External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Francois-Philippe Champagne in Toronto on Thursday and held discussions on a range of regional and global issues, including cross-border terrorism, while also providing "an accurate understanding" of the developments pertaining to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-after-134-days-people-pray-at-jamia-masjid-in-srinagar-268983">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

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Did a comprehensive review of our bilateral ties and discussed opportunities for more productive collaborations in different sectors. Exchanged views on a number of global and regional issues. 
Recognised the significance of people-to-people links to our larger relationship.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1207852280961273861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Underlined the importance of respecting our national integrity and unity. Discussed the challenge of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Provided an accurate understanding of Jammu &amp; Kashmir developments.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1207852283138101254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders discussed opportunities for more productive collaborations in different sectors and recognised the significance of people-to-people links to their larger relationship."Did a comprehensive review of our bilateral ties and discussed opportunities for more productive collaborations in different sectors. Exchanged views on a number of global and regional issues. Recognised the significance of people-to-people links to our larger relationship," Jaishankar tweeted.

"Underlined the importance of respecting our national integrity and unity. Discussed the challenge of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Provided an accurate understanding of Jammu &amp; Kashmir developments," the following tweet read.

Jaishankar, who visited Canada after the successful conclusion of his visit to the US for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-call-on-pakistan-to-arrest-and-prosecute-perpetrators-of-cross-border-terror-attacks-269230">2+2</a> ministerial dialogue, also held talks with Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and International Trade Minister Mary Ng earlier today.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Francois-Philippe Champagne in Toronto on Thursday and held discussions on a range of regional and global issues, including cross-border terrorism, while also providing "an accurate understanding" of the developments pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Canadian counterpart Francois-Philippe Champagne in Toronto on Thursday and held discussions on a range of regional and global issues, including cross-border terrorism, while also providing "an accurate understanding" of the developments pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. Did a comprehensive review of our bilateral ties and discussed opportunities for more productive collaborations in different sectors. Exchanged views on a number of global and regional issues. Recognised the significance of people-to-people links to our larger relationship. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 20, 2019 × Underlined the importance of respecting our national integrity and unity. Discussed the challenge of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Provided an accurate understanding of Jammu & Kashmir developments. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 20, 2019 × The two leaders discussed opportunities for more productive collaborations in different sectors and recognised the significance of people-to-people links to their larger relationship."Did a comprehensive review of our bilateral ties and discussed opportunities for more productive collaborations in different sectors. Exchanged views on a number of global and regional issues. Recognised the significance of people-to-people links to our larger relationship," Jaishankar tweeted. "Underlined the importance of respecting our national integrity and unity. Discussed the challenge of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. Provided an accurate understanding of Jammu & Kashmir developments," the following tweet read. Jaishankar, who visited Canada after the successful conclusion of his visit to the US for 2+2 ministerial dialogue, also held talks with Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and International Trade Minister Mary Ng earlier today.

Jaishankar meets Canadian counterpart, provides ''accurate understanding'' of developments in Kashmir

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that terrorist incidents have declined in Jammu and Kashmir but there is an increase in the number of infiltration attempts from across the border after the government abrogated Article 370 in August this year.

"Incidents of terrorist violence declined after 5th August. From 5th August 2019-27th November 2019, there have been 88 such incidents as compared to 106 such incidents from 12 April 2019-4 Aug 2019," the MHA stated in its reply in the Lower House on infiltration and attacks after removal of Article 370 in Kashmir.

"There has been an increase in the number of infiltration attempts from across the border. During the 88 day period from 5th August 2019 - 31st October 2019 there have been 84 such attempts as against 53 such attempts from 9th May 2019 - 4th August 2019," the ministry said.

In August this year, the government revoked Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Parliament also passed a bill bifurcating the region into two union territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which officially came into existence from October 31.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that terrorist incidents have declined in Jammu and Kashmir but there is an increase in the number of infiltration attempts from across the border after the government abrogated Article 370 in August this year.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that terrorist incidents have declined in Jammu and Kashmir but there is an increase in the number of infiltration attempts from across the border after the government abrogated Article 370 in August this year. "Incidents of terrorist violence declined after 5th August. From 5th August 2019-27th November 2019, there have been 88 such incidents as compared to 106 such incidents from 12 April 2019-4 Aug 2019," the MHA stated in its reply in the Lower House on infiltration and attacks after removal of Article 370 in Kashmir. "There has been an increase in the number of infiltration attempts from across the border. During the 88 day period from 5th August 2019 - 31st October 2019 there have been 84 such attempts as against 53 such attempts from 9th May 2019 - 4th August 2019," the ministry said. In August this year, the government revoked Article 370 that gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Parliament also passed a bill bifurcating the region into two union territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which officially came into existence from October 31.

Terror incidents down in Kashmir, infiltrations spike after Article 370 abrogation

The Labour Party of the United Kingdom continues to offend India by interfering into its internal affairs. Its recent utterances also have the potential to drive a wedge in the UK’s South Asian community in general and British Indian community in particular.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

As the country gears up for midterm 2019 General Elections on December 12, the Labour Party released its Manifesto on November 21. The party once again has clubbed the situation in Kashmir with un-comparable situations in other parts of the world such as Yemen and Myanmar and put it into the category of regions witnessing “World’s most pressing humanitarian crises”.&nbsp;

In addition, while offering to apologise, if voted to power, over the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919 ( when a British General had opened fire on unarmed Indians in Amritsar and killed hundreds of innocent people ), the party has mischievously also assured to review the role played by the British Government during Operation Blue Star in 1984 (when the Indian Armed forces had moved into Golden Temple Gurudwara in Amritsar to flush out terrorists). &nbsp;

The erroneous reference to Kashmir in the Manifesto is a reiteration of what was stated in the “Emergency Motion” which the Labour Party delegates had passed two months ago on September 25, 2019 at Party’s annual conference in Brighton. In fact, the Motion contained many more highly objectionable statements. For Instance, it urged the Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn to “accept that Kashmir is a disputed territory and the people of J&amp;K should be given the right of self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions”. It went on to allege that “the enforced disappearance of civilians, the state-endorsed sexual violence of women by armed forces and the overall prevalence of human rights violations in the region not only continues but has exasperated further in the past week”; the “past week” &nbsp;was an obvious reference to the abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution and the administrative bifurcation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In its official reaction within hours of the adoption of the Motion, the Government of India had dismissed it as a “vote bank politics”, while regretting the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the Labour Party delegates. While taking note of the fact the British government has called Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, the Government Spokesperson made it clear that there was no intention to engage the Labour Party on this issue. The Indian High Commission in the UK, however, cancelled a scheduled dinner with Labour friends of India so as to register its disapproval of the Motion.&nbsp;

The Indian diaspora in the UK was, however, not as mild in its reaction as the official Spokesperson of India. It was quick and firm in expressing its dismay and disappointment. In a strongly worded letter &nbsp;addressed to party leader Jeremy Corbyn, over 100 British -Indian &nbsp;organisations, representing diverse Indian communities, were explicit in conveying that the Party motion was not acceptable to them as it sought “to interfere in internal matters of and between the &nbsp;third countries” and was drafted in a “one-sided and partial manner”. The diaspora expressed its deep concern over the wider attempts to drag Kashmir into UK’s domestic politics which it said would have ramifications for the communal harmony in the UK. The diaspora went on to warn the party that it would reconsider the level of engagement with Labour Party.&nbsp;

In the wake of the backlash from the British Indian community, the Labour Party took some damage-control steps. The Chairman of the Party Ian Lavery acknowledged that the language used in the Emergency Motion has caused offence to not just sections of the Indian diaspora but to India itself. Lavery went on to underline "Kashmir is a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to resolve together by means of a peaceful solution..." &nbsp;

The damage has, however, been already done. An opinion poll of British Indian voters by Optimus reveals the declining popularity and support from British Indians for the Labour Party for which they are known to have voted in the past. The estimated 1.5 million British Indian community has several wealthy and influential members; in some of the constituencies, up to 40 per cent voters are of Indian origin and thus have the potential to influence the outcome. &nbsp;

An apology from the elected British Government over Jallianwala Bagh massacre is overdue and if it comes the British would not be doing a favour to Indians. However, any review of the Operation Blue Star has the potential to re-open the wounds and drive a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In short, the Labour Party must realise that it has no legal or moral right to comment upon issues which are internal to India. The Party should also tread with caution while dealing with issues which involve the sensitivities of the people in India and Indian diaspora in the UK. Dividing the South Asian communities in UK will only backfire to the disadvantage of communal harmony in that country where the society is already divided over the vexed issue of Brexit. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Labour Party Manifesto is titled: “It is Time For Real Change”. Yes indeed; it is time for the Labour Party to change its attitude towards India.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Labour Party of the United Kingdom continues to offend India by interfering into its internal affairs. Its recent utterances also have the potential to drive a wedge in the UK’s South Asian community in general and British Indian community in particular.

The Labour Party of the United Kingdom continues to offend India by interfering into its internal affairs. Its recent utterances also have the potential to drive a wedge in the UK’s South Asian community in general and British Indian community in particular. As the country gears up for midterm 2019 General Elections on December 12, the Labour Party released its Manifesto on November 21. The party once again has clubbed the situation in Kashmir with un-comparable situations in other parts of the world such as Yemen and Myanmar and put it into the category of regions witnessing “World’s most pressing humanitarian crises”. In addition, while offering to apologise, if voted to power, over the Jallianwalla Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919 ( when a British General had opened fire on unarmed Indians in Amritsar and killed hundreds of innocent people ), the party has mischievously also assured to review the role played by the British Government during Operation Blue Star in 1984 (when the Indian Armed forces had moved into Golden Temple Gurudwara in Amritsar to flush out terrorists). The erroneous reference to Kashmir in the Manifesto is a reiteration of what was stated in the “Emergency Motion” which the Labour Party delegates had passed two months ago on September 25, 2019 at Party’s annual conference in Brighton. In fact, the Motion contained many more highly objectionable statements. For Instance, it urged the Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn to “accept that Kashmir is a disputed territory and the people of J&K should be given the right of self-determination in accordance with UN resolutions”. It went on to allege that “the enforced disappearance of civilians, the state-endorsed sexual violence of women by armed forces and the overall prevalence of human rights violations in the region not only continues but has exasperated further in the past week”; the “past week” was an obvious reference to the abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution and the administrative bifurcation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. In its official reaction within hours of the adoption of the Motion, the Government of India had dismissed it as a “vote bank politics”, while regretting the uninformed and unfounded positions taken by the Labour Party delegates. While taking note of the fact the British government has called Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, the Government Spokesperson made it clear that there was no intention to engage the Labour Party on this issue. The Indian High Commission in the UK, however, cancelled a scheduled dinner with Labour friends of India so as to register its disapproval of the Motion. The Indian diaspora in the UK was, however, not as mild in its reaction as the official Spokesperson of India. It was quick and firm in expressing its dismay and disappointment. In a strongly worded letter  addressed to party leader Jeremy Corbyn, over 100 British -Indian  organisations, representing diverse Indian communities, were explicit in conveying that the Party motion was not acceptable to them as it sought “to interfere in internal matters of and between the third countries” and was drafted in a “one-sided and partial manner”. The diaspora expressed its deep concern over the wider attempts to drag Kashmir into UK’s domestic politics which it said would have ramifications for the communal harmony in the UK. The diaspora went on to warn the party that it would reconsider the level of engagement with Labour Party. In the wake of the backlash from the British Indian community, the Labour Party took some damage-control steps. The Chairman of the Party Ian Lavery acknowledged that the language used in the Emergency Motion has caused offence to not just sections of the Indian diaspora but to India itself. Lavery went on to underline "Kashmir is a bilateral matter for India and Pakistan to resolve together by means of a peaceful solution..." The damage has, however, been already done. An opinion poll of British Indian voters by Optimus reveals the declining popularity and support from British Indians for the Labour Party for which they are known to have voted in the past. The estimated 1.5 million British Indian community has several wealthy and influential members; in some of the constituencies, up to 40 per cent voters are of Indian origin and thus have the potential to influence the outcome. An apology from the elected British Government over Jallianwala Bagh massacre is overdue and if it comes the British would not be doing a favour to Indians. However, any review of the Operation Blue Star has the potential to re-open the wounds and drive a wedge between the Hindu and Sikh communities. In short, the Labour Party must realise that it has no legal or moral right to comment upon issues which are internal to India. The Party should also tread with caution while dealing with issues which involve the sensitivities of the people in India and Indian diaspora in the UK. Dividing the South Asian communities in UK will only backfire to the disadvantage of communal harmony in that country where the society is already divided over the vexed issue of Brexit. The Labour Party Manifesto is titled: “It is Time For Real Change”. Yes indeed; it is time for the Labour Party to change its attitude towards India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Kashmir issue: The Labour Party of UK offends India yet again

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back.

According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008.

In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7.

To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee.&nbsp;

New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation.

While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far.

In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody.

Pakistan has halted release and repatriation of five Indians nationals and many Indian fishermen who have completed their sentence and waiting to be sent back. According to list exchanged on July 1, Pakistan has 209 Indian fishermen and 52 Indian prisoners in its custody while India has 256 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 99 fishermen in its custody. India and Pakistan exchange list of civilian prisoners and fishermen of each country lodged in the jails of each other on January 1 and July 1 every year, according to India-Pakistan ‘Agreement on Consular Access’ signed on May 21, 2008. In fact, on August 5, when India announced abrogation of the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had halted repatriation at Attari border of two Indians who were about to be sent back. WION had first reported about it on August 7. To resolve humanitarian issues related to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners in each other’s custody and consider their early release and repatriation, India in October, 2017 had suggested to Pakistan to revive the mechanism of Joint Judicial Committee. New Delhi had also said a team of Indian medical experts could be allowed to visit the mentally unsound prisoners in Pakistan with a view to facilitating their nationality verification and subsequent repatriation. While India did share the details of the medical experts' team and the reconstituted Joint Judicial Committee with Pakistan with the request to organise their visit, Islamabad has not responded so far. In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1,749 Indian prisoners, including 1,725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

Article 370 abrogation: Pakistan halts repatriation of Indian nationals in its custody

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue.

"Following a review of the latest advice given by the ITF`s independent security advisors, the Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision that the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie between Pakistan and India on 29-30 November 2019, must be played at a neutral venue," the ITF said in a statement.

"The ITF and Davis Cup Committee`s first priority has always been the safety of athletes, officials and spectators and the decision was made on this basis," it added.

The Asia/Oceania Group I tie originally scheduled for September 14-15 in Islamabad was postponed by the ITF to November 29-30 following a security review.

Earlier, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) had written to the ITF to shift the venue of the tournament from Pakistan or postpone the tournament for some time.

The letter was written after India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-abrogation-of-article-370-here-are-the-reactions-240942">abrogated Article 370</a>, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This led India to political tensions between India and Pakistan.

As per the Davis Cup Regulations, the Pakistan Tennis Federation now has the choice to nominate a neutral venue and has five working days to confirm their proposed venue.

The venue will be announced once the choice has been submitted and approved.

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue.

Following the latest advice given by the International Tennis Federation`s (ITF) independent security advisors, India`s Davis Cup tie in Pakistan has been shifted to a neutral venue. "Following a review of the latest advice given by the ITF`s independent security advisors, the Davis Cup Committee has taken the decision that the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie between Pakistan and India on 29-30 November 2019, must be played at a neutral venue," the ITF said in a statement. "The ITF and Davis Cup Committee`s first priority has always been the safety of athletes, officials and spectators and the decision was made on this basis," it added. The Asia/Oceania Group I tie originally scheduled for September 14-15 in Islamabad was postponed by the ITF to November 29-30 following a security review. Earlier, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) had written to the ITF to shift the venue of the tournament from Pakistan or postpone the tournament for some time. The letter was written after India abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This led India to political tensions between India and Pakistan. As per the Davis Cup Regulations, the Pakistan Tennis Federation now has the choice to nominate a neutral venue and has five working days to confirm their proposed venue. The venue will be announced once the choice has been submitted and approved.

India-Pakistan Davis Cup tie shifted to neutral venue

More than 100 migrant workers from Kashmir will be moved after a spate of killings by suspected separatist militants underlined the threat to outsiders in the restive region.

More than 100 migrant workers from Kashmir will be moved after a spate of killings by suspected separatist militants underlined the threat to outsiders in the restive region. Senior officials working for the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, said on Saturday she decided to move the workers out of Kashmir to prevent them from becoming a potential target for militant groups who the government says have intensified attacks on civilians belonging to states except Kashmir. The migrant workers will be identified and moved by train to eastern states, the officials said. Last week, suspected militants barged into a house in southern Kashmir, marched out six men who had come to work in the orchards and paddy fields from West Bengal, lined them up and shot them, police said. Five died, a sixth, who the gunmen had left for dead, survived, to tell the tale that has fanned fears of further attacks on outsiders, officials say. "We have orders from the state leader to escort all the Bengali labourers out of Kashmir after five Muslim labourers from West Bengal were killed," said a senior police official in Kolkata. Migrant workers are a soft target for militants, and during the past few weeks 11 have been killed, including the victims of this latest atrocity, the government said. Much of Kashmir's economy is dependent on outside labourers who work in construction, hotels and apple orchards. None of the militant groups that are fighting Indian rule in Muslim majority Kashmir claimed responsibility for the attack on migrant workers. The separatist insurgency in Kashmir began three decades ago, but the latest flare up in violence followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision in August to take away the autonomy previously offered to India's only Muslim majority state. India is hoping that by opening up property rights in Kashmir to people from outside the region it can reignite economic growth, create jobs and turn the focus away from a militant uprising in which more than 40,000 people have died. But for the government to have any chance of succeeding, it will have to remove the growing sense of insecurity among Indians who have risked coming to Kashmir to make a living.

Mamata Banerjee to move migrant workers from Kashmir after violence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the historic turnout of 98 per cent&nbsp;of voters in the Block Development Council elections in Jammu and Kashmir and said this certainly marks the dawn of new and youthful leadership&nbsp;in the region.

Congratulating all winning candidates PM Modi said that I congratulate all those who have emerged victorious in the BDC polls across Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh. This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come.

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News that would make every Indian proud!&nbsp; 
 
For the first time since 1947, Block Development Council elections were held in Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh on the 24th. 
 
The polls witnessed a historic turnout of 98%. There were over 1080 candidates in the fray in 310 blocks.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1187624495932010496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come," PM Modi wrote.

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I congratulate all those who have emerged victorious in the BDC polls across Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh. 
 
This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1187624807740788736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The state has 316 blocks but elections were held in 283 blocks on Thursday. In 27 blocks, chairpersons were elected unopposed.

Independents swept the BDC elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the BJP emerges as the single largest party with 81 seats.

One block was won by Congress and eight blocks went to Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the historic turnout of 98 per cent of voters in the Block Development Council elections in Jammu and Kashmir and said this certainly marks the dawn of new and youthful leadership in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the historic turnout of 98 per cent of voters in the Block Development Council elections in Jammu and Kashmir and said this certainly marks the dawn of new and youthful leadership in the region. Congratulating all winning candidates PM Modi said that I congratulate all those who have emerged victorious in the BDC polls across Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh. This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come. News that would make every Indian proud! For the first time since 1947, Block Development Council elections were held in Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh on the 24th. The polls witnessed a historic turnout of 98%. There were over 1080 candidates in the fray in 310 blocks. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 25, 2019 × "This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come," PM Modi wrote. I congratulate all those who have emerged victorious in the BDC polls across Jammu, Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh. This marks the dawn of a new and youthful leadership across the regions, which will make a monumental contribution to national progress in the times to come. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 25, 2019 × The state has 316 blocks but elections were held in 283 blocks on Thursday. In 27 blocks, chairpersons were elected unopposed. Independents swept the BDC elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the BJP emerges as the single largest party with 81 seats. One block was won by Congress and eight blocks went to Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party. (With inputs from agencies)

Historic 98% turnout in J&K's local body polls would make every Indian proud: PM Narendra Modi

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region.

Tensions escalated between the nuclear-armed neighbours after India revoked Kashmir's autonomy on August 5 and imposed movement and communications restrictions to quell unrest.

Officials from the two countries accused each other of firing mortar rounds and small arms along the so-called Line of Control.

"Two soldiers and a civilian were killed and three others injured in the unprovoked fire by Pakistan," Indian Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP of the "unprovoked" fire in the mountainous Tangdhar region of Kupwara district.

Several homes were damaged in the attack and three civilians were being treated in a hospital, he added.

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir told AFP six civilians were killed and eight others wounded in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley.

"Mortar shells hit civilian houses and have so far martyred five people in Muzzafarabad and wounded six others," said Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Badar Munir said.

Munir said the dead included three members of one family.

Neelum Valley official Akhtar Ayub said one civilian was killed and two injured.

The shelling came after five people were killed in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday, two days after New Delhi restored mobile phone and text services.

Indian authorities said repeatedly during the lockdown that Kashmir has been mostly peaceful.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since 1947 and was the spark of two wars and numerous skirmishes.

An armed rebellion against Indian rule has raged in the valley since 1989, claiming tens of thousands of lives, mostly civilians. 
&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region.

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region. Tensions escalated between the nuclear-armed neighbours after India revoked Kashmir's autonomy on August 5 and imposed movement and communications restrictions to quell unrest. Officials from the two countries accused each other of firing mortar rounds and small arms along the so-called Line of Control. "Two soldiers and a civilian were killed and three others injured in the unprovoked fire by Pakistan," Indian Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP of the "unprovoked" fire in the mountainous Tangdhar region of Kupwara district. Several homes were damaged in the attack and three civilians were being treated in a hospital, he added. Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir told AFP six civilians were killed and eight others wounded in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. "Mortar shells hit civilian houses and have so far martyred five people in Muzzafarabad and wounded six others," said Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Badar Munir said. Munir said the dead included three members of one family. Neelum Valley official Akhtar Ayub said one civilian was killed and two injured. The shelling came after five people were killed in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday, two days after New Delhi restored mobile phone and text services. Indian authorities said repeatedly during the lockdown that Kashmir has been mostly peaceful. Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since 1947 and was the spark of two wars and numerous skirmishes. An armed rebellion against Indian rule has raged in the valley since 1989, claiming tens of thousands of lives, mostly civilians.

Nine killed in fresh firing across Kashmir border

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Congress saying that the party had practised the politics which had greatly harmed the country and its leaders had spoken the language of India`s adversaries on the government`s decision to repeal Article 370, reported news agency ANI.

Addressing an election rally in Mumbai, Modi said that Article 370 led to the growth of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and an increase in corruption but the Congress leaders kept practising their "selfish" politics.&nbsp;

"These are the same people who had kept Article 370 and Article 35A. This led to a rise in terrorism in the Valley, an increase in corruption and people being deprived of their rights but the Congress and some of its allies kept practising their selfish politics," he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

"We removed Article 370 and Article 35A but instead of showing solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, they spoke the language of our adversaries. Whom were their words helping?" Modi said.

Modi was referring to the remarks of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi which Pakistan sought to use to build its narrative at a UN Human Rights Council meeting.&nbsp;

Congress had slammed Pakistan and said the repeal of Article 370 was an internal matter of India."We have seen the Congress practising politics which has caused the biggest damage to the country," said Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Congress saying that the party had practised the politics which had greatly harmed the country and its leaders had spoken the language of India`s adversaries on the government`s decision to repeal Article 370, reported news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed the Congress saying that the party had practised the politics which had greatly harmed the country and its leaders had spoken the language of India`s adversaries on the government`s decision to repeal Article 370, reported news agency ANI. Addressing an election rally in Mumbai, Modi said that Article 370 led to the growth of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and an increase in corruption but the Congress leaders kept practising their "selfish" politics. "These are the same people who had kept Article 370 and Article 35A. This led to a rise in terrorism in the Valley, an increase in corruption and people being deprived of their rights but the Congress and some of its allies kept practising their selfish politics," he was quoted as saying. "We removed Article 370 and Article 35A but instead of showing solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, they spoke the language of our adversaries. Whom were their words helping?" Modi said. Modi was referring to the remarks of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi which Pakistan sought to use to build its narrative at a UN Human Rights Council meeting. Congress had slammed Pakistan and said the repeal of Article 370 was an internal matter of India."We have seen the Congress practising politics which has caused the biggest damage to the country," said Prime Minister Modi. (With inputs from ANI)

Congress leaders kept practising selfish politics on Article 370, says PM Modi

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie".

"I am extremely sad to learn that Congress used such a senior leader to deliver a statement on the matter of abrogation of Article 370. Singh has been defamed for his comment. The senior leader was asked to lie in front of everyone, this is extremely sad," Naqvi told ANI.

Singh had told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday that party had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament but was opposed to the high-handed manner in which the government had done it.

Naqvi also targeted Singh for his comment about lack of hope about Indian economy reaching the target of five trillion dollars by 2024.

Naqvi said people were facing high inflation during the rule of Congress-led UPA and economy too was not doing well. "During Modi-led BJP`s term, the party has made sure that people do not face problems. The foundations of our economy are now strong and people who could not handle the economy well should not give us lessons about it," said Naqvi.&nbsp;

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie".

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday slammed Congress over former prime minister Manmohan Singh`s comment that Congress had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament and had opposed the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, saying the opposition party has used a senior leader to deliver such statement which is a "lie". "I am extremely sad to learn that Congress used such a senior leader to deliver a statement on the matter of abrogation of Article 370. Singh has been defamed for his comment. The senior leader was asked to lie in front of everyone, this is extremely sad," Naqvi told ANI. Singh had told reporters in Mumbai on Thursday that party had voted in favour of the dilution of Article 370 in Parliament but was opposed to the high-handed manner in which the government had done it. Naqvi also targeted Singh for his comment about lack of hope about Indian economy reaching the target of five trillion dollars by 2024. Naqvi said people were facing high inflation during the rule of Congress-led UPA and economy too was not doing well. "During Modi-led BJP`s term, the party has made sure that people do not face problems. The foundations of our economy are now strong and people who could not handle the economy well should not give us lessons about it," said Naqvi.

Naqvi slams Congress over Manmohan Singh's remarks on Article 370

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the decision to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was not easy but India of 21st century is not afraid of changes and noted that the move will bring industry, innovation, inclusion and investment in the region.

Addressing an election rally here, Modi said the impact of the repeal of Article 370 will not be only limited to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh but will be felt across the nation.

He said it was a changed India which is not afraid of any threats.

"The abrogation of Article 370 is not just doing away with a provision. It means industry, innovation, integration, inclusion, investment. Integration brings inclusion, inclusive society brings investment. When investment pours, industry soars and industry's development leads to a culture of innovation. Once we develop this culture in J-K and Ladakh, there will be no scope for terrorism and separatism," he said.

The Prime Minister said the effects of the repeal of Article 370 will not be only limited to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh but will be felt across the nation.

He attacked the opposition Congress for not repealing the provision during its successive rules in the past 70 years.

"Since the last 70 years, the entire country was facing the hurdle of Article 370. There were a lot of talks to remove it, but no one dared to do it. Was this the first Govt in India with a full majority? No, it is not," he said.

The Prime Minister said the answer to the question is that India is organised, there is a feeling of collectiveness and the country wants the right solution to the problem. "It is a changed India and if someone shows an eye, it is not going feel threatened," he said.

Modi also said that protests are expected when there is a change in the situation.

"This decision wasn't easy to make. Whenever we bring a change to the ongoing situation, protests are expected. But the India of 21st century will not stop at the ongoing situation, and isn't afraid of changes," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the decision to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was not easy but India of 21st century is not afraid of changes and noted that the move will bring industry, innovation, inclusion and investment in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the decision to repeal Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was not easy but India of 21st century is not afraid of changes and noted that the move will bring industry, innovation, inclusion and investment in the region. Addressing an election rally here, Modi said the impact of the repeal of Article 370 will not be only limited to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh but will be felt across the nation. He said it was a changed India which is not afraid of any threats. "The abrogation of Article 370 is not just doing away with a provision. It means industry, innovation, integration, inclusion, investment. Integration brings inclusion, inclusive society brings investment. When investment pours, industry soars and industry's development leads to a culture of innovation. Once we develop this culture in J-K and Ladakh, there will be no scope for terrorism and separatism," he said. The Prime Minister said the effects of the repeal of Article 370 will not be only limited to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh but will be felt across the nation. He attacked the opposition Congress for not repealing the provision during its successive rules in the past 70 years. "Since the last 70 years, the entire country was facing the hurdle of Article 370. There were a lot of talks to remove it, but no one dared to do it. Was this the first Govt in India with a full majority? No, it is not," he said. The Prime Minister said the answer to the question is that India is organised, there is a feeling of collectiveness and the country wants the right solution to the problem. "It is a changed India and if someone shows an eye, it is not going feel threatened," he said. Modi also said that protests are expected when there is a change in the situation. "This decision wasn't easy to make. Whenever we bring a change to the ongoing situation, protests are expected. But the India of 21st century will not stop at the ongoing situation, and isn't afraid of changes," he said.

Repeal of Article 370 not easy decision, India not afraid of changes: PM Narendra Modi

Postpaid mobile services were restored in the remaining parts of Jammu and Kashmir after two months&nbsp;on Monday.

Mobile network and landlines connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, in view of security concerns in the region following Centre's decision to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-happy-with-abrogation-of-article-370-in-jammu-and-kashmir-g-kishan-reddy-243741">abrogate Article 370</a>.

Although the landline network was restored in phases, restrictions remained on the usage of mobile devices in various parts of the Kashmir Valley.

The decision to restore mobile phone services comes days after Jammu and Kashmir Governor announced the withdrawal of security advisory for tourists from October 10.

The government had time and again reiterated that restrictions on mobile services were imposed in the valley to prevent misuse of these services for flaring tensions.

Postpaid mobile services were restored in the remaining parts of Jammu and Kashmir after two months on Monday. Mobile network and landlines connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, in view of security concerns in the region following Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370.

Postpaid mobile services were restored in the remaining parts of Jammu and Kashmir after two months on Monday. Mobile network and landlines connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, in view of security concerns in the region following Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370. Although the landline network was restored in phases, restrictions remained on the usage of mobile devices in various parts of the Kashmir Valley. The decision to restore mobile phone services comes days after Jammu and Kashmir Governor announced the withdrawal of security advisory for tourists from October 10. The government had time and again reiterated that restrictions on mobile services were imposed in the valley to prevent misuse of these services for flaring tensions.

Postpaid mobile services restored in Jammu and Kashmir after two months

Just days ahead of President's Xi meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamallapuram-zhou-enlai-in-1956-and-modi-xi-in-2019-254588">PM Modi in Chennai</a>, China called on "India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations."

"China and India are important neighbours to each other. Both are large developing countries as well as major emerging markets. Since the Wuhan Informal Summit last year, China-India relations have shown sound momentum of development," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

"The two sides have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields and properly manage differences and sensitive issues," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-before-modi-xi-summit-in-india-imran-rushes-to-beijing-254602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In August, China had called a consultative meet at the UNSC in&nbsp;the backdrop of India removing the special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir. The move found no support at the U.N. body which saw Russia, France, UK and US backing India.

On Tuesday, in an apparent softening of its stand, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: "China's position on the issue of Kashmir is consistent and clear. We call on India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations."

"It serves the common interests of both India and Pakistan and represents the shared expectation of regional countries and the international community," the foreign ministry spokesman added.

China's statement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Chennai's seaside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahabalipuram-preparations-in-full-swing-for-informal-summit-between-modi-jinping-254576">heritage town of Mamallapuram</a> for an informal summit from October 11 to 13.

The first India-China informal summit had taken place in Wuhan in April of 2018. During last year's Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries to avoid the repetition of the Doklam crisis.&nbsp;

Just days ahead of President's Xi meeting with PM Modi in Chennai, China called on "India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations.

Just days ahead of President's Xi meeting with PM Modi in Chennai, China called on "India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations." "China and India are important neighbours to each other. Both are large developing countries as well as major emerging markets. Since the Wuhan Informal Summit last year, China-India relations have shown sound momentum of development," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said. "The two sides have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields and properly manage differences and sensitive issues," the foreign ministry spokesman added. Watch Video: In August, China had called a consultative meet at the UNSC in the backdrop of India removing the special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir. The move found no support at the U.N. body which saw Russia, France, UK and US backing India. On Tuesday, in an apparent softening of its stand, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said: "China's position on the issue of Kashmir is consistent and clear. We call on India and Pakistan to step up dialogue on disputes including the Kashmir issue to enhance mutual trust and improve relations." "It serves the common interests of both India and Pakistan and represents the shared expectation of regional countries and the international community," the foreign ministry spokesman added. China's statement comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet in Chennai's seaside heritage town of Mamallapuram for an informal summit from October 11 to 13. The first India-China informal summit had taken place in Wuhan in April of 2018. During last year's Wuhan informal summit, leaders of both India and China gave strategic guidance to forces of both the countries to avoid the repetition of the Doklam crisis.

Kashmir issue should be resolved bilaterally between India, Pak, says China ahead of Xi-Modi summit in Chennai

India has rapped Islamabad at the United Nations for raking up Kashmir at a debate on "advancement of women" at the United Nations General Assembly and asked the country what did its army do during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971.

Paulomi Tripathi, first secretary at the Indian mission at the UN said, " The international community still remembers that the armed forces of this country perpetrated dreadful sexual violence against women with impunity, in our immediate neighbourhood in 1971. We still hear accounts of these gruesome violations at the annual high-level general debate."

India said it "ironical" that a "country, where violations of women’s right to life in the name of so-called "honour"&nbsp;go unpunished, is making baseless statements about women’s rights in my country."

The outgoing ambassador of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi had raked up Kashmir at the UN while talking about the communication ban in the region in a debate.&nbsp;

India highlighted how it gives "utmost importance" to "representation of women in decision making positions" and said it is "proud that the first woman President of the General Assembly was Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit from India" and it was India's Dr Hansa Mehta &nbsp;who made "pioneering contribution" in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

On Modi government's policies, the diplomat said though government’s financial Inclusion Initiative, more than 197 million women in India have a bank account and via Stand Up India and Mudra Yojana programmes women entrepreneurs are able to get access to loans.&nbsp;

New Delhi has also launched the National Nutrition Mission to eradicate malnutrition by 2022, with special focus on children, women and adolescent girls.

This is not the first time Pakistan has raked up the Kashmir issue in the unrelated platform. In September, the Pakistani delegates had raised the Kashmir issue at the sustainable development goal in Maldives Parliament and UNICEF South Asian Parliamentarian Conference in Sri Lanka and were given a strong reply by the sitting Indian delegates.

India has rapped Islamabad at the United Nations for raking up Kashmir at a debate on "advancement of women" at the United Nations General Assembly and asked the country what did its army do during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971.

India has rapped Islamabad at the United Nations for raking up Kashmir at a debate on "advancement of women" at the United Nations General Assembly and asked the country what did its army do during Bangladesh's liberation war in 1971. Paulomi Tripathi, first secretary at the Indian mission at the UN said, " The international community still remembers that the armed forces of this country perpetrated dreadful sexual violence against women with impunity, in our immediate neighbourhood in 1971. We still hear accounts of these gruesome violations at the annual high-level general debate." India said it "ironical" that a "country, where violations of women’s right to life in the name of so-called "honour" go unpunished, is making baseless statements about women’s rights in my country." The outgoing ambassador of Pakistan to the UN Maleeha Lodhi had raked up Kashmir at the UN while talking about the communication ban in the region in a debate. India highlighted how it gives "utmost importance" to "representation of women in decision making positions" and said it is "proud that the first woman President of the General Assembly was Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit from India" and it was India's Dr Hansa Mehta who made "pioneering contribution" in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On Modi government's policies, the diplomat said though government’s financial Inclusion Initiative, more than 197 million women in India have a bank account and via Stand Up India and Mudra Yojana programmes women entrepreneurs are able to get access to loans. New Delhi has also launched the National Nutrition Mission to eradicate malnutrition by 2022, with special focus on children, women and adolescent girls. This is not the first time Pakistan has raked up the Kashmir issue in the unrelated platform. In September, the Pakistani delegates had raised the Kashmir issue at the sustainable development goal in Maldives Parliament and UNICEF South Asian Parliamentarian Conference in Sri Lanka and were given a strong reply by the sitting Indian delegates.

India raps Pakistan for raking up Kashmir issue during debate on women's advancement

Mahabalipuram, a historically important place during the Pallava Empire, is all set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 11 for his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
Advertisement

The two leaders had held the first informal summit in Wuhan last year, which significantly helped normalise the turbulent bilateral relationship in the aftermath of the 73-day Doklam crisis. President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and his administration’s decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods, has also generated the prospect of improvement in relations between New Delhi and Beijing.

This became evident when China agreed to address India’s concern about the increasing bilateral trade deficit, deciding to take measures to increase import of rice and sugar and accelerate the process of review and approvals of Indian pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods.

However, China’s promise in this regard proved only rhetoric, with the trade deficit having touched US$ 57.86 billion in 2018. Moreover, India’s exports to China declined by 1.62 per cent to reach $7.70 billion in the first six months of 2019. While economic and trade issues have been a major bone of contention between the two sides, recent developments have added to the rising tensions. India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and divide the Indian state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh, has not gone down too well with the big dragon.

China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear and consistent, a Chinese government spokesperson said, adding that it is a legacy of history between India and Pakistan, which it says is also the consensus of the international community. China also expressed its opposition to India’s move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh, saying that there are areas of dispute between the two nations which, according to Beijing, affects China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Beijing even went to the extent of raising this issue at the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations, miserably failing to garner any favourable response of the world community.

While India strongly responded to China’s attempt to interfere in its internal matter, the global community became sharply aware of how strongly China was trying to protect Pakistan, a breeding ground for terrorists.

In August, the armed forces of China and Pakistan held the Shaheen-VIII air force joint exercise. And, just before Jinping’s India visit, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be in China to boost bilateral strategic ties.

China’s expanding presence in South Asian countries also has serious ramifications for India’s security. This is why over the last five years, the Modi government has taken all possible efforts to improve ties with its neighbours.

The recent opening of the oil pipeline between India and Nepal will have a profound impact on cementing relations between the two friendly countries.

Another stumbling block between India and China is the long-standing border dispute. While both the countries have reaffirmed their commitment to resolve this problem through peaceful means, China’s assertive posturing against India along the border in the recent times has underscored their real intent.

While Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, Beijing - referring to it as South Tibet - puts its claim over the state. In turn, when the Indian armed forces have just concluded “Him Vijay” – the biggest ever mountain combat exercise, China has objected to such exercises, putting a big question mark over the outcome of the upcoming meeting between Modi and Xi.

The expanding ties between India and the US and Modi’s government’s decision to endorse the Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy have also created an impression in China about India becoming part of a larger US containment policy towards it.

While it is logical for India and China to compete with each other, as the two aspire to play a pivotal role in shaping the geo-strategic direction of Asia, it must be backed by peace, security, development and prosperity. One can only hope that during his upcoming visit, President Xi will make some concrete announcements to boost bilateral ties between the two nations. 
 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-from-wuhan-to-mahabalipuram-under-the-shadow-of-kashmir-2795438">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Mahabalipuram, a historically important place during the Pallava Empire, is all set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 11 for his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mahabalipuram, a historically important place during the Pallava Empire, is all set to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 11 for his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Advertisement The two leaders had held the first informal summit in Wuhan last year, which significantly helped normalise the turbulent bilateral relationship in the aftermath of the 73-day Doklam crisis. President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and his administration’s decision to increase tariffs on Indian goods, has also generated the prospect of improvement in relations between New Delhi and Beijing. This became evident when China agreed to address India’s concern about the increasing bilateral trade deficit, deciding to take measures to increase import of rice and sugar and accelerate the process of review and approvals of Indian pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods. However, China’s promise in this regard proved only rhetoric, with the trade deficit having touched US$ 57.86 billion in 2018. Moreover, India’s exports to China declined by 1.62 per cent to reach $7.70 billion in the first six months of 2019. While economic and trade issues have been a major bone of contention between the two sides, recent developments have added to the rising tensions. India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 and divide the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, has not gone down too well with the big dragon. China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear and consistent, a Chinese government spokesperson said, adding that it is a legacy of history between India and Pakistan, which it says is also the consensus of the international community. China also expressed its opposition to India’s move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh, saying that there are areas of dispute between the two nations which, according to Beijing, affects China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Beijing even went to the extent of raising this issue at the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations, miserably failing to garner any favourable response of the world community. While India strongly responded to China’s attempt to interfere in its internal matter, the global community became sharply aware of how strongly China was trying to protect Pakistan, a breeding ground for terrorists. In August, the armed forces of China and Pakistan held the Shaheen-VIII air force joint exercise. And, just before Jinping’s India visit, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be in China to boost bilateral strategic ties. China’s expanding presence in South Asian countries also has serious ramifications for India’s security. This is why over the last five years, the Modi government has taken all possible efforts to improve ties with its neighbours. The recent opening of the oil pipeline between India and Nepal will have a profound impact on cementing relations between the two friendly countries. Another stumbling block between India and China is the long-standing border dispute. While both the countries have reaffirmed their commitment to resolve this problem through peaceful means, China’s assertive posturing against India along the border in the recent times has underscored their real intent. While Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, Beijing - referring to it as South Tibet - puts its claim over the state. In turn, when the Indian armed forces have just concluded “Him Vijay” – the biggest ever mountain combat exercise, China has objected to such exercises, putting a big question mark over the outcome of the upcoming meeting between Modi and Xi. The expanding ties between India and the US and Modi’s government’s decision to endorse the Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific strategy have also created an impression in China about India becoming part of a larger US containment policy towards it. While it is logical for India and China to compete with each other, as the two aspire to play a pivotal role in shaping the geo-strategic direction of Asia, it must be backed by peace, security, development and prosperity. One can only hope that during his upcoming visit, President Xi will make some concrete announcements to boost bilateral ties between the two nations. (This article was originally 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)

Kashmir shadow looms large over Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping meet

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. 
 
Pakistan is not a normal country with political leaders, a Parliament, a constitution, the army and other branches of the state. It is one of the few places in the world where the army owns a country and runs it. The army is also in charge of a substantial portion of its economy.&nbsp;

After Indian action on Article 370, Pakistan appears to be very concerned about our 'secular’ fabric. They are trying to raise the issue in every way possible, without success.

In their ignorance or over enthusiasm, they claim that Kashmir is the jugular 'vain’ of Pakistan, as a recent press release by their official spokesperson, Director General ISPR revealed: “Pak Army is fully configured, prepared &amp; determined to defend honour, dignity &amp; territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain (sic) of Pakistan &amp; no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren” - COAS. Such is their level of vain about the jugular!&nbsp;

Their Constitution – the 1973 version visualises– to quote from its preamble, “Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed”&nbsp;

It is the Pakistani Army which is the chosen instrument to implement the will of God. This was clearly enunciated by its former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani; protecting Islam and protecting Pakistan are the sovereign duties of the armed forces. Actually, Kayani suggested that the role of army is more than protecting the country – it is to protect the idea and religion.&nbsp;

An UN investigating team appointed by former Pakistan President Asif Zardari probing the death of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto could interview all civil leaders, including the PM and the President, but not the military brass. When the army objected to the Kerry–Lugar bill, the President had to bring in Kerry himself to convince the army chief.&nbsp;

It does not stop there. The army does not recognise some sects of Islam as Muslims. Ahmadis are an example. Abdus Salam, a Pak-origin scientist got the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Steven Wienberg in 1979. His home town municipality erected an arch in memory of him, which said: ‘First Muslim Nobel Laureate in Physics’. There was a big hue and cry since he was an Ahmadi. So the word Muslim was erased. The revised plaque read: “First Nobel Laureate in Physics”!

Very recently, an MP brought a bill in the Pakistan senate to allow non-Muslims to occupy positions like Prime Minister, President etc. That was out rightly rejected by the parliamentarians. Forget about other ethnic groups like Hindus and Christians, minorities even within Islamic sects like Ahmadis and Bahais cannot occupy high constitutional positions.

In India, the defence minister can ask the army chief to court martial a General, but in Pakistan, any such attempt will result in a coup. That is why Pakistan always negotiates with a gun to its own head. It wants to assert its suicidal tendencies.&nbsp;

Many studies have found that a large number of companies in Pakistan are ultimately owned by Fauji Foundation (FF), Army Welfare Trust (AWT), Bahria Foundation (BF) and Shaheen Foundation (SF), all different wings of its armed forces.

Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). &nbsp;One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous.

At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country.&nbsp;

At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council.&nbsp;

If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them.

There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. 
 
There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship.

Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). &nbsp;One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous.

At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country.&nbsp;

At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council.&nbsp;

If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them.

There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pak-an-army-with-a-country-2795225">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship.

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. Pakistan is not a normal country with political leaders, a Parliament, a constitution, the army and other branches of the state. It is one of the few places in the world where the army owns a country and runs it. The army is also in charge of a substantial portion of its economy. After Indian action on Article 370, Pakistan appears to be very concerned about our 'secular’ fabric. They are trying to raise the issue in every way possible, without success. In their ignorance or over enthusiasm, they claim that Kashmir is the jugular 'vain’ of Pakistan, as a recent press release by their official spokesperson, Director General ISPR revealed: “Pak Army is fully configured, prepared & determined to defend honour, dignity & territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain (sic) of Pakistan & no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren” - COAS. Such is their level of vain about the jugular! Their Constitution – the 1973 version visualises– to quote from its preamble, “Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed” It is the Pakistani Army which is the chosen instrument to implement the will of God. This was clearly enunciated by its former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani; protecting Islam and protecting Pakistan are the sovereign duties of the armed forces. Actually, Kayani suggested that the role of army is more than protecting the country – it is to protect the idea and religion. An UN investigating team appointed by former Pakistan President Asif Zardari probing the death of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto could interview all civil leaders, including the PM and the President, but not the military brass. When the army objected to the Kerry–Lugar bill, the President had to bring in Kerry himself to convince the army chief. It does not stop there. The army does not recognise some sects of Islam as Muslims. Ahmadis are an example. Abdus Salam, a Pak-origin scientist got the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Steven Wienberg in 1979. His home town municipality erected an arch in memory of him, which said: ‘First Muslim Nobel Laureate in Physics’. There was a big hue and cry since he was an Ahmadi. So the word Muslim was erased. The revised plaque read: “First Nobel Laureate in Physics”! Very recently, an MP brought a bill in the Pakistan senate to allow non-Muslims to occupy positions like Prime Minister, President etc. That was out rightly rejected by the parliamentarians. Forget about other ethnic groups like Hindus and Christians, minorities even within Islamic sects like Ahmadis and Bahais cannot occupy high constitutional positions. In India, the defence minister can ask the army chief to court martial a General, but in Pakistan, any such attempt will result in a coup. That is why Pakistan always negotiates with a gun to its own head. It wants to assert its suicidal tendencies. Many studies have found that a large number of companies in Pakistan are ultimately owned by Fauji Foundation (FF), Army Welfare Trust (AWT), Bahria Foundation (BF) and Shaheen Foundation (SF), all different wings of its armed forces. Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous. At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country. At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council. If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them. There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous. At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country. At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council. If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them. There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. (This article was originally 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)

Pakistan: An army with a country

For the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian army organised a recruitment rally in Srinagar which witnessed large participation of youth, mostly from the far-flung villages and districts of Jammu and Kashmir. This also comes at a time when Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;

This is part of the major announcements made by the J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik in his last press conference about opening up new opportunities for youth in the state.&nbsp;

"I hail from Kupwara, a frontier district and since my childhood, I wanted to join the Indian army. The timing right now is critical and I want to serve the army," said young Nasir Ahmad, who has just passed his higher secondary school.

During a recruitment rally, 2780 aspiring youth from all over J&amp;K turned up for enrollment as soldier general duty, tradesmen and clerk with full enthusiasm. The two-day long drive will see young boys from the state sweating it out to make it to the Indian army’s J&amp;K light infantry.&nbsp;

"This vacancy is being filled by the combined effort of ARO Srinagar, Jammu and JAKLI regimental centre. We would see a range of 1000 to 1200, however on the first day, 2000 candidates have arrived which is an encouraging sign," says &nbsp;Brigadier SR Sharma, Commanding officer, JKLI Regimental Centre Srinagar.&nbsp;

Most of these boys hail from the frontier districts where shelling and firing by Pakistan make life miserable. These young men say that they are willing to serve the nation on the fence and are ready to tackle any situation.&nbsp;

"I questioned myself and figured that I should be in the army. Since morning, I have passed several tests and feel I will qualify other too," says Mir Sartaj from Kokarnag area of south Kashmir where terrorism has been a cause of concern.&nbsp;

The employment rate in the state is very low and the Indian army has been long providing employment opportunities to the youth. The selected youth will dawn the military uniform after going through tough one-year-long training.

The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was started in 1947. It has participated in many wars including the Sino-India War of 1962. In 1984 this unit was deployed to the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot.

For the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian army organised a recruitment rally in Srinagar which witnessed large participation of youth, mostly from the far-flung villages and districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

For the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian army organised a recruitment rally in Srinagar which witnessed large participation of youth, mostly from the far-flung villages and districts of Jammu and Kashmir. This also comes at a time when Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC). This is part of the major announcements made by the J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik in his last press conference about opening up new opportunities for youth in the state. "I hail from Kupwara, a frontier district and since my childhood, I wanted to join the Indian army. The timing right now is critical and I want to serve the army," said young Nasir Ahmad, who has just passed his higher secondary school. During a recruitment rally, 2780 aspiring youth from all over J&K turned up for enrollment as soldier general duty, tradesmen and clerk with full enthusiasm. The two-day long drive will see young boys from the state sweating it out to make it to the Indian army’s J&K light infantry. "This vacancy is being filled by the combined effort of ARO Srinagar, Jammu and JAKLI regimental centre. We would see a range of 1000 to 1200, however on the first day, 2000 candidates have arrived which is an encouraging sign," says Brigadier SR Sharma, Commanding officer, JKLI Regimental Centre Srinagar. Most of these boys hail from the frontier districts where shelling and firing by Pakistan make life miserable. These young men say that they are willing to serve the nation on the fence and are ready to tackle any situation. "I questioned myself and figured that I should be in the army. Since morning, I have passed several tests and feel I will qualify other too," says Mir Sartaj from Kokarnag area of south Kashmir where terrorism has been a cause of concern. The employment rate in the state is very low and the Indian army has been long providing employment opportunities to the youth. The selected youth will dawn the military uniform after going through tough one-year-long training. The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was started in 1947. It has participated in many wars including the Sino-India War of 1962. In 1984 this unit was deployed to the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot.

Youth from Jammu and Kashmir line up to join Indian Army in Srinagar

It's been three days since the United Nations General Assembly debates kicked off in New York. All through the week — Pakistan has been trying to raise an alarm over Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Imran Khan has been making nuclear threats. Pakistani diplomats have been trying to whip up some support from the international community.

Islamabad wanted to unleash a major diplomatic campaign against India. Imran Khan wanted to shine a spotlight on India's Kashmir decision.

But Pakistan's anti-India campaign has failed to make even a minor dent. It has failed to garner the support of the world body on Kashmir.

Pakistan tried every trick in its playbook. In New York, Imran khan played the victim card before the press. He even raised the nuclear bogey again.&nbsp;

“This is just the beginning and it is going to get worse. There is a potential that two nuclear-armed countries would come face to face, so hence, I felt it is extremely important that we highlight what is happening in Kashmir amongst the world leaders and a forum like the united nations general assembly," said Imran.

Despite these efforts, the world leaders are not buying the nuclear threat. So far, Pakistan has been able to secure the support of only a few nations.

Turkey is perhaps the only prominent name on that list. Beyond that — the rest of the world leaders is leaning towards India.

Islamabad was hoping for some support from American president Donald Trump.

But the American president appeared less keen to intervene — when he met Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

Hidden agenda

While Pakistan continues to create a lot of noise on Kashmir — behind the scenes — it continues to execute its nefarious game plans.

At the united nations — Pakistan approached the security council with a request.&nbsp;

They wanted the world body to allow Hafiz Saeed access to his accounts.

And Pakistan got its way — the 26/11 mastermind will be allowed to withdraw up to 150 thousand Pakistani rupees monthly.

Hafiz Saeed is a un-designated global terrorist. His accounts were frozen due to un sanctions.&nbsp;

But Pakistan's diplomatic moves at the U.N. — have now given Hafiz Saeed a backdoor entry into his accounts.

Despite the repeated setbacks — Pakistani prime minister is still expected to raise the Kashmir issue during his speech at the general assembly.

In contrast — India has managed to create a different space for itself on the global stage.

India has been an active participant in debates around global issues of importance.

Prime Minister Modi has participated in various events. And outlined his vision on the global economy, the fight against terrorism and climate action.

He advocated for a closer alliance between India and the world. And that is the fundamental difference between India and Pakistan. India is trying to build bridges to boost global economic growth.&nbsp;

But, Pakistan — continues to push a destructive agenda, that the world is increasingly getting tired of listening.

It's been three days since the United Nations General Assembly debates kicked off in New York. All through the week — Pakistan has been trying to raise an alarm over Kashmir.

It's been three days since the United Nations General Assembly debates kicked off in New York. All through the week — Pakistan has been trying to raise an alarm over Kashmir. Imran Khan has been making nuclear threats. Pakistani diplomats have been trying to whip up some support from the international community. Islamabad wanted to unleash a major diplomatic campaign against India. Imran Khan wanted to shine a spotlight on India's Kashmir decision. But Pakistan's anti-India campaign has failed to make even a minor dent. It has failed to garner the support of the world body on Kashmir. Pakistan tried every trick in its playbook. In New York, Imran khan played the victim card before the press. He even raised the nuclear bogey again. “This is just the beginning and it is going to get worse. There is a potential that two nuclear-armed countries would come face to face, so hence, I felt it is extremely important that we highlight what is happening in Kashmir amongst the world leaders and a forum like the united nations general assembly," said Imran. Despite these efforts, the world leaders are not buying the nuclear threat. So far, Pakistan has been able to secure the support of only a few nations. Turkey is perhaps the only prominent name on that list. Beyond that — the rest of the world leaders is leaning towards India. Islamabad was hoping for some support from American president Donald Trump. But the American president appeared less keen to intervene — when he met Prime Minister Modi. Hidden agenda While Pakistan continues to create a lot of noise on Kashmir — behind the scenes — it continues to execute its nefarious game plans. At the united nations — Pakistan approached the security council with a request. They wanted the world body to allow Hafiz Saeed access to his accounts. And Pakistan got its way — the 26/11 mastermind will be allowed to withdraw up to 150 thousand Pakistani rupees monthly. Hafiz Saeed is a un-designated global terrorist. His accounts were frozen due to un sanctions. But Pakistan's diplomatic moves at the U.N. — have now given Hafiz Saeed a backdoor entry into his accounts. Despite the repeated setbacks — Pakistani prime minister is still expected to raise the Kashmir issue during his speech at the general assembly. In contrast — India has managed to create a different space for itself on the global stage. India has been an active participant in debates around global issues of importance. Prime Minister Modi has participated in various events. And outlined his vision on the global economy, the fight against terrorism and climate action. He advocated for a closer alliance between India and the world. And that is the fundamental difference between India and Pakistan. India is trying to build bridges to boost global economic growth. But, Pakistan — continues to push a destructive agenda, that the world is increasingly getting tired of listening.

Pakistan's bid to 'internationalise Kashmir' fails, world leans on India's side

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that he was disappointed with the International community over the Kashmir issue.

He mentioned India's global prominence and economic stature as one of the reasons behind&nbsp;the global community backing India on the matter. Khan admitted that Pakistan has failed to get support from the world leaders on Islamabad's stand on Kashmir issue.

Khan had raised the issue at several forums following the abrogation of Article 370 seeking the intervention of global leaders, but most leaders supported India calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between the two neighbours.

He, however, accepted that Pakistan could never attack India. Khan will speak on the Kashmir issue on September 27 when he addresses UNGA as he hopes to see world leaders come forward.

Earlier on Monday, Imran Khan, at a meeting at the Center for Foreign Relations in New York, admitted that the Pakistan army and ISI trained the Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups to fight in Afghanistan.

US President has again offered mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. But India has maintained that talks between the two countries can't take place until and unless Pakistan stops aiding and abetting terrorists.

At Howdy Modi event, Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a common vision against terrorism. This endorsement for Modi, coming from the world's strongest leader, is a setback for Pakistan.

Pakistan has been crying foul over India's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Imran Khan and other ministers of Pakistan had even threatened India with a Nuclear war for weeks.

Although, world leaders respect India's decision on Kashmir and acknowledge the strategic importance of India. And this realisation finally reflected in Imran Khan's 'honest' admissions in New York. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that he was disappointed with the International community over the Kashmir issue. He mentioned India's global prominence and economic stature as one of the reasons behind the global community backing India on the matter.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that he was disappointed with the International community over the Kashmir issue. He mentioned India's global prominence and economic stature as one of the reasons behind the global community backing India on the matter. Khan admitted that Pakistan has failed to get support from the world leaders on Islamabad's stand on Kashmir issue. Khan had raised the issue at several forums following the abrogation of Article 370 seeking the intervention of global leaders, but most leaders supported India calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between the two neighbours. He, however, accepted that Pakistan could never attack India. Khan will speak on the Kashmir issue on September 27 when he addresses UNGA as he hopes to see world leaders come forward. Earlier on Monday, Imran Khan, at a meeting at the Center for Foreign Relations in New York, admitted that the Pakistan army and ISI trained the Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups to fight in Afghanistan. US President has again offered mediation between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. But India has maintained that talks between the two countries can't take place until and unless Pakistan stops aiding and abetting terrorists. At Howdy Modi event, Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a common vision against terrorism. This endorsement for Modi, coming from the world's strongest leader, is a setback for Pakistan. Pakistan has been crying foul over India's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Imran Khan and other ministers of Pakistan had even threatened India with a Nuclear war for weeks. Although, world leaders respect India's decision on Kashmir and acknowledge the strategic importance of India. And this realisation finally reflected in Imran Khan's 'honest' admissions in New York. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Imran Khan's moment of truth

President Donald Trump and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/joining-us-after-911-was-big-blunder-pakistani-pm-imran-khan-in-us-251574">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in which the US president made it clear any mediation will require approval from both sides.

US President Donald Trump said: "I have a very good relationship with Prime minister Modi, I have very good relations with Prime Minister Khan. And if at any point they say they can iron out, I will be the extremely good arbitrator. I have never failed as an arbitrator...but you want accent from the other side."

"If I can help, I will certainly do that," he said, adding, "but it will be dependent on both of these gentlemen. One without the other doesn't work, if going to do mediation, if&nbsp;you do arbitration."

"Certainly I can help, if both India and Pakistan wanted me to do that. I am ready and willing. It is a complex issue and going for a long time. But if both wanted, I would be ready to do it," the US president added.

Trump hoped that "India and Pakistan can come together and do something smart and good for both, there is always a solution."

India has made it clear that when it comes to India and Pakistan ties, no third party mediation is required which has been stated under the Shimla and Lahore agreements.

During PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G7 Summit in France, India had clearly reiterated the long-standing policy on mediation with PM Modi saying "India- Pakistan are bilateral in nature".

PM Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of UNGA on Tuesday, which will be his third bilateral this year with the US president. Both leaders were together in Houston on Sunday for the diaspora event, 'Howdy, Modi', in which over 50,000, mostly Indian-Americans participated. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in which the US president made it clear any mediation will require approval from both sides.

President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in which the US president made it clear any mediation will require approval from both sides. US President Donald Trump said: "I have a very good relationship with Prime minister Modi, I have very good relations with Prime Minister Khan. And if at any point they say they can iron out, I will be the extremely good arbitrator. I have never failed as an arbitrator...but you want accent from the other side." "If I can help, I will certainly do that," he said, adding, "but it will be dependent on both of these gentlemen. One without the other doesn't work, if going to do mediation, if you do arbitration." "Certainly I can help, if both India and Pakistan wanted me to do that. I am ready and willing. It is a complex issue and going for a long time. But if both wanted, I would be ready to do it," the US president added. Trump hoped that "India and Pakistan can come together and do something smart and good for both, there is always a solution." India has made it clear that when it comes to India and Pakistan ties, no third party mediation is required which has been stated under the Shimla and Lahore agreements. During PM Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of G7 Summit in France, India had clearly reiterated the long-standing policy on mediation with PM Modi saying "India- Pakistan are bilateral in nature". PM Modi will be meeting US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of UNGA on Tuesday, which will be his third bilateral this year with the US president. Both leaders were together in Houston on Sunday for the diaspora event, 'Howdy, Modi', in which over 50,000, mostly Indian-Americans participated.

Mediation only if both India, Pakistan agree: Trump after meeting PM Imran Khan

Highlighting the achievements of the first 100 days of his government on his 69th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Article 370 was abrogated to solve a decades-long problem and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the inspiration behind the decision.

He also said that his government has taken several steps in the first 100 days of its second tenure to double the income of farmers'&nbsp;families.

"The country is realising Sardar's dream of Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat (One India, Great India). Today, the country is trying to complete the tasks which were left incomplete during Independence and years thereafter," he said."People of Jammu and Kashmir had to face discrimination for 70 years.

The entire nation suffered the ill-effects and violence, unfulfilled hopes and aspirations. The country has taken an important decision with the inspiration of Sardar Saheb," he said while addressing a public meeting here at the site of Sardar Sarovar Dam.

In August, Parliament had scrapped Article 370 which gave special rights to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Modi said the decision has been taken to follow a new path to solve the decades-long problem.

"I am confident that with the active support of millions of colleagues from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Kargil, we will be able to create a new stream of development and trust. I am fully committed to the unity and greatness of India. We have strengthened this commitment in the last 100 days," he added.

The Prime Minister, who was on a visit to his home state, outlined the benefits of PM Kisan scheme and pension scheme for farmers and small traders.

"Continuous efforts are on to double the income of every farming family of the country including Gujarat by 2022. After the formation of the new government, several steps have been taken in this direction in the last 100 days. Farmers are getting benefits of PM Kisan scheme. Pension scheme for farmers and small traders has also been started," he said.

The National Pension Scheme for traders and self-employed aims at providing a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000 to small traders and self-employed after attaining the age of 60.

Around three crore small traders are expected to benefit from the scheme.

Modi said that the Statue of Unity brought Kevadia and state of Gujarat on the tourism map of the world.

The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 23 lakh people have come to see the tallest statue of the world since it was unveiled last year.

"The discussion of the Statue of Unity is natural when it comes to tourism. Due to this, Kevadia and Gujarat have figured prominently on the tourism map of the whole world. It was unveiled only 11 months ago, but so far more than 23 lakh tourists have come here from within the country and around the world," he said.

"An average of 8,500 tourists are coming every day to the Statue of Unity. I am told that on the day of Janmashtami last month, more than 34,000 tourists reached here. Only 10,000 visit Statue of Liberty in America every day. It was constructed 133 years ago," he added.

Modi had announced to build the statue when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat in memory of India`s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel who is credited with uniting all 562 princely states of pre-independent India.

The 182-metre statue is located on Sadhu Bet Island on Narmada river in Gujarat.

The Prime Minister said that when all projects related to Statue of Unity will be completed it will pave way for new employment opportunities for local people."Statue of Unity is also becoming a new medium of employment for the tribal sisters, brothers and youth of this place.

In the coming days when the roads and other projects related to tourism here will get completed, it will generate new employment opportunities," he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the first 100 days of his government on his 69th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Article 370 was abrogated to solve a decades-long problem and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the inspiration behind the decision.

Highlighting the achievements of the first 100 days of his government on his 69th birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Article 370 was abrogated to solve a decades-long problem and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the inspiration behind the decision. He also said that his government has taken several steps in the first 100 days of its second tenure to double the income of farmers' families. "The country is realising Sardar's dream of Ek Bharat, Shreshta Bharat (One India, Great India). Today, the country is trying to complete the tasks which were left incomplete during Independence and years thereafter," he said."People of Jammu and Kashmir had to face discrimination for 70 years. The entire nation suffered the ill-effects and violence, unfulfilled hopes and aspirations. The country has taken an important decision with the inspiration of Sardar Saheb," he said while addressing a public meeting here at the site of Sardar Sarovar Dam. In August, Parliament had scrapped Article 370 which gave special rights to Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Modi said the decision has been taken to follow a new path to solve the decades-long problem. "I am confident that with the active support of millions of colleagues from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Kargil, we will be able to create a new stream of development and trust. I am fully committed to the unity and greatness of India. We have strengthened this commitment in the last 100 days," he added. The Prime Minister, who was on a visit to his home state, outlined the benefits of PM Kisan scheme and pension scheme for farmers and small traders. "Continuous efforts are on to double the income of every farming family of the country including Gujarat by 2022. After the formation of the new government, several steps have been taken in this direction in the last 100 days. Farmers are getting benefits of PM Kisan scheme. Pension scheme for farmers and small traders has also been started," he said. The National Pension Scheme for traders and self-employed aims at providing a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000 to small traders and self-employed after attaining the age of 60. Around three crore small traders are expected to benefit from the scheme. Modi said that the Statue of Unity brought Kevadia and state of Gujarat on the tourism map of the world. The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 23 lakh people have come to see the tallest statue of the world since it was unveiled last year. "The discussion of the Statue of Unity is natural when it comes to tourism. Due to this, Kevadia and Gujarat have figured prominently on the tourism map of the whole world. It was unveiled only 11 months ago, but so far more than 23 lakh tourists have come here from within the country and around the world," he said. "An average of 8,500 tourists are coming every day to the Statue of Unity. I am told that on the day of Janmashtami last month, more than 34,000 tourists reached here. Only 10,000 visit Statue of Liberty in America every day. It was constructed 133 years ago," he added. Modi had announced to build the statue when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat in memory of India`s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel who is credited with uniting all 562 princely states of pre-independent India. The 182-metre statue is located on Sadhu Bet Island on Narmada river in Gujarat. The Prime Minister said that when all projects related to Statue of Unity will be completed it will pave way for new employment opportunities for local people."Statue of Unity is also becoming a new medium of employment for the tribal sisters, brothers and youth of this place. In the coming days when the roads and other projects related to tourism here will get completed, it will generate new employment opportunities," he said.

Patel inspired decision on J&K; took multiple steps to double farmers' income by 2022: PM in Gujarat

In a bid to keep the Kashmir issue in focus, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today gave a speech<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approaches-international-community-over-kashmir-but-commits-genocide-in-balochistan-baloch-leader-248933"> at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan</a> Occupied Kashmir(PoK) asserting that he was the &nbsp;"ambassador of Kashmiri people".

The Pakistan prime minister who is set to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly in a fortnight set the stage during his address at&nbsp;PoK. "I am going to the UN General Assembly in New York and I will not disappoint the Kashmiri people," he said in a clear message that he would rake up the Kashmir issue during the congregation of world leaders later in the month.

Despite Imran's claim of support, several nations including organisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kashmir-issue-does-not-concern-muslim-community-uae-snubs-pakistan-247853">Islamic cooperation(OIC) members </a>have backed India's move on abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

In fact, Pakistan's ally China had attempted to rake up the Kashmir issue at the UNSC last month calling for a consultative meet. In a huge diplomatic setback for Pakistan, the meeting ended with Russia, France, UK and US backing India. The&nbsp;consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of India's decision to remove the special status for Jammy and Kashmir, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but it hasn't received any traction.

In his PoK speech, Imran Khan attacked PM Modi blaming him for the "injustice" in Kashmir. "Today Kashmir has been internationalised," the Pakistan prime minister told the crowd.

The Pakistan prime minister said India was "pushing" Muslim citizens towards "extremism".

Imran referred to the February 27 incident when Pak jets entered Indian airspace asserting that Pak Air Force brought down down the Indian jet. Imran said the government returned the pilot because he wanted to "solve issues through dialogue".

"Let me go to the United Nations and fight Kashmir's case," the Pakistan prime said while concluding his speech.

In a bid to keep the Kashmir issue in focus, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today gave a speech at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) asserting that he was the "ambassador of Kashmiri people".

In a bid to keep the Kashmir issue in focus, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today gave a speech at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK) asserting that he was the "ambassador of Kashmiri people". The Pakistan prime minister who is set to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly in a fortnight set the stage during his address at PoK. "I am going to the UN General Assembly in New York and I will not disappoint the Kashmiri people," he said in a clear message that he would rake up the Kashmir issue during the congregation of world leaders later in the month. Despite Imran's claim of support, several nations including organisation of Islamic cooperation(OIC) members have backed India's move on abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, Pakistan's ally China had attempted to rake up the Kashmir issue at the UNSC last month calling for a consultative meet. In a huge diplomatic setback for Pakistan, the meeting ended with Russia, France, UK and US backing India. The consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have. In the aftermath of India's decision to remove the special status for Jammy and Kashmir, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but it hasn't received any traction. In his PoK speech, Imran Khan attacked PM Modi blaming him for the "injustice" in Kashmir. "Today Kashmir has been internationalised," the Pakistan prime minister told the crowd. The Pakistan prime minister said India was "pushing" Muslim citizens towards "extremism". Imran referred to the February 27 incident when Pak jets entered Indian airspace asserting that Pak Air Force brought down down the Indian jet. Imran said the government returned the pilot because he wanted to "solve issues through dialogue". "Let me go to the United Nations and fight Kashmir's case," the Pakistan prime said while concluding his speech.

In PoK rally, Imran rakes up Kashmir, set to bring up issue at UNGA

Why does India get bad press internationally? The answer lies within complex layers of history and culture. Global media coverage of Kashmir is just the latest example of how misinformed, inaccurate and biased Western reportage on India can be.&nbsp;

Exhibit one: The New York Times editorial board wrote: “The Indian government’s decision to revoke the semi-autonomous status of Kashmir, accompanied by a huge security clampdown, is dangerous and wrong. Bloodshed is all but certain. The United Nations recommended holding a referendum to let Kashmiris decide their fate, but that never happened.”&nbsp;

Note the confidence with which The New York Times makes the assertion: “Bloodshed is all but certain.” Worse is the newspaper’s reference to the United Nations “recommending holding a referendum”, without mentioning the fact that the UN had set a pre-condition for Pakistan to vacate PoK before any referendum could be considered.&nbsp;

Exhibit two: Reuters reported: “Police used tear gas and pellets to fight back at least 10,000 people protesting Delhi’s withdrawal of special rights for Jammu and Kashmir in its main city of Srinagar on Friday, a police official and two witnesses said.”&nbsp;

Reuters’ sources? An unnamed police officer and two anonymous “witnesses”. The report of “a crowd of 10,000” protestors has been disproved by on-ground accounts from credible, independent Indian journalists. Reuters’ reportage clearly does not meet the standard of accurate and responsible journalism.&nbsp;

The New York Times editorial board has often been forced to apologise for inaccurate commentary. The BBC’s and Al Jazeera’s editorial coverage of Kashmir has been equally tendentious. Neither media organisation sufficiently stressed Pakistan’s malignant role in abetting terrorism in Kashmir. Without context, such journalism sets a low bar for itself.&nbsp;

Now history. Days before J&amp;K acceded to the Indian Union on October 26/27,1947,&nbsp;Pakistan connived with Britain to annex J&amp;K by force. Islamabad, with tacit support from the British, sent tribal Afridi fighters towards Srinagar. What transpired subsequently is well-documented. The Afridis were stopped just outside Srinagar and evicted by the Indian Army.

For Britain and the West, post-independent Pakistan has served as valuable geostrategic real estate. It helped thwart Soviet influence extending beyond the Khyber Pass. Pakistan plays the supplicant, ever ready to do the West’s bidding. The US prefers doing business with dictators — in the Middle East, South America and South Asia. Pakistan’s long line of military dictators, from the 1950s right up to Pervez Musharraf, has served Washington well.&nbsp;

The West’s pro-Pakistan tilt was evident when US President Richard Nixon and his Machiavellian Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tried to goad China into opening a second front against India during the 1971 Bangladesh war. A timely Indo-Russian treaty of peace and friendship signed astutely by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Moscow in August 1971, kept the Chinese at bay.&nbsp;

The US attempted, unsuccessfully, to help the beleaguered Pakistani Army by sending its Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal in December 1971 to intimidate India.&nbsp;

While Independent India developed into a socialist democracy, Pakistan emerged as a capitalist dictatorship. For the US, socialism was culturally and politically anathema. It welcomed Pakistani dictators, but had little love lost for socialists like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;

The US, Britain and other Anglo-Saxon nations have a grim record of committing historical crimes: trafficking Africans to North America during the centuries-long Atlantic slave trade; invading and colonising countries; waging extra-territorial wars; destabilising elected governments; supporting apartheid in South Africa; dispossessing Aborigines in Australia and indigenous Indians in the US; imposing a racist White Australia immigration policy; and segregating African-Americans in the southern states of the US till as late as the 1960s.&nbsp;

Western media tries its best to avoid highlighting these issues. It was only when Democratic Presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris raised the issue of reparations for slavery that the US media gingerly took cognisance of it with a nervous editorial twitch.

Warren has gone further by suggesting compensation for indigenous Indians whose land was usurped by European settlers in the US. &nbsp;

Amidst all this, India is a tempting target. A large, diverse democracy, it has multiple mutinies, as the late VS Naipaul wrote, going on raucously at the same time. These provide easy pickings for Western journalists. They have learnt their lesson the hard way after the French magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked by Islamist terrorists, several of its staff killed and the publication eventually forced to change ownership. The lesson learnt? It is safer to criticise India. Indians don’t hit back.&nbsp;

India, in fact, provides Western media an invaluable additional resource: Indian journalists. These editorial sepoys can be inveigled to write how brutish and viscerally communal India is. Were Western journalists to write the same articles, they would be accused of racism. Indian journalists thus serve as useful surrogates. The Indian government has compounded the problem by not having daily briefings to provide timely information on key political and economic issues, allowing international media to misinform and distort as it has done in its reportage on Kashmir. &nbsp;

India has real problems of poverty, corruption and sectarianism, but there are gripping stories as well of startups, space technology and the rise of a new Dalit entrepreneurial class.&nbsp;

You won’t find much reportage on these in the Western media that picks its Indian mutinies carefully.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-foreign-media-s-india-bias-2789101">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Why does India get bad press internationally? The answer lies within complex layers of history and culture. Global media coverage of Kashmir is just the latest example of how misinformed, inaccurate and biased Western reportage on India can be.

Why does India get bad press internationally? The answer lies within complex layers of history and culture. Global media coverage of Kashmir is just the latest example of how misinformed, inaccurate and biased Western reportage on India can be. Exhibit one: The New York Times editorial board wrote: “The Indian government’s decision to revoke the semi-autonomous status of Kashmir, accompanied by a huge security clampdown, is dangerous and wrong. Bloodshed is all but certain. The United Nations recommended holding a referendum to let Kashmiris decide their fate, but that never happened.” Note the confidence with which The New York Times makes the assertion: “Bloodshed is all but certain.” Worse is the newspaper’s reference to the United Nations “recommending holding a referendum”, without mentioning the fact that the UN had set a pre-condition for Pakistan to vacate PoK before any referendum could be considered. Exhibit two: Reuters reported: “Police used tear gas and pellets to fight back at least 10,000 people protesting Delhi’s withdrawal of special rights for Jammu and Kashmir in its main city of Srinagar on Friday, a police official and two witnesses said.” Reuters’ sources? An unnamed police officer and two anonymous “witnesses”. The report of “a crowd of 10,000” protestors has been disproved by on-ground accounts from credible, independent Indian journalists. Reuters’ reportage clearly does not meet the standard of accurate and responsible journalism. The New York Times editorial board has often been forced to apologise for inaccurate commentary. The BBC’s and Al Jazeera’s editorial coverage of Kashmir has been equally tendentious. Neither media organisation sufficiently stressed Pakistan’s malignant role in abetting terrorism in Kashmir. Without context, such journalism sets a low bar for itself. Now history. Days before J&K acceded to the Indian Union on October 26/27,1947, Pakistan connived with Britain to annex J&K by force. Islamabad, with tacit support from the British, sent tribal Afridi fighters towards Srinagar. What transpired subsequently is well-documented. The Afridis were stopped just outside Srinagar and evicted by the Indian Army. For Britain and the West, post-independent Pakistan has served as valuable geostrategic real estate. It helped thwart Soviet influence extending beyond the Khyber Pass. Pakistan plays the supplicant, ever ready to do the West’s bidding. The US prefers doing business with dictators — in the Middle East, South America and South Asia. Pakistan’s long line of military dictators, from the 1950s right up to Pervez Musharraf, has served Washington well. The West’s pro-Pakistan tilt was evident when US President Richard Nixon and his Machiavellian Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tried to goad China into opening a second front against India during the 1971 Bangladesh war. A timely Indo-Russian treaty of peace and friendship signed astutely by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Moscow in August 1971, kept the Chinese at bay. The US attempted, unsuccessfully, to help the beleaguered Pakistani Army by sending its Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal in December 1971 to intimidate India. While Independent India developed into a socialist democracy, Pakistan emerged as a capitalist dictatorship. For the US, socialism was culturally and politically anathema. It welcomed Pakistani dictators, but had little love lost for socialists like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The US, Britain and other Anglo-Saxon nations have a grim record of committing historical crimes: trafficking Africans to North America during the centuries-long Atlantic slave trade; invading and colonising countries; waging extra-territorial wars; destabilising elected governments; supporting apartheid in South Africa; dispossessing Aborigines in Australia and indigenous Indians in the US; imposing a racist White Australia immigration policy; and segregating African-Americans in the southern states of the US till as late as the 1960s. Western media tries its best to avoid highlighting these issues. It was only when Democratic Presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris raised the issue of reparations for slavery that the US media gingerly took cognisance of it with a nervous editorial twitch. Warren has gone further by suggesting compensation for indigenous Indians whose land was usurped by European settlers in the US. Amidst all this, India is a tempting target. A large, diverse democracy, it has multiple mutinies, as the late VS Naipaul wrote, going on raucously at the same time. These provide easy pickings for Western journalists. They have learnt their lesson the hard way after the French magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked by Islamist terrorists, several of its staff killed and the publication eventually forced to change ownership. The lesson learnt? It is safer to criticise India. Indians don’t hit back. India, in fact, provides Western media an invaluable additional resource: Indian journalists. These editorial sepoys can be inveigled to write how brutish and viscerally communal India is. Were Western journalists to write the same articles, they would be accused of racism. Indian journalists thus serve as useful surrogates. The Indian government has compounded the problem by not having daily briefings to provide timely information on key political and economic issues, allowing international media to misinform and distort as it has done in its reportage on Kashmir. India has real problems of poverty, corruption and sectarianism, but there are gripping stories as well of startups, space technology and the rise of a new Dalit entrepreneurial class. You won’t find much reportage on these in the Western media that picks its Indian mutinies carefully. (This article was originally 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)

Article 370 abrogation: Foreign media’s India bias

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approaches-international-community-over-kashmir-but-commits-genocide-in-balochistan-baloch-leader-248933">Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide"</a> of the minorities.

He also termed Islamabad a "rogue state" with no law and justice.

"We have suffered a lot. Our socio-cultural, economic rights have been denied. Balochistan has been plundered, they have looted our resources. Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural resources, yet the people suffer," Baloch told ANI.

"Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism. Pakistan is not only committing systematic genocide of Baloch people but also involved in the genocide of our Sindhi brothers, Pashtuns. It's also a threat to the world because it is a rogue state, there is no law, no justice," he added.

Along with Samad, many other activists have also called out Islamabad for committing Human Rights violations against the religious minorities.

This comes at the time when the Pakistan government has submitted a dossier in UNHRC over Kashmir.

At the UNHRC session, Foreign Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-altering-status-of-kashmir-is-illegal-says-pakistan-foreign-minister-in-unhrc-248833"> Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> presented a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-at-unhrc-india-hits-back-248819">false narrative on Kashmir</a> maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. However, Pakistan has been strongly reprimanded by Indian delegation.

Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan.

On Tuesday, the Baloch Human Rights Council organised a briefing on 'The Humanitarian Crisis in Balochistan' at a special tent at Broken Chair in front of the UN headquarters.

Before that, a protest was organised by the World Sindhi Congress (WCS) at a time when Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was speaking at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities.

During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide" of the minorities.

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide" of the minorities. He also termed Islamabad a "rogue state" with no law and justice. "We have suffered a lot. Our socio-cultural, economic rights have been denied. Balochistan has been plundered, they have looted our resources. Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural resources, yet the people suffer," Baloch told ANI. "Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism. Pakistan is not only committing systematic genocide of Baloch people but also involved in the genocide of our Sindhi brothers, Pashtuns. It's also a threat to the world because it is a rogue state, there is no law, no justice," he added. Along with Samad, many other activists have also called out Islamabad for committing Human Rights violations against the religious minorities. This comes at the time when the Pakistan government has submitted a dossier in UNHRC over Kashmir. At the UNHRC session, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. However, Pakistan has been strongly reprimanded by Indian delegation. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. On Tuesday, the Baloch Human Rights Council organised a briefing on 'The Humanitarian Crisis in Balochistan' at a special tent at Broken Chair in front of the UN headquarters. Before that, a protest was organised by the World Sindhi Congress (WCS) at a time when Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was speaking at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities. During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Pakistan is committing 'systematic genocide' of minorities: Baloch HRC Secretary

In another effort to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi at UNHRC in Geneva.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Kashmir is not a country-specific situation and India altering status of Kashmir is illegal.

Qureshi also said that all political leaders of the region are under arrest. 
&nbsp; 
Giving a communal angle to India's move of revoking Article 370 in J&amp;K &nbsp;Qureshi said that India plans to reduce Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Muslim majority into a minority.

On August 5 India made constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir and the entire structure of Pakistan's nationalism built around Kashmir over the past seven decades came crashing down.&nbsp;

Ever since Islamabad has been scampering around to find a narrative that could resonate both domestically and internationally.

India is set to take on Pakistan at the council with a high powered delegation led by Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria.

The Indian government has consistently maintained that abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter, however, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken up the matter with several world leaders, but hasn't received any support.

In another effort to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi at UNHRC in Geneva.

In another effort to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi at UNHRC in Geneva. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Kashmir is not a country-specific situation and India altering status of Kashmir is illegal. Qureshi also said that all political leaders of the region are under arrest. Giving a communal angle to India's move of revoking Article 370 in J&K Qureshi said that India plans to reduce Jammu & Kashmir's Muslim majority into a minority. On August 5 India made constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir and the entire structure of Pakistan's nationalism built around Kashmir over the past seven decades came crashing down. Ever since Islamabad has been scampering around to find a narrative that could resonate both domestically and internationally. India is set to take on Pakistan at the council with a high powered delegation led by Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria. The Indian government has consistently maintained that abrogation of Article 370 is an internal matter, however, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken up the matter with several world leaders, but hasn't received any support.

India altering status of Kashmir is illegal, says Pakistan Foreign Minister in UNHRC

India and Pakistan will speak at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday with Islamabad all set to rake Kashmir issues at the international human rights forum. The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is being held at its headquarters in Geneva from September 9 to 27. 
 
Islamabad is in full mood to use the forum to rant on Kashmir. Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi himself is in Geneva and is accompanied by several high profile officials including the envoy of the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan - Tehmina Janjua - and Acting Permanent Representative‪ of Pakistan ‬to the United Nations. 
 
Qureshi is scheduled to speak at the council on Tuesday at 3.30 pm IST. Pakistan plans for a resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, though the country lacks support for its passage. 
 
India is led by a high powered delegation led by Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria. India has been engaging with several UN HRC members to thwart any Pakistani attempt to internationalise Kashmir. India has briefed several foreign envoys in Delhi and has also reached out to global capitals. 
 
On Monday, in her opening statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet slammed both India and Pakistan for the situation in Kashmir. 
 
"In relation to Kashmir, my Office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the line of control...I continue to urge the Governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected," she said. 
 
She urged New Delhi to ease the current lockdowns or curfews in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure people's access to basic services. 
 
The Council is made of 47 Member States, which are elected by the majority of members of the General Assembly of the United Nations through a direct and secret ballot. 
 
The development comes weeks after India was able to thwart a joint China-Pak initiative to rake up Kashmir at the United Nation Security Council (UNSC). Islamabad wanted an emergency session on Kashmir at the UNSC and for this, a consultative meet was held on August 16. 
 
The meeting took place at the request of China which took up the letter of Pakistani foreign minister in the aftermath of New Delhi's decision to remove the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, granted under Article 370 of the Constitution. 
 
In the aftermath of India's decision, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but has not got any traction. 
 
New Delhi has reiterated on every platform that the government's move is an internal matter of India. 
 
Speaking after the UNSC consultative meet, India's permanent envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin after had said, "Article 370 is internal matter.. these have no external ramifications." 
 
On talks with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks." 
 
The outcome of the August 16 meeting was considered a big diplomatic victory for India as consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have.&nbsp;

India and Pakistan will speak at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday with Islamabad all set to rake Kashmir issues at the international human rights forum.

India and Pakistan will speak at the United Nations Human Rights Council on Tuesday with Islamabad all set to rake Kashmir issues at the international human rights forum. The 42nd session of the Human Rights Council is being held at its headquarters in Geneva from September 9 to 27. Islamabad is in full mood to use the forum to rant on Kashmir. Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi himself is in Geneva and is accompanied by several high profile officials including the envoy of the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan - Tehmina Janjua - and Acting Permanent Representative‪ of Pakistan ‬to the United Nations. Qureshi is scheduled to speak at the council on Tuesday at 3.30 pm IST. Pakistan plans for a resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, though the country lacks support for its passage. India is led by a high powered delegation led by Secretary (East) Vijay Thakur Singh and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria. India has been engaging with several UN HRC members to thwart any Pakistani attempt to internationalise Kashmir. India has briefed several foreign envoys in Delhi and has also reached out to global capitals. On Monday, in her opening statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet slammed both India and Pakistan for the situation in Kashmir. "In relation to Kashmir, my Office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the line of control...I continue to urge the Governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected," she said. She urged New Delhi to ease the current lockdowns or curfews in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure people's access to basic services. The Council is made of 47 Member States, which are elected by the majority of members of the General Assembly of the United Nations through a direct and secret ballot. The development comes weeks after India was able to thwart a joint China-Pak initiative to rake up Kashmir at the United Nation Security Council (UNSC). Islamabad wanted an emergency session on Kashmir at the UNSC and for this, a consultative meet was held on August 16. The meeting took place at the request of China which took up the letter of Pakistani foreign minister in the aftermath of New Delhi's decision to remove the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, granted under Article 370 of the Constitution. In the aftermath of India's decision, Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir by reaching out to global capitals but has not got any traction. New Delhi has reiterated on every platform that the government's move is an internal matter of India. Speaking after the UNSC consultative meet, India's permanent envoy to United Nations Syed Akbaruddin after had said, "Article 370 is internal matter.. these have no external ramifications." On talks with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks." The outcome of the August 16 meeting was considered a big diplomatic victory for India as consultations did not lead to any formal meeting which Islamabad was keen to have.

Pakistan to take up Kashmir issue in UNHRC; India all set to resist Imran government's move

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;

The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9.

"This rally is being conducted to provide employment to youth from seven districts - Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi," Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in a release.

"Over 29,000 aspiring youths from Jammu Region have registered and are likely to be screened for their physical and medical fitness during the week-long Army recruitment rally in Reasi. On the first day of the rally, more than 2,500 candidates from districts of Kishtwar and Ramban converged for the physical fitness tests," the release added.

The vacancies are open for six categories which are Soldier General Duty, Soldier Technical, Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance (AMC)/ Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance Veterinary, Soldier Clerk, Store Keeper Technical and Soldier Tradesman.&nbsp;

The recruitment process is divided into several categories and rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test and written test. Selected candidates will be inducted into the various arms and services of the Indian Army.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9.

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9. "This rally is being conducted to provide employment to youth from seven districts - Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi," Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in a release. "Over 29,000 aspiring youths from Jammu Region have registered and are likely to be screened for their physical and medical fitness during the week-long Army recruitment rally in Reasi. On the first day of the rally, more than 2,500 candidates from districts of Kishtwar and Ramban converged for the physical fitness tests," the release added. The vacancies are open for six categories which are Soldier General Duty, Soldier Technical, Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance (AMC)/ Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance Veterinary, Soldier Clerk, Store Keeper Technical and Soldier Tradesman. The recruitment process is divided into several categories and rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test and written test. Selected candidates will be inducted into the various arms and services of the Indian Army.

First Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 commences at Reasi

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works. 
 
It was the first such meeting of a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir with Shah since the repeal of Article 370 and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories. 
 
The meeting was also attended by Ministers of State for Home Nityanand Rai and G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Home Secretary AK Bhalla and All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Association Chairman Anil Sharma. It discussed the agenda of development of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Sources in the ministry said that Shah told the sarpanches that they should take responsibility of development works in their areas. He said local bodies will now get "enough" funds for development as was the case with other states. Shah said the repeal of Article 370 will be beneficial to the state and open more doors of development in the Valley. 
 
"Employment opportunities will come to your home and your future will be brighter," Shah told the group. The home minister also met a group of apple growers from Kashmir who apprised him of their problems. He assured to look into their issues. Meer Junaid, a sarpanch who was present at the meeting, told ANI that Shah assured them to give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir once normalcy is returned. 
 
"The Home Minister presented a roadmap for the development of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works.

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works. It was the first such meeting of a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir with Shah since the repeal of Article 370 and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories. The meeting was also attended by Ministers of State for Home Nityanand Rai and G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Home Secretary AK Bhalla and All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Association Chairman Anil Sharma. It discussed the agenda of development of Jammu and Kashmir. Sources in the ministry said that Shah told the sarpanches that they should take responsibility of development works in their areas. He said local bodies will now get "enough" funds for development as was the case with other states. Shah said the repeal of Article 370 will be beneficial to the state and open more doors of development in the Valley. "Employment opportunities will come to your home and your future will be brighter," Shah told the group. The home minister also met a group of apple growers from Kashmir who apprised him of their problems. He assured to look into their issues. Meer Junaid, a sarpanch who was present at the meeting, told ANI that Shah assured them to give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir once normalcy is returned. "The Home Minister presented a roadmap for the development of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir citizens group meets Amit Shah, assured of enough development funds

Imran Khan-led <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accepts-pakistan-offer-of-consular-access-for-kulbhushan-jhadav-hopes-for-free-fair-meeting-247069">Pakistan government</a> has restored partial trade with India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-suspends-cross-loc-trade-with-pakistan-in-jammu-and-kashmir-211807">bowing down to domestic pressure</a> from its traders.&nbsp;

Pakistan will now import life-saving drugs from its arch-rival.

These medicines include those for cancer, tuberculosis and cardiac problems.

Pakistan imports almost 50 per cent of raw materials for medicines from India.Pakistan gets cheap Raw materials from India and China only, those from Europe and other places are relatively expensive due to higher labour cost.

These medicines include These live-saving drugs of Cardiac, Diabetes, Cancer and TB medicines. In total, 820 chemicals for medicines are imported by Pakistan from India. At least 62 chemicals are those on which Pakistan is entirely dependent on India. At least 23 from these 62 are those which are life-saving drugs.

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Watch: Face-off between Indian &amp; Pakistani lawmakers in Maldives

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Pakistan's imports have already entered negative growth with almost all countries, except India, as Islamabad mostly imports raw materials from New Delhi.

On August 10, Pakistan had formally suspended its trade relations with India, in retaliation against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/removal-of-article-370-heralds-an-era-of-progress-for-jammu-and-kashmir-242889">New Delhi's decision to revoke Article 370</a> that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has restored partial trade with India bowing down to domestic pressure from its traders. Pakistan will now import life-saving drugs from its arch-rival.

Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has restored partial trade with India bowing down to domestic pressure from its traders. Pakistan will now import life-saving drugs from its arch-rival. These medicines include those for cancer, tuberculosis and cardiac problems. Pakistan imports almost 50 per cent of raw materials for medicines from India.Pakistan gets cheap Raw materials from India and China only, those from Europe and other places are relatively expensive due to higher labour cost. These medicines include These live-saving drugs of Cardiac, Diabetes, Cancer and TB medicines. In total, 820 chemicals for medicines are imported by Pakistan from India. At least 62 chemicals are those on which Pakistan is entirely dependent on India. At least 23 from these 62 are those which are life-saving drugs. Watch: Face-off between Indian & Pakistani lawmakers in Maldives × Pakistan's imports have already entered negative growth with almost all countries, except India, as Islamabad mostly imports raw materials from New Delhi. On August 10, Pakistan had formally suspended its trade relations with India, in retaliation against New Delhi's decision to revoke Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan restores partial trade with India, bows down to domestic pressure from traders

Former US Ambassador to India has slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-kashmir-issue-third-time-246030">Pakistani prime minister</a> Imran khan for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-trying-hard-to-spread-false-narratives-on-jammu-and-kashmir-246411">increasing the volatility in the region</a>.

Former envoy Tim Roemer's comments came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-calls-us-president-donald-trump-to-discuss-kashmir-243492">Imran Khan </a>wrote an opinion piece in a US Newspaper.

Khan accused India of not wanting to have a dialogue for peace.

He threatened that there would be severe consequences for the whole world over Kashmir, especially if a nuclear war takes place.

In a tweet, Roemer tagged Imran's opinion piece and said that the US Should continue to back India.

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Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region. US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize CT cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results. <a href="https://t.co/VeAG7PepFJ">https://t.co/VeAG7PepFJ</a>
— Tim Roemer (@Tim_Roemer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Roemer/status/1167851401231441920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Roemer said that Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-passed-in-rajya-sabha-with-125-members-in-favour-240893">Kashmir situation</a>, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region.&nbsp;

US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize counter-terror cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results.

Tim Roemer was the American ambassador to India from 2009 to 2011 during the leadership of President Barack Obama.

Watch: Imran Khan's Flop 'Kashmir Hour' in Pakistan

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He oversaw several policies increasing cooperation between India and the United States.

One of the key policies was the counterterrorism cooperation initiative with India which focussed on areas such as money laundering, terror-financing and border security.

Former US Ambassador to India has slammed Pakistani prime minister Imran khan for increasing the volatility in the region. Former envoy Tim Roemer's comments came after Imran Khan wrote an opinion piece in a US Newspaper.

Former US Ambassador to India has slammed Pakistani prime minister Imran khan for increasing the volatility in the region. Former envoy Tim Roemer's comments came after Imran Khan wrote an opinion piece in a US Newspaper. Khan accused India of not wanting to have a dialogue for peace. He threatened that there would be severe consequences for the whole world over Kashmir, especially if a nuclear war takes place. In a tweet, Roemer tagged Imran's opinion piece and said that the US Should continue to back India. Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region. US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize CT cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results. https://t.co/VeAG7PepFJ — Tim Roemer (@Tim_Roemer) August 31, 2019 × Roemer said that Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region. US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize counter-terror cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results. Tim Roemer was the American ambassador to India from 2009 to 2011 during the leadership of President Barack Obama. Watch: Imran Khan's Flop 'Kashmir Hour' in Pakistan × He oversaw several policies increasing cooperation between India and the United States. One of the key policies was the counterterrorism cooperation initiative with India which focussed on areas such as money laundering, terror-financing and border security.

Imran Khan hypes Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, says former US envoy to India

Pakistani politician and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has said that the revocation of Article 370 is absolutely an internal matter of India.

Hussain welcomed India’s move to scrap Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and said that Government of India took this decision with the overwhelming support of the people of India.&nbsp;

In a video released on Saturday from London where Hussain is living in exile, he said that Pakistan misuses Kashmiris and drives them to a corner where they have no choice except to hoist Pakistani flag and chant slogans for making J&amp;K party of Pakistan.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> London: Founder of Pakistan’s Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party, Altaf Hussain sings 'Saare jahan se acha Hindustan hamara.' <a href="https://t.co/4IQKYnJjfB">pic.twitter.com/4IQKYnJjfB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1167829752255848454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Pakistan invaded Jammu and Kashmir and for that purpose used people of the tribal belt of Pakistan, arming them to attack and free J&amp;K. Following this, the Maharaja of J&amp;K approached India for help, consenting to merge the princely state with India. Pakistan fought four wars with India over the region but faced a humiliating defeat in all those four fights. Pakistan had not stopped conspiring against India and continued to infiltrate Indian territory with armed non-state actors in form of Jihadists," Hussain said.

Highlighting the plight of minorities in Pakistan, he said, “Pakistan’s military butchered unarmed and defenceless innocent Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Hazarwalls, Gilgitis.”

Pakistani politician and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has said that the revocation of Article 370 is absolutely an internal matter of India.

Pakistani politician and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has said that the revocation of Article 370 is absolutely an internal matter of India. Hussain welcomed India’s move to scrap Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and said that Government of India took this decision with the overwhelming support of the people of India. In a video released on Saturday from London where Hussain is living in exile, he said that Pakistan misuses Kashmiris and drives them to a corner where they have no choice except to hoist Pakistani flag and chant slogans for making J&K party of Pakistan. #WATCH London: Founder of Pakistan’s Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party, Altaf Hussain sings 'Saare jahan se acha Hindustan hamara.' pic.twitter.com/4IQKYnJjfB — ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2019 × "Pakistan invaded Jammu and Kashmir and for that purpose used people of the tribal belt of Pakistan, arming them to attack and free J&K. Following this, the Maharaja of J&K approached India for help, consenting to merge the princely state with India. Pakistan fought four wars with India over the region but faced a humiliating defeat in all those four fights. Pakistan had not stopped conspiring against India and continued to infiltrate Indian territory with armed non-state actors in form of Jihadists," Hussain said. Highlighting the plight of minorities in Pakistan, he said, “Pakistan’s military butchered unarmed and defenceless innocent Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns, Sindhis, Hazarwalls, Gilgitis.”

Watch: Pakistani politician and MQM founder Altaf Hussain sings ‘Saare jahan se achha Hindustan humara’, terms Article 370 internal matter of India

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