Srinagar: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday met Governor Satya Pal Malik and discussed overall internal and external security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of increasing attempts of infiltration from across the Line of Control (LoC) and the  ongoing anti-militant operations.

A public relation officer of the Raj Bhavan said Ms Sitharaman, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff held discussions with the Governor at the Raj Bhavan here.

“She was received by the Governor on her arrival at the Raj Bhavan,” he said, adding the Defence Minister extended warm greetings to Mr Malik on his appointment as the Governor of J&K.

The Governor and Ms Sitharaman discussed several important inter-related issues concerning effective management of internal and external security, particularly in the context of increasing attempts at  infiltration and the ongoing anti-militant operations.

“Mr Malik and the Defence Minister had detailed discussions about the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayat elections which will be conducted in the months of October – December this year, crucial need  for strengthening and the maintenance of vital road networks and strategic connectivities in J&K, particularly in the Ladakh region,” he said.

The Governor also lauded the Northern Army’s working in total coordination with the Civil Administration, State Police and Central Armed Forces for ensuring safety and security of the people.