Several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were wrapped in thick white sheets of snow, with many tourist destinations like Kufri, Manali and Auli receiving the season's first snowfall, while temperatures dipped in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab following rains.

Heavy snowfall and landslides in the Union Territory forced the closure of the important Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban and authorities in Kashmir have issued an avalanche warning for four districts -- Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla and Ganderbal.

The Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand closed for the winters amid heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the state.

Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 25.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far, following rains under the influence of a Western Disturbance.

However, the minimum temperature rose to 16 degrees Celsius, the highest since October 22, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

IMD officials attributed the drop in the maximum temperature and the increase in the minimum temperature to the presence of clouds in the region under the influence of the Western Disturbance.

Until now, Delhi had been witnessing a trend of low minimum temperatures this month due to the absence of cloud cover.

Clouds trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, warming the ground.

The minimum temperature is likely to drop below the 10 degrees Celsius mark by Friday, according to the IMD.

The department said that "as the Western Disturbance withdraws from the region, the wind direction will again change to Northwesterly".

"Cold winds from hilly regions, which have received a fresh bout of snowfall, will start blowing towards the national capital," an IMD official said.

Many places in Haryana and Punjab received rains, causing a dip in the mercury, the meteorological (MeT) department said, adding that a few places, including Chandigarh, received showers on Monday morning as well.

Places that received rains on Sunday included Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Panchkula, Sonipat, Gurgaon, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Jind and Hisar.

Isolated places in Haryana were also lashed by hailstorms.

The minimum temperature in the two states dropped by a few notches after the rains, department officials said.

Upper Himalayan areas, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Auli and Harsil, of Uttarakhand received the season's first heavy snowfall, intensifying cold conditions across the state.

Snowfall began on Sunday night and continued till Monday morning, according to officials.

Heavy snowfall delayed the departure of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his Uttarakhand counterpart Trivendra Singh Rawat for Badrinath after they had offered prayers at Kedarnath temple and attended a ceremony for the closure of its portals for winter.

Himachal Pradesh's tourist hotspots Kufri and Manali received the first snowfall of the season, the MeT department said.

Kufri received 7 cm snowfall whereas Manali in Kullu district received 2 cm in the last 24 hours, Shimla MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said, adding that Sangla recoded 25 cm snowfall, Gondla 20 cm, Khadrala 18 cm, Kalpa 5.6 cm and Keylong 4 cm.

Besides, several other areas of the state including its capital Shimla experienced 21.6 mm rainfall.

The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong was recorded as the coldest place in the state at minus 3 degrees Celsius, the weatherman said.

While Kalpa recorded a low of minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, Kufri's minimum temperature settled at zero degree Celsius.

Dalhousie and Shimla recorded a low of 0.6 and 3.6 degrees Celsius respectively, Singh added.

In Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child, after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at the high-altitude Sinthan pass, a defence spokesperson said.

The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said.

The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said.

Heavy snowfall in the Union Territory also affected traffic on major roads.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with rest of the country, was closed for traffic following snowfall around Jawahar Tunnel and landslides from the hillocks at several places in Ramban district, officials said.

The alternate link between the valley and rest of the country, Mughal Road, also remained closed for the third day as high-altitude areas experienced snowfall, while plains of Jammu and other parts were lashed by rains since Sunday afternoon, the officials said.

Light rain, which was triggered by the Western Disturbance, was recorded in a few areas of eastern Rajasthan since Sunday and Bari in Dholpur and Mandrayal in Karauli both received 4 cm rainfall.

Sarmathura, Dholpur, Sapotra (Karauli) recorded 3 cm while a few other places received below 3 cm rains, according to the MeT department.

The temperature last night was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer and 19.2 degrees Celsius in Kota.

Several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were wrapped in thick white sheets of snow, with many tourist destinations like Kufri, Manali and Auli receiving the season's first snowfall, while temperatures dipped in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab following rains.

Several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were wrapped in thick white sheets of snow, with many tourist destinations like Kufri, Manali and Auli receiving the season's first snowfall, while temperatures dipped in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab following rains. Heavy snowfall and landslides in the Union Territory forced the closure of the important Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Ramban and authorities in Kashmir have issued an avalanche warning for four districts -- Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla and Ganderbal. The Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand closed for the winters amid heavy snowfall in the upper reaches of the state. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 25.8 degrees Celsius, the lowest this season so far, following rains under the influence of a Western Disturbance. However, the minimum temperature rose to 16 degrees Celsius, the highest since October 22, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). IMD officials attributed the drop in the maximum temperature and the increase in the minimum temperature to the presence of clouds in the region under the influence of the Western Disturbance. Until now, Delhi had been witnessing a trend of low minimum temperatures this month due to the absence of cloud cover. Clouds trap some of the outgoing infrared radiation and radiate it back downward, warming the ground. The minimum temperature is likely to drop below the 10 degrees Celsius mark by Friday, according to the IMD. The department said that "as the Western Disturbance withdraws from the region, the wind direction will again change to Northwesterly". "Cold winds from hilly regions, which have received a fresh bout of snowfall, will start blowing towards the national capital," an IMD official said. Many places in Haryana and Punjab received rains, causing a dip in the mercury, the meteorological (MeT) department said, adding that a few places, including Chandigarh, received showers on Monday morning as well. Places that received rains on Sunday included Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Panchkula, Sonipat, Gurgaon, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Jind and Hisar. Isolated places in Haryana were also lashed by hailstorms. The minimum temperature in the two states dropped by a few notches after the rains, department officials said. Upper Himalayan areas, including Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Auli and Harsil, of Uttarakhand received the season's first heavy snowfall, intensifying cold conditions across the state. Snowfall began on Sunday night and continued till Monday morning, according to officials. Heavy snowfall delayed the departure of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his Uttarakhand counterpart Trivendra Singh Rawat for Badrinath after they had offered prayers at Kedarnath temple and attended a ceremony for the closure of its portals for winter. Himachal Pradesh's tourist hotspots Kufri and Manali received the first snowfall of the season, the MeT department said. Kufri received 7 cm snowfall whereas Manali in Kullu district received 2 cm in the last 24 hours, Shimla MeT Centre Director Manmohan Singh said, adding that Sangla recoded 25 cm snowfall, Gondla 20 cm, Khadrala 18 cm, Kalpa 5.6 cm and Keylong 4 cm. Besides, several other areas of the state including its capital Shimla experienced 21.6 mm rainfall. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong was recorded as the coldest place in the state at minus 3 degrees Celsius, the weatherman said. While Kalpa recorded a low of minus 0.8 degrees Celsius, Kufri's minimum temperature settled at zero degree Celsius. Dalhousie and Shimla recorded a low of 0.6 and 3.6 degrees Celsius respectively, Singh added. In Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child, after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at the high-altitude Sinthan pass, a defence spokesperson said. The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said. The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said. Heavy snowfall in the Union Territory also affected traffic on major roads. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with rest of the country, was closed for traffic following snowfall around Jawahar Tunnel and landslides from the hillocks at several places in Ramban district, officials said. The alternate link between the valley and rest of the country, Mughal Road, also remained closed for the third day as high-altitude areas experienced snowfall, while plains of Jammu and other parts were lashed by rains since Sunday afternoon, the officials said. Light rain, which was triggered by the Western Disturbance, was recorded in a few areas of eastern Rajasthan since Sunday and Bari in Dholpur and Mandrayal in Karauli both received 4 cm rainfall. Sarmathura, Dholpur, Sapotra (Karauli) recorded 3 cm while a few other places received below 3 cm rains, according to the MeT department. The temperature last night was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius in Jaisalmer and 19.2 degrees Celsius in Kota.

Heavy snowfall in J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal; avalanche warning in four Kashmir districts

Expressing displeasure over Gupkar alliance's political efforts against country's national interest, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir have been and will always remain an integral part of India and termed an alliance of political parties of the Union Territory as 'Gupkar Gang'.

He also said that it is an "unholy global gathbandhan" against the country's national interest.

"The Gupkar Gang is going global! They want foreign forces to intervene in Jammu and Kashmir. The Gupkar Gang also insults India’s Tricolour. Do Sonia Ji and Rahul Ji support such moves of the Gupkar Gang? They should make their stand crystal clear to the people of India," he tweeted.

In a series of tweets, Shah also questioned Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi whether they support the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a conglomerate of regional and national political parties in Jammu and Kashmir formed to demand the restoration of the Article 370, scrapped last year.

Shah said the Congress and 'Gupkar Gang' want to take Jammu and Kashmir back to the era of terror and turmoil and they "want to take away rights of Dalits, women and tribals that we have ensured by removing Article 370.This is why they're being rejected by the people everywhere".

What is Gupkar declaration?

Gupkar Declaration was a joint resolution signed on August 4, 2019, at Gupkar Residence by the major political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to oppose the Centre's decision on abrogation of Article 370 which granted a special status to the erstwhile state (now a Union Territory). Gupkar Residence is the house of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah at Gupkar Road in Srinagar.

(With inputs from agencies)

Expressing displeasure over Gupkar alliance's political efforts against country's national interest, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir have been and will always remain an integral part of India and termed an alliance of political parties of the Union Territory as 'Gupkar Gang'.

Expressing displeasure over Gupkar alliance's political efforts against country's national interest, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir have been and will always remain an integral part of India and termed an alliance of political parties of the Union Territory as 'Gupkar Gang'. He also said that it is an "unholy global gathbandhan" against the country's national interest. "The Gupkar Gang is going global! They want foreign forces to intervene in Jammu and Kashmir. The Gupkar Gang also insults India’s Tricolour. Do Sonia Ji and Rahul Ji support such moves of the Gupkar Gang? They should make their stand crystal clear to the people of India," he tweeted. In a series of tweets, Shah also questioned Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi whether they support the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a conglomerate of regional and national political parties in Jammu and Kashmir formed to demand the restoration of the Article 370, scrapped last year. Shah said the Congress and 'Gupkar Gang' want to take Jammu and Kashmir back to the era of terror and turmoil and they "want to take away rights of Dalits, women and tribals that we have ensured by removing Article 370.This is why they're being rejected by the people everywhere". What is Gupkar declaration? Gupkar Declaration was a joint resolution signed on August 4, 2019, at Gupkar Residence by the major political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to oppose the Centre's decision on abrogation of Article 370 which granted a special status to the erstwhile state (now a Union Territory). Gupkar Residence is the house of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah at Gupkar Road in Srinagar. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Gupkar Gang’ going global, but J&K will remain part of India: Amit Shah slams Kashmir separatists

Security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at high altitude Sinthan pass in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said Monday.

The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said.

The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said.

Security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at high altitude Sinthan pass in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said Monday.

Security forces have rescued 10 people, including two women and a child after they were trapped in heavy snowfall at high altitude Sinthan pass in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said Monday. The rescue operation was carried out late Sunday night after information was received about a group of civilians stranded at Sinthan pass that connects Kishtwar district of Jammu region with Kashmir's Anantnag, he said. The rescue team, comprising army and police personnel, walked for five hours along the National Highway 244 in zero visibility conditions during the night and brought the stranded people to Sinthan ground where they were provided with food and shelter, the spokesperson said.

Ten people trapped in snowfall in J&K recused

Pakistani troops used heavy artillery during Friday's unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in several sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, causing loss of lives and huge damage to property on the Indian side, a top BSF officer said here on Sunday.

Five security forces personnel were among the 11 persons killed in multiple instances of ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC between the Gurez and Uri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, even as the Indian Army caused extensive damage to Pakistan Army's infrastructure in retaliation.

Those killed in the Pakistani aggression include four army men, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan and six civilians.

"Pakistan fired heavy artillery without any provocation, but the Army and the BSF fought with bravery, gave a befitting response to them and many defences (installations) of Pakistan were destroyed," Inspector General of BSF, Kashmir Rajesh Mishra said.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of BSF Sub-Inspector Rakesh Doval, who was killed in the Pakistani firing.

Mishra said the Pakistani firing caused the loss of lives and huge destruction of civilian property on the Indian side of the fence.

He said the slain BSF man deserves the highest tributes as he fought despite getting injured in the shelling.

Mishra said about 250-300 militants were ready at launchpads across the LoC to sneak into the Indian side.

"Security forces, including the BSF, have been successful in foiling their designs and will continue to do that," he said.

The BSF officer also said human rights organisations should take note of the killings of civilians and the damage caused to civilian properties in the intense shelling by Pakistan.

Pakistani troops used heavy artillery during Friday's unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in several sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, causing loss of lives and huge damage to property on the Indian side, a top BSF officer said here on Sunday.

Pakistani troops used heavy artillery during Friday's unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in several sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, causing loss of lives and huge damage to property on the Indian side, a top BSF officer said here on Sunday. Five security forces personnel were among the 11 persons killed in multiple instances of ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC between the Gurez and Uri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, even as the Indian Army caused extensive damage to Pakistan Army's infrastructure in retaliation. Those killed in the Pakistani aggression include four army men, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan and six civilians. "Pakistan fired heavy artillery without any provocation, but the Army and the BSF fought with bravery, gave a befitting response to them and many defences (installations) of Pakistan were destroyed," Inspector General of BSF, Kashmir Rajesh Mishra said. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of BSF Sub-Inspector Rakesh Doval, who was killed in the Pakistani firing. Mishra said the Pakistani firing caused the loss of lives and huge destruction of civilian property on the Indian side of the fence. He said the slain BSF man deserves the highest tributes as he fought despite getting injured in the shelling. Mishra said about 250-300 militants were ready at launchpads across the LoC to sneak into the Indian side. "Security forces, including the BSF, have been successful in foiling their designs and will continue to do that," he said. The BSF officer also said human rights organisations should take note of the killings of civilians and the damage caused to civilian properties in the intense shelling by Pakistan.

Pakistani troops used heavy artillery during Friday's shelling in Jammu and Kashmir: BSF officer

The regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have united in what they call a fight against the new land law, implemented by the central government, which allows any citizen of India to buy land in the newly carved union territory.

In Srinagar, the People's Democratic Party which had forged an alliance with the Bharati Janta Party before it collapsed in June 2018, attempted to take out a protest rally.

Omar Abdullah chose to talk of unity among all the political parties for protecting the identity and land of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the time wasn't right to talk about elections, seats, and government. "People wouldn’t forgive us if we look at the secretariat and chair. Our fight is to save ourselves," Omar said.

Omar, who was foreign and commerce minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, recalled Vajpayee's Kashmir doctrine where he coined the slogan 'Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat &amp; Jamhuriyat'.

Hurriyat conference led by Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for a one-day shutdown on Saturday against the land law amendment which they termed as an anti-J&amp;K move.

On Tuesday, the Centre notified new rules that now allow any Indian citizen to buy land in J&amp;K. It&nbsp;wasn’t allowed before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A&nbsp;of the Indian constitution which granted special status to the erstwhile state. &nbsp;

The regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have united in what they call a fight against the new land law, implemented by the central government, which allows any citizen of India to buy land in the newly carved union territory.

The regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have united in what they call a fight against the new land law, implemented by the central government, which allows any citizen of India to buy land in the newly carved union territory. In Srinagar, the People's Democratic Party which had forged an alliance with the Bharati Janta Party before it collapsed in June 2018, attempted to take out a protest rally. Omar Abdullah chose to talk of unity among all the political parties for protecting the identity and land of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the time wasn't right to talk about elections, seats, and government. "People wouldn’t forgive us if we look at the secretariat and chair. Our fight is to save ourselves," Omar said. Omar, who was foreign and commerce minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, recalled Vajpayee's Kashmir doctrine where he coined the slogan 'Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat & Jamhuriyat'. Hurriyat conference led by Kashmir’s chief Muslim cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for a one-day shutdown on Saturday against the land law amendment which they termed as an anti-J&K move. On Tuesday, the Centre notified new rules that now allow any Indian citizen to buy land in J&K. It wasn’t allowed before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution which granted special status to the erstwhile state.

Politics heats up in J&K as political parties vow to fight against new land law

In October 1947 a militia of thousands of Pashtun tribesmen invaded the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. The invasion ignited the first India - Pakistan War, traumatised Kashmiri society, and set a precedent for the use of non-state actors by Pakistan to foment unrest in Kashmir that continues today. A special, two-part series by WION on this little-known but definitive event in the history of the subcontinent.

Kashmir 1947: Anatomy of an invasion

After twitter showed paths of Leh & Jammu-Kashmir to be in the People's Republic of China, the Indian govt has pulled up social media platform twitter for disrespecting the sovereignty & integrity of the country.

News Alert: Indian govt warns twitter, 'Don't disrespect sovereignty of India'

A major controversy has erupted after Twitter India showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Peoples Republic of China in the timelines.

The matter was raised Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) after tweets showed J&amp;K as a part of China.

"So @Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of People`s Republic of #China . If this is not a violation of #India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?", Gupta wrote tagging Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So <a href="https://twitter.com/Twitter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twitter</a> has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu &amp; Kashmir as part of People's Republic of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> . If this is not a violation of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law? <a href="https://twitter.com/nitingokhale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nitingokhale</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rsprasad</a> <a href="https://t.co/euelMvCxTy">pic.twitter.com/euelMvCxTy</a>
— Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanchanGupta/status/1317722087134437376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Several netizens also asked Prasad and the government to take action against Twitter India.

"No @Twitter this is not a freak happenstance," Gupta said in another tweet.

"@Twitter @TwitterIndia so according to you Leh is a part of People`s Republic of China," said a netizen.

"Kindly look into this and take action appropriately. It`s high time that these social media giants be held accountable for their stupidity," a netizen said asking Prasad to action.

"Please take cognizance of this serious matter and take necessary action against @TwitterIndia. They cannot take Indian sovereignty for granted. Don`t let them normalize this misadventure," another another Twitterati.

A major controversy has erupted after Twitter India showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Peoples Republic of China in the timelines. The matter was raised Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) after tweets showed J&K as a part of China.

A major controversy has erupted after Twitter India showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Peoples Republic of China in the timelines. The matter was raised Kanchan Gupta, Distinguished Fellow, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) after tweets showed J&K as a part of China. "So @Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu & Kashmir as part of People`s Republic of #China . If this is not a violation of #India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law?", Gupta wrote tagging Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. So @Twitter has decided to reconfigure geography and declare Jammu & Kashmir as part of People's Republic of #China . If this is not a violation of #India laws, what is? Citizens of India have been punished for far less. But US Big Tech is above the law? @nitingokhale @rsprasad pic.twitter.com/euelMvCxTy — Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) October 18, 2020 × Several netizens also asked Prasad and the government to take action against Twitter India. "No @Twitter this is not a freak happenstance," Gupta said in another tweet. "@Twitter @TwitterIndia so according to you Leh is a part of People`s Republic of China," said a netizen. "Kindly look into this and take action appropriately. It`s high time that these social media giants be held accountable for their stupidity," a netizen said asking Prasad to action. "Please take cognizance of this serious matter and take necessary action against @TwitterIndia. They cannot take Indian sovereignty for granted. Don`t let them normalize this misadventure," another another Twitterati.

Twitter under fire as it shows J&K as part of China

Artists in Kashmir valley have long been struggling for a physical art gallery to showcase their work but thanks to the pandemic that made them think out of the box.&nbsp;

Naushad Gayoor is a multidisciplinary artist and a fine art teacher from Srinagar who devotes most of his time to paintings and sculpture art. He has been striving hard to start a physical gallery that can showcase art in Kashmir valley. During the lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, his idea of starting an online gallery has become a reality.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/pm-modi-interacts-with-afshan-ashiq-kashmiri-girl-ms-dhoni-fan-who-transformed-from-stone-pelter-to-jk-captain-329983" hreflang="en">PM Modi interacts with Afshan Ashiq - Kashmiri girl &amp; MS Dhoni fan who transformed from stone pelter to J&amp;K captain</a>

The website is amid at providing a much-required platform to the youth of the valley who would otherwise struggle to showcase their work. Under the name "FRAMES," the Gayoor Art Foundation aims at organizing more photography exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and talks through the online platform.&nbsp;

“We don't have a gallery but it doesn't mean we will not work. Finally, we decided to for an online gallery because this is the time of the internet and by this, we have more viewers,” says&nbsp;Naushad Gayoor,&nbsp;Founder &amp; curator of Gayoor Art Foundation.&nbsp;

Titled, "Let's move on" the website is currently showcasing the work of&nbsp;170 photographers&nbsp;from different countries like Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Senegal and from different parts of India. Usually, artists from Kashmir would have to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir for exhibitions but now they are able to present their work to the global audience at the click of a button.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/pm-modi-asks-kohli-about-yo-yo-test-praises-jk-woman-footballer-afshan-ashiq-329922" hreflang="en">PM Modi asks Kohli about Yo-Yo test, praises J&amp;K woman footballer Afshan Ashiq&nbsp;</a>

“It has been since decades that people have been fighting for this physical space in Kashmir but it never happened. It's very heartening to looking at this online space for anyone associated with the art here. It's going to give them a wider audience,” says&nbsp;Showkat Kathjoo, an artist and a teacher.&nbsp;

The aim is also to help the emerging talent to witness the body of art from different countries to give them a new dimension. Several artists from the union territory have made their name global.&nbsp;

Artists in Kashmir valley have long been struggling for a physical art gallery to showcase their work but thanks to the pandemic that made them think out of the box.

Artists in Kashmir valley have long been struggling for a physical art gallery to showcase their work but thanks to the pandemic that made them think out of the box. Naushad Gayoor is a multidisciplinary artist and a fine art teacher from Srinagar who devotes most of his time to paintings and sculpture art. He has been striving hard to start a physical gallery that can showcase art in Kashmir valley. During the lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, his idea of starting an online gallery has become a reality. Also read: PM Modi interacts with Afshan Ashiq - Kashmiri girl & MS Dhoni fan who transformed from stone pelter to J&K captain The website is amid at providing a much-required platform to the youth of the valley who would otherwise struggle to showcase their work. Under the name "FRAMES," the Gayoor Art Foundation aims at organizing more photography exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and talks through the online platform. “We don't have a gallery but it doesn't mean we will not work. Finally, we decided to for an online gallery because this is the time of the internet and by this, we have more viewers,” says Naushad Gayoor, Founder & curator of Gayoor Art Foundation. Titled, "Let's move on" the website is currently showcasing the work of 170 photographers from different countries like Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Senegal and from different parts of India. Usually, artists from Kashmir would have to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir for exhibitions but now they are able to present their work to the global audience at the click of a button. Also read: PM Modi asks Kohli about Yo-Yo test, praises J&K woman footballer Afshan Ashiq “It has been since decades that people have been fighting for this physical space in Kashmir but it never happened. It's very heartening to looking at this online space for anyone associated with the art here. It's going to give them a wider audience,” says Showkat Kathjoo, an artist and a teacher. The aim is also to help the emerging talent to witness the body of art from different countries to give them a new dimension. Several artists from the union territory have made their name global.

Lockdown gives rise to creativity, J&K gets first online art gallery

Pakistan on Tuesday violated Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) charter and put up a map showing Kashmir as its part at the SCO National Security Advisors (NSA) meet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-foreign-ministers-meet-in-moscow-amid-standoff-at-lac-326678">Also Read: India, China foreign ministers meet in Moscow amid standoff at LAC</a>

While India strongly objected to it, and Russia which is the Chair of the SCO for this year tried to persuade Pakistan but Islamabad remained unfazed and continued with the map as the background.&nbsp;

India's NSA Ajit Doval took a strong exception to it and left the SCO NSA virtual meet after due "consultation" from host Russia.

Ministry of external affairs in a strong response said,"Pakistani NSA deliberately projected a fictitious map that Pakistan has recently been propagating" which was in "blatant disregard to the advisory by the host against it and in violation of the norms of the meeting".&nbsp;

Explaining, "After consultation with the host, the Indian side left the meeting in protest at that juncture."

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Government sources told WION that "Pakistan’s use of a fictitious map as a backdrop" which depicted "sovereign Indian territories as part of Pakistan" is a "blatant violation of the SCO Charter and against all its established norms of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO member states."

SCO Charter, article 2 states,"SCO member States shall adhere to the following principles.." which includes "mutual respect of sovereignty... territorial integrity of States and inviolability of State border".

In fact, Secretary of the National Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev told Pakistani side it does not support what Islamabad has done and hoped Pakistan’s "provocative act will not affect India’s participation in SCO and definitely not cast any shadow on Patrushev’s warm personal relationship for NSA for whom he has the highest regard", sources elaborated.&nbsp;

The map was the same one issued by Pakistan on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of J&amp;K.

India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Both defence minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar visited Moscow in last two weeks to participate in SCO defence and FMs meet.

Pakistan on Tuesday violated Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) charter and put up a map showing Kashmir as its part at the SCO National Security Advisors (NSA) meet.

Pakistan on Tuesday violated Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) charter and put up a map showing Kashmir as its part at the SCO National Security Advisors (NSA) meet. Also Read: India, China foreign ministers meet in Moscow amid standoff at LAC While India strongly objected to it, and Russia which is the Chair of the SCO for this year tried to persuade Pakistan but Islamabad remained unfazed and continued with the map as the background. India's NSA Ajit Doval took a strong exception to it and left the SCO NSA virtual meet after due "consultation" from host Russia. Ministry of external affairs in a strong response said,"Pakistani NSA deliberately projected a fictitious map that Pakistan has recently been propagating" which was in "blatant disregard to the advisory by the host against it and in violation of the norms of the meeting". Explaining, "After consultation with the host, the Indian side left the meeting in protest at that juncture." × Government sources told WION that "Pakistan’s use of a fictitious map as a backdrop" which depicted "sovereign Indian territories as part of Pakistan" is a "blatant violation of the SCO Charter and against all its established norms of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO member states." SCO Charter, article 2 states,"SCO member States shall adhere to the following principles.." which includes "mutual respect of sovereignty... territorial integrity of States and inviolability of State border". In fact, Secretary of the National Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev told Pakistani side it does not support what Islamabad has done and hoped Pakistan’s "provocative act will not affect India’s participation in SCO and definitely not cast any shadow on Patrushev’s warm personal relationship for NSA for whom he has the highest regard", sources elaborated. The map was the same one issued by Pakistan on the first anniversary of the removal of special status for the erstwhile state of J&K. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. Both defence minister Rajnath Singh and external affairs minister S Jaishankar visited Moscow in last two weeks to participate in SCO defence and FMs meet.

India's NSA Ajit Doval walks out of SCO meet after Pakistan violates charter by projecting fictitious map

Security forces on Thursday seized huge cache of explosives near forests in Gadikhal village in Awantipora in J&K. During the search after acting on a tipoff, security officials found two explosive dumps which were reportedly concealed in underground locations.

Security forces on Thursday seized huge cache of explosives near forests in Gadikhal village in Awantipora in J&K. During the search after acting on a tipoff, security officials found two explosive dumps which were reportedly concealed in underground locations. The concealed plastic tanks had 416 high explosive gelatin sticks, reports said, including 50 detonators in another tank. The detonators were later destroyed by the bomb disposal squad. AN FIR was also filed by officials and investigation is underway.

Security forces recover over 400 explosive gelatin sticks, 50 detonators in J&K's Awantipora

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.&nbsp;

First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-violates-sco-charter-puts-map-showing-kashmir-in-sco-nsa-meet-as-india-protests-327747" hreflang="en">Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests</a>

Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.'

Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva&nbsp;himself but got no traction.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/focus-on-saving-lives-as-well-as-livelihoods-india-lists-covid-19-strategy-at-un-327721" hreflang="en">Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN</a>

On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so."

On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices."

Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer&nbsp;of nuclear know-how.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body.

India has slammed Pakistan, Turkey and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at United Nation's Human rights council after they raked Kashmir at the Geneva-based body. First Secretary at Permanent Mission of India in Geneva, Pawan Badhe said, India doesn't need "unsolicited lecture on human rights from a country that has consistently persecuted its ethnic and religious minorities" and "is an epicentre of terrorism..(with) the distinction of providing pensions to individuals on UN Sanctions list and has a Prime Minister who proudly admits training tens of thousands of terrorists to fight in Jammu and Kashmir." Also read: Pakistan violates SCO charter, puts map showing Kashmir in SCO NSA meet as India protests Highlighting how, "mass influx of outsiders has whittled down the number of Kashmiris to an insignificant number in Pakistan", Pavan in India's right of reply highlighted how, "Thousands of Sikh, Hindus and Christian minority women and girls have been subjected to abductions, forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan.' Pakistan has been raking Kashmir at various international forums, and last year saw Pakistani foreign minister, SM Qureshi, in the backdrop of revocation of special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, visiting Geneva himself but got no traction. Also read: Focus on saving lives as well as livelihoods, India lists COVID-19 strategy at UN On OIC, the Indian diplomat said, it has "no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India" and the grouping of Islamic countries has "allowed itself to be misused by Pakistan to subverse its own agenda", suggesting, "It’s for the members of the to decide if it is in their interests to allow Pakistan to do so." On Turkey, Pavan said, can "only advise Turkey to refrain from commenting on the internal affairs of India and develop a better understanding of the democratic practices." Turkey in the last few years has grown closer to Pakistan and has been raking Kashmir at international forums like UN. The country's closeness to Islamabad, many attribute to a possible transfer of nuclear know-how.

India slams Pakistan, Turkey and OIC at human rights council after they rake Kashmir

India has listed achievements since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations Human Rights Council saying "grassroot democracy" has been revived and social and economic development has got a new momentum in the region.

Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC), India's permanent representative to UN in Geneva Indra Mani Pandey said, "since the changes made in August 2019, people in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been enjoying the same fundamental rights as people in other parts of India."

Explaining,"We have been able to revive grassroot democracy and provide a new momentum to social and economic development, despite the challenge posed by COVID-19 pandemic and persistent attempts by one country to infiltrate terrorists to derail this process."

Last year saw Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reach&nbsp;out to the UNHRC over&nbsp;India's removal of&nbsp;special status to J&amp;K but found no traction.

At the council, India's envoy highlighted how as "the largest and most vibrant democracy" India has been since "independence, been an ardent supporter of human rights, which we have sought to promote and secure through enshrining them in our Constitution as fundamental rights."

"We have also endeavoured to create an international environment conducive for dialogue and cooperation for promoting and protecting these rights," the Indian envoy added.&nbsp;

While he said, "India remains committed to upholding all human rights", it is of the "view that the human rights agenda and discourse must be pursued in a transparent and impartial manner."

India has listed achievements since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations Human Rights Council saying "grassroot democracy" has been revived and social and economic development has got a new momentum in the region.

India has listed achievements since the abrogation of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir at United Nations Human Rights Council saying "grassroot democracy" has been revived and social and economic development has got a new momentum in the region. Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC), India's permanent representative to UN in Geneva Indra Mani Pandey said, "since the changes made in August 2019, people in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been enjoying the same fundamental rights as people in other parts of India." Explaining,"We have been able to revive grassroot democracy and provide a new momentum to social and economic development, despite the challenge posed by COVID-19 pandemic and persistent attempts by one country to infiltrate terrorists to derail this process." Last year saw Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reach out to the UNHRC over India's removal of special status to J&K but found no traction. At the council, India's envoy highlighted how as "the largest and most vibrant democracy" India has been since "independence, been an ardent supporter of human rights, which we have sought to promote and secure through enshrining them in our Constitution as fundamental rights." "We have also endeavoured to create an international environment conducive for dialogue and cooperation for promoting and protecting these rights," the Indian envoy added. While he said, "India remains committed to upholding all human rights", it is of the "view that the human rights agenda and discourse must be pursued in a transparent and impartial manner."

Revived grassroot democracy in Jammu & Kashmir, says India at UNHRC

The Border Security Force (BSF) has detected a tunnel just beneath the India-Pakistan International Border fence in Jammu. The tunnel has a depth of about 25 feet at the opening.

Tunnel covered with sandbags found near border fence in Jammu

Heavy rains have lashed Jammu and Kashmir as MeT has predicted more rains in the next 24 hours. At least four people have died in Jammu region due to rainfall which triggered landslides and flash floods, while dozens of livestock perished in Sangiote village near Balakote in the Poonch district area.

Authorities have put men and machinery on high alert and are continuously monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

Meteorological Department has issued advisories of flash floods and landslides in the upper reaches of Jammu &amp; Kashmir while they national highway connecting the valley to the rest of India remains closed.&nbsp;

“Srinagar recorded 44.3 millimetres of rainfall in the last 48 hours, 123 millimetres which are the highest rainfall in the union territory was recorded in Katra area of Jammu, a MeT official said.&nbsp;

The India Air force yesterday saved a life by its timely rescuing a person in rain-battered Naushera in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Alert has been sounded in Reasi, Udhampur due to uninterrupted heavy rains &amp; police have issued numbers while serval people have been rescued from the affected areas.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, three persons, including a woman, were killed in a landslide due to heavy rainfall in Reasi district while a man was killed due to landslide in Rajouri district of Jammu region yesterday.

Heavy rains have lashed Jammu and Kashmir as MeT has predicted more rains in the next 24 hours. At least four people have died in Jammu region due to rainfall which triggered landslides and flash floods, while dozens of livestock perished in Sangiote village near Balakote in the Poonch district area.

Heavy rains have lashed Jammu and Kashmir as MeT has predicted more rains in the next 24 hours. At least four people have died in Jammu region due to rainfall which triggered landslides and flash floods, while dozens of livestock perished in Sangiote village near Balakote in the Poonch district area. Authorities have put men and machinery on high alert and are continuously monitoring the situation. Meteorological Department has issued advisories of flash floods and landslides in the upper reaches of Jammu & Kashmir while they national highway connecting the valley to the rest of India remains closed. “Srinagar recorded 44.3 millimetres of rainfall in the last 48 hours, 123 millimetres which are the highest rainfall in the union territory was recorded in Katra area of Jammu, a MeT official said. The India Air force yesterday saved a life by its timely rescuing a person in rain-battered Naushera in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Alert has been sounded in Reasi, Udhampur due to uninterrupted heavy rains & police have issued numbers while serval people have been rescued from the affected areas. On Tuesday, three persons, including a woman, were killed in a landslide due to heavy rainfall in Reasi district while a man was killed due to landslide in Rajouri district of Jammu region yesterday.

Heavy rains lash J&K, alert issued in areas of Jammu region

Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board is mulling increasing the number of pilgrims outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the current 100 to 200 or more.

Amidst strict COVID-19 protocol, only 2,000 pilgrims can go to the holy place in Reasi district of the Union Territory, of these 1900 are from within the Union Territory and only 100 people can be outside.

Ramesh Kumar Jangid, CEO of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir told WION, "We have kept outsider capacity at 100. This will be reviewed this week. This is expected to be increased. The maximum limit can be 500 till September if allowed."

The shrine board has come up with protocols for the pilgrimage for outsiders which includes carrying a COVID0-19 negative report which is not more than 48 hours old and only online registered yatris will&nbsp;be allowed. They can register by going to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

In accordance with the home ministry guidelines, children below 10 years, above 60, persons with comorbidity, pregnant women won't be allowed at the shrine.

At entry point, yatris will be checked by thermal scanning and all along the route and even at the holy caves, strict COVID-19 rules of social distancing will be implemented.

Yatris without mask or face cover are not allowed at the shrine and at every location sanitizers have been kept.

The pilgrimage resumed earlier this month on August 16. Helicopter services till the shrine has also started but due to lack of pilgrims no chopper has flown yet. The shrine board is mulling putting helicopter services as an option during the online registration.

Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board is mulling increasing the number of pilgrims outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the current 100 to 200 or more.

Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board is mulling increasing the number of pilgrims outside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from the current 100 to 200 or more. Amidst strict COVID-19 protocol, only 2,000 pilgrims can go to the holy place in Reasi district of the Union Territory, of these 1900 are from within the Union Territory and only 100 people can be outside. Ramesh Kumar Jangid, CEO of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Jammu and Kashmir told WION, "We have kept outsider capacity at 100. This will be reviewed this week. This is expected to be increased. The maximum limit can be 500 till September if allowed." The shrine board has come up with protocols for the pilgrimage for outsiders which includes carrying a COVID0-19 negative report which is not more than 48 hours old and only online registered yatris will be allowed. They can register by going to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. In accordance with the home ministry guidelines, children below 10 years, above 60, persons with comorbidity, pregnant women won't be allowed at the shrine. At entry point, yatris will be checked by thermal scanning and all along the route and even at the holy caves, strict COVID-19 rules of social distancing will be implemented. Yatris without mask or face cover are not allowed at the shrine and at every location sanitizers have been kept. The pilgrimage resumed earlier this month on August 16. Helicopter services till the shrine has also started but due to lack of pilgrims no chopper has flown yet. The shrine board is mulling putting helicopter services as an option during the online registration.

At Vaishno Devi shrine, more pilgrims from outside J&K to be allowed soon

The Indian mission at the UN said that Permanent Representative of Pakistan claimed to have made a statement at the UNSC when "it was not open to non-members of the Security Council."

"A lie repeated a hundred times will not become truth. The biggest sponsor of cross-border terrorism against India now tries to masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism in India," the Indian mission said in a statement.

"Pakistan has become home to the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations. Many of the sanctioned terrorists and entities continue to operate with impunity inside Pakistan," it said," adding,"Prime Minister of Pakistan admitted at the UN General Assembly in 2019 the presence of 40,000-50,000 terrorists inside Pakistan."

"The claim that Pakistan has decimated Al-Qaida from the region, perhaps the Permanent Representative of Pakistan is not aware that Osama Bin Laden was hiding in their own country in plain sight, and it is the US forces which got him inside Pakistan."

"Nor have they heard their Prime Minister refer to Osama Bin Laden as a martyr," the Indian mission said.

The Indian mission added that Pakistan makes "laughable claim that India has hired mercenaries to him them" while rejecting Indians being in the 1267 sanctions list. "The 1267 Sanctions list is public and the world can see none of the individuals are in it. The 1267 committee works on the basis of evidence and not random accusations thrown to divert time and attention."

"Pakistan makes ridiculous assertions about India's internal affairs. This is a country whose minority population has dropped drastically from 1947 to what it is today which is about 3 per cent, which is nothing short of systematic cleansing."

The Indian mission at the UN said that Permanent Representative of Pakistan claimed to have made a statement at the UNSC when "it was not open to non-members of the Security Council.

The Indian mission at the UN said that Permanent Representative of Pakistan claimed to have made a statement at the UNSC when "it was not open to non-members of the Security Council." "A lie repeated a hundred times will not become truth. The biggest sponsor of cross-border terrorism against India now tries to masquerade itself as a victim of terrorism in India," the Indian mission said in a statement. "Pakistan has become home to the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the United Nations. Many of the sanctioned terrorists and entities continue to operate with impunity inside Pakistan," it said," adding,"Prime Minister of Pakistan admitted at the UN General Assembly in 2019 the presence of 40,000-50,000 terrorists inside Pakistan." "The claim that Pakistan has decimated Al-Qaida from the region, perhaps the Permanent Representative of Pakistan is not aware that Osama Bin Laden was hiding in their own country in plain sight, and it is the US forces which got him inside Pakistan." "Nor have they heard their Prime Minister refer to Osama Bin Laden as a martyr," the Indian mission said. The Indian mission added that Pakistan makes "laughable claim that India has hired mercenaries to him them" while rejecting Indians being in the 1267 sanctions list. "The 1267 Sanctions list is public and the world can see none of the individuals are in it. The 1267 committee works on the basis of evidence and not random accusations thrown to divert time and attention." "Pakistan makes ridiculous assertions about India's internal affairs. This is a country whose minority population has dropped drastically from 1947 to what it is today which is about 3 per cent, which is nothing short of systematic cleansing."

Pak has become home largest number of terrorists proscribed by UN, says India at UN

Union territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir's Reasi district will soon host the world's highest railway bridge. The bridge will be completed by August 2022 and will be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. It is being built over the Chenab river.

Deputy chief engineer RR Malik who is the project manager told WION, "We have a deadline of 2022."

Asked about how difficult the task is given the geography, he said, "It is not an easy job, building in such terrain."

It will connect the Kashmir valley with Katra in Jammu and the rest of the country, overall it will reduce journey time by 5-6 hours from Katra to Srinagar.

Reasi district of J&amp;K which is&nbsp;famous for Vaishno Devi shrine is expected to get a major uptick in tourism with the highest railway bridge project.

Indu Kanwal Chib (KAS), deputy commissioner, Reasi explained to WION: "This bridge will be one of its kind. It has a helipad, so what will happen, people from Delhi can come via chopper."

"It will generate local employment. Hectic activity will happen. It will also boost the local economy. People of my districts are waiting for it to be finished," &nbsp;Reasi added.

The total length of the rail bridge is 1.3 km long and it can with withstand an earthquake measuring more than 7 on the Richter scale. The project is being developed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited and is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir's Reasi district will soon host the world's highest railway bridge. The bridge will be completed by August 2022 and will be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.

Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir's Reasi district will soon host the world's highest railway bridge. The bridge will be completed by August 2022 and will be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. It is being built over the Chenab river. Deputy chief engineer RR Malik who is the project manager told WION, "We have a deadline of 2022." Asked about how difficult the task is given the geography, he said, "It is not an easy job, building in such terrain." It will connect the Kashmir valley with Katra in Jammu and the rest of the country, overall it will reduce journey time by 5-6 hours from Katra to Srinagar. Reasi district of J&K which is famous for Vaishno Devi shrine is expected to get a major uptick in tourism with the highest railway bridge project. Indu Kanwal Chib (KAS), deputy commissioner, Reasi explained to WION: "This bridge will be one of its kind. It has a helipad, so what will happen, people from Delhi can come via chopper." "It will generate local employment. Hectic activity will happen. It will also boost the local economy. People of my districts are waiting for it to be finished," Reasi added. The total length of the rail bridge is 1.3 km long and it can with withstand an earthquake measuring more than 7 on the Richter scale. The project is being developed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited and is a part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.

India to complete construction of highest rail bridge in J&K by 2022

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, has recorded the highest ever day temperature recorded in August in the last 39 years. The city of Srinagar recorded 35.

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, has recorded the highest ever day temperature recorded in August in the last 39 years. The city of Srinagar recorded 35.7 degrees Celsius temperature on Monday, which is more than 6 degrees above the normal in the month. It has set alarm bells ringing among the experts tracking climate change in the region. Similar temperatures were recorded back in 1981. This has worried the farmers as there has been a deficient rainfall of 54 per cent below normal, according to India Meteorological Department data. Similar weather changes have also been noticed in other districts of the valley. Waterbodies have dried up which has also caused the scarcity of drinking water. "We have received less rainfall and western disturbances haven't impacted, due to which J&K & Ladakh have witnessed deficient rainfall. There has been a sharp increase in the day temperature," Sonam Lotus, Director, IMD, J&K told WION. A study conducted by Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has already warned about an increase in temperatures in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh due to the melting of glaciers which is a direct impact of climate change. Satellite images have shown a significant impact of climate change on the glaciers in the valley, among them is Shafar Glacier which contributes to the Indus river. "I wasn't expecting such heatwave here because Kashmir is cooler as compared to Jammu but the heatwave here is intense this year. People from outside think the weather in Srinagar will be cooler like Shimla but its hot here as well," Ishtiyaq Ahmad, non-local said. Global warming is showing an impact world over, from a small place like Kashmir in India to the Death Valley in the United States where the temperatures of 54.4 degrees Celsius were reported Sunday. World Meteorological Organization says the high temperatures are part of a global trend. Last year, Jammu and Kashmir surpassed the world in average temperature rise recorded in the last 100 years. Experts are also blaming human-induced activities for the rise in the overall temperature in Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K: Hottest day recorded in August after 39 years in Srinagar, experts worried

In an early morning operation on Wednesday, a joint team of security forces have killed a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist while an Indian army man was killed in action during an encounter in Kamrazipora area of Pulwama district.

Indian army said that an AK rifle with grenades and other material have been recovered from the location. “One soldier laid down his life in the line of duty,” Srinagar based defence PRO said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/centre-allows-4g-internet-services-on-trial-basis-in-two-jk-districts-after-august-15-319673" hreflang="en">Centre allows 4G internet services on trial basis in two J&amp;K districts after August 15</a>

Meanwhile, Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Handwara have arrested an active Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists after receiving information about the plan of attack.&nbsp;

J&amp;K police said that terrorists were planning an attack and through ground investigation, a joint team of special operations group, Indian army and CRPF arrested a terrorist identified as Aquib Ahmad Rather.&nbsp;

“Incriminating materials including arms and ammunitions were recovered from his&nbsp;&nbsp;possession. Regarding the incident Case FIR No. 77/2020 U/S 7/25 I. A.&nbsp;&nbsp;Act, 13 18, 20 ULA(P)&nbsp;&nbsp;Act registered in Police Station Kralgund and investigation taken up,” police said.&nbsp;

In an early morning operation on Wednesday, a joint team of security forces have killed a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist while an Indian army man was killed in action during an encounter in Kamrazipora area of Pulwama district.

In an early morning operation on Wednesday, a joint team of security forces have killed a Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorist while an Indian army man was killed in action during an encounter in Kamrazipora area of Pulwama district. Indian army said that an AK rifle with grenades and other material have been recovered from the location. “One soldier laid down his life in the line of duty,” Srinagar based defence PRO said. Also read: Centre allows 4G internet services on trial basis in two J&K districts after August 15 Meanwhile, Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Handwara have arrested an active Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists after receiving information about the plan of attack. J&K police said that terrorists were planning an attack and through ground investigation, a joint team of special operations group, Indian army and CRPF arrested a terrorist identified as Aquib Ahmad Rather. “Incriminating materials including arms and ammunitions were recovered from his possession. Regarding the incident Case FIR No. 77/2020 U/S 7/25 I. A. Act, 13 18, 20 ULA(P) Act registered in Police Station Kralgund and investigation taken up,” police said.

Terrorist killed, one arrested in two operations in Kashmir

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15.

A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana was told by Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, that the committee has decided that trial will be done in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division.

He said that the Committee has decided that access to 4G internet in J-K will be given in a calibrated manner and outcome of the trial will be reviewed after two months.

The bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai said this is a fairly good stand on the part of the respondents (Centre and J-K administration).

High speed internet service in J&amp;K was suspended in August last year when the Centre announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

On August 7, the top court had asked the J&amp;K administration to explore the possibility of restoring 4G services in certain areas of the Union Territory.

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15.

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that a special committee looking into the issue of internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has decided to provide 4G internet access on a trial basis in limited areas of the union territory after August 15. A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana was told by Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, that the committee has decided that trial will be done in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division. He said that the Committee has decided that access to 4G internet in J-K will be given in a calibrated manner and outcome of the trial will be reviewed after two months. The bench also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai said this is a fairly good stand on the part of the respondents (Centre and J-K administration). High speed internet service in J&K was suspended in August last year when the Centre announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into two UTs -- Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. On August 7, the top court had asked the J&K administration to explore the possibility of restoring 4G services in certain areas of the Union Territory.

Centre allows 4G internet services on trial basis in two J&K districts after August 15

The central government has agreed to restore 4G Internet in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir division on a trial basis, more than a year after high-speed internet services were suspended on August 5 last year.

Centre mulling 4G restoration in Jammu and Kashmir for two months

Pakistan army has violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir by opening fire at Indian positions along the Line of Control (Loc) in Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla and Poonch districts.

Since morning, the Pakistan army has been shelling several areas which include Uranbuwa in Uri tehsil of Baramulla, Karnah area of Kupwara, and the Nowgam sector in Handwara, North Kashmir. Several shells have also landed in civilian areas, reports said.

"For an hour, ceasefire violation is going on. There are no injures to anyone so far," Abdul Qayoom, SSP Baramulla told WION over the phone.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-turkey-for-making-biased-statement-on-kashmir-318692">Also read:&nbsp;India slams Turkey for making 'biased' statement on Kashmir</a>

In Poonch district of Jammu division, at around 06:30 hours, Pakistan, according to the Indian army, started firing using small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Balakote sector.&nbsp;

In Poonch, locals told WION that shells have been landing in civilian areas since August 04. "Many shells have hit our houses. For years now, we haven't seen this intense shelling in our village," Mohammad Ashraf, a village head said.&nbsp;

The Indian army said that they are retaliating befittingly to Pakistan's unprovoked ceasefire violation. Shelling was still going on when the last reports came in.&nbsp;

Pakistan army has violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir by opening fire at Indian positions along the Line of Control (Loc) in Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla and Poonch districts.

Pakistan army has violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir by opening fire at Indian positions along the Line of Control (Loc) in Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla and Poonch districts. Since morning, the Pakistan army has been shelling several areas which include Uranbuwa in Uri tehsil of Baramulla, Karnah area of Kupwara, and the Nowgam sector in Handwara, North Kashmir. Several shells have also landed in civilian areas, reports said. "For an hour, ceasefire violation is going on. There are no injures to anyone so far," Abdul Qayoom, SSP Baramulla told WION over the phone. Also read: India slams Turkey for making 'biased' statement on Kashmir In Poonch district of Jammu division, at around 06:30 hours, Pakistan, according to the Indian army, started firing using small arms and shelling with mortars along the LoC in Balakote sector. In Poonch, locals told WION that shells have been landing in civilian areas since August 04. "Many shells have hit our houses. For years now, we haven't seen this intense shelling in our village," Mohammad Ashraf, a village head said. The Indian army said that they are retaliating befittingly to Pakistan's unprovoked ceasefire violation. Shelling was still going on when the last reports came in.

Pakistan violates ceasefire along LOC in J&K, fires mortar shells

August 5 will always be remembered in history for monumental decisions. It was on this day last year when India abrogated article 370 in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

August 5 will always be remembered in history for monumental decisions. It was on this day last year when India abrogated article 370 in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The decision took everyone by surprise. Some celebrated it as the correction of a historical blunder, while, others criticised it calling it the end of political rights of Kashmiris. Today is the first anniversary of this historic decision. What has been gained and what lost in the year that went by? Have the prophecies of a doomsday scenario come true? Has the development which the Government of India promised truly been delivered? Good or bad, the changes in Kashmir are quite significant. Corruption New Delhi has given top priority to eliminate corruption in Kashmir. The anti-corruption bureau of India has unearthed several large-scale financial scams in the last year. The Roshni land scam tops the list. This scam involved the grabbing of 21 lakh acres of forest land by powerful land mafia. This was a seven-year-old case it is finally heading to the conclusion. Youth The Jammu and Kashmir administration has made progress in the sphere of education. According to achievements listed by the Government of India. 50 new colleges are offering a total of 25,000 seats. Seven new medical colleges, five new nursing colleges and one state cancer institute has been set up in Kashmir. What about unemployment? The J&K administration has announced 10,000 jobs at various levels for the unemployed Kashmiri youth. Vacancies for doctors, vets and panchayat assistants are being filled. Plans are afoot to recruit 25,000 people in various other departments in the coming months. Terrorism Incidents of terror have significantly reduced in the valley. 188 terror-related incidents were recorded in Kashmir between January and July last year. This year the number has reduced to 120, according to a home ministry report. 51 grenade attacks took place in Kashmir in the same period last year. In 2020, the number has been reduced to just 21. The clean up is underway, a total of 110 local terrorists have been killed in 2020 so far. Some of them were the most dreaded in the valley like Hizbul commander Riyaz Naikoo and Jaish commander Kari Yasir. What about the challenges in the valley? The political space in Kashmir remains in a freeze. Yes, political detainees from mainstream parties have been released. But there seems to be no clear way forward to revive the stalled politics. Its been a year and Kashmir still doesn't have an elected legislature. This is leading to a growing trust deficit between Kashmiri politicians and the centre. A challenge that must be addressed at the earliest. There is also a need to slowly restore communication and lift travel bans in Kashmir. The lack of high-speed internet during a pandemic has been a subject of debate. What about Pakistan and its propaganda? There's no end to Islamabad's disinformation campaign in Kashmir. It continues to spread fake news. Social media posts from Pakistan still use edited pictures -- from Palestine and Syria --- and pass them off as Kashmir. These images are propagated across the world and the Pakistan Army is decisively using celebrities like Shahid Afridi to comment on Kashmir and portray it as a case of grave injustice. In the last 6 months, Pakistan with China at its side has tried to internationalise the issue. Global Support The international community supports India on the issue of Kashmir. Even though India has always maintained it is an internal matter. Efforts to raise it globally by some players-- have been non-starters. The British Labour Party known for its anti-India rhetoric has re-positioned itself on Kashmir. The new leader of the party, Keir Starmer has said this on record. After years of siding with Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir. The labour party has finally course-corrected and accepted that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. Pakistan's repeated attempts to involve the united nations and the Arab world have failed. Almost every country -- except China, Turkey and Malaysia has distanced itself from any resolution that Pakistan tries to push.

One year ago, Article 370 was abrogated in J&K: Here's what has changed

On August 5, 2019, India abrogated the Article 370 in India’s northern-most erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The former Article 370, in conjunction with Article 35A of the constitution gave Jammu and Kashmir multiple powers of autonomy across major fronts. The state was allowed to have its own constitution, and was free to make laws on matters they deemed fit.

When the provisions were suspended, Indian constitution and Parliament extended their jurisdiction in the state, as it is for the rest for the country. This made J&amp;K’s constitution obsolete.

What has changed?

Last year’s Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act heralded by the BJP-led central government sheds light on the changes made in the legal functioning of the state, and which laws have now been rendered unenforceable in the region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/after-the-abrogation-of-article-370-jammu-and-kashmir-to-get-a-new-party-285043" hreflang="en">After the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir to get a new party</a>

As part of this abrogation, many central laws have been extended to the territory, with the state being bifurcated into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

As of October 31, 2019, these are the changes that have been made in the state’s legal structure, based on the appendix to the Act:

<ul>
	<li>164 laws including 153 state laws and 11 Governor's Acts have been effectively repealed&nbsp;</li>
	<li>166 preexisting state laws have been retained&nbsp;</li>
	<li>7 state laws have been modified, but retained</li>
	<li>106 central laws have been made applicable&nbsp;in the region</li>
</ul>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/If-we-had-worked-according-to-old%20ways-then-Article-370-would-never-have-been-abrogated-says-PM-Modi-in-Lok-Sabha" hreflang="en">If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha</a>

Of the many laws that have been extended to the union territories, the major ones include the Right to Information Act (2005), and the Representation of People Act (1951).

In the pre-abrogation India, such laws were valid across the country, besides the state of J&amp;K. A caveat which prevented the implementation of such laws in the former state has been scrapped as part of the Reorganisation Act.

Who is a citizen now?

Before the article was scrapped, the former state’s residents enjoyed privileges. For starters, the state could define who is a permanent resident. Additionally, non-residents of the state could not apply for government jobs, could not buy land, and were ineligible for scholarships.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/supreme-court-declines-to-refer-the-petitions-challenging-government-move-on-article-370-to-a-larger-bench-283634" hreflang="en">Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench</a>

As per the new domicile rules, non-Kashmiris can become become residents of the state, but on meeting certain conditions.

For starters, the person and their family would get Kashmiri domicile after serving as government officials, or after holding a public job for 10 years or more.

Additionally, anybody living in the region for 15 years can apply for domicile. If one has studied in the union territory for more than seven years, they may also become permanent residents. Appearing for standard 10 and 12 exams in the territory automatically guarantees domicile.

In the aftermath of the abrogation, over 4 lakh domicile certificates were issued in just a month!

Before the article was scrapped, section 144 was imposed in Srinagar, and many local leaders like former CMs Mehboob Mufti and Omar Abdullah were placed under house arrest.

Fearing uproar in the region in the aftermath of abrogation of 370, a&nbsp;blanket internet blackout was enforced in the area, which is partially still in place, one year in. 2G services were restored in March.

On August 5, 2019, India abrogated the Article 370 in India’s northern-most erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The former Article 370, in conjunction with Article 35A of the constitution gave Jammu and Kashmir multiple powers of autonomy across major fronts.

On August 5, 2019, India abrogated the Article 370 in India’s northern-most erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The former Article 370, in conjunction with Article 35A of the constitution gave Jammu and Kashmir multiple powers of autonomy across major fronts. The state was allowed to have its own constitution, and was free to make laws on matters they deemed fit. When the provisions were suspended, Indian constitution and Parliament extended their jurisdiction in the state, as it is for the rest for the country. This made J&K’s constitution obsolete. What has changed? Last year’s Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act heralded by the BJP-led central government sheds light on the changes made in the legal functioning of the state, and which laws have now been rendered unenforceable in the region. Also read: After the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir to get a new party As part of this abrogation, many central laws have been extended to the territory, with the state being bifurcated into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. As of October 31, 2019, these are the changes that have been made in the state’s legal structure, based on the appendix to the Act: 164 laws including 153 state laws and 11 Governor's Acts have been effectively repealed 166 preexisting state laws have been retained 7 state laws have been modified, but retained 106 central laws have been made applicable in the region Also read: If we had worked according to old ways, then Article 370 would never have been abrogated, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha Of the many laws that have been extended to the union territories, the major ones include the Right to Information Act (2005), and the Representation of People Act (1951). In the pre-abrogation India, such laws were valid across the country, besides the state of J&K. A caveat which prevented the implementation of such laws in the former state has been scrapped as part of the Reorganisation Act. Who is a citizen now? Before the article was scrapped, the former state’s residents enjoyed privileges. For starters, the state could define who is a permanent resident. Additionally, non-residents of the state could not apply for government jobs, could not buy land, and were ineligible for scholarships. Also read: Supreme Court declines to refer the petitions challenging government move on Article 370 to a larger bench As per the new domicile rules, non-Kashmiris can become become residents of the state, but on meeting certain conditions. For starters, the person and their family would get Kashmiri domicile after serving as government officials, or after holding a public job for 10 years or more. Additionally, anybody living in the region for 15 years can apply for domicile. If one has studied in the union territory for more than seven years, they may also become permanent residents. Appearing for standard 10 and 12 exams in the territory automatically guarantees domicile. In the aftermath of the abrogation, over 4 lakh domicile certificates were issued in just a month! Before the article was scrapped, section 144 was imposed in Srinagar, and many local leaders like former CMs Mehboob Mufti and Omar Abdullah were placed under house arrest. Fearing uproar in the region in the aftermath of abrogation of 370, a blanket internet blackout was enforced in the area, which is partially still in place, one year in. 2G services were restored in March.

Today marks one year since Article 370 was scrapped in J&K: Here's what has changed!

Infiltrating terrorists were intercepted by the Indian Army after a suspicious movement of unidentified persons was detected on the Indian side of Line of Control (LoC) at Machhal sector in Kupwara on Friday.

"Early morning today, suspicious movement of unidentified persons was detected on the Indian side of LoC at Machhal sector in Kupwara. Infiltrating terrorists were intercepted; firefight ensued. Operation in progress," said Chinar Corps, Indian Army.

According to the Army, 3 AK rifles, a sniper rifle, 8 grenades and other warlike stores were recovered. Search in the area is underway.

Infiltrating terrorists were intercepted by the Indian Army after a suspicious movement of unidentified persons was detected on the Indian side of Line of Control (LoC) at Machhal sector in Kupwara on Friday.

Infiltrating terrorists were intercepted by the Indian Army after a suspicious movement of unidentified persons was detected on the Indian side of Line of Control (LoC) at Machhal sector in Kupwara on Friday. "Early morning today, suspicious movement of unidentified persons was detected on the Indian side of LoC at Machhal sector in Kupwara. Infiltrating terrorists were intercepted; firefight ensued. Operation in progress," said Chinar Corps, Indian Army. According to the Army, 3 AK rifles, a sniper rifle, 8 grenades and other warlike stores were recovered. Search in the area is underway.

Terrorists intercepted in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara; rifles, grenades recovered

People in Jammu and Kashmir have now joined the campaign to `Boycott Chinese products` and adopt `Made in India` products after the Galwan incident last month. 
 
In Kashmir, people don `Boycott China` face masks as a mark of protest against China`s expansionist policies.As a part of the campaign, they also carry banners saying `let`s use Indian products,` `let`s Boycott China` and `let`s build our nation`.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-rajnath-singh-visits-forward-post-near-loc-in-jks-kupwara-314260" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Rajnath Singh visits forward post near LOC in J&amp;K's Kupwara</a> 
 
Similarly, in the Jammu region people came out in the streets to support the `Boycott China` drive, calling it a great initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."China is a country, which has always cheated and backstabbed us. As per the direction of our government, we need to boycott all Chinese apps and other products. We should buy Make in India products," Pritam Singh, local Corporator in Jammu, told ANI. 
 
Echoing the sentiments, Surinder Mahajan, president of Jammu`s Rughnath Bazaar, said, "Boycott Chinese products is a good campaign. China has always backstabbed us. This country is not for friendship but boycott. All traders in India are boycotting Chinese products. We need to put more restrictions in Chinese products so that it will hurt it economically."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-plea-against-100-per-cent-domicile-quota-in-jk-313442" hreflang="en">Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea against 100 per cent domicile quota in J&amp;K</a> 
 
"We need to adopt local products and boycott all Chinese items to teach it a lesson," he added.The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an apex body representing seven crore traders, recently condemned the escalating tensions between the two countries on the border and launched a flagship campaign "Bhartiya Samaan, Hamara Abhimaan" to boycott Chinese goods. 
 
The CAIT issued a list of 500 items to be boycotted from categories like FMCG products, consumer durables, toys, finished fabrics, textiles, builder hardware, footwear and apparel among others.The body has appealed to Indian manufacturers to take full benefit of the boycott movement and make their products known to the world.

People in Jammu and Kashmir have now joined the campaign to `Boycott Chinese products` and adopt `Made in India` products after the Galwan incident last month. In Kashmir, people don `Boycott China` face masks as a mark of protest against China`s expansionist policies.

People in Jammu and Kashmir have now joined the campaign to `Boycott Chinese products` and adopt `Made in India` products after the Galwan incident last month. In Kashmir, people don `Boycott China` face masks as a mark of protest against China`s expansionist policies.As a part of the campaign, they also carry banners saying `let`s use Indian products,` `let`s Boycott China` and `let`s build our nation`. Also read: India-China standoff: Rajnath Singh visits forward post near LOC in J&K's Kupwara Similarly, in the Jammu region people came out in the streets to support the `Boycott China` drive, calling it a great initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."China is a country, which has always cheated and backstabbed us. As per the direction of our government, we need to boycott all Chinese apps and other products. We should buy Make in India products," Pritam Singh, local Corporator in Jammu, told ANI. Echoing the sentiments, Surinder Mahajan, president of Jammu`s Rughnath Bazaar, said, "Boycott Chinese products is a good campaign. China has always backstabbed us. This country is not for friendship but boycott. All traders in India are boycotting Chinese products. We need to put more restrictions in Chinese products so that it will hurt it economically." Also read: Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea against 100 per cent domicile quota in J&K "We need to adopt local products and boycott all Chinese items to teach it a lesson," he added.The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an apex body representing seven crore traders, recently condemned the escalating tensions between the two countries on the border and launched a flagship campaign "Bhartiya Samaan, Hamara Abhimaan" to boycott Chinese goods. The CAIT issued a list of 500 items to be boycotted from categories like FMCG products, consumer durables, toys, finished fabrics, textiles, builder hardware, footwear and apparel among others.The body has appealed to Indian manufacturers to take full benefit of the boycott movement and make their products known to the world.

J&K joins 'Boycott China' campaign

Three civilians belonging to a single-family including a husband-wife duo and their son were killed while another injured in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Khari Karmara village of Poonch district.

Officials have identified deceased as 52-year-old Mohammad Rafiq, 50-year-old Rafiq Bi, and their son Irfan Ahmad.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-kulgam-operation-underway-313900">Also read|&nbsp;Three terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam; operation underway</a>

Indian army has said that “at about 2120 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with Small Arms &amp; shelling with Mortars along LoC in the Gulpur sector.”&nbsp;

According to locals, a shell landed on their residential house creating panic in the area. The injured civilian has been shifted to a local hospital where he is undergoing treatment for his injures.&nbsp;

Three civilians belonging to a single-family including a husband-wife duo and their son were killed while another injured in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Khari Karmara village of Poonch district.

Three civilians belonging to a single-family including a husband-wife duo and their son were killed while another injured in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Khari Karmara village of Poonch district. Officials have identified deceased as 52-year-old Mohammad Rafiq, 50-year-old Rafiq Bi, and their son Irfan Ahmad. Also read| Three terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam; operation underway Indian army has said that “at about 2120 hours, Pak initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with Small Arms & shelling with Mortars along LoC in the Gulpur sector.” According to locals, a shell landed on their residential house creating panic in the area. The injured civilian has been shifted to a local hospital where he is undergoing treatment for his injures.

Couple and son killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in J&K

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in Leh for a 2-day visit of Ladakh and J&K. The Defence Minister is accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat and also the Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane. Watch report.

Rajnath Singh salutes Indian forces, "No one will be allowed to touch Indian territory"

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to entertain a plea challenging legal provisions which provide 100 per cent reservation to domicile of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in public employment.

A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, Hemant Gupta and S Ravindra Bhat asked Ladakh-based lawyer Najum Ul Huda to move the Jammu and Kashmir High Court with his plea.

The plea had sought "quashing of sections 3A, 5A, 6, 7 and 8 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act as violative of Articles 14, 16, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India as these sections direct 100 per cent reservation to the domicile of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in public employment."

The plea, filed through lawyer Nishant Khatri, said that since the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year, the UT is equally subject to all laws and the Supreme Court judgments which are applicable to the rest of the country.

"Therefore, if any reservation has to be granted in the UT on the basis of residence, the same may be done only in consonance with Article 16(3) of the Constitution," the plea said.

It said that section 5A of the law which says that the only domicile of the state shall be eligible for appointment to any post was violative of Article 16 (3) of the Constitution which guarantees equal opportunity in employment.

The plea further said that the reservations contemplated in Article 16 should not exceed 50 per cent.

In March, the government issued the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Adaptation of State Laws) Order 2020 which notified changes in the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act.

Section 5A of the Act stated that Level 4 posts will be reserved for domiciles.

In August last year, parliament abolished Article 370, which had provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and then divided the state into two UTs which were Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to entertain a plea challenging legal provisions which provide 100 per cent reservation to domicile of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in public employment.

The Supreme Court Wednesday refused to entertain a plea challenging legal provisions which provide 100 per cent reservation to domicile of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in public employment. A bench comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao, Hemant Gupta and S Ravindra Bhat asked Ladakh-based lawyer Najum Ul Huda to move the Jammu and Kashmir High Court with his plea. The plea had sought "quashing of sections 3A, 5A, 6, 7 and 8 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act as violative of Articles 14, 16, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India as these sections direct 100 per cent reservation to the domicile of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in public employment." The plea, filed through lawyer Nishant Khatri, said that since the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year, the UT is equally subject to all laws and the Supreme Court judgments which are applicable to the rest of the country. "Therefore, if any reservation has to be granted in the UT on the basis of residence, the same may be done only in consonance with Article 16(3) of the Constitution," the plea said. It said that section 5A of the law which says that the only domicile of the state shall be eligible for appointment to any post was violative of Article 16 (3) of the Constitution which guarantees equal opportunity in employment. The plea further said that the reservations contemplated in Article 16 should not exceed 50 per cent. In March, the government issued the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Adaptation of State Laws) Order 2020 which notified changes in the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act. Section 5A of the Act stated that Level 4 posts will be reserved for domiciles. In August last year, parliament abolished Article 370, which had provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and then divided the state into two UTs which were Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea against 100 per cent domicile quota in J&K

Unidentified men have abducted a BJP member and Vice-President of Watergam Municipal Committee Meraj-ud-Din Malla in north Kashmir’s Sopore on Wednesday&nbsp;morning.

A massive manhunt has been launched to trace Malla. Police officials have confirmed deploying several rescue teams.&nbsp;The incident comes just days after terrorists killed BJP leader Wasim Bari, his father and brother in Bandipora district.

Police had blamed Lashkar-e-Toiba for the pre-planned killing.

Following the killing of BJP members, many political leaders and activists have demanded security particularly those who live in vulnerable areas.

Police have told WION that they are checking facts and details regarding the abduction.

Unidentified men have abducted a BJP member and Vice-President of Watergam Municipal Committee Meraj-ud-Din Malla in north Kashmir’s Sopore on Wednesday morning.

Unidentified men have abducted a BJP member and Vice-President of Watergam Municipal Committee Meraj-ud-Din Malla in north Kashmir’s Sopore on Wednesday morning. A massive manhunt has been launched to trace Malla. Police officials have confirmed deploying several rescue teams. The incident comes just days after terrorists killed BJP leader Wasim Bari, his father and brother in Bandipora district. Police had blamed Lashkar-e-Toiba for the pre-planned killing. Following the killing of BJP members, many political leaders and activists have demanded security particularly those who live in vulnerable areas. Police have told WION that they are checking facts and details regarding the abduction.

J&K BJP leader kidnapped in Baramulla; massive manhunt underway

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