The problem of terrorism reached a new high in 2016 in India with as many as 250 civilians and 143 security men losing their lives in incidents of terrorism. 412 terrorists were killed by security forces in terror attacks.

As many as 1,683 terror incidents were reported from across the &nbsp;country, WION reports.

While left wing extremism accounted for more than 50 per cent of the terror attacks across the country, the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir &nbsp;(J&amp;K) witnessed an alarming surge in terror strikes this year as compared to 2015.

This year the state witnessed 305 &nbsp;incidents of terror in which 14 civilians, 71 security personnel and 140 terrorists were killed, as per data available till November 27.&nbsp;

17 civilians, 39 security personnel and 46 terrorists were killed in 208 terror attacks across J&amp;K last year.&nbsp;

The federal ministry of home affairs says there&#39;s been a spurt in infiltration attempts into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. The data available with the ministry till October 2016 is alarming, with the inflitration attempts more than doubling to 276 this year from 2015&#39;s 121.&nbsp;

(WION)

Left wing extremism accounted for more than 50% of the terror attacks across the country

The problem of terrorism reached a new high in 2016 in India with as many as 250 civilians and 143 security men losing their lives in incidents of terrorism. 412 terrorists were killed by security forces in terror attacks. As many as 1,683 terror incidents were reported from across the country, WION reports. While left wing extremism accounted for more than 50 per cent of the terror attacks across the country, the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) witnessed an alarming surge in terror strikes this year as compared to 2015. This year the state witnessed 305 incidents of terror in which 14 civilians, 71 security personnel and 140 terrorists were killed, as per data available till November 27. 17 civilians, 39 security personnel and 46 terrorists were killed in 208 terror attacks across J&K last year. The federal ministry of home affairs says there's been a spurt in infiltration attempts into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. The data available with the ministry till October 2016 is alarming, with the inflitration attempts more than doubling to 276 this year from 2015's 121. (WION)

Jammu and Kashmir accounted for almost 50% of India's terrorist incidents in 2016

Extensive combing operations were being carried out Wednesday morning in&nbsp;Nagrota, in the Indian state of Kashmir, where terrorists attacked an Army base Tuesday, killing seven soldiers.

Army spokesman Lt. Col Manish Mehta said the combing operation&nbsp;began at&nbsp;daylight.&nbsp;

A group of heavily-armed militants in police uniform had stormed the army camp in Nagrota early morning Tuesday, triggering an intense gun battle that lasted hours.

That firefight soon turned into a hostage-like situation&nbsp;with 12 soldiers, two ladies and two children being held captive when the militants entered two buildings occupied by families, officers and men.&nbsp;

The captives were however successfully rescued.

The Indian army confirmed that two army officers and five soldiers were killed in the gun battle.

A senior army officer said heavily-armed militants disguised in police uniform stormed the 166 artillery unit, and opened indiscriminate fire.

The Army said in a statement that the militants had forced their way into the Officers&#39; Mess complex by throwing grenades and firing at the sentries.&nbsp;

The militants attacked the camp, about 11 km from Jammu, at 5.30 in the morning.&nbsp;The Army&#39;s 16 Corps is headquartered at Nagrota.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash">#UPDATE</a> Nagrota(J&amp;K) attack: Terrorists attacked Army unit at 5.30 am today, two jawans injured. Firing continues
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/803428156501692416">November 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash">#UPDATE</a>: Administration orders shutting down of schools in Nagrota(J&amp;K) after exchange of fire between Army and terrorists
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In another incident, three suspected militants were killed in Ramgarh in the Samba district after the Border Security Force spotted &quot;suspicious movement&quot; along the International Border.

PTI later reported that a BSF DIG and four other security personnel were injured in a blast while carrying out mopping-up operations.&nbsp;

In view of the Nagrota attack, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed to traffic Tuesday and an alert been sounded in Jammu city.

The district administration also closed all schools in Nagrota as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Militants had on Tuesday stormed an Army camp and for some hours held soldiers and women and children captive

Extensive combing operations were being carried out Wednesday morning in Nagrota, in the Indian state of Kashmir, where terrorists attacked an Army base Tuesday, killing seven soldiers. Army spokesman Lt. Col Manish Mehta said the combing operation began at daylight. A group of heavily-armed militants in police uniform had stormed the army camp in Nagrota early morning Tuesday, triggering an intense gun battle that lasted hours. That firefight soon turned into a hostage-like situation with 12 soldiers, two ladies and two children being held captive when the militants entered two buildings occupied by families, officers and men. The captives were however successfully rescued. The Indian army confirmed that two army officers and five soldiers were killed in the gun battle. A senior army officer said heavily-armed militants disguised in police uniform stormed the 166 artillery unit, and opened indiscriminate fire. The Army said in a statement that the militants had forced their way into the Officers' Mess complex by throwing grenades and firing at the sentries. The militants attacked the camp, about 11 km from Jammu, at 5.30 in the morning. The Army's 16 Corps is headquartered at Nagrota. #UPDATE Nagrota(J&K) attack: Terrorists attacked Army unit at 5.30 am today, two jawans injured. Firing continues — ANI (@ANI_news) November 29, 2016 × #UPDATE: Administration orders shutting down of schools in Nagrota(J&K) after exchange of fire between Army and terrorists — ANI (@ANI_news) November 29, 2016 × In another incident, three suspected militants were killed in Ramgarh in the Samba district after the Border Security Force spotted "suspicious movement" along the International Border. PTI later reported that a BSF DIG and four other security personnel were injured in a blast while carrying out mopping-up operations. In view of the Nagrota attack, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed to traffic Tuesday and an alert been sounded in Jammu city. The district administration also closed all schools in Nagrota as a precautionary measure. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Combing ops on in Nagrota after attack that killed 7 soldiers

Nearly 200 terrorists are now active in Jammu and Kashmir, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

&quot;As per available inputs, nearly 200 terrorists are active in the state of Jammu and Kashmir,&quot; minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said today.

As per available inputs, 105 terrorists have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir after crossing the Line of Control till September this year, he added.

There were 2,069 incidents of law and order in Kashmir Valley in last two years, of which 627 incidents took place in Baramulla, 507 in Srinagar, 302 in Pulwama and 261 in Anantnag.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

105 terrorists have infiltrated into Jammu & Kashmir after crossing the Line of Control till September this year

Nearly 200 terrorists are now active in Jammu and Kashmir, the Rajya Sabha was informed today. "As per available inputs, nearly 200 terrorists are active in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said today. As per available inputs, 105 terrorists have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir after crossing the Line of Control till September this year, he added. There were 2,069 incidents of law and order in Kashmir Valley in last two years, of which 627 incidents took place in Baramulla, 507 in Srinagar, 302 in Pulwama and 261 in Anantnag. (WION with inputs from PTI)

200 terrorists active in Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Government

Srinagar along with rest of Kashmir was buzzing with activity today with offices, shops and other business establishments opening in the Valley, which saw return of normalcy after 133 days of shutdown as separatists suspended their stir for the weekend.

The situation has been by and large peaceful over the last few weeks in the Valley, which had been hit by clashes between violent protesters and security forces following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. The unrest had left 86 people dead and&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;injured.

Shops, offices, business establishments and fuel stations opened this morning for a full day for the first time since the unrest began. While some had started opening earlier defying the separatists, others did business few hours on some days of the week whenever relaxation in the strike was announced.

There was massive traffic on the roads in Srinagar -- &nbsp;the summer capital -- as public transport resumed fully and people came out to carry out their day to day activities today. The authorities had increased the presence of traffic personnel on the roads to manage the traffic.

Similar reports of people resuming their normal life were received from most of the other district headquarters of the Valley.

With the start of Board exams for classes 10 and 12 this week, life in the Vally had been gradually returning to normalcy. The authorities last night restored mobile internet services on postpaid numbers due to improvement in situation. However, such facility on prepaid numbers continued to remain snapped and there is no word yet on their restoration.

The separatists have been issuing weekly protest programmes. They had for the first time announced a two-day relaxation in the strike beginning today. 
 
(PTI)

However, prepaid calls continue to remain blocked, and there is no word yet on when they will be restored

Srinagar along with rest of Kashmir was buzzing with activity today with offices, shops and other business establishments opening in the Valley, which saw return of normalcy after 133 days of shutdown as separatists suspended their stir for the weekend. The situation has been by and large peaceful over the last few weeks in the Valley, which had been hit by clashes between violent protesters and security forces following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. The unrest had left 86 people dead and thousands injured. Shops, offices, business establishments and fuel stations opened this morning for a full day for the first time since the unrest began. While some had started opening earlier defying the separatists, others did business few hours on some days of the week whenever relaxation in the strike was announced. There was massive traffic on the roads in Srinagar -- the summer capital -- as public transport resumed fully and people came out to carry out their day to day activities today. The authorities had increased the presence of traffic personnel on the roads to manage the traffic. Similar reports of people resuming their normal life were received from most of the other district headquarters of the Valley. With the start of Board exams for classes 10 and 12 this week, life in the Vally had been gradually returning to normalcy. The authorities last night restored mobile internet services on postpaid numbers due to improvement in situation. However, such facility on prepaid numbers continued to remain snapped and there is no word yet on their restoration. The separatists have been issuing weekly protest programmes. They had for the first time announced a two-day relaxation in the strike beginning today. (PTI)

Kashmir: Businesses reopen, post-paid mobile services back up

A whiff of fresh air amid the unrest. The students who suffered damage to their eye by pellet guns in the months-long violence in Jammu and Kashmir , sent a powerful message across when they wrote their Class X exams despite staring at a bleak future.

Class X student Suhaib Nazir suffered vision impairment in one of his eyes when security forces fired pellets after clashes broke out in his area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir in July this year.

Despite being operated once, the 16-year-old is unable to regain his eyesight.

Suhaib decided to postpone his second surgery, and appear for his examination. &ldquo;Doctors have recommended a second surgery. I told them that I will first sit for exams and later go for the operation,&rdquo; said Suhaib.

For Suhaib, education is the only means to achieve big in life and that is why he decided to give it a chance, despite not been able to concentrate fully. Such was his conviction that he did not opt for a writing assistant and wrote his papers on his own.

&ldquo;I did not opt for the assistant and wrote my papers myself. There was 50 per cent relaxation in the syllabus, which prompted me to write my papers before going for second surgery,&rdquo; he said.

More than 90 people have been killed and over 13,000 people injured in four-month unrest that started after the killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen poster boy Burhan Wani on July 7. Over 1,100 people, mostly teenagers, have suffered injuries in their eyes when security forces fired pellets to quell the violent mobs across Kashmir.

Athar Hussain, 16, had undergone three surgeries to regain eyesight after he was hit by the pellets. So far doctors have little success in restoring his vision. He has been asked to remain ready for the fourth surgery so that he could regain his vision. When the exams were announced, Athar decided to give it a shot before going for the surgery. &ldquo;It was difficult but I managed somehow. Education is the key and we have to pursue it,&rdquo; he said.

&nbsp;

(This report was first published in DNA.)

&nbsp;

Several students were injured when Indian security forces fired pellets after clashes broke out in July

A whiff of fresh air amid the unrest. The students who suffered damage to their eye by pellet guns in the months-long violence in Jammu and Kashmir , sent a powerful message across when they wrote their Class X exams despite staring at a bleak future. Class X student Suhaib Nazir suffered vision impairment in one of his eyes when security forces fired pellets after clashes broke out in his area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir in July this year. Despite being operated once, the 16-year-old is unable to regain his eyesight. Suhaib decided to postpone his second surgery, and appear for his examination. “Doctors have recommended a second surgery. I told them that I will first sit for exams and later go for the operation,” said Suhaib. For Suhaib, education is the only means to achieve big in life and that is why he decided to give it a chance, despite not been able to concentrate fully. Such was his conviction that he did not opt for a writing assistant and wrote his papers on his own. “I did not opt for the assistant and wrote my papers myself. There was 50 per cent relaxation in the syllabus, which prompted me to write my papers before going for second surgery,” he said. More than 90 people have been killed and over 13,000 people injured in four-month unrest that started after the killing of Hizbul Mujahedeen poster boy Burhan Wani on July 7. Over 1,100 people, mostly teenagers, have suffered injuries in their eyes when security forces fired pellets to quell the violent mobs across Kashmir. Athar Hussain, 16, had undergone three surgeries to regain eyesight after he was hit by the pellets. So far doctors have little success in restoring his vision. He has been asked to remain ready for the fourth surgery so that he could regain his vision. When the exams were announced, Athar decided to give it a shot before going for the surgery. “It was difficult but I managed somehow. Education is the key and we have to pursue it,” he said. (This report was first published in DNA.)

Kashmir: Blinded by pellet guns, students appear for exams

&nbsp;One woman was killed and four others were injured today in cross-border shelling on hamlets and posts with mortar bombs along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control in Samba, Jammu and Rajouri districts.

&quot;Pakistani Rangers started firing with small arms followed by mortars at one place and further spread to four or five places in Ramgarh and Arnia sectors of Samba and Jammu district from 0630 hours,&quot; Deputy Inspector General &nbsp;of India&#39;s paramiliBorder Security Force Dharmendra Pareek said.

They fired 82 mm mortar bombs intermittently, Pareek said, adding, BSF gave them a befitting reply.

A woman aged between 21 to 22 years died during shelling in a hamlet in Ramgarh sector of Samba district, SSP Samba Joginder Singh said.

Six persons have been injured in the ceasefire violations since yesterday.

At 0710 hours, three mortar shells landed in border village of Pindi in Arnia sector of Jammu district, injuring four persons identified as Bodraj (44), Niky, Dharana Devi and Chanchla Devi (49), he said.

Two women, Robiya Kouser (28) and Tasveer Bi (24), were injured in Pakistani shelling in Mendhar sector of Poonch district last evening and have been hospitalised, police said.

Pakistani troops indulged in unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Naushera sector of Rajouri district from 0530 hours using small arms, automatics, 82 and 120 mm mortars, Public Relations Officer Defence Lieutenant Colonel &nbsp;Manish Mehta said.

There have been claims of &nbsp;more that 60 ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the LoC and IB in the state since surgical strikes against terror launch pads by the Indian Army in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir.

Yesterday, an elderly woman and a soldier were killed and a girl and two armymen were injured in cross-LoC shelling and firing by Pakistani troops in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

&nbsp;

(PTI)

&nbsp;

They fired 82 mm mortar bombs intermittently, says India's paramilitary Border Security Force

One woman was killed and four others were injured today in cross-border shelling on hamlets and posts with mortar bombs along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control in Samba, Jammu and Rajouri districts. "Pakistani Rangers started firing with small arms followed by mortars at one place and further spread to four or five places in Ramgarh and Arnia sectors of Samba and Jammu district from 0630 hours," Deputy Inspector General of India's paramiliBorder Security Force Dharmendra Pareek said. They fired 82 mm mortar bombs intermittently, Pareek said, adding, BSF gave them a befitting reply. A woman aged between 21 to 22 years died during shelling in a hamlet in Ramgarh sector of Samba district, SSP Samba Joginder Singh said. Six persons have been injured in the ceasefire violations since yesterday. At 0710 hours, three mortar shells landed in border village of Pindi in Arnia sector of Jammu district, injuring four persons identified as Bodraj (44), Niky, Dharana Devi and Chanchla Devi (49), he said. Two women, Robiya Kouser (28) and Tasveer Bi (24), were injured in Pakistani shelling in Mendhar sector of Poonch district last evening and have been hospitalised, police said. Pakistani troops indulged in unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Naushera sector of Rajouri district from 0530 hours using small arms, automatics, 82 and 120 mm mortars, Public Relations Officer Defence Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said. There have been claims of more that 60 ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along the LoC and IB in the state since surgical strikes against terror launch pads by the Indian Army in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir. Yesterday, an elderly woman and a soldier were killed and a girl and two armymen were injured in cross-LoC shelling and firing by Pakistani troops in Poonch and Rajouri districts. (PTI)

Pakistan shells India's border hamlets and posts,woman killed: Border Security Force

India&#39;s Border Security Force&nbsp;(BSF) on Friday said at least 15 Pakistani rangers were killed in retaliatory firing by Indian forces along the International Border.

The BSF also said they had foiled two infiltration bids yesterday and that Pakistani forces were pushing militants over onto their side of the border.

Pakistani troops continued cross-border firing and shelling&nbsp;on Friday of Indian posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control&nbsp;and international border in Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri districts, Indian security forces said.

Cross-border firing had left a girl injured, the BSF added.

Pakistan, on the other hand, had said on Thursday that India was indulging in cross-border firing, killing two of its civilians on Wednesday, along with injuring another four.

Firing and shelling had continued overnight along the international border.

&quot;Yesterday, then again today morning ceasefire violations are happening from Pakistan side. Indian side also responding befittingly. Heavy calibre weapons are being used by Pak. We are hitting them hard though,&quot; Manish Mehta, the public relations officer for BSF said.

On Thursday, a Pakistani Ranger was killed and another injured in the retaliatory firing by BSF, as Pakistani troops heavily shelled five sectors along LoC and international border in Jammu and Kashmir in which one BSF constable&nbsp;died and 13 other civilians were injured.

Since surgical strikes by army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered-Kashmir on September 28-29, five Indians, including four security personnel, have been killed and 34 injured in ceasefire violations.

On October 21, BSF killed seven Pak rangers and a militant&nbsp;opposite to Hiranagar sector along In in Kathua, in which one BSF constable was injured.

On October 25, at least two to three&nbsp;Pakistani armymen were&nbsp; believed to have been killed in retaliatory firing by Indian troops in the Noushera sector of Rajouri district.

(WION with inputs from DNA)

India said its action had been retaliatory but Pakistan blamed India for initiating the cross-border firing

India's Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday said at least 15 Pakistani rangers were killed in retaliatory firing by Indian forces along the International Border. The BSF also said they had foiled two infiltration bids yesterday and that Pakistani forces were pushing militants over onto their side of the border. Pakistani troops continued cross-border firing and shelling on Friday of Indian posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control and international border in Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri districts, Indian security forces said. Cross-border firing had left a girl injured, the BSF added. Pakistan, on the other hand, had said on Thursday that India was indulging in cross-border firing, killing two of its civilians on Wednesday, along with injuring another four. Firing and shelling had continued overnight along the international border. "Yesterday, then again today morning ceasefire violations are happening from Pakistan side. Indian side also responding befittingly. Heavy calibre weapons are being used by Pak. We are hitting them hard though," Manish Mehta, the public relations officer for BSF said. On Thursday, a Pakistani Ranger was killed and another injured in the retaliatory firing by BSF, as Pakistani troops heavily shelled five sectors along LoC and international border in Jammu and Kashmir in which one BSF constable died and 13 other civilians were injured. Since surgical strikes by army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered-Kashmir on September 28-29, five Indians, including four security personnel, have been killed and 34 injured in ceasefire violations. On October 21, BSF killed seven Pak rangers and a militant opposite to Hiranagar sector along In in Kathua, in which one BSF constable was injured. On October 25, at least two to three Pakistani armymen were believed to have been killed in retaliatory firing by Indian troops in the Noushera sector of Rajouri district. (WION with inputs from DNA)

15 Pakistan Rangers killed in firing along border: India's Border Security Force

Two local Jaish-e-Mohammad militants have been arrested in Kanispora area of Baramulla district in &nbsp;India&#39;s northern Jammu and Kashmir state amid a crackdown on terrorism, Indian news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The militants were nabbed during a joint search operation launched last night by Indian Army&#39;s 52 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group (SOG) Baramulla. Ammunition besides an AK 47, a pistol and grenades were recovered from them, including Jaish and Hizbul Mujahideen stamps, the news agency said.&nbsp;

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J&amp;K: Two Jaish e Mohammad terrorists arrested in Baramulla, ammunition including one AK-47 and one pistol seized
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/789682885229879296">October 22, 2016</a></blockquote>
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In another breakthrough for Indian security agencies, a Pakistani spy was arrested in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir.The spy named Bodh Raj was held while he was trying to escape. &nbsp;A map showing deployment of forces and two Pakistani SIM cards were also seized from him.

&nbsp;

&quot;This is a major breakthrough so far as national security is concerned and the arrest of some more persons is also likely in the days to come,&quot; the Samba police said in a statement, according to ANI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Samba district police said that based on the information received from military intelligence with regard to the involvement of Bodh Raj for his espionage activities and passing on vital information regarding deployment and movement of security forces to Pakistan, a special operation was conducted to nab him in the border area of Ramgarh.

&nbsp;

Tensions continue to fester between India and Pakistan. On Friday, India&#39;s Border Security Force said that one terrorist and seven Pakistan Rangers were killed in Kathua district of J&amp;K. BSF said it was retaliating to a sniper attack by Pakistan.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Amid a crackdown on terror, the militants were nabbed during a joint search operation launched last night

Two local Jaish-e-Mohammad militants have been arrested in Kanispora area of Baramulla district in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state amid a crackdown on terrorism, Indian news agency ANI reported. The militants were nabbed during a joint search operation launched last night by Indian Army's 52 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group (SOG) Baramulla. Ammunition besides an AK 47, a pistol and grenades were recovered from them, including Jaish and Hizbul Mujahideen stamps, the news agency said. J&K: Two Jaish e Mohammad terrorists arrested in Baramulla, ammunition including one AK-47 and one pistol seized — ANI (@ANI_news) October 22, 2016 × In another breakthrough for Indian security agencies, a Pakistani spy was arrested in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir.The spy named Bodh Raj was held while he was trying to escape. A map showing deployment of forces and two Pakistani SIM cards were also seized from him. "This is a major breakthrough so far as national security is concerned and the arrest of some more persons is also likely in the days to come," the Samba police said in a statement, according to ANI. The Samba district police said that based on the information received from military intelligence with regard to the involvement of Bodh Raj for his espionage activities and passing on vital information regarding deployment and movement of security forces to Pakistan, a special operation was conducted to nab him in the border area of Ramgarh. Tensions continue to fester between India and Pakistan. On Friday, India's Border Security Force said that one terrorist and seven Pakistan Rangers were killed in Kathua district of J&K. BSF said it was retaliating to a sniper attack by Pakistan. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Indian Army captures two Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in Kashmir, Pak spy arrested in Samba

A terrorist and seven Pakistan Rangers were killed today by India&#39;s Border Security Forces (BSF) amid crossfire on the international border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir state in which one BSF personnel was injured, India&#39;s news agency PTI reported.&nbsp; 
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Update: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSF?src=hash">#BSF</a> says it killed 7 Pak Rangers &amp; one terrorist in retaliatory fire along International Border in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash">#Kathua</a> in J&amp;K.
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/789464990361149442">October 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Rangers, the border force of Pakistan, resorted to sniper attacks at Indian posts at Hira Nagar in Kathua at around 9.35 AM, BSF said in an official statement. &nbsp;A BSF constable Gurnam Singh was injured in the firing

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An aggressive offensive was launched by the Indian border guarding forces against the Pakistani firing, the statement mentioned.&nbsp;

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&quot;In a befitting reply to a sniper attack of Pak Rangers at 9:35 this morning in Hira Nagar Sector of Jammu, BSF launched an offensive,&quot; BSF was quoted as saying by Indian news agency ANI.&nbsp;

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In a befitting reply to a sniper attack of Pak Rangers at 9:35 this morning in Hira Nagar Sector of Jammu, BSF launched an offensive: BSF
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/789462779145048065">October 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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During intermittent firing of small arms and area weapon one militant and seven Rangers were shot dead: BSF
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/789462844295094272">October 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Today in Hira Nagar Sector Pak Rangers injured one BSF trooper Constable Gurnam Singh, he was evacuated &amp; his condition is critical: BSF
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/789465410110300161">October 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Gave a befitting response, so they were rattled &amp; fired again today morning: DK Upadhyay, IG BSF Jammu Range on 7 Pak Rangers killed <a href="https://t.co/2FV6rnqAeu">pic.twitter.com/2FV6rnqAeu</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/789486821780578304">October 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Singh, whose condition is considered to be critical, was evacuated with the cover fire to Government Medical College, Jammu, PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This firing from Pakistan was effectively retaliated and that has claimed the casualties of Pakistani forces, the release said.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;Pakistan Army has claimed that there was no loss of life on its side.

 
&quot;Indians resorted to unprovoked fire/shelling on working boundary in Shakargarh sector today. Pak Rangers befittingly responded. No loss on Pak side,&quot; Director General Inter- Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted.

 
&quot;Indian claim of hitting or killing any Pakistani soldier/Ranger with firing at anytime of today at LOC/working boundary absolutely false,&quot; he said.

 
&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

BSF launched an offensive following a sniper attack by Pakistan Rangers on Friday morning , Pakistan Army denies

A terrorist and seven Pakistan Rangers were killed today by India's Border Security Forces (BSF) amid crossfire on the international border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir state in which one BSF personnel was injured, India's news agency PTI reported. Update: #BSF says it killed 7 Pak Rangers & one terrorist in retaliatory fire along International Border in #Kathua in J&K. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 21, 2016 × Pakistan Rangers, the border force of Pakistan, resorted to sniper attacks at Indian posts at Hira Nagar in Kathua at around 9.35 AM, BSF said in an official statement. A BSF constable Gurnam Singh was injured in the firing An aggressive offensive was launched by the Indian border guarding forces against the Pakistani firing, the statement mentioned. "In a befitting reply to a sniper attack of Pak Rangers at 9:35 this morning in Hira Nagar Sector of Jammu, BSF launched an offensive," BSF was quoted as saying by Indian news agency ANI. In a befitting reply to a sniper attack of Pak Rangers at 9:35 this morning in Hira Nagar Sector of Jammu, BSF launched an offensive: BSF — ANI (@ANI_news) October 21, 2016 × During intermittent firing of small arms and area weapon one militant and seven Rangers were shot dead: BSF — ANI (@ANI_news) October 21, 2016 × Today in Hira Nagar Sector Pak Rangers injured one BSF trooper Constable Gurnam Singh, he was evacuated & his condition is critical: BSF — ANI (@ANI_news) October 21, 2016 × Gave a befitting response, so they were rattled & fired again today morning: DK Upadhyay, IG BSF Jammu Range on 7 Pak Rangers killed pic.twitter.com/2FV6rnqAeu — ANI (@ANI_news) October 21, 2016 × Singh, whose condition is considered to be critical, was evacuated with the cover fire to Government Medical College, Jammu, PTI reported. This firing from Pakistan was effectively retaliated and that has claimed the casualties of Pakistani forces, the release said. However, Pakistan Army has claimed that there was no loss of life on its side. "Indians resorted to unprovoked fire/shelling on working boundary in Shakargarh sector today. Pak Rangers befittingly responded. No loss on Pak side," Director General Inter- Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted. "Indian claim of hitting or killing any Pakistani soldier/Ranger with firing at anytime of today at LOC/working boundary absolutely false," he said. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India's Border Security Force kills 7 Pakistan Rangers, 1 terrorist amid crossfire?in Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces in India&#39;s Kashmir have recovered Chinese flags along with incriminating material during raids at suspected hideouts of militants in Baramulla and arrested 44 people for their alleged involvement in &quot;terror-related activities&quot;, for the first time ever.&nbsp;

&quot;Over 700 houses were searched in a span of 12 hours on October 17 in an extensive search operation in old town in Baramulla, during which 44 persons involved with terror-related activities have been apprehended,&quot; an army spokesman said.

The security forces sanitised the area and a number of hideouts were busted during the operation, the spokesman said.

&quot;A large quantity of incriminating material such as petrol bombs, Chinese and Pakistani flags, Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) letter head pads, unauthorized mobile phones and seditious anti-national publicity material were seized,&quot; he added.

He said the operation was jointly carried out by teams of army, police, Border Security Forces (the primary Border guarding force of India) and Central Reserve Police Force (largest of India&#39;s central armed police forces)in 10 sensitive localities including Qazi Hamam, Ganai Hamam, Taweed Gunj, Jamia and other mohallas reportedly being used as &quot;safe havens by the terrorists&quot;.

(PTI)

Petrol bombs, Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) letter-head pads, anti-national publicity material was seized in house raids

Security forces in India's Kashmir have recovered Chinese flags along with incriminating material during raids at suspected hideouts of militants in Baramulla and arrested 44 people for their alleged involvement in "terror-related activities", for the first time ever. "Over 700 houses were searched in a span of 12 hours on October 17 in an extensive search operation in old town in Baramulla, during which 44 persons involved with terror-related activities have been apprehended," an army spokesman said. The security forces sanitised the area and a number of hideouts were busted during the operation, the spokesman said. "A large quantity of incriminating material such as petrol bombs, Chinese and Pakistani flags, Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) letter head pads, unauthorized mobile phones and seditious anti-national publicity material were seized," he added. He said the operation was jointly carried out by teams of army, police, Border Security Forces (the primary Border guarding force of India) and Central Reserve Police Force (largest of India's central armed police forces)in 10 sensitive localities including Qazi Hamam, Ganai Hamam, Taweed Gunj, Jamia and other mohallas reportedly being used as "safe havens by the terrorists". (PTI)

India: Chinese flags, other 'incriminating' material recovered in Jammu and Kashmir, 44 arrested

By Abhishek Bhalla

There has been an alarming surge in militant&nbsp;infiltrations from across Pakistan border, Indian authorities said.

Eighty-seven cross-border infiltrations have been reported so far this year, while the tally last year was 10, an unnamed official&nbsp;said.

Insiders warn that the situation is going to get worse as Pakistan-based militants are planning to launch retaliatory attacks following the surgical strikes allegedly conducted by India last month.

&ldquo;The infiltration attempts are still continuing,&rdquo; said a government official when asked whether India&#39;s strikes on the other side of Line of Control (LoC is a de facto border dividing India and Pakistan) has deterred militants in Pakistan.

The assessment of infiltrations increasing is based on ground intelligence from civilians, intercepts and evidence of fence-cutting in some areas.

Sources said the number of Pakistan-based militants who have been killed this year has also increased due to the jump in infiltration bids. Last year, in the corresponding period, around 70 militants were gunned down, while the tally this year is 128. The Indian army has killed 120 militants and the remaining eight were gunned down by either the paramilitary, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or the local police.

Sources said a number of infiltrations have occurred along the LoC and it seems militants are going back to the old routes used for surreptitiously entering&nbsp;Indian territory. In 2013 and 2014, there had been increased infiltration bids from new routes along the International Border (IB).

Fears of&nbsp;recruitment by Pakistan-based militant groups&nbsp;has also alarmed Indian security forces. It is estimated that around 100 men have gone missing in the last three months.

Kashmir causes worry

Violent protests in India&#39;s Kashmir has also been a cause of worry for Indian security forces.

More than 100 arms have been looted by agitators following Hizbul Mujahideen local commander Burhan Wani&#39;s death in an encounter by Indian forces. Sources said militants are looting weapons to arm the new recruits.

Wani&rsquo;s killing on July 8 triggered mass protests across Kashmir. Over 80 have died and thousands wounded ever since the upheaval sparked off in the Valley three months ago.&nbsp;

Pakistan &#39;plugging&#39; border gaps

Intelligence inputs also indicate that after India&rsquo;s surgical strikes, the Pakistani Army has carried out &ldquo;precautionary deployment&rdquo; all along the LoC, as they fear another round of strikes from Indian forces.

&ldquo;Soon after our raids, they have increased deployment in areas they consider vulnerable. Precautionary deployment is roughly 25 per cent of a full mobilisation aimed to plug the gaps,&rdquo; said an unnamed intelligence officer.

(WION with inputs from DNA)

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian security forces fear that infiltration bids may rise further as Pakistan-based militant groups are currently on a recruitment spree

By Abhishek Bhalla There has been an alarming surge in militant infiltrations from across Pakistan border, Indian authorities said. Eighty-seven cross-border infiltrations have been reported so far this year, while the tally last year was 10, an unnamed official said. Insiders warn that the situation is going to get worse as Pakistan-based militants are planning to launch retaliatory attacks following the surgical strikes allegedly conducted by India last month. “The infiltration attempts are still continuing,” said a government official when asked whether India's strikes on the other side of Line of Control (LoC is a de facto border dividing India and Pakistan) has deterred militants in Pakistan. The assessment of infiltrations increasing is based on ground intelligence from civilians, intercepts and evidence of fence-cutting in some areas. Sources said the number of Pakistan-based militants who have been killed this year has also increased due to the jump in infiltration bids. Last year, in the corresponding period, around 70 militants were gunned down, while the tally this year is 128. The Indian army has killed 120 militants and the remaining eight were gunned down by either the paramilitary, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or the local police. Sources said a number of infiltrations have occurred along the LoC and it seems militants are going back to the old routes used for surreptitiously entering Indian territory. In 2013 and 2014, there had been increased infiltration bids from new routes along the International Border (IB). Fears of recruitment by Pakistan-based militant groups has also alarmed Indian security forces. It is estimated that around 100 men have gone missing in the last three months. Kashmir causes worry Violent protests in India's Kashmir has also been a cause of worry for Indian security forces. More than 100 arms have been looted by agitators following Hizbul Mujahideen local commander Burhan Wani's death in an encounter by Indian forces. Sources said militants are looting weapons to arm the new recruits. Wani’s killing on July 8 triggered mass protests across Kashmir. Over 80 have died and thousands wounded ever since the upheaval sparked off in the Valley three months ago. Pakistan 'plugging' border gaps Intelligence inputs also indicate that after India’s surgical strikes, the Pakistani Army has carried out “precautionary deployment” all along the LoC, as they fear another round of strikes from Indian forces. “Soon after our raids, they have increased deployment in areas they consider vulnerable. Precautionary deployment is roughly 25 per cent of a full mobilisation aimed to plug the gaps,” said an unnamed intelligence officer. (WION with inputs from DNA)

Nearly nine-fold surge in militant infiltrations from across Pakistan border: India

Militants opened fire at a police post in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, killing one policeman and leaving one policeman and a civilian injured.

On Thursday, three Pakistani terrorists were killed after they attacked a camp at Langate in the Kupwara district, the commanding officer of the 30 Rashtriya Rifles, Colonel Rajiv Saharan, confirmed.

Three AK-47 rifles, two under barrel grenade launchers, three GPS, four radio search, maps and metric sheet, and medicines were recovered from them.&nbsp;

When asked how they identified the terrorists, Colonel Saharan said, &quot;The medicines recovered have &#39;made in Pakistan&#39; markings on them, this ascertains that these three terrorists were from Pakistan.&quot;&nbsp;

The attack comes only days after terrorists attacked a Border Security Force (BSF) camp and adjoining camps in Baramulla district, leaving one BSF soldier dead.

The attack also comes after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes and destroyed seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), last week, after&nbsp;terrorists attacked the army brigade headquarters at Uri, killing 19 soldiers.

(This report first appeared in DNA)

Two people, including a policeman and a civilian, were also injured in the attack

Militants opened fire at a police post in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, killing one policeman and leaving one policeman and a civilian injured. On Thursday, three Pakistani terrorists were killed after they attacked a camp at Langate in the Kupwara district, the commanding officer of the 30 Rashtriya Rifles, Colonel Rajiv Saharan, confirmed. Three AK-47 rifles, two under barrel grenade launchers, three GPS, four radio search, maps and metric sheet, and medicines were recovered from them. When asked how they identified the terrorists, Colonel Saharan said, "The medicines recovered have 'made in Pakistan' markings on them, this ascertains that these three terrorists were from Pakistan." The attack comes only days after terrorists attacked a Border Security Force (BSF) camp and adjoining camps in Baramulla district, leaving one BSF soldier dead. The attack also comes after the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes and destroyed seven terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC), last week, after terrorists attacked the army brigade headquarters at Uri, killing 19 soldiers. (This report first appeared in DNA)

Kashmir: Militant attack on police post in Shopian, 1 policeman killed

Three militants were killed after&nbsp;they attacked an Indian Army camp in Kupwara district in India&#39;s northern state of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The attackers engaged in intense gunbattles with Indian soldiers on two separate occasions before they were killed.

The first firefight started around 5 in the morning and lasted 30 minutes. The fighting then resumed at 6.30 am and continued for 90 minutes.

Indian authorities said the attackers had worn Indian&nbsp;army fatigues to help them bluff their way into the camp.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: (Visuals deferred) Terrorists open fire outside an Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&amp;K). 3 terrorists gunned down; op continues. <a href="https://t.co/kko2Nk9CMM">pic.twitter.com/kko2Nk9CMM</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/783891598882942976">October 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The army recovered three AK47s, 17 magazines and 12 grenades. The gunmen were also carrying dry fruits and medicines, Indian Army commanding officer Colonel Rajiv&nbsp;Saha said while briefing the media.

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J&amp;K: Handwara encounter over, huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered <a href="https://t.co/clctCUcbQr">pic.twitter.com/clctCUcbQr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/783910393265598464">October 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
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ANI reported that suspected militants made three other attempts &mdash;&nbsp;two in the Nowgam sector and one in Rampur&nbsp;&mdash;&nbsp;overnight to cross into Kashmir from across the Line of Control dividing India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

&quot;Troops were on alert and fired at the infiltrators, they fled back to Pakistan. A search has been launched,&quot; an unnamed army officer told Reuters.

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3 infiltration bids assisted by Pak posts foiled on intervening night of 5-6 Oct; two bids in Nowgam sector, one bid in Rampur (J&amp;K)
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/783852135158919168">October 6, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Indian home minister Rajnath Singh has called for a high-level meeting which is being attended by intelligence and defence officials.&nbsp;

The attack comes four days after another regiment came under attack in Baramulla, Kashmir, where two gunmen and an Indian Army soldier were gunned down during a three-hour gunfight.

On September 18, four heavily- armed men launched a deadly attack on Indian Army headquarters in Uri town of Kashmir, killing 18 soldiers.

India then retaliated to the attack they believe was done with the help of Pakistan by conducting surgical strikes on militants camped on the other side of the border on Wednesday night (September 28). Islamabad has since dismissed India&#39;s claims of conducting the midnight operation.

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Three other attempts were reportedly made overnight by militants to cross over into Kashmir from across the Line of Control

Three militants were killed after they attacked an Indian Army camp in Kupwara district in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The attackers engaged in intense gunbattles with Indian soldiers on two separate occasions before they were killed. The first firefight started around 5 in the morning and lasted 30 minutes. The fighting then resumed at 6.30 am and continued for 90 minutes. Indian authorities said the attackers had worn Indian army fatigues to help them bluff their way into the camp. #WATCH: (Visuals deferred) Terrorists open fire outside an Army camp in Langate in Handwara (J&K). 3 terrorists gunned down; op continues. pic.twitter.com/kko2Nk9CMM — ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016 × The army recovered three AK47s, 17 magazines and 12 grenades. The gunmen were also carrying dry fruits and medicines, Indian Army commanding officer Colonel Rajiv Saha said while briefing the media. J&K: Handwara encounter over, huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered pic.twitter.com/clctCUcbQr — ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016 × ANI reported that suspected militants made three other attempts — two in the Nowgam sector and one in Rampur — overnight to cross into Kashmir from across the Line of Control dividing India and Pakistan. "Troops were on alert and fired at the infiltrators, they fled back to Pakistan. A search has been launched," an unnamed army officer told Reuters. 3 infiltration bids assisted by Pak posts foiled on intervening night of 5-6 Oct; two bids in Nowgam sector, one bid in Rampur (J&K) — ANI (@ANI_news) October 6, 2016 × Indian home minister Rajnath Singh has called for a high-level meeting which is being attended by intelligence and defence officials. The attack comes four days after another regiment came under attack in Baramulla, Kashmir, where two gunmen and an Indian Army soldier were gunned down during a three-hour gunfight. On September 18, four heavily- armed men launched a deadly attack on Indian Army headquarters in Uri town of Kashmir, killing 18 soldiers. India then retaliated to the attack they believe was done with the help of Pakistan by conducting surgical strikes on militants camped on the other side of the border on Wednesday night (September 28). Islamabad has since dismissed India's claims of conducting the midnight operation. (WION)

Three militants killed after attack on Indian Army camp in Kashmir

A mid-intensity earthquake measuring 5.2 on the richter scale shook the border region of Jammu and Kashmir today. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad and Peshawar in Pakistan.

&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of loss to life and property. The quake was centred&nbsp;around 62 km from Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Adminisered Kashmir.

&nbsp;

 
The quake occurred at 1.34 pm local time&nbsp;at the depth of 10 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology, a unit under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

(WION)

The quake occurred at 1.34 pm local time at the depth of 10 km

A mid-intensity earthquake measuring 5.2 on the richter scale shook the border region of Jammu and Kashmir today. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad and Peshawar in Pakistan. There were no immediate reports of loss to life and property. The quake was centred around 62 km from Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-Adminisered Kashmir. The quake occurred at 1.34 pm local time at the depth of 10 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology, a unit under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. (WION)

5.2 magnitude earthquake jolts India-Pakistan border

Pakistan rangers violated the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Akhnoor district in the early hours today, according to multiple media reports.

Heavy mortar shells were fired at 4 AM in the Pallanwala sector. There have been no casualties or injuries.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash">#FLASH</a> Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor (J&amp;K) started around 4 am, firing still going on.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/782033794735845376">October 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Pakistani forces had opened fire at the Border Security Forces (BSF), the primary border guarding force of India, at 10 AM on Friday.&nbsp;

According to PTI, this is the fifth ceasefire violation in September 2016 and the third in the past 36 hours.&nbsp;

The spurt in ceasefire violations comes a day after the Indian Army carried out &ldquo;surgical strikes&rdquo; along the Line of Control (LoC) on militant launchpads, killing 38 terrorists.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan violated ceasefire in the Akhnoor sector in the early hours on Saturday, the third in last 36 hours

Pakistan rangers violated the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor district in the early hours today, according to multiple media reports. Heavy mortar shells were fired at 4 AM in the Pallanwala sector. There have been no casualties or injuries. #FLASH Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Pallanwala sector of Akhnoor (J&K) started around 4 am, firing still going on. — ANI (@ANI_news) October 1, 2016 × The Pakistani forces had opened fire at the Border Security Forces (BSF), the primary border guarding force of India, at 10 AM on Friday. According to PTI, this is the fifth ceasefire violation in September 2016 and the third in the past 36 hours. The spurt in ceasefire violations comes a day after the Indian Army carried out “surgical strikes” along the Line of Control (LoC) on militant launchpads, killing 38 terrorists. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K's Akhnoor district, firing still on

India is likely to raise the deadly Uri attack&nbsp;at the 71st United Nations General Assembly and highlight Pakistan&#39;s involvement in the terror strike.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;India will raise the matter in the UN General Assembly and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will strongly emphasise on Pakistan&#39;s involvement in her speech on 26th,&quot; Indian news agency ANI reported today quoting&nbsp;sources. 
 
Meanwhile, Indian interior minister today reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, &nbsp;a day after at least 17 Indian soldiers were left dead following a terror strike on Indian Army base in Uri. 
 
Expressing &#39;deep disappointment&#39; with Pakistan&#39;s continued and direct support to terrorism, Rajnath chaired a high-level meet in the presence of national security advisor Ajit Doval. 
 
Top officials of the ministries of home and defence, Indian Army, paramilitary forces and chiefs of intelligence agencies briefed Singh on the latest ground report in the Kashmir Valley as well as along the Line of Control, &nbsp;Indian news agency PTI reported quoting sources. &nbsp;He held a similar review meet on Sunday. 
 
A National Investigative Agency (NIA) team is expected to visit Uri in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to gather leads and other evidence from the terror attack site.
 
During the meeting, possible strategies to deal with the fresh challenges arising out of the terror attack at the Army Brigade Headquarters, located along the LoC, were also discussed the news agency said. 
 
Sources confirmed to the news agency that the interior minister and the top officials also reviewed the security situation across the country, particulary along the western border from northern Punjab state to western Gujarat. &nbsp; 
 
Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, who postponed his visit to Srinagar, also attended the meeting. 
 
Following the attack, Rajnath had blamed the neighbouring country Pakistan for the terror strike while Pakistan refuted allegations.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian interior minster Rajnath Singh branded Pakistan as a 'terrorist state' following the terror strike on Indian Army base

India is likely to raise the deadly Uri attack at the 71st United Nations General Assembly and highlight Pakistan's involvement in the terror strike. "India will raise the matter in the UN General Assembly and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will strongly emphasise on Pakistan's involvement in her speech on 26th," Indian news agency ANI reported today quoting sources. Meanwhile, Indian interior minister today reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after at least 17 Indian soldiers were left dead following a terror strike on Indian Army base in Uri. Expressing 'deep disappointment' with Pakistan's continued and direct support to terrorism, Rajnath chaired a high-level meet in the presence of national security advisor Ajit Doval. Top officials of the ministries of home and defence, Indian Army, paramilitary forces and chiefs of intelligence agencies briefed Singh on the latest ground report in the Kashmir Valley as well as along the Line of Control, Indian news agency PTI reported quoting sources. He held a similar review meet on Sunday. A National Investigative Agency (NIA) team is expected to visit Uri in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to gather leads and other evidence from the terror attack site. During the meeting, possible strategies to deal with the fresh challenges arising out of the terror attack at the Army Brigade Headquarters, located along the LoC, were also discussed the news agency said. Sources confirmed to the news agency that the interior minister and the top officials also reviewed the security situation across the country, particulary along the western border from northern Punjab state to western Gujarat. Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, who postponed his visit to Srinagar, also attended the meeting. Following the attack, Rajnath had blamed the neighbouring country Pakistan for the terror strike while Pakistan refuted allegations. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India to raise Uri attack in United Nations General Assembly

Seventeen Indian army soldiers were killed after four fidayeen or suicide gunmen attacked the army&#39;s battalion headquarters in Uri, 120 kms to the west of the capital Srinagar and near the line of control separating India from Pakistan. 
 
The four militants were also killed. Combing operations are currently underway.&nbsp; 
 
India&#39;s defence ministry said a total of 35 soldiers had been wounded in the attack which began at 4 am. 
 
The army had used helicopters to airdrop special forces soldiers and evacuate the wounded after the attack began.&nbsp; 
 
India&#39;s army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag rushed to Kashmir in the wake of the attack, as was India&#39;s defence minister Manohar Parrikar who cut short his visit to Goa. 
 
India&#39;s interior minister Rajnath Singh cancelled planned trips to Russia and the US. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;
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Keeping the situation of Jammu and Kashmir in mind and in the wake of terror attack in Uri, I have postponed my visits to Russia and the USA
&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/777349345293271040">September 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Firstvisuals?src=hash">#Firstvisuals</a>: Terrorist attack at army&#39;s Brigade HQs in Uri (J&amp;K). Encounter underway. (visuals deferred) <a href="https://t.co/CG8ur8Rkor">pic.twitter.com/CG8ur8Rkor</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/777347208630771712">September 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Firstvisuals?src=hash">#Firstvisuals</a>: Terrorist attack at army&#39;s Brigade HQs in Uri (J&amp;K). Encounter underway. (visuals deferred) <a href="https://t.co/HGWNwjrAZb">pic.twitter.com/HGWNwjrAZb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/777347706855362560">September 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The state of Punjab has also been put on high alert.&nbsp; 
 
The military death toll is the highest in recent years. A similar attack in 2014, also near Uri, had left eight soldiers and four policemen dead.&nbsp; 
 
Kashmir, India&#39;s northernmost state, has been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Mass protests broke out immediately afterwards and the curfew that was imposed to try and supress the protests has only recently been lifted. 
 
More than 80 civilians have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces and as many as 10,000 have been injured.&nbsp; 
 
India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir; both countries claim the state in full but rule it only in part.&nbsp; 
 
Pakistan denies any role in cross-border terrorism, and has called on the United Nations and the international community to investigate atrocities it alleges have been committed by the security forces in Kashmir.&nbsp; 
 
The United Nations will soon hold its annual general assembly in New York; Kashmir is expected to figure prominently on the agenda. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Army chief and defence minister rush to Kashmir, interior minister cancels trips to Russia and the US

Seventeen Indian army soldiers were killed after four fidayeen or suicide gunmen attacked the army's battalion headquarters in Uri, 120 kms to the west of the capital Srinagar and near the line of control separating India from Pakistan. The four militants were also killed. Combing operations are currently underway. India's defence ministry said a total of 35 soldiers had been wounded in the attack which began at 4 am. The army had used helicopters to airdrop special forces soldiers and evacuate the wounded after the attack began. India's army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag rushed to Kashmir in the wake of the attack, as was India's defence minister Manohar Parrikar who cut short his visit to Goa. India's interior minister Rajnath Singh cancelled planned trips to Russia and the US. Keeping the situation of Jammu and Kashmir in mind and in the wake of terror attack in Uri, I have postponed my visits to Russia and the USA — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 18, 2016 #WATCH #Firstvisuals: Terrorist attack at army's Brigade HQs in Uri (J&K). Encounter underway. (visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/CG8ur8Rkor — ANI (@ANI_news) September 18, 2016 #Firstvisuals: Terrorist attack at army's Brigade HQs in Uri (J&K). Encounter underway. (visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/HGWNwjrAZb — ANI (@ANI_news) September 18, 2016 The state of Punjab has also been put on high alert. The military death toll is the highest in recent years. A similar attack in 2014, also near Uri, had left eight soldiers and four policemen dead. Kashmir, India's northernmost state, has been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Mass protests broke out immediately afterwards and the curfew that was imposed to try and supress the protests has only recently been lifted. More than 80 civilians have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces and as many as 10,000 have been injured. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir; both countries claim the state in full but rule it only in part. Pakistan denies any role in cross-border terrorism, and has called on the United Nations and the international community to investigate atrocities it alleges have been committed by the security forces in Kashmir. The United Nations will soon hold its annual general assembly in New York; Kashmir is expected to figure prominently on the agenda. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir: 17 Indian army soldiers killed in fidayeen attack on Uri batallion headquarters

The Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt today along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Naugam sector of Handwara in the Kashmir Valley, the Indian news agency PTI reported. Four militants were killed in the operation.&nbsp; 
 
A heavy gun battle was reported. &quot;Alert soldiers posted along the Line of Control in Naugam sector noticed some suspicious movement and challenged the intruders,&quot; an army official told PTI.&nbsp;
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FLASH: Three foreign terrorists killed in Nowgam, Handwara (J&amp;K). Four weapons have been recovered from them. Search operation continues.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/774835472191324160">September 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The militants opened fire on the security forces which was &quot;effectively retaliated&quot;, he said. 
 
&quot;Three militants have been killed and war-like store recovered from the scene of the gun battle,&quot; the official said.&nbsp; 
 
Indian news agency ANI said weopons were recovered from the millitants.&nbsp; 
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FLASH: Three foreign terrorists killed in Nowgam, Handwara (J&amp;K). Four weapons have been recovered from them. Search operation continues.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/774835472191324160">September 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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A millitant was also killed in the Poonch district of northern Jammu and Kashmir state in another encounter between security forces and militants. A police officer had also been killed in that attack. &nbsp; 
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J&amp;K: Police personnel killed in an ongoing encounter b/w security forces &amp; terrorists in Poonch (Visuals deferred) <a href="https://t.co/VcydiYv9dT">pic.twitter.com/VcydiYv9dT</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/774825428578078720">September 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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J&amp;K: 1 terrorist killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Poonch. One police personnel lost his life. <a href="https://t.co/8Axi02lZI2">pic.twitter.com/8Axi02lZI2</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/774875775027777536">September 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Protests continue in Kashmir, 12 protesters injured in Pulwama 
 
Tensions continue in the troubled northernmost state of the country. As many as 12 protesters were injured today during clashes with security forces in the Pulwama area of South Kashmir.&nbsp; 
 
This comes a day after a youth was killed in clashes between the protesters and security forces in the Shopian district. According to reports, at least 50 protesters were injured in clashes with the police and CRPF men in different areas of the valley on Saturday. 
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J&amp;K: Army flag marches in Pulwama after a clash between security forces and protesters. <a href="https://t.co/KTTeN0RSqr">pic.twitter.com/KTTeN0RSqr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/774851256863031296">September 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, the unrest in the Valley has entered 65th day leaving more than 70 people dead and thousands injured.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Another militant was killed in a separate encounter in the Poonch district

The Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt today along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Naugam sector of Handwara in the Kashmir Valley, the Indian news agency PTI reported. Four militants were killed in the operation. A heavy gun battle was reported. "Alert soldiers posted along the Line of Control in Naugam sector noticed some suspicious movement and challenged the intruders," an army official told PTI. FLASH: Three foreign terrorists killed in Nowgam, Handwara (J&K). Four weapons have been recovered from them. Search operation continues. — ANI (@ANI_news) September 11, 2016 The militants opened fire on the security forces which was "effectively retaliated", he said. "Three militants have been killed and war-like store recovered from the scene of the gun battle," the official said. Indian news agency ANI said weopons were recovered from the millitants. FLASH: Three foreign terrorists killed in Nowgam, Handwara (J&K). Four weapons have been recovered from them. Search operation continues. — ANI (@ANI_news) September 11, 2016 A millitant was also killed in the Poonch district of northern Jammu and Kashmir state in another encounter between security forces and militants. A police officer had also been killed in that attack. J&K: Police personnel killed in an ongoing encounter b/w security forces & terrorists in Poonch (Visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/VcydiYv9dT — ANI (@ANI_news) September 11, 2016 J&K: 1 terrorist killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in Poonch. One police personnel lost his life. pic.twitter.com/8Axi02lZI2 — ANI (@ANI_news) September 11, 2016 Protests continue in Kashmir, 12 protesters injured in Pulwama Tensions continue in the troubled northernmost state of the country. As many as 12 protesters were injured today during clashes with security forces in the Pulwama area of South Kashmir. This comes a day after a youth was killed in clashes between the protesters and security forces in the Shopian district. According to reports, at least 50 protesters were injured in clashes with the police and CRPF men in different areas of the valley on Saturday. J&K: Army flag marches in Pulwama after a clash between security forces and protesters. pic.twitter.com/KTTeN0RSqr — ANI (@ANI_news) September 11, 2016 Triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, the unrest in the Valley has entered 65th day leaving more than 70 people dead and thousands injured. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian army foils infiltration attempt along LoC, three militants killed

India&#39;s interior minister Rajnath Singh today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Kashmir after returning from his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The interior minister, in an hour-long meeting, apprised Modi about the ground situation of the state assessed by the all-party delegation which visited Srinagar and Jammu on September 4 and 5. 
 
&quot;Briefed the Prime Minister on all-party delegation&#39;s visit to J&amp;K and also apprised him of the situation in the state,&quot; Singh said in a tweet after the meeting at the Prime Minster&#39;s residence. 
 
While the Prime Minister returned to the capital last night after his visit to Vietnam and China, the interior minister too had come back from Jammu and Kashmir last evening. 
 
Sources said the members of the all-party delegation are likely to meet in Delhi tomorrow to discuss their findings and chalk out future plans for Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The all-party delegation seeking to end the turbulence in Kashmir concluded its visit yesterday with no breakthrough. 
 
Unhappy at the stubborn refusal of Hurriyat leaders to meet some MPs who had literally knocked at their doors in Srinagar, Singh had said that their conduct was against &quot;democracy, humanity or even &#39;Kashmiriyat&#39; (Kashmiri ethos)&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

In an hour-long meeting, Rajnath Singh apprised Modi about the ground situation in the state

India's interior minister Rajnath Singh today briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation in Kashmir after returning from his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The interior minister, in an hour-long meeting, apprised Modi about the ground situation of the state assessed by the all-party delegation which visited Srinagar and Jammu on September 4 and 5. "Briefed the Prime Minister on all-party delegation's visit to J&K and also apprised him of the situation in the state," Singh said in a tweet after the meeting at the Prime Minster's residence. While the Prime Minister returned to the capital last night after his visit to Vietnam and China, the interior minister too had come back from Jammu and Kashmir last evening. Sources said the members of the all-party delegation are likely to meet in Delhi tomorrow to discuss their findings and chalk out future plans for Jammu and Kashmir. The all-party delegation seeking to end the turbulence in Kashmir concluded its visit yesterday with no breakthrough. Unhappy at the stubborn refusal of Hurriyat leaders to meet some MPs who had literally knocked at their doors in Srinagar, Singh had said that their conduct was against "democracy, humanity or even 'Kashmiriyat' (Kashmiri ethos)". (PTI)

India's interior minister briefs PM Modi on Kashmir situation

India may harden its attitude towards separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, making their foreign travel difficult and scaling down the security which they enjoy at the exchequer&#39;s cost. 
 
Miffed over the cold shoulder treatment given by separatists to the MPs, who were part of the all-party delegation that visited the state, the ruling government is considering moves to curb their foreign travel by withdrawing their passports and denying travel documents in some cases. 
 
Besides these, the government will also scrutinise their bank accounts and complete pending investigations in cases against them so a strong message goes around that those provoking youths in Kashmir Valley to create disturbance since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 will not be spared, government sources said. 
 
The interior ministry&#39;s tough stand came apparently after the nod from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is said to have conveyed that time has come to act tough with the separatists, sources said. 
 
The snub by the Hurriyat leaders who refused to meet some members of the all-party delegation, has upset the government to the extent of India&#39;s interior minister Rajnath Singh saying that such behaviour was neither &#39;Kashmiriyat&#39; nor &#39;Insaniyat&#39;. 
 
Communist Party of India (Marxist)&#39;s Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United), Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen&#39;s Asaduddin Owaisi and D Raja of Communist Party of India had gone to meet Hurriyat leaders. 
 
Sources said there was a feeling in the government that lack of governance was a major concern for Jammu and Kashmir and this needs to be addressed. 
 
The ruling government feels that the state government is treating separatists with kid gloves and have to be tough against them, they said, claiming students, parents and the middle class were getting restless and wanted the cycle of violence to end. 
 
The final decision on these issues, however, will be taken after the all-party delegation, which visited the troubled state, meets here tomorrow and consultations at the highest level of the government, sources said. 
 
(PTI)

The Indian government will also scrutinise their bank accounts and complete investigations in cases pending against them.

India may harden its attitude towards separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, making their foreign travel difficult and scaling down the security which they enjoy at the exchequer's cost. Miffed over the cold shoulder treatment given by separatists to the MPs, who were part of the all-party delegation that visited the state, the ruling government is considering moves to curb their foreign travel by withdrawing their passports and denying travel documents in some cases. Besides these, the government will also scrutinise their bank accounts and complete pending investigations in cases against them so a strong message goes around that those provoking youths in Kashmir Valley to create disturbance since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 will not be spared, government sources said. The interior ministry's tough stand came apparently after the nod from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is said to have conveyed that time has come to act tough with the separatists, sources said. The snub by the Hurriyat leaders who refused to meet some members of the all-party delegation, has upset the government to the extent of India's interior minister Rajnath Singh saying that such behaviour was neither 'Kashmiriyat' nor 'Insaniyat'. Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United), Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's Asaduddin Owaisi and D Raja of Communist Party of India had gone to meet Hurriyat leaders. Sources said there was a feeling in the government that lack of governance was a major concern for Jammu and Kashmir and this needs to be addressed. The ruling government feels that the state government is treating separatists with kid gloves and have to be tough against them, they said, claiming students, parents and the middle class were getting restless and wanted the cycle of violence to end. The final decision on these issues, however, will be taken after the all-party delegation, which visited the troubled state, meets here tomorrow and consultations at the highest level of the government, sources said. (PTI)

India may act tough with Kashmir separatists, withdraw passports, whittle down security

At least one &nbsp;person was killed and 40 others were injured in fresh clashes between protesters and security forces in southern part of northernmost Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;amid Indian&nbsp;home minister Rajnath Singh&#39;s visit to the Valley.

With the youth&#39;s&nbsp;death, the toll in the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley has climbed to 66.

&quot;Aamir Bashir, who had pellet injuries in his chest, was brought to SMHS Hospital (government hospital in Srinagar)&nbsp;but the doctors declared him brought dead,&quot; a police officer&nbsp;said.

He said the youth was a resident of Pohu village in Pulwama district where fresh clashes erupted between protesters and security forces this morning.

The protest comes amid Rajnath Singh&#39;s invite to all those who believe in &nbsp;&quot;Kashmiriyat (ethos of Kashmiri culture), Insaniyat (humanity) and Jamhooriyat (democracy)&quot;, under Centre&#39;s outreach in the Valley.

Sixty six&nbsp;persons, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes that began on July 9, a day after Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kokernag area of Anantnag district.

Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed in Kashmir Valley for the 47th consecutive day due to curfew, restrictions and separatist-sponsored strike.

Shops, private offices, educational institutions and petrol pumps remained closed while public transport continued to be off roads. Mobile internet also continued to remain suspended in the entire Valley, where the outgoing facility on prepaid mobiles remained barred. 
 
(WION with inputs from DNA)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

With the youth's?death, the toll in the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley has climbed to 66

At least one person was killed and 40 others were injured in fresh clashes between protesters and security forces in southern part of northernmost Jammu and Kashmir amid Indian home minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the Valley. With the youth's death, the toll in the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley has climbed to 66. "Aamir Bashir, who had pellet injuries in his chest, was brought to SMHS Hospital (government hospital in Srinagar) but the doctors declared him brought dead," a police officer said. He said the youth was a resident of Pohu village in Pulwama district where fresh clashes erupted between protesters and security forces this morning. The protest comes amid Rajnath Singh's invite to all those who believe in "Kashmiriyat (ethos of Kashmiri culture), Insaniyat (humanity) and Jamhooriyat (democracy)", under Centre's outreach in the Valley. Sixty six persons, including two cops, have been killed and several thousand others injured in the clashes that began on July 9, a day after Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kokernag area of Anantnag district. Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed in Kashmir Valley for the 47th consecutive day due to curfew, restrictions and separatist-sponsored strike. Shops, private offices, educational institutions and petrol pumps remained closed while public transport continued to be off roads. Mobile internet also continued to remain suspended in the entire Valley, where the outgoing facility on prepaid mobiles remained barred. (WION with inputs from DNA)

1 dead, at least 40 injured in fresh clashes amid Indian?home minister's two-day Kashmir visit

Muslims pilgrims said they would pray for peace in India&#39;s Kashmir as they set out on the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca-Medina on Thursday (August 18). 
 
Haj is one of the five tenets of Islam and the Quran directs the faithful to undertake it at least once in a lifetime. It involves weeklong celebrations and takes place nearly seventy days after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Over two million pilgrims undertake Haj each year from all over the world. 
 
This year the five-day-long Haj is expected to begin by September 10 depending on the visibility of the moon. 
 
A batch of 65 pilgrims left for Mecca-Medina from Poonch district in northern Jammu and Kashmir state. 
 
&quot;We are sending off 65 Haj pilgrims including 12 women from Poonch. They will go to Sringar and from there they will directly head to Saudi (Arabia),&quot; said Poonch District Development Commissioner, M.H. Malik in Poonch. 
 
Authorities have made arrangements for more than 100,000 pilgrims from all over the country to undertake the holy journey this year. Another 36,000 would proceed through private tour operators. 
 
The pilgrims said they would pray for peace in the disputed northernmost state of India. 
 
&quot;Inshallah (if God wills), we will go there and pray for peace and prosperity for our country. We will pray for brotherhood and harmony in the region,&quot; said a pilgrim, Mohammad Latif. 
 
Kashmir has been under curfew for more than 40 days following violence over the killing of 22-year-old separatist militant Burhan Wani last month. At least 65 people have died and more than 3,000 injured in violent protests across the picturesque Kashmir Valley. 
 
Haj is a commemoration of tests and trials experienced by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Hazrat Ismail, in the vicinity of Mecca, Islam&#39;s holiest pilgrimage. It is in Mecca that Prophet Mohammed established Islam religion. 
 
(Reuters)

The five-day-long Haj is expected to begin by September 10 this year, depending on the visibility of the moon

Muslims pilgrims said they would pray for peace in India's Kashmir as they set out on the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca-Medina on Thursday (August 18). Haj is one of the five tenets of Islam and the Quran directs the faithful to undertake it at least once in a lifetime. It involves weeklong celebrations and takes place nearly seventy days after the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Over two million pilgrims undertake Haj each year from all over the world. This year the five-day-long Haj is expected to begin by September 10 depending on the visibility of the moon. A batch of 65 pilgrims left for Mecca-Medina from Poonch district in northern Jammu and Kashmir state. "We are sending off 65 Haj pilgrims including 12 women from Poonch. They will go to Sringar and from there they will directly head to Saudi (Arabia)," said Poonch District Development Commissioner, M.H. Malik in Poonch. Authorities have made arrangements for more than 100,000 pilgrims from all over the country to undertake the holy journey this year. Another 36,000 would proceed through private tour operators. The pilgrims said they would pray for peace in the disputed northernmost state of India. "Inshallah (if God wills), we will go there and pray for peace and prosperity for our country. We will pray for brotherhood and harmony in the region," said a pilgrim, Mohammad Latif. Kashmir has been under curfew for more than 40 days following violence over the killing of 22-year-old separatist militant Burhan Wani last month. At least 65 people have died and more than 3,000 injured in violent protests across the picturesque Kashmir Valley. Haj is a commemoration of tests and trials experienced by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Hazrat Ismail, in the vicinity of Mecca, Islam's holiest pilgrimage. It is in Mecca that Prophet Mohammed established Islam religion. (Reuters)

Pilgrims from India's Kashmir set out on Haj, will pray for peace in Valley

At least three militants were killed on Sunday, as Indian soldiers foiled infiltration bid in Tangdhar sector of northern Kashmir state&#39;s Kupwara district. 
 
The militants were involved in an&nbsp;attack on August 19, in which three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured. 
 
The Indian Army&#39;s four Para commandos retaliated to the fire by the militants, who were trapped during the encounter. 
 
The entire area has been cordoned off. 
 
In June, the Army had foiled an infiltration bid by killing two militants in Tangdhar sector near the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC). 
 
It was the second such infiltration bid foiled by the security forces along the LoC in Kashmir in three days. 
 
(dna)

The militants were involved in an?attack on August 19, in which three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured

At least three militants were killed on Sunday, as Indian soldiers foiled infiltration bid in Tangdhar sector of northern Kashmir state's Kupwara district. The militants were involved in an attack on August 19, in which three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured. The Indian Army's four Para commandos retaliated to the fire by the militants, who were trapped during the encounter. The entire area has been cordoned off. In June, the Army had foiled an infiltration bid by killing two militants in Tangdhar sector near the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC). It was the second such infiltration bid foiled by the security forces along the LoC in Kashmir in three days. (dna)

Indian Army foils infiltration bid in Kupwara district of Kashmir, 3 militants killed

A delegation of opposition leaders from India&#39;s Kashmir met President Pranab Mukherjee in capital New Delhi on Saturday to apprise him of the prevailing unrest in the northern province. 
 
Kashmir has been on the boil since Indian security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region, on July 8.&nbsp;Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically in recent years.&nbsp;His killing has triggered the Valley&#39;s worst outbreak of violence in six years. 
 
The delegation included leaders from National Conference, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Congress, Democratic Party Front (DPF) and People&#39;s Democratic Front (PDF). 
 
The delegation called for a political plan to diffuse the over month-and-a-half long crisis in India&#39;s only Muslim-majority state. 
 
&quot;The motive was to bring to the president&#39;s notice the situation with which the state of Jammu and Kashmir and especially the Kashmir valley is grappling. According to us, this is a big human tragedy which is being faced by our people,&quot; said a leader of CPI (M), Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami. 
 
Tarigami alleged that the federal and state government had so far followed an inhuman approach in tackling the situation. 
 
Meanwhile, curfew continued to remain in force for the 43rd consecutive day in the Valley with the police personnel maintaining strict vigil in Srinagar, the&nbsp;summer capital of the province. Shops remained shut and roads deserted as civilians chose to stay indoors.&nbsp;Repeated clashes between protesters and security forces have overwhelmed hospitals, where some patients with severe injuries said they had been beaten in their homes by troops. 
 
At least 65 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in the ensuing clashes, many of them wounded by pellets fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the region.&nbsp;India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but many segments have accused troops of using excessive force. 
 
Kashmir is at the centre of a decades-old rivalry between India and Pakistan, which rules a northwestern section of the divided region, and backed an insurgency in the late 1980s and 1990s that Indian security forces largely crushed.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

The delegation has called for a political plan to diffuse the month-and-a-half long crisis in Kashmir

A delegation of opposition leaders from India's Kashmir met President Pranab Mukherjee in capital New Delhi on Saturday to apprise him of the prevailing unrest in the northern province. Kashmir has been on the boil since Indian security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region, on July 8. Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically in recent years. His killing has triggered the Valley's worst outbreak of violence in six years. The delegation included leaders from National Conference, Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Congress, Democratic Party Front (DPF) and People's Democratic Front (PDF). The delegation called for a political plan to diffuse the over month-and-a-half long crisis in India's only Muslim-majority state. "The motive was to bring to the president's notice the situation with which the state of Jammu and Kashmir and especially the Kashmir valley is grappling. According to us, this is a big human tragedy which is being faced by our people," said a leader of CPI (M), Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami. Tarigami alleged that the federal and state government had so far followed an inhuman approach in tackling the situation. Meanwhile, curfew continued to remain in force for the 43rd consecutive day in the Valley with the police personnel maintaining strict vigil in Srinagar, the summer capital of the province. Shops remained shut and roads deserted as civilians chose to stay indoors. Repeated clashes between protesters and security forces have overwhelmed hospitals, where some patients with severe injuries said they had been beaten in their homes by troops. At least 65 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in the ensuing clashes, many of them wounded by pellets fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the region. India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but many segments have accused troops of using excessive force. Kashmir is at the centre of a decades-old rivalry between India and Pakistan, which rules a northwestern section of the divided region, and backed an insurgency in the late 1980s and 1990s that Indian security forces largely crushed. (Reuters)

Kashmir opposition leaders meet Indian President Pranab Mukherjee

Separatists are bracing for a major showdown with the Mehbooba Mufti-led government as they called for grand celebrations to mark Pakistan&#39;s Independence Day on August 14 in India&#39;s northern state of&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Joint Resistance Forum, an amalgam of Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik have called for a referendum march to Lal Chowk and offering special prayers for the stability of Pakistan after every prayer session (namaz) on August 14. 
 
Separatists have identified scores of places where they plan to hoist Pakistani flags on Sunday. People have been asked to march with Pakistani flags and celebrate Independence Day with great fanfare. 
 
Even militant outfits have jumped on&nbsp;the bandwagon calling for grand celebrations on Pakistan Day. &quot;Pakistan can&#39;t celebrate its Independence Day when Kashmir is burning and its people are suffering,&quot; said Mehmood Shah, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief for Kashmir. 
 
The wary Jammu and Kashmir government has beefed up security across Kashmir to prevent the situation from worsening. &quot;We have made all arrangements for ensuring safety and security of the people of the Valley&quot;, said a top government officer. 
 
Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a massive crackdown against the stone throwers and separatists across Kashmir. More than 1,000 people have been taken into custody and some of them have been slapped with Public Safety Act (PSA) to send a signal that nobody will be spared for fomenting trouble. 
 
The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn broadband services in most places bringing curtains on the limited internet services in the Valley. The government has already imposed a curfew by suspending mobile internet services. 
 
What has worried the security establishment is the call for observing India&#39;s Independence day as Black Day on August 15. 
 
&quot;From 7:00 am onwards block all the roads towards and around the place of celebration of Indian Independence Day; District development commissioners are asked not to hoist the Indian Flag in any part of the Jammu and Kashmir. Raise black flags on your houses, shops, market centers and local chowks wear black dresses or black bands on this day&quot;, said the spokesman of Joint Resistance Forum. 
 
Director general of police, Jammu and Kashmir, K Rajendra Kumar said close liaison should be maintained at every level to foil any attempt by troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. 
 
&quot;To foil any attempt by the troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere, close liaison should be maintained at every level and the officers supervising different components should be briefed accordingly. The comprehensive security grid and deployment mechanism for conduct of peaceful celebrations needs to be fully implemented&quot;, he said while chairing high level security meeting. 
 
During the meeting threadbare discussions were held with regard to deployment and maintenance of law and order in the Valley during the celebrations. 
 
&quot;It was told that sufficient man power has been earmarked for the security of the venues, where the ID functions are scheduled to be held. Installation of CCTV cameras and security gadgets at the venues, intelligence gathering and preventive measures to check the activities of anti-national elements were also discussed&quot;, said a police spokesman. 
 
Meanwhile, another youth who was injured during firing incident succumbed at hospital taking the death toll to 57 since the unrest began after the killing of Hizbul Mujhadeen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. 
 
Police said the situation remained by and large peaceful throughout Kashmir valley although six incidents of stone pelting were reported from Bandipora, Baramulla and Srinagar on Saturday. 
 
Police said restrictions under section 144 Code of Criminal Procedure&nbsp;remained in force across the Valley, however, curfew was imposed in Srinagar and Anantnag town only. 
 
Police said two police personnel were seriously injured when miscreants disrupted the traffic movement and pelted stones on police and security forces at Ashtingoo Bandipora. 
 
&quot;They were referred to Srinagar. One of them has been seriously injured in the eye and has been shifted for advance treatment to Delhi&quot;, the spokesman added. 
 
(DNA)

Militant groups have also jumped on the bandwagon. Security worried about call for observing India's Independence day as Black Day on Aug 15

Separatists are bracing for a major showdown with the Mehbooba Mufti-led government as they called for grand celebrations to mark Pakistan's Independence Day on August 14 in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Joint Resistance Forum, an amalgam of Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik have called for a referendum march to Lal Chowk and offering special prayers for the stability of Pakistan after every prayer session (namaz) on August 14. Separatists have identified scores of places where they plan to hoist Pakistani flags on Sunday. People have been asked to march with Pakistani flags and celebrate Independence Day with great fanfare. Even militant outfits have jumped on the bandwagon calling for grand celebrations on Pakistan Day. "Pakistan can't celebrate its Independence Day when Kashmir is burning and its people are suffering," said Mehmood Shah, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief for Kashmir. The wary Jammu and Kashmir government has beefed up security across Kashmir to prevent the situation from worsening. "We have made all arrangements for ensuring safety and security of the people of the Valley", said a top government officer. Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a massive crackdown against the stone throwers and separatists across Kashmir. More than 1,000 people have been taken into custody and some of them have been slapped with Public Safety Act (PSA) to send a signal that nobody will be spared for fomenting trouble. The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn broadband services in most places bringing curtains on the limited internet services in the Valley. The government has already imposed a curfew by suspending mobile internet services. What has worried the security establishment is the call for observing India's Independence day as Black Day on August 15. "From 7:00 am onwards block all the roads towards and around the place of celebration of Indian Independence Day; District development commissioners are asked not to hoist the Indian Flag in any part of the Jammu and Kashmir. Raise black flags on your houses, shops, market centers and local chowks wear black dresses or black bands on this day", said the spokesman of Joint Resistance Forum. Director general of police, Jammu and Kashmir, K Rajendra Kumar said close liaison should be maintained at every level to foil any attempt by troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. "To foil any attempt by the troublemakers to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere, close liaison should be maintained at every level and the officers supervising different components should be briefed accordingly. The comprehensive security grid and deployment mechanism for conduct of peaceful celebrations needs to be fully implemented", he said while chairing high level security meeting. During the meeting threadbare discussions were held with regard to deployment and maintenance of law and order in the Valley during the celebrations. "It was told that sufficient man power has been earmarked for the security of the venues, where the ID functions are scheduled to be held. Installation of CCTV cameras and security gadgets at the venues, intelligence gathering and preventive measures to check the activities of anti-national elements were also discussed", said a police spokesman. Meanwhile, another youth who was injured during firing incident succumbed at hospital taking the death toll to 57 since the unrest began after the killing of Hizbul Mujhadeen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Police said the situation remained by and large peaceful throughout Kashmir valley although six incidents of stone pelting were reported from Bandipora, Baramulla and Srinagar on Saturday. Police said restrictions under section 144 Code of Criminal Procedure remained in force across the Valley, however, curfew was imposed in Srinagar and Anantnag town only. Police said two police personnel were seriously injured when miscreants disrupted the traffic movement and pelted stones on police and security forces at Ashtingoo Bandipora. "They were referred to Srinagar. One of them has been seriously injured in the eye and has been shifted for advance treatment to Delhi", the spokesman added. (DNA)

Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir call for referendum march on Pakistan's Independence Day

India&#39;s Parliament discussed the ongoing unrest in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, August 10 as curfew continued for an unprecedented 33rd day in the Kashmir valley following the killing of a separatist militant. 
 
Initiating the debate, lawmaker of opposition Congress party, Ghulam Nabi Azad asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in the Parliament. 
 
&quot;We want this (Kashmir issue) to be sorted out. Everyone should sit together and find a solution. We all should sit together (to find a solution),&quot; Azad said in the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. 
 
Unrest has been brewing in Jammu and Kashmir since July 8, when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen- a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region. 
 
Wani&#39;s killing has triggered the Valley&#39;s worst outbreak of violence in six years. 
Fifty-eight people have been killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security personnel, in the month-long unrest. More than 300 people have suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. 
 
Azad said that the Jammu and Kashmir government did not have the resource or manpower to tackle the problem and urged federal government to find a solution to the crisis. 
 
The debate created ruckus in the House as opposition mounted attacks on the government. 
 
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tried to pacify the situation and said that political parties needed to set aside their differences and speak with one voice. 
 
&quot;Jammu and Kashmir is in a sensitive state, there is a need for all of us to speak in one voice. There have been many differences on various issues in the past but today is not the right time to divert the debate to some other direction,&quot; said Jaitley in Rajya Sabha. 
 
Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. 
 
India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but some have accused troops of using excessive force.

Curfew in the Valley enters 33rd day today as unrest continues

India's Parliament discussed the ongoing unrest in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, August 10 as curfew continued for an unprecedented 33rd day in the Kashmir valley following the killing of a separatist militant. Initiating the debate, lawmaker of opposition Congress party, Ghulam Nabi Azad asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in the Parliament. "We want this (Kashmir issue) to be sorted out. Everyone should sit together and find a solution. We all should sit together (to find a solution)," Azad said in the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Unrest has been brewing in Jammu and Kashmir since July 8, when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen- a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region. Wani's killing has triggered the Valley's worst outbreak of violence in six years. Fifty-eight people have been killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security personnel, in the month-long unrest. More than 300 people have suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. Azad said that the Jammu and Kashmir government did not have the resource or manpower to tackle the problem and urged federal government to find a solution to the crisis. The debate created ruckus in the House as opposition mounted attacks on the government. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tried to pacify the situation and said that political parties needed to set aside their differences and speak with one voice. "Jammu and Kashmir is in a sensitive state, there is a need for all of us to speak in one voice. There have been many differences on various issues in the past but today is not the right time to divert the debate to some other direction," said Jaitley in Rajya Sabha. Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but some have accused troops of using excessive force.

Indian minister Jaitley calls for all-party discussion on Kashmir issue

Four people, including three pilgrims, were killed and nine injured in a landslide triggered by heavy rains en route to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Reasi district. 
 
The landslide occurred on Banganga-Ardhkuwari road around midnight and the debris fell on a shelter where the pilgrims were sitting, chief executive officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Ajeet Sahu told PTI. 
 
&quot;Three pilgrims including a five-year-old died on the spot and another person was brought dead at the&nbsp;hospital,&quot; the CEO said. 
 
The victims were identified as 29-year-old Shashidhar Kumar of Banglore, 30-year-old Bindu Sahni and her 5-year-old son Vishal from Chhattisgarh, besides 32-year-old Sadik of Reasi who was a &#39;ponywalla&#39;, CEO said. 
 
Additional superintendent of police (ASP), Reasi, Sanjay Rana said that nine people were also injured in the incident.&nbsp;While seven of them were given first aid, two others were admitted to Kata hospital with serious injuries, he said. 
 
A rescue operation was conducted immediately on the spot in the presence of CEO and senior officers.&nbsp;Ex-gratia is being paid and arrangements for shifting dead bodies are also being made, Sahu said. 
 
Some of the injured were identified as Suraj Kant Sahni (36) of Chhattisgarh; Ved Singh (69), Naryani (58) and Om Parkas (62) of Haryana; Paras (eight) and Santosh (28) of Banglore.&nbsp;The yatra to the cave shrine, which was disrupted for some hours, later resumed, the ASP said. 
 
(PTI)

The injured were given first aid or were hospitalised, then the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine resumed after a few hours

Four people, including three pilgrims, were killed and nine injured in a landslide triggered by heavy rains en route to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. The landslide occurred on Banganga-Ardhkuwari road around midnight and the debris fell on a shelter where the pilgrims were sitting, chief executive officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Ajeet Sahu told PTI. "Three pilgrims including a five-year-old died on the spot and another person was brought dead at the hospital," the CEO said. The victims were identified as 29-year-old Shashidhar Kumar of Banglore, 30-year-old Bindu Sahni and her 5-year-old son Vishal from Chhattisgarh, besides 32-year-old Sadik of Reasi who was a 'ponywalla', CEO said. Additional superintendent of police (ASP), Reasi, Sanjay Rana said that nine people were also injured in the incident. While seven of them were given first aid, two others were admitted to Kata hospital with serious injuries, he said. A rescue operation was conducted immediately on the spot in the presence of CEO and senior officers. Ex-gratia is being paid and arrangements for shifting dead bodies are also being made, Sahu said. Some of the injured were identified as Suraj Kant Sahni (36) of Chhattisgarh; Ved Singh (69), Naryani (58) and Om Parkas (62) of Haryana; Paras (eight) and Santosh (28) of Banglore. The yatra to the cave shrine, which was disrupted for some hours, later resumed, the ASP said. (PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir landslide: 4 killed, 9 injured

With curfew and shutdown continuing in Kashmir over the killing of a separatist militant for almost a month now, tourism has suffered a major blow in the Valley. 
 
Trouble began in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8 when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, a group fighting India over control of the Muslim-majority region. 
 
&#39;90 per cent of visitors have already left&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Violent protests in parts of the Valley, a subsequent curfew and a shutdown called by separatist leaders against Wani&#39;s killing have kept the tourists away. 
 
Tourists who had made bookings for July-August period are cancelling them while those in the state are cutting short their trips and leaving. Reportedly, 90 per cent of the visitors have already left. 
 
It has been days since some bus and cab drivers saw any tourists. People earning their livelihoods from the tourism sector urged the government today to take steps to restore normalcy at the earliest. 
 
&quot;The shutdown in Srinagar has had a drastic effect on tourism. Tourists are cancelling their packages and vehicles are not plying. Drivers and travel agents have been sitting idle for the last month or month-and-a-half,&quot; said a travel agent, Sweet Ishar. 
 
A driver, Sayed Zaki Haider said that the locals were losing out a lot of business as it was peak tourist season. 
 
&quot;Small vehicles would ferry people from Poonch to Kashmir or to deliver things like fruits as it is peak season. People who earned their livelihood from all such activities have been badly affected,&quot; said Haider. 
 
Uneasy calm prevails, curfew extended to more areas&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, an uneasy calm continues to blanket Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. 
 
Armed police personnel patroll deserted markets and roads as residents largely stay indoors. Barricades have been pulled up and barbed wires have been laid out on roads and in sensitive areas. 
 
Curfew was extended to more areas of Kashmir today to thwart a planned march by separatists to Hazratbal shrine here even as normal life in the Valley remained paralysed for the 28th consecutive day. 
 
&quot;Curfew has been imposed in entire Srinagar district in view of the call for march by some elements to Hazratbal. 
 
&quot;Curfew has also been imposed in Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag town, Awantipora, Kulgam town, Baramulla district excluding Sopore, Shopian town, Kaloosa in Bandipora and parts of Handwara,&quot; a police official said.&nbsp; 
 
He said restrictions on assembly of four or more persons in rest of the Valley as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order 
 
Security forces have been deployed in strength in sensitive and vulnerable areas to maintain law and order.&nbsp; 
 
Schools, colleges, business establishments, petrol pumps banks and private offices remain closed while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was also thin, the official said. 
 
Mobile internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley where the outgoing facility on prepaid connections is barred.&nbsp; 
 
Authorities had lifted curfew from all districts on July 26 except the sensitive South Kashmir belt. 
 
However, it was re-imposed the next day after separatists called for protest march to Kulgam district town against Wani&#39;s killing. 
 
Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. 
 
His killing has triggered the Valley&#39;s worst outbreak of violence in six years. 
 
At least 46 people were killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security forces, in the violence. More than 300 people suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. 
 
Officials also informed police had recently launched a massive crackdown against &quot;hooligans and miscreants&quot; in Kashmir, arresting nearly 500 youths from across the Valley.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP, PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Violent protests in parts of Valley, subsequent curfew and shutdown called by separatist leaders have kept tourists away

With curfew and shutdown continuing in Kashmir over the killing of a separatist militant for almost a month now, tourism has suffered a major blow in the Valley. Trouble began in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on July 8 when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, a group fighting India over control of the Muslim-majority region. '90 per cent of visitors have already left' Violent protests in parts of the Valley, a subsequent curfew and a shutdown called by separatist leaders against Wani's killing have kept the tourists away. Tourists who had made bookings for July-August period are cancelling them while those in the state are cutting short their trips and leaving. Reportedly, 90 per cent of the visitors have already left. It has been days since some bus and cab drivers saw any tourists. People earning their livelihoods from the tourism sector urged the government today to take steps to restore normalcy at the earliest. "The shutdown in Srinagar has had a drastic effect on tourism. Tourists are cancelling their packages and vehicles are not plying. Drivers and travel agents have been sitting idle for the last month or month-and-a-half," said a travel agent, Sweet Ishar. A driver, Sayed Zaki Haider said that the locals were losing out a lot of business as it was peak tourist season. "Small vehicles would ferry people from Poonch to Kashmir or to deliver things like fruits as it is peak season. People who earned their livelihood from all such activities have been badly affected," said Haider. Uneasy calm prevails, curfew extended to more areas Meanwhile, an uneasy calm continues to blanket Srinagar, the summer capital of the state. Armed police personnel patroll deserted markets and roads as residents largely stay indoors. Barricades have been pulled up and barbed wires have been laid out on roads and in sensitive areas. Curfew was extended to more areas of Kashmir today to thwart a planned march by separatists to Hazratbal shrine here even as normal life in the Valley remained paralysed for the 28th consecutive day. "Curfew has been imposed in entire Srinagar district in view of the call for march by some elements to Hazratbal. "Curfew has also been imposed in Ganderbal, Budgam, Anantnag town, Awantipora, Kulgam town, Baramulla district excluding Sopore, Shopian town, Kaloosa in Bandipora and parts of Handwara," a police official said. He said restrictions on assembly of four or more persons in rest of the Valley as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order Security forces have been deployed in strength in sensitive and vulnerable areas to maintain law and order. Schools, colleges, business establishments, petrol pumps banks and private offices remain closed while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was also thin, the official said. Mobile internet services continued to remain snapped in the entire Valley where the outgoing facility on prepaid connections is barred. Authorities had lifted curfew from all districts on July 26 except the sensitive South Kashmir belt. However, it was re-imposed the next day after separatists called for protest march to Kulgam district town against Wani's killing. Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. His killing has triggered the Valley's worst outbreak of violence in six years. At least 46 people were killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security forces, in the violence. More than 300 people suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. Officials also informed police had recently launched a massive crackdown against "hooligans and miscreants" in Kashmir, arresting nearly 500 youths from across the Valley. (AFP, PTI)

Unrest over Burhan Wani's killing deals blow to tourism in Kashmir

A tarana (poem) eulogising killed Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani seems to have become a major concern for security forces posted in the most volatile parts of south Kashmir,in northern India, which has already been witnessing pitched battles between forces and local residents. 
 
The poem, a part of which was apparently written by the slain militant himself, has extra verses added to it by unknown locals who routinely play a recording of the same on loudspeakers installed in local mosques. 
 
Senior Indian security officials, currently facing a challenging job of arresting the protesters in the Valley that erupted following the killing of Burhan Wani, believe that poems such as these are being used as propaganda tool to encourage youth to confront forces violently. 
 
Recording of these poems have been playing in local mosques across the Valley as part of protest that erupted soon after the killing of the militant commander on July 8 
 
The author of the poem writes about the alleged atrocities witnessed by Kashmiri people and how Burhan is the &ldquo;Son of Kashmir&rdquo; who protects the Valley. 
 
Burhan Wani&rsquo;s father and his elder brother Khalid, who was also killed by security forces, also find a mention in the poem. 
 
Security officials believe that playing the &lsquo;taranas&rsquo;, with which Kashmiri youth seem to connect emotionally, is &ldquo;adding fuel to the fire&rdquo; and the fact that it is gaining popularity in south Kashmir is becoming a grave concern for forces on the ground. 
 
Using tarana&rsquo;s, said a senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer, is not new to the valley and was quite a common happening in early 90s when the valley was engulfed in full scale militancy. 
 
&ldquo;Loudspeakers were further used during the 2010 unrest to play recording of similar poems but this time around the problem has aggravated,&rdquo; the officer told dna adding that individuals are using social media to disseminate similar material. 
 
When asked whether the poem was in fact written by Burhan Wani himself, a senior security official said, &ldquo;Police had recovered some material from the militants that were killed on July 8 including weapons. 
 
Our main concern following such encounters is that the last rites are performed peacefully and without creating a law and order situation in the valley. Rest seems less important.&rdquo; 
 
Azaan Javaid/ DNA

Believed to be written by Wani, it has extra verses added to it by unknown locals who routinely play it on loudspeakers installed at mosques

A tarana (poem) eulogising killed Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani seems to have become a major concern for security forces posted in the most volatile parts of south Kashmir,in northern India, which has already been witnessing pitched battles between forces and local residents. The poem, a part of which was apparently written by the slain militant himself, has extra verses added to it by unknown locals who routinely play a recording of the same on loudspeakers installed in local mosques. Senior Indian security officials, currently facing a challenging job of arresting the protesters in the Valley that erupted following the killing of Burhan Wani, believe that poems such as these are being used as propaganda tool to encourage youth to confront forces violently. Recording of these poems have been playing in local mosques across the Valley as part of protest that erupted soon after the killing of the militant commander on July 8 The author of the poem writes about the alleged atrocities witnessed by Kashmiri people and how Burhan is the “Son of Kashmir” who protects the Valley. Burhan Wani’s father and his elder brother Khalid, who was also killed by security forces, also find a mention in the poem. Security officials believe that playing the ‘taranas’, with which Kashmiri youth seem to connect emotionally, is “adding fuel to the fire” and the fact that it is gaining popularity in south Kashmir is becoming a grave concern for forces on the ground. Using tarana’s, said a senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer, is not new to the valley and was quite a common happening in early 90s when the valley was engulfed in full scale militancy. “Loudspeakers were further used during the 2010 unrest to play recording of similar poems but this time around the problem has aggravated,” the officer told dna adding that individuals are using social media to disseminate similar material. When asked whether the poem was in fact written by Burhan Wani himself, a senior security official said, “Police had recovered some material from the militants that were killed on July 8 including weapons. Our main concern following such encounters is that the last rites are performed peacefully and without creating a law and order situation in the valley. Rest seems less important.” Azaan Javaid/ DNA

Dead Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's poem puts security forces in Kashmir on alert

A petrol bomb was hurled at the house of Naeem Akhtar, education minister of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, in Parraypora area of Srinagar city last night, police said today. 
 
No one was hurt in the attack that was carried out by unidentified persons.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;A petrol bomb was hurled at the residence of the education minister at Parraypora late last night, causing damage to the main gate of the house,&quot; a police official said.&nbsp; 
 
Akhtar and his wife were not present in the premises as they have shifted to high-security Gupkar Road after the PDP-BJP coalition government was sworn in March last year.&nbsp; 
 
A petrol bomb was also hurled at the office of Road and Buildings department at SDA colony in Bemina area of the city last night, the official said. He said no one was hurt in the incident. 
 
Kashmir valley remains gripped with tension after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter by security forces on July 8. More than 50 people have died and thousands have been injured in the ensuing protests.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

No one was hurt in the attack that was carried out by unidentified persons, officials said

A petrol bomb was hurled at the house of Naeem Akhtar, education minister of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, in Parraypora area of Srinagar city last night, police said today. No one was hurt in the attack that was carried out by unidentified persons. "A petrol bomb was hurled at the residence of the education minister at Parraypora late last night, causing damage to the main gate of the house," a police official said. Akhtar and his wife were not present in the premises as they have shifted to high-security Gupkar Road after the PDP-BJP coalition government was sworn in March last year. A petrol bomb was also hurled at the office of Road and Buildings department at SDA colony in Bemina area of the city last night, the official said. He said no one was hurt in the incident. Kashmir valley remains gripped with tension after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter by security forces on July 8. More than 50 people have died and thousands have been injured in the ensuing protests. (PTI)

India: Petrol bomb hurled at education minister's home in Jammu and Kashmir

India will not issue visa to members of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a terror organisation headed by Hafiz Saeed, if they want to visit the strife-torn northern state of Jammu and Kashmir to treat those who were injured in recent clashes with security forces. 
 
JuD&#39;s&nbsp;head Hafiz Saeed is believed to be the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. 
 
&quot;The question does not arise at all. No question of granting visa to Jamaat-ud-Dawa members,&quot; a senior government official said. 
 
The official was reacting when asked about reports that 30 members of JuD comprising doctors and paramedical staff have applied for Indian visas to visit Kashmir for treatment of the injured there. 
 
According to the report from Lahore, the applicants have taken a plea in the visa application that they want to go to Kashmir to treat the people injured in clashes with the security forces &#39;on humanitarian ground&#39;. 
 
The 30-member team includes 15 doctors and eye specialists, the report said. 
 
(PTI) 
 
&nbsp;

'The question does not arise at all,' said a senior government officer. The JuD is headed by 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed

India will not issue visa to members of the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a terror organisation headed by Hafiz Saeed, if they want to visit the strife-torn northern state of Jammu and Kashmir to treat those who were injured in recent clashes with security forces. JuD's head Hafiz Saeed is believed to be the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. "The question does not arise at all. No question of granting visa to Jamaat-ud-Dawa members," a senior government official said. The official was reacting when asked about reports that 30 members of JuD comprising doctors and paramedical staff have applied for Indian visas to visit Kashmir for treatment of the injured there. According to the report from Lahore, the applicants have taken a plea in the visa application that they want to go to Kashmir to treat the people injured in clashes with the security forces 'on humanitarian ground'. The 30-member team includes 15 doctors and eye specialists, the report said. (PTI)

No visa for Jamaat-ud-Dawa members: India

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