Ahead of PM Modi's visit to J&K on Saturday, Indian security forces have increased safety measures in the state.

PM Modi will be inaugurating the 300-Megawatt hydroelectricity project in the Valley.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister will also be laying the foundation stone for the longest road tunnel through the Zojila Pass to connect the Valley with Ladakh.

It will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel.

The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes.

The tunnel is set to take seven years to build by India.

The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes.

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to J&K on Saturday, Indian security forces have increased safety measures in the state. PM Modi will be inaugurating the 300-Megawatt hydroelectricity project in the Valley. The Indian prime minister will also be laying the foundation stone for the longest road tunnel through the Zojila Pass to connect the Valley with Ladakh. It will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes. The tunnel is set to take seven years to build by India.

PM Modi to visit J&K to inaugurate Zojila tunnel, hydroelectricity project

As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-1-bsf-soldier-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-">Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner </a>&nbsp;over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC).

Pakistan's Foreign Office said its acting foreign secretary summoned High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria and "condemned" the firing in Pukhlian, Cahprar, Harpal, Charwah and Shakargarh sectors across LoC.

Pakistan said the firing had led to the death of four family members in Khanoor village and had injured 10 due to &nbsp;"unprovoked ceasefire violations".

The Indian side was still firing at Pakistani positions, it said.

Indian officials told PTI that 4 civilians and a BSF soldier was killed and 12 injured as Pakistani Rangers opened fire on villages in Jammu area today.

Earlier on Friday, a BSF soldier and four civilians lost their lives during firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Pak troops had opened fire in RS Pura and Arnia sectors. &nbsp;

The soldier killed in the violation hailed from Jharkhand.

Pakistan said the Indian envoy was informed that the "deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws".&nbsp;

"The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," Pakistan's foreign office added. &nbsp;

Pakistan said in 2018, Indian security forces had carried out more than 1,050 ceasefire violations along the LoC resulting in the deaths of 28 civilians, and injuring 117 others.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FAEdW_AKUzU" width="560"></iframe>

The Indian side was still firing at Pakistani positions, it said.

As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC). Pakistan's Foreign Office said its acting foreign secretary summoned High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria and "condemned" the firing in Pukhlian, Cahprar, Harpal, Charwah and Shakargarh sectors across LoC. Pakistan said the firing had led to the death of four family members in Khanoor village and had injured 10 due to "unprovoked ceasefire violations". The Indian side was still firing at Pakistani positions, it said. Indian officials told PTI that 4 civilians and a BSF soldier was killed and 12 injured as Pakistani Rangers opened fire on villages in Jammu area today. Earlier on Friday, a BSF soldier and four civilians lost their lives during firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Pak troops had opened fire in RS Pura and Arnia sectors. The soldier killed in the violation hailed from Jharkhand. Pakistan said the Indian envoy was informed that the "deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws". "The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," Pakistan's foreign office added. Pakistan said in 2018, Indian security forces had carried out more than 1,050 ceasefire violations along the LoC resulting in the deaths of 28 civilians, and injuring 117 others.

Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC

The home ministry&nbsp;today declared a state of ceasefire during Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed for ceasefire&nbsp;earlier.

Forces reserve right to retaliate&nbsp;if attacked, the home ministry said.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had called for a unilateral ceasefire along with other parties in the state.

"Everyone agreed that we should appeal to the Centre to consider a ceasefire-like unilateral ceasefire in former PM Atal Bihari&nbsp;Vajpayee's time in Ramzan till Amarnath yatra and Eid," chief minister Muft had said earlier.

Forces to reserve right to retaliate if attacked, the home ministry said.

The home ministry today declared a state of ceasefire during Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed for ceasefire earlier. Forces reserve right to retaliate if attacked, the home ministry said. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had called for a unilateral ceasefire along with other parties in the state. "Everyone agreed that we should appeal to the Centre to consider a ceasefire-like unilateral ceasefire in former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee's time in Ramzan till Amarnath yatra and Eid," chief minister Muft had said earlier.

Government announces ceasefire during Ramzan in J&K

Terrorists attacked a grenade towards a Police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Tuesday.

The grenade attack, however, did not hit the target and exploded&nbsp;outside the station.&nbsp;

The police held a counter-attack with aerial firing.

No casualties&nbsp;were reported in the attack.

Earlier in the day, a police officer succumbed to his injuries in a suspected&nbsp;terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.

The policeman was killed after the terrorist opened fire on his vehicle.&nbsp;

In a similar incident, a policeman was killed on Friday after he was shot dead by terrorists in Budgam.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Terrorists hurled a grenade towards Police station in Pulwama's Rajpora, it missed the target and exploded outside the station. Police retaliated with aerial firing. More details awaited. <a href="https://t.co/wGv1yDg0Aa">pic.twitter.com/wGv1yDg0Aa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996408768228311040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The grenade attack, however, did not hit the target and exploded outside the station

Terrorists attacked a grenade towards a Police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Tuesday. The grenade attack, however, did not hit the target and exploded outside the station. The police held a counter-attack with aerial firing. No casualties were reported in the attack. Earlier in the day, a police officer succumbed to his injuries in a suspected terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. The policeman was killed after the terrorist opened fire on his vehicle. In a similar incident, a policeman was killed on Friday after he was shot dead by terrorists in Budgam. #JammuAndKashmir: Terrorists hurled a grenade towards Police station in Pulwama's Rajpora, it missed the target and exploded outside the station. Police retaliated with aerial firing. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/wGv1yDg0Aa — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists hurl grenade at police station, no casualties

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 30 | BJP: 29 | JD(S)+: 15</a>

After a high voltage election campaign and big voter turnout on Saturday, the day has finally arrived, today results will be declared in Karnataka with the BJP and Congress waiting with bated breath. The seat placement in the 222-member Karnataka Assembly is likely to change dramatically today with a hung house predicted. &nbsp&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-result-hd-kumaraswamy-offers-prayers-ahead-of-counting-136879">Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting</a>

JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-soldier-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-136864">BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir</a>

A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">GAP </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">apologises</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858"> for wiping out Taiwan from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">map</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858"> in new T-shirts</a>

US retailer Gap Inc apologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal released from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">hospital</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881"> after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">assassination</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881"> bid</a>

Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal.&nbsp

Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 30 | BJP: 29 | JD(S)+: 15 After a high voltage election campaign and big voter turnout on Saturday, the day has finally arrived, today results will be declared in Karnataka with the BJP and Congress waiting with bated breath. The seat placement in the 222-member Karnataka Assembly is likely to change dramatically today with a hung house predicted. Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI. BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports. GAP apologises for wiping out Taiwan from map in new T-shirts US retailer Gap Inc apologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake. Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal released from hospital after assassination bid Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Centre's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma is discussing the "sensitive" issue of J&K with all the stakeholders.

Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the&nbspchallenges to Article 35A of the Constitution.

The article was incorporated in the constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order empowers Jammu and Kashmir&nbsplegislature to define its "permanent residents" and&nbspprovides&nbspspecial rights and privileges to them. It also denies property rights to any woman who marries outside the state.

The&nbspAttorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Monday about the "ongoing" discussion of the interlocutor with all stakeholders.

The apex court was hearing petitions&nbspchallenging Article 35A along with&nbspthe main writ petition filed by a group called 'We The Citizens'.

Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for one of the petitioners, said it was strange that in J&K, a person who had migrated to Pakistan before 1947, could come and settle down under law but those who were residing there for generations cannot get a government job. He said students were debarred from getting admission in government medical college there even after qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), only because he or she was not a permanent resident of the state.&nbsp Another counsel appearing for the petitioners said it was a "human issue" as around five lakh people had migrated out of the state, were residing in places like Delhi and cannot go back to the valley, PTI reported.

Dineshwar Sharma, former director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), was appointed by the Centre as Jammu and Kashmir&nbspinterlocutor on October 23, 2017.

&nbsp

&nbsp

 
&nbsp

Dineshwar Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the challenges to Article 35A of the Constitution

The Centre's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma is discussing the "sensitive" issue of J&K with all the stakeholders. Sharma's discussion is majorly highlighting the&nbspchallenges to Article 35A of the Constitution. The article was incorporated in the constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order empowers Jammu and Kashmir&nbsplegislature to define its "permanent residents" and&nbspprovides&nbspspecial rights and privileges to them. It also denies property rights to any woman who marries outside the state. The&nbspAttorney General (AG) K K Venugopal told the Supreme Court on Monday about the "ongoing" discussion of the interlocutor with all stakeholders. The apex court was hearing petitions&nbspchallenging Article 35A along with&nbspthe main writ petition filed by a group called 'We The Citizens'. Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for one of the petitioners, said it was strange that in J&K, a person who had migrated to Pakistan before 1947, could come and settle down under law but those who were residing there for generations cannot get a government job. He said students were debarred from getting admission in government medical college there even after qualifying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), only because he or she was not a permanent resident of the state. Another counsel appearing for the petitioners said it was a "human issue" as around five lakh people had migrated out of the state, were residing in places like Delhi and cannot go back to the valley, PTI reported. Dineshwar Sharma, former director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), was appointed by the Centre as Jammu and Kashmir&nbspinterlocutor on October 23, 2017.

Interlocutor discussing issues about special rights to J&K residents: Govt

The Supreme Court will hear the plea of three witnesses in the Kathua gangrape and murder case, alleging that they are being harassed by the state police, on May 16.&nbsp

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud today agreed to hear on Wednesday the plea of Sahil Sharma and two others, who are college friends of the juvenile accused in the case.

According to their plea, they had already recorded their statements before the police and the magistrate.&nbsp

The three witnesses had in their statement before the magistrate said they gave their statement to the police under coercion.

The petition today alleged that the state police was now asking them to re-appear and re-record their statements and exerting pressure in their families.

The apex court had on May 7 transferred the trial in the sensational Kathua gangrape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab, but refrained from handing over the probe to CBI saying there was no need as the investigation has been conducted and the chargesheet filed.

The victim, from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later.

The state police has filed the main chargesheet against seven persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district.&nbsp

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud today agreed to hear on Wednesday the plea of Sahil Sharma and two others, who are college friends of the juvenile accused in the case

The Supreme Court will hear the plea of three witnesses in the Kathua gangrape and murder case, alleging that they are being harassed by the state police, on May 16. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud today agreed to hear on Wednesday the plea of Sahil Sharma and two others, who are college friends of the juvenile accused in the case. According to their plea, they had already recorded their statements before the police and the magistrate. The three witnesses had in their statement before the magistrate said they gave their statement to the police under coercion. The petition today alleged that the state police was now asking them to re-appear and re-record their statements and exerting pressure in their families. The apex court had on May 7 transferred the trial in the sensational Kathua gangrape and murder case of an eight-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot in Punjab, but refrained from handing over the probe to CBI saying there was no need as the investigation has been conducted and the chargesheet filed. The victim, from a minority nomadic community, had disappeared from near her home in a village close to Kathua in the Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police has filed the main chargesheet against seven persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district.

Supreme Court to hear Kathua witnesses plea alleging police harassment on May 16

Pakistan troops opened fire in Poonch on Thursday night leading to the death of a civilian.

Mohd Iqhlaq Sadeeq, 20, belonging to Bagial Dara Kalsan died during the shelling.

Pakistan troops opened fire in Poonch again

Pakistan troops opened fire in Poonch on Thursday night leading to the death of a civilian. Mohd Iqhlaq Sadeeq, 20, belonging to Bagial Dara Kalsan died during the shelling.

J&K: Pak troops open fire in Poonch, 1 civilian killed

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed deep anguish and shock over the death of a tourist from Chennai in stone pelting in the central Kashmir district of Badgam.

She met the family members of the deceased tourist and expressed solidarity with them in this time of grief.

“My head hangs in shame,” J&K CM said.

The shocking incident happened on a day when the Valley was observing total shutdown following a call of separatist leaders against the militant and civilian killings in Shopian.&nbsp;

The victim identified as 22-year-old R Thirumani from Chennai was hit in the head by a stone when the vehicle he along with his family was travelling in between Srinagar and Kashmir’s premier resort of Gulmarg was caught in the clash between a stone-pelting crowd and the security forces at Narabal on the outskirts of Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar.&nbsp;

Four other persons including a girl from Handwara area of frontier Kupwara district were injured in the incident, the police sources said.

This is the first incident of a tourist dying due to stone pelting in the Valley.

Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti met the family of the tourist. “My head hangs in shame,” she said.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed deep anguish and shock over the death of a tourist from Chennai in stone pelting in the central Kashmir district of Badgam. She met the family members of the deceased tourist and expressed solidarity with them in this time of grief. “My head hangs in shame,” J&K CM said. The shocking incident happened on a day when the Valley was observing total shutdown following a call of separatist leaders against the militant and civilian killings in Shopian. The victim identified as 22-year-old R Thirumani from Chennai was hit in the head by a stone when the vehicle he along with his family was travelling in between Srinagar and Kashmir’s premier resort of Gulmarg was caught in the clash between a stone-pelting crowd and the security forces at Narabal on the outskirts of Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar. Four other persons including a girl from Handwara area of frontier Kupwara district were injured in the incident, the police sources said. This is the first incident of a tourist dying due to stone pelting in the Valley.

Watch: Mehbooba Mufti meets family of deceased in J&K stone-pelting, says 'my head hangs in shame'

Four militants and seven over ground workers (OGWs) were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in an operation by security forces.&nbsp

The terrorists were arrested in a raid in Baramulla. A pistol and a car was also seized from their possession.&nbsp

In the past couple of years, the police has successfully unearthed several modules which lure young boys to cross over to Pakistan for training.

In January, in a joint operation by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army, two militants and nine overground workers (OGWs) were arrested from Sopore.

In the past couple of years, the police has successfully unearthed several modules which lure young boys to cross over to Pakistan for training.

Four militants and seven over ground workers (OGWs) were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in an operation by security forces. The terrorists were arrested in a raid in Baramulla. A pistol and a car was also seized from their possession. In the past couple of years, the police has successfully unearthed several modules which lure young boys to cross over to Pakistan for training. In January, in a joint operation by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army, two militants and nine overground workers (OGWs) were arrested from Sopore.

Four terrorists, seven over ground workers arrested in J&K's Baramulla

A CRPF personnel sustained injuries in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in an attack by terrorists on Monday.

The soldier was injured after a terrorist hurled a grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed&nbsp;at Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district.

The police and CRPF soldiers were deployed for maintaining law and order at the Tahab Chowk.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists hurled grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed for law and order at Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district. One CRPF personnel received injuries More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/993437107917066241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The police and CRPF personnel were deployed for maintaining law and order at the Tahab Chowk

A CRPF personnel sustained injuries in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in an attack by terrorists on Monday. The soldier was injured after a terrorist hurled a grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed at Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district. The police and CRPF soldiers were deployed for maintaining law and order at the Tahab Chowk. Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists hurled grenade at police and CRPF personnel deployed for law and order at Tahab Chowk in Pulwama district. One CRPF personnel received injuries More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2018 ×

1 injured after grenade thrown at CRPF, police personnel in J&K's Pulwama

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-team-demands-china-slash-us-trade-surplus-cut-tariffs-134712">Trump team demands China slash US trade surplus, cut tariffs</a>

The Trump administration has drawn a hard line in trade talks with China, demanding a $200 billion cut in the Chinese trade surplus with the United States, sharply lower tariffs and advanced technology subsidies, people familiar with the talks said on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-terrorists-security-forces-in-srinagar-134719">J&K: Encounter between terrorists, security forces in Srinagar</a>

An encounter between terrorists and the armed forces is currently underway in Srinagar. The encounter is taking place in the Chattabal area of the Jammu and Kashmir capital where one-two terrorists are holed up inside a house.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-moon-to-meet-trump-at-white-house-on-may-22-134704">South Korea's Moon to meet Trump at White House on May 22</a>

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet his American counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on May 22. Both the leaders are likely to discuss the upcoming summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House stated on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-man-accused-of-murdering-indian-techie-srinivas-gets-life-term--134717">US man accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas gets life term</a>

A US man accused of killing India engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year has been sentenced to life in prison. US Navy veteran Adam Purinton pleaded guilty in March of killing Srinivas in a racially motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas city last year.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pulls-out-of-race-for-un-security-council-134723">Israel pulls out of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pulls-out-of-race-for-un-security-council-134723">race</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pulls-out-of-race-for-un-security-council-134723"> for UN Security Council</a>

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends".

Trump team demands China slash US trade surplus, cut tariffs The Trump administration has drawn a hard line in trade talks with China, demanding a $200 billion cut in the Chinese trade surplus with the United States, sharply lower tariffs and advanced technology subsidies, people familiar with the talks said on Friday. J&K: Encounter between terrorists, security forces in Srinagar An encounter between terrorists and the armed forces is currently underway in Srinagar. The encounter is taking place in the Chattabal area of the Jammu and Kashmir capital where one-two terrorists are holed up inside a house. South Korea's Moon to meet Trump at White House on May 22 South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet his American counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on May 22. Both the leaders are likely to discuss the upcoming summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House stated on Friday. US man accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas gets life term A US man accused of killing India engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year has been sentenced to life in prison. US Navy veteran Adam Purinton pleaded guilty in March of killing Srinivas in a racially motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas city last year. Israel pulls out of race for UN Security Council Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends".

Terrorists on Friday attacked a wife of a civilian they had earlier killed in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The victim has been admitted to the hospital and is in a critical condition.&nbsp

The terrorists had fired upon Mohammad Ashraf Mir at Harwan in Bomai area of Sopore township of the north Kashmir district, a police official said.

On Monday, three civilians were killed by the militants in Khanpora area of Baramulla. The deceased were identified as Asif Ahmad Sheikh, Haseeb Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Asghar. The trio, all in their early 20s', were residents of Kakkar Hamam in Baramulla, a police officer was reported as saying.

Earlier on Saturday, terrorists hurled a grenade at a police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The grenade exploded just outside the station.

Police inside the station fired a few shots in the air to deter the attackers. A search operation has been launched.

The victim has been admitted to the hospital and is in a critical condition

Terrorists on Friday attacked a wife of a civilian they had earlier killed in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The victim has been admitted to the hospital and is in a critical condition. The terrorists had fired upon Mohammad Ashraf Mir at Harwan in Bomai area of Sopore township of the north Kashmir district, a police official said. On Monday, three civilians were killed by the militants in Khanpora area of Baramulla. The deceased were identified as Asif Ahmad Sheikh, Haseeb Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Asghar. The trio, all in their early 20s', were residents of Kakkar Hamam in Baramulla, a police officer was reported as saying. Earlier on Saturday, terrorists hurled a grenade at a police station in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The grenade exploded just outside the station. Police inside the station fired a few shots in the air to deter the attackers. A search operation has been launched.

J&K: After killing husband, terrorists attack wife

At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise.

According to the top brass of the security establishment in the border state, Shopian and Kulgam in south Kashmir have emerged as a major hub by respectively accounting for 12 and 9 of the 45 youths.

The other areas of south Kashmir which have witnessed youths taking to militancy are Anantnag (seven), Pulwama (four) and Awantipura (three). Moreover, unconfirmed reports, which were in the process of verification, suggest that three more from Pulwama had joined militant groups, officials said on Thursday.

Similarly, in north Kashmir, one youth from Handwara, two from Kupwara, one each from Bandipora and Sopore, and one from Srinagar have disappeared in the recent past, and are suspected to have joined militant outfits, they said.

This includes Junaid Ashraf Sehrai, 26, an MBA degree holder from Kashmir University, and son of Mohammed Ashraf Sehrai, who took over as chairman of Tehrek-e-Hurriyat from Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Teherik-e-Hurriyat is a pro-Pakistan amalgam of separatists groups.

The list also includes a 26-year-old PhD scholar, Mannan Bashir Wani, hailing from Kupwara, officials said. Wani was studying in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

According to officials, every funeral of a local militant spawns at least two additions to the ranks of militant groups. The Valley has witnessed killing of of at least 55 militants, including 27 locals this year.

"It has become a bottomless pit. We engage, counter, eliminate or make them surrender and the very next day, social media gives us proof of birth of another militant. This vicious cycle needs to be broken," said a senior Army official, who is engaged in anti-militancy operations.

Ruling party politicians from south Kashmir have reportedly abandoned their ancestral homes and housed themselves in well-fortified accommodations in Srinagar or Jammu. Efforts to seek their comments on the situation in their constituencies did not yield any result as they were reluctant to be drawn into any debate related to militancy.

A senior politician, who did not wish to be named, said, "Never has this situation arisen when space for mainstream politicians has shrunk to this extent. It is a scary situation".

Security agencies believe that in April there has seen a conspicuous rise in the number of locals joining various militant groups after 13 local terrorists were killed in encounters with security forces in Shopian and Anantnag.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has been quite vocal about PDP-BJP government's alleged failure in checking the rising trend of youths joining militancy.

"Mehbooba Mufti's biggest and least talked about failure has been the massive jump in the numbers of young Kashmiri men joining the ranks of militant organisations," he had tweeted earlier.

On more and more locals joining militancy, he had said, "...Is no one in a position of power in Delhi alarmed by this because I certainly am!"

Police has approached many parents, requesting them to ask their children to surrender on the assurance of a normal life. The story remains unchanged, says a senior police official, who adds that many a times parents express their helplessness.

Appeals have been made by Mehbooba Mufti as well as state police chief S.P. Vaid and senior Army officers but in vain.

"We cannot keep a finger on any particular reason for the spurt in a number of youth joining militancy. However, It could be growing influence of pan-Islamisation and religious indoctrination in which unemployment emerges as a catalyst for a quick reaction to pick up a gun," says a senior security official.

The first four months of 2018 has already witnessed 100 deaths, including 55 militants, 20 security personnel and 25 civilians. Of the 55 militants killed, 27 were locals whereas the rest were described as foreigners by security agencies in the press handouts issued post-encounters.

In 2017, a total of 126 youths had picked up guns. It was the highest number since 2010, according to a recent data presented in the state assembly and Parliament.

There has been a steady rise in the number of youth taking up arms in the Valley since 2014 onwards as compared to 2011, 2012, and 2013.

In 2010, 54 youths had joined militancy while in 2011, the number came down to 23 and further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 6 in 2013. In 2014, the number shot up to 53 and in 2015, it reached 66 before touching the highest mark of 88 in 2016, the data showed.

According to officials, every funeral of a local militant spawns at least two additions to the ranks of militant groups. The Valley has witnessed the killing of at least 55 militants this year.

At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise. According to the top brass of the security establishment in the border state, Shopian and Kulgam in south Kashmir have emerged as a major hub by respectively accounting for 12 and 9 of the 45 youths. The other areas of south Kashmir which have witnessed youths taking to militancy are Anantnag (seven), Pulwama (four) and Awantipura (three). Moreover, unconfirmed reports, which were in the process of verification, suggest that three more from Pulwama had joined militant groups, officials said on Thursday. Similarly, in north Kashmir, one youth from Handwara, two from Kupwara, one each from Bandipora and Sopore, and one from Srinagar have disappeared in the recent past, and are suspected to have joined militant outfits, they said. This includes Junaid Ashraf Sehrai, 26, an MBA degree holder from Kashmir University, and son of Mohammed Ashraf Sehrai, who took over as chairman of Tehrek-e-Hurriyat from Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Teherik-e-Hurriyat is a pro-Pakistan amalgam of separatists groups. The list also includes a 26-year-old PhD scholar, Mannan Bashir Wani, hailing from Kupwara, officials said. Wani was studying in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). According to officials, every funeral of a local militant spawns at least two additions to the ranks of militant groups. The Valley has witnessed killing of of at least 55 militants, including 27 locals this year. "It has become a bottomless pit. We engage, counter, eliminate or make them surrender and the very next day, social media gives us proof of birth of another militant. This vicious cycle needs to be broken," said a senior Army official, who is engaged in anti-militancy operations. Ruling party politicians from south Kashmir have reportedly abandoned their ancestral homes and housed themselves in well-fortified accommodations in Srinagar or Jammu. Efforts to seek their comments on the situation in their constituencies did not yield any result as they were reluctant to be drawn into any debate related to militancy. A senior politician, who did not wish to be named, said, "Never has this situation arisen when space for mainstream politicians has shrunk to this extent. It is a scary situation". Security agencies believe that in April there has seen a conspicuous rise in the number of locals joining various militant groups after 13 local terrorists were killed in encounters with security forces in Shopian and Anantnag. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has been quite vocal about PDP-BJP government's alleged failure in checking the rising trend of youths joining militancy. "Mehbooba Mufti's biggest and least talked about failure has been the massive jump in the numbers of young Kashmiri men joining the ranks of militant organisations," he had tweeted earlier. On more and more locals joining militancy, he had said, "...Is no one in a position of power in Delhi alarmed by this because I certainly am!" Police has approached many parents, requesting them to ask their children to surrender on the assurance of a normal life. The story remains unchanged, says a senior police official, who adds that many a times parents express their helplessness. Appeals have been made by Mehbooba Mufti as well as state police chief S.P. Vaid and senior Army officers but in vain. "We cannot keep a finger on any particular reason for the spurt in a number of youth joining militancy. However, It could be growing influence of pan-Islamisation and religious indoctrination in which unemployment emerges as a catalyst for a quick reaction to pick up a gun," says a senior security official. The first four months of 2018 has already witnessed 100 deaths, including 55 militants, 20 security personnel and 25 civilians. Of the 55 militants killed, 27 were locals whereas the rest were described as foreigners by security agencies in the press handouts issued post-encounters. In 2017, a total of 126 youths had picked up guns. It was the highest number since 2010, according to a recent data presented in the state assembly and Parliament. There has been a steady rise in the number of youth taking up arms in the Valley since 2014 onwards as compared to 2011, 2012, and 2013. In 2010, 54 youths had joined militancy while in 2011, the number came down to 23 and further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 6 in 2013. In 2014, the number shot up to 53 and in 2015, it reached 66 before touching the highest mark of 88 in 2016, the data showed.

Kashmir: 45 youths including MBA, PhD scholar join terrorist ranks in 2018

The Jammu and Kashmir police have neutralised the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-underway-between-terrorists-security-forces-133716">terrorists who were involved in civilian killings </a>and attacks on security forces in Pulwama on Monday.

The police&nbspsaid that two terrorists were killed after forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the region.

The operation was launched after the police force received special inputs.

The police emphasised that the killing of one terrorist, Sameer Ahmed Butt, was&nbspimportant for the forces as he was active in civilian killings and attacks on security forces since 2016.

A day before the security forces had gunned down two terrorists, Sameer Tiger and Aaqib Khan, in an encounter in Pulwama's Drabgam district. 
&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)

The police said that two terrorists were killed after forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the region

The Jammu and Kashmir police have neutralised the terrorists who were involved in civilian killings and attacks on security forces in Pulwama on Monday. The police&nbspsaid that two terrorists were killed after forces had launched a cordon and search operation in the region. The operation was launched after the police force received special inputs. The police emphasised that the killing of one terrorist, Sameer Ahmed Butt, was&nbspimportant for the forces as he was active in civilian killings and attacks on security forces since 2016. A day before the security forces had gunned down two terrorists, Sameer Tiger and Aaqib Khan, in an encounter in Pulwama's Drabgam district. (With inputs from ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist involved in civilian killings, attacks on security forces killed

Three civilians were killed in an attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Monday evening.

The attack has come on a day when a top Hizbul commander, Sameer Tiger, and his associate Aquib were killed by security forces in an encounter.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, two terrorists were gunned down during an encounter with the security forces at Jammu and Kashmir's Drabgam in Pulwama district.&nbsp;

A civilian also lost his life during clashes in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Official sources said that the gunmen fired upon the three persons near Iqbal Market Khanpora. In the incident, the trio sustained serious bullet wounds and died instantly on the spot.

The Initial reports suggest that the slain has been identified as Asghar Khan, Asif and Haseeb Khan, all residents of Jamia Mohalla old Town Baramulla.

The Initial reports suggest that the slain has been identified as Asghar Khan, Asif and Haseeb Khan, all residents of Jamia Mohalla old Town Baramulla.

Three civilians were killed in an attack by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Monday evening. The attack has come on a day when a top Hizbul commander, Sameer Tiger, and his associate Aquib were killed by security forces in an encounter. Earlier in the day, two terrorists were gunned down during an encounter with the security forces at Jammu and Kashmir's Drabgam in Pulwama district. A civilian also lost his life during clashes in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Official sources said that the gunmen fired upon the three persons near Iqbal Market Khanpora. In the incident, the trio sustained serious bullet wounds and died instantly on the spot. The Initial reports suggest that the slain has been identified as Asghar Khan, Asif and Haseeb Khan, all residents of Jamia Mohalla old Town Baramulla.

Three civilians killed in terrorist attack in J&K's Baramulla

After being sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta said on Monday that the Kathua gang rape and murder was a “small issue”.&nbsp;

The Kathua gang rape and murder had sent shockwaves through the nation.&nbsp;

An eight-year-old girl, belonging to a minority community, was allegedly abducted, gang-raped, and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district in January.&nbsp;

A video of Gupta's comment was posted&nbsp;by Congress leader Salman Nizami. In it, Gupta can be heard saying, “The Kathua incident is a minor one and shouldn’t be given much importance.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
After pro-rapist MLA was inducted in Ministry, this shameless/heartless BJP neta- Dy CM J&K Kavinder Gupta says Rape & murder of 8 year old girl in Kathua is a SMALL issue, shd not be given much hype. And his supporters Laugh.....! Shame BJP Shame. <a href="https://t.co/6rkxSiBhhv">pic.twitter.com/6rkxSiBhhv</a>
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanNizami_/status/990923471680036864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Gupta, along with seven others, took oath as ministers in the Mehbooba Mufti-led cabinet in Jammu and Kashmir, in the presence of the governor on Monday.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mla-who-reportedly-attended-pro-rapists-rally-in-kathua-made-cabinet-minister-133799">MLA who reportedly attended </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mla-who-reportedly-attended-pro-rapists-rally-in-kathua-made-cabinet-minister-133799">pro-rapists</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mla-who-reportedly-attended-pro-rapists-rally-in-kathua-made-cabinet-minister-133799"> rally in Kathua made cabinet minister</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-13-year-old-girl-stripped-molested-by-gang-of-teens-attack-filmed-no-one-comes-to-her-rescue-133772">13-year-old girl stripped, molested by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-13-year-old-girl-stripped-molested-by-gang-of-teens-attack-filmed-no-one-comes-to-her-rescue-133772">gang</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-13-year-old-girl-stripped-molested-by-gang-of-teens-attack-filmed-no-one-comes-to-her-rescue-133772"> of teens in Bihar. Attack filmed, no one comes to her rescue</a>

Gupta, described as an old RSS hand, will be the new deputy chief minister in place of Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night, officials said.

The cabinet reshuffle was necessitated after two BJP ministers were forced to resign for attending a rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists.&nbsp;

BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, however said today's changes had no connection with the Kathua case.&nbsp;

Besides Gupta and Sharma, the new BJP faces sworn in as ministers were the MLAs from Kathua and adjoining Sambha, Rajiv Jasrotia and Devinder Kumar Manyal, respectively.

The BJP also upgraded Sunil Sharma, at present minister of state for transport, to the rank of cabinet minister. BJP legislator Shakti Raj took oath as a minister of state.

From the PDP, Pulwama MLA Mohammed Khalil Band and Sonawar MLA Mohammed Ashraf Mir took oath as ministers.

Of the eight, seven are first-time ministers. Seven of the eight are cabinet ministers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

In a video posted by Congress leader Salman Nizami, Gupta said, “The Kathua incident is a minor one and shouldn’t be given much importance.”

After being sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta said on Monday that the Kathua gang rape and murder was a “small issue”. The Kathua gang rape and murder had sent shockwaves through the nation. An eight-year-old girl, belonging to a minority community, was allegedly abducted, gang-raped, and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district in January. A video of Gupta's comment was posted by Congress leader Salman Nizami. In it, Gupta can be heard saying, “The Kathua incident is a minor one and shouldn’t be given much importance.” After pro-rapist MLA was inducted in Ministry, this shameless/heartless BJP neta- Dy CM J&K Kavinder Gupta says Rape & murder of 8 year old girl in Kathua is a SMALL issue, shd not be given much hype. And his supporters Laugh.....! Shame BJP Shame. pic.twitter.com/6rkxSiBhhv — Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) April 30, 2018 × Gupta, along with seven others, took oath as ministers in the Mehbooba Mufti-led cabinet in Jammu and Kashmir, in the presence of the governor on Monday. Also read: MLA who reportedly attended pro-rapists rally in Kathua made cabinet minister Also read: 13-year-old girl stripped, molested by gang of teens in Bihar. Attack filmed, no one comes to her rescue Gupta, described as an old RSS hand, will be the new deputy chief minister in place of Nirmal Singh, who submitted his resignation last night, officials said. The cabinet reshuffle was necessitated after two BJP ministers were forced to resign for attending a rally taken out in Kathua in support of the suspected rapists. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, however said today's changes had no connection with the Kathua case. Besides Gupta and Sharma, the new BJP faces sworn in as ministers were the MLAs from Kathua and adjoining Sambha, Rajiv Jasrotia and Devinder Kumar Manyal, respectively. The BJP also upgraded Sunil Sharma, at present minister of state for transport, to the rank of cabinet minister. BJP legislator Shakti Raj took oath as a minister of state. From the PDP, Pulwama MLA Mohammed Khalil Band and Sonawar MLA Mohammed Ashraf Mir took oath as ministers. Of the eight, seven are first-time ministers. Seven of the eight are cabinet ministers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Watch: 'Kathua rape is a small issue', says newly sworn-in J&K Deputy CM Kavinder Gupta

Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed on Monday in an encounter with security forces in&nbsp;Jammu-Kashmir’s Pulwama district, officials said.

The two militants have been identified as&nbsp;Sameer Tiger and Aaqib Khan.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: 2 terrorists, Sameer Tiger and Aaqib Khan, gunned down during ongoing encounter with security forces in Pulwama's Drabgam.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990881695992897536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

An army Major and a soldier have been injured in the ongoing encounter. The injured have been evacuated to a hospital.&nbsp;Reports said at least 1 civilian was killed in the crossfire.

Reports said that the CRPF and army men laid siege around the Drabgam village in Pulwama early this morning after receiving information about the presence of some militants there.

They said while the security personnel was conducting searches in the area, they came under fire from the militants hiding in the area.&nbsp;

Reports say that as soon as gunshots were heard, locals from the village gathered near the spot and staged protests in an attempt to break the cordon and help the militants escape.&nbsp;

Locals claim that at least 12 people were injured during the protests till now and police and paramilitary forces have resorted to heavy tear smoke shelling and pellet firing to disperse the crowd.&nbsp;

The militants have not been identified yet and the internet has been shut in order to prevent further flow of information.&nbsp;

A civilian was killed in the crossfire between the terrorists and the security forces. Reports said at least two militants — most likely top commanders — are still trapped at the encounter site

Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed on Monday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu-Kashmir’s Pulwama district, officials said. The two militants have been identified as Sameer Tiger and Aaqib Khan. #JammuAndKashmir: 2 terrorists, Sameer Tiger and Aaqib Khan, gunned down during ongoing encounter with security forces in Pulwama's Drabgam. — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × An army Major and a soldier have been injured in the ongoing encounter. The injured have been evacuated to a hospital. Reports said at least 1 civilian was killed in the crossfire. Reports said that the CRPF and army men laid siege around the Drabgam village in Pulwama early this morning after receiving information about the presence of some militants there. They said while the security personnel was conducting searches in the area, they came under fire from the militants hiding in the area. Reports say that as soon as gunshots were heard, locals from the village gathered near the spot and staged protests in an attempt to break the cordon and help the militants escape. Locals claim that at least 12 people were injured during the protests till now and police and paramilitary forces have resorted to heavy tear smoke shelling and pellet firing to disperse the crowd. The militants have not been identified yet and the internet has been shut in order to prevent further flow of information.

J&K: Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants killed in Pulwama encounter

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in J&K's Pulwama district.

Reports said at least 1 civilian has been killed during the cross-fire.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Drabgam area of Pulwama district after receiving information about presence of two to three terrorists, a police official told PTI.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Latest visuals from J&K's Pulwama where an encounter is underway between terrorists & army at Drabgam. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/TxwjvlGVtn">pic.twitter.com/TxwjvlGVtn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/990824796895227905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As the security forces began&nbsp;closing in, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, the official said.

Two soldiers have been&nbsp;injured in the firing as the encounter continues.

Two soldiers were injured in the firing as the encounter continues.

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in J&K's Pulwama district. Reports said at least 1 civilian has been killed during the cross-fire. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Drabgam area of Pulwama district after receiving information about presence of two to three terrorists, a police official told PTI. Latest visuals from J&K's Pulwama where an encounter is underway between terrorists & army at Drabgam. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/TxwjvlGVtn — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2018 × As the security forces began closing in, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, the official said. Two soldiers have been injured in the firing as the encounter continues.

Video: Encounter in J&K between terrorists, security forces

Jammu and Kashmir's deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh resigned on Sunday.&nbsp;

Kavinder Gupta will now be appointed as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, ANI reported.

Singh assumed the charge as Minister for Power Development and Housing and Urban Development on 1 March 2015. &nbsp;

Kavinder Gupta is a leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and a Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.&nbsp;

Gupta is a former mayor of Jammu and had won 2015 assembly election from Gandhinagar constituency in Jammu.&nbsp;

on Saturday, Nirmal Singh had announced that the People’s Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir will undertake a major reshuffle of the state cabinet, including induction of some new ministers, on 30 April.

The reshuffle comes within a fortnight of the ruling partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asking all its ministers in the state government to resign soon after two party ministers resigned over the Kathua rape and murder case.

“The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on 30 April,” Singh told PTI.

Singh assumed the charge as Minister for Power Development and Housing and Urban Development on 1 March 2015

Jammu and Kashmir's deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh resigned on Sunday. Kavinder Gupta will now be appointed as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, ANI reported. Singh assumed the charge as Minister for Power Development and Housing and Urban Development on 1 March 2015. Kavinder Gupta is a leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and a Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Gupta is a former mayor of Jammu and had won 2015 assembly election from Gandhinagar constituency in Jammu. on Saturday, Nirmal Singh had announced that the People’s Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir will undertake a major reshuffle of the state cabinet, including induction of some new ministers, on 30 April. The reshuffle comes within a fortnight of the ruling partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asking all its ministers in the state government to resign soon after two party ministers resigned over the Kathua rape and murder case. “The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on 30 April,” Singh told PTI.

J&K's deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh resigns, Kavinder Gupta to replace him

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

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

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

J&K cabinet reshuffle on Monday: Deputy Chief Minister

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel&nbspwas killed while his two police guards were injured in a suspected militant attack at Rajpora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday.

An official said that gunmen fired at the vehicle of Ghulam Nabi Patel at Rajpora Chowk, leaving him dead and his two PSOs - Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar and Bilal Ahmad Lone - injured.

News agency ANI reported that the attack was carried out by some terrorists.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel has been shot dead by some unknown assailants in Pulwama's Rajpora area. Patel, who was taken to a nearby hospital soon after the attack, succumbed to his injuries.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel&nbspwas killed while his two police guards were injured in a suspected militant attack at Rajpora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday. An official said that gunmen fired at the vehicle of Ghulam Nabi Patel at Rajpora Chowk, leaving him dead and his two PSOs - Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar and Bilal Ahmad Lone - injured. News agency ANI reported that the attack was carried out by some terrorists.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel shot dead in J&K's Pulawama

The Jammu & Kashmir government on Tuesday approved the implementation of 7th pay commission recommendations.

Official sources said that the government employees will draw revised salaries from the current month.

“As already announced by Govt, the employees to draw revised scales of pay from the current month,” said the information department of J&K on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Implementation of 7th Pay Commission Recommendations approved by State Cabinet
— DIPR-J&K (@diprjk) <a href="https://twitter.com/diprjk/status/988688601436143616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“The government will have to clear Rs 7500 crore as arrears of employees and pensioners to give retrospective effect to the pay commission recommendations,” said the source.

J&K has a total employee population of around 4.5 lakh persons, working in different departments.&nbsp;

The government had made the commitment to implementing the pay commission recommendations from April 1, during the budget session earlier this year with retrospective effect from January 2016.

J&K has a total employee population of around 4.5 lakh persons, working in different departments.

The Jammu & Kashmir government on Tuesday approved the implementation of 7th pay commission recommendations. Official sources said that the government employees will draw revised salaries from the current month. “As already announced by Govt, the employees to draw revised scales of pay from the current month,” said the information department of J&K on Twitter. Implementation of 7th Pay Commission Recommendations approved by State Cabinet — DIPR-J&K (@diprjk) April 24, 2018 × “The government will have to clear Rs 7500 crore as arrears of employees and pensioners to give retrospective effect to the pay commission recommendations,” said the source. J&K has a total employee population of around 4.5 lakh persons, working in different departments. The government had made the commitment to implementing the pay commission recommendations from April 1, during the budget session earlier this year with retrospective effect from January 2016.

J&K government approves 7th pay commission recommendations

A security personnel and a policeman lost their lives in an encounter&nbsp;with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday.

One terrorist was also killed in the gunbattle that started on Tuesday morning.

The gunbattle between the army forces and terrorists started in Pulwama's Lam village of Tral.

The army had deployed security forces in the area&nbsp;after reports of gunshots firing.&nbsp;

The forces have cordoned off the area as militants are expected to have been trapped in the region.&nbsp;

A day before Pakistani Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control at Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: One Army jawan & one Policeman lost their lives in ongoing encounter with terrorists in Lam village of Tral in Pulwama district. One terrorists also gunned down. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988681212305735680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The gunbattle between the army forces and terrorists started in Pulwama's Lam village of Tral early Tuesday. One terrorist was also killed in the gunbattle

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

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

Pakistan troops opened <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-troops-target-villages-forward-posts-in-poonch--132042?first_load=no">fire in the Krishna Ghati sector</a> along Line of Control(LoC) today.

Indian Army personnel retaliated almost immediately, reports said.

On Sunday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in the Poonch sector shelling the area indiscriminately in the morning.

The firing was mainly directed at Indian forward troops and villages along the border, reports said.

No casualties were reported in the firing on Sunday.

On Sunday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in the Poonch sector shelling the area indiscriminately in the morning.

Pakistan troops opened fire in the Krishna Ghati sector along Line of Control(LoC) today. Indian Army personnel retaliated almost immediately, reports said. On Sunday, Pakistan troops had opened fire in the Poonch sector shelling the area indiscriminately in the morning. The firing was mainly directed at Indian forward troops and villages along the border, reports said. No casualties were reported in the firing on Sunday.

Pak troops open fire along LoC, Indian army retaliates

The investigations in the gangrape and murder of Kathua girl have shown that the motive of the crime was to drive away Bakarwal community from the area. The key accused Sanji Ram, a retired revenue official was against the settlement of Bakarwals in Rasana Kootah, and Dhamyal area of Kathua district. The police investigation also mentions that apart from other things suspicion of cow slaughter was one of the reasons for the hatred towards victim’s community.

“During investigation, it transpired that a particular community had a general impression that the Bakarwals indulge in cow slaughter and drug trafficking”, says the 18-page charge sheet filed by the police in the court.

As per the details that are emerging out from the investigations Sanji Ram always kept on motivating the members of his community of the area not to provide land for grazing or any other kind of assistance.

Sometime back one Harnam Singh had sold land to one Bakarwal and Sanji Ram had started accompanying against said Harnam Singh.

“He also utilized the services of Ex-sarpanch of Kootah and Rasana area against said Harnam Singh and managed to stop the payment on account of installation of telephone towers in his land through the concerned tehsildar on the plea that the land in question was a state land. Ultimately Harnam Singh approached the Hon’ble High court and got the impugned order of Tehsildar quashed”, details the chargesheet.

The police report details several incidents in past where Sanji Ram had been seen conspiring against the Bakarwal community. Head Constable Tilak and SPO Deepak Khajuria were also against the settlement of Bakarwals in Rasana, Kootah and Dhamyal area who had already discussed this issue with Sanji Ram to Chalk out a strategy for dislodging the Bakarwals from the area.

“They were blaming&nbsp;the Bakarwals on one pretext or the other and used to threaten them”, mentions the police report

The investigators have been able to establish that the accused had reasons to act against the Bakarwal Community.

“The conspiracy ultimately resulted in&nbsp;the gruesome rape and brutal murder of an innocent child of only 8 years of age, who being a small kid became a soft target”, says the chargesheet.

As per the investigations, the girl&nbsp;was kidnapped on 10th of January, drugged and kept in the temple (Devi Sathan) which was managed by Sanji Ram. For days she was repeatedly drugged and gang-raped. On the day when she was finally killed the accused gangraped her one more time and then strangulated her. They also hit her with a stone to ensure she had died.&nbsp;

Jammu Bar Association including Kathua Bar association and Kathua Hindu Ekta morcha had objected the Crime Branch investigation and are asking for CBI enquiry, a couple of top leaders who are serving ministers in collation government of state backed the bar and morcha and approached to chief minister with a demand that case should be given to CBI, but chief minister rejected the demand.

Bar continued their agitation and crime branch was stopped to produce the challan in Kathua CJM court but after 5 hours of wait, crime branch managed to produce the challan of the case against 7 persons arrested in the case who are alleged have done this crime. soon bar called for a shutdown for 11th April&nbsp;in Jammu, but state BJP&nbsp;unit and chamber of commerce Jammu had distanced themselves from the shutdown call.

On the other hand in Kashmir&nbsp;protesters were seen demanding justice for&nbsp;victim , protest were seen in Srinagar lal chowk of lawyers, civil society, Kashmir economic alliance, Kashmir university students threatened to go for hunger strike if justice was not delivered, where the main opposition party national conference said that the case should be transferred to some other court for free and fair investigation.

Victim's Bakarwal community was also suspected of cow slaughter, says the police report

The investigations in the gangrape and murder of Kathua girl have shown that the motive of the crime was to drive away Bakarwal community from the area. The key accused Sanji Ram, a retired revenue official was against the settlement of Bakarwals in Rasana Kootah, and Dhamyal area of Kathua district. The police investigation also mentions that apart from other things suspicion of cow slaughter was one of the reasons for the hatred towards victim’s community. “During investigation, it transpired that a particular community had a general impression that the Bakarwals indulge in cow slaughter and drug trafficking”, says the 18-page charge sheet filed by the police in the court. As per the details that are emerging out from the investigations Sanji Ram always kept on motivating the members of his community of the area not to provide land for grazing or any other kind of assistance. Sometime back one Harnam Singh had sold land to one Bakarwal and Sanji Ram had started accompanying against said Harnam Singh. “He also utilized the services of Ex-sarpanch of Kootah and Rasana area against said Harnam Singh and managed to stop the payment on account of installation of telephone towers in his land through the concerned tehsildar on the plea that the land in question was a state land. Ultimately Harnam Singh approached the Hon’ble High court and got the impugned order of Tehsildar quashed”, details the chargesheet. The police report details several incidents in past where Sanji Ram had been seen conspiring against the Bakarwal community. Head Constable Tilak and SPO Deepak Khajuria were also against the settlement of Bakarwals in Rasana, Kootah and Dhamyal area who had already discussed this issue with Sanji Ram to Chalk out a strategy for dislodging the Bakarwals from the area. “They were blaming the Bakarwals on one pretext or the other and used to threaten them”, mentions the police report The investigators have been able to establish that the accused had reasons to act against the Bakarwal Community. “The conspiracy ultimately resulted in the gruesome rape and brutal murder of an innocent child of only 8 years of age, who being a small kid became a soft target”, says the chargesheet. As per the investigations, the girl was kidnapped on 10th of January, drugged and kept in the temple (Devi Sathan) which was managed by Sanji Ram. For days she was repeatedly drugged and gang-raped. On the day when she was finally killed the accused gangraped her one more time and then strangulated her. They also hit her with a stone to ensure she had died. Jammu Bar Association including Kathua Bar association and Kathua Hindu Ekta morcha had objected the Crime Branch investigation and are asking for CBI enquiry, a couple of top leaders who are serving ministers in collation government of state backed the bar and morcha and approached to chief minister with a demand that case should be given to CBI, but chief minister rejected the demand. Bar continued their agitation and crime branch was stopped to produce the challan in Kathua CJM court but after 5 hours of wait, crime branch managed to produce the challan of the case against 7 persons arrested in the case who are alleged have done this crime. soon bar called for a shutdown for 11th April in Jammu, but state BJP unit and chamber of commerce Jammu had distanced themselves from the shutdown call. On the other hand in Kashmir protesters were seen demanding justice for victim , protest were seen in Srinagar lal chowk of lawyers, civil society, Kashmir economic alliance, Kashmir university students threatened to go for hunger strike if justice was not delivered, where the main opposition party national conference said that the case should be transferred to some other court for free and fair investigation.

Jammu child gang rape: Motive was to drive victim's community out of area, says charge sheet

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in the state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gw4Kx_hFsFs" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy&nbsp;in their studies, tuition and sports activities&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir government had in February approved the withdrawal of over 9000&nbsp;cases registered against stone pelters.&nbsp;

The cases withdrawn included first time offenders between 2008 and 2017.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had also assured earlier that her government had recommended giving amnesty to more than 4000 people involved in minor incidents of stone pelting in the past two years.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Jammu & Kashmir: Police conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in Anantnag. Police assured full support of the police in facilitating in their studies, tuition, sports activities as well as monetary assistance to the needy. <a href="https://t.co/t9lzSfVPq6">pic.twitter.com/t9lzSfVPq6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985075085777276930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy in their studies, tuition and sports activities

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

In Kashmir, police hold counselling session for stone pelters

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

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

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

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

One soldier and two civilians were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-kulgam-129707">killed after an encounter that broke out </a>between security forces and terrorists at Kulgam in south Kashmir on Wednesday.

Two other soldiers were injured including 35 other civilians in the firing between the security forces and the terrorists.

The encounter started at 11:45pm on Tuesday at Khudwani area of Kulgam when the joint forces received intelligence inputs of terrorists in the area.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Encounter underway between terrorists & security forces in Khudwani area of Kulgam District in South Kashmir. 6 additional coys of CRPF moved to the spot. 2-3 terrorists have been trapped. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/hmDRMrgDEg">pic.twitter.com/hmDRMrgDEg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/983899623772311552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

At around 1 pm terrorists fired at the search party with Indian security forces putting up searchlights to comb the area, however, due to darkness and harsh weather conditions, the operation had to be suspended.

During the morning, the encounter started once again leading to the death of one soldier with 2 more being injured.

Reports say 2-3 terrorists are trapped inside the area with Indian security forces engaged in combined operation consisting of the 18th battalion of the CRPF, SOG and 1 RR army carrying out the operation.

There were reports of locals resorting to stone-pelting as the encounter continued in the area. During the clash, at least one civilian was critically injured with a few more receiving minor injuries.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The encounter started at 11:45pm on Tuesday at Khudwani area of Kulgam when the joint forces received intelligence inputs of terrorists in the area.

One soldier and two civilians were killed after an encounter that broke out between security forces and terrorists at Kulgam in south Kashmir on Wednesday. Two other soldiers were injured including 35 other civilians in the firing between the security forces and the terrorists. The encounter started at 11:45pm on Tuesday at Khudwani area of Kulgam when the joint forces received intelligence inputs of terrorists in the area. #Visuals from #JammuAndKashmir: Encounter underway between terrorists & security forces in Khudwani area of Kulgam District in South Kashmir. 6 additional coys of CRPF moved to the spot. 2-3 terrorists have been trapped. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/hmDRMrgDEg — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2018 × At around 1 pm terrorists fired at the search party with Indian security forces putting up searchlights to comb the area, however, due to darkness and harsh weather conditions, the operation had to be suspended. During the morning, the encounter started once again leading to the death of one soldier with 2 more being injured. Reports say 2-3 terrorists are trapped inside the area with Indian security forces engaged in combined operation consisting of the 18th battalion of the CRPF, SOG and 1 RR army carrying out the operation. There were reports of locals resorting to stone-pelting as the encounter continued in the area. During the clash, at least one civilian was critically injured with a few more receiving minor injuries.

Watch: Terrorists, security forces clash in J&K's Kulgam, 1 soldier killed

Two to three terrorists are reported to have been trapped in an ongoing&nbsp;encounter in Jammu Kashmir's Kulgam district.

The Indian Army and the state police are jointly undertaking the encounter against the terrorists.

It is being&nbsp;carried out at Khudwani area of Kulgam in South Kashmir.

The security forces have deployed six additional coys of CRPF in the site of the encounter.

Following the encounter in South Kashmir, the authorities in Kulgam and Anantnag districts suspended mobile internet services. Train services on the Srinagar- Banihal route were also suspended. Though the trains on the Srinagar- Baramulla route were functioning normally.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Two to three terrorists are reported to have been trapped in an ongoing encounter in Jammu Kashmir's Kulgam district

Two to three terrorists are reported to have been trapped in an ongoing encounter in Jammu Kashmir's Kulgam district. The Indian Army and the state police are jointly undertaking the encounter against the terrorists. It is being carried out at Khudwani area of Kulgam in South Kashmir. The security forces have deployed six additional coys of CRPF in the site of the encounter. Following the encounter in South Kashmir, the authorities in Kulgam and Anantnag districts suspended mobile internet services. Train services on the Srinagar- Banihal route were also suspended. Though the trains on the Srinagar- Baramulla route were functioning normally.

Encounter underway between Army, terrorists in J&K's Kulgam

Pakistani troops today again violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts, two days after two jawans were killed in heavy mortar shelling and firing along the LoC in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said.

The Indian Army is giving a befitting reply, the official said.

Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars along the LoC from 1400 hours in Nowshera sector of Rajouri and from 1645 hours in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district, the spokesman said.

The Indian army is retaliating strongly and effectively and the exchange of fire between the two sides in both the sectors was going on when last reports were received.

However, there was no immediate report of any casualty from this side, he said.

The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan came after two soldiers, rifleman Vinod Singh and rifleman Jaki Sharma, were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri on Monday.

The Indian Army is giving a befitting reply, the official said.

Pakistani troops today again violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts, two days after two jawans were killed in heavy mortar shelling and firing along the LoC in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said. The Indian Army is giving a befitting reply, the official said. Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars along the LoC from 1400 hours in Nowshera sector of Rajouri and from 1645 hours in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district, the spokesman said. The Indian army is retaliating strongly and effectively and the exchange of fire between the two sides in both the sectors was going on when last reports were received. However, there was no immediate report of any casualty from this side, he said. The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan came after two soldiers, rifleman Vinod Singh and rifleman Jaki Sharma, were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri on Monday.

Pakistan again violates ceasefire in J&K's Rajouri and Poonch

J&k, News on J&k, stories on J&k, articles on J&k, J&k stories at Wion, J&k news, J&k latest news