J&K Governor briefs Shah about state's situation

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik called on new Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Saturday and briefed him about the current situation in the state.

In about an half-an-hour meeting at his North Block office, Shah took stock of situation in Jammu and Kashmir when Malik met him soon after he took over charge as the 30th Union Home Minister.

"I briefed him (Amit Shah) about the Jammu and Kashmir's major problems and development work. But, we mostly talked about the recent Lok Sabha elections," Malik told media after the meeting.

Asserting that the "situation has changed in Jammu and Kashmir", the Governor said that terrorists are being killed, recruitment of new terrorists has gone down, and stone-pelting has stopped.

Shah's decision on the policy ahead in Jammu and Kashmir will be very crucial. Security and development initiatives are likely to be pushed in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of assembly elections expected in October-November.

Shah and Malik reportedly also discussed these issues.

Besides, they also discussed how to keep up pressure on terrorists and ensure an incident-free Amarnath Yatra.

Shah's role as Union Home Minister may also bring clarity on how the Centre wants to address the issue of Article 35A in the state.

Besides Malik, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao and Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam called on Shah after he assumed charge.

--IANS

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