In the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Saturday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Raj Bhavan, Chandigarh to discuss the safety and security of J&K students and the business community residing in Punjab and Chandigarh.
During the meeting, Minister Itoo urged the Governor to proactively bolster security measures to instil a sense of safety among students and professionals hailing from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Governor assured full cooperation, stating that the Punjab and Chandigarh Administrations would prioritize the safety of all J&K residents.
Present at the meeting were:
- Gaurav Yadav, DGP, Punjab Police
- Surendra Singh Yadav, DGP, Chandigarh Police
Later, Sakeena Itoo also held discussions with Punjab Chief Secretary K A P Sinha and Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs, Punjab, Alok Shekhar.
She emphasized the emotional and physical well-being of the J&K students and entrepreneurs in Punjab, requesting robust measures for their protection.
The Chief Secretary and ACS assured the Jammu and Kashmir Government of their full support and pledged effective steps to address safety concerns.
The Minister’s visit to Punjab came under the direction of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, following national outrage over the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives.
While in Chandigarh, Sakeena Itoo:
- Engaged personally with a wide section of the J&K student community and business professionals.
- Listened to safety concerns and promised that all pressing issues would be pursued rigorously with state authorities.
- Advised students to remain in touch with J&K Government helpline numbers for any future assistance.
Additionally, she visited two major educational institutions:
- Universal Group of Institutions in Chandigarh, where several students had already left for their hometowns.
- Saraswati Group of Colleges, where she personally met students and reassured them of complete government support.
Minister Sakeena Itoo reaffirmed the Omar Abdullah-led Government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of its citizens across India, vowing continuous monitoring and support in the days ahead.