Volatile situation in Kashmir following Burhan Wani’s killing.
AB Wire
India’s Home minister Rajnath Singh has canceled his visit to the United States for the Indo-US Homeland Security Dialogue to be held in Washington from July 17, in the wake of the unrest in Kashmir, following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani.
North Block officials said the Centre was closely monitoring the situation and has asked the forces to show restraint. The instruction is to “judiciously” use force and not let outside elements foment trouble, officials told the Economic Times.
Singh on Monday also held discussion with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the chiefs of RAW and IB to analyze the situation in Kashmir.
Singh on Monday also spoke to Congress President Sonia Gandhi as well as former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on the on-going crisis in Kashmir, PTI reported.
Gandhi expressed deep anguish at the loss of innocent lives in the clashes in parts of Kashmir Valley in the past few days.
“There can be no compromise on matters relating to national security and terrorism must be dealt with firmly and forcefully,” she said in a statement released by the party.
Singh was to lead the Indian delegation at the Indo-US Homeland Security Dialogue, with the US team to be headed by Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Charles Johnson.
Enhancing anti-terror ties, sharing intelligence inputs and facilitating easy travel by each other’s citizens were some of the topics on the agenda for the summit, reported PTI. Real-time sharing of intelligence inputs, cyber security and critical infrastructure protection, countering illicit finance, global supply chain security, megacity policing and science and technology are some of the other key issues to be discussed at the strategic meeting.
Upcoming law enforcement engagement proposals include sharing lessons learned and best practices in police training and responding to mass casualty exercises, improving both nations’ capabilities to respond to terrorist incidents and natural disasters.
Besides, there will be discussions on two key recently- signed agreements — Global Entry, a US Customs and Border Protection program that permits speedy clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in America; and the Homeland Security Presidential Directive-6 (HSPD-6), which allows access to information on terrorists.
The US has been pressing for India’s inclusion in the Global Entry so that high dignitaries like former presidents, former prime ministers, former Union ministers, film stars, top industrialists and frequent flyers could visit America without any hassle.
Initially, the names of around 2,000 prominent Indians could figure in the coveted list, which would be expanded gradually after proper background checks of each individual.