Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Defence Minister, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff, Genl. Bipin Rawat, held discussions with Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan here today. She was received by the Governor on her arrival at the Raj Bhavan. The Defence Minister extended warm greetings to Sh. Malik on his appointment as Governor of J&K.Governor and Ms. Sitharaman discussed several important inter-related issues concerning effective management of internal and external security, particularly in the context of increasing attempts at infiltration and the ongoing anti-terrorist operations.Governor and Defence Minister had detailed discussions on the Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections which will be conducted in the months of October – December this year, crucial need for strengthening and the maintenance of vital road networks and strategic connectivities in J&K, particularly in the Ladakh region. Governor lauded the Northern Army’s working in total coordination with the Civil Administration, State Police and Central Armed Forces for ensuring safety and security of the people.