Terror attack in the hinterland of&nbsp;India decreased in a major way, according to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mha-tweaks-travel-norms-indians-over-65-under-15-can-use-aadhaar-to-visit-nepal-bhutan-191575">ministry of home affairs (MHA)</a> data. The data was given by the&nbsp;minister of state in the ministry of home affairs Hansraj Ahir in a written statement in Parliament.&nbsp;

The MHA said in the last five years from 2014 to 2018, the hinterland of the&nbsp;country saw just six terror incidents, with three in 2014, one each in 2015, 2016, 2018 and none in 2017. The number of civilians and security personnel killed in terror attacks in the last five years was eleven each while terrorist killed were seven.&nbsp;

But the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pro-is-groups-may-be-encouraging-lone-wolf-attacks-in-kashmir-mha-sources-29986">situation deteriorated in Kashmir</a>. The number of terror attacks increased from 222 in 2014 to 614 in 2018 in which 138 civilians and 339 security personnel were killed. Kashmir saw 1,708 terror attacks in the last five years. The number of terrorists killed was 838.&nbsp;

Informing the Parliament on the measures taken by the government to check terrorism, Ahir said: "In order to avert terror incidents in the country, there exists close and effective coordination between intelligence and security agencies at the centre and the state level. The multi-agency centre (MAC) has been strengthened and re-organized to enable it to function on 24x7 basis for real-time collation and sharing of intelligence with other intelligence agencies and state governments"&nbsp;

He added, "states have also raised special forces to deal with terror incidents and central armed police forces and national security guards have also been stationed at different locations to assist the states in dealing with such incidents."&nbsp;

The number of left-wing extremist terror attacks in the last five years were 4,969 and saw a gradual decline from 1,091 in 2014 to 833 in 2018. The number of civilian deaths also declined due to left-wing extremism from 222 in 2014 to 173 in 2018 while left-wing extremist killed by security forces increased from 63 in 2014 to 225 in 2018.&nbsp;

North-east also saw a decrease in insurgency-related attacks from 824 in 2014 to 252 in 2018. The number of civilian death decreased from 212 in 2014 to 23 in 2018. Security forces who died fighting was 109 while 508 extremists were killed in the last five years.&nbsp;

Terror attack in the hinterland of India decreased in a major way, according to ministry of home affairs (MHA) data. The data was given by the minister of state in the ministry of home affairs Hansraj Ahir in a written statement in Parliament.

Terror attack in the hinterland of India decreased in a major way, according to ministry of home affairs (MHA) data. The data was given by the minister of state in the ministry of home affairs Hansraj Ahir in a written statement in Parliament. The MHA said in the last five years from 2014 to 2018, the hinterland of the country saw just six terror incidents, with three in 2014, one each in 2015, 2016, 2018 and none in 2017. The number of civilians and security personnel killed in terror attacks in the last five years was eleven each while terrorist killed were seven. But the situation deteriorated in Kashmir. The number of terror attacks increased from 222 in 2014 to 614 in 2018 in which 138 civilians and 339 security personnel were killed. Kashmir saw 1,708 terror attacks in the last five years. The number of terrorists killed was 838. Informing the Parliament on the measures taken by the government to check terrorism, Ahir said: "In order to avert terror incidents in the country, there exists close and effective coordination between intelligence and security agencies at the centre and the state level. The multi-agency centre (MAC) has been strengthened and re-organized to enable it to function on 24x7 basis for real-time collation and sharing of intelligence with other intelligence agencies and state governments" He added, "states have also raised special forces to deal with terror incidents and central armed police forces and national security guards have also been stationed at different locations to assist the states in dealing with such incidents." The number of left-wing extremist terror attacks in the last five years were 4,969 and saw a gradual decline from 1,091 in 2014 to 833 in 2018. The number of civilian deaths also declined due to left-wing extremism from 222 in 2014 to 173 in 2018 while left-wing extremist killed by security forces increased from 63 in 2014 to 225 in 2018. North-east also saw a decrease in insurgency-related attacks from 824 in 2014 to 252 in 2018. The number of civilian death decreased from 212 in 2014 to 23 in 2018. Security forces who died fighting was 109 while 508 extremists were killed in the last five years.

Terror attacks fell in the hinterland in last five years: Home Ministry to Parliament

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is getting ready for another spell of rain and snowfall after remaining dry for only some days. The harsh winter period called ‘Chilai Kalan’ has come to an end in the valley.&nbsp;

This winter season, the state witnessed more snowfall than usual. Also, early snowfall in the month of November caused damage to apple farms in particular.&nbsp;

“A fresh spell of rain and snowfall is expected from today up to 8th (Feb) morning. The system will move forward from North West to South East of J&amp;K. Again, Pir Panjal range from Bhaderwah to Baramulla will receive heavy rain, snow between 6th to 7th February,” said a Metrological Department official.&nbsp;

16 lives have already been lost due to avalanches in different parts of the state, besides the reports of damage to various properties.&nbsp;

The district administration has issued avalanche warnings for nine avalanche-prone districts.&nbsp;

Due to bad weather, the highway connecting Kashmir to the rest of the world has remained shut for days, causing inconvenience to commuters. The airfares to the state have already skyrocketed due to the closure of the highway.&nbsp;

On Sunday, J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik made an appeal to Prime Minister Modi to look into the issue of high airfare.

“In winter, airlines charge as much as 28,000 rupees for a ticket, similar to that of a return ticket to Dubai. I request you to look into the issue,” Malik told Modi.

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is getting ready for another spell of rain and snowfall after remaining dry for only some days. The harsh winter period called ‘Chilai Kalan’ has come to an end in the valley.

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is getting ready for another spell of rain and snowfall after remaining dry for only some days. The harsh winter period called ‘Chilai Kalan’ has come to an end in the valley. This winter season, the state witnessed more snowfall than usual. Also, early snowfall in the month of November caused damage to apple farms in particular. “A fresh spell of rain and snowfall is expected from today up to 8th (Feb) morning. The system will move forward from North West to South East of J&K. Again, Pir Panjal range from Bhaderwah to Baramulla will receive heavy rain, snow between 6th to 7th February,” said a Metrological Department official. 16 lives have already been lost due to avalanches in different parts of the state, besides the reports of damage to various properties. The district administration has issued avalanche warnings for nine avalanche-prone districts. Due to bad weather, the highway connecting Kashmir to the rest of the world has remained shut for days, causing inconvenience to commuters. The airfares to the state have already skyrocketed due to the closure of the highway. On Sunday, J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik made an appeal to Prime Minister Modi to look into the issue of high airfare. “In winter, airlines charge as much as 28,000 rupees for a ticket, similar to that of a return ticket to Dubai. I request you to look into the issue,” Malik told Modi.

Weather department predicts fresh snowfall in J&K, airfares to state skyrocket 

PM Narendra Modi visits J&K today, to inaugurate several projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever varsity in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu region has four universities besides an IIT and an IIMC, while the Kashmir Valley has three universities and a National Institute of Technology (NIT).

After the inauguration, Modi said Lakhah now has first cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi.

The university will have administrative offices in Leh and Kargil, he said.

On December 15, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had approved the establishment of the first university in the Ladakh region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever varsity in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu region has four universities besides an IIT and an IIMC, while the Kashmir Valley has three universities and a National Institute of Technology (NIT).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday launched the University of Ladakh, the first-ever varsity in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu region has four universities besides an IIT and an IIMC, while the Kashmir Valley has three universities and a National Institute of Technology (NIT). After the inauguration, Modi said Lakhah now has first cluster university comprising degree colleges of Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Zanskar, Drass and Khaltsi. The university will have administrative offices in Leh and Kargil, he said. On December 15, the Jammu and Kashmir administration had approved the establishment of the first university in the Ladakh region.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates first-ever university in Ladakh

The Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh arrived in the valley to review the security situation of the state. The visit of General has come as Indian army has killed several terrorists from the beginning of this year, mostly in south Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Indian army said that Ranbir Singh was briefed by the Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, on the major operational, informational, logistical and administrative aspects pertaining to the Corps and about the current situation including recent counter-terrorist operations.&nbsp;

“The Army Commander lauded the exemplary synergy amongst all security forces and complimented the troops for their relentless efforts and selfless service in bringing peace and tranquillity in the Valley,” the army said in a statement.

Ahead of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, sources had told WION that 15 cops chief lieutenant general AK Bhatt, will be replaced and KVS Dhillon, who is believed to be an “old hand” will hold the charge.&nbsp;

The Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh arrived in the valley to review the security situation of the state. The visit of General has come as Indian army has killed several terrorists from the beginning of this year, mostly in south Kashmir.

The Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh arrived in the valley to review the security situation of the state. The visit of General has come as Indian army has killed several terrorists from the beginning of this year, mostly in south Kashmir. The Indian army said that Ranbir Singh was briefed by the Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen AK Bhatt, on the major operational, informational, logistical and administrative aspects pertaining to the Corps and about the current situation including recent counter-terrorist operations. “The Army Commander lauded the exemplary synergy amongst all security forces and complimented the troops for their relentless efforts and selfless service in bringing peace and tranquillity in the Valley,” the army said in a statement. Ahead of elections in Jammu and Kashmir, sources had told WION that 15 cops chief lieutenant general AK Bhatt, will be replaced and KVS Dhillon, who is believed to be an “old hand” will hold the charge.

J&K: Northern army commander visits valley, reviews security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on February 3, amid questions over whether the Assembly elections in the centrally-ruled state will be held with the Lok Sabha polls due by May this year.

During the one-day visit, his fifth since becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi will travel to all the three regions of the state; Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu, sources told ANI.

He will lay foundation stones for a host of projects during the trip.

The significant projects include laying of foundation stones for the AIIMS - one each in Srinagar and Jammu, the sources said.

In Ladakh, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the work to expand Kushak Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh.

He will also inaugurate the Srinagar-Kargil Leh transmission line. He will also address public meetings.

The Prime Minister's visit will take place at a time when there are questions as to when the Assembly elections will be held in the state which doesn't have an elected government since June last year.

The Governor's rule was imposed in the state on June 19 last year after the PDP-BJP coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti collapsed.

Governor Satya Pal Malik placed the Assembly under suspended animation on June 19 and subsequently dissolved it on November 22, when efforts were being made by different political formations to cobble up a majority in the 87-member House.

On one hand, PDP, National Conference and Congress had joined hands to form the government, on the other hand, People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone also staked a claim to form the government, insisting that he had the requisite support.

Amid criticism, the Governor had justified the dissolution of the House, contending that there were apprehensions of horse trading.

Recently, in Parliament, Opposition parties had slammed the imposition of central rule in the state and questioned when Assembly elections would be held.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in his reply, said the central government was ready to hold Assembly elections in the state whenever the Election Commission wants.

He had said the Centre will make available the required strength of security forces and other resources whenever the polls are held. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on February 3, amid questions over whether the Assembly elections in the centrally-ruled state will be held with the Lok Sabha polls due by May this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a visit to Jammu and Kashmir on February 3, amid questions over whether the Assembly elections in the centrally-ruled state will be held with the Lok Sabha polls due by May this year. During the one-day visit, his fifth since becoming the Prime Minister in 2014, Modi will travel to all the three regions of the state; Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu, sources told ANI. He will lay foundation stones for a host of projects during the trip. The significant projects include laying of foundation stones for the AIIMS - one each in Srinagar and Jammu, the sources said. In Ladakh, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the work to expand Kushak Bakula Rinpoche Airport in Leh. He will also inaugurate the Srinagar-Kargil Leh transmission line. He will also address public meetings. The Prime Minister's visit will take place at a time when there are questions as to when the Assembly elections will be held in the state which doesn't have an elected government since June last year. The Governor's rule was imposed in the state on June 19 last year after the PDP-BJP coalition government led by Mehbooba Mufti collapsed. Governor Satya Pal Malik placed the Assembly under suspended animation on June 19 and subsequently dissolved it on November 22, when efforts were being made by different political formations to cobble up a majority in the 87-member House. On one hand, PDP, National Conference and Congress had joined hands to form the government, on the other hand, People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone also staked a claim to form the government, insisting that he had the requisite support. Amid criticism, the Governor had justified the dissolution of the House, contending that there were apprehensions of horse trading. Recently, in Parliament, Opposition parties had slammed the imposition of central rule in the state and questioned when Assembly elections would be held. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in his reply, said the central government was ready to hold Assembly elections in the state whenever the Election Commission wants. He had said the Centre will make available the required strength of security forces and other resources whenever the polls are held.

PM to visit Jammu and Kashmir on February 3 to launch several projects

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said.

"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arms fire and shelling with mortars in Sunderbani Sector since 0915 hours", the Defence PRO said.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire at four locations along the Line of Control in Poonch and Rajouri sector <a href="https://t.co/y2Jsuh8XmO">pic.twitter.com/y2Jsuh8XmO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1088314054677012481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Army is effectively retaliating.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army also targeted forward posts in Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Wednesday night, officials said.&nbsp;

Officials said the Pakistan Army is continuously firing 120 mm and 81 mm mortars when last reports came in.

The shelling and firing have triggered panic among border dwellers.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir had said on Thursday last that a befitting reply will be given to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said.

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arms fire and shelling with mortars in Sunderbani Sector since 0915 hours", the Defence PRO said. Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire at four locations along the Line of Control in Poonch and Rajouri sector pic.twitter.com/y2Jsuh8XmO — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2019 × The Indian Army is effectively retaliating. The Pakistan Army also targeted forward posts in Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Wednesday night, officials said. Officials said the Pakistan Army is continuously firing 120 mm and 81 mm mortars when last reports came in. The shelling and firing have triggered panic among border dwellers. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir had said on Thursday last that a befitting reply will be given to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.

Pakistan Army lobs mortars at forward posts in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday.

The&nbsp;encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Encounter underway between terrorists and security forces in Zinpanchal, Chari Sharief in Budgam district; 2 terrorists have been neutralised. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAnd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAnd</a> Kashmir (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/mKMJorc4IQ">pic.twitter.com/mKMJorc4IQ</a>
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The operation was launched&nbsp;in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added.

52 Rashtriya Rifles, Budgam police and CRPF personnel are involved in the operation against the terrorists.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday. The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday. The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation. #WATCH Encounter underway between terrorists and security forces in Zinpanchal, Chari Sharief in Budgam district; 2 terrorists have been neutralised. #JammuAnd Kashmir (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/mKMJorc4IQ — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added. 52 Rashtriya Rifles, Budgam police and CRPF personnel are involved in the operation against the terrorists. (With inputs from agencies)

2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district

Jammu and Kashmir government Saturday ordered an inquiry after a woman gave birth to a baby on a road as doctors at the Valley's premier maternity care hospital here allegedly refused her overnight stay at the medical facility.

The woman, a resident of Kupwara district of north Kashmir, delivered a baby girl on the road, but the family could not save the baby.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Khan, ordered an inquiry to ascertain the factual position after reports of denial of entry of a pregnant woman into Lal Ded Hospital came to the fore.&nbsp;

"A news item has been posted on the social media which reveals that a woman from remote area of Kupwara district was forced to deliver on the roadside after doctors of Government L D Hospital, Srinagar, the largest maternity care hospital in the valley, did not allow her to stay in the hospital for a night and did not admit her on Thursday," Khan said in the inquiry order.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir asked Principal/Dean, Government Medical College Srinagar to inquire into the matter and submit the report in two days.

"This news item needs a thorough enquiry to find out the factual position, so that appropriate action is taken against the concerned if found liable for such negligence/ act," the order read.

Khan asked the inquiry officer to treat the matter most urgent.

"You are accordingly directed to inquire into the matter and furnish the inquiry report along with your explicit comments within two days, treating the matter most urgent," the order said.

The relatives and neighbours of the woman held a protest march at Press Enclave here on Saturday, demanding action and doctors and hospital administration.

They also demanded the establishment of a maternity care hospital in Kupwara and accommodation at Srinagar for patients from such far-flung areas.

The incident happened on Thursday night after the woman from remote Moore village of Kalaroos area of Kupwara developed labour pain at her home earlier during the day.

A family member of the woman said she was taken to Kalaroos hospital on a cot by a few people as the road was not motorable because of snow.

"The doctors there referred her to Kupwara hospital, from where she was further referred to Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar," the family member said.

He said the woman was kept under observation for a few hours at Lal Ded hospital, after which the doctors there allegedly refused her an overnight stay at the hospital.

"We were told to leave the hospital. A doctor also misbehaved with us. After we left the hospital, she developed severe pain again and delivered a baby girl on the road. The new-born died immediately," the family member said.

Medical Superintendent, Lal Ded Hospital, Shabir Siddique said there were strict instructions to the doctors to keep patients from far-flung areas for an overnight stay at the hospital.

"We are ascertaining the facts. If there is any negligence, then we will take strict action," he added.

Meanwhile, mainstream politicians have demanded action against the doctors.

"I hope the state functionaries working under the command of @jandkgovernor take immediate action in this tragic case," National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah wrote on Twitter.

"Heart-wrenching that a pregnant woman was turned away from a hospital which ironically is named after the great Kashmiri mystic saint Lal Ded. She later gave birth to a stillborn in frigid temperatures. Cannot even begin to fathom the pain &amp; trauma the parents must feel," former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president G A Mir expressed serious concern over the incident and described it as shameful, deplorable and unfortunate.

Mir expressed hope the Governor-led state administration would take strong notice of the incident, reform the health sector in the state and ensure that no such incident happens in the future.

Former minister and Peoples Conference (PC) chairman Sajad Lone has also demanded action in the case.

"Woman gives birth on road. It is imperative that action is taken. Overall there is a dire need to reorient health devices to challenges of Today," Lone wrote on Twitter.

Divisional commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Khan, ordered an inquiry to ascertain the factual position after reports of denial of entry of a pregnant woman into Lal Ded Hospital came to the fore.

Jammu and Kashmir government Saturday ordered an inquiry after a woman gave birth to a baby on a road as doctors at the Valley's premier maternity care hospital here allegedly refused her overnight stay at the medical facility. The woman, a resident of Kupwara district of north Kashmir, delivered a baby girl on the road, but the family could not save the baby. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Khan, ordered an inquiry to ascertain the factual position after reports of denial of entry of a pregnant woman into Lal Ded Hospital came to the fore. "A news item has been posted on the social media which reveals that a woman from remote area of Kupwara district was forced to deliver on the roadside after doctors of Government L D Hospital, Srinagar, the largest maternity care hospital in the valley, did not allow her to stay in the hospital for a night and did not admit her on Thursday," Khan said in the inquiry order. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir asked Principal/Dean, Government Medical College Srinagar to inquire into the matter and submit the report in two days. "This news item needs a thorough enquiry to find out the factual position, so that appropriate action is taken against the concerned if found liable for such negligence/ act," the order read. Khan asked the inquiry officer to treat the matter most urgent. "You are accordingly directed to inquire into the matter and furnish the inquiry report along with your explicit comments within two days, treating the matter most urgent," the order said. The relatives and neighbours of the woman held a protest march at Press Enclave here on Saturday, demanding action and doctors and hospital administration. They also demanded the establishment of a maternity care hospital in Kupwara and accommodation at Srinagar for patients from such far-flung areas. The incident happened on Thursday night after the woman from remote Moore village of Kalaroos area of Kupwara developed labour pain at her home earlier during the day. A family member of the woman said she was taken to Kalaroos hospital on a cot by a few people as the road was not motorable because of snow. "The doctors there referred her to Kupwara hospital, from where she was further referred to Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar," the family member said. He said the woman was kept under observation for a few hours at Lal Ded hospital, after which the doctors there allegedly refused her an overnight stay at the hospital. "We were told to leave the hospital. A doctor also misbehaved with us. After we left the hospital, she developed severe pain again and delivered a baby girl on the road. The new-born died immediately," the family member said. Medical Superintendent, Lal Ded Hospital, Shabir Siddique said there were strict instructions to the doctors to keep patients from far-flung areas for an overnight stay at the hospital. "We are ascertaining the facts. If there is any negligence, then we will take strict action," he added. Meanwhile, mainstream politicians have demanded action against the doctors. "I hope the state functionaries working under the command of @jandkgovernor take immediate action in this tragic case," National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah wrote on Twitter. "Heart-wrenching that a pregnant woman was turned away from a hospital which ironically is named after the great Kashmiri mystic saint Lal Ded. She later gave birth to a stillborn in frigid temperatures. Cannot even begin to fathom the pain & trauma the parents must feel," former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president G A Mir expressed serious concern over the incident and described it as shameful, deplorable and unfortunate. Mir expressed hope the Governor-led state administration would take strong notice of the incident, reform the health sector in the state and ensure that no such incident happens in the future. Former minister and Peoples Conference (PC) chairman Sajad Lone has also demanded action in the case. "Woman gives birth on road. It is imperative that action is taken. Overall there is a dire need to reorient health devices to challenges of Today," Lone wrote on Twitter.

Woman gives birth on road in Srinagar after being refused by hospital, baby dies; probe ordered

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-my-request-to-all-please-do-not-make-evms-a-football-says-cec-sunil-arora-191353">EVM the "chor machine"</a> and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency.

Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom."

"The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-defers-west-bengal-campaign-amit-shah-to-address-rally-on-january-22-191322">He blamed the BJP</a> for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India.

"I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said.

Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill.

Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results.

"We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.&nbsp;

Farooq Abdullah blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah Saturday called the EVM the "chor machine" and demanded that the ballot paper system be brought back for the sake of transparency. Speaking at the united opposition rally organised by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, he said, "It is not the question of ousting any single person (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but of saving the country and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought for its freedom." "The EVM is chor machine. Honestly speaking, it is so. Its use must be put to an end. Nowhere in the world is the machine used. The opposition parties should approach the Election Commission and the President of India to stop the use of the EVM and bring back the old ballot papers for the sake of transparency," he said. He blamed the BJP for the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and said people are being divided on religious lines. "People are being branded as Pakistanis. But all people right from Ladakh to elsewhere want to continue in India. "I am a Muslim and I love India, my country," he said. Continuing his tirade against the BJP, he said it stood for the Triple Talaq Bill in Parliament but did not pass the Women's Reservation Bill. Urging for a united fight by opposition parties in the coming Lok Sabha election, he said the prime minister can be decided after the poll results. "We have to fight and oust BJP. We have to come together to put up a one-to-one fight against it. We should fight together to strengthen our country," he said and hoped the new government will take the country forward.

EVM is 'chor' machine: Farooq Abdullah at opposition rally in West Bengal

At least ten people are trapped in snow after an avalanche hit Khardung La pass, near Leh in Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K)

Four vehicles carrying the passengers have been trapped in snow as authorities have launched a rescue effort in the region.

J&amp;K had witnessed heavy snowfall including in Srinagar with Pahalgam which is a major tourist resort destination recording three centimetres of snow. In early January, an Army soldier was killed after an avalanche had hit Poonch.&nbsp;

High-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir had received heavy snowfall last week. The minimum temperature in Srinagar last Thursday was minus one degree celsius.

In other parts of Jammu region, Bhadarwah town in Doda district had emerged as the coldest recorded place with a low of minus 1.8 degrees celsius. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir had recorded a low of minus 1.2 degrees celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town had registered a low of minus 2.2 degrees celsius on last Thursday night.

The mercury in Kupwara town in north Kashmir had settled at a low of minus 0.6 degree celsius.

Most parts of Kashmir, including the plains had received fresh snowfall again last Friday resulting in the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

At least ten people are trapped in snow after an avalanche hit Khardung La pass, near Leh in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Four vehicles carrying the passengers have been trapped in snow as authorities have launched a rescue effort in the region.

At least ten people are trapped in snow after an avalanche hit Khardung La pass, near Leh in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) Four vehicles carrying the passengers have been trapped in snow as authorities have launched a rescue effort in the region. J&K had witnessed heavy snowfall including in Srinagar with Pahalgam which is a major tourist resort destination recording three centimetres of snow. In early January, an Army soldier was killed after an avalanche had hit Poonch. High-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir had received heavy snowfall last week. The minimum temperature in Srinagar last Thursday was minus one degree celsius. In other parts of Jammu region, Bhadarwah town in Doda district had emerged as the coldest recorded place with a low of minus 1.8 degrees celsius. Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir had recorded a low of minus 1.2 degrees celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town had registered a low of minus 2.2 degrees celsius on last Thursday night. The mercury in Kupwara town in north Kashmir had settled at a low of minus 0.6 degree celsius. Most parts of Kashmir, including the plains had received fresh snowfall again last Friday resulting in the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Watch: 10 trapped in cars after avalanche hits Khardung La pass near Leh in J&K

Political leaders come in all shapes and sizes. United States President Donald Trump was a real estate developer. Former British prime minister David Cameron was a public relations executive. And Iceland’s former prime minister Johanna Sigurdardottir was an airline stewardess.

So we shouldn’t dismiss Imran Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister, as a lightweight just because he was a cricketer. Khan’s background isn’t the problem. His credibility is. Shortly after being elected PM, Khan promised to build a ‘Naya Pakistan’. India has reacted cautiously. Old wine in a new bottle is the consensus.

Khan has done nothing to stop terrorist infiltration. His writ stops at the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s army generals are a law unto themselves. Though Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has declared that Islamabad wants peace with India, Pakistan’s rogue Border Action Team (BAT), acting under Bajwa’s overall command, continues to attack Indian targets in the Kashmir Valley.

The Indian Army is eliminating Pakistan-abetted terrorists at the rate of roughly one a day. Over 300 terrorists were killed in 2018, a 50 per cent increase over 2017. But the Indian Army estimates that 280-300 terrorists remain active in the Valley. More are being pushed in by the Pakistani Army across the LoC’s porous terrain of forests, rivers and hillocks.

There have, however, been notable changes. Ceasefire violations across the LoC have fallen significantly since May 2018 when the Pakistani Army, bludgeoned by Indian retaliatory mortar fire, sued for peace. The Indian Army, CRPF and J&amp;K police have meanwhile tightened the tourniquet around Pakistani terror modules in the Valley.

Ever since governor’s rule was imposed in June 2018, followed by President’s rule, Indian security forces have succeeded in targeting the leadership of several Pakistan-backed terror groups active in the Valley.

On former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s watch, the security forces often operated with one hand tied behind their backs. Mufti, along with the other dynast in the Valley, Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC), spoke from both corners of the mouth. In Delhi, they spoke of a robust anti-terror strategy. In Srinagar, they spoke the language of separatist appeasement.

It is telling that tourism is again flourishing in the Valley. Over 8 lakh tourists (including 50,000 foreign tourists) holidayed in Kashmir in 2018. The PDP-NC narrative that the Valley is in the throes of its worst crisis plays into the hands of Pakistan. The ISI funds stone-pelters, Hurriyat separatists and a hoary cabal of journalists, ex-army officers, former intelligence operatives and activists to further the narrative of Kashmir under military siege.

Part of the blame lies with the Indian government. Its Pakistan policy has oscillated from conciliatory in 2014 to intransigent in 2019. Is it though a propitious time now to change the status quoist strategy on Pakistan? The conventional wisdom is that nothing will change before the May 2019 Lok Sabha election. Imran Khan has said much the same. He could be wrong.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to make unpredictable policy moves. Pakistan is today in a particularly vulnerable position. Its treasury is bankrupt, kept afloat by loans from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China. Islamabad is under severe pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over terror financing and could be blacklisted in September 2019 when a final decision is taken by the Paris-based global anti-terror body.

In Afghanistan, meanwhile, the Taliban, Pakistan’s outsourced terror group to keep Kabul in Islamabad’s malign grip, has developed sub-Taliban groups. Many of these are outside the control of the main Taliban leadership. If the Taliban joins a “peace” coalition and the Afghan government following negotiations begin shepherded by the US, the sub-Taliban groups could attack the Pakistan State itself.

Khaled Ahmed of Newsweek Pakistan conceded in a recent column: “The mood in India is punitive. In contrast, the mood in Pakistan is cautiously submissive. For the Pakistan Army, some options are closing, especially one of “championing the Kashmir cause”, but it doesn’t know how to roll back the old agitprop. It is facing a new situation in next door Afghanistan, where India is now firmly entrenched. The Taliban is no longer willing to play ball, and is more inclined instead to listen to India and its patrons in the Gulf. A return to Taliban rule in Kabul will be dangerous for Pakistan because of its jihadi underground.”

Hemmed in on all sides, Pakistan is running out of options. It is an opportune moment for India to realign its Pakistan policy by continuing tough anti-terror operations in the Valley and talking directly to Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa. Talking to Imran Khan, who fantasises about fomenting trouble in Punjab through Khalistani separatists, is a waste of time.

Pakistan is a schizophrenic country. It wants trade with India but won’t grant it reciprocal MFN status. It wants talks with India without stopping abetment of terrorism against India.

Global think tanks project that India’s economy, already nearly 10 times as large as Pakistan’s, will within a few years put it in a different league, well out of Islamabad’s reach. Pakistan too has belatedly realised that its window to gain false equivalence with India will soon slam shut. India’s new policy to deal with ‘Naya Pakistan’ should be based on this hardnosed reality. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-calling-imran-khan-s-bluff-2708745">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Political leaders come in all shapes and sizes. United States President Donald Trump was a real estate developer. Former British prime minister David Cameron was a public relations executive.

Political leaders come in all shapes and sizes. United States President Donald Trump was a real estate developer. Former British prime minister David Cameron was a public relations executive. And Iceland’s former prime minister Johanna Sigurdardottir was an airline stewardess. So we shouldn’t dismiss Imran Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister, as a lightweight just because he was a cricketer. Khan’s background isn’t the problem. His credibility is. Shortly after being elected PM, Khan promised to build a ‘Naya Pakistan’. India has reacted cautiously. Old wine in a new bottle is the consensus. Khan has done nothing to stop terrorist infiltration. His writ stops at the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s army generals are a law unto themselves. Though Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has declared that Islamabad wants peace with India, Pakistan’s rogue Border Action Team (BAT), acting under Bajwa’s overall command, continues to attack Indian targets in the Kashmir Valley. The Indian Army is eliminating Pakistan-abetted terrorists at the rate of roughly one a day. Over 300 terrorists were killed in 2018, a 50 per cent increase over 2017. But the Indian Army estimates that 280-300 terrorists remain active in the Valley. More are being pushed in by the Pakistani Army across the LoC’s porous terrain of forests, rivers and hillocks. There have, however, been notable changes. Ceasefire violations across the LoC have fallen significantly since May 2018 when the Pakistani Army, bludgeoned by Indian retaliatory mortar fire, sued for peace. The Indian Army, CRPF and J&K police have meanwhile tightened the tourniquet around Pakistani terror modules in the Valley. Ever since governor’s rule was imposed in June 2018, followed by President’s rule, Indian security forces have succeeded in targeting the leadership of several Pakistan-backed terror groups active in the Valley. On former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s watch, the security forces often operated with one hand tied behind their backs. Mufti, along with the other dynast in the Valley, Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC), spoke from both corners of the mouth. In Delhi, they spoke of a robust anti-terror strategy. In Srinagar, they spoke the language of separatist appeasement. It is telling that tourism is again flourishing in the Valley. Over 8 lakh tourists (including 50,000 foreign tourists) holidayed in Kashmir in 2018. The PDP-NC narrative that the Valley is in the throes of its worst crisis plays into the hands of Pakistan. The ISI funds stone-pelters, Hurriyat separatists and a hoary cabal of journalists, ex-army officers, former intelligence operatives and activists to further the narrative of Kashmir under military siege. Part of the blame lies with the Indian government. Its Pakistan policy has oscillated from conciliatory in 2014 to intransigent in 2019. Is it though a propitious time now to change the status quoist strategy on Pakistan? The conventional wisdom is that nothing will change before the May 2019 Lok Sabha election. Imran Khan has said much the same. He could be wrong. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to make unpredictable policy moves. Pakistan is today in a particularly vulnerable position. Its treasury is bankrupt, kept afloat by loans from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China. Islamabad is under severe pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over terror financing and could be blacklisted in September 2019 when a final decision is taken by the Paris-based global anti-terror body. In Afghanistan, meanwhile, the Taliban, Pakistan’s outsourced terror group to keep Kabul in Islamabad’s malign grip, has developed sub-Taliban groups. Many of these are outside the control of the main Taliban leadership. If the Taliban joins a “peace” coalition and the Afghan government following negotiations begin shepherded by the US, the sub-Taliban groups could attack the Pakistan State itself. Khaled Ahmed of Newsweek Pakistan conceded in a recent column: “The mood in India is punitive. In contrast, the mood in Pakistan is cautiously submissive. For the Pakistan Army, some options are closing, especially one of “championing the Kashmir cause”, but it doesn’t know how to roll back the old agitprop. It is facing a new situation in next door Afghanistan, where India is now firmly entrenched. The Taliban is no longer willing to play ball, and is more inclined instead to listen to India and its patrons in the Gulf. A return to Taliban rule in Kabul will be dangerous for Pakistan because of its jihadi underground.” Hemmed in on all sides, Pakistan is running out of options. It is an opportune moment for India to realign its Pakistan policy by continuing tough anti-terror operations in the Valley and talking directly to Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa. Talking to Imran Khan, who fantasises about fomenting trouble in Punjab through Khalistani separatists, is a waste of time. Pakistan is a schizophrenic country. It wants trade with India but won’t grant it reciprocal MFN status. It wants talks with India without stopping abetment of terrorism against India. Global think tanks project that India’s economy, already nearly 10 times as large as Pakistan’s, will within a few years put it in a different league, well out of Islamabad’s reach. Pakistan too has belatedly realised that its window to gain false equivalence with India will soon slam shut. India’s new policy to deal with ‘Naya Pakistan’ should be based on this hardnosed reality. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Calling Imran Khan’s bluff: India needs to realign its Pakistan policy

Terming local militants as 'sons of soil', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gun culture".

"Right now, talks should be held with Pakistan and separatists. Similarly, the militant leadership should also be talked to as it is they who have the guns and only they can end the gun culture," she told reporters in Anantnag after a party function.

"I believe at some stage, talks will have to be held with Hurriyat Conference and militants as well," she said.

The former chief minister, however, said it was "too early (for talks with militants)".&nbsp;

Mehbooba said local militants should be prevented from walking on the path of violence.&nbsp;

"Right from the time I came into politics in 1996, I have been saying that local militants are sons of the soil and our maximum efforts should be to save them because they are assets.&nbsp;

"If an encounter breaks out, the two people (militants and security forces) come face to face and no one can do anything about it then," she said.&nbsp;

The PDP president had on Monday questioned the timing of filing of charge sheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case, in which seven Kashmiris have been named, saying the students were being used to score political points ahead of Lok Sabha elections.

"No surprises here. We are months away from the 2019 general election and like always, using Kashmiris to score extra political points with the Indian electorate has become somewhat of a pre-requisite," she had said in a series of tweets.

"Timing of the charge sheet couldn't be any more suspicious. When UPA was in power, it decided to send Afzal Guru to the gallows and to this day, J&amp;K is paying a price," she said. 
&nbsp;

Terming local militants as 'sons of soil', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gun culture".

Terming local militants as 'sons of soil', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gun culture". "Right now, talks should be held with Pakistan and separatists. Similarly, the militant leadership should also be talked to as it is they who have the guns and only they can end the gun culture," she told reporters in Anantnag after a party function. "I believe at some stage, talks will have to be held with Hurriyat Conference and militants as well," she said. The former chief minister, however, said it was "too early (for talks with militants)". Mehbooba said local militants should be prevented from walking on the path of violence. "Right from the time I came into politics in 1996, I have been saying that local militants are sons of the soil and our maximum efforts should be to save them because they are assets. "If an encounter breaks out, the two people (militants and security forces) come face to face and no one can do anything about it then," she said. The PDP president had on Monday questioned the timing of filing of charge sheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case, in which seven Kashmiris have been named, saying the students were being used to score political points ahead of Lok Sabha elections. "No surprises here. We are months away from the 2019 general election and like always, using Kashmiris to score extra political points with the Indian electorate has become somewhat of a pre-requisite," she had said in a series of tweets. "Timing of the charge sheet couldn't be any more suspicious. When UPA was in power, it decided to send Afzal Guru to the gallows and to this day, J&K is paying a price," she said.

Mehbooba asks Centre to engage J&K militant leadership

Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-ready-to-hold-assembly-polls-in-jammu-kashmir-rajnath-singh-186991">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> said here on Monday.

He was talking to media persons after inaugurating the administrative building, residential block and officers' mess at the SSB sector headquarters here.

"Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by neighbouring Pakistan. However, the Army, the CRPF, the J&amp;K police, and intelligence bureau men are acting in better coordination," he said.

Speaking about Naxal incidents, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajanath-singh-inaugurates-over-150-projects-in-lucknow-186494">the home minister said</a> they had dropped by 50 per cent during the last four years.

Extremist violence in northeastern areas saw a decline of 80 per cent, Singh said.

Lauding improvements made on the internal security front, he said, "No major terrorist incident had taken place in India during the last four-and-a-half years (of the Narendra Modi government)."

Singh said the country's economy today was counted as the world's fastest growing.

"By 2030, the Indian economy would rank among top three economies of the world," he said.

"The Modi government has launched the world's largest universal health care scheme Ayushmaan Bharat which has benefitted 7.5 lakh people so far," Singh said.&nbsp;

'By 2030, the Indian economy would rank among top three economies of the world,' Rajnath Singh said.

Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by Pakistan, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Monday. He was talking to media persons after inaugurating the administrative building, residential block and officers' mess at the SSB sector headquarters here. "Kashmir is still a challenge due to destabilising activities by neighbouring Pakistan. However, the Army, the CRPF, the J&K police, and intelligence bureau men are acting in better coordination," he said. Speaking about Naxal incidents, the home minister said they had dropped by 50 per cent during the last four years. Extremist violence in northeastern areas saw a decline of 80 per cent, Singh said. Lauding improvements made on the internal security front, he said, "No major terrorist incident had taken place in India during the last four-and-a-half years (of the Narendra Modi government)." Singh said the country's economy today was counted as the world's fastest growing. "By 2030, the Indian economy would rank among top three economies of the world," he said. "The Modi government has launched the world's largest universal health care scheme Ayushmaan Bharat which has benefitted 7.5 lakh people so far," Singh said.

Kashmir still a challenge due to Pakistan's destabilising activities: Rajnath Singh

Asserting that terrorism is becoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-another-surgical-strike-action-army-chief-bipin-rawat-167735">a new form of warfare</a>, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy.

Rawat, speaking at a panel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-has-taken-right-decision-army-chief-bipin-rawat-india-cancelling-indo-pak-talks">discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi</a>, also said that there was a need to control social media as it was becoming a source of spreading radicalisation.

He said a different kind of radicalisation was being witnessed in India and in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth were getting radicalised due to a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and a lot of falsehoods on religion being fed to them.

"That is why you find more and more educated youth being drawn into terrorism," he said.

Terrorism is here to stay as long as there are nations that continue to sponsor it as a state policy, Rawat said, without naming Pakistan.

"Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare. A weaker nation is using terrorists as proxy to put pressure on another nation to come to terms with it," he said.

The phenomenon of terrorism is now spreading its head like a multi-headed monster, Rawat said.

On the Afghan peace process, he said there should be negotiations with the Taliban, but without conditions.

He also asserted that Pakistan has always kept the Taliban in its backyard and should be concerned about it.

Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy.

Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy. Rawat, speaking at a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, also said that there was a need to control social media as it was becoming a source of spreading radicalisation. He said a different kind of radicalisation was being witnessed in India and in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth were getting radicalised due to a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and a lot of falsehoods on religion being fed to them. "That is why you find more and more educated youth being drawn into terrorism," he said. Terrorism is here to stay as long as there are nations that continue to sponsor it as a state policy, Rawat said, without naming Pakistan. "Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare. A weaker nation is using terrorists as proxy to put pressure on another nation to come to terms with it," he said. The phenomenon of terrorism is now spreading its head like a multi-headed monster, Rawat said. On the Afghan peace process, he said there should be negotiations with the Taliban, but without conditions. He also asserted that Pakistan has always kept the Taliban in its backyard and should be concerned about it.

Terrorism becoming new form of warfare, says Army chief Bipin Rawat

The Pakistani army fired on forward posts along the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-along-loc-in-poonch-188363"> LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district</a> on Tuesday, the fifth ceasefire violation in a week, officials said.

Pakistani troops resorted to small arms firing on the forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector's Gulpur and Khadi Karmara areas, they said.

Indian troops have retaliated strongly, the officials said.

On Saturday, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling and firing along the LoC in the Mankote, Khadi Karmara, and Gulpur areas.&nbsp;

Ceasefire violations were also reported on Thursday, Wednesday and Tuesday from the Poonch sector.

Last year saw the highest number of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years. In total, 2,936 incidents were reported.

Ceasefire violations were also reported on Thursday, Wednesday and Tuesday from the Poonch sector.

The Pakistani army fired on forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Tuesday, the fifth ceasefire violation in a week, officials said. Pakistani troops resorted to small arms firing on the forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector's Gulpur and Khadi Karmara areas, they said. Indian troops have retaliated strongly, the officials said. On Saturday, Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling and firing along the LoC in the Mankote, Khadi Karmara, and Gulpur areas. Ceasefire violations were also reported on Thursday, Wednesday and Tuesday from the Poonch sector. Last year saw the highest number of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years. In total, 2,936 incidents were reported.

Pakistan violates ceasefire for fifth time in 1 week, fires on J&K border posts

Turkey on Friday said the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the UN resolutions, after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Turkish stand appeared in a joint statement issued at the end of a two-day visit by Imran Khan to Turkey on the invitation of Erdogan.

Khan's meeting with Erdogan was followed by delegation-level talks. The two leaders expressed a commitment to further enhance bilateral relations in all fields, according to the joint statement shared with the media by Khan's office in Islamabad.

The statement said the two countries "underscored the need for resolution of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions".

India has maintained that Kashmir is a bilateral issue with Pakistan and that third parties have no role in it.

Khan and Erdogan also "recognised Turkish support for Pakistan's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers' Group based on non-discriminatory criteria, and reaffirmed that Pakistan's adherence to the NSG guidelines and participation in the NSG would strengthen global non-proliferation objectives".

The two nations acknowledged that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan could be achieved through reconciliation of all segments of Afghan society with support of regional countries and the international community.

They noted their expanding defence cooperation and expressed their resolve to further strengthening the existing economic, trade and commercial relations.

The two countries called on the international community to support the Palestinian people in realising their quest for an independent and sovereign state of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.

Turkey on Friday said the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the UN resolutions, after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey on Friday said the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the UN resolutions, after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Turkish stand appeared in a joint statement issued at the end of a two-day visit by Imran Khan to Turkey on the invitation of Erdogan. Khan's meeting with Erdogan was followed by delegation-level talks. The two leaders expressed a commitment to further enhance bilateral relations in all fields, according to the joint statement shared with the media by Khan's office in Islamabad. The statement said the two countries "underscored the need for resolution of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir through a sustained dialogue process and in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions". India has maintained that Kashmir is a bilateral issue with Pakistan and that third parties have no role in it. Khan and Erdogan also "recognised Turkish support for Pakistan's membership in the Nuclear Suppliers' Group based on non-discriminatory criteria, and reaffirmed that Pakistan's adherence to the NSG guidelines and participation in the NSG would strengthen global non-proliferation objectives". The two nations acknowledged that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan could be achieved through reconciliation of all segments of Afghan society with support of regional countries and the international community. They noted their expanding defence cooperation and expressed their resolve to further strengthening the existing economic, trade and commercial relations. The two countries called on the international community to support the Palestinian people in realising their quest for an independent and sovereign state of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.

Resolve Kashmir according to UN resolutions: Turkey

Terming the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-till-january-2-opposition-stalls-triple-talaq-bill-187516">triple talaq bill</a> as an "assault" on Muslim families, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked the Centre to desist from interfering in the religious affairs of the community.

Her comments came on the day when the contentious Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, which seeks to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among the community, was tabled in the Rajya Sabha.

However, the Upper House of Parliament failed to initiate a discussion on the bill, with a united opposition led by the Congress demanding that the draft law be sent to a select committee for scrutiny.

"As a Muslim and a woman who has gone through a broken marriage, I thought it is my duty to speak when there is an assault on the family structure of Muslims," Mufti told reporters here.

She said Muslims take pride in their family structure which is very strong and accused the Centre of trying to disturb the community through the bill.

"Our family structure is very strong. But unfortunately, after the economic onslaught on Muslims through curbs on meat and leather, now they (Centre) have entered our homes through the triple talaq bill, which would not only disturb our family life, but also put our women into economic distress," the People's Democratic Party (PDP) president said.

Mufti said while deserting a woman was very wrong, marriage is a contract between two people.

"If two people do not want to live together, they can live apart through consensus. The biggest challenge that a woman faces after her marriage breaks is economic," she said.

She alleged that while the BJP rejected reservation for Muslims in education and jobs, it chose to go ahead with a law like this, which is also based on religious lines.

"The Supreme Court has already ruled (that) it (practice of triple talaq) (is) invalid and Islam also rejects it, but despite that they went ahead with it (triple talaq bill)," she added.

The PDP chief called for a consensus over the issue.

"Democracy is not run through brute majority, it is about consensus. BJP claims (its motto is) 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', but by bringing such a bill, which would create division in Muslim families, they are doing everything wrong," Mufti said.

She said Jammu and Kashmir, despite being a Muslim-majority state, had aligned with Mahatma Gandhi's secular India.

"However, by acts like changing names of cities or islands, distorting history and banning beef and leather, and now this onslaught, I want to tell the Centre that you are not doing any service either to India or the Hindus. We do not want to create Zia-ul-Haq's Pakistan in Gandhi's India," she said, referring to the Pakistani dictator and former president.

Mufti warned that there would be "consequences in the future" if the Centre did not stop interfering in the religious affairs of Muslims.

"What message are you giving to 25 crore Muslims in the country. I do not think this is the legacy of Vajpayee whose statue they (BJP) want to build," she said.&nbsp;

Terming the triple talaq bill as an "assault" on Muslim families, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked the Centre to desist from interfering in the religious affairs of the community.

Terming the triple talaq bill as an "assault" on Muslim families, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked the Centre to desist from interfering in the religious affairs of the community. Her comments came on the day when the contentious Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, which seeks to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among the community, was tabled in the Rajya Sabha. However, the Upper House of Parliament failed to initiate a discussion on the bill, with a united opposition led by the Congress demanding that the draft law be sent to a select committee for scrutiny. "As a Muslim and a woman who has gone through a broken marriage, I thought it is my duty to speak when there is an assault on the family structure of Muslims," Mufti told reporters here. She said Muslims take pride in their family structure which is very strong and accused the Centre of trying to disturb the community through the bill. "Our family structure is very strong. But unfortunately, after the economic onslaught on Muslims through curbs on meat and leather, now they (Centre) have entered our homes through the triple talaq bill, which would not only disturb our family life, but also put our women into economic distress," the People's Democratic Party (PDP) president said. Mufti said while deserting a woman was very wrong, marriage is a contract between two people. "If two people do not want to live together, they can live apart through consensus. The biggest challenge that a woman faces after her marriage breaks is economic," she said. She alleged that while the BJP rejected reservation for Muslims in education and jobs, it chose to go ahead with a law like this, which is also based on religious lines. "The Supreme Court has already ruled (that) it (practice of triple talaq) (is) invalid and Islam also rejects it, but despite that they went ahead with it (triple talaq bill)," she added. The PDP chief called for a consensus over the issue. "Democracy is not run through brute majority, it is about consensus. BJP claims (its motto is) 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', but by bringing such a bill, which would create division in Muslim families, they are doing everything wrong," Mufti said. She said Jammu and Kashmir, despite being a Muslim-majority state, had aligned with Mahatma Gandhi's secular India. "However, by acts like changing names of cities or islands, distorting history and banning beef and leather, and now this onslaught, I want to tell the Centre that you are not doing any service either to India or the Hindus. We do not want to create Zia-ul-Haq's Pakistan in Gandhi's India," she said, referring to the Pakistani dictator and former president. Mufti warned that there would be "consequences in the future" if the Centre did not stop interfering in the religious affairs of Muslims. "What message are you giving to 25 crore Muslims in the country. I do not think this is the legacy of Vajpayee whose statue they (BJP) want to build," she said.

Mehbooba Mufti warns Centre against interfering in Muslims' religious affairs

A group of young boys and girls in Jammu and Kashmir have turned a wall into 'Wall of Kindness' where people can hang their warm clothes for those in need.&nbsp;

Taking a cue from philanthropists in Iran and Turkey, the aim of the project is to provide relief to needy people of the state in the bone-chilling winters.

The sub-zero temperature in the mountainous state has frozen almost everything but this initiative is spreading warmth. The 'Wall of Kindness'&nbsp;is helping the poor and needy to survive in the biting cold winter.

Situated at the British-era boulevard, the wall has been painted by a non-governmental organisation where people can hang their clothes without being noticed.&nbsp;In the valley, many people have come forward with their clothes to help the needy in the freezing cold. State administration has also helped these people in getting the desired spaces for the wall.&nbsp;

<img alt="Wall of Kindness" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2de1f75-867d-476e-b3d7-60a62db3046b" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_4.jpg" />

The initiative has been started by an NGO 'Who is Hussain’ which has almost two dozen volunteers including students and young professionals.

"The main idea was to help the people. We identified a wall where people can come and donate and at the same time, people who need can take them without being identified," a volunteer associated with the NGO said.

These volunteers now aim to expand the project to other areas as well. They say that they are already in the process of identifying spots where similar walls could be started. The move is being hailed by several people in the state.

A local resident said, "This is a very good step. This will help people in minus temperature, poor people will be benefited from this move. This has happened in foreign countries as well, I am happy that it has come to Kashmir, I urge people to donate extra clothes."

The initiative was initially started for the homeless people of Mashhad in Iran. Soon the practice spread throughout the country with a motto 'leave if you do not need'. Since then, the movement has spread to many other countries including China, Pakistan and Italy.&nbsp;

A group of young boys and girls in Jammu and Kashmir have turned a wall into 'Wall of Kindness' where people can hang their warm clothes for those in need. Taking a cue from philanthropists in Iran and Turkey, the aim of the project is to provide relief to needy people of the state in the bone-chilling winters.

A group of young boys and girls in Jammu and Kashmir have turned a wall into 'Wall of Kindness' where people can hang their warm clothes for those in need. Taking a cue from philanthropists in Iran and Turkey, the aim of the project is to provide relief to needy people of the state in the bone-chilling winters. The sub-zero temperature in the mountainous state has frozen almost everything but this initiative is spreading warmth. The 'Wall of Kindness' is helping the poor and needy to survive in the biting cold winter. Situated at the British-era boulevard, the wall has been painted by a non-governmental organisation where people can hang their clothes without being noticed. In the valley, many people have come forward with their clothes to help the needy in the freezing cold. State administration has also helped these people in getting the desired spaces for the wall. The initiative has been started by an NGO 'Who is Hussain’ which has almost two dozen volunteers including students and young professionals. "The main idea was to help the people. We identified a wall where people can come and donate and at the same time, people who need can take them without being identified," a volunteer associated with the NGO said. These volunteers now aim to expand the project to other areas as well. They say that they are already in the process of identifying spots where similar walls could be started. The move is being hailed by several people in the state. A local resident said, "This is a very good step. This will help people in minus temperature, poor people will be benefited from this move. This has happened in foreign countries as well, I am happy that it has come to Kashmir, I urge people to donate extra clothes." The initiative was initially started for the homeless people of Mashhad in Iran. Soon the practice spread throughout the country with a motto 'leave if you do not need'. Since then, the movement has spread to many other countries including China, Pakistan and Italy.

'Wall of Kindness' warms up Jammu and Kashmir

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night.

However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season.

He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night.

The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said.

He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir.

The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).

However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November.

The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley.

The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly.

The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday.

There was a slight respite from the intense cold conditions at most places in Kashmir Valley even as Leh and Kargil in Ladakh region of the state experienced the coldest night of the season, the MET office said on Saturday. The night temperature rose slightly across the valley, except in Kokernag, providing some relief to residents. However, the mercury went down in Ladakh region of the state, an official of the MET Office here said. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, which had experienced the coldest December night in nearly three decades on the previous night at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, saw the mercury rise half-a-degree to settle at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius last night. However, the official said the night temperature in the city was still over five degrees below normal for this time of the season. He said Qazigund- the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, up from minus 6.7 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius last night up from minus 9.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The official said the ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 7 degrees Celsius, an increase of over two degrees from minus 9.3 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kokernag town in south Kashmir was the only place in the valley where the night temperature dropped last night. The town registered a low of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius as against minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on the previous night. The night temperature in Leh town in Ladakh region of the state dropped over two degrees from the previous night's minus 15.1 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 17.5 degrees Celsius last night, the official said. He said last night was the coldest night of the season so far there and Leh was the coldest recorded place in Jammu and Kashmir. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 16.7 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding last night was the coldest night of the season so far there. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November. The intense cold wave has resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes in most areas of the city and other towns of the valley. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly. The weatherman has predicted light rain or snowfall at isolated places in the valley and Ladakh region on Sunday and at scattered places across the state next week.

J&K: Leh, Kargil experience coldest night of season

Four&nbsp;terrorists were killed in the encounter that broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday morning.

The encounter started in Rajpora area of Pulwama after the police&nbsp;launched a search operation in the region to track the terrorists.

The search operation was initiated on specific&nbsp;inputs received about the presence of militants in Hanjan area of Pulwama.

The police have also recovered arms and ammunition from the deceased terrorists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Four terrorists have been killed.Arms and ammunition recovered <a href="https://t.co/23BX6oZUie">https://t.co/23BX6oZUie</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078889604680429569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A gun&nbsp;battle also broke out&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Wagoora area of Nowgam on the outskirts of Srinagar city in the early hours&nbsp;of Saturday morning.

Considering the security of civilians, the area had&nbsp;been cordoned off.

(With inputs from ANI)

Four terrorists were killed in the encounter that broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday morning. The encounter started in Rajpora area of Pulwama after the police launched a search operation in the region to track the terrorists.

Four terrorists were killed in the encounter that broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Saturday morning. The encounter started in Rajpora area of Pulwama after the police launched a search operation in the region to track the terrorists. The search operation was initiated on specific inputs received about the presence of militants in Hanjan area of Pulwama. The police have also recovered arms and ammunition from the deceased terrorists. #UPDATE Four terrorists have been killed.Arms and ammunition recovered https://t.co/23BX6oZUie — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2018 × A gun battle also broke out in the Wagoora area of Nowgam on the outskirts of Srinagar city in the early hours of Saturday morning. Considering the security of civilians, the area had been cordoned off. (With inputs from ANI)

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

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

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

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

J&K: 1 terrorist killed in encounter in Pulwama

Asserting that India should adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to tackle the Kashmir issue, former DGP of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-farooq-abdullah-over-promising-regional-autonomy-in-jammu-kashmir-if-his-party-comes-to-power-185789">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</a> K Rajendra Kumar has said the US pulling out troops from Afghanistan will have implications in the Valley and terrorist outfits may feel emboldened.

Kumar was delivering the Lalitaditya Memorial Lecture in Pune, organised by Sarhad organisation. During his speech, he also said that there is a need to send a stern <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-raised-kashmir-issue-with-un-chief-says-un-spokesman-185764">message to Pakistan </a>for its support to militancy.

"A stern message needs to be sent to Pakistan in terms of retaliation. We need to make it more costly for Pakistan because today Pakistan is not feeling the pinch it should feel," said Kumar.

He said India should deal strongly with Pakistan as far as training camps and terrorist launchpads are concerned.

"Now USA is existing Afghanistan. It has its implications in Kashmir. It is a matter of time that we will be feeling its implications in the Valley. After the US withdrawal, the terrorists organisations would feel pumped up, emboldened," he said.

Seeing America's withdrawal as a "sign of victory", terrorist outfits can feel that New Delhi can also be defeated, so there is an urgent need for India to adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to deal with terrorism in Kashmir, he asserted.

The US is planning to withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. The American troops contribute to training and advising local forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State group.

Underlying Pakistan's active role in spreading terrorism in the Valley, the former IPS officer said Pakistan is not only sponsoring terrorism but also sending its nationals to Kashmir in the garb of fighting jihad.

"No matter which government is in power, Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism in the Valley," he said.

He said militancy in Kashmir started with local terrorist organisations but now it is tilting towards Islamic extremism.

"The Valley has a rich history of Sufism but over the years it has moved towards Wahabism," he said, adding that efforts should be made to take Kashmir back to Sufism.

Suggesting measures, he said the state needs stringent laws to deal with anti-national forces, a concrete policy to encourage youths to give up militancy.

The surrender policy must ensure that youth who give up militancy are gainfully employed and discouraged from returning to the menace, he said.&nbsp;

He also called for political outreach and empowerment of the civil society.

He said social media has played a destructive role in inciting sentiments of the youth.

Asserting that India should adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to tackle the Kashmir issue, former DGP of Jammu & Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar has said the US pulling out troops from Afghanistan will have implications in the Valley and terrorist outfits may feel emboldened.

Asserting that India should adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to tackle the Kashmir issue, former DGP of Jammu & Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar has said the US pulling out troops from Afghanistan will have implications in the Valley and terrorist outfits may feel emboldened. Kumar was delivering the Lalitaditya Memorial Lecture in Pune, organised by Sarhad organisation. During his speech, he also said that there is a need to send a stern message to Pakistan for its support to militancy. "A stern message needs to be sent to Pakistan in terms of retaliation. We need to make it more costly for Pakistan because today Pakistan is not feeling the pinch it should feel," said Kumar. He said India should deal strongly with Pakistan as far as training camps and terrorist launchpads are concerned. "Now USA is existing Afghanistan. It has its implications in Kashmir. It is a matter of time that we will be feeling its implications in the Valley. After the US withdrawal, the terrorists organisations would feel pumped up, emboldened," he said. Seeing America's withdrawal as a "sign of victory", terrorist outfits can feel that New Delhi can also be defeated, so there is an urgent need for India to adopt a "clear-cut roadmap" to deal with terrorism in Kashmir, he asserted. The US is planning to withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan. The American troops contribute to training and advising local forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State group. Underlying Pakistan's active role in spreading terrorism in the Valley, the former IPS officer said Pakistan is not only sponsoring terrorism but also sending its nationals to Kashmir in the garb of fighting jihad. "No matter which government is in power, Pakistan continues to sponsor terrorism in the Valley," he said. He said militancy in Kashmir started with local terrorist organisations but now it is tilting towards Islamic extremism. "The Valley has a rich history of Sufism but over the years it has moved towards Wahabism," he said, adding that efforts should be made to take Kashmir back to Sufism. Suggesting measures, he said the state needs stringent laws to deal with anti-national forces, a concrete policy to encourage youths to give up militancy. The surrender policy must ensure that youth who give up militancy are gainfully employed and discouraged from returning to the menace, he said. He also called for political outreach and empowerment of the civil society. He said social media has played a destructive role in inciting sentiments of the youth.

US withdrawal from Afghanistan will have implications in Kashmir: Former J&K DGP K Rajendra Kumar

An encounter broke out on Saturday between militants and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said as the forces were conducting searches, militants fired upon them, triggering the encounter.

The gunfight is underway and further details are awaited, he said.

An encounter broke out on Saturday between militants and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

An encounter broke out on Saturday between militants and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Arampora village in Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district this morning following specific intelligence input about the presence of militants there, a police official said. He said as the forces were conducting searches, militants fired upon them, triggering the encounter. The gunfight is underway and further details are awaited, he said.

J&K: Encounter breaks out between terrorists, security forces in Pulwana district

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

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

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

President's rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

J&K: Three terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter; one soldier martyred

Three terrorists, one Army jawan and eight civilians were killed in an encounter in Kharpora Sirnoo village of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.&nbsp;

The incident took place at Sirnoo village in the morning when the security forces laid siege to a locality based on intelligence reports about the presence of three terrorists, including an Army deserter - Zahoor Ahmad Thoker, in the area, police officials said.

Thoker had gone missing from an Army unit in the Gantmulla area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district in July last year.

He had decamped with his service rifle and three magazines and had joined the terrorist&nbsp;ranks.

The security forces said Thoker was involved in several killings in J&amp;K.

The identities of two other terrorists were being ascertained.

The officials said an army jawan lost his life in the gunfight, while two other soldiers were critical.

Authorities have imposed curfew in Pulwama town and have deployed high security to maintain law and order in the wake of the civilian deaths.

Mobile internet services were suspended in the district while rail services between the Kashmir Valley and Bannihal town in the Jammu region were cancelled. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

Three terrorists, one Army jawan and eight civilians were killed in an encounter in Kharpora Sirnoo village of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

Three terrorists, one Army jawan and eight civilians were killed in an encounter in Kharpora Sirnoo village of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The incident took place at Sirnoo village in the morning when the security forces laid siege to a locality based on intelligence reports about the presence of three terrorists, including an Army deserter - Zahoor Ahmad Thoker, in the area, police officials said. Thoker had gone missing from an Army unit in the Gantmulla area of north Kashmir's Baramulla district in July last year. He had decamped with his service rifle and three magazines and had joined the terrorist ranks. The security forces said Thoker was involved in several killings in J&K. The identities of two other terrorists were being ascertained. The officials said an army jawan lost his life in the gunfight, while two other soldiers were critical. Authorities have imposed curfew in Pulwama town and have deployed high security to maintain law and order in the wake of the civilian deaths. Mobile internet services were suspended in the district while rail services between the Kashmir Valley and Bannihal town in the Jammu region were cancelled. (With inputs from PTI)

Pulwama encounter: 8 civilians, 3 terrorists and one soldier among 12 dead

Security forces killed three militants Sunday on the outskirts of Srinagar — the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir — during an encounter, the Army said.

“Three terrorists have been killed in the Mujgund operation,” an Army official said.

He said weapons have been recovered from the site of encounter.

Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation near Srinagar-Bandipora road in Mujgund area on the outskirts of the city here Saturday evening.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Three terrorists have been neutralied in Mujgund encounter in Srinagar. 5 security personnel have been injured. Weapons and other warlike stores have been recovered. Search operation is underway. (visuals deferred by unspecified time). <a href="https://t.co/m3qC862ZGv">pic.twitter.com/m3qC862ZGv</a>
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The search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired on the search party.

While the encounter had stopped during the night, the security forces continued to maintain a tight cordon in the area to stop militants from escaping. The encounter resumed Sunday morning and in the gunfight, three militants were killed, the official said.

Their identity and group affiliations are yet to be ascertained.Authorities have suspended mobile internet services in the city.

Security forces killed three militants Sunday on the outskirts of Srinagar — the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir — during an encounter, the Army said. “Three terrorists have been killed in the Mujgund operation,” an Army official said.

Security forces killed three militants Sunday on the outskirts of Srinagar — the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir — during an encounter, the Army said. “Three terrorists have been killed in the Mujgund operation,” an Army official said. He said weapons have been recovered from the site of encounter. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation near Srinagar-Bandipora road in Mujgund area on the outskirts of the city here Saturday evening. #JammuAndKashmir: Three terrorists have been neutralied in Mujgund encounter in Srinagar. 5 security personnel have been injured. Weapons and other warlike stores have been recovered. Search operation is underway. (visuals deferred by unspecified time). pic.twitter.com/m3qC862ZGv — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2018 × The search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired on the search party. While the encounter had stopped during the night, the security forces continued to maintain a tight cordon in the area to stop militants from escaping. The encounter resumed Sunday morning and in the gunfight, three militants were killed, the official said. Their identity and group affiliations are yet to be ascertained.Authorities have suspended mobile internet services in the city.

J&K: Three terrorists killed in encounter outside Srinagar

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

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

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

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

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