An MLA who reportedly attended the rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists of an eight-year-old girl has been sworn in as a Jammu and Kashmir cabinet minister.&nbsp;

The MLA in question is Rajiv Jasrotia, who represents Kathua in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were on Monday sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti .

The reshuffle is a result of BJP ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigning from the cabinet earlier this month after they were criticised for taking part in the same rally Jasrotia is reported to have attended.&nbsp;

The move was attacked on Twitter by former chief minister Omar Abdullah.&nbsp;

"2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti &nbsp;confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?" he tweeted.&nbsp;

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also took to Twitter to slam the BJP.&nbsp;

"As per news reports BJP MLA who attended the pro-rapist rally in Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia, is now a minister in the cabinet reshuffle. BJP protects rapists and promotes rape apologists. Shame," Chaturvedi tweeted.&nbsp;

Kavinder Gupta will take over as the state's deputy chief minister from Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night.&nbsp;

Gupta himself <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-rape-a-small-issue-says-jks-new-deputy-cm-kavinder-gupta-133801">ran into trouble</a> on Monday when, after his swearing in, he referred to the Kathua gang rape — which sent shockwaves through the nation — as a "minor incident".&nbsp;

'2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?' Omar Abdullah tweeted

An MLA who reportedly attended the rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists of an eight-year-old girl has been sworn in as a Jammu and Kashmir cabinet minister. The MLA in question is Rajiv Jasrotia, who represents Kathua in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were on Monday sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti . The reshuffle is a result of BJP ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga resigning from the cabinet earlier this month after they were criticised for taking part in the same rally Jasrotia is reported to have attended. The move was attacked on Twitter by former chief minister Omar Abdullah. "2 BJP ministers removed in J&K for attending a pro-rapist rally & a MLA who is reported to have attended the same rally is promoted as a minister. Why are the BJP/ @MehboobaMufti confused about where they stand on the #Kathua rape?" he tweeted. Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also took to Twitter to slam the BJP. "As per news reports BJP MLA who attended the pro-rapist rally in Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia, is now a minister in the cabinet reshuffle. BJP protects rapists and promotes rape apologists. Shame," Chaturvedi tweeted. Kavinder Gupta will take over as the state's deputy chief minister from Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night. Gupta himself ran into trouble on Monday when, after his swearing in, he referred to the Kathua gang rape — which sent shockwaves through the nation — as a "minor incident".

J&K: MLA who reportedly attended pro-rapists rally in Kathua made cabinet minister

In a major Cabinet reshuffle in Jammu and Kashmir, Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were today sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti.

Gupta will be the new deputy chief minister in place of Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night, officials said.

The new BJP faces sworn in as ministers were the party's state unit chief Satpal Sharma and the MLAs from Kathua and adjoining Sambha, Rajiv Jasrotia and Devinder Kumar Manyal, respectively.&nbsp;

The BJP also upgraded Sunil Sharma, at present minister of state for transport, to the rank of a cabinet minister. BJP MLA from Doda Shakti Raj took oath as a minister of state.&nbsp;

The PDP members included in the cabinet were Mohd Khalil Band, MLA from Pulwama, and Mohd Ashraf Mir, MLA from Sonwar.

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav and Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh attended the event.

The function was held at the convention centre instead of Raj Bhavan as the Jammu and Kashmir government has already shifted its base to summer capital Srinagar, part of the bi-annual darbar move under which the government functions for six months in Jammu and six months in Srinagar.&nbsp;

Earlier BJP's Ram Madhav said that cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with the Kathua incident.

''The cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with the Kathua incident. Our government has completed three years and we decided to give a chance to new faces. 5 members of the party will be sworn-in as ministers today,'' Madhav said.

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The cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with the Kathua incident. Our government has completed three years and we decided to give a chance to new faces. 5 members of the party will be sworn-in as ministers today: Ram Madhav, BJP on cabinet reshuffle in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/hKsIq40zhv">pic.twitter.com/hKsIq40zhv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990837395435261953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;

Gupta will be the new deputy chief minister in place of Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night, officials said.

In a major Cabinet reshuffle in Jammu and Kashmir, Assembly speaker Kavinder Gupta and seven others were today sworn in as ministers in the state's PDP-BJP government led by Mehbooba Mufti. Gupta will be the new deputy chief minister in place of Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night, officials said. The new BJP faces sworn in as ministers were the party's state unit chief Satpal Sharma and the MLAs from Kathua and adjoining Sambha, Rajiv Jasrotia and Devinder Kumar Manyal, respectively. The BJP also upgraded Sunil Sharma, at present minister of state for transport, to the rank of a cabinet minister. BJP MLA from Doda Shakti Raj took oath as a minister of state. The PDP members included in the cabinet were Mohd Khalil Band, MLA from Pulwama, and Mohd Ashraf Mir, MLA from Sonwar. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav and Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh attended the event. The function was held at the convention centre instead of Raj Bhavan as the Jammu and Kashmir government has already shifted its base to summer capital Srinagar, part of the bi-annual darbar move under which the government functions for six months in Jammu and six months in Srinagar. Earlier BJP's Ram Madhav said that cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with the Kathua incident. ''The cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with the Kathua incident. Our government has completed three years and we decided to give a chance to new faces. 5 members of the party will be sworn-in as ministers today,'' Madhav said. The cabinet reshuffle has nothing to do with the Kathua incident. Our government has completed three years and we decided to give a chance to new faces. 5 members of the party will be sworn-in as ministers today: Ram Madhav, BJP on cabinet reshuffle in #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/hKsIq40zhv — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × (With PTI inputs)

J&K cabinet reshuffle: Deputy CM Kavinder Gupta, seven others take oath

Two soldiers were injured in an encounter with militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Drabgam area of Pulwama district after receiving information about the presence of two to three militants in the area, a police official said.

As the security forces were closing in, the militants opened indiscriminate fire on them, the official said.

Two soldiers were injured in the firing, an Army official said, adding the cordon has been strengthened and an operation to flush out the militants was going on.&nbsp

An operation to flush out the militants was going on.

Two soldiers were injured in an encounter with militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Drabgam area of Pulwama district after receiving information about the presence of two to three militants in the area, a police official said. As the security forces were closing in, the militants opened indiscriminate fire on them, the official said. Two soldiers were injured in the firing, an Army official said, adding the cordon has been strengthened and an operation to flush out the militants was going on.

2 soldiers injured in encounter with militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

Jammu and Kashmir's state cabinet will undergo a reshuffle on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh noted on Saturday that the PDP-BJP alliance government will undertake a cabinet reshuffle on April 30.

According to Singh, the reshuffle would see the induction of some new ministers.

"The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on April 30," Singh noted.

The list of the inductees is yet to be finalised, shared Singh.

As per reports, a couple of ministers of state (MosS) may get elevated to the Cabinet rank.

The BJP's state cadre had held a meeting with party's top officials in New Delhi last Sunday to discuss and finalise new inductees and to assess the performance of the current state ministers.

On April 17, nine state ministers from Jammu and Kashmir were asked to step down to enable the party to bring in new faces in the Mufti cabinet.

The BJP has been experiencing pressure mounting over its ministers, Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Gangam, who allegedly supported the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case.&nbsp;

Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS.

The J&K cabinet can have a maximum of 25 ministers, including the chief minister. While 14 portfolios rest with the PDP, the BJP holds the remaining.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS

Jammu and Kashmir's state cabinet will undergo a reshuffle on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh noted on Saturday that the PDP-BJP alliance government will undertake a cabinet reshuffle on April 30. According to Singh, the reshuffle would see the induction of some new ministers. "The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on April 30," Singh noted. The list of the inductees is yet to be finalised, shared Singh. As per reports, a couple of ministers of state (MosS) may get elevated to the Cabinet rank. The BJP's state cadre had held a meeting with party's top officials in New Delhi last Sunday to discuss and finalise new inductees and to assess the performance of the current state ministers. On April 17, nine state ministers from Jammu and Kashmir were asked to step down to enable the party to bring in new faces in the Mufti cabinet. The BJP has been experiencing pressure mounting over its ministers, Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Gangam, who allegedly supported the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case. Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS. The J&K cabinet can have a maximum of 25 ministers, including the chief minister. While 14 portfolios rest with the PDP, the BJP holds the remaining. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K cabinet reshuffle on Monday: Deputy Chief Minister

Following the much-discussed meet of the leaders of North Korea and South Korea, a media report in Pakistan advocated that "rivals" India and Pakistan should also try to resolve their differences.

The report said that the two countries should try to resolve their differences and make the "quest" for normalisation and peace the "noblest of goals" in the region.&nbsp

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a historic meet on Friday, where the two leaders agreed to make collective efforts to create peace and stability in the Korean peninsula.The two leaders also aimed at denuclearizing the Korean peninsula.

The media report said that a comparison between India and Pakistan relations with reference to the two Koreas would be made inevitably. It added that the tensions and disputes between Pakistan and India are fundamentally different to the issues between the Koreas.&nbsp

"Pakistan and India have forged very different and irreversible histories, whereas the Koreas seek unification. Yet, a shared history and the common dreams and aspirations of a people with enduring cultural and other similarities across India and Pakistan make the quest for normalisation and peace in this region the noblest of goals," it added.

Recalling the historic trip of the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to Lahore, the report further said that the leaders of the two countries should again walk the path of peace and friendship.

The ties between the two countries were expected to improve after PM Modi's surprise stopover to Pakistan in December 2015.

However, the relations between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016. The sentencing of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to death in April last year further deteriorated the bilateral ties.

&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

Recalling the historic trip of the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to Lahore, the report further said that the leaders of the two countries should again walk the path of peace and friendship

Following the much-discussed meet of the leaders of North Korea and South Korea, a media report in Pakistan advocated that "rivals" India and Pakistan should also try to resolve their differences. The report said that the two countries should try to resolve their differences and make the "quest" for normalisation and peace the "noblest of goals" in the region. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a historic meet on Friday, where the two leaders agreed to make collective efforts to create peace and stability in the Korean peninsula.The two leaders also aimed at denuclearizing the Korean peninsula. The media report said that a comparison between India and Pakistan relations with reference to the two Koreas would be made inevitably. It added that the tensions and disputes between Pakistan and India are fundamentally different to the issues between the Koreas. "Pakistan and India have forged very different and irreversible histories, whereas the Koreas seek unification. Yet, a shared history and the common dreams and aspirations of a people with enduring cultural and other similarities across India and Pakistan make the quest for normalisation and peace in this region the noblest of goals," it added. Recalling the historic trip of the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to Lahore, the report further said that the leaders of the two countries should again walk the path of peace and friendship. The ties between the two countries were expected to improve after PM Modi's surprise stopover to Pakistan in December 2015. However, the relations between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016. The sentencing of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to death in April last year further deteriorated the bilateral ties. (With inputs from PTI)

India, Pakistan should try to resolve their differences like Koreas: Pak media

In a strange yet repeated incident, a donkey has now been issued an admit card to write an exam in Jammu and Kashmir to appear for a recruitment test for naib tehsildars, reports said on Saturday.

Of the nearly 1.5 lakh candidates issued admit cards to take the test for the 155 posts of naib tehsildar in J&K the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (SSB) has issued a computer-generated admit card in the donkey's name with a passport size photograph also mentioning details regarding his family background.

The picture of the admit card soon went viral on Twitter and Facebook. Social media users were having a field day over the apparent lapse by the authorities.

Under the SSB system, candidates fill out the application form online and upload their picture. They can then download their admit cards. Looks like pranksters made the most of the absence of a mechanism to check the veracity of every application. Chairman of SSB Simrandeep Singh said they will track down the IP address once the exam work is over.

A similar incident was reported two years back when a cow was issued an admit card for to write an examination in Jammu and Kashmir for a recruitment test for naib tehsildars.

This is how people on Twitter reacted to the bizarre news.

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What does this admit card tell you? That a donkey is appearing in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/jkssb?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#jkssb</a> exam. NO!! It tells us that only donkeys are in open merit category !! <a href="https://twitter.com/gowhargeelani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gowhargeelani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ayaanmaqsood?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ayaanmaqsood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/islahmufti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@islahmufti</a> <a href="https://t.co/lbwVr4uZY7">pic.twitter.com/lbwVr4uZY7</a>
— Faizan Mushtaq (@faizanmushtaq77) <a href="https://twitter.com/faizanmushtaq77/status/989793864260059136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ridiculous ? 
 
J&KSSB has issued Admit Card to a "Donkey" for the Exam of Naib Tehsildar <a href="https://t.co/6nBp6FoVmT">pic.twitter.com/6nBp6FoVmT</a>
— Akash Sharma (@AkashPrime1) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkashPrime1/status/989545371528585217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Year 2018, a hard working Blonde Donkey finally gets admit card for appearing in Naib Tehsildar exam. Issued by JKSSB. 
Previously, a blonde Cow had been issued an admit card but it didn't show up on exam day . Lets hope, the Blonde Donkey shows up.. <a href="https://t.co/Jg3U8fhIu5">pic.twitter.com/Jg3U8fhIu5</a>
— Rouf Sadiq Tantray (@rouftantrays) <a href="https://twitter.com/rouftantrays/status/989535898814431232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The picture of the admit card soon went viral on Twitter and Facebook. Social media users were having a field day over the apparent lapse by the authorities

In a strange yet repeated incident, a donkey has now been issued an admit card to write an exam in Jammu and Kashmir to appear for a recruitment test for naib tehsildars, reports said on Saturday. Of the nearly 1.5 lakh candidates issued admit cards to take the test for the 155 posts of naib tehsildar in J&K the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (SSB) has issued a computer-generated admit card in the donkey's name with a passport size photograph also mentioning details regarding his family background. The picture of the admit card soon went viral on Twitter and Facebook. Social media users were having a field day over the apparent lapse by the authorities. Under the SSB system, candidates fill out the application form online and upload their picture. They can then download their admit cards. Looks like pranksters made the most of the absence of a mechanism to check the veracity of every application. Chairman of SSB Simrandeep Singh said they will track down the IP address once the exam work is over. A similar incident was reported two years back when a cow was issued an admit card for to write an examination in Jammu and Kashmir for a recruitment test for naib tehsildars. This is how people on Twitter reacted to the bizarre news. What does this admit card tell you? That a donkey is appearing in the #jkssb exam. NO!! It tells us that only donkeys are in open merit category !! @gowhargeelani @ayaanmaqsood @islahmufti pic.twitter.com/lbwVr4uZY7 — Faizan Mushtaq (@faizanmushtaq77) April 27, 2018 × Ridiculous ? J&KSSB has issued Admit Card to a "Donkey" for the Exam of Naib Tehsildar pic.twitter.com/6nBp6FoVmT — Akash Sharma (@AkashPrime1) April 26, 2018 × Year 2018, a hard working Blonde Donkey finally gets admit card for appearing in Naib Tehsildar exam. Issued by JKSSB. Previously, a blonde Cow had been issued an admit card but it didn't show up on exam day . Lets hope, the Blonde Donkey shows up.. pic.twitter.com/Jg3U8fhIu5 — Rouf Sadiq Tantray (@rouftantrays) April 26, 2018 ×

Donkey issued admit card to write examination in Jammu and Kashmir

In a strong message, the Indian Army today asked Pakistan military to stop supporting terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it will continue to take all "retaliatory measures" foil Pakistan's evil designs.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conversation, Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Anil Chauhan told his Pakistani counterpart that the onus on bringing down tension along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir lies with Pakistan, Army officials said.

The unscheduled interaction over the hotline took place this evening following a request by Pakistan, they said adding the Pakistani DGMO alleged that Indian security forces had resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC.

"Indian Army DGMO emphatically stated that retaliatory firing by Indian troops has only been carried out in response to unabated support given by Pakistan Army to armed terrorists who infiltrate across the border and target Indian Army posts with heavy calibre weapons," the Army said.

It said Lt Gen Chauhan further impressed conveyed to his Pakistan counterpart that support to terrorism by Pakistan Army was unacceptable and the Indian will continue to take all retaliatory measures.

"The onus of de-escalation along the LoC rests with Pakistan Army provided they stop supporting terrorists and put an end to unprovoked ceasefire violations to abet infiltration," the Army said.

The LoC in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a spurt in ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops in the last few months and the Indian Army has been retaliating effectively to Pakistani actions.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conversation, Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Anil Chauhan told his Pakistani counterpart that the onus on bringing down tension along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir lies with Pakistan, Army officials said.

In a strong message, the Indian Army today asked Pakistan military to stop supporting terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that it will continue to take all "retaliatory measures" foil Pakistan's evil designs. In a telephonic conversation, Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Anil Chauhan told his Pakistani counterpart that the onus on bringing down tension along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir lies with Pakistan, Army officials said. The unscheduled interaction over the hotline took place this evening following a request by Pakistan, they said adding the Pakistani DGMO alleged that Indian security forces had resorted to unprovoked firing along the LoC. "Indian Army DGMO emphatically stated that retaliatory firing by Indian troops has only been carried out in response to unabated support given by Pakistan Army to armed terrorists who infiltrate across the border and target Indian Army posts with heavy calibre weapons," the Army said. It said Lt Gen Chauhan further impressed conveyed to his Pakistan counterpart that support to terrorism by Pakistan Army was unacceptable and the Indian will continue to take all retaliatory measures. "The onus of de-escalation along the LoC rests with Pakistan Army provided they stop supporting terrorists and put an end to unprovoked ceasefire violations to abet infiltration," the Army said. The LoC in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a spurt in ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops in the last few months and the Indian Army has been retaliating effectively to Pakistani actions.

Stop supporting terror groups: Indian DGMO to Pakistan

The Supreme Court on Friday will resume hearing the case of alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl belonging to Jammu and Kashmir`s Kathua area.

The case dates back to January when a minor girl belonging to the nomadic Bakerwal Tribe was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed.

On Thursday, the inquiry panel of the Bar Council of India (BCI) that is investigating the aforementioned case rejected claims that lawyers of the Jammu Bar had threatened the raped victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat.

The inquiry panel also rejected allegations that the police had been stopped from filing a charge-sheet in court.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Vikas Singh, appearing on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, told a three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that no lawyer had threatened Rajawat or had stopped the police from filing a charge sheet against the accused."Nobody or no lawyer has threatened the victim`s lawyer, Deepika Singh Rajawat, and or stopped the police from filing the charge sheet against the accused persons in the alleged Kathua rape and murder case," Singh told the court.

The apex court observed, "We are only concerned with the victim's families getting justice expeditiously, or, about how the investigation and trial would go on. Let us be clear and focus on investigation and about the trial of the case."

Meanwhile, Chandan Sharma, the lawyer of two of the accused-Sanji Ram and Vishal Jangotra - told the court that the investigation must be fair, transparent and judicious as it is the minimum requirement of the rule of law.

On Thursday, the inquiry panel of the Bar Council of India (BCI) that is investigating the aforementioned case rejected claims that lawyers of the Jammu Bar had threatened the raped victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat

The Supreme Court on Friday will resume hearing the case of alleged rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl belonging to Jammu and Kashmir`s Kathua area. The case dates back to January when a minor girl belonging to the nomadic Bakerwal Tribe was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed. On Thursday, the inquiry panel of the Bar Council of India (BCI) that is investigating the aforementioned case rejected claims that lawyers of the Jammu Bar had threatened the raped victim's lawyer Deepika Singh Rajawat. The inquiry panel also rejected allegations that the police had been stopped from filing a charge-sheet in court. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Vikas Singh, appearing on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association, told a three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that no lawyer had threatened Rajawat or had stopped the police from filing a charge sheet against the accused."Nobody or no lawyer has threatened the victim`s lawyer, Deepika Singh Rajawat, and or stopped the police from filing the charge sheet against the accused persons in the alleged Kathua rape and murder case," Singh told the court. The apex court observed, "We are only concerned with the victim's families getting justice expeditiously, or, about how the investigation and trial would go on. Let us be clear and focus on investigation and about the trial of the case." Meanwhile, Chandan Sharma, the lawyer of two of the accused-Sanji Ram and Vishal Jangotra - told the court that the investigation must be fair, transparent and judicious as it is the minimum requirement of the rule of law.

Supreme Court to resume hearing Kathua rape case today

The Supreme Court has stayed the trial in the Kathua rape&nbsp;and murder case before the sessions judge till the next hearing, which is scheduled for May 7.

The case was transferred to the Crime Branch of the state police on January 23, which formed the Special Investigation Team. The SIT had then arrested eight people.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the case on April 13.

The apex court had also sent a notice to the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir for hampering the filing of the charge sheet against the accused involved in the case.&nbsp;

The accused pleaded not guilty on the opening day of the trial in the principal&nbsp;district and sessions court on April 16.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-rape-case-main-accused-sanji-ram-planned-girls-murder-to-save-son-say-investigators-133165">Kathua rape case: Main accused Sanji Ram planned girl's murder to save son, say </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kathua-rape-case-main-accused-sanji-ram-planned-girls-murder-to-save-son-say-investigators-133165">investigators</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kathua</a> rape and murder case: Supreme Court stayed the trial in the case before Sessions judge till the next date of hearing May 7. <a href="https://t.co/DQ4lUBtVxJ">pic.twitter.com/DQ4lUBtVxJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989770717301362688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 7

The Supreme Court has stayed the trial in the Kathua rape and murder case before the sessions judge till the next hearing, which is scheduled for May 7. The case was transferred to the Crime Branch of the state police on January 23, which formed the Special Investigation Team. The SIT had then arrested eight people. The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the case on April 13. The apex court had also sent a notice to the Bar Council of Jammu and Kashmir for hampering the filing of the charge sheet against the accused involved in the case. The accused pleaded not guilty on the opening day of the trial in the principal district and sessions court on April 16. Also read: Kathua rape case: Main accused Sanji Ram planned girl's murder to save son, say investigators #Kathua rape and murder case: Supreme Court stayed the trial in the case before Sessions judge till the next date of hearing May 7. pic.twitter.com/DQ4lUBtVxJ — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018 ×

Supreme court stays trial in Kathua rape-murder case till next hearing

Four terrorists have been killed by security forces in Lam village of Tral in J&K's Pulwama district on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Public places have been closed in the area as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;

The security forces have now cordoned off the area.

Earlier, Terrorists fled the spot after they were involved in a gun battle with the security forces.

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One more terrorist killed taking the total to 4 . Well done boys.
— Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/988755795788607489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Tral — considered a terrorist hotbed — is the native town of Hizbul Mujahideen's Burhan Wani, who was killed in 2016, and Zakir Musa, an active militant commander.&nbsp;

The district is also considered to be the stronghold of terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad.

Gunbattle broke out between militants and security forces when the ultras opened fire.

Four terrorists have been killed by security forces in Lam village of Tral in J&K's Pulwama district on Tuesday evening. Public places have been closed in the area as a precautionary measure. The security forces have now cordoned off the area. Earlier, Terrorists fled the spot after they were involved in a gun battle with the security forces. One more terrorist killed taking the total to 4 . Well done boys. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) April 24, 2018 × Tral — considered a terrorist hotbed — is the native town of Hizbul Mujahideen's Burhan Wani, who was killed in 2016, and Zakir Musa, an active militant commander. The district is also considered to be the stronghold of terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad.

Four terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district

A security personnel and a policeman lost their lives in an encounter&nbsp;with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday.

One terrorist was also killed in the gunbattle that started on Tuesday morning.

The gunbattle between the army forces and terrorists started in Pulwama's Lam village of Tral.

The army had deployed security forces in the area&nbsp;after reports of gunshots firing.&nbsp;

The forces have cordoned off the area as militants are expected to have been trapped in the region.&nbsp;

A day before Pakistani Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control at Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: One Army jawan & one Policeman lost their lives in ongoing encounter with terrorists in Lam village of Tral in Pulwama district. One terrorists also gunned down. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988681212305735680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The gunbattle between the army forces and terrorists started in Pulwama's Lam village of Tral early Tuesday. One terrorist was also killed in the gunbattle

A security personnel and a policeman lost their lives in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday. One terrorist was also killed in the gunbattle that started on Tuesday morning. The gunbattle between the army forces and terrorists started in Pulwama's Lam village of Tral. The army had deployed security forces in the area after reports of gunshots firing. The forces have cordoned off the area as militants are expected to have been trapped in the region. A day before Pakistani Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control at Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. #UPDATE: One Army jawan & one Policeman lost their lives in ongoing encounter with terrorists in Lam village of Tral in Pulwama district. One terrorists also gunned down. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2018 ×

Soldier, policeman killed in encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Friday said he had a "great session" at University of California in the US and termed an attempt to heckle him "tamasha"&nbspby just four people.

He was referring to a video in which some Kashmiri-Americans are shown confronting him as he was leaving the venue after making his speech.

The protesters accused Omar Abdullah of playing "dirty politics"&nbspand threatened to take him to the International Criminal Court.&nbsp

The working president of opposition National Conference was invited by the university to speak on The path forward in Kashmir.

I had a great session at @UCBerkeley & don't let anyone tell you otherwise. FOUR hecklers (in an audience of 150+) who waited till the event concluded to make YouTube videos of themselves cant take away from an excellent Q&A session there, he wrote on Twitter.

The National Conference leader said he was looking forward to the organisers uploading the video of the entire session. Im, looking forward to the organisers putting the video of the entire session online so that the people who've seen the short tamasha can see how much substantial stuff happened before that, he said.

The NC leader said heckling by four persons was not a big deal. And lastly I've (I have) never claimed to be universally loved or even liked so if 4 (four) people in such a large audience make their dislike known its really not such a big deal at all. At least no one threw eggs or a shaving foam pie at me, he said.&nbsp

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Friday said he had a 'great session' at University of California in the US and termed an attempt to heckle him 'tamasha' by just four people

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Friday said he had a "great session" at University of California in the US and termed an attempt to heckle him "tamasha"&nbspby just four people. He was referring to a video in which some Kashmiri-Americans are shown confronting him as he was leaving the venue after making his speech. The protesters accused Omar Abdullah of playing "dirty politics"&nbspand threatened to take him to the International Criminal Court. The working president of opposition National Conference was invited by the university to speak on The path forward in Kashmir. I had a great session at @UCBerkeley & don't let anyone tell you otherwise. FOUR hecklers (in an audience of 150+) who waited till the event concluded to make YouTube videos of themselves cant take away from an excellent Q&A session there, he wrote on Twitter. The National Conference leader said he was looking forward to the organisers uploading the video of the entire session. Im, looking forward to the organisers putting the video of the entire session online so that the people who've seen the short tamasha can see how much substantial stuff happened before that, he said. The NC leader said heckling by four persons was not a big deal. And lastly I've (I have) never claimed to be universally loved or even liked so if 4 (four) people in such a large audience make their dislike known its really not such a big deal at all. At least no one threw eggs or a shaving foam pie at me, he said.

Heckling in US just tamasha, says Omar

An approaching western disturbance is expected to bring rainfall to northern Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with thunderstorms likely in some isolated areas over the next two days, the Met department said today.

"The maximum temperatures are very likely to be near/below normal over most parts of the country except parts of east India. Hence, no major heat wave spell is expected over any part of country during the next one week," the Indian Meteorological Department said.

"Under the influence of an approaching western disturbance, fairly widespread to widespread precipitation with isolated thunder squalls and hailstorms are very likely over the Western Himalayan region (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) during next two days," it said.

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said.

Western disturbance is a low pressure area or a trough over surface or the upper-air in the westerly winds regime and it is accompanied by clouds, with or without precipitation.

It originates in the Caspian Sea or the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones. They gradually travel across the Middle East and then from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, enter the Indian sub-continent.

After this phenomena, weather would be dry thereafter over most parts of the northwest, the Met department said.

Under the influence of the western disturbance, relative humidity would rise over most parts of northwest and central India.&nbsp;

Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said.

An approaching western disturbance is expected to bring rainfall to northern Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, with thunderstorms likely in some isolated areas over the next two days, the Met department said today. "The maximum temperatures are very likely to be near/below normal over most parts of the country except parts of east India. Hence, no major heat wave spell is expected over any part of country during the next one week," the Indian Meteorological Department said. "Under the influence of an approaching western disturbance, fairly widespread to widespread precipitation with isolated thunder squalls and hailstorms are very likely over the Western Himalayan region (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) during next two days," it said. Isolated thunderstorms accompanied with squalls and gusty winds are also likely in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, north Rajasthan and northwest Uttar Pradesh during the next two days, the IMD said. Western disturbance is a low pressure area or a trough over surface or the upper-air in the westerly winds regime and it is accompanied by clouds, with or without precipitation. It originates in the Caspian Sea or the Mediterranean Sea as extra-tropical cyclones. They gradually travel across the Middle East and then from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, enter the Indian sub-continent. After this phenomena, weather would be dry thereafter over most parts of the northwest, the Met department said. Under the influence of the western disturbance, relative humidity would rise over most parts of northwest and central India.

North India likely to experience rains due to western disturbance: IMD

At least fourteen persons were injured during clashes in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Thursday.

Reports said the clashes broke out near Jamia Masjid Shopian between Army Jawans and protesters coming out from various coaching centres.

Injured protestors have been referred from SDH Shopian to Srinagar.

Injured protestors have been referred from SDH Shopian to Srinagar.

At least fourteen persons were injured during clashes in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Thursday. Reports said the clashes broke out near Jamia Masjid Shopian between Army Jawans and protesters coming out from various coaching centres. Injured protestors have been referred from SDH Shopian to Srinagar.

Clashes erupt in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian, 14 injured

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday spoke about the Kathua and Unano rape cases, adding that "we have to think what kind of society are we developing."

While addressing the crowd at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, President Kovind said: "After&nbsp;70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful." He added that "it is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman."

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After, 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman: President Kovind on Kathua case <a href="https://t.co/v0aS8RByo5">pic.twitter.com/v0aS8RByo5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986494104593928192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He further spoke about the accomplishments women had achieved so far quoting India's recent win at the Commonwealth Games 2018. "Daughters of India have brought laurels to the country in the Commonwealth Games 2018, Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana & Heena Sidhu from Punjab."

The President will visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on April 19 before returning to the national capital.

Also,&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday reacted strongly on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district. “How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society,” she asked.

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court announced that anyone who discloses the 8-year-old girl's identity can be imprisoned for 6 months.

They further informed that the next date of hearing in the case is 25th April.

'After 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful,' Kovind said

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday spoke about the Kathua and Unano rape cases, adding that "we have to think what kind of society are we developing." While addressing the crowd at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, President Kovind said: "After 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful." He added that "it is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman." After, 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman: President Kovind on Kathua case pic.twitter.com/v0aS8RByo5 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × He further spoke about the accomplishments women had achieved so far quoting India's recent win at the Commonwealth Games 2018. "Daughters of India have brought laurels to the country in the Commonwealth Games 2018, Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana & Heena Sidhu from Punjab." The President will visit Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on April 19 before returning to the national capital. Also, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday reacted strongly on the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua district. “How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society,” she asked. On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court announced that anyone who discloses the 8-year-old girl's identity can be imprisoned for 6 months. They further informed that the next date of hearing in the case is 25th April.

We have to think what kind of society are we developing: President Kovind on Kathua gang rape case

Reacting to the gruesome rape of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister VK Singh tweeted on Thursday saying " We have failed as humans".

He further demanded punishment for the accused involved and assured that she will not be denied justice

The eight-year-old was allegedly&nbsp;gang-raped by six men who held her in captive in a small temple&nbsp;for several days.

The accused drugged her and repeatedly gang-raped&nbsp;her for days before finally killing&nbsp;her with a rock.

The charge sheet filed against the six involved, states that one of the police officers asked the killer to wait before smashing her with the&nbsp;rock so that he could rape her for the last time.

The body of the girl was found in the forests on January 17 while she was kidnapped from her village on January 10.

Six people including two policemen have been arrested in the rape and murder of the girl.

The crime was planned to&nbsp;instil fear among the community, Bakherwas nomads, which the girl belonged to.&nbsp;

VK Singh is the first Union Minister to have spoken demanding a justice for the girl.

Earlier BJP leader Jitendra Singh backed the accused involved in the terrifying incident saying&nbsp;"Those who have not done anything wrong should be given justice". He also demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident.

Sanji Ram is the main accused in the case. The others arrested include special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, Parvesh Kumaru, Sanji Ram's minor nephew and his son Vishal Jangotra.

Some reports also suggest that two policemen also tried to manipulate evidence in order to help the accused.

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'She will not be denied justice,' Singh added. Eight-year-old was allegedly gang-raped by six men who held her captive in a temple for several days

Reacting to the gruesome rape of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister VK Singh tweeted on Thursday saying " We have failed as humans". He further demanded punishment for the accused involved and assured that she will not be denied justice The eight-year-old was allegedly gang-raped by six men who held her in captive in a small temple for several days. The accused drugged her and repeatedly gang-raped her for days before finally killing her with a rock. The charge sheet filed against the six involved, states that one of the police officers asked the killer to wait before smashing her with the rock so that he could rape her for the last time. The body of the girl was found in the forests on January 17 while she was kidnapped from her village on January 10. Six people including two policemen have been arrested in the rape and murder of the girl. The crime was planned to instil fear among the community, Bakherwas nomads, which the girl belonged to. VK Singh is the first Union Minister to have spoken demanding a justice for the girl. Earlier BJP leader Jitendra Singh backed the accused involved in the terrifying incident saying "Those who have not done anything wrong should be given justice". He also demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. Sanji Ram is the main accused in the case. The others arrested include special police officers Deepak Khajuria and Surender Verma, Parvesh Kumaru, Sanji Ram's minor nephew and his son Vishal Jangotra. Some reports also suggest that two policemen also tried to manipulate evidence in order to help the accused.

Kathua child gang rape: 'We have failed her as humans,' says VK Singh

After the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-cm-mehbooba-mufti-accepts-resignation-of-bjp-state-ministers-130581">resignation of the two BJP lawmakers&nbsp;Chander Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbsp;Singh</a> from the Jammu and Kashmir government, other BJP ministers in the PDP-BJP alliance are also set to leave the party.

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The BJP ministers' are resigning from the party to make way for new BJP leaders as the party plans to reshuffle.

The two ministers&nbsp;Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga had resigned from the party over massive outrage that erupted, after they participated in a rally, organised in support of the accused in Kathua gang rape and murder.

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BJP ministers to resign from J&K government to make way for new inductees. It is a reshuffle and nothing else: J&K Sources to ANI
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986269154859765760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP ministers' are resigning from the party to make way for new BJP leaders as the party plans to reshuffle

After the resignation of the two BJP lawmakers Chander Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh from the Jammu and Kashmir government, other BJP ministers in the PDP-BJP alliance are also set to leave the party. × The BJP ministers' are resigning from the party to make way for new BJP leaders as the party plans to reshuffle. The two ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga had resigned from the party over massive outrage that erupted, after they participated in a rally, organised in support of the accused in Kathua gang rape and murder. BJP ministers to resign from J&K government to make way for new inductees. It is a reshuffle and nothing else: J&K Sources to ANI — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2018 ×

BJP ministers to resign from J&K govt as party plans reshuffle: Report

A civilian and a police personnel sustained injuries on Monday after terrorists opened fire on a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district.

The injured police personnel is a personal guard of a local National Conference leader.&nbsp

The injured have been taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The area has been cordoned off after the gunfight.

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Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists fired upon a police personnel in Shopian, he was deputed as personal guard to a National Conference leader Man shifted to hospital, area cordoned off, more details awaited
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985838683931672577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A civilian and a police personnel sustained injuries on Monday after terrorists opened fire on a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district

A civilian and a police personnel sustained injuries on Monday after terrorists opened fire on a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. The injured police personnel is a personal guard of a local National Conference leader. The injured have been taken to a local hospital for treatment. The area has been cordoned off after the gunfight. Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists fired upon a police personnel in Shopian, he was deputed as personal guard to a National Conference leader Man shifted to hospital, area cordoned off, more details awaited — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 ×

2 injured after terrorists open fire on police party in J&K's Shopian

The father of the eight-year-old&nbsp;child who was brutally raped and killed in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir has demanded a death penalty for the culprits.

Expressing a fear for his life he also said that there was a need&nbsp;for having security.

He said " We want justice, the culprits should be hanged. We feel the need for having security as anything can happen".

The mother of the victim also demanded a justice for her daughter's horrific rape and death.&nbsp;

The father of the child had also filed a petition in the Supreme Court today seeking a transfer of the case to Chandigarh.

The request for the transfer of the case came after the victim's lawyer claimed that the circumstances in the state would not allow for a fair trial.

Following this, the apex court issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir government.

Supreme Court also directed the J&K government to provide police protection to victim's family members and the counsel representing them.

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Father of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kathua?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kathua</a> rape victim says, 'We want justice, the culprits should be hanged. We feel the need for having security as anything can happen.' Mother says, 'We just want justice for my daughter.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/TR9i39smm7">pic.twitter.com/TR9i39smm7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985852208276213762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Expressing a fear for his life he also said that there was a need for having security

The father of the eight-year-old child who was brutally raped and killed in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir has demanded a death penalty for the culprits. Expressing a fear for his life he also said that there was a need for having security. He said " We want justice, the culprits should be hanged. We feel the need for having security as anything can happen". The mother of the victim also demanded a justice for her daughter's horrific rape and death. The father of the child had also filed a petition in the Supreme Court today seeking a transfer of the case to Chandigarh. The request for the transfer of the case came after the victim's lawyer claimed that the circumstances in the state would not allow for a fair trial. Following this, the apex court issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir government. Supreme Court also directed the J&K government to provide police protection to victim's family members and the counsel representing them. Father of #Kathua rape victim says, 'We want justice, the culprits should be hanged. We feel the need for having security as anything can happen.' Mother says, 'We just want justice for my daughter.' #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/TR9i39smm7 — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2018 ×

Kathua rape victim's father demands death penalty for culprits

Security forces on Monday put the city of Pathankot in Punjab on high alert after a local claimed to have given a lift to two suspected terrorists.

A massive search operation has been launched by police in Pathankot to hunt them down. Police have set up check posts and security has been beefed up in the area. The armed suspicious men were in Army fatigue.

The local claimed that he gave lift to two men last night. The duo got down at a place nearby Kathua region in neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir, the police said. 
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"We are on alert and the matter is being investigated. A local told us that he gave lift to two youths. The local felt that the duo could be terror suspects as they were apparently carrying weapons and got down at a place nearby Kathua," Pathankot SSP Vivek Sheel Soni said.

"At this stage, we are treating the two as possible suspects and proceeding accordingly," he said.&nbsp;

Dinanagar in Gurdaspur and the Air Force base in Pathankot were attacked by terrorists in July 2015 and January 2016, respectively.&nbsp;

A massive search operation has been launched by police in Pathankot to hunt them down

Security forces on Monday put the city of Pathankot in Punjab on high alert after a local claimed to have given a lift to two suspected terrorists. A massive search operation has been launched by police in Pathankot to hunt them down. Police have set up check posts and security has been beefed up in the area. The armed suspicious men were in Army fatigue. The local claimed that he gave lift to two men last night. The duo got down at a place nearby Kathua region in neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir, the police said. "We are on alert and the matter is being investigated. A local told us that he gave lift to two youths. The local felt that the duo could be terror suspects as they were apparently carrying weapons and got down at a place nearby Kathua," Pathankot SSP Vivek Sheel Soni said. "At this stage, we are treating the two as possible suspects and proceeding accordingly," he said. Dinanagar in Gurdaspur and the Air Force base in Pathankot were attacked by terrorists in July 2015 and January 2016, respectively.

Punjab's Pathankot on high alert after suspected terrorists sighted in army fatigues

The counsel of the Kathua rape victim's family,&nbsp;Deepika S Rajawat, has said that her life was in danger and she would approach the Supreme Court on Monday.

Expressing the&nbsp;fear of getting raped or killed, the&nbsp;counsel said&nbsp;that&nbsp;she&nbsp;does not know&nbsp;how&nbsp;long was she&nbsp;going to live.

She also added that she was threatened on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She said " I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened&nbsp;yesterday that ' we will not forgive you". I am going to tell Supreme Court tomorrow that I am in danger".

The trial in the horrific rape case of the eight-year-old child will begin on Monday.&nbsp;

An eight-year-old was gang-raped and murdered&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua.

The culprits drugged her and held her in captive in a small temple for several days before brutally killing her with a rock.

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I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that 'we will not forgive you'. I am going to tell SC tomorrow that I am in danger: Deepika S Rajawat, Counsel, Kathua victim's family <a href="https://t.co/khXFELUqZe">pic.twitter.com/khXFELUqZe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985545570407337985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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'I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that 'we will not forgive you,' Deepika S Rajawat said

The counsel of the Kathua rape victim's family, Deepika S Rajawat, has said that her life was in danger and she would approach the Supreme Court on Monday. Expressing the fear of getting raped or killed, the counsel said that she does not know how long was she going to live. She also added that she was threatened on Saturday. She said " I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that ' we will not forgive you". I am going to tell Supreme Court tomorrow that I am in danger". The trial in the horrific rape case of the eight-year-old child will begin on Monday. An eight-year-old was gang-raped and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. The culprits drugged her and held her in captive in a small temple for several days before brutally killing her with a rock. I don't know till when I will be alive. I can be raped, my modesty can be outraged, I can be killed, I can be damaged. I was threatened yesterday that 'we will not forgive you'. I am going to tell SC tomorrow that I am in danger: Deepika S Rajawat, Counsel, Kathua victim's family pic.twitter.com/khXFELUqZe — ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2018 ×

Don't know till when I will be alive: Kathua victim's family's lawyer

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-envoy-to-pakistan-not-allowed-to-meet-sikh-pilgrims-india-lodges-protests-130568">Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests</a>

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there.

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The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh.&nbsp

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&nbsp

&nbsp

Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there. J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti accepts resignations of 2 BJP ministers The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has accepted&nbspthe resignation of BJP state ministers Chandra Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbspSingh. Pakistani soldiers killed in attack at Afghanistan border Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan while working on a fence intended to cover nearly all of the disputed 2,500km border separating the countries, the Pakistani military said on Sunday. Pope deeply disturbed by lack of efforts to bring peace to Syria Pope Francis called on world leaders on Sunday to renew efforts to bring peace to Syria, saying he was deeply troubled by their failure to agree on a joint plan to end the bloodshed. Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in the state.

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The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy&nbsp;in their studies, tuition and sports activities&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir government had in February approved the withdrawal of over 9000&nbsp;cases registered against stone pelters.&nbsp;

The cases withdrawn included first time offenders between 2008 and 2017.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had also assured earlier that her government had recommended giving amnesty to more than 4000 people involved in minor incidents of stone pelting in the past two years.

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Jammu & Kashmir: Police conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in Anantnag. Police assured full support of the police in facilitating in their studies, tuition, sports activities as well as monetary assistance to the needy. <a href="https://t.co/t9lzSfVPq6">pic.twitter.com/t9lzSfVPq6</a>
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The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy in their studies, tuition and sports activities

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in the state. × The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy in their studies, tuition and sports activities The Jammu and Kashmir government had in February approved the withdrawal of over 9000 cases registered against stone pelters. The cases withdrawn included first time offenders between 2008 and 2017. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had also assured earlier that her government had recommended giving amnesty to more than 4000 people involved in minor incidents of stone pelting in the past two years. Jammu & Kashmir: Police conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in Anantnag. Police assured full support of the police in facilitating in their studies, tuition, sports activities as well as monetary assistance to the needy. pic.twitter.com/t9lzSfVPq6 — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 ×

In Kashmir, police hold counselling session for stone pelters

A possible political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir was averted Saturday with the BJP, one of the ruling alliance partners, deciding to hand over to the chief minister the resignations of its two ministers whose presence at a rally in support of the accused arrested in connection with rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua triggered a row.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav flew to Jammu this morning and held consultations with senior party leaders as well as MLAs and MLCs to discuss the situation in the state.

Immediately after the meeting, Madhav told reporters that the resignations of the two ministers -- Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga -- would be handed over to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action.

The senior BJP leader admitted that the two ministers displayed lack of discretion by taking part in the rally, but made it clear that there was no attempt to sabotage the investigations as charged by the Congress party.

"The charge that the two ministers were pro-rapist is absolutely wrong. It was sheer indiscretion on their part," he said.

"However, after this, there was concern in the entire country about the ghastly crime committed on the little girl...Therefore, keeping in mind the perception and general situation, the two BJP leaders, after holding consultations with the prime minister and other senior leaders of the party, decided to submit their resignations," Madhav told reporters.

He rejected reports that there was any pressure from his alliance partner PDP for withdrawal of the two ministers. "No pressure, no ultimatum. This is all your figment of imagination," Madhav said in his reply to a query from a reporter that the PDP had threatened to walk out of the alliance if the two ministers did not resign.

Asked whether a dent has been created in the alliance after the Kathua rape-and-murder issue, Madhav said, "As far as this case is concerned, we have done our bit by allaying the fears and misconception created in the minds of people of Jammu and Kashmir but also in the entire country by asking our two ministers to resign. Beyond that I don't think there will be any impact of this incident or these developments on the coalition."

"Rest for the 'baayan bazi' (making statements) we have been receiving in last couple of days, we will wait for the PDP to take a view on that and convey what is the view of the leadership. Right now I am talking about Kathua rape incident," he said.

He cautioned that there should be no communal politics played over the ghastly crime and everyone should ensure speedy justice and exemplary punishment to the culprits.

He accused the Congress party of playing double standards. "In Jammu, the Congress leaders are casting aspersion over the probe and their senior leaders were creating law and order situation through Bar Council," he alleged.

"Certain amount of discretion should have been maintained. Certainly, there was a lack of discretion. Sometimes lack of discretion does not tantamount of any guilt...That has led to certain misconceptions about them (two ministers) also, so they decided they will quit as ministers,"

Madhav responded when he was asked about a pointed question that the two ministers had termed the action of the crime branch as "jungle raj" and warned police from arresting anyone.

On the plea for a CBI probe saying the investigations have been completed in three months and a charge sheet has been submitted in the court. "It is up to the court now to decide."

Madhav, who was the pointsman for the BJP in forging the alliance with PDP, said the two ministers had been sent to Kathua to pacify the people who were agitated after the incident. However, there was some amount of indiscretion on the part of the ministers for which they had to resign, he said.

To a question that the two ministers had participated in the rally in support of the accused in the rape case where the national tricolour was being used, Madhav said, "That is why they had to resign. During my visit last month here, I made it clear to everyone that in this matter no one speaks and let us allow the investigations to complete."

He said the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government in the state has been told to withdraw the directive concerning Tribal with regard to encroachments, which has been raked by the Bar Association of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court as threat to the demography of Jammu.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in February this year has directed police and district administrations not to provide "police protection" for anti-encroachment drives that are being carried out by government departments against tribal population without prior approval of the tribal affairs department resulting in setback to encroachment drives of government.

"The directive (of Tribal Affairs Department) issued to different districts must be withdrawn. This we have told the government already.The directive...Must be withdrawn", Madav said while replying to a question about the demographic changes in Jammu due to settlement of Rohingya refugees and Tribals?on encroached state lands in Jammu city, which are two major concerns of minority Dogras of Jammu.

"There has been very clear and consistent stand of the BJP on these two issues (deportation of Rohingya refugees and massive encroachments and settlement on state lands by tribal people)," Madav said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav flew to Jammu this morning and held consultations with senior party leaders as well as MLAs and MLCs to discuss the situation in the state

A possible political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir was averted Saturday with the BJP, one of the ruling alliance partners, deciding to hand over to the chief minister the resignations of its two ministers whose presence at a rally in support of the accused arrested in connection with rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua triggered a row. BJP general secretary Ram Madhav flew to Jammu this morning and held consultations with senior party leaders as well as MLAs and MLCs to discuss the situation in the state. Immediately after the meeting, Madhav told reporters that the resignations of the two ministers -- Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga -- would be handed over to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action. The senior BJP leader admitted that the two ministers displayed lack of discretion by taking part in the rally, but made it clear that there was no attempt to sabotage the investigations as charged by the Congress party. "The charge that the two ministers were pro-rapist is absolutely wrong. It was sheer indiscretion on their part," he said. "However, after this, there was concern in the entire country about the ghastly crime committed on the little girl...Therefore, keeping in mind the perception and general situation, the two BJP leaders, after holding consultations with the prime minister and other senior leaders of the party, decided to submit their resignations," Madhav told reporters. He rejected reports that there was any pressure from his alliance partner PDP for withdrawal of the two ministers. "No pressure, no ultimatum. This is all your figment of imagination," Madhav said in his reply to a query from a reporter that the PDP had threatened to walk out of the alliance if the two ministers did not resign. Asked whether a dent has been created in the alliance after the Kathua rape-and-murder issue, Madhav said, "As far as this case is concerned, we have done our bit by allaying the fears and misconception created in the minds of people of Jammu and Kashmir but also in the entire country by asking our two ministers to resign. Beyond that I don't think there will be any impact of this incident or these developments on the coalition." "Rest for the 'baayan bazi' (making statements) we have been receiving in last couple of days, we will wait for the PDP to take a view on that and convey what is the view of the leadership. Right now I am talking about Kathua rape incident," he said. He cautioned that there should be no communal politics played over the ghastly crime and everyone should ensure speedy justice and exemplary punishment to the culprits. He accused the Congress party of playing double standards. "In Jammu, the Congress leaders are casting aspersion over the probe and their senior leaders were creating law and order situation through Bar Council," he alleged. "Certain amount of discretion should have been maintained. Certainly, there was a lack of discretion. Sometimes lack of discretion does not tantamount of any guilt...That has led to certain misconceptions about them (two ministers) also, so they decided they will quit as ministers," Madhav responded when he was asked about a pointed question that the two ministers had termed the action of the crime branch as "jungle raj" and warned police from arresting anyone. On the plea for a CBI probe saying the investigations have been completed in three months and a charge sheet has been submitted in the court. "It is up to the court now to decide." Madhav, who was the pointsman for the BJP in forging the alliance with PDP, said the two ministers had been sent to Kathua to pacify the people who were agitated after the incident. However, there was some amount of indiscretion on the part of the ministers for which they had to resign, he said. To a question that the two ministers had participated in the rally in support of the accused in the rape case where the national tricolour was being used, Madhav said, "That is why they had to resign. During my visit last month here, I made it clear to everyone that in this matter no one speaks and let us allow the investigations to complete." He said the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government in the state has been told to withdraw the directive concerning Tribal with regard to encroachments, which has been raked by the Bar Association of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court as threat to the demography of Jammu. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in February this year has directed police and district administrations not to provide "police protection" for anti-encroachment drives that are being carried out by government departments against tribal population without prior approval of the tribal affairs department resulting in setback to encroachment drives of government. "The directive (of Tribal Affairs Department) issued to different districts must be withdrawn. This we have told the government already.The directive...Must be withdrawn", Madav said while replying to a question about the demographic changes in Jammu due to settlement of Rohingya refugees and Tribals?on encroached state lands in Jammu city, which are two major concerns of minority Dogras of Jammu. "There has been very clear and consistent stand of the BJP on these two issues (deportation of Rohingya refugees and massive encroachments and settlement on state lands by tribal people)," Madav said.

BJP sends resignations of its 2 ministers to J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti