Authorities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pak-endorses-billboards-on-kashmir-at-new-yorks-times-square-252388">Indian Kashmir</a> tightened restrictions on people's movements on Saturday to prevent possible protests triggered by a speech by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Khan, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, warned there would be a bloodbath once India lifts its restrictions in Kashmir which have been in force since it revoked the region's decades-old autonomy in August and detained thousands of people.

Soon after the speech, hundreds of Kashmiris came out of their homes, shouting slogans in support of Khan late on Friday night and calling for the independence of Kashmir.

On Saturday, police vans fitted with speakers made public announcements in some parts of Srinagar about movement restrictions, while additional troops were deployed to prevent any protests, according to officials and two witnesses.

The troops also blocked access to the main business centre of Srinagar with razor wire.

"This was necessitated after protests across Srinagar city last night soon after Imran Khan's speech," said a police official, who declined to be identified.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-bid-to-internationalise-kashmir-fails-world-leans-on-indias-side-252264">Muslim-majority Kashmir</a> has long been a flashpoint between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, which have fought two of their three wars over the divided territory. Both countries rule parts of Kashmir while claiming it in full.

India's crackdown as it revoked Kashmir's special status was accompanied by severe restrictions on movement, as well as disconnection of telephone services. Though New Delhi has eased some of the movement curbs, no prominent detainees have been freed and mobile and internet connections remain suspended.

While warning of the consequences of lifting what he described as an "inhuman curfew," Pakistani premier Khan demanded India do so and free all detainees.

In some areas in Kashmir -- including the Soura region near Srinagar which has witnessed protests in the past against India's decision -- people clashed with security forces by pelting stones on Friday night, forcing police to use tear gas to disperse them, said the Indian official.

Khan addressed the United Nations a day after the senior US diplomat for South Asia called for a lowering of rhetoric between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-failed-diplomatic-efforts-and-nuke-threats-pakistan-to-test-ballistic-missile-246317">India and Pakistan</a>, while saying that Washington hoped to see rapid action by India to lift restrictions it has imposed in Kashmir and the release of detainees there.

Authorities in Indian Kashmir tightened restrictions on people's movements on Saturday to prevent possible protests triggered by a speech by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Authorities in Indian Kashmir tightened restrictions on people's movements on Saturday to prevent possible protests triggered by a speech by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan, in an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, warned there would be a bloodbath once India lifts its restrictions in Kashmir which have been in force since it revoked the region's decades-old autonomy in August and detained thousands of people. Soon after the speech, hundreds of Kashmiris came out of their homes, shouting slogans in support of Khan late on Friday night and calling for the independence of Kashmir. On Saturday, police vans fitted with speakers made public announcements in some parts of Srinagar about movement restrictions, while additional troops were deployed to prevent any protests, according to officials and two witnesses. The troops also blocked access to the main business centre of Srinagar with razor wire. "This was necessitated after protests across Srinagar city last night soon after Imran Khan's speech," said a police official, who declined to be identified. Muslim-majority Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, which have fought two of their three wars over the divided territory. Both countries rule parts of Kashmir while claiming it in full. India's crackdown as it revoked Kashmir's special status was accompanied by severe restrictions on movement, as well as disconnection of telephone services. Though New Delhi has eased some of the movement curbs, no prominent detainees have been freed and mobile and internet connections remain suspended. While warning of the consequences of lifting what he described as an "inhuman curfew," Pakistani premier Khan demanded India do so and free all detainees. In some areas in Kashmir -- including the Soura region near Srinagar which has witnessed protests in the past against India's decision -- people clashed with security forces by pelting stones on Friday night, forcing police to use tear gas to disperse them, said the Indian official. Khan addressed the United Nations a day after the senior US diplomat for South Asia called for a lowering of rhetoric between India and Pakistan, while saying that Washington hoped to see rapid action by India to lift restrictions it has imposed in Kashmir and the release of detainees there.

Police impose restrictions in Indian Kashmir after Pakistan PM's speech

For the Varthamans, flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft is a sort of family tradition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-iaf-pilot-captain-abhinandans-homecoming-from-pakistan-200416">Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman </a>downed a Pakistani F-16 plane before his MiG-21 Bison was hit during a dogfight.

His father Air Marshal (retd) Simhakutty Varthaman also flew the MiG-21s and was an IAF test pilot, who retired five years ago, a family friend said in Mumbai on Friday.

Abhinandan's grandfather was also in the IAF, he said.

In an interview to PTI, Wing Commander (retd) Prakash Navale, who was a course-mate of Abhinandan's father at the National Defence Academy (NDA) during 1969-72, said the first time he saw the young pilot, held captive by Pakistan, was when he was a three-year-old toddler.

"Myself and his father were then posted at the fighter training wing at Hakimpet, Hyderabad," said Navale, 66, who retired from the IAF in 1994 and now lives in Navi Mumbai.

"Initially, I also passed out (from Air Force Academy) as a fighter pilot but later switched to helicopters. Myself and Air Marshal (retd) Varthaman were flying instructors for some time," he said.

Like Navale, Air Marshal Varthaman is also a Sainik School alumnus. While Navale studied at Sainik School Satara, Air Mashal Varthaman is from Sainik School Amaravathinagar in Tamil Nadu.

Navale said Air Marshal Varthaman was staying at Tambaram when he was doing the flying instructor's course there. "The Varthamans are very simple people and we have enjoyed many a hearty meal at their house," he said.

"Air Marshal Varthaman is a through gentleman. His wife Shobha, a doctor, is a great lady. When my wife Aruna was pregnant, she used to visit us regularly and administer injections to her. We were blessed with our daughter Pooja due to Shobha's medical care," Navale said.

Abhinandan's sister Aditi lives in France and has married a French national, he said.

In 1982, Navale, then Flight Lieutenant, was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra' for saving the life of then Odisha chief minister J B Patnaik from mob fury in Gopalpur.

The award citation read: In this action, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Navale displayed determination, courage and presence of mind. Had he not flown out the VIP at that critical time, the situation could have taken a grave turn and could have resulted in serious consequences to the VIP and further break-down in the law and order situation.&nbsp;

For the Varthamans, flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft is a sort of family tradition. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistani F-16 plane before his MiG-21 Bison was hit during a dogfight.

For the Varthamans, flying the MiG-21 fighter aircraft is a sort of family tradition. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed a Pakistani F-16 plane before his MiG-21 Bison was hit during a dogfight. His father Air Marshal (retd) Simhakutty Varthaman also flew the MiG-21s and was an IAF test pilot, who retired five years ago, a family friend said in Mumbai on Friday. Abhinandan's grandfather was also in the IAF, he said. In an interview to PTI, Wing Commander (retd) Prakash Navale, who was a course-mate of Abhinandan's father at the National Defence Academy (NDA) during 1969-72, said the first time he saw the young pilot, held captive by Pakistan, was when he was a three-year-old toddler. "Myself and his father were then posted at the fighter training wing at Hakimpet, Hyderabad," said Navale, 66, who retired from the IAF in 1994 and now lives in Navi Mumbai. "Initially, I also passed out (from Air Force Academy) as a fighter pilot but later switched to helicopters. Myself and Air Marshal (retd) Varthaman were flying instructors for some time," he said. Like Navale, Air Marshal Varthaman is also a Sainik School alumnus. While Navale studied at Sainik School Satara, Air Mashal Varthaman is from Sainik School Amaravathinagar in Tamil Nadu. Navale said Air Marshal Varthaman was staying at Tambaram when he was doing the flying instructor's course there. "The Varthamans are very simple people and we have enjoyed many a hearty meal at their house," he said. "Air Marshal Varthaman is a through gentleman. His wife Shobha, a doctor, is a great lady. When my wife Aruna was pregnant, she used to visit us regularly and administer injections to her. We were blessed with our daughter Pooja due to Shobha's medical care," Navale said. Abhinandan's sister Aditi lives in France and has married a French national, he said. In 1982, Navale, then Flight Lieutenant, was awarded the 'Shaurya Chakra' for saving the life of then Odisha chief minister J B Patnaik from mob fury in Gopalpur. The award citation read: In this action, Flight Lieutenant Prakash Navale displayed determination, courage and presence of mind. Had he not flown out the VIP at that critical time, the situation could have taken a grave turn and could have resulted in serious consequences to the VIP and further break-down in the law and order situation.

Varthamans, a MiG-21 family: Son flies it, dad flew it

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-lectures-india-on-treatment-of-minorities-says-will-show-modi-govt-how-to-treat-them-185894"> Imran Khan </a>breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India.

The Indo-Pak ties strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-two-army-officers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-kupwara-185745">Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</a>. The ties further nose-dived in 2017 with no bilateral talks taking place between them.

Amidst deadly skirmishes along the Line of Control and diplomatic bickering for the better part of 2018, the consensus on both sides to open the Kartarpur corridor for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikh-pilgrims-gather-at-gurdwara-punja-sahib-in-pak-for-guru-nanaks-birth-anniversary-179580">Indian Sikh pilgrims</a> has created a ray of hope for improvement in Indo-Pak ties in 2019. The corridor is likely to be completed before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarinder-launches-year-long-celebrations-of-550th-birth-anniversary-of-guru-nanak-dev-179044">550th birth anniversary</a> of Guru Nanak Dev next year.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said, "Kartarpur is not an isolated event" and the process to engage India was set in motion by Prime Minister Khan when he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, offering dialogue to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir.

"Unfortunately, the process whittled after India cancelled a meeting of the two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/due-to-policies-of-bjp-indo-pak-negotiations-havent-been-taking-place-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi-170258">Foreign Minister</a>s scheduled to be held on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York," he said.

Defence analyst Talat Masood said the Kartarpur corridor was a good confidence-building measure. "There should be follow-up steps to build on the goodwill generated by the opening of Kartarpur corridor," he said.

Though Pakistan released Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari after six years, it has hardened its stance on Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Khan's victory in the elections helped to improve communication between the two countries.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief struggled for more than two decades to break the dominance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power when the powerful military was not ruling the country.

Modi congratulated Khan on his victory, while the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad met him and presented a cricket bat signed by the Indian team.

Pakistani officials say they support a meaningful dialogue with India to address all issues of concern including Kashmir. But India has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go together.

Despite the failure to start talks in 2018, Khan's victory in the elections and opening of Kartarpur corridor has provided a window of opportunity, Masood said.

Khan in a recent interview to the Washington Post sent a positive signal towards India by conceding that the 2008 Mumbai attack was an act of "terrorism".

"We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," he said.

The Mumbai attack case in which seven Lashkar-e-Taiba members are facing charges of planning and executing the deadly strike since 2009 is still being dragged on in a Pakistani anti-terror court though the Islamabad High Court in 2015 directed that the case should be wrapped up in two months.

Khan hoped that talks will start after elections in India in 2019.

On the economic front, cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF as its government struggled to keep the economy afloat. Pakistan is seeking $ 8 billion from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistans-privatisation-dilemma-as-it-seeks-imf-bailout-185452">International Monetary Fund</a> (IMF) to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy.

Under pressure to generate external funds, Khan travelled to Saudi Arabia and China and both countries assured him that they would provide Pakistan with a $ 6 billion rescue package each, according to reports.

Khan's government also pledged to complete the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as a national priority, in an effort to allay the Chinese concerns about its future. Khan had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects.

During the year, US-Pakistan ties further deteriorated and the US suspended $ 300 million in military support fund to Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan to "reset" the strained ties. Following his meetings with the civil and military leadership in Pakistan, Pompeo said that despite challenges in the US-Pakistan ties, he was hopeful of finding "common grounds" with the country's new government under Khan.

This year, Pakistan's most powerful political family - the Sharifs - suffered several setbacks.

An anti-corruption court in July <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-corruption-cases-against-nawaz-sharif-pakistan-court-judgement-due-on-december-24-185940">sentenced Sharif </a>to 10 years in jail. His daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retired) Safdar were also sentenced to seven years and one-year jail term, respectively.

Sharif's wife Kulsoom died in London after a prolonged illness. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who became PML-N chief, was also taken into custody in a corruption case.

The year will also be remembered for the deaths of hundreds of people in terror attacks. Maulana Sami ul Haq, an 80-year-old cleric known as the 'Father of Taliban', was murdered this year.

Christian woman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exonerated-but-not-free-asia-bibi-to-spend-christmas-in-custody-185935">Asia Bibi</a> was acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row, prompting violent protests by Islamists. Leading rights activist Asma Jahangir died this year.

Pakistan elected a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arif-alvi-sworn-in-as-pakistans-new-president-164610">new President</a>, Arif Alvi, a close aide of Khan.

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India.

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India. The Indo-Pak ties strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The ties further nose-dived in 2017 with no bilateral talks taking place between them. Amidst deadly skirmishes along the Line of Control and diplomatic bickering for the better part of 2018, the consensus on both sides to open the Kartarpur corridor for Indian Sikh pilgrims has created a ray of hope for improvement in Indo-Pak ties in 2019. The corridor is likely to be completed before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev next year. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said, "Kartarpur is not an isolated event" and the process to engage India was set in motion by Prime Minister Khan when he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, offering dialogue to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir. "Unfortunately, the process whittled after India cancelled a meeting of the two Foreign Ministers scheduled to be held on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York," he said. Defence analyst Talat Masood said the Kartarpur corridor was a good confidence-building measure. "There should be follow-up steps to build on the goodwill generated by the opening of Kartarpur corridor," he said. Though Pakistan released Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari after six years, it has hardened its stance on Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav. Khan's victory in the elections helped to improve communication between the two countries. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief struggled for more than two decades to break the dominance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power when the powerful military was not ruling the country. Modi congratulated Khan on his victory, while the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad met him and presented a cricket bat signed by the Indian team. Pakistani officials say they support a meaningful dialogue with India to address all issues of concern including Kashmir. But India has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go together. Despite the failure to start talks in 2018, Khan's victory in the elections and opening of Kartarpur corridor has provided a window of opportunity, Masood said. Khan in a recent interview to the Washington Post sent a positive signal towards India by conceding that the 2008 Mumbai attack was an act of "terrorism". "We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," he said. The Mumbai attack case in which seven Lashkar-e-Taiba members are facing charges of planning and executing the deadly strike since 2009 is still being dragged on in a Pakistani anti-terror court though the Islamabad High Court in 2015 directed that the case should be wrapped up in two months. Khan hoped that talks will start after elections in India in 2019. On the economic front, cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF as its government struggled to keep the economy afloat. Pakistan is seeking $ 8 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy. Under pressure to generate external funds, Khan travelled to Saudi Arabia and China and both countries assured him that they would provide Pakistan with a $ 6 billion rescue package each, according to reports. Khan's government also pledged to complete the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as a national priority, in an effort to allay the Chinese concerns about its future. Khan had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects. During the year, US-Pakistan ties further deteriorated and the US suspended $ 300 million in military support fund to Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan to "reset" the strained ties. Following his meetings with the civil and military leadership in Pakistan, Pompeo said that despite challenges in the US-Pakistan ties, he was hopeful of finding "common grounds" with the country's new government under Khan. This year, Pakistan's most powerful political family - the Sharifs - suffered several setbacks. An anti-corruption court in July sentenced Sharif to 10 years in jail. His daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retired) Safdar were also sentenced to seven years and one-year jail term, respectively. Sharif's wife Kulsoom died in London after a prolonged illness. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who became PML-N chief, was also taken into custody in a corruption case. The year will also be remembered for the deaths of hundreds of people in terror attacks. Maulana Sami ul Haq, an 80-year-old cleric known as the 'Father of Taliban', was murdered this year. Christian woman Asia Bibi was acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row, prompting violent protests by Islamists. Leading rights activist Asma Jahangir died this year. Pakistan elected a new President, Arif Alvi, a close aide of Khan.

Pakistan witnesses Sharif's fall, Imran's rise in 2018; hopes to improve ties with India in 2019

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh today arrived here to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) interior ministers&#39; conference tomorrow during which he is expected to raise the issue of most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim and cross border terrorism. 
 
Accompanied by a delegation comprising officials from his ministry and external affairs, Singh, who is on his maiden visit to Pakistan, will be underlining the need for meaningful cooperation among the South Asian countries. Before leaving for Islamabad to attend the day-long SAARC home ministers conference, the home minister said he was &quot;looking forward to underscore the imperative of meaningful cooperation within the region against terrorism and organised crime.&quot; 
 
&quot;This Conference provides a platform to discuss issues pertaining to security,&quot; said Singh, who is expected to tell Pakistan to stop sponsoring terror in India and rein in groups like Lashker-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Singh&#39;s visit comes notwithstanding threat by LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, who warned of a countrywide protest in Pakistan by his outfit if Singh arrives in Islamabad to attend the SAARC ministerial conference. 
 
Tomorrow&#39;s meeting is preceded by the 7th Meeting of the SAARC interior/home secretaries which is being held today. The union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, who is leading the Indian delegation, arrived here yesterday. There is little possibility of Singh having a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in the wake of strain in Indo-Pak relations after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in Jammu and Kashmir on July 8. 
 
Not only did Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif praise Wani but he also remarked that &quot;Kashmir will one day become Pakistan&quot;, a comment which evoked a sharp reaction from external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming a part of his country &quot;will not be realised even at the end of eternity&quot;. 
 
Apart from terrorism, other key issues to be discussed include liberalisation of visa, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace. 
 
The three-tier meeting began at the joint secretary-level and then moves on to secretary and home minister-level meetings. The focus of the meeting will also be on strengthening networking among police forces of SAARC member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law enforcement agencies. 
 
(PTI)

Singh is expected to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism and underline the need for cooperation among South Asian countries

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh today arrived here to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) interior ministers' conference tomorrow during which he is expected to raise the issue of most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim and cross border terrorism. Accompanied by a delegation comprising officials from his ministry and external affairs, Singh, who is on his maiden visit to Pakistan, will be underlining the need for meaningful cooperation among the South Asian countries. Before leaving for Islamabad to attend the day-long SAARC home ministers conference, the home minister said he was "looking forward to underscore the imperative of meaningful cooperation within the region against terrorism and organised crime." "This Conference provides a platform to discuss issues pertaining to security," said Singh, who is expected to tell Pakistan to stop sponsoring terror in India and rein in groups like Lashker-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Singh's visit comes notwithstanding threat by LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, who warned of a countrywide protest in Pakistan by his outfit if Singh arrives in Islamabad to attend the SAARC ministerial conference. Tomorrow's meeting is preceded by the 7th Meeting of the SAARC interior/home secretaries which is being held today. The union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, who is leading the Indian delegation, arrived here yesterday. There is little possibility of Singh having a bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in the wake of strain in Indo-Pak relations after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in Jammu and Kashmir on July 8. Not only did Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif praise Wani but he also remarked that "Kashmir will one day become Pakistan", a comment which evoked a sharp reaction from external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming a part of his country "will not be realised even at the end of eternity". Apart from terrorism, other key issues to be discussed include liberalisation of visa, illegal trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and small arms and how to make coordinated and concerted efforts to combat such menace. The three-tier meeting began at the joint secretary-level and then moves on to secretary and home minister-level meetings. The focus of the meeting will also be on strengthening networking among police forces of SAARC member-countries and also enhance information-sharing among law enforcement agencies. (PTI)

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Pakistan to participate in SAARC meeting