Defence Minister arrives in Kashmir to review security situation

Srinagar, Jun 17 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony arrived here today on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation.

Mr Antony was accompanied by Chief of the Army, General Deepak Kapoor, Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and other senior officials.

Official sources said Mr Antony had a meeting with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The two reviewed the overall security situation in the state during the meeting, which was also attended by General Kapoor, Mr Singh and senior officials of the state and security forces.

He is scheduled to visit some forward areas where he will meet field commanders and other soldiers, guarding the border.

He will be briefed about the measures taken to foil infiltration attempts in the coming months. The authorities have apprehension that militants waiting across the border will try to cross over to this side before the general Assembly election scheduled to be held later this year.

The Minister will also be briefed about the recent ceasefire violations by the Pak Army in Samba and Tangdhar sectors.

Sources said Mr Antony will also review the implementation of the recent increase in rentals for land and building occupied by the Army in the state.

UNI BAS YSS AE RAI1943