The Jammu and Kashmir Police have brushed aside media reports of firing incidents in the Kashmir Valley, saying they did not fire a single bullet for nearly a week and the situation in the region is calm.

"People should not believe any mischievous and motivated news reports regarding firing incidents in the Valley. The police have not fired a single bullet in the last six days. The situation is calm, people are cooperative and restrictions are being relaxed," the police said in a statement late on Saturday.

The police's clarification came after BBC's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-remanded-into-15-days-national-accountability-bureau-custody-241722"> South Asia Bureau </a>Chief Nicola Careem had posted a video showing police firing on protesters in the Valley in the wake of the Centre's move to strip Article 370 that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kashmir, SP Pani also rejected such media reports, saying they are false and no such firing incident has taken place in the Valley.

"This is to clarify that some international media reports regarding firing incidents in the Valley are wrong. No such incident has taken place. Valley has remained largely peaceful over the last one week," Pani said.

Earlier this week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-passed-in-rajya-sabha-with-125-members-in-favour-240893">Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019</a>, the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill 2019, and a resolution revoking Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir were passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with an overwhelming majority.

Ahead of the decision, the central government had deployed additional military troops to control any possible untoward incident.

Earlier in the day, Section 144 was lifted in Jammu which was imposed in the backdrop of the whittling down of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The government had also suspended mobile internet in Jammu because of the security situation in the region which later resumed.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have brushed aside media reports of firing incidents in the Kashmir Valley, saying they did not fire a single bullet for nearly a week and the situation in the region is calm.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have brushed aside media reports of firing incidents in the Kashmir Valley, saying they did not fire a single bullet for nearly a week and the situation in the region is calm. "People should not believe any mischievous and motivated news reports regarding firing incidents in the Valley. The police have not fired a single bullet in the last six days. The situation is calm, people are cooperative and restrictions are being relaxed," the police said in a statement late on Saturday. The police's clarification came after BBC's South Asia Bureau Chief Nicola Careem had posted a video showing police firing on protesters in the Valley in the wake of the Centre's move to strip Article 370 that granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Inspector General (IG) of Police, Kashmir, SP Pani also rejected such media reports, saying they are false and no such firing incident has taken place in the Valley. "This is to clarify that some international media reports regarding firing incidents in the Valley are wrong. No such incident has taken place. Valley has remained largely peaceful over the last one week," Pani said. Earlier this week, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill 2019, and a resolution revoking Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir were passed by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with an overwhelming majority. Ahead of the decision, the central government had deployed additional military troops to control any possible untoward incident. Earlier in the day, Section 144 was lifted in Jammu which was imposed in the backdrop of the whittling down of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The government had also suspended mobile internet in Jammu because of the security situation in the region which later resumed.

J&K: Police says no firing incidents in Valley in past one week, situation calm

The &nbsp;All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have demanded a blanket ban on Pakistani artists, diplomats working in India. The demand comes after Pakistan banned the screening of Indian films on Thursday. 
 
"In relation to Pakistani government banning Indian movies in Pakistan AICWA urges all the film industries to put a complete stop to any association with Pakistani artists, musician, and diplomats," read the statement released by the AICWA. 
 
The AICWA demanded a strict "say no to Pakistan" policy for trade and bilateral relation. 
 
"Entire film industry and cine workers have refused to resume work till there is a complete ban of Pakistani movie makers, artists, and trade partner," the statement read.

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All India Cine Workers Assn in a letter to PM Modi in regards with Pakistan's ban on release of Indian Movie or content in Pak:AICWA on behalf of entire film&amp;media fraternity would demand complete shut down on issuing any Visa to Pakistani actors,Film Association&amp;Media Fraternity <a href="https://t.co/Yo5BJ07w5q">pic.twitter.com/Yo5BJ07w5q</a>
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Tensions escalated between the two countries after India scrapped Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
"AICWA learns that after scrapping Article 370 and 35A Pakistan has become vulnerable in feeding their perpetrators who were directly involved in provoking Kashmiris to create a non-cooperative movement against Indian government and policies," the statement read further. 
 
AICWA president Suresh Gupta praised Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their bold decisions and wish them luck on behalf of the entire film industry and 1.3 billion Indians.&nbsp;

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have demanded a blanket ban on Pakistani artists, diplomats working in India. The demand comes after Pakistan banned the screening of Indian films on Thursday.

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have demanded a blanket ban on Pakistani artists, diplomats working in India. The demand comes after Pakistan banned the screening of Indian films on Thursday. "In relation to Pakistani government banning Indian movies in Pakistan AICWA urges all the film industries to put a complete stop to any association with Pakistani artists, musician, and diplomats," read the statement released by the AICWA. The AICWA demanded a strict "say no to Pakistan" policy for trade and bilateral relation. "Entire film industry and cine workers have refused to resume work till there is a complete ban of Pakistani movie makers, artists, and trade partner," the statement read. All India Cine Workers Assn in a letter to PM Modi in regards with Pakistan's ban on release of Indian Movie or content in Pak:AICWA on behalf of entire film&media fraternity would demand complete shut down on issuing any Visa to Pakistani actors,Film Association&Media Fraternity pic.twitter.com/Yo5BJ07w5q — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 × Tensions escalated between the two countries after India scrapped Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir. "AICWA learns that after scrapping Article 370 and 35A Pakistan has become vulnerable in feeding their perpetrators who were directly involved in provoking Kashmiris to create a non-cooperative movement against Indian government and policies," the statement read further. AICWA president Suresh Gupta praised Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their bold decisions and wish them luck on behalf of the entire film industry and 1.3 billion Indians.

Cine Workers Association demands blanket ban on Pakistani artists in India

Centre is unlikely to hold assembly elections in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for at least a year, said sources.&nbsp;

Centre has prepared a detailed plan and wants to use this time to completely overhaul the administration in the Union Territory (UT). Sources have indicated that massive financial and administrative reforms are on anvil starting with a business summit which might take place by end of the year.&nbsp;

Sources also told WION that Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories for a purpose.

“If a state would have been created then it would have become business as usual. UT was created is to ensure that Kashmir gets properly aligned with the Indian Constitution. UT is not a demotion but an effort by the government to make required changes which wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” a highly placed source informed WION.

Sources also told WION that government wants to send out the message that the country tried to attain peace with Article 370 for 70 years and now at least 10 years can be invested in a new set of laws.&nbsp;

The plan also includes new townships in the valley and job opportunities for Kashmiri Pandits so that their relocation can gain momentum. The government understands that relocation can never take place without proper job opportunities and a safe environment.

A slow trickle of migration has already happened in Jammu and Kashmir but the government does not want to speed up the process lest it creates distrust in the mind of the people. For example, new temples are a reality in the valley as it happened slowly and organically.

The government is also expected to set up a proper Delimitation Commission so that Jammu gets its due in the state assembly.&nbsp;

It would be accompanied by creation of a new set of political leadership in the valley which RSS-BJP believes can flow from those who contested&nbsp;panchayat polls recently.&nbsp;

The idea is to remove the existing layer of political leadership which RSS feels is tied to the idea of Article 370. Sources say that new leaders would be able to circumvent powerful families in Jammu and Kashmir. More than that, the idea is to assert the sacred geography of Kashmir which existed before the medieval age. The idea is not to force a demographic change but make the rest of India engage with Jammu and Kashmir more intensely.

The other idea on the wishlist is to repopulate Ladakh which RSS feels is very sparsely populated. Most ideas are on the drawing table of the ideologues of Sangh Parivar as they feel that it is their only chance.

Lastly, RSS feels that there could not have been any other way for the Narendra Modi-led government to implement the decision to revoke Article 370 as the existing leaders would have compromised the process and wouldn’t have allowed the government to go ahead with it.

&nbsp;

Centre is unlikely to hold assembly elections in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for at least a year, said sources. Centre has prepared a detailed plan and wants to use this time to completely overhaul the administration in the Union Territory (UT).

Centre is unlikely to hold assembly elections in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for at least a year, said sources. Centre has prepared a detailed plan and wants to use this time to completely overhaul the administration in the Union Territory (UT). Sources have indicated that massive financial and administrative reforms are on anvil starting with a business summit which might take place by end of the year. Sources also told WION that Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories for a purpose. “If a state would have been created then it would have become business as usual. UT was created is to ensure that Kashmir gets properly aligned with the Indian Constitution. UT is not a demotion but an effort by the government to make required changes which wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” a highly placed source informed WION. Sources also told WION that government wants to send out the message that the country tried to attain peace with Article 370 for 70 years and now at least 10 years can be invested in a new set of laws. The plan also includes new townships in the valley and job opportunities for Kashmiri Pandits so that their relocation can gain momentum. The government understands that relocation can never take place without proper job opportunities and a safe environment. A slow trickle of migration has already happened in Jammu and Kashmir but the government does not want to speed up the process lest it creates distrust in the mind of the people. For example, new temples are a reality in the valley as it happened slowly and organically. The government is also expected to set up a proper Delimitation Commission so that Jammu gets its due in the state assembly. It would be accompanied by creation of a new set of political leadership in the valley which RSS-BJP believes can flow from those who contested panchayat polls recently. The idea is to remove the existing layer of political leadership which RSS feels is tied to the idea of Article 370. Sources say that new leaders would be able to circumvent powerful families in Jammu and Kashmir. More than that, the idea is to assert the sacred geography of Kashmir which existed before the medieval age. The idea is not to force a demographic change but make the rest of India engage with Jammu and Kashmir more intensely. The other idea on the wishlist is to repopulate Ladakh which RSS feels is very sparsely populated. Most ideas are on the drawing table of the ideologues of Sangh Parivar as they feel that it is their only chance. Lastly, RSS feels that there could not have been any other way for the Narendra Modi-led government to implement the decision to revoke Article 370 as the existing leaders would have compromised the process and wouldn’t have allowed the government to go ahead with it.

Union Territory status for Jammu and Kashmir not a demotion, but an effort to align it with rest of India more intensely: Sources

Dilbag Singh, director-general of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/overall-situation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-under-control-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-241555">police in Kashmir</a> said on Friday that locals in Kashmir can pray within their neighbourhood without restriction, AFP reported.

"People are allowed to pray within their neighbourhood, there is no restriction on that," said Dilbag Singh, director-general of police for Kashmir.

Security officials have decided to ease a curfew in Kashmir, AFP added.

"But they should not venture out of their local area," he added.

Reports said National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval visited downtown Srinagar today and spent over two hours in the area. Doval interacted with troops and locals and also had lunch with CRPF personnel. The NSA chief&nbsp;will be addressing&nbsp;a press conference at 5 pm(local time) in Srinagar today.

On Thursday,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jammu-and-kashmir-bilateral-issue-between-india-pak-part-of-shimla-agreement-un-241629"> Jammu and Kashmir </a>chief secretary had ordered government employees to report to duty "with immediate effect".

Watch Video:

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The chief secretary in his note had further stated that necessary arrangements regarding the smooth and secure working environment for the employees have been made by the administration.

In a televised address to the nation on Thursday, PM Modi had said that changes in Jammu and Kashmir was the beginning of "new era". PM Modi said that he wanted the local young leaders of the region to enter politics and participate in the polls.

During the address, PM Modi wished people of J&amp;K on the eve of Eid and said the government was making sure that people have no problem in celebrating Eid.

"Those from J&amp;K who live elsewhere and want to go home to celebrate the festival will be helped by the government," the PM said.

Dilbag Singh, director-general of police in Kashmir said on Friday that locals in Kashmir can pray within their neighbourhood without restriction, AFP reported. "People are allowed to pray within their neighbourhood, there is no restriction on that," said Dilbag Singh, director-general of police for Kashmir.

Dilbag Singh, director-general of police in Kashmir said on Friday that locals in Kashmir can pray within their neighbourhood without restriction, AFP reported. "People are allowed to pray within their neighbourhood, there is no restriction on that," said Dilbag Singh, director-general of police for Kashmir. Security officials have decided to ease a curfew in Kashmir, AFP added. "But they should not venture out of their local area," he added. Reports said National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval visited downtown Srinagar today and spent over two hours in the area. Doval interacted with troops and locals and also had lunch with CRPF personnel. The NSA chief will be addressing a press conference at 5 pm(local time) in Srinagar today. On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary had ordered government employees to report to duty "with immediate effect". Watch Video: The chief secretary in his note had further stated that necessary arrangements regarding the smooth and secure working environment for the employees have been made by the administration. In a televised address to the nation on Thursday, PM Modi had said that changes in Jammu and Kashmir was the beginning of "new era". PM Modi said that he wanted the local young leaders of the region to enter politics and participate in the polls. During the address, PM Modi wished people of J&K on the eve of Eid and said the government was making sure that people have no problem in celebrating Eid. "Those from J&K who live elsewhere and want to go home to celebrate the festival will be helped by the government," the PM said.

Restrictions to be eased in Kashmir: Police chief

A day after Pakistan downgraded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">diplomatic ties with India</a>, the ministry of external affairs in a statement said that Pakistan's intention was to present an "alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties".

Pakistan on Wednesday had announced that it will be downgrading<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-direct-dialogue-between-india-pak-on-kashmir-us-state-department-241415"> diplomatic ties with India</a>. In a follow-up move, the Imran Khan government also expelled Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria and said that the new Pakistan high commissioner to India Moin-ul-Haq won't be sent to Delhi.

Watch Video:

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Pakistan's move&nbsp;came in the wake of the Indian government's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

India's ministry of external affairs said the recent decisions by the government and Parliament&nbsp;were&nbsp;driven by a commitment to extend opportunities to Jammu and Kashmir for development which were earlier denied by the temporary provision in the Constitution.

"It is not surprising that such developmental initiatives that could address any disaffection in Jammu and Kashmir should be negatively perceived in Pakistan, which has utilised such sentiments to justify its cross-border terrorism," the external affairs ministry said.

"The recent developments pertaining to Article 370 are entirely the internal affair of India," the statement added.

"The government regrets the steps announced by Pakistan on Wednesday and would urge that country to review them so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved," the external affairs ministry asserted.

In a related development, Islamabad also partially closed its airspace with India on the eastern front. At least three entry points out of the nine between India and Pakistan on the eastern were closed, according to reports.

The airspace will be closed from August 6 to September 5 between 02:45 to 11:00(Pakistan Standard Time)&nbsp;every day except Sundays.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A day after Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with India, the ministry of external affairs in a statement said that Pakistan's intention was to present an "alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties".

A day after Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with India, the ministry of external affairs in a statement said that Pakistan's intention was to present an "alarming picture to the world of our bilateral ties". Pakistan on Wednesday had announced that it will be downgrading diplomatic ties with India. In a follow-up move, the Imran Khan government also expelled Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria and said that the new Pakistan high commissioner to India Moin-ul-Haq won't be sent to Delhi. Watch Video: Pakistan's move came in the wake of the Indian government's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. India's ministry of external affairs said the recent decisions by the government and Parliament were driven by a commitment to extend opportunities to Jammu and Kashmir for development which were earlier denied by the temporary provision in the Constitution. "It is not surprising that such developmental initiatives that could address any disaffection in Jammu and Kashmir should be negatively perceived in Pakistan, which has utilised such sentiments to justify its cross-border terrorism," the external affairs ministry said. "The recent developments pertaining to Article 370 are entirely the internal affair of India," the statement added. "The government regrets the steps announced by Pakistan on Wednesday and would urge that country to review them so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved," the external affairs ministry asserted. In a related development, Islamabad also partially closed its airspace with India on the eastern front. At least three entry points out of the nine between India and Pakistan on the eastern were closed, according to reports. The airspace will be closed from August 6 to September 5 between 02:45 to 11:00(Pakistan Standard Time) every day except Sundays.

Pakistan trying to present alarming picture by downgrading diplomatic ties: India

The US Department of State on Wednesday said that it continues to "support direct dialogue between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">India and Pakistan on Kashmir </a>and other issues of concern".

"We call upon on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control(LoC), including taking firm and resolute steps to combat cross-border terrorism," the US State Department said.

"We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern," it added.&nbsp;

In a similar statement, representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogation-of-article-370-pakistan-downgrades-ties-with-india-looks-towards-china-for-support-241399">Pakistan must refrain</a> from any retaliatory aggression - including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control in the wake of India scrapping Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Watch Video:

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The US State Department's move comes amid increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, Pakistan partially closed its airspace on the eastern front with India greatly affecting air traffic.

Pakistan had earlier closed its entire air space along the Indian border after Indian fighter jets conducted air strikes on terrorist hideout at Balakot on February 26th. The airspace will be closed from August 6 to September 5 between 02:45 to 11:00(Pakistan standard time) every day except Sundays.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government also decided to expel the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and informed the Indian government that the new high commissioner-designate of Pakistan to India will not be taking charge.

The US Department of State on Wednesday said that it continues to "support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern". "We call upon on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control(LoC), including taking firm and resolute steps to combat cross-border terrorism," the US State Department said.

The US Department of State on Wednesday said that it continues to "support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern". "We call upon on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control(LoC), including taking firm and resolute steps to combat cross-border terrorism," the US State Department said. "We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern," it added. In a similar statement, representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said that Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory aggression - including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control in the wake of India scrapping Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Watch Video: The US State Department's move comes amid increased tension between India and Pakistan after the Indian government abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On Wednesday, Pakistan partially closed its airspace on the eastern front with India greatly affecting air traffic. Pakistan had earlier closed its entire air space along the Indian border after Indian fighter jets conducted air strikes on terrorist hideout at Balakot on February 26th. The airspace will be closed from August 6 to September 5 between 02:45 to 11:00(Pakistan standard time) every day except Sundays. The Imran Khan government also decided to expel the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and informed the Indian government that the new high commissioner-designate of Pakistan to India will not be taking charge.

We support direct dialogue between India & Pak on Kashmir: US State Department

In the wake of India's decision to strip special status of Jammu and Kashmir, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-direct-dialogue-between-india-pak-on-kashmir-us-state-department-241415">Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory</a> aggression, including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control (LoC) and take demonstrable action against terror infrastructure on its soil, said a joint statement by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.

The statement issued by Representative Eliot L. Engel, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-partially-closes-its-airspace-with-india-on-eastern-front-241404">Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs</a> Committee and Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that transparency and political participation are the cornerstones of representative democracies and hoped that the Indian government would abide by these principles in Jammu and Kashmir.

Watch Video:

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"As the world's largest democracy, India has an opportunity to demonstrate for all its citizens the importance of protecting and promoting equal rights, including freedom of assembly, access to information, and equal protection under the law," the statement said. &nbsp;

"Transparency and political participation are the cornerstones of representative democracies and we hope the India government will abide by these principles in Jammu and Kasmir," it added.

"And at the same time, Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory aggression--including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control--and take demonstrable action against the&nbsp;infrastructure on Pakistan's soil," the statement said.

The joint statement comes amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan which came after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 that granted to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the border state into two Union Territories earlier this week.

Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps.&nbsp;

In the wake of India's decision to strip special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory aggression, including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control (LoC) and take demonstrable action against terror infrastructure on its soil, said a joint statement by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.

In the wake of India's decision to strip special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory aggression, including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control (LoC) and take demonstrable action against terror infrastructure on its soil, said a joint statement by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. The statement issued by Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that transparency and political participation are the cornerstones of representative democracies and hoped that the Indian government would abide by these principles in Jammu and Kashmir. Watch Video: "As the world's largest democracy, India has an opportunity to demonstrate for all its citizens the importance of protecting and promoting equal rights, including freedom of assembly, access to information, and equal protection under the law," the statement said. "Transparency and political participation are the cornerstones of representative democracies and we hope the India government will abide by these principles in Jammu and Kasmir," it added. "And at the same time, Pakistan must refrain from any retaliatory aggression--including support for infiltrations across the Line of Control--and take demonstrable action against the infrastructure on Pakistan's soil," the statement said. The joint statement comes amid spiralling tensions between India and Pakistan which came after the Indian Parliament passed a resolution to revoke Article 370 that granted to Jammu and Kashmir and a bill bifurcating the border state into two Union Territories earlier this week. Rattled by New Delhi's decisions, Islamabad "rejected" the move and said it will exercise "all possible options" to counter the steps.

Pak must stop supporting infiltration across LoC: US Senate foreign affairs committee

Ever since the official status of Jammu and Kashmir has changed post the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-passed-in-rajya-sabha-with-125-members-in-favour-240893">revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A,</a> filmmakers have been tirelessly working towards buying the rights of the same for their future project.&nbsp;

Among others, filmmaker Anand Pandit has been revealed to have reserved the rights for both the articles as the name of his possible future venture. Anand revealed that he envisioned this a month before the bill was actually tabled and became a matter of national interest.&nbsp;

He revealed to have blocked the names a month ago. The difference in legislative systems within the country and J&amp;K had intrigued him and he wanted to depict the story behind it in a film.&nbsp;

Post this historic move, he now feels he has the perfect ending to his film. 
&nbsp; 
He said, “I wanted to explore why one state was granted such privileges. But after the historic redrawing of our map by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I have just found the perfect ending for my film. From a film based on history, it is now going to be a historic film.” 
&nbsp; 
Anand Pandit has helmed some hit films under his banner Anand Pandit Motion Pictures like ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2', ‘Great Grand Masti’, &nbsp;‘Sarkar’, 'Satyameva Jayate', ‘Missing’, ‘Total Dhamaal’ and Saif Ali Khan starrer ‘Baazaar’.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, prominent actors like Sanjay Dutt, Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt among others were scheduled to shoot in the state but their plans will now have to be put on hold because of the current status of uncertainty. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/article-370-revoked-alia-bhatt-sanjay-dutts-films-to-be-shot-in-kashmir-to-get-delayed-241154">Read more here.&nbsp;</a>

Ever since the official status of Jammu and Kashmir has changed post the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A, filmmakers have been tirelessly working towards buying the rights of the same for their future project.

Ever since the official status of Jammu and Kashmir has changed post the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A, filmmakers have been tirelessly working towards buying the rights of the same for their future project. Among others, filmmaker Anand Pandit has been revealed to have reserved the rights for both the articles as the name of his possible future venture. Anand revealed that he envisioned this a month before the bill was actually tabled and became a matter of national interest. He revealed to have blocked the names a month ago. The difference in legislative systems within the country and J&K had intrigued him and he wanted to depict the story behind it in a film. Post this historic move, he now feels he has the perfect ending to his film. He said, “I wanted to explore why one state was granted such privileges. But after the historic redrawing of our map by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I have just found the perfect ending for my film. From a film based on history, it is now going to be a historic film.” Anand Pandit has helmed some hit films under his banner Anand Pandit Motion Pictures like ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2', ‘Great Grand Masti’, ‘Sarkar’, 'Satyameva Jayate', ‘Missing’, ‘Total Dhamaal’ and Saif Ali Khan starrer ‘Baazaar’. Meanwhile, prominent actors like Sanjay Dutt, Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt among others were scheduled to shoot in the state but their plans will now have to be put on hold because of the current status of uncertainty. Read more here.

Filmmaker Anand Pandit planned films on Articles 370, 35A even before they were scrapped

Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Choudhary&nbsp;on Thursday released two helpline numbers for the Jammu and Kashmir residents and students across the country to contact their family members in the valley, reported news agency ANI.

The two helpline numbers are : 9419028242 and&nbsp; 9419028251

"DC Office #Srinagar has established two helplines 9419028242, 9419028251. Residents/Students outside state can contact. Families back home are also using these lines to reach out," news agency ANI quoted him. 
 
On Wednesday,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-takes-stock-of-internal-security-situation-meets-security-personnel-241373"> National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval</a> and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik reviewed the security situation in the valley.

They asked the authorities to ensure safety of the general public and take stock of their requirements&nbsp;and address them swiftly,

Parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-point-by-point-rebuttal-amit-shah-takes-on-congress-in-fiery-speech-after-abrogation-of-article-370-241181">under Article 370 </a>of the Constitution and a bill for splitting the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladhak.

The repeal of Article 370 has also led to abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-35a-heres-all-you-need-to-know-240752">Article 35A </a>related to "permanent residents".

Meanwhile, Centre has asked states and Union Territories to keep security forces on "maximum alert" following decisions related to Jammu and Kashmir to "pre-empt" and "prevent any breach of security", a communique issued by Home Ministry said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Choudhary on Thursday released two helpline numbers for the Jammu and Kashmir residents and students across the country to contact their family members in the valley, reported news agency ANI.

Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Choudhary on Thursday released two helpline numbers for the Jammu and Kashmir residents and students across the country to contact their family members in the valley, reported news agency ANI. The two helpline numbers are : 9419028242 and 9419028251 "DC Office #Srinagar has established two helplines 9419028242, 9419028251. Residents/Students outside state can contact. Families back home are also using these lines to reach out," news agency ANI quoted him. On Wednesday, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik reviewed the security situation in the valley. They asked the authorities to ensure safety of the general public and take stock of their requirements and address them swiftly, Parliament on Tuesday approved a resolution abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution and a bill for splitting the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladhak. The repeal of Article 370 has also led to abrogation of Article 35A related to "permanent residents". Meanwhile, Centre has asked states and Union Territories to keep security forces on "maximum alert" following decisions related to Jammu and Kashmir to "pre-empt" and "prevent any breach of security", a communique issued by Home Ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

Helpline numbers released for students, residents of Jammu and Kashmir

Veteran Congress leader and last prince of Jammu and Kashmir Karan Singh&nbsp;on Thursday said that he is not in favour of the blanket condemnation of government's decision on the state, saying there are several positive points.

He also welcomed the reorganisation of the region and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/do-these-people-even-know-what-ladakh-is-bjp-lawmakers-passionate-speech-wins-hearts-241193"> Union Territory status for Ladakh</a>.&nbsp;

"Ladakh's emergence as a Union Territory is to be welcomed. In fact, "I had suggested this as far back as 1965 when I was still Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir when I had publicly proposed reorganisation of the state", he said in a statement.

He also supported the scrapping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-article-35a-heres-all-you-need-to-know-240752">provisions of Article 35A</a> as the issue of gender-discrimination needed to be addressed. According to Article 35A, Kashmiri women who married a non-permanent resident were stripped off their "state subject" status.

However, he condemned the government's decision to sideline the two main political parties of Jammu and Kashmir - the Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference - before deciding to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-point-by-point-rebuttal-amit-shah-takes-on-congress-in-fiery-speech-after-abrogation-of-article-370-241181">scrap Article 370</a>.

He said that leaders of both parties have made many sacrifices for the cause of India.

"I would, therefore, urge that leaders of legitimate political parties in Kashmir should be released as soon as possible and a broad-based political dialogue initiated with them and with civil society in view of the drastically changed situation," he said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Veteran Congress leader and last prince of Jammu and Kashmir Karan Singh on Thursday said that he is not in favour of the blanket condemnation of government's decision on the state, saying there are several positive points.

Veteran Congress leader and last prince of Jammu and Kashmir Karan Singh on Thursday said that he is not in favour of the blanket condemnation of government's decision on the state, saying there are several positive points. He also welcomed the reorganisation of the region and the Union Territory status for Ladakh. "Ladakh's emergence as a Union Territory is to be welcomed. In fact, "I had suggested this as far back as 1965 when I was still Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir when I had publicly proposed reorganisation of the state", he said in a statement. He also supported the scrapping of provisions of Article 35A as the issue of gender-discrimination needed to be addressed. According to Article 35A, Kashmiri women who married a non-permanent resident were stripped off their "state subject" status. However, he condemned the government's decision to sideline the two main political parties of Jammu and Kashmir - the Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference - before deciding to scrap Article 370. He said that leaders of both parties have made many sacrifices for the cause of India. "I would, therefore, urge that leaders of legitimate political parties in Kashmir should be released as soon as possible and a broad-based political dialogue initiated with them and with civil society in view of the drastically changed situation," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Several positive points in Centre's move on Jammu and Kashmir, says veteran Congress leader Karan Singh

Pakistan on Monday halted repatriation of two Indian civilian prisoners, just hours after the Indian government announced that it will be removing the special status for the Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370.

When the Indian officials reached the take custody of the prisoners, the Pakistan authorities refused. India later sent a note verbale regarding the issue.

Pakistan is mulling several actions against India in the backdrop of abrogation of Article 370 including cutting diplomatic ties, closure of Wagah border.

Former Pakistani Envoy to India Abdul Basit in a tweet said work on Kartarpur corridor that will allow Indian pilgrims to visit holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib without a visa in November 2019 to celebrate 550 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

He tweeted, "We would welcome Sikhs to come to Pakistan in November on the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak but work on Kartarpur Corridor should stop for now."

The situation of Indian and Pakistani prisoners languishing in each other's jail has been one of the biggest humanitarian issues between the two countries.

India in July released six Pakistani prisoners and returned them to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border. In April, Pakistan released 360 Indian prisoners after New Delhi in 4 batches.&nbsp;

In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1749 Indian prisoners, including 1725 fishermen along with 57 boats.

In December 2018, Pakistan releasing Indian Citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari after 6 years in jail. Hamid was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2012 after he was found with a fake passport. He had gone to Pakistan via Afghanistan on a fake passport to meet a girl he befriended on Facebook.&nbsp;It was followed by the release of 2 Pakistani nationals by India—Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah.

Pakistan on Monday halted repatriation of two Indian civilian prisoners, just hours after the Indian government announced that it will be removing the special status for the Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370.

Pakistan on Monday halted repatriation of two Indian civilian prisoners, just hours after the Indian government announced that it will be removing the special status for the Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370. When the Indian officials reached the take custody of the prisoners, the Pakistan authorities refused. India later sent a note verbale regarding the issue. Pakistan is mulling several actions against India in the backdrop of abrogation of Article 370 including cutting diplomatic ties, closure of Wagah border. Former Pakistani Envoy to India Abdul Basit in a tweet said work on Kartarpur corridor that will allow Indian pilgrims to visit holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib without a visa in November 2019 to celebrate 550 birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He tweeted, "We would welcome Sikhs to come to Pakistan in November on the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak but work on Kartarpur Corridor should stop for now." The situation of Indian and Pakistani prisoners languishing in each other's jail has been one of the biggest humanitarian issues between the two countries. India in July released six Pakistani prisoners and returned them to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border. In April, Pakistan released 360 Indian prisoners after New Delhi in 4 batches. In its first term, the Modi government was able to secure the release of 1749 Indian prisoners, including 1725 fishermen along with 57 boats. In December 2018, Pakistan releasing Indian Citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari after 6 years in jail. Hamid was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 2012 after he was found with a fake passport. He had gone to Pakistan via Afghanistan on a fake passport to meet a girl he befriended on Facebook. It was followed by the release of 2 Pakistani nationals by India—Imran Warsi and Abdullah Shah.

Abrogation of Article 370: Pakistan halts repatriation of two Indian prisoners

The United States on Tuesday said it was "closely following" the events in Jammu and Kashmir following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-united-nations-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-240975">abrogation of Article 370</a> of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to the state.

However, it expressed concern over the reports of detentions of some politicians in the state.

"We are closely following the events in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We take note of India's announcement revising the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and India's plan to split the state into two union territories. We note that the Indian government has described these actions as strictly an internal matter," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, which was posted by Voice of America's White House Bureau Chief Steve Herman on his Twitter handle.

"We are concerned about reports of detentions and urge respect for individual rights and discussion with those in affected communities. We call on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control," the statement said.

On Monday, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-bjp-leaders-hail-governments-decision-to-revoke-article-370-in-jk-240962">BJP-led central government scrapped Article 370</a>, along with Article 35 (A), and propose to convert Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory with a legislature, while hiving off Ladakh as a separate Union Territory without legislature.

Watch: US, UN keeping close watch on Jammu and Kashmir

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Shortly after India's Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of the Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification -- The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that came into force immediately.

Ahead of the landmark announcement, Kashmir has been on the edge in the wake of a massive security build-up and the state government issued an advisory to Amarnath pilgrims and tourists urging them to curtail their visit.

Several leaders, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, had claimed that they were put under house arrest amid the prevailing tense situation in the state.

The United States on Tuesday said it was "closely following" the events in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to the state.

The United States on Tuesday said it was "closely following" the events in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to the state. However, it expressed concern over the reports of detentions of some politicians in the state. "We are closely following the events in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We take note of India's announcement revising the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and India's plan to split the state into two union territories. We note that the Indian government has described these actions as strictly an internal matter," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, which was posted by Voice of America's White House Bureau Chief Steve Herman on his Twitter handle. "We are concerned about reports of detentions and urge respect for individual rights and discussion with those in affected communities. We call on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control," the statement said. On Monday, the BJP-led central government scrapped Article 370, along with Article 35 (A), and propose to convert Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory with a legislature, while hiving off Ladakh as a separate Union Territory without legislature. Watch: US, UN keeping close watch on Jammu and Kashmir Shortly after India's Home Minister Amit Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha or the Upper House of the Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification -- The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that came into force immediately. Ahead of the landmark announcement, Kashmir has been on the edge in the wake of a massive security build-up and the state government issued an advisory to Amarnath pilgrims and tourists urging them to curtail their visit. Several leaders, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, had claimed that they were put under house arrest amid the prevailing tense situation in the state.

Article 370 revoked: 'Closely watching' events in Jammu and Kashmir, says US

Former Pakistan Envoy to India, Abdul Basit has said that he was expecting BJP led govt to abrogate article 370 which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal from Pakistan,&nbsp;he&nbsp;said when he was in India as the Pakistan envoy he had discussed the issue with Indian authorities including BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav.&nbsp;

Here is the full interview:

WION: Did you saw the abrogation of article 370&nbsp;coming?

Abdul Basit: definitely. as you remember in 2014, it was part of the BJP election manifesto and then this year election BJP was very clear that they would work towards&nbsp;the repealing both articles 35 A and 370. So, at least I am not surprised and I have been discussing this with my government as well as informally with Indian authorities. And I am not surprised as a matter of fact.

WION: When you were the high commissioner of India, did you at any time discussed it with Indian officials?

Abdul Basit: I have discussed, many times but informally I would say with Indian officials that there can be serious implications if these articles are abolished. I do remember especially discussing with BJP general secretary Ram Madhav. That was before elections in Jammu and Kashmir. That was on October 24 2014 that I met him and we had a detailed discussion as to how to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. I do remember because I have notes with me. We also discussed the articles and he was emphatic about it and I responded to them that even if you move unilaterally on these things, the dispute will be there. There are UNSC resolutions and both countries are committed to working out a solution following the aspirations of people of J&amp;K. So we had those discussions and he presented his views and I articulated our position on J&amp;K and we said goodbye to each other amicably.

WION: Did Pakistan anticipated such action by India?

Abdul Basit: We will never accept this unilateral decision and as I am sure you must have heard what MP Manish Tiwari Sahib has said&nbsp;(in the&nbsp;Lok Sabha&nbsp;on Tuesday)&nbsp;that this is against Indian constitution and this is illegal and then there are United Nations security council resolutions. Indians themselves have been saying so that they are committed to resolving this issue bilaterally as recently..your external affairs minister met secretary Pompeo. So this whole exercise is in conflict with the Indian constitution, with aspirations of the people of J&amp;K, with UNSC resolutions. India cannot be content with such unilateral steps and no one will accept them.

WION: Is there a sense of shock in Pakistan?

Abdul Basit: There is a sense of outrage in Pakistan. People are disturbed by unilateral steps with Indian govt, people are not happy and we are seeing more problems to come. There will be more problems. India has closed any possibility of a bilateral dialogue on Kashmir and we will seek UN Mediation on this because if India has acted against its own long-held bilateral position on J&amp;K. Pakistan has no avenue but to go to the UN or other countries to seek mediation.

Former Pakistan Envoy to India, Abdul Basit has said that he was expecting BJP led govt to abrogate article 370 which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Former Pakistan Envoy to India, Abdul Basit has said that he was expecting BJP led govt to abrogate article 370 which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal from Pakistan, he said when he was in India as the Pakistan envoy he had discussed the issue with Indian authorities including BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav. Here is the full interview: WION: Did you saw the abrogation of article 370 coming? Abdul Basit: definitely. as you remember in 2014, it was part of the BJP election manifesto and then this year election BJP was very clear that they would work towards the repealing both articles 35 A and 370. So, at least I am not surprised and I have been discussing this with my government as well as informally with Indian authorities. And I am not surprised as a matter of fact. WION: When you were the high commissioner of India, did you at any time discussed it with Indian officials? Abdul Basit: I have discussed, many times but informally I would say with Indian officials that there can be serious implications if these articles are abolished. I do remember especially discussing with BJP general secretary Ram Madhav. That was before elections in Jammu and Kashmir. That was on October 24 2014 that I met him and we had a detailed discussion as to how to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. I do remember because I have notes with me. We also discussed the articles and he was emphatic about it and I responded to them that even if you move unilaterally on these things, the dispute will be there. There are UNSC resolutions and both countries are committed to working out a solution following the aspirations of people of J&K. So we had those discussions and he presented his views and I articulated our position on J&K and we said goodbye to each other amicably. WION: Did Pakistan anticipated such action by India? Abdul Basit: We will never accept this unilateral decision and as I am sure you must have heard what MP Manish Tiwari Sahib has said (in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday) that this is against Indian constitution and this is illegal and then there are United Nations security council resolutions. Indians themselves have been saying so that they are committed to resolving this issue bilaterally as recently..your external affairs minister met secretary Pompeo. So this whole exercise is in conflict with the Indian constitution, with aspirations of the people of J&K, with UNSC resolutions. India cannot be content with such unilateral steps and no one will accept them. WION: Is there a sense of shock in Pakistan? Abdul Basit: There is a sense of outrage in Pakistan. People are disturbed by unilateral steps with Indian govt, people are not happy and we are seeing more problems to come. There will be more problems. India has closed any possibility of a bilateral dialogue on Kashmir and we will seek UN Mediation on this because if India has acted against its own long-held bilateral position on J&K. Pakistan has no avenue but to go to the UN or other countries to seek mediation.

Former Pakistan envoy says he was expecting abrogation of Article 370 by BJP

Global reactions have been pouring in the aftermath of India's removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, with the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka reacting positively while the US coming out with a cautious statement.

Global reactions have been pouring in the aftermath of India's removing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, with the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka reacting positively while the US coming out with a cautious statement. The UAE envoy to India Dr Ahmad Al Banna while taking note of the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and removal of Article 370 called it internal matter of India said "We expect that the changes would improve social justice and security and confidence of the people in the local governance and will encourage further stability and peace". Recent years have seen India and UAE coming closers and an increase in number of high-level visits between the two countries. Indian PM Modi first visited the country in August of 2015 which was followed by the visit of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2016. The following year the Crown Prince was the chief guest at India's republic day parade and again in 2018 PM Modi visited the country and was the chief guest at the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai. Earlier this year UAE awarded its highest civilian award, The Zayed Medal to PM Modi. The positive statement came from Sri Lanka with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe in a tweet welcomed the creation of "Ladakh state" which he said will be the "first Indian state with a Buddhist majority". In a tweet, he said, "Ladakh will become an Indian State. With 70% of Ladakh’s population being Buddhist it will be the first Indian state with a Buddhist majority. Creation of Ladakh and consequential restructuring is India’s internal matter, it is a beautiful region well worth a visit" Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first foreign visit in second term visited the Indian ocean Island country in June of 2019. The United States state department came out with a cautious statement on the Indian government's decision. The US State Dept while taking "note that the Indian government has described these actions as strictly an internal matter" said it is "concerned about reports of detentions and urge respect for individual rights and discussion with those in affected communities." It also called on India and Pakistan "to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control.” Interestingly the state department statement made no mention of US President Donald Trump's mediation offer on Jammu and Kashmir, that was rejected New Delhi. India engages with global diplomatic community Meanwhile, Indian diplomats have up there efforts to make sure the global community understands New Delhi's action and also thwart any propaganda by Pakistan. The Indian envoy to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma speaking to reporters in Moscow said, " its an internal matter and it also an internal administrative matter. We have not done anything to change the external parameters of Jammu and Kashmir state...we are not surprised that Pakistan is raising this, but our response will be the same that it is not a matter that concerns Pakistan" The ministry of external affairs continued briefing of envoys on Tuesday on the administrative developments in Kashmir which included briefing for Latin American and Caribbean countries envoys and envoys from neighbouring countries. Envoys from United Nations Security council and Asean countries were briefed on Monday with India explaining that the changed have been made to spur socio economic development of the region.

Global reaction on India's Kashmir decision; UAE, Sri Lanka positive while US issues a cautious statement

Top BJP leaders, including the party's working President JP Nadda, on Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/true-development-and-integration-of-jammu-and-kashmir-will-happen-now-nirmala-sitharaman-240845">hailed the central government's decision</a> to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/history-of-kashmir-and-what-revoking-of-special-status-means-240878">revoke Article 370</a>, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

"This day will be marked in golden letters when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-detained-after-special-status-to-jammu-and-kashmir-is-revoked-240931">Articles 370 and 35A</a> of the Constitution was revoked to restore the unity and integrity of India and to connect Kashmir with the main development stream," Nadda tweeted.

Union Minister for Petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their "bold step" and termed the move as the correction of "a historic wrong."

"Compliments to PM Narendra Modiji and HM Amit Shahji for taking a bold step to correct a historic wrong!" Pradhan tweeted.

"Tough resolve, patience, courage and relentless pursuit of larger goals make a leader. The dream which started from Lal Chowk in 1992 led to an incredible journey of a leader who made history today by taking this step to fulfil aspirations of people in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh," read another tweet.

Union Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal also congratulated the Modi-Shah duo.

"Congratulations to PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah for moving to revoke Article 370 from Kashmir. This will increase the unity of the nation, lead to new avenues of development in Kashmir, and will enable the people to move ahead at par with the rest of the nation towards advancement" he tweeted.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also hailed the decision by saying, "I congratulate Narendra Modiji and Amit Shahji for their step. Today our country has become one, on this day the widows and families of the soldiers who gave up their lives defending the nation and Kashmir should feel proud."

Minister of State (MoS) Jitendra Singh, while congratulating Modi and Shah, said the BJP was completing Congress' "unfinished agenda".

"I am amazed by the behaviour of Congress. We are completing the unfinished agenda of Congress. Even Jawaharlal Nehru himself had said it once that it will be removed someday, Modi and Shah made it possible. Those who understand the situation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will support this," Singh told ANI.

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said Article 370 was a hindrance in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that with it gone, the state will prosper and terrorism will stop.

Article 370 dissolves, Jammu &amp; Kashmir now a UT; Watch the top developments

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/article-370-dissolves-jammu-kashmir-now-a-ut-watch-the-top-developments-240959/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Kashmir was separated from the country because of Article 370. Because of this article, Kashmir was not growing. I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah and everyone for this step. Gujjars living in Kashmir will get reservations and terrorism will stop," Rathore said.

On Monday, the Centre scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution that&nbsp;gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Shortly after Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification -- The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that will come into force immediately.

The order will supersede the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 as amended from time to time.

Top BJP leaders, including the party's working President JP Nadda, on Monday, hailed the central government's decision to revoke Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Top BJP leaders, including the party's working President JP Nadda, on Monday, hailed the central government's decision to revoke Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "This day will be marked in golden letters when Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution was revoked to restore the unity and integrity of India and to connect Kashmir with the main development stream," Nadda tweeted. Union Minister for Petroleum Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their "bold step" and termed the move as the correction of "a historic wrong." "Compliments to PM Narendra Modiji and HM Amit Shahji for taking a bold step to correct a historic wrong!" Pradhan tweeted. "Tough resolve, patience, courage and relentless pursuit of larger goals make a leader. The dream which started from Lal Chowk in 1992 led to an incredible journey of a leader who made history today by taking this step to fulfil aspirations of people in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh," read another tweet. Union Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal also congratulated the Modi-Shah duo. "Congratulations to PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah for moving to revoke Article 370 from Kashmir. This will increase the unity of the nation, lead to new avenues of development in Kashmir, and will enable the people to move ahead at par with the rest of the nation towards advancement" he tweeted. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat also hailed the decision by saying, "I congratulate Narendra Modiji and Amit Shahji for their step. Today our country has become one, on this day the widows and families of the soldiers who gave up their lives defending the nation and Kashmir should feel proud." Minister of State (MoS) Jitendra Singh, while congratulating Modi and Shah, said the BJP was completing Congress' "unfinished agenda". "I am amazed by the behaviour of Congress. We are completing the unfinished agenda of Congress. Even Jawaharlal Nehru himself had said it once that it will be removed someday, Modi and Shah made it possible. Those who understand the situation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will support this," Singh told ANI. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said Article 370 was a hindrance in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that with it gone, the state will prosper and terrorism will stop. Article 370 dissolves, Jammu & Kashmir now a UT; Watch the top developments "Kashmir was separated from the country because of Article 370. Because of this article, Kashmir was not growing. I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah and everyone for this step. Gujjars living in Kashmir will get reservations and terrorism will stop," Rathore said. On Monday, the Centre scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Shortly after Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification -- The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that will come into force immediately. The order will supersede the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 as amended from time to time.

Top BJP leaders hail government's decision to revoke Article 370 in J&K

There is more trouble for already beleaguered Congress party over opposition to abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.

Young Congress leader and Jyotiraditya Scindia has supported the governmnet's move to repeal the controversial provision which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

"I support the move on #JammuAndKashmir &amp; #Ladakh and its full integration into union of India," Scindia said on Twitter.

"Would have been better if constitutional process had been followed. No questions could have been raised then. Nevertheless, this is in our country’s interest and I support this," he further said in his tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I support the move on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ladakh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ladakh</a> and its full integration into union of India. 
 
Would have been better if constitutional process had been followed. No questions could have been raised then. Nevertheless, this is in our country’s interest and I support this.
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JM_Scindia/status/1158729410507182080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While senior leaders such as former Home Minister P Chidambaram and Ghulam Nabi Azad vehemently opposed the abrogation of Article 370, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Deepender Hooda and Raebareli Sadar MLA Aditi Singh extended support to the central government's decision, thus leading to a division of opinion within the Congress.

Others like former Lok Sabha MP Ranjeet Ranjan also said that Article 370 is a provision that eventually had to be revoked. "Because we're in Opposition, people expect us to oppose. But in my opinion, the decision to revoke Article 370, that was anyway temporary and had to be revoked, is the right decision," she said.

Senior Congress leader Janardan Dwivedi was also among those supporting the Centre's move and said a mistake of history has been corrected. "Ram Manohar Lohia ji under whom I had political training was always against this Article. A mistake of history has been corrected today, albeit late," Dwivedi, who was considered very close to party leader Sonia Gandhi a few years ago, had said after the passage of the bill in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

There is more trouble for already beleaguered Congress party over opposition to abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Young Congress leader and Jyotiraditya Scindia has supported the governmnet's move to repeal the controversial provision which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

There is more trouble for already beleaguered Congress party over opposition to abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Young Congress leader and Jyotiraditya Scindia has supported the governmnet's move to repeal the controversial provision which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "I support the move on #JammuAndKashmir & #Ladakh and its full integration into union of India," Scindia said on Twitter. "Would have been better if constitutional process had been followed. No questions could have been raised then. Nevertheless, this is in our country’s interest and I support this," he further said in his tweet. I support the move on #JammuAndKashmir & #Ladakh and its full integration into union of India. Would have been better if constitutional process had been followed. No questions could have been raised then. Nevertheless, this is in our country’s interest and I support this. — Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) August 6, 2019 × While senior leaders such as former Home Minister P Chidambaram and Ghulam Nabi Azad vehemently opposed the abrogation of Article 370, Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Deepender Hooda and Raebareli Sadar MLA Aditi Singh extended support to the central government's decision, thus leading to a division of opinion within the Congress. Others like former Lok Sabha MP Ranjeet Ranjan also said that Article 370 is a provision that eventually had to be revoked. "Because we're in Opposition, people expect us to oppose. But in my opinion, the decision to revoke Article 370, that was anyway temporary and had to be revoked, is the right decision," she said. Senior Congress leader Janardan Dwivedi was also among those supporting the Centre's move and said a mistake of history has been corrected. "Ram Manohar Lohia ji under whom I had political training was always against this Article. A mistake of history has been corrected today, albeit late," Dwivedi, who was considered very close to party leader Sonia Gandhi a few years ago, had said after the passage of the bill in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

Split wide open in Congress: Jyotiraditya Scindia supports abrogation of Article 370

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today in his reply to the debate on abrogation of Article 370 in Lok Sabha said that it was the root cause of terrorism in J&amp;K and also creating doubts over J&amp;K's relations with India.

"India will continue to claim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. When normalcy returns to J&amp;K, govt will have no hesitation in restoring its full statehood," said Shah.

The Lok Sabha passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill that seeks to scrap&nbsp;Article 370&nbsp;and&nbsp;Article 35A&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir, while also bifurcating the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Bill was passed by the Lower House&nbsp;through a voice vote, with 367&nbsp;being in favour and 67&nbsp;against it.

What did you get from Article 370? The article has brought nothing to the state but has increased terrorist activities and poverty in the state. When the Article 370 is scrapped there will be development, there will be employment, Shah said in Lok Sabha.

“Article 370 is root cause of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the terror networks to spread in the state,” Shah said replying to the debate.

Clarifying the doubts created by opposition leaders over Article 371 Home Minister said that Modi govt has no intention to remove Article 371 which gives certain special rights to some Northeast states.

Home Minister also pulled up Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for questioning the government how Jammu and Kashmir issue can be an "internal issue" if it is under United Nations' monitoring since 1948.

Talking about the bloodshed due to misuse of Article 370 Amit Shah said that more than 41 thousand people died due to this. Should we still follow this path. He further accused the opposition by saying the dynasties have used Article 370 for their benefit.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today in his reply to the debate on abrogation of Article 370 in Lok Sabha said that it was the root cause of terrorism in J&K and also creating doubts over J&K's relations with India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today in his reply to the debate on abrogation of Article 370 in Lok Sabha said that it was the root cause of terrorism in J&K and also creating doubts over J&K's relations with India. "India will continue to claim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. When normalcy returns to J&K, govt will have no hesitation in restoring its full statehood," said Shah. The Lok Sabha passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill that seeks to scrap Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, while also bifurcating the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Bill was passed by the Lower House through a voice vote, with 367 being in favour and 67 against it. What did you get from Article 370? The article has brought nothing to the state but has increased terrorist activities and poverty in the state. When the Article 370 is scrapped there will be development, there will be employment, Shah said in Lok Sabha. “Article 370 is root cause of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the terror networks to spread in the state,” Shah said replying to the debate. Clarifying the doubts created by opposition leaders over Article 371 Home Minister said that Modi govt has no intention to remove Article 371 which gives certain special rights to some Northeast states. Home Minister also pulled up Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for questioning the government how Jammu and Kashmir issue can be an "internal issue" if it is under United Nations' monitoring since 1948. Talking about the bloodshed due to misuse of Article 370 Amit Shah said that more than 41 thousand people died due to this. Should we still follow this path. He further accused the opposition by saying the dynasties have used Article 370 for their benefit.

In a point-by-point rebuttal, Amit Shah takes on Congress in fiery speech after abrogation of Article 370

Governor Satya Pal Malik, in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan on Monday&nbsp;evening, reviewed prevailing security and law and order in the state, in the aftermath of developments in the Parliament relating to Jammu and Kashmir.

K Vijay Kumar, KK Sharma, K Skandan, Farooq Khan-Advisors to Governor, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir BVR Subrahmanyam were present in the meeting.

The governor's meeting took place as former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-detained-after-special-status-to-jammu-and-kashmir-is-revoked-240931">Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah</a>, who were put under house arrest on Sunday night, were&nbsp;detained hours after resolution on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-shah-lauds-modi-for-unwavering-commitment-towards-ensuring-indias-unity-integrity-240935">scrapping of Article 370</a> was passed in the Rajya Sabha.

Other political leaders of J&amp;K including Shah Faesal, Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, Usman Majid have also&nbsp;been put under preventive detention.

Governor was given an assessment of the prevailing situation in the state. K Vijay Kumar, K Skandan, and Farooq Khan, who have returned from Jammu after taking stock of the essential services, briefed the governor about the adequacy of essential supplies and delivery of various public services to the people including electricity, water supply and health care services in both Jammu and Kashmir regions.

The officers also stressed on the need to ensure safety of the general public and advised the administration to give due consideration to the genuine needs of people in the current scenario.

The Chief Secretary informed the Governor that there is no dearth of essential commodities in the Valley and there is sufficient stocking of the same for over three months.

&nbsp;The Indian Army and Air Force were put on high alert on Monday with the Centre set to move over 8,000 paramiltary troops to J&amp;K in view of the changed situation.

Abrogation of article 370: Here are the reactions

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The Governor in the meeting emphasised on the need for constant alertness, preparedness and synergy among various departments and agencies to enable dealing with an emerging situation in a coordinated and effective manner.

He also reiterated the need to constantly maintain a close watch on the ground situation and underlined the importance of sustained efforts to bring peace and harmony in the society for the overall benefit of people.

Meanwhile, the Governor has appealed to the public and leaders of various social, religious and political organisations to cooperate with the government machinery in the maintenance of law and order in the state.

Governor Satya Pal Malik, in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan on Monday evening, reviewed prevailing security and law and order in the state, in the aftermath of developments in the Parliament relating to Jammu and Kashmir.

Governor Satya Pal Malik, in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan on Monday evening, reviewed prevailing security and law and order in the state, in the aftermath of developments in the Parliament relating to Jammu and Kashmir. K Vijay Kumar, KK Sharma, K Skandan, Farooq Khan-Advisors to Governor, Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir BVR Subrahmanyam were present in the meeting. The governor's meeting took place as former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, who were put under house arrest on Sunday night, were detained hours after resolution on scrapping of Article 370 was passed in the Rajya Sabha. Other political leaders of J&K including Shah Faesal, Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, Usman Majid have also been put under preventive detention. Governor was given an assessment of the prevailing situation in the state. K Vijay Kumar, K Skandan, and Farooq Khan, who have returned from Jammu after taking stock of the essential services, briefed the governor about the adequacy of essential supplies and delivery of various public services to the people including electricity, water supply and health care services in both Jammu and Kashmir regions. The officers also stressed on the need to ensure safety of the general public and advised the administration to give due consideration to the genuine needs of people in the current scenario. The Chief Secretary informed the Governor that there is no dearth of essential commodities in the Valley and there is sufficient stocking of the same for over three months. The Indian Army and Air Force were put on high alert on Monday with the Centre set to move over 8,000 paramiltary troops to J&K in view of the changed situation. Abrogation of article 370: Here are the reactions The Governor in the meeting emphasised on the need for constant alertness, preparedness and synergy among various departments and agencies to enable dealing with an emerging situation in a coordinated and effective manner. He also reiterated the need to constantly maintain a close watch on the ground situation and underlined the importance of sustained efforts to bring peace and harmony in the society for the overall benefit of people. Meanwhile, the Governor has appealed to the public and leaders of various social, religious and political organisations to cooperate with the government machinery in the maintenance of law and order in the state.

J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik reviews security as government deploys more paramilitary troops

Looks like Kashmir will be out of bounds for filmmakers in the following months to come after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-shah-lauds-modi-for-unwavering-commitment-towards-ensuring-indias-unity-integrity-240935">repeal of Article 370</a> that has led to the region falling in a state of uncertainty. Prominent actors like Sanjay Dutt, Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt among others were scheduled to shoot in the state but their plans will now have to be put on hold.&nbsp;

Sidharth who will next be seen in ‘Jabariya Jodi’ with Parineeti Chopra, was supposed to start work on Captain Vikram Batra’s biopic ‘Shershaah’ that was supposed to be shot in the Valley. The film is directed by Vishnu Varadhan is written by Sandeep Srivastava as the movie is backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

The shooting schedule has so far been pushed with no update on the new date.&nbsp;

Alia Bhatt was also supposed to start work in the Valley for her film ‘Sadak 2’ which had to have an important segment shot there. The film will have Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt and Makarand Deshpande, who essays the role of a godman in the movie.&nbsp;

‘Sadak 2’ will have Mahesh Bhatt on the directorial seat. The shooting is on hold for now.

Apart from these, there were supposed to be a couple of other films that were to start shooting in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Line producer Md. Abdullah of Hami Asto Productions, who arranges shoots in the Jammu and Kashmir regions, told IANS that two to three Bollywood films and one big Telugu movie were slated to arrive over the next few months for shooting. He said, “There were some big projects in line — two to three Bollywood films and one Telugu movie. Now, we can’t say if that will happen because of the disturbed environment. Maybe they will push the schedule or maybe they will go to a different location.”

“We just wrapped up the shoot of the Telugu film ‘Venky Mama’, which stars Venkatesh. They shot in Pahalgam and Sonmarg. The month-long shot was wrapped up in June. One big Bollywood film was supposed to start shooting in August-end. They all are stuck now,” added Abdullah.

On the loss to the respective producers, film and trade expert Girish Johar told IANS, “There is some unrest and confusion going on in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has taken measures. So, all the planned shoots in the region will be delayed for a while. It will not have much negative impact in terms of cost escalation, because productions of these films were yet to start. The cost would have been a problem had they started shooting in Kashmir, and were forced to come back. Now, there will be a nominal increase in cost.”

The Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday in Rajya Sabha that the government has decided to revoke the article which grants Jammu and Kashmir a special status. The central government also announced that that the region will be split into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Looks like Kashmir will be out of bounds for filmmakers in the following months to come after the repeal of Article 370 that has led to the region falling in a state of uncertainty.

Looks like Kashmir will be out of bounds for filmmakers in the following months to come after the repeal of Article 370 that has led to the region falling in a state of uncertainty. Prominent actors like Sanjay Dutt, Sidharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt among others were scheduled to shoot in the state but their plans will now have to be put on hold. Sidharth who will next be seen in ‘Jabariya Jodi’ with Parineeti Chopra, was supposed to start work on Captain Vikram Batra’s biopic ‘Shershaah’ that was supposed to be shot in the Valley. The film is directed by Vishnu Varadhan is written by Sandeep Srivastava as the movie is backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. The shooting schedule has so far been pushed with no update on the new date. Alia Bhatt was also supposed to start work in the Valley for her film ‘Sadak 2’ which had to have an important segment shot there. The film will have Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt and Makarand Deshpande, who essays the role of a godman in the movie. ‘Sadak 2’ will have Mahesh Bhatt on the directorial seat. The shooting is on hold for now. Apart from these, there were supposed to be a couple of other films that were to start shooting in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Line producer Md. Abdullah of Hami Asto Productions, who arranges shoots in the Jammu and Kashmir regions, told IANS that two to three Bollywood films and one big Telugu movie were slated to arrive over the next few months for shooting. He said, “There were some big projects in line — two to three Bollywood films and one Telugu movie. Now, we can’t say if that will happen because of the disturbed environment. Maybe they will push the schedule or maybe they will go to a different location.” “We just wrapped up the shoot of the Telugu film ‘Venky Mama’, which stars Venkatesh. They shot in Pahalgam and Sonmarg. The month-long shot was wrapped up in June. One big Bollywood film was supposed to start shooting in August-end. They all are stuck now,” added Abdullah. On the loss to the respective producers, film and trade expert Girish Johar told IANS, “There is some unrest and confusion going on in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has taken measures. So, all the planned shoots in the region will be delayed for a while. It will not have much negative impact in terms of cost escalation, because productions of these films were yet to start. The cost would have been a problem had they started shooting in Kashmir, and were forced to come back. Now, there will be a nominal increase in cost.” The Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Monday in Rajya Sabha that the government has decided to revoke the article which grants Jammu and Kashmir a special status. The central government also announced that that the region will be split into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh.

Article 370 revoked: Alia Bhatt, Sanjay Dutt's films to be shot in Kashmir to get delayed

The Indian high commission has asked Pakistani authorities to beef up security around its premises in the backdrop of abrogation of Article 370 that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of special status.&nbsp;The fear is elements in Pakistani might try to create ruckus around high commission.

A note verbale was sent regarding this to Pakistani foreign ministry on Monday evening.&nbsp;

Indian diplomats and officials in Islamabad in the past have been facing harassment. On first June, guests and Indian diplomats faced a lot of harassment at the iftar hosted by Indian high commissioner.&nbsp;India had then strongly protested against the harassment &amp; asked the Pakistani govt to investigate "ugly" incident. But despite Indian request, there were six cases of harassment reported of Indian diplomats.&nbsp;

Harassment of Indian Diplomats in Pakistan have been reported since December of 2018. Incidents range from cutting off lights in winters to aggressive chasing of cars of Indian diplomats including the Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria.

The Indian high commission has asked Pakistani authorities to beef up security around its premises in the backdrop of abrogation of Article 370 that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of special status.

The Indian high commission has asked Pakistani authorities to beef up security around its premises in the backdrop of abrogation of Article 370 that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of special status. The fear is elements in Pakistani might try to create ruckus around high commission. A note verbale was sent regarding this to Pakistani foreign ministry on Monday evening. Indian diplomats and officials in Islamabad in the past have been facing harassment. On first June, guests and Indian diplomats faced a lot of harassment at the iftar hosted by Indian high commissioner. India had then strongly protested against the harassment & asked the Pakistani govt to investigate "ugly" incident. But despite Indian request, there were six cases of harassment reported of Indian diplomats. Harassment of Indian Diplomats in Pakistan have been reported since December of 2018. Incidents range from cutting off lights in winters to aggressive chasing of cars of Indian diplomats including the Indian high commissioner Ajay Bisaria.

Indian High Commission asks Pakistan to beef up security amid Article 370 revocation

A day after India's upper house of Parliament passed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-jammu-kashmir-situation-section-144-imposed-security-tightened-in-state-240732">Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill</a>, 2019 which led to the scrapping of Article 370, home minister Amit Shah presented a resolution in the lower house of Parliament.

On Monday, the Rajya Sabha had passed the bill on J&amp;K with a total of 125 votes in favour with 61 members voting against it.&nbsp;

The government on Monday had announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and revoked Article 370 which gave special status to J&amp;K. According to the new bill, while Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi.

Watch Video:

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During another heated debate in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India&nbsp;while adding that Parliament has the right to make laws on Jammu &amp; Kashmir.

"Jammu &amp; Kashmir is an integral part of Union of India. Kashmir ki seema mein PoK bhi aata hai(PoK also comes under Kashmir border...Jaan de denge iske liye! (We will give our lives for it)," Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha.

"Main sadan mein jab jab Jammu and Kashmir rajya bola hoon tab tab Pakistan occupied Kashmir aur Aksai Chin dono iska hissa hain, ye baat hai.(Whenever I have spoken about Jammu and Kashmir, PoK and Aksai Chin both have been a part of it, that is what!," he added.

The revoking of Article 370 was supported by several parties in the Rajya Sabha on Monday including Chandrababu Naidu-Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Mayawati's BSP, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP, AIADMK, AGP, Akali Dal and RPI.

However, the Congress, CPM, CPI, DMK, SP, IUML and KC(M) voted against the resolution as the JD(U), TMC and NCP walked out the Rajya Sabha.

A day after India's upper house of Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 which led to the scrapping of Article 370, home minister Amit Shah presented a resolution in the lower house of Parliament.

A day after India's upper house of Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 which led to the scrapping of Article 370, home minister Amit Shah presented a resolution in the lower house of Parliament. On Monday, the Rajya Sabha had passed the bill on J&K with a total of 125 votes in favour with 61 members voting against it. The government on Monday had announced the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and revoked Article 370 which gave special status to J&K. According to the new bill, while Jammu and Kashmir will be a Union Territory with a legislature, Ladakh has been converted into a separate Union Territory sans legislature. The Union Territory of Ladakh will be administered by Delhi. Watch Video: During another heated debate in the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India while adding that Parliament has the right to make laws on Jammu & Kashmir. "Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of Union of India. Kashmir ki seema mein PoK bhi aata hai(PoK also comes under Kashmir border...Jaan de denge iske liye! (We will give our lives for it)," Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha. "Main sadan mein jab jab Jammu and Kashmir rajya bola hoon tab tab Pakistan occupied Kashmir aur Aksai Chin dono iska hissa hain, ye baat hai.(Whenever I have spoken about Jammu and Kashmir, PoK and Aksai Chin both have been a part of it, that is what!," he added. The revoking of Article 370 was supported by several parties in the Rajya Sabha on Monday including Chandrababu Naidu-Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Mayawati's BSP, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's AAP, AIADMK, AGP, Akali Dal and RPI. However, the Congress, CPM, CPI, DMK, SP, IUML and KC(M) voted against the resolution as the JD(U), TMC and NCP walked out the Rajya Sabha.

PoK and Aksai Chin also part of Jammu and Kashmir: Amit Shah in Lok Sabha

Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "unwavering commitment" towards ensuring the unity and integrity of the country.

"Today, Modi govt has corrected a long-overdue historic wrong. I congratulate PM @narendramodiji for his unwavering commitment towards ensuring unity and integrity of our motherland. This historic decision will usher in a new dawn of peace and development in J&amp;K and Ladakh region," Shah tweeted shortly after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-road-ahead-whats-next-for-jammu-and-kashmir-after-bifurcation-revocation-of-articles-370-35a-240930">The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019</a> was passed by Rajya Sabha.

The Home Minister stressed that this decision will ensure that there will no more be a system of "do nishan, do samvidhan" in Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-responsible-for-corruption-poverty-underdevelopment-in-jammu-and-kashmir-amit-shah-240865">Article 370</a> of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir was on Monday scrapped, along with Article 35 (A), as Rajya Sabha passed a momentous bill that bifurcates the state into two Union Territories in far-reaching decisions taken by the BJP-led central government.

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Today, Modi govt has corrected a long overdue historic wrong. 
 
I congratulate PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji for his unwavering commitment towards ensuring unity &amp; integrity of our motherland. 
 
This historic decision will usher in a new dawn of peace &amp; development in J&amp;K and Ladakh region.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1158386052597370880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A resolution removing the special status of the state under Article 370 was approved by the Rajya Sabha on Monday with Home Minister Amit Shah saying the constitutional provision was the "root cause of terrorism" in the state, and the Modi government was committed to making the state the most progressive in the country.

The Jammu &amp; Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019, which strips Jammu and Kashmir's status of a state and converts it into a Union Territory with legislature and carving out Ladakh region as a UT without legislature, was passed in a division pressed by the opposition with 125 votes in favour and 61 against, and an NCP member abstained.

After the passage of the bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went up to Shah and congratulated him.

Taking opposition by surprise, the reorganisation bill and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-passed-in-rajya-sabha-with-125-members-in-favour-240893">resolution to repeal Article 370</a> were tabled in the House amidst uproarious scenes with major opposition parties stiffly resisting it. The opposition complained that they had not got advance information about the bill.

Shortly after Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification - The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that will come into force immediately.

Responding to concerns of members about the bifurcation of the state into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Shah said the government had no objection to restoring statehood once the situation in the militancy-torn state gets normalised.

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Home Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> Ji’s speech in the Rajya Sabha was extensive and insightful. It accurately highlighted the monumental injustices of the past and coherently presented our vision for the sisters and brothers of J&amp;K. Do hear. <a href="https://t.co/ho7PPzyz5w">https://t.co/ho7PPzyz5w</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1158383468927045632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I want to assure the House that whenever normal situation returns, right time comes, we have no objection in making it a state," Shah said amidst thumping of desks by the ruling side members.

Shah said Article 370 was the biggest obstacle to ending terrorism and due to it, democracy never took root in Jammu and Kashmir, corruption flourished, poverty sustained and no socio-economic infrastructure could come up.

Shah said Article 370 holds no benefits for the youth of the state and is discriminatory on the basis of gender, class, caste and place of origin.

He also said the provision was temporary and asked if it should have taken 70 years to repeal it. "It only required political will, which only the present government had," he said.

"Now, the moment this resolution is passed and Article 370 is removed, each child would get right of education and each patient would get free healthcare under Ayushman Bharat. It has to go in the larger interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

He said the bill was historic and politics of vote bank has looted the youth of the state for over 70 years. "Politics of religion must be avoided at all costs. Article 370 is equally harmful to people of all religions," he said.

Referring to Article 35 (A), Shah said daughters of the state marrying outside the state lose their rights to the property. "It is so discriminatory to the women and their children."

He said the path to a solution to all the problems of Kashmir goes through the repealing of Article 370.

Shah said that post the repeal of Article 370, doors to private investment would be opened, which would, in turn, increase the potential for development there. "Increased investments would lead to increased job creation and further betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in the state."

Remembering the sacrifice of civilians and soldiers, who lost their lives during 1989-2018, Shah said had Article 370 not been there, these people wouldn't have lost their lives.

He said Article 370 impedes people from outside the state to do business there. "Absence of economic competition has prevented development and corruption flourished.

Land prices are at rock bottom because no one can buy land there. No industry, including tourism, is allowed to flourish there. People remain poor in perpetuity despite the presence of abundant economic opportunities for the local populace," he said.

"We want to embrace the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and give them flourishing opportunities for employment. Even a separate bill for reservation for economically backward classes would not be required if the resolution is passed in both houses as the provision will get automatically applied to Jammu and Kashmir, as in rest of India".

Shah said there was no need to amend the constitution in repealing Article 370 and under Article 370(3), there is a provision that the President, on the recommendation of the Parliament, has the power to amend or cease the implementation of Article 370, through a public notification.

In all, the House approved two resolutions and two bills.

&nbsp;

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Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "unwavering commitment" towards ensuring the unity and integrity of the country.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "unwavering commitment" towards ensuring the unity and integrity of the country. "Today, Modi govt has corrected a long-overdue historic wrong. I congratulate PM @narendramodiji for his unwavering commitment towards ensuring unity and integrity of our motherland. This historic decision will usher in a new dawn of peace and development in J&K and Ladakh region," Shah tweeted shortly after The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha. The Home Minister stressed that this decision will ensure that there will no more be a system of "do nishan, do samvidhan" in Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir was on Monday scrapped, along with Article 35 (A), as Rajya Sabha passed a momentous bill that bifurcates the state into two Union Territories in far-reaching decisions taken by the BJP-led central government. Today, Modi govt has corrected a long overdue historic wrong. I congratulate PM @narendramodi ji for his unwavering commitment towards ensuring unity & integrity of our motherland. This historic decision will usher in a new dawn of peace & development in J&K and Ladakh region. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 5, 2019 × A resolution removing the special status of the state under Article 370 was approved by the Rajya Sabha on Monday with Home Minister Amit Shah saying the constitutional provision was the "root cause of terrorism" in the state, and the Modi government was committed to making the state the most progressive in the country. The Jammu & Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019, which strips Jammu and Kashmir's status of a state and converts it into a Union Territory with legislature and carving out Ladakh region as a UT without legislature, was passed in a division pressed by the opposition with 125 votes in favour and 61 against, and an NCP member abstained. After the passage of the bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went up to Shah and congratulated him. Taking opposition by surprise, the reorganisation bill and the resolution to repeal Article 370 were tabled in the House amidst uproarious scenes with major opposition parties stiffly resisting it. The opposition complained that they had not got advance information about the bill. Shortly after Shah tabled a resolution to this effect in Rajya Sabha, President Ram Nath Kovind came out with a notification - The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 that will come into force immediately. Responding to concerns of members about the bifurcation of the state into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Shah said the government had no objection to restoring statehood once the situation in the militancy-torn state gets normalised. Home Minister @AmitShah Ji’s speech in the Rajya Sabha was extensive and insightful. It accurately highlighted the monumental injustices of the past and coherently presented our vision for the sisters and brothers of J&K. Do hear. https://t.co/ho7PPzyz5w — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2019 × "I want to assure the House that whenever normal situation returns, right time comes, we have no objection in making it a state," Shah said amidst thumping of desks by the ruling side members. Shah said Article 370 was the biggest obstacle to ending terrorism and due to it, democracy never took root in Jammu and Kashmir, corruption flourished, poverty sustained and no socio-economic infrastructure could come up. Shah said Article 370 holds no benefits for the youth of the state and is discriminatory on the basis of gender, class, caste and place of origin. He also said the provision was temporary and asked if it should have taken 70 years to repeal it. "It only required political will, which only the present government had," he said. "Now, the moment this resolution is passed and Article 370 is removed, each child would get right of education and each patient would get free healthcare under Ayushman Bharat. It has to go in the larger interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. He said the bill was historic and politics of vote bank has looted the youth of the state for over 70 years. "Politics of religion must be avoided at all costs. Article 370 is equally harmful to people of all religions," he said. Referring to Article 35 (A), Shah said daughters of the state marrying outside the state lose their rights to the property. "It is so discriminatory to the women and their children." He said the path to a solution to all the problems of Kashmir goes through the repealing of Article 370. Shah said that post the repeal of Article 370, doors to private investment would be opened, which would, in turn, increase the potential for development there. "Increased investments would lead to increased job creation and further betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in the state." Remembering the sacrifice of civilians and soldiers, who lost their lives during 1989-2018, Shah said had Article 370 not been there, these people wouldn't have lost their lives. He said Article 370 impedes people from outside the state to do business there. "Absence of economic competition has prevented development and corruption flourished. Land prices are at rock bottom because no one can buy land there. No industry, including tourism, is allowed to flourish there. People remain poor in perpetuity despite the presence of abundant economic opportunities for the local populace," he said. "We want to embrace the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and give them flourishing opportunities for employment. Even a separate bill for reservation for economically backward classes would not be required if the resolution is passed in both houses as the provision will get automatically applied to Jammu and Kashmir, as in rest of India". Shah said there was no need to amend the constitution in repealing Article 370 and under Article 370(3), there is a provision that the President, on the recommendation of the Parliament, has the power to amend or cease the implementation of Article 370, through a public notification. In all, the House approved two resolutions and two bills.

Article 370 revoked: Shah lauds Modi for 'unwavering commitment' towards ensuring India's unity, integrity

The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill that seeks to scrap Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, while also bifurcating the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Bill was passed by the Upper House through a voice vote, with 125 being in favour and 61 against it and there was also one abstention.

Now, the separate constitution of Jammu and Kashmir ceases to be in operation in the state, all provisions of Indian constitution will apply to J&amp;K. The&nbsp;constituent Assembly of J&amp;K will now read legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir.

Article 35(A), making a distinction between the permanent residents of&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;and the outsiders, will also cease to have any effect.&nbsp;

This means that purchasing land and owning property by people, considered outsiders till now, would be possible. And any Indian citizen can now settle in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The new union territory with legislature will now be at par with all other Indian states. The sectors of education and employment will open up to all Indians without any discrimination that article 35(A) brought utilizing the clause of permanent residents.

The separate&nbsp;Ranbir Penal Code&nbsp;(RPC) will give way to the Indian&nbsp;&nbsp;Penal Code&nbsp;(IPC)&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sadar-i-Riyasat&nbsp;will refer to Governor of J&amp;K.

The status of Jammu and Kashmir police cadre will be redefined. They may be included in Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS) or may be granted a separate status.

Other important changes will be:

Dual citizenship of the state will end.

Any Indian citizen can buy property in Jammu and Kashmir.

Any Indian citizen can settle in Jammu and Kashmir.

Central quota laws in jobs &amp; education will apply to Jammu and Kashmir too.

The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill that seeks to scrap Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, while also bifurcating the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill that seeks to scrap Article 370 and Article 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, while also bifurcating the state into union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Bill was passed by the Upper House through a voice vote, with 125 being in favour and 61 against it and there was also one abstention. Now, the separate constitution of Jammu and Kashmir ceases to be in operation in the state, all provisions of Indian constitution will apply to J&K. The constituent Assembly of J&K will now read legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 35(A), making a distinction between the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and the outsiders, will also cease to have any effect. This means that purchasing land and owning property by people, considered outsiders till now, would be possible. And any Indian citizen can now settle in Jammu and Kashmir. The new union territory with legislature will now be at par with all other Indian states. The sectors of education and employment will open up to all Indians without any discrimination that article 35(A) brought utilizing the clause of permanent residents. The separate Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) will give way to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sadar-i-Riyasat will refer to Governor of J&K. The status of Jammu and Kashmir police cadre will be redefined. They may be included in Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS) or may be granted a separate status. Other important changes will be: Dual citizenship of the state will end. Any Indian citizen can buy property in Jammu and Kashmir. Any Indian citizen can settle in Jammu and Kashmir. Central quota laws in jobs & education will apply to Jammu and Kashmir too.

Article 370 scrapped: What will change in Jammu and Kashmir now?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday briefed envoys of all countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -permanent and non-permanent - on India's decision to remove the special status under article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir.

India explained that proposals under consideration in front of the Parliament on the administrative reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 is a matter internal to India and aimed at providing good governance and ensuring economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The MEA officials told envoys that it will increase administrative efficiency and promote social justice. A government source said that the briefing was done due to the interests expressed by members of the diplomatic community in Delhi on the proposals introduced by the government in Parliament on J&amp;K.

Other than the Permanent five of UNSC - China, Russia, US, Britain and France, the non-permanent members include Belgium, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland and South Africa.

This is significant, given the fact that Pakistan may try to approach UNSC on abrogation of Article 370 and try to internationalise the issue.&nbsp; 
Other than UNSC envoy, envoys of blocs such as ASEAN were also briefed. UNSC envoys and ASEAN group were briefed by Secretary East Vijay Thakur Singh. The group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries, or GRULAC, envoys will be briefed on Tuesday.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday briefed envoys of all countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -permanent and non-permanent - on India's decision to remove the special status under article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday briefed envoys of all countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) -permanent and non-permanent - on India's decision to remove the special status under article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir. India explained that proposals under consideration in front of the Parliament on the administrative reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370 is a matter internal to India and aimed at providing good governance and ensuring economic development in Jammu and Kashmir. The MEA officials told envoys that it will increase administrative efficiency and promote social justice. A government source said that the briefing was done due to the interests expressed by members of the diplomatic community in Delhi on the proposals introduced by the government in Parliament on J&K. Other than the Permanent five of UNSC - China, Russia, US, Britain and France, the non-permanent members include Belgium, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland and South Africa. This is significant, given the fact that Pakistan may try to approach UNSC on abrogation of Article 370 and try to internationalise the issue. Other than UNSC envoy, envoys of blocs such as ASEAN were also briefed. UNSC envoys and ASEAN group were briefed by Secretary East Vijay Thakur Singh. The group of Latin America and Caribbean Countries, or GRULAC, envoys will be briefed on Tuesday.

Abrogation of Article 370: India briefs UNSC envoys, tells them decision aimed at improving governance

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