Home Ministry has already sought a report on the issue from the state government
Hardline separatist leader Massarat Aalam. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: The Centre is likely to ask the Jammu and Kashmir government not to finalise and implement its surrender and rehabilitation policy for militants in the state without detailed consultations with it as the move could have serious strategic and security ramifications.
There is a growing view in the Centre that the Mufti Muhammad Sayeed government in Jammu and Kashmir should discuss the issue in detail with all stakeholders at the Centre like office of the national security adviser as well as ministries of home and defence which closely monitor the security scenario in the Valley.
Central intelligence and security agencies are already keeping a close watch on the evolving situation in the Valley following the release of hardline separatist leader Massarat Aalam. Sources claimed security agencies are of the view that the Mufti government showed “undue haste” in ordering Massarat’s release for which some of the officials are even said to have worked on a holiday. The home ministry has already sought a report on the issue from the state government.
Now amid reports that the state government was planning to come out with a comprehensive surrender and rehabilitation policy for militants, the Centre is keen that this should be finalised only after detailed discussions between the Centre and the state.
“If the manner in which decision regarding Massarat’s release has been taken is any indication to go by the Centre will sooner or later have to intervene in security-related issues being handled by the state. We hope that Mr Sayeed, who is both the chief minister and home minister, takes the Centre into confidence before taking major security-related decisions,” a senior government official said.
What is also worrying senior intelligence and security officials here is the fact that the state chief minister is also head of the unified command which normally deals with all operational and security-related matters in the Valley.
Both the Army and the paramilitary forces are of the opinion that there should be no compromise or relaxation on security aspects in the Valley which has shown a sharp drop in militancy but only on account of major operations launched by them.
Even though the Centre plans to give some time to the newly-formed PDP-BJP government in the state to function but is closely monitoring the situation and is likely to intervene if some hasty decisions are taken unilaterally on the security front.
There was a huge political furore after Mr Sayeed close on the heels of assuming charge as the chief minister credited Pakistan and separatists for the huge turnout and peaceful Assembly elections in the state.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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