Amit Shah prepares list of top 10 terrorists in Kashmir
What's the story
The Ministry of Home Affairs, under its new boss Amit Shah, has prepared a list of top 10 terrorists who are active in Kashmir, claimed reports. To recall, Shah was made the Home Minister last week, marking his debut in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet. After taking office, he met J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik and hinted the northernmost state is his top priority.
List
List was prepared with the help of security forces
The list was prepared after inputs from security forces. It largely features terrorists belonging to notorious organizations like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Al-Badr. As per reports, the list includes Hizbul Mujahideen chief Riyaz Naikoo and Ashraf Maulvi, who also belongs to the same outfit. Lashkar-e-Taiba's district commander Wasim Ahmed alias Osama also found a place in the list.
Details
Here are the other terrorists who were mentioned
Mehrazuddin, who reportedly heads the Baramulla leg of Hizbul, was also named. The list also includes Dr. Saifullah alias Saifullah Mir, who has been playing an instrumental role in recruiting locals into Hizbul. Hizbul's Arshad ul Haq and Ezaz Ahmad Malik, JeM's Hafiz Omar and Zaheed Sheikh alias Omar Afghani, and Al Badr's Javed Mattoo alias Shakib were also mentioned in the list.
Data
MHA said 102 terrorists have been killed in 2019
Separately, MHA revealed that 102 terrorists have been eliminated from the valley this year. The Ministry added some 286 terrorists are still active in the area. And by the looks of it, Shah seems determined to solve the militancy problem in Kashmir. During his meeting with Malik, which lasted for 15 minutes, he also asked about the preparations of Amarnath Yatra.
Expectations
Kashmiri leaders are hoping Shah will bring a positive change
Notably, Shah's appointment as Union Home Minister has given hope to leaders in the valley. They said the condition is fragile and perhaps, Shah will change that. Tanvir Sadiq, political advisor to NC vice-president Omar Abdullah said, "Whenever there is a new person on any important post it raises hope and expectations." Separately, IAS officer-turned-politician Shah Faesal advised BJP to uphold "institutional values".
Article 370
BJP supporters are hoping Article 370 is removed soon
Not only people in Kashmir but residents across the country are hoping that Modi 2.0 solves the crisis in the state. Since BJP got a historic mandate, supporters are hoping the party scraps the contentious Article 370, more so after Shah promised the same on more than one occasion. It is now left to be seen if BJP keeps its word.