The United Nations has dismissed Pakistan Army&#39;s claim that its military observers came under attack from Indian troops near the Line of Control, saying there was &quot;no evidence&quot; of them being targeted.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres&#39; spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said there was no evidence that an UNMOGIP (United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan) vehicle was targeted by the Indian Army along the LoC near the Khanjar sector.

&quot;I can say to you that this afternoon in Bhimber District, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, UNMOGIP military observers accompanied by Pakistani Army escorts heard gunshots in their vicinity. There is no evidence that the UNMOGIP military observers were targeted by the gunfire. No UN military observer was injured,&quot; he told reporters yesterday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, had said that a vehicle carrying two officers of the UN military observer group came under attack by Indian troops during a visit to the LoC.

The Pakistan Army had claimed the vehicle was carrying UNMOGIP officers Major Emmanual of the Philippines and Major Mirko of Croatia.

Asked about the increasing tension between the south Asian neighbours and whether the UN secretary-general will look into the situation, Dujarric reiterated, &quot;we&#39;re obviously concerned at the situation in Kashmir, and it&#39;s an issue that the secretary-general is following closely.&quot;

According to the UN Security Council mandate of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the LoC and the Working Boundary between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.

India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.

The observer group is headed by Major Gen Per Lodin of Sweden. It currently has 38 military observers and 73 civilian personnel.

(PTI)&nbsp;

Pakistan had said a vehicle carrying two officers of the UN military observer group in Kashmir was targeted by the Indian Army

The United Nations has dismissed Pakistan Army's claim that its military observers came under attack from Indian troops near the Line of Control, saying there was "no evidence" of them being targeted. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said there was no evidence that an UNMOGIP (United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan) vehicle was targeted by the Indian Army along the LoC near the Khanjar sector. "I can say to you that this afternoon in Bhimber District, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, UNMOGIP military observers accompanied by Pakistani Army escorts heard gunshots in their vicinity. There is no evidence that the UNMOGIP military observers were targeted by the gunfire. No UN military observer was injured," he told reporters yesterday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, had said that a vehicle carrying two officers of the UN military observer group came under attack by Indian troops during a visit to the LoC. The Pakistan Army had claimed the vehicle was carrying UNMOGIP officers Major Emmanual of the Philippines and Major Mirko of Croatia. Asked about the increasing tension between the south Asian neighbours and whether the UN secretary-general will look into the situation, Dujarric reiterated, "we're obviously concerned at the situation in Kashmir, and it's an issue that the secretary-general is following closely." According to the UN Security Council mandate of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the LoC and the Working Boundary between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations. India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control. The observer group is headed by Major Gen Per Lodin of Sweden. It currently has 38 military observers and 73 civilian personnel. (PTI)

UN says Indian Army did not target UN vehicle near LoC

Major Leetul Gogoi, who had tied a man to a jeep in Kashmir purportedly as a shield against stone pelters, has been awarded by the Army for his &#39;sustained efforts&#39; in counter-insurgency operations.

The Army Chief&#39;s &#39;Commendation Card&#39; for Major Gogoi is seen as an indication that he is unlikely to be implicated for the incident by a Court of Inquiry, which the Army maintains is still going on.

&quot;Major Gogoi has been awarded Chief of Army Staff&#39;s Commendation Card for sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations,&quot; Army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said.

Sources said Major Gogoi was given the award during General Rawat&#39;s visit to Jammu and Kashmir last week.

The Army Chief&#39;s &#39;Commendation Card&#39; is considered a prestigious award and is given for distinguished services and devotion to duties.

A video, showing the man tied to the army vehicle during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on April 9, had triggered a public outcry, prompting the Army to institute a probe.

A Court of Inquiry was asked to look into the circumstance that prompted Major Gogoi to tie the Kashmiri youth to the jeep&#39;s bonnet as a &quot;human shield&quot;. 
 
(PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Major Gogoi was awarded with a 'Commendation Card' for sustained efforts during counter-insurgency operations

Major Leetul Gogoi, who had tied a man to a jeep in Kashmir purportedly as a shield against stone pelters, has been awarded by the Army for his 'sustained efforts' in counter-insurgency operations. The Army Chief's 'Commendation Card' for Major Gogoi is seen as an indication that he is unlikely to be implicated for the incident by a Court of Inquiry, which the Army maintains is still going on. "Major Gogoi has been awarded Chief of Army Staff's Commendation Card for sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations," Army spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said. Sources said Major Gogoi was given the award during General Rawat's visit to Jammu and Kashmir last week. The Army Chief's 'Commendation Card' is considered a prestigious award and is given for distinguished services and devotion to duties. A video, showing the man tied to the army vehicle during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on April 9, had triggered a public outcry, prompting the Army to institute a probe. A Court of Inquiry was asked to look into the circumstance that prompted Major Gogoi to tie the Kashmiri youth to the jeep's bonnet as a "human shield". (PTI)

Indian Army awards officer who tied man to jeep in Kashmir

Six militants from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen were involved in the abduction and killing of a young Army officer in Shopian district of Kashmir and a massive manhunt has been launched to catch them, defence sources said today.

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J&amp;K: Posters of 3 terrorists (from LeT&amp; Hizbul Mujahideen), involved in killing of Army officer Lt. Ummer Fayaz, pasted by police in Shopian <a href="https://t.co/5q3UhKyT1F">pic.twitter.com/5q3UhKyT1F</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/862912390500831232">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The bullet-riddled body of 22-year-old Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz from Kashmir was found in Harmen area of Shopian yesterday morning, hours after he was abducted by militants from Batpura village.

&quot;We have identified six militants who were involved in the killing of Fayaz. The militants are from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen,&quot; a source said. Security forces are carrying out searches in various areas to nab the six militants, the source said.

Fayaz, son of a farmer and an avid sportsman, had gone to attend the wedding of the daughter of his maternal uncle at Batapura, about 74 kms from Srinagar, from where he was abducted by the militants around 10 pm on Tuesday night.

On his first leave since joining the Army, he was posted with 2 Rajputana Rifles in&nbsp;Akhnoor in Jammu region.

His killing has triggered anger among the locals who demanded action against the culprits.

The Army had yesterday vowed to punish the killers of Fayaz and said the incident marks a watershed moment in Kashmir Valley as people there will decisively turn the tide against terrorism.

Calling the attack a &quot;dastardly act of cowardice&quot; by militants, defence minister Arun Jaitley had said Fayaz&#39;s sacrifice reiterates the nation&#39;s commitment to eliminate terrorism from the valley.

(PTI)

Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz was abducted Tuesday night. HIs bullet-riddled body was found Wednesday morning.

Six militants from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen were involved in the abduction and killing of a young Army officer in Shopian district of Kashmir and a massive manhunt has been launched to catch them, defence sources said today. J&K: Posters of 3 terrorists (from LeT& Hizbul Mujahideen), involved in killing of Army officer Lt. Ummer Fayaz, pasted by police in Shopian pic.twitter.com/5q3UhKyT1F — ANI (@ANI_news) May 12, 2017 × The bullet-riddled body of 22-year-old Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz from Kashmir was found in Harmen area of Shopian yesterday morning, hours after he was abducted by militants from Batpura village. "We have identified six militants who were involved in the killing of Fayaz. The militants are from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen," a source said. Security forces are carrying out searches in various areas to nab the six militants, the source said. Fayaz, son of a farmer and an avid sportsman, had gone to attend the wedding of the daughter of his maternal uncle at Batapura, about 74 kms from Srinagar, from where he was abducted by the militants around 10 pm on Tuesday night. On his first leave since joining the Army, he was posted with 2 Rajputana Rifles in Akhnoor in Jammu region. His killing has triggered anger among the locals who demanded action against the culprits. The Army had yesterday vowed to punish the killers of Fayaz and said the incident marks a watershed moment in Kashmir Valley as people there will decisively turn the tide against terrorism. Calling the attack a "dastardly act of cowardice" by militants, defence minister Arun Jaitley had said Fayaz's sacrifice reiterates the nation's commitment to eliminate terrorism from the valley. (PTI)

India: Six LeT, Hizbul militants involved in killing of Army officer Ummer Fayaz identified, manhunt on

The Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid by militants across the Line of Control in Kashmir&#39;s Baramulla district, forcing them to retreat to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

There were no casualties in the incident which took place last night, an official said today (May 10).&nbsp;

&quot;Army troops opened fire on a group of terrorists attempting to sneak into our territory yesterday night and forced them back across the Line of Control in Rampur sector of Baramulla district,&quot; the official said.

The Army has launched a combing operation in the area to ensure that none of the militants managed to get in.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

There were no casualties in the incident and the militants were forced to retreat to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

The Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid by militants across the Line of Control in Kashmir's Baramulla district, forcing them to retreat to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. There were no casualties in the incident which took place last night, an official said today (May 10). "Army troops opened fire on a group of terrorists attempting to sneak into our territory yesterday night and forced them back across the Line of Control in Rampur sector of Baramulla district," the official said. The Army has launched a combing operation in the area to ensure that none of the militants managed to get in. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Indian Army foils infiltration bid across LoC in Kashmir's Baramulla

The Pakistan military Tuesday&nbsp;warned India against any &quot;misadventure&quot; after the Indian army cautioned Islamabad that it will have to face the consequences of mutilating bodies of two Indian soldiers. 
 
The Pakistan army&#39;s remarks came during a hotline contact between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India this morning to defuse the tension. 
 
&quot;Any misadventure shall be appropriately responded at a place and time of own choosing,&quot; according to a statement issued by the army. 
 
The statement also said that Pakistan remains fully committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LoC and expects the same from the other side. 
 
The Pakistan army also asked India to provide &quot;actionable evidence&quot; to substantiate its charge claim that a Pakistani special forces team sneaked across the LoC, beheaded two Indian security personnel and mutilated their bodies. 
 
The incident evoked a sharp reaction from India with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley saying such attacks do not even take place during war and that the whole country has full faith in the armed forces. 
 
&quot;Bodies of soldiers being mutilated is an extreme form of barbaric act. Government of India strongly condemns this act. The whole country has full faith in our armed forces which will react appropriately to the act,&quot; Jaitley had said. 
 
India&#39;s Vice Chief of Army Staff Sarath Chand said that Pakistan will have to face the consequences of mutilating bodies of two Indian soldiers and the army will respond to the dastardly act at a time and place of its choice. 
 
(PTI)

The Pakistan army's remarks came during a hotline contact between the Director Generals of Military Operations of Pakistan and India

The Pakistan military Tuesday warned India against any "misadventure" after the Indian army cautioned Islamabad that it will have to face the consequences of mutilating bodies of two Indian soldiers. The Pakistan army's remarks came during a hotline contact between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India this morning to defuse the tension. "Any misadventure shall be appropriately responded at a place and time of own choosing," according to a statement issued by the army. The statement also said that Pakistan remains fully committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LoC and expects the same from the other side. The Pakistan army also asked India to provide "actionable evidence" to substantiate its charge claim that a Pakistani special forces team sneaked across the LoC, beheaded two Indian security personnel and mutilated their bodies. The incident evoked a sharp reaction from India with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley saying such attacks do not even take place during war and that the whole country has full faith in the armed forces. "Bodies of soldiers being mutilated is an extreme form of barbaric act. Government of India strongly condemns this act. The whole country has full faith in our armed forces which will react appropriately to the act," Jaitley had said. India's Vice Chief of Army Staff Sarath Chand said that Pakistan will have to face the consequences of mutilating bodies of two Indian soldiers and the army will respond to the dastardly act at a time and place of its choice. (PTI)

After Indian Army soldiers mutilated, Pakistan Army warns against 'misadventure'

The DNA newspaper reported Tuesday that Pakistan, in a change of strategy, has also begun pushing &quot;preachers&quot; into Kashmir rather than just militants.&nbsp;

The preachers, the newspaper said, then recruit young men to take up arms against Indian security forces, the paper said.&nbsp;

India blames most of its Kashmir problems on Pakistan, saying its neighbour sneaks militants into the state from over the border.&nbsp;

&quot;The brief given to these individuals is fairly simple -- brainwash as many young men, including teenagers, into taking up arms, reveals a recent review done by Intelligence agencies and the army,&quot; the DNA reported.&nbsp;

&quot;Sources in the security establishment told DNA that out of the 150 Pakistani terrorists currently operating out of J&amp;K, 40 to 50 have not fired a bullet in recent times, but have become preachers tasked with recruiting and influencing youngsters to take on security forces,&quot; the newspaper added.&nbsp;

The DNA added that sources in the security establishment had told it that out of the 150 Pakistani militants currently operating out of Kashmir, &quot;40 to 50 have not fired a bullet in recent times&quot;.&nbsp;

The DNA report did not name its sources.&nbsp;

(WION)

A report in the DNA newspaper said the preachers are tasked with recruiting young men to take on Indian security forces

The DNA newspaper reported Tuesday that Pakistan, in a change of strategy, has also begun pushing "preachers" into Kashmir rather than just militants. The preachers, the newspaper said, then recruit young men to take up arms against Indian security forces, the paper said. India blames most of its Kashmir problems on Pakistan, saying its neighbour sneaks militants into the state from over the border. "The brief given to these individuals is fairly simple -- brainwash as many young men, including teenagers, into taking up arms, reveals a recent review done by Intelligence agencies and the army," the DNA reported. "Sources in the security establishment told DNA that out of the 150 Pakistani terrorists currently operating out of J&K, 40 to 50 have not fired a bullet in recent times, but have become preachers tasked with recruiting and influencing youngsters to take on security forces," the newspaper added. The DNA added that sources in the security establishment had told it that out of the 150 Pakistani militants currently operating out of Kashmir, "40 to 50 have not fired a bullet in recent times". The DNA report did not name its sources. (WION)

Pakistan pushing preachers into Kashmir: DNA

A Border Security Force constable, who posted a clip on social media complaining of bad quality food being served to the troops, was today dismissed from service following an inquiry. 
&nbsp;

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Tej Bahadur Yadav, BSF constable who had released a video on quality of food served has been dismissed: Sources <a href="https://t.co/75ea8o7zNn">pic.twitter.com/75ea8o7zNn</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/854606158505533441">April 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Officials said Tej Bahadur Yadav was sacked by the border guarding force on the basis of a report of a staff court of inquiry (SCoI).

The inquiry, they said, found the constable-rank jawan guilty of making false charges.

&quot;The action of dismissal of the jawan has been taken under the Border Security Force Act that is applicable to all the personnel serving in the paramilitary force,&quot; a senior officer said.

&quot;Yadav has been found guilty on certain charges of indiscipline including uploading the said video in violation of laid down procedures and rules. He has an option to appeal against the verdict within three months time,&quot; he added.

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I have been dismissed from service, will now appeal in High court :Tej Bahadur Yadav, BSF constable (released video on quality of food) <a href="https://t.co/zOPHAY7F2F">pic.twitter.com/zOPHAY7F2F</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/854660155970957312">April 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Yadav, in January this year, had alleged in his video post that bad quality food was being served to the soldiers.

While the government procures essentials for the soldiers, the higher-ups &quot;sell them off&quot; in an &quot;illegal&quot; manner in the market making the lower level personnel in the force suffer, he had alleged.

The jawan, who was part of a BSF unit posted along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, had also said in the video that a watery soup-like dal, which he claimed had only turmeric and salt, and a burnt chapati were served to them.

Yadav was serving in the 29th battalion of the force and had been transferred to a BSF battalion in Jammu during the inquiry.

&nbsp;

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(PTI)

Tej Bahadur's video about the food served to BSF personnel caused considerable embarrassment to the paramilitary force

A Border Security Force constable, who posted a clip on social media complaining of bad quality food being served to the troops, was today dismissed from service following an inquiry. Tej Bahadur Yadav, BSF constable who had released a video on quality of food served has been dismissed: Sources pic.twitter.com/75ea8o7zNn — ANI (@ANI_news) April 19, 2017 × Officials said Tej Bahadur Yadav was sacked by the border guarding force on the basis of a report of a staff court of inquiry (SCoI). The inquiry, they said, found the constable-rank jawan guilty of making false charges. "The action of dismissal of the jawan has been taken under the Border Security Force Act that is applicable to all the personnel serving in the paramilitary force," a senior officer said. "Yadav has been found guilty on certain charges of indiscipline including uploading the said video in violation of laid down procedures and rules. He has an option to appeal against the verdict within three months time," he added. I have been dismissed from service, will now appeal in High court :Tej Bahadur Yadav, BSF constable (released video on quality of food) pic.twitter.com/zOPHAY7F2F — ANI (@ANI_news) April 19, 2017 × Yadav, in January this year, had alleged in his video post that bad quality food was being served to the soldiers. While the government procures essentials for the soldiers, the higher-ups "sell them off" in an "illegal" manner in the market making the lower level personnel in the force suffer, he had alleged. The jawan, who was part of a BSF unit posted along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, had also said in the video that a watery soup-like dal, which he claimed had only turmeric and salt, and a burnt chapati were served to them. Yadav was serving in the 29th battalion of the force and had been transferred to a BSF battalion in Jammu during the inquiry. (PTI)

BSF constable whose video about poor food quality went viral sacked: Reports

All universities, colleges and higher secondary schools in Kashmir will remain closed today as a&nbsp;precautionary measure after clashes broke out between students and security forces on Monday.

4G and 3G services were suspended in the valley on Monday and now the Jammu and Kashmir government is likely to also ban Facebook and WhatsApp in the days to come, Firstpost reported.

The report said it is purportedly being done to stop videos showing atrocities by security personnel from being circulated.&nbsp;

This is the third time the state&#39;s government has restricted internet services in the last two weeks.&nbsp;

Police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse students in the capital Srinagar, the latest outbreak of protests since demonstrations last week after a botched byelection in which at least eight people were killed, Reuters reported.

Some colleges were forced to close.

Students had clashed with security forces, protesting against an&nbsp;alleged raid by security personnel on the degree college in Pulwama on Saturday.

Greater Kashmir reported that more than 70 students were injured in the scuffle that broke out across different colleges and university campuses in Kashmir.

In Saturday&#39;s incident, at least fifty-four students, including girls, were injured during clashes outside Degree College Pulwama, Greater Kashmir reported. 
 
The incident has worsened the already tense situation prevailing in Kashmir after a video of a man strapped in front of an Army jeep had surfaced provoking strong reactions from people. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had shared the video on his Twitter account. 
 
The Jammu&nbsp;and Kashmir Police filed a case against the local Indian Army unit for tying up a man in front of a jeep allegedly to ward off stone pelters.&nbsp;

Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Kalia said the video&#39;s authenticity was being ascertained, adding, &quot;Action will be taken against those found guilty of misconduct.&quot; 
 
Militants have stepped up attacks in Kashmir including raids on the homes of police officers ever since the incident, Reuters reported. 
 
The state&#39;s police chief on Sunday told officers to avoid visiting their own homes in South Kashmir, after militants stormed the houses of at least four officers.

Militants also shot dead a lawyer affiliated with an opposition party and a former counter-insurgency commander, police said. A worker of the ruling party was killed late on Saturday.

Over the weekend two more videos circulated on social media showing workers of the ruling political party in Jammu and Kashmir renouncing mainstream politics, one of them beside a man wielding a gun.

Earlier, another video had surfaced showing protesters kicking and heckling a CRPF soldier&nbsp;who was on election duty. The Police filed a case on a complaint by the CRPF.

The situation in Kashmir took a turn for the worse on April 9 when the bypoll for the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency were scheduled. Eight people were killed as protesters sought to disrupt the election process.

The Election Commission had ordered a repoll in 38 polling stations. The overall polling percentage for the bypoll stood at a dismal 7.13 per cent, the worst Kashmir has seen after militancy erupted in the late 1980s.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah won the by-poll defeating PDP&#39;s Nazir Khan. PDP, along with alliance partner BJP, is ruling the state.

(WION)&nbsp;

Schools and colleges were also shut after clashes broke out on Monday between students and security forces

All universities, colleges and higher secondary schools in Kashmir will remain closed today as a precautionary measure after clashes broke out between students and security forces on Monday. 4G and 3G services were suspended in the valley on Monday and now the Jammu and Kashmir government is likely to also ban Facebook and WhatsApp in the days to come, Firstpost reported. The report said it is purportedly being done to stop videos showing atrocities by security personnel from being circulated. This is the third time the state's government has restricted internet services in the last two weeks. Police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse students in the capital Srinagar, the latest outbreak of protests since demonstrations last week after a botched byelection in which at least eight people were killed, Reuters reported. Some colleges were forced to close. Students had clashed with security forces, protesting against an alleged raid by security personnel on the degree college in Pulwama on Saturday. Greater Kashmir reported that more than 70 students were injured in the scuffle that broke out across different colleges and university campuses in Kashmir. In Saturday's incident, at least fifty-four students, including girls, were injured during clashes outside Degree College Pulwama, Greater Kashmir reported. The incident has worsened the already tense situation prevailing in Kashmir after a video of a man strapped in front of an Army jeep had surfaced provoking strong reactions from people. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had shared the video on his Twitter account. The Jammu and Kashmir Police filed a case against the local Indian Army unit for tying up a man in front of a jeep allegedly to ward off stone pelters. Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Kalia said the video's authenticity was being ascertained, adding, "Action will be taken against those found guilty of misconduct." Militants have stepped up attacks in Kashmir including raids on the homes of police officers ever since the incident, Reuters reported. The state's police chief on Sunday told officers to avoid visiting their own homes in South Kashmir, after militants stormed the houses of at least four officers. Militants also shot dead a lawyer affiliated with an opposition party and a former counter-insurgency commander, police said. A worker of the ruling party was killed late on Saturday. Over the weekend two more videos circulated on social media showing workers of the ruling political party in Jammu and Kashmir renouncing mainstream politics, one of them beside a man wielding a gun. Earlier, another video had surfaced showing protesters kicking and heckling a CRPF soldier who was on election duty. The Police filed a case on a complaint by the CRPF. The situation in Kashmir took a turn for the worse on April 9 when the bypoll for the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency were scheduled. Eight people were killed as protesters sought to disrupt the election process. The Election Commission had ordered a repoll in 38 polling stations. The overall polling percentage for the bypoll stood at a dismal 7.13 per cent, the worst Kashmir has seen after militancy erupted in the late 1980s. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah won the by-poll defeating PDP's Nazir Khan. PDP, along with alliance partner BJP, is ruling the state. (WION)

4G and 3G services suspended in Kashmir, Facebook and WhatsApp likely to be banned

An FIR (first information report) has been filed against the Indian Army after a video surfaced of a man tied to the front of a jeep.

Another FIR was filed against the Border Security Force for the killing of a youth in the Batamaloo area of Srinagar.

Farooq Ahmad Dar was tied to the jeep to stop stone pelters, and paraded through villages of central Kashmir&#39;s Budgam district.

The video went viral on social media and evoked angry response across Kashmir and the country.

The FIR was filed against the Army&#39;s 53 Rashtriya Rifles at the Beerwah police station.

A Times of India report however said that the government had decided to back the officer under whose watch Dar was tied to the jeep. The report said an Army probe had concluded the officer took the decision as a last&nbsp;resort, to protect his men against amassed stone pelters. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Former J&amp;K chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted the video on Friday, saying: &quot;Here&#39;s the video as well. A warning can be heard saying stone pelters will meet this fate. This requires an urgent inquiry &amp; follow up NOW!!&quot;

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Here&#39;s the video as well. A warning can be heard saying stone pelters will meet this fate. This requires an urgent inquiry &amp; follow up NOW!! <a href="https://t.co/qj1rnCVazn">pic.twitter.com/qj1rnCVazn</a>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdullah_omar/status/852746966110945282">April 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A number of videos had appeared on social media in the wake of the Srinagar parliamentary constituency bypoll on April 9, when voter turnout was registered at a low 7.14%.

The re-poll at 38 polling stations on April 13 recorded an even lower turnout -- 2 per cent.

The video&nbsp;that garnered the most attention -- apart from this one of course -- was that&nbsp;of a CRPF soldier being heckled by locals. When he did not react, he was held up as a shining example of the Indian state&#39;s &quot;restraint&quot;. (In the video though, locals can be heard saying the CRPF man should be allowed to leave. That the Kashmiri side says is also restraint.) &nbsp;

A little later, the video of Dar tied to the jeep surfaced. &nbsp;

In the FIR against the BSF, a case of murder has been registered against unnamed personnel for the killing of Sajad Hussain Shaikh who died after being hit in the head by a bullet.&nbsp;

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Police have also registered an FIR in the case of the CRPF soldier being heckled. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(WION)

Another FIR was filed against the Border Security Force for the killing of a youth in the Batamaloo area of Srinagar

An FIR (first information report) has been filed against the Indian Army after a video surfaced of a man tied to the front of a jeep. Another FIR was filed against the Border Security Force for the killing of a youth in the Batamaloo area of Srinagar. Farooq Ahmad Dar was tied to the jeep to stop stone pelters, and paraded through villages of central Kashmir's Budgam district. The video went viral on social media and evoked angry response across Kashmir and the country. The FIR was filed against the Army's 53 Rashtriya Rifles at the Beerwah police station. A Times of India report however said that the government had decided to back the officer under whose watch Dar was tied to the jeep. The report said an Army probe had concluded the officer took the decision as a last resort, to protect his men against amassed stone pelters. Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted the video on Friday, saying: "Here's the video as well. A warning can be heard saying stone pelters will meet this fate. This requires an urgent inquiry & follow up NOW!!" Here's the video as well. A warning can be heard saying stone pelters will meet this fate. This requires an urgent inquiry & follow up NOW!! pic.twitter.com/qj1rnCVazn — Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) April 14, 2017 × A number of videos had appeared on social media in the wake of the Srinagar parliamentary constituency bypoll on April 9, when voter turnout was registered at a low 7.14%. The re-poll at 38 polling stations on April 13 recorded an even lower turnout -- 2 per cent. The video that garnered the most attention -- apart from this one of course -- was that of a CRPF soldier being heckled by locals. When he did not react, he was held up as a shining example of the Indian state's "restraint". (In the video though, locals can be heard saying the CRPF man should be allowed to leave. That the Kashmiri side says is also restraint.) A little later, the video of Dar tied to the jeep surfaced. In the FIR against the BSF, a case of murder has been registered against unnamed personnel for the killing of Sajad Hussain Shaikh who died after being hit in the head by a bullet. Police have also registered an FIR in the case of the CRPF soldier being heckled. (WION)

Kashmiri man tied to jeep: FIR filed against Indian Army

A parliamentary panel has rapped intelligence agencies for the terror attacks in Pathankot, Uri and a few other places saying these strikes &quot;exposed the deficiencies&quot; of the agencies but there was no analysis of their &quot;failure&quot;.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, headed by senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, said a year had passed since the January 2, 2016 terror attack at the Indian Air Force station in Pathankot but the probe has not been completed by the National Investigation Agency.

Moreover, it said, no analysis seems to have been done of the &quot;failure&quot; of the intelligence agencies to provide credible and actionable inputs regarding the attacks at Pathankot, Uri, Pampore, Baramulla and Nagrota.

&quot;The committee feels that these attacks have exposed the deficiencies of our intelligence agencies,&quot; it said.

While in the Pathankot attack, seven security personnel were killed, 19 army soldiers lost their lives in the attack at the Brigade headquarters in Uri on September 18 last year.

Terrorists also attacked a convoy of CRPF vehicles on June 25, 2016 at Pampore along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, killing eight paramilitary personnel.

While in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, militants attacked a camp of the Rashtriya Rifles killing a security personnel on October 3, 2016, seven soldiers were killed when an army base in Nagrota in the state was attacked by militants on November 29, 2016.

&quot;The committee, therefore, recommends that the (Home) ministry should instruct the NIA to complete the investigations of these attacks at the earliest so as to identify the loopholes in the intelligence setup in the border areas,&quot; it said.

Taking note of &quot;huge rise&quot; in the number of infiltration, the committee said the government must carry out a thorough investigation into the sudden spurt in infiltration attempts along the Line of Control from across the border and find out vulnerabilities that are being apparently exploited by the infiltrators.

There were 364 attempts of infiltration in 2016 of which 112 were successful in comparison to 121 infiltration attempts and 33 net infiltration in 2015.

The committee also noted that there has been an increasing number of incidents of infiltration through tunnels from across the border.

The panel felt that in future this might become a major modus operandi of the infiltrators and the government must take proactive steps to foil such attempts.

&quot;The committee recommends that the ministry must explore technological solutions for tunnel detection in border areas and should seek the help of other countries which have successfully developed tunnel detection systems,&quot; it said.

(PTI)

'The committee feels that these attacks have exposed the deficiencies of our intelligence agencies'

A parliamentary panel has rapped intelligence agencies for the terror attacks in Pathankot, Uri and a few other places saying these strikes "exposed the deficiencies" of the agencies but there was no analysis of their "failure". The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, headed by senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, said a year had passed since the January 2, 2016 terror attack at the Indian Air Force station in Pathankot but the probe has not been completed by the National Investigation Agency. Moreover, it said, no analysis seems to have been done of the "failure" of the intelligence agencies to provide credible and actionable inputs regarding the attacks at Pathankot, Uri, Pampore, Baramulla and Nagrota. "The committee feels that these attacks have exposed the deficiencies of our intelligence agencies," it said. While in the Pathankot attack, seven security personnel were killed, 19 army soldiers lost their lives in the attack at the Brigade headquarters in Uri on September 18 last year. Terrorists also attacked a convoy of CRPF vehicles on June 25, 2016 at Pampore along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, killing eight paramilitary personnel. While in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, militants attacked a camp of the Rashtriya Rifles killing a security personnel on October 3, 2016, seven soldiers were killed when an army base in Nagrota in the state was attacked by militants on November 29, 2016. "The committee, therefore, recommends that the (Home) ministry should instruct the NIA to complete the investigations of these attacks at the earliest so as to identify the loopholes in the intelligence setup in the border areas," it said. Taking note of "huge rise" in the number of infiltration, the committee said the government must carry out a thorough investigation into the sudden spurt in infiltration attempts along the Line of Control from across the border and find out vulnerabilities that are being apparently exploited by the infiltrators. There were 364 attempts of infiltration in 2016 of which 112 were successful in comparison to 121 infiltration attempts and 33 net infiltration in 2015. The committee also noted that there has been an increasing number of incidents of infiltration through tunnels from across the border. The panel felt that in future this might become a major modus operandi of the infiltrators and the government must take proactive steps to foil such attempts. "The committee recommends that the ministry must explore technological solutions for tunnel detection in border areas and should seek the help of other countries which have successfully developed tunnel detection systems," it said. (PTI)

Parliamentary panel raps Indian intel agencies for 'failure' to prevent attacks

The situation in Kashmir turned for the worse on Tuesday after three civilians were killed and 18 injured as security forces clashed with stone-pelters trying to disrupt an anti-militancy operation.

One militant was killed in the operation in south Kashmir&#39;s Budgam.

<a href="http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/front-page/3-youth-militant-killed-in-chadoora/244942.html">Greater Kashmir</a> quoted witnesses as saying that a mob approached the outer cordon of the operation and pelted them with stones and bricks. The reports further adds that the security personnel fired in the air and tried to disperse the mob, but the crowd chanted pro-azadi slogans and clashed with the security forces.

The separatists have called for a shut down in Kashmir, voicing their strong disapproval of the killing of civilians.

Extra forces have been deployed in sensitive areas in view of the strike called by separatists, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

Shops, business establishments and fuel stations were shut, while educational institutions remained closed because of the strike, PTI quoted officials as saying. &nbsp;

The incident has generated intense political reactions, with Farooq Abdullah, president of the main opposition party National Conference, slamming the People&#39;s Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party&nbsp;(PDP-BJP) alliance government and calling for an end to the &quot;era of bloodbath&quot;.&nbsp;

The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti,&nbsp;said that the people of Kashmir have had to &ldquo;suffer massive collateral damage due to violence of the past three decades or so&quot;, reported Greater Kashmir.

In February, the Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said that those pelting stones at the security forces during encounters will be treated as aides of militants.

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Separatists have called for a shut down in Kashmir, voicing their strong disapproval of the killing of civilians

The situation in Kashmir turned for the worse on Tuesday after three civilians were killed and 18 injured as security forces clashed with stone-pelters trying to disrupt an anti-militancy operation. One militant was killed in the operation in south Kashmir's Budgam. Greater Kashmir quoted witnesses as saying that a mob approached the outer cordon of the operation and pelted them with stones and bricks. The reports further adds that the security personnel fired in the air and tried to disperse the mob, but the crowd chanted pro-azadi slogans and clashed with the security forces. The separatists have called for a shut down in Kashmir, voicing their strong disapproval of the killing of civilians. Extra forces have been deployed in sensitive areas in view of the strike called by separatists, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. Shops, business establishments and fuel stations were shut, while educational institutions remained closed because of the strike, PTI quoted officials as saying. The incident has generated intense political reactions, with Farooq Abdullah, president of the main opposition party National Conference, slamming the People's Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party (PDP-BJP) alliance government and calling for an end to the "era of bloodbath". The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, said that the people of Kashmir have had to “suffer massive collateral damage due to violence of the past three decades or so", reported Greater Kashmir. In February, the Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said that those pelting stones at the security forces during encounters will be treated as aides of militants. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir simmers again after 3 civilians are killed in clashes

Another soldier has raised his voice against the Indian Army&#39;s sahayak&nbsp;(orderly) system in a video post.

The soldier,&nbsp;Sindhav Jogidas,&nbsp;said he was forced to&nbsp;work as an orderly as punishment for returning late from leave.&nbsp;

The soldier told CNN News18 that&nbsp;officers started harassing him after he refused to do the sahayak job and that he was kept in Army custody for 7 days.&nbsp;

Jogidas then approached the Prime Minister&#39;s Office and the Defence Ministry, but&nbsp;said he got no response from them.

Instead, a Court of Inquiry (COI) was ordered against him for writing to the PMO.

&quot;I was punished for raising complaints. Army is the only service where combatants were forced to serve officers,&quot; he sad in the video.&nbsp;

The soldier also alleged that he posted his complaint on the WhatsApp helpline number given by the army for grievance redressals, but that he did not get any reply.

On January 27 this year, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat launched a WhatsApp helpline for soldiers to post their grievances on.

A soldier who had criticised the Indian Army was found dead on March 2.

Roy Matthew had in January this year featured in a news sting video in which he had criticised the army&#39;s orderly system.

The Indian Army&#39;s orderly system involves soldiers helping the officers they are assigned to. The orderlies, or buddies, are meant to do only a specific set of jobs -- in order to help the officer better conduct his duties -- but it is severely misused with the officers using their buddies, really, as domestic help.&nbsp;

(WION)

Sindhav Jogidas?says he was forced to?work as a?'sahayak' as punishment for returning late from leave

Another soldier has raised his voice against the Indian Army's sahayak (orderly) system in a video post. The soldier, Sindhav Jogidas, said he was forced to work as an orderly as punishment for returning late from leave. The soldier told CNN News18 that officers started harassing him after he refused to do the sahayak job and that he was kept in Army custody for 7 days. Jogidas then approached the Prime Minister's Office and the Defence Ministry, but said he got no response from them. Instead, a Court of Inquiry (COI) was ordered against him for writing to the PMO. "I was punished for raising complaints. Army is the only service where combatants were forced to serve officers," he sad in the video. The soldier also alleged that he posted his complaint on the WhatsApp helpline number given by the army for grievance redressals, but that he did not get any reply. On January 27 this year, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat launched a WhatsApp helpline for soldiers to post their grievances on. A soldier who had criticised the Indian Army was found dead on March 2. Roy Matthew had in January this year featured in a news sting video in which he had criticised the army's orderly system. The Indian Army's orderly system involves soldiers helping the officers they are assigned to. The orderlies, or buddies, are meant to do only a specific set of jobs -- in order to help the officer better conduct his duties -- but it is severely misused with the officers using their buddies, really, as domestic help. (WION)

In yet another video, soldier alleges mistreatment by Indian Army

After nearly 20 years, the indigenously manufactured INSAS rifles will be finally &#39;retiring&#39; from the army and replaced by an imported assault rifle to be manufactured in the country later.

The Indian Small Arms System (INSAS), which was inducted in the army 1988, is likely to be replaced with deadlier assault rifles of higher caliber (7.62x51), official sources said.

The sources said that as many as 18 vendors, including some Indian companies having a tie-up with foreign arms manufacturing firms, have sent in their consent to replace nearly two lakh such rifles used by the army along the borders and in counter-insurgency operations.

The reason for phasing out of INSAS, as cited by experts, was that it was not effective at long range and at best, could only maim the enemy.

The sources said that 7.62x51 assault rifles have already been introduced in the Pakistani army which purchased them from Heckler and Koch, one of the world&#39;s leading small arms manufacturers based in Germany.

The proposal for procuring the new assault rifles was in pre-Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) stage and expected to be completed by the year end after putting the process of purchase of these weapons on a fast track.

The sources said that emphasis was being laid on arming the Special Forces of the army in the Northeast as of now and the proposal will come up before the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) soon.

After the new weaponry for the Special Forces aimed at helping them in close-combat situations, the focus will shift to procurement of the assault rifles and replace the INSAS, the sources said.

The foreign vendor would also be required to participate in Transfer of Technology (ToT) so that there is no dearth of ammunition and maintenance of the assault rifles in the country. These weapons can kill the enemy up to an effective range (rpt) range of 500 metres.

The conceptualisation of the INSAS began in early 1980&#39;s before it was finally handed over for production to Ichapur Ordnance Factory in West Bengal. In 1993, the design of the rifle was changed before being introduced in the army in 1996.

The rifle was put to use during the 1999 Kargil war.

(PTI)

INSAS, which was inducted in the army in 1988, is likely to be replaced with deadlier assault rifles of higher caliber, sources said

After nearly 20 years, the indigenously manufactured INSAS rifles will be finally 'retiring' from the army and replaced by an imported assault rifle to be manufactured in the country later. The Indian Small Arms System (INSAS), which was inducted in the army 1988, is likely to be replaced with deadlier assault rifles of higher caliber (7.62x51), official sources said. The sources said that as many as 18 vendors, including some Indian companies having a tie-up with foreign arms manufacturing firms, have sent in their consent to replace nearly two lakh such rifles used by the army along the borders and in counter-insurgency operations. The reason for phasing out of INSAS, as cited by experts, was that it was not effective at long range and at best, could only maim the enemy. The sources said that 7.62x51 assault rifles have already been introduced in the Pakistani army which purchased them from Heckler and Koch, one of the world's leading small arms manufacturers based in Germany. The proposal for procuring the new assault rifles was in pre-Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) stage and expected to be completed by the year end after putting the process of purchase of these weapons on a fast track. The sources said that emphasis was being laid on arming the Special Forces of the army in the Northeast as of now and the proposal will come up before the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) soon. After the new weaponry for the Special Forces aimed at helping them in close-combat situations, the focus will shift to procurement of the assault rifles and replace the INSAS, the sources said. The foreign vendor would also be required to participate in Transfer of Technology (ToT) so that there is no dearth of ammunition and maintenance of the assault rifles in the country. These weapons can kill the enemy up to an effective range (rpt) range of 500 metres. The conceptualisation of the INSAS began in early 1980's before it was finally handed over for production to Ichapur Ordnance Factory in West Bengal. In 1993, the design of the rifle was changed before being introduced in the army in 1996. The rifle was put to use during the 1999 Kargil war. (PTI)

Indian Army to get 'deadlier' assault rifles as INSAS to be phased out

To keep the armed forces ready for battle at a short notice, India has inked emergency deals for ammunition and spares worth Rs 20,000 crore ($3 billion), reported The Times of India (TOI). The deals were reportedly signed over the last two to three months period.

The aim was to guarantee that the armed forces could undertake at least ten days of &quot;intense fighting&quot; without worrying about ammunition, spares and other reserves, defence ministry sources told TOI.&nbsp;

According to the TOI report, the new contracts will be primarily signed with Russia, Israel and France.&nbsp;

Since the attack on Jammu &amp; Kashmir&#39;s Uri air base, the government has stepped up its anti-terrorism operation, with surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has concluded 43 contracts worth over Rs 9,200 crore ($1.4 billion) for ammunition and spares for its fighter jets. Meanwhile, the Army has inked around 10 contracts worth over Rs 5,800 crore ($863 million) with Russian companies alone.

&quot;The emergency purchases will obviate the need for armed forces to present long shopping lists to the government after every major terror strike. They can now maintain operational readiness for different contingencies,&quot; the source added.

As per operational norms, the War Wastage Reserves (WWR) should be sufficient for 30 days of &quot;intense&quot;&nbsp;and 30 days of &quot;normal&quot; fighting,&nbsp;the&nbsp;report said.

Last week, the overall defence budget saw a marginal 6.2 per cent increase in the budget for the next fiscal at Rs 2.74&nbsp;lakh crore ($40.8 billion) from the Rs 2.58 lakh crore ($38.4 billion) allocated last year, with the capital outlay to cover the modernisation programmes getting a hike of 10.05 per cent.&nbsp;

(This article first appeared on DNA)

Defence ministry sources told Indian daily that the aim is to ensure that the forces can undertake 10 days of 'intense fighting'

To keep the armed forces ready for battle at a short notice, India has inked emergency deals for ammunition and spares worth Rs 20,000 crore ($3 billion), reported The Times of India (TOI). The deals were reportedly signed over the last two to three months period. The aim was to guarantee that the armed forces could undertake at least ten days of "intense fighting" without worrying about ammunition, spares and other reserves, defence ministry sources told TOI. According to the TOI report, the new contracts will be primarily signed with Russia, Israel and France. Since the attack on Jammu & Kashmir's Uri air base, the government has stepped up its anti-terrorism operation, with surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Air Force (IAF) has concluded 43 contracts worth over Rs 9,200 crore ($1.4 billion) for ammunition and spares for its fighter jets. Meanwhile, the Army has inked around 10 contracts worth over Rs 5,800 crore ($863 million) with Russian companies alone. "The emergency purchases will obviate the need for armed forces to present long shopping lists to the government after every major terror strike. They can now maintain operational readiness for different contingencies," the source added. As per operational norms, the War Wastage Reserves (WWR) should be sufficient for 30 days of "intense" and 30 days of "normal" fighting, the report said. Last week, the overall defence budget saw a marginal 6.2 per cent increase in the budget for the next fiscal at Rs 2.74 lakh crore ($40.8 billion) from the Rs 2.58 lakh crore ($38.4 billion) allocated last year, with the capital outlay to cover the modernisation programmes getting a hike of 10.05 per cent. (This article first appeared on DNA)

India signs urgent arms deal of about $3 billion: Report

The bi-centenary celebrations to mark 200 years of 9th Gorkha Rifles were organised at Pension Paying Office in Pokhara on Saturday. The event was organised under the aegis of Defence Wing, Embassy of India.&nbsp;

More than 3,500 ex-servicemen and families of 9th Gorkha Rifles participated in the event. After an initial tribute to the Martyrs, Colonel Man Raj Singh Mann, Defence Attache apprised them about the history of 9th Gorkha Rifles.

The veterans also witnessed a special performance by the Brass and the Pipe Bands of the 39th Gorkha Training Centre. War widows and veterans were felicitated on the occasion with financial assistance in the form of gifts such as sewing machines, wheelchairs and cash incentives.

The 9th Gorkha Rifles has five battalions and its history dates back to the year 1817. The Regiment has distinguished itself in many battles and campaigns in the First and Second World Wars and all the battles fought after Independence.

The Regiment fought the battle of Mesopotamia, Malaya, Middle East, Central Mediterranean and Burma Front. Since 1947, the Regiment has fought in the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and earned Battle Honours of Phillora, Kumarkhali and Dera Baba Nanak.

Similar events will be organised at many places in India, but the commencement of the entire celebrations has been done from Nepal.&nbsp;

(ANI)&nbsp;

More than 3,500 ex-servicemen and families of 9th Gorkha Rifles participated in the event

The bi-centenary celebrations to mark 200 years of 9th Gorkha Rifles were organised at Pension Paying Office in Pokhara on Saturday. The event was organised under the aegis of Defence Wing, Embassy of India. More than 3,500 ex-servicemen and families of 9th Gorkha Rifles participated in the event. After an initial tribute to the Martyrs, Colonel Man Raj Singh Mann, Defence Attache apprised them about the history of 9th Gorkha Rifles. The veterans also witnessed a special performance by the Brass and the Pipe Bands of the 39th Gorkha Training Centre. War widows and veterans were felicitated on the occasion with financial assistance in the form of gifts such as sewing machines, wheelchairs and cash incentives. The 9th Gorkha Rifles has five battalions and its history dates back to the year 1817. The Regiment has distinguished itself in many battles and campaigns in the First and Second World Wars and all the battles fought after Independence. The Regiment fought the battle of Mesopotamia, Malaya, Middle East, Central Mediterranean and Burma Front. Since 1947, the Regiment has fought in the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 and earned Battle Honours of Phillora, Kumarkhali and Dera Baba Nanak. Similar events will be organised at many places in India, but the commencement of the entire celebrations has been done from Nepal. (ANI)

9th Gorkha Rifles bi-centenary celebrations held in Nepal

The five Indian Army soldiers, who were found trapped under snow in Kashmir&#39;s Macchil sector and rescued on Saturday, died today, taking the toll of army personnel killed in avalanches in the state to 20.

Braving inclement weather, Army aviation pilots today airlifted the five injured soldiers from Macchil to Srinagar for specialised treatment, an army official told PTI.

&quot;Unfortunately, all five brave hearts attained martyrdom,&quot; the official said.

Their condition after rescue was critical, an army officer had earlier told AFP but heavy snowfall and hostile weather conditions had prevented them from being flown to a hospital in the capital Srinagar, 140 kms away.

The five soldiers were trapped after the snow track they were travelling on caved in while on their way to a border post in Machhil near the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that divides India with Pakistan.

They were rescued by avalanche rescue teams the same day.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of 14 soldiers who died in an avalanche near the LoC in north Kashmir&#39;s Gurez sector on January 25 were also brought to Srinagar so that they could be sent to their native places for last rites. The inclement weather was hampering the efforts of the army to airlift the mortal remains, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.

He said Army aviation pilots made repeated attempts during the past week to reach the snow-bound Gurez and Machhil in Kupwara district of north Kashmir and finally managed to evacuate the rescued soldiers besides bringing back the bodies of the deceased soldiers.

Twenty soldiers, including an officer, have died in avalanches in Kashmir in the last week. Five civilians were also killed in similar incidents in the valley.

Dozens of Indian and Pakistani soldiers lose their lives due to avalanches almost every winter along the LoC.

Kashmir has been witnessing one of the most severe winters in recent decades, with heavy snow across the territory and temperatures dipping to minus seven degrees Celsius.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Their condition after their rescue on Saturday was critical. Hostile weather had prevented them from being flown to a hospital in Srinagar

The five Indian Army soldiers, who were found trapped under snow in Kashmir's Macchil sector and rescued on Saturday, died today, taking the toll of army personnel killed in avalanches in the state to 20. Braving inclement weather, Army aviation pilots today airlifted the five injured soldiers from Macchil to Srinagar for specialised treatment, an army official told PTI. "Unfortunately, all five brave hearts attained martyrdom," the official said. Their condition after rescue was critical, an army officer had earlier told AFP but heavy snowfall and hostile weather conditions had prevented them from being flown to a hospital in the capital Srinagar, 140 kms away. The five soldiers were trapped after the snow track they were travelling on caved in while on their way to a border post in Machhil near the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that divides India with Pakistan. They were rescued by avalanche rescue teams the same day. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of 14 soldiers who died in an avalanche near the LoC in north Kashmir's Gurez sector on January 25 were also brought to Srinagar so that they could be sent to their native places for last rites. The inclement weather was hampering the efforts of the army to airlift the mortal remains, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said. He said Army aviation pilots made repeated attempts during the past week to reach the snow-bound Gurez and Machhil in Kupwara district of north Kashmir and finally managed to evacuate the rescued soldiers besides bringing back the bodies of the deceased soldiers. Twenty soldiers, including an officer, have died in avalanches in Kashmir in the last week. Five civilians were also killed in similar incidents in the valley. Dozens of Indian and Pakistani soldiers lose their lives due to avalanches almost every winter along the LoC. Kashmir has been witnessing one of the most severe winters in recent decades, with heavy snow across the territory and temperatures dipping to minus seven degrees Celsius. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir avalanche: 5 Indian Army soldiers trapped under snow die after rescue

An avalanche hit an army camp in Gurez sector of Bandipora district near the Line of Control last evening in which several soldiers were trapped, the army official said.

He said rescue operations were launched and seven soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, were saved.

&quot;Bodies of three soldiers were retrieved his morning,&quot; he said.

The official said another avalanche hit a patrol party which was on its way to a post in Gurez sector last evening.

&quot;Rescue teams have so far retrieved seven bodies from the spot of the incident,&quot; the official said.

Yesterday, an officer was killed an avalanche at Sonamarg in central Kashmir Ganderbal district while four members of a family died in another avalanche in Gurez sector yesterday.

Authorities have issued a high danger avalanche warning in hilly parts of snow-bound Kashmir valley in view of fresh snowfall which has been going on intermittently for past three days.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

An avalanche struck an army camp, another hit a patrol party in the state's Gurez sector. Seven soldiers have been rescued

An avalanche hit an army camp in Gurez sector of Bandipora district near the Line of Control last evening in which several soldiers were trapped, the army official said. He said rescue operations were launched and seven soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer, were saved. "Bodies of three soldiers were retrieved his morning," he said. The official said another avalanche hit a patrol party which was on its way to a post in Gurez sector last evening. "Rescue teams have so far retrieved seven bodies from the spot of the incident," the official said. Yesterday, an officer was killed an avalanche at Sonamarg in central Kashmir Ganderbal district while four members of a family died in another avalanche in Gurez sector yesterday. Authorities have issued a high danger avalanche warning in hilly parts of snow-bound Kashmir valley in view of fresh snowfall which has been going on intermittently for past three days. (PTI)

At least 10 Indian army soldiers killed in two avalanches in Kashmir; rescue operations underway

Indian army chief has warned soldiers to vent their grievances on official platforms and not air them on social media, about a week after a soldier had uploaded YouTube videos complaining about the poor quality of food served in his regiment.

Bipin Rawat, who assumed the army reins on December 31, 2016, told soldiers on Army Day that they should contact him &quot;directly&quot;&nbsp;if they were unsatisfied&nbsp;with the internal redressal system.

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The army general said the act of washing dirty linen in public has knocked the morale of rest of the troops stationed along the India-Pakistan border, and warned of action against them if they took to social media.

&quot;You are violating rules by your act and you could be punished for that,&quot; he said.

Tej Bahadur Yadav&#39;s four YouTube videos lamenting the poor quality of food served in his regiment emboldened other soldiers to follow suit. Jeet Singh, a&nbsp;paramiltary personnel, also put up a video complaining about the working conditions in the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) -- India&#39;s federal police force -- and demanded that their paid leave and pension be&nbsp;at par with the army.

Tej Bahadur&#39;s videos, in particular, left the army red-faced&nbsp;at a time when it has been engaged in intermittent cross-border fighting with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Indian government since has asked the army to submit a report to them and promised immediate action to rectify any problems.

Rawat also said that despite Pakistan&#39;s continuous engagement in proxy war against India, &quot;we want to restore peace on the Line of Control&quot;. 
 
&quot;But we will not hesitate from giving a fitting reply in case of any ceasefire violation,&quot; he asserted during a press conference on India&#39;s Army Day.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Army chief Bipin Rawat said the spate of complaint videos were hurting the morale of soldiers stationed along the India-Pakistan border

Indian army chief has warned soldiers to vent their grievances on official platforms and not air them on social media, about a week after a soldier had uploaded YouTube videos complaining about the poor quality of food served in his regiment. Bipin Rawat, who assumed the army reins on December 31, 2016, told soldiers on Army Day that they should contact him "directly" if they were unsatisfied with the internal redressal system. Proper channels in place fr jawans to put across grievances,if they arent satisfied with action taken,they cn contact me directly-Army Chief pic.twitter.com/jDbSAWdJwC — ANI (@ANI_news) January 15, 2017 × The army general said the act of washing dirty linen in public has knocked the morale of rest of the troops stationed along the India-Pakistan border, and warned of action against them if they took to social media. "You are violating rules by your act and you could be punished for that," he said. Tej Bahadur Yadav's four YouTube videos lamenting the poor quality of food served in his regiment emboldened other soldiers to follow suit. Jeet Singh, a paramiltary personnel, also put up a video complaining about the working conditions in the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) -- India's federal police force -- and demanded that their paid leave and pension be at par with the army. Tej Bahadur's videos, in particular, left the army red-faced at a time when it has been engaged in intermittent cross-border fighting with Pakistan. The Indian government since has asked the army to submit a report to them and promised immediate action to rectify any problems. Rawat also said that despite Pakistan's continuous engagement in proxy war against India, "we want to restore peace on the Line of Control". "But we will not hesitate from giving a fitting reply in case of any ceasefire violation," he asserted during a press conference on India's Army Day. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Indian army chief warns soldiers against using public platforms to air grievances

By Abhishek Bhalla

Stressing that the armed forces cannot afford a communication breakdown between the officers and ranks, Indian Army chief Bipin Rawat defended the &lsquo;buddy system&rsquo; or the use of Sahayaks in the Army wherein a soldiers is attached to an officer.

The practice has often been condemned as the &ldquo;buddy&rdquo; is required to run personal errands for the officer.

&ldquo;This is an integral part of the Force as the buddy is actually a confidant of the officer and someone you can open out to,&rdquo; General Rawat said on Friday, adding that the Army has recommended that it can be done away with in peace stations.

General Rawat was answering questions about the controversy over the quality of food and facilities being provided to soldiers in the army and paramilitary forces.

Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and army jawans had recently taken to social media to air their grievances about the poor quality of food and facilities being provided to them.&nbsp;

And a soldier had alleged in a YouTube video that he was forced to &quot;wash clothes, polish boots and walk dogs&quot; for his seniors, and that he was being hounded for flagging the menial jobs he had been made to do.&nbsp;

General Rawat said that he would want the soldiers to complain directly to him rather than use social media. He said that he has decided to place suggestion-cum-complaint boxes at army headquarters and every camp, and that they will be monitored by his office. He said the identity of the person complaining would be kept secret and in case of a leak, people in his office will be held accountable.

&ldquo;A soldier is a soldier. He should not shy away from penning his name as the identity will be kept secret. They should come directly to us. If they are dissatisfied with the action they can use other means,&rdquo; General Rawat said.

General Rawat clarified that the &ldquo;buddy&rdquo; system does not mean that the person is required to do menial jobs, adding if he is not comfortable he can refuse. &ldquo;It has been recommended that in field areas, a buddy is needed since he also assists the officer in operations. In other areas, we can do away with the system and even accept civilians to assist,&rdquo; he added.

Soldier vs soldier

Speaking of grievances while answering a question about Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Parveen Bakshi, whom he superseded, Gen Rawat said he will look into it if the former brings his grievances to his notice.

General Rawat&rsquo;s remarks came after Lt Gen Bakshi, while addressing the soldiers of Eastern Command on New Year&rsquo;s Eve, alleged that a &ldquo;malicious campaign&rdquo; was carried out to stop him from becoming the Army Chief.

&ldquo;If there is anything that needs to be investigated, as I said, if it is brought to my notice, we will look into it,&rdquo; he said, adding he came to know of Lt Gen Bakshi&rsquo;s allegations through the media. Gen Rawat said after his name was announced as the new chief, both of them, he and Lt Gen Bakshi, had reached out to each other.

(This report first appeared in DNA)

His comments come after soldier alleges in YouTube video that he was forced to 'wash clothes, polish boots and walk dogs'

By Abhishek Bhalla Stressing that the armed forces cannot afford a communication breakdown between the officers and ranks, Indian Army chief Bipin Rawat defended the ‘buddy system’ or the use of Sahayaks in the Army wherein a soldiers is attached to an officer. The practice has often been condemned as the “buddy” is required to run personal errands for the officer. “This is an integral part of the Force as the buddy is actually a confidant of the officer and someone you can open out to,” General Rawat said on Friday, adding that the Army has recommended that it can be done away with in peace stations. General Rawat was answering questions about the controversy over the quality of food and facilities being provided to soldiers in the army and paramilitary forces. Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and army jawans had recently taken to social media to air their grievances about the poor quality of food and facilities being provided to them. And a soldier had alleged in a YouTube video that he was forced to "wash clothes, polish boots and walk dogs" for his seniors, and that he was being hounded for flagging the menial jobs he had been made to do. General Rawat said that he would want the soldiers to complain directly to him rather than use social media. He said that he has decided to place suggestion-cum-complaint boxes at army headquarters and every camp, and that they will be monitored by his office. He said the identity of the person complaining would be kept secret and in case of a leak, people in his office will be held accountable. “A soldier is a soldier. He should not shy away from penning his name as the identity will be kept secret. They should come directly to us. If they are dissatisfied with the action they can use other means,” General Rawat said. General Rawat clarified that the “buddy” system does not mean that the person is required to do menial jobs, adding if he is not comfortable he can refuse. “It has been recommended that in field areas, a buddy is needed since he also assists the officer in operations. In other areas, we can do away with the system and even accept civilians to assist,” he added. Soldier vs soldier Speaking of grievances while answering a question about Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Parveen Bakshi, whom he superseded, Gen Rawat said he will look into it if the former brings his grievances to his notice. General Rawat’s remarks came after Lt Gen Bakshi, while addressing the soldiers of Eastern Command on New Year’s Eve, alleged that a “malicious campaign” was carried out to stop him from becoming the Army Chief. “If there is anything that needs to be investigated, as I said, if it is brought to my notice, we will look into it,” he said, adding he came to know of Lt Gen Bakshi’s allegations through the media. Gen Rawat said after his name was announced as the new chief, both of them, he and Lt Gen Bakshi, had reached out to each other. (This report first appeared in DNA)

Don?t use social media, come to me, Indian Army chief tells soldiers

The newly appointed chief of the Indian Army General Bipin Rawat, while addressing his first press conference, has said that soldiers having any grievances should raise the issue internally through grievance boxes rather than resorting to social media.&nbsp;

The army chief&#39;s comments come in the wake of the controversy generated by an Indian soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav, posted along the Line of Control (LoC), taking to social media and posting a series of videos showing the bad quality of food being served to them.&nbsp;

On the issue of General Praveen Bakshi, the head of the Eastern Command of Indian army, who was superseded by General Bipin Rawat to become Indian army chief, alleging that certain elements within the army ran a malicious campaign that could have possibily sabotaged his chances of elevation as army chief, General Rawat said that he will help him and order a probe if he comes with formal information.

The army chief also said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been brought under control with the &quot;synergised efforts of security forces&quot;.

Indian Kashmir has&nbsp;witnessed protests after a militant commander Burhan Wani was shot dead in an encounter with the India security forces in July last year.

The army chief further added that proxy war, in a reference to militancy in Indian Kashmir, is affecting the secular fabric of India.

Addressing the issue of induction of women in combat roles, the head of the second-largest army in the world said that with equal opportunity comes equal responsibilty.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The Indian Army chief's comments come in the wake of an Indian soldier voicing his displeasure with the bad quality of food being served

The newly appointed chief of the Indian Army General Bipin Rawat, while addressing his first press conference, has said that soldiers having any grievances should raise the issue internally through grievance boxes rather than resorting to social media. The army chief's comments come in the wake of the controversy generated by an Indian soldier Tej Bahadur Yadav, posted along the Line of Control (LoC), taking to social media and posting a series of videos showing the bad quality of food being served to them. On the issue of General Praveen Bakshi, the head of the Eastern Command of Indian army, who was superseded by General Bipin Rawat to become Indian army chief, alleging that certain elements within the army ran a malicious campaign that could have possibily sabotaged his chances of elevation as army chief, General Rawat said that he will help him and order a probe if he comes with formal information. The army chief also said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been brought under control with the "synergised efforts of security forces". Indian Kashmir has witnessed protests after a militant commander Burhan Wani was shot dead in an encounter with the India security forces in July last year. The army chief further added that proxy war, in a reference to militancy in Indian Kashmir, is affecting the secular fabric of India. Addressing the issue of induction of women in combat roles, the head of the second-largest army in the world said that with equal opportunity comes equal responsibilty. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Indian Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat to troops: Use grievance boxes, not social media, to voice complaints

&nbsp;

Three civilians working as labourers were killed in a pre-dawn terror attack by militants on a General Engineering Reserve Force camp near LoC in Akhnoor sector of Jammu.&nbsp;Two or more militants attacked the General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) camp around 1 am near LoC in Battal village, sources said.

Militants likely infiltrated from across the border to carry out the terror attack, sources said.&nbsp;In the attack, three civilians were killed, the victims were working as labourers with GREF.&nbsp;Troops along with police have cordoned off the area and a counter operation has started.

A senior police officer said all routes to the area have been plugged and the operation is in full swing.

(PTI &amp; Agencies)

Heavily armed shooters attacked a General Reserve Engineer Force camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor district

Three civilians working as labourers were killed in a pre-dawn terror attack by militants on a General Engineering Reserve Force camp near LoC in Akhnoor sector of Jammu. Two or more militants attacked the General Engineering Reserve Force (GREF) camp around 1 am near LoC in Battal village, sources said. Militants likely infiltrated from across the border to carry out the terror attack, sources said. In the attack, three civilians were killed, the victims were working as labourers with GREF. Troops along with police have cordoned off the area and a counter operation has started. A senior police officer said all routes to the area have been plugged and the operation is in full swing. (PTI & Agencies)

Terror strike in J&K's Akhnoor district, 3 civilians killed

In a major turnaround, One Rank One Pension (OROP) leaders have decided to support and canvass for the Congress in the Indian states of Punjab and Uttarakhand. Both these states send substantial numbers to the Indian armed forces. The decision has come in the wake of unhappiness expressed by the OROP leaders on the package which was given out by the Centre last year.

Since then, OROP leaders have been sitting on a relay hunger strike pressing the Centre to change the OROP package. The open support is not without significance.&nbsp;

One Rank One Pension (OROP) is a pension reforms movement for Indian armed forces personnel.

OROP was an issue during 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and Narendra Modi&rsquo;s rally in Rewari in 2014 was organised by the ex-servicemen. So the open support and participation of the ex-servicemen will have a direct impact on the assembly election in both states which are going to polls on&nbsp;February 4.

The OROP leaders shared an open dais with the former chief minister of Punjab&nbsp;Amrindar Singh, Uttarakhand&rsquo;s chief minister Harish Rawat, and Veer Bhadra Singh, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

Amrindar Singh said that they support the demand of the OROP and would like Centre to restore parity of the ranking of the armed forces members with their civilian counterparts. The resolution of the ex-servicemen was also accepted by the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee with the guarantee that all 21 recommendations will be accepted once Congress is in power in the state.

The Congress also committed itself to ensure pay parity between defence forces and class A civil servants. Congress also said that they would implement the Koshiari Committee report of 2013 in the light of suggestions made by the OROP members.&nbsp;

The Congress also said that they would be nominating more members of ex-servicemen to Rajya Sabha and the properties of serving and ex-soldiers would be brought under the provision of NRI property act.

Randeep Surjewalan, chairman of the Congress Media Cell, told WION that Congress as a party stands committed to the demand of OROP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should deliver what the soldiers want.&nbsp;

Until last year,&nbsp;OROP, despite fighting with the government, remained hostile towards the Congress. Even Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s sojourn to Jantar Mantar to meet ex-servicemen wasn&rsquo;t a smooth experience as many shouted slogans against him.

(WION)

The pension reforms movement for Indian armed forces personnel has been a contentious political issue for years

In a major turnaround, One Rank One Pension (OROP) leaders have decided to support and canvass for the Congress in the Indian states of Punjab and Uttarakhand. Both these states send substantial numbers to the Indian armed forces. The decision has come in the wake of unhappiness expressed by the OROP leaders on the package which was given out by the Centre last year. Since then, OROP leaders have been sitting on a relay hunger strike pressing the Centre to change the OROP package. The open support is not without significance. One Rank One Pension (OROP) is a pension reforms movement for Indian armed forces personnel. OROP was an issue during 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and Narendra Modi’s rally in Rewari in 2014 was organised by the ex-servicemen. So the open support and participation of the ex-servicemen will have a direct impact on the assembly election in both states which are going to polls on February 4. The OROP leaders shared an open dais with the former chief minister of Punjab Amrindar Singh, Uttarakhand’s chief minister Harish Rawat, and Veer Bhadra Singh, the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh. Amrindar Singh said that they support the demand of the OROP and would like Centre to restore parity of the ranking of the armed forces members with their civilian counterparts. The resolution of the ex-servicemen was also accepted by the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee with the guarantee that all 21 recommendations will be accepted once Congress is in power in the state. The Congress also committed itself to ensure pay parity between defence forces and class A civil servants. Congress also said that they would implement the Koshiari Committee report of 2013 in the light of suggestions made by the OROP members. The Congress also said that they would be nominating more members of ex-servicemen to Rajya Sabha and the properties of serving and ex-soldiers would be brought under the provision of NRI property act. Randeep Surjewalan, chairman of the Congress Media Cell, told WION that Congress as a party stands committed to the demand of OROP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should deliver what the soldiers want. Until last year, OROP, despite fighting with the government, remained hostile towards the Congress. Even Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi’s sojourn to Jantar Mantar to meet ex-servicemen wasn’t a smooth experience as many shouted slogans against him. (WION)

OROP leaders to support Congress in poll-bound Indian states

India&nbsp;has decided to ditch its sabre-rattling approach after its army warned about the perils of a &quot;controlled warfare&quot; with Pakistan, local media agency Ananda Bazar Patrika has reported. 
 
Certain sections of the Indian government have been keen on inflicting reprisal attacks on jihadist groups in Pakistan but the army feels such stratagem would further escalate hostilities between the two countries, the report said. 
 
The report suggests that New Delhi has paid heed to the warning and is now seeking to put diplomatic pressure instead.&nbsp;

The discussions &mdash; attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, defence minister Manohar Parikar, finance minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Intelligence&nbsp;&mdash; were held in a closed-door meeting recently. 
 
India has&nbsp;decided to present documentary proofs to the rest of the world of Pakistan&rsquo;s involvement in the recent attack in Uri, Kashmir, which claimed lives of 18 Indian soldiers on September 18. 
 
Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj is also scheduled to bring up the Uri terror attack at the UN meeting on September 26. 
 
It has also been decided that the Indian government will pass on evidence to foreign investors in Pakistan in the hope that they will understand how their investment in the country is actually strengthening the hands of terror. 
 
At the same time, India is careful not to internationalise the Kashmir issue through these acts. 
 
New Delhi is optimistic that these international moves will bear results. India&rsquo;s position has already been strengthened by UN general secretary Ban Ki-moon&#39;s strong condemnation of the Uri attack. Even the US, UK, France and Beijing have deplored the attack in no uncertain terms. 
 
Though the Indian government has refrained from&nbsp;a full-fledged attack against Pakistan, the Modi government has instructed the Indian army to increase its presence along the Line of Control (LoC). 
 
The army is expected to retaliate in strongest possible terms in event of a further attack, infiltration or instigation from Pakistan&rsquo;s side. 
 
&ldquo;The action has to be taken without getting influenced by emotions, anger. It has to be taken coolly and with proper planning,&rdquo; junior foreign minister of India VK&nbsp;Singh said. 
 
(WION)

New Delhi now plans to put diplomatic pressure on Pakistan after its army advised the government to refrain from military strikes

India has decided to ditch its sabre-rattling approach after its army warned about the perils of a "controlled warfare" with Pakistan, local media agency Ananda Bazar Patrika has reported. Certain sections of the Indian government have been keen on inflicting reprisal attacks on jihadist groups in Pakistan but the army feels such stratagem would further escalate hostilities between the two countries, the report said. The report suggests that New Delhi has paid heed to the warning and is now seeking to put diplomatic pressure instead. The discussions — attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, defence minister Manohar Parikar, finance minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Intelligence — were held in a closed-door meeting recently. India has decided to present documentary proofs to the rest of the world of Pakistan’s involvement in the recent attack in Uri, Kashmir, which claimed lives of 18 Indian soldiers on September 18. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj is also scheduled to bring up the Uri terror attack at the UN meeting on September 26. It has also been decided that the Indian government will pass on evidence to foreign investors in Pakistan in the hope that they will understand how their investment in the country is actually strengthening the hands of terror. At the same time, India is careful not to internationalise the Kashmir issue through these acts. New Delhi is optimistic that these international moves will bear results. India’s position has already been strengthened by UN general secretary Ban Ki-moon's strong condemnation of the Uri attack. Even the US, UK, France and Beijing have deplored the attack in no uncertain terms. Though the Indian government has refrained from a full-fledged attack against Pakistan, the Modi government has instructed the Indian army to increase its presence along the Line of Control (LoC). The army is expected to retaliate in strongest possible terms in event of a further attack, infiltration or instigation from Pakistan’s side. “The action has to be taken without getting influenced by emotions, anger. It has to be taken coolly and with proper planning,” junior foreign minister of India VK Singh said. (WION)

Uri terror attack: India pivots stance on 'controlled warfare' amid army warning

Even as India names Jaish-e-Mohammad chief in the charge sheet for master-minding attack on an Indian Airforce base in Pathankot earlier this year, Maulana Masood Azhar continues to freely run the terror group&#39;s online publication and brazenly claim responsibility for last month&#39;s attack on another military camp in Nagrota from Pakistan.

Following an 11-month investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has named Azhar and his brother JeM&#39;s deputy chief Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar both resident of Bahawalpur, Pakistan along with six other members of the terrorist group for planning and carrying an attack in Pathankot on January 2. This is the first time India has charge-sheeted Azhar on terror offence, following his release in exchange of victims of Kandahar hijack.

Since the Pathankot attack, Pakistan Prime Minister&#39;s foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz claimed that Azhar was under &#39;protective custody&#39; since January 2014. But this has not restricted the head of the proscribed terror group to propagate jihad against India or own credit for the attacks by its cadres. Earlier this month, writing in the December 6 issue of al Qalam weekly, an online media arm of the JeM, Azhar talks about significance of Babri Masjid demolition and hanging of Afzal Guru in the continuance of jihad, demonetisation not impacting funding of militancy and the Nagrota attack.

&quot;This week&#39;s publication was delayed as the attack in Nagrota was still in action at the time of writing and communication failure (on details of the attack) from Kashmir,&#39;&#39; Azhar wrote under his pen name Saadi. On November 29, three militants entered the army camp in Nagrota killing seven personnel. The militants left behind posters claiming the attack as a revenge for hanging of Afzal Guru.

Elaborating on the attack in the &#39;heart of the Northern Command of the Indian Army&#39;, Azhar says the attack was carried by the Afzal Guru squad involving five militants and two of them managed to escape to safety. &quot;There were three security cordons around the camp... it is not easy and inexpensive to gain entry and set the stage for the attack.&quot; He indicates that the squad was helped by people with close knowledge on the geography of the camp and who are its frequent visitors, as any strange man walking a few steps could be caught and killed by the Army.

Addressing an important aspect, on where did the money to buy equipment or prepare for the attack come from, Azhar says the demonetisation of high currency denomination has not deterred the Kashmiri mujaheeds nor has impacted the funding for militancy. The money changers and industrialists, Azhar says were aware of demonetisation before its public announcement by PM Narendra Modi. &quot;The Kashmiri Mujahideen, Maoists and Khalistan fighters will not suffer any financial hardship. We are able to get the small currency by exchanging dollars, pounds and euro easily. The Nagrota attack is an evidence for this.&quot;

Invoking the demolition of Babri Masjid and Afzal Guru&#39;s death, Azhar says these two events have shaped the narrative of `Ghazwa-e-Hind&#39; or the jihad against India. &quot;India could&#39;ve stopped the demolition of Babri Masjid, but it did not. It could have stopped the hanging of Guru, but it did not. There is now no power in India that can stop their revenge.&#39;&#39;

The Indian government is desperately trying to include Azhar on the UN Security Council&#39;s 1267 sanctions list and subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. JeM is already proscribed by the UNSC in 2001 for its terror activities and links to the al-Qaeda. China has so far vetoed India&#39;s appeal to that would declare him as an international terrorist.

&nbsp;

(This first appeared &nbsp;in &nbsp;DNA)

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Three militants had entered the Indian army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota killing seven personnel on November 29

Even as India names Jaish-e-Mohammad chief in the charge sheet for master-minding attack on an Indian Airforce base in Pathankot earlier this year, Maulana Masood Azhar continues to freely run the terror group's online publication and brazenly claim responsibility for last month's attack on another military camp in Nagrota from Pakistan. Following an 11-month investigation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has named Azhar and his brother JeM's deputy chief Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar both resident of Bahawalpur, Pakistan along with six other members of the terrorist group for planning and carrying an attack in Pathankot on January 2. This is the first time India has charge-sheeted Azhar on terror offence, following his release in exchange of victims of Kandahar hijack. Since the Pathankot attack, Pakistan Prime Minister's foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz claimed that Azhar was under 'protective custody' since January 2014. But this has not restricted the head of the proscribed terror group to propagate jihad against India or own credit for the attacks by its cadres. Earlier this month, writing in the December 6 issue of al Qalam weekly, an online media arm of the JeM, Azhar talks about significance of Babri Masjid demolition and hanging of Afzal Guru in the continuance of jihad, demonetisation not impacting funding of militancy and the Nagrota attack. "This week's publication was delayed as the attack in Nagrota was still in action at the time of writing and communication failure (on details of the attack) from Kashmir,'' Azhar wrote under his pen name Saadi. On November 29, three militants entered the army camp in Nagrota killing seven personnel. The militants left behind posters claiming the attack as a revenge for hanging of Afzal Guru. Elaborating on the attack in the 'heart of the Northern Command of the Indian Army', Azhar says the attack was carried by the Afzal Guru squad involving five militants and two of them managed to escape to safety. "There were three security cordons around the camp... it is not easy and inexpensive to gain entry and set the stage for the attack." He indicates that the squad was helped by people with close knowledge on the geography of the camp and who are its frequent visitors, as any strange man walking a few steps could be caught and killed by the Army. Addressing an important aspect, on where did the money to buy equipment or prepare for the attack come from, Azhar says the demonetisation of high currency denomination has not deterred the Kashmiri mujaheeds nor has impacted the funding for militancy. The money changers and industrialists, Azhar says were aware of demonetisation before its public announcement by PM Narendra Modi. "The Kashmiri Mujahideen, Maoists and Khalistan fighters will not suffer any financial hardship. We are able to get the small currency by exchanging dollars, pounds and euro easily. The Nagrota attack is an evidence for this." Invoking the demolition of Babri Masjid and Afzal Guru's death, Azhar says these two events have shaped the narrative of `Ghazwa-e-Hind' or the jihad against India. "India could've stopped the demolition of Babri Masjid, but it did not. It could have stopped the hanging of Guru, but it did not. There is now no power in India that can stop their revenge.'' The Indian government is desperately trying to include Azhar on the UN Security Council's 1267 sanctions list and subject him to an assets freeze and travel ban. JeM is already proscribed by the UNSC in 2001 for its terror activities and links to the al-Qaeda. China has so far vetoed India's appeal to that would declare him as an international terrorist. (This first appeared in DNA)

India: JeM chief Masood Azhar claims Nagrota attack

As heavy rains and strong winds hit Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh ahead of&nbsp;cyclone Vardah making a landfall around 2pm, Indian Navy and Army have their teams on standby.&nbsp;

The Indian Navy has stationed two ships, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, around the north of Chennai to provide immediate assistance. Both the ships are equipped with adequate bricks of HADR material. The ships also have additional divers, doctors, food, water, blanket inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and other relief material in quantities sufficient to sustain over 5,000 people.

&nbsp;&ldquo;In preparation for the relief efforts of very severe cyclone Vardah, the Eastern Naval Command has assumed high degree of readiness to render necessary assistance. All operational ships have been readied and kept on standby to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, including evacuation, should the situation demand,&rdquo; said a statement from the Indian Navy.

Additionally, 30 diving teams with Gemini boats and four platoons with additional relief material have been pressed into action.

Cyclone Vardah&rsquo;s severe cycle is around 450 km east-north-east of Chennai.

Besides the Indian Navy, the Army has put as many as seven columns on standby for rescue and relief operation.

(WION) 
&nbsp;

The Indian Navy has stationed two ships, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, around the north of Chennai to provide immediate assistance

As heavy rains and strong winds hit Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh ahead of cyclone Vardah making a landfall around 2pm, Indian Navy and Army have their teams on standby. The Indian Navy has stationed two ships, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, around the north of Chennai to provide immediate assistance. Both the ships are equipped with adequate bricks of HADR material. The ships also have additional divers, doctors, food, water, blanket inflatable rubber boats, integral helicopters and other relief material in quantities sufficient to sustain over 5,000 people. “In preparation for the relief efforts of very severe cyclone Vardah, the Eastern Naval Command has assumed high degree of readiness to render necessary assistance. All operational ships have been readied and kept on standby to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, including evacuation, should the situation demand,” said a statement from the Indian Navy. Additionally, 30 diving teams with Gemini boats and four platoons with additional relief material have been pressed into action. Cyclone Vardah’s severe cycle is around 450 km east-north-east of Chennai. Besides the Indian Navy, the Army has put as many as seven columns on standby for rescue and relief operation. (WION)

Indian Navy and Army prepared for Cyclone Vardah

The governor of the Indian state of West Bengal today virtually disapproved of chief minister Mamata Banerjee&#39;s protest on the deployment of army at toll plazas in the state, saying &quot;one should be careful while making allegations against a responsible organisation like the army&quot;.

Keshri Nath Tripathi said, &quot;Don&#39;t let down the Army. Don&#39;t defame the Army,&quot; commenting on Trinamool Congress legislators action.&nbsp;

The party had staged a protest outside the state secretariat, saying the exercise was not in coordination with the state police as claimed by the Army.&nbsp;

In response to the governor&#39;s statement, Mamata Banerjee said he was speaking in the &quot;voice of the central government&quot;.

&quot;The Governor is speaking in the voice of Central Government! He was not in the city for about 8 days,&quot; she said in a statement.

&quot;Before making statements, all details should have been checked. It is very unfortunate&quot;, she said.

The presence of army personnel at toll plazas had triggered a row with Banerjee questioning if it was an &quot;army coup&quot;, drawing a stinging condemnation from the government which said the remark showed her &quot;political frustration&quot;.

(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Mamata dubbed his statement that one should 'not defame the army' as 'unfortunate' & that he was 'speaking in the government's voice'

The governor of the Indian state of West Bengal today virtually disapproved of chief minister Mamata Banerjee's protest on the deployment of army at toll plazas in the state, saying "one should be careful while making allegations against a responsible organisation like the army". Keshri Nath Tripathi said, "Don't let down the Army. Don't defame the Army," commenting on Trinamool Congress legislators action. The party had staged a protest outside the state secretariat, saying the exercise was not in coordination with the state police as claimed by the Army. In response to the governor's statement, Mamata Banerjee said he was speaking in the "voice of the central government". "The Governor is speaking in the voice of Central Government! He was not in the city for about 8 days," she said in a statement. "Before making statements, all details should have been checked. It is very unfortunate", she said. The presence of army personnel at toll plazas had triggered a row with Banerjee questioning if it was an "army coup", drawing a stinging condemnation from the government which said the remark showed her "political frustration". (WION with inputs from PTI)

Don't let down Indian Army: Bengal governor tells chief minister

The Indian Army withdrew&nbsp;today from Bengal toll plazas after its 72-hour exercise came to an end.

&quot;As 72-hour exercise got over, we withdrew deployment from Palhit toll plaza and other areas yesterday night,&quot; chief public relations officer (defence) SS Birdi said.

West Bengal&nbsp;chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the army deployment at two toll plazas was made without any prior information to the state government. She also called it a &#39;black day&#39;&nbsp;and said that such a deployment takes place only during disasters.

The army, however, clarified on the issue by releasing a series of letters and said it informed state capital Kolkata&#39;s police. It was a routine exercise that is carried out every few years.

&quot;This is an exercise carried out for operational purposes. They are only collecting data of heavy vehicles&nbsp;which is an annual exercise being carried out every year. Similar exercises are also being carried out in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar from September 26 to October 1 this year,&quot; said Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), (Headquarters), Bengal Area, Major General Sunil Yadav.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress legislators staged a&nbsp;protest outside Raj Bhavan in Bengal, demanding the&nbsp;withdrawal of the army deployed at toll plazas.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that is in power&nbsp;at the Centre lashed out at Banerjee for dragging the army into politics and sought an apology from her and her party. BJP spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh said, &quot;It&#39;s very unfortunate, the kind of politics Mamata Banerjee has been doing after demonetisation. BJP is of the opinion that the issue of army deployment in Bengal has been politicised.&quot;

(WION with inputs from ANI)

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said army was deployed without informing the state which was 'unprecedented and a serious matter'

The Indian Army withdrew today from Bengal toll plazas after its 72-hour exercise came to an end. "As 72-hour exercise got over, we withdrew deployment from Palhit toll plaza and other areas yesterday night," chief public relations officer (defence) SS Birdi said. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the army deployment at two toll plazas was made without any prior information to the state government. She also called it a 'black day' and said that such a deployment takes place only during disasters. The army, however, clarified on the issue by releasing a series of letters and said it informed state capital Kolkata's police. It was a routine exercise that is carried out every few years. "This is an exercise carried out for operational purposes. They are only collecting data of heavy vehicles which is an annual exercise being carried out every year. Similar exercises are also being carried out in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar from September 26 to October 1 this year," said Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), (Headquarters), Bengal Area, Major General Sunil Yadav. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress legislators staged a protest outside Raj Bhavan in Bengal, demanding the withdrawal of the army deployed at toll plazas. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that is in power at the Centre lashed out at Banerjee for dragging the army into politics and sought an apology from her and her party. BJP spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh said, "It's very unfortunate, the kind of politics Mamata Banerjee has been doing after demonetisation. BJP is of the opinion that the issue of army deployment in Bengal has been politicised." (WION with inputs from ANI)

India: Army withdrawn from Bengal toll plazas after 72-hour exercise

Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has alleged that the Indian Army that its personnel were deployed at toll plazas without informing the state government and were collecting money from vehicles.

&quot;This is unprecedented and a very serious matter,&quot;&nbsp;she said.

The army strongly rebutted to this comment saying that the exercise was being carried out in coordination with the Kolkata police.

&quot;The exercise was earlier planned for November 27 and 28. The dates were changed to November 30 to December 2 on a specific request by Kolkata police due to Bharat Bandh called on&nbsp;November 28,&quot; said GOC Bengal area (officiating) Major Gen Sunil Yadav.

However, the TMC in the Rajya Sabha accused that it was being misled by MoS Defence Subhash Bhamre and says that no conclusive answer was being given by the Centre on army deployment.

The officiating GOC Bengal Area reacted to Chief Minister&#39;s allegations by saying, &quot;We deny all charges with all contempt. Allegations of collection of money by Army personnel are also totally baseless.&quot;

Maj Gen Yadav said a similar exercise in Eastern Command was carried out in November 2015 at the same places. The Major Gen also said that a recce was conducted with two inspectors of the Kolkata Police at toll plaza on November 27.

He said, &quot;The issues raised by the police were addressed and were telephonically informed to the police.&quot;

He further added that the exercise will continue as planned earlier and will end tonight.

The army also released letters written to the state government on the exercise. &quot;It is happening in nine states now across 80 locations. We have our specific targets for data collection. After doing the work for 36 hours our work was done and&nbsp; 
we had left the toll plaza near Nabanna,&quot; he said.

Yesterday a defence spokesperson had said that the army conducts biennial exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency.&nbsp;

Wing Commander SS Birdi of the Indian Air Force said, &quot;There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders.&quot;

He also said that&nbsp;the exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations.

(WION&nbsp;inputs from DNA)

Mamata had yesterday alleged that the army had been deployed without informing the state government

Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has alleged that the Indian Army that its personnel were deployed at toll plazas without informing the state government and were collecting money from vehicles. "This is unprecedented and a very serious matter," she said. The army strongly rebutted to this comment saying that the exercise was being carried out in coordination with the Kolkata police. "The exercise was earlier planned for November 27 and 28. The dates were changed to November 30 to December 2 on a specific request by Kolkata police due to Bharat Bandh called on November 28," said GOC Bengal area (officiating) Major Gen Sunil Yadav. However, the TMC in the Rajya Sabha accused that it was being misled by MoS Defence Subhash Bhamre and says that no conclusive answer was being given by the Centre on army deployment. The officiating GOC Bengal Area reacted to Chief Minister's allegations by saying, "We deny all charges with all contempt. Allegations of collection of money by Army personnel are also totally baseless." Maj Gen Yadav said a similar exercise in Eastern Command was carried out in November 2015 at the same places. The Major Gen also said that a recce was conducted with two inspectors of the Kolkata Police at toll plaza on November 27. He said, "The issues raised by the police were addressed and were telephonically informed to the police." He further added that the exercise will continue as planned earlier and will end tonight. The army also released letters written to the state government on the exercise. "It is happening in nine states now across 80 locations. We have our specific targets for data collection. After doing the work for 36 hours our work was done and we had left the toll plaza near Nabanna," he said. Yesterday a defence spokesperson had said that the army conducts biennial exercise throughout the country with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the army in case of a contingency. Wing Commander SS Birdi of the Indian Air Force said, "There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders." He also said that the exercise gives an estimate about the number of vehicles passing through a certain area that could be tapped during operations. (WION inputs from DNA)

Indian Army refutes Mamata Banerjee's charges, says exercise done with Bengal police

Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said that the army deployment in West Bengal was a &ldquo;part of routine exercise&rdquo;, PTI reported.&nbsp;

He was speaking at Lok Sabha after the Trinamool Congress&#39; MPs (Members of Parliament) raised the issue in Parliament.&nbsp;

Alleging that the Union government breached the authority of West Bengal government by deploying army at the toll plazas, Banerjee had refused to leave her office in a protest against the army presence.&nbsp;

Parrikar said that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was creating controversies out of &ldquo;political frustration&rdquo;, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Banerjee refused to leave and sources at the state secretariat revealed that she decided to stay on the night as the army was still carrying their exercise in other parts of Bengal.&nbsp;

According to the Army Eastern Command Headquarters, it was a routine exercise where the Army gathers data on load carriers. A tweet from the official Twitter handle of Army Eastern.&nbsp;

Command Headquarters highlighted that the exercise was undertaken with full knowledge of the police and the administration. It also added that the same exercise was being carried out at other North-Eastern states of India.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The army conducts annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the Army in case of a contingency. For this purpose vehicles are spotted to get basic parameters like make load capacity. The vehicle is then marked so that the next checkpoint knows that the vehicle had already been checked for the parameters. There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders,&rdquo; read the statement, adding, &ldquo;This gives an estimate about the number of vehicles that are passing a certain area that could be tapped during operations.&rdquo; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

However, the defence CPRO, Kolkata Wing Commander SS Birdi claimed that the exercises was undertaken after informing the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police.&nbsp;

&ldquo;This is not a deployment. This exercise is taking place under the laid down rules of the Central Government. The police and the administration are kept in the loop. There is nothing to get alarmed about,&rdquo; said Birdi.

He further clarified that the exercise will continue today at the designated toll booths across Bengal as it is being done in accordance with the Indian law.

(WION with inputs from PTI/DNA)

West Bengal CM Banerjee had protested the army's toll plaza presence by remaining in her office all night

Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said that the army deployment in West Bengal was a “part of routine exercise”, PTI reported. He was speaking at Lok Sabha after the Trinamool Congress' MPs (Members of Parliament) raised the issue in Parliament. Alleging that the Union government breached the authority of West Bengal government by deploying army at the toll plazas, Banerjee had refused to leave her office in a protest against the army presence. Parrikar said that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was creating controversies out of “political frustration”, PTI reported. Banerjee refused to leave and sources at the state secretariat revealed that she decided to stay on the night as the army was still carrying their exercise in other parts of Bengal. According to the Army Eastern Command Headquarters, it was a routine exercise where the Army gathers data on load carriers. A tweet from the official Twitter handle of Army Eastern. Command Headquarters highlighted that the exercise was undertaken with full knowledge of the police and the administration. It also added that the same exercise was being carried out at other North-Eastern states of India. “The army conducts annual exercise throughout the county with the aim of getting statistical data about the load carriers that could be made available to the Army in case of a contingency. For this purpose vehicles are spotted to get basic parameters like make load capacity. The vehicle is then marked so that the next checkpoint knows that the vehicle had already been checked for the parameters. There is nothing alarming about this and it is carried out as per government orders,” read the statement, adding, “This gives an estimate about the number of vehicles that are passing a certain area that could be tapped during operations.” However, the defence CPRO, Kolkata Wing Commander SS Birdi claimed that the exercises was undertaken after informing the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police. “This is not a deployment. This exercise is taking place under the laid down rules of the Central Government. The police and the administration are kept in the loop. There is nothing to get alarmed about,” said Birdi. He further clarified that the exercise will continue today at the designated toll booths across Bengal as it is being done in accordance with the Indian law. (WION with inputs from PTI/DNA)

India: Defence minister addresses Mamata's coup claim, calls military presence 'routine exercise'

Indian shelling across the frontier into Pakistani-controlled Kashmir hit a bus, killing at least nine people and wounding 11, Pakistani officials said, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours simmers.&nbsp;

Indian troops attacked the bus &quot;with small and big arms&quot; in the town of Lawat, senior police official Jamil Mir told Reuters.&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s military media wing, ISPR, said in a statement that seven people were killed and seven wounded.&nbsp;

Lawat is 100 km (60 miles) northeast of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-held Kashmir, in the upper belt of Neelum Valley that straddles the de facto border splitting Kashmir between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Indian officials did not comment on the deaths but a military spokesman said the Pakistani Army initiated &quot;indiscriminate&quot; firing on Wednesday morning on Indian Army posts in Bhimber Gali, Krishna Ghati and Nawshera sectors.

Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier.&nbsp;

Kashmir lies at the heart of the tension. The countries have fought two of their three wars over the region since partition and independence from Britain in 1947.

The retaliatory attacks come a day after an Indian troop&#39;s body was found mutilated and a further two killed in an ambush attack in Kashmir. &nbsp;The soldiers were ambushed while they were on a patrol duty in the Machil sector of north Kashmir by the Pakistan army.

&quot;Retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act,&quot; the army had said on Tuesday.

Hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours escalated when four gunmen crossed the Line of Control to launch a deadly attack on an Indian Army installation on September 18. India retaliated by conducting surgical strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Islamabad, however, denied any such attacks.

Since then there have been repeated outbreaks of cross-border firing in Kashmir, with both sides reporting deaths and injuries including of civilians.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

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The 'attack' comes a day after an Indian troop's body was found mutilated and a further two were killed in an ambush attack in Kashmir

Indian shelling across the frontier into Pakistani-controlled Kashmir hit a bus, killing at least nine people and wounding 11, Pakistani officials said, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours simmers. Indian troops attacked the bus "with small and big arms" in the town of Lawat, senior police official Jamil Mir told Reuters. Pakistan's military media wing, ISPR, said in a statement that seven people were killed and seven wounded. Lawat is 100 km (60 miles) northeast of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-held Kashmir, in the upper belt of Neelum Valley that straddles the de facto border splitting Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Indian officials did not comment on the deaths but a military spokesman said the Pakistani Army initiated "indiscriminate" firing on Wednesday morning on Indian Army posts in Bhimber Gali, Krishna Ghati and Nawshera sectors. Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier. Kashmir lies at the heart of the tension. The countries have fought two of their three wars over the region since partition and independence from Britain in 1947. The retaliatory attacks come a day after an Indian troop's body was found mutilated and a further two killed in an ambush attack in Kashmir. The soldiers were ambushed while they were on a patrol duty in the Machil sector of north Kashmir by the Pakistan army. "Retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act," the army had said on Tuesday. Hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours escalated when four gunmen crossed the Line of Control to launch a deadly attack on an Indian Army installation on September 18. India retaliated by conducting surgical strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Islamabad, however, denied any such attacks. Since then there have been repeated outbreaks of cross-border firing in Kashmir, with both sides reporting deaths and injuries including of civilians. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

9 killed, 11 injured in Indian shelling across Line of Control, says Pakistan

Three soldiers of the Indian Army were killed and the body of one mutilated in Macchal, Jammu and Kashmir, the army said on Tuesday.

&quot;Retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act,&quot; the army said in a statement. &quot;The incident will be responded to appropriately,&quot; it added.

This is the second incident in a month of a soldier being mutilated.

The intruders are believed to have escaped.

Terrorists mutilated the body of 27-year-old Sepoy Mandeep Singh before running back into Pakistan-Controlled Kashmir, under cover fire provided by Pakistan army.

(WION)

This is the second incident in a month of a soldier being mutilated, the Indian Army said

Three soldiers of the Indian Army were killed and the body of one mutilated in Macchal, Jammu and Kashmir, the army said on Tuesday. "Retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act," the army said in a statement. "The incident will be responded to appropriately," it added. This is the second incident in a month of a soldier being mutilated. The intruders are believed to have escaped. Terrorists mutilated the body of 27-year-old Sepoy Mandeep Singh before running back into Pakistan-Controlled Kashmir, under cover fire provided by Pakistan army. (WION)

3 Indian Army soldiers killed in Jammu and Kashmir, body of 1 mutilated

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