Army chief meets J&K governor; Assembly polls talk intensifies

New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS) Army Chief General Bipin Rawat called on Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in Srinagar on Thursday in what was termed by defence sources as a general meeting to review security scenario in the valley.The meeting assumes significance as it comes days after the Union home ministry cleared deployment of additional 10,000 paramilitary troopers for Jammu & Kashmir.Srinagar-based 15 Corps of Indian Army tweeted from its official handle, "General Bipin Rawat, #COAS along with #ArmyCdrNC & #ChinarCorpsCdr reviewed security situation in #Kashmir; lauded exemplary commitment & high morale of troops & cdrs. Emphasised on Inter-Agency synergy. Later, called on Hon'ble Governor of J&K and apprised him of overall security."A senior army officer told IANS, it was a routine meeting to review security scenario in J&K.The movement of additional troops into the valley is variously presumed to be a precursor to the abrogation of Article 35A and Assembly elections. The state is under the President's rule.Rawat's meeting with the governor is expected to add fuel to the speculations.
--IANS akd/pcj