There is growing discontent among the Gujjars and Bakerwals over the Modi government's promise of ST status to Paharis, while the latter are angry over their long wait; the two can influence results in more than a dozen constituencies in Pir Panjal region.
The Defence Minister is visiting Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after the killing of five Army soldiers, including two Captains, during an encounter between militants and security forces in Rajouri’s Kandi area last month
Six people, two from the families of each civilian allegedly killed in custody a few hours after they were picked up by the security forces on December 22, reached Rajouri town on Wednesday for a meeting with the Defence Minister around noon.