Defence Minister likely to visit Jammu tomorrow

Jammu, Dec 25: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit Jammu on December 27 to take stock of the security situation emerging as a fall out of Poonch terror attack and the subsequent uneasy developments in the twin border districts following the death of three civilians.

Official sources, adopting a guarded stance, stated, “The Defence Minister is very likely to arrive here on a day-long visit with the sole objective of getting an update on the security situation. Though one cannot lose sight of the fact that there is always a possibility of last-minute changes.”

A tentative itinerary of Defence Minister, doing rounds in the social media quoting sources, encompassed an interaction with the senior Commanders at 16 Corps; visit to Rajouri-Poonch to have a first-hand account of ground situation and interaction with troops and civilians and finally a wrap-up security review meeting at Raj Bhawan before leaving for the union capital.

However, official sources have a word of caution. “We are not having such a detailed schedule with us, so far. Tomorrow, we may be in a position to confirm anything on this account,” they add.

Given the scenario, it is being perceived that the Defence Minister’s visit may soothe the frayed nerves in the backdrop of civilian deaths and at the same time demonstrate a morale-boosting impact for the troops on the ground, after recent reverses they suffered in Poonch.

On Monday, the Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande also visited the Poonch sector and interacted with the Commanders on the ground. He exhorted them to conduct operations in the most professional manner and remain steadfast against challenges.

Earlier reports had suggested that a visit of a high-level delegation of Defence ministry officials was also on the cards to review the prevailing scenario. Now, it is very likely that the Defence Secretary and other senior officials may accompany Rajnath.

The Army, however, did not issue or make any official statement vis-à-vis visit of the Defence Minister.