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Amit Shah removes bulletproof shield while talking to crowd in J&K; says 'wanted to speak frankly'

Addressing the people, Shah said he wanted to speak frankly, and that is why he did not wear any bulletproof shield or security. He further added that Farooq Sahab suggested him talk to Pakistan, but he thought to talk with the youth and people of the Valley.

Amit Shah removes bulletproof shield while talking to crowd in J&K says 'wanted to speak frankly' gcw
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Jammu, First Published Oct 25, 2021, 8:36 PM IST

On his first visit to J&K following the repeal of Article 370 in August 2019, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had his bulletproof glass shield removed from the podium before speaking to a crowd at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre on Monday. After removing his shield, the union minister stated that he intended to talk to the audience openly without security or a protective shield. Addressing the people, Shah said he wanted to speak frankly, and that is why he did not wear any bulletproof shield or security. He further added that Farooq Sahab suggested him talk to Pakistan, but he thought to talk with the youth and people of the Valley.

This is the leader's first visit to the Valley since Article 370 was repealed. Amit Shah, who came to Srinagar on Saturday, met with the family of a police officer slain by terrorists earlier this year and assessed the security situation and counter-terrorism efforts in the Kashmir Valley. Amit Shah prayed at the Kheer Bhawani shrine in Jammu & Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Sunday morning. Amit Shah, dressed in a traditional Kashmiri pheran, performed prayers at the Mata Ragnya Devi shrine, accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Also Read | Amit Shah in J&K: Statehood will be restored after delimitation, assembly polls

Addressing a gathering in the Bhagwati Nagar region on Sunday, Shah said Jammu & Kashmir is in PM Modi's heart and will no longer face prejudice. Amit Shah's visit to the Valley comes amid a wave of attacks against non-local employees in Jammu and Kashmir. In October, 11 persons were killed in gunshots aimed at civilians. Five of them slain were Bihar labourers, while three others, including two instructors, were members of minority communities in Kashmir.

Security has been tightened up across Kashmir in preparation for Shah's visit. According to officials, more soldiers have been deployed, notably in the metropolis. Fifty companies of extra paramilitary forces, totalling around 5,000 soldiers, were integrated into the Valley. Bunkers staffed by CRPF soldiers have sprouted up in various places of the city and throughout the Kashmir valley.

Also Read | J&K: Amit Shah discusses counter-terrorism measures in wake of civilian killings; key highlights

 

 

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