Home Ministry issues advisory to states for safety of J&K students

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 16

The Union Home Ministry today issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories to ensure the safety and security of students and other residents of Jammu and Kashmir following reports that they were experiencing threat and intimidation after the Pulwama terror attack.

“There have been some reports of students and other residents of Jammu and Kashmir experiencing threat and intimidation in the wake of terrorist attack in Pulwama. Therefore, the MHA today issued an advisory to all states/UTs to take necessary measures to ensure their safety and security,” an official said.Earlier, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Home Minister Rajnath Singh to pay condolences for the tragic deaths in Pulwama and requested him to take steps to ensure that Jammu remains calm.

Abdullah, in a tweet, said he also took the opportunity to inform the Home Minister about reports he received as regards Kashmiri students being threatened and harassed. He requested the Home Minister to appoint a nodal officer in the ministry and ensure that a directive was issued to states that was followed in “letter and spirit”.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Intelligence Bureau Chief Rajiv Jain.

Officials briefed the Home Minister about the current situation in the country, including along the India-Pakistan border. The meeting also reviewed the security measures put in place and reiterated the need to prevent any design of terror groups based in Pakistan to foment trouble in J&K and other parts.