‘Rajnath to attend CM’s Iftaar party’

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would attend an Iftar party being hosted by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tomorrow at SKICC.
He is also schedule to chair crucial security review meet in the afternoon, wherein the decision to extend ceasefire is likely to be taken.
Sources told KNS that after his arrival in Srinagar, Home Minister will chair a high level security meeting around 3.30 to review post- ceasefire situation and upcoming Amaranth yatra arrangements, which is scheduled to commence from June 28.
Sources said that later in the evening; Rajnath will be attending the Iftaar party to be hosted by Mehbooba Mufti at SKICC Srinagar.
“The Chief Minister has sent invitations to all ministers, senior officials, and media men for the Iftaar party on Thursday,” a source said. The source said that Rajnath will also attend the Iftaar party.
Sources said that the Union Home Minister on his visit to the state is also likely to hold discussion with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and other key officials of the security establishment, including the Army. “He will hold the security review. He is likely to interact with civil society groups, political parties, and other stakeholders. Home Minister will also hold meetings with heads of para-military forces and state police chief for understanding the post- ceasefire situation,” the source said. The source said that Rajnath would also attend a function at Indoor Stadium Srinagar and hold a security review before attending the Iftaar. Following which he will stay at state guest house.
“The visit has now assumed significance as for as the extension of ceasefire announced earlier by home minister during Ramzan is concerned. It is important what he says now,” one of the leaders of PDP had told KNS, insisted not to be named.
Sources said that Rajnath Singh would also focus on the fact that his government has taken an initiative and would like to engage Hurriyat leaders. “The DGMO of both India and Pakistan have agreed to honour the ceasefire. So if the borders are quiet, then the next step would be to engage with all stakeholders in the valley. The Home Minister would highlight this aspect too,” a senior officer told KNS.
Rajnath Singh had already announced that the centre is willing to talk to Hurriyat leaders. “If they are ready to talk, it would be a positive step,” he had said.
Sources did not rule out that the home minister will announce his decision on ceasefire during his visit to the valley.
Rajnath had on May 16 announced ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir for the holy month of Ramzan i.e. suspension of operations against militants but had maintained that security forces reserved the right to retaliate, if fired upon by the militants.  (KNS)