Breaking News: Six terrorists killed in J&K's Tral

<p>It's an attire that's unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Come winters and the Pheran can be seen everywhere on the streets but now, an order by the state's education department, banning officials from wearing it to work has sparked a controversy.</p>

<p>The order has evoked strong reactions and condemnation from all sections of the society in the valley. The former chief minister of the state Omar Abdullah termed the order regressive. He challenged the move with pictures of his father, Farooq Abdullah, wearing the dress.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My father &amp; I have worn pherans to official functions many times over the years &amp; will continue to do so, silly government orders not withstanding. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dontbanourpheran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dontbanourpheran</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/revokepheranban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#revokepheranban</a>. <a href="https://t.co/nEsjpMd4XB">pic.twitter.com/nEsjpMd4XB</a></p>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1074924920323350528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The fact is that for no item we have a dress code, why for this? If there is a threat by Pheran, then every Kashmiri is a suspect," Omar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move has sparked a social media campaign with people posting their pictures in Pheran, with hashtags like #PheranBan and #SayNoToPharanBan. Some even called the move an onslaught on Kashmiri culture.</p>

<p>"This is a very regressive step. In Kashmir everyone wears Pheran, it is part of our culture. Ladakhi people wear their attire and in south India, people wear Lungi, then why just Pheran?" National Conference Spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq told media.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/saynotopharanban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#saynotopharanban</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/proudtobeakashmiri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#proudtobeakashmiri</a><br />
Start this hashtag and tag your friends and post pictures <a href="https://twitter.com/Raheelk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Raheelk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RJNASIROFFICIAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RJNASIROFFICIAL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shahfaesal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shahfaesal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanNizami_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SalmanNizami_</a> <a href="https://t.co/uEuibwRUak">pic.twitter.com/uEuibwRUak</a></p>
— Shazia Bakshi (@Shazia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shazia/status/1074944335580422144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pheran is a traditional outfit worn by both men and women in Kashmir during winters. It helps protect people from the bone-chilling cold. Over the years, Pheran -- which has its roots in West Asia and Afghanistan -- has been customised and redesigned to make it contemporary and fashionable. &nbsp;</p>

<p>People in the valley take pride in wearing this traditional dress. Kashmiri brides, regardless of religion, dress in designer Pheran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have grown in Pheran, we have seen our parents and grandparents wearing it. Now, if someone dictates us that we shouldn't wear Pheran, it will be treated as part of aggression," said Social activist Babar Qadri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the city of Srinagar, there are many shops dedicated only to making Pherans which customise them according to the need and demand of customers. According to the shopkeepers, the demand for Pheran&nbsp;has only gone up over the years.&nbsp;</p>


It's an attire that's unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Come winters and the Pheran can be seen everywhere on the streets but now, an order by the state's education department, banning officials from wearing it to work has sparked a controversy.

It's an attire that's unique to Jammu and Kashmir. Come winters and the Pheran can be seen everywhere on the streets but now, an order by the state's education department, banning officials from wearing it to work has sparked a controversy. The order has evoked strong reactions and condemnation from all sections of the society in the valley. The former chief minister of the state Omar Abdullah termed the order regressive. He challenged the move with pictures of his father, Farooq Abdullah, wearing the dress. My father & I have worn pherans to official functions many times over the years & will continue to do so, silly government orders not withstanding. #dontbanourpheran #revokepheranban. pic.twitter.com/nEsjpMd4XB — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 18, 2018 × "The fact is that for no item we have a dress code, why for this? If there is a threat by Pheran, then every Kashmiri is a suspect," Omar said. The move has sparked a social media campaign with people posting their pictures in Pheran, with hashtags like #PheranBan and #SayNoToPharanBan. Some even called the move an onslaught on Kashmiri culture. "This is a very regressive step. In Kashmir everyone wears Pheran, it is part of our culture. Ladakhi people wear their attire and in south India, people wear Lungi, then why just Pheran?" National Conference Spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq told media. #saynotopharanban #proudtobeakashmiri Start this hashtag and tag your friends and post pictures @Raheelk @RJNASIROFFICIAL @shahfaesal @SalmanNizami_ pic.twitter.com/uEuibwRUak — Shazia Bakshi (@Shazia) December 18, 2018 × Pheran is a traditional outfit worn by both men and women in Kashmir during winters. It helps protect people from the bone-chilling cold. Over the years, Pheran -- which has its roots in West Asia and Afghanistan -- has been customised and redesigned to make it contemporary and fashionable. People in the valley take pride in wearing this traditional dress. Kashmiri brides, regardless of religion, dress in designer Pheran. "We have grown in Pheran, we have seen our parents and grandparents wearing it. Now, if someone dictates us that we shouldn't wear Pheran, it will be treated as part of aggression," said Social activist Babar Qadri. In the city of Srinagar, there are many shops dedicated only to making Pherans which customise them according to the need and demand of customers. According to the shopkeepers, the demand for Pheran has only gone up over the years.

'Pheran ban' in Kashmir rakes controversy, Omar Abdullah reacts

<p>President's rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after the expiry of six months of Governor's rule in the state.</p>

<p>The President's rule came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule.</p>

<p>In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution."</p>

<p>The notification further stated that the "powers of the legislature of the said state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament."</p>

<p>President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery.</p>

<p>Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister, following Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly last month soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party.</p>


President's rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after the expiry of six months of Governor's rule in the state. The President's rule came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule.

President's rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after the expiry of six months of Governor's rule in the state. The President's rule came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule. In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution." The notification further stated that the "powers of the legislature of the said state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament." President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery. Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister, following Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly last month soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party.

President's rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir

<p>National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an&nbsp;early election&nbsp;in the state.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters at a function to welcome two former PDP minister into the National Conference, former J&amp;K chief minister said, "I think Governor and President's rule must come to an end. There should be an election soon. People must choose their representatives who can work."</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/presidents-rule-imposed-in-jammu-and-kashmir-185375">Jammu and Kashmir came under President's rule</a> on Wednesday following the expiry of governor's rule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule.</p>

<p>President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery.</p>

<p>Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-alliance-with-bjp-knowing-it-will-be-suicidal-mehbooba-mufti-184101">Mehbooba Mufti</a> resigned as the Chief Minister, following <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-pdp-in-kashmir-145468">Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP</a>.</p>

<p>Last month, Jammu and Kashmir Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721">Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly</a> soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party.</p>

<p>People's Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, considered to be close to Modi, had also staked a claim with the support of BJP and 18 other unnamed MLAs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-luck-to-us-omar-abdullah-day-after-governor-dissolves-kashmir-assembly-178795"> Omar Abdullah</a> also called on prime minister Narendra Modi to ensure the assembly polls were held in Jammu and Kashmir within six months following the dissolution of the house.</p>

<p>"Your government's handling of J&amp;K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir," he said, responding to a tweet from Modi lauding the high voter turnout in the state during the panchayat and urban local bodies polls.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sir, please also commit your government to assembly elections in J&amp;K. Vested interests, including some occupying positions of authority in J&amp;K, are trying to engineer a delay. Your government’s handling of J&amp;K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir. <a href="https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De">https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De</a></p>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1075400467528777730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from news agencies)</em></p>


National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an early election in the state.

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said that Governor and President's rule must come to an end as he called for an early election in the state. Speaking to reporters at a function to welcome two former PDP minister into the National Conference, former J&K chief minister said, "I think Governor and President's rule must come to an end. There should be an election soon. People must choose their representatives who can work." Jammu and Kashmir came under President's rule on Wednesday following the expiry of governor's rule. It came into effect in the state after President Ram Nath Kovind in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution signed a proclamation ordering imposition of central rule. President's rule is imposed when a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, following which the central government can take direct control of the state machinery. Governor's rule in Jammu and came into effect in June after People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti resigned as the Chief Minister, following Bharatiya Janata Party's withdrawal from its alliance with the PDP. Last month, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik had dissolved the state Assembly soon after the PDP chief wrote a letter to him staking claim to form the government in the state in alliance with the National Conference(NC) and the Congress party. People's Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone, considered to be close to Modi, had also staked a claim with the support of BJP and 18 other unnamed MLAs. Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah also called on prime minister Narendra Modi to ensure the assembly polls were held in Jammu and Kashmir within six months following the dissolution of the house. "Your government's handling of J&K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir," he said, responding to a tweet from Modi lauding the high voter turnout in the state during the panchayat and urban local bodies polls. Sir, please also commit your government to assembly elections in J&K. Vested interests, including some occupying positions of authority in J&K, are trying to engineer a delay. Your government’s handling of J&K will be judged by whether assembly elections are on time or not sir. https://t.co/QkBXLrK6De — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 19, 2018 × (With inputs from news agencies)

J&K: Farooq Abdullah calls for early election; says Governor and President's rule must end

<p>Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state.</p>

<p>In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution."</p>

<p>The state plunged into a political crisis in June after the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP alliance led by Mehbooba Mufti.</p>

<p>Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier sent a report recommending the establishment of the President's rule in the state. Following this, a cabinet headed by PM Modi decided for the imposition of the President's rule in the state.</p>

<p>After the proclamation, the powers of the Legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.</p>

<p>Since the state has a separate Constitution, in such cases, six months of governor's rule is compulsory under Article 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, under which all the legislature powers are vested with the governor.</p>

<p>The governor on November 21 dissolved the 87-member state assembly after the PDP, supported by the Congress and their arch-rivals National Conference, had staked claim to form the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Simultaneously, the two-member People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone had also staked claim to form a government with 25 members of the BJP and other 18 unknown members.</p>

<p>The governor had dissolved the assembly citing horse trading and lack of stability to form a government as the reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight. President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight. President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state. In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution." The state plunged into a political crisis in June after the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP alliance led by Mehbooba Mufti. Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier sent a report recommending the establishment of the President's rule in the state. Following this, a cabinet headed by PM Modi decided for the imposition of the President's rule in the state. After the proclamation, the powers of the Legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament. Since the state has a separate Constitution, in such cases, six months of governor's rule is compulsory under Article 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, under which all the legislature powers are vested with the governor. The governor on November 21 dissolved the 87-member state assembly after the PDP, supported by the Congress and their arch-rivals National Conference, had staked claim to form the government. Simultaneously, the two-member People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone had also staked claim to form a government with 25 members of the BJP and other 18 unknown members. The governor had dissolved the assembly citing horse trading and lack of stability to form a government as the reasons. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir to come under President's rule from midnight

<p>Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter&nbsp;in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> One soldier has lost his life in the encounter, operation continues <a href="https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a">https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073826098671165441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sirnoo village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Pulwama district. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/vQ1ryAxODJ">pic.twitter.com/vQ1ryAxODJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073782058118455296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said as the forces were conducting searches, the militants opened fire on them.</p>

<p>The forces retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said.</p>

<p>He said the gunfight is going on. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>


Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said.

Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said. #UPDATE One soldier has lost his life in the encounter, operation continues https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sirnoo village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Pulwama district. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/vQ1ryAxODJ — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × He said as the forces were conducting searches, the militants opened fire on them. The forces retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said. He said the gunfight is going on. Further details are awaited.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three terrorists, one soldier dead in ongoing encounter in Pulwama district

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday ordered a probe into the death of seven civilians when security forces allegedly opened fire at a mob that thronged an encounter site in Pulwama district, an official spokesperson said.</p>

<p>He appealed to people to stay away from encounter sites while directing Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to inquire into the Saturday incident, the spokesman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seven people were killed in alleged firing by security forces during post-operation clashes at Simoo village in Pulwama district after a gunfight with terrorists left three extremists and an army jawan dead.</p>

<p>In the wake of the incident, the governor chaired a high-level meeting of&nbsp;<br />
senior officers of the state and central police forces at the Raj Bhavan where he reviewed law and order and other security-related issues.</p>

<p>Expressing grief over the loss of lives during post-operation clashes, the governor directed the security forces to minimize collateral damage during anti-terror operations.</p>

<p>He also reviewed the latest security scenario in Kashmir including details of the counter-infiltration and counterterrorist operations are undertaken recently, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>He recommended people-friendly measures during such operations, asking the security forces and the administration to address the post-operation complications.</p>

<p>The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining a sustained and close watch on the ground situation and lauded the real-time coordination between the security forces and the civil administration. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pained by the unnecessary and avoidable loss of civilian lives in operation, the governor appealed to the people to not go near such areas during or immediately after such operations, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>He said the governor directed security forces to give time for people to evacuate an area during an anti-militancy operation as per the laid down procedure.&nbsp;</p>


Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday ordered a probe into the death of seven civilians when security forces allegedly opened fire at a mob that thronged an encounter site in Pulwama district, an official spokesperson said.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday ordered a probe into the death of seven civilians when security forces allegedly opened fire at a mob that thronged an encounter site in Pulwama district, an official spokesperson said. He appealed to people to stay away from encounter sites while directing Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to inquire into the Saturday incident, the spokesman said. Seven people were killed in alleged firing by security forces during post-operation clashes at Simoo village in Pulwama district after a gunfight with terrorists left three extremists and an army jawan dead. In the wake of the incident, the governor chaired a high-level meeting of senior officers of the state and central police forces at the Raj Bhavan where he reviewed law and order and other security-related issues. Expressing grief over the loss of lives during post-operation clashes, the governor directed the security forces to minimize collateral damage during anti-terror operations. He also reviewed the latest security scenario in Kashmir including details of the counter-infiltration and counterterrorist operations are undertaken recently, the spokesman said. He recommended people-friendly measures during such operations, asking the security forces and the administration to address the post-operation complications. The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining a sustained and close watch on the ground situation and lauded the real-time coordination between the security forces and the civil administration. Pained by the unnecessary and avoidable loss of civilian lives in operation, the governor appealed to the people to not go near such areas during or immediately after such operations, the spokesman said. He said the governor directed security forces to give time for people to evacuate an area during an anti-militancy operation as per the laid down procedure.

J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik orders probe into Pulwama incident

<p>The CPI(M) has filed an intervention plea in the pending Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>The intervention plea is filed through advocate-on-record Resmitha R Chandran. Senior advocate P V Surendranath will argue the matter in the apex court for the party.</p>

<p>"The party is of the unequivocal opinion that Article 370 shall in no circumstance be annulled, modified or repealed. The party opposes the relief sought in the Special Leave Petition," CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The special status guaranteed to the State of Jammu Kashmir under the Constitution of India which has assumed the permanent feature of the Constitution requires protection as any alteration would be against the policy of federalism envisaged by the framers of the Constitution," he said.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in unique circumstances and it poses a unique problem which requires a unique solution, he said.</p>

<p>It was the only state to declare its intention to have its own Constitution drafted by its own constituent assembly as far back as March 5, 1948, he said.</p>

<p>"Federalism is a basic feature and part of basic structure of the Constitution. To promote fraternity among all the citizens, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation is our constitutional motto as declared in the preamble of our Constitution," he said.</p>

<p>Tarigami said the relative autonomy of states on federal principle was a pre-condition for preserving and developing unity and integrity of the nation.</p>

<p>"Federalism also presupposes acknowledgment of historical realities and special nature and objective factors with respect to deferent states and their population," he said.</p>

<p>Article 370 grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A empowers the state legislature to define permanent citizens.<br />
The next date for hearing on Article 370 is scheduled on January 19.</p>


The CPI(M) has filed an intervention plea in the pending Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The CPI(M) has filed an intervention plea in the pending Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The intervention plea is filed through advocate-on-record Resmitha R Chandran. Senior advocate P V Surendranath will argue the matter in the apex court for the party. "The party is of the unequivocal opinion that Article 370 shall in no circumstance be annulled, modified or repealed. The party opposes the relief sought in the Special Leave Petition," CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami said in a statement. "The special status guaranteed to the State of Jammu Kashmir under the Constitution of India which has assumed the permanent feature of the Constitution requires protection as any alteration would be against the policy of federalism envisaged by the framers of the Constitution," he said. Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in unique circumstances and it poses a unique problem which requires a unique solution, he said. It was the only state to declare its intention to have its own Constitution drafted by its own constituent assembly as far back as March 5, 1948, he said. "Federalism is a basic feature and part of basic structure of the Constitution. To promote fraternity among all the citizens, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation is our constitutional motto as declared in the preamble of our Constitution," he said. Tarigami said the relative autonomy of states on federal principle was a pre-condition for preserving and developing unity and integrity of the nation. "Federalism also presupposes acknowledgment of historical realities and special nature and objective factors with respect to deferent states and their population," he said. Article 370 grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A empowers the state legislature to define permanent citizens. The next date for hearing on Article 370 is scheduled on January 19.

CPI(M) files intervention plea in pending SLP in Supreme Court challenging Article 370

<p>Members of the Jammu and Kashmir United Peace Movement (JKUPM) Saturday protested in Jammu against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-in-jk-8-civilians-3-militants-and-one-soldier-among-12-dead-184239">killings in the valley</a> and advocated dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem.</p>

<p>The protesters assembled at Exhibition Ground and staged a peaceful sit-in on a day when seven civilians, three militants and an army soldier were killed and scores of others injured in a gunfight and subsequent protests in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.</p>

<p>"We have assembled here to seek an end to the killings, spread the message of peace and highlight the need to maintain communal harmony," chairman JKUPM Himmat Singh Singh told PTI.</p>

<p>He said the unabated violence in Kashmir and the loss of human lives on a daily basis should be put to an end which was possible only when the concerned parties start a meaningful dialogue.</p>

<p>"Kashmir has become a flashpoint in the sub-continent and a major hurdle in the development of South Asia. Bullet is not a solution to the problem," he said.</p>

<p>Former minister Baba Singh said the unrealistic approach of the successive governments at the centre and state is the root cause of the prevailing situation in the valley.</p>

<p>"We demand immediate end to the human rights violations. Kashmir is a dispute pending solution since 1947,? he said advocating a trilateral approach involving India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir to address the issue.</p>

<p>He said JKUPM will launch a massive campaign across the state and the country to press for solution to the Kashmir problem through a meaningful dialogue.&nbsp;</p>


Members of the Jammu and Kashmir United Peace Movement (JKUPM) Saturday protested in Jammu against the killings in the valley and advocated dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem.

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir United Peace Movement (JKUPM) Saturday protested in Jammu against the killings in the valley and advocated dialogue to resolve the Kashmir problem. The protesters assembled at Exhibition Ground and staged a peaceful sit-in on a day when seven civilians, three militants and an army soldier were killed and scores of others injured in a gunfight and subsequent protests in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. "We have assembled here to seek an end to the killings, spread the message of peace and highlight the need to maintain communal harmony," chairman JKUPM Himmat Singh Singh told PTI. He said the unabated violence in Kashmir and the loss of human lives on a daily basis should be put to an end which was possible only when the concerned parties start a meaningful dialogue. "Kashmir has become a flashpoint in the sub-continent and a major hurdle in the development of South Asia. Bullet is not a solution to the problem," he said. Former minister Baba Singh said the unrealistic approach of the successive governments at the centre and state is the root cause of the prevailing situation in the valley. "We demand immediate end to the human rights violations. Kashmir is a dispute pending solution since 1947,? he said advocating a trilateral approach involving India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir to address the issue. He said JKUPM will launch a massive campaign across the state and the country to press for solution to the Kashmir problem through a meaningful dialogue.

JKUPM protests killings in valley, advocates dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-pulwama-180137">Jammu and Kashmir </a>has become the first state in the country to have a law banning sexual exploitation of women by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant.</p>

<p>The State Administrative Council (SAC) under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik on Friday approved the 'Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018' and the 'Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018', an official spokesman said.</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the Ranbir Penal Code, whereby specific offence under section 354 E is being inserted to provide for the offence of 'Sextortion', he said.</p>

<p>Amendments are being made in section 154, 161 and Schedule of Criminal Procedure Code and section 53 A of the Evidence Act so as to bring sextortion at par with similar offences prescribed under Ranbir Penal Code, and amendment is being made in the Prevention of Corruption Act to amend the definition of misconduct and provide that demand for sexual favours would also constitute misconduct within the meaning of section 5, the spokesman added.</p>


Jammu and Kashmir has become the first state in the country to have a law banning sexual exploitation of women by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant.

Jammu and Kashmir has become the first state in the country to have a law banning sexual exploitation of women by those in positions of authority, having a fiduciary relationship or a public servant. The State Administrative Council (SAC) under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik on Friday approved the 'Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018' and the 'Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018', an official spokesman said. The Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to amend the Ranbir Penal Code, whereby specific offence under section 354 E is being inserted to provide for the offence of 'Sextortion', he said. Amendments are being made in section 154, 161 and Schedule of Criminal Procedure Code and section 53 A of the Evidence Act so as to bring sextortion at par with similar offences prescribed under Ranbir Penal Code, and amendment is being made in the Prevention of Corruption Act to amend the definition of misconduct and provide that demand for sexual favours would also constitute misconduct within the meaning of section 5, the spokesman added.

Jammu and Kashmir becomes first state to have a law banning 'sextortion'

<p>People celebrate birthdays but ever heard of anyone celebrating mortality? A village of Aryans in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region called Brokpa does exactly that. The 'Yata Festival' as it is called was celebrated after a period of fifty years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 70 kilometres from Kargil near Baralik sector a two-day long festival of death was celebrated by the local Aryans living in this Darchik village.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The festival witnessed traditional dance performance and preparing special meals.</p>

<p>The unique festival is celebrated for the elderly of this tribe who are on the verge of death and are above 60 years of age. Passing on through generations, the festival is locally known as 'Yata'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt=" 'Yata Festival'" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e59c6f4-badb-4d84-aac6-0d340d7e0daf" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/file.jpeg" /></p>

<p>Elderly of the tribe invite the people of the village before they die to enjoy the dance and eat traditional food.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We call everyone to this village. The elderly men and women are brought here and it becomes a sort of anniversary for them,'' said one of the villages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dressed in traditional clothes, the entire village gathered to wish the elderly people who were presented with special butter made from yak milk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We make a lot of dishes and locally we call it Yata. We invite everyone from villages to see this and enjoy the meal,'' said another villager.</p>

<p>These four villagers of Aryans live on the northern bank of Indus on the road to Baltistan and claim to be the direct descendants from the Alexander’s Army.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt=" 'Yata Festival'" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d854c98d-b195-4c0e-9582-e5b69a2d02ac" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/file1.jpeg" /></p>

<p>It is reported that some of Alexander’s Armymen stayed back after he abandoned his campaign at the banks of river Indus in 326 BC. The tribe is also found in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and other parts.&nbsp;</p>


People celebrate birthdays but ever heard of anyone celebrating mortality? A village of Aryans in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region called Brokpa does exactly that.

People celebrate birthdays but ever heard of anyone celebrating mortality? A village of Aryans in Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region called Brokpa does exactly that. The 'Yata Festival' as it is called was celebrated after a period of fifty years. About 70 kilometres from Kargil near Baralik sector a two-day long festival of death was celebrated by the local Aryans living in this Darchik village. The festival witnessed traditional dance performance and preparing special meals. The unique festival is celebrated for the elderly of this tribe who are on the verge of death and are above 60 years of age. Passing on through generations, the festival is locally known as 'Yata'. Elderly of the tribe invite the people of the village before they die to enjoy the dance and eat traditional food. ''We call everyone to this village. The elderly men and women are brought here and it becomes a sort of anniversary for them,'' said one of the villages. Dressed in traditional clothes, the entire village gathered to wish the elderly people who were presented with special butter made from yak milk. ''We make a lot of dishes and locally we call it Yata. We invite everyone from villages to see this and enjoy the meal,'' said another villager. These four villagers of Aryans live on the northern bank of Indus on the road to Baltistan and claim to be the direct descendants from the Alexander’s Army. It is reported that some of Alexander’s Armymen stayed back after he abandoned his campaign at the banks of river Indus in 326 BC. The tribe is also found in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and other parts.

This Ladakh village celebrates mortality with 'festival of death' 

<p>In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, shutdowns and curfews often bring life and business to a standstill. Setting up a new business sector could be disastrous but there is a generation of women who are breaking barriers and establishing their own business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mufti Sadia started her business when there were no women in the clothing sector of Kashmir. Her boutique was among the first in Srinagar after she decided to opt out of her job and work independently in the valley.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Facing many hurdles and challenges, Sadia started her own brand called 'Hangers, the closet' in 2014 at a shopping mall. She says that since then she has never looked back despite negative comments from a&nbsp;certain section.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My father wasn't sure about what I was doing because I was just 24-year-old back then but now he also supports me in what I am doing," says Sadia while attending a customer.</p>

<p>Her family has been a source of inspiration for Sadia and has always helped her to cope up with difficulties. It was because of the&nbsp;family's support that the new and female entrepreneur emerged successful&nbsp;in the volatile state. Hangers is now a known band in Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sadia draws most of her customers online through Instagram and Facebook. Most of her designs give a&nbsp;western touch to the Kashmiri traditional wear. Starting from zero, she has now hired a salesgirl among eleven others.</p>

<p><img alt="Mufti Sadia " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9697d224-08e2-4602-be42-e65c2a5aa32e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/kashmir%202.JPG" /></p>

<p>"The response is good so far, I get negative comments on social media even by women but I think the negative comments given to me have helped me grow from a better person to a better designer," Sadia says.</p>

<p>While Saida has inspired many girls to set up their own clothing range, there is another woman in the old city of Srinagar, who saved her family from an impending bankruptcy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rifat Massodi, a mother of two bravely took up the task of establishing a manufacturing unit in the volatile area of Srinagar.</p>

<p>Soon after the death of her father-in-law,&nbsp;the family was thinking to close down the bat manufacturing unit located in one of the most volatile areas of Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Braving all odds, Rifat convinced her husband, a football coach, to let her run the factory which employed many local workers. Despite the social backlash, she took the up the challenge in the year 2000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Rifat Massodi." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af7433be-1eb4-47ef-a890-5655d084f6eb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/k3.JPG" /></p>

<p>Every morning after sending her kids to school, she steps into this small unit near her house to oversee&nbsp;the work. Today, Rifat's bat unit produces thousands of baths per month which are transported to many states including Maharashtra and Kerala.</p>

<p>"It is difficult to manage everything, in the morning I do my work at home, then I come to this unit. Later, when the kids come at 4 PM, I go to see them. I also take care of my mother-in-law," says Rifat.</p>

<p>In recent times, many Kashmiri women have bravely turned into successful entrepreneurs in the conservative society. Many of them are now bravely chasing their own dreams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rifat now wishes to see her bat in the hands of international and national players. These women entrepreneurs have become an inspiration for many in the state with more coming into the business sector.&nbsp;</p>


In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, shutdowns and curfews often bring life and business to a standstill. Setting up a new business sector could be disastrous but there is a generation of women who are breaking barriers and establishing their own business.

In the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, shutdowns and curfews often bring life and business to a standstill. Setting up a new business sector could be disastrous but there is a generation of women who are breaking barriers and establishing their own business. Mufti Sadia started her business when there were no women in the clothing sector of Kashmir. Her boutique was among the first in Srinagar after she decided to opt out of her job and work independently in the valley. Facing many hurdles and challenges, Sadia started her own brand called 'Hangers, the closet' in 2014 at a shopping mall. She says that since then she has never looked back despite negative comments from a certain section. "My father wasn't sure about what I was doing because I was just 24-year-old back then but now he also supports me in what I am doing," says Sadia while attending a customer. Her family has been a source of inspiration for Sadia and has always helped her to cope up with difficulties. It was because of the family's support that the new and female entrepreneur emerged successful in the volatile state. Hangers is now a known band in Kashmir. Sadia draws most of her customers online through Instagram and Facebook. Most of her designs give a western touch to the Kashmiri traditional wear. Starting from zero, she has now hired a salesgirl among eleven others. "The response is good so far, I get negative comments on social media even by women but I think the negative comments given to me have helped me grow from a better person to a better designer," Sadia says. While Saida has inspired many girls to set up their own clothing range, there is another woman in the old city of Srinagar, who saved her family from an impending bankruptcy. Rifat Massodi, a mother of two bravely took up the task of establishing a manufacturing unit in the volatile area of Srinagar. Soon after the death of her father-in-law, the family was thinking to close down the bat manufacturing unit located in one of the most volatile areas of Srinagar. Braving all odds, Rifat convinced her husband, a football coach, to let her run the factory which employed many local workers. Despite the social backlash, she took the up the challenge in the year 2000. Every morning after sending her kids to school, she steps into this small unit near her house to oversee the work. Today, Rifat's bat unit produces thousands of baths per month which are transported to many states including Maharashtra and Kerala. "It is difficult to manage everything, in the morning I do my work at home, then I come to this unit. Later, when the kids come at 4 PM, I go to see them. I also take care of my mother-in-law," says Rifat. In recent times, many Kashmiri women have bravely turned into successful entrepreneurs in the conservative society. Many of them are now bravely chasing their own dreams. Rifat now wishes to see her bat in the hands of international and national players. These women entrepreneurs have become an inspiration for many in the state with more coming into the business sector.

Women entrepreneurs break barriers in Kashmir

<p>Two terrorists were gunned down on Thursday in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district between security forces and terrorists on Wednesday evening. The encounter&nbsp;concluded today morning.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Baramulla: Firing has stopped at Baratkalan-Gund Mohalla of Sopore where an encounter started between security forces &amp; terrorists, yesterday. Search operation to start. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073044266421649410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The troops of 179 battalion CRPF, Special Operation Group (SOG) Sopore, 22 RR, CRPF Range Quick Action Team Baramulla were carrying out the encounter.</p>

<p>The encounter took place at Baratkala-Gund Mohalla, Sopore. the area has been cordoned off by the security officials as search operation to begin.</p>

<p>Mobile internet services&nbsp;are also suspended in the area.</p>

<p>A joint team of forces approached a suspected house after which the hidden terrorists opened fire at the forces triggering a gunfight.</p>

<p>More details awaited.</p>

<p>The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months.</p>

<p>On November 23, six terrorists were gunned down in Anantnag district in an encounter between security forces and terrorists.</p>


Two terrorists were gunned down on Thursday in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district between security forces and terrorists on Wednesday evening.

Two terrorists were gunned down on Thursday in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district between security forces and terrorists on Wednesday evening. The encounter concluded today morning. Baramulla: Firing has stopped at Baratkalan-Gund Mohalla of Sopore where an encounter started between security forces & terrorists, yesterday. Search operation to start. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2018 × The troops of 179 battalion CRPF, Special Operation Group (SOG) Sopore, 22 RR, CRPF Range Quick Action Team Baramulla were carrying out the encounter. The encounter took place at Baratkala-Gund Mohalla, Sopore. the area has been cordoned off by the security officials as search operation to begin. Mobile internet services are also suspended in the area. A joint team of forces approached a suspected house after which the hidden terrorists opened fire at the forces triggering a gunfight. More details awaited. The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months. On November 23, six terrorists were gunned down in Anantnag district in an encounter between security forces and terrorists.

J&K: Firing ends in Baramulla encounter, 2 terrorists killed

<p>With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition.</p>

<p>Bhushan Lal looks out of his window from his house in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lal is among a small minority of Kashmiri Pandits who never left the valley when Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted their community.</p>

<p>Lal, like many others, dreams to go for pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth which is an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sharada Peeth is back in focus after the opening of Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims. &nbsp;</p>

<p>His hopes have gained momentum after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been quoted by newspapers as saying that his government "can consider other proposals including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir."</p>

<p>"This is a very good step, it actually means a lot for us. What Sidhu did for Sikhs, we are demanding the same for us. We have been trying this for a long time, even Mufti Syed, tried to open the route. If this happens, I will go with my entire family," Lal said while preparing to leave for his daily work.</p>

<p>Since the partition of India, the temple has been out of bounds for Indian pilgrims. Lal has met several political leaders to press for the reopening of the ancient temple, but all in vain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now former chief minister of J&amp;K Mehbooba Mufti has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by writing a letter to consider the opening of a Kartarpur-type corridor for the Kashmiri Pandits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharada Peeth translates to "the seat of Sharada," the Kashmiri name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The temple is located in a small village about 160 kilometres from Muzaffarabad along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Away from Srinagar, almost 70 kilometres to the north in Bandipora district, four Kashmiri Pandit families take care of a small Shardada temple. The bells don't ring regularly here. Locals believe the place to be a temporary resting place of goddess Sharada when she came from Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here these families also echo the same wish. Moti Lal Bhat is 86-year-old now, his wish is to visit the original Sharada temple has faded with time. Bhat says the local temple is sacred for not only the Hindu community but also to the local Muslim population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am old now, I don't know if I will be able to go there but those after me should get an opportunity to visit the sacred temple," Bhat says while sitting in corner of a room having walls made of mud.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Save Sharada Committee has been pushing long for their demand to open the route through Muzaffarabad, so far it has fallen on deaf ears.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition.

With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition. Bhushan Lal looks out of his window from his house in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lal is among a small minority of Kashmiri Pandits who never left the valley when Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted their community. Lal, like many others, dreams to go for pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth which is an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sharada Peeth is back in focus after the opening of Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims. His hopes have gained momentum after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been quoted by newspapers as saying that his government "can consider other proposals including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir." "This is a very good step, it actually means a lot for us. What Sidhu did for Sikhs, we are demanding the same for us. We have been trying this for a long time, even Mufti Syed, tried to open the route. If this happens, I will go with my entire family," Lal said while preparing to leave for his daily work. Since the partition of India, the temple has been out of bounds for Indian pilgrims. Lal has met several political leaders to press for the reopening of the ancient temple, but all in vain. Now former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by writing a letter to consider the opening of a Kartarpur-type corridor for the Kashmiri Pandits. Sharada Peeth translates to "the seat of Sharada," the Kashmiri name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The temple is located in a small village about 160 kilometres from Muzaffarabad along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda. Away from Srinagar, almost 70 kilometres to the north in Bandipora district, four Kashmiri Pandit families take care of a small Shardada temple. The bells don't ring regularly here. Locals believe the place to be a temporary resting place of goddess Sharada when she came from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Here these families also echo the same wish. Moti Lal Bhat is 86-year-old now, his wish is to visit the original Sharada temple has faded with time. Bhat says the local temple is sacred for not only the Hindu community but also to the local Muslim population. "I am old now, I don't know if I will be able to go there but those after me should get an opportunity to visit the sacred temple," Bhat says while sitting in corner of a room having walls made of mud. Save Sharada Committee has been pushing long for their demand to open the route through Muzaffarabad, so far it has fallen on deaf ears.

Ground report: Now, Kashmiri Pandits demand Kartarpur-type corridor to 'Sharada Peeth'

<p>National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Monday ruled out a pre-poll alliance with any party for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, saying his party had joined hands with the PDP and Congress to "save the state".</p>

<p>The PDP had on November 21 staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference (NC) and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 MLAs from other parties.</p>

<p>After these developments, Governor Satyapal Malik abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on the night of November 21.</p>

<p>"We will fight the (assembly) election on our own. When we talk about forming the next government on our own, then there is no scope of leaving any seat for anyone, even as I know they are eyeing some seats," Abdullah said Monday while addressing a function at party headquarters here.</p>

<p>Defending his party's decision to join hands with the PDP and Congress to stake a claim for the formation government, the NC vice president said it was a difficult decision, taken to save the state after fighting as bitter rivals in the 2014 elections.</p>

<p>"We decided to do something to save the state, to strengthen the communal harmony and brotherhood, to restore peace - it was not an easy decision. I was aware that my party will suffer politically due to this decision," he said.</p>

<p>Asserting that he choose the state over his party, as it was for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir and its people, Abdullah said the NC was to extend support to the PDP and Congress from outside and the government was to run for the time being till the situation gets back to normal for holding of fresh elections.</p>

<p>He called for holding of assembly polls in the state along with the general elections next year, and also challenged the BJP to announce its chief ministerial candidate while accusing the saffron party of betraying the people of Jammu region who had given it 26 seats in the last state elections.</p>

<p>The NC vice president said his party is prepared to face the people, unlike the BJP which is "trying to delay the elections on one pretext or the other knowing fully that it will face a drubbing in polls".</p>

<p>"We have started the selection of candidates for the state polls. The only condition is, give me a candidate who can win. There may be some seats where we have no chance, but there are seats which we have been winning and the time has come to take these seats back," the former chief minister said.</p>

<p>He said the BJP claimed that the plan to form the government was orchestrated in Dubai and London at the behest of Pakistan.</p>

<p>"We were not the one. But the second letter (from Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone) came from London," Abdullah said.</p>

<p>"When I asked him (Ram Madhav) to prove (the allegation), he took his words back, because he was caught in his own lies," he said.</p>

<p>BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on November 22 withdrew his words after a furious Omar Abdullah dared him to prove his allegation that his party had tied up with the PDP to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir at Pakistan's behest.</p>

<p>Abdullah said the PDP-Congress-NC combine had the numbers and there was no scope for horse-trading or any other malpractice here, unlike the BJP-supported group which had only 28 MLAs together.</p>

<p>The governor claimed that there were horse-trading attempts, he said and asked the BJP where did the other MLAs require to form the government came from.</p>

<p>"I can say with authority that the MLAs got threats from agencies. One MLA was told that either be part of the government for two years or prepare for arrest by NIA.</p>

<p>"Another senior MLA was threatened that a CBI case against him will be opened. This is the problem, those who are not able to come from the front door, are trying to grab the power by breaking the back door like a thief," Abdullah said."</p>

<p>"The compulsion when they (BJP) handed over the chief minister post to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is understood as they had 26 MLAs while the PDP had 28. But how they can justify bringing a chief minister from a two-member party," he said.</p>

<p>The NC vice president claimed that the BJP will face a drubbing in the next assembly elections given the mood of the people.</p>

<p>"When the bugle for assembly elections is sounded, we will emerge as winners," he said.</p>

<p>"Our strategy will be -- to highlight the failures of the previous government and to reach out to the people and make them aware about the programmes and planning of the party for different sections of the society, besides focusing on basic amenities like water, power and roads," Abdullah said.</p>


National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Monday ruled out a pre-poll alliance with any party for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, saying his party had joined hands with the PDP and Congress to "save the state".

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Monday ruled out a pre-poll alliance with any party for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, saying his party had joined hands with the PDP and Congress to "save the state". The PDP had on November 21 staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference (NC) and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 MLAs from other parties. After these developments, Governor Satyapal Malik abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on the night of November 21. "We will fight the (assembly) election on our own. When we talk about forming the next government on our own, then there is no scope of leaving any seat for anyone, even as I know they are eyeing some seats," Abdullah said Monday while addressing a function at party headquarters here. Defending his party's decision to join hands with the PDP and Congress to stake a claim for the formation government, the NC vice president said it was a difficult decision, taken to save the state after fighting as bitter rivals in the 2014 elections. "We decided to do something to save the state, to strengthen the communal harmony and brotherhood, to restore peace - it was not an easy decision. I was aware that my party will suffer politically due to this decision," he said. Asserting that he choose the state over his party, as it was for the betterment of Jammu and Kashmir and its people, Abdullah said the NC was to extend support to the PDP and Congress from outside and the government was to run for the time being till the situation gets back to normal for holding of fresh elections. He called for holding of assembly polls in the state along with the general elections next year, and also challenged the BJP to announce its chief ministerial candidate while accusing the saffron party of betraying the people of Jammu region who had given it 26 seats in the last state elections. The NC vice president said his party is prepared to face the people, unlike the BJP which is "trying to delay the elections on one pretext or the other knowing fully that it will face a drubbing in polls". "We have started the selection of candidates for the state polls. The only condition is, give me a candidate who can win. There may be some seats where we have no chance, but there are seats which we have been winning and the time has come to take these seats back," the former chief minister said. He said the BJP claimed that the plan to form the government was orchestrated in Dubai and London at the behest of Pakistan. "We were not the one. But the second letter (from Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone) came from London," Abdullah said. "When I asked him (Ram Madhav) to prove (the allegation), he took his words back, because he was caught in his own lies," he said. BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on November 22 withdrew his words after a furious Omar Abdullah dared him to prove his allegation that his party had tied up with the PDP to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir at Pakistan's behest. Abdullah said the PDP-Congress-NC combine had the numbers and there was no scope for horse-trading or any other malpractice here, unlike the BJP-supported group which had only 28 MLAs together. The governor claimed that there were horse-trading attempts, he said and asked the BJP where did the other MLAs require to form the government came from. "I can say with authority that the MLAs got threats from agencies. One MLA was told that either be part of the government for two years or prepare for arrest by NIA. "Another senior MLA was threatened that a CBI case against him will be opened. This is the problem, those who are not able to come from the front door, are trying to grab the power by breaking the back door like a thief," Abdullah said." "The compulsion when they (BJP) handed over the chief minister post to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is understood as they had 26 MLAs while the PDP had 28. But how they can justify bringing a chief minister from a two-member party," he said. The NC vice president claimed that the BJP will face a drubbing in the next assembly elections given the mood of the people. "When the bugle for assembly elections is sounded, we will emerge as winners," he said. "Our strategy will be -- to highlight the failures of the previous government and to reach out to the people and make them aware about the programmes and planning of the party for different sections of the society, besides focusing on basic amenities like water, power and roads," Abdullah said.

Omar Abdullah rules out pre-poll alliance for Assembly elections in J&K

Breaking News: 3 terrorists gunned down in Srinagar encounter

<p>Kishtwar Police on Friday arrested an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent Sehran Sheikh alias Abu Zubair suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Kishtwar.</p>

<p>As per the police, Sheikh was gathering information on establishments of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, armed forces and the Army.</p>

<p>"He had come in contact with a Pakistan-based militant group, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). This person has confessed his involvement and we have found many videos including establishments of Para-military Forces having been exchanged on Pakistan numbers," Kishtwar Police said in a statement.</p>

<p>Further details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>


Kishtwar Police on Friday arrested an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent Sehran Sheikh alias Abu Zubair suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Kishtwar.

Kishtwar Police on Friday arrested an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agent Sehran Sheikh alias Abu Zubair suspected of planning terrorist attacks in Kishtwar. As per the police, Sheikh was gathering information on establishments of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, armed forces and the Army. "He had come in contact with a Pakistan-based militant group, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM). This person has confessed his involvement and we have found many videos including establishments of Para-military Forces having been exchanged on Pakistan numbers," Kishtwar Police said in a statement. Further details are awaited.

J&K: ISI agent suspected of planning terrorist attacks arrested

<p>Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday.</p>

<p>As many as 51 terrorists were killed in the 80-day period from June 25 to September 14, while 85 terrorists were killed between September 15 and December 5, an official said.</p>

<p>A total of 232 militants have been killed so far this year, while 240 militants, including foreigners, are active in the Kashmir Valley, the official said.</p>

<p>Eight people, including security personnel, were killed and 216 others, including security personnel, received injuries between June 25 and September 14 this year.</p>

<p>In the subsequent 80 days -- from September 15 to December 5 -- just two people were killed and 170 others received injuries during stone pelting incidents, the official said.</p>

<p>There has been a marked improvement in the security scenario in the Kashmir Valley ever since the imposition of Governor's rule on June 19 when the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government, another official said.</p>


Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday.

Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday. As many as 51 terrorists were killed in the 80-day period from June 25 to September 14, while 85 terrorists were killed between September 15 and December 5, an official said. A total of 232 militants have been killed so far this year, while 240 militants, including foreigners, are active in the Kashmir Valley, the official said. Eight people, including security personnel, were killed and 216 others, including security personnel, received injuries between June 25 and September 14 this year. In the subsequent 80 days -- from September 15 to December 5 -- just two people were killed and 170 others received injuries during stone pelting incidents, the official said. There has been a marked improvement in the security scenario in the Kashmir Valley ever since the imposition of Governor's rule on June 19 when the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government, another official said.

Over 230 militants killed in J&K in 2018; dip in stone pelting: Officials

<p>National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has accused the father of People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone, Abdul Ghani Lone, of "bringing gun culture" to the Valley.</p>

<p>Abdullah further revealed that he requested Sajjad's father to drop the idea but it all went in vain."His (Sajjad Lone's) father came to me when (then Jammu and Kashmir Governor) Jagmohan dismissed me (in 1984). He (Abdul Ghani) said 'I am going to Pakistan, I am going to get the gun'," said Farooq Abdullah during a media interaction on Sunday.</p>

<p>"With folded hands, I told him not to get the gun here. I told him our jawans will be killed, our homes, our villages, our cities will be destroyed, don't bring the gun. But he brought the gun. When he came back, he apologised to me saying he did a mistake and (he should) not have brought the gun."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Farooq Abdullah in Baramulla,J&amp;K: Uske(Sajjad Lone) walid mere pas aaye te jab mujhe dismiss kiya gya tha Jagmohan ne,‘Main Pakistan ja raha hun.Main bandook lane wala hoon.’Maine use kaha,bandook mat laiye.Magar vo laye. Bandook nahi lani chaiye thi. Iska jawab dein vo. (02.12) <a href="https://t.co/bHwcz94VU4">pic.twitter.com/bHwcz94VU4</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking about his party's support to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Mehbooba Mufti to form the government in the state, the former chief minister said that the support was extended only to save the Article 35A and Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.</p>

<p>"We didn't want to form the government because we wanted to enjoy power, but we wanted to protect all that which the Governor is doing now. We wanted to defend Article 35A. The government would not have sustained for long. It was to be toppled one day and elections had to be held," Abdullah said.</p>

<p>"PDP, NC, and Congress have different paths but we came together. Why? You see the condition in which J&amp;K Bank is today. It would never have been the case had our government been there. We also want to save Article 35A and Article 370," he added.</p>

<p>He stressed that 'autonomy'&nbsp;is the right of Jammu and Kashmir and the state will take its autonomy. He reiterated his stance that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is under Pakistan while rest of Jammu and Kashmir is under India.</p>

<p>Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A of the Constitution empowers Jammu and Kashmir's legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.&nbsp;</p>


National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has accused the father of People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone, Abdul Ghani Lone, of "bringing gun culture" to the Valley.

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has accused the father of People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone, Abdul Ghani Lone, of "bringing gun culture" to the Valley. Abdullah further revealed that he requested Sajjad's father to drop the idea but it all went in vain."His (Sajjad Lone's) father came to me when (then Jammu and Kashmir Governor) Jagmohan dismissed me (in 1984). He (Abdul Ghani) said 'I am going to Pakistan, I am going to get the gun'," said Farooq Abdullah during a media interaction on Sunday. "With folded hands, I told him not to get the gun here. I told him our jawans will be killed, our homes, our villages, our cities will be destroyed, don't bring the gun. But he brought the gun. When he came back, he apologised to me saying he did a mistake and (he should) not have brought the gun." Farooq Abdullah in Baramulla,J&K: Uske(Sajjad Lone) walid mere pas aaye te jab mujhe dismiss kiya gya tha Jagmohan ne,‘Main Pakistan ja raha hun.Main bandook lane wala hoon.’Maine use kaha,bandook mat laiye.Magar vo laye. Bandook nahi lani chaiye thi. Iska jawab dein vo. (02.12) pic.twitter.com/bHwcz94VU4 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × While talking about his party's support to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Mehbooba Mufti to form the government in the state, the former chief minister said that the support was extended only to save the Article 35A and Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. "We didn't want to form the government because we wanted to enjoy power, but we wanted to protect all that which the Governor is doing now. We wanted to defend Article 35A. The government would not have sustained for long. It was to be toppled one day and elections had to be held," Abdullah said. "PDP, NC, and Congress have different paths but we came together. Why? You see the condition in which J&K Bank is today. It would never have been the case had our government been there. We also want to save Article 35A and Article 370," he added. He stressed that 'autonomy' is the right of Jammu and Kashmir and the state will take its autonomy. He reiterated his stance that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is under Pakistan while rest of Jammu and Kashmir is under India. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A of the Constitution empowers Jammu and Kashmir's legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.

Sajjad Lone's father 'brought gun' to Valley: Farooq Abdullah

<p>An encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in Shopian's Sangran village in Jammu and Kashmir early Monday morning, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two terrorists are believed to be trapped, a search is underway. More details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security forces, last Thursday, gunned down two terrorists in the valley. The terrorists were killed in an encounter in Khrew area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in a search operation that followed a tip-off.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shopian: Encounter breaks out between terrorists &amp; security forces in Sangran village. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a></p>
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<p>The police also recovered arms and ammunition from the slain terrorists.</p>

<p>Thursday's encounter came a day after the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police said was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari</p>


An encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in Shopian's Sangran village in Jammu and Kashmir early Monday morning, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists are believed to be trapped, a search is underway.

An encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in Shopian's Sangran village in Jammu and Kashmir early Monday morning, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists are believed to be trapped, a search is underway. More details are awaited. Security forces, last Thursday, gunned down two terrorists in the valley. The terrorists were killed in an encounter in Khrew area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in a search operation that followed a tip-off. Shopian: Encounter breaks out between terrorists & security forces in Sangran village. More details awaited. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2018 × The police also recovered arms and ammunition from the slain terrorists. Thursday's encounter came a day after the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police said was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari

J&K: Encounter between security forces, terrorists underway in Shopian

<p>Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own.</p>

<p>''I believe friendship between the two nations is most important for Jammu and Kashmir. My party stands for paths which lead to Indo-Pak friendship,'' he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking to the media in Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district, he said: "The National Conference (NC) has always supported friendly relations between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Ultimately people have to decide what's to be done,'' he said and added they were never hungry for power.</p>

<p>PDP, NC and Congress have different paths but came together, he said.</p>

<p>He also lamented that condition J&amp;K bank and said it would never have been the case had ''our government been there''.&nbsp;</p>


Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and chairman of National Conference Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the day friendly relations begin between India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue will be resolved on its own. ''I believe friendship between the two nations is most important for Jammu and Kashmir. My party stands for paths which lead to Indo-Pak friendship,'' he added. Talking to the media in Jammu and Kashmir`s Baramulla district, he said: "The National Conference (NC) has always supported friendly relations between India and Pakistan. ''Ultimately people have to decide what's to be done,'' he said and added they were never hungry for power. PDP, NC and Congress have different paths but came together, he said. He also lamented that condition J&K bank and said it would never have been the case had ''our government been there''.

Friendly relations between India and Pakistan will help resolve Kashmir issue: Farooq Abdullah

<p>Amid tight security, polling for the sixth phase of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held today at 3,174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division.</p>

<p>The timing for polling is from 8 am to 2 pm. According to the state's Chief Electoral Officer, Shaleen Kabra, 771 polling stations have been categorised as hypersensitive including 410 in Kashmir division and 361 in Jammu division.</p>

<p>He said 7,156 candidates in the fray for the 406 Sarpanch seats and 2277 Panch seats in phase-VI while 111 Sarpanchs and 1048 Panchs have been elected unopposed in this phase.</p>

<p>Kabra said in the areas going to polls in phase-VI, an electorate of 59,7396 electors will be voting for Sarpanch constituencies and 45,7581 for Panch constituencies. "Photo Voter Slips have been distributed among the voters to inform them of their polling station," he said.</p>

<p>Kabra said the state witnessed 71.1 per cent polling in phase-V on November 29. In Poonch district, he said, re-polling for Sarpanch seat in Sanai Panch Halqa of block Surankote witnessed a turnout of 79.78 per cent and deferred polling in Panchayat Halqa Nonabandi witnessed a turnout of 92.23 per cent.</p>

<p>Kabra added that senior government officers have been appointed as General Observers to oversee the smooth, fair and orderly conduct of Panchayat Elections.</p>

<p>Also, Expenditure Observers are keeping a watch on the expenditure by the candidates.</p>

<p>In addition, for the poll day, Micro Observers have been placed in polling stations, particularly those considered hypersensitive.</p>

<p>Zonal and Sector Magistrates too have been deployed. He said Control Rooms have been established in all the districts across the State to respond promptly to any complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct as also to disseminate information to the public.</p>

<p>Security arrangements have been made including the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).</p>

<p>Kabra said holiday has been declared on the day of polls in the Panchayat areas going for voting to enable the voters to cast their votes.</p>

<p>He said special casual leave shall also be granted to the employees who have to go to other areas to exercise their right to franchise.</p>

<p>As per standing guidelines, the central government offices shall not be closed but the employees who are electors of the poll-going wards and desire to exercise their franchise shall be offered reasonable facility to do so.</p>


Amid tight security, polling for the sixth phase of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held today at 3,174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division.

Amid tight security, polling for the sixth phase of Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held today at 3,174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division. The timing for polling is from 8 am to 2 pm. According to the state's Chief Electoral Officer, Shaleen Kabra, 771 polling stations have been categorised as hypersensitive including 410 in Kashmir division and 361 in Jammu division. He said 7,156 candidates in the fray for the 406 Sarpanch seats and 2277 Panch seats in phase-VI while 111 Sarpanchs and 1048 Panchs have been elected unopposed in this phase. Kabra said in the areas going to polls in phase-VI, an electorate of 59,7396 electors will be voting for Sarpanch constituencies and 45,7581 for Panch constituencies. "Photo Voter Slips have been distributed among the voters to inform them of their polling station," he said. Kabra said the state witnessed 71.1 per cent polling in phase-V on November 29. In Poonch district, he said, re-polling for Sarpanch seat in Sanai Panch Halqa of block Surankote witnessed a turnout of 79.78 per cent and deferred polling in Panchayat Halqa Nonabandi witnessed a turnout of 92.23 per cent. Kabra added that senior government officers have been appointed as General Observers to oversee the smooth, fair and orderly conduct of Panchayat Elections. Also, Expenditure Observers are keeping a watch on the expenditure by the candidates. In addition, for the poll day, Micro Observers have been placed in polling stations, particularly those considered hypersensitive. Zonal and Sector Magistrates too have been deployed. He said Control Rooms have been established in all the districts across the State to respond promptly to any complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct as also to disseminate information to the public. Security arrangements have been made including the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Kabra said holiday has been declared on the day of polls in the Panchayat areas going for voting to enable the voters to cast their votes. He said special casual leave shall also be granted to the employees who have to go to other areas to exercise their right to franchise. As per standing guidelines, the central government offices shall not be closed but the employees who are electors of the poll-going wards and desire to exercise their franchise shall be offered reasonable facility to do so.

J&K panchayat polls: Voting to take place at 3,174 polling booths in phase-VI

<p>The polling for the fifth phase of panchayat elections began in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.</p>

<p>The polling, which commenced at 8 am, will conclude at 2 pm.</p>

<p>As of now, no violence has been reported from any part of the state where the voting is taking place.</p>

<p>The voting is taking place in a total of 37 blocks including 19 in seven districts of Jammu division and 18 blocks of Kashmir Valley.</p>

<p>According to the State Election Commission, after withdrawal and scrutiny, 4,763 candidates are in the fray for 309 sarpanch and 1,534 panch seats in the fifth phase, while 118 sarpanches and 1,046 panches have been elected unopposed.</p>

<p>For hassle-free voting, the poll body has set up as many as 2,512 polling stations across the region including 1,743 in Jammu division and 769 in Kashmir Valley.</p>

<p>Moreover, 848 polling booths have been categorised as hypersensitive.</p>

<p>Security has been beefed up across the state so that the elections are conducted in a peaceful manner.</p>

<p>Majority of the candidates have been provided with either cluster security or individually in the region.</p>

<p>The overall turnout for the fourth phase of panchayat body elections which concluded peacefully on November 27 was 71.3 per cent.</p>

<p>According to the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, Shaleen Kabra, over 82 per cent polling was registered in Jammu division and 32.3 per cent in Kashmir division in the fourth phase of voting.</p>

<p>The panchayat elections are being held in nine phases in the state.</p>

<p>The sixth phase of panchayat polling is scheduled to take place on December 1 and the counting of votes will take place on the same day.</p>

<p>The last panchayat polls in the state took place in 2001.</p>

<p>The current round of panchayat elections were announced last month, but two major political parties which dominate the region-the National Conference and the People`s Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the polls accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NAD government at the Centre of not taking a firm stand on the protection of Article 35(A) of the Constitution which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.</p>


The polling for the fifth phase of panchayat elections began in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The polling, which commenced at 8 am, will conclude at 2 pm. As of now, no violence has been reported from any part of the state where the voting is taking place.

The polling for the fifth phase of panchayat elections began in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The polling, which commenced at 8 am, will conclude at 2 pm. As of now, no violence has been reported from any part of the state where the voting is taking place. The voting is taking place in a total of 37 blocks including 19 in seven districts of Jammu division and 18 blocks of Kashmir Valley. According to the State Election Commission, after withdrawal and scrutiny, 4,763 candidates are in the fray for 309 sarpanch and 1,534 panch seats in the fifth phase, while 118 sarpanches and 1,046 panches have been elected unopposed. For hassle-free voting, the poll body has set up as many as 2,512 polling stations across the region including 1,743 in Jammu division and 769 in Kashmir Valley. Moreover, 848 polling booths have been categorised as hypersensitive. Security has been beefed up across the state so that the elections are conducted in a peaceful manner. Majority of the candidates have been provided with either cluster security or individually in the region. The overall turnout for the fourth phase of panchayat body elections which concluded peacefully on November 27 was 71.3 per cent. According to the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, Shaleen Kabra, over 82 per cent polling was registered in Jammu division and 32.3 per cent in Kashmir division in the fourth phase of voting. The panchayat elections are being held in nine phases in the state. The sixth phase of panchayat polling is scheduled to take place on December 1 and the counting of votes will take place on the same day. The last panchayat polls in the state took place in 2001. The current round of panchayat elections were announced last month, but two major political parties which dominate the region-the National Conference and the People`s Democratic Party (PDP) boycotted the polls accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NAD government at the Centre of not taking a firm stand on the protection of Article 35(A) of the Constitution which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

Voting for fifth phase of J&K panchayat polls underway

<p>A day after the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari, the police on Thursday gunned down two more terrorists in the valley.</p>

<p>The terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Khrew area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in a search operation that followed a tip-off.</p>

<p>The police have also recovered arms and ammunition from the slain terrorists.</p>

<p>The police stated that no collateral damage took place during the encounter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari, the police on Thursday gunned down two more terrorists in the valley.

A day after the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari, the police on Thursday gunned down two more terrorists in the valley. The terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Khrew area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in a search operation that followed a tip-off. The police have also recovered arms and ammunition from the slain terrorists. The police stated that no collateral damage took place during the encounter. (With inputs from agencies)

Two terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama 

<p>Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region`s status to that of an interim province in principle.</p>

<p>Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations in the region. It is a part of what India refers to as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistan broke up its part of the annexed area into two parts - `Azad` Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.</p>

<p>Giving provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan will be taken as the annexation of what Pakistan calls `Azad` Kashmir - The decision will be in direct conflict with Pakistan`s earlier stance on the region, which they have termed as "free".</p>

<p>Earlier this month, a high-level reforms committee was established by Khan to look into the constitutional, administrative and governance reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan, as per directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister had, on Wednesday, asked for the recommendations of the reforms committee with regards to the legal status of the region to be presented in front of the Cabinet, while granting approval for the change in the status of Gilgit-Baltistan.</p>

<p>The high-level reforms committee was of the view that the region should be given provisional status and representation in the National Assembly and Senate.</p>

<p>Reports suggest three seats each have been proposed for GB in both houses of parliament besides representation in constitutional bodies.</p>

<p>During Thursday's meeting, which will be presided over by Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, would be presenting a summary of the recommendations put forth by the reforms committee, according to The Express Tribune.</p>


Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region`s status to that of an interim province in principle.

Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region`s status to that of an interim province in principle. Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations in the region. It is a part of what India refers to as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistan broke up its part of the annexed area into two parts - `Azad` Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Giving provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan will be taken as the annexation of what Pakistan calls `Azad` Kashmir - The decision will be in direct conflict with Pakistan`s earlier stance on the region, which they have termed as "free". Earlier this month, a high-level reforms committee was established by Khan to look into the constitutional, administrative and governance reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan, as per directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Prime Minister had, on Wednesday, asked for the recommendations of the reforms committee with regards to the legal status of the region to be presented in front of the Cabinet, while granting approval for the change in the status of Gilgit-Baltistan. The high-level reforms committee was of the view that the region should be given provisional status and representation in the National Assembly and Senate. Reports suggest three seats each have been proposed for GB in both houses of parliament besides representation in constitutional bodies. During Thursday's meeting, which will be presided over by Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, would be presenting a summary of the recommendations put forth by the reforms committee, according to The Express Tribune.

Pak Cabinet to mull over provisional status to Gilgit-Baltistan today

<p>The CPI(M) said Tuesday Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/governor-of-jammu-and-kashmir-satya-pal-malik-speaks-to-sudhir-chaudhary-173379">Satya Pal Malik</a>'s comments on the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir confirmed the apprehensions of the people that the BJP was desperately trying to impose its government on the state by hook or crook.</p>

<p>"The statement of Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in Gwalior that Sajad Lone would have become chief minister of the state had he sought the opinion of New Delhi before <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/end-of-honeymoon-political-mccarthyism-bites-bjp-in-kashmir-178810">dissolving the legislative assembly</a> confirms the apprehensions of the people that BJP was trying desperately to impose its government on Jammu and Kashmir by hook or cook", the J&amp;K CPI(M) said in a statement in Jammu.</p>

<p>The CPI(M) had been saying it from Day I that the BJP-led Centre's intentions for keeping the Assembly in suspended animation were not clear and finally the cat is out of the bag, the statement said.</p>

<p>They were trying to encourage defections and indulge in horse-trading to form a government in the state. Now, the nominee of the Centre, the governor has himself blown the lid off, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing a function in Gwalior on Saturday, the governor had purportedly said he dissolved the state Assembly as he did not want to go down in history as a "dishonest man".</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721">I did not act on BJP's behest, says J&amp;K governor Satya Pal Malik after dissolving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721">assembly</a></p>

<p>Malik had abruptly dissolved the J&amp;K Assembly last week after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of the rival NC and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference, led by Lone, which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.</p>

<p>The CPI(M) said now everything was clear before the people of the state and the country what actually the BJP wanted to do in J&amp;K. "People of Jammu and Kashmir state have always rejected the divisive designs of communal forces and will do the same in the future", it added.&nbsp;</p>


The CPI(M) said Tuesday Governor Satya Pal Malik's comments on the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir confirmed the apprehensions of the people that the BJP was desperately trying to impose its government on the state by hook or crook.

The CPI(M) said Tuesday Governor Satya Pal Malik's comments on the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir confirmed the apprehensions of the people that the BJP was desperately trying to impose its government on the state by hook or crook. "The statement of Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in Gwalior that Sajad Lone would have become chief minister of the state had he sought the opinion of New Delhi before dissolving the legislative assembly confirms the apprehensions of the people that BJP was trying desperately to impose its government on Jammu and Kashmir by hook or cook", the J&K CPI(M) said in a statement in Jammu. The CPI(M) had been saying it from Day I that the BJP-led Centre's intentions for keeping the Assembly in suspended animation were not clear and finally the cat is out of the bag, the statement said. They were trying to encourage defections and indulge in horse-trading to form a government in the state. Now, the nominee of the Centre, the governor has himself blown the lid off, it added. Addressing a function in Gwalior on Saturday, the governor had purportedly said he dissolved the state Assembly as he did not want to go down in history as a "dishonest man". Also read: I did not act on BJP's behest, says J&K governor Satya Pal Malik after dissolving assembly Malik had abruptly dissolved the J&K Assembly last week after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of the rival NC and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference, led by Lone, which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. The CPI(M) said now everything was clear before the people of the state and the country what actually the BJP wanted to do in J&K. "People of Jammu and Kashmir state have always rejected the divisive designs of communal forces and will do the same in the future", it added.

Finally, the cat is out of the bag: CPI(M) on J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik's remark

<p>Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/editor-shujaat-bukhari-shot-dead-but-rising-kashmir-hits-stands-144544">the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari</a> in June.</p>

<p>A second terrorist was also killed in the encounter that broke out&nbsp;in Budgam district's Chathergam village on Wednesday morning.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Budgam Encounter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Naveed Jatt and another terrorist gunned down by security forces. Jatt was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/lWcLJwOCFp">pic.twitter.com/lWcLJwOCFp</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067653081452736512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Television news reports said clashes broke out between the security forces and locals after Jatt's killing.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Two CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting while encounter between security forces and terrorists was underway in Budgam (deferred visuals) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/woUCaWeIt0">pic.twitter.com/woUCaWeIt0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067680222990995456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A K Bhatt, GOC Army’s 15 Corps: In an operation this morning in Budgam, 2 terrorists were killed. One of them is Naveed Jatt, he was believed to be involved in the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari. 2 of our men were also injured &amp; taken to hospital, both are out of danger. <a href="https://t.co/oyXkGmY7UG">pic.twitter.com/oyXkGmY7UG</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067696468696403968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;Jatt was the second terrorist thought to have been involved in Bukhari's assassination to be killed.</p>

<p>LeT commander Azad Ahmed Malik was among six terrorists killed in an encounter last week. Police say he too was involved in Bukhari's killing.</p>

<p>Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was shot dead outside his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave in June. Two of his (PSOs) personal security officers were shot dead along with him. (An attempt had been made on Bukhari's life earlier.)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bukhari, 50, had at the time been about to leave for an iftar party.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lashkar e Taiba Commander Naveed Jatt, who was involved in the assassination of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari was gunned down by security forces in Budgam earlier today ( pic source: J&amp;K Police)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/cfe6oh8sdc">pic.twitter.com/cfe6oh8sdc</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067678034822610944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jatt was a Pakistani and had escaped from police custody from a Srinagar hospital on February 6 this year.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari in June.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari in June. A second terrorist was also killed in the encounter that broke out in Budgam district's Chathergam village on Wednesday morning. Budgam Encounter #UPDATE: Naveed Jatt and another terrorist gunned down by security forces. Jatt was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/lWcLJwOCFp — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Television news reports said clashes broke out between the security forces and locals after Jatt's killing. Two CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting while encounter between security forces and terrorists was underway in Budgam (deferred visuals) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/woUCaWeIt0 — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × A K Bhatt, GOC Army’s 15 Corps: In an operation this morning in Budgam, 2 terrorists were killed. One of them is Naveed Jatt, he was believed to be involved in the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari. 2 of our men were also injured & taken to hospital, both are out of danger. pic.twitter.com/oyXkGmY7UG — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Jatt was the second terrorist thought to have been involved in Bukhari's assassination to be killed. LeT commander Azad Ahmed Malik was among six terrorists killed in an encounter last week. Police say he too was involved in Bukhari's killing. Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was shot dead outside his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave in June. Two of his (PSOs) personal security officers were shot dead along with him. (An attempt had been made on Bukhari's life earlier.) Bukhari, 50, had at the time been about to leave for an iftar party. Lashkar e Taiba Commander Naveed Jatt, who was involved in the assassination of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari was gunned down by security forces in Budgam earlier today ( pic source: J&K Police)#JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/cfe6oh8sdc — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Jatt was a Pakistani and had escaped from police custody from a Srinagar hospital on February 6 this year.

J&K: Terrorist thought responsible for journalist Shujaat Bukhari's killing shot dead

<p>Voting for the fourth phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections is underway at over 2,600 polling stations in the state, officials said Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polling for the fourth of the nine-phased elections is being held at 2,618 polling stations, including 639 in the Kashmir division and 1,979 in the Jammu division, they said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials said polling started at 8 am and would end at 2 pm.</p>

<p>They said 777 polling stations -- 571 in the Kashmir division and 206 in the Jammu division -- have been categorised as hypersensitive.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Voter turnout till 10 am for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>. <a href="https://t.co/3IeQqxk804">pic.twitter.com/3IeQqxk804</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067313821281333249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Of the total, 5,470 candidates are in the fray for 339 sarpanch seats and 1,749 panch seats in this phase, the officials said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Voting is underway for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in the state. Visuals from a polling station in Noorkhan Bijhama in Baramulla district. <a href="https://t.co/L7ojYNlgyo">pic.twitter.com/L7ojYNlgyo</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067261033063043072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>They said 99 sarpanchs and 969 panchs have been elected unopposed in the fourth phase.</p>

<p>In total 4,72,160 people have the right to exercise their franchise for sarpanch seats and 3,32,502 for panch seats, the officials said.</p>

<p>In the first phase, held on November 17, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across the state, including 64.5 per cent in the Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in the Jammu division.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On November 20, the second phase was held. Overall 71.1 per cent polling was recorded in the state, with 80.4 per cent in the Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in the Kashmir division.</p>

<p>In the third phase, the state recorded a 75.2 per cent polling. The Kashmir division recorded 55.7 per cent and the Jammu division 83.0 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials said all arrangements, including those related to security, have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls.</p>


Voting for the fourth phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections is underway at over 2,600 polling stations in the state, officials said Tuesday. Polling for the fourth of the nine-phased elections is being held at 2,618 polling stations, including 639 in the Kashmir division and 1,979 in the Jammu division, they said.

Voting for the fourth phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections is underway at over 2,600 polling stations in the state, officials said Tuesday. Polling for the fourth of the nine-phased elections is being held at 2,618 polling stations, including 639 in the Kashmir division and 1,979 in the Jammu division, they said. The officials said polling started at 8 am and would end at 2 pm. They said 777 polling stations -- 571 in the Kashmir division and 206 in the Jammu division -- have been categorised as hypersensitive. Voter turnout till 10 am for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in #JammuAndKashmir. pic.twitter.com/3IeQqxk804 — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × Of the total, 5,470 candidates are in the fray for 339 sarpanch seats and 1,749 panch seats in this phase, the officials said. #JammuAndKashmir: Voting is underway for the fourth phase of Panchayat elections in the state. Visuals from a polling station in Noorkhan Bijhama in Baramulla district. pic.twitter.com/L7ojYNlgyo — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × They said 99 sarpanchs and 969 panchs have been elected unopposed in the fourth phase. In total 4,72,160 people have the right to exercise their franchise for sarpanch seats and 3,32,502 for panch seats, the officials said. In the first phase, held on November 17, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across the state, including 64.5 per cent in the Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in the Jammu division. On November 20, the second phase was held. Overall 71.1 per cent polling was recorded in the state, with 80.4 per cent in the Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in the Kashmir division. In the third phase, the state recorded a 75.2 per cent polling. The Kashmir division recorded 55.7 per cent and the Jammu division 83.0 per cent. The officials said all arrangements, including those related to security, have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls.

Voting underway for fourth-phase of JK panchayat polls

<p>Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Redwani area of Kulgam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While one jawan has been killed, two others have sustained injuries in the exchange of fire.</p>

<p>The killed terrorists have been identified as Ajaz Ahmad Makroo, a&nbsp;resident of Qaimoh, and Waris Ahmad Malik who was a resident of Arwani. Both were affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba and were wanted for a series of terror crimes., news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The encounter took place early in the morning on Tuesday, a day after least seven Maoists and two policemen were killed in an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nine-maoists-two-policemen-killed-in-encounter-in-chhattisgarhs-sukma-179482">encounter in south Chhattisgarh's Sukma</a> near Saklar village.</p>

<p>Another encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UDPATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UDPATE</a> Kulgam encounter: One jawan of Rashtriya Rifles died in action, two jawans of 163 Bn CRPF injured. Two terrorists neutralised, their identities and affiliations are being ascertained. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hwhr4B5nfx">https://t.co/Hwhr4B5nfx</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067293758952230912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to reports, as many as six terrorists were killed along with a security personnel named Naik Nazir. The security forces recovered weapons and warlike stores, news agency ANI reported.</p>

<p>Four out of six terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, rest were from Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both the district commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar were killed, SSP Shopian Sandeep Chaudhary told media.&nbsp;</p>


Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Redwani area of Kulgam. While one jawan has been killed, two others have sustained injuries in the exchange of fire.

Two terrorists were killed on Tuesday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Redwani area of Kulgam. While one jawan has been killed, two others have sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. The killed terrorists have been identified as Ajaz Ahmad Makroo, a resident of Qaimoh, and Waris Ahmad Malik who was a resident of Arwani. Both were affiliated to Lashkar-e-Taiba and were wanted for a series of terror crimes., news agency ANI reported. The encounter took place early in the morning on Tuesday, a day after least seven Maoists and two policemen were killed in an encounter in south Chhattisgarh's Sukma near Saklar village. Another encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday. #UDPATE Kulgam encounter: One jawan of Rashtriya Rifles died in action, two jawans of 163 Bn CRPF injured. Two terrorists neutralised, their identities and affiliations are being ascertained. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/Hwhr4B5nfx — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2018 × According to reports, as many as six terrorists were killed along with a security personnel named Naik Nazir. The security forces recovered weapons and warlike stores, news agency ANI reported. Four out of six terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, rest were from Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both the district commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar were killed, SSP Shopian Sandeep Chaudhary told media.

J&K: 2 terrorists, 1 jawan killed in encounter in Kulgam

<p>As Aamir Khan turned 55 today, Bollywood celebrities from Kareena Kapoor Khan to Ayushmann Khurrana took social media to share their heart-warming wishes for the actor.<br />
<br />
Kareena Kapoor Khan who recently made her Instagram debut wished him by sharing a picture of Aamir in which he is sleeping. She captioned the post, "My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan`s... pillow!".&nbsp;</p>

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<p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tLSlzJ6oE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan's... pillow! ❤️🤭</a></p>

<p style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kareenakapoorkhan/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kareena Kapoor Khan</a> (@kareenakapoorkhan) on <time datetime="2020-03-14T07:35:46+00:00" style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 14, 2020 at 12:35am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Aamir received birthday greetings from Ajay Devgn on Twitter as he called the actor his lucky mascot.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aamir you are Kajol &amp; my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today😊<a href="https://twitter.com/aamir_khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aamir_khan</a></p>
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1238697224013406208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>'Tanhaji' actor tweeted, "Aamir you are Kajol &amp; my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today @aamir_khan."Juhi Chawla showered birthday wishes on the 'PK' actor on Twitter, and wrote, Happy Happy Birthday .... !!! where`s the party tonight ...???? ... 100 trees for you.</p>

<p>Ayushmann shared a selfie with Aamir. "Happy birthday @_aamirkhan sir. Met him in Chandigarh on 1st March'', he wrote.&nbsp;<br />
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<img alt="ayushmann" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ad61441-cfdd-489f-8531-f9a22b986ab9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2846%29.jpg" /><br />
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The legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar also shared a picture along with the actor and he captioned the post as, "Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha. 🙂 <a href="https://t.co/86fJldMJT4">pic.twitter.com/86fJldMJT4</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1238701284334522374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Madhuri Dixit also shared a post and captioned, ''Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday,&nbsp;<span class="PrettyLink-prefix">@</span><span class="PrettyLink-value">aamir_khan</span>, have a fabulous one''.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/aamir_khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aamir_khan</a>, have a fabulous one. <a href="https://t.co/ovXsl68g2i">pic.twitter.com/ovXsl68g2i</a></p>
— Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) <a href="https://twitter.com/MadhuriDixit/status/1238699633288687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the work front, the actor is busy shooting his upcoming movie 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. The film is a remake of Tom Hanks-starrer 'Forrest Gump' and is helmed by director Advait Chandan.</p>


As Aamir Khan turned 55 today, Bollywood celebrities from Kareena Kapoor Khan to Ayushmann Khurrana took social media to share their heart-warming wishes for the actor.

As Aamir Khan turned 55 today, Bollywood celebrities from Kareena Kapoor Khan to Ayushmann Khurrana took social media to share their heart-warming wishes for the actor. Kareena Kapoor Khan who recently made her Instagram debut wished him by sharing a picture of Aamir in which he is sleeping. She captioned the post, "My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan`s... pillow!". View this post on Instagram My fav co-star has to be @_aamirkhan's... pillow! ❤️🤭 A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@kareenakapoorkhan) on Mar 14, 2020 at 12:35am PDT × Aamir received birthday greetings from Ajay Devgn on Twitter as he called the actor his lucky mascot. Aamir you are Kajol & my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today😊@aamir_khan — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) March 14, 2020 × 'Tanhaji' actor tweeted, "Aamir you are Kajol & my lucky mascot. Happy returns of today @aamir_khan."Juhi Chawla showered birthday wishes on the 'PK' actor on Twitter, and wrote, Happy Happy Birthday .... !!! where`s the party tonight ...???? ... 100 trees for you. Ayushmann shared a selfie with Aamir. "Happy birthday @_aamirkhan sir. Met him in Chandigarh on 1st March'', he wrote. The legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar also shared a picture along with the actor and he captioned the post as, "Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha." Happy birthday to my dear friend Aamir Singh Chaddha. 🙂 pic.twitter.com/86fJldMJT4 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 14, 2020 × Madhuri Dixit also shared a post and captioned, ''Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday, @aamir_khan, have a fabulous one''. Here's to the man who is not only wise but also kind and thoughtful. On your special day, I wish you lots of happiness. May you enjoy this fantastic day to the fullest. Happy birthday @aamir_khan, have a fabulous one. pic.twitter.com/ovXsl68g2i — Madhuri Dixit Nene (@MadhuriDixit) March 14, 2020 × On the work front, the actor is busy shooting his upcoming movie 'Laal Singh Chaddha'. The film is a remake of Tom Hanks-starrer 'Forrest Gump' and is helmed by director Advait Chandan.

J&K: Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Pulwama

<p>Monday is usually a busy day as offices and establishments open after the weekend and the increased traffic flow results in Monday morning blues. But in the Kashmir valley, it's a different story.</p>

<p>The Valley is shut today due to a strike called by separatists to protest the recent killings.</p>

<p>The main business centres in the Valley are closed and life has come to a grinding halt. People are mostly staying indoors in the volatile areas where spools of concertina wires are dominating the scene.</p>

<p>The tensions are in the air and hit your face as soon as you leave your residence. Though this is a usual site for the locals, it results in loss to the business and tourism sectors.</p>

<p>Restrictions and shutdown also mean several problems for the common people who face difficulties in buying daily essentials like milk and vegetables.</p>

<p>"Whenever there is a shutdown call given, we get confined to our rooms. Security forces don't let us out and later during clashes, tear gas and pepper gas makes our life miserable," said a local from the Old city of Srinagar over the phone.</p>

<p>Schools and educational institutions have also been closed by the authorities as a precationary measure to avoid students' particiation in the protests - a trend which has gained prominence in the Valley over the last the few years. Men in camouflage with guns and sticks are ready and alert in the downtown area of Srinagar. The area has witnessed frequent protests and stone pelting leading to injuries and death of many.</p>

<p>People in the villages face difficulty in commuting as most of the bus services- which are limited- remain off-road. Emergency services are too hit when the authorities impose a strict curfew to avoid civilian casualties in protest.</p>

<p>Small shops - which are away from the public light - remain open in uptown Srinagar where the effect of the shutdown is partial. Mobile internet has also been suspended in parts of rural areas to stop spread of fake information.</p>

<p>According to the International Council for Research on International Economic Relations, Kashmir's economy lost Rs 4000 crore between 2012 and 2017 due to internet shutdown.</p>

<p>The shutdowns and restrictions have now paralysed life for too long that even separatists are rethinking about this strategy.</p>


Monday is usually a busy day as offices and establishments open after the weekend and the increased traffic flow results in Monday morning blues. But in the Kashmir valley, it's a different story.

Monday is usually a busy day as offices and establishments open after the weekend and the increased traffic flow results in Monday morning blues. But in the Kashmir valley, it's a different story. The Valley is shut today due to a strike called by separatists to protest the recent killings. The main business centres in the Valley are closed and life has come to a grinding halt. People are mostly staying indoors in the volatile areas where spools of concertina wires are dominating the scene. The tensions are in the air and hit your face as soon as you leave your residence. Though this is a usual site for the locals, it results in loss to the business and tourism sectors. Restrictions and shutdown also mean several problems for the common people who face difficulties in buying daily essentials like milk and vegetables. "Whenever there is a shutdown call given, we get confined to our rooms. Security forces don't let us out and later during clashes, tear gas and pepper gas makes our life miserable," said a local from the Old city of Srinagar over the phone. Schools and educational institutions have also been closed by the authorities as a precationary measure to avoid students' particiation in the protests - a trend which has gained prominence in the Valley over the last the few years. Men in camouflage with guns and sticks are ready and alert in the downtown area of Srinagar. The area has witnessed frequent protests and stone pelting leading to injuries and death of many. People in the villages face difficulty in commuting as most of the bus services- which are limited- remain off-road. Emergency services are too hit when the authorities impose a strict curfew to avoid civilian casualties in protest. Small shops - which are away from the public light - remain open in uptown Srinagar where the effect of the shutdown is partial. Mobile internet has also been suspended in parts of rural areas to stop spread of fake information. According to the International Council for Research on International Economic Relations, Kashmir's economy lost Rs 4000 crore between 2012 and 2017 due to internet shutdown. The shutdowns and restrictions have now paralysed life for too long that even separatists are rethinking about this strategy.

Shutdown paralyses life in Kashmir valley

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