(With PTI inputs)

Rajnath Singh visits Anantnag, lauds bravery of security forces

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the Centre has allocated funds to purchase bulletproof vehicles for Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel."Orders (have been) issued for bulletproof vehicles at all police stations in Jammu and Kashmir. Our jawans should also get bulletproof jackets and fund for this has been released," Rajnath said during an interaction with CRPF personnel and police officials in Anantnag district.The announcement comes in the wake of the killing of six policemen, including SHO Feroz Ahmad, in Achabal area of Anantnag district on June 16. The slain SHO had requisitioned a bulletproof vehicle in view of the danger posed by terrorists in south Kashmir, but was not provided one.Rajnath also paid tributes to martyred ASI Abdul Rasheed , who was fatally wounded after being shot at by terrorists in Anantnag on August 28. He said that he was deeply pained after seeing the heart-wrenching images of Rasheed's daughter Zohra weeping at his funeral.The home minister said the government was proud of the state's police personnel and their bravery and self-sacrifice had not escaped Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's notice."Their supreme sacrifices have been made for Kashmir. We are proud of the police personnel. You are working in extremely challenging conditions here. I do not have words to praise the bravery of our brave personnel from Jammu and Kashmir police. Even the Prime Minister has praised your courage," he said.The Centre has also approved funds for opening a trauma centre for police personnel in the district, Rajnath added.The home minister said he had come with an open mind and was willing to interact with anyone who wanted to help in resolving the problems facing Kashmir."This is my appeal to everyone: if you have any complaint or grievance, then approach me freely. I'm willing to hold a dialogue with anyone," he said.