A terrorist&nbsp;was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday morning.

The&nbsp;encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at Renzipora in Pulwama area of South Kashmir.

The police had launched a search operation to track down the terrorists after the gun battle.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> One terrorist has been gunned down by security forces <a href="https://t.co/htxTi7MYLx">https://t.co/htxTi7MYLx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078510234572869632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mobile internet services were also snapped in the area.

(With inputs from ANI)

A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday morning. The encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at Renzipora in Pulwama area of South Kashmir.

A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday morning. The encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at Renzipora in Pulwama area of South Kashmir. The police had launched a search operation to track down the terrorists after the gun battle. #UPDATE One terrorist has been gunned down by security forces https://t.co/htxTi7MYLx — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × Mobile internet services were also snapped in the area. (With inputs from ANI)

J&K: 1 terrorist killed in encounter in Pulwama

The picturesque Dal lake, located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, in Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest lake in the state. Throughout the year, millions of tourists visit the lake to enjoy the boat ride and stay in the houseboats. But for many years, the lake has been grappling with menacing growth of weed and Azolla (a type of aquatic fern).

Now, the Indian Army has started a 21-day-long cleaning drive with an aim to clean the lake by rooting out weed and Azolla that is growing inside the water body for years.&nbsp;

The temperature here has already dipped to -7 degrees Celsius and the Army is on a relentless mission to clean the pride of Srinagar.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/at-76-degrees-temperature-breaks-28-year-record-in-srinagar-186821">In pictures: At -7.6 degrees, temperature breaks </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/at-76-degrees-temperature-breaks-28-year-record-in-srinagar-186821">28-year</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/at-76-degrees-temperature-breaks-28-year-record-in-srinagar-186821"> record in Srinagar</a>

Around 100 army men and other equipment from the engineering unit of the Indian Army have been stationed at the lake with an aim to de-weed it. This was possible after state administration sought help from the Army.&nbsp;

Most of these army men have volunteered for cleaning the lake and belong to a local unit. As a pilot project, the aim is also to speed up the uprooting of the weed and identify the factors responsible for the growth of the pollutants. Here, these army men say they are ready to volunteer for more time if asked.&nbsp;

"We are taking out the weed from roots by using the machine provided by local authorities, then our men take it out on their boats. Some of our men are taking them out manually using specific tools and methods, it's a difficult task in sub-zero temperature," said an army officer, who wasn't authorised to speak to media.&nbsp;

The total capacity of the lake has already gone down to 40 per cent and the continuing night soil discharged from around 900 houseboats is causing extreme pollution. The task for these men is tough in the rough weather conditions, the water is cold and freezing, yet the morale is high.&nbsp;

The Army is being assisted by the members Srinagar's municipality and lakes and waterways development authority who have also deployed their men and machinery into the service. Locals are also hailing the move taken up by the Army.&nbsp;

"As we know, Kashmir is known for its beauty, with time, the beauty is getting diminished. We have to take measures to save the lake. Indian Army and other organisations have joined hands for this wonderful initiative by taking the weed out from roots. We should appreciate them for this initiative," said a local.&nbsp;

In 1997, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests launched the ‘Save Dal’ project worth Rs 500 crores, since then several projects worth millions have been launched but the result has been short-lived.

Authorities blame people for taking advantage of 2010, 2012 and 2016 summer unrest&nbsp;in the valley, leading to unabated constructions and growth in pollution. The cleaning operation will help clean the lake and restore its beauty which has been lost over the years.

The picturesque Dal lake, located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, in Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest lake in the state. Throughout the year, millions of tourists visit the lake to enjoy the boat ride and stay in the houseboats.

The picturesque Dal lake, located at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, in Jammu and Kashmir is the second largest lake in the state. Throughout the year, millions of tourists visit the lake to enjoy the boat ride and stay in the houseboats. But for many years, the lake has been grappling with menacing growth of weed and Azolla (a type of aquatic fern). Now, the Indian Army has started a 21-day-long cleaning drive with an aim to clean the lake by rooting out weed and Azolla that is growing inside the water body for years. The temperature here has already dipped to -7 degrees Celsius and the Army is on a relentless mission to clean the pride of Srinagar. In pictures: At -7.6 degrees, temperature breaks 28-year record in Srinagar Around 100 army men and other equipment from the engineering unit of the Indian Army have been stationed at the lake with an aim to de-weed it. This was possible after state administration sought help from the Army. Most of these army men have volunteered for cleaning the lake and belong to a local unit. As a pilot project, the aim is also to speed up the uprooting of the weed and identify the factors responsible for the growth of the pollutants. Here, these army men say they are ready to volunteer for more time if asked. "We are taking out the weed from roots by using the machine provided by local authorities, then our men take it out on their boats. Some of our men are taking them out manually using specific tools and methods, it's a difficult task in sub-zero temperature," said an army officer, who wasn't authorised to speak to media. The total capacity of the lake has already gone down to 40 per cent and the continuing night soil discharged from around 900 houseboats is causing extreme pollution. The task for these men is tough in the rough weather conditions, the water is cold and freezing, yet the morale is high. The Army is being assisted by the members Srinagar's municipality and lakes and waterways development authority who have also deployed their men and machinery into the service. Locals are also hailing the move taken up by the Army. "As we know, Kashmir is known for its beauty, with time, the beauty is getting diminished. We have to take measures to save the lake. Indian Army and other organisations have joined hands for this wonderful initiative by taking the weed out from roots. We should appreciate them for this initiative," said a local. In 1997, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests launched the ‘Save Dal’ project worth Rs 500 crores, since then several projects worth millions have been launched but the result has been short-lived. Authorities blame people for taking advantage of 2010, 2012 and 2016 summer unrest in the valley, leading to unabated constructions and growth in pollution. The cleaning operation will help clean the lake and restore its beauty which has been lost over the years.

Indian Army sets out on mission to clean Srinagar's pride - Dal lake

Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades with a low of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, while the mercury in most parts of Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region stayed way below the freezing point resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines.

On December 7, 1990, Srinagar had recorded a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius.

According to a meteorological department official, several stations in the Valley registered record night temperature.

While in Srinagar the mercury settled a degree down on Wednesday night from the previous night's minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg and Leh were the only two stations where the minimum temperature increased on Wednesday night, the official said.

Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.1 degrees Celsius, down from minus 5.9 degrees Celsius the previous night. It was the coldest night of the season at the town and the coldest December night there in the last eight years.

The nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night, compared to minus 5.4 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, down from minus 6.4 degrees Celsius the previous night, officials said, adding Wednesday night was the coldest of the season at the town and the coldest December night there in the last over a decade.

The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius Wednesday night against minus 7.9 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 9 degrees Celsius, slightly up from the previous night's minus 9.4 degrees Celsius.

Leh town in Ladakh region, which had recorded the lowest temperature this winter on the previous night at minus 17.1 degrees Celsius, witnessed an increase of nearly nine degrees last night to settle at minus 8.4 degrees Celsius, officials said.

Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.2 degrees Celsius nearly two degrees down from minus 14.4 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal lake, have frozen. Water supply to many residential areas of Srinagar and other towns in the Valley too has frozen.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan'&nbsp;the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' and a 10-day 'Chillai-Bachha'.

The winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the Valley in the first and second week of November. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase of common ailments like a cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and the elderly.

Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades with a low of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, while the mercury in most parts of Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region stayed way below the freezing point resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines.

Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades with a low of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, while the mercury in most parts of Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region stayed way below the freezing point resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines. On December 7, 1990, Srinagar had recorded a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius. According to a meteorological department official, several stations in the Valley registered record night temperature. While in Srinagar the mercury settled a degree down on Wednesday night from the previous night's minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg and Leh were the only two stations where the minimum temperature increased on Wednesday night, the official said. Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.1 degrees Celsius, down from minus 5.9 degrees Celsius the previous night. It was the coldest night of the season at the town and the coldest December night there in the last eight years. The nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday night, compared to minus 5.4 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, down from minus 6.4 degrees Celsius the previous night, officials said, adding Wednesday night was the coldest of the season at the town and the coldest December night there in the last over a decade. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius Wednesday night against minus 7.9 degrees Celsius the previous night. Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 9 degrees Celsius, slightly up from the previous night's minus 9.4 degrees Celsius. Leh town in Ladakh region, which had recorded the lowest temperature this winter on the previous night at minus 17.1 degrees Celsius, witnessed an increase of nearly nine degrees last night to settle at minus 8.4 degrees Celsius, officials said. Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.2 degrees Celsius nearly two degrees down from minus 14.4 degrees Celsius the previous night. Some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal lake, have frozen. Water supply to many residential areas of Srinagar and other towns in the Valley too has frozen. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' and a 10-day 'Chillai-Bachha'. The winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the Valley in the first and second week of November. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase of common ailments like a cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and the elderly.

Srinagar experiences coldest December night in 3 decades

In pictures: At -7.6 degrees, temperature breaks 28-year record in Srinagar

In Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K), night markets are bringing life back which was once scarred due to violence. Now, these markets open after the sunset and close mid-night bringing cheer on the faces of tourists and locals in the Valley.

At the world famous Dal lake, houseboats present a mesmerising look with the sunset, tourists come out to enjoy the scenic beauty and buy souvenirs and other traditional items in the bone-chilling cold. These shops are set up on the footpaths and often till midnight they find customers.&nbsp;

"We open our shops at 4:30 pm&nbsp;and when we have good customer flow, we shut them at 12 to 1 mid-night," says Sheraz Ahmad, a local shopkeeper.&nbsp;

Popular food stalls of barbeques and other mouth-watering food also open at night despite the freezing temperatures.

People come out to taste the food along with their families which now seems unimaginable after the terrorism broke out in the Valley in the 1990s. These markets help tourists in recreation as there are no other activities in the Valley after&nbsp;dark. &nbsp;

"We feel good to come out here at night. In Kolkata, we don't have these kinds of markets. Despite cold, these markets are open. They give us the opportunity to go out at night because night activities are very few here," said Subra Nastar, a tourist from West Bengal.&nbsp;

But people here blame the government for failing to provide electricity which could help in boosting night activities. Unscheduled and scheduled electricity cuts hamper not only these night shopkeepers but also tourism which plays an important role in the Valley.

"We have been asking that there should be night activities in Srinagar. We have very few cafes here at night. We used to have sound and light show at Mughal garden but it has been shut. We have been seeking all this from the government from a very long time," says a tourist Hamid Wangnoo.&nbsp;

With the improvement in the security situation in the Valley, the hope is that there would be more to do in the state after sunset.

In Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), night markets are bringing life back which was once scarred due to violence. Now, these markets open after the sunset and close mid-night bringing cheer on the faces of tourists and locals in the Valley.

In Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), night markets are bringing life back which was once scarred due to violence. Now, these markets open after the sunset and close mid-night bringing cheer on the faces of tourists and locals in the Valley. At the world famous Dal lake, houseboats present a mesmerising look with the sunset, tourists come out to enjoy the scenic beauty and buy souvenirs and other traditional items in the bone-chilling cold. These shops are set up on the footpaths and often till midnight they find customers. "We open our shops at 4:30 pm and when we have good customer flow, we shut them at 12 to 1 mid-night," says Sheraz Ahmad, a local shopkeeper. Popular food stalls of barbeques and other mouth-watering food also open at night despite the freezing temperatures. People come out to taste the food along with their families which now seems unimaginable after the terrorism broke out in the Valley in the 1990s. These markets help tourists in recreation as there are no other activities in the Valley after dark. "We feel good to come out here at night. In Kolkata, we don't have these kinds of markets. Despite cold, these markets are open. They give us the opportunity to go out at night because night activities are very few here," said Subra Nastar, a tourist from West Bengal. But people here blame the government for failing to provide electricity which could help in boosting night activities. Unscheduled and scheduled electricity cuts hamper not only these night shopkeepers but also tourism which plays an important role in the Valley. "We have been asking that there should be night activities in Srinagar. We have very few cafes here at night. We used to have sound and light show at Mughal garden but it has been shut. We have been seeking all this from the government from a very long time," says a tourist Hamid Wangnoo. With the improvement in the security situation in the Valley, the hope is that there would be more to do in the state after sunset.

Night markets bring cheer to locals in J&K

Srinagar -- the summer capital of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-snubs-pakistan-on-jammu-and-kashmir-185882">Jammu and Kashmir</a> -- recorded the coldest night in 11 years as the minimum temperature plunged to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, resulting in partial freezing of the Dal Lake and water supply lines to residential areas on Monday.

The all-time low recorded in the month of December in Srinagar is minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934.

"Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius. This is the coldest recorded temperature in the city in almost 11 years. The city had registered a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on December 31, 2007," an official of the MET department told PTI on Monday.

The cold wave resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes.

The official said Qazigund the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5 degrees Celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, he said.

The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, the official said, adding the resort was colder than Gulmarg and the coldest place in the valley.

The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, he said.

The official said Leh recorded a low of minus 14.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday night down from minus 14.3 degrees Celsius the previous night which was the coldest night of the season in the frontier town.

The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 15.3 degrees Celsius, they added.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).

However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November.

The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly.

The Met office has forecast mainly dry weather till Wednesday.

Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- recorded the coldest night in 11 years as the minimum temperature plunged to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, resulting in partial freezing of the Dal Lake and water supply lines to residential areas on Monday.

Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- recorded the coldest night in 11 years as the minimum temperature plunged to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, resulting in partial freezing of the Dal Lake and water supply lines to residential areas on Monday. The all-time low recorded in the month of December in Srinagar is minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934. "Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius. This is the coldest recorded temperature in the city in almost 11 years. The city had registered a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on December 31, 2007," an official of the MET department told PTI on Monday. The cold wave resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes. The official said Qazigund the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5 degrees Celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, he said. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, the official said, adding the resort was colder than Gulmarg and the coldest place in the valley. The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, he said. The official said Leh recorded a low of minus 14.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday night down from minus 14.3 degrees Celsius the previous night which was the coldest night of the season in the frontier town. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 15.3 degrees Celsius, they added. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly. The Met office has forecast mainly dry weather till Wednesday.

Watch: Srinagar records coldest night in 11 years

The United Nations has snubbed Pakistan on Kashmir saying that its position is clear on it and 'it has been reiterated'.

The development comes in response to a reply by United Nation spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric who, while confirming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's phone to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said, "Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council. The Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. It's only normal that the Secretary-General speak to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-raised-kashmir-issue-with-un-chief-says-un-spokesman-185764">Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has been raking up the Kashmir issue many times. Earlier this week, India slammed Khan to mind his own business. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess.”

2018 was a bittersweet year for India-Pakistan relations. While both agreed to build Kartarpur corridor, repatriate Hamid Nehal Ansari and Imran Warsi, Pakistan continued to provide support to terror in the region and dragged its feet on the 26/11 trial.

Pakistan, on its part, has been facing global isolation but has continued to rake up the Kashmir issue at international forums such as the United Nations.

The United Nations has snubbed Pakistan on Kashmir saying that its position is clear on it and 'it has been reiterated'. The development comes in response to a reply by United Nation spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric who, while confirming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's phone to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said, "Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated.

The United Nations has snubbed Pakistan on Kashmir saying that its position is clear on it and 'it has been reiterated'. The development comes in response to a reply by United Nation spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric who, while confirming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's phone to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said, "Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council. The Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. It's only normal that the Secretary-General speak to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir." Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been raking up the Kashmir issue many times. Earlier this week, India slammed Khan to mind his own business. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess.” 2018 was a bittersweet year for India-Pakistan relations. While both agreed to build Kartarpur corridor, repatriate Hamid Nehal Ansari and Imran Warsi, Pakistan continued to provide support to terror in the region and dragged its feet on the 26/11 trial. Pakistan, on its part, has been facing global isolation but has continued to rake up the Kashmir issue at international forums such as the United Nations.

UN snubs Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir, says its position has been reiterated

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President's rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Ladakh village celebrates mortality with 'festival of death' 

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

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

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

Women entrepreneurs break barriers in Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breaking News: 3 terrorists gunned down in Srinagar encounter

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

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

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

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

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