In 1987, while the Indian Army was advancing on Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka as part of Operation Pawan, the LTTE challenged the advance with a crude weapon it had mastered; the improvised explosive device or IED as it came to be called. Crude IEDs awaited the advance of the infantry on every route causing confusion and casualties. The mother of all IEDs was the one which targeted a T-72 tank. It was laid with 200 kg of explosive packed into a barrel and dug underneath a tarmac road. A young boy was known to have initiated it with an even cruder initiation device. The effect shook us all. The turret of the tank was blown away and that is saying something.&nbsp;

To bring context to this, it would bring great awareness to learn that the car bomb which rammed the CRPF bus on the Srinagar Jammu Highway on February 14, 2019, is reported to have packed 350 kg of suspected modern explosive into a car. That too is a form of an IED and they have now come to be a potent weapon of sub-conventional warfare around the world. It went a few steps beyond in countries like Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan where young men and even children have been motivated for the supposed cause to strap themselves with explosives and self-initiate them against targets such as vehicles, entry gates to buildings and at gatherings of people, to cause severe damage to life and property.&nbsp;

Undoubtedly, the IED and its derivative the car bomb are today two of the most potent weapons of terror. The US encountered these in Iraq and in Afghanistan in a big way. However, surprisingly, as late as the year 2000, US servicemen did not even know the full form of IED. I was comprehensively questioned on it when I spoke at the US Pacific Command HQ at Hawaii that year. In three years’ time thereafter the US armed forces were encountering them everywhere. Despite all the technological advancement, the US and other modern armies found no answer to neutralise these. All kinds of devices to scan the communication spectrum to jam it to disallow radio-initiated devices have been developed but there are few answers yet to self-initiated switches which terrorists use to explode suicide vests and car bombs.&nbsp;

Kashmir has had a history of IEDs through the Nineties and the early millennium. These were fabricated by explosive experts in the terrorist ranks; interestingly called IED doctors. Quite unlike public perception, it is not easy to fabricate an IED and even more challenging to put together a car bomb. It may take a couple of weeks to do so and once prepared it isn’t easy to lay the IED or deploy a car bomb appropriately to undertake targeting. It is this intervening period involving preparation and laying on the ground or selecting a site for car bombs which intelligence agencies or troops on the ground can always use to discover the network that is intending to employ these weapons, and then neutralise it.&nbsp;

However, that is only possible if there is a focused attempt to do so in an environment where the employment of IEDs and car bombs has been a norm. When they suddenly appear in first-time use after a long interval it is difficult to discover them at the preparatory stage. That is the case with the Pulwama incident; much criticism against the intelligence agencies and CRPF for alleged intelligence and procedural failure is in my opinion unfair.&nbsp;

Now that is the interesting part. While IEDS were frequently in use in Kashmir their usage suddenly stopped after 2008. I witnessed the effects of the last major IED employed against the bus of the Kupwara Army division on July 20, 2008. There has been no major IED attack since then. Car bombs were used by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists against the Batwara gate of the Army’s Corps HQ at Badami Bagh in 2001; a Kashmiri youth was the human bomb in that effort. A similar incident took place that year against the J&amp;K Assembly building leading to many casualties. There was even an attempt to blow up the officers’ bus of the Baramula Army Division in 2004 when a Maruti 800 prepared as a car bomb rammed into the bus near Pattan. In the ensuing explosion, only the driver was killed and all the passengers got away with minor abrasions. That incident has its lessons for today’s threat. The General in command of the division was an innovator. He had armoured skirt plates of Vijayanta tanks, lying in derelict condition in the depot at Delhi, transported to Srinagar and got these welded to the sides of the buses of his division. In addition, he used the waste industrial rubber of the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) to be melted and pasted on the bus floor. This is what saved precious lives. The Army took a line from that and started hardening its buses but in due course IEDs dried up and so did car bombs and perhaps the practice of hardening died a natural death. I am not sure what the effect of a 350 kg car bomb would have on a hardened bus but then such bombs are not everyday occurrences and smaller ones will probably have less devastating effect.&nbsp;

The return of car bombs and IEDs does not necessarily mean that there is going to be an array of them lined up against the security forces in Kashmir. We found effective counter measures the last time we were hit many years ago, we will find them now as well. It requires a certain discipline in movement and pro-activeness in intelligence to neutralise these but I do fear there will be repeats because indirectly it forces the security forces to impose harsher population-control measures such as vehicle check-points, adding more misery to the already difficult lives people lead in proxy war zones. That will lead to greater alienation and that is exactly what Pakistan’s Deep State wants, as do the separatists in Kashmir. Moreover, with what is emerging in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s relevance to the international community is increasing. That will embolden Pakistan even more to risk big-ticket events against India in Kashmir. There are diplomatic measures to be vigorously undertaken to paint Pakistan the villain and a range of military options no doubt are under examination by the government. More on that later.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-return-of-ieds-after-a-decade-2720486">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In 1987, while the Indian Army was advancing on Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka as part of Operation Pawan, the LTTE challenged the advance with a crude weapon it had mastered; the improvised explosive device or IED as it came to be called.

In 1987, while the Indian Army was advancing on Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka as part of Operation Pawan, the LTTE challenged the advance with a crude weapon it had mastered; the improvised explosive device or IED as it came to be called. Crude IEDs awaited the advance of the infantry on every route causing confusion and casualties. The mother of all IEDs was the one which targeted a T-72 tank. It was laid with 200 kg of explosive packed into a barrel and dug underneath a tarmac road. A young boy was known to have initiated it with an even cruder initiation device. The effect shook us all. The turret of the tank was blown away and that is saying something. To bring context to this, it would bring great awareness to learn that the car bomb which rammed the CRPF bus on the Srinagar Jammu Highway on February 14, 2019, is reported to have packed 350 kg of suspected modern explosive into a car. That too is a form of an IED and they have now come to be a potent weapon of sub-conventional warfare around the world. It went a few steps beyond in countries like Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan where young men and even children have been motivated for the supposed cause to strap themselves with explosives and self-initiate them against targets such as vehicles, entry gates to buildings and at gatherings of people, to cause severe damage to life and property. Undoubtedly, the IED and its derivative the car bomb are today two of the most potent weapons of terror. The US encountered these in Iraq and in Afghanistan in a big way. However, surprisingly, as late as the year 2000, US servicemen did not even know the full form of IED. I was comprehensively questioned on it when I spoke at the US Pacific Command HQ at Hawaii that year. In three years’ time thereafter the US armed forces were encountering them everywhere. Despite all the technological advancement, the US and other modern armies found no answer to neutralise these. All kinds of devices to scan the communication spectrum to jam it to disallow radio-initiated devices have been developed but there are few answers yet to self-initiated switches which terrorists use to explode suicide vests and car bombs. Kashmir has had a history of IEDs through the Nineties and the early millennium. These were fabricated by explosive experts in the terrorist ranks; interestingly called IED doctors. Quite unlike public perception, it is not easy to fabricate an IED and even more challenging to put together a car bomb. It may take a couple of weeks to do so and once prepared it isn’t easy to lay the IED or deploy a car bomb appropriately to undertake targeting. It is this intervening period involving preparation and laying on the ground or selecting a site for car bombs which intelligence agencies or troops on the ground can always use to discover the network that is intending to employ these weapons, and then neutralise it. However, that is only possible if there is a focused attempt to do so in an environment where the employment of IEDs and car bombs has been a norm. When they suddenly appear in first-time use after a long interval it is difficult to discover them at the preparatory stage. That is the case with the Pulwama incident; much criticism against the intelligence agencies and CRPF for alleged intelligence and procedural failure is in my opinion unfair. Now that is the interesting part. While IEDS were frequently in use in Kashmir their usage suddenly stopped after 2008. I witnessed the effects of the last major IED employed against the bus of the Kupwara Army division on July 20, 2008. There has been no major IED attack since then. Car bombs were used by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists against the Batwara gate of the Army’s Corps HQ at Badami Bagh in 2001; a Kashmiri youth was the human bomb in that effort. A similar incident took place that year against the J&K Assembly building leading to many casualties. There was even an attempt to blow up the officers’ bus of the Baramula Army Division in 2004 when a Maruti 800 prepared as a car bomb rammed into the bus near Pattan. In the ensuing explosion, only the driver was killed and all the passengers got away with minor abrasions. That incident has its lessons for today’s threat. The General in command of the division was an innovator. He had armoured skirt plates of Vijayanta tanks, lying in derelict condition in the depot at Delhi, transported to Srinagar and got these welded to the sides of the buses of his division. In addition, he used the waste industrial rubber of the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) to be melted and pasted on the bus floor. This is what saved precious lives. The Army took a line from that and started hardening its buses but in due course IEDs dried up and so did car bombs and perhaps the practice of hardening died a natural death. I am not sure what the effect of a 350 kg car bomb would have on a hardened bus but then such bombs are not everyday occurrences and smaller ones will probably have less devastating effect. The return of car bombs and IEDs does not necessarily mean that there is going to be an array of them lined up against the security forces in Kashmir. We found effective counter measures the last time we were hit many years ago, we will find them now as well. It requires a certain discipline in movement and pro-activeness in intelligence to neutralise these but I do fear there will be repeats because indirectly it forces the security forces to impose harsher population-control measures such as vehicle check-points, adding more misery to the already difficult lives people lead in proxy war zones. That will lead to greater alienation and that is exactly what Pakistan’s Deep State wants, as do the separatists in Kashmir. Moreover, with what is emerging in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s relevance to the international community is increasing. That will embolden Pakistan even more to risk big-ticket events against India in Kashmir. There are diplomatic measures to be vigorously undertaken to paint Pakistan the villain and a range of military options no doubt are under examination by the government. More on that later. (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.)

Pulwama terror attack: Return of IEDs after a decade

The Pulwama terror attack has shown that it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly, said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday.

&nbsp;"This is not just a terrorist attack but an incursion of our intelligence agencies. If India had no prior information about such a major attack, then the question arises. What is the role of the intelligence agencies? If an intelligence failure led to the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy then those who were in charge should be removed," Uddhav Thackeray said while speaking to media persons on the ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir."

"After surgical strikes of 2016, it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly," he added.&nbsp;

Appealing the whole nation to stand together against Pakistan, Thackrey said, "In the whole country, people should come together to tell Pakistan that our country will not bend and we will teach them a lesson. Those who are in powers, if they do not understand what they are doing then they should be removed from their positions. We had made surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but now have to penetrate into Pakistan directly."

"Elections and every other thing is secondary but it is most important to give a tit-for-tat response to Pakistan," he added.&nbsp;

As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district with a vehicle laden with explosives.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;

The slain CRPF personnel were travelling in a bus which came under the terror attack.JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, has claimed the responsibility for the attack which left the bus extensively damaged.&nbsp;

The Pulwama terror attack has shown that it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly, said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday. "This is not just a terrorist attack but an incursion of our intelligence agencies.

The Pulwama terror attack has shown that it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly, said Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday. "This is not just a terrorist attack but an incursion of our intelligence agencies. If India had no prior information about such a major attack, then the question arises. What is the role of the intelligence agencies? If an intelligence failure led to the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy then those who were in charge should be removed," Uddhav Thackeray said while speaking to media persons on the ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir." "After surgical strikes of 2016, it is now time to penetrate into Pakistan directly," he added. Appealing the whole nation to stand together against Pakistan, Thackrey said, "In the whole country, people should come together to tell Pakistan that our country will not bend and we will teach them a lesson. Those who are in powers, if they do not understand what they are doing then they should be removed from their positions. We had made surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but now have to penetrate into Pakistan directly." "Elections and every other thing is secondary but it is most important to give a tit-for-tat response to Pakistan," he added. As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama district with a vehicle laden with explosives. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. The slain CRPF personnel were travelling in a bus which came under the terror attack.JeM, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, has claimed the responsibility for the attack which left the bus extensively damaged.

It's time to penetrate into Pakistan directly: Uddhav Thackeray on Pulwama terror attack

India on Saturday briefed Heads of Missions of Arab countries about Islamabad's role in sponsoring terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that orchestrated the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

Ambassadors of UAE, Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait arrived for the Ministry of External Affairs briefing.

The meeting comes a day after the MEA apprised around 25 Heads of Mission (HoM) including representatives from South Korea, Sweden, Slovakia, France, Spain, Bhutan, Germany, Hungary, Italy, European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia, and Japan.

On Friday, India lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over Pulwama terror attack and its High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned by the Foreign Secretary in connection with the attack.

According to sources, Gokhale issued a strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama and conveyed that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM.

He also conveyed to Mahmood that Pakistan must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism from operating from its territories, the source added.

The Foreign Secretary also rejected the statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan on Thursday with regards to the attack.

Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist rammed a vehicle carrying over 100-kg explosives into their bus on Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Thursday at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora.

The convoy consisted of 78 buses in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

JeM, a terror outfit based in Pakistan and led by Masood Azhar, has carried out several terror attacks in India including the attack on Pathankot airbase in 2016.

Masood was released by the then government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in exchange for hostages on board flight IC-814 in December 1999.

India has approached the United Nations to list Masood as a global terrorist, but China always vetoes New Delhi’s bid in this regard.&nbsp;

India on Saturday briefed Heads of Missions of Arab countries about Islamabad's role in sponsoring terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that orchestrated the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

India on Saturday briefed Heads of Missions of Arab countries about Islamabad's role in sponsoring terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that orchestrated the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. Ambassadors of UAE, Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait arrived for the Ministry of External Affairs briefing. The meeting comes a day after the MEA apprised around 25 Heads of Mission (HoM) including representatives from South Korea, Sweden, Slovakia, France, Spain, Bhutan, Germany, Hungary, Italy, European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia, and Japan. On Friday, India lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over Pulwama terror attack and its High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned by the Foreign Secretary in connection with the attack. According to sources, Gokhale issued a strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama and conveyed that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM. He also conveyed to Mahmood that Pakistan must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism from operating from its territories, the source added. The Foreign Secretary also rejected the statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan on Thursday with regards to the attack. Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist rammed a vehicle carrying over 100-kg explosives into their bus on Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Thursday at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora. The convoy consisted of 78 buses in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. JeM, a terror outfit based in Pakistan and led by Masood Azhar, has carried out several terror attacks in India including the attack on Pathankot airbase in 2016. Masood was released by the then government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in exchange for hostages on board flight IC-814 in December 1999. India has approached the United Nations to list Masood as a global terrorist, but China always vetoes New Delhi’s bid in this regard.

India briefs Heads of Missions of Arab countries on Pakistan's role in Pulwama attack

The Army has deployed nine security columns with air support in Jammu following massive protests over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-rajnath-singh-helped-carry-coffin-of-crpf-jawan-who-lost-life-in-pulwama-attack-197599">terror attack in Pulwama</a> in the Valley in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, officials said.

Earlier, curfew was imposed in the city after stray incidents of violence and torching of vehicles.

"The Army has reacted promptly. Nine Internal Security Columns (ISCs) of the Army from Tiger division were deployed in Gujjar Nagar, Janipur, Shahidi Chowk, Talab Khatika and other areas of Jammu city. They have been provided air support from the White Knight Corps," a senior army officer said.

Flag marches were conducted by the security columns, he said.

"The proactive approach of the state police, divisional commissioner, collector's office and the Army has ensured that the situation remains in control," he said.

The officer said helicopters and utility armoured vehicles of the Army were also deployed to monitor the situation.

Earlier in the day, incidents of stone pelting and clashes between different factions were reported. The police resorted to cane charge and teargas shelling to disperse crowds. Nine persons were injured in the clashes, officials said.

The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) had called for a complete shut down of Jammu city on Friday, protesting the death of CRPF men.

The bandh was marked by processions by various political parties, he said.

The Army has deployed nine security columns with air support in Jammu following massive protests over the terror attack in Pulwama in the Valley in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, officials said.

The Army has deployed nine security columns with air support in Jammu following massive protests over the terror attack in Pulwama in the Valley in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, officials said. Earlier, curfew was imposed in the city after stray incidents of violence and torching of vehicles. "The Army has reacted promptly. Nine Internal Security Columns (ISCs) of the Army from Tiger division were deployed in Gujjar Nagar, Janipur, Shahidi Chowk, Talab Khatika and other areas of Jammu city. They have been provided air support from the White Knight Corps," a senior army officer said. Flag marches were conducted by the security columns, he said. "The proactive approach of the state police, divisional commissioner, collector's office and the Army has ensured that the situation remains in control," he said. The officer said helicopters and utility armoured vehicles of the Army were also deployed to monitor the situation. Earlier in the day, incidents of stone pelting and clashes between different factions were reported. The police resorted to cane charge and teargas shelling to disperse crowds. Nine persons were injured in the clashes, officials said. The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) had called for a complete shut down of Jammu city on Friday, protesting the death of CRPF men. The bandh was marked by processions by various political parties, he said.

Army deploys 9 security columns in Jammu following massive protests over Pulwama terror attack

The&nbsp;security personnel of Army artillery unit at Jammu and Kashmir's Rajarwani in Uri detected suspicious movement around the military camp and opened fire on Sunday night.

The army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation jointly by the police.&nbsp;

Two people&nbsp;were examined in connection with the case, reports said.

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J&amp;K: Last night the security personnel of Army Artillery unit at Rajarwani, Uri detected some suspicious movement around the camp and opened fire. The area has been cordoned off and is being searched jointly by Police &amp; Army. Two people are being examined. <a href="https://t.co/yL2e4l3h5Y">pic.twitter.com/yL2e4l3h5Y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094795592746889216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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J&amp;K: Visuals from Rajarwani, Uri where suspicious movement was detected around camp of Army Artillery unit last night following which a security personnel opened fire. Area cordoned off&amp;is being searched by Police&amp;Army. 2 ppl being examined.(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/S9oEgVnawZ">pic.twitter.com/S9oEgVnawZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094812539421147136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This is developing story. More details awaited.

The security personnel of Army artillery unit at Jammu and Kashmir's Rajarwani in Uri detected suspicious movement around the military camp and opened fire on Sunday night.

The security personnel of Army artillery unit at Jammu and Kashmir's Rajarwani in Uri detected suspicious movement around the military camp and opened fire on Sunday night. The army cordoned off the area and launched a search operation jointly by the police. Two people were examined in connection with the case, reports said. J&K: Last night the security personnel of Army Artillery unit at Rajarwani, Uri detected some suspicious movement around the camp and opened fire. The area has been cordoned off and is being searched jointly by Police & Army. Two people are being examined. pic.twitter.com/yL2e4l3h5Y — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × J&K: Visuals from Rajarwani, Uri where suspicious movement was detected around camp of Army Artillery unit last night following which a security personnel opened fire. Area cordoned off&is being searched by Police&Army. 2 ppl being examined.(Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/S9oEgVnawZ — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × This is developing story. More details awaited.

J&K: Security personnel open fire after detecting suspicious activity near Uri army camp

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-cop-rescued-nine-stuck-after-avalanche-strikes-kulgam-district-196014">avalanche struck Kulgam district</a> near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Fresh snowfall in the state has triggered several avalanches at different places of the valley.&nbsp;

A Husband, wife duo lost their life on Thursday when an avalanche hit their house, however, their two kids were rescued by the locals.&nbsp;

Officials told WION that 18 people were inside a police post when the avalanche hit them. Eight of them somehow managed to escape to safety.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> : 7 bodies including that of 5 policemen have been recovered from near the police post in Jawahar Tunnel area in Kulgam district where an avalanche took place earlier today. One policeman still missing. Two policemen who were rescued in the morning are stable now <a href="https://t.co/yZBf4IGITA">pic.twitter.com/yZBf4IGITA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093916575978086401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"In the avalanche incident at JT (Jawahar Tunnel) Kulgam, seven bodies including five policemen have been recovered. One policeman is still missing. Two policemen rescued in the morning are stable," the police said.&nbsp;

NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions.&nbsp;

Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said.

The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours.

High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts.

A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said.

Seven people, including five cops, have died after an avalanche struck Kulgam district near the Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday evening, police said. Fresh snowfall in the state has triggered several avalanches at different places of the valley. A Husband, wife duo lost their life on Thursday when an avalanche hit their house, however, their two kids were rescued by the locals. Officials told WION that 18 people were inside a police post when the avalanche hit them. Eight of them somehow managed to escape to safety. #JammuAndKashmir : 7 bodies including that of 5 policemen have been recovered from near the police post in Jawahar Tunnel area in Kulgam district where an avalanche took place earlier today. One policeman still missing. Two policemen who were rescued in the morning are stable now pic.twitter.com/yZBf4IGITA — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × "In the avalanche incident at JT (Jawahar Tunnel) Kulgam, seven bodies including five policemen have been recovered. One policeman is still missing. Two policemen rescued in the morning are stable," the police said. NDRF, SDRF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir police began the rescue operation in the morning after it was halted throughout night due to bad weather conditions. Kashmir valley has been witnessing heavy snowfall since Wednesday with Kulgam district in south Kashmir receiving maximum precipitation in the last 24 hours. Some places in the district have received as much as five feet snow, officials said. The Snow and Avalanche Studies Establishment has issued an avalanche warning of varying degrees to 16 of the 22 districts in Jammu and Kashmir for the next 24 hours. High danger avalanche warning has been issued to Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Kupwara districts in the valley, while medium danger warning was issued to Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Leh districts. A low danger warning was issued for Kargil district. (With inputs from PTI)

Five cops among seven dead in Kashmir avalanche

Winter in the state of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-budgam-district-191710&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwib8rfvxf7fAhWBTt8KHTAuC08QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw01ya7bzjOm60jZluP1otxU">Jammu and Kashmir </a>is bone-chilling but the electricity crisis in the state has left the Kashmir Valley in darkness. And the power cuts inevitably grow longer every winter since the power deficiency in the state doesn't seem to improve.&nbsp;

Aroofa is studying in the fourth standard. During the winter vacations, she and her siblings study under candlelight when the power cuts interrupt their studies. This has also been the case with other students preparing for their exams.&nbsp;

"When we come back from tuition and start studying at night, we don't have electricity. We have to light candles to study every day. Our eyes have water when we continuously look at books under candlelight," says Aroofa while studying in her room in Srinagar.&nbsp;

Every winter, the state's demand for electricity grows as its generation of power does down.&nbsp;

Most of the power generated by the state comes from hydel plants but when the rivers dry up in the winter, electricity generation also takes a hit.&nbsp;

The valley then has to buy power from the northern grid to meet its requirements.&nbsp;

This has forced authorities to buy electricity from the northern grid for Rs 6,000 crore. The state has also been unable to bridge commercial losses of almost Rs 3,500 crores. (A recent RTI revealed that bureaucrats and legislators are among the top defaulters.)&nbsp;

"We have a grid capacity of 1,250 megawatts. As of now, we are importing electricity from the northern grid. We are dependent on hydel generation as, during winter, river water dries up, so we don't generate much electricity," says Hashmat Qazi, chief engineer of the Power Development Department,&nbsp;

The eighteenth All India Power Survey projected that power demand in the state will increase from 1,706 megawatts in 2004-2005 &nbsp;to 4,217 megawatts in 2021-22.&nbsp;

For now, the administration has promised to overcome the power crisis (to a large extent) by the year 2020 by upgrading the sector.

Winter in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is bone-chilling but the electricity crisis in the state has left the Kashmir Valley in darkness. And the power cuts inevitably grow longer every winter since the power deficiency in the state doesn't seem to improve.

Winter in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is bone-chilling but the electricity crisis in the state has left the Kashmir Valley in darkness. And the power cuts inevitably grow longer every winter since the power deficiency in the state doesn't seem to improve. Aroofa is studying in the fourth standard. During the winter vacations, she and her siblings study under candlelight when the power cuts interrupt their studies. This has also been the case with other students preparing for their exams. "When we come back from tuition and start studying at night, we don't have electricity. We have to light candles to study every day. Our eyes have water when we continuously look at books under candlelight," says Aroofa while studying in her room in Srinagar. Every winter, the state's demand for electricity grows as its generation of power does down. Most of the power generated by the state comes from hydel plants but when the rivers dry up in the winter, electricity generation also takes a hit. The valley then has to buy power from the northern grid to meet its requirements. This has forced authorities to buy electricity from the northern grid for Rs 6,000 crore. The state has also been unable to bridge commercial losses of almost Rs 3,500 crores. (A recent RTI revealed that bureaucrats and legislators are among the top defaulters.) "We have a grid capacity of 1,250 megawatts. As of now, we are importing electricity from the northern grid. We are dependent on hydel generation as, during winter, river water dries up, so we don't generate much electricity," says Hashmat Qazi, chief engineer of the Power Development Department, The eighteenth All India Power Survey projected that power demand in the state will increase from 1,706 megawatts in 2004-2005 to 4,217 megawatts in 2021-22. For now, the administration has promised to overcome the power crisis (to a large extent) by the year 2020 by upgrading the sector.

J&K electricity crisis: As power cuts get longer each year, outrage grows

An explosion took place near the historic Lal Chowk on Friday in Srinagar, news agency ANI reported quoting police sources.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Blast at Ghanta Ghar Chowk in Srinagar. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/fG6a1TRmMT">pic.twitter.com/fG6a1TRmMT</a>
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Window panes of a few cars and glasses of some shops were damaged due to the impact of the explosion.

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More details are awaited.&nbsp;

An explosion took place near the historic Lal Chowk on Friday in Srinagar, news agency ANI reported quoting police sources. Jammu and Kashmir: Blast at Ghanta Ghar Chowk in Srinagar.

An explosion took place near the historic Lal Chowk on Friday in Srinagar, news agency ANI reported quoting police sources. Jammu and Kashmir: Blast at Ghanta Ghar Chowk in Srinagar. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/fG6a1TRmMT — ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2019 × Window panes of a few cars and glasses of some shops were damaged due to the impact of the explosion. More details are awaited.

Jammu & Kashmir: Explosion at historic Lal Chowk

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Suspected terrorists loot four AK rifles from the residence of Congress legislator (MLC) Muzaffar Parray from Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar. Police have filed a case and an alert sounded in Srinagar. More details awaited.
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Police have filed a case and this regard and an alert has been sounded in Srinagar to nab the suspect terrorists. More details of this incident are awaited.

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J&amp;K Police: Reportedly 4 weapons have gone missing from a residence of former MLC Muzaffar Ahmad Parray in Jawaharnagar area. Case registered. 3 policemen from security wing &amp; 1 from District Police Sopore attached with the former legislator have been summoned for questioning. <a href="https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0">https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079344699545210880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, a possible terror attack at a military station in Jammu was foiled by the alert Army jawans.&nbsp;

The Army noticed some suspicious movement at around 2 am at Ratnuchak Military station and spotted two suspects approaching the Army gate.&nbsp;

The gun battle ensued after the Army guards stopped the suspects. However, the suspects managed to flee the spot.&nbsp;

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city.

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city. #JammuAndKashmir: Suspected terrorists loot four AK rifles from the residence of Congress legislator (MLC) Muzaffar Parray from Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar. Police have filed a case and an alert sounded in Srinagar. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × Police have filed a case and this regard and an alert has been sounded in Srinagar to nab the suspect terrorists. More details of this incident are awaited. J&K Police: Reportedly 4 weapons have gone missing from a residence of former MLC Muzaffar Ahmad Parray in Jawaharnagar area. Case registered. 3 policemen from security wing & 1 from District Police Sopore attached with the former legislator have been summoned for questioning. https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0 — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × Earlier in the day, a possible terror attack at a military station in Jammu was foiled by the alert Army jawans. The Army noticed some suspicious movement at around 2 am at Ratnuchak Military station and spotted two suspects approaching the Army gate. The gun battle ensued after the Army guards stopped the suspects. However, the suspects managed to flee the spot.

Suspected terrorists loot AK-47 rifles from Jammu & Kashmir legislator's residence

Indian army starts cleaning drive to beautify Srinagar's Dal Lake

4 terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter in J&K

The Centre Friday said in the Lok Sabha that there was no other option left with the Governor but to recommend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as no party or alliance staked claim to form government and asserted that it was ready to hold assembly polls in the state.

Replying to a discussion on the resolution on a presidential proclamation about imposition of President's Rule in the state, <a href="Rajnath Singh targets Congress for opposing triple talaq bill in Lok Sabha">Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> also rejected claims of some opposition parties that the BJP was propping up a regional party to form government.

The resolution was adopted by a voice vote.

If the BJP wanted to indulge in horse-trading to form government, then it would have done so during the six-month Governor's Rule, he said.

The Home Minister said the then Governor N N Vohra had sent a report in June after speaking to leaders of all major parties that none of them had expressed any intention to form a government.

The Central government would take no wrong or immoral action in the state, Singh asserted, saying it is ready for assembly polls but the decision has to be taken by the Election Commission.

"We are totally committed to democratic process," he said.&nbsp;

The Centre Friday said in the Lok Sabha that there was no other option left with the Governor but to recommend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as no party or alliance staked claim to form government and asserted that it was ready to hold assembly polls in the state.

The Centre Friday said in the Lok Sabha that there was no other option left with the Governor but to recommend President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir as no party or alliance staked claim to form government and asserted that it was ready to hold assembly polls in the state. Replying to a discussion on the resolution on a presidential proclamation about imposition of President's Rule in the state, Home Minister Rajnath Singh also rejected claims of some opposition parties that the BJP was propping up a regional party to form government. The resolution was adopted by a voice vote. If the BJP wanted to indulge in horse-trading to form government, then it would have done so during the six-month Governor's Rule, he said. The Home Minister said the then Governor N N Vohra had sent a report in June after speaking to leaders of all major parties that none of them had expressed any intention to form a government. The Central government would take no wrong or immoral action in the state, Singh asserted, saying it is ready for assembly polls but the decision has to be taken by the Election Commission. "We are totally committed to democratic process," he said.

Government ready to hold assembly polls in Jammu & Kashmir: Rajnath Singh

Two Army officials were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district Friday, an official said.

There was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Keran sector at 11.55 am.&nbsp;

Two junior commissioned officers (JCOs) lost their lives when Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Keran sector. The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa.&nbsp;

He said the Indian Army responded to the ceasefire violation effectively.

Two Army officials were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district Friday, an official said.

Two Army officials were killed as Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district Friday, an official said. There was an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Keran sector at 11.55 am. Two junior commissioned officers (JCOs) lost their lives when Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the Keran sector. The deceased soldiers were identified as Subedar Gamar Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa. He said the Indian Army responded to the ceasefire violation effectively.

Jammu & Kashmir: Two Army officers killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in Kupwara

Terrorist encounter underway in Jammu & Kashmir

Kashmir observes shutdown on Human Rights Day

&nbsp;A wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, who was luring youths into militancy, was arrested on Sunday in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police officer said.

Reyaz Ahmad, a resident of Sounder Dachhan village and a close associate of hardcore terrorist Mohammad Amin alias 'Jhangir', was arrested by a police party based on specific information from the town, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Rajinder Gupta told PTI.

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Jammu and Kashmir Police: Kishtwar Police arrested a wanted terrorist Reyaz Ahmed. He is a hardcore motivator of youth who encourages them for joining militancy and terrorist activities. <a href="https://t.co/uZkGLA0myN">pic.twitter.com/uZkGLA0myN</a>
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He said several pictures of Ahmad holding an AK assault rifle had gone viral on social media in the recent past and his name also surfaced during the interrogation of two of his associates who were arrested in the town on July 1.

Following the arrest of his two associates, a case was registered at the Kishtwar police station.

The officer said Ahmad was also involved in another case related to militancy in the Parimpora locality of Srinagar.

Some more arrests and recoveries are expected at his disclosure,&nbsp;the officer said, adding he was a hardcore motivator encouraging local youth to join militancy.

Jehangir is the longest surviving terrorist active in the Kishtwar belt, he said

A wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, who was luring youths into militancy, was arrested on Sunday in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police officer said.

A wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, who was luring youths into militancy, was arrested on Sunday in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police officer said. Reyaz Ahmad, a resident of Sounder Dachhan village and a close associate of hardcore terrorist Mohammad Amin alias 'Jhangir', was arrested by a police party based on specific information from the town, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Rajinder Gupta told PTI. Jammu and Kashmir Police: Kishtwar Police arrested a wanted terrorist Reyaz Ahmed. He is a hardcore motivator of youth who encourages them for joining militancy and terrorist activities. pic.twitter.com/uZkGLA0myN — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2018 × He said several pictures of Ahmad holding an AK assault rifle had gone viral on social media in the recent past and his name also surfaced during the interrogation of two of his associates who were arrested in the town on July 1. Following the arrest of his two associates, a case was registered at the Kishtwar police station. The officer said Ahmad was also involved in another case related to militancy in the Parimpora locality of Srinagar. Some more arrests and recoveries are expected at his disclosure, the officer said, adding he was a hardcore motivator encouraging local youth to join militancy. Jehangir is the longest surviving terrorist active in the Kishtwar belt, he said

Wanted Hizbul recruiter arrested in J&K's Kishtwar

Canine 'terror' hits streets of J&K's Srinagar

Six terrorists killed in encounter in J&K

Kashmir region recorded 34 per cent polling while Jammu registered 59 per cent till noon in the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections, official said.

The polling began at 8 am and ended at 2 pm in 2,773 polling stations, including 918 in Kashmir division and 1,855 in Jammu division, officials said.

Poonch district in Jammu region recorded the highest polling of 67 per cent, while Ganderbal district in central Kashmir recorded the lowest at 9.2 per cent, they said.

Among other districts of Jammu division, they said Kathua, Ramban and Rajouri witnessed 62.5, 62.2 and 61 per cent polling, respectively. It was followed by Doda (52.3) and Kishtwar (51.1).

In Kashmir division, Bandipora district topped the turnout chart with 40.3 per cent, followed by Kupaware with 39.3 per cent, Badgam 33.1 per cent, Baramulla 20.1 per cent, Kargil 52.5 per cent and Leh 40.1 per cent, they said.

The officials said 727 polling stations have been categorised as hypersensitive, including 493 in Kashmir division and 234 in Jammu division, for the third phase.

They said 5,239 candidates are in the fray for 358 sarpanch and 1,652 panch seats. Ninety-six sarpanchs and 1,437 panchs have been elected unopposed in this phase, they added.

The officials said an electorate of 4,23,592 are eligible for voting for sarpanch constituencies while 2,70,668 for panch constituencies.

They said all arrangements have been put in place for smooth conduct of the polls.

The nine-phased elections, being conducted on the non-party basis, began on November 17.

In the first phase of the polls, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across the state, including 64.5 per cent in Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in&nbsp; 
Jammu division.

In the second phase held on November 20, overall 71.1 per cent polling was witnessed across the state with 80.4 per cent in Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in Kashmir division.&nbsp;

Kashmir region recorded 34 per cent polling while Jammu registered 59 per cent till noon in the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections, official said.

Kashmir region recorded 34 per cent polling while Jammu registered 59 per cent till noon in the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections, official said. The polling began at 8 am and ended at 2 pm in 2,773 polling stations, including 918 in Kashmir division and 1,855 in Jammu division, officials said. Poonch district in Jammu region recorded the highest polling of 67 per cent, while Ganderbal district in central Kashmir recorded the lowest at 9.2 per cent, they said. Among other districts of Jammu division, they said Kathua, Ramban and Rajouri witnessed 62.5, 62.2 and 61 per cent polling, respectively. It was followed by Doda (52.3) and Kishtwar (51.1). In Kashmir division, Bandipora district topped the turnout chart with 40.3 per cent, followed by Kupaware with 39.3 per cent, Badgam 33.1 per cent, Baramulla 20.1 per cent, Kargil 52.5 per cent and Leh 40.1 per cent, they said. The officials said 727 polling stations have been categorised as hypersensitive, including 493 in Kashmir division and 234 in Jammu division, for the third phase. They said 5,239 candidates are in the fray for 358 sarpanch and 1,652 panch seats. Ninety-six sarpanchs and 1,437 panchs have been elected unopposed in this phase, they added. The officials said an electorate of 4,23,592 are eligible for voting for sarpanch constituencies while 2,70,668 for panch constituencies. They said all arrangements have been put in place for smooth conduct of the polls. The nine-phased elections, being conducted on the non-party basis, began on November 17. In the first phase of the polls, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across the state, including 64.5 per cent in Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in Jammu division. In the second phase held on November 20, overall 71.1 per cent polling was witnessed across the state with 80.4 per cent in Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in Kashmir division.

Panchayat polls: Kashmir region records 34%, Jammu 59% till noon

Jammu & Kashmir: Six terrorists gunned down in Sekipora encounter

Battling encroachment, haphazard construction and deforestation, the picturesque town of Gulmarg will be developed into an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable tourist destination, the Gulmarg Master Plan-2032, approved by the Jammu and Kashmir government, has envisaged.

The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here Thursday evening under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik approved the Master Plan, an official spokesman said Friday.

The plan proposes to maximise the contribution of Gulmarg and its surroundings to the state's economy, while preserving its rich natural and cultural heritage, the official said.

At the same time, it proposes to provide the best hospitality, excellent value for money and memorable experiences to every visitor and develop Gulmarg as one of the preferred all-weather international tourist destinations.

According to the official, the main features of the plan include the development of Tangmarg area in the vicinity of Gulmarg as Satellite-Tourist-Township with flexible set of Development Control Regulations (DCRs) to attract developers for high-end tourism infrastructure.

"This concept is aimed at reducing further the footprint of development in Gulmarg which has very limited carrying capacity," the official said.

The significant part of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) especially Gulmarg, Khillanmarg, Botapathri and nearby areas included in the territorial jurisdiction of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary and Biosphere reserve will not be used for any high built-up infrastructure development, the official said.

"Instead such areas have been proposed for leisure-tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism," the official said.

Bed capacity of Gulmarg has been increased by extra accommodation in the form of the tourist resort in the south-west of Bowl and hutments and camping sites on the western end of Leopard Valley besides eco-tourism areas.

The Master Plan also envisages development of tourist resorts in Tangmarg, Botapathri, Khillanmarg as model ecotourism sites in collaboration with the local communities, wildlife and forest department and development of Drung as heritage village with limited tourist activity.

The banning of any kind of compound walling in the area, development of Maahayeen, Qazipur, and Ferozpur as model villages and Baba Reshie area as heritage area with facilities for pilgrim tourism is also expected, the official added.

The plan further proposes biodiversity parks of Kashmir Himalayan Flora in Gulmarg; separate entry and exit points to avoid traffic congestions and Pony Management to arrest horse dung posing a serious problem in the resort as most of it is littered creating an unpleasant landscape. &nbsp;

The preparations of Master Plan-2032 were initiated pursuant to the orders of the High Court in PIL titled Mohammad Rafiq Zargar versus State and Others, the official said.

The preparation was preceded by environmental impact assessment and GIS mapping of the Gulmarg part of the local area. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Draft Master Plan-2032 prepared by the Town Planning Organisation, Kashmir has been extensively examined by the tourism department for the last five years with the High Court closely monitoring its preparation. &nbsp;

The plan was also put in public domain for inviting objections and suggestions and the tourism department had constituted a committee to examine the inputs, they said, adding that proposals which were found to be useful were factored in the final Draft Master Plan.

The Master Plan does not intend to regularise any violation or construction made in contravention to the permission granted earlier or any construction without valid permission, the official said.

Battling encroachment, haphazard construction and deforestation, the picturesque town of Gulmarg will be developed into an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable tourist destination, the Gulmarg Master Plan-2032, approved by the Jammu and Kashmir government, has envisaged.

Battling encroachment, haphazard construction and deforestation, the picturesque town of Gulmarg will be developed into an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable tourist destination, the Gulmarg Master Plan-2032, approved by the Jammu and Kashmir government, has envisaged. The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here Thursday evening under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik approved the Master Plan, an official spokesman said Friday. The plan proposes to maximise the contribution of Gulmarg and its surroundings to the state's economy, while preserving its rich natural and cultural heritage, the official said. At the same time, it proposes to provide the best hospitality, excellent value for money and memorable experiences to every visitor and develop Gulmarg as one of the preferred all-weather international tourist destinations. According to the official, the main features of the plan include the development of Tangmarg area in the vicinity of Gulmarg as Satellite-Tourist-Township with flexible set of Development Control Regulations (DCRs) to attract developers for high-end tourism infrastructure. "This concept is aimed at reducing further the footprint of development in Gulmarg which has very limited carrying capacity," the official said. The significant part of Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) especially Gulmarg, Khillanmarg, Botapathri and nearby areas included in the territorial jurisdiction of Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary and Biosphere reserve will not be used for any high built-up infrastructure development, the official said. "Instead such areas have been proposed for leisure-tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism," the official said. Bed capacity of Gulmarg has been increased by extra accommodation in the form of the tourist resort in the south-west of Bowl and hutments and camping sites on the western end of Leopard Valley besides eco-tourism areas. The Master Plan also envisages development of tourist resorts in Tangmarg, Botapathri, Khillanmarg as model ecotourism sites in collaboration with the local communities, wildlife and forest department and development of Drung as heritage village with limited tourist activity. The banning of any kind of compound walling in the area, development of Maahayeen, Qazipur, and Ferozpur as model villages and Baba Reshie area as heritage area with facilities for pilgrim tourism is also expected, the official added. The plan further proposes biodiversity parks of Kashmir Himalayan Flora in Gulmarg; separate entry and exit points to avoid traffic congestions and Pony Management to arrest horse dung posing a serious problem in the resort as most of it is littered creating an unpleasant landscape. The preparations of Master Plan-2032 were initiated pursuant to the orders of the High Court in PIL titled Mohammad Rafiq Zargar versus State and Others, the official said. The preparation was preceded by environmental impact assessment and GIS mapping of the Gulmarg part of the local area. The Draft Master Plan-2032 prepared by the Town Planning Organisation, Kashmir has been extensively examined by the tourism department for the last five years with the High Court closely monitoring its preparation. The plan was also put in public domain for inviting objections and suggestions and the tourism department had constituted a committee to examine the inputs, they said, adding that proposals which were found to be useful were factored in the final Draft Master Plan. The Master Plan does not intend to regularise any violation or construction made in contravention to the permission granted earlier or any construction without valid permission, the official said.

Master Plan to develop Gulmarg as ace tourist destination approved

WION Gravitas: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik defends decision to dissolve assembly

Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti to move court as he described Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly ''unconstitutional''.&nbsp;

Mehbooba should move court as what Governor has done on Centre's instructions is ''undemocratic'' and ''unconstitutional'', he said.&nbsp;

Mehbooba Mufti wrote to Governor only after Congress and National Conference (NC) extended their support to PDP and Governor should have given her a chance, he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that it was a suggestion that PDP, Congress and NC form a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir,&nbsp;

''I said this afternoon that it's a suggestion and no final decision has been taken yet (on PDP-NC-Congress alliance). BJP dissolved the assembly even though only a proposal was made,'' Azad added Jammu And Kashmir Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly.

Earlier, former chief minister and PDP patron Mehbooba Mufti staked the claim to form a government with the support of the Congress and the National Conference.

Shortly thereafter, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claim to form the government with the help of the 25-member BJP.

In a letter to the Governor, Mehbooba said the PDP is the largest party in the state assembly having a strength of 29 MLAs.

"You might have gathered from the media reports that the Congress and the National Conference have also decided to extend support to our party to form a government in the state. The National Conference has a strength of 15 MLAs and the Congress 12. That takes our collective strength to 56.

"Since I am presently in Srinagar, it would not be possible for me to call on you immediately and this is to keep you informed that we would be seeking your convenience shortly to stake the claim for forming the government in the state," Mehbooba said in her letter.

Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti to move court as he described Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly ''unconstitutional''.

Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti to move court as he described Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly ''unconstitutional''. Mehbooba should move court as what Governor has done on Centre's instructions is ''undemocratic'' and ''unconstitutional'', he said. Mehbooba Mufti wrote to Governor only after Congress and National Conference (NC) extended their support to PDP and Governor should have given her a chance, he added. Meanwhile, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that it was a suggestion that PDP, Congress and NC form a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, ''I said this afternoon that it's a suggestion and no final decision has been taken yet (on PDP-NC-Congress alliance). BJP dissolved the assembly even though only a proposal was made,'' Azad added Jammu And Kashmir Governor's decision to dissolve the assembly. Earlier, former chief minister and PDP patron Mehbooba Mufti staked the claim to form a government with the support of the Congress and the National Conference. Shortly thereafter, People's Conference leader Sajad Lone also staked claim to form the government with the help of the 25-member BJP. In a letter to the Governor, Mehbooba said the PDP is the largest party in the state assembly having a strength of 29 MLAs. "You might have gathered from the media reports that the Congress and the National Conference have also decided to extend support to our party to form a government in the state. The National Conference has a strength of 15 MLAs and the Congress 12. That takes our collective strength to 56. "Since I am presently in Srinagar, it would not be possible for me to call on you immediately and this is to keep you informed that we would be seeking your convenience shortly to stake the claim for forming the government in the state," Mehbooba said in her letter.

Governor's decision to dissolve assembly 'unconstitutional', Mehbooba should move court: Saifuddin Soz

Congress-Mehbooba Mufti-Omar Abdullah alliance for J&K government

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