The Jammu and Kashmir Police are investigating a 1990 double murder case involving a Kashmiri Pandit father-son duo.

The case relates to the killing of the father and son during a period of heightened violence and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. The investigation is focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the killings and identifying those responsible.

The development has once again brought attention to cases involving Kashmiri Pandits from the turbulent period of the 1990s and the continuing efforts to investigate unresolved cases.

Watch this space for the latest updates on the J&K Police investigation, the 1990 killings and developments in the case.

J&K Police Probe 1990 Killing of Kashmiri Pandit Father-Son Duo

Pakistan's government is all set to rake Kashmir yet again, days after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO head of government summit which was attended by India. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch will be briefing foreign diplomatic corps based in Islamabad later today on Kashmir.

The briefing will be part of events that are organised by Islamabad ahead of 27th October which it observes as a "black day". &nbsp;

On October 27, 1947, Indian military forces landed in Srinagar, following the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India by Maharaja Hari Singh. This accession is disputed by Pakistan which had sent raiders to the region leading to the start of the Kashmir conflict.

The timing of the meeting is significant as the SCO meeting last week, on October 15-16th went cordially, and with the presence of India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. While no bilateral between India and Pakistan happened, the shrill was also absent.

A few days ahead of his visit, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said that he was going to Pakistan in a multilateral context and not to discuss India Pakistan, adding, "..since I'm a courteous, civil person, I will behave myself accordingly..'.

The almost 24-hour-long visit saw 2 public handshakes between EAM Dr Jaishankar &amp; Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, one national statement, one tree planting and one morning walk.

Meanwhile, the situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is deteriorating with terror attacks. Indian security officials believe Pakistani terror groups are responsible for it.

Over the past week, there have been significant attacks. These attacks have resulted in the death of multiple individuals, including soldiers, civilian porters, and non-local workers.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's government is all set to rake Kashmir yet again, days after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO head of government summit which was attended by India.

Pakistan's government is all set to rake Kashmir yet again, days after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO head of government summit which was attended by India. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch will be briefing foreign diplomatic corps based in Islamabad later today on Kashmir. The briefing will be part of events that are organised by Islamabad ahead of 27th October which it observes as a "black day". On October 27, 1947, Indian military forces landed in Srinagar, following the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India by Maharaja Hari Singh. This accession is disputed by Pakistan which had sent raiders to the region leading to the start of the Kashmir conflict. The timing of the meeting is significant as the SCO meeting last week, on October 15-16th went cordially, and with the presence of India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. While no bilateral between India and Pakistan happened, the shrill was also absent. A few days ahead of his visit, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said that he was going to Pakistan in a multilateral context and not to discuss India Pakistan, adding, "..since I'm a courteous, civil person, I will behave myself accordingly..'. The almost 24-hour-long visit saw 2 public handshakes between EAM Dr Jaishankar & Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, one national statement, one tree planting and one morning walk. Meanwhile, the situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is deteriorating with terror attacks. Indian security officials believe Pakistani terror groups are responsible for it. Over the past week, there have been significant attacks. These attacks have resulted in the death of multiple individuals, including soldiers, civilian porters, and non-local workers.

Pakistan all set to rake Kashmir, days after cordial SCO meet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Mallabarapuram near Chennai during their second informal summit a week ago.

Prior to the summit, there were speculations that the Kashmir tension would dominate the summit. Days before the summit, China and Pakistan issued a joint statement saying, "Paying close attention to the current situation in J&amp;K.” " The Kashmir issue is a dispute left from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant UNSC resolutions and bilateral agreements,” the statement added.

The foreign ministry had rejected the statement. "India’s position has been consistent and clear that J&amp;K is an integral part of India. It is not for other countries to comment on the internal affairs of India,” the MEA statement said.&nbsp;

India also expressed concerns over China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor that travels through the parts of Kashmir occupied by Pakistan.

China-Pakistan's joint statement had complicated the situation for India and China. However, the summit helped ease the tensions between both the countries after all the developments surrounding Kashmir.&nbsp;

Contrary to the speculations, the Chinese President did not raise the issue at the two-day summit. Both leaders maintained that it was important to deal with the challenges of terrorism and radicalisation in an increasingly complex world. They also discussed matters related to trade and the economy.

Beijing, the all-weather ally of Islamabad, had initially&nbsp;backed Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

However, it now urged India and Pakistan to resolve the issue through dialogue, dropping the statement China had earlier made about resolving the conflict in accordance with the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.

Both leaders decided they will not allow differences to become disputes. In line with the 'Wuhan Spirit' and the 'Chennai Connect', they agreed to continue this practice in the future.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump too endorsed PM Narendra Modi at the Howdy Modi event in America. PM Modi had slammed Pakistan indirectly, saying they shield and nurture terrorism. He also spoke about the abrogation of Article 370 and how the decision has irked Islamabad.&nbsp;

His comments were acknowledged by Trump who said that both India and the US were committed to "protecting innocent civilians from radical Islamic terrorism".

Pakistan has been crying foul over India's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Imran Khan and other ministers of Pakistan had even threatened India with a Nuclear war for weeks.

Khan had raised the issue at several forums following the abrogation of Article 370 seeking the intervention of global leaders, but most leaders supported India calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between the two neighbours. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Mallabarapuram near Chennai during their second informal summit a week ago. Prior to the summit, there were speculations that the Kashmir tension would dominate the summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Mallabarapuram near Chennai during their second informal summit a week ago. Prior to the summit, there were speculations that the Kashmir tension would dominate the summit. Days before the summit, China and Pakistan issued a joint statement saying, "Paying close attention to the current situation in J&K.” " The Kashmir issue is a dispute left from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant UNSC resolutions and bilateral agreements,” the statement added. The foreign ministry had rejected the statement. "India’s position has been consistent and clear that J&K is an integral part of India. It is not for other countries to comment on the internal affairs of India,” the MEA statement said. India also expressed concerns over China-Pakistan-Economic-Corridor that travels through the parts of Kashmir occupied by Pakistan. China-Pakistan's joint statement had complicated the situation for India and China. However, the summit helped ease the tensions between both the countries after all the developments surrounding Kashmir. Contrary to the speculations, the Chinese President did not raise the issue at the two-day summit. Both leaders maintained that it was important to deal with the challenges of terrorism and radicalisation in an increasingly complex world. They also discussed matters related to trade and the economy. Beijing, the all-weather ally of Islamabad, had initially backed Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. However, it now urged India and Pakistan to resolve the issue through dialogue, dropping the statement China had earlier made about resolving the conflict in accordance with the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions. Both leaders decided they will not allow differences to become disputes. In line with the 'Wuhan Spirit' and the 'Chennai Connect', they agreed to continue this practice in the future. Earlier, US President Donald Trump too endorsed PM Narendra Modi at the Howdy Modi event in America. PM Modi had slammed Pakistan indirectly, saying they shield and nurture terrorism. He also spoke about the abrogation of Article 370 and how the decision has irked Islamabad. His comments were acknowledged by Trump who said that both India and the US were committed to "protecting innocent civilians from radical Islamic terrorism". Pakistan has been crying foul over India's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Imran Khan and other ministers of Pakistan had even threatened India with a Nuclear war for weeks. Khan had raised the issue at several forums following the abrogation of Article 370 seeking the intervention of global leaders, but most leaders supported India calling Kashmir a bilateral issue between the two neighbours. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

No Kashmir talks: China snubs Pakistan

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”. The motion was submitted by the Blackburn, Dudley North, Keighley, Stockport and Wakefield constituencies of the Labour Party. It condemned “The recent actions of the Government of India to revoke Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the special status” granted to Kashmir.

It called on the Labour party to clearly and vocally support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and for international observers to be sent to the region immediately. The resolution also sought the party’s intervention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Reacting to the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “The government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on September 25 pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event.” He also declined any engagement with the vote-bank driven politics of the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party, which sits in the opposition and whose position is in conflict with the official stance of the British government that considers Kashmir a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and Article 370 as an internal matter of India.

The High Commission of India in London cancelled the customary dinner reception to the Labour party and withdrew invites, a senior official said.

Jeremy Corbyn, 70, looks like the younger brother of Bernie Sanders on the other side of Atlantic, who in his speech, had made similar references to Kashmir.

Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on September 21, Sanders said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir and asked the US government to “speak out boldly” in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue.

This 77-year-old leader also penned an article in the Houston Chronicle at the same time when the highly successful ‘Howdy Modi’ extravaganza was taking place about. He wrote: “When President (Donald) Trump meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples. However, there will be a deafening silence on the human rights crisis in Kashmir.”

The bad news is neither of them knows anything about Kashmir; the good news is both of them are well past their sell-by date and have no chance of winning office. Both are pandering to Muslim voters, more so in the case of Corbyn since London has become ‘Londonistan’ and Mirpuris from Kashmir are a significant vote bank.

Actually there are many commonalities between Corbyn and our own Rahul Gandhi. Both are leaders of a declining party with a dismal future. Both are college failures and full-time politicians with no other qualifications or expertise. The only difference is Corbyn is aged, married thrice and sometimes accused of being an anti-Semite.

After comments by Naz Shah in 2014 and Ken Livingstone in 2016 resulted in their suspension from membership pending investigation, Corbyn established the Chakrabarti Inquiry, which concluded that the Labour party was not “overrun by anti-Semitism or other forms of racism”, although there was an “occasionally toxic atmosphere” and “clear evidence of ignorant attitudes”. This exactly is apt in their comments on Kashmir — the occasionally toxic atmosphere and clear evidence of ignorant attitudes.

Someone needs to tell Corbyn that under his party, India became Independent and Pakistan itself is a gift of colonialism and a policy of divide and rule. This Kashmir mess is a British creation to keep a toe hold in the affairs of the Indian sub-continent.

Article 370 was obnoxious in denying rights to Scheduled Castes/nomadic tribes and women marrying non-Kashmiris. Women in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) can now buy real estate and transfer property to children, even if they get married to a non-resident as Article 35A has automatically become void with the scrapping of Article 370.

Article 35A gives the J&amp;K government the right to decide who qualifies as a ‘permanent resident’. The permanent resident is subject to special rights as only he can acquire land, settle and get government jobs and scholarships in the state. Does Corbyn know that Pakistan has to fulfill certain conditions for a plebiscite — like withdrawal of its troops from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir?

Much water has flown down the Jhelum and the global situation has changed. If Corbyn is a chit-reading leader like Stalin in Tamil Nadu, then he is a great loser. He must start studying history and acquaint himself with the geography of the Jammu and Kashmir.

Interestingly, the British labour leader is rather quiet about Uighur Muslims who are denied freedom and kept as prisoners by China in its western region. That is the irony of Left Liberals. Attack democratic societies like India and uphold theocracies like Pakistan and dictatorships like China.

Of course, the UK itself is in dire straits economically, socially and politically and may request India to take over their country and rule them! After all, they did rule India for two centuries.

They are a failed country and sick child of Europe wanting to get out of the continent, but not knowing how to do so. The UK has become the butt of all jokes: Boris Johnson wants a poll, but does not want to resign and Corbyn wants Boris to resign but does not want a poll! The UK should take care it is not pushed out of Commonwealth because of its tantrums.

Corbyn has to be informed that his party may pamper and appease their Islamic constituency as much as they like, but there is no need to involve himself in India’s affairs. The Queen does not rule us any more — fortunately. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-uk-labour-s-india-pain-2793356">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”.

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”. The motion was submitted by the Blackburn, Dudley North, Keighley, Stockport and Wakefield constituencies of the Labour Party. It condemned “The recent actions of the Government of India to revoke Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the special status” granted to Kashmir. It called on the Labour party to clearly and vocally support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and for international observers to be sent to the region immediately. The resolution also sought the party’s intervention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Reacting to the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “The government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on September 25 pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event.” He also declined any engagement with the vote-bank driven politics of the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party, which sits in the opposition and whose position is in conflict with the official stance of the British government that considers Kashmir a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and Article 370 as an internal matter of India. The High Commission of India in London cancelled the customary dinner reception to the Labour party and withdrew invites, a senior official said. Jeremy Corbyn, 70, looks like the younger brother of Bernie Sanders on the other side of Atlantic, who in his speech, had made similar references to Kashmir. Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on September 21, Sanders said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir and asked the US government to “speak out boldly” in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue. This 77-year-old leader also penned an article in the Houston Chronicle at the same time when the highly successful ‘Howdy Modi’ extravaganza was taking place about. He wrote: “When President (Donald) Trump meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples. However, there will be a deafening silence on the human rights crisis in Kashmir.” The bad news is neither of them knows anything about Kashmir; the good news is both of them are well past their sell-by date and have no chance of winning office. Both are pandering to Muslim voters, more so in the case of Corbyn since London has become ‘Londonistan’ and Mirpuris from Kashmir are a significant vote bank. Actually there are many commonalities between Corbyn and our own Rahul Gandhi. Both are leaders of a declining party with a dismal future. Both are college failures and full-time politicians with no other qualifications or expertise. The only difference is Corbyn is aged, married thrice and sometimes accused of being an anti-Semite. After comments by Naz Shah in 2014 and Ken Livingstone in 2016 resulted in their suspension from membership pending investigation, Corbyn established the Chakrabarti Inquiry, which concluded that the Labour party was not “overrun by anti-Semitism or other forms of racism”, although there was an “occasionally toxic atmosphere” and “clear evidence of ignorant attitudes”. This exactly is apt in their comments on Kashmir — the occasionally toxic atmosphere and clear evidence of ignorant attitudes. Someone needs to tell Corbyn that under his party, India became Independent and Pakistan itself is a gift of colonialism and a policy of divide and rule. This Kashmir mess is a British creation to keep a toe hold in the affairs of the Indian sub-continent. Article 370 was obnoxious in denying rights to Scheduled Castes/nomadic tribes and women marrying non-Kashmiris. Women in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) can now buy real estate and transfer property to children, even if they get married to a non-resident as Article 35A has automatically become void with the scrapping of Article 370. Article 35A gives the J&K government the right to decide who qualifies as a ‘permanent resident’. The permanent resident is subject to special rights as only he can acquire land, settle and get government jobs and scholarships in the state. Does Corbyn know that Pakistan has to fulfill certain conditions for a plebiscite — like withdrawal of its troops from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir? Much water has flown down the Jhelum and the global situation has changed. If Corbyn is a chit-reading leader like Stalin in Tamil Nadu, then he is a great loser. He must start studying history and acquaint himself with the geography of the Jammu and Kashmir. Interestingly, the British labour leader is rather quiet about Uighur Muslims who are denied freedom and kept as prisoners by China in its western region. That is the irony of Left Liberals. Attack democratic societies like India and uphold theocracies like Pakistan and dictatorships like China. Of course, the UK itself is in dire straits economically, socially and politically and may request India to take over their country and rule them! After all, they did rule India for two centuries. They are a failed country and sick child of Europe wanting to get out of the continent, but not knowing how to do so. The UK has become the butt of all jokes: Boris Johnson wants a poll, but does not want to resign and Corbyn wants Boris to resign but does not want a poll! The UK should take care it is not pushed out of Commonwealth because of its tantrums. Corbyn has to be informed that his party may pamper and appease their Islamic constituency as much as they like, but there is no need to involve himself in India’s affairs. The Queen does not rule us any more — fortunately. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kashmir mess is a British creation

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for mass demonstrations across the country to protest against Delhi's actions in Kashmir, as tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals continued to boil

Pak PM Imran Khan's call for 'Kashmir Hour'

It's A Working Monday In Jammu & Kashmir As Restrictions Are Being Eased In A Phased Manner.

WION Gravitas: Jammu & Kashmir slowly but surely on its way to normalcy

Government offices and schools reopened in India's Jammu and Kashmir with a mixed response on Monday (August 19), after two weeks of lockdown. Several areas of Jammu and Kashmir were facing a curfew-like situation after the administration imposed restrictions to curb violence in the valley, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's decision to abrogate Article 370 and 35A, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmir schools, offices reopen amid tight security

In yet another embarrassment to US President Donald Trump his adviser, Kellyanne Conway was caught off guard on questions over US President's claims on mediating in the Kashmir issue.

Conway was addressing reporters at the White House when she was questioned whether Trump had made up his statement that he was asked to mediate in the Kashmir issue by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a timid response, Conway who has been a long-time adviser of Trump said that she has not discussed that with the US president.

During a media briefing along with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump had said that he would love to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, saying that he would do so at PM Modi's behest.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject and he actually said 'Would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator', I said 'Where', He said 'Kashmir'. Because this has been going on for many, many years," Trump said at the White House, where he was hosting Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"If I can help, I would love to be a mediator. If I can do anything to help, let me know," he added.

Trump's statement was rejected by India which reiterated that any resolution between India and Pakistan is based on accords and that no such request had been made by the Indian prime minister.

In yet another embarrassment to US President Donald Trump his adviser, Kellyanne Conway was caught off guard on questions over US President's claims on mediating in the Kashmir issue.

In yet another embarrassment to US President Donald Trump his adviser, Kellyanne Conway was caught off guard on questions over US President's claims on mediating in the Kashmir issue. Conway was addressing reporters at the White House when she was questioned whether Trump had made up his statement that he was asked to mediate in the Kashmir issue by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a timid response, Conway who has been a long-time adviser of Trump said that she has not discussed that with the US president. During a media briefing along with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Trump had said that he would love to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, saying that he would do so at PM Modi's behest. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject and he actually said 'Would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator', I said 'Where', He said 'Kashmir'. Because this has been going on for many, many years," Trump said at the White House, where he was hosting Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. "If I can help, I would love to be a mediator. If I can do anything to help, let me know," he added. Trump's statement was rejected by India which reiterated that any resolution between India and Pakistan is based on accords and that no such request had been made by the Indian prime minister.

Kellyanne Conway says she did not discuss Trump's statement on Kashmir with president 

U.S. President Trump Offers To Mediate In Kashmir Conflict. India Rejects The Offer There is no reason why Trump and Kashmir should be in the same sentence. But it is, thanks to Trump's offer. Trump said that Indian PM Modi asked for his intervention. India rejects Trump's claims. Here's Palki summing up the Trump's remarks and the strong reaction that they have drawn from Indian government

Gravitas: Trump's Kashmir lie

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue.

"As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump &amp; PM Modi meeting. There is no question of mediation in Kashmir issue as it will be against the Shimla agreement," said Singh.

On Tuesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/any-mediation-with-pakistan-will-require-end-to-cross-border-terrorism-s-jaishankar-on-trumps-remarks-on-kashmir-issue-237840">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a>, in both the houses of Parliament, rejected Trump's claim that PM Modi discussed Kashmir issue with him. 
 
This is also a question of the nation's pride, he said. "We can accept everything. We can compromise on anything but we cannot compromise at the cost of our nation's pride."

"I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," Jaishankar said.

"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," Jaishankar told Parliamentarians.

On Monday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">Donald Trump said that PM Modi</a> had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at 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.

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." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump & PM Modi meeting.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "As S Jaishankar ji said Kashmir issue was not discussed in President Trump & PM Modi meeting. There is no question of mediation in Kashmir issue as it will be against the Shimla agreement," said Singh. On Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in both the houses of Parliament, rejected Trump's claim that PM Modi discussed Kashmir issue with him. This is also a question of the nation's pride, he said. "We can accept everything. We can compromise on anything but we cannot compromise at the cost of our nation's pride." "I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," Jaishankar said. "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," Jaishankar told Parliamentarians. On Monday, Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at 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. 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." (With inputs from agencies)

No question of mediation in Kashmir issue: Rajnath Singh on Donald Trump's claim

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide.&nbsp;

Recently, on the recommendations of the state administration, the ministry of home affairs (MHA), while banning separatist outfits, described ethnic cleansing and the purge of Kashmiri Pandits as the principal reason for banning separatists and terror outfits operating in Kashmir.

The admission by the state government and MHA through the Union home secretary in public domain makes it obligatory for the state government to accede to the repeated demand for a thorough investigation by the Pandits. The exiled Kashmiri Pandits have called upon the government to appoint a high-level commission of inquiry.

There are very strong grounds to set up a commission of inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to be assisted by DGP, Director IB, Director CBI and DG NIA, to probe into murders, loot, rapes, forcible land and property grabbing of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu religious endowments across the Valley.

In Jammu and Kashmir, there are layer upon layers of distortions of history, self-serving myths and competing political interests. Peeling off these layers by revisiting history, without any prejudice, can only help in our search for a brighter tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir.

The J&amp;K policy needs to combine between what the country pursues as domestic policy on one hand and the treatment of Indo-Pakistan relations as foreign policy, on the other.&nbsp;

The return of the exiled Pandits back to the Kashmir Valley with pride, is a matter of enforcing India’s Constitution in Kashmir, both nationally and at the global stage. It is important to restore and protect multiculturalism, plural ethos and the secular identity of India and the Jammu and Kashmir state.&nbsp;

Return, restitution and retention of exiled Pandits as a religious Hindu community, shall be the real test of the will of the central government and the governor’s administration.

No solution to Kashmir will make any headway unless the Pandits are rehabilitated, return to the Valley and are made part of the dialogue process as an important stakeholder.

It is the constitutional and political duty of the government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir government to repatriate the entire exiled Pandit community back to their homeland. &nbsp;It is also their duty to probe the reasons and circumstances of ethnic cleansing, fixing the responsibility for the killing of innocent citizens.&nbsp;

Governor Rule gives all statutory powers to the state government to do justice to this illustrious community, who are now living as refugees in their own country for the last 30 years.

It is hoped that the central government shall revisit its J&amp;K policy by demonstrating political will and large-heartedness in dealing with the Kashmir situation and liberally fund the return, rehabilitation and security of Kashmiri Pandits back in their homeland, which is the Kashmir Valley.

To quote what former Prime Minister IK Gujral once said, “For the illustrious Kashmiri Pandit community, which has contributed a great deal in shaping the nation building a democratic, progressive and secular India, if the coffers of the country are to be emptied for them, it would still be a small price to pay.”

It is important for the state governor to rise above civil service jargon while designing a package for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. It is also imperative to hold consultations with representatives of Kashmiri Pandits, so that all aspects are taken into account and the entire gamut of present and future problems analysed threadbare and in complete detail.

Kashmiri Pandits are a religious minority, which calls for due statutory recognition. The constitution of a state minority commission shall be a good step in this direction.

The MHA being the nodal ministry, shall start a structured dialogue with Pandits, for designing a comprehensive, time-bound package for return and rehabilitation. It shall not take more than two to three years for its implementation.

Pandits believe that if the exiled community is not repatriated back to their homeland with dignity and pride now, then it will never happen again.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-time-for-kashmiri-pandits-to-come-back-home-with-dignity-2745347">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide.

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide. Recently, on the recommendations of the state administration, the ministry of home affairs (MHA), while banning separatist outfits, described ethnic cleansing and the purge of Kashmiri Pandits as the principal reason for banning separatists and terror outfits operating in Kashmir. The admission by the state government and MHA through the Union home secretary in public domain makes it obligatory for the state government to accede to the repeated demand for a thorough investigation by the Pandits. The exiled Kashmiri Pandits have called upon the government to appoint a high-level commission of inquiry. There are very strong grounds to set up a commission of inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to be assisted by DGP, Director IB, Director CBI and DG NIA, to probe into murders, loot, rapes, forcible land and property grabbing of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu religious endowments across the Valley. In Jammu and Kashmir, there are layer upon layers of distortions of history, self-serving myths and competing political interests. Peeling off these layers by revisiting history, without any prejudice, can only help in our search for a brighter tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir. The J&K policy needs to combine between what the country pursues as domestic policy on one hand and the treatment of Indo-Pakistan relations as foreign policy, on the other. The return of the exiled Pandits back to the Kashmir Valley with pride, is a matter of enforcing India’s Constitution in Kashmir, both nationally and at the global stage. It is important to restore and protect multiculturalism, plural ethos and the secular identity of India and the Jammu and Kashmir state. Return, restitution and retention of exiled Pandits as a religious Hindu community, shall be the real test of the will of the central government and the governor’s administration. No solution to Kashmir will make any headway unless the Pandits are rehabilitated, return to the Valley and are made part of the dialogue process as an important stakeholder. It is the constitutional and political duty of the government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir government to repatriate the entire exiled Pandit community back to their homeland. It is also their duty to probe the reasons and circumstances of ethnic cleansing, fixing the responsibility for the killing of innocent citizens. Governor Rule gives all statutory powers to the state government to do justice to this illustrious community, who are now living as refugees in their own country for the last 30 years. It is hoped that the central government shall revisit its J&K policy by demonstrating political will and large-heartedness in dealing with the Kashmir situation and liberally fund the return, rehabilitation and security of Kashmiri Pandits back in their homeland, which is the Kashmir Valley. To quote what former Prime Minister IK Gujral once said, “For the illustrious Kashmiri Pandit community, which has contributed a great deal in shaping the nation building a democratic, progressive and secular India, if the coffers of the country are to be emptied for them, it would still be a small price to pay.” It is important for the state governor to rise above civil service jargon while designing a package for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. It is also imperative to hold consultations with representatives of Kashmiri Pandits, so that all aspects are taken into account and the entire gamut of present and future problems analysed threadbare and in complete detail. Kashmiri Pandits are a religious minority, which calls for due statutory recognition. The constitution of a state minority commission shall be a good step in this direction. The MHA being the nodal ministry, shall start a structured dialogue with Pandits, for designing a comprehensive, time-bound package for return and rehabilitation. It shall not take more than two to three years for its implementation. Pandits believe that if the exiled community is not repatriated back to their homeland with dignity and pride now, then it will never happen again. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Time for Kashmiri Pandits to come back home with dignity

India has suffered enough of proxy war in the last 30 years, which continues in Imran Khan’s ‘Naya Pakistan’ with same vigour as hitherto fore. &nbsp;

The surgical strikes launched in 2016&nbsp;after the terrorist attack in Uri, was the first signal that India has changed its strategy of being ‘Defensive’ as a responsible country, to adopting ‘Offensive Defense’ for protection of its citizens from Pakistan-sponsored Proxy war through the terrorist groups like JeM, LeT&nbsp;and others.&nbsp;

They continue infiltrating into India with the help of Pakistani Army and ISI, kill innocent people and lure the youth of Kashmir towards the misplaced version of Jihad, after a prolonged dose of radicalisation through Madrasas in the name of education. Some segments of the youth of Kashmir find a reason to be lured by money and privileges offered to them. The absence of any worthwhile industries due to lack of investors due to provisions like Article 370, deterring any sensible industrialist to invest in Kashmir is another reason for growing fundamentalism. &nbsp;

The recent terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy killed at least 40 personnel. The attack, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which has the patronage of the Pakistan Army and ISI, proved that proxy war against India has become the state policy of Pakistan.

India had no other option but to give a befitting response.&nbsp;India is now convinced that surgical treatment of the terrorists is required by the complete application of ‘Comprehensive National Power’ (CNP) of India because Pakistan was unlikely to take any action against them. &nbsp;

The air strikes and aftermath&nbsp;

On February 26, 2019, a set of 12 Mirage 2000 aircraft carried out pinpoint precision strikes using SPICE-2000 guidance kit fitted on conventional bombs, making them highly accurate ‘smart bombs’ carrying out this daring raid/surgical airstrike to destroy the largest training camp of JeM. The strikes were non-military, pre-emptive action, specifically targeted at the JeM camp at Balakot in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province deep inside Pakistan territory. The target chosen was a training camp located in a thick forest on a hilltop far away from any civilian presence. India also indicated its desire of no further escalation, as the strike was directed against the terrorist group responsible for Pulwama attack and not against the state of Pakistan, its establishment or its people. &nbsp;

The air strikes had the desired effects as it is learnt that 80 per cent of bombs struck at the precise designated targets. It not only struck the heartland of terror by striking the designated targets, but it also exhibited the Pakistan Armed Forces in poor light as they failed to detect such strike, rendering all their air defence systems surprised. It also called their nuclear bluff, as Pakistan has been holding back India from military action into their territory by blackmailing that if India crosses the LoC/IB it will respond with a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;

This air strike proved that India reserves the right of self-defence and will strike terrorists wherever they are, even if amounts to getting into Pakistan territory, and would keep all options on the table, in case Pakistan decides to climb the escalation ladder in our response.&nbsp;

As expected, to salvage its pride Pakistan Air Force using three F-16 aircraft entered Indian air space with an intent to take on a military target was deterred by alert IAF combat patrol and they had to cross back to their territory. The dogfight between the F-16 and our MIG-21 resulted in both jets crashing down resulting in an unfortunate ejection of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman drifting to the Pakistani side of LoC. The Indian pilot got heroes welcome on coming back to India, whereas Pakistan refused to acknowledge the loss of F-16 aircraft and Wing Commander Shamsuddin, and preferred to hide the loss because the use of F-16 aircraft amounted to the violation of their ‘End User Agreement’ with the US. The recent flip flop by Pakistani establishment indicates its panic reaction&nbsp;after Jaish-e Mohammad (JeM) claimed the responsibility of Pulwama suicide attack.

Pakistan's DG ISPR denied the existence of JeM and its leader Maulana Masood Azhar on its soil. Later, Pakistan Foreign Minister accepted that he was in Pakistan. Subsequently, Pakistan arrested 44 JeM terrorists including Maulana Masood Azhar’s son and brother under tremendous international pressure.

Options for India post air strikes&nbsp;

In our national interest to prevent the proxy war by Pakistan, India has to use every element of CNP. It means India has to exercise a multipronged approach including - diplomatic, political, economic and military offensive against Pakistan. As the main player, the Pakistani Army will not like to compromise on promoting proxy war, because their influence and relevance in their country is due to their role of being the sole protector from “Indian threat” and keeping Kashmir issue alive. To deal with the rogue state India will have to consider some “out of box options”.&nbsp;

Diplomatic option&nbsp;

The global community is well aware of Pakistan being the epicentre of terrorism, as it continues to harbour, train, support and utilise terrorists in its surroundings to include India, Afghanistan and Iran, as its strategic assets. After Osama Bin Laden being found in Pakistan, the deniability tool of Pakistan has taken a beating. We have to keep the diplomatic offensive on so that the global community is convinced with our actions. The world opinion seems to be against Pakistan, with a fresh proposal to declare Maulana Masood Azhar a global terrorist and we need to push it through. While India may like to globally isolate Pakistan but it is practically not possible because some of the countries have a strategic interest in it. The US National Security Advisor (NSA) advocated India has the right of self-defense and the similar sentiment expressed by other states (except China) did convince the international community for our offensive-defense to prevent proxy war. The diplomatic offensive needs to continue for a long term effect because the global climate is prone to frequent changes. The US needs Pakistan to keep their interest alive in Afghanistan. Pakistan is priceless for China in terms of financial investments in CPEC. We, therefore, need smart diplomacy with China. &nbsp;

Economic offensive

Scrapping unilateral ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status and imposing 200 per cent tariffs is a symbolic gesture due to extremely low trade volume and that too skewed in our favour. We need to build a strong case with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to declare them ‘Black instead of Grey’ in the next meeting which will affect its formal economy.&nbsp;It, however, needs to be noted that the terror industry of Pakistan functions on parallel economy fuelled by narcotic trade, Pakistan Military and ISI funding. It is, therefore, imperative that we close the tap in Kashmir by the conviction of separatists involved in money laundering to the pangs of terror industry within Kashmir. Water flowing uninterrupted to Pakistan is the main source for their cultivation and power generation, more so in Punjab, which is home to the maximum ruling elite of Pakistan.&nbsp;We should start by utilising full quota of water authorised to India as per Indus water treaty, and also suspend the treaty to re-negotiate further, till Pakistan shuns proxy war against India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Political offensive &nbsp; &nbsp;

India should move a step ahead from pure sympathy and moral support towards the barbaric treatment of Balochi nationals by the Pakistani military. India could consider giving asylum to their leaders and later may step up to allow them to form the ‘government in exile’ in India. India should start asserting its legal right over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Military options

India has called the Pakistani bluff about the use of nuclear weapons and has all the options on the table to respond militarily to Pakistan proxy war. The space for the conventional war exists between the proxy and nuclear war. Pakistan is unlikely to adopt the nuclear option it has. Also, India should continue taking appropriate measures to bring all the separatists and facilitators of Pakistan's proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir to books. &nbsp; 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India has suffered enough of proxy war in the last 30 years, which continues in Imran Khan’s ‘Naya Pakistan’ with same vigour as hitherto fore. The surgical strikes launched in 2016 after the terrorist attack in Uri, was the first signal that India has changed its strategy of being ‘Defensive’ as a responsible country, to adopting ‘Offensive Defense’ for protection of its citizens from Pakistan-sponsored Proxy war through the terrorist groups like JeM, LeT and others.

India has suffered enough of proxy war in the last 30 years, which continues in Imran Khan’s ‘Naya Pakistan’ with same vigour as hitherto fore. The surgical strikes launched in 2016 after the terrorist attack in Uri, was the first signal that India has changed its strategy of being ‘Defensive’ as a responsible country, to adopting ‘Offensive Defense’ for protection of its citizens from Pakistan-sponsored Proxy war through the terrorist groups like JeM, LeT and others. They continue infiltrating into India with the help of Pakistani Army and ISI, kill innocent people and lure the youth of Kashmir towards the misplaced version of Jihad, after a prolonged dose of radicalisation through Madrasas in the name of education. Some segments of the youth of Kashmir find a reason to be lured by money and privileges offered to them. The absence of any worthwhile industries due to lack of investors due to provisions like Article 370, deterring any sensible industrialist to invest in Kashmir is another reason for growing fundamentalism. The recent terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy killed at least 40 personnel. The attack, claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which has the patronage of the Pakistan Army and ISI, proved that proxy war against India has become the state policy of Pakistan. India had no other option but to give a befitting response. India is now convinced that surgical treatment of the terrorists is required by the complete application of ‘Comprehensive National Power’ (CNP) of India because Pakistan was unlikely to take any action against them. The air strikes and aftermath On February 26, 2019, a set of 12 Mirage 2000 aircraft carried out pinpoint precision strikes using SPICE-2000 guidance kit fitted on conventional bombs, making them highly accurate ‘smart bombs’ carrying out this daring raid/surgical airstrike to destroy the largest training camp of JeM. The strikes were non-military, pre-emptive action, specifically targeted at the JeM camp at Balakot in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province deep inside Pakistan territory. The target chosen was a training camp located in a thick forest on a hilltop far away from any civilian presence. India also indicated its desire of no further escalation, as the strike was directed against the terrorist group responsible for Pulwama attack and not against the state of Pakistan, its establishment or its people. The air strikes had the desired effects as it is learnt that 80 per cent of bombs struck at the precise designated targets. It not only struck the heartland of terror by striking the designated targets, but it also exhibited the Pakistan Armed Forces in poor light as they failed to detect such strike, rendering all their air defence systems surprised. It also called their nuclear bluff, as Pakistan has been holding back India from military action into their territory by blackmailing that if India crosses the LoC/IB it will respond with a nuclear weapon. This air strike proved that India reserves the right of self-defence and will strike terrorists wherever they are, even if amounts to getting into Pakistan territory, and would keep all options on the table, in case Pakistan decides to climb the escalation ladder in our response. As expected, to salvage its pride Pakistan Air Force using three F-16 aircraft entered Indian air space with an intent to take on a military target was deterred by alert IAF combat patrol and they had to cross back to their territory. The dogfight between the F-16 and our MIG-21 resulted in both jets crashing down resulting in an unfortunate ejection of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman drifting to the Pakistani side of LoC. The Indian pilot got heroes welcome on coming back to India, whereas Pakistan refused to acknowledge the loss of F-16 aircraft and Wing Commander Shamsuddin, and preferred to hide the loss because the use of F-16 aircraft amounted to the violation of their ‘End User Agreement’ with the US. The recent flip flop by Pakistani establishment indicates its panic reaction after Jaish-e Mohammad (JeM) claimed the responsibility of Pulwama suicide attack. Pakistan's DG ISPR denied the existence of JeM and its leader Maulana Masood Azhar on its soil. Later, Pakistan Foreign Minister accepted that he was in Pakistan. Subsequently, Pakistan arrested 44 JeM terrorists including Maulana Masood Azhar’s son and brother under tremendous international pressure. Options for India post air strikes In our national interest to prevent the proxy war by Pakistan, India has to use every element of CNP. It means India has to exercise a multipronged approach including - diplomatic, political, economic and military offensive against Pakistan. As the main player, the Pakistani Army will not like to compromise on promoting proxy war, because their influence and relevance in their country is due to their role of being the sole protector from “Indian threat” and keeping Kashmir issue alive. To deal with the rogue state India will have to consider some “out of box options”. Diplomatic option The global community is well aware of Pakistan being the epicentre of terrorism, as it continues to harbour, train, support and utilise terrorists in its surroundings to include India, Afghanistan and Iran, as its strategic assets. After Osama Bin Laden being found in Pakistan, the deniability tool of Pakistan has taken a beating. We have to keep the diplomatic offensive on so that the global community is convinced with our actions. The world opinion seems to be against Pakistan, with a fresh proposal to declare Maulana Masood Azhar a global terrorist and we need to push it through. While India may like to globally isolate Pakistan but it is practically not possible because some of the countries have a strategic interest in it. The US National Security Advisor (NSA) advocated India has the right of self-defense and the similar sentiment expressed by other states (except China) did convince the international community for our offensive-defense to prevent proxy war. The diplomatic offensive needs to continue for a long term effect because the global climate is prone to frequent changes. The US needs Pakistan to keep their interest alive in Afghanistan. Pakistan is priceless for China in terms of financial investments in CPEC. We, therefore, need smart diplomacy with China. Economic offensive Scrapping unilateral ‘Most Favoured Nation’ status and imposing 200 per cent tariffs is a symbolic gesture due to extremely low trade volume and that too skewed in our favour. We need to build a strong case with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to declare them ‘Black instead of Grey’ in the next meeting which will affect its formal economy. It, however, needs to be noted that the terror industry of Pakistan functions on parallel economy fuelled by narcotic trade, Pakistan Military and ISI funding. It is, therefore, imperative that we close the tap in Kashmir by the conviction of separatists involved in money laundering to the pangs of terror industry within Kashmir. Water flowing uninterrupted to Pakistan is the main source for their cultivation and power generation, more so in Punjab, which is home to the maximum ruling elite of Pakistan. We should start by utilising full quota of water authorised to India as per Indus water treaty, and also suspend the treaty to re-negotiate further, till Pakistan shuns proxy war against India. Political offensive India should move a step ahead from pure sympathy and moral support towards the barbaric treatment of Balochi nationals by the Pakistani military. India could consider giving asylum to their leaders and later may step up to allow them to form the ‘government in exile’ in India. India should start asserting its legal right over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Military options India has called the Pakistani bluff about the use of nuclear weapons and has all the options on the table to respond militarily to Pakistan proxy war. The space for the conventional war exists between the proxy and nuclear war. Pakistan is unlikely to adopt the nuclear option it has. Also, India should continue taking appropriate measures to bring all the separatists and facilitators of Pakistan's proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir to books. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India must opt for 'out-of-box' options to counter proxy war by Pakistan

When India is fighting a war against terror and has even conducted an airstrike and bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) terrorist training facility at Balakot in Pakistan, the leaders of Congress and other opposition parties are busy targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP by casting aspersions and ascribing motives to the direct offensive launched by India to uproot and destroy the terror factories in Pakistan.

After the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi was quick in announcing that the Indian Armed Forces have been given full powers to handle the situation and counter cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

After the February 26 airstrike that targeted the terror infrastructure at Balakot, Pakistan Air force F-16 jets entered the Indian territory to target military installations. They were intercepted and chased away by Indian Air Force pilots. The Pakistani offensive resulted in the downing of an F-16 aircraft. India's brave fighter pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan, whose aircraft was also hit, was captured when he ejected and landed inside the Pakistani territory. Under immense diplomatic pressure mounted by India and also the threat of direct action in case Pakistan chose to remain defiant, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced in his Parliament that Abhinandan would be released.

“The Indian Air Defence system was on full alert in the morning of 27 February - a day after the Balakot airstrike. Build up of Pakistan Air Force aircraft on their side of LoC was noticed in time and additional aircraft were scrambled to tackle Pak incursion. When there was an attempt to attack Indian military installations, PAF aircraft were engaged and forced to withdraw by Mirage-2000, Su-30 and MiG-21 Bison aircraft from the Indian side. They left in a hurry as demonstrated by large missed distances of the weapons dropped by them. &nbsp;During combat, use of F-16 by PAF and multiple launches of AMRAAM (American beyond visual range air-to-air missile) were conclusively observed. Prompt and correct tactical action by Su-30 aircraft, in response to AMRAAM launch, defeated the missile. Parts of the missile fell in area East of Rajouri in J&amp;K, injuring a civilian on ground.” With this statement on Tuesday, the Indian Ministry of Defence has blasted the false claim by Pakistan of shooting down an Su-30, which was obviously a cover up for loss of its own aircraft.

In the meanwhile, even as Pakistan imposed a ban on Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafeez Saeed led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) on Tuesday, there has been no let up and Pakistan has continued to violate the ceasefire along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and there have been civilian casualties too.

When troops on both sides are in a state of combat readiness and it is time for the nation to remain united to face the enemy, the Congress party and other opposition parties are working overtime and throwing posers about the outcome of the February 26 airstrike. They all are asking the same question in tandem and the people at large are viewing this as an attempt by the opposition to politicise the situation keeping in view the upcoming general election. What is also alarming is that the opposition leaders are even pointing their fingers questioning the “timing of the post-Pulwama offensive (ahead of the Lok Sabha polls).

Gloating over the situation prevailing in India are those at the helm of affairs in Pakistan. That country’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in an interview, has talked of differences among the political parties in India with regard to the numbers of terrorists killed in the airstrike. In a video that’s gone viral, Qureshi is heard saying, "The Congress party is questioning the claim that terror camps have been destroyed and a large number of terrorists have been killed."

On the current situation, the nation is also witnessing a war of words on social media between the BJP and opposition leaders. What is particularly capturing headlines are a couple of tweets by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh. After citing a certain news-report and asking “what is the truth behind the bombing of Balakot”, Singh said in another tweet:&nbsp;

After the Air Strike conducted by our Air Force in the wake of the Pulwama attack, doubt is being expressed in a section of foreign media and as a consequence of this, the credibility of the government of India is being questioned. 
 
The remarks by opposition leaders are being seen as an attempt by the opposition leaders to dilute the gravity of the Pulwama attack and undermine India’s war against terror. The direct beneficiary of this is Pakistan.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

When India is fighting a war against terror and has even conducted an airstrike and bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) terrorist training facility at Balakot in Pakistan, the leaders of Congress and other opposition parties are busy targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP by casting aspersions and ascribing motives to the direct offensive launched by India to uproot and destroy the terror factories in Pakistan.

When India is fighting a war against terror and has even conducted an airstrike and bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) terrorist training facility at Balakot in Pakistan, the leaders of Congress and other opposition parties are busy targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP by casting aspersions and ascribing motives to the direct offensive launched by India to uproot and destroy the terror factories in Pakistan. After the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi was quick in announcing that the Indian Armed Forces have been given full powers to handle the situation and counter cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. After the February 26 airstrike that targeted the terror infrastructure at Balakot, Pakistan Air force F-16 jets entered the Indian territory to target military installations. They were intercepted and chased away by Indian Air Force pilots. The Pakistani offensive resulted in the downing of an F-16 aircraft. India's brave fighter pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan, whose aircraft was also hit, was captured when he ejected and landed inside the Pakistani territory. Under immense diplomatic pressure mounted by India and also the threat of direct action in case Pakistan chose to remain defiant, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced in his Parliament that Abhinandan would be released. “The Indian Air Defence system was on full alert in the morning of 27 February - a day after the Balakot airstrike. Build up of Pakistan Air Force aircraft on their side of LoC was noticed in time and additional aircraft were scrambled to tackle Pak incursion. When there was an attempt to attack Indian military installations, PAF aircraft were engaged and forced to withdraw by Mirage-2000, Su-30 and MiG-21 Bison aircraft from the Indian side. They left in a hurry as demonstrated by large missed distances of the weapons dropped by them. During combat, use of F-16 by PAF and multiple launches of AMRAAM (American beyond visual range air-to-air missile) were conclusively observed. Prompt and correct tactical action by Su-30 aircraft, in response to AMRAAM launch, defeated the missile. Parts of the missile fell in area East of Rajouri in J&K, injuring a civilian on ground.” With this statement on Tuesday, the Indian Ministry of Defence has blasted the false claim by Pakistan of shooting down an Su-30, which was obviously a cover up for loss of its own aircraft. In the meanwhile, even as Pakistan imposed a ban on Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafeez Saeed led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) on Tuesday, there has been no let up and Pakistan has continued to violate the ceasefire along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and there have been civilian casualties too. When troops on both sides are in a state of combat readiness and it is time for the nation to remain united to face the enemy, the Congress party and other opposition parties are working overtime and throwing posers about the outcome of the February 26 airstrike. They all are asking the same question in tandem and the people at large are viewing this as an attempt by the opposition to politicise the situation keeping in view the upcoming general election. What is also alarming is that the opposition leaders are even pointing their fingers questioning the “timing of the post-Pulwama offensive (ahead of the Lok Sabha polls). Gloating over the situation prevailing in India are those at the helm of affairs in Pakistan. That country’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in an interview, has talked of differences among the political parties in India with regard to the numbers of terrorists killed in the airstrike. In a video that’s gone viral, Qureshi is heard saying, "The Congress party is questioning the claim that terror camps have been destroyed and a large number of terrorists have been killed." On the current situation, the nation is also witnessing a war of words on social media between the BJP and opposition leaders. What is particularly capturing headlines are a couple of tweets by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh. After citing a certain news-report and asking “what is the truth behind the bombing of Balakot”, Singh said in another tweet: After the Air Strike conducted by our Air Force in the wake of the Pulwama attack, doubt is being expressed in a section of foreign media and as a consequence of this, the credibility of the government of India is being questioned. The remarks by opposition leaders are being seen as an attempt by the opposition leaders to dilute the gravity of the Pulwama attack and undermine India’s war against terror. The direct beneficiary of this is Pakistan. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By politicising Balakot airstrike, opposition leaders have given Pakistan a big reason to cheer

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And what we do to protect ourselves from an unpredictable neighbour who turns hot and cold in a blink? &nbsp;

There is a poem by Robert Frost that tells us that strong fences make good neighbours. How one wishes that those in charge of our foreign policy had pondered on the wisdom of these words. Now it is too late to mend badly breached fences. India has wasted too much time and effort chasing the mirage of living in peace with a neighbour with whom we don’t share much anymore.

It’s the fatal nostalgia of the pre-partition refugees that has caused most of the havoc. The memories of a childhood spent in a village across the Ravi or any other river in Punjab or carefree student days in Lahore have fueled futile dreams of unhindered passage from one country to another.

These dreams have changed into nightmares more than once because we choose to remain blind to ground reality. It’s not just that Pakistan is a theocratic state and we are secular or they are ruled by the armed forces and we are a democracy.&nbsp;

Ever since the reign of General Zia, the spread of fanatical aggressive version of Wahabi Islam has changed the whole context of our bilateral relations. Two generations have grown up in Pakistan and India who have shared memories only of clashes on the battlefield and cricket pitches. You may argue that that love for Bollywood, shared taste in food continue to act as strong glue between the two people divided in 1947 but we fool no one but ourselves.&nbsp; 
 
When it comes to war and peace it is the coincidence or conflict of national interest that is decisive. It is impossible to overlook that India and Pakistan have followed divergent trajectories for decades. Pakistan had opted long before its break up in 1971 to look West. 
 
It's forged close relationships with Saudi Arabia, Libya and other oil-rich fundamentalist countries that funded its nuclear programme. But more grace from Indians point of view is the alliance it has skillfully reinforced with People's Republic of China. China has stood steadfast with Pakistan since 1962. One may chant ad nauseam that in international relations there are no permanent friend and no eternal enemies but the enduring strategic ties between Pakistan and China seem to refute Palmerston effectively.&nbsp;

The enmity between India and Pakistan has not really abated despite numerous confidence-building measures and countless rounds of talks at various levels. What explains the failure of diplomacy is the basic incompatibility of national interests defined in terms of vested interests of ruling elites.&nbsp; 
 
When we talk of neighbours and friends we should not forget that the power equations are unbalanced by distant friends tilting the balance in favour of proximate neighbours. A former President of Pakistan had titled his autobiography as ‘Friends not Masters’ but the harsh reality is that it is the 'Puppet Master' who has been pulling the strings from behind not so opaque a curtain since the years of Cold War. Pakistan remains an invaluable strategic asset for both the US and China. We should not hasten to rejoice that both have admonished Pakistan after Pulwama.&nbsp;

China has advised both its friends to respect the concept of sovereignty and the POTUS has grandly pronounced that he is confident that good sense will prevail on both sides to deescalate. The majority of members of the Security Council have agreed on a resolution naming Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. In past, China has blocked all such moves to save Pakistan from embarrassment. It may do so again. What are India’s options if this happens?

With the passage of time, Pakistan has succeeded in transforming bilateral disputes with India into trilateral issues. China’s OBOR project passing through POK is just one example, hyphenating Af-Pak has muddied water further. Its sanctions against Iran have tightened the role on which India is walking.&nbsp; 
 
Cancer treatment isn’t based on surgical strikes. Chemotherapy is not done without painful after effects and grave hazards. No one can in his wildest dreams dare utter the word radiation. You can’t nuke the malignancy in this case. Haste can only result in waste. Slow and Steady should be the resolve.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr.

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And what we do to protect ourselves from an unpredictable neighbour who turns hot and cold in a blink? There is a poem by Robert Frost that tells us that strong fences make good neighbours. How one wishes that those in charge of our foreign policy had pondered on the wisdom of these words. Now it is too late to mend badly breached fences. India has wasted too much time and effort chasing the mirage of living in peace with a neighbour with whom we don’t share much anymore. It’s the fatal nostalgia of the pre-partition refugees that has caused most of the havoc. The memories of a childhood spent in a village across the Ravi or any other river in Punjab or carefree student days in Lahore have fueled futile dreams of unhindered passage from one country to another. These dreams have changed into nightmares more than once because we choose to remain blind to ground reality. It’s not just that Pakistan is a theocratic state and we are secular or they are ruled by the armed forces and we are a democracy. Ever since the reign of General Zia, the spread of fanatical aggressive version of Wahabi Islam has changed the whole context of our bilateral relations. Two generations have grown up in Pakistan and India who have shared memories only of clashes on the battlefield and cricket pitches. You may argue that that love for Bollywood, shared taste in food continue to act as strong glue between the two people divided in 1947 but we fool no one but ourselves. When it comes to war and peace it is the coincidence or conflict of national interest that is decisive. It is impossible to overlook that India and Pakistan have followed divergent trajectories for decades. Pakistan had opted long before its break up in 1971 to look West. It's forged close relationships with Saudi Arabia, Libya and other oil-rich fundamentalist countries that funded its nuclear programme. But more grace from Indians point of view is the alliance it has skillfully reinforced with People's Republic of China. China has stood steadfast with Pakistan since 1962. One may chant ad nauseam that in international relations there are no permanent friend and no eternal enemies but the enduring strategic ties between Pakistan and China seem to refute Palmerston effectively. The enmity between India and Pakistan has not really abated despite numerous confidence-building measures and countless rounds of talks at various levels. What explains the failure of diplomacy is the basic incompatibility of national interests defined in terms of vested interests of ruling elites. When we talk of neighbours and friends we should not forget that the power equations are unbalanced by distant friends tilting the balance in favour of proximate neighbours. A former President of Pakistan had titled his autobiography as ‘Friends not Masters’ but the harsh reality is that it is the 'Puppet Master' who has been pulling the strings from behind not so opaque a curtain since the years of Cold War. Pakistan remains an invaluable strategic asset for both the US and China. We should not hasten to rejoice that both have admonished Pakistan after Pulwama. China has advised both its friends to respect the concept of sovereignty and the POTUS has grandly pronounced that he is confident that good sense will prevail on both sides to deescalate. The majority of members of the Security Council have agreed on a resolution naming Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. In past, China has blocked all such moves to save Pakistan from embarrassment. It may do so again. What are India’s options if this happens? With the passage of time, Pakistan has succeeded in transforming bilateral disputes with India into trilateral issues. China’s OBOR project passing through POK is just one example, hyphenating Af-Pak has muddied water further. Its sanctions against Iran have tightened the role on which India is walking. Cancer treatment isn’t based on surgical strikes. Chemotherapy is not done without painful after effects and grave hazards. No one can in his wildest dreams dare utter the word radiation. You can’t nuke the malignancy in this case. Haste can only result in waste. Slow and Steady should be the resolve. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan has long been an unpredictable and unreliable neighbour

For India to arise, for Bharat to be resurgent, Kashmir must be reintegrated into India. It is a question of national security, national identity and throwing off outside interference. Otherwise, India's war of independence will continue at a proxy level with Pakistan and the numerous terrorist organisations allied with it.

India's national sentiment about Kashmir has shifted radically since the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, in which a Pakistan-supported Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber took the lives of more than forty of India's paramilitary forces. India's change of mindset over Kashmir is irreversible and the old appeasement policy is no longer acceptable. A new national vision has arisen that wants a permanent solution to the problem.

The airstrike on terrorist bases in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26 is a clear manifestation of this new policy and will be followed with similar strong actions as required. It marks the new and determined response of the Narendra Modi government. Pakistan does not listen to the language of diplomacy, which only becomes a cover for its subversive actions. India understands this well and the global community is coming to recognise it too. 
&nbsp; 
There is no going back to the old attitudes that have prevailed since 1947. No more tolerance for terror. No more protection for separatists. Full integration of Kashmir into India. This is the only solution and long term befitting reply to Pakistan's continual terrorist attacks on India.

The outpouring of emotion and outrage after Pulwama has been exceptional and has reached all parts of the country. This is particularly notable given the comparable lack of outrage when the entire Kashmiri Pandit population was driven out by militants in 1990, along with a massive loss of life and property - a veritable genocide of a religious community. This emotion continues after the Balakot retaliatory strikes and is likely to be sustained until Pakistan stops its aggression.

What has caused this radical shift in attitude? It begins with the greater sense of identity and nationalism that we find today in the Modi era, in which it is no longer wrong to be patriotic and proud of India as a nation and a great civilization. It reflects the new aspirational ethos for which being Indian or even being Hindu is no longer something to make excuses about.

It is a complete loss of patience as the Kashmir issue remains problematic after seventy years that have failed to bring peace, despite extensive dialogue, compromise, and the extension of special benefits for Kashmir.

Most importantly, it is not just an issue of local separatists but of global terrorism, with ISIS coming into India. The tactics and sophisticated explosives used in the Pulwama attack indicate training and support by both the Pakistan Army and groups connected to ISIS. If not dealt with firmly, these radical forces can threaten India as a whole, and affect other countries as well.

The response 
 
Removing security from and arresting separatists, stringent economic sanctions against Pakistan and diverting river waters from flowing into Pakistan are important initial steps. The Balakot airstrike and continued retaliatory measures are the second and more significant phase that demonstrates India's new resolve.

All Indians should be allowed to move, conduct business and own property in Kashmir - just as Kashmiris are allowed to do so in the whole of India, as they possess many properties and businesses throughout the country. The special status and autonomy afforded to Kashmir should be revoked and the concerns of Jammu and Ladakh be given their place, not just those of the Valley.

Military retaliation is certainly justified. It is no longer a question merely of Kashmir or India, but of global terrorism centered in Pakistan. The new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, appears as impotent as previous Prime Ministers to control Pakistan's military domination and support for terrorism. In fact, he came to power with the help of the same jihadi groups behind the Pulwama attack, with Jaish-e-Mohammed supporting his campaign in Punjab.

The roots of terrorism in Pakistan must be addressed, not simply the branches that extend into Kashmir. While it is necessary to engage the international community with diplomatic sanctions on Pakistan, India must act according to its own interests extending to military responses. The world does not honour a weak country, particularly in the face of terrorism. We must compare how the United States, China or Russia firmly deal with terrorism with the softness that India has followed until Narendra Modi's new policy today.&nbsp;

This stronger Indian response is better for Kashmiris, whom Pakistan will never bring peace to. Full integration with India will result in greater prosperity for Kashmir and restore cultural harmony. Show us one province in Pakistan where there is harmony, even among Muslim sects and where any minorities are treated fairly?&nbsp;

While dangers exist in a more aggressive policy relative to Pakistan, there are more significant dangers in continuing the same policies that have resulted in the current situation. The Narendra Modi government knows this and is carefully planning action on all levels, including military, to comprehensively address Pakistan's ongoing proxy war with India through Kashmir. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/why-indias-new-assertive-kashmir-policy-is-essential-2183995.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

For India to arise, for Bharat to be resurgent, Kashmir must be reintegrated into India. It is a question of national security, national identity and throwing off outside interference.

For India to arise, for Bharat to be resurgent, Kashmir must be reintegrated into India. It is a question of national security, national identity and throwing off outside interference. Otherwise, India's war of independence will continue at a proxy level with Pakistan and the numerous terrorist organisations allied with it. India's national sentiment about Kashmir has shifted radically since the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, in which a Pakistan-supported Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber took the lives of more than forty of India's paramilitary forces. India's change of mindset over Kashmir is irreversible and the old appeasement policy is no longer acceptable. A new national vision has arisen that wants a permanent solution to the problem. The airstrike on terrorist bases in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26 is a clear manifestation of this new policy and will be followed with similar strong actions as required. It marks the new and determined response of the Narendra Modi government. Pakistan does not listen to the language of diplomacy, which only becomes a cover for its subversive actions. India understands this well and the global community is coming to recognise it too. There is no going back to the old attitudes that have prevailed since 1947. No more tolerance for terror. No more protection for separatists. Full integration of Kashmir into India. This is the only solution and long term befitting reply to Pakistan's continual terrorist attacks on India. The outpouring of emotion and outrage after Pulwama has been exceptional and has reached all parts of the country. This is particularly notable given the comparable lack of outrage when the entire Kashmiri Pandit population was driven out by militants in 1990, along with a massive loss of life and property - a veritable genocide of a religious community. This emotion continues after the Balakot retaliatory strikes and is likely to be sustained until Pakistan stops its aggression. What has caused this radical shift in attitude? It begins with the greater sense of identity and nationalism that we find today in the Modi era, in which it is no longer wrong to be patriotic and proud of India as a nation and a great civilization. It reflects the new aspirational ethos for which being Indian or even being Hindu is no longer something to make excuses about. It is a complete loss of patience as the Kashmir issue remains problematic after seventy years that have failed to bring peace, despite extensive dialogue, compromise, and the extension of special benefits for Kashmir. Most importantly, it is not just an issue of local separatists but of global terrorism, with ISIS coming into India. The tactics and sophisticated explosives used in the Pulwama attack indicate training and support by both the Pakistan Army and groups connected to ISIS. If not dealt with firmly, these radical forces can threaten India as a whole, and affect other countries as well. The response Removing security from and arresting separatists, stringent economic sanctions against Pakistan and diverting river waters from flowing into Pakistan are important initial steps. The Balakot airstrike and continued retaliatory measures are the second and more significant phase that demonstrates India's new resolve. All Indians should be allowed to move, conduct business and own property in Kashmir - just as Kashmiris are allowed to do so in the whole of India, as they possess many properties and businesses throughout the country. The special status and autonomy afforded to Kashmir should be revoked and the concerns of Jammu and Ladakh be given their place, not just those of the Valley. Military retaliation is certainly justified. It is no longer a question merely of Kashmir or India, but of global terrorism centered in Pakistan. The new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, appears as impotent as previous Prime Ministers to control Pakistan's military domination and support for terrorism. In fact, he came to power with the help of the same jihadi groups behind the Pulwama attack, with Jaish-e-Mohammed supporting his campaign in Punjab. The roots of terrorism in Pakistan must be addressed, not simply the branches that extend into Kashmir. While it is necessary to engage the international community with diplomatic sanctions on Pakistan, India must act according to its own interests extending to military responses. The world does not honour a weak country, particularly in the face of terrorism. We must compare how the United States, China or Russia firmly deal with terrorism with the softness that India has followed until Narendra Modi's new policy today. This stronger Indian response is better for Kashmiris, whom Pakistan will never bring peace to. Full integration with India will result in greater prosperity for Kashmir and restore cultural harmony. Show us one province in Pakistan where there is harmony, even among Muslim sects and where any minorities are treated fairly? While dangers exist in a more aggressive policy relative to Pakistan, there are more significant dangers in continuing the same policies that have resulted in the current situation. The Narendra Modi government knows this and is carefully planning action on all levels, including military, to comprehensively address Pakistan's ongoing proxy war with India through Kashmir. (This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Why India's new assertive Kashmir policy is essential

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

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

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

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

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the OIC Contact Group meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

"We always note with regret that the matter which is very internal to Indian affairs was again discussed at the OIC," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New York when asked about Pakistan raising the issue at the OIC meeting.

He said India rejects such references to a matter which is very internal to it.

"We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs" and it is completely unwarranted for OIC as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multi-organisation set up.

When asked about Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also raising the Kashmir issue in his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Kumar said Islamabad has been doing this for a long time.

"It is not the first time they are raising the issue in their bilateral meetings. You would note that what they come up with is their side of the story. What they share and what they say has no acceptance anywhere in the international community," he said.

He said Pakistan has realised its "falsehood" and what it has been projecting had already been rejected by the international community.

On the possibility of any exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the SAARC meeting, Mr Kumar said, "we have made it very clear that it is not bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan," and added that it is "difficult to predict if there will be a handshake" between the two.

Swaraj will be attending the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) meetings on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Swaraj held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Germany, Bolivia, Armenia, Panama, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Iran and with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

"A relationship like no other! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the @PM_Nepal K.P Sharma Oli. Positive and friendly conversation on taking our relationship to an even higher trajectory,"&nbsp;Kumar tweeted.

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up. Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the OIC Contact Group meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. "We always note with regret that the matter which is very internal to Indian affairs was again discussed at the OIC," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New York when asked about Pakistan raising the issue at the OIC meeting. He said India rejects such references to a matter which is very internal to it. "We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs" and it is completely unwarranted for OIC as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multi-organisation set up. When asked about Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also raising the Kashmir issue in his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Kumar said Islamabad has been doing this for a long time. "It is not the first time they are raising the issue in their bilateral meetings. You would note that what they come up with is their side of the story. What they share and what they say has no acceptance anywhere in the international community," he said. He said Pakistan has realised its "falsehood" and what it has been projecting had already been rejected by the international community. On the possibility of any exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the SAARC meeting, Mr Kumar said, "we have made it very clear that it is not bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan," and added that it is "difficult to predict if there will be a handshake" between the two. Swaraj will be attending the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) meetings on Thursday. On Wednesday, Swaraj held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Germany, Bolivia, Armenia, Panama, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Iran and with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. "A relationship like no other! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the @PM_Nepal K.P Sharma Oli. Positive and friendly conversation on taking our relationship to an even higher trajectory," Kumar tweeted.

Pakistan raising Kashmir issue at international forum 'unwarranted': India

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley.

"Kashmiri Pandits should visit Kashmir, their younger generations should see where their roots really lie. We will make all arrangements. Whatever has happened in the past is unfortunate but now we will have to move forward," the Chief Minister said at an interactive session with the Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi.

Mufti also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a leaf out of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's book and initiate a dialogue with Pakistan.

"I urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to Pakistan just like Vajpayee ji did. Neither are we nor is Pakistan in a condition to fight a war, both countries know now that if there will be a war, nothing will be spared. Both the nations will just lose everything," Mufti added.

At the same event, a man from the crowd stood up and questioned Mufti on relief for the Kashmiri Pandits.

The Kashmiri Pandits began to leave the Valley in greater numbers in the 1990s during the eruption of militancy, following persecution and threats by radical Islamists and militants.

In 2010, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir noted that 808 Pandit families were still living in the Valley and that the financial and other incentives put in place to encourage others to return there had been unsuccessful.

According to a Jammu and Kashmir Government report, 219 members of the community had been killed in the region between 1989 and 2004 but none thereafter.

However, in July 2017, the Supreme Court refused to reopen 215 cases in which over 700 members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, citing the passage of time.&nbsp

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley. "Kashmiri Pandits should visit Kashmir, their younger generations should see where their roots really lie. We will make all arrangements. Whatever has happened in the past is unfortunate but now we will have to move forward," the Chief Minister said at an interactive session with the Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi. Mufti also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a leaf out of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's book and initiate a dialogue with Pakistan. "I urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to Pakistan just like Vajpayee ji did. Neither are we nor is Pakistan in a condition to fight a war, both countries know now that if there will be a war, nothing will be spared. Both the nations will just lose everything," Mufti added. At the same event, a man from the crowd stood up and questioned Mufti on relief for the Kashmiri Pandits. The Kashmiri Pandits began to leave the Valley in greater numbers in the 1990s during the eruption of militancy, following persecution and threats by radical Islamists and militants. In 2010, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir noted that 808 Pandit families were still living in the Valley and that the financial and other incentives put in place to encourage others to return there had been unsuccessful. According to a Jammu and Kashmir Government report, 219 members of the community had been killed in the region between 1989 and 2004 but none thereafter. However, in July 2017, the Supreme Court refused to reopen 215 cases in which over 700 members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, citing the passage of time.

Mehbooba Mufti appeals to Kashmiri Pandits to visit Valley

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State(MoS)(Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region spoke exclusively to WION&#39;s senior correspondent Kartikeya Sharma on J&amp;K, stone-pelting&nbsp;and several other issues.&nbsp;

Q: What is the reality of stone throwers in the valley?&nbsp;

A: The separatist politics in the valley has been the politics of other means. Those who could not make it in mainstream politics take an extreme stand or when they are out of power they take an extreme stand. As far as the stone-pelters are concerned, they become a means for them to promote their activism in the valley&nbsp;to hold Centre to ransom. They have the advantage of being funded by Pakistan and ISI. It is more of a mercenary stone throwing,&nbsp;these leaders don&rsquo;t send their children to throw stones.

&nbsp; 
Q: Is there an effort to glamourise stone-pelters in the valley?

A: Media focus serves as an oxygen to them. Most of them don&rsquo;t contest popular elections but even mainstream Kashmiri politicians indulge in semi-separatist jargon which I would say is very irresponsible.

&nbsp;

Q: So how do you address the issue of stone-pelters in the valley?

A: Lasting solution is to reach out to the youngsters. Even the Army Chief has spoken about it. They must be told that they are being taken for a ride. There is a strong Pakistan factor. Social media is being used across the border. Whenever an operation commences, WhatsApp messages are sent to youth to rush to the site of encounter and the messages don&rsquo;t come from the site of operation but across the border. We need to counter this propaganda.

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/14020">Hafiz Saeed&#39;s JuD&nbsp;decides to wage &#39;social media war&#39; in Kashmir</a>

Q: Pellet guns have become controversial because of injuries they have caused?

A: I&rsquo;m not going to have the last word on it. As we understand now there is politics involved. Those who oppose pellet guns like Congress which facilitated the use of pellet guns. As I said that it is a fashion in Kashmir that regional parties speak in a different language when in power and different when out of power. No one would deny that injuries have taken place but security forces are trying to evolve different methods to deter the crowd.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Q: Is there a Modi doctrine when it comes to Kashmir?

A: What we have today is a Kashmir baggage and we blame Nehru for it. Though it is not pleasant but Patel should have been allowed to handle Kashmir. What we have is one-third of Kashmir. Kashmir is about composite culture and traditions which overlap but with the departure of Kashmiri pundits, composite culture cannot be claimed. PM&rsquo;s agenda is development and the youth to be the architect of new India.

&nbsp;

Q: PM has taken a number of bold steps in different parts of public affairs but not in Kashmir, why?

A: What we have is clarity and consistency. We have said that we have zero tolerance for corruption and terrorism and held true to the mantra. PM is clear, terror and talk cannot go hand in hand.

&nbsp;

Q: How do you politically stabilise the state?

A: There are one or two factors peculiar to J&amp;K. In J&amp;K dissent takes the form of secession. It has certain bargaining value. This needs to be streamlined without stifling the democratic outlets. We should educate the children. This kind of protest&nbsp;needs to be de-glamourised and there cannot be a premium on anti-India activism whether physical violence or intellectual activism. You would have seen people talking against India become instant newsmakers. We need to draw a line on this issue. Many leaders earlier would say one thing in Srinagar, one thing in Jammu and another in Delhi. They are being exposed today.

&nbsp;

Q: The process of rehabilitation of Kashmiri pundits has been slow despite your government in power. Why?

A: I would agree that unless return of Kashmiri pundits is not completed we would not regain composite Kashmir. We are committed to this cause. In principle, the return must be respectable and secure. You cannot push them unless and until safety can be guaranteed. A number of options have been discussed.

&nbsp;

Q: There is always a hue and cry in the valley whenever there is a proposal for Army colony or land for Kashmiri pundits. It is your government and you should have taken the bull by the horn.

A: We have been in discussion with the Kashmiri pundit community. I know there has been a hue and cry about the issue but we will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of religion and Kashmiris belongs to both Muslims and Hindus.

Q: Hindus have not got the minority rights in the state. What have you done about it?

A: The issue of minority per se is not only limited to Jammu and Kashmir. Basically, in the Constitution, I don&rsquo;t know whether to call it anomaly or aberration, it includes designated minority communities. Since I take care of North-East, there are 7 to 8 such states like Meghalaya, AP, Nagaland and Punjab where Sikhs are in the majority, are in minority. This is an aberration and SC too is seized of the matter. I&rsquo;m sure that in course of time some mechanism would be evolved. If you go by the Constitution, a Muslim is a minority member regardless of the state he lives like J&amp;K or Christian would be considered a minority in Meghalaya even if he lives in a Christian majority state. Same goes for Sikhs in Punjab and it is an aberration and cannot be denied. The Minority Affairs ministry too is seized of this matter.

&nbsp;

Q: Are you going to correct it?

A: I&rsquo;m not in that position to comment as it falls in the purview of Ministery of Home Affairs(MHA) but they are seized of the matter and they are trying to take the best way out. The issue is those earlier governments didn&rsquo;t bell the cat.

&nbsp;

Q: Do you believe in J&amp;K&rsquo;s exceptionalism when it comes to the&nbsp;Indian Union?

A: I don&rsquo;t... the only issue is to retrieve the pending territory of Kashmir...

&nbsp;

Q: Then what about article 356. There is no talk about it?

A: There is a constitutional position being adhered to. As far we are considered, J&amp;K is part of the Indian Union, like any other state.

&nbsp;

Q: PM said that blood and water cannot flow together. Despite cross-border raids, attacks have gone up. What needs to be done now?

A: We are adopting strategies on a&nbsp;need-to-know basis to combat Pakistan sponsored terrorism. Retaliatory action has been much better than what it used to be previously and now forces have high morale as they have clear orders from the top. That is why civilian population also feels secure.

&nbsp;

Q: Doesn&rsquo;t it worry you that idiom of protest has acquired Islamic overtones...

A: It is a great concern to all of us but it is a world-wide phenomenon. It is added challenge which we would need to engage at multiple levels...

&nbsp;

Q: There is lot controversy around RTI. Why are you changing the rules?

A: We have not fiddled with RTI. We are committed to transparency. What we have done is to initiate the process of implementation of regulations into rules which were brought in by the UPA government. We have put out a circular asking for suggestions from the people. SC anyways has already questioned the government and there is an urgency to frame rules. What we have done is to invite people&rsquo;s opinion. And it is not final. This draft too was drafted by the UPA government. We are finishing a pending job left by the UPA...

&nbsp;

Q: J&amp;K CM has described the stone-pelters as troubled and said that their pain should be understood. Your comments?

A: There is a difference. Means are as important as ends as Gandhi said. They may be pained but means of the dissent should be in a framework. Does it mean that disillusioned youth in Delhi be encouraged to pelt stones? The best means in a healthy democracy is to engage with the government. PM Modi has made numerous visits to J&amp;K. This dispensation is receptive and there are other means available to the youth other than stone-pelting and it should not be encouraged...

(WION)

&nbsp;

WION's senior correspondent Kartikeya Sharma spoke to Jitendra Singh, Minister of State(MoS)(Independent Charge) on J&K and other issues

Jitendra Singh, Minister of State(MoS)(Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region spoke exclusively to WION's senior correspondent Kartikeya Sharma on J&K, stone-pelting and several other issues. Q: What is the reality of stone throwers in the valley? A: The separatist politics in the valley has been the politics of other means. Those who could not make it in mainstream politics take an extreme stand or when they are out of power they take an extreme stand. As far as the stone-pelters are concerned, they become a means for them to promote their activism in the valley to hold Centre to ransom. They have the advantage of being funded by Pakistan and ISI. It is more of a mercenary stone throwing, these leaders don’t send their children to throw stones. Q: Is there an effort to glamourise stone-pelters in the valley? A: Media focus serves as an oxygen to them. Most of them don’t contest popular elections but even mainstream Kashmiri politicians indulge in semi-separatist jargon which I would say is very irresponsible. Q: So how do you address the issue of stone-pelters in the valley? A: Lasting solution is to reach out to the youngsters. Even the Army Chief has spoken about it. They must be told that they are being taken for a ride. There is a strong Pakistan factor. Social media is being used across the border. Whenever an operation commences, WhatsApp messages are sent to youth to rush to the site of encounter and the messages don’t come from the site of operation but across the border. We need to counter this propaganda. Also Read: Hafiz Saeed's JuD decides to wage 'social media war' in Kashmir Q: Pellet guns have become controversial because of injuries they have caused? A: I’m not going to have the last word on it. As we understand now there is politics involved. Those who oppose pellet guns like Congress which facilitated the use of pellet guns. As I said that it is a fashion in Kashmir that regional parties speak in a different language when in power and different when out of power. No one would deny that injuries have taken place but security forces are trying to evolve different methods to deter the crowd. Q: Is there a Modi doctrine when it comes to Kashmir? A: What we have today is a Kashmir baggage and we blame Nehru for it. Though it is not pleasant but Patel should have been allowed to handle Kashmir. What we have is one-third of Kashmir. Kashmir is about composite culture and traditions which overlap but with the departure of Kashmiri pundits, composite culture cannot be claimed. PM’s agenda is development and the youth to be the architect of new India. Q: PM has taken a number of bold steps in different parts of public affairs but not in Kashmir, why? A: What we have is clarity and consistency. We have said that we have zero tolerance for corruption and terrorism and held true to the mantra. PM is clear, terror and talk cannot go hand in hand. Q: How do you politically stabilise the state? A: There are one or two factors peculiar to J&K. In J&K dissent takes the form of secession. It has certain bargaining value. This needs to be streamlined without stifling the democratic outlets. We should educate the children. This kind of protest needs to be de-glamourised and there cannot be a premium on anti-India activism whether physical violence or intellectual activism. You would have seen people talking against India become instant newsmakers. We need to draw a line on this issue. Many leaders earlier would say one thing in Srinagar, one thing in Jammu and another in Delhi. They are being exposed today. Q: The process of rehabilitation of Kashmiri pundits has been slow despite your government in power. Why? A: I would agree that unless return of Kashmiri pundits is not completed we would not regain composite Kashmir. We are committed to this cause. In principle, the return must be respectable and secure. You cannot push them unless and until safety can be guaranteed. A number of options have been discussed. Q: There is always a hue and cry in the valley whenever there is a proposal for Army colony or land for Kashmiri pundits. It is your government and you should have taken the bull by the horn. A: We have been in discussion with the Kashmiri pundit community. I know there has been a hue and cry about the issue but we will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of religion and Kashmiris belongs to both Muslims and Hindus. Q: Hindus have not got the minority rights in the state. What have you done about it? A: The issue of minority per se is not only limited to Jammu and Kashmir. Basically, in the Constitution, I don’t know whether to call it anomaly or aberration, it includes designated minority communities. Since I take care of North-East, there are 7 to 8 such states like Meghalaya, AP, Nagaland and Punjab where Sikhs are in the majority, are in minority. This is an aberration and SC too is seized of the matter. I’m sure that in course of time some mechanism would be evolved. If you go by the Constitution, a Muslim is a minority member regardless of the state he lives like J&K or Christian would be considered a minority in Meghalaya even if he lives in a Christian majority state. Same goes for Sikhs in Punjab and it is an aberration and cannot be denied. The Minority Affairs ministry too is seized of this matter. Q: Are you going to correct it? A: I’m not in that position to comment as it falls in the purview of Ministery of Home Affairs(MHA) but they are seized of the matter and they are trying to take the best way out. The issue is those earlier governments didn’t bell the cat. Q: Do you believe in J&K’s exceptionalism when it comes to the Indian Union? A: I don’t... the only issue is to retrieve the pending territory of Kashmir... Q: Then what about article 356. There is no talk about it? A: There is a constitutional position being adhered to. As far we are considered, J&K is part of the Indian Union, like any other state. Q: PM said that blood and water cannot flow together. Despite cross-border raids, attacks have gone up. What needs to be done now? A: We are adopting strategies on a need-to-know basis to combat Pakistan sponsored terrorism. Retaliatory action has been much better than what it used to be previously and now forces have high morale as they have clear orders from the top. That is why civilian population also feels secure. Q: Doesn’t it worry you that idiom of protest has acquired Islamic overtones... A: It is a great concern to all of us but it is a world-wide phenomenon. It is added challenge which we would need to engage at multiple levels... Q: There is lot controversy around RTI. Why are you changing the rules? A: We have not fiddled with RTI. We are committed to transparency. What we have done is to initiate the process of implementation of regulations into rules which were brought in by the UPA government. We have put out a circular asking for suggestions from the people. SC anyways has already questioned the government and there is an urgency to frame rules. What we have done is to invite people’s opinion. And it is not final. This draft too was drafted by the UPA government. We are finishing a pending job left by the UPA... Q: J&K CM has described the stone-pelters as troubled and said that their pain should be understood. Your comments? A: There is a difference. Means are as important as ends as Gandhi said. They may be pained but means of the dissent should be in a framework. Does it mean that disillusioned youth in Delhi be encouraged to pelt stones? The best means in a healthy democracy is to engage with the government. PM Modi has made numerous visits to J&K. This dispensation is receptive and there are other means available to the youth other than stone-pelting and it should not be encouraged... (WION)

Stone-pelters hold Centre to ransom, get funding from Pakistan's ISI, says minister of state Jitendra Singh

Ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops continue unabated along the Line of Control in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Border areas have been put on high alert after Kashmir&#39;s Rajouri district came under heavy shelling from the Pakistani troops.&nbsp;

The Indian Army said they had noted ceasefire violations in the Kathua sector and KG sector of Jammu and Kashmir late on Thursday.&nbsp;

Senior police official, Mohd Younis Choudhary said they had asked all locals to be cautious and stay indoors as the troops exchanged gunfire.&nbsp;

Interior minister Rajnath Singh, who spoke to the Border Security Force&#39;s director general, asked the troops to give a &quot;befitting response&quot; to the shelling.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Locals take shelter as heavy shelling in Rajouri (J&amp;K) by Pakistan continues, exchange of fire underway. <a href="https://t.co/EcszesT28G">pic.twitter.com/EcszesT28G</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/791700317767290880">October 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier, the Indian Army had foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists from Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the Tangdhar sector.&nbsp;

One soldier was killed and another injured in the ensuing gunfight.&nbsp;

&quot;An infiltration bid was foiled in Tangdhar as troops intercepted a group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate. The injured soldier has been evacuated,&quot; he said.

The official told that the operation was still underway.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Indian Army had earlier foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists in the Tangdhar sector

Ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops continue unabated along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Border areas have been put on high alert after Kashmir's Rajouri district came under heavy shelling from the Pakistani troops. The Indian Army said they had noted ceasefire violations in the Kathua sector and KG sector of Jammu and Kashmir late on Thursday. Senior police official, Mohd Younis Choudhary said they had asked all locals to be cautious and stay indoors as the troops exchanged gunfire. Interior minister Rajnath Singh, who spoke to the Border Security Force's director general, asked the troops to give a "befitting response" to the shelling. Locals take shelter as heavy shelling in Rajouri (J&K) by Pakistan continues, exchange of fire underway. pic.twitter.com/EcszesT28G — ANI (@ANI_news) October 27, 2016 × Earlier, the Indian Army had foiled an infiltration bid by terrorists from Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the Tangdhar sector. One soldier was killed and another injured in the ensuing gunfight. "An infiltration bid was foiled in Tangdhar as troops intercepted a group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate. The injured soldier has been evacuated," he said. The official told that the operation was still underway. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan troops violate ceasefire in Rajouri sector, border areas on alert

Pakistani cinemas have stopped screening Indian films in &quot;solidarity&quot; with the country&#39;s armed forces, after an escalation of violence in disputed Kashmir between the nuclear-armed neighbours, theatre owners said on Friday.

Tension between India and Pakistan has been high since an Indian security forces crackdown on dissent in Indian-controlled Kashmir began in July. Relations worsened in September after militants killed 18 soldiers in a raid on an Indian army base, an attack New Delhi blames on Pakistan.

&quot;We have stopped screening Indian movies at our cinemas from Friday till the situation improves and normalcy returns,&quot; said Nadeem Mandviwalla, whose Mandviwalla Entertainment runs eight cinemas in Karachi and the capital, Islamabad.

India said on Thursday it had carried out &quot;surgical strikes&quot; in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, a claim that Pakistan condemned and denied.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers&#39; Association (IMPPA), a small filmmakers&#39; body, on Thursday banned their members from hiring Pakistani actors. Mandviwalla and other cinema owners said the ban in Pakistan was also in response to IMPPA&#39;s move.

Indian media reported that a leader of regional right-wing party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, last week gave Pakistani actors 48 hours to leave India or faced being &quot;pushed out&quot;.

The party, which was not available for comment, is one of two hardline parties based in Mumbai that has regularly called for Pakistani artists to be banned from working in India.

Indian films are spectacularly popular both at the cinema and on bootlegged DVDs in Pakistan.

Pakistan&#39;s domestic film industry has seen a revival in recent years, but is dwarfed by India&#39;s Bollywood. Pakistani actors have increasingly been appearing in big budget Bollywood films in the last few years.

Some Indian actors came to the defence of their Pakistani counterparts.

&quot;They are artists. These are two different subjects. They were terrorists, these are artists. What do you think, artists are terrorists?&quot; Salman Khan, one of Bollywood&#39;s biggest stars, told reporters when asked if Pakistani actors should be forced out.

Khurram Gultasab, general manager at Super Cinemas, which runs ten cinemas in cities across Pakistan&#39;s Punjab province, confirmed his group would also not be screening Indian films.

&quot;I think we should show solidarity with our army engaged at very hot borders right now and secondly with our actors,&quot; said Gultasab. He said the move had been made by cinema owners themselves, rather than on government directions.

Other Pakistani cinemas posted on social media saying they would not be showing Indian films after Thursday&#39;s violence.

(Reuters)

 
&nbsp;

'We have stopped screening Indian movies at our cinemas from Friday till the situation improves and normalcy returns,' said the owner of a cinema chain in Islamabad

Pakistani cinemas have stopped screening Indian films in "solidarity" with the country's armed forces, after an escalation of violence in disputed Kashmir between the nuclear-armed neighbours, theatre owners said on Friday. Tension between India and Pakistan has been high since an Indian security forces crackdown on dissent in Indian-controlled Kashmir began in July. Relations worsened in September after militants killed 18 soldiers in a raid on an Indian army base, an attack New Delhi blames on Pakistan. "We have stopped screening Indian movies at our cinemas from Friday till the situation improves and normalcy returns," said Nadeem Mandviwalla, whose Mandviwalla Entertainment runs eight cinemas in Karachi and the capital, Islamabad. India said on Thursday it had carried out "surgical strikes" in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, a claim that Pakistan condemned and denied. The Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), a small filmmakers' body, on Thursday banned their members from hiring Pakistani actors. Mandviwalla and other cinema owners said the ban in Pakistan was also in response to IMPPA's move. Indian media reported that a leader of regional right-wing party, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, last week gave Pakistani actors 48 hours to leave India or faced being "pushed out". The party, which was not available for comment, is one of two hardline parties based in Mumbai that has regularly called for Pakistani artists to be banned from working in India. Indian films are spectacularly popular both at the cinema and on bootlegged DVDs in Pakistan. Pakistan's domestic film industry has seen a revival in recent years, but is dwarfed by India's Bollywood. Pakistani actors have increasingly been appearing in big budget Bollywood films in the last few years. Some Indian actors came to the defence of their Pakistani counterparts. "They are artists. These are two different subjects. They were terrorists, these are artists. What do you think, artists are terrorists?" Salman Khan, one of Bollywood's biggest stars, told reporters when asked if Pakistani actors should be forced out. Khurram Gultasab, general manager at Super Cinemas, which runs ten cinemas in cities across Pakistan's Punjab province, confirmed his group would also not be screening Indian films. "I think we should show solidarity with our army engaged at very hot borders right now and secondly with our actors," said Gultasab. He said the move had been made by cinema owners themselves, rather than on government directions. Other Pakistani cinemas posted on social media saying they would not be showing Indian films after Thursday's violence. (Reuters)

Pakistan cinemas ban Indian films amid escalating tension in Kashmir

As unrest continues in the Kashmir valley, the Indian government on Sunday outlined its priorities. It asserted that there will be no compromise with people resorting to violence even as efforts would be made for the&nbsp;development of the state which had been &quot;denied&quot; for the last 60 years. 
 
Acknowledging that the situation in Kashmir was &quot;serious&quot;, Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley said stone pelters in Kashmir are &quot;not satyagrahis (persons who stand for truth) but aggressors&quot; who target police and security forces but that some people with limited vision cannot see that. 
 
Addressing a rally on the outskirts of Jammu city, he also slammed Pakistan for the current unrest, saying it was &quot;attacking the integrity of India&quot; in a &quot;new way&quot; after failing to snatch the state by means of waging war and fuelling trouble ever since Partition in 1947. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has three priorities for Jammu and Kashmir, said Jaitley. 
 
Outlining these priorities, he said, &quot;There will be no compromise on the security and integrity of the country and no compromise with the people who indulge in violence. 
 
&quot;Secondly, as Jammu and Kashmir has faced violence and wars, it needs development which was denied for past 60 years by National Conference and Congress governments. Thirdly, Jammu, being the support base of BJP, needs added attention.&quot; 
 
His outlining of the priorities assumes signficance as the opposition has been accusing the Modi government of having no policy with regard to dealing with the unrest. The opposition parties have been pressing for a political solution and dialogue to address the unrest. 
 
Talking in the context of ongoing 44-day unrest in Kashmir, Jaitley said, &quot;Now, this time, a serious situation has emerged in which Pakistan, separatists and religious forces have joined hands and now with a new way, they are attacking the integrity of India.&quot; 
 
Describing it as a &quot;major challenge&quot;, he said, &quot;today in such a challenge, the need of the country is that we don&#39;t compromise with the integrity and security of the nation&quot;. 
 
He asked people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand with the country in the &quot;struggle against the separatists&quot; so that &quot;this new phase of Pakistani strategy of war is defeated this time as well&quot;. 
 
He described stone-pelters as aggressors. 
 
&quot;They (stone pelters) are not satyagrahis but aggressors. If a police post manned by 10 police personnel is attacked by 2000 stone pelters, it is an attack, but some people do not realise it,&quot; he said. 
 
(PTI)

The finance minister says stone pelters are 'aggressors' but people with limited vision cannot see that

As unrest continues in the Kashmir valley, the Indian government on Sunday outlined its priorities. It asserted that there will be no compromise with people resorting to violence even as efforts would be made for the development of the state which had been "denied" for the last 60 years. Acknowledging that the situation in Kashmir was "serious", Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley said stone pelters in Kashmir are "not satyagrahis (persons who stand for truth) but aggressors" who target police and security forces but that some people with limited vision cannot see that. Addressing a rally on the outskirts of Jammu city, he also slammed Pakistan for the current unrest, saying it was "attacking the integrity of India" in a "new way" after failing to snatch the state by means of waging war and fuelling trouble ever since Partition in 1947. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has three priorities for Jammu and Kashmir, said Jaitley. Outlining these priorities, he said, "There will be no compromise on the security and integrity of the country and no compromise with the people who indulge in violence. "Secondly, as Jammu and Kashmir has faced violence and wars, it needs development which was denied for past 60 years by National Conference and Congress governments. Thirdly, Jammu, being the support base of BJP, needs added attention." His outlining of the priorities assumes signficance as the opposition has been accusing the Modi government of having no policy with regard to dealing with the unrest. The opposition parties have been pressing for a political solution and dialogue to address the unrest. Talking in the context of ongoing 44-day unrest in Kashmir, Jaitley said, "Now, this time, a serious situation has emerged in which Pakistan, separatists and religious forces have joined hands and now with a new way, they are attacking the integrity of India." Describing it as a "major challenge", he said, "today in such a challenge, the need of the country is that we don't compromise with the integrity and security of the nation". He asked people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand with the country in the "struggle against the separatists" so that "this new phase of Pakistani strategy of war is defeated this time as well". He described stone-pelters as aggressors. "They (stone pelters) are not satyagrahis but aggressors. If a police post manned by 10 police personnel is attacked by 2000 stone pelters, it is an attack, but some people do not realise it," he said. (PTI)

India on Kashmir: No compromise with those indulging in violence

Supporters of more than 40 political parties and hard-line religious groups, some of them proscribed for terror activities, will stage a march starting from Lahore to the capital city of Islamabad in Pakistan to show solidarity over the growing unrest in Kashmir in India. The rally will pledge support from the Pakistani establishment for the &#39;liberation of Kashmir&#39; in India. Pakistan has declared July 19 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. 
 
Tehreek e Azaadi Jammu Kashmir (TAJK), a front group of the banned militant organisation Lashkar e Taiba and its charitable affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), is organising the rally called &#39;Caravan for Kashmir&#39; starting on Tuesday, following a call by its chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. 
 
Several militant groups focusing on armed jihad in Indian Kashmir are participating in the rally. Cutting across political and ideological lines, groups like Difa e Pakistan Council &ndash; an alliance of more than 40 parties including JuD, Sipah e Sahiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, headed by Maulana Sami ul Haque, also known as founding father of Taliban, will take part. 
 
Mohammad Safi, representative of Hurriyat Conference in Pakistan; PoK-based United Jihad Council led by Syed Salahuddin, Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haque, Awami Muslim League, Muslim Conference, Muslim League (Zia faction) and intellectuals including Abdullah Gul (son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul), Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former prime minister of PoK, Izazul Haq (son of late President Zia-ul-Haq), will take part in the rally. 
 
The road show starting from Shuhada mosque in Lahore will make its way through Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Jhelum and Rawalpindi before reaching Islamabad. &quot;The route can be covered in four hours, but since lakhs are joining, the rally will stop in main cities where leaders will make speeches. It will reach Islamabad the next day,&#39;&#39; media coordinator TAJK, Nadeem Awan, told dna. 
 
The road show is expected to receive wide support from the villages and districts on the route populated by Kashmiri immigrants who have settled in Punjab province after partition. The province is also a major recruitment ground for armed jihadi groups fighting in Kashmir. 
 
Awan said that Kashmiris living in Pakistan wanted to organise a rally to &quot;express their support to the brothers suffering under the atrocities of the Indian army.&#39;&#39; 
 
&quot;The road show will bring national and international attention to the dreadful situation in Kashmir. It will also let our brothers and sisters in Kashmir know they are not alone. Kashmiris are a part of Pakistani blood,&#39;&#39; he said. 
 
The TAJK had organised a similar road show in 2009 on Kashmir Solidarity Day, attended by the top leadership of jihadi groups including the LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. 
 
The rally will collect &#39;funds&#39; or donations from supporters for the Kashmir cause. Awan said that on social media, Kashmiris were posting on shortage of medical supplies and food and money will be collected to send relief across the border. &quot;We will send relief packages of food and medicine. We will also try to send a team of doctors if permission is given for them to travel to Kashmir.&#39;&#39; 
 
The unrest in Kashmir followed by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a week ago has caused political frenzy in Pakistan with cabinet ministers in the Nawaz Sharif-led government calling the deaths as &#39;genocide&#39;. 
 
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the foreign policy based on &#39;Sharif-Modi&#39; friendship for failing to address the Kashmir issue. Sharif, the ministry of foreign affairs and LeT chief Saeed issued statements castigating India for &quot;using excessive force against street protestors and civilians&quot;. 
 
The confrontation has resulted in 41 civilian deaths, injuries to over 1,000 persons, censorship on local media and a curfew restricting daily movements to bring the situation under control. 
 
India has rebuffed calls from Pakistan, saying the latter has no right to talk on India&#39;s internal matters. 
 
(DNA)

The rally will seek support from the Pakistani establishment for the 'liberation of Kashmir' in India

Supporters of more than 40 political parties and hard-line religious groups, some of them proscribed for terror activities, will stage a march starting from Lahore to the capital city of Islamabad in Pakistan to show solidarity over the growing unrest in Kashmir in India. The rally will pledge support from the Pakistani establishment for the 'liberation of Kashmir' in India. Pakistan has declared July 19 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. Tehreek e Azaadi Jammu Kashmir (TAJK), a front group of the banned militant organisation Lashkar e Taiba and its charitable affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), is organising the rally called 'Caravan for Kashmir' starting on Tuesday, following a call by its chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. Several militant groups focusing on armed jihad in Indian Kashmir are participating in the rally. Cutting across political and ideological lines, groups like Difa e Pakistan Council – an alliance of more than 40 parties including JuD, Sipah e Sahiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, headed by Maulana Sami ul Haque, also known as founding father of Taliban, will take part. Mohammad Safi, representative of Hurriyat Conference in Pakistan; PoK-based United Jihad Council led by Syed Salahuddin, Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haque, Awami Muslim League, Muslim Conference, Muslim League (Zia faction) and intellectuals including Abdullah Gul (son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul), Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former prime minister of PoK, Izazul Haq (son of late President Zia-ul-Haq), will take part in the rally. The road show starting from Shuhada mosque in Lahore will make its way through Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Jhelum and Rawalpindi before reaching Islamabad. "The route can be covered in four hours, but since lakhs are joining, the rally will stop in main cities where leaders will make speeches. It will reach Islamabad the next day,'' media coordinator TAJK, Nadeem Awan, told dna. The road show is expected to receive wide support from the villages and districts on the route populated by Kashmiri immigrants who have settled in Punjab province after partition. The province is also a major recruitment ground for armed jihadi groups fighting in Kashmir. Awan said that Kashmiris living in Pakistan wanted to organise a rally to "express their support to the brothers suffering under the atrocities of the Indian army.'' "The road show will bring national and international attention to the dreadful situation in Kashmir. It will also let our brothers and sisters in Kashmir know they are not alone. Kashmiris are a part of Pakistani blood,'' he said. The TAJK had organised a similar road show in 2009 on Kashmir Solidarity Day, attended by the top leadership of jihadi groups including the LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. The rally will collect 'funds' or donations from supporters for the Kashmir cause. Awan said that on social media, Kashmiris were posting on shortage of medical supplies and food and money will be collected to send relief across the border. "We will send relief packages of food and medicine. We will also try to send a team of doctors if permission is given for them to travel to Kashmir.'' The unrest in Kashmir followed by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a week ago has caused political frenzy in Pakistan with cabinet ministers in the Nawaz Sharif-led government calling the deaths as 'genocide'. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the foreign policy based on 'Sharif-Modi' friendship for failing to address the Kashmir issue. Sharif, the ministry of foreign affairs and LeT chief Saeed issued statements castigating India for "using excessive force against street protestors and civilians". The confrontation has resulted in 41 civilian deaths, injuries to over 1,000 persons, censorship on local media and a curfew restricting daily movements to bring the situation under control. India has rebuffed calls from Pakistan, saying the latter has no right to talk on India's internal matters. (DNA)

Pakistan: After Hafiz Saeed's call, 40 hardline political parties to collect funds for jihad in Kashmir today