A massive landslide in the Kishtwar district of the northern Indian Union territory of Jammu &amp; Kashmir on Saturday evening&nbsp;killed three persons, including a JCB driver, an engineer and a policeman, while trapping several under the debris. The rescue team called at the site also ran into trouble.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the accident took place on the under-construction&nbsp;Ratle Hydro-Electric Power Project. A rescue operation has been initiated by the authorities and efforts are underway to ascertain the extent of the loss.&nbsp;

Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/94th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-pm-narendra-modi-talks-about-solar-energy-in-india-529560">94th edition of Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi talks about solar energy in India</a>

"JCB driver Manoj Kumar's body has been retrieved while we see two more bodies of engineer Sachin and a policeman Yaqoob. We have rescued another man, Ravi Roy, from the debris. 10 to 15 others sustained minor injuries in the two landslides," said&nbsp;Kishtwar SSP Shafqat Bhat.&nbsp;

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed the media that the rescue team deputed to the accident spot had also been trapped in the debris, suggesting that the extent of the landslides was much more dangerous than first anticipated.&nbsp;

"Spoke to DC Kishtwar, J&amp;K on receiving report of a fatal landslide at the site of under-construction Ratle Power Project. JCB driver unfortunately died. Rescue team of about six persons, deputed to site after the incident, has also got trapped under the debris," the minister told news wire agency ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"Spoke to DC Kishtwar,J&amp;K on receiving report of a fatal landslide at the site of under-construction Ratle Power Project. JCB driver unfortunately died. Rescue team of about 6 persons, deputed to site after the incident, has also got trapped under the debris: Union Min Dr J Singh <a href="https://t.co/tdWOJA7RQz">pic.twitter.com/tdWOJA7RQz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1586362598513315846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to local media reports, the injured have been carried to the nearby Government Medical College, Doda.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-six-people-including-two-pilots-die-in-a-helicoper-crash-in-kedarnath-526359">Read more:&nbsp;India: Six people, including two pilots die in a helicopter crash in Kedarnath</a>

Notably, earlier this month, a coordination meeting chaired by&nbsp;Kishori Lal Sharma, additional deputy commissioner, Kishtwar was called to assess the progress of the project.

At the time, the executing agency was directed by the commissioner to ensure proper dumping of muck and excavated material from the project, in&nbsp;strict accordance with NGT guidelines and guidelines issued by J&amp;K Pollution Control Committee.

(This is a developing story. More updates to follow) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

A massive landslide in the Kishtwar district of the northern Indian Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday evening killed three persons, including a JCB driver, an engineer and a policeman, while trapping several under the debris.

A massive landslide in the Kishtwar district of the northern Indian Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday evening killed three persons, including a JCB driver, an engineer and a policeman, while trapping several under the debris. The rescue team called at the site also ran into trouble. Reportedly, the accident took place on the under-construction Ratle Hydro-Electric Power Project. A rescue operation has been initiated by the authorities and efforts are underway to ascertain the extent of the loss. Also watch: 94th edition of Mann Ki Baat: PM Narendra Modi talks about solar energy in India "JCB driver Manoj Kumar's body has been retrieved while we see two more bodies of engineer Sachin and a policeman Yaqoob. We have rescued another man, Ravi Roy, from the debris. 10 to 15 others sustained minor injuries in the two landslides," said Kishtwar SSP Shafqat Bhat. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh informed the media that the rescue team deputed to the accident spot had also been trapped in the debris, suggesting that the extent of the landslides was much more dangerous than first anticipated. "Spoke to DC Kishtwar, J&K on receiving report of a fatal landslide at the site of under-construction Ratle Power Project. JCB driver unfortunately died. Rescue team of about six persons, deputed to site after the incident, has also got trapped under the debris," the minister told news wire agency ANI. "Spoke to DC Kishtwar,J&K on receiving report of a fatal landslide at the site of under-construction Ratle Power Project. JCB driver unfortunately died. Rescue team of about 6 persons, deputed to site after the incident, has also got trapped under the debris: Union Min Dr J Singh pic.twitter.com/tdWOJA7RQz — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2022 × According to local media reports, the injured have been carried to the nearby Government Medical College, Doda. Read more: India: Six people, including two pilots die in a helicopter crash in Kedarnath Notably, earlier this month, a coordination meeting chaired by Kishori Lal Sharma, additional deputy commissioner, Kishtwar was called to assess the progress of the project. At the time, the executing agency was directed by the commissioner to ensure proper dumping of muck and excavated material from the project, in strict accordance with NGT guidelines and guidelines issued by J&K Pollution Control Committee. (This is a developing story. More updates to follow) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Three dead, several trapped in two landslides at a power project site in Kishtwar

Kashmir Valley is the first choice of tourists coming from the rest of the country to beat the heat. Thousands of tourists flock to the Kashmir Valley every single day. The main reason is the weather.&nbsp;

The temperatures across North India have crossed 46 degrees while the temperature in Kashmir is hovering around 20 degrees, one of the reasons behind the increase in tourist arrivals.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oldest-surviving-hizbul-terrorist-among-three-killed-in-jammu-and-kashmir-476869" hreflang="en">Oldest surviving Hizbul terrorist among three killed in Jammu and Kashmir</a>

The whole of India is facing heatwave conditions, where temperatures are touching 50 degrees, and this has pushed the tourism industry further in the valley. All the hotels and houseboats are fully booked in Srinagar.&nbsp;

''Kashmir, I have been before but there is a lot of difference here now. I have travelled all over the world and in India too. Kashmir has always been the paradise on earth, the weather has always been wonderful. There is a lot of difference in the weather in the rest of the country and here'' said Kanan Joshi, Tourist.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi reviews country's monsoon and heatwave preparedness

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-reviews-countrys-monsoon-and-heatwave-preparedness-476898/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Dal Lake area in Srinagar is flocked by hundreds of tourists. The shikaras and houseboats are full. There is a huge crowd outside the Mughal gardens. The hill stations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are completely packed.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kashmir valley tourism" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c2b5fdf-a622-4b16-bc3b-162b124103ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2823%29.jpg" />

Tourists who are in Kashmir are saying that it's the best time to come to Kashmir to beat the heat.&nbsp;

''I had not seen Kashmir before; we were to travel abroad but then we thought of coming here. We went from 39 degrees to 20 degrees in Srinagar and it's beautiful. Preserve the beauty of our country. How people in foreign countries maintain the environment should be done in the same way here'' said Vikrant Joshi, Tourist.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/residents-of-this-indian-city-will-soon-have-made-in-india-drones-deliver-their-grocery-476854" hreflang="en">Residents of this Indian city will soon have made-in-India drones deliver their grocery</a>

Around 2 lakh tourists have visited Kashmir Valley since the heatwave began in other parts of the country. According to the data of the tourism department, about 90 flights operate daily from Srinagar and about 5 thousand tourists reach Kashmir daily. &nbsp;

Tourism saw a boom since winter this year and has broken all previous records. The tourism industry had suffered huge losses after the abrogation of Article 370 and Pandemic. Hotel houseboats are all booked until July. The Amarnath Yatra is also beginning at the end of June.&nbsp;

Kashmir Valley is the first choice of tourists coming from the rest of the country to beat the heat. Thousands of tourists flock to the Kashmir Valley every single day.

Kashmir Valley is the first choice of tourists coming from the rest of the country to beat the heat. Thousands of tourists flock to the Kashmir Valley every single day. The main reason is the weather. The temperatures across North India have crossed 46 degrees while the temperature in Kashmir is hovering around 20 degrees, one of the reasons behind the increase in tourist arrivals. Also read | Oldest surviving Hizbul terrorist among three killed in Jammu and Kashmir The whole of India is facing heatwave conditions, where temperatures are touching 50 degrees, and this has pushed the tourism industry further in the valley. All the hotels and houseboats are fully booked in Srinagar. ''Kashmir, I have been before but there is a lot of difference here now. I have travelled all over the world and in India too. Kashmir has always been the paradise on earth, the weather has always been wonderful. There is a lot of difference in the weather in the rest of the country and here'' said Kanan Joshi, Tourist. Watch | Indian PM Modi reviews country's monsoon and heatwave preparedness The Dal Lake area in Srinagar is flocked by hundreds of tourists. The shikaras and houseboats are full. There is a huge crowd outside the Mughal gardens. The hill stations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are completely packed. Tourists who are in Kashmir are saying that it's the best time to come to Kashmir to beat the heat. ''I had not seen Kashmir before; we were to travel abroad but then we thought of coming here. We went from 39 degrees to 20 degrees in Srinagar and it's beautiful. Preserve the beauty of our country. How people in foreign countries maintain the environment should be done in the same way here'' said Vikrant Joshi, Tourist. Also read | Residents of this Indian city will soon have made-in-India drones deliver their grocery Around 2 lakh tourists have visited Kashmir Valley since the heatwave began in other parts of the country. According to the data of the tourism department, about 90 flights operate daily from Srinagar and about 5 thousand tourists reach Kashmir daily. Tourism saw a boom since winter this year and has broken all previous records. The tourism industry had suffered huge losses after the abrogation of Article 370 and Pandemic. Hotel houseboats are all booked until July. The Amarnath Yatra is also beginning at the end of June.

As India reels under heat wave, Kashmir temperatures at below 20 degrees

There are alarming hints that after Pakistan's ISI has solidified its control over Afghanistan via the Taliban, it may transfer Afghans and others to India, specifically Jammu and Kashmir.

India's red lines pertain to the use of Afghan soil for anti-India terrorism, which the Taliban may cross.

The fall of Panjshir may have been the result of a terrorist barter. The deal is straightforward, Pakistan assists the Taliban in obtaining Panjshir. In addition, the Taliban will assist Pakistan in spreading terrorism and anti-India hostilities in Kashmir. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-20-changed-visas-painted-walls-new-airport-names-hint-at-changed-afghanistan-411938">Also read | Taliban 2.0? Changed visas, painted walls, new airport names hint at changed Afghanistan</a>

The capture of Panjshir took place this week. It was not only disappointing but also unexpected.

Panjshir is thought to be impregnable, superpowers have attempted and failed in the past.

So, how did a ragtag bunch of fanatics pull it off?

Because the Pakistan Air Force assisted Taliban militants. The opposition was being bombed by the Pakistani air force. This was confirmed by a former Iranian president.

As a result, the Pakistani military became involved in Panjshir openly. The operation was overseen by Pakistan's ISI chief, who was in Kabul. The individuals attacking Panjshir had their Pakistani identity cards recovered.

Iran has opened a probe into foreign involvement in the invasion of Panjshir. Pakistan's participation made all the difference.

This is something we can't independently verify. However, we can assure you that it is a win-win situation for all parties.

In Panjshir, Pakistan aids the Taliban in Kashmir, the Taliban aid Pakistan.

Islamabad had always intended for this to happen. In Kabul, set up a proxy government and all hard-liners and Haqqanis should be packed in.

Then let loose on Kashmir. This is a script we've seen before.

Kabul was conquered by the Taliban in 1996. In the same year, violence in Kashmir exploded. Terrorist assaults totalled 4,496. There were around 1,400 civilians dead.

This was not an accident. This was the terror machine of Pakistan and the Taliban at work. There were reports in

May of last year that the Taliban might intervene in Kashmir. These assertions were refuted by their representative. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-have-right-to-raise-voice-for-muslims-anywhere-including-kashmir-say-the-taliban-410560">Also read | We have right to raise voice for Muslims anywhere including Kashmir, say the Taliban&nbsp;</a>

In May 2020, the Taliban stated that Kashmir was an internal matter for India, but in September 2021, a Taliban spokesman&nbsp;Suhail Shaheen stated, "As Muslims, we also have the right to raise our voice for Muslims in Kashmir, India, and any other country."

However, Kashmir is not Panjshir, and the Indian army is not an Afghan resistance force. Nonetheless, the Pakistan-

Taliban agreement should serve as a wake-up call.

The Taliban cannot be taken at face value in India. Hardliners and Pakistani proxies wield actual authority. They are still India's enemies. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

There are alarming hints that after Pakistan's ISI has solidified its control over Afghanistan via the Taliban, it may transfer Afghans and others to India, specifically Jammu and Kashmir.

There are alarming hints that after Pakistan's ISI has solidified its control over Afghanistan via the Taliban, it may transfer Afghans and others to India, specifically Jammu and Kashmir. India's red lines pertain to the use of Afghan soil for anti-India terrorism, which the Taliban may cross. The fall of Panjshir may have been the result of a terrorist barter. The deal is straightforward, Pakistan assists the Taliban in obtaining Panjshir. In addition, the Taliban will assist Pakistan in spreading terrorism and anti-India hostilities in Kashmir. Also read | Taliban 2.0? Changed visas, painted walls, new airport names hint at changed Afghanistan The capture of Panjshir took place this week. It was not only disappointing but also unexpected. Panjshir is thought to be impregnable, superpowers have attempted and failed in the past. So, how did a ragtag bunch of fanatics pull it off? Because the Pakistan Air Force assisted Taliban militants. The opposition was being bombed by the Pakistani air force. This was confirmed by a former Iranian president. As a result, the Pakistani military became involved in Panjshir openly. The operation was overseen by Pakistan's ISI chief, who was in Kabul. The individuals attacking Panjshir had their Pakistani identity cards recovered. Iran has opened a probe into foreign involvement in the invasion of Panjshir. Pakistan's participation made all the difference. This is something we can't independently verify. However, we can assure you that it is a win-win situation for all parties. In Panjshir, Pakistan aids the Taliban in Kashmir, the Taliban aid Pakistan. Islamabad had always intended for this to happen. In Kabul, set up a proxy government and all hard-liners and Haqqanis should be packed in. Then let loose on Kashmir. This is a script we've seen before. Kabul was conquered by the Taliban in 1996. In the same year, violence in Kashmir exploded. Terrorist assaults totalled 4,496. There were around 1,400 civilians dead. This was not an accident. This was the terror machine of Pakistan and the Taliban at work. There were reports in May of last year that the Taliban might intervene in Kashmir. These assertions were refuted by their representative. Also read | We have right to raise voice for Muslims anywhere including Kashmir, say the Taliban In May 2020, the Taliban stated that Kashmir was an internal matter for India, but in September 2021, a Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen stated, "As Muslims, we also have the right to raise our voice for Muslims in Kashmir, India, and any other country." However, Kashmir is not Panjshir, and the Indian army is not an Afghan resistance force. Nonetheless, the Pakistan- Taliban agreement should serve as a wake-up call. The Taliban cannot be taken at face value in India. Hardliners and Pakistani proxies wield actual authority. They are still India's enemies. (With inputs from agencies)

Panjshir for Kashmir: A sinister plan of Pakistan and the Taliban

India has the capability to hit terrorist targets across the border if the need arises, Defence Minster Rajanth Singh has said and noted that Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border since its creation.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, the minister said Pakistan has been resorting to 300-400 ceasefire violations in a few months but the Army gives a befitting reply.&nbsp;

"Ever since its existence, Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border," he said.

The minister said the troops were working to eradicate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"The country`s soldiers have proved that not only this side, but to eliminate terrorism they can go to the other side and attack terrorist hideouts if the need arises. India has that capability, that power," he said.&nbsp;

India had carried out surgical strike on terror launch pads across the border in 2016 after Uri terror attack. It had carried out an aerial strike on terror camp in Balakot in 2019 following terror attack Pulwama.&nbsp;

The minister had slammed Pakistan during the graduation parade at Airforce Academy in Dundigal earlier this month and said that the neighbouring country has continued with its "nefarious acts" on the border, even after losing four wars.

India has the capability to hit terrorist targets across the border if the need arises, Defence Minster Rajanth Singh has said and noted that Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border since its creation.

India has the capability to hit terrorist targets across the border if the need arises, Defence Minster Rajanth Singh has said and noted that Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border since its creation. In an exclusive interview with ANI, the minister said Pakistan has been resorting to 300-400 ceasefire violations in a few months but the Army gives a befitting reply. "Ever since its existence, Pakistan has been indulging in notorious actions along the border," he said. The minister said the troops were working to eradicate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. "The country`s soldiers have proved that not only this side, but to eliminate terrorism they can go to the other side and attack terrorist hideouts if the need arises. India has that capability, that power," he said. India had carried out surgical strike on terror launch pads across the border in 2016 after Uri terror attack. It had carried out an aerial strike on terror camp in Balakot in 2019 following terror attack Pulwama. The minister had slammed Pakistan during the graduation parade at Airforce Academy in Dundigal earlier this month and said that the neighbouring country has continued with its "nefarious acts" on the border, even after losing four wars.

India has capability to hit terror targets across LoC if need arises: Rajnath Singh

The enforcement directorate once again summoned and questioned the former J&amp;K chief minister and current Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah at their Srinagar office.

The Member of Parliament was questioned for 5 hours in the J&amp;K Cricket Association scam. This is for the second time in two days that he was called to the office for questioning into the multi-crore scam which came to light in 2012.

Farooq arrived at the ED office at around 11 am and left at 4 pm. He was summoned to the office on his birthday as he turned 84. Unlike last time, Farooq chose to leave silently after his questioning ended.

His party, National Conference, called the latest summon as a ‘coercive plot,’ while expressing dismay over “unnecessary hounding of the octogenarian leader.”

On Monday, he was questioned for 7 hours while local parties questioned the timing of his summoning, calling it a political vendetta in light of the formation of collation to fight against the abrogation of J&amp;K special status.

The case was taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the premier investigating agency of India, who filed a charge sheet against ex-office bearers of JKCA including Farooq Abdullah. The case of ED is based on a CBI FIR alleging misappropriation of rupees 43.69 crores.

The enforcement directorate once again summoned and questioned the former J&K chief minister and current Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah at their Srinagar office.

The enforcement directorate once again summoned and questioned the former J&K chief minister and current Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah at their Srinagar office. The Member of Parliament was questioned for 5 hours in the J&K Cricket Association scam. This is for the second time in two days that he was called to the office for questioning into the multi-crore scam which came to light in 2012. Farooq arrived at the ED office at around 11 am and left at 4 pm. He was summoned to the office on his birthday as he turned 84. Unlike last time, Farooq chose to leave silently after his questioning ended. His party, National Conference, called the latest summon as a ‘coercive plot,’ while expressing dismay over “unnecessary hounding of the octogenarian leader.” On Monday, he was questioned for 7 hours while local parties questioned the timing of his summoning, calling it a political vendetta in light of the formation of collation to fight against the abrogation of J&K special status. The case was taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the premier investigating agency of India, who filed a charge sheet against ex-office bearers of JKCA including Farooq Abdullah. The case of ED is based on a CBI FIR alleging misappropriation of rupees 43.69 crores.

On his birthday, Farooq Abdullah summoned by ED again, questioned for five hours

A J&amp;K police officer was shot dead by terrorists while he was returning home after offering prayers at a mosque in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

“Bhat was returning home after attending evening prayers in a nearby mosque when was shot at. He was on leave”, the official said.

Bhat was posted in Pulwama's Lethpora area.

Inspector Mohammad Ashraf Bhat was rushed to Bijbehara sub-district hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

(With inputs from agencies)

A J&K police officer was shot dead by terrorists while he was returning home after offering prayers at a mosque in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

A J&K police officer was shot dead by terrorists while he was returning home after offering prayers at a mosque in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. “Bhat was returning home after attending evening prayers in a nearby mosque when was shot at. He was on leave”, the official said. Bhat was posted in Pulwama's Lethpora area. Inspector Mohammad Ashraf Bhat was rushed to Bijbehara sub-district hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir police inspector shot dead by terrorists in Anantnag district

Coronavirus conspiracy theories are finding traction in Pakistan and the Imran Khan government is back at doing what it does best.

Raising the Kashmir issue at a global forum —- even during a pandemic. It seems — there is no cure for obsession either.

Here's what it's making the Imran khan government do. Last month, Pakistan's foreign minister — the know-it-all Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote to the then UNSC chair China's Zhang Jun and the concern was not coronavirus but 'grave human rights situation' in Kashmir.

Pakistan wanted an urgent discussion by the security council on this alleged situation. It said that the developments in Kashmir posed a threat to international peace and security.

According to reports, the UNSC chair chose to take no notice of Islamabad's request. Beijing turned down Pakistan's request for urgent consideration of the made-up situation in Kashmir.

It was quite a turnaround but Pakistan is in no mood to give up. It's come up with something more bizarre. Pakistan issued a press release which states that Pakistan strongly condemns and rejects the latest Indian action aimed at illegally changing the demographic structure of Kashmir. It goes on to state that 'the Jammu and Kashmir reorganization order 2020 is another illegal step by India to settle non-Kashmiris by changing the domicile laws''.

Unlike Pakistan — India is under a 21-day lockdown. There are travel restrictions — forget re-settling. Also — the government is within the constitutional ambit to do so. Every Indian has the right to settle wherever he or she wants.

India is a free-for-all country. It'll remain one. &nbsp;

Coronavirus patients are still being resettled in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Forget companies &amp; business. The Pakistani army is forcibly moving positive cases from the Punjab province to Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Mirpur — a strategically located city is being turned into Pakistan's quarantine centre. There have been protests but to no avail.&nbsp;

Here's something else Pakistan doesn't want you to know.

The ongoing coronavirus crisis could lead to 18.5 million job losses in Pakistan. The Pakistani economy is expected to sustain a loss of nearly 32 billion US Dollars in the coming months. These estimates emerged during a meeting by Pakistan's ministry of planning and development. The losses have been estimated based on the impact of restrictions imposed on businesses and international trade.&nbsp;

Which by the way have been minimal.No sympathy for its stranded citizens.No contribution to the SAARC fund.No basis to its claims on kashmir.No restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic. And no preparedness for what lies ahead. The coronavirus cases have crossed 2400 in Pakistan. There have been 35 deaths. Globally — there's a need to break the chain of transmission.

In Pakistan, there's a need to break the chain recklessness.

Coronavirus conspiracy theories are finding traction in Pakistan and the Imran Khan government is back at doing what it does best. Raising the Kashmir issue at a global forum —- even during a pandemic.

Coronavirus conspiracy theories are finding traction in Pakistan and the Imran Khan government is back at doing what it does best. Raising the Kashmir issue at a global forum —- even during a pandemic. It seems — there is no cure for obsession either. Here's what it's making the Imran khan government do. Last month, Pakistan's foreign minister — the know-it-all Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote to the then UNSC chair China's Zhang Jun and the concern was not coronavirus but 'grave human rights situation' in Kashmir. Pakistan wanted an urgent discussion by the security council on this alleged situation. It said that the developments in Kashmir posed a threat to international peace and security. According to reports, the UNSC chair chose to take no notice of Islamabad's request. Beijing turned down Pakistan's request for urgent consideration of the made-up situation in Kashmir. It was quite a turnaround but Pakistan is in no mood to give up. It's come up with something more bizarre. Pakistan issued a press release which states that Pakistan strongly condemns and rejects the latest Indian action aimed at illegally changing the demographic structure of Kashmir. It goes on to state that 'the Jammu and Kashmir reorganization order 2020 is another illegal step by India to settle non-Kashmiris by changing the domicile laws''. Unlike Pakistan — India is under a 21-day lockdown. There are travel restrictions — forget re-settling. Also — the government is within the constitutional ambit to do so. Every Indian has the right to settle wherever he or she wants. India is a free-for-all country. It'll remain one. Coronavirus patients are still being resettled in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Forget companies & business. The Pakistani army is forcibly moving positive cases from the Punjab province to Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Mirpur — a strategically located city is being turned into Pakistan's quarantine centre. There have been protests but to no avail. Here's something else Pakistan doesn't want you to know. The ongoing coronavirus crisis could lead to 18.5 million job losses in Pakistan. The Pakistani economy is expected to sustain a loss of nearly 32 billion US Dollars in the coming months. These estimates emerged during a meeting by Pakistan's ministry of planning and development. The losses have been estimated based on the impact of restrictions imposed on businesses and international trade. Which by the way have been minimal.No sympathy for its stranded citizens.No contribution to the SAARC fund.No basis to its claims on kashmir.No restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic. And no preparedness for what lies ahead. The coronavirus cases have crossed 2400 in Pakistan. There have been 35 deaths. Globally — there's a need to break the chain of transmission. In Pakistan, there's a need to break the chain recklessness.

China ignores Pakistan's call for urgent discussion Kashmir at UNSC

India has slammed Pakistan for raking Kashmir at the SAARC Video conference on Coronavirus pandemic, saying the country misused the platform meant to be for discussing joint SAARC strategy on the crisis.

Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "The purpose of the platform was to address the pandemic. It wasn't a political platform, it was a humanitarian platform. Pakistan misused it."

Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health, Doctor Zafar Mirza represented Pakistan at the video conference that took place on sunday evening and raked Kashmir in the meet.

All the South Asian leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative to represent his country at the meet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It was after 2014 all SAARC leaders were together. The 2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad was boycotted by all the countries in the region after the attack in Uri, India by Pakistan backed terrorist. India lost 19 of its soldiers in the attack.

India has slammed Pakistan for raking Kashmir at the SAARC Video conference on Coronavirus pandemic, saying the country misused the platform meant to be for discussing joint SAARC strategy on the crisis.

India has slammed Pakistan for raking Kashmir at the SAARC Video conference on Coronavirus pandemic, saying the country misused the platform meant to be for discussing joint SAARC strategy on the crisis. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "The purpose of the platform was to address the pandemic. It wasn't a political platform, it was a humanitarian platform. Pakistan misused it." Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health, Doctor Zafar Mirza represented Pakistan at the video conference that took place on sunday evening and raked Kashmir in the meet. All the South Asian leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative to represent his country at the meet. It was after 2014 all SAARC leaders were together. The 2016 SAARC summit in Islamabad was boycotted by all the countries in the region after the attack in Uri, India by Pakistan backed terrorist. India lost 19 of its soldiers in the attack.

Pakistan misused SAARC video conference meet on coronavirus: India

India on Thursday expressed its displeasure on Pakistan choosing to use the SAARC nations video conference on coronavirus to raise Kashmir issue. Pakistan State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza had joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Afghan and President Ashraf Ghani in the video conferenc held on March 15 to address the global coronavirus scare.

In the conference, Mirza had called for an immediate lifting of the "lockdown" there to allow virus containment measures.

"This SAARC platform was to address this pandemic. It was a humanitarian platform that Pakistan misused," the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Raveesh Kumar, told reporters, in a press briefing in New Delhi.

The MEA further assured the government was effectively carrying out the evacuation of Indians stuck in different parts of the world, amid the global coronavirus scare. Additional Secretary Dammu Ravi said the government was carrying out assessments of countries that require evacuation of the Indian nationals and accordingly, trying to employ its resources.

A second evacuation from Italy was also in the works.&nbsp;

"The ministry is strengthening the Covid Control Room. Right now 25-30 people are working in the control room. They work in shifts. We are getting about 400 e-mails and 1000 calls in a day. We are planning to evacuate the next batch of Indians from Italy this weekend," he said, adding, "further details are being worked out with the civil aviation ministry."

Raveesh Kumar also said all countries would be duly helped by India, as and when required, adding, "a crisis of this magnitude doesn't recognise borders."

"We're moving fast on proposals announced during PM Modi's video conferencing with SAARC leaders. The emergency fund is up and running. We've received many requests from other SAARC countries in form of masks, gloves etc. Quantum of assistance requested so far as crossed $ 1M," he said.

The MEA also said India has evacuated 590 people from Iran where the situation is very severe.&nbsp;

"Indians infected with coronavirus in Iran have been segregated are well being taken care. We believe they will recover and we will bring them back," it added.

A total of 166 cases of coronavirus have been detected in India, and four deaths have been reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-evidence-of-community-transmission-of-coronavirus-in-india-have-enough-expertise-to-deal-with-crisis-health-ministry-287390">Also read:&nbsp;No evidence of community transmission of coronavirus; have enough expertise to deal with crisis: Health ministry</a>

India on Thursday expressed its displeasure on Pakistan choosing to use the SAARC nations video conference on coronavirus to raise Kashmir issue. Pakistan State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza had joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Afghan and President Ashraf Ghani in the video conferenc held on March 15 to address the global coronavirus scare.

India on Thursday expressed its displeasure on Pakistan choosing to use the SAARC nations video conference on coronavirus to raise Kashmir issue. Pakistan State Minister of Health Zafar Mirza had joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, Bhutanese premier Lotay Tshering, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Afghan and President Ashraf Ghani in the video conferenc held on March 15 to address the global coronavirus scare. In the conference, Mirza had called for an immediate lifting of the "lockdown" there to allow virus containment measures. "This SAARC platform was to address this pandemic. It was a humanitarian platform that Pakistan misused," the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Raveesh Kumar, told reporters, in a press briefing in New Delhi. The MEA further assured the government was effectively carrying out the evacuation of Indians stuck in different parts of the world, amid the global coronavirus scare. Additional Secretary Dammu Ravi said the government was carrying out assessments of countries that require evacuation of the Indian nationals and accordingly, trying to employ its resources. A second evacuation from Italy was also in the works. "The ministry is strengthening the Covid Control Room. Right now 25-30 people are working in the control room. They work in shifts. We are getting about 400 e-mails and 1000 calls in a day. We are planning to evacuate the next batch of Indians from Italy this weekend," he said, adding, "further details are being worked out with the civil aviation ministry." Raveesh Kumar also said all countries would be duly helped by India, as and when required, adding, "a crisis of this magnitude doesn't recognise borders." "We're moving fast on proposals announced during PM Modi's video conferencing with SAARC leaders. The emergency fund is up and running. We've received many requests from other SAARC countries in form of masks, gloves etc. Quantum of assistance requested so far as crossed $ 1M," he said. The MEA also said India has evacuated 590 people from Iran where the situation is very severe. "Indians infected with coronavirus in Iran have been segregated are well being taken care. We believe they will recover and we will bring them back," it added. A total of 166 cases of coronavirus have been detected in India, and four deaths have been reported. Also read: No evidence of community transmission of coronavirus; have enough expertise to deal with crisis: Health ministry

Pak misused humanitarian platform by raising Kashmir issue: India on PM Modi's video conference on coronavirus

A woman belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community broke down and lashed out at director Vidhu Vinod Chopra after watching his film 'Shikara' at a theatre here where he had come to get a firsthand public review of the film on Friday.

The woman alleged that Chopra commercialised the entire issue of Kashmiri Pandit exodus of the 1990s and did not portray the actual suffering of the community including the genocide, mass rapes and mass murders committed by Islamic radical groups in his film.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-shikara-trailer-as-it-tells-the-untold-story-of-kashmiri-pandits-272713">Watch: 'Shikara' trailer as it tells the 'untold story of Kashmiri Pandits'</a>

"Ye aapka commercialism aapko mubarakh ho (Congratulations on your commercialism) As a Kashmiri Pandit, I disown your film, I disown it," said the visibly distraught viewer.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Must Watch : Kashmiri Hindu Women Breaks down and takes on Vidhu Vinod Chopra on Shikara as <a href="https://twitter.com/neelakantha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@neelakantha</a> sitting next to her tries to calm her dowm 
 
The shocking part is Vidhu Vinod Chopra replying "Truth has two sides" <a href="https://t.co/rbUeKuqVa5">pic.twitter.com/rbUeKuqVa5</a>
— Ashish (@kashmiriRefuge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kashmiriRefuge/status/1225728440248094720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She further alleged that Chopra polarised the sufferings faced by the community, to which Chopra replied that he will work on a sequel of the film for the woman.

Trying to calm the situation down, the director also said that "truth has two faces" and people have different perspectives on the same issues.

"Ab aapke liye Sequel two banaengey (Now I will make a sequel for you)," replied Chopra in a lighter vein.

The period-drama 'Shikara' which is a love story that revolves around the true event of the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from the valley was released across the country on Friday, February 7.

A woman belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community broke down and lashed out at director Vidhu Vinod Chopra after watching his film 'Shikara' at a theatre here where he had come to get a firsthand public review of the film on Friday.

A woman belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community broke down and lashed out at director Vidhu Vinod Chopra after watching his film 'Shikara' at a theatre here where he had come to get a firsthand public review of the film on Friday. The woman alleged that Chopra commercialised the entire issue of Kashmiri Pandit exodus of the 1990s and did not portray the actual suffering of the community including the genocide, mass rapes and mass murders committed by Islamic radical groups in his film. Watch: 'Shikara' trailer as it tells the 'untold story of Kashmiri Pandits' "Ye aapka commercialism aapko mubarakh ho (Congratulations on your commercialism) As a Kashmiri Pandit, I disown your film, I disown it," said the visibly distraught viewer. Must Watch : Kashmiri Hindu Women Breaks down and takes on Vidhu Vinod Chopra on Shikara as @neelakantha sitting next to her tries to calm her dowm The shocking part is Vidhu Vinod Chopra replying "Truth has two sides" pic.twitter.com/rbUeKuqVa5 — Ashish (@kashmiriRefuge) February 7, 2020 × She further alleged that Chopra polarised the sufferings faced by the community, to which Chopra replied that he will work on a sequel of the film for the woman. Trying to calm the situation down, the director also said that "truth has two faces" and people have different perspectives on the same issues. "Ab aapke liye Sequel two banaengey (Now I will make a sequel for you)," replied Chopra in a lighter vein. The period-drama 'Shikara' which is a love story that revolves around the true event of the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits from the valley was released across the country on Friday, February 7.

Kashmiri Pandit woman lashes out at 'Shikara' director for not portraying the actual suffering of the community

The cold wave has intensified in the Kashmir valley with extreme foggy conditions making it hard for the common man to resume normal work.&nbsp;

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing heavy fog throughout the day leading to the cancellation of all flights from the city airport since Saturday last week.&nbsp;

Waterbodies in several rural areas of Kashmir has also started freezing much before the harsh winter period locally known as 'Chillai-Kalan'.

On Monday, the traffic department asked people to drive slow and use fog lights. The cold wave has also forced authorities to shut lower primary schools in the region with the decision to shut all schools is expected soon.&nbsp;

The residents of Srinagar say that they have never witnessed dense fog cover in the city in years.

"I have never seen fog making everything invisible during the daytime," said Abdul Ahad, who says he's in his 50's.

The morning flights from Srinagar on Monday couldn't take off due to low visibility, said an official. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway which connects valley from the rest of India was thrown open for traffic after remaining closed on Sunday.&nbsp;

The meteorological department has predicted heavy to moderate snowfall in the valley from Wednesday which according to them would provide relief to the residents from the fog but would further dip the temperature.&nbsp;

"The relative humidity is more than 70 per cent and the morning temperature is also below the freezing point, so these two conditions make the fog grow," said Mukhtar Ahmad, in charge, Indian meteorological department adding that people travelling in their vehicles should take precaution and the visibility would improve in the coming days.&nbsp;

Drass in Ladakh was the coldest place in entire India where temperatures soared to minus 21.4 degrees Celcius and freezing water bodies and taps.&nbsp;

Locals told WION that people were forced to adapt traditional methods to beat the cold.&nbsp;

The cold wave has intensified in the Kashmir valley with extreme foggy conditions making it hard for the common man to resume normal work. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing heavy fog throughout the day leading to the cancellation of all flights from the city airport since Saturday last week.

The cold wave has intensified in the Kashmir valley with extreme foggy conditions making it hard for the common man to resume normal work. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing heavy fog throughout the day leading to the cancellation of all flights from the city airport since Saturday last week. Waterbodies in several rural areas of Kashmir has also started freezing much before the harsh winter period locally known as 'Chillai-Kalan'. On Monday, the traffic department asked people to drive slow and use fog lights. The cold wave has also forced authorities to shut lower primary schools in the region with the decision to shut all schools is expected soon. The residents of Srinagar say that they have never witnessed dense fog cover in the city in years. "I have never seen fog making everything invisible during the daytime," said Abdul Ahad, who says he's in his 50's. The morning flights from Srinagar on Monday couldn't take off due to low visibility, said an official. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway which connects valley from the rest of India was thrown open for traffic after remaining closed on Sunday. The meteorological department has predicted heavy to moderate snowfall in the valley from Wednesday which according to them would provide relief to the residents from the fog but would further dip the temperature. "The relative humidity is more than 70 per cent and the morning temperature is also below the freezing point, so these two conditions make the fog grow," said Mukhtar Ahmad, in charge, Indian meteorological department adding that people travelling in their vehicles should take precaution and the visibility would improve in the coming days. Drass in Ladakh was the coldest place in entire India where temperatures soared to minus 21.4 degrees Celcius and freezing water bodies and taps. Locals told WION that people were forced to adapt traditional methods to beat the cold.

Cold wave intensifies in Kashmir, several flights cancelled

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht.

"We have seen ISIS level of horror and brutality in Kashmir, 30 years before the West was even introduced to the brutalities of radical Islamic terror. I am glad these hearings are happening here today because when my family and everyone like me lost our homes our livelihood and our way of life the world remained silent," Vashisht told a Congressional hearing on Human Rights organised by Tom Lantos HR Commission in Washington on Thursday (local time).

"Where were the advocates of human rights when my rights were taken away?" Vashisht asked the panelists who were present at the hearing."Where were they on the night of January 19, 1990, when there were voices blaring from all mosques in Kashmir that they wanted Kashmir with Hindu women but without Hindu men?"

"Where was the saviour of humanity when my feeble old grandfather stood with kitchen knives and an old rusted axe ready to kill my mother and I in order to save us from the much worse fate that awaited us?" she questioned further.

She then said, "My people were given three choices by the terrorists: flee, convert or die on the same fateful night.

"Around 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus fled right after the night of horror. They survived. Those who didn`t were killed. Today, 30 years later, I am still not welcome in my home in Kashmir. I am not allowed to follow my faith there. My house in Kashmir is illegally occupied as most others in my communities. And those which were not occupied have been burnt down or ransacked," she told the hearing.

Meanwhile, Sheila Jackson Lee, a Representative from Texas, in response to Vashisht asked for a pathway to ensure human rights in the region."We should try to find a pathway to at least do the basics to ensure human rights in the region. Why not allow the members of the US Congress to visit both parts of the Jammu and Kashmir-- in India as well as Pakistan," Lee said.&nbsp;

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht.

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht. "We have seen ISIS level of horror and brutality in Kashmir, 30 years before the West was even introduced to the brutalities of radical Islamic terror. I am glad these hearings are happening here today because when my family and everyone like me lost our homes our livelihood and our way of life the world remained silent," Vashisht told a Congressional hearing on Human Rights organised by Tom Lantos HR Commission in Washington on Thursday (local time). "Where were the advocates of human rights when my rights were taken away?" Vashisht asked the panelists who were present at the hearing."Where were they on the night of January 19, 1990, when there were voices blaring from all mosques in Kashmir that they wanted Kashmir with Hindu women but without Hindu men?" "Where was the saviour of humanity when my feeble old grandfather stood with kitchen knives and an old rusted axe ready to kill my mother and I in order to save us from the much worse fate that awaited us?" she questioned further. She then said, "My people were given three choices by the terrorists: flee, convert or die on the same fateful night. "Around 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus fled right after the night of horror. They survived. Those who didn`t were killed. Today, 30 years later, I am still not welcome in my home in Kashmir. I am not allowed to follow my faith there. My house in Kashmir is illegally occupied as most others in my communities. And those which were not occupied have been burnt down or ransacked," she told the hearing. Meanwhile, Sheila Jackson Lee, a Representative from Texas, in response to Vashisht asked for a pathway to ensure human rights in the region."We should try to find a pathway to at least do the basics to ensure human rights in the region. Why not allow the members of the US Congress to visit both parts of the Jammu and Kashmir-- in India as well as Pakistan," Lee said.

Kashmir witnessed ISIS-level horror before the West was apprised on it: Columnist Sunanda Vashisht

Terrorists lobbed grenade near J&amp;K Bank on bus stand in Sopore of North Kashmir. Three pedestrians reportedly injured in the attack.&nbsp;

The injured were immediately referred to the district hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

The area was soon cordoned off by the army, police and the CRPF. A search operation has been launched to nab the suspected militants.

The attack comes ahead of a visit to Kashmir of a delegation of Members of European Union Parliament.

On October 26, six personnel of CRPF sustained serious injuries after suspected terrorists lobbed a grenade at the Karan Nagar police station. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the information is preliminary and more details are currently awaited.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Terrorists lobbed grenade near J&K Bank on bus stand in Sopore of North Kashmir. Three pedestrians reportedly injured in the attack. The injured were immediately referred to the district hospital for treatment.

Terrorists lobbed grenade near J&K Bank on bus stand in Sopore of North Kashmir. Three pedestrians reportedly injured in the attack. The injured were immediately referred to the district hospital for treatment. The area was soon cordoned off by the army, police and the CRPF. A search operation has been launched to nab the suspected militants. The attack comes ahead of a visit to Kashmir of a delegation of Members of European Union Parliament. On October 26, six personnel of CRPF sustained serious injuries after suspected terrorists lobbed a grenade at the Karan Nagar police station. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the information is preliminary and more details are currently awaited. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Terrorists lob grenade near bus stand in Sopore, three civilians injured

Female candidates are participating in the ongoing recruitment drive for Special Police Officers (SPOs) being organised in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-director-general-of-police-says-all-precautions-will-be-taken-during-restoration-of-mobile-services-255669">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

"In the ongoing recruitment of SPOs, starting from October 9, as many as 4,072 candidates including a large number of females are competing for their final selection," said Anita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

"These female candidates are from backward districts of the state. They are feeling encouraged. Most of them have qualified marathon, shot-put, and other tests. They want to help their families. They also want to be independent," Sharma told ANI.

"I have qualified 1,000-metre&nbsp;long run and shot-put outdoor tests. Now the height and documents are to be examined. I want to serve my country and have no fear in the mind," said one of the participants.

These girls are from the remotest and hilly parts of Ramban district and are participating in the recruitment rally with a lot of enthusiasm.

"This is the second time I have come. Last time, I didn't qualify but I hope this time I will be selected. I was always passionate about joining the police. It will also make me financially sound," said another candidate.

The minimum qualification to be an SPO is matriculation. However, many aspirants are intermediates and graduates.

Female candidates are participating in the ongoing recruitment drive for Special Police Officers (SPOs) being organised in Jammu and Kashmir. "In the ongoing recruitment of SPOs, starting from October 9, as many as 4,072 candidates including a large number of females are competing for their final selection," said Anita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).

Female candidates are participating in the ongoing recruitment drive for Special Police Officers (SPOs) being organised in Jammu and Kashmir. "In the ongoing recruitment of SPOs, starting from October 9, as many as 4,072 candidates including a large number of females are competing for their final selection," said Anita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). "These female candidates are from backward districts of the state. They are feeling encouraged. Most of them have qualified marathon, shot-put, and other tests. They want to help their families. They also want to be independent," Sharma told ANI. "I have qualified 1,000-metre long run and shot-put outdoor tests. Now the height and documents are to be examined. I want to serve my country and have no fear in the mind," said one of the participants. These girls are from the remotest and hilly parts of Ramban district and are participating in the recruitment rally with a lot of enthusiasm. "This is the second time I have come. Last time, I didn't qualify but I hope this time I will be selected. I was always passionate about joining the police. It will also make me financially sound," said another candidate. The minimum qualification to be an SPO is matriculation. However, many aspirants are intermediates and graduates.

Many female candidates participate in police recruitment drive in Jammu and Kashmir

Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region. &nbsp;

Responding to a question on the situation on developments in Kashmir, Guterres said, "I go on with a clear opinion that human rights must be fully respected in the territory. And I go on with a clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an essential element for the solution of the problem."

The Secretary-General also explained that the UN's "capacity is only related to good offices and good offices can only be implemented when parties accept it."

New Delhi has rejected any third party mediation&nbsp;and reminded that under Lahore declaration and Shimla Agreement both India and Pakistan will resolve all issues bilaterally.

On the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China, Guterres said, "I don't think anyone has been more persistent and more clear in talking to Chinese authorities about this issue than myself."

Adding further he said, "I have been doing publically much more than many world leaders."

Many western governments have been saying Uighurs are been systemically targeted by China and being sent to re-education camps while countries such as Pakistan have been silent.&nbsp;

The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened on September 17 and the first day of high-level General Debate will be on September 24.

On Monday, UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region.

Ahead of General debate in United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan as an essential element to resolve any problem in the region. Responding to a question on the situation on developments in Kashmir, Guterres said, "I go on with a clear opinion that human rights must be fully respected in the territory. And I go on with a clear opinion that dialogue between India and Pakistan is an essential element for the solution of the problem." The Secretary-General also explained that the UN's "capacity is only related to good offices and good offices can only be implemented when parties accept it." New Delhi has rejected any third party mediation and reminded that under Lahore declaration and Shimla Agreement both India and Pakistan will resolve all issues bilaterally. On the situation of Uighurs Muslims in China, Guterres said, "I don't think anyone has been more persistent and more clear in talking to Chinese authorities about this issue than myself." Adding further he said, "I have been doing publically much more than many world leaders." Many western governments have been saying Uighurs are been systemically targeted by China and being sent to re-education camps while countries such as Pakistan have been silent. The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened on September 17 and the first day of high-level General Debate will be on September 24. On Monday, UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit, and the UNGA will hold a one-day high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage.

Dialogue between India, Pakistan essential element: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

Former US Ambassador to India has slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-kashmir-issue-third-time-246030">Pakistani prime minister</a> Imran khan for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistan-trying-hard-to-spread-false-narratives-on-jammu-and-kashmir-246411">increasing the volatility in the region</a>.

Former envoy Tim Roemer's comments came after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-calls-us-president-donald-trump-to-discuss-kashmir-243492">Imran Khan </a>wrote an opinion piece in a US Newspaper.

Khan accused India of not wanting to have a dialogue for peace.

He threatened that there would be severe consequences for the whole world over Kashmir, especially if a nuclear war takes place.

In a tweet, Roemer tagged Imran's opinion piece and said that the US Should continue to back India.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region. US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize CT cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results. <a href="https://t.co/VeAG7PepFJ">https://t.co/VeAG7PepFJ</a>
— Tim Roemer (@Tim_Roemer) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tim_Roemer/status/1167851401231441920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Roemer said that Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-passed-in-rajya-sabha-with-125-members-in-favour-240893">Kashmir situation</a>, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region.&nbsp;

US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize counter-terror cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results.

Tim Roemer was the American ambassador to India from 2009 to 2011 during the leadership of President Barack Obama.

Watch: Imran Khan's Flop 'Kashmir Hour' in Pakistan

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khans-flop-kashmir-hour-in-pakistan-246762/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He oversaw several policies increasing cooperation between India and the United States.

One of the key policies was the counterterrorism cooperation initiative with India which focussed on areas such as money laundering, terror-financing and border security.

Former US Ambassador to India has slammed Pakistani prime minister Imran khan for increasing the volatility in the region. Former envoy Tim Roemer's comments came after Imran Khan wrote an opinion piece in a US Newspaper.

Former US Ambassador to India has slammed Pakistani prime minister Imran khan for increasing the volatility in the region. Former envoy Tim Roemer's comments came after Imran Khan wrote an opinion piece in a US Newspaper. Khan accused India of not wanting to have a dialogue for peace. He threatened that there would be severe consequences for the whole world over Kashmir, especially if a nuclear war takes place. In a tweet, Roemer tagged Imran's opinion piece and said that the US Should continue to back India. Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region. US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize CT cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results. https://t.co/VeAG7PepFJ — Tim Roemer (@Tim_Roemer) August 31, 2019 × Roemer said that Pakistan PM Imran Khan hypes the Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, and increases the volatility in the region. US policy should remain steady toward strategic relations with India, emphasize counter-terror cooperation, and push Pakistan for real results. Tim Roemer was the American ambassador to India from 2009 to 2011 during the leadership of President Barack Obama. Watch: Imran Khan's Flop 'Kashmir Hour' in Pakistan × He oversaw several policies increasing cooperation between India and the United States. One of the key policies was the counterterrorism cooperation initiative with India which focussed on areas such as money laundering, terror-financing and border security.

Imran Khan hypes Kashmir situation, personally attacks PM Modi, says former US envoy to India

Pakistan Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554"> Imran Khan</a> addressed his nation today as he sought to "internationalise" the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-president-trump-at-g7-summit-245727">Kashmir issue</a> even as the UN said the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter. 
&nbsp; 
"We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on the Kashmir issue. Even international media has picked it up," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/selected-government-of-pakistan-should-be-worried-about-economy-reham-khan-243992">Pakistan prime minister</a> said during the national address.

"If the conflict moves towards war then remember both nations have nuclear weapons and no one is the winner in a nuclear war and it has global ramifications," said Imran Khan in his televised address to his nation, adding, "superpowers of the world have a huge responsibility..whether they support us or not Pakistan will go to every extent."

Watch: PM Modi makes position on Kashmir clear; says Kashmir issue should be handled bilaterally

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-makes-position-on-kashmir-clear-says-kashmir-issue-should-be-handled-bilaterally-245840/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As the Pakistan prime minister spoke, the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres told PM Modi at the sidelines of the G7 summit that the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter and no step has been taken by New Delhi that in any manner threatens regional peace.

PM Modi told the UN chief that terrorism was the primary threat and in keeping with that certain restrictions will remain in place in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure law and order is maintained.

Earlier during the day while in a meeting between PM Modi and President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit, the US president told the press that he had spoken to the Indian prime minister on the Kashmir issue while emphasising that PM Modi had the situation under control.

"They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good," Trump added.

During the address, the Pakistan prime minister accused India of racism and painted Kashmir as a "religious conflict" while also taking responsibility for raising the Kashmir issue. Imran hoped that Muslim countries will back Pakistan at some point.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed his nation today as he sought to "internationalise" the Kashmir issue even as the UN said the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed his nation today as he sought to "internationalise" the Kashmir issue even as the UN said the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter. "We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on the Kashmir issue. Even international media has picked it up," the Pakistan prime minister said during the national address. "If the conflict moves towards war then remember both nations have nuclear weapons and no one is the winner in a nuclear war and it has global ramifications," said Imran Khan in his televised address to his nation, adding, "superpowers of the world have a huge responsibility..whether they support us or not Pakistan will go to every extent." Watch: PM Modi makes position on Kashmir clear; says Kashmir issue should be handled bilaterally × As the Pakistan prime minister spoke, the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres told PM Modi at the sidelines of the G7 summit that the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter and no step has been taken by New Delhi that in any manner threatens regional peace. PM Modi told the UN chief that terrorism was the primary threat and in keeping with that certain restrictions will remain in place in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure law and order is maintained. Earlier during the day while in a meeting between PM Modi and President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit, the US president told the press that he had spoken to the Indian prime minister on the Kashmir issue while emphasising that PM Modi had the situation under control. "They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good," Trump added. During the address, the Pakistan prime minister accused India of racism and painted Kashmir as a "religious conflict" while also taking responsibility for raising the Kashmir issue. Imran hoped that Muslim countries will back Pakistan at some point.

We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, claims Imran in national address

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday urged Pakistan not to back out from its commitment to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-yet-to-respond-to-indias-request-for-another-round-of-talks-on-kartarpur-corridor-242049">building the Kartarpur corridor</a>, a long-pending demand of Indian Sikhs.

"With the momentous 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji just three months away, any slowdown in the project will lead to its non-completion in time for the historic event," said Singh in a statement.

The Chief Minister's statement comes in the backdrop of reports that India was forced to send a reminder to Islamabad to hold technical level meetings to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-welcomes-construction-of-kartarpur-corridor-236559">finalise the key decisions</a> about the Kartarpur corridor.

"Such a move would serve a big blow to the desires and aspirations of the Sikh community, who are hungry for 'darshan' of the 'asthan' of the place where their first Guru had spent many years of his early life," added Singh.

On the issue of stoppage of trade at Attari-Wagah border by Pakistan in the wake of its decision to downgrade diplomatic and trade ties with India, the Chief Minister said, "Political concerns should not be allowed to be clouded by any decision that was detrimental to the interests of the people on both sides."

"The stoppage would, in particular, inflict heavy avoidable economic losses for the poor in Pakistan, as the goods would now have to take the long sea route through Iran or Dubai. The trade suspension would also lead to serious loss of jobs and livelihood for thousands of porters, truck/train drivers, staff, etc, who are deployed as part of the trade Infrastructure on both sides," he said.

He also urged Islamabad to revoke the trade suspension in the interest of the people on both sides of the border. "India wanted peace, communal harmony, and development on the Indo-Pak border, people on both sides of which had suffered immensely due to the continued violence and hostilities," he said.

Reiterating that Kashmir was an internal matter of India, the Chief Minister said Pakistan should not link it with diplomatic or trade ties between the two nations.

The Punjab Chief Minister also called upon the Indian government to open diplomatic channels to press Pakistan to resume trade ties.

Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a special economic package for the development of Punjab and Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir to create better job opportunities for their youth, he said,&nbsp;"The Centre should also raise additional battalions in the Army, para-military forces and the State Police for all the border states.''

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday urged Pakistan not to back out from its commitment to building the Kartarpur corridor, a long-pending demand of Indian Sikhs.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday urged Pakistan not to back out from its commitment to building the Kartarpur corridor, a long-pending demand of Indian Sikhs. "With the momentous 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji just three months away, any slowdown in the project will lead to its non-completion in time for the historic event," said Singh in a statement. The Chief Minister's statement comes in the backdrop of reports that India was forced to send a reminder to Islamabad to hold technical level meetings to finalise the key decisions about the Kartarpur corridor. "Such a move would serve a big blow to the desires and aspirations of the Sikh community, who are hungry for 'darshan' of the 'asthan' of the place where their first Guru had spent many years of his early life," added Singh. On the issue of stoppage of trade at Attari-Wagah border by Pakistan in the wake of its decision to downgrade diplomatic and trade ties with India, the Chief Minister said, "Political concerns should not be allowed to be clouded by any decision that was detrimental to the interests of the people on both sides." "The stoppage would, in particular, inflict heavy avoidable economic losses for the poor in Pakistan, as the goods would now have to take the long sea route through Iran or Dubai. The trade suspension would also lead to serious loss of jobs and livelihood for thousands of porters, truck/train drivers, staff, etc, who are deployed as part of the trade Infrastructure on both sides," he said. He also urged Islamabad to revoke the trade suspension in the interest of the people on both sides of the border. "India wanted peace, communal harmony, and development on the Indo-Pak border, people on both sides of which had suffered immensely due to the continued violence and hostilities," he said. Reiterating that Kashmir was an internal matter of India, the Chief Minister said Pakistan should not link it with diplomatic or trade ties between the two nations. The Punjab Chief Minister also called upon the Indian government to open diplomatic channels to press Pakistan to resume trade ties. Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a special economic package for the development of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir to create better job opportunities for their youth, he said, "The Centre should also raise additional battalions in the Army, para-military forces and the State Police for all the border states.''

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh urges Pakistan not to back out from Kartarpur corridor commitment

After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation."

During Imran's visit to the White House on July 22, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-statement-on-kashmir-amateurish-embarrassing-congressman-brad-sherman-237812">Trump had told the Pakistan </a>prime minister that he would "love to be a mediator", although the US State Department had said later that it was a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, adding, however, that Washington was "ready to assist".&nbsp;

Trump speaking to reporters on Thursday said: "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people -&nbsp;Khan and Modi -&nbsp;I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them and I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in &nbsp;India about it. If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene."

During his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran Khan, Trump claimed that he had spoken to PM Modi on the Kashmir issue which was later denied by the ministry of external affairs.&nbsp;

"So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," Trump had said while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House.

"It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added.

After Trump made his remarks on Kashmir, India in a swift response clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President.

"No such request has been made by PM Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

"Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally," the external affairs ministry spokesman added. 
&nbsp;

After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation.

After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation." During Imran's visit to the White House on July 22, Trump had told the Pakistan prime minister that he would "love to be a mediator", although the US State Department had said later that it was a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, adding, however, that Washington was "ready to assist". Trump speaking to reporters on Thursday said: "It’s really up to Prime Minister Modi (to accept the offer of mediation). I think they are fantastic people - Khan and Modi - I mean. I would imagine they could get along very well, but if they wanted somebody to intervene, to help them and I spoke with Pakistan about that and I spoke frankly in India about it. If I can, if they wanted me to, I would certainly intervene." During his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump claimed that he had spoken to PM Modi on the Kashmir issue which was later denied by the ministry of external affairs. "So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," Trump had said while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House. "It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added. After Trump made his remarks on Kashmir, India in a swift response clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President. "No such request has been made by PM Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally," the external affairs ministry spokesman added.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">mediation to resolve Kashmir issue</a>.&nbsp;

In a statement, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said, "No such request has been made by PM Narendra Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally"

"Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally" Raveesh Kumar said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We have seen <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>'s remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India &amp; Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1153371327371173895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to Shimla and Lahore accords, India and Pakistan will resolve their issues bilaterally without third-party intervention.

The latest development comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/working-with-pakistan-to-find-way-out-of-war-in-afghanistan-trump-on-meeting-with-pm-imran-khan-at-white-house-237765">Donald Trump</a> said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-trump-to-hold-bilateral-meeting-working-lunch-today-237715">hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan the Oval office</a>.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Trump last met PM Modi in Osaka, Japan on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-20-bilaterals-pull-asides-on-day-2-of-g20-summit-231427">sidelines of G20 Summit </a>on June 29.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do."

Watch: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-even-as-imran-khan-meets-donald-trump-heres-the-story-of-khans-visit-so-far-237784/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also said that Kashmir "should be resolved" and he will speak to Indian Prime Minister and see "what we can do".

This is for the first time Trump has spoken on Kashmir publically.

Meanwhile, Pakistani PM said the US "can play a most important role in bringing peace in the subcontinent," adding that Islamabad tried its best "to start a dialogue, resolve our differences through dialogue but unfortunately.. haven't made headways as yet, but I'm hoping President Trump would push the process."

A fact sheet was issued by White House on Trump -Imran meeting in which it was mentioned that while Islamabad "has taken some steps against terrorist groups operating within Pakistan", it is "vital that Pakistan take action to shut down all groups once and for all."

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his mediation to resolve Kashmir issue.

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his mediation to resolve Kashmir issue. In a statement, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said, "No such request has been made by PM Narendra Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally" "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally" Raveesh Kumar said. We have seen @POTUS's remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India & Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 22, 2019 According to Shimla and Lahore accords, India and Pakistan will resolve their issues bilaterally without third-party intervention. The latest development comes after Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan the Oval office. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said. Trump last met PM Modi in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of G20 Summit on June 29. Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." Watch: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far × He also said that Kashmir "should be resolved" and he will speak to Indian Prime Minister and see "what we can do". This is for the first time Trump has spoken on Kashmir publically. Meanwhile, Pakistani PM said the US "can play a most important role in bringing peace in the subcontinent," adding that Islamabad tried its best "to start a dialogue, resolve our differences through dialogue but unfortunately.. haven't made headways as yet, but I'm hoping President Trump would push the process." A fact sheet was issued by White House on Trump -Imran meeting in which it was mentioned that while Islamabad "has taken some steps against terrorist groups operating within Pakistan", it is "vital that Pakistan take action to shut down all groups once and for all."

India rubbishes Donald Trump’s claim that PM Modi asked him to mediate in resolving Kashmir issue

Kashmir covered in blanket of snow, flights suspended, main highway shut

The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified Wednesday as the mercury stayed several degrees below the freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas.

Leh town in Ladakh region recorded the lowest temperature this winter as mercury plummeted to minus 17.1C last night, a Met department official said. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 14.4C, he said. 
 
Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;which recorded the coldest night in 11 years on Monday at minus 6.8C, experienced a similar minimum temperature last night at minus 6.7C, the official said. He said Qazigund the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.9C, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 5.4C last night. 
 
Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.4C. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, settled at minus 7.9C, the official said. The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 9.4C. 
 
The cold wave has resulted in the freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dal-lake-freezes-partially-as-mercury-dips-in-kashmir-186587">Dal Lake in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dal-lake-freezes-partially-as-mercury-dips-in-kashmir-186587">Srinagar</a>, and residential water supply pipes in Srinagar and other towns of the Valley. 
 
Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’&nbsp;the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 
 
‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that. It is followed by a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).

The winter this season has been largely dry, although there was a spell of snowfall in the Valley in early November. 
 
The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly people.

The weatherman has predicted rain or snowfall at isolated places in the Valley and Ladakh region on Wednesday.

The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified Wednesday as the mercury stayed several degrees below the freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas.

The cold wave sweeping Kashmir intensified Wednesday as the mercury stayed several degrees below the freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas. Leh town in Ladakh region recorded the lowest temperature this winter as mercury plummeted to minus 17.1C last night, a Met department official said. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 14.4C, he said. Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir which recorded the coldest night in 11 years on Monday at minus 6.8C, experienced a similar minimum temperature last night at minus 6.7C, the official said. He said Qazigund the gateway town to the Valley in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.9C, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 5.4C last night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6.4C. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, settled at minus 7.9C, the official said. The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 9.4C. The cold wave has resulted in the freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, and residential water supply pipes in Srinagar and other towns of the Valley. Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are maximum and the temperature drops considerably. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that. It is followed by a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold). The winter this season has been largely dry, although there was a spell of snowfall in the Valley in early November. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly people. The weatherman has predicted rain or snowfall at isolated places in the Valley and Ladakh region on Wednesday.

Leh shivers at minus 17.1 degree Celcius; cold wave intensifies in Kashmir

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday asked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-support-for-idea-of-independent-kashmir-pakistan-pm-23586">India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir </a>for the sake of humanity and let it be independent.

While addressing students at British Parliament, Afridi said that Pakistan should not be demanding Kashmir as it has not been able to handle its own four provinces.

The 38 year-old all-rounder stressed that people were dying in Kashmir and it was painful to see that happen.

"Pakistan doesn't need Kashmir; it is not able to even handle the four provinces it has," said Afridi.

"Let Kashmir become a country. The people dying there should not die; humanity should stay alive. It pains to see people die there," he added.&nbsp;

It is not the first time that Afridi has commented on the Kashmir issue. Earlier this year too, he had tweeted on the matter saying, "appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in Kashmir," and urged the UN to intervene.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday asked India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir for the sake of humanity and let it be independent. While addressing students at British Parliament, Afridi said that Pakistan should not be demanding Kashmir as it has not been able to handle its own four provinces.

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday asked India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir for the sake of humanity and let it be independent. While addressing students at British Parliament, Afridi said that Pakistan should not be demanding Kashmir as it has not been able to handle its own four provinces. The 38 year-old all-rounder stressed that people were dying in Kashmir and it was painful to see that happen. "Pakistan doesn't need Kashmir; it is not able to even handle the four provinces it has," said Afridi. "Let Kashmir become a country. The people dying there should not die; humanity should stay alive. It pains to see people die there," he added. It is not the first time that Afridi has commented on the Kashmir issue. Earlier this year too, he had tweeted on the matter saying, "appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in Kashmir," and urged the UN to intervene.

Pakistan doesn't need Kashmir, it can't handle its own four provinces: Shahid Afridi

kashmir-0

Kashmir, News on Kashmir, stories on Kashmir, articles on Kashmir, Kashmir stories at Wion, Kashmir news, Kashmir latest news

kashmir 0