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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Voting for fifth phase of J&K panchayat polls underway

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Voting underway for fourth-phase of JK panchayat polls

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Shutdown paralyses life in Kashmir valley

<p>An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, as many as six terrorists have been killed along with a security personnel named Naik Nazir. The operation has been concluded, security forces have recovered weapons and warlike stores, news agency ANI reported.</p>

<p>Four out of&nbsp;six terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, rest were from Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both the district commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar have been killed, an&nbsp;investigation is underway, SSP Shopian Sandeep Chaudhary told media.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Initially, one jawan of 34 RR sustained injuries in exchange of fire. He was evacuated to hospital and is stable now. However one Jawan identified as Nazir Ahmad of 34 RR has succumbed and attained martyrdom: J&amp;K Police on Shopian encounter</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066598413452615682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>This comes after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist Jammu and Kashmir's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-underway-in-anantnag-2-3-terrorist-trapped-178862">Anantnag district on Friday</a>. According to reports, six terrorists were gunned down in the operation by the security forces.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Mobile internet services have been suspended in south Kashmir's Shopian district. Four terrorists have been neutralised in an encounter with security forces which broke out in Kapran Batagund area of the district this morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066521763771756544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>On November 20, one Indian Army jawan was killed and four terrorists were gunned down in an encounter in Nadigam village of Jammu and Kashmir`s Shopian district.</p>

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An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday. According to reports, as many as six terrorists have been killed along with a security personnel named Naik Nazir.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in Kapran Batagund area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Sunday. According to reports, as many as six terrorists have been killed along with a security personnel named Naik Nazir. The operation has been concluded, security forces have recovered weapons and warlike stores, news agency ANI reported. Four out of six terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen, rest were from Lashkar-e-Taiba. Both the district commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar have been killed, an investigation is underway, SSP Shopian Sandeep Chaudhary told media. Initially, one jawan of 34 RR sustained injuries in exchange of fire. He was evacuated to hospital and is stable now. However one Jawan identified as Nazir Ahmad of 34 RR has succumbed and attained martyrdom: J&K Police on Shopian encounter — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × This comes after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Friday. According to reports, six terrorists were gunned down in the operation by the security forces. #UPDATE: Mobile internet services have been suspended in south Kashmir's Shopian district. Four terrorists have been neutralised in an encounter with security forces which broke out in Kapran Batagund area of the district this morning. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018 × On November 20, one Indian Army jawan was killed and four terrorists were gunned down in an encounter in Nadigam village of Jammu and Kashmir`s Shopian district.

J&K: 6 terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian's Kapran Batagund

<p>Days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-mehbooba-mufti-writes-to-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-178644">dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir</a>, the Congress demanded&nbsp;that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".</p>

<p>Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule".</p>

<p>"The<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"> Governor's (Satya Pal Malik)</a> rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here.</p>

<p>"BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&amp;K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said.</p>

<p>"Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&amp;K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible."</p>

<p>"This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said.</p>

<p>The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress.</p>

<p>This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.</p>

<p>Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&amp;K and Ladakh into deep violence".</p>

<p>Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged.</p>

<p>"Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".

Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule". Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule". "The Governor's (Satya Pal Malik) rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here. "BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said. "Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible." "This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said. The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival 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 legislators from other parties. Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&K and Ladakh into deep violence". Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged. "Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added.

Governor rule in J&K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon

<p>An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: An encounter underway between security forces &amp; terrorists in Sekipora area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district. 2 to 3 terrorists are believed to be trapped. More details awaited.</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065768211671654400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to a report by ANI, six terrorists have been killed in the encounter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anantnag encounter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Six terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Arms and ammunition recovered. Operation continues <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwZ2fM90HF">pic.twitter.com/AwZ2fM90HF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065803222282092544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The area has been cordoned off for security purposes. Arms and ammunition were also recovered.</p>

<p>The encounter has stopped, however, the search operation is still on.</p>

<p>Indian Army's 3 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and police are jointly conducting the ongoing operation.</p>

<p>Further details of the incident are awaited.</p>

<p>The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months.</p>

<p>Earlier this week one soldier and four terrorists were killed in Shopian district after an encounter broke out in a village.</p>

<p>Two terrorists associated with terror outfit Al-Badr were also killed last week in an encounter in Rebben area of the Shopian district. On the same day, a Central Reserve Police Force jawan lost his life after terrorists opened fire on a CRPF camp at Railway Colony in Pulwama's Kakapora area.</p>

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An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. #JammuAndKashmir: An encounter underway between security forces & terrorists in Sekipora area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district.

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. #JammuAndKashmir: An encounter underway between security forces & terrorists in Sekipora area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district. 2 to 3 terrorists are believed to be trapped. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × According to a report by ANI, six terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Anantnag encounter #UPDATE: Six terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Arms and ammunition recovered. Operation continues #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/AwZ2fM90HF — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × The area has been cordoned off for security purposes. Arms and ammunition were also recovered. The encounter has stopped, however, the search operation is still on. Indian Army's 3 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and police are jointly conducting the ongoing operation. Further details of the incident are awaited. The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months. Earlier this week one soldier and four terrorists were killed in Shopian district after an encounter broke out in a village. Two terrorists associated with terror outfit Al-Badr were also killed last week in an encounter in Rebben area of the Shopian district. On the same day, a Central Reserve Police Force jawan lost his life after terrorists opened fire on a CRPF camp at Railway Colony in Pulwama's Kakapora area.

Video: 6 terrorists gunned down in J&K's Anantnag encounter; search operation underway

<p>Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu &amp; Kashmir assembly on Wednesday night. Prior to the dissolution, he is said to have consulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and a few of PM’s advisers.</p>

<p>Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, according to media reports, is reported to have written to the Governor that she could not reach Raj Bhawan, but she tweeted in public domain, claiming that she had the support and backing of 56 MLAs. Soon after, Sajjad Lone, with only two MLAs in the assembly, showed his interest by saying that he had the support of BJP and over 18 other independent MLAs.</p>

<p>The legal position under Section 53 of the J&amp;K Constitution is that the action of the Governor does not need to be ratified by Parliament. It is only after the expiry of six months that President Rule can be imposed that needs Parliament’s ratification. The Governor has said that the reasons for his decision to dissolve the assembly that had a tenure till 2020, were reports of extensive horse trading and possible exchange of money in order to secure the support of legislators, thus jeopardising the fragile security scenario in the state. The Governor further said there is the impossibility of forming a stable government by coming together of political parties with opposing ideologies.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;The BJP, a partner of PDP until a few months ago, supported the Governor’s decision, saying that “J&amp;K needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties”. Further, BJP leaders commented, that “the best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government.”</p>

<p>Governor Malik has allowed his own reputation to be imperilled along with the impact he was reportedly making with Kashmiris by promoting his healing-touch policy, making efforts to reach out for peace and dialogue. Malik’s action has lowered the prestige of the gubernatorial office in a fragile and sensitive state of the Indian Union. He is an experienced politician and should have exhausted all the normal constitutional and democratic norms set out by the apex court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the BJP-PDP government was dissolved in June, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly was kept in suspended animation and Governor’s Rule imposed in the state. Malik was not bound by the convention of recommending the dissolution of the assembly on advice of the chief minister and state cabinet, because neither existed. The dissolution deprived the elected legislators the opportunity to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir again.</p>

<p>Important political and constitutional issues lie at the heart of Governor’s action. Legally and constitutionally, Malik can say he was well within his rights to dissolve the assembly. Legitimately, power was exercised, but it was done in the pursuit of illegitimate goals. The timing of the dissolution makes it clear that Malik moved under orders — willingly or otherwise — to forestall the formation of a government that would prove inimical to the BJP’s calculations. By dissolving the J&amp;K assembly, he has ignored admittedly dodgy precedents set elsewhere.</p>

<p>Take Bihar. In 2015, an alliance of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United) and Congress had swept the state elections and formed a coalition government. In July 2017, barely two years later, in a move clearly orchestrated by outgoing and incoming chief minister Nitish Kumar, he disbanded the “grand alliance” by resigning as chief minister and was sworn in hours later in the same position, but with the BJP as his new ally. No gubernatorial compunctions seemed to have been experienced in showing the green light to this manoeuvre — a blatant betrayal of the 2015 mandate. In Goa, the Congress won 17 of the 40 assembly seats and the BJP, 13. The BJP got nine legislators on its side — three each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward Party and three independents. Armed with a list of 22, it was invited to form a government, which it duly did. No one expressed any reservations whatsoever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now take Jammu and Kashmir. When the PDP and BJP decided to form a coalition government, no questions were raised by the governor about this decidedly surreal alliance. If you really stretch yourself, you can find some common ground between the PDP and National Conference — they are both Kashmiri parties, both are committed to some notion of Kashmiri exceptionalism and autonomy and share the same kind of social constituencies. Also, the PDP and Congress have been allies in the past.</p>

<p>But by what stretch of imagination did the then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir decide that the PDP and BJP, who are ideologically and programmatically on absolutely opposite ends of the spectrum, could form a “stable” government? The imagination boggles. It is reported that the central government views this coalition as detrimental to the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Of course, it does. But not because the “arrangement” would be riven by “contradictions”.</p>

<p>What will transpire now is not yet clear. Someone or the other could move court against the dismissal of the assembly, which makes logical sense. The Congress, National Conference, PDP and other political parties may be content to wait things out for another six months, by which time state elections will have to be held.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-give-everyone-a-chance-in-jk-2688311">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu & Kashmir assembly on Wednesday night. Prior to the dissolution, he is said to have consulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and a few of PM’s advisers.

Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu & Kashmir assembly on Wednesday night. Prior to the dissolution, he is said to have consulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and a few of PM’s advisers. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, according to media reports, is reported to have written to the Governor that she could not reach Raj Bhawan, but she tweeted in public domain, claiming that she had the support and backing of 56 MLAs. Soon after, Sajjad Lone, with only two MLAs in the assembly, showed his interest by saying that he had the support of BJP and over 18 other independent MLAs. The legal position under Section 53 of the J&K Constitution is that the action of the Governor does not need to be ratified by Parliament. It is only after the expiry of six months that President Rule can be imposed that needs Parliament’s ratification. The Governor has said that the reasons for his decision to dissolve the assembly that had a tenure till 2020, were reports of extensive horse trading and possible exchange of money in order to secure the support of legislators, thus jeopardising the fragile security scenario in the state. The Governor further said there is the impossibility of forming a stable government by coming together of political parties with opposing ideologies. The BJP, a partner of PDP until a few months ago, supported the Governor’s decision, saying that “J&K needs a firm administration to deal with terrorism and not a combination of terror-friendly parties”. Further, BJP leaders commented, that “the best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government.” Governor Malik has allowed his own reputation to be imperilled along with the impact he was reportedly making with Kashmiris by promoting his healing-touch policy, making efforts to reach out for peace and dialogue. Malik’s action has lowered the prestige of the gubernatorial office in a fragile and sensitive state of the Indian Union. He is an experienced politician and should have exhausted all the normal constitutional and democratic norms set out by the apex court. Since the BJP-PDP government was dissolved in June, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly was kept in suspended animation and Governor’s Rule imposed in the state. Malik was not bound by the convention of recommending the dissolution of the assembly on advice of the chief minister and state cabinet, because neither existed. The dissolution deprived the elected legislators the opportunity to form a government in Jammu and Kashmir again. Important political and constitutional issues lie at the heart of Governor’s action. Legally and constitutionally, Malik can say he was well within his rights to dissolve the assembly. Legitimately, power was exercised, but it was done in the pursuit of illegitimate goals. The timing of the dissolution makes it clear that Malik moved under orders — willingly or otherwise — to forestall the formation of a government that would prove inimical to the BJP’s calculations. By dissolving the J&K assembly, he has ignored admittedly dodgy precedents set elsewhere. Take Bihar. In 2015, an alliance of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (United) and Congress had swept the state elections and formed a coalition government. In July 2017, barely two years later, in a move clearly orchestrated by outgoing and incoming chief minister Nitish Kumar, he disbanded the “grand alliance” by resigning as chief minister and was sworn in hours later in the same position, but with the BJP as his new ally. No gubernatorial compunctions seemed to have been experienced in showing the green light to this manoeuvre — a blatant betrayal of the 2015 mandate. In Goa, the Congress won 17 of the 40 assembly seats and the BJP, 13. The BJP got nine legislators on its side — three each from the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Goa Forward Party and three independents. Armed with a list of 22, it was invited to form a government, which it duly did. No one expressed any reservations whatsoever. Now take Jammu and Kashmir. When the PDP and BJP decided to form a coalition government, no questions were raised by the governor about this decidedly surreal alliance. If you really stretch yourself, you can find some common ground between the PDP and National Conference — they are both Kashmiri parties, both are committed to some notion of Kashmiri exceptionalism and autonomy and share the same kind of social constituencies. Also, the PDP and Congress have been allies in the past. But by what stretch of imagination did the then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir decide that the PDP and BJP, who are ideologically and programmatically on absolutely opposite ends of the spectrum, could form a “stable” government? The imagination boggles. It is reported that the central government views this coalition as detrimental to the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Of course, it does. But not because the “arrangement” would be riven by “contradictions”. What will transpire now is not yet clear. Someone or the other could move court against the dismissal of the assembly, which makes logical sense. The Congress, National Conference, PDP and other political parties may be content to wait things out for another six months, by which time state elections will have to be held. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Everyone should be given a chance in J&K

<p>The Election Commission has&nbsp;said fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held within the next six months even as it did not rule out the possibility of holding polls there before the Lok Sabha polls due next year.</p>

<p>"The Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls must be held on the first occasion before May ... It could be held before parliamentary elections also," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat said.</p>

<p>He said as per the Supreme Court, the outer limit for holding fresh polls after dissolution of a house is six months, that is May, 2019.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/governor-rule-in-jk-de-facto-modi-rule-says-congress-as-it-seeks-fresh-polls-soon-178900">Governor rule in J&amp;K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon</a></p>

<p>At the same time, he made it clear that the election body&nbsp;will decide on the poll dates after "considering all aspects."</p>

<p>He said, the top court's&nbsp;verdict, an outcome of presidential reference, also said polls will have to be held on the first occasion which means even before six months.</p>

<p>Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721"> I did not act on BJP's behest, says J&amp;K governor Satya Pal Malik after dissolving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721">assembly</a></p>

<p>He said the same principle was applied in Telangana where the assembly was dissolved prematurely.</p>

<p>The state g<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-mehbooba-mufti-writes-to-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-178644">overnor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly</a> on Wednesday evening after People's Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form a government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress.</p>

<p>They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others.</p>


The Election Commission has said fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held within the next six months even as it did not rule out the possibility of holding polls there before the Lok Sabha polls due next year.

The Election Commission has said fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held within the next six months even as it did not rule out the possibility of holding polls there before the Lok Sabha polls due next year. "The Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls must be held on the first occasion before May ... It could be held before parliamentary elections also," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat said. He said as per the Supreme Court, the outer limit for holding fresh polls after dissolution of a house is six months, that is May, 2019. Also read: Governor rule in J&K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon At the same time, he made it clear that the election body will decide on the poll dates after "considering all aspects." He said, the top court's verdict, an outcome of presidential reference, also said polls will have to be held on the first occasion which means even before six months. Also read: I did not act on BJP's behest, says J&K governor Satya Pal Malik after dissolving assembly He said the same principle was applied in Telangana where the assembly was dissolved prematurely. The state governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly on Wednesday evening after People's Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form a government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress. They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly. Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others.

J&K polls to be held before May, could be before general elections: CEC Rawat

<p>Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday tore into state Governor Satya Pal Malik after the latter dissolved the Assembly soon after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government in the state with the support of National Conference (NC) and Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''I had a lot of hopes from this Governor, but this is very sad. He has turned out to be another slave to the Centre,'' Abdullah said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post of Governor needs to be looked into, he said and added why did he wait 5 months to dissolve assembly?</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I had a lot of hopes from this Governor, but this is very sad. He has turned out to be another slave of the Centre. The post of Governor needs to be looked into. Why did he wait 5 months to dissolve assembly?: Farooq Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/zKovZCD6pw">pic.twitter.com/zKovZCD6pw</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065607551625117698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hitting back at the BJP which called the alliance between PDP, Congress and NC a coming together of “terror-friendly parties, Abdullah said when PDP was in alliance with BJP then it was not 'terror-friendly?' It has become 'terror-friendly' when it talked of alliance with NC and Congress? Abdullah asked.</p>

<p>Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly on Wednesday evening after Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress. They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti to move court. He&nbsp;described Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly ''unconstitutional''.&nbsp;</p>


Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday tore into state Governor Satya Pal Malik after the latter dissolved the Assembly soon after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government in the state with the support of National Conference (NC) and Congress.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday tore into state Governor Satya Pal Malik after the latter dissolved the Assembly soon after Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government in the state with the support of National Conference (NC) and Congress. ''I had a lot of hopes from this Governor, but this is very sad. He has turned out to be another slave to the Centre,'' Abdullah said. The post of Governor needs to be looked into, he said and added why did he wait 5 months to dissolve assembly? I had a lot of hopes from this Governor, but this is very sad. He has turned out to be another slave of the Centre. The post of Governor needs to be looked into. Why did he wait 5 months to dissolve assembly?: Farooq Abdullah pic.twitter.com/zKovZCD6pw — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2018 × Hitting back at the BJP which called the alliance between PDP, Congress and NC a coming together of “terror-friendly parties, Abdullah said when PDP was in alliance with BJP then it was not 'terror-friendly?' It has become 'terror-friendly' when it talked of alliance with NC and Congress? Abdullah asked. Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the assembly on Wednesday evening after Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form the government along with her arch-rival Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and the Congress. They claimed the support of 56 lawmakers in the 87-member state assembly. Shortly after, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claims to form the government. Lone, who has two lawmakers, said he had the support of the BJP's 25 legislators and "more than 18" others. Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti to move court. He described Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly ''unconstitutional''.

Jammu and Kashmir governor is a 'slave' to Centre: Farooq Abdullah

<p>Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said Thursday that he does not belive the NC, PDP and Congress fighting the elections together would benefit the state because "legitimate opposition voices are essential".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that the arrangement — the three parties had announced yesterday that they were coming together in a grand alliance — was to "protect Jammu and Kashmir from (the) current mess".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nobody ever suggested that we would be fighting polls together. This arrangement was to protect J&amp;K from current mess. I don't believe that NC, PDP &amp; Congress fighting elections together will in any way benefit J&amp;K because legitimate opposition voices are essential: Omar Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/GTQOvY2Wvv">pic.twitter.com/GTQOvY2Wvv</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065528342462517248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti wrote to Govenor Satya Pal Malik after news of the three parties coming together broke, staking her claim to form a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three parties between them had the numbers needed to form a government. (There was also a rival claim from Sajjad Lone of the People's Conference. Lone said he had the backing of the BJP.)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik however <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">dissolved the assembly</a> saying the three parties had differing ideologies and would not be able to provide&nbsp;a stable government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dissolution of the assembly means the state will have to hold elections within six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, Omar said he did not have a legal case to make against the governor since he had not provided documentary support to Mufti's PDP but had only talked to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that it was up to Mufti to decide whether she wanted to challenge the governor's decision in the courts.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Legally,we don't have case to make. As I don't have a document on which to claim Guv ignored what we had to say. My conversation was with PDP. It's for PDP to decide whether it wants to take legal recourse.I didn't provide documentary support: O Abdullah on J&amp;K assembly dissolved <a href="https://t.co/wltKrto8Cg">pic.twitter.com/wltKrto8Cg</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065525319703113730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We don't want to create a situation like 1987 where all political parties in the valley come together and the only space that remains is for fringe. As I said to Mehbooba Mufti Ji on Twitter yesterday, we have to fight another day, good luck to her, good luck to us," said Omar.&nbsp;</p>


Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said Thursday that he does not belive the NC, PDP and Congress fighting the elections together would benefit the state because "legitimate opposition voices are essential".

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said Thursday that he does not belive the NC, PDP and Congress fighting the elections together would benefit the state because "legitimate opposition voices are essential". He added that the arrangement — the three parties had announced yesterday that they were coming together in a grand alliance — was to "protect Jammu and Kashmir from (the) current mess". Nobody ever suggested that we would be fighting polls together. This arrangement was to protect J&K from current mess. I don't believe that NC, PDP & Congress fighting elections together will in any way benefit J&K because legitimate opposition voices are essential: Omar Abdullah pic.twitter.com/GTQOvY2Wvv — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2018 × PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti wrote to Govenor Satya Pal Malik after news of the three parties coming together broke, staking her claim to form a government in the state. The three parties between them had the numbers needed to form a government. (There was also a rival claim from Sajjad Lone of the People's Conference. Lone said he had the backing of the BJP.) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik however dissolved the assembly saying the three parties had differing ideologies and would not be able to provide a stable government. The dissolution of the assembly means the state will have to hold elections within six months. On Thursday, Omar said he did not have a legal case to make against the governor since he had not provided documentary support to Mufti's PDP but had only talked to them. He added that it was up to Mufti to decide whether she wanted to challenge the governor's decision in the courts. Legally,we don't have case to make. As I don't have a document on which to claim Guv ignored what we had to say. My conversation was with PDP. It's for PDP to decide whether it wants to take legal recourse.I didn't provide documentary support: O Abdullah on J&K assembly dissolved pic.twitter.com/wltKrto8Cg — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2018 × "We don't want to create a situation like 1987 where all political parties in the valley come together and the only space that remains is for fringe. As I said to Mehbooba Mufti Ji on Twitter yesterday, we have to fight another day, good luck to her, good luck to us," said Omar.

'Good luck to us': Omar Abdullah day after Governor dissolves J&K assembly

<p>What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one. The civilian life stands disrupted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The modicum of normalcy which existed prior to 2014 lies completely shattered. Though every development in Kashmir cannot be heaped on BJP but the party is surely to be blamed for the response it came up with months after months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kashmir became an experiment shop for the nationalist narrative. Unnecessary debates dominated the tenure of the PDP-BJP development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whether it was the state flag, Article 370, Article 35(A) - unnecessary controversies dominated the tenure of the regime. The worst disservice was that Army was brought into Kashmir issue as a political agent. Indian Army’s view became another pillar in the conversation which was already suffering from political McCarthyism.</p>

<p>Unfortunate thing is that Army’s view was never an issue but their position on certain issues was continuously milked to attack and discredit the Opposition. It played out well for the audience in the heartland but ended up alienating average Kashmiri and adding strain on the alliance which ultimately cracked because of the inherent contradictions. Both of them were unnatural partners who were ideologically opposed and represented opposed social constituencies.</p>

<p>Despite unending failure at every level, BJP still thought of something unimaginable. It thought of pushing Sajad Lone as the CM face and tried to encourage defections. It pushed the narrative of 'Third Party' in a play where none existed. The push prompted political reorganisation by National Conference (NC), PDP and Congress. Whether it was fear, hard political compulsion or matter of survival, it spooked the BJP. The worst fear of BJP came into existence like wildfire. The real issue was what if 'Grand Alliance' becomes a reality in J&amp;K? Will it have an impact on elections?&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are conjunctures, but the fact remains that the BJP’s incessant push to remain in power through backdoor created an alignment which neither of them was interested in.</p>

<p>There is no doubt that PDP and NC are not the best of partners, but they have more ideological similarity than what is shared between BJP and PDP. On top of it, Congress has been in alliance with both NC and PDP. So, the reason given by the Governor of horse trading and ideological divide does not hold water. It shows that BJP became nervous that if this alliance comes to power then it will add weight to the idea behind 'Grand Alliance' again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is, for this reason, the BJP decided to opt for the more convenient option which is President’s rule. It happened despite the fact that both NC and Congress in long run did not want to tie up with PDP which has burnt its political ground in South Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kashmir shows the limit of push a political party and state can exert on society. Unbridled power and hard politics divorced from political ethics can produce results like these. Indira Gandhi’s total hegemony brought everyone together. Today, BJP stands in the same total position without realising that uncontained political ambition can be self-limiting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accommodative politics sometimes leads to better longevity. There are many lessons and less known issues. For example, as to why Home Minister Rajnath Singh and General Secretary in charge of J&amp;K Ram Madhav could not convince Modi-Shah duo to let Assembly survive for a few more days would be another story, but Kashmir, in the end, has come out as the real victim of national politics.</p>

<p>This is the tragedy with which the nation will have to deal with in the longer run. A Kashmir which is more fragile, more alienated and less safe and all cannot be blamed on the enemy across the border. Some responsibility also lies with BJP.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)<br />
&nbsp;</em></p>


What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one.

What started as a bang and great hope has ended in a great tragedy in Kashmir. The attempt to bridge Jammu with Kashmir has ended in a disaster. Today Kashmir is back to square one. The civilian life stands disrupted. The modicum of normalcy which existed prior to 2014 lies completely shattered. Though every development in Kashmir cannot be heaped on BJP but the party is surely to be blamed for the response it came up with months after months. Kashmir became an experiment shop for the nationalist narrative. Unnecessary debates dominated the tenure of the PDP-BJP development. Whether it was the state flag, Article 370, Article 35(A) - unnecessary controversies dominated the tenure of the regime. The worst disservice was that Army was brought into Kashmir issue as a political agent. Indian Army’s view became another pillar in the conversation which was already suffering from political McCarthyism. Unfortunate thing is that Army’s view was never an issue but their position on certain issues was continuously milked to attack and discredit the Opposition. It played out well for the audience in the heartland but ended up alienating average Kashmiri and adding strain on the alliance which ultimately cracked because of the inherent contradictions. Both of them were unnatural partners who were ideologically opposed and represented opposed social constituencies. Despite unending failure at every level, BJP still thought of something unimaginable. It thought of pushing Sajad Lone as the CM face and tried to encourage defections. It pushed the narrative of 'Third Party' in a play where none existed. The push prompted political reorganisation by National Conference (NC), PDP and Congress. Whether it was fear, hard political compulsion or matter of survival, it spooked the BJP. The worst fear of BJP came into existence like wildfire. The real issue was what if 'Grand Alliance' becomes a reality in J&K? Will it have an impact on elections? These are conjunctures, but the fact remains that the BJP’s incessant push to remain in power through backdoor created an alignment which neither of them was interested in. There is no doubt that PDP and NC are not the best of partners, but they have more ideological similarity than what is shared between BJP and PDP. On top of it, Congress has been in alliance with both NC and PDP. So, the reason given by the Governor of horse trading and ideological divide does not hold water. It shows that BJP became nervous that if this alliance comes to power then it will add weight to the idea behind 'Grand Alliance' again. It is, for this reason, the BJP decided to opt for the more convenient option which is President’s rule. It happened despite the fact that both NC and Congress in long run did not want to tie up with PDP which has burnt its political ground in South Kashmir. Kashmir shows the limit of push a political party and state can exert on society. Unbridled power and hard politics divorced from political ethics can produce results like these. Indira Gandhi’s total hegemony brought everyone together. Today, BJP stands in the same total position without realising that uncontained political ambition can be self-limiting. Accommodative politics sometimes leads to better longevity. There are many lessons and less known issues. For example, as to why Home Minister Rajnath Singh and General Secretary in charge of J&K Ram Madhav could not convince Modi-Shah duo to let Assembly survive for a few more days would be another story, but Kashmir, in the end, has come out as the real victim of national politics. This is the tragedy with which the nation will have to deal with in the longer run. A Kashmir which is more fragile, more alienated and less safe and all cannot be blamed on the enemy across the border. Some responsibility also lies with BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

End of honeymoon: Political McCarthyism bites BJP in Kashmir

<p>After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference.</p>

<p>The coming together of the National Conference, the People's Democratic Party and the Congress, in what is seen as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-pdp-in-kashmir-145468">grand alliance</a>, was announced by senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari at his residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All the three parties decided to join hands to defend the special status of the state, keeping in view the political situation and special status of the state," Altaf, who is seen as a front-runner for the chief ministerial chair, told WION in an exclusive chat.</p>

<p>He told WION that a formal announcement about the formation of the government would be made soon. "We have 60 MLAs to keep the communal forces away from the state and an alliance has been agreed," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The alliance will also save the PDP from breaking as some of its senior members had rebelled against the party over a number of issues and were part of the Third Front which was emerging stronger by the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Backed by the BJP, the Third Front was emerging as an alternative to the traditional political parties which have ruled Kashmir for decades. But they don't have the numbers to prove their majority in the state assembly which is currently in suspended animation.</p>

<p>J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier said that he wouldn't dissolve the assembly but there were no signs of any government formation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources have told WION that several informal talks were held between the political parties over the joining of hands, adding that the aim of government formation was also to stop J&amp;K from slipping into the hands of Governor's Rule.</p>

<p>"Congress MLAs have submitted their written consent to the party for the formation of government," a source in the PDP told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Conference has called for a core group meeting tomorrow with top leaders from the three regions of the Himalayan state. The Congress' J&amp;K-in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir has flown to Delhi to meet the party's top leadership over the issue while other members have been called on the 23rd to deliberate further.&nbsp;</p>


After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state. The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference.

After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state. The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference. The coming together of the National Conference, the People's Democratic Party and the Congress, in what is seen as a grand alliance, was announced by senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari at his residence. "All the three parties decided to join hands to defend the special status of the state, keeping in view the political situation and special status of the state," Altaf, who is seen as a front-runner for the chief ministerial chair, told WION in an exclusive chat. He told WION that a formal announcement about the formation of the government would be made soon. "We have 60 MLAs to keep the communal forces away from the state and an alliance has been agreed," he said. The alliance will also save the PDP from breaking as some of its senior members had rebelled against the party over a number of issues and were part of the Third Front which was emerging stronger by the day. Backed by the BJP, the Third Front was emerging as an alternative to the traditional political parties which have ruled Kashmir for decades. But they don't have the numbers to prove their majority in the state assembly which is currently in suspended animation. J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier said that he wouldn't dissolve the assembly but there were no signs of any government formation. Sources have told WION that several informal talks were held between the political parties over the joining of hands, adding that the aim of government formation was also to stop J&K from slipping into the hands of Governor's Rule. "Congress MLAs have submitted their written consent to the party for the formation of government," a source in the PDP told WION. The National Conference has called for a core group meeting tomorrow with top leaders from the three regions of the Himalayan state. The Congress' J&K-in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir has flown to Delhi to meet the party's top leadership over the issue while other members have been called on the 23rd to deliberate further.

PDP, NC, Congress join hands in Jammu & Kashmir, will try and form government

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