Rajnath Singh on two-day Jammu and Kashmir visit, to review security ahead of Amarnath Yatra

Ahead of Amarnath Yatra, Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday to review the security situation in the Valley after the suspension of anti-terror operations.

Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the state, may also attend an Iftar party to be hosted by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, an official said.

During his visit, he would review the security situation in the Valley, particularly in border areas and the restive districts, where several incidents of violence took place in the recent past.

There would also be a detailed review of the situation since May 16 when the Centre unilaterally announced the suspension of anti-terror operations during the month of Ramzan, an official said.

The home minister may also make an announcement on whether the operations would be suspended beyond Eid and during the Amaranth yatra beginning June 28, the official said.

The need for such an exercise was to understand the impact of the suspension of operations on the life of citizens and whether to extend it further, the official said.

Singh would hold meetings with Governor N N Vohra, the chief minister, top civil, police and paramilitary officials.

(With PTI inputs)