Defence secretary reviews security situation in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt attended a high level meeting of officials here on Friday to review the security situation and possibility of relocation of troops in the hinterland.

Dutt, who concluded his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, was accompanied by the special secretary in the union home ministry during his visit to the twin districts of Baramulla and Kupwara.

Besides other senior police and paramilitary officials, Lt. General A.S. Sekhon, Corps Commander of the Army's 15th Corps and Lt. General Tej Sapru, Corps Commander of the 16th Corps, gave their assessment of the security situation to the defence secretary.

The increase in cross-border infiltration into the Kashmir Valley during the recent months was also discussed at the meeting, informed sources said.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony heads the committees constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to assess the possibility of relocation and withdrawal of troops from urban areas of Jammu and Kashmir as demanded by the ruling alliance partner People's Democratic Party (PDP).