Cabinet discusses situation in Valley

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 19

The state Cabinet, which met today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, discussed the prevailing situation in the state, especially after the arrest of separatist leader Masarat Alam.

Highly placed sources said the Chief Minister, who holds the Home portfolio, informed his Cabinet colleagues about the prevailing situation in the Valley. He sought cooperation and suggestions from his colleagues to restore sustainable calm and peace in the state.

Sources said some of the BJP ministers sought to enquire why preventive measures were not taken before the Wednesday rally in which Masarat Alam and Syed Ali Shah Geelani unfurled Pakistani flags and raised anti-India slogans. They suggested that there was a need to keep a watch on the situation.

“Some of the BJP Ministers suggested that preventive steps should be taken to foil the nefarious designs of anti-peace forces, hell bent upon creating disturbance during the summer,” a source said.

The BJP leadership faced criticism from various quarters after the anti-India rally in Srinagar on Wednesday.