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Eid ul-Adha was celebrated on Wednesday with religious fervour across the Kashmir valley with Muslims thronging eidgahs and mosques for congregational prayers and to commemorate the sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim in the way of Allah.

The celebrations, however, were marked by isolated incidents of stone pelting by miscreants outside some eidgahs after the prayers with the police exhibiting "utmost restraint in containing the stone pelters."

Men and women of all ages, dressed in their best, thronged eidgahs, mosques and shrines here and in other parts of the Valley for congregational Eid prayers, the officials said.

Eid ul-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice or Bakrid and Eid ul-Azha.

Hazratbal witnessed the largest Eid gathering in the Valley while big congregations were reported from eidgahs at Allochi Bagh and other places in the city.

Similar gatherings were reported from other district headquarters and major towns of the Valley.

Dressed in their best, Muslims came out early in the morning to offer special Eid prayers at mosques.

After the prayers, they hugged and greeted each other before setting off for the ceremonial sacrifice of animals.

A police spokesperson said Eid-ul-Azha was being celebrated across valley with huge religious fervour and gaiety.

"Eid prayers concluded peacefully across the Valley in which thousands of devotees attended the prayers in different parts of valley," he said.

He, however, added that isolated incidents of stone pelting by miscreants were reported from eidgah in Srinagar, Janglat Mandi in Anantnag and Sopore in Baramulla districts after the conclusion of Eid prayers, he said.

"The police, however, exhibited utmost restraint in containing the stone-pelting mobs," the spokesman said.&nbsp

Men and women of all ages, dressed in their best, thronged eidgahs, mosques and shrines here and in other parts of the Valley for congregational Eid prayers, the officials said.

Eid ul-Adha was celebrated on Wednesday with religious fervour across the Kashmir valley with Muslims thronging eidgahs and mosques for congregational prayers and to commemorate the sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim in the way of Allah. The celebrations, however, were marked by isolated incidents of stone pelting by miscreants outside some eidgahs after the prayers with the police exhibiting "utmost restraint in containing the stone pelters." Men and women of all ages, dressed in their best, thronged eidgahs, mosques and shrines here and in other parts of the Valley for congregational Eid prayers, the officials said. Eid ul-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice or Bakrid and Eid ul-Azha. Hazratbal witnessed the largest Eid gathering in the Valley while big congregations were reported from eidgahs at Allochi Bagh and other places in the city. Similar gatherings were reported from other district headquarters and major towns of the Valley. Dressed in their best, Muslims came out early in the morning to offer special Eid prayers at mosques. After the prayers, they hugged and greeted each other before setting off for the ceremonial sacrifice of animals. A police spokesperson said Eid-ul-Azha was being celebrated across valley with huge religious fervour and gaiety. "Eid prayers concluded peacefully across the Valley in which thousands of devotees attended the prayers in different parts of valley," he said. He, however, added that isolated incidents of stone pelting by miscreants were reported from eidgah in Srinagar, Janglat Mandi in Anantnag and Sopore in Baramulla districts after the conclusion of Eid prayers, he said. "The police, however, exhibited utmost restraint in containing the stone-pelting mobs," the spokesman said.

Eid celebrated in Valley with religious fervour amid isolated incidents of stone pelting

Vikram Sood, former chief of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has said that there is no point in having a dialogue with the new government in Pakistan as its policy is being decided by Rawalpindi and not by Islamabad.&nbsp;The headquarters of the Pakistani Army is located in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

Sood, who was the RAW chief from 2001-2003 under former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said a categorical ''no'' to any talks between New Delhi and Islamabad.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to WION, he said, "Time hasn't come to talk to them. They need to give evidence that a change of heart has taken place and they have shut the terror machinery."

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/india-and-pakistan-must-talk-resolve-their-conflicts-including-kashmir-imran-khan-160621">Also read: India and Pakistan must talk, resolve their conflicts including Kashmir, says Imran Khan</a>

Warning against the futility of talks with Pakistan, the former RAW chief said, "It's the same every time. Why the enthusiasm to talk to them?. Actual change hasn't come to Pakistan. Power is in Rawalpindi. His (Imran Khan) &nbsp;role is limited"

Sood's comments come in the wake of a new government under Imran Khan in Pakistan. Khan tweeted India and Pakistan must have a dialogue but raked up Kashmir saying both should "resolve their conflicts including Kashmir".

Slamming ISI the former RAW Chief said that the agency has been "very effective in creating terror in India".&nbsp;

Recently, Sood came out with a book "The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief’s Insights Into Espionage" which talks about how the world of a spy works.&nbsp;

The former raw chief also said that India needs to pay attention to China and be more watchful about Bejing's plans. He said, "China has ambitions. It has tied up with Pakistan. Beijing uses Pakistan as a foil against India. What China does and can do is much more than what Pakistan can do."

'Time hasn't come to talk to them. They need to give evidence that a change of heart has taken place and they have shut the terror machinery,' Vikram Sood said.

Vikram Sood, former chief of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) has said that there is no point in having a dialogue with the new government in Pakistan as its policy is being decided by Rawalpindi and not by Islamabad. The headquarters of the Pakistani Army is located in Rawalpindi. Sood, who was the RAW chief from 2001-2003 under former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said a categorical ''no'' to any talks between New Delhi and Islamabad. Speaking exclusively to WION, he said, "Time hasn't come to talk to them. They need to give evidence that a change of heart has taken place and they have shut the terror machinery." Also read: India and Pakistan must talk, resolve their conflicts including Kashmir, says Imran Khan Warning against the futility of talks with Pakistan, the former RAW chief said, "It's the same every time. Why the enthusiasm to talk to them?. Actual change hasn't come to Pakistan. Power is in Rawalpindi. His (Imran Khan) role is limited" Sood's comments come in the wake of a new government under Imran Khan in Pakistan. Khan tweeted India and Pakistan must have a dialogue but raked up Kashmir saying both should "resolve their conflicts including Kashmir". Slamming ISI the former RAW Chief said that the agency has been "very effective in creating terror in India". Recently, Sood came out with a book "The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief’s Insights Into Espionage" which talks about how the world of a spy works. The former raw chief also said that India needs to pay attention to China and be more watchful about Bejing's plans. He said, "China has ambitions. It has tied up with Pakistan. Beijing uses Pakistan as a foil against India. What China does and can do is much more than what Pakistan can do."

Time is not right to talk to Pakistan: Former RAW chief to WION

At least four people have been reported killed and 16 injured in a huge fire which immersed a residential tower in Mumbai's Parel region on Wednesday.

The fire broke out on the 12th floor of the residential building, reports said. Crystal tower has a total of sixteen floors.&nbsp;

The building Crystal Tower is near Hindmata Cinema in Parel.

The blaze has been brought under control and cooling operations are underway, officials said.

The fire brigade control room got a message at 8.32 am about the blaze. The smoke from the raging fire spread rapidly, trapping the residents in the stairs, Mumbai Fire Brigade chief P S Rahangdale said.

At least 20 people suffered from suffocation due to the smoke. They were rushed to the nearby KEM Hospital, where four of them, including a woman, were declared brought dead, the city civic body said in a statement.

The 16 injured, including six women, were undergoing treatment and their condition was reported to be stable, it said.

Two of the deceased were identified as Bablu Shaikh (36) and Shubhada Shelke (62), the civic body said.

The smoke spread through the building's staircases and lifts were not used as a precautionary measure. Snorkel ladders were used to rescue residents stranded in the building, an official in the fire brigade control room here said.

Some persons were still feared to be trapped in the building, he said.

Ten fire engines, four water tankers, officials of the Mumbai Police and electrical mechanics were at the spot, he said.

The cause of the fire will be known after an inquiry, he said. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

Ten firefighting tenders have rushed to the spot, the BMC disaster management officials said.

At least four people have been reported killed and 16 injured in a huge fire which immersed a residential tower in Mumbai's Parel region on Wednesday. The fire broke out on the 12th floor of the residential building, reports said. Crystal tower has a total of sixteen floors. The building Crystal Tower is near Hindmata Cinema in Parel. The blaze has been brought under control and cooling operations are underway, officials said. The fire brigade control room got a message at 8.32 am about the blaze. The smoke from the raging fire spread rapidly, trapping the residents in the stairs, Mumbai Fire Brigade chief P S Rahangdale said. At least 20 people suffered from suffocation due to the smoke. They were rushed to the nearby KEM Hospital, where four of them, including a woman, were declared brought dead, the city civic body said in a statement. The 16 injured, including six women, were undergoing treatment and their condition was reported to be stable, it said. Two of the deceased were identified as Bablu Shaikh (36) and Shubhada Shelke (62), the civic body said. The smoke spread through the building's staircases and lifts were not used as a precautionary measure. Snorkel ladders were used to rescue residents stranded in the building, an official in the fire brigade control room here said. Some persons were still feared to be trapped in the building, he said. Ten fire engines, four water tankers, officials of the Mumbai Police and electrical mechanics were at the spot, he said. The cause of the fire will be known after an inquiry, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

4 dead, 16 hospitalised as fire breaks out at Crystal Tower in Mumbai

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been put on the back foot by the BJP’s last move. The saffron party’s bid to push ahead with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam has caused Banerjee to desperately find a counter-move ahead of the 2019 polls.&nbsp;

Ironically, her declaration that the West Bengal government will consider providing shelter to people who have been displaced from Assam on humanitarian grounds, is now being gleefully used against her by her opponents. BJP President Amit Shah kickstarted his party’s political campaign in the state by directly accusing Banerjee of “nursing Bangladeshi infiltrators as votebanks for her party.” The chief minister has fought back, but Shah’s charge has gained ground.

It is ironic that Banerjee is crying foul over the BJP’s “designs” to “infiltrate” West Bengal over the illegal immigration issue, because not so long ago she was singing a very different tune. In 2005, Banerjee was deeply worried over how the then ascendant CPI(M) was using illegal immigrants from Bangladesh “to subvert democracy”, and in the Lok Sabha, she dramatically accused the then Speaker, the late Somnath Chatterjee, of “bias” on the issue.&nbsp;

Mamata’s about turn has not gone unnoticed and as a result her attacks on the BJP, accusing them of “xenophobia” and “fanning communalism”, have so far failed to gain ground. But it has to be said that even before this incident, she had created a vacuum in West Bengal, which an eager BJP has filled.&nbsp;

Allegations that she was looking to get minority votes by any means necessary have grown and communal riots in towns and cities such as Basirhat, Raniganj and Asansol have damaged her credibility. The BJP is already thriving on the simmering discontent in the bordering districts of West Bengal and the National Intelligence Agency’s (NIA) recent arrest of Jamat-Ul-Mujahideen (Bangladesh) activist Kausar alias Bomaru Mijan, from Bengaluru, should further their case. Kausar is accused of masterminding the Khagragarh blast in 2014 and his arrest will ensure that calls for a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the state will only get louder.

It is no surprise then that the TMC is jittery. The recent unrest in Bhangar has demonstrated that fissures within the support base of the party are now showing. What’s more, the unprecedented levels of violence, along with reports of wholesale rigging by the party — both during and after the panchayat elections held on May 14 this year — &nbsp;betrayed an anxiety that is now obvious even to their close supporters. Such a display of force has also not gone down well with the people and the party would well know that such an exercise cannot be repeated during the Lok Sabha elections, under the strict supervision of the Central Election Commission (CEC).&nbsp;

What then are Banerjee’s options? A possible counter-move by her is to rally support of both the Bengali-speaking Hindus and Muslims in West Bengal, by raising the “bogey” that the NRC is a ploy to disenfranchise their ethnic, linguistic and religious brothers across the state border. Given the fact that well over one-fourth of those left out of the NRC in Assam are Hindus, she might get support from Hindus as well. Raising fears among the Muslim community about the BJP is a strategy that can also pay dividends.&nbsp;

It is not to be forgotten that apart from the Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir — as per 2011 census — West Bengal with its 27 per cent Muslim population is next only to Assam with a 34.2 per cent Muslim population, demographically ripe for opportunistic parties to play communal politics. &nbsp;

The battlelines have been drawn, and with Shah eyeing at least 22 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal, it will be a tough fight with high stakes for both the parties. The TMC is the second-largest political party in the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and given Banerjee’s recent moves to be a leader of a united Opposition, victory would have a larger political significance for the saffron party. Considering that the TMC has been riven by factionalism and the BJP has performed well in the tribal-dominated districts of Purulia, Jhargram, West Midnapore and Bankura, a former Maoist hotbed, and in North Bengal and even in Malda — a Muslim majority district and a Congress stronghold in the panchyat polls — Banerjee has plenty to worry about. She will need to ramp up her unnayan (development) projects, not only in terms of doles such as bicycles for students of government-aided schools and her signature kanyashree projects and promote development. 
 
However, before all this, she needs to set her house in order and quickly if she is to stand a chance in the coming polls. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(The author is a commentator on geopolitical affairs)

(This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The battlelines have been drawn, and with Shah eyeing at least 22 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal, it will be a tough fight with high stakes for both the parties.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been put on the back foot by the BJP’s last move. The saffron party’s bid to push ahead with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam has caused Banerjee to desperately find a counter-move ahead of the 2019 polls. Ironically, her declaration that the West Bengal government will consider providing shelter to people who have been displaced from Assam on humanitarian grounds, is now being gleefully used against her by her opponents. BJP President Amit Shah kickstarted his party’s political campaign in the state by directly accusing Banerjee of “nursing Bangladeshi infiltrators as votebanks for her party.” The chief minister has fought back, but Shah’s charge has gained ground. It is ironic that Banerjee is crying foul over the BJP’s “designs” to “infiltrate” West Bengal over the illegal immigration issue, because not so long ago she was singing a very different tune. In 2005, Banerjee was deeply worried over how the then ascendant CPI(M) was using illegal immigrants from Bangladesh “to subvert democracy”, and in the Lok Sabha, she dramatically accused the then Speaker, the late Somnath Chatterjee, of “bias” on the issue. Mamata’s about turn has not gone unnoticed and as a result her attacks on the BJP, accusing them of “xenophobia” and “fanning communalism”, have so far failed to gain ground. But it has to be said that even before this incident, she had created a vacuum in West Bengal, which an eager BJP has filled. Allegations that she was looking to get minority votes by any means necessary have grown and communal riots in towns and cities such as Basirhat, Raniganj and Asansol have damaged her credibility. The BJP is already thriving on the simmering discontent in the bordering districts of West Bengal and the National Intelligence Agency’s (NIA) recent arrest of Jamat-Ul-Mujahideen (Bangladesh) activist Kausar alias Bomaru Mijan, from Bengaluru, should further their case. Kausar is accused of masterminding the Khagragarh blast in 2014 and his arrest will ensure that calls for a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the state will only get louder. It is no surprise then that the TMC is jittery. The recent unrest in Bhangar has demonstrated that fissures within the support base of the party are now showing. What’s more, the unprecedented levels of violence, along with reports of wholesale rigging by the party — both during and after the panchayat elections held on May 14 this year — betrayed an anxiety that is now obvious even to their close supporters. Such a display of force has also not gone down well with the people and the party would well know that such an exercise cannot be repeated during the Lok Sabha elections, under the strict supervision of the Central Election Commission (CEC). What then are Banerjee’s options? A possible counter-move by her is to rally support of both the Bengali-speaking Hindus and Muslims in West Bengal, by raising the “bogey” that the NRC is a ploy to disenfranchise their ethnic, linguistic and religious brothers across the state border. Given the fact that well over one-fourth of those left out of the NRC in Assam are Hindus, she might get support from Hindus as well. Raising fears among the Muslim community about the BJP is a strategy that can also pay dividends. It is not to be forgotten that apart from the Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir — as per 2011 census — West Bengal with its 27 per cent Muslim population is next only to Assam with a 34.2 per cent Muslim population, demographically ripe for opportunistic parties to play communal politics. The battlelines have been drawn, and with Shah eyeing at least 22 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal, it will be a tough fight with high stakes for both the parties. The TMC is the second-largest political party in the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and given Banerjee’s recent moves to be a leader of a united Opposition, victory would have a larger political significance for the saffron party. Considering that the TMC has been riven by factionalism and the BJP has performed well in the tribal-dominated districts of Purulia, Jhargram, West Midnapore and Bankura, a former Maoist hotbed, and in North Bengal and even in Malda — a Muslim majority district and a Congress stronghold in the panchyat polls — Banerjee has plenty to worry about. She will need to ramp up her unnayan (development) projects, not only in terms of doles such as bicycles for students of government-aided schools and her signature kanyashree projects and promote development. However, before all this, she needs to set her house in order and quickly if she is to stand a chance in the coming polls. (The author is a commentator on geopolitical affairs) (This article was first published on The DNA. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: BJP attack on Mamata Banerjee may finally be paying dividends

Inside a Hindu temple in a shanty area in Pakistan's Karachi city, Anum Agha wearing the traditional Muslim Hijab greets her students with 'salaam' and gets a loud 'Jai Shri Ram' in response.&nbsp

Anum runs a school inside the temple in the Basti Guru area of the southern port city. The school is situated in the middle of an informal Hindu settlement which is facing constant threats from land grabbers.&nbsp

But Anum is determined to impart knowledge about education, health and basic rights to the children of the minority community.

In the settlement, 80 to 90 Hindu families live in a close cluster of wooden huts and some semi-constructed houses.

One can see Anum holding discussions with children of the settlement after her classes are over.

"Everyone is surprised when I tell them about our school inside this temple but we had no other place to hold our classes when I first started coming here last year," she said.&nbsp

The classes are conducted in the main area of the temple. The walls of the temple are plastered with posters of Hindu deities and statues of Hindu Gods placed upon a higher perch.

The lack of basic facilities is noticeable as one moves around the settlement located in Rehman Colony near Mahmoodabad but for land grabbers, it is not an ordinary piece of land.

"There have been at least two incidents in the last four years when some huts were set on fire and the Hindu families were threatened and told to get out of the area," Shiva Dharni, a community leader, said.

Recently authorities also cut electricity and water connections to the Basti, which was set up in the 60s when the Hindu families migrated from Ghotki in interior Sindh to Karachi.

The area witnessed tensions a few years ago when a Muslim resident apparently started propagating an idea that a mosque should be constructed over the land.

"These land grabbers try to persuade the Muslim clerics that having a settlement of lower caste Hindu in the centre of a proper Muslim neighbourhood is unacceptable," Arif Habib, who heads the non-governmental Initiator Human Development Foundation which has brought Anum to run the school in the temple, said.

"These are vulnerable communities and they are under threat from non-state actors, I mean land grabbers who want them to evacuate the plot where this settlement is located," he said.

Anum reluctantly admits that some of the Muslim residents living around the settlement don't like her involvement with the scheduled caste Hindu families and her holding classes.

"But I do it because these people are not even aware of their basic rights. Their children want to gain knowledge and education. Some of them attended other schools in the area but faced social and religious issues," Anum said.

She said that the Hindu elders were very happy that their children, especially the girls, don't have to leave the settlement for education.

Asked whether she has faced difficulties as a Muslim teacher, Anum said she did face challenges.

"But I never talk about religion and avoid hurting their sensitivities. I try to keep them focused on different subjects and religion is not one of them," she said.

"I respect them as human beings and they respect me back. That is how we work. We celebrate religious festivals together. I say salaam to them and they respond with Jai Shri Ram."

She feels the school can serve as an example of how different communities can co-exist peacefully in the Muslim majority nation while respecting each other.&nbsp

In the settlement, 80 to 90 Hindu families live in a close cluster of wooden huts and some semi-constructed houses.

Inside a Hindu temple in a shanty area in Pakistan's Karachi city, Anum Agha wearing the traditional Muslim Hijab greets her students with 'salaam' and gets a loud 'Jai Shri Ram' in response. Anum runs a school inside the temple in the Basti Guru area of the southern port city. The school is situated in the middle of an informal Hindu settlement which is facing constant threats from land grabbers. But Anum is determined to impart knowledge about education, health and basic rights to the children of the minority community. In the settlement, 80 to 90 Hindu families live in a close cluster of wooden huts and some semi-constructed houses. One can see Anum holding discussions with children of the settlement after her classes are over. "Everyone is surprised when I tell them about our school inside this temple but we had no other place to hold our classes when I first started coming here last year," she said. The classes are conducted in the main area of the temple. The walls of the temple are plastered with posters of Hindu deities and statues of Hindu Gods placed upon a higher perch. The lack of basic facilities is noticeable as one moves around the settlement located in Rehman Colony near Mahmoodabad but for land grabbers, it is not an ordinary piece of land. "There have been at least two incidents in the last four years when some huts were set on fire and the Hindu families were threatened and told to get out of the area," Shiva Dharni, a community leader, said. Recently authorities also cut electricity and water connections to the Basti, which was set up in the 60s when the Hindu families migrated from Ghotki in interior Sindh to Karachi. The area witnessed tensions a few years ago when a Muslim resident apparently started propagating an idea that a mosque should be constructed over the land. "These land grabbers try to persuade the Muslim clerics that having a settlement of lower caste Hindu in the centre of a proper Muslim neighbourhood is unacceptable," Arif Habib, who heads the non-governmental Initiator Human Development Foundation which has brought Anum to run the school in the temple, said. "These are vulnerable communities and they are under threat from non-state actors, I mean land grabbers who want them to evacuate the plot where this settlement is located," he said. Anum reluctantly admits that some of the Muslim residents living around the settlement don't like her involvement with the scheduled caste Hindu families and her holding classes. "But I do it because these people are not even aware of their basic rights. Their children want to gain knowledge and education. Some of them attended other schools in the area but faced social and religious issues," Anum said. She said that the Hindu elders were very happy that their children, especially the girls, don't have to leave the settlement for education. Asked whether she has faced difficulties as a Muslim teacher, Anum said she did face challenges. "But I never talk about religion and avoid hurting their sensitivities. I try to keep them focused on different subjects and religion is not one of them," she said. "I respect them as human beings and they respect me back. That is how we work. We celebrate religious festivals together. I say salaam to them and they respond with Jai Shri Ram." She feels the school can serve as an example of how different communities can co-exist peacefully in the Muslim majority nation while respecting each other.

Temple school in Pakistan where Muslim woman teaches Hindu students

Dubbing criminalisation of politics as "rot", the Supreme Court today said it may consider directing the Election Commission to ask political parties to get their members disclose criminal cases against them so that the electors know how many "alleged crooks" are there in such parties.

The observation by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra came when it was told by the Centre that considering the concept of separation of powers, the issue of disqualification of lawmakers fell under the domain of Parliament.

"Everybody understands that (doctrine of separation of powers among Executive, Legislature and Judiciary). We cannot direct Parliament to make a law.

The question is what can we do to contain the rot," the bench, also comprising justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, said.

While hearing PILs seeking to bar persons facing serious criminal charges from electoral politics, the bench took note of the suggestion of senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal, representing lawyer and BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay who has filed one of the PILs, that the court may ask the poll panel to direct political parties not to give tickets to or take support from independent candidates facing serious criminal charges.

"Criminalisation of politics is antithesis to democracy," the bench said, adding, "We can always direct the Election Commission to ask political parties to get members and to be members to declare on affidavit if there is any criminal case pending against them and such affidavits should be made public so that voters know as to how many alleged crooks are there in a political party".

Referring to the "symbols order" and said if a party gave ticket to a person facing criminal or any other case, then the election symbol of that party would be de-recognised, the court said it was seeking upholding of "democratic ideals" and not "legislating" on the issue.

"Nobody is disqualifying anybody. What we may direct the Election Commission is that the election symbol of a political party be taken away if a person, facing criminal charges, is allowed to contest the election on its ticket," it said.

The bench also said it has to "completely steer clear" of the aspect of disqualification of a lawmaker as it did not fall under its the domain.

Senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, appearing for petitioner NGO 'Public Interest Foundation', exhorted the court to venture into the area of barring a person or a lawmaker from entering into electoral politics after the framing charges against them in criminal cases.

He referred to a report of the Law Commission and said it was an "eye-opener" document prepared at the instance of the apex court.

The report says that persons, having criminal records, have better chances of winning elections and the court should issue directions as the law is silent on the disqualification of such members or candidates, as was done in the case of Visakha when guidelines were laid on the issue sexual harassment at workplace.

"The law is not silent, this is the whole point. The law provides for disqualification very clearly after a lawmaker is convicted," the bench said.

"The law is silent as it provides for disqualification at the stage of conviction only.

If a person is charge-sheeted or the court has framed the charges in the case then there was no provision of disqualification.

The court can pass the directions in this regard," Dwivedi argued.

The bench also said the Visakha and the anti-ragging guidelines were issued by the court as they related with violation of fundamental rights but this was not the case here.

"Your argument can be encapsulated in one sentence that since you cannot issue mandamus (judicial writ issued as a command) to Parliament, then issue the writ to the election commission," the bench said.

Senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal, who is fighting the case against his father and Attorney General K K Venugopal, suggested that to deal with the issue, either a law may be passed or the court can direct the poll panel to ask political parties not to give tickets to persons with criminal records.

He also suggested that the fixed election symbol of a national or state level recognised political parties may be cancelled if they gave tickets to such candidates.

Venugopal also said that the EC can ask the political parties to insert by-laws in their constitutions that they will not allow persons, who are facing trial in cases where minimum sentence prescribed is five years jail term, to fight elections on their tickets.

It would serve the "larger good of the society", he added.

At the fag end of the hearing, Attorney General K K Venugopal vehemently opposed the submissions of his son Krishnan Venugopal and Dinesh Dwivedi, saying they were trying to achieve a "particular result indirectly" which they cannot achieve "directly".

"The question is whether it is the matter to be dealt by the legislature or it can be dealt by the judiciary...can the five judges sitting in the constitution bench decide the disqualification," the top law officer said.

The bench countered him saying it understood the concept of separation of powers and cannot direct Parliament to make a law, but the "question is what can we do to contain the rot".

The advancing of arguments would resume on August 28.

The Supreme Court today said it may consider directing the Election Commission to ask political parties to get their members disclose criminal cases against them.

Dubbing criminalisation of politics as "rot", the Supreme Court today said it may consider directing the Election Commission to ask political parties to get their members disclose criminal cases against them so that the electors know how many "alleged crooks" are there in such parties. The observation by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra came when it was told by the Centre that considering the concept of separation of powers, the issue of disqualification of lawmakers fell under the domain of Parliament. "Everybody understands that (doctrine of separation of powers among Executive, Legislature and Judiciary). We cannot direct Parliament to make a law. The question is what can we do to contain the rot," the bench, also comprising justices R F Nariman, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra, said. While hearing PILs seeking to bar persons facing serious criminal charges from electoral politics, the bench took note of the suggestion of senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal, representing lawyer and BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay who has filed one of the PILs, that the court may ask the poll panel to direct political parties not to give tickets to or take support from independent candidates facing serious criminal charges. "Criminalisation of politics is antithesis to democracy," the bench said, adding, "We can always direct the Election Commission to ask political parties to get members and to be members to declare on affidavit if there is any criminal case pending against them and such affidavits should be made public so that voters know as to how many alleged crooks are there in a political party". Referring to the "symbols order" and said if a party gave ticket to a person facing criminal or any other case, then the election symbol of that party would be de-recognised, the court said it was seeking upholding of "democratic ideals" and not "legislating" on the issue. "Nobody is disqualifying anybody. What we may direct the Election Commission is that the election symbol of a political party be taken away if a person, facing criminal charges, is allowed to contest the election on its ticket," it said. The bench also said it has to "completely steer clear" of the aspect of disqualification of a lawmaker as it did not fall under its the domain. Senior advocate Dinesh Dwivedi, appearing for petitioner NGO 'Public Interest Foundation', exhorted the court to venture into the area of barring a person or a lawmaker from entering into electoral politics after the framing charges against them in criminal cases. He referred to a report of the Law Commission and said it was an "eye-opener" document prepared at the instance of the apex court. The report says that persons, having criminal records, have better chances of winning elections and the court should issue directions as the law is silent on the disqualification of such members or candidates, as was done in the case of Visakha when guidelines were laid on the issue sexual harassment at workplace. "The law is not silent, this is the whole point. The law provides for disqualification very clearly after a lawmaker is convicted," the bench said. "The law is silent as it provides for disqualification at the stage of conviction only. If a person is charge-sheeted or the court has framed the charges in the case then there was no provision of disqualification. The court can pass the directions in this regard," Dwivedi argued. The bench also said the Visakha and the anti-ragging guidelines were issued by the court as they related with violation of fundamental rights but this was not the case here. "Your argument can be encapsulated in one sentence that since you cannot issue mandamus (judicial writ issued as a command) to Parliament, then issue the writ to the election commission," the bench said. Senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal, who is fighting the case against his father and Attorney General K K Venugopal, suggested that to deal with the issue, either a law may be passed or the court can direct the poll panel to ask political parties not to give tickets to persons with criminal records. He also suggested that the fixed election symbol of a national or state level recognised political parties may be cancelled if they gave tickets to such candidates. Venugopal also said that the EC can ask the political parties to insert by-laws in their constitutions that they will not allow persons, who are facing trial in cases where minimum sentence prescribed is five years jail term, to fight elections on their tickets. It would serve the "larger good of the society", he added. At the fag end of the hearing, Attorney General K K Venugopal vehemently opposed the submissions of his son Krishnan Venugopal and Dinesh Dwivedi, saying they were trying to achieve a "particular result indirectly" which they cannot achieve "directly". "The question is whether it is the matter to be dealt by the legislature or it can be dealt by the judiciary...can the five judges sitting in the constitution bench decide the disqualification," the top law officer said. The bench countered him saying it understood the concept of separation of powers and cannot direct Parliament to make a law, but the "question is what can we do to contain the rot". The advancing of arguments would resume on August 28.

Supreme Court terms criminalisation of politics as 'rot', may ask Election Commission to deal with it

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that the None of Above Option is not applicable to Rajya Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The top court said the option is only available in direct elections.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud has set aside the Election Commission's notification allowing NOTA option in the ballot papers for Rajya Sabha polls.

The apex court had questioned the poll panel's notification and said that NOTA was meant to be exercised by individual voters in direct polls.

The verdict came on a plea of Shailesh Manubhai Parmar, who was the Congress's chief whip in the Gujarat assembly during the last Rajya Sabha polls, in which the party had fielded sitting MP Ahmed Patel.

Parmar had challenged the poll panel's notification allowing the NOTA option in ballot papers.

The top court had earlier said by introducing NOTA, the poll panel was legitimising the act of not voting.

The Gujarat Congress leader had alleged that if the NOTA provision was allowed in the Rajya Sabha polls, it would encourage "horse-trading and corruption".

The poll panel had said NOTA was first introduced in 2014 following an apex court verdict a year earlier and they (the Congress) did not have any objection in subsequent polls as it suited them.

(With inputs from PTI)

The apex court had questioned the poll panel's notification and said that NOTA was meant to be exercised by individual voters in direct polls.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that the None of Above Option is not applicable to Rajya Sabha elections. The top court said the option is only available in direct elections. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud has set aside the Election Commission's notification allowing NOTA option in the ballot papers for Rajya Sabha polls. The apex court had questioned the poll panel's notification and said that NOTA was meant to be exercised by individual voters in direct polls. The verdict came on a plea of Shailesh Manubhai Parmar, who was the Congress's chief whip in the Gujarat assembly during the last Rajya Sabha polls, in which the party had fielded sitting MP Ahmed Patel. Parmar had challenged the poll panel's notification allowing the NOTA option in ballot papers. The top court had earlier said by introducing NOTA, the poll panel was legitimising the act of not voting. The Gujarat Congress leader had alleged that if the NOTA provision was allowed in the Rajya Sabha polls, it would encourage "horse-trading and corruption". The poll panel had said NOTA was first introduced in 2014 following an apex court verdict a year earlier and they (the Congress) did not have any objection in subsequent polls as it suited them. (With inputs from PTI)

NOTA option cannot be permitted in Rajya Sabha elections, says Supreme Court

With flood water receding in most of the affected areas, flood-ravaged Kerala is struggling to return to normalcy. As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, no heavy rainfall is expected in the state for the next few days.

A total of 41 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are still deployed in Kerala to assist the state administration in rescue, relief and rehabilitation work and to respond in emergency situations.

On Tuesday, NDRF teams deployed in Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta evacuated 122 persons.

Besides, they distributed relief materials in the flood-affected areas of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. In addition, the NDRF also provided medical assistance to the sick persons in inundated areas of Kerala.

Medical teams have been set up in Alappuzha and Thrissur where so far aid has been provided to 104 people.

Ever since the beginning of the crisis, the NDRF has rescued 535 lives, evacuated 24,616 marooned people, rescued 119 livestock and provided pre-hospital treatment to the 4908 people.

The Indian Air Force doctors and paramedics on Tuesday covered over five relief camps and treated 410 patients where many critical cases were stabilised and sent to government hospitals.

According to IAF, Southern Air Command has inserted medical teams and a mobile hospital in Thiruvalla.

Many doctors have been flown in from neighbouring Commands to augment the medical effort. One mobile hospital has been set up at Chathenkary with four doctors, including a surgeon, and 18 paramedics.

So far, a total of 1255 patients have been treated by the IAF. Efforts are on to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

Meanwhile, the Southern Naval Command (SNC) recalled 30 more rescue teams deployed for `Operation Madad' as flood waters receded from many waterlogged areas.

The Navy has so far rescued 16,005 persons. While no requests for rescue either by boat or by airlift were received on Tuesday, Navy officials said eight air sorties amounting to 10 hours of flying were undertaken by various naval aircraft, mainly for air dropping of relief material -- especially food and medicines.

According to Spokesperson of the Indian Navy, Kerala Water Association (KWA) had requested SNC help in rectifying defective transformers at Aluva water pumping station.

The services of these transformers are critical to feeding power to restore water supply to most of Kochi region.

An engineering team from Naval Ship Repair Yard (NSRY) comprising of an officer, two sailors, and three technicians was sent to KWA to repair transformers on a war footing.

On reaching the site, it was observed that the water had ingressed into transformers and the team completed defect rectification for the restoring of water pumping within four hours.

In addition, low insulation of four transformers of main rectifiers of Piravom pump house was also repaired and made them available for KWA.

The Navy added that Naval Air Station, Garuda continued facilitating civil aircraft operations in addition to the military flying requirements. Alliance Air (a subsidiary of Air India) and Indigo were able to operate as per their schedule.

The Air Station is also extensively utilized to airlift medical teams, food and medicines to facilitate the State Government in speeding up the relief work.

About 90 rescued people are presently being accommodated at the T2 hangar inside the Naval Base. However, another relief camp set up by the Naval Armament Depot, Aluva and medical camp continue to provide shelter and first aid for the needy.

A community kitchen set up by INS Venduruthy in the campus of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also continues to offer hot meals for about 10000 people.

SNC continued supplying drinking water to some parts of Kochi city on a humanitarian basis through a dedicated water bowser, with a capacity of 3 tonnes from the water resources in the base, Indian Navy said.

On Tuesday, NDRF teams deployed in Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta evacuated 122 persons.

With flood water receding in most of the affected areas, flood-ravaged Kerala is struggling to return to normalcy. As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, no heavy rainfall is expected in the state for the next few days. A total of 41 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are still deployed in Kerala to assist the state administration in rescue, relief and rehabilitation work and to respond in emergency situations. On Tuesday, NDRF teams deployed in Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta evacuated 122 persons. Besides, they distributed relief materials in the flood-affected areas of Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. In addition, the NDRF also provided medical assistance to the sick persons in inundated areas of Kerala. Medical teams have been set up in Alappuzha and Thrissur where so far aid has been provided to 104 people. Ever since the beginning of the crisis, the NDRF has rescued 535 lives, evacuated 24,616 marooned people, rescued 119 livestock and provided pre-hospital treatment to the 4908 people. The Indian Air Force doctors and paramedics on Tuesday covered over five relief camps and treated 410 patients where many critical cases were stabilised and sent to government hospitals. According to IAF, Southern Air Command has inserted medical teams and a mobile hospital in Thiruvalla. Many doctors have been flown in from neighbouring Commands to augment the medical effort. One mobile hospital has been set up at Chathenkary with four doctors, including a surgeon, and 18 paramedics. So far, a total of 1255 patients have been treated by the IAF. Efforts are on to prevent the outbreak of diseases. Meanwhile, the Southern Naval Command (SNC) recalled 30 more rescue teams deployed for `Operation Madad' as flood waters receded from many waterlogged areas. The Navy has so far rescued 16,005 persons. While no requests for rescue either by boat or by airlift were received on Tuesday, Navy officials said eight air sorties amounting to 10 hours of flying were undertaken by various naval aircraft, mainly for air dropping of relief material -- especially food and medicines. According to Spokesperson of the Indian Navy, Kerala Water Association (KWA) had requested SNC help in rectifying defective transformers at Aluva water pumping station. The services of these transformers are critical to feeding power to restore water supply to most of Kochi region. An engineering team from Naval Ship Repair Yard (NSRY) comprising of an officer, two sailors, and three technicians was sent to KWA to repair transformers on a war footing. On reaching the site, it was observed that the water had ingressed into transformers and the team completed defect rectification for the restoring of water pumping within four hours. In addition, low insulation of four transformers of main rectifiers of Piravom pump house was also repaired and made them available for KWA. The Navy added that Naval Air Station, Garuda continued facilitating civil aircraft operations in addition to the military flying requirements. Alliance Air (a subsidiary of Air India) and Indigo were able to operate as per their schedule. The Air Station is also extensively utilized to airlift medical teams, food and medicines to facilitate the State Government in speeding up the relief work. About 90 rescued people are presently being accommodated at the T2 hangar inside the Naval Base. However, another relief camp set up by the Naval Armament Depot, Aluva and medical camp continue to provide shelter and first aid for the needy. A community kitchen set up by INS Venduruthy in the campus of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also continues to offer hot meals for about 10000 people. SNC continued supplying drinking water to some parts of Kochi city on a humanitarian basis through a dedicated water bowser, with a capacity of 3 tonnes from the water resources in the base, Indian Navy said.

As floodwaters recede, Kerala struggles to return to normalcy

As water level keeps on receding in parts of Kerala, the <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/as-death-toll-nears-400-kerala-cm-urges-centre-for-additional-help-160511">deadliest deluge</a> in close to a century has left homes secured with mud, vehicles damaged and debris scattered on the streets.

After days long rains, floods, landslides and havoc, the state is facing numerous issues including broken roads, damaged houses and waterlogged surroundings.

Rescue operations are underway. Around seven and a half lakhs people are staying in relief camps. Careful precautionary measures are being taken to face epidemics.

The biggest challenges immediately ahead are cleaning of the flood-hit houses, rehabilitation, and prevention of water-borne diseases.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation has also sent a 13-member team to the flood-hit state to oversee efforts to counter any epidemic outbreak.

People have started returning home from relief centres. Many were shocked to see the state of their homes covered with mud and slush as the water receded.

Except for occasional showers, the rain stayed away for the second day in most of the districts in Kerala.

The water level in most of the rivers came down to relatively safer levels.

Rainfall over Kerala during the southwest monsoon (1 June to 19 August) has been exceptionally high. Kerala has so far received 2346.6 mm rains against the normal of 1649.5 mm, according to IMD.

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Kerala: Restoration work started at Chalakudy market in Thrissur after a decrease in the water level in the district. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaFloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaFloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/yRZPh6c95q">pic.twitter.com/yRZPh6c95q</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031760164481916929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A total of 10,28,073 people, including 1,01,049 children, were housed in 3,274 relief camps.&nbsp;

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Kodagu: Road clearance work underway at Kodagu-Mangalore highway after traffic movement was stalled due to multiple landslides on the route. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaRains?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaRains</a> <a href="https://t.co/WUdVSww5NL">pic.twitter.com/WUdVSww5NL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031749169957031936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. The death toll, ever since the monsoon season began this year, has reached 400 approximately.

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Indian Air Force's C-130J yesterday airlifted medical team consisting of 96 doctors led by Medical Education Minister of Maharashtra Girish Mahajan from Mumbai to Trivandrum. medical & relief supplies were lifted along with the medical team for flood-hit areas of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerela?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerela</a>. <a href="https://t.co/YPVg546o76">pic.twitter.com/YPVg546o76</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031749557023952897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Train services partially restored

The train services which had collapsed following the incessant downpour in Kerala, have been partially restored.

The train services in Kayankulam-Kottayam- Ernakulam and Palakkad-Shoranur-Kozhikkode sections have been resumed.

Trivandrum- Ernakulam section was also connected by passenger Special Trains for the flood period.

Heavy damages caused by the floods in Aluva- Thrissur, Thrissur-Shoranur, Kayamkulam-Kottayam- Ernakulam Shoranur-Tirur, Shoranur- Palakkad routes have been fixed.

People have started returning home from relief centres. Many were shocked to see the state of their homes covered with mud and slush as the water receded.

As water level keeps on receding in parts of Kerala, the deadliest deluge in close to a century has left homes secured with mud, vehicles damaged and debris scattered on the streets. After days long rains, floods, landslides and havoc, the state is facing numerous issues including broken roads, damaged houses and waterlogged surroundings. Rescue operations are underway. Around seven and a half lakhs people are staying in relief camps. Careful precautionary measures are being taken to face epidemics. The biggest challenges immediately ahead are cleaning of the flood-hit houses, rehabilitation, and prevention of water-borne diseases. The World Health Organisation has also sent a 13-member team to the flood-hit state to oversee efforts to counter any epidemic outbreak. People have started returning home from relief centres. Many were shocked to see the state of their homes covered with mud and slush as the water receded. Except for occasional showers, the rain stayed away for the second day in most of the districts in Kerala. The water level in most of the rivers came down to relatively safer levels. Rainfall over Kerala during the southwest monsoon (1 June to 19 August) has been exceptionally high. Kerala has so far received 2346.6 mm rains against the normal of 1649.5 mm, according to IMD. Kerala: Restoration work started at Chalakudy market in Thrissur after a decrease in the water level in the district. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/yRZPh6c95q — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × A total of 10,28,073 people, including 1,01,049 children, were housed in 3,274 relief camps. Kodagu: Road clearance work underway at Kodagu-Mangalore highway after traffic movement was stalled due to multiple landslides on the route. #KarnatakaRains pic.twitter.com/WUdVSww5NL — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Kerala has been facing the worst flooding in a century. The death toll, ever since the monsoon season began this year, has reached 400 approximately. Indian Air Force's C-130J yesterday airlifted medical team consisting of 96 doctors led by Medical Education Minister of Maharashtra Girish Mahajan from Mumbai to Trivandrum. medical & relief supplies were lifted along with the medical team for flood-hit areas of #Kerela. pic.twitter.com/YPVg546o76 — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Train services partially restored The train services which had collapsed following the incessant downpour in Kerala, have been partially restored. The train services in Kayankulam-Kottayam- Ernakulam and Palakkad-Shoranur-Kozhikkode sections have been resumed. Trivandrum- Ernakulam section was also connected by passenger Special Trains for the flood period. Heavy damages caused by the floods in Aluva- Thrissur, Thrissur-Shoranur, Kayamkulam-Kottayam- Ernakulam Shoranur-Tirur, Shoranur- Palakkad routes have been fixed.

Video: Flood water level recedes in Kerala, fear of disease outbreak looms

Russian President Vladimir Putin in his letter to President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi, condoled the loss of lives in Kerala floods.&nbsp;

"Kindly accept the deepest condolences over numerous human casualties caused by the devastating floods in Kerala," the letter read. &nbsp;

The letter also stated that Russia shares "grief with the friendly people of India".

"Russia hopes for a speedy recovery to all those injured from this natural disaster," Putin's letter read. &nbsp;

Kerala, which has been battling floods, rainfall and landslides, received a respite from heavy rainfall on Monday.

According to reports, water began to recede in many areas in flood-hit Kerala where nearly 400 people have been killed so far.

Kerala authorities estimate nearly 10 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across the state.

A cumulative loss of over 21,000 crores is estimated to have hit the state.&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin writes to President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi, expresses condolences over lives lost in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Keralafloods?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Keralafloods</a> <a href="https://t.co/LU1Y1pZtFt">pic.twitter.com/LU1Y1pZtFt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031833492550647809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As water began to recede, the authorities are now facing the challenge of rehabilitation and a possible outbreak of diseases.&nbsp;

"The death toll has risen to 373," an official of the state's disaster management authority told Reuters.

Kerala received rainfall more than 40 per cent greater than normal for the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Torrential rain in the last 10 days forced officials to release water from as many as 33 dangerously full dams and reservoirs.

The central government, on Monday, announced Kerala floods as a "calamity of severe nature".&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Putin, in his letter to President Kovind and PM Modi, stated that Russia shares 'grief with the friendly people of India'.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in his letter to President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi, condoled the loss of lives in Kerala floods. "Kindly accept the deepest condolences over numerous human casualties caused by the devastating floods in Kerala," the letter read. The letter also stated that Russia shares "grief with the friendly people of India". "Russia hopes for a speedy recovery to all those injured from this natural disaster," Putin's letter read. Kerala, which has been battling floods, rainfall and landslides, received a respite from heavy rainfall on Monday. According to reports, water began to recede in many areas in flood-hit Kerala where nearly 400 people have been killed so far. Kerala authorities estimate nearly 10 lakh people displaced and homeless, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across the state. A cumulative loss of over 21,000 crores is estimated to have hit the state. Russian President Vladimir Putin writes to President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi, expresses condolences over lives lost in #Keralafloods pic.twitter.com/LU1Y1pZtFt — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × As water began to recede, the authorities are now facing the challenge of rehabilitation and a possible outbreak of diseases. "The death toll has risen to 373," an official of the state's disaster management authority told Reuters. Kerala received rainfall more than 40 per cent greater than normal for the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Torrential rain in the last 10 days forced officials to release water from as many as 33 dangerously full dams and reservoirs. The central government, on Monday, announced Kerala floods as a "calamity of severe nature".

Deepest condolences over numerous human casualties: Putin expresses grief over Kerala floods

The death toll in India's southern state of Kerala rose to nearly 400 on Monday after its worst flood in a century, as water began receding and aid started filtering through to people sheltered in camps.

Death toll nears 400 in India's flood-hit Kerala, dozens missing

Shortly after the UAE offered a financial aid of <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-uae-to-contribute-rs-700-crore-for-relief-fund-says-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-160588">Rs 700 crore</a> to flood-hit Kerala, the central government was reported to have taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts.

According to reports, the government may not accept any foreign financial assistance for relief operations in Kerala, an official told news agency PTI.

"Many have come forward to help Kerala. Besides the aid from various states, other nations have also been extending assistance to the flood-hit region. UAE has put forward a relief package and the Gulf nations have been helping us on all fronts," Kerala CM Vijayan said on Tuesday.

Around three million Indians live and work in the UAE out of which 80 per cent hail from Kerala.&nbsp;

Besides UAE, <a href="wionews.com/india-news/after-uae-flood-hit-kerala-gets-helping-hand-from-maldives-160738">Maldives has also decided to offer</a> nearly Rs 35 lakh ($50,000) for flood-ravaged Kerala.&nbsp;

"At this time of national distress, the Government of Maldives conveys profound sympathies to the Government and the people of India, in particular to those directly affected by the tragedy, as well as commiserations to the members of the bereaved families," the official statement issued by the Government of Maldives read.

The central government has already released Rs 500 crore for relief and rehabilitation mission for Kerala, this was over and above Rs 100 crore which was previously announced by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Chief Ministers of various states have also pledged financial assistance to Kerala which is estimated to reel under a loss worth over Rs 21,000 crore.&nbsp;

As many as 373 people have lost their lives in the destructive deluge that affected the entire state this monsoon season.

Nearly 10 lakh people are estimated to have been displaced, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across Kerala.

Kerala received a respite from heavy rains on Monday after which the Indian Navy is reported to have scaled down its operations.

"The total number of diving teams deployed has now been reduced to 21, with 30 teams having returned after completing their rescue mission", a Southern Naval Command release stated.

Teams involved in rescue and relief mission have now been directed to focus on rehabilitation with an aim to make essential medicines available to avoid any outbreak of diseases.&nbsp;

Besides UAE, Maldives has also decided to offer nearly Rs 35 lakh for flood-ravaged Kerala.

Shortly after the UAE offered a financial aid of Rs 700 crore to flood-hit Kerala, the central government was reported to have taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts. According to reports, the government may not accept any foreign financial assistance for relief operations in Kerala, an official told news agency PTI. "Many have come forward to help Kerala. Besides the aid from various states, other nations have also been extending assistance to the flood-hit region. UAE has put forward a relief package and the Gulf nations have been helping us on all fronts," Kerala CM Vijayan said on Tuesday. Around three million Indians live and work in the UAE out of which 80 per cent hail from Kerala. Besides UAE, Maldives has also decided to offer nearly Rs 35 lakh ($50,000) for flood-ravaged Kerala. "At this time of national distress, the Government of Maldives conveys profound sympathies to the Government and the people of India, in particular to those directly affected by the tragedy, as well as commiserations to the members of the bereaved families," the official statement issued by the Government of Maldives read. The central government has already released Rs 500 crore for relief and rehabilitation mission for Kerala, this was over and above Rs 100 crore which was previously announced by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Chief Ministers of various states have also pledged financial assistance to Kerala which is estimated to reel under a loss worth over Rs 21,000 crore. As many as 373 people have lost their lives in the destructive deluge that affected the entire state this monsoon season. Nearly 10 lakh people are estimated to have been displaced, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across Kerala. Kerala received a respite from heavy rains on Monday after which the Indian Navy is reported to have scaled down its operations. "The total number of diving teams deployed has now been reduced to 21, with 30 teams having returned after completing their rescue mission", a Southern Naval Command release stated. Teams involved in rescue and relief mission have now been directed to focus on rehabilitation with an aim to make essential medicines available to avoid any outbreak of diseases.

Kerala floods: Government unlikely to accept foreign aid

The government of Maldives on Tuesday offered a financial aid worth $50,000 (Rs 35 lakh) to flood-ravaged Kerala.&nbsp;

"At this time of national distress, the Government of Maldives conveys profound sympathies to the Government and the people of India, in particular to those directly affected by the tragedy, as well as commiserations to the members of the bereaved families," the official statement issued by the Government of Maldives read.

The <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-uae-to-contribute-rs-700-crore-for-relief-fund-says-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-160588">UAE has already offered financial assistance</a>&nbsp;of Rs 700 crore to flood-hit Kerala. However, it is now being reported that the central government has taken a considered <a href="wionews.com/india-news/kerala-floods-government-unlikely-to-accept-foreign-aid-160735">decision to rely solely on domestic efforts</a>.

"Many have come forward to help Kerala. Besides the aid from various states, other nations have also been extending assistance to the flood-hit region. UAE has put forward a relief package and the Gulf nations have been helping us on all fronts," Kerala CM Vijayan said on Tuesday.

As many as 373 people have lost their lives in the destructive deluge that affected the entire state this monsoon season.

Nearly 10 lakh people are estimated to have been displaced, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across Kerala.

The UAE has already offered a financial aid of Rs 700 crore to flood-ravaged Kerala.

The government of Maldives on Tuesday offered a financial aid worth $50,000 (Rs 35 lakh) to flood-ravaged Kerala. "At this time of national distress, the Government of Maldives conveys profound sympathies to the Government and the people of India, in particular to those directly affected by the tragedy, as well as commiserations to the members of the bereaved families," the official statement issued by the Government of Maldives read. The UAE has already offered financial assistance of Rs 700 crore to flood-hit Kerala. However, it is now being reported that the central government has taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts. "Many have come forward to help Kerala. Besides the aid from various states, other nations have also been extending assistance to the flood-hit region. UAE has put forward a relief package and the Gulf nations have been helping us on all fronts," Kerala CM Vijayan said on Tuesday. As many as 373 people have lost their lives in the destructive deluge that affected the entire state this monsoon season. Nearly 10 lakh people are estimated to have been displaced, taking shelter in over 5,000 relief camps across Kerala.

After UAE, flood-hit Kerala gets helping hand from Maldives

The rains have finally begun to abate. Now comes the harder part — rebuilding Kerala. Over 200 people have died in the rains, and over 10 lakh people are displaced.

In pictures: Beginning the mammoth task of rebuilding 'God's Own Country'

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered financial assistance of Rs 700 crore. Watch this video to know more.

WION Gravitas: UAE pledges $100 million to Kerala

An Indian Army jawan was injured in Kupwara district's Tangdhar sector as Pakistan violated ceasefire for the second time in 24 hours on Tuesday.

As per the police, Pakistan Rangers violated ceasefire by opening fire rounds of fire upon the army posts of 20 Jat at Tikri post along the LoC in Tangdhar today at around 4:40am. 
 
“The injured soldier was taken to Drugmulla military hospital for treatment,” the police said.

This comes a day after Pakistan violated ceasefire in the Kamalkote sector of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday even as Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi spoke of talks with India.

"India and Pakistan have to move forward keeping realities before them," Qureshi said at a press conference on Sunday. He also emphasised on 'uninterrupted' dialogue with India.

The incident comes after an Army soldier was killed in a sniper fire by Pakistani Rangers at Tangdhar sector along Line of Control on August 13.

An Indian Army jawan was injured in Kupwara district's Tangdhar sector as Pakistan violated ceasefire for the second time in 24 hours on Tuesday. As per the police, Pakistan Rangers violated ceasefire by opening fire rounds of fire upon the army posts of 20 Jat at Tikri post along the LoC in Tangdhar today at around 4:40am. “The injured soldier was taken to Drugmulla military hospital for treatment,” the police said. This comes a day after Pakistan violated ceasefire in the Kamalkote sector of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday even as Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi spoke of talks with India. "India and Pakistan have to move forward keeping realities before them," Qureshi said at a press conference on Sunday. He also emphasised on 'uninterrupted' dialogue with India.

Army jawan injured as Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K's Kupwara

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel was made treasurer of the Congress Party on Tuesday. (It was also his birthday.) Patel has earlier worked closely with Sonia Gandhi; he was her political secretary for over 15 years.

Patel's appointment as treasurer had been on the cards for a number of months.&nbsp;

All of the party's old leaders have not been discarded. Gulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ashok Gehlot, and others are being accommodated in important positions.&nbsp;

But some old leaders are being replaced. Dr Karan Singh has been replaced by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma who will now will head the party's Foreign Affairs department.&nbsp;

Mr Patel himself replaces the ageing Moti Lal Vora who is in his 80s. Mr Vora will now function as General Secretary in charge of administration.&nbsp;

Budding leaders meanwhile are being put in charge of states. The list is long and includes leaders like RPN Singh, Jitendra Singh, Rajiv Satav and others.&nbsp;

So this is not a battle royale between the old and the new guard.

This is not the first time Ahmed Patel has been Congress treasurer. He was first made treasurer 20 years ago in 1998.&nbsp;

He then resigned briefly before making a comeback to Sonia Gandhi's inner circle.&nbsp;

He got the same portfolio again and had by then learnt his lesson well — Sonia Gandhi does not like people resigning from their positions making public displays of internal matters.&nbsp;

Patel never looked back after that.&nbsp;

He went on to be appointed as the political adviser to Sonia Gandhi. For some time he shared the responsibility with Ambika Soni but she was subsequently shifted to organisation.&nbsp;

From 2004 till 2014, Patel reigned supreme.

He also played a crucial role in saving the government in 2008 when the Left moved the trust vote. He was the principal outreach guy, Sonia's troubleshooter.

Many accused him of cornering power and pushing his people into crucial positions. The joke was that there is an Ahmed Patel Congress within Sonia Gandhi's Congress.

Burt where senior leaders like Arjun Singh, Natwar Singh, Margaret Alva, and Ambika Soni fell by the wayside, Ahmad Patel survived all of them.&nbsp;

He was the only man through whom one could get to Sonia Gandhi. Almost everybody feared his proximity to the Congress first family.&nbsp;

A very senior leader once told this reporter that she had gone to meet Sonia Gandhi to inform her of her upcoming foreign visit. The senior leader had been going on vacation.&nbsp;

By the time she got out of 10 Janpath, she said she got a call from Patel who asked her where in Europe she was going? &nbsp;

The message was very clear to the Congress party — Sonia Gandhi trusted Ahmed Patel.

Treasurer of the Congress Party is no small position. Only those who hold the trust of the family are appointed to the post.&nbsp;

Rahul's changes 
Rahul has also dismantled the old structure of the Congress party.&nbsp;

He has for one done away with the position of political secretary. This is because he does not want one person to function as the sole gateway to him.&nbsp;

Second, Rahul has also done away with the practice of General Secretary in charge of multiple states. The only exception to the rule is the Northeast where Rahul Gandhi has let go of CP Joshi and made Luizinho Falerio in charge of the region

Ahmed Patel continues to be the most low-profile politician in the Congress Party. He is not the knight in the shining armour of Rahul Gandhi. He does not enjoy the same equation with Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;as he did with Sonia Gandhi. It is also a new reality for Ahmad Patel where he is still a player but not the principal player as he was some years back. But he is still required by the party.

Always available but intensely discreet, it is difficult to find a place and person in the Congress who has not been worked on by him. A large number of leaders working in leadership positions within Congress have been personally handpicked by Patel.&nbsp;

Patel hates being written about. And he has refrained from talking about his working relationship with Sonia Gandhi.&nbsp;

Considered a wazir of the dark art of politics, Ahmed Patel represents the old sensibility of the Congress. His contacts are immense both within the non-Congress political structure as well as the business community.&nbsp;

The Congress is currently short of funds and will require all of Mr Patel's resources so that a sufficient war chest can be raised for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. And his personal contacts, built up over decades, will be required in case of a fractured Parliament.&nbsp;

Patel was political adviser to Sonia Gandhi for 15 years. The Congress, which is currently short of funds, will require all of Patel's resources so that a sufficient war chest can be raised for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel was made treasurer of the Congress Party on Tuesday. (It was also his birthday.) Patel has earlier worked closely with Sonia Gandhi; he was her political secretary for over 15 years. Patel's appointment as treasurer had been on the cards for a number of months. All of the party's old leaders have not been discarded. Gulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Ahmed Patel, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ashok Gehlot, and others are being accommodated in important positions. But some old leaders are being replaced. Dr Karan Singh has been replaced by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma who will now will head the party's Foreign Affairs department. Mr Patel himself replaces the ageing Moti Lal Vora who is in his 80s. Mr Vora will now function as General Secretary in charge of administration. Budding leaders meanwhile are being put in charge of states. The list is long and includes leaders like RPN Singh, Jitendra Singh, Rajiv Satav and others. So this is not a battle royale between the old and the new guard. This is not the first time Ahmed Patel has been Congress treasurer. He was first made treasurer 20 years ago in 1998. He then resigned briefly before making a comeback to Sonia Gandhi's inner circle. He got the same portfolio again and had by then learnt his lesson well — Sonia Gandhi does not like people resigning from their positions making public displays of internal matters. Patel never looked back after that. He went on to be appointed as the political adviser to Sonia Gandhi. For some time he shared the responsibility with Ambika Soni but she was subsequently shifted to organisation. From 2004 till 2014, Patel reigned supreme. He also played a crucial role in saving the government in 2008 when the Left moved the trust vote. He was the principal outreach guy, Sonia's troubleshooter. Many accused him of cornering power and pushing his people into crucial positions. The joke was that there is an Ahmed Patel Congress within Sonia Gandhi's Congress. Burt where senior leaders like Arjun Singh, Natwar Singh, Margaret Alva, and Ambika Soni fell by the wayside, Ahmad Patel survived all of them. He was the only man through whom one could get to Sonia Gandhi. Almost everybody feared his proximity to the Congress first family. A very senior leader once told this reporter that she had gone to meet Sonia Gandhi to inform her of her upcoming foreign visit. The senior leader had been going on vacation. By the time she got out of 10 Janpath, she said she got a call from Patel who asked her where in Europe she was going? The message was very clear to the Congress party — Sonia Gandhi trusted Ahmed Patel. Treasurer of the Congress Party is no small position. Only those who hold the trust of the family are appointed to the post. Rahul's changes Rahul has also dismantled the old structure of the Congress party. He has for one done away with the position of political secretary. This is because he does not want one person to function as the sole gateway to him. Second, Rahul has also done away with the practice of General Secretary in charge of multiple states. The only exception to the rule is the Northeast where Rahul Gandhi has let go of CP Joshi and made Luizinho Falerio in charge of the region Ahmed Patel continues to be the most low-profile politician in the Congress Party. He is not the knight in the shining armour of Rahul Gandhi. He does not enjoy the same equation with Rahul Gandhi as he did with Sonia Gandhi. It is also a new reality for Ahmad Patel where he is still a player but not the principal player as he was some years back. But he is still required by the party. Always available but intensely discreet, it is difficult to find a place and person in the Congress who has not been worked on by him. A large number of leaders working in leadership positions within Congress have been personally handpicked by Patel. Patel hates being written about. And he has refrained from talking about his working relationship with Sonia Gandhi. Considered a wazir of the dark art of politics, Ahmed Patel represents the old sensibility of the Congress. His contacts are immense both within the non-Congress political structure as well as the business community. The Congress is currently short of funds and will require all of Mr Patel's resources so that a sufficient war chest can be raised for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. And his personal contacts, built up over decades, will be required in case of a fractured Parliament.

Ahmed Patel, made Congress treasurer, is party's man for all seasons

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a meeting with Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

PM Modi stated that maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the India-China border indicates "sensitivity and maturity" with which the two countries handle their differences. He also termed India-China ties as a factor of global stability.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister appreciated the increased momentum of high-level contacts between India and China in all spheres, especially in the areas of defence and military exchanges.

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Terming India-China relations as a factor of stability in the world, PM Modi said that maintenance of peace & tranquility in the border areas is indicative of the sensitivity and maturity with which India and China handle their differences, not allowing them to become disputes. <a href="https://t.co/ycbcMxOsLK">https://t.co/ycbcMxOsLK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031885187267878912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During the meeting, PM Modi also recalled his recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan summit in China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

During the meeting, PM Modi also recalled his recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan summit in China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a meeting with Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe, news agency ANI reported. PM Modi stated that maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the India-China border indicates "sensitivity and maturity" with which the two countries handle their differences. He also termed India-China ties as a factor of global stability. The Prime Minister appreciated the increased momentum of high-level contacts between India and China in all spheres, especially in the areas of defence and military exchanges. Terming India-China relations as a factor of stability in the world, PM Modi said that maintenance of peace & tranquility in the border areas is indicative of the sensitivity and maturity with which India and China handle their differences, not allowing them to become disputes. https://t.co/ycbcMxOsLK — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × During the meeting, PM Modi also recalled his recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan summit in China. (With inputs from ANI)

India-China ties factor of stability in world: PM Modi after meeting Chinese Defence Minister

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday announced that his government has decided to convene a Special Assembly Session on August 30 to discuss relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Kerala after floods.

Vijayan said a letter will be sent shortly to the Governor urging him to convene a Special Assembly Session next week.

The Chief Minister also asserted that the Kerala cabinet has decided to submit a comprehensive plan to the Centre for rehabilitation and rebuilding of Kerala.

While addressing the media here, Vijayan said that "Our aim is not merely a restoration of the state to pre-flood times but the creation of a new Kerala."

"The reconstruction demands mobilisation of resources in a large way. The state will demand Centre to raise the ceiling on borrowing for the state to 4.5 per cent of the GDP, which is pegged at 3 per cent now. This will help to raise an additional Rs 10,500 crore from the market. The state will request NABARD for a special scheme to implement long-term projects for infrastructure development in agriculture, irrigation and associated areas and social sectors," the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting the need for a special package from the central schemes, Vijayan demanded a package to the tune of Rs 2600 crore from MGNREGA.

"A moratorium was announced for bank loans in the flood-affected areas, which will be applicable to both commercial and cooperative banks. However, the behaviour of some private financial institutions is disturbing. Some have even approached people living in relief camps for collecting interests. Such appalling practices must be stopped," he added.

The Kerala Chief Minister also informed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has offered a financial assistance of Rs 700 crore for the relief work following the destruction. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a message to India also expressed condolences over the devastating floods in the state.

The Madhya Pradesh Police has donated Rs. 1.31 crore to Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. In addition, all police personnel of the state would donate their one day's salary for the same.

Various NGOs have also started mobilising funds for relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims. ActionAid announced it is rolling out interventions in Alappuzha, Idduki, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts by distributing water tanks, water purifying systems and tablets, food, dry rations, material for temporary shelter and shelter cleaning support.

Kerala faced the worst flooding in a century this monsoon season. The death toll due to the deluge has increased to 357.&nbsp;

Kerala faced the worst flooding in a century this monsoon season. The death toll due to the deluge has increased to 357, while the state has suffered a loss of over Rs 21,000 crore.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday announced that his government has decided to convene a Special Assembly Session on August 30 to discuss relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Kerala after floods. Vijayan said a letter will be sent shortly to the Governor urging him to convene a Special Assembly Session next week. The Chief Minister also asserted that the Kerala cabinet has decided to submit a comprehensive plan to the Centre for rehabilitation and rebuilding of Kerala. While addressing the media here, Vijayan said that "Our aim is not merely a restoration of the state to pre-flood times but the creation of a new Kerala." "The reconstruction demands mobilisation of resources in a large way. The state will demand Centre to raise the ceiling on borrowing for the state to 4.5 per cent of the GDP, which is pegged at 3 per cent now. This will help to raise an additional Rs 10,500 crore from the market. The state will request NABARD for a special scheme to implement long-term projects for infrastructure development in agriculture, irrigation and associated areas and social sectors," the Chief Minister said. Highlighting the need for a special package from the central schemes, Vijayan demanded a package to the tune of Rs 2600 crore from MGNREGA. "A moratorium was announced for bank loans in the flood-affected areas, which will be applicable to both commercial and cooperative banks. However, the behaviour of some private financial institutions is disturbing. Some have even approached people living in relief camps for collecting interests. Such appalling practices must be stopped," he added. The Kerala Chief Minister also informed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has offered a financial assistance of Rs 700 crore for the relief work following the destruction. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a message to India also expressed condolences over the devastating floods in the state. The Madhya Pradesh Police has donated Rs. 1.31 crore to Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. In addition, all police personnel of the state would donate their one day's salary for the same. Various NGOs have also started mobilising funds for relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims. ActionAid announced it is rolling out interventions in Alappuzha, Idduki, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts by distributing water tanks, water purifying systems and tablets, food, dry rations, material for temporary shelter and shelter cleaning support. Kerala faced the worst flooding in a century this monsoon season. The death toll due to the deluge has increased to 357.

Kerala floods: CM Vijayan calls for special Assembly session over relief work

Sixteen persons, including a local RJD activist, have been arrested and eight policemen suspended after a women was assaulted and paraded naked in the state's Bhojpur district by a mob on suspicion of her involvement in alleged murder of a man, officials said today.

Violence had rocked the main market area of Bihiya block of the district, about 60 km from the state capital, after the body of 19-year-old Vimalesh Sah, who had gone missing on Sunday, was found adjacent to a railway track yesterday morning, Bhojpur Superintendent of Police Avakash Kumar said.

Residents of Sah's native village Damodarpur had rushed to the spot upon hearing the news and some of them suspected that those living in a red light area nearby could have strangled the youth to death, police said.

The villagers set ablaze a number of shops in the market area and assaulted many local residents, police said.

As the mob frenzy continued, one of them dragged the woman out onto a street, ripped off her clothes and paraded her naked while kicking and slapping her and hurling abuses, the SP said.

He said those arrested include a local RJD activist Kaushal Kishore Yadav, who was allegedly leading he mob.

Those placed under suspension are the SHO of Bihiya police station and the inspector in-charge of GRP police station, the SP said.

The frenzied mob had also hurled stones at a train that was passing through the area, before a police team arrived and quelled the violence.

The SP said FIRs have been lodged at the Bihiya police station in connection with Sah's murder, the arson and vandalism by the mob and outraging of the women's modesty.

The incident also triggered sharp reactions from the opposition parties with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav demanding resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar alleging lawlessness in the state. He also demanded immediate measures to improve law and order situation in the state and to ensure safety and security of women.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ally Hindustani Awam Morcha's chief and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also alleged law and order has collapsed in Bihar and said the state deserved President's Rule.

Ruling party Janata Dal (United) MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar hit back by alleging involvement of RJD leaders in a number of heinous incidents in the recent past, including the one at Bihiya.&nbsp;

The mob had assembled after the body of a man who had gone missing on Sunday was found. They then went on the rampage

Sixteen persons, including a local RJD activist, have been arrested and eight policemen suspended after a women was assaulted and paraded naked in the state's Bhojpur district by a mob on suspicion of her involvement in alleged murder of a man, officials said today. Violence had rocked the main market area of Bihiya block of the district, about 60 km from the state capital, after the body of 19-year-old Vimalesh Sah, who had gone missing on Sunday, was found adjacent to a railway track yesterday morning, Bhojpur Superintendent of Police Avakash Kumar said. Residents of Sah's native village Damodarpur had rushed to the spot upon hearing the news and some of them suspected that those living in a red light area nearby could have strangled the youth to death, police said. The villagers set ablaze a number of shops in the market area and assaulted many local residents, police said. As the mob frenzy continued, one of them dragged the woman out onto a street, ripped off her clothes and paraded her naked while kicking and slapping her and hurling abuses, the SP said. He said those arrested include a local RJD activist Kaushal Kishore Yadav, who was allegedly leading he mob. Those placed under suspension are the SHO of Bihiya police station and the inspector in-charge of GRP police station, the SP said. The frenzied mob had also hurled stones at a train that was passing through the area, before a police team arrived and quelled the violence. The SP said FIRs have been lodged at the Bihiya police station in connection with Sah's murder, the arson and vandalism by the mob and outraging of the women's modesty. The incident also triggered sharp reactions from the opposition parties with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav demanding resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar alleging lawlessness in the state. He also demanded immediate measures to improve law and order situation in the state and to ensure safety and security of women. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ally Hindustani Awam Morcha's chief and former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi also alleged law and order has collapsed in Bihar and said the state deserved President's Rule. Ruling party Janata Dal (United) MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar hit back by alleging involvement of RJD leaders in a number of heinous incidents in the recent past, including the one at Bihiya.

Bihar: Woman assaulted by mob, paraded naked; 16 arrested, 8 cops suspended 

This segment of WION brings to you latest update about Kerala floods. Kerala govt estimates a loss of 20,000 crore. Watch this video to know more.

Kerala govt estimates a loss of 20,000 crore

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday issued a statement which read that Narinder Nath Vohra would be succeeded by Satya Pal Malik as the new Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Malik was earlier the Governor of Bihar.

Vohra, who retired today, served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir since June 25, 2008, completing two terms.

Satya Pal Malik has been succeeded by senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lal Ji Tandon as the new Governor of Bihar.

Speaking on his appointment, Tandon told ANI, "I will try to make a contribution to the development of Bihar. I will play the role of a Guardian to the state government. Nitish ji is an old friend of mine. I don't think we will have any problem between us.

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The trust shown in me by the PM...I'll try to make a contribution to the development of Bihar. I'll play the role of a Guardian to the state govt. Nitish ji is an old friend of mine, I don't think we'll have any problem between us: Lal Ji Tandon, newly appointed Governor of Bihar <a href="https://t.co/nzOVVN50Y8">pic.twitter.com/nzOVVN50Y8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031910478438645761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The statement by the Rashtrapati Bhavan further announced the shuffle of several other governors in the states of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Tripura.

Satyadev Narayan Arya has been appointed as the new Governor of Haryana replacing Kaptan Singh Solanki.

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Satyadev Narayan Arya has been appointed as the Governor of Haryana and Baby Rani Maurya as the Governor of Uttarakhand.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031898542124621824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Solanki has been transferred and appointed as the new Governor of Tripura. He would succeed Tathagata Roy in the state.

Roy has been transferred and would replace Ganga Prasad, as the Governor of Meghalaya.

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Ganga Prasad appointed as Governor of Sikkim, Tathagata Roy appointed as Governor of Meghalaya and Kaptan Singh Solanki appointed as Governor of Tripura.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031898291758198787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ganga Prasad has been transferred and appointed as the Governor of Sikkim, replacing Shriniwas Patil.

BJP leader Baby Rani Maurya would replace Krishan Kant Paul as the new Governor of Uttarakhand.

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Satya Pal Malik appointed as Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. He was earlier Governor of Bihar. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/Vw5dPg20nk">pic.twitter.com/Vw5dPg20nk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031897004564131845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As per the statement, the above appointments will take effect from the dates the incumbents assume charge of their respective offices.&nbsp;

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lal Ji Tandon is the new Governor of Bihar, while Satyadev Narayan Arya has been appointed Governor of Haryana.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday issued a statement which read that Narinder Nath Vohra would be succeeded by Satya Pal Malik as the new Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Malik was earlier the Governor of Bihar. Vohra, who retired today, served as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir since June 25, 2008, completing two terms. Satya Pal Malik has been succeeded by senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lal Ji Tandon as the new Governor of Bihar. Speaking on his appointment, Tandon told ANI, "I will try to make a contribution to the development of Bihar. I will play the role of a Guardian to the state government. Nitish ji is an old friend of mine. I don't think we will have any problem between us. The trust shown in me by the PM...I'll try to make a contribution to the development of Bihar. I'll play the role of a Guardian to the state govt. Nitish ji is an old friend of mine, I don't think we'll have any problem between us: Lal Ji Tandon, newly appointed Governor of Bihar pic.twitter.com/nzOVVN50Y8 — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × "The statement by the Rashtrapati Bhavan further announced the shuffle of several other governors in the states of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Tripura. Satyadev Narayan Arya has been appointed as the new Governor of Haryana replacing Kaptan Singh Solanki. Satyadev Narayan Arya has been appointed as the Governor of Haryana and Baby Rani Maurya as the Governor of Uttarakhand. — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Solanki has been transferred and appointed as the new Governor of Tripura. He would succeed Tathagata Roy in the state. Roy has been transferred and would replace Ganga Prasad, as the Governor of Meghalaya. Ganga Prasad appointed as Governor of Sikkim, Tathagata Roy appointed as Governor of Meghalaya and Kaptan Singh Solanki appointed as Governor of Tripura. — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Ganga Prasad has been transferred and appointed as the Governor of Sikkim, replacing Shriniwas Patil. BJP leader Baby Rani Maurya would replace Krishan Kant Paul as the new Governor of Uttarakhand. Satya Pal Malik appointed as Governor of Jammu & Kashmir. He was earlier Governor of Bihar. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/Vw5dPg20nk — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × As per the statement, the above appointments will take effect from the dates the incumbents assume charge of their respective offices.

Satya Pal Malik to take over as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir

Mohammad&nbsp;Hanif, father of slain rifleman Aurangzeb, on Tuesday, reacted to the ongoing controversy around Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's recent Pakistan visit.

"Sidhu Saab met Pak Army Chief, I think he (Pak Army Chief) should also meet us," Hanif said.

Hanif stated if Pak PM Imran Khan takes one step, the people on the Indian side will take 100 steps. He also requested PM Modi to meet Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

"There should be such an understanding between the two countries that no person should be killed and both the countries should develop," Hanif noted.&nbsp;

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I request PM Modi to meet Imran Khan. There should be such an understanding between the two countries that no person should be killed and both the countries should develop: Mohd Hanif, father of rifleman Aurangzeb (abducted & killed by terrorists in Pulwama on June 14) <a href="https://t.co/J80K4dCgmG">pic.twitter.com/J80K4dCgmG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031848097767350273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hanif's son, rifleman Aurangzeb, was abducted and killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on June 14.&nbsp;

According to reports, Aurangzeb was on his way to join his family on the occasion of Eid when the militants intercepted the private vehicle carrying the soldier.

There should be such an understanding between the two countries that no person should be killed: Aurangzeb's father.

Mohammad Hanif, father of slain rifleman Aurangzeb, on Tuesday, reacted to the ongoing controversy around Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's recent Pakistan visit. "Sidhu Saab met Pak Army Chief, I think he (Pak Army Chief) should also meet us," Hanif said. Hanif stated if Pak PM Imran Khan takes one step, the people on the Indian side will take 100 steps. He also requested PM Modi to meet Pakistan's newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan. "There should be such an understanding between the two countries that no person should be killed and both the countries should develop," Hanif noted. I request PM Modi to meet Imran Khan. There should be such an understanding between the two countries that no person should be killed and both the countries should develop: Mohd Hanif, father of rifleman Aurangzeb (abducted & killed by terrorists in Pulwama on June 14) pic.twitter.com/J80K4dCgmG — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Hanif's son, rifleman Aurangzeb, was abducted and killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on June 14. According to reports, Aurangzeb was on his way to join his family on the occasion of Eid when the militants intercepted the private vehicle carrying the soldier.

'If Imran Khan takes one step, we'll take 100,' says slain rifleman Aurangzeb's father

The Telangana government announced two&nbsp;schemes on August 15, for which they published two&nbsp;advertisements with the faces of a husband, wife and child printed across all regional and English newspapers.

A woman was featured in two print advertisements of Telangana government with one of them carrying a picture of another man as her husband, prompting an ‘embarrassed’ administration to issue notices to the ad agencies concerned seeking an explanation.

The advertisement&nbsp;in Telugu papers carried pictures of the woman and her husband, while the publicity material released for English papers had the photo of a different man as her spouse.

As the goof-up came in for criticism in the social media, the Information and Public Relations Department issued notices to the two agencies which undertook the ad campaign, seeking explanation, a senior official of the department said on Monday.

Aravind Kumar, the Principal Secretary of Telangana Government clarified the issue. “An issue is being created for using a woman’s pic in two of the ads appeared recently. Clarifying that @IPRTelangana Dept has issued a formal notice to both advertising agencies & appropriate action will be initiated if any of them have used the pic unauthorisedly (sic), he tweeted.

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An issue is being created for using a woman’s pic in two of the ads appeared recently. Clarifying that <a href="https://twitter.com/IPRTelangana?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPRTelangana</a> Dept has issued a formal notice to both advertising agencies & appropriate action will be initiated if any of them have used the pic unauthorisedly ...
— Arvind Kumar (@arvindkumar_ias) <a href="https://twitter.com/arvindkumar_ias/status/1031210854115618817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, the woman was shocked to see her picture in the advertisement with another man as her husband, the woman said, adding she also had to face criticism from family members.

(With inputs from agencies)

The advertisement highlighting newly launched government schemes in Telugu papers carried pictures of the woman and her husband, while the publicity material released for English papers had the photo of a different man as her spouse.

The Telangana government announced two schemes on August 15, for which they published two advertisements with the faces of a husband, wife and child printed across all regional and English newspapers. A woman was featured in two print advertisements of Telangana government with one of them carrying a picture of another man as her husband, prompting an ‘embarrassed’ administration to issue notices to the ad agencies concerned seeking an explanation. The advertisement in Telugu papers carried pictures of the woman and her husband, while the publicity material released for English papers had the photo of a different man as her spouse. As the goof-up came in for criticism in the social media, the Information and Public Relations Department issued notices to the two agencies which undertook the ad campaign, seeking explanation, a senior official of the department said on Monday. Aravind Kumar, the Principal Secretary of Telangana Government clarified the issue. “An issue is being created for using a woman’s pic in two of the ads appeared recently. Clarifying that @IPRTelangana Dept has issued a formal notice to both advertising agencies & appropriate action will be initiated if any of them have used the pic unauthorisedly (sic), he tweeted. An issue is being created for using a woman’s pic in two of the ads appeared recently. Clarifying that @IPRTelangana Dept has issued a formal notice to both advertising agencies & appropriate action will be initiated if any of them have used the pic unauthorisedly ... — Arvind Kumar (@arvindkumar_ias) August 19, 2018 × However, the woman was shocked to see her picture in the advertisement with another man as her husband, the woman said, adding she also had to face criticism from family members. (With inputs from agencies)

Husband ‘changed’ in advertisement, Telangana govt initiates action on Ad agency

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday recovered a 7.65 bore country-made pistol, a sword and a khukri from the residence of accused Sachin Andure's brother-in-law's friend, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, a similar pistol was used in Dabholkar's murder. The seized pistol will be sent to the forensics to determine if it was used for the murder.

Sachin Praskasrao Andure, accused of killing rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in 2013, <a href="wionews.com/india-news/narendra-dabholkar-murder-case-accused-sent-to-cbi-custody-till-august-26-160230">was arrested on Sunday by the CBI</a>.&nbsp;

Andure has been sent to CBI&nbsp;custody till August 26 by a Pune court, ANI reported.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraDabholkar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraDabholkar</a> murder case:CBI recovered a 7.65 bore country made pistol,sword&khukri from the place of accused Sachin Andure's brother in law's friend.A similar pistol was used in the murder.Pistol seized to be sent to forensics to determine if it was used for murder or not.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031873606505127936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He was produced before the court after being arrested by the CBI from Aurangabad, Maharashtra on Saturday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraDabholkar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraDabholkar</a> murder case: Aurangabad ATS(Anti-Terrorism Squad), Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI)&local police conducted raid in Aurangabad&detained 3 people earlier today. One pistol&3 live bullets also seized from them. The 3 people will be taken to Pune. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031920073248845824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Andure's arrest came a day ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, Maharashtra based rationalist who was the founder of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS).

Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.&nbsp;

Sachin Praskasrao Andure, accused of killing rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in 2013, was arrested on Sunday by the CBI.

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday recovered a 7.65 bore country-made pistol, a sword and a khukri from the residence of accused Sachin Andure's brother-in-law's friend, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, a similar pistol was used in Dabholkar's murder. The seized pistol will be sent to the forensics to determine if it was used for the murder. Sachin Praskasrao Andure, accused of killing rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in 2013, was arrested on Sunday by the CBI. Andure has been sent to CBI custody till August 26 by a Pune court, ANI reported. #NarendraDabholkar murder case:CBI recovered a 7.65 bore country made pistol,sword&khukri from the place of accused Sachin Andure's brother in law's friend.A similar pistol was used in the murder.Pistol seized to be sent to forensics to determine if it was used for murder or not. — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × He was produced before the court after being arrested by the CBI from Aurangabad, Maharashtra on Saturday. #NarendraDabholkar murder case: Aurangabad ATS(Anti-Terrorism Squad), Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI)&local police conducted raid in Aurangabad&detained 3 people earlier today. One pistol&3 live bullets also seized from them. The 3 people will be taken to Pune. #Maharashtra — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Andure's arrest came a day ahead of the fifth death anniversary of Dabholkar, Maharashtra based rationalist who was the founder of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS). Narendra Dabholkar was shot dead by two bike-borne assailants while returning home from a morning walk on August 20, 2013.

Dabholkar murder case: CBI recovers pistol, will send it to forensics 

An exchange of fire between security forces and a group of terrorists was reported on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara area.&nbsp;

The security forces have gunned down one terrorist in the ongoing encounter, more details are awaited, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: One terrorist has been gunned down by the security forces in an encounter which broke out in Handwara earlier today. His body is yet to be recovered. The operation is underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/TB4hOnopiU">https://t.co/TB4hOnopiU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031911691699806212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Security forces, on Saturday, gunned down three terrorists and successfully foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Tangdhar sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district.&nbsp;

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Jammu & Kashmir: Exchange of fire underway between terrorists and security forces in Handwara More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031858853963489280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police (DGP) SP Vaid confirmed the killing.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Handwara: A terrorist has been gunned down in an encounter with security forces which broke out earlier today. Operation is underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/jUntZ0K9Un">pic.twitter.com/jUntZ0K9Un</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1031923259426725888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Three terrorists killed by Army while infiltrating in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara today," Vaid tweeted out.

The fire is still underway, more details are awaited.

An exchange of fire between security forces and a group of terrorists was reported on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara area. The security forces have gunned down one terrorist in the ongoing encounter, more details are awaited, news agency ANI reported. #UPDATE: One terrorist has been gunned down by the security forces in an encounter which broke out in Handwara earlier today. His body is yet to be recovered. The operation is underway. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/TB4hOnopiU — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Security forces, on Saturday, gunned down three terrorists and successfully foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Tangdhar sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district. Jammu & Kashmir: Exchange of fire underway between terrorists and security forces in Handwara More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police (DGP) SP Vaid confirmed the killing. #Visuals from Handwara: A terrorist has been gunned down in an encounter with security forces which broke out earlier today. Operation is underway. #JammuAndKashmir (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/jUntZ0K9Un — ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018 × "Three terrorists killed by Army while infiltrating in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara today," Vaid tweeted out.

J&K: Security forces gun down terrorist in ongoing encounter in Handwara

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