboob Mufti on Tuesday asked the Indian Army chief to ensure minimum visibility of Army troops in the civilian areas and tourist places in the restive State.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Dalbir Singh called upon the Chief Minister here to discuss the issues related to internal security in the region. The Army chief is on a visit to the embattled State.
An official spokesman said that Mufti and Gen Singh discussed important matters relating to the internal and external security management in Jammu & Kashmir and the general geo-political situation in the region. The Chief Minister was briefed by top Army commanders including the General officer commanding-in-chief, northern command, lt Gen DS Hooda and Srinagar based XV Corps chief lt Gen Satish Kumar Dua on the overall security scenario and steps being taken to maintain peace in the state through greater public participation.
Mehbooba called for minimising the visibility of the troops from the civilian areas and tourist places in the State. She said the troops should ensure that no civilian is harmed and there is minimum damage to civilian properties during encounters with the militants. “While the Army is competent enough to deal with the situation along the borders, for internal security, police and paramilitary forces should shoulder the greater responsibilities,” she said.
The CM urged upon the Army commanders to help consolidate and carry forward the State Government’s confidence building measures on the security front and initiative of border tourism which would go a long way in ensuring peace and tranquillity along the borders and within the mainland.