The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has swept all the three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-a-mandate-to-form-new-india-pm-modi-delivers-first-address-after-lok-sabha-polls-result-221070">Lok Sabha</a> seats in Kashmir valley while the BJP continued its winning mark on Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary seats.&nbsp;

National Conference President and four-time J&amp;K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who sought re-election, won comfortably from Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat, defeating Peoples Democratic Party candidate Aga Syed Mohsin.

Speaking to media after winning the election, he said that "the Parliament will not be easy and several important issues including Article-35-A and 370 which will have to be fought to save them," he said while blaming BJP for creating a divide among Hindus and Muslims in India.&nbsp;

Flanked by his son Omar Abdullah, Farooq stressed on the need to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan. Omar while speaking at the party office blamed Congress for defeat on Ladakh parliamentary seat by fielding their candidate against an Independent candidate.&nbsp;

"We fought elections so that we find a replacement for the BJP &amp; NDA but the country hasn't accepted this. Yes, after Balakote, the opposition was on the backfoot. Now, we can question if slogans like 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' was right or not? Was it important to focus on Rafale?" Omar asked.&nbsp;

Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019

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In south Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party President and former chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tasted defeat in Anantnag parliamentary constituency. She was defeated by National Conference candidate and former judge Hasnain Masoodi in her bastion and stronghold.

This is Mehbooba's first big defeat after the death of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and fall of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state.

"I’ve been fortunate to get the love &amp; affection of my people. They have every right to express their anger for my failings. Accept their verdict with humility. Congratulations to winning candidates from NC. I’m grateful to my party workers &amp; colleagues," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.

Her defeat has also come at a time when several top leaders have left the party due to several reasons.&nbsp;

The motormouth National Conference leader Akbar Lone defeated controversial leader Er. Rasheed and former cop turned politician Raja Aijaz Ali of the JK Peoples’ Conference. Lone was the education minister in Omar Abdullah's cabinet.&nbsp;

While MoS, PMO, Jitendra Singh also won the Udhampur seat by defeating Vikramaditya Singh of the Congress despite having the backing of two big regional forces National Conference and PDP. In Jammu, BJP candidate Jugal Kishore won again, defeating the Congress candidate Raman Bhalla.&nbsp;

Ladakh welcomed BJP once again, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal won the seat defeating independent candidate Asgar Ali Karbalai. Political parties are blaming Congress for the defeat by fielding a candidate against Asgar, dividing the vote. 
&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has swept all the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir valley while the BJP continued its winning mark on Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary seats.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has swept all the three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir valley while the BJP continued its winning mark on Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary seats. National Conference President and four-time J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, who sought re-election, won comfortably from Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat, defeating Peoples Democratic Party candidate Aga Syed Mohsin. Speaking to media after winning the election, he said that "the Parliament will not be easy and several important issues including Article-35-A and 370 which will have to be fought to save them," he said while blaming BJP for creating a divide among Hindus and Muslims in India. Flanked by his son Omar Abdullah, Farooq stressed on the need to restart dialogue between India and Pakistan. Omar while speaking at the party office blamed Congress for defeat on Ladakh parliamentary seat by fielding their candidate against an Independent candidate. "We fought elections so that we find a replacement for the BJP & NDA but the country hasn't accepted this. Yes, after Balakote, the opposition was on the backfoot. Now, we can question if slogans like 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' was right or not? Was it important to focus on Rafale?" Omar asked. Watch: WION in conversation with Omar Abdullah on Lok Sabha election results 2019 In south Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party President and former chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti tasted defeat in Anantnag parliamentary constituency. She was defeated by National Conference candidate and former judge Hasnain Masoodi in her bastion and stronghold. This is Mehbooba's first big defeat after the death of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and fall of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state. "I’ve been fortunate to get the love & affection of my people. They have every right to express their anger for my failings. Accept their verdict with humility. Congratulations to winning candidates from NC. I’m grateful to my party workers & colleagues," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter. Her defeat has also come at a time when several top leaders have left the party due to several reasons. The motormouth National Conference leader Akbar Lone defeated controversial leader Er. Rasheed and former cop turned politician Raja Aijaz Ali of the JK Peoples’ Conference. Lone was the education minister in Omar Abdullah's cabinet. While MoS, PMO, Jitendra Singh also won the Udhampur seat by defeating Vikramaditya Singh of the Congress despite having the backing of two big regional forces National Conference and PDP. In Jammu, BJP candidate Jugal Kishore won again, defeating the Congress candidate Raman Bhalla. Ladakh welcomed BJP once again, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal won the seat defeating independent candidate Asgar Ali Karbalai. Political parties are blaming Congress for the defeat by fielding a candidate against Asgar, dividing the vote.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: National Conference sweeps Kashmir, BJP seals Jammu and Ladakh division

A BSF officer was injured in the cross-border shelling by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said on Sunday.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Satyapal Singh suffered splinter injuries when a mortar shell exploded near him while manning a forward post at Baloni in Krishna Ghati sector on Friday night, they said. The officials said the officer was shifted to the military hospital and his condition was "stable".

Indian troops guarding the LoC also retaliated to the unprovoked shelling by Pakistan and the border skirmishes between the two sides lasted for a very brief period, they said, adding there was no report of fresh ceasefire violation from anywhere along the LoC since then.

A BSF officer was injured in the cross-border shelling by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said on Sunday.

A BSF officer was injured in the cross-border shelling by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, officials said on Sunday. Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Satyapal Singh suffered splinter injuries when a mortar shell exploded near him while manning a forward post at Baloni in Krishna Ghati sector on Friday night, they said. The officials said the officer was shifted to the military hospital and his condition was "stable". Indian troops guarding the LoC also retaliated to the unprovoked shelling by Pakistan and the border skirmishes between the two sides lasted for a very brief period, they said, adding there was no report of fresh ceasefire violation from anywhere along the LoC since then.

BSF officer injured in Pakistan shelling along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch

The security forces gunned down three&nbsp;terrorists on Saturday morning&nbsp;and one of the body&nbsp;was found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-three-jem-terrorists-shot-in-pulwama-encounter-soldier-civilian-also-killed-219169">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district</a> during the post counter search. The operation has now ended.

Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander.

An AK-56 rifle, weapons and warlike stores&nbsp;were&nbsp;also recovered from the spot.

An encounter broke out in the wee hours of Saturday between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Body of a terrorist has been found during the post encounter search. An encounter had broken out between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora, Pulwama today at 2.10 AM. <a href="https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW">https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW</a>
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Two separate encounters took place between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama and Anantnag.

Earlier on Thursday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama district. The encounter also claimed the life of one army personnel and a civilian during the exchange of gunfire.

The security forces gunned down three terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search.

The security forces gunned down three terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search. The operation has now ended. Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander. An AK-56 rifle, weapons and warlike stores were also recovered from the spot. An encounter broke out in the wee hours of Saturday between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. #UPDATE: Body of a terrorist has been found during the post encounter search. An encounter had broken out between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora, Pulwama today at 2.10 AM. https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2019 × Two separate encounters took place between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama and Anantnag. Earlier on Thursday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama district. The encounter also claimed the life of one army personnel and a civilian during the exchange of gunfire.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three terrorists killed in encounter in Pulwama district

In three major anti-terror operations, security forces have gunned down four terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. With this, the total number of terrorists killed in the past three days goes to 10.&nbsp;

During the night, based on specific information, forces launched an operation in Panzgam village in Awantipora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir. Three terrorists were killed in the encounter including top Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Showkat Dar, who was involved in the killing of jawan Aurangzeb in June 2018.&nbsp;

"He was involved in planning and executing a series of terror attacks in the area and many other civilian atrocities. He was part of a group involved in the killing of Army jawaan Aurangzeb last year. He was also involved in the killing of policeman Aqib Ahmad Wagay last year," J&amp;K Police said in a statement.&nbsp;

Aurangzeb, a rifleman with 44 Rashtriya Rifles, was first kidnapped and later shot dead by terrorists in south Kashmir when he was travelling to his home in Poonch in a private vehicle last year.&nbsp;

Two other terrorists identified as Irfan of Wadoora Payeen in north Kashmir's Sopore and Muzaffar Sheikh of Tahab Pulwama were killed. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the spot of the encounter.&nbsp;

Security forces also engaged terrorists in a brief shootout during the pre-dawn hours in Dehruna area of Anantnag. Although the forces widened the cordon, according to sources terrorists, at least two of them managed to slip away.

Clashes between protesters and security forces were also reported from Pulwama and Anantnag during the encounter.&nbsp;

Later in the day, based on a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with the Indian Army and the CRPF in Hathlangoo village of Sopore in north Kashmir.&nbsp;

While the searches were going on, hiding terrorists opened fire on the forces, triggering an encounter. One terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved at the encounter spot.&nbsp;

The slain terrorist has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Naik, a resident of Udipora Barsoo in Awantipora. Sources informed that Waseem was missing from his home in March after which his family had filed a missing report with the police.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In three major anti-terror operations, security forces have gunned down four terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. With this, the total number of terrorists killed in the past three days goes to 10.

In three major anti-terror operations, security forces have gunned down four terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. With this, the total number of terrorists killed in the past three days goes to 10. During the night, based on specific information, forces launched an operation in Panzgam village in Awantipora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir. Three terrorists were killed in the encounter including top Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander Showkat Dar, who was involved in the killing of jawan Aurangzeb in June 2018. "He was involved in planning and executing a series of terror attacks in the area and many other civilian atrocities. He was part of a group involved in the killing of Army jawaan Aurangzeb last year. He was also involved in the killing of policeman Aqib Ahmad Wagay last year," J&K Police said in a statement. Aurangzeb, a rifleman with 44 Rashtriya Rifles, was first kidnapped and later shot dead by terrorists in south Kashmir when he was travelling to his home in Poonch in a private vehicle last year. Two other terrorists identified as Irfan of Wadoora Payeen in north Kashmir's Sopore and Muzaffar Sheikh of Tahab Pulwama were killed. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the spot of the encounter. Security forces also engaged terrorists in a brief shootout during the pre-dawn hours in Dehruna area of Anantnag. Although the forces widened the cordon, according to sources terrorists, at least two of them managed to slip away. Clashes between protesters and security forces were also reported from Pulwama and Anantnag during the encounter. Later in the day, based on a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with the Indian Army and the CRPF in Hathlangoo village of Sopore in north Kashmir. While the searches were going on, hiding terrorists opened fire on the forces, triggering an encounter. One terrorist was killed and his body was retrieved at the encounter spot. The slain terrorist has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Naik, a resident of Udipora Barsoo in Awantipora. Sources informed that Waseem was missing from his home in March after which his family had filed a missing report with the police.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist involved in rifleman Aurangzeb's killing among four killed by security forces

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-voters-tipped-to-elect-labour-government-219514">Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes</a>

Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/too-early-to-assess-sri-lanka-economic-damage-from-easter-bombings-imf-219527">Too early to assess Sri Lanka economic damage from Easter bombings: IMF</a>

The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it was holding its forecast for Sri Lanka's 2019 economic growth at 3.5% in spite of devastating Easter bombings, saying it was too early to assess financial damage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-tough-rhetoric-leaves-trade-talks-with-us-in-limbo-219517">China's tough rhetoric leaves trade talks with US in limbo</a>

China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday, suggesting a resumption of talks between the world's two largest economies would be meaningless unless Washington changed course.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-says-norway-talks-sought-peaceful-agenda-with-opposition-219519">Venezuela's Maduro says Norway talks sought 'peaceful agenda' with opposition</a>

Talks in Norway this week with representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition sought to "build a peaceful agenda" for the crisis-stricken South American country, President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-underway-in-pulwama-district-one-terrorist-killed-219516">Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Pulwama &amp; Anantnag, two terrorists killed</a>

The security forces gunned down two terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search.

Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander.

Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda.

Labour Party expected to return to power after 6 years in political wilderness as Australia votes Australians began voting in a federal election on Saturday, with bookies predicting a return to power for the Labour party after six years in the political wilderness and a campaign in which it has put climate change and tax reform at the top of its agenda. Too early to assess Sri Lanka economic damage from Easter bombings: IMF The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday it was holding its forecast for Sri Lanka's 2019 economic growth at 3.5% in spite of devastating Easter bombings, saying it was too early to assess financial damage. China's tough rhetoric leaves trade talks with US in limbo China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday, suggesting a resumption of talks between the world's two largest economies would be meaningless unless Washington changed course. Venezuela's Maduro says Norway talks sought 'peaceful agenda' with opposition Talks in Norway this week with representatives of Venezuela's government and the opposition sought to "build a peaceful agenda" for the crisis-stricken South American country, President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway in Pulwama & Anantnag, two terrorists killed The security forces gunned down two terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search. Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Intelligence input today warned against terrorists’ plans to carry out an attack on Srinagar and Awantipora air bases in Jammu and Kashmir, government sources said. Following the warning, security forces have been put on high alert in and around these bases. The attack may be carried out on or before the occasion of Islamic Battle of Badr. It was the first military victory of the Prophet Muhammad and falls on 23rd of this month.

Sources: Ultras plan to attack J&K Air bases on or before 23rd May

Security forces have warned of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir this election season. The specific intelligence inputs say Srinagar and the Awantipora airbases can be targeted by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, adding that the plan comes in retaliation to the successful encounters conducted by the security forces in the state after the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

The security forces have been kept on high alert around these two strategically important airbases.

The alert has also been sounded on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and military installations in the state as terrorists may try to target them on or before the occasion of the Islamic battle of Badr - the first military victory of the Prophet Muhammad - which according to the Islamic calendar falls on the 17th day of Ramzan; that day will fall on May 23 this year.

In the past too, terrorists have tried to carry out small scale attacks on the occasion by either lobbing grenades or opening fire at security forces in the Valley.

In October 2001, four Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed when they attempted to storm the Air Force base in Awantipora after a gunfight with the security forces. The attack was also the first one on a highly secure defence installation.

After the Pulwama suicide attack in February this year, the security on the Jammu-Srinagar highway has been tightened and several checkpoints have been erected to thwart any attempts of such attack.

Security forces after Pulwama suicide attack have conducted several successful operations, particularly in south Kashmir and eliminated top Jaish-e-Mohammed commanders. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-soldierterrorist-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-pulwama-219056">On Thursday, forces eliminated three Jaish terrorists in Pulwama district</a> which included its top commander Khalid, a resident of Pakistan.

Security forces have warned of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir this election season. The specific intelligence inputs say Srinagar and the Awantipora airbases can be targeted by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, adding that the plan comes in retaliation to the successful encounters conducted by the security forces in the state after the Pulwama attack.

Security forces have warned of a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir this election season. The specific intelligence inputs say Srinagar and the Awantipora airbases can be targeted by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, adding that the plan comes in retaliation to the successful encounters conducted by the security forces in the state after the Pulwama attack. The security forces have been kept on high alert around these two strategically important airbases. The alert has also been sounded on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and military installations in the state as terrorists may try to target them on or before the occasion of the Islamic battle of Badr - the first military victory of the Prophet Muhammad - which according to the Islamic calendar falls on the 17th day of Ramzan; that day will fall on May 23 this year. In the past too, terrorists have tried to carry out small scale attacks on the occasion by either lobbing grenades or opening fire at security forces in the Valley. In October 2001, four Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed when they attempted to storm the Air Force base in Awantipora after a gunfight with the security forces. The attack was also the first one on a highly secure defence installation. After the Pulwama suicide attack in February this year, the security on the Jammu-Srinagar highway has been tightened and several checkpoints have been erected to thwart any attempts of such attack. Security forces after Pulwama suicide attack have conducted several successful operations, particularly in south Kashmir and eliminated top Jaish-e-Mohammed commanders. On Thursday, forces eliminated three Jaish terrorists in Pulwama district which included its top commander Khalid, a resident of Pakistan.

Intel inputs warn of terrorist attack on airbases in Kashmir, security forces on high alert

An army man and three&nbsp;terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning.

The forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

News agency ANI reported that the&nbsp;terrorists were&nbsp;holed up in a house in Dalipora.

According to intelligence inputs, a top self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen was believed to be among those trapped in the security forces cordon.

Meanwhile, the internet has also been&nbsp;suspended in the area.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

An army man and three terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning.

An army man and three terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning. The forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. News agency ANI reported that the terrorists were holed up in a house in Dalipora. According to intelligence inputs, a top self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen was believed to be among those trapped in the security forces cordon. Meanwhile, the internet has also been suspended in the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Soldier, 3 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

Dozens of students clashed with police in Srinagar on Tuesday, as protests continued in Indian-controlled Kashmir following the alleged rape of a 3-year-old girl last week.

Clashes in Kashmir over rape of 3-year-old

A heart-warming video of a CRPF head constable driver Iqbal Singh has gone viral on social media in which he is seen offering his food to a differently abled child in the Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Deployed in the old city of Srinagar to maintain law and order, Iqbal says he noticed the child asking him for food after which he offered all his food to him.&nbsp;

On noticing that the child wasn't able to eat on his own, Singh made him eat by his own hands.&nbsp;

"He couldn't move his hands but wanted food. While I was making him eat the food, someone recorded the video and later it became viral," he said in an exclusive chat with WION.&nbsp;

However, this isn't for the first time that Iqbal Singh has shown sympathy and valour. In February this year, when Jaish terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar rammed his explosive-laden car into a CRPF bus in Pulwama, Iqbal was instrumental in rescuing the injured from the spot, hence saving many lives.&nbsp;

"I was part of that CRPF convoy. When the blast happened, I used my vehicle to ferry the injured jawans and later helped to identify many dead also," he says while his senior keenly listened to him.&nbsp;

He has been awarded DG's Disc and Commendation Certificate for his act.

He was driving a vehicle in the CRPF convoy on February 14 at the time of Pulwama terrorist attack.&nbsp;

Standing with a broad chest as he faced the camera, he said despite stone pelting, they want to help the residents of Kashmir valley, any day. His work is being appreciated by his officers.&nbsp;

The social media has been abuzz with praises for the CRPF man. Some said it was the sweetest gesture of love and peace while others lauded Iqbal Singh.

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"Humanity is the mother of all religions" 
 
HC Driver Iqbal Singh of 49 Bn Srinagar Sector CRPF deployed on LO duty feeds a paralysed Kashmiri kid in Nawakadal area of Srinagar. In the end, asks him "Do you need water?" 
 
"Valour and compassion are two sides of the same coin" <a href="https://t.co/zYQ60ZPYjJ">pic.twitter.com/zYQ60ZPYjJ</a>
— Srinagar Sector CRPF 🇮🇳 (@crpf_srinagar) <a href="https://twitter.com/crpf_srinagar/status/1128164097982287872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a statement, CRPF said that Iqbal also shared his cup of tea with the kid.

"He also shared his cup of tea with the kid on the same afternoon. IG Srinagar CRPF appreciates the noble gesture of HC Iqbal Singh for going beyond the call of duty," the statement said.&nbsp;

A heart-warming video of a CRPF head constable driver Iqbal Singh has gone viral on social media in which he is seen offering his food to a differently abled child in the Jammu and Kashmir.

A heart-warming video of a CRPF head constable driver Iqbal Singh has gone viral on social media in which he is seen offering his food to a differently abled child in the Jammu and Kashmir. Deployed in the old city of Srinagar to maintain law and order, Iqbal says he noticed the child asking him for food after which he offered all his food to him. On noticing that the child wasn't able to eat on his own, Singh made him eat by his own hands. "He couldn't move his hands but wanted food. While I was making him eat the food, someone recorded the video and later it became viral," he said in an exclusive chat with WION. However, this isn't for the first time that Iqbal Singh has shown sympathy and valour. In February this year, when Jaish terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar rammed his explosive-laden car into a CRPF bus in Pulwama, Iqbal was instrumental in rescuing the injured from the spot, hence saving many lives. "I was part of that CRPF convoy. When the blast happened, I used my vehicle to ferry the injured jawans and later helped to identify many dead also," he says while his senior keenly listened to him. He has been awarded DG's Disc and Commendation Certificate for his act. He was driving a vehicle in the CRPF convoy on February 14 at the time of Pulwama terrorist attack. Standing with a broad chest as he faced the camera, he said despite stone pelting, they want to help the residents of Kashmir valley, any day. His work is being appreciated by his officers. The social media has been abuzz with praises for the CRPF man. Some said it was the sweetest gesture of love and peace while others lauded Iqbal Singh. "Humanity is the mother of all religions" HC Driver Iqbal Singh of 49 Bn Srinagar Sector CRPF deployed on LO duty feeds a paralysed Kashmiri kid in Nawakadal area of Srinagar. In the end, asks him "Do you need water?" "Valour and compassion are two sides of the same coin" pic.twitter.com/zYQ60ZPYjJ — Srinagar Sector CRPF 🇮🇳 (@crpf_srinagar) May 14, 2019 × In a statement, CRPF said that Iqbal also shared his cup of tea with the kid. "He also shared his cup of tea with the kid on the same afternoon. IG Srinagar CRPF appreciates the noble gesture of HC Iqbal Singh for going beyond the call of duty," the statement said.

J&K: CRPF man feeds his lunch to differently-abled, awarded

A heart-warming video is doing the rounds on Twitter, in which a CRPF jawan in Jammu and Kashmir is seen feeding a child with special needs on the streets.

Video showing CRPF jawan feeding a differently abled child in Jammu Kashmir wins heart, goes viral

After a deep internal review of the recent conflict with Pakistan,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792"> the Indian Army is planning to deploy</a> a number of its air defence units close to the border to thwart aerial threats emanating from Pakistan.

"Some of the fighting formations including air defence and other defensive formations are now planned to be moved closer to the borders," top Army sources told ANI.

"With these air defence units deployed closer to the border, we would be able to tackle any possible aerial strike from enemy side and thwart it close to the border itself," they said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-inside-indias-balakot-airstrikes-new-report-uncovers-fresh-insights-217094/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The sources said the location of the air defence units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan were reviewed by the force and it was felt that a number of them can be moved to forward locations to thwart enemy aerial strikes close to the borders itself.

The air defence assets of the Indian Army include the indigenous Akash air defence missile systems along with the Russian Kvadrat and other old legacy systems. The force is also set to receive the latest MR-SAM air defence system which has been produced by the DRD-Israel joint venture.

After India hit the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan, the neighbouring country launched a big aerial attack in Jammu sector along the Line of Control.

Even though the attack was thwarted by the Air Force air defence fighters including the MiG-21s and the Su-30MKIs and one Pakistani F-16 was also shot down, it was felt that presence of air defence units in the area could have caused more damage to the Pakistanis.

Due to the aggressive response of the Air Force, the Pakistanis could come only a couple of kilometres inside the Indian territory.

The Pakistani air attack on February 27 was in response to the Balakot hits by the Indian Air Force a day earlier.

After a deep internal review of the recent conflict with Pakistan, the Indian Army is planning to deploy a number of its air defence units close to the border to thwart aerial threats emanating from Pakistan.

After a deep internal review of the recent conflict with Pakistan, the Indian Army is planning to deploy a number of its air defence units close to the border to thwart aerial threats emanating from Pakistan. "Some of the fighting formations including air defence and other defensive formations are now planned to be moved closer to the borders," top Army sources told ANI. "With these air defence units deployed closer to the border, we would be able to tackle any possible aerial strike from enemy side and thwart it close to the border itself," they said. The sources said the location of the air defence units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan were reviewed by the force and it was felt that a number of them can be moved to forward locations to thwart enemy aerial strikes close to the borders itself. The air defence assets of the Indian Army include the indigenous Akash air defence missile systems along with the Russian Kvadrat and other old legacy systems. The force is also set to receive the latest MR-SAM air defence system which has been produced by the DRD-Israel joint venture. After India hit the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot town of Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan, the neighbouring country launched a big aerial attack in Jammu sector along the Line of Control. Even though the attack was thwarted by the Air Force air defence fighters including the MiG-21s and the Su-30MKIs and one Pakistani F-16 was also shot down, it was felt that presence of air defence units in the area could have caused more damage to the Pakistanis. Due to the aggressive response of the Air Force, the Pakistanis could come only a couple of kilometres inside the Indian territory. The Pakistani air attack on February 27 was in response to the Balakot hits by the Indian Air Force a day earlier.

Indian Army to move air defence units closer to Pakistan border post-Balakot strikes

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region.

The Gool-Ramban belt, which is located between Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban districts of the Jammu region and south Kashmir's Kulgam district, had been an operational hub and a launching pad of foreign mercenaries until 2000.

Showkat Ahmad Sheikh of Charsoo village of Awantipora in Pulwama district and Taweel Mohiuddin Dar of Malipura village of Kulgam were arrested by a joint search party of police and Army's Rashtriya Rifles and 9 Para from the Hara area of Gool, a police officer said.

He said an AK 47 rifle, along with a magazine and 30 rounds, and Rs 8,771 were seized from the possession of the arrested terrorists.

The joint search operation was launched around 3.30 am after specific information about suspicious movement of some anti-national elements was received, the officer said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorists are affiliated to LeT, he said.

"They were acting on the instructions of an active terrorist Naveed alias Abu Talla," the official said without sharing any further details.

A case under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code has been registered against the duo and further investigation is on, he said.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Udhampur-based northern command, Lt Col Abhinav Navneet said their arrest foiled an attempt by the LeT to revive terrorism in the south of the Pir Panjal range (Jammu region).

"Combined efforts of the Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles) and police in the Gool area under counter-insurgency force uniform delivered a major setback to the terrorist outfit in their efforts to revive terrorism south of Pir Panjal range," Lt Col Navneet said.

He said both the individuals are in their teens.

"The timely apprehension of suspected terrorists and recovery of war-like stores has thwarted the nefarious design of terrorist organisation to spread the 'Arc of Terrorism' south of Pir Panjal Range," the PRO said.&nbsp;

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region. The Gool-Ramban belt, which is located between Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban districts of the Jammu region and south Kashmir's Kulgam district, had been an operational hub and a launching pad of foreign mercenaries until 2000. Showkat Ahmad Sheikh of Charsoo village of Awantipora in Pulwama district and Taweel Mohiuddin Dar of Malipura village of Kulgam were arrested by a joint search party of police and Army's Rashtriya Rifles and 9 Para from the Hara area of Gool, a police officer said. He said an AK 47 rifle, along with a magazine and 30 rounds, and Rs 8,771 were seized from the possession of the arrested terrorists. The joint search operation was launched around 3.30 am after specific information about suspicious movement of some anti-national elements was received, the officer said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorists are affiliated to LeT, he said. "They were acting on the instructions of an active terrorist Naveed alias Abu Talla," the official said without sharing any further details. A case under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code has been registered against the duo and further investigation is on, he said. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Udhampur-based northern command, Lt Col Abhinav Navneet said their arrest foiled an attempt by the LeT to revive terrorism in the south of the Pir Panjal range (Jammu region). "Combined efforts of the Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles) and police in the Gool area under counter-insurgency force uniform delivered a major setback to the terrorist outfit in their efforts to revive terrorism south of Pir Panjal range," Lt Col Navneet said. He said both the individuals are in their teens. "The timely apprehension of suspected terrorists and recovery of war-like stores has thwarted the nefarious design of terrorist organisation to spread the 'Arc of Terrorism' south of Pir Panjal Range," the PRO said.

LeT plan to spread terror activity to Jammu region foiled, two terrorists held 

The rape of a three-year-old girl in Sumbal area of Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district has led to widespread protests across the Valley. Schools and business establishments in the area remained shut as protestors demanded the strongest punishment possible for the accused.

Anger erupts in Kashmir over rape of 3-year-old minor, Valley shuts down

The alleged rape of a three-year-old girl has triggered protests and shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

People in the state have been hitting streets to protest the alleged rape of the girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. Protesters clashed with the local police at several locations forcing the police to hurl tear smoke shells. Schools and other business establishments are also shut in the state.&nbsp;

According to the family of the victim, she was lured by a local youth and later raped in the vicinity. Facing anger, the police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident after arresting the accused.&nbsp;

People from all walks of life, including the mainstream parties in the state, have condemned the heinous incident and have appealed to the administration to investigate the case at the earliest. Governor Satya Pal Malik has also expressed shock over the incident and asked the police to speed up the probe.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case and are also looking to book the accused under the POCSO Act. The school principal who had issued a fake date of birth certificate to the accused has also been detained for the questioning by the police. 
&nbsp;

The alleged rape of a three-year-old girl has triggered protests and shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir. People in the state have been hitting streets to protest the alleged rape of the girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district.

The alleged rape of a three-year-old girl has triggered protests and shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir. People in the state have been hitting streets to protest the alleged rape of the girl in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. Protesters clashed with the local police at several locations forcing the police to hurl tear smoke shells. Schools and other business establishments are also shut in the state. According to the family of the victim, she was lured by a local youth and later raped in the vicinity. Facing anger, the police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident after arresting the accused. People from all walks of life, including the mainstream parties in the state, have condemned the heinous incident and have appealed to the administration to investigate the case at the earliest. Governor Satya Pal Malik has also expressed shock over the incident and asked the police to speed up the probe. Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case and are also looking to book the accused under the POCSO Act. The school principal who had issued a fake date of birth certificate to the accused has also been detained for the questioning by the police.

Protests in Jammu and Kashmir after alleged rape of three-year-old girl; accused arrested

Two terrorists were gunned down on Sunday during an encounter with security forces in Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir police said.

Arms and ammunition were found at the site in Hend-Sitapur area where the brief exchange of fire took place, they said.

The identity and affiliation of the terrorists are being ascertained.

"It was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place," the police said.

People have been asked not to venture into the encounter site and cooperate with the authorities until the area is completely sanitised and cleared of any explosive material.&nbsp;

Two terrorists were gunned down on Sunday during an encounter with security forces in Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir police said. Arms and ammunition were found at the site in Hend-Sitapur area where the brief exchange of fire took place, they said.

Two terrorists were gunned down on Sunday during an encounter with security forces in Shopian district, Jammu and Kashmir police said. Arms and ammunition were found at the site in Hend-Sitapur area where the brief exchange of fire took place, they said. The identity and affiliation of the terrorists are being ascertained. "It was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place," the police said. People have been asked not to venture into the encounter site and cooperate with the authorities until the area is completely sanitised and cleared of any explosive material.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with&nbsp;security forces in Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday morning.

The gunbattle between the two sides broke out&nbsp;in Hind Sita Pora area of Shopian district.

The security forces also recovered weapons and a huge cache of ammunition from the terrorists.

The operation is still underway.

On May 3, three terrorists were killed after a brief exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces in Shopian.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday morning. The gunbattle between the two sides broke out in Hind Sita Pora area of Shopian district.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday morning. The gunbattle between the two sides broke out in Hind Sita Pora area of Shopian district. The security forces also recovered weapons and a huge cache of ammunition from the terrorists. The operation is still underway. On May 3, three terrorists were killed after a brief exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces in Shopian. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: 2 terrorists killed in encounter in Shopian district

Security forces on Friday morning killed a top terrorist associated with the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Islamic state (ISJK) in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.&nbsp;

According to sources, Ishfaq Sofi, a top terror commander was also featured in group's Al Risala magazine a few months ago and was among the few ISJK men left in the state.&nbsp;

Acting on a specific input about the presence of terrorists in the area, the joint forces of J&amp;K Police, Indian Army and the CRPF launched a pre-dawn operation to flush out the hiding terrorists.

The ISJK hasn’t come to the spotlight in the Valley given the less ground support and tiff with other pro-Pakistan outfits. The police here have been maintaining that the ISJK wasn’t an immediate threat but needs to be looked into.&nbsp;

Over the years, the terror outfit has been instrumental in spreading online propaganda using magazines and videos to lure people into joining them in the state.&nbsp;

According to sources, Ishfaq Sofi’s interview was published in Al Risalah magazine, an ISJK propaganda magazine, in which he narrated his journey from pro-Pakistan Harkat-ul-Mujahideen to joining the ISJK. He lashed out at Hizbul and other pro-Pakistan outfits in the interview.

Security forces on Friday morning killed a top terrorist associated with the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Islamic state (ISJK) in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Security forces on Friday morning killed a top terrorist associated with the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Islamic state (ISJK) in south Kashmir’s Shopian district. According to sources, Ishfaq Sofi, a top terror commander was also featured in group's Al Risala magazine a few months ago and was among the few ISJK men left in the state. Acting on a specific input about the presence of terrorists in the area, the joint forces of J&K Police, Indian Army and the CRPF launched a pre-dawn operation to flush out the hiding terrorists. The ISJK hasn’t come to the spotlight in the Valley given the less ground support and tiff with other pro-Pakistan outfits. The police here have been maintaining that the ISJK wasn’t an immediate threat but needs to be looked into. Over the years, the terror outfit has been instrumental in spreading online propaganda using magazines and videos to lure people into joining them in the state. According to sources, Ishfaq Sofi’s interview was published in Al Risalah magazine, an ISJK propaganda magazine, in which he narrated his journey from pro-Pakistan Harkat-ul-Mujahideen to joining the ISJK. He lashed out at Hizbul and other pro-Pakistan outfits in the interview.

Top Islamic State commander killed in Kashmir's Shopian

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including state general secretary Ashok Koul held a protest in Jammu and Kashmir against the security concerns of political activists in the state whose security has been withdrawn.&nbsp;

Koul along with several party leaders and activists raised slogans with plea cards reading “provide security to BJP workers in Kashmir.”&nbsp;

The state general secretary has also written a letter to the ADGP security, law and order asking him to withdraw his security with immediate effect in protest against the removal of security to several BJP activists.&nbsp;

He says the security of Gul Mohammad Mir, the BJP vice president in Anantnag district of south Kashmir, was withdrawn which resulted in his killing.

“Security of Gul was withdrawn by the administration following which he became a target and after his killing some cops were sent to his home to guard who? I’ve asked DG police to send these cops to the grave of Gul now,” angry Kaul said.&nbsp;

However, on being asked about the role of the central government in giving directions for the withdrawal, he said the list was prepared by the administration in the state and needs to be revisited.

BJP leaders say that they are now under threat from terrorists. Koul also left his bulletproof Scorpio car provided by the administration at the city centre and hired an auto to move back.&nbsp;

Security of several separatists and political activities was withdrawn following directions from the centre after Pulwama suicide attack. The list included people from BJP, National Conference, PDP and other parties. All the parties had warned the administration of killings of their activists earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including state general secretary Ashok Koul held a protest in Jammu and Kashmir against the security concerns of political activists in the state whose security has been withdrawn.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including state general secretary Ashok Koul held a protest in Jammu and Kashmir against the security concerns of political activists in the state whose security has been withdrawn. Koul along with several party leaders and activists raised slogans with plea cards reading “provide security to BJP workers in Kashmir.” The state general secretary has also written a letter to the ADGP security, law and order asking him to withdraw his security with immediate effect in protest against the removal of security to several BJP activists. He says the security of Gul Mohammad Mir, the BJP vice president in Anantnag district of south Kashmir, was withdrawn which resulted in his killing. “Security of Gul was withdrawn by the administration following which he became a target and after his killing some cops were sent to his home to guard who? I’ve asked DG police to send these cops to the grave of Gul now,” angry Kaul said. However, on being asked about the role of the central government in giving directions for the withdrawal, he said the list was prepared by the administration in the state and needs to be revisited. BJP leaders say that they are now under threat from terrorists. Koul also left his bulletproof Scorpio car provided by the administration at the city centre and hired an auto to move back. Security of several separatists and political activities was withdrawn following directions from the centre after Pulwama suicide attack. The list included people from BJP, National Conference, PDP and other parties. All the parties had warned the administration of killings of their activists earlier.

J&K: BJP leaders protest against killing of activist, ask administration to revisit security withdrawal list

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">polling is underway</a> for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said.

A grenade was lobbed towards Rohmoo polling station in Pulwama but there were no reports of any casualties in the blast, a police official said.

He said security forces have cordoned off the area.

This was the first terrorist attack on a polling station in this Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir.

Polling is being held in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency which also includes Anantnag and Kulgam districts as well.

The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons.

Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Kulgam district took place on 29 April.

There are 18 candidates in the fray for Anantnag constituency including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is underway for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said.

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is underway for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said. A grenade was lobbed towards Rohmoo polling station in Pulwama but there were no reports of any casualties in the blast, a police official said. He said security forces have cordoned off the area. This was the first terrorist attack on a polling station in this Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir. Polling is being held in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency which also includes Anantnag and Kulgam districts as well. The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons. Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Kulgam district took place on 29 April. There are 18 candidates in the fray for Anantnag constituency including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti.

Lok Sabha polls phase 5: Grenade attack on polling station in Pulwama

A civilian was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Degwar village of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir.

The civilian received bullet injury on his head during ceasefire violation that took place on Sunday at around 8:30 pm.

Tehsildar Haveli Poonch, Naresh Kumar told ANI, "He was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan around 8:30 pm today. He suffered a bullet injury in the head. The treatment is underway".

Yesterday, Pakistan resorted to mortar shelling and firing of small arms in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Keeping in view the safety of students, all government and private schools up to 10+2 level within 0-5 Km distance from LoC in Keri sector (Education Zone Doongi) of Rajouri will remain closed on May 6.

"As a precautionary measure and keeping in view safety of the students, all Govt &amp; Pvt. schools up to 10+2 level within 0-5 Km distance from LoC in Keri sector (Education Zone Doongi) of Rajouri shall remain closed tomorrow, May 6," Rajouri Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Aijaz Asad said.&nbsp;

A civilian was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Degwar village of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. The civilian received bullet injury on his head during ceasefire violation that took place on Sunday at around 8:30 pm.

A civilian was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Degwar village of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. The civilian received bullet injury on his head during ceasefire violation that took place on Sunday at around 8:30 pm. Tehsildar Haveli Poonch, Naresh Kumar told ANI, "He was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan around 8:30 pm today. He suffered a bullet injury in the head. The treatment is underway". Yesterday, Pakistan resorted to mortar shelling and firing of small arms in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Keeping in view the safety of students, all government and private schools up to 10+2 level within 0-5 Km distance from LoC in Keri sector (Education Zone Doongi) of Rajouri will remain closed on May 6. "As a precautionary measure and keeping in view safety of the students, all Govt & Pvt. schools up to 10+2 level within 0-5 Km distance from LoC in Keri sector (Education Zone Doongi) of Rajouri shall remain closed tomorrow, May 6," Rajouri Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Aijaz Asad said.

Jammu and Kashmir: Civilian injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan

A BJP worker was shot dead by suspected militants in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir Saturday, police said.

Unknown terrorists fired at a member of the BJP, Gul Muhammad Mir, at Nowgam Verinag, a police official said.

The official said Mir was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition where he succumbed to injuries.

The area has been cordoned off to nab the suspects, the official said.

A BJP worker was shot dead by suspected militants in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir Saturday, police said. Unknown terrorists fired at a member of the BJP, Gul Muhammad Mir, at Nowgam Verinag, a police official said.

A BJP worker was shot dead by suspected militants in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir Saturday, police said. Unknown terrorists fired at a member of the BJP, Gul Muhammad Mir, at Nowgam Verinag, a police official said. The official said Mir was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition where he succumbed to injuries. The area has been cordoned off to nab the suspects, the official said.

BJP worker shot dead by suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-worker-shot-dead-by-suspected-militants-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-anantnag-215988">killing of BJP's district vice-president Gul Mohammed Mir by militants</a>.

In his message, the prime minister remembered Mir as a leader who "contributed towards strengthening the party in the state".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There is no place for such violence in our country," the PM added.&nbsp;

"Strongly condemn the killing of J&amp;K BJP leader Ghulam Mohammed Mir. His contribution towards strengthening the party in J&amp;K will always be remembered. There is no place for such violence in our country. Condolences to his family and well-wishers," his message read.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP, in a statement, expressed deepest condolences to Mir's family and demanded strict action against "ill elements who are spoiling peace in the valley and killing innocent people".

NC vice-president Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned Mir's killing.

"I condemn this dastardly act of violence and pray for the soul of the departed, Allah Jannat naseeb karey (May God grant him a place in heaven)... Gul Mohd Mir was the district vice president of the BJP state unit. May his family and loved ones find strength at this difficult time," Abdullah tweeted.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti posted on Twitter, "I strongly condemn the killing of @BJP4India leader Gul Muhammad Mir in Verinag, South Kashmir. My condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul."

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president G A Mir also condemned Mir's killing and described the incident as "mindless, cowardice and shameful act". He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, a party spokesman said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Narendra Modi: Strongly condemn the killing of J&amp;K BJP leader Ghulam Mohammed Mir. His contribution towards strengthening the party in J&amp;K will always be remembered. There is no place for such violence in our country. Condolences to his family and well-wishers. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/56w35GLkoL">pic.twitter.com/56w35GLkoL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1124877101755129856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mir was killed at his residence on late Saturday evening by militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Saturday night, the police said.

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I strongly condemn the killing of <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> leader Gul Muhammad Mir 
in Verinag, South Kashmir. 
My condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1124734632908353536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Giving details, the police said three militants came to his house in Nowgam Verinag area and asked for the keys for his car. While driving the vehicle away, they pumped bullets into Mir, who was popular in the area as 'Atal', they said.

A police official said Mir was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition where he succumbed to injuries.

The area has been cordoned off to nab the suspects, the official said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the killing of BJP's district vice-president Gul Mohammed Mir by militants. In his message, the prime minister remembered Mir as a leader who "contributed towards strengthening the party in the state".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the killing of BJP's district vice-president Gul Mohammed Mir by militants. In his message, the prime minister remembered Mir as a leader who "contributed towards strengthening the party in the state". "There is no place for such violence in our country," the PM added. "Strongly condemn the killing of J&K BJP leader Ghulam Mohammed Mir. His contribution towards strengthening the party in J&K will always be remembered. There is no place for such violence in our country. Condolences to his family and well-wishers," his message read. The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP, in a statement, expressed deepest condolences to Mir's family and demanded strict action against "ill elements who are spoiling peace in the valley and killing innocent people". NC vice-president Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also condemned Mir's killing. "I condemn this dastardly act of violence and pray for the soul of the departed, Allah Jannat naseeb karey (May God grant him a place in heaven)... Gul Mohd Mir was the district vice president of the BJP state unit. May his family and loved ones find strength at this difficult time," Abdullah tweeted. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti posted on Twitter, "I strongly condemn the killing of @BJP4India leader Gul Muhammad Mir in Verinag, South Kashmir. My condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul." Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president G A Mir also condemned Mir's killing and described the incident as "mindless, cowardice and shameful act". He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, a party spokesman said. PM Narendra Modi: Strongly condemn the killing of J&K BJP leader Ghulam Mohammed Mir. His contribution towards strengthening the party in J&K will always be remembered. There is no place for such violence in our country. Condolences to his family and well-wishers. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/56w35GLkoL — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2019 × Mir was killed at his residence on late Saturday evening by militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Saturday night, the police said. I strongly condemn the killing of @BJP4India leader Gul Muhammad Mir in Verinag, South Kashmir. My condolences to the bereaved family and prayers for the departed soul. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 4, 2019 × Giving details, the police said three militants came to his house in Nowgam Verinag area and asked for the keys for his car. While driving the vehicle away, they pumped bullets into Mir, who was popular in the area as 'Atal', they said. A police official said Mir was rushed to a hospital in a critical condition where he succumbed to injuries. The area has been cordoned off to nab the suspects, the official said.

No place for such violence in our country: PM Modi condemns BJP Anantnag vice-president's killing

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide.&nbsp;

Recently, on the recommendations of the state administration, the ministry of home affairs (MHA), while banning separatist outfits, described ethnic cleansing and the purge of Kashmiri Pandits as the principal reason for banning separatists and terror outfits operating in Kashmir.

The admission by the state government and MHA through the Union home secretary in public domain makes it obligatory for the state government to accede to the repeated demand for a thorough investigation by the Pandits. The exiled Kashmiri Pandits have called upon the government to appoint a high-level commission of inquiry.

There are very strong grounds to set up a commission of inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to be assisted by DGP, Director IB, Director CBI and DG NIA, to probe into murders, loot, rapes, forcible land and property grabbing of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu religious endowments across the Valley.

In Jammu and Kashmir, there are layer upon layers of distortions of history, self-serving myths and competing political interests. Peeling off these layers by revisiting history, without any prejudice, can only help in our search for a brighter tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir.

The J&amp;K policy needs to combine between what the country pursues as domestic policy on one hand and the treatment of Indo-Pakistan relations as foreign policy, on the other.&nbsp;

The return of the exiled Pandits back to the Kashmir Valley with pride, is a matter of enforcing India’s Constitution in Kashmir, both nationally and at the global stage. It is important to restore and protect multiculturalism, plural ethos and the secular identity of India and the Jammu and Kashmir state.&nbsp;

Return, restitution and retention of exiled Pandits as a religious Hindu community, shall be the real test of the will of the central government and the governor’s administration.

No solution to Kashmir will make any headway unless the Pandits are rehabilitated, return to the Valley and are made part of the dialogue process as an important stakeholder.

It is the constitutional and political duty of the government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir government to repatriate the entire exiled Pandit community back to their homeland. &nbsp;It is also their duty to probe the reasons and circumstances of ethnic cleansing, fixing the responsibility for the killing of innocent citizens.&nbsp;

Governor Rule gives all statutory powers to the state government to do justice to this illustrious community, who are now living as refugees in their own country for the last 30 years.

It is hoped that the central government shall revisit its J&amp;K policy by demonstrating political will and large-heartedness in dealing with the Kashmir situation and liberally fund the return, rehabilitation and security of Kashmiri Pandits back in their homeland, which is the Kashmir Valley.

To quote what former Prime Minister IK Gujral once said, “For the illustrious Kashmiri Pandit community, which has contributed a great deal in shaping the nation building a democratic, progressive and secular India, if the coffers of the country are to be emptied for them, it would still be a small price to pay.”

It is important for the state governor to rise above civil service jargon while designing a package for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. It is also imperative to hold consultations with representatives of Kashmiri Pandits, so that all aspects are taken into account and the entire gamut of present and future problems analysed threadbare and in complete detail.

Kashmiri Pandits are a religious minority, which calls for due statutory recognition. The constitution of a state minority commission shall be a good step in this direction.

The MHA being the nodal ministry, shall start a structured dialogue with Pandits, for designing a comprehensive, time-bound package for return and rehabilitation. It shall not take more than two to three years for its implementation.

Pandits believe that if the exiled community is not repatriated back to their homeland with dignity and pride now, then it will never happen again.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-time-for-kashmiri-pandits-to-come-back-home-with-dignity-2745347">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide.

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide. Recently, on the recommendations of the state administration, the ministry of home affairs (MHA), while banning separatist outfits, described ethnic cleansing and the purge of Kashmiri Pandits as the principal reason for banning separatists and terror outfits operating in Kashmir. The admission by the state government and MHA through the Union home secretary in public domain makes it obligatory for the state government to accede to the repeated demand for a thorough investigation by the Pandits. The exiled Kashmiri Pandits have called upon the government to appoint a high-level commission of inquiry. There are very strong grounds to set up a commission of inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to be assisted by DGP, Director IB, Director CBI and DG NIA, to probe into murders, loot, rapes, forcible land and property grabbing of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu religious endowments across the Valley. In Jammu and Kashmir, there are layer upon layers of distortions of history, self-serving myths and competing political interests. Peeling off these layers by revisiting history, without any prejudice, can only help in our search for a brighter tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir. The J&K policy needs to combine between what the country pursues as domestic policy on one hand and the treatment of Indo-Pakistan relations as foreign policy, on the other. The return of the exiled Pandits back to the Kashmir Valley with pride, is a matter of enforcing India’s Constitution in Kashmir, both nationally and at the global stage. It is important to restore and protect multiculturalism, plural ethos and the secular identity of India and the Jammu and Kashmir state. Return, restitution and retention of exiled Pandits as a religious Hindu community, shall be the real test of the will of the central government and the governor’s administration. No solution to Kashmir will make any headway unless the Pandits are rehabilitated, return to the Valley and are made part of the dialogue process as an important stakeholder. It is the constitutional and political duty of the government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir government to repatriate the entire exiled Pandit community back to their homeland. It is also their duty to probe the reasons and circumstances of ethnic cleansing, fixing the responsibility for the killing of innocent citizens. Governor Rule gives all statutory powers to the state government to do justice to this illustrious community, who are now living as refugees in their own country for the last 30 years. It is hoped that the central government shall revisit its J&K policy by demonstrating political will and large-heartedness in dealing with the Kashmir situation and liberally fund the return, rehabilitation and security of Kashmiri Pandits back in their homeland, which is the Kashmir Valley. To quote what former Prime Minister IK Gujral once said, “For the illustrious Kashmiri Pandit community, which has contributed a great deal in shaping the nation building a democratic, progressive and secular India, if the coffers of the country are to be emptied for them, it would still be a small price to pay.” It is important for the state governor to rise above civil service jargon while designing a package for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. It is also imperative to hold consultations with representatives of Kashmiri Pandits, so that all aspects are taken into account and the entire gamut of present and future problems analysed threadbare and in complete detail. Kashmiri Pandits are a religious minority, which calls for due statutory recognition. The constitution of a state minority commission shall be a good step in this direction. The MHA being the nodal ministry, shall start a structured dialogue with Pandits, for designing a comprehensive, time-bound package for return and rehabilitation. It shall not take more than two to three years for its implementation. Pandits believe that if the exiled community is not repatriated back to their homeland with dignity and pride now, then it will never happen again. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Time for Kashmiri Pandits to come back home with dignity

A police constable was shot and injured by suspected terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's capital Srinagar on Wednesday evening. Sources said head constable Mohammad Ilyas was at home on leave when suspected terrorists barged into his house in Khanyar and shot him.

Officials said Ilyas was shifted to SMHS hospital for treatment.

Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area are searching for the attackers.

Ilyas was posted with the special branch of the district police in Handwara of north Kashmir.

A senior police officer earlier said Ilyas had died.

However, a police spokesman later clarified he was critically injured and has been admitted to the hospital where his condition is critical.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A police constable was shot and injured by suspected terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's capital Srinagar on Wednesday evening. Sources said head constable Mohammad Ilyas was at home on leave when suspected terrorists barged into his house in Khanyar and shot him.

A police constable was shot and injured by suspected terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's capital Srinagar on Wednesday evening. Sources said head constable Mohammad Ilyas was at home on leave when suspected terrorists barged into his house in Khanyar and shot him. Officials said Ilyas was shifted to SMHS hospital for treatment. Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area are searching for the attackers. Ilyas was posted with the special branch of the district police in Handwara of north Kashmir. A senior police officer earlier said Ilyas had died. However, a police spokesman later clarified he was critically injured and has been admitted to the hospital where his condition is critical. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K cop on leave shot by suspected terrorists in Srinagar

“Sir I want to be with the boys,” said a 24-year- old officer, declining to go home on sick leave at the Base Hospital at Srinagar. I was Corps Commander in Kashmir and had gone to meet some of our soldiers and officers wounded in operations there. 
 
This young officer, Capt Pawan Kumar, had his jaw smashed by a stone pelting crowd, as he was returning with his team after a successful encounter with terrorists. Bemused, I looked at this 24-year-old, who wanted to return to his ‘boys’, each of whom were trained Special Forces soldiers, all older than him and more experienced. This is the indomitable spirit of the young officers of the Indian Army, who always lead from the front.&nbsp;

Within a week, I saluted his mortal remains in a casket. It was overwhelming! In the biggest hostage situation during my tenure as Corps Commander in Kashmir, terrorists had occupied the Skill Development Centre, a six-storeyed building in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar.&nbsp;

These brave hearts rescued over 60 hostages safely, all Kashmiri men and women. But they paid a heavy price for it, with their own lives. Captain Pawan Kumar, Capt Tushar Mahajan &amp; L/Nk Om Prakash, all commandos, were martyred.&nbsp;

During the operation, it did not matter that some of the locals they were rescuing were those who hate the Army, with many pelting stones at them. They just did their duty, saved the lives of Kashmiri hostages at the expense of their own. The only thing that mattered was the honour of the country and the duty at hand.&nbsp;

Capt Pawan Kumar is not the only one. I’ve met several other victims of this intifada style of ‘unarmed’ protest, stone pelting. Some of these fighters have narrowly missed losing an eye, some have had their jaws smashed, and suffered many injuries. So unarmed that these stone-pelters are, they are certainly not non-violent. In fact, they are viciously violent.&nbsp;

Off late, there is another trend. We have had soldiers belonging to Kashmir who have been kidnapped and killed by terrorists. Lt Ummer Fayaz, who went home in Shopian to attend a wedding in the family, a JAK-LI jawan Mukhtiyar, who went to attend his son’s funeral, or Md Yasin Itoo, who simply went home on leave, were all killed by terrorists.&nbsp;

Besides, hundreds of soldiers have lost their lives while fighting terrorists in these areas over the last three decades. Ever so often, soldiers and officers have been wounded, maimed or crippled.&nbsp;

While there is a raging debate on whether AFSPA is being too harsh and draconian, there is scarcely any concern about the human rights of soldiers.

While NGOs and several organisations like the NHRC vie to fight for the human right of terrorists, there’s no such institutional support for the army man, who goes to fight in the line of duty. &nbsp;

Just because he voluntarily signs up for an unlimited liability contract, doesn’t the soldier enjoy some legal rights as well?&nbsp;

Last month, two young women, barely out of their teens, Preeti Kedar Gokhale and Kajal Mishra, petitioned the Supreme Court to safeguard basic human rights of their soldier fathers.&nbsp;

The petitioners said they are “greatly disturbed by the incidents of unruly and disruptive mobs” pelting stones at soldiers and army convoys in Jammu and Kashmir and sought formulation of a policy to curb human rights violations of security force personnel who come under attack by mobs while performing their duty. &nbsp;

In August last year, over 300 army personnel approached the Supreme Court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in disturbed areas such as Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in force.&nbsp;

The apex court admitted their plea on the grounds that army personnel are being “persecuted” and proceeded against for performing duties in disturbed areas.&nbsp; 
 
This problem needs to be nipped in the bud. The army personnel, in their petition, claimed that they “are now facing confusion and countering questions from the soldiers under their command, as to whether they are supposed to continue to engage the proxy war and insurgency with their military training, principles, standard operating procedures, operational realities, valour and courage or act and operate as per the yardsticks of peacetime operations, law and order issues and CrPC.”

It is a very pertinent question to ask. Should officers and soldiers have to knock the gates of justice individually to do what are their bonafide duties? Since the army, obviously, cannot take recourse to legal action, should the courts take suo moto notice of the issue or can the legal fraternity help?

The soldier risks his life for the nation and for the people. It is grossly unfair if some of them have to defend themselves in courts even after retirement, for some action that he may have allegedly committed while performing his duties, which needless to say, involved grave risk to his life and limb. In return, the least a soldier deserves is the support of the country that required of him to make sacrifices, and the countrymen he risked his life for. That is not asking for too much, is it?

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-soldiers-and-civil-liberties-2745050">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

“Sir I want to be with the boys,” said a 24-year- old officer, declining to go home on sick leave at the Base Hospital at Srinagar. I was Corps Commander in Kashmir and had gone to meet some of our soldiers and officers wounded in operations there.

“Sir I want to be with the boys,” said a 24-year- old officer, declining to go home on sick leave at the Base Hospital at Srinagar. I was Corps Commander in Kashmir and had gone to meet some of our soldiers and officers wounded in operations there. This young officer, Capt Pawan Kumar, had his jaw smashed by a stone pelting crowd, as he was returning with his team after a successful encounter with terrorists. Bemused, I looked at this 24-year-old, who wanted to return to his ‘boys’, each of whom were trained Special Forces soldiers, all older than him and more experienced. This is the indomitable spirit of the young officers of the Indian Army, who always lead from the front. Within a week, I saluted his mortal remains in a casket. It was overwhelming! In the biggest hostage situation during my tenure as Corps Commander in Kashmir, terrorists had occupied the Skill Development Centre, a six-storeyed building in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar. These brave hearts rescued over 60 hostages safely, all Kashmiri men and women. But they paid a heavy price for it, with their own lives. Captain Pawan Kumar, Capt Tushar Mahajan & L/Nk Om Prakash, all commandos, were martyred. During the operation, it did not matter that some of the locals they were rescuing were those who hate the Army, with many pelting stones at them. They just did their duty, saved the lives of Kashmiri hostages at the expense of their own. The only thing that mattered was the honour of the country and the duty at hand. Capt Pawan Kumar is not the only one. I’ve met several other victims of this intifada style of ‘unarmed’ protest, stone pelting. Some of these fighters have narrowly missed losing an eye, some have had their jaws smashed, and suffered many injuries. So unarmed that these stone-pelters are, they are certainly not non-violent. In fact, they are viciously violent. Off late, there is another trend. We have had soldiers belonging to Kashmir who have been kidnapped and killed by terrorists. Lt Ummer Fayaz, who went home in Shopian to attend a wedding in the family, a JAK-LI jawan Mukhtiyar, who went to attend his son’s funeral, or Md Yasin Itoo, who simply went home on leave, were all killed by terrorists. Besides, hundreds of soldiers have lost their lives while fighting terrorists in these areas over the last three decades. Ever so often, soldiers and officers have been wounded, maimed or crippled. While there is a raging debate on whether AFSPA is being too harsh and draconian, there is scarcely any concern about the human rights of soldiers. While NGOs and several organisations like the NHRC vie to fight for the human right of terrorists, there’s no such institutional support for the army man, who goes to fight in the line of duty. Just because he voluntarily signs up for an unlimited liability contract, doesn’t the soldier enjoy some legal rights as well? Last month, two young women, barely out of their teens, Preeti Kedar Gokhale and Kajal Mishra, petitioned the Supreme Court to safeguard basic human rights of their soldier fathers. The petitioners said they are “greatly disturbed by the incidents of unruly and disruptive mobs” pelting stones at soldiers and army convoys in Jammu and Kashmir and sought formulation of a policy to curb human rights violations of security force personnel who come under attack by mobs while performing their duty. In August last year, over 300 army personnel approached the Supreme Court challenging registration of FIRs against them for operations in disturbed areas such as Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in force. The apex court admitted their plea on the grounds that army personnel are being “persecuted” and proceeded against for performing duties in disturbed areas. This problem needs to be nipped in the bud. The army personnel, in their petition, claimed that they “are now facing confusion and countering questions from the soldiers under their command, as to whether they are supposed to continue to engage the proxy war and insurgency with their military training, principles, standard operating procedures, operational realities, valour and courage or act and operate as per the yardsticks of peacetime operations, law and order issues and CrPC.” It is a very pertinent question to ask. Should officers and soldiers have to knock the gates of justice individually to do what are their bonafide duties? Since the army, obviously, cannot take recourse to legal action, should the courts take suo moto notice of the issue or can the legal fraternity help? The soldier risks his life for the nation and for the people. It is grossly unfair if some of them have to defend themselves in courts even after retirement, for some action that he may have allegedly committed while performing his duties, which needless to say, involved grave risk to his life and limb. In return, the least a soldier deserves is the support of the country that required of him to make sacrifices, and the countrymen he risked his life for. That is not asking for too much, is it? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Soldiers and civil liberties: Terrorists have more human rights defenders in this country

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to lift the ban on civilian movement on the National Highway number 44 on the Srinagar-Baramulla stretch from Thursday. The restrictions will, however, continue between Srinagar and Udhampur, the state administration said in a statement.

The administration further said that the restriction between Srinagar and Udhampur will be reviewed periodically and relaxation would be made as the need for restriction reduces.

The restriction on civilian movement on NH-44, connecting Jammu to Srinagar, was imposed in the wake of February 14 terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers of India's paramilitary force, the CRPF, were killed.

"These restrictions became necessary following the large movement of security forces on an unprecedented scale after the Pulwama terror attack. These forces were required both for anti-militancy operations and for conducting general elections peacefully," an official from the administration had said while announcing the imposition of ban in first week of April.

In order to facilitate unhindered and secure movement of the convoys of security forces, the administration had imposed a prohibition on civilian traffic on NH-44 from Baramulla to Udhampur twice a week - Sunday and Wednesday - from 4.00am to 5.00pm.

In the latest statement on Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration said that it once again reviewed the requirement of security forces. "Following the successful conduct of elections in Anantnag and Kulgam districts and as the requirement of security forces is now reducing as they are de-inducted, the government has decided to further relax the restrictions on traffic imposed," the statement said.

A complete review of restrictions on the highway would be done subsequently, the administration further said in the statement appealing to the people to extend full cooperation in the smooth regulation of traffic.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to lift the ban on civilian movement on the National Highway number 44 on the Srinagar-Baramulla stretch from Thursday.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to lift the ban on civilian movement on the National Highway number 44 on the Srinagar-Baramulla stretch from Thursday. The restrictions will, however, continue between Srinagar and Udhampur, the state administration said in a statement. The administration further said that the restriction between Srinagar and Udhampur will be reviewed periodically and relaxation would be made as the need for restriction reduces. The restriction on civilian movement on NH-44, connecting Jammu to Srinagar, was imposed in the wake of February 14 terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 soldiers of India's paramilitary force, the CRPF, were killed. "These restrictions became necessary following the large movement of security forces on an unprecedented scale after the Pulwama terror attack. These forces were required both for anti-militancy operations and for conducting general elections peacefully," an official from the administration had said while announcing the imposition of ban in first week of April. In order to facilitate unhindered and secure movement of the convoys of security forces, the administration had imposed a prohibition on civilian traffic on NH-44 from Baramulla to Udhampur twice a week - Sunday and Wednesday - from 4.00am to 5.00pm. In the latest statement on Wednesday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration said that it once again reviewed the requirement of security forces. "Following the successful conduct of elections in Anantnag and Kulgam districts and as the requirement of security forces is now reducing as they are de-inducted, the government has decided to further relax the restrictions on traffic imposed," the statement said. A complete review of restrictions on the highway would be done subsequently, the administration further said in the statement appealing to the people to extend full cooperation in the smooth regulation of traffic.

J&K highway ban: Traffic restriction on civilian movement between Srinagar & Baramulla removed

Incident-free voting marked the second leg of three-phased polling for south Kashmir’s Anantnag parliamentary constituency of Kulgam district with a total voter turnout of 10.32 per cent, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar said.

Addressing a press conference at Banquet Hall in Srinagar, the CEO informed that the overall percentage recorded in the district today was 10.3 per cent with the highest in Noorabad segment at 20.58 per cent.

He said that for the smooth polling across the district, 433 polling stations were set up out of which 20 were model polling stations. Four all-women polling stations were also set up across the district.

Divulging the details of the voter turnout in the district, the CEO informed that the total number of votes polled was 3,5524 with the highest turnout of 20.58 per cent recorded in Noorabad segment of the district. With the completion of today’s phase, the overall poll percentage of Anantnag constituency has touched 12.35 per cent.

He further elaborated that the total percentage of voting till date in various parliamentary constituencies in the state including Baramulla, Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Anantnag was recorded at 47.06 per cent with total votes polled at around 33,64104 out of 71,49047 total electorates.

The CEO complimented voters, political parties, contesting candidates, media, polling staff and security forces for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the polling in the state.

Over 3.45 lakh electors were scheduled to exercise their franchise in Kulgam district of south Kashmir region in the second leg of three-phased schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency today, including 28,761 first-time voters and 2,870 migrant voters. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states went to polls in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls</a> today.&nbsp;

Regarding the health of e-rolls, the CEO said that 43 polling stations were set up for webcasting.

The CEO said that two general observers, one expenditure observer, one police observer, 68 micro observers besides 1,732 polling staff ensured the smooth conduct of the voting in today's phase.

Incident-free voting marked the second leg of three-phased polling for south Kashmir’s Anantnag parliamentary constituency of Kulgam district with a total voter turnout of 10.

Incident-free voting marked the second leg of three-phased polling for south Kashmir’s Anantnag parliamentary constituency of Kulgam district with a total voter turnout of 10.32 per cent, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar said. Addressing a press conference at Banquet Hall in Srinagar, the CEO informed that the overall percentage recorded in the district today was 10.3 per cent with the highest in Noorabad segment at 20.58 per cent. He said that for the smooth polling across the district, 433 polling stations were set up out of which 20 were model polling stations. Four all-women polling stations were also set up across the district. Divulging the details of the voter turnout in the district, the CEO informed that the total number of votes polled was 3,5524 with the highest turnout of 20.58 per cent recorded in Noorabad segment of the district. With the completion of today’s phase, the overall poll percentage of Anantnag constituency has touched 12.35 per cent. He further elaborated that the total percentage of voting till date in various parliamentary constituencies in the state including Baramulla, Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur and Anantnag was recorded at 47.06 per cent with total votes polled at around 33,64104 out of 71,49047 total electorates. The CEO complimented voters, political parties, contesting candidates, media, polling staff and security forces for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the polling in the state. Over 3.45 lakh electors were scheduled to exercise their franchise in Kulgam district of south Kashmir region in the second leg of three-phased schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency today, including 28,761 first-time voters and 2,870 migrant voters. As many as 72 constituencies across 9 states went to polls in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls today. Regarding the health of e-rolls, the CEO said that 43 polling stations were set up for webcasting. The CEO said that two general observers, one expenditure observer, one police observer, 68 micro observers besides 1,732 polling staff ensured the smooth conduct of the voting in today's phase.

Jammu and Kashmir: Kulgam records 10.32% voter turnout in fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls

Polling began in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir -- part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency -- on Monday amid stringent security arrangements as the voting in the second leg of the three-phased schedule for the Lok Sabha seat would decide the fate of 18 candidates, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Polling began at 7 am in the district and would end at 4 pm, officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-fourth-phase-polling-underway-in-nine-states-214251">Catch live updates of&nbsp;Lok Sabha polls&nbsp;in fourth phase.</a>

They said all arrangements were in place to ensure smooth conduct of the second leg of the three-phased parliamentary polls in the Anantnag constituency in the restive south Kashmir.

Stringent and elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in the district in the restive south Kashmir to ensure smooth conduct of polling, the officials said.

They said a multi-layered security set-up was put in place as part of an elaborate security plan for protection of polling booths, handling of law and order problems and thwarting the designs of anti-national elements to disrupt the polls and also to instil a sense of confidence among voters for ensuring free, fair, transparent and smooth conduct of elections in the&nbsp; 
district.

The officials said all of the 433 polling stations have been designated either as hypersensitive or sensitive and a massive security layer has been thrown around the polling stations, many of which have been clubbed.

The Kulgam district, which comprises four assembly segments of Kulgam, Devsar, Noorabad and Hom Shalibugh, has 3,45,489 electors, including 1,79,607 males, 1,64,604 females, 1265 service electors and 13 transgender voters.

Out of these, the Kulgam Assembly segment has the highest number of 98,298 voters (51,051 males, 46,818 females, 455 service voters and 4 transgender voters), while as Noorabad has the lowest 77,171 electors, including 40,093 males, 36,886 females, 188 service voters and 4 transgender voters.

The Assembly segment of Devsar has 91,288 voters (47,467 males, 43,324 females, 492 service voters and five transgender voters), and the Hom Shalibugh segment has 78,669 voters (40,996 males, 37,576 females and 127 service voters).

The Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency is spread over four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama with 16 assembly segments.

The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons.

Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Pulwama and Shopian districts will take place on 6 May.

The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect. The revised polling timing is from 7 am to 4 pm.

There are 18 candidates in the fray for the Anantnag constituency,&nbsp;including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;Mehbooba Mufti.

The Congress has fielded its state president Ghulam Ahmad Mir, while former High Court judge Hasnain Masoodi is contesting on the National Conference ticket.

The other candidates in the fray include former MLC Sofi Yousuf (BJP), Nisar Ahmad Wani (National Panthers Party), Zaffar Ali (People's Conference), Sanjay Kumar Dhar (Manav Adhikar Party) and Surinder Singh (Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party).

Imtiyaz Ahmad Rather, Ridwana Sanam, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, Zubair Masoodi, Shamas Khwaja, Ali Mohammad Wani, Gh Mohammad Wani, Kyasir Ahmed Shiekh, Manzoor Ahmed Khan and Mirza Sajad Hussain Beigh are all independents.

Polling began in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir -- part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency -- on Monday amid stringent security arrangements as the voting in the second leg of the three-phased schedule for the Lok Sabha seat would decide the fate of 18 candidates, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Polling began in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir -- part of the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency -- on Monday amid stringent security arrangements as the voting in the second leg of the three-phased schedule for the Lok Sabha seat would decide the fate of 18 candidates, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. Polling began at 7 am in the district and would end at 4 pm, officials said. Catch live updates of Lok Sabha polls in fourth phase. They said all arrangements were in place to ensure smooth conduct of the second leg of the three-phased parliamentary polls in the Anantnag constituency in the restive south Kashmir. Stringent and elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in the district in the restive south Kashmir to ensure smooth conduct of polling, the officials said. They said a multi-layered security set-up was put in place as part of an elaborate security plan for protection of polling booths, handling of law and order problems and thwarting the designs of anti-national elements to disrupt the polls and also to instil a sense of confidence among voters for ensuring free, fair, transparent and smooth conduct of elections in the district. The officials said all of the 433 polling stations have been designated either as hypersensitive or sensitive and a massive security layer has been thrown around the polling stations, many of which have been clubbed. The Kulgam district, which comprises four assembly segments of Kulgam, Devsar, Noorabad and Hom Shalibugh, has 3,45,489 electors, including 1,79,607 males, 1,64,604 females, 1265 service electors and 13 transgender voters. Out of these, the Kulgam Assembly segment has the highest number of 98,298 voters (51,051 males, 46,818 females, 455 service voters and 4 transgender voters), while as Noorabad has the lowest 77,171 electors, including 40,093 males, 36,886 females, 188 service voters and 4 transgender voters. The Assembly segment of Devsar has 91,288 voters (47,467 males, 43,324 females, 492 service voters and five transgender voters), and the Hom Shalibugh segment has 78,669 voters (40,996 males, 37,576 females and 127 service voters). The Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency is spread over four districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama with 16 assembly segments. The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons. Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Pulwama and Shopian districts will take place on 6 May. The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect. The revised polling timing is from 7 am to 4 pm. There are 18 candidates in the fray for the Anantnag constituency, including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti. The Congress has fielded its state president Ghulam Ahmad Mir, while former High Court judge Hasnain Masoodi is contesting on the National Conference ticket. The other candidates in the fray include former MLC Sofi Yousuf (BJP), Nisar Ahmad Wani (National Panthers Party), Zaffar Ali (People's Conference), Sanjay Kumar Dhar (Manav Adhikar Party) and Surinder Singh (Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party). Imtiyaz Ahmad Rather, Ridwana Sanam, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, Zubair Masoodi, Shamas Khwaja, Ali Mohammad Wani, Gh Mohammad Wani, Kyasir Ahmed Shiekh, Manzoor Ahmed Khan and Mirza Sajad Hussain Beigh are all independents.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Polling begins in Kulgam district of Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two terrorists that carried out an attack on a police post in Srinagar's Chanpora on April 26.

The terrorists were arrested in Budgam's Wathora.

In the incident, a policeman was critically injured and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for the treatment.

Security forces had launched searches in the area to nab the terrorists.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two terrorists that carried out an attack on a police post in Srinagar's Chanpora on April 26. The terrorists were arrested in Budgam's Wathora.

Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two terrorists that carried out an attack on a police post in Srinagar's Chanpora on April 26. The terrorists were arrested in Budgam's Wathora. In the incident, a policeman was critically injured and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for the treatment. Security forces had launched searches in the area to nab the terrorists.

Jammu and Kashmir: Police arrest two terrorists for attacking police post in Srinagar

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-terrorist-arrested-was-operating-in-srinagar-for-over-a-year-to-revive-militancy-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-baramulla-ssp-213238">arrested Pak terrorist</a> is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley.&nbsp;

"Pakistan always wishes for live evidence, now we have held a resident of Pakistan who is associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba," he said before presenting him.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday presented a Pakistani terrorist in front of media after he was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.&nbsp;

Speaking to media briefly, the detained terrorist identified himself as Mohammad Waqas, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali of Punjab province in Pakistan. "I am from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar. I'm 27 years old and came to Kashmir in 2017. I took training in Muzaffarabad," he said. &nbsp;

Waqas&nbsp;told media that he was told that people in Kashmir aren't even allowed to pray inside the mosques.

Sources told WION said that he was trained at Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi’s house and had met him on two occasions. The police said that they will be able to share more details after more questioning is done in the coming days. &nbsp;

The top cop was flanked by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC Chinar Corps and Zulfikar Hassan, Inspector General Operations CRPF. &nbsp;They told the media that there has been a considerable dip in the number of militants joining terror outfits.&nbsp;

"Large scale modules which were working on behalf of several outfits were arrested. Stone pelting, law and order came down to a very big extent. The youth didn’t indulge in stone pelting much," Dilbag said.

The Army Commander said that a total of 69 terrorists have been killed so far in different operations.

"A total of 69 militants have been killed, 12 have been apprehended, 49 have been killed since Pulwama blast. Among them, were category A plus. We have targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed leadership." he added.&nbsp;

On IED threats, Dilbag Singh told WION that "we have and are spending sleepless nights to avert such things. We are taking every input seriously."

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the arrested Pak terrorist is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley.

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the arrested Pak terrorist is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley. "Pakistan always wishes for live evidence, now we have held a resident of Pakistan who is associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba," he said before presenting him. The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday presented a Pakistani terrorist in front of media after he was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday. Speaking to media briefly, the detained terrorist identified himself as Mohammad Waqas, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali of Punjab province in Pakistan. "I am from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar. I'm 27 years old and came to Kashmir in 2017. I took training in Muzaffarabad," he said. Waqas told media that he was told that people in Kashmir aren't even allowed to pray inside the mosques. Sources told WION said that he was trained at Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi’s house and had met him on two occasions. The police said that they will be able to share more details after more questioning is done in the coming days. The top cop was flanked by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC Chinar Corps and Zulfikar Hassan, Inspector General Operations CRPF. They told the media that there has been a considerable dip in the number of militants joining terror outfits. "Large scale modules which were working on behalf of several outfits were arrested. Stone pelting, law and order came down to a very big extent. The youth didn’t indulge in stone pelting much," Dilbag said. The Army Commander said that a total of 69 terrorists have been killed so far in different operations. "A total of 69 militants have been killed, 12 have been apprehended, 49 have been killed since Pulwama blast. Among them, were category A plus. We have targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed leadership." he added. On IED threats, Dilbag Singh told WION that "we have and are spending sleepless nights to avert such things. We are taking every input seriously."

'I'm from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar; took training in Muzaffarabad,' says terrorist arrested in J&K's Baramulla

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