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Prime Minister Modi will be in Africa this week where he will visit three African countries--Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. Following his bilateral visits to two countries in East Africa, he will take part in BRICS summit in South Africa. This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Africa. During his first visit, he visited six African countries.&nbsp;

He will begin his visit from Rwanda which will be from 23rd to 24th July followed by Uganda from 24th to 25th July and finally will end his visit in South Africa where he will take part in 10th BRICS summit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister’s official engagement in Rwanda and Uganda include bilateral meetings with the presidents, delegation level talks, and meetings with the business and the Indian communities. According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, a number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of Defence, trade, culture, Agriculture and Dairy cooperation are scheduled to be signed during the visits."

Hello Rwanda

The Indian PM will begin his Africa visit from Rwanda. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda. Other than the official engagements, the PM&nbsp;will also visit the Genocide Memorial. Rwandan genocide in 1994 has been a tragic moment in the history of the country in which an estimated one lakh people were killed. Thankfully not a single Indian was harmed during the genocide in&nbsp;1994 and the evacuation of Indian nationals by the Indian Government from Rwanda to Bujumbura and Nairobi was not interfered with by Rwandan Patriotic Front or the Government forces.

India elevated its bilateral relations with Rwanda to the level of a strategic partnership in January 2017. A regular visitor in India, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame visited Delhi in Jan 2017 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and later in March 2018 to participate in the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA). Rwanda is part of India led International solar alliance and has ratified the Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance.&nbsp;

India-Rwanda connect

Paul Kagame has visited India four times during his tenure, thrice in his private capacity. There are approximately 3000 Indian nationals and PIOs in Rwanda and the country's only sugar refinery, its only modern textile mill as well as a soap and cosmetic factory are all PIO-owned. In June 2016, an Indian company, Aroma International, announced an investment of about US $1 million in the laundry and detergent sector of Rwanda.&nbsp;

India right now doesn't have a mission in Rwanda but will be opening its Mission in Rwanda very soon. In fact, India announced its envoy last week only. &nbsp;India will conclude two LoCs – one of US $100 million for development of industrial parks and Kigali SEZ and another for US $100 million for agriculture and irrigation during the visit of Prime Minister.

India to give 200 cows to Rwanda

PM Modi will visit Rweru model village in the country and gift 200 cows as a contribution from India to the Girinka scheme of Rwanda. "Girinka” or one cow per family is a national social protection scheme of Rwanda personally initiated by President Paul Kagame. The poorest families are gifted dairy cows by the Government and the first female calf born of the cow is gifted to the neighbour. All cows will be Rwandan cows.

Why Rwanda matters?

Rwanda is considered an important gateway to East Africa. The country&nbsp;holds the chair of African Union and hosted the Assembly of the African Union in March 2018 in Kigali where African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area was signed.

Fouty-four members of the African Union signed the Agreement. Once ratified, the Agreement would be the largest Free Trade Area in terms of participating countries since the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Rwanda has played an important role in UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and is the third largest troop contributor for peacekeeping in Africa. The country plays an important role in the UN Mission (MINUSCA) in Central African Republic.

Uganda calling

This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Uganda in over 21 years. The last time an Indian PM visited Uganda was in the year 1997. Prime Minister will address at Parliament of Uganda thus becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address it. His address will be telecasted live in India and in many African countries.&nbsp;

Engagements, especially on defence, have continued. Training and capacity building has been the focus of bilateral defence cooperation. India has an Indian Military Training Team (IMTT) stationed at Jinja since 2010. India is expected to extend two lines of credit of US $141 million for electricity lines and US$ 64 million for agriculture and dairy production. This will be for the first time India will extend LoC to Uganda.

Uganda is currently Chair of East African Community and its capital Kampala can be base of Indian investments in East Africa.&nbsp;

There are over 30,000 Indians / PIOs in Uganda. &nbsp;During the reign of President Amin in the early 70’s, nearly 60,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Indians were expelled from Uganda. After Adi Amin's leading to an exodus of Indian origin people from the country, it was President Museveni who was responsible for inviting much of Indian community to return to the country assuring them of their safety and security. &nbsp;He has also been hosting the Indian community for Diwali dinners in the State House.&nbsp;

PIOs and NRIs are estimated to have invested over US $1 billion in Uganda in the last two decades. Indian Nationals/PIOs who constitute about 0.1% of Uganda’s total population of 35 million, contribute about 60% of Uganda’s direct taxes as per statistics of the Bank of Uganda and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

South Africa: 10th BRICS Summit

In South Africa, the Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with the South African President and will attend the BRICS Summit. He will also have a bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his 3rd since the Doklam standoff.

South Africa is organizing 10th BRICS Leaders’ Summit under the theme “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration with Developing Countries for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4thIndustrial Revolution”. Other than BRICS, PM Modi will participate in Outreach with Leaders from Africa & Outreach with Leaders from Global South summit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
In the BRICS Africa Outreach, those invited include Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Zambia, Namibia, Senegal, Gabon, Ethiopia, Angola, and the African Union Chair In the BRICS Plus Outreach, the invited countries of the Global South include Argentina, Turkey, Indonesia, Jamaica and Egypt. The UN Secretary-General has also been invited. Clearly, many heads of states are expected to converge in Johannesburg.

According to MEA BRICS Leaders are expected to discuss "global hot-spot issues, international peace, and security, global governance,&nbsp;trade issues during the restricted session".&nbsp;

BRICS Rating Agency: An Indian Idea 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The idea of BRICS rating agency will also be taken up during the summit and it was confirmed by Secretary Economic Relations in MEA, TS Tirumurti to WION. India has been pressing forward on the idea and it was taken up during the 1st meeting of BRICS Finance ministers and central bank governors on the sidelines of IMF/World ban meetings in Washington in April this year.&nbsp;

The Indian finance ministry said in a statement in April that India, 'requested the Presidency to receive and take forward the report to be submitted by an expert group set up under the aegis of BRICS Business Council to study the feasibility of the BRICS Rating Agency"

The idea was proposed by India given the fact that 3 western rating agencies --S&P, Moody's and Fitch--dominate the rating market. The Idea of BRICS bank or New Development bank was also proposed by India during the 4th BRICS summit in 2012 in Delhi. The bank

India and China in Africa 
&nbsp; 
It is interesting to note that the Chinese President will also be on many African nation visits. His visit will coincide with a week-long visit of Indian PM. In a release ahead of Chinese President's visit, Chinese foreign ministry said,"The visits will promote the further deepening of political mutual trust, mutual development assistance, mutual learning on each other's concepts between China and Africa and the building of a closer China-Africa community of common destiny."

Currently, China is funding infrastructure projects in Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria and South Africa. But with support comes debt and Chinese debt has been creating a lot of issues globally--including on national sovereignty. &nbsp;Chinese Chequebook diplomacy has come under criticism.&nbsp;

In Rwanda, Indian PM's plane will land even as the Chinese President's plane takes off. While Chinese President will be in Rwanda from July 22nd to 23rd, Indian PM will be in the country from July 23rd to 24th. Chinese President will visit Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa and Mauritius. Like in the case of India, this is the first time any Chinese president is visiting Rwanda.&nbsp;

In a release, Rwanda said, " Discussions will touch upon continental matters in the context of the African Union, which President Kagame currently chairs. China and India are among Africa's most important and fast-growing economic partners".

China is increasing its presence in Africa and is the largest trading partner of Africa now. But is this a worry for India?&nbsp;Reacting to a question on Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi presence in East Africa at the same time MEA said, "we don't see ourselves in competition with China".

India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Africa and a large presence of the Indian diaspora and Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's link with South Africa only cements the ties. But increasingly both China and India are hoping to get a piece in Africa's economic and political space. Africa has been the top priority for both country's Foreign Policy.&nbsp;

MODI-XI Meet in South Africa

PM Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Africa on the sidelines of BRICS Summit. Confirming the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of relevant countries, including Indian Prime Minister Modi. We are still making relevant arrangements.".

This would be the third meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi since their informal meeting in Wuhan in April. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry during the meet both the leaders "will exchange views on issues of mutual interest, including on international situation, bilateral relations and BRICS cooperation."

Ever since the Doklam standoff last year, India and China are trying to engage with each other. The Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui in New Delhi recently said, "we could not stand another Doklam incident". &nbsp;Hoping for a peaceful border he added, "boundary question between our two countries was left over by history. We need to build on convergence to find a mutually acceptable solution through the Special Representatives' Meeting while adopting confidence-building measures to maintain the peace and tranquillity along the border."

It's time for Africa, in India

Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in India's engagement in various fields with African countries. There have been 23 outgoing visits to Africa at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister in the last four years. More than 40 Heads of State and Government took part at the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015 in New Delhi. Several African Heads of State and Government took part in the International Solar Alliance Founding Conference in March 2018 in Delhi.

The visit will see 200 cows being gifted to Rwanda, an address to the Parliament of Uganda and a meet with Chinese President Xi in South Africa on the sidelines of BRICS.

Prime Minister Modi will be in Africa this week where he will visit three African countries--Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa. Following his bilateral visits to two countries in East Africa, he will take part in BRICS summit in South Africa. This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Modi to Africa. During his first visit, he visited six African countries. He will begin his visit from Rwanda which will be from 23rd to 24th July followed by Uganda from 24th to 25th July and finally will end his visit in South Africa where he will take part in 10th BRICS summit. Prime Minister’s official engagement in Rwanda and Uganda include bilateral meetings with the presidents, delegation level talks, and meetings with the business and the Indian communities. According to a release by the ministry of external affairs, a number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of Defence, trade, culture, Agriculture and Dairy cooperation are scheduled to be signed during the visits." Hello Rwanda The Indian PM will begin his Africa visit from Rwanda. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda. Other than the official engagements, the PM will also visit the Genocide Memorial. Rwandan genocide in 1994 has been a tragic moment in the history of the country in which an estimated one lakh people were killed. Thankfully not a single Indian was harmed during the genocide in 1994 and the evacuation of Indian nationals by the Indian Government from Rwanda to Bujumbura and Nairobi was not interfered with by Rwandan Patriotic Front or the Government forces. India elevated its bilateral relations with Rwanda to the level of a strategic partnership in January 2017. A regular visitor in India, Rwanda's President Paul Kagame visited Delhi in Jan 2017 to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017 and later in March 2018 to participate in the Founding Conference of International Solar Alliance (ISA). Rwanda is part of India led International solar alliance and has ratified the Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance. India-Rwanda connect Paul Kagame has visited India four times during his tenure, thrice in his private capacity. There are approximately 3000 Indian nationals and PIOs in Rwanda and the country's only sugar refinery, its only modern textile mill as well as a soap and cosmetic factory are all PIO-owned. In June 2016, an Indian company, Aroma International, announced an investment of about US $1 million in the laundry and detergent sector of Rwanda. India right now doesn't have a mission in Rwanda but will be opening its Mission in Rwanda very soon. In fact, India announced its envoy last week only. India will conclude two LoCs – one of US $100 million for development of industrial parks and Kigali SEZ and another for US $100 million for agriculture and irrigation during the visit of Prime Minister. India to give 200 cows to Rwanda PM Modi will visit Rweru model village in the country and gift 200 cows as a contribution from India to the Girinka scheme of Rwanda. "Girinka” or one cow per family is a national social protection scheme of Rwanda personally initiated by President Paul Kagame. The poorest families are gifted dairy cows by the Government and the first female calf born of the cow is gifted to the neighbour. All cows will be Rwandan cows. Why Rwanda matters? Rwanda is considered an important gateway to East Africa. The country holds the chair of African Union and hosted the Assembly of the African Union in March 2018 in Kigali where African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area was signed. Fouty-four members of the African Union signed the Agreement. Once ratified, the Agreement would be the largest Free Trade Area in terms of participating countries since the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Rwanda has played an important role in UN peacekeeping missions in Africa and is the third largest troop contributor for peacekeeping in Africa. The country plays an important role in the UN Mission (MINUSCA) in Central African Republic. Uganda calling This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Uganda in over 21 years. The last time an Indian PM visited Uganda was in the year 1997. Prime Minister will address at Parliament of Uganda thus becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address it. His address will be telecasted live in India and in many African countries. Engagements, especially on defence, have continued. Training and capacity building has been the focus of bilateral defence cooperation. India has an Indian Military Training Team (IMTT) stationed at Jinja since 2010. India is expected to extend two lines of credit of US $141 million for electricity lines and US$ 64 million for agriculture and dairy production. This will be for the first time India will extend LoC to Uganda. Uganda is currently Chair of East African Community and its capital Kampala can be base of Indian investments in East Africa. There are over 30,000 Indians / PIOs in Uganda. During the reign of President Amin in the early 70’s, nearly 60,000 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Indians were expelled from Uganda. After Adi Amin's leading to an exodus of Indian origin people from the country, it was President Museveni who was responsible for inviting much of Indian community to return to the country assuring them of their safety and security. He has also been hosting the Indian community for Diwali dinners in the State House. PIOs and NRIs are estimated to have invested over US $1 billion in Uganda in the last two decades. Indian Nationals/PIOs who constitute about 0.1% of Uganda’s total population of 35 million, contribute about 60% of Uganda’s direct taxes as per statistics of the Bank of Uganda and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). South Africa: 10th BRICS Summit In South Africa, the Prime Minister will have a bilateral meeting with the South African President and will attend the BRICS Summit. He will also have a bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, his 3rd since the Doklam standoff. South Africa is organizing 10th BRICS Leaders’ Summit under the theme “BRICS in Africa: Collaboration with Developing Countries for Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity in the 4thIndustrial Revolution”. Other than BRICS, PM Modi will participate in Outreach with Leaders from Africa & Outreach with Leaders from Global South summit. In the BRICS Africa Outreach, those invited include Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Zambia, Namibia, Senegal, Gabon, Ethiopia, Angola, and the African Union Chair In the BRICS Plus Outreach, the invited countries of the Global South include Argentina, Turkey, Indonesia, Jamaica and Egypt. The UN Secretary-General has also been invited. Clearly, many heads of states are expected to converge in Johannesburg. According to MEA BRICS Leaders are expected to discuss "global hot-spot issues, international peace, and security, global governance, trade issues during the restricted session". BRICS Rating Agency: An Indian Idea The idea of BRICS rating agency will also be taken up during the summit and it was confirmed by Secretary Economic Relations in MEA, TS Tirumurti to WION. India has been pressing forward on the idea and it was taken up during the 1st meeting of BRICS Finance ministers and central bank governors on the sidelines of IMF/World ban meetings in Washington in April this year. The Indian finance ministry said in a statement in April that India, 'requested the Presidency to receive and take forward the report to be submitted by an expert group set up under the aegis of BRICS Business Council to study the feasibility of the BRICS Rating Agency" The idea was proposed by India given the fact that 3 western rating agencies --S&P, Moody's and Fitch--dominate the rating market. The Idea of BRICS bank or New Development bank was also proposed by India during the 4th BRICS summit in 2012 in Delhi. The bank India and China in Africa It is interesting to note that the Chinese President will also be on many African nation visits. His visit will coincide with a week-long visit of Indian PM. In a release ahead of Chinese President's visit, Chinese foreign ministry said,"The visits will promote the further deepening of political mutual trust, mutual development assistance, mutual learning on each other's concepts between China and Africa and the building of a closer China-Africa community of common destiny." Currently, China is funding infrastructure projects in Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria and South Africa. But with support comes debt and Chinese debt has been creating a lot of issues globally--including on national sovereignty. Chinese Chequebook diplomacy has come under criticism. In Rwanda, Indian PM's plane will land even as the Chinese President's plane takes off. While Chinese President will be in Rwanda from July 22nd to 23rd, Indian PM will be in the country from July 23rd to 24th. Chinese President will visit Senegal, Rwanda, South Africa and Mauritius. Like in the case of India, this is the first time any Chinese president is visiting Rwanda. In a release, Rwanda said, " Discussions will touch upon continental matters in the context of the African Union, which President Kagame currently chairs. China and India are among Africa's most important and fast-growing economic partners". China is increasing its presence in Africa and is the largest trading partner of Africa now. But is this a worry for India? Reacting to a question on Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi presence in East Africa at the same time MEA said, "we don't see ourselves in competition with China". India shares close, warm and friendly relations with Africa and a large presence of the Indian diaspora and Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's link with South Africa only cements the ties. But increasingly both China and India are hoping to get a piece in Africa's economic and political space. Africa has been the top priority for both country's Foreign Policy. MODI-XI Meet in South Africa PM Modi will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Africa on the sidelines of BRICS Summit. Confirming the meet, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said, "on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of relevant countries, including Indian Prime Minister Modi. We are still making relevant arrangements.". This would be the third meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi since their informal meeting in Wuhan in April. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry during the meet both the leaders "will exchange views on issues of mutual interest, including on international situation, bilateral relations and BRICS cooperation." Ever since the Doklam standoff last year, India and China are trying to engage with each other. The Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui in New Delhi recently said, "we could not stand another Doklam incident". Hoping for a peaceful border he added, "boundary question between our two countries was left over by history. We need to build on convergence to find a mutually acceptable solution through the Special Representatives' Meeting while adopting confidence-building measures to maintain the peace and tranquillity along the border." It's time for Africa, in India Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in India's engagement in various fields with African countries. There have been 23 outgoing visits to Africa at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister in the last four years. More than 40 Heads of State and Government took part at the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015 in New Delhi. Several African Heads of State and Government took part in the International Solar Alliance Founding Conference in March 2018 in Delhi.

PM Modi's Africa visit to set tone for India's BRICS 2018 agenda

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been authorised by Congress Working Committee (CWC) to take decisions on pre-poll and post-poll alliance, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.

Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul said expansion of the party vote base was one of the party's biggest tasks.&nbsp

''Expansion of our party vote base is one of our biggest tasks. In each constituency, we have to find people who have not voted for us and develop a strategy to reach out to them and win back their trust,'' Rahul Gandhi said during Congress Working Committee meeting.

Earlier Rahul described the revamped Congress Working Committee (CWC) as a bridge between the past, present and future and asked party men to rise and fight for India's oppressed.

Chairing the first meeting of the revamped CWC after becoming president of the party in December last, he said it was an institution comprising experience and energy.

The Congress president also reminded the role of the Congress as the voice of India as also its responsibility of present and future, charging that the BJP attacks institutions, Dalits, tribals, backwards, minorities and the poor.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, in his address assured Rahul Gandhi that he and all other Congressmen will help him in the onerous task of restoring India's social harmony and economic development.

"I assure Rahul Gandhiji that we will fully support him in his onerous task of restoring India's social harmony and economic development,'' he said, rejecting the culture of constant "self-praise and jumlas" (gimmicks), as against solid policy framework for driving the engine of growth.&nbsp

Singh said the claim of doubling farm income by 2022 will require an agricultural growth rate of 14 per cent, which is nowhere in sight.

Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul said expansion of the party vote base was one of the party's biggest tasks.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi has been authorised by Congress Working Committee (CWC) to take decisions on pre-poll and post-poll alliance, news agency ANI reported quoting sources. Earlier addressing the CWC, Rahul said expansion of the party vote base was one of the party's biggest tasks. ''Expansion of our party vote base is one of our biggest tasks. In each constituency, we have to find people who have not voted for us and develop a strategy to reach out to them and win back their trust,'' Rahul Gandhi said during Congress Working Committee meeting. Earlier Rahul described the revamped Congress Working Committee (CWC) as a bridge between the past, present and future and asked party men to rise and fight for India's oppressed. Chairing the first meeting of the revamped CWC after becoming president of the party in December last, he said it was an institution comprising experience and energy. The Congress president also reminded the role of the Congress as the voice of India as also its responsibility of present and future, charging that the BJP attacks institutions, Dalits, tribals, backwards, minorities and the poor. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, in his address assured Rahul Gandhi that he and all other Congressmen will help him in the onerous task of restoring India's social harmony and economic development. "I assure Rahul Gandhiji that we will fully support him in his onerous task of restoring India's social harmony and economic development,'' he said, rejecting the culture of constant "self-praise and jumlas" (gimmicks), as against solid policy framework for driving the engine of growth. Singh said the claim of doubling farm income by 2022 will require an agricultural growth rate of 14 per cent, which is nowhere in sight.

CWC authorises Rahul Gandhi to take decisions on pre-poll, post-poll alliances: Sources

Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid on Sunday confirmed that one of the terrorists gunned down earlier belonged to terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Speaking to the media, Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid informed that two AK-47 rifles were also recovered from the terrorists.

"These terrorists were involved in abduction and killing of one of the police constables, Mohammad Saleem on Saturday. Bodies of the terrorists and two AK-47 rifles have been recovered from their possession. One terrorist was associated with LeT, other two were locals," he said.

Three terrorists have been gunned down in an ongoing encounter in Wani Mohalla area of Kulgam's Khudwani.

At present, a heavy gunbattle is underway between terrorists and security forces.

Vaid also informed that the terrorists trapped at the encounter site were behind the killing of Police-constable Saleem Ahmed Shah.&nbsp

Speaking to the media, Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid informed that two AK-47 rifles were also recovered from the terrorists.

Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid on Sunday confirmed that one of the terrorists gunned down earlier belonged to terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Speaking to the media, Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid informed that two AK-47 rifles were also recovered from the terrorists. "These terrorists were involved in abduction and killing of one of the police constables, Mohammad Saleem on Saturday. Bodies of the terrorists and two AK-47 rifles have been recovered from their possession. One terrorist was associated with LeT, other two were locals," he said. Three terrorists have been gunned down in an ongoing encounter in Wani Mohalla area of Kulgam's Khudwani. At present, a heavy gunbattle is underway between terrorists and security forces. Vaid also informed that the terrorists trapped at the encounter site were behind the killing of Police-constable Saleem Ahmed Shah.

Terrorist killed in Kulgam belonged to LeT

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said that the party has chances of winning 3 times more seats in the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

The Congress currently has 48 members of Parliment in the Lok Sabha and is confident of further increasing its presence in 12 more states.&nbsp;

Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in the Parliament Annexe Building here, Chidambaram emphasised the need to strengthen the party's presence in the 12 states to boost up the numbers.

In rest of the states, the senior leader pitched for aligning with regional parties to further improve the party's position, sources told ANI.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-to-start-bjp-hatao-desh-bachao-campaign-from-august-15-153436">Mamata Banerjee</a> vowed to remove the BJP from power at the center and prophesised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party will get a "big blow" in the 2019 general elections and end up with less than 100 seats in parliament.

On Saturday, she said that she will start 'BJP hatao, desh Bachao' campaign on August 15 during the Martyrs’ Day rally.&nbsp;

Earlier Congress President Rahul Gandhi chaired the Congress Working Committee (CWC) for the first time since he became the president of the party. There was a rejig in the CWC recently in which Digvijaya Singh, Shashi Tharoor and Kamal Nath amongst many were dropped.

Addressing the CWC, Gandhi reminded the party supporters "the role of Congress as the voice of India" and the "responsibility of the party as BJP attacks institutions, Dalits, tribals, minorities and the poor."

He also described the CWC as an "institution comprising experience and energy, as a bridge between the past, present and the future."

The Congress currently has 48 members of Parliment in the Lok Sabha and is confident of further increasing its presence in 12 more states.

Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Sunday said that the party has chances of winning 3 times more seats in the 2019 general elections. The Congress currently has 48 members of Parliment in the Lok Sabha and is confident of further increasing its presence in 12 more states. Addressing the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in the Parliament Annexe Building here, Chidambaram emphasised the need to strengthen the party's presence in the 12 states to boost up the numbers. In rest of the states, the senior leader pitched for aligning with regional parties to further improve the party's position, sources told ANI. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vowed to remove the BJP from power at the center and prophesised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party will get a "big blow" in the 2019 general elections and end up with less than 100 seats in parliament. On Saturday, she said that she will start 'BJP hatao, desh Bachao' campaign on August 15 during the Martyrs’ Day rally. Earlier Congress President Rahul Gandhi chaired the Congress Working Committee (CWC) for the first time since he became the president of the party. There was a rejig in the CWC recently in which Digvijaya Singh, Shashi Tharoor and Kamal Nath amongst many were dropped. Addressing the CWC, Gandhi reminded the party supporters "the role of Congress as the voice of India" and the "responsibility of the party as BJP attacks institutions, Dalits, tribals, minorities and the poor." He also described the CWC as an "institution comprising experience and energy, as a bridge between the past, present and the future."

CWC: Congress can win 3 times more seats in 2019, says P Chidambaram

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Saturday visited Hapania area in the outskirts of Agartala for inspection of the spot to set up All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state.

This is the second spot that the Chief Minister has visited for the purpose. He was accompanied by the Health Minister Sudip Roy Barman, local MLA Ram Prashad Paul and several officials.

Recently, Union Health Minister JP Nadda approved the proposal of the Tripura government to set up AIIMS in the state so that people do not have to go out of the state for better treatment.

"I had seen a land at&nbsp;Bodhjungnagar&nbsp;and here also there is a land which is quite big and moreover, we've sent a proposal from the Tripura government to the Centre so that it can be set up at the earliest," said Deb.

"Narendra Bhai Modi is working for the northeast in that direction. Now, after spot verification, I will sit with the Health Minister Sudip Roy Barman and other officials including the Health Secretary and Principal Secretary," he added.

The area is though less than the desired 200 acres, but it is suitable for setting up AIIMS keeping in mind the hilly Northeaster region state, the Chief Minister said.

Earlier, Deb had visited Budhjungnagar area for the same purpose.

People from neighbouring country Bangladesh, part of Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur would also be benefitted if AIIMS comes up in Tripura.

Recently, Union Health Minister JP Nadda approved the proposal of the Tripura government to set up AIIMS in the state so that people do not have to go out of the state for better treatment.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Saturday visited Hapania area in the outskirts of Agartala for inspection of the spot to set up All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the state. This is the second spot that the Chief Minister has visited for the purpose. He was accompanied by the Health Minister Sudip Roy Barman, local MLA Ram Prashad Paul and several officials. Recently, Union Health Minister JP Nadda approved the proposal of the Tripura government to set up AIIMS in the state so that people do not have to go out of the state for better treatment. "I had seen a land at Bodhjungnagar and here also there is a land which is quite big and moreover, we've sent a proposal from the Tripura government to the Centre so that it can be set up at the earliest," said Deb. "Narendra Bhai Modi is working for the northeast in that direction. Now, after spot verification, I will sit with the Health Minister Sudip Roy Barman and other officials including the Health Secretary and Principal Secretary," he added. The area is though less than the desired 200 acres, but it is suitable for setting up AIIMS keeping in mind the hilly Northeaster region state, the Chief Minister said. Earlier, Deb had visited Budhjungnagar area for the same purpose. People from neighbouring country Bangladesh, part of Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur would also be benefitted if AIIMS comes up in Tripura.

Tripura CM visits proposed AIIMS site in Agartala

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Shehbaz Sharif has said that he would make Pakistan better than its arch-rival India after coming into power, according to a media report on Saturday.

Addressing a rally in Sargodha district of his stronghold of Punjab on Friday, Sharif said that people can change his name if he does not take Pakistan ahead of India after coming into power, The Express Tribune reported.

"They (Indians) will come to Wagah Border and call Pakistanis their master," 65-year-old Sharif was quoted as saying by the paper.

The former Punjab chief minister said that he would bring Pakistan at par with Malaysia and Turkey. He added that he would visit Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan "to learn from them and make Pakistan a great nation again".

He said that Pakistan cannot become a great nation by voting leaders like Imran Khan who have made false promises to "our nation".

"The U-turn signs should be removed from roads and should be replaced by the picture of Imran Khan," he said, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief's politics is based on baseless allegations and false promises.

"Khan alleged corruption against the Punjab government but not a single penny has been proved against me," the PML-N president said.

He said his elder brother Nawaz Sharif <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/some-powerful-people-in-pakistan-do-not-want-me-to-return-nawaz-sharif-151175">came back to Pakistan</a> leaving his ailing wife in London but Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were arrested at the airport.

"Nawaz Sharif was not even allowed to meet his mother," he added.Both Sharif and Maryam have been sentenced by a court to 10 and seven years in prison, respectively, for corruption charges. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year.

Sharif added that people can change his name if he does not do so. 'They (Indians) will come to Wagah Border and call Pakistanis their master,' Sharif was reported to have said\

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Shehbaz Sharif has said that he would make Pakistan better than its arch-rival India after coming into power, according to a media report on Saturday. Addressing a rally in Sargodha district of his stronghold of Punjab on Friday, Sharif said that people can change his name if he does not take Pakistan ahead of India after coming into power, The Express Tribune reported. "They (Indians) will come to Wagah Border and call Pakistanis their master," 65-year-old Sharif was quoted as saying by the paper. The former Punjab chief minister said that he would bring Pakistan at par with Malaysia and Turkey. He added that he would visit Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan "to learn from them and make Pakistan a great nation again". He said that Pakistan cannot become a great nation by voting leaders like Imran Khan who have made false promises to "our nation". "The U-turn signs should be removed from roads and should be replaced by the picture of Imran Khan," he said, adding that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief's politics is based on baseless allegations and false promises. "Khan alleged corruption against the Punjab government but not a single penny has been proved against me," the PML-N president said. He said his elder brother Nawaz Sharif came back to Pakistan leaving his ailing wife in London but Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were arrested at the airport. "Nawaz Sharif was not even allowed to meet his mother," he added.Both Sharif and Maryam have been sentenced by a court to 10 and seven years in prison, respectively, for corruption charges. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year.

Will make Pakistan better than India if PML-N returns to power: Shehbaz Sharif

A mountaineering expedition has located the body of one of the soldiers on board along with some parts of AN-12 aircraft of the Indian Air Force that crashed in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh with 102 personnel on board while flying from Chandigarh to Leh.

Climbers found remains of 50 year old crash victims

Akshay Kumar, whose film "Pad Man" tried to create awareness on menstrual hygiene, has thanked the GST Council for making sanitary napkins Goods and Services Tax (GST) free.

The GST on sanitary pads has been cut from 12 per cent to zero.

Akshay tweeted on Saturday: "One of those days when a news brings tears of joy as a cause close to your heart gets fulfilled. Thank you, #GSTCouncil, for understanding the need for menstrual hygiene & exempting sanitary pads from tax. I'm sure crores of women in our country are silently sending gratitude your way."

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One of those days when a news brings tears of joy as a cause close to ur heart gets fulfilled.Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GSTCouncil?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GSTCouncil</a>,for understanding the need for menstrual hygiene & exempting sanitary pads from tax. I'm sure crores of women in our country are silently sending gratitude ur way
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1020713650515070976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the month of January, While promoting the PadMan movie in Pune, the 50-year-old-actor said, “Women are going for tax-free sanitary, but I say it should be completely free. Cut the five percent money from defence, make one bomb less and give it to women to get the sanitary napkin.”

The film was produced by Twinkle Khanna and directed by R&nbspBalki. It featured Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor along with Akshay.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Akshay tweeted on Saturday: "One of those days when a news brings tears of joy as a cause close to your heart gets fulfilled".

Akshay Kumar, whose film "Pad Man" tried to create awareness on menstrual hygiene, has thanked the GST Council for making sanitary napkins Goods and Services Tax (GST) free. The GST on sanitary pads has been cut from 12 per cent to zero. Akshay tweeted on Saturday: "One of those days when a news brings tears of joy as a cause close to your heart gets fulfilled. Thank you, #GSTCouncil, for understanding the need for menstrual hygiene & exempting sanitary pads from tax. I'm sure crores of women in our country are silently sending gratitude your way." One of those days when a news brings tears of joy as a cause close to ur heart gets fulfilled.Thank you, #GSTCouncil,for understanding the need for menstrual hygiene & exempting sanitary pads from tax. I'm sure crores of women in our country are silently sending gratitude ur way — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 21, 2018 × Earlier in the month of January, While promoting the PadMan movie in Pune, the 50-year-old-actor said, “Women are going for tax-free sanitary, but I say it should be completely free. Cut the five percent money from defence, make one bomb less and give it to women to get the sanitary napkin.” The film was produced by Twinkle Khanna and directed by R&nbspBalki. It featured Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor along with Akshay. (With inputs from Agencies)

Emotional Akshay Kumar thanks GST Council for tax exemption on sanitary napkins

A union minister has blamed the Alwar lynching on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity.&nbsp;

Akbar aka Rakbar was <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/alwar-lynching-man-beaten-to-death-by-mob-on-suspicion-of-being-cow-smuggler-153412">lynched</a> in Lalawandi on Friday on the suspicion that he was smuggling cows. Another man with him was beaten up.&nbsp;

"Killing of people on 'suspicion' is sadly becoming a norm in BJP-ruled states," news reports quoted Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot as saying. Friday's lynching was the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pehlu-khan-lynching-rajasthan-police-gives-clean-chit-to-6-accused-20205">third</a> in a year in Alwar.&nbsp;

The BJP however had a different explanation.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal blamed it on Prime Minister Modi's popularity.&nbsp;

News reports on Sunday quoted him as saying such incidents would rise as the prime minister's popularity grows. He added that awards were returned (ghar wapsi) around the time of the Bihar elections, that lynchings happened around the time of the UP elections, and that the issue of intolerance will come up again around the time of the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

Meghwal was trying to say that the lynchings were a conspiracy against Modi.&nbsp;

"As Modiji becomes more popular, such incidents will take place," news reports quoted Meghwal as saying. "Because schemes by Modiji are making a difference at the ground level, this is a reaction."&nbsp;

The reports said Meghwal condemned the murder, but also asked people to think about the root cause of the violence.

"Mob lynching should not take place. We condemn it. But... you will have to go back into history, why does this happen? We need to stop that," he said.

Rajasthan BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja meanwhile claimed Saturday that Akbar had been beaten to death by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-alwar-man-thrashed-by-police-claims-bjp-mla-153520">police</a> and not by a mob.&nbsp;

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If they are found guilty then they will also be punished, but as of now I don't have any such input: Gulab Chand Kataria, Rajasthan Home Minister on BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja alleging Alwar lynching victim died in police custody <a href="https://t.co/oNhOb5FQsg">pic.twitter.com/oNhOb5FQsg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1020897722029703170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Three people have so far been arrested in connection with the lynching.&nbsp;

'As Modiji becomes more popular, such incidents will take place,' Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal said

A union minister has blamed the Alwar lynching on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity. Akbar aka Rakbar was lynched in Lalawandi on Friday on the suspicion that he was smuggling cows. Another man with him was beaten up. "Killing of people on 'suspicion' is sadly becoming a norm in BJP-ruled states," news reports quoted Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot as saying. Friday's lynching was the third in a year in Alwar. The BJP however had a different explanation. Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal blamed it on Prime Minister Modi's popularity. News reports on Sunday quoted him as saying such incidents would rise as the prime minister's popularity grows. He added that awards were returned (ghar wapsi) around the time of the Bihar elections, that lynchings happened around the time of the UP elections, and that the issue of intolerance will come up again around the time of the 2019 elections. Meghwal was trying to say that the lynchings were a conspiracy against Modi. "As Modiji becomes more popular, such incidents will take place," news reports quoted Meghwal as saying. "Because schemes by Modiji are making a difference at the ground level, this is a reaction." The reports said Meghwal condemned the murder, but also asked people to think about the root cause of the violence. "Mob lynching should not take place. We condemn it. But... you will have to go back into history, why does this happen? We need to stop that," he said. Rajasthan BJP MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja meanwhile claimed Saturday that Akbar had been beaten to death by the police and not by a mob. If they are found guilty then they will also be punished, but as of now I don't have any such input: Gulab Chand Kataria, Rajasthan Home Minister on BJP MLA Gyandev Ahuja alleging Alwar lynching victim died in police custody pic.twitter.com/oNhOb5FQsg — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2018 × Three people have so far been arrested in connection with the lynching.

Rajasthan lynching: Union minister blames 'PM's popularity'

Sonia Gandhi said Sunday that "the rhetoric of PM Modi shows his desperation", and that the "reverse countdown of (the) Modi government" has begun.&nbsp;

Sonia was speaking at the Congress Working Committee meeting in New Delhi. The meeting is being chaired by Congress President Rahul Gandhi.&nbsp;

"Sonia Gandhi ji points out that rhetoric of PM Modi shows his desperation, reflecting that reverse countdown of Modi government has begun," ANI quoted Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala as saying.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/doubling-farm-incomes-by-2022-will-require-agriculture-growth-rate-of-14-manmohan-singh-153572">Doubling farm incomes by 2022 will require agriculture growth rate of 14%, says Manmohan Singh</a>

Sonia added, ANI reported sources as saying, that to counter the RSS' organisational might and financial power, the opposition has to come together in strategic alliances. And that personal ambitions should be kept aside.&nbsp;

A united opposition has so far had a large amount of success at beating what had been seen as an invincible BJP by pitting one single candidate against the BJP. The single candidate ensures the opposition vote is not split.&nbsp;

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I am saying that alliances will be dependent on where the national leadership takes us and wherever it takes us we will go. People are expressing confidence in Congress now: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh on Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in 
Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/9RkEpIurNX">pic.twitter.com/9RkEpIurNX</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1020941088079589376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Former finance minister P Chidambaram said at the CWC meeting that the Congress party was strong in 12 states. (The Congress is currently in power in two states — Punjab and Mizoram — and in the union territory of Puducherry. It is also in power in Karnataka in alliance with the JD(S).&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We can boost our number by three times to bring it to 150 seats. In the rest of the states, alliance with regional parties (is) important," ANI quoted Chidambaram as saying.&nbsp;

Sonia added that to counter the RSS' organisational might and financial power, the opposition has to come together in strategic alliances. And that personal ambitions should be kept aside. Sonia made her comments at the Congress Working Committee meeting in New Delhi

Sonia Gandhi said Sunday that "the rhetoric of PM Modi shows his desperation", and that the "reverse countdown of (the) Modi government" has begun. Sonia was speaking at the Congress Working Committee meeting in New Delhi. The meeting is being chaired by Congress President Rahul Gandhi. "Sonia Gandhi ji points out that rhetoric of PM Modi shows his desperation, reflecting that reverse countdown of Modi government has begun," ANI quoted Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala as saying. Also read: Doubling farm incomes by 2022 will require agriculture growth rate of 14%, says Manmohan Singh Sonia added, ANI reported sources as saying, that to counter the RSS' organisational might and financial power, the opposition has to come together in strategic alliances. And that personal ambitions should be kept aside. A united opposition has so far had a large amount of success at beating what had been seen as an invincible BJP by pitting one single candidate against the BJP. The single candidate ensures the opposition vote is not split. I am saying that alliances will be dependent on where the national leadership takes us and wherever it takes us we will go. People are expressing confidence in Congress now: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh on Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/9RkEpIurNX — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2018 × Former finance minister P Chidambaram said at the CWC meeting that the Congress party was strong in 12 states. (The Congress is currently in power in two states — Punjab and Mizoram — and in the union territory of Puducherry. It is also in power in Karnataka in alliance with the JD(S). "We can boost our number by three times to bring it to 150 seats. In the rest of the states, alliance with regional parties (is) important," ANI quoted Chidambaram as saying.

Reverse countdown of Modi government has begun: Sonia Gandhi at CWC meeting

Three terrorists were killed in the encounter which took place only a few kilometres from where Constable Salem Ahmed Shah was kidnapped. Police said he was tortured before being killed

Terrorists who killed J&K policeman shot dead in encounter

Security forces have killed three militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam.

A police official said a cordon-and-search operation was launched after they got a tip-off about the presence of militants.

The official said the militants fired upon the security forces after which a gun battle ensued.

Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid said the militants belonged to the same group who captured a police constable on Friday night and <a href="and killed ">killed him</a>.&nbsp;

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Terrorists group that tortured our colleague CT Mohd Saleem of Kulgam & killed him brutally are all trapped in an encounter with J&K Police/Army/CRPF in Khudwani Kulgam.
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/1020858379445702661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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3 bodies of terrorists recovered with three weapons so far from encounter site.
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/1020861615728709632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The constable, Salem Ahmed Shah, was kidnapped only a few kilometres from the encounter site.

Shah had been undergoing police training in Kathua. He was home in Kulgam on leave.

A police spokesman said Shah's body was found with several injury marks on it, indicating he had been tortured.

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Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kulgam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kulgam</a>. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/pTtuIUraf4">pic.twitter.com/pTtuIUraf4</a>
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/KashmirPolice/status/1020644944711647233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A number of Kashmiri army and police personnel have been kidnapped, generally when they're on leave, and killed by militants in the recent past, indicating a hardening of stands in the Valley.&nbsp;

The army and Kashmir Police have gone so far as to tell their&nbsp;personnel not to travel to their hometowns while on leave.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Sunday's encounter, in which 3 terrorists were killed, took place only a few kilometres from where Constable Salem Ahmed Shah was kidnapped on Friday in Kulgam.

Security forces have killed three militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam. A police official said a cordon-and-search operation was launched after they got a tip-off about the presence of militants. The official said the militants fired upon the security forces after which a gun battle ensued. Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid said the militants belonged to the same group who captured a police constable on Friday night and killed him. Terrorists group that tortured our colleague CT Mohd Saleem of Kulgam & killed him brutally are all trapped in an encounter with J&K Police/Army/CRPF in Khudwani Kulgam. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) July 22, 2018 × 3 bodies of terrorists recovered with three weapons so far from encounter site. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) July 22, 2018 × The constable, Salem Ahmed Shah, was kidnapped only a few kilometres from the encounter site. Shah had been undergoing police training in Kathua. He was home in Kulgam on leave. A police spokesman said Shah's body was found with several injury marks on it, indicating he had been tortured. Our colleague Salem Ahmed Shah was abducted and killed by terrorists in #Kulgam. We condemn this cowardly act. We all stand by his family at this critical juncture.⁦⁦@JmuKmrPolice⁩ pic.twitter.com/pTtuIUraf4 — Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) July 21, 2018 × A number of Kashmiri army and police personnel have been kidnapped, generally when they're on leave, and killed by militants in the recent past, indicating a hardening of stands in the Valley. The army and Kashmir Police have gone so far as to tell their personnel not to travel to their hometowns while on leave.

Terrorists who killed Jammu & Kashmir constable shot dead in encounter: Police

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. "Rahul Gandhi must not talk on issues he is unaware of', says PM Modi.

'Rahul Gandhi must not talk on issues he is unaware of', says PM Modi

An encounter between security forces and terrorists began in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara on Saturday morning.

The gunfight took place near Line of Control (LoC) in Tanghdar sector of north Kashmir. Reports inform that Army's 6 Gadhwal and a group of militants had a stand-off in the dense woods of Balthedyan along the LoC adjacent to Tony Post.

Security forces launched an anti-militancy operation in the&nbsparea of Kupwara this morning following information about the presence of militants in the area, an army official said.

He said some gunshots were exchanged at the start of the operation which was continuing when the last reports were received.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists began in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara on Saturday morning.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists began in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara on Saturday morning. The gunfight took place near Line of Control (LoC) in Tanghdar sector of north Kashmir. Reports inform that Army's 6 Gadhwal and a group of militants had a stand-off in the dense woods of Balthedyan along the LoC adjacent to Tony Post. Security forces launched an anti-militancy operation in the&nbsparea of Kupwara this morning following information about the presence of militants in the area, an army official said. He said some gunshots were exchanged at the start of the operation which was continuing when the last reports were received.

Jammu and Kashmir: Gunfight breaks out between security forces and terrorists in Kupwara’s Tanghdar sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. We are 'Chowkidars' and 'Bhagidars', but not like the 'Thekedars' of Congress, says PM Modi.

We are 'Chowkidars' and 'Bhagidars', but not like the 'Thekedars' of Congress: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi's wink.

No-Confidence Motion: PM Modi takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi's wink

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. You can abuse me as much as you want but stop insulting our jawans, says PM Modi to Congress.

You can abuse me as much as you want but stop insulting our jawans: PM Modi to Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. 13 crore youth given loans under Mudra Yojna, says PM Modi.

13 crore youth given loans under Mudra Yojna: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi highlights the achievements in agricultural sector.

PM Modi highlights the achievements in agricultural sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. PM Modi lists government schemes.

Modi govt faces no-confidence motion; PM Modi lists government schemes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocks Congress President Rahul Gandhi's bear hug.

No-Confidence Motion: Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocks Congress President Rahul Gandhi's bear hug

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responds to Congress' attack.

WION Gravitas: Prime Minister Narendra Modi responds to Congress' attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government faces its first no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha. First no-confidence motion was moved in 1963.

First no-confidence motion was moved in 1963

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