&nbsp;The Indian Army today repulsed an attack by the Border Action Team (BAT), a mix of Pakistani regulars and militants, near the Line of Control in the Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Kupwara district, officials said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

No casualty was reported in the incident that took place last night, the officials said.

A BAT team attacked Indian troops near the LoC in the Tangdhar sector, prompting the Army to retaliate.

The exchange of fire continued for nearly an hour and the attack was effectively repulsed, an Army official said.

A BAT team attacked Indian troops near the LoC in the Tangdhar sector

The Indian Army today repulsed an attack by the Border Action Team (BAT), a mix of Pakistani regulars and militants, near the Line of Control in the Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said. No casualty was reported in the incident that took place last night, the officials said. A BAT team attacked Indian troops near the LoC in the Tangdhar sector, prompting the Army to retaliate. The exchange of fire continued for nearly an hour and the attack was effectively repulsed, an Army official said.

J&K: Pakistan's BAT team targets Indian Army along LoC

By

Khalid Bashir Shah

The Kashmir valley has seen frequest protests and rallies over the last few years. With very little recreational space available, the youth are virtually locked indoors due to continued strikes and curfews.

But all that is changing now. On the banks of famous Dal Lake, a humble cafe has become a favourite spot for poetry readings, stand-up comedy and music concerts, providing an oasis of sorts to address the lack of social intercations.

Based on Game of Thrones, this cafe hosts an iron throne, quite similar to that of the famous Hollywood drama series. The cafe as been named Winterfell, on one of the seven kingdoms of the famous TV series.

&quot;We named it Winterfell because it is in the north. In Game of Thrones, the Winterfell is located in north, in Kashmir we are also placed in north. Apart from that the temperature, the kind of attire we wear is also similar, especially in winter. It turned out we were the first themed cafe in Kashmir and we were the first themed cafe in whole of India based on Game of Thrones,&quot; said Umar Imtiyaz, co-owner, Winterfell.

Multiple cafes have come up in Kashmir providing a space for youth who are otherwise witness to brutal violence. In the last decade, Kashmir has witnessed hundreds of strikes and curfews, during which the population remains completely locked up in houses. Internet shutdowns add to the trouble.

While the conflict has taken over the life of youth, these cafe provide platform to singers, artists, poets and artists in Kashmir to showcase their talent and have a sense of respite from the brunt of political trouble. Sitting on the shopfront to discuss politics was a favourite activity of Kashmiris in early days but that is now being replaced by brick walls of cafes.

Responsibility of cafe in Kashmir has increased because the social life here has gone down. I remember that during my childhood, my parents didn&#39;t allow me to venture outside because this was a conflict zone. Obviously, we didn&#39;t have much interaction with outside world to get information about how the society is developing. When we talk of cafes and their importance, people from different areas come together where people talk, share their talent and share their ideas. It is a place which is not confined to eating and drinking; there are conversations. This is where the society shapes,&quot; said Imtiyaz.

Jammu and Kashmir is also marred by widespread unemployment, particularly among the younger sections of the society. Unemployment rate in the state is highest than the national average. About 25 per cent of those between the age group 18- 29 are without a source of proper employment. Thriving cafe culture has given a boost to entrepreneurship and employment generation.

&nbsp; 
&quot;These cafes give a sense of relief because youth here are caged. People come together from different communities and interact in these cafes,&quot; said Nadir Ali, Director, Centre for Peace and Justice.

While there are many such Cafe&rsquo;s coming up, the continued strife is affecting the business as well. The unrest of 2016, during which Kashmir remained shut for many years, the owners had to face massive losses. However, they are hoping against hope and expecting the next summer to be peaceful so that the losses of previous years can me made up.

Multiple cafes have come up in Kashmir providing a space for youth who are otherwise witness to brutal violence.

By Khalid Bashir Shah The Kashmir valley has seen frequest protests and rallies over the last few years. With very little recreational space available, the youth are virtually locked indoors due to continued strikes and curfews. But all that is changing now. On the banks of famous Dal Lake, a humble cafe has become a favourite spot for poetry readings, stand-up comedy and music concerts, providing an oasis of sorts to address the lack of social intercations. Based on Game of Thrones, this cafe hosts an iron throne, quite similar to that of the famous Hollywood drama series. The cafe as been named Winterfell, on one of the seven kingdoms of the famous TV series. "We named it Winterfell because it is in the north. In Game of Thrones, the Winterfell is located in north, in Kashmir we are also placed in north. Apart from that the temperature, the kind of attire we wear is also similar, especially in winter. It turned out we were the first themed cafe in Kashmir and we were the first themed cafe in whole of India based on Game of Thrones," said Umar Imtiyaz, co-owner, Winterfell. Multiple cafes have come up in Kashmir providing a space for youth who are otherwise witness to brutal violence. In the last decade, Kashmir has witnessed hundreds of strikes and curfews, during which the population remains completely locked up in houses. Internet shutdowns add to the trouble. While the conflict has taken over the life of youth, these cafe provide platform to singers, artists, poets and artists in Kashmir to showcase their talent and have a sense of respite from the brunt of political trouble. Sitting on the shopfront to discuss politics was a favourite activity of Kashmiris in early days but that is now being replaced by brick walls of cafes. Responsibility of cafe in Kashmir has increased because the social life here has gone down. I remember that during my childhood, my parents didn't allow me to venture outside because this was a conflict zone. Obviously, we didn't have much interaction with outside world to get information about how the society is developing. When we talk of cafes and their importance, people from different areas come together where people talk, share their talent and share their ideas. It is a place which is not confined to eating and drinking; there are conversations. This is where the society shapes," said Imtiyaz. Jammu and Kashmir is also marred by widespread unemployment, particularly among the younger sections of the society. Unemployment rate in the state is highest than the national average. About 25 per cent of those between the age group 18- 29 are without a source of proper employment. Thriving cafe culture has given a boost to entrepreneurship and employment generation. "These cafes give a sense of relief because youth here are caged. People come together from different communities and interact in these cafes," said Nadir Ali, Director, Centre for Peace and Justice. While there are many such Cafe’s coming up, the continued strife is affecting the business as well. The unrest of 2016, during which Kashmir remained shut for many years, the owners had to face massive losses. However, they are hoping against hope and expecting the next summer to be peaceful so that the losses of previous years can me made up.

Game of Thrones: In strife-torn Kashmir, new cafe named Winterfell

An unidentified man was shot by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, after he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam&#39;s Airforce station on Monday.

It is speculated to be an alleged terror attack attempt which was successfully foiled by the alert forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Case has been registered &amp; investigation has started in the matter where an unidentified individual was shot by the security forces when he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam&#39;s Airforce station.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965413453807652865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The man crossed the security fence came close to perimeter wall of the Airforce station.&nbsp;

The sentry fired warning shots but the man did not stop, after which the forces than to shoot him. 
&nbsp; 
There is no information yet on whether the man was armed or not. &nbsp;

A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.&nbsp;

It is speculated to be an alleged terror attack attempt

An unidentified man was shot by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, after he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam's Airforce station on Monday. It is speculated to be an alleged terror attack attempt which was successfully foiled by the alert forces. #JammuAndKashmir: Case has been registered & investigation has started in the matter where an unidentified individual was shot by the security forces when he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam's Airforce station. — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2018 × The man crossed the security fence came close to perimeter wall of the Airforce station. The sentry fired warning shots but the man did not stop, after which the forces than to shoot him. There is no information yet on whether the man was armed or not. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.

J&K: Man trying to enter Budgam Air Force station shot dead by security forces

An encounter is<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunjwan-army-camp-attack-3-terrorists-killed-operation-on-for-27-hours-32460"> underway between security forces</a> and terrorists in Palhalan area of Baramulla&rsquo;s Pattan area in J&amp;K.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in Palhalan area of Baramulla&rsquo;s Pattan. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/JvL2qOFW42">pic.twitter.com/JvL2qOFW42</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/964325378394329088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The firefight comes just <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-soliders-body-found-at-sunjuwan-army-camp-death-toll-revised-to-seven-32698">days after two LeT terrorists</a> and security forces were engaged in a fierce gun battle in Srinagar&#39;s Karan Nagar area which lasted over 30 hours.

Security forces also conducted search operation in Jammu&#39;s Raipur Domana area at the same time.

Last Saturday, LeT terrorists had struck the Sunjuwan Army camp in which six soldiers including a civilian were killed.

Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba had claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp.

The firefight comes just days after two LeT terrorists and security forces were engaged in a fierce gun battle in Srinagar

An encounter is underway between security forces and terrorists in Palhalan area of Baramulla’s Pattan area in J&K. #SpotVisuals: Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in Palhalan area of Baramulla’s Pattan. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/JvL2qOFW42 — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2018 × The firefight comes just days after two LeT terrorists and security forces were engaged in a fierce gun battle in Srinagar's Karan Nagar area which lasted over 30 hours. Security forces also conducted search operation in Jammu's Raipur Domana area at the same time. Last Saturday, LeT terrorists had struck the Sunjuwan Army camp in which six soldiers including a civilian were killed. Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba had claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp.

J&K: Encounter underway between security forces, terrorists in Baramulla

Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu, General Officer, Northern Command said today that social media was a big factor for the&nbsp;increase in terror-related activities as the youth are increasingly using it on a large scale.

&quot;The youth joining terrorism is a concern, we need to address this trend,&quot; Lt Gen Anbu said.

Addressing a press conference, the northern command chief said anyone who has arms&nbsp;and is against the state, is a terrorist, adding that terror organizations &nbsp;Hizbul Mujahideen, JeM and LeT are hand-in-glove in the Kashmir Valley.

Taking a dig at those who recently whipped up the issue of religion in the Indian Army, Lt Gen Anbu said: &quot;We don&#39;t communalise martyrs, those making statements don&#39;t know the Army well.&quot;

On the recent spate of terror attacks, Lt Gen Anbu declared that the enemy was &quot;frustrated&quot;&nbsp; so&nbsp;it was trying to attack &quot;soft targets&quot;.

&quot;Last year we focused on the leadership and eliminated it,&quot; he said.

Addressing a press conference, the northern command chief said anyone who has arms and is against the state, is a terrorist,

Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu, General Officer, Northern Command said today that social media was a big factor for the increase in terror-related activities as the youth are increasingly using it on a large scale. "The youth joining terrorism is a concern, we need to address this trend," Lt Gen Anbu said. Addressing a press conference, the northern command chief said anyone who has arms and is against the state, is a terrorist, adding that terror organizations Hizbul Mujahideen, JeM and LeT are hand-in-glove in the Kashmir Valley. Taking a dig at those who recently whipped up the issue of religion in the Indian Army, Lt Gen Anbu said: "We don't communalise martyrs, those making statements don't know the Army well." On the recent spate of terror attacks, Lt Gen Anbu declared that the enemy was "frustrated" so it was trying to attack "soft targets". "Last year we focused on the leadership and eliminated it," he said.

We don't communalise martyrs, those making statements don't know the Army: Lt Gen Anbu, northern command chief

Terming the misuse of social media a &quot;time bomb&quot; and a challenge for security agencies, a senior Army commander said today that local Kashmiri youths were being engaged via the medium from across the border on a minute-to-minute basis.

General-Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen D Anbu said that this in addition to the coming together of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist groups is a matter of concern.

He said social media was playing a big role in the increase of violence in the state.

&quot;The reach of the social media is so large and as such, it is a time bomb for everybody,&quot; the Army commander said.

He, however, expressed hope that the Army would be able to reverse the trend, but said everybody - including the civil society - has a role to play in curbing the violence.

&quot;Hizbul Mujahideen, LeT and JeM are hand in glove with each other after coming together in the later part of last year,&quot; Lt Gen Anbu told reporters here.

&quot;(But) It will be taken care of,&quot; the Army commander said.

His remarks came at a time when the security agencies, including the Army, have been battling increased attempts by terrorist groups to target them.

Last week, terrorists targeted an Army camp in Jammu and killed seven people, including six Army personnel. On Monday, two terrorists tried to attack a CRPF camp in Srinagar. After a 32-hour gunbattle, the security forces killed the attackers.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who visited Jammu on Monday following the attack on the Army camp, blamed Pakistan for the terror attack on Sunjuwan military camp and said it will pay for the &quot;misadventure&quot;.

Lt Gen Anbu attributed the increase in violence to the euphoria generated after the death of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in a security operation in July 2016. Months-long unrest had followed his killing.

&quot;The curve (of violence) will take a while to come down,&quot; he said.

Referring to the media reports that said the Army was unable to visit certain pockets in Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama in south Kashmir last year, the Army commander said the situation has changed for good over time, and not only the Army, even the political leadership and elected members are freely moving in the areas.

&quot;We reached out to the people as well as the militants. When you carry out more operations, the tempo will be more so the contact with terrorists leading to their elimination. Some people also get killed or injured in the bargain.

&quot;You will not find any terrorist initiated action happening... We want the situation to come under control. When you sustain the tempo for a longer period, it will come down. You cannot have a short-term solution and jump to any conclusion,&quot; he said.

On stone-pelting incidents to hamper counter-insurgency operations, Lt Gen Anbu said the mechanism to keep people away from encounter sites has paid well.

&quot;The system worked... When the operation is a planned one the stone-pelting is being tackled by police and CRPF but when the operation is sudden the Army columns do come under stone pelting,&quot; he said.

On the trend of local youths joining militant groups, he said it is a cause of concern for all of us.

&quot;When we are looking at terrorism as a whole per se, we look at three things - we need to stop infiltration from across the border, in the hinterland, whosoever is already there we need to eliminate them. And the third, the capability to induce the locals which is being the latest trend for the last couple of years which we need to arrest.

&quot;If we will address all the three, you will achieve success and if anyone of them is not really paying up then you are not going to succeed as one would like. Last year, we focused on the leadership of terrorists and we were able to eliminate many of them,&quot; he said.

Suggesting action against overground workers, he said &quot;not only terrorists, overground workers need to be equally targeted. These two factors, if we are able to address will slowly come down the level of violence. He said the local youth joining militancy are no threat to the Army as they are not well trained and do not have weapons either.

He said there is a need to reach out to people and make them understand the futility of terrorism.

He said the Army is doing its bit and carrying out operations to tackle terrorists and reaching out to people.

He said social media was playing a big role in the increase of violence in the state

Terming the misuse of social media a "time bomb" and a challenge for security agencies, a senior Army commander said today that local Kashmiri youths were being engaged via the medium from across the border on a minute-to-minute basis. General-Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen D Anbu said that this in addition to the coming together of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist groups is a matter of concern. He said social media was playing a big role in the increase of violence in the state. "The reach of the social media is so large and as such, it is a time bomb for everybody," the Army commander said. He, however, expressed hope that the Army would be able to reverse the trend, but said everybody - including the civil society - has a role to play in curbing the violence. "Hizbul Mujahideen, LeT and JeM are hand in glove with each other after coming together in the later part of last year," Lt Gen Anbu told reporters here. "(But) It will be taken care of," the Army commander said. His remarks came at a time when the security agencies, including the Army, have been battling increased attempts by terrorist groups to target them. Last week, terrorists targeted an Army camp in Jammu and killed seven people, including six Army personnel. On Monday, two terrorists tried to attack a CRPF camp in Srinagar. After a 32-hour gunbattle, the security forces killed the attackers. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who visited Jammu on Monday following the attack on the Army camp, blamed Pakistan for the terror attack on Sunjuwan military camp and said it will pay for the "misadventure". Lt Gen Anbu attributed the increase in violence to the euphoria generated after the death of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in a security operation in July 2016. Months-long unrest had followed his killing. "The curve (of violence) will take a while to come down," he said. Referring to the media reports that said the Army was unable to visit certain pockets in Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama in south Kashmir last year, the Army commander said the situation has changed for good over time, and not only the Army, even the political leadership and elected members are freely moving in the areas. "We reached out to the people as well as the militants. When you carry out more operations, the tempo will be more so the contact with terrorists leading to their elimination. Some people also get killed or injured in the bargain. "You will not find any terrorist initiated action happening... We want the situation to come under control. When you sustain the tempo for a longer period, it will come down. You cannot have a short-term solution and jump to any conclusion," he said. On stone-pelting incidents to hamper counter-insurgency operations, Lt Gen Anbu said the mechanism to keep people away from encounter sites has paid well. "The system worked... When the operation is a planned one the stone-pelting is being tackled by police and CRPF but when the operation is sudden the Army columns do come under stone pelting," he said. On the trend of local youths joining militant groups, he said it is a cause of concern for all of us. "When we are looking at terrorism as a whole per se, we look at three things - we need to stop infiltration from across the border, in the hinterland, whosoever is already there we need to eliminate them. And the third, the capability to induce the locals which is being the latest trend for the last couple of years which we need to arrest. "If we will address all the three, you will achieve success and if anyone of them is not really paying up then you are not going to succeed as one would like. Last year, we focused on the leadership of terrorists and we were able to eliminate many of them," he said. Suggesting action against overground workers, he said "not only terrorists, overground workers need to be equally targeted. These two factors, if we are able to address will slowly come down the level of violence. He said the local youth joining militancy are no threat to the Army as they are not well trained and do not have weapons either. He said there is a need to reach out to people and make them understand the futility of terrorism. He said the Army is doing its bit and carrying out operations to tackle terrorists and reaching out to people.

Misuse of social media a 'time bomb' in J&K: Army commander

Authorities have&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunjwan-army-camp-attack-iaf-para-commandos-airlifted-to-jammu-from-udhampur-32391">discovered a body of another soldier</a> killed by terrorists in the Sunjuwan Army camp on Saturday.

Earlier, the Army had said five soldiers were killed in the attack, with today&#39;s discovery of another body the death toll has been revised to seven, which includes one civilian.

Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp.

In the early morning hours on Saturday, terrorists opened fire at the camp located in &nbsp;Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. The terrorists struck the camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.

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Jammu: J&amp;K CM Mehbooba Mufti and Deputy CM Nirmal Singh at wreath laying ceremony of four Army personnel who lost their lives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunjuwanArmyCamp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunjuwanArmyCamp</a> terror attack. Total six army personnel and one civilian had lost their lives and three terrorists were killed in the attack. <a href="https://t.co/3jECPVDClU">pic.twitter.com/3jECPVDClU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963277526687772672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp.

Authorities have discovered a body of another soldier killed by terrorists in the Sunjuwan Army camp on Saturday. Earlier, the Army had said five soldiers were killed in the attack, with today's discovery of another body the death toll has been revised to seven, which includes one civilian. Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp. In the early morning hours on Saturday, terrorists opened fire at the camp located in Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. The terrorists struck the camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Jammu: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti and Deputy CM Nirmal Singh at wreath laying ceremony of four Army personnel who lost their lives in #SunjuwanArmyCamp terror attack. Total six army personnel and one civilian had lost their lives and three terrorists were killed in the attack. pic.twitter.com/3jECPVDClU — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2018 ×

Another solider's body found at Sunjuwan Army camp, death toll revised to seven

Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday announced fresh measures to be taken by the government of Jammu and Kashmir to restore normalcy and peace in the state.

Singh said the ministry of home affairs has given its approval to the state government to use an amnesty scheme that it announced on November 23 last year to give relief to 3,685 students and youth who were apprehended for participating in incidents of stone pelting against security forces.

He said this humanitarian step is aimed at giving students and youth another chance to rebuild their lives and careers without being under any kind of stress of being declared criminals.

The state government, the minister further said, has been advised to appoint a high-level committee to review the remaining cases of stone pelting. This committee would be headed by a senior police officer.

&quot;The MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) is of the view that stone pelting cases of a non-grievous nature against the students/youth should be closed/withdrawn so that they get a chance to focus on their studies and pursue their careers without any psychological pressure,&quot; a statement issued from his office said.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has also been advised to formulate a new surrender and rehabilitation policy that will ensure economic rehabilitation and provide suitable training to the youth to run their own businesses, return to the mainstream and lead a dignified life.

The state government has also been advised by the Home Ministry to create an advisory board to redress grievances of migrants, displaced persons and West Pakistan refugees in the region. Steps will also be taken to repair and renovate old and dilapidated migrant camps at Jagati and Talwara.

It has also been decided to restart work on an artificial lake in Jammu.

Rajnath Singh said this humanitarian step is aimed at giving students and youth another chance to rebuild their lives and careers without being under any kind of stress of being declared criminals

Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday announced fresh measures to be taken by the government of Jammu and Kashmir to restore normalcy and peace in the state. Singh said the ministry of home affairs has given its approval to the state government to use an amnesty scheme that it announced on November 23 last year to give relief to 3,685 students and youth who were apprehended for participating in incidents of stone pelting against security forces. He said this humanitarian step is aimed at giving students and youth another chance to rebuild their lives and careers without being under any kind of stress of being declared criminals. The state government, the minister further said, has been advised to appoint a high-level committee to review the remaining cases of stone pelting. This committee would be headed by a senior police officer. "The MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) is of the view that stone pelting cases of a non-grievous nature against the students/youth should be closed/withdrawn so that they get a chance to focus on their studies and pursue their careers without any psychological pressure," a statement issued from his office said. The Jammu and Kashmir government has also been advised to formulate a new surrender and rehabilitation policy that will ensure economic rehabilitation and provide suitable training to the youth to run their own businesses, return to the mainstream and lead a dignified life. The state government has also been advised by the Home Ministry to create an advisory board to redress grievances of migrants, displaced persons and West Pakistan refugees in the region. Steps will also be taken to repair and renovate old and dilapidated migrant camps at Jagati and Talwara. It has also been decided to restart work on an artificial lake in Jammu.

Rajnath Singh announces seven measures to restore normalcy in J&K

A 25-year-old Indian Army soldier Chandan Kumar Rai lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Poonch on Sunday.

The Indian Army said that they retaliated strongly and effectively after Pakistan initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars, small arms and automatics.

Rai was injured during retaliation and succumbed to his injuries at the military hospital in J&amp;K.

He&nbsp;was from Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Chandauli district and is survived by his father.

Pakistan opened fire at 9:15 am&nbsp;using 120 mm mortars, 82 mm mortars, automatics and small arms.

This marks the 101st incident of ceasefire violation by Pakistan.&nbsp;

Sunday is the fourth consecutive day of shelling by the Pakistan Rangers in civilian areas and border outposts (BoPs).

The Indian Army said that they retaliated strongly and effectively after Pakistan initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars, small arms and automatics

A 25-year-old Indian Army soldier Chandan Kumar Rai lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on Sunday. The Indian Army said that they retaliated strongly and effectively after Pakistan initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars, small arms and automatics. Rai was injured during retaliation and succumbed to his injuries at the military hospital in J&K. He was from Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli district and is survived by his father. Pakistan opened fire at 9:15 am using 120 mm mortars, 82 mm mortars, automatics and small arms. This marks the 101st incident of ceasefire violation by Pakistan. Sunday is the fourth consecutive day of shelling by the Pakistan Rangers in civilian areas and border outposts (BoPs).

Soldier killed after ceasefire violation in J&K's Mendhar

In a series of attacks ahead <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-firing-positions-fuel-dump-destroyed-in-retaliation-bsf-30385">of Republic Day, militants today hurled</a> a grenade at a police station in Baramulla and another at a CRPF team in Pulwama, where they also opened fire on a police patrol, leaving two persons injured in these incidents.

The militants lobbed a grenade towards CRPF personnel at Pampore in Pulwama district, 14 kms from here, a police official said.

He said the grenade landed on the roadside, resulting in injuries to a passerby.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Terrorists lobed a grenade near Baramullah Police station; One policeman injured, more details awaited (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/ubxdKTaf80">pic.twitter.com/ubxdKTaf80</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955443235538616320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the second attack, militants opened fire on a police patrol party at Lassipora area of the Pulwama District, the official said.

He said the police retaliated, forcing the militants to flee from the spot. No one was injured in the firing incident.

Later in the evening, militants lobbed a grenade at police station Baramulla, resulting in injuries to a guard, the official said.

He said a few shots were also heard after the grenade blast.

The three attacks came four days ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

Security forces have stepped up security across Kashmir to thwart possible militant attacks and to ensure an incident-free Republic Day.

The three attacks came four days ahead of the Republic Day celebrations.

In a series of attacks ahead of Republic Day, militants today hurled a grenade at a police station in Baramulla and another at a CRPF team in Pulwama, where they also opened fire on a police patrol, leaving two persons injured in these incidents. The militants lobbed a grenade towards CRPF personnel at Pampore in Pulwama district, 14 kms from here, a police official said. He said the grenade landed on the roadside, resulting in injuries to a passerby. Jammu & Kashmir: Terrorists lobed a grenade near Baramullah Police station; One policeman injured, more details awaited (#Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/ubxdKTaf80 — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × In the second attack, militants opened fire on a police patrol party at Lassipora area of the Pulwama District, the official said. He said the police retaliated, forcing the militants to flee from the spot. No one was injured in the firing incident. Later in the evening, militants lobbed a grenade at police station Baramulla, resulting in injuries to a guard, the official said. He said a few shots were also heard after the grenade blast. The three attacks came four days ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. Security forces have stepped up security across Kashmir to thwart possible militant attacks and to ensure an incident-free Republic Day.

J&K: Ahead of Republic Day, militants launch attack on Baramulla, Pulwama

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today warned that any Indian &quot;aggression&quot; or &quot;misadventure&quot; will always get a most befitting response.

 
He made the remarks during his visit to the Line of Control and Working Boundary in Khuiratta and Ratta Arayan sectors, the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

 
The army chief met local commanders, who briefed him about alleged ceasefire violations, especially alleged targeting of the civilian population across the LoC and WB, it said.

 
&quot;Our commitment to abide by the ceasefire agreement of 2003 should never be misconstrued as response limitation. Indian aggression or any misadventure shall always get a most befitting response,&quot; Gen Bajwa said.

 
He directed enhanced protective measures including construction of more community shell protection shelters for civil population.

 
Later, he visited Combined Military Hospital in Sialkot to meet injured citizens due to recent Indian shelling, the ISPR said in a statement.&nbsp;

General Bajwa made the remarks during his visit to the Line of Control and Working Boundary in Khuiratta and Ratta Arayan sectors

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today warned that any Indian "aggression" or "misadventure" will always get a most befitting response. He made the remarks during his visit to the Line of Control and Working Boundary in Khuiratta and Ratta Arayan sectors, the Inter-Services Public Relations said. The army chief met local commanders, who briefed him about alleged ceasefire violations, especially alleged targeting of the civilian population across the LoC and WB, it said. "Our commitment to abide by the ceasefire agreement of 2003 should never be misconstrued as response limitation. Indian aggression or any misadventure shall always get a most befitting response," Gen Bajwa said. He directed enhanced protective measures including construction of more community shell protection shelters for civil population. Later, he visited Combined Military Hospital in Sialkot to meet injured citizens due to recent Indian shelling, the ISPR said in a statement.

Indian aggression or 'misadventure' shall get befitting response: Pakistan Army chief

One&nbsp;CRPF personnel has been killed during the encounter with terrorists in Srinagar&#39;s&nbsp; Karan Nagar area.

Earlier, security forces in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-terrorists-approach-crpf-camp-in-srinagar-soldiers-open-fire-32538"> J&amp;K tracked</a>&nbsp;down two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday morning.

Reports had<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorist-attack-sunjwan-army-camp-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2-injured-32376"> indicated that the terrorists</a> were carrying bags and AK-47 guns. The soldiers immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area as&nbsp;CRPF personnel prevented the terrorists from entering the camp.

As soon as the terrorists were located by the CRPF&nbsp;an encounter broke out near the camp at Karan Nagar.&nbsp;The 23 battalion of the CRPF now&nbsp;engaged in the encounter with terrorists.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Encounter underway at CRPF camp in Srinagar&#39;s Karan Nagar. 23 Bn CRPF engaged in firing; Visuals deferred by unspecified time <a href="https://t.co/mHFf3UNHyf">pic.twitter.com/mHFf3UNHyf</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962919681991565312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A CRPF jawan has been&nbsp;injured in the exchange of fire as the encounter continues.

Meanwhile, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has left for Jammu to assess the security situation.

&quot;The sentry at the camp noticed two suspicious persons at around 4.30 am, carrying backpacks and weapons. He challenged them and opened fire,&quot; a spokesman of the CRPF said.

The terrorists fled from the spot and took shelter in an under-construction house nearby, the officials said.

The building has been cordoned off by the CRPF.&nbsp;According to senior CRPF officials, there were two terrorists holed up inside the building.

Intermittent exchange of fire was reported and the CRPF moved in more troops to ensure that the terrorists&nbsp;do not escape.

On Saturday, terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

Meanwhile, 3G &amp; 4G internet services have been suspended in Srinagar&nbsp;in Karan Nagar. The attackers suspected to be Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist(JeM) opened fire on the Army camp killing three soldiers and a civilian.

On Saturday, terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

One CRPF personnel has been killed during the encounter with terrorists in Srinagar's Karan Nagar area. Earlier, security forces in J&K tracked down two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday morning. Reports had indicated that the terrorists were carrying bags and AK-47 guns. The soldiers immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area as CRPF personnel prevented the terrorists from entering the camp. As soon as the terrorists were located by the CRPF an encounter broke out near the camp at Karan Nagar. The 23 battalion of the CRPF now engaged in the encounter with terrorists. Jammu & Kashmir: Encounter underway at CRPF camp in Srinagar's Karan Nagar. 23 Bn CRPF engaged in firing; Visuals deferred by unspecified time pic.twitter.com/mHFf3UNHyf — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × A CRPF jawan has been injured in the exchange of fire as the encounter continues. Meanwhile, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has left for Jammu to assess the security situation. "The sentry at the camp noticed two suspicious persons at around 4.30 am, carrying backpacks and weapons. He challenged them and opened fire," a spokesman of the CRPF said. The terrorists fled from the spot and took shelter in an under-construction house nearby, the officials said. The building has been cordoned off by the CRPF. According to senior CRPF officials, there were two terrorists holed up inside the building. Intermittent exchange of fire was reported and the CRPF moved in more troops to ensure that the terrorists do not escape. On Saturday, terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. Meanwhile, 3G & 4G internet services have been suspended in Srinagar in Karan Nagar. The attackers suspected to be Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist(JeM) opened fire on the Army camp killing three soldiers and a civilian.

Video: 1 CRPF soldier killed in encounter with terrorists in Srinagar

The Indian Army began a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorist-attack-sunjwan-army-camp-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2-injured-32376">clearing operation after </a>suspected Jaish terrorists attacked a military camp in J&amp;K.

Terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway on Saturday.

The pre-dawn attack occurred a day after Parliament attacker Afzal Guru&#39;s death anniversary who was hanged on February 9, 2013.

Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said the Army had found the bodies of three of its personnel and a civilian, taking the toll to six in the attack, and gunned down three terrorists.

&quot;The Army has launched a fire assault as a part of a sanitisation and clearing operation. There was no exchange of fire,&quot; the Army said.

Five Armymen, including two junior commissioned officers(JCOs), and the father of a soldier was killed in the attack after the terrorists struck the camp belonging to the 36 Brigade of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI).

Terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway in on Saturday.

The Indian Army began a clearing operation after suspected Jaish terrorists attacked a military camp in J&K. Terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway on Saturday. The pre-dawn attack occurred a day after Parliament attacker Afzal Guru's death anniversary who was hanged on February 9, 2013. Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said the Army had found the bodies of three of its personnel and a civilian, taking the toll to six in the attack, and gunned down three terrorists. "The Army has launched a fire assault as a part of a sanitisation and clearing operation. There was no exchange of fire," the Army said. Five Armymen, including two junior commissioned officers(JCOs), and the father of a soldier was killed in the attack after the terrorists struck the camp belonging to the 36 Brigade of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI).

J&K: Army begins 'clearing operation' after terror attack

The Supreme Court today agreed to hear on Monday the plea of father of an Army officer, booked as an accused by Jammu and Kashmir Police in the recent Shopian firing incident.

 
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud considered advocate Aishwarya Bhati&#39;s submission that the plea of the father be heard on an urgent basis.

 
The lawyer said the FIR has illegally&nbsp;been lodged against Major Aditya Kumar in connection with the firing incident in Shopian.

 
&quot;We will hear it on Monday,&quot; the bench said.

 
Lieutenant Colonel Karamveer Singh said his son, a major in 10 Garhwal Rifles, was &quot;wrongly and arbitrarily&quot; named in the FIR as the incident relates to an Army convoy that was on bonafide military duty in an area under the AFSPA and was isolated by an &quot;unruly and deranged&quot; mob pelting stones, causing damage to military vehicles.

 
Two civilians were killed when Army personnel fired at a stone-pelting mob in Ganovpora village in Shopian, prompting the chief minister to order an inquiry into the incident.

 
The FIR was registered against personnel of 10 Garhwal Rifles, including Major Kumar, under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Ranbir Penal Code.

The lawyer said the FIR has illegally been lodged against Major Aditya Kumar in connection with the firing incident in Shopian.

The Supreme Court today agreed to hear on Monday the plea of father of an Army officer, booked as an accused by Jammu and Kashmir Police in the recent Shopian firing incident. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud considered advocate Aishwarya Bhati's submission that the plea of the father be heard on an urgent basis. The lawyer said the FIR has illegally been lodged against Major Aditya Kumar in connection with the firing incident in Shopian. "We will hear it on Monday," the bench said. Lieutenant Colonel Karamveer Singh said his son, a major in 10 Garhwal Rifles, was "wrongly and arbitrarily" named in the FIR as the incident relates to an Army convoy that was on bonafide military duty in an area under the AFSPA and was isolated by an "unruly and deranged" mob pelting stones, causing damage to military vehicles. Two civilians were killed when Army personnel fired at a stone-pelting mob in Ganovpora village in Shopian, prompting the chief minister to order an inquiry into the incident. The FIR was registered against personnel of 10 Garhwal Rifles, including Major Kumar, under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) of the Ranbir Penal Code.

Shopian firing: Supreme Court to hear Major's father plea to quash FIR

The Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Sigh Chouhan has promised to pay an amount of Rs 1 crore to the wife of Rifleman Ramavatar who lost his life in ceasefire violation on Sunday.&nbsp;

The chief minister said that the soldier sacrificed his life for the safety of the&nbsp;nation and that his wife is the daughter of the entire state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The compensation will be given to the soldier&#39;s wife as &quot; samman rashi&quot;. Also, the parents of the deceased soldier will be given Rs 5,000 per month for life, the CM said.

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Ramavatar (soldier from Gwalior who lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan) sacrificed his life for safety of nation. His wife Rachna is daughter of entire MP, she will be given a &#39;samman rashi&#39; of Rs 1 cr &amp; his parents will be provided Rs 5,000/month for life: MP CM <a href="https://t.co/MX8fuG2g0y">pic.twitter.com/MX8fuG2g0y</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/960529663704608769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rifleman Ramavatr lost in life&nbsp;on Sunday after Pakistan violated ceasefire in the BG sector of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Rajouri district.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Madhya Pradesh: Mortal remains of Rifleman Ramavatar brought to his home in Gwalior; he lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in BG sector of J&amp;K&#39;s Rajouri district yesterday <a href="https://t.co/Hl6FkFnpbP">pic.twitter.com/Hl6FkFnpbP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/960549708518305793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Four soldiers were&nbsp;martyred&nbsp;and five others sustained injuries on Sunday in heavy shelling by Pakistani troops along LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Sigh Chouhan has promised to pay an amount of Rs 1 crore to the wife of Rifleman Ramavatar who lost his life in ceasefire violation on Sunday.

The Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Sigh Chouhan has promised to pay an amount of Rs 1 crore to the wife of Rifleman Ramavatar who lost his life in ceasefire violation on Sunday. The chief minister said that the soldier sacrificed his life for the safety of the nation and that his wife is the daughter of the entire state. The compensation will be given to the soldier's wife as " samman rashi". Also, the parents of the deceased soldier will be given Rs 5,000 per month for life, the CM said. Ramavatar (soldier from Gwalior who lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan) sacrificed his life for safety of nation. His wife Rachna is daughter of entire MP, she will be given a 'samman rashi' of Rs 1 cr & his parents will be provided Rs 5,000/month for life: MP CM pic.twitter.com/MX8fuG2g0y — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2018 × Rifleman Ramavatr lost in life on Sunday after Pakistan violated ceasefire in the BG sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. Madhya Pradesh: Mortal remains of Rifleman Ramavatar brought to his home in Gwalior; he lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in BG sector of J&K's Rajouri district yesterday pic.twitter.com/Hl6FkFnpbP — ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2018 × Four soldiers were martyred and five others sustained injuries on Sunday in heavy shelling by Pakistani troops along LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Madhya Pradesh govt to give 1 crore to wife of soldier who died in ceasefire violation

The Border Security Force (BSF) troops foiled an infiltration bid along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir.

As per media reports, Pakistan violated ceasefire to give cover to militants. But alert BSF troops fired upon the infiltrators forcing them to return.

Since then, no suspicious movement has been witnessed.&nbsp;

No injury or loss of life has been reported so far. &nbsp;

More details are awaited.&nbsp;

No injury or loss of life has been reported so far.

The Border Security Force (BSF) troops foiled an infiltration bid along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. As per media reports, Pakistan violated ceasefire to give cover to militants. But alert BSF troops fired upon the infiltrators forcing them to return. Since then, no suspicious movement has been witnessed. No injury or loss of life has been reported so far. More details are awaited.

J&K: BSF foils infiltration bid along International Border in Samba

Three army personnel were killed today when an avalanche struck their post in Machhil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

The identified army personnel were - Havaldar Kamlesh Singh, 39, Naik Balveer, 33&nbsp;and Rajinder, 25.&nbsp;

The avalanche hit an army post of 21 Rajput around 4:30 pm at Sona Pandi Gali in Machil, according to reports.&nbsp;

&quot;In an unfortunate incident of avalanche in Machhil sector, the Army lost three valiant soldiers,&quot; an army official said.

The avalanche struck two days after a 24-hour avalanche warning was issued in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, on Wednesday, shortly after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region jolted parts of north India, reports said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The army personnel were identified as - Havaldar Kamlesh Singh, 39, Naik Balveer, 33 and Rajinder, 25,

Three army personnel were killed today when an avalanche struck their post in Machhil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. The identified army personnel were - Havaldar Kamlesh Singh, 39, Naik Balveer, 33 and Rajinder, 25. The avalanche hit an army post of 21 Rajput around 4:30 pm at Sona Pandi Gali in Machil, according to reports. "In an unfortunate incident of avalanche in Machhil sector, the Army lost three valiant soldiers," an army official said. The avalanche struck two days after a 24-hour avalanche warning was issued in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kupwara, on Wednesday, shortly after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region jolted parts of north India, reports said.

J&K: 3 soldiers killed after avalanche in army post

The Army today filed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-killed-nine-injured-in-army-firing-after-protest-and-stone-pelting-erupted-in-shopian-south-kashmir-30927">counter FIR in the Shopioan firing</a> incident after a mob allegedly attacked it&nbsp;on January 27th.

The police had filed an FIR under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) against Army personnel, including a Major, however, the Army said it had fired in self-defense after seven personnel were injured.

Rayees Ahmad, who was among the nine persons injured in the Army firing last week, succumbed to injuries on Wednesday as the death toll increased to three. The incident had occurred in Ganovpora area of Shopian district.

The FIR by the Army is based on a statement that its vehicles were damaged and soldiers received injuries.

According to an army spokesman,&nbsp;&quot;an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles.

&quot;A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation, the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence. In the process, two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries,&quot; the spokesman said.

Separatist groups had called for a shutdown in Kashmir on January 28th following the incident.

The FIR by the Army is based on a statement that its vehicles were damaged and soldiers received injuries

The Army today filed a counter FIR in the Shopioan firing incident after a mob allegedly attacked it on January 27th. The police had filed an FIR under sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) against Army personnel, including a Major, however, the Army said it had fired in self-defense after seven personnel were injured. Rayees Ahmad, who was among the nine persons injured in the Army firing last week, succumbed to injuries on Wednesday as the death toll increased to three. The incident had occurred in Ganovpora area of Shopian district. The FIR by the Army is based on a statement that its vehicles were damaged and soldiers received injuries. According to an army spokesman, "an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles. "A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation, the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence. In the process, two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries," the spokesman said. Separatist groups had called for a shutdown in Kashmir on January 28th following the incident.

Shopian firing: Army files counter FIR

During the firing by the&nbsp;army in Shopian of Jammu and Kashmir, there is a new turning point in the case. Whereas 10 Garhwal rifle major and his unit have been made accused in the FIR lodged by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the army has also has lodged his complaint with police.&nbsp;

Srinagar-based Army PRO said: &quot;We had forwarded our complaint to the police in Shopian incident and is based on the same statement that army had issued that very day. It has been mentioned in DAK PAD of police, now its to police how they name it.&quot;&nbsp;

However, the army has not named any attacker but has mentioned the injuries to soldiers and damage to vehicles in the complaint.&nbsp;

The Army had issued a statement after&nbsp;the incident saying that&nbsp;&quot;On Jan 27th, 2018 at about 15:00 hours, an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting by a group of 100-120 stone pelters. Within no time, their numbers swelled to 200-250 persons. The crowd surrounded an isolated portion of the convoy consisting of four vehicles. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles and tried to set them on fire.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. The mob tried to lynch the individual and snatch his weapon. The violent crowd further closed in towards the vehicles and attempted to set them on fire. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence to prevent lynching of the JCO and burning of Government vehicle by the mob. A total of seven army men suffered injuries and extensive damage was caused to eleven vehicles. In the process two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries,&quot; the statement added.

Now, the army and state police are&nbsp;face to face after the police lodged an FIR under section 336,307,302 RPC against the army unit naming army major and his unit. The&nbsp;army had lodged a counter FIR defending itself.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;incident has&nbsp;turned into a political row now after state chief minister&nbsp;Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed said that the magisterial probe in the case will be taken to the logical conclusion.

The CM told the state assembly that the government had filed the FIR only after consulting defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

&quot;She told me that I should take action if any carelessness or anything wrong has happened,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

On the hand, the state government and its collation partners are not on the&nbsp;same page over the Shopian firing.

BJP is of the view that FIR against the army should be withdrawn as it would&nbsp;demoralise the army, however, they are condemning the incident, but the other partner PDP is of opinion that investigation should go as per law and police will investigate the case.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the state main opposition party National Conference said its an &quot;eyewash&quot;&nbsp;when the two parties which are running the government in the&nbsp;state are not of the&nbsp;same opinion.

Army has not named any attacker but has mentioned the injuries to soldiers and damage to vehicles in the complaint.

During the firing by the army in Shopian of Jammu and Kashmir, there is a new turning point in the case. Whereas 10 Garhwal rifle major and his unit have been made accused in the FIR lodged by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the army has also has lodged his complaint with police. Srinagar-based Army PRO said: "We had forwarded our complaint to the police in Shopian incident and is based on the same statement that army had issued that very day. It has been mentioned in DAK PAD of police, now its to police how they name it." However, the army has not named any attacker but has mentioned the injuries to soldiers and damage to vehicles in the complaint. The Army had issued a statement after the incident saying that "On Jan 27th, 2018 at about 15:00 hours, an army administrative convoy was passing through Ganaupura chowk in Shopian when it came under unprovoked and intense stone pelting by a group of 100-120 stone pelters. Within no time, their numbers swelled to 200-250 persons. The crowd surrounded an isolated portion of the convoy consisting of four vehicles. They caused extensive damage to these vehicles and tried to set them on fire." "A junior commissioned officer accompanying the convoy got hit on the head and fell unconscious suffering serious injury. The mob tried to lynch the individual and snatch his weapon. The violent crowd further closed in towards the vehicles and attempted to set them on fire. Considering the extreme gravity of the situation the army was constrained to open fire in self-defence to prevent lynching of the JCO and burning of Government vehicle by the mob. A total of seven army men suffered injuries and extensive damage was caused to eleven vehicles. In the process two civilians succumbed to the bullet injuries," the statement added. Now, the army and state police are face to face after the police lodged an FIR under section 336,307,302 RPC against the army unit naming army major and his unit. The army had lodged a counter FIR defending itself. The incident has turned into a political row now after state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Sayeed said that the magisterial probe in the case will be taken to the logical conclusion. The CM told the state assembly that the government had filed the FIR only after consulting defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. "She told me that I should take action if any carelessness or anything wrong has happened," she said. On the hand, the state government and its collation partners are not on the same page over the Shopian firing. BJP is of the view that FIR against the army should be withdrawn as it would demoralise the army, however, they are condemning the incident, but the other partner PDP is of opinion that investigation should go as per law and police will investigate the case. Meanwhile, the state main opposition party National Conference said its an "eyewash" when the two parties which are running the government in the state are not of the same opinion.

Shopian firing turns into political row in J&K

Pakistani troops on Tuesday opened fire and lobbed mortars on forward and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Rajouri district, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army.

No casualties have been reported so far.

The firing and shelling along the LoC in Noushera sector of Rajouri district started at 7 am, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said.

He said the heavy shelling is going on targeting five villages in areas of Jhangar, Dhamaka and Kalal belts.

Schools in border areas have been closed.

It might be possible that the Pakistani side would have been trying to provide some cover to the terrorists.

Previously in 2017, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had said that the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) could be repeated, if necessary, seeking to send a stern message to Pakistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The firing and shelling along the LoC in Noushera sector of Rajouri district started at 7 am

Pakistani troops on Tuesday opened fire and lobbed mortars on forward and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army. No casualties have been reported so far. The firing and shelling along the LoC in Noushera sector of Rajouri district started at 7 am, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said. He said the heavy shelling is going on targeting five villages in areas of Jhangar, Dhamaka and Kalal belts. Schools in border areas have been closed. It might be possible that the Pakistani side would have been trying to provide some cover to the terrorists. Previously in 2017, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had said that the surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) could be repeated, if necessary, seeking to send a stern message to Pakistan. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistani troops shell border areas in Rajouri district of J&K

Pakistan Army is taking<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-silent-over-gen-rawats-remarks-on-pla-troop-reduction-in-dokalam-29018"> help from China to fortify its bunkers</a>&nbsp;along the international border(IB), according to an intelligence report accessed by WION.

Intelligence report points to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-winter-chinese-troops-establish-permanent-base-at-doklam-report-26416">the presence of at least 4 or 5 Chinese personnel</a> in Pakistan&#39;s post at Jannat Gul opposite Bikaner. The report said three Chinese were seen testing surveillance equipment.

It is however not the first time when Chinese engineers were seen with the Pakistan Army at the Indo-Pak border. There were two instances earlier when Chinese nationals were seen at various locations at Pakistan Army posts including Zannat Gul.

According to the intelligence report, in early November last year, Chinese nationals were seen at a Pak Army post from Bahawalpur side carrying surveillance equipment. The Chinese engineers stayed till November 25th, the report added.

With the help of the Chinese Army and their engineers, Pakistan recently completed construction of two underground bunkers sized 12x10x08 feet towards the Bahawalpur side.

The intelligence report said the thickness of new Chinese-made bunker walls was about 18 inches and they were all &quot;high impactable bunkers&quot;.

&quot;These bunkers are also designed very differently with no loopholes. Illumination is done with the help of solar lights. Overhead protection to the bunker is given by a layer of sand,&quot; the report said.

The intelligence report pointed out that these bunkers were being constructed for installation of some &quot;new equipment in the future&quot;.

The report added that the Pakistan Army finds its difficulties to carry out long strategy of &nbsp;Border Action Team (BAT) and sniper attacks by the Indian Army.

Pakistan is also surprised with the way the Indian security forces have been reacting to attacks launched by its Rangers along the Line of Control.

The report said Pakistan&#39;s Inter-Services Intelligence(ISI) is worried over Indian Army&#39;s new military stance of &quot;surgical strikes&quot; across the border aimed at targeting camps.

Also, during ceasefire violations, Pakistan forces have faced massive losses, the report added.

According to the intelligence report, in early November last year, Chinese nationals were seen at a Pak Army post from Bahalpur side carrying surveillance equipment

Pakistan Army is taking help from China to fortify its bunkers along the international border(IB), according to an intelligence report accessed by WION. Intelligence report points to the presence of at least 4 or 5 Chinese personnel in Pakistan's post at Jannat Gul opposite Bikaner. The report said three Chinese were seen testing surveillance equipment. It is however not the first time when Chinese engineers were seen with the Pakistan Army at the Indo-Pak border. There were two instances earlier when Chinese nationals were seen at various locations at Pakistan Army posts including Zannat Gul. According to the intelligence report, in early November last year, Chinese nationals were seen at a Pak Army post from Bahawalpur side carrying surveillance equipment. The Chinese engineers stayed till November 25th, the report added. With the help of the Chinese Army and their engineers, Pakistan recently completed construction of two underground bunkers sized 12x10x08 feet towards the Bahawalpur side. The intelligence report said the thickness of new Chinese-made bunker walls was about 18 inches and they were all "high impactable bunkers". "These bunkers are also designed very differently with no loopholes. Illumination is done with the help of solar lights. Overhead protection to the bunker is given by a layer of sand," the report said. The intelligence report pointed out that these bunkers were being constructed for installation of some "new equipment in the future". The report added that the Pakistan Army finds its difficulties to carry out long strategy of Border Action Team (BAT) and sniper attacks by the Indian Army. Pakistan is also surprised with the way the Indian security forces have been reacting to attacks launched by its Rangers along the Line of Control. The report said Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence(ISI) is worried over Indian Army's new military stance of "surgical strikes" across the border aimed at targeting camps. Also, during ceasefire violations, Pakistan forces have faced massive losses, the report added.

Chinese engineers helping Pakistan to fortify bunkers along international border: Intelligence Report

Advocating a &quot;politico-military&quot; approach in dealing with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat today called for political initiative to go hand-in-hand with military operations in the state.

Gen Rawat, who has followed a hard-line approach in tackling terrorism, said the armed forces operating in the state cannot be &quot;status quoist&quot; and must evolve new strategies and tactics to deal with the situation.

In an interview to PTI, the Army chief said, &quot;The political initiative and all the other initiatives must go simultaneously hand-in-hand and only if all of us function in synergy, we can bring lasting peace in Kashmir. It has to be a politico-military approach that we have to adopt.&quot;

Rawat also asserted that there was room for ramping up heat on Pakistan to cut the flow of cross-border terror activities, clearly indicating that the Army will continue its policy of hot pursuit in dealing with militancy.

In October, the government had appointed former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma as its special representative for a &quot;sustained dialogue&quot; with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir.

&quot;When the government appointed an interlocutor, it is with that purpose. He is the government&#39;s representative to reach out to the people of Kashmir and see what their grievances are so that those can then be addressed at a political level,&quot; the Army chief said.

Asked whether pressure could be increased on Pakistan to force it to stop sending terrorists to the state, he said, &quot;Yes, you cannot be status quoist. You have to continuously think and keep moving forward. You have to keep changing your doctrines and concept and the manner in which you operate in such areas.&quot;

Gen Rawat said the Army will have to evolve new strategies and new tactics to deal with the situation. At the same time, he said an overall approach was required to deal with the Kashmir issue.

Since beginning of last year, the Army pursued an aggressive anti-terror policy in Jammu and Kashmir and, at the same time, forcefully responded to all ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops along the Line of Control with a tit- for-tat approach.

&quot;Military is only part of the mechanism to resolve the Kashmir issue. Our charter is to ensure that the terrorists who are creating violence in the state are taken to task and those who have been radicalised and are increasingly moving towards terrorism are prevented from doing so,&quot; he said.

Gen Rawat said some youths continue to be radicalised and are joining militancy. The Army has been trying to maintain pressure on terror groups, he said.

The Army&#39;s aim is to ensure that it continues to maintain the pressure on the terrorists and those fomenting trouble in Kashmir, Gen Rawat said.

&quot;But at the same time, we have to also reach out to the people,&quot; he said.

Asked whether the situation in Kashmir has improved since he has taken over as the Army chief a year ago, Gen Rawat said, &quot;I am only seeing a marginal change in situation for the better.

&quot;I do not think it is time to become over confident and start assuming that the situation has been brought under control because infiltration from across the borders will continue.&quot;

The LoC has remained volatile in the last year. According to official figures, 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 the year before.

India has also been effectively retaliating to Pakistani firing and even crossed the LoC to punish Pakistani troops on several occasions as part of tactical operations.&nbsp;

Bipin Rawat said there was room for ramping up heat on Pakistan to cut the flow of cross-border terror activities, clearly indicating the army will continue its policy of hot pursuit in dealing with militancy

Advocating a "politico-military" approach in dealing with the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat today called for political initiative to go hand-in-hand with military operations in the state. Gen Rawat, who has followed a hard-line approach in tackling terrorism, said the armed forces operating in the state cannot be "status quoist" and must evolve new strategies and tactics to deal with the situation. In an interview to PTI, the Army chief said, "The political initiative and all the other initiatives must go simultaneously hand-in-hand and only if all of us function in synergy, we can bring lasting peace in Kashmir. It has to be a politico-military approach that we have to adopt." Rawat also asserted that there was room for ramping up heat on Pakistan to cut the flow of cross-border terror activities, clearly indicating that the Army will continue its policy of hot pursuit in dealing with militancy. In October, the government had appointed former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma as its special representative for a "sustained dialogue" with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. "When the government appointed an interlocutor, it is with that purpose. He is the government's representative to reach out to the people of Kashmir and see what their grievances are so that those can then be addressed at a political level," the Army chief said. Asked whether pressure could be increased on Pakistan to force it to stop sending terrorists to the state, he said, "Yes, you cannot be status quoist. You have to continuously think and keep moving forward. You have to keep changing your doctrines and concept and the manner in which you operate in such areas." Gen Rawat said the Army will have to evolve new strategies and new tactics to deal with the situation. At the same time, he said an overall approach was required to deal with the Kashmir issue. Since beginning of last year, the Army pursued an aggressive anti-terror policy in Jammu and Kashmir and, at the same time, forcefully responded to all ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops along the Line of Control with a tit- for-tat approach. "Military is only part of the mechanism to resolve the Kashmir issue. Our charter is to ensure that the terrorists who are creating violence in the state are taken to task and those who have been radicalised and are increasingly moving towards terrorism are prevented from doing so," he said. Gen Rawat said some youths continue to be radicalised and are joining militancy. The Army has been trying to maintain pressure on terror groups, he said. The Army's aim is to ensure that it continues to maintain the pressure on the terrorists and those fomenting trouble in Kashmir, Gen Rawat said. "But at the same time, we have to also reach out to the people," he said. Asked whether the situation in Kashmir has improved since he has taken over as the Army chief a year ago, Gen Rawat said, "I am only seeing a marginal change in situation for the better. "I do not think it is time to become over confident and start assuming that the situation has been brought under control because infiltration from across the borders will continue." The LoC has remained volatile in the last year. According to official figures, 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 the year before. India has also been effectively retaliating to Pakistani firing and even crossed the LoC to punish Pakistani troops on several occasions as part of tactical operations.

J&K: Chief indicates army will continue policy of hot pursuit

An army jawan was killed in an unprovoked firing by Pakistan soldiers along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.&nbsp;

The firing took place in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Rajouri district around 2 pm and lasted for 15 minutes. The Indian army counter-attacked effectively, media reports said.&nbsp;

The soldier, Lance Naik Yogesh Muralidhar Bhadane, 22, was from Khalane village of Dhule district in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

As per media reports, Bhadane was severely injured and eventually succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

The incident happened following the killing of a BSF head constable after Pakistani forces &quot;sniped&quot; from across the International Border (IB) in Samba district.

In retaliation, the BSF destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions and also foiled an infiltration bid by gunning down a Pakistani intruder along the IB near Nikowal Border Out Post (BoP) in Arnia sector.

An army personnel was also killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district on December 31 last year.&nbsp;

Sepoy Jagsir Singh, 32, was killed when he was shot by Pakistani troops from across the border along the LoC in Rajouri district on the last day of 2017, the year which recorded the highest number of ceasefire violations in the past decade resulting in the death of 35 people, including 19 Army personnel and four BSF men.

The firing took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district around 2 pm and lasted for 15 minutes. The Indian army counter-attacked effectively.

An army jawan was killed in an unprovoked firing by Pakistan soldiers along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. The firing took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district around 2 pm and lasted for 15 minutes. The Indian army counter-attacked effectively, media reports said. The soldier, Lance Naik Yogesh Muralidhar Bhadane, 22, was from Khalane village of Dhule district in Maharashtra. As per media reports, Bhadane was severely injured and eventually succumbed to his injuries. The incident happened following the killing of a BSF head constable after Pakistani forces "sniped" from across the International Border (IB) in Samba district. In retaliation, the BSF destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions and also foiled an infiltration bid by gunning down a Pakistani intruder along the IB near Nikowal Border Out Post (BoP) in Arnia sector. An army personnel was also killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district on December 31 last year. Sepoy Jagsir Singh, 32, was killed when he was shot by Pakistani troops from across the border along the LoC in Rajouri district on the last day of 2017, the year which recorded the highest number of ceasefire violations in the past decade resulting in the death of 35 people, including 19 Army personnel and four BSF men.

J&K: Army soldier killed in unprovoked firing along LoC

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has raised questions over the government-appointed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pmo-has-undermined-dineshwar-sharmas-status-omar-abdullah-23717" target="_blank">interlocutor in Jammu and Kashmir</a>.&nbsp;

While addressing the state assembly, Abdullah said today that they are not aware of Dineshwar Sharma&#39;s role in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned whether Dineshwar Sharma was a spokesperson, an interlocutor or a special representative.&nbsp;

&quot;We don&#39;t know what Dineshwar Sharma&#39;s role is? Is he a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?&quot;, Omar Abdullah said.

Omar Abdullah hit out at the state government saying that they blamed him for the creation of &quot;Burhan Wani&quot;.&nbsp;

He also asked the Jammu and Kashmir government that if they were aware of how many Burhan Wanis had been born in the last one-and-a-half years.&nbsp;

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We don&#39;t know what Dineshwar Sharma&#39;s role is? Is he is a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?: Former J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah in J&amp;K assembly <a href="https://t.co/3eNKkQgFWp">pic.twitter.com/3eNKkQgFWp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950687586669928448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Aapne (J&amp;K govt) mujhse kaha tha ki Burhan Wani ko paida karne main mera role hai. Par kabhi aapne socha ki in dedh saalon mein aapne kitne Burhan Wani paida kiye? Mujh par agar ek ka ilzaam hai toh aap par kitno ka hai? Iss baat ka apko ehsaas hona chahiye: Omar Abdullah <a href="https://t.co/HgHoS5HuJP">pic.twitter.com/HgHoS5HuJP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950689211035803648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

While addressing the state assembly, Abdullah questioned that if he was a spokesperson, an interlocutor or a special representative

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has raised questions over the government-appointed interlocutor in Jammu and Kashmir. While addressing the state assembly, Abdullah said today that they are not aware of Dineshwar Sharma's role in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned whether Dineshwar Sharma was a spokesperson, an interlocutor or a special representative. "We don't know what Dineshwar Sharma's role is? Is he a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?", Omar Abdullah said. Omar Abdullah hit out at the state government saying that they blamed him for the creation of "Burhan Wani". He also asked the Jammu and Kashmir government that if they were aware of how many Burhan Wanis had been born in the last one-and-a-half years. We don't know what Dineshwar Sharma's role is? Is he is a spokesman, an interlocutor or a special representative? Is there a time frame or will he be here indefinitely?: Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah in J&K assembly pic.twitter.com/3eNKkQgFWp — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 × Aapne (J&K govt) mujhse kaha tha ki Burhan Wani ko paida karne main mera role hai. Par kabhi aapne socha ki in dedh saalon mein aapne kitne Burhan Wani paida kiye? Mujh par agar ek ka ilzaam hai toh aap par kitno ka hai? Iss baat ka apko ehsaas hona chahiye: Omar Abdullah pic.twitter.com/HgHoS5HuJP — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2018 ×

We don't know what Dineshwar Sharma's role is: Omar Abdullah

A terrorist&nbsp;was killed&nbsp;today in an encounter with police party in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The gunbattle started after the terrorist opened fire on the police party in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/governments-hard-approach-in-kashmir-not-working-chidambaram-tweets-bjp-calls-him-pakistani-poodle-28799" target="_blank">Government&#39;s &#39;hard&#39; approach in Kashmir not working, Chidambaram tweets; BJP calls him &#39;Pakistani poodle&#39;</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: One terrorist killed in the encounter which ensued after firing on police party in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950282023272247296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from site of ongoing encounter in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district where one terrorist was killed (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/ixQofF6PX0">pic.twitter.com/ixQofF6PX0</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/950312765188526088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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More details awaited.

The gunbattle started after the terrorist opened fire on the police party in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district

A terrorist was killed today in an encounter with police party in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The gunbattle started after the terrorist opened fire on the police party in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district. Also read: Government's 'hard' approach in Kashmir not working, Chidambaram tweets; BJP calls him 'Pakistani poodle' #UPDATE: One terrorist killed in the encounter which ensued after firing on police party in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district. More details awaited. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018 × #Visuals from site of ongoing encounter in Zuhama, Chadoora of Budgam district where one terrorist was killed (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/ixQofF6PX0 — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2018 × More details awaited.

J&K: 1 terrorist killed in encounter in Budgam district

Mannan Bashir Wani, a research scholar from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has reportedly joined a terrorist group in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The research scholar, who hails from Kupwara in Kashmir, was today expelled by the Aligarh Muslim University authorities in the wake of reports alleging that he may have joined a terrorist group.&nbsp;A team of senior AMU officials sealed Mannan Basheer Wani&#39;s room this morning immediately after they received a letter from the Aligarh Superintendent of Police about his alleged &quot;nefarious&quot; activities, university officials said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/highest-number-of-youth-joined-militant-group-in-2017-report-27600" target="_blank">Highest number of Kashmiri youth joined militant groups in 2017: Report</a>

A recent Facebook post hints that the 26-year-old scholar joined the group &quot;Hizbul Mujahideen&quot;.&nbsp;

Wani, in a Facebook post, was seen holding an assault rifle. The caption of the picture indicated that he joined the&nbsp;group on January 5.&nbsp;

According to a media&nbsp;report, the research scholar was driven to join the militant group after he was humiliated by the armed forces in November 2017. He said the car he was travelling in was stopped four times by armed forces and each time he had to get down to prove his identity.&nbsp;

The report also said that he was mocked by an army officer from resembling a militant commander.&nbsp;The picture caption said that his code name is Hamzah Bai.&nbsp;

Wani, pursuing PhD&nbsp;in Geology at Aligarh Muslim University,&nbsp;had taken a break from his university to visit his family in Kashmir.&nbsp;

A local news agency stated that Wani hails from a well-off family and is a son of a lecturer. 
 
The Senior Superintendent of Police Kupwara Shamsher Hussain has said that his family was unable to contact Wani.&nbsp;

AMU Proctor, Professor Mohsin Khan, meanwhile, told PTI that the University had set &quot;up a comprehensive inquiry into the entire matter&quot; and is also taking further necessary steps for stepping up security in hostels of the university. 
&nbsp;

According to a media report the research scholar was driven to join the militant group after he was humiliated by the armed forces

Mannan Bashir Wani, a research scholar from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has reportedly joined a terrorist group in Kashmir. The research scholar, who hails from Kupwara in Kashmir, was today expelled by the Aligarh Muslim University authorities in the wake of reports alleging that he may have joined a terrorist group. A team of senior AMU officials sealed Mannan Basheer Wani's room this morning immediately after they received a letter from the Aligarh Superintendent of Police about his alleged "nefarious" activities, university officials said. Also read: Highest number of Kashmiri youth joined militant groups in 2017: Report A recent Facebook post hints that the 26-year-old scholar joined the group "Hizbul Mujahideen". Wani, in a Facebook post, was seen holding an assault rifle. The caption of the picture indicated that he joined the group on January 5. According to a media report, the research scholar was driven to join the militant group after he was humiliated by the armed forces in November 2017. He said the car he was travelling in was stopped four times by armed forces and each time he had to get down to prove his identity. The report also said that he was mocked by an army officer from resembling a militant commander. The picture caption said that his code name is Hamzah Bai. Wani, pursuing PhD in Geology at Aligarh Muslim University, had taken a break from his university to visit his family in Kashmir. A local news agency stated that Wani hails from a well-off family and is a son of a lecturer. The Senior Superintendent of Police Kupwara Shamsher Hussain has said that his family was unable to contact Wani. AMU Proctor, Professor Mohsin Khan, meanwhile, told PTI that the University had set "up a comprehensive inquiry into the entire matter" and is also taking further necessary steps for stepping up security in hostels of the university.

AMU PhD scholar joins Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir, expelled

Four policemen were killed and one&nbsp;seriously injured in an IED blast in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Baramulla district on Saturday.

The blast took place in the Sapore&#39;s main market. The explosive device was placed near a shop in a lane between the &#39;Chotta Bazaar&#39; and &#39;Bada Bazaar&#39;.&nbsp;

The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED.

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More <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from Baramulla where 4 Policemen have lost their lives after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLybHzhaFl">pic.twitter.com/BLybHzhaFl</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949516297993256965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Three of the four policemen were identified as ASI Irshad, M Amin and Ghulam Nabi, media reports said. &nbsp;

The fourth policeman succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Baramulla: 3 Policemen have lost their lives &amp; 2 are seriously injured after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/k4TCaLRxx2">pic.twitter.com/k4TCaLRxx2</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949513405609648129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the attack. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Pained to hear that four policeman have been killed in an IED explosion in Sopore. My deepest condolences to their families.
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/949513543220637696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to nab the terrorists. 
&nbsp;

The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED

Four policemen were killed and one seriously injured in an IED blast in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. The blast took place in the Sapore's main market. The explosive device was placed near a shop in a lane between the 'Chotta Bazaar' and 'Bada Bazaar'. The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED. More #visuals from Baramulla where 4 Policemen have lost their lives after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/BLybHzhaFl — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × Three of the four policemen were identified as ASI Irshad, M Amin and Ghulam Nabi, media reports said. The fourth policeman succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. #Visuals from Baramulla: 3 Policemen have lost their lives & 2 are seriously injured after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/k4TCaLRxx2 — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the attack. Pained to hear that four policeman have been killed in an IED explosion in Sopore. My deepest condolences to their families. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 6, 2018 × The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to nab the terrorists.

J&K: 4 policemen killed, 1 injured in IED blast in Sapore

The Jammu and Kashmir police has downplayed a report&nbsp;that said there was a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/highest-number-of-youth-joined-militant-group-in-2017-report-27600" target="_blank">rise</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/highest-number-of-youth-joined-militant-group-in-2017-report-27600" target="_blank"> in the&nbsp;youth joining militancy</a>&nbsp;in the state.

A day after a report by a security agency revealed that in 2017 the number of youth joining militancy had surpassed 100 and reached its highest level in the past six years, J&amp;K police chief SP Vaid&nbsp;nullified the report.

He said that the militancy in the state was not rising and the situation was fast returning to normal.

While addressing reporters in Jammu, SP Vaid said that the parents of local militants are appealing to their ward to evade the path of violence and join mainstream society.&nbsp;

Referring to a team of women players who had arrived from&nbsp;different parts of the country, the top police official said there is no fear prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir.

However,&nbsp;he avoided answering about the number of youth joining militant ranks.&nbsp;

Contrary to his claims, a senior security official had said that the figures were based on the case registered. He added that many parents do not report the matter to the law enforcing agencies due to fear and therefore the actual figures may be even more than this.

A&nbsp;recent report released by a security agency showed 2017 as the year of the highest recruitment of youth in various militant&nbsp;groups.&nbsp;

In 2010, the number of youth joining militancy was 54. It reduced to 23 in 2011, 21 in 2012, 16 in 2013 before rising again to 53 in 2014 and 66 in 2015. Last year&#39;s figure&nbsp;showed 88 youth became militants and this year the figure surpassed 100 reaching 117.

The rise in the number of young boys joining&nbsp;militancy&nbsp;is linked to the killing of&nbsp;Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group&#39;s youth militant leader Burhan Wani.

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The police said that the militancy in the state was not on rising and the situation was fast returning to normal

The Jammu and Kashmir police has downplayed a report that said there was a rise in the youth joining militancy in the state. A day after a report by a security agency revealed that in 2017 the number of youth joining militancy had surpassed 100 and reached its highest level in the past six years, J&K police chief SP Vaid nullified the report. He said that the militancy in the state was not rising and the situation was fast returning to normal. While addressing reporters in Jammu, SP Vaid said that the parents of local militants are appealing to their ward to evade the path of violence and join mainstream society. Referring to a team of women players who had arrived from different parts of the country, the top police official said there is no fear prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he avoided answering about the number of youth joining militant ranks. Contrary to his claims, a senior security official had said that the figures were based on the case registered. He added that many parents do not report the matter to the law enforcing agencies due to fear and therefore the actual figures may be even more than this. A recent report released by a security agency showed 2017 as the year of the highest recruitment of youth in various militant groups. In 2010, the number of youth joining militancy was 54. It reduced to 23 in 2011, 21 in 2012, 16 in 2013 before rising again to 53 in 2014 and 66 in 2015. Last year's figure showed 88 youth became militants and this year the figure surpassed 100 reaching 117. The rise in the number of young boys joining militancy is linked to the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group's youth militant leader Burhan Wani.

J&K Police negates report of rise in youth joining militancy

A&nbsp;recent report released by a security agency shows 2017 as the year of the highest recruitment of youth in various militant&nbsp;groups.&nbsp;

For the first&nbsp;time since the&nbsp;data has been recorded, the numbers have crossed beyond 100.

In 2010 the number of youth joining militancy was 54. It reduced to 23 in 2011, 21 in 2012, 16 in 2013 before rising again to 53 in 2014 and 66 in 2015. Last year&#39;s figure&nbsp;showed 88 youth became militants and this year the figure surpassed 100 reaching 117.

The rise in the number of young boys joining&nbsp;militancy&nbsp;is linked to the killing of&nbsp;Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group&#39;s poster boy Burhan Wani.

Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter in south Kashmir on July 8, 2016.

While the reports indicate the number of youth joining the militancy this year is as high as 117, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police SP Vaid claims that the numbers are much lesser.&nbsp;

However, contrary to his claims a senior security official has said that the figures of the police are based on the case registered. Citing that many parents do not report the matter to the law enforcing agencies due to fear he indicated that the actual figures are always on the rise.&nbsp;

A security official said that the boys joining the path of militancy are well aware that they are at a risk of being killed.&nbsp;

The youth joining militant groups not only hail from the middle or lower class but are also literate students from well-off families.&nbsp;

Militants like Owais Ahmed Shah from Kokernag in south Kashmir and Eisa Fazil from Soura in Srinagar were brilliant students who joined militancy.&nbsp;

(With input from PTI)

For the first?time since the?data?has been recorded, the numbers have crossed 100

A recent report released by a security agency shows 2017 as the year of the highest recruitment of youth in various militant groups. For the first time since the data has been recorded, the numbers have crossed beyond 100. In 2010 the number of youth joining militancy was 54. It reduced to 23 in 2011, 21 in 2012, 16 in 2013 before rising again to 53 in 2014 and 66 in 2015. Last year's figure showed 88 youth became militants and this year the figure surpassed 100 reaching 117. The rise in the number of young boys joining militancy is linked to the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group's poster boy Burhan Wani. Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter in south Kashmir on July 8, 2016. While the reports indicate the number of youth joining the militancy this year is as high as 117, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police SP Vaid claims that the numbers are much lesser. However, contrary to his claims a senior security official has said that the figures of the police are based on the case registered. Citing that many parents do not report the matter to the law enforcing agencies due to fear he indicated that the actual figures are always on the rise. A security official said that the boys joining the path of militancy are well aware that they are at a risk of being killed. The youth joining militant groups not only hail from the middle or lower class but are also literate students from well-off families. Militants like Owais Ahmed Shah from Kokernag in south Kashmir and Eisa Fazil from Soura in Srinagar were brilliant students who joined militancy. (With input from PTI)

Highest number of Kashmiri youth joined militant groups in 2017: Report

Newly-appointed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pro-democracy-credentials-helped-bajwa-get-army-chief-post-9397">Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa </a>told the national assembly to &quot;mend&quot; ties with India, Pakistan&#39;s Dawn newspaper reported.

&ldquo;The military is ready to back the political leadership&#39;s initiative for normalisation of relations with arch-rival India,&rdquo; General Bajwa told lawmakers at the Senate committee of Pakistan on Tuesday.

General Bajwa reportedly told the parliamentary forum that &quot;relations with all neighbours had to be normalised&quot;&nbsp;while urging political leaders &quot;to try to improve relations with India&quot;.

Bajwa, however, also added that a large part of Indian military deployments was mostly against Pakistan, even though it cited other threats, Dawn said, adding, that India was fomenting &quot;instability and terrorism in Pakistan&quot; and had developed a strong &quot;nexus with Afghan intelligence agency NDS&quot;, the report said.

India and Pakistan have been exchanging heavy fire along the border in the past two months even as both sides decided to not to engage in gunfire.

Bajwa, who was appointed by ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was an infantry officer and had commanded Pakistan army&#39;s 10 Corps which is&nbsp;responsible for guarding the area along the Line of Control (LoC) with India.

Bajwa is the fourth officer from the infantry&#39;s Baloch Regiment to become the army chief.

General Bajwa reportedly told the parliamentary forum that "relations with all neighbours had to be normalised"?

Newly-appointed Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told the national assembly to "mend" ties with India, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported. “The military is ready to back the political leadership's initiative for normalisation of relations with arch-rival India,” General Bajwa told lawmakers at the Senate committee of Pakistan on Tuesday. General Bajwa reportedly told the parliamentary forum that "relations with all neighbours had to be normalised" while urging political leaders "to try to improve relations with India". Bajwa, however, also added that a large part of Indian military deployments was mostly against Pakistan, even though it cited other threats, Dawn said, adding, that India was fomenting "instability and terrorism in Pakistan" and had developed a strong "nexus with Afghan intelligence agency NDS", the report said. India and Pakistan have been exchanging heavy fire along the border in the past two months even as both sides decided to not to engage in gunfire. Bajwa, who was appointed by ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, was an infantry officer and had commanded Pakistan army's 10 Corps which is responsible for guarding the area along the Line of Control (LoC) with India. Bajwa is the fourth officer from the infantry's Baloch Regiment to become the army chief.

'Mend ties with India,' Pakistan Army chief Bajwa to lawmakers

India has issued demarches to both <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protest-in-pok-against-pakistan-government-for-diverting-resources-26599">Pakistan and China conveying its position</a> on the construction of dams on the Indus river in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) by the Pakistani government with assistance committed to these projects by China, the government said today.&nbsp;

Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that any collaborative activity there is in violation of India&#39;s sovereignty and territorial integrity.&nbsp;

&quot;Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government continues to maintain this position,&quot; Singh said.&nbsp;

Replying to a separate question on China&#39;s &#39;One Belt One Road&#39; (OBOR) initiative, Singh said the government has clearly articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be &quot;based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law...and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity&quot;.&nbsp;

He also asserted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), which is being projected as a flagship project of OBOR initiative, passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which has been in illegal occupation of Pakistan since 1947.&nbsp;

&quot;The government has conveyed to the Chinese side, including at the highest level, its concerns about China&#39;s activities in PoK and asked them to cease these activities,&quot; the minister added.&nbsp; 
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Minister of state for external affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan

India has issued demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying its position on the construction of dams on the Indus river in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) by the Pakistani government with assistance committed to these projects by China, the government said today. Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that any collaborative activity there is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government continues to maintain this position," Singh said. Replying to a separate question on China's 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) initiative, Singh said the government has clearly articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be "based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law...and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity". He also asserted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), which is being projected as a flagship project of OBOR initiative, passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which has been in illegal occupation of Pakistan since 1947. "The government has conveyed to the Chinese side, including at the highest level, its concerns about China's activities in PoK and asked them to cease these activities," the minister added.

India issued demarches to Pakistan, China on dams in PoK: MoS VK Singh

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