Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh departed for Srinagar on Thursday, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, marking his first visit to the region following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent cessation of hostilities agreement between India and Pakistan.
During his visit, Singh is expected to meet with Indian Armed Forces personnel, in a show of solidarity and appreciation for their efforts in counterterrorism operations, especially in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
Following recent de-escalation, signs of normalcy are re-emerging across Jammu and Kashmir. The Directorate of School Education, Jammu, announced on Wednesday that schools in several border districts will reopen on May 15, bringing relief to students and families.
Schools set to reopen include:
- Jammu district: Chowki Choura, Bhalwal, Dansal, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu
- Samba: Vijaypur
- Kathua: Barnoti, Lakhanpur, Sallan, Ghagwal
- Rajouri: Peeri, Kalakote, Thanamandi, Moghla, Kotranka, Khawas, Lower Hathal, Darhal
- Poonch: Surankote, Buffliaz
Additionally, helicopter services between Katra and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resumed on Wednesday, a key sign that public life is stabilizing after days of tension along the border.
Despite the calming of cross-border hostilities, counterterrorism efforts continue. On Tuesday, the Indian Army killed three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists during an encounter in the Shukroo forest area of Keller in Shopian district, South Kashmir.
Two of the slain militants have been identified. Among them is Shahid Kuttay, a Category A LeT operative, who was involved in the April 8 attack on the Danish Resort in Srinagar, which left two German tourists and a driver injured. He had joined the terror outfit in March 2023.
Rajnath Singh’s visit to Srinagar comes at a pivotal time as India recalibrates its strategy on terrorism with decisive strikes and assertive diplomacy, while ensuring civilian life is quickly restored in affected regions. His presence underscores the government’s dual commitment to national security and regional stability.
