SRE witnesses surge in JK
Srinagar: The security related expenditure (SRE) in Jammu and Kashmir has seen an increase by Rs 228.84 crores compared to the last fiscal, according to the official data.
The expenditure is also higher by Rs 130.85 crores to 2017-18 but lesser by over Rs 500 crores than all-time high spending on security related measures in 2016-17 when Kashmir witness massive unrest, leading to the killing of around hundred people and injuries to thousands of others, mainly due to pellets, following the killing popular militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani on July 8.
In a written reply in parliament, Minister of State, Home Affairs, G. Kishan Reddy said that the security related expenditure in J&K during 2019-20 (upto December ending) was Rs 1039.38 crores.
On August 5 last year, central government annulled Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which conferred special status to Jammu and Kashmir for over 70 years, and bifurcated it into two union territories of J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature).
Reddy, revealed that SRE was Rs 810.54 crores in 2018-19, Rs 908.53 in 2017-18 and Rs 1555.61 crores in 2016-17 respectively.
The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme was introduced in 1989-90 and it has two components. First provides for support to police for the logistical requirements to combat militancy in the state.
It includes cent percent reimbursement of expenditure by the J&K police for carriage of constabulary, honorarium of SPOs, logistical support to government forces including the construction of alternate accommodation for them etc.
The other component covers relief and rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits and other migrants besides relief to next of kin (NoK) of civilians or government forces personnel killed in militant attacks.
Replying to the other part of the question by Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut regarding the prevalent situation in the erstwhile state, Reddy said: “After the Declaration issued by the President under Article 370, based on recommendation of the Parliament, and reorganization of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory of Ladakh, all such aspects have been addressed. The people and business community of these regions can now realize full potential in all sectors of economy like in other parts of the country.”
Certain precautionary measures which were taken initially have been subsequently relaxed, he said.
“Initial restrictions imposed under section 144 Cr. PC have been lifted from all areas of Kashmir Valley. So far, no major law and order incidents have been reported,” the minister revealed.
KV News
