Amnesty International India has temporarily closed its offices and postponed events aimed at raising awareness of rights abuses over safety concerns for its staff after the charity was accused of sedition by protesters, a spokeswoman said yesterday. 
 
Political activists held demonstrations against the rights group on Tuesday and Wednesday, accusing it of inciting hatred against the State during an event it hosted on abuses by Indian security forces in the troubled Kashmir region. 
 
Police said they were investigating if &quot;anti-India&quot; slogans were raised at the event after receiving a complaint from the right-wing student organisation, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which has ties to the ruling Bharitya Janata Party (BJP). 
 
Amnesty said the allegations against the organisation were unsubstantiated, but admitted that slogans calling for Kashmir&#39;s independence were chanted by some people attending Saturday&#39;s seminar in the southern city of Bengaluru. 
 
&quot;The allegations mentioned in the complaint are without any basis. The event was an open door event and people were coming and going. No staff members were involved,&quot; said Himanshi Matta, Amnesty International India&#39;s spokeswoman in India. 
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<h5>Amnesty said the allegations against the organisation were unsubstantiated, but admitted that slogans calling for Kashmir&#39;s independence were chanted by some people attending Saturday&#39;s seminar in the southern city of Bengaluru.</h5>
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&quot;They are preventing the families of victims of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir from having their stories heard. And preventing civil society organisations from enabling these families to exercise their constitutional right to justice.&quot; 
 
Following protests by hundreds of right-wing activists in Bengaluru on Tuesday and in Delhi on Wednesday, Matta said the charity had decided to temporarily close its main office in the city, as well smaller ones in Pune, New Delhi and Chennai. 
 
The seminar, aimed at raising awareness over the lack of justice for families of victims in the northern Kashmir, was planned to take place in Mumbai and New Delhi next week, but has been postponed due to security concerns for the families and staff, she added. 
 
Rights groups have for years accused Indian forces battling a separatist insurgency in Kashmir and parts of northeast India of violating civilian rights through a controversial law which gives them sweeping powers to search, arrest or shoot people. 
 
Authorities and the armed forces deny the charges, saying the law - the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)- is essential to root out militants. 
 
Video footage of the event in Bengaluru which was recorded by Amnesty has been handed over to the police, and is being studied by forensic investigators, said a police official, who declined to be named. 
 
Kashmir, India&#39;s only majority-Muslim region, has been the trigger for two of the three wars between India and neighbouring Pakistan - with both nuclear-armed nations laying claim to it. 
 
The investigation comes as Indian-administered Kashmir experiences its worst unrest in six years after security forces last month killed a young separatist commander who was idolized by some youth, provoking an outpouring of anger. 
 
At least 64 people - civilians and security forces - have been killed in last 40 days in violent street protests, and a strict curfew has been imposed on residents. 
 
(Reuters)

Political activists held demonstrations against the rights group accusing it of inciting hatred against the State

Amnesty International India has temporarily closed its offices and postponed events aimed at raising awareness of rights abuses over safety concerns for its staff after the charity was accused of sedition by protesters, a spokeswoman said yesterday. Political activists held demonstrations against the rights group on Tuesday and Wednesday, accusing it of inciting hatred against the State during an event it hosted on abuses by Indian security forces in the troubled Kashmir region. Police said they were investigating if "anti-India" slogans were raised at the event after receiving a complaint from the right-wing student organisation, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which has ties to the ruling Bharitya Janata Party (BJP). Amnesty said the allegations against the organisation were unsubstantiated, but admitted that slogans calling for Kashmir's independence were chanted by some people attending Saturday's seminar in the southern city of Bengaluru. "The allegations mentioned in the complaint are without any basis. The event was an open door event and people were coming and going. No staff members were involved," said Himanshi Matta, Amnesty International India's spokeswoman in India. Amnesty said the allegations against the organisation were unsubstantiated, but admitted that slogans calling for Kashmir's independence were chanted by some people attending Saturday's seminar in the southern city of Bengaluru. "They are preventing the families of victims of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir from having their stories heard. And preventing civil society organisations from enabling these families to exercise their constitutional right to justice." Following protests by hundreds of right-wing activists in Bengaluru on Tuesday and in Delhi on Wednesday, Matta said the charity had decided to temporarily close its main office in the city, as well smaller ones in Pune, New Delhi and Chennai. The seminar, aimed at raising awareness over the lack of justice for families of victims in the northern Kashmir, was planned to take place in Mumbai and New Delhi next week, but has been postponed due to security concerns for the families and staff, she added. Rights groups have for years accused Indian forces battling a separatist insurgency in Kashmir and parts of northeast India of violating civilian rights through a controversial law which gives them sweeping powers to search, arrest or shoot people. Authorities and the armed forces deny the charges, saying the law - the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)- is essential to root out militants. Video footage of the event in Bengaluru which was recorded by Amnesty has been handed over to the police, and is being studied by forensic investigators, said a police official, who declined to be named. Kashmir, India's only majority-Muslim region, has been the trigger for two of the three wars between India and neighbouring Pakistan - with both nuclear-armed nations laying claim to it. The investigation comes as Indian-administered Kashmir experiences its worst unrest in six years after security forces last month killed a young separatist commander who was idolized by some youth, provoking an outpouring of anger. At least 64 people - civilians and security forces - have been killed in last 40 days in violent street protests, and a strict curfew has been imposed on residents. (Reuters)

Amnesty India temporarily closes offices, postpones events after sedition charge

The Indian Army today expressed regret over the death of a teacher in an&nbsp;alleged thrashing by soldiers in Khrew area of Pulwama district in Kashmir valley last night and ordered an inquiry into the incident even as police registered a murder case against unknown security personnel. 
 
30-year-old Shabir Ahmad Monga, a contractual lecturer, died when he and several others were allegedly beaten up by army personnel at Khrew late last night, police said. 
 
As many as 18 people, mostly youth, have been admitted to a hospital here with injuries suffered allegedly due to thrashing by the army personnel. 
 
General Officer Commanding of Army&#39;s Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen Satish Dua regretted the incident and said a probe has been ordered into the incident. 
 
Police also registered a murder case against unknown security personnel. 
 
&quot;A case under sections 307 (attempt to Murder), 302 (murder), 427 (mischief causing damage to property) and 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) has been registered against unknown secuirty personnel in connection with the incident at Khrew last night in which one Shabir Ahmad Monga was killed and 18 others were injured,&quot; a police official said. 
 
According to the locals,the&nbsp;army conducted house to house searches for the youth who were leading protests in Khrew late last night which was resisted by the residents. 
 
They claimed that the security forces rounded up 28 youth including Monga and beat them up, resulting in his death. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

Shabir Ahmad Monga, a contractual lecturer, died when he and several others were allegedly beaten up by army personnel late last night

The Indian Army today expressed regret over the death of a teacher in an alleged thrashing by soldiers in Khrew area of Pulwama district in Kashmir valley last night and ordered an inquiry into the incident even as police registered a murder case against unknown security personnel. 30-year-old Shabir Ahmad Monga, a contractual lecturer, died when he and several others were allegedly beaten up by army personnel at Khrew late last night, police said. As many as 18 people, mostly youth, have been admitted to a hospital here with injuries suffered allegedly due to thrashing by the army personnel. General Officer Commanding of Army's Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen Satish Dua regretted the incident and said a probe has been ordered into the incident. Police also registered a murder case against unknown security personnel. "A case under sections 307 (attempt to Murder), 302 (murder), 427 (mischief causing damage to property) and 120-B (Criminal Conspiracy) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) has been registered against unknown secuirty personnel in connection with the incident at Khrew last night in which one Shabir Ahmad Monga was killed and 18 others were injured," a police official said. According to the locals,the army conducted house to house searches for the youth who were leading protests in Khrew late last night which was resisted by the residents. They claimed that the security forces rounded up 28 youth including Monga and beat them up, resulting in his death. (PTI)

Indian Army regrets Kashmir teacher's killing, orders probe

Security forces shot dead five people and wounded another 20 during protests in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, according to witnesses and security sources. 
 
Four people were killed in Aripanthan village after residents took to the streets to protest what they said were aggressive tactics by members of the security forces during an overnight patrol designed to enforce a curfew. 
 
One resident said one protester was killed immediately after members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) opened fire and another three died of their injuries. 
 
A further 12 protesters were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The identities of the four who died were not immediately known but all were young men. 
 
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a security official confirmed to AFP &quot;a patrol party fired on the protesters. Four have died&quot;. 
 
Another protester was shot dead in Larkipora village in south Kashmir after residents clashed with paramilitary troopers, according to witnesses. 
 
A senior police officer in the region and witnesses told AFP that forces fired live rounds during the protests that also left eight people injured. 
 
The deaths come a day after a total of nine people were killed in a series of clashes and gun battles across the region, including a commander of the CRPF which is an Indian paramilitary police unit. 
 
Authorities have imposed a curfew in large parts of Kashmir, India&#39;s only Muslim majority state, since July 9 during an upsurge in violence sparked by the killing of a top militant commander called Burhan Wani in a gunfight with security forces. 
 
More than 60 civilians, mostly young men, have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, and thousands more injured in the region&#39;s worst violence since 2010. 
 
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947 but both claim the territory in full. 
 
It is the epicentre of a separatist insurgency, with several rebel groups fighting Indian troops and police as they seek either independence or a merger with Pakistan. 
 
(AFP)

Four people were killed in Aripanthan village; its residents were protesting what they said were aggressive tactics by security forces

Security forces shot dead five people and wounded another 20 during protests in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, according to witnesses and security sources. Four people were killed in Aripanthan village after residents took to the streets to protest what they said were aggressive tactics by members of the security forces during an overnight patrol designed to enforce a curfew. One resident said one protester was killed immediately after members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) opened fire and another three died of their injuries. A further 12 protesters were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The identities of the four who died were not immediately known but all were young men. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a security official confirmed to AFP "a patrol party fired on the protesters. Four have died". Another protester was shot dead in Larkipora village in south Kashmir after residents clashed with paramilitary troopers, according to witnesses. A senior police officer in the region and witnesses told AFP that forces fired live rounds during the protests that also left eight people injured. The deaths come a day after a total of nine people were killed in a series of clashes and gun battles across the region, including a commander of the CRPF which is an Indian paramilitary police unit. Authorities have imposed a curfew in large parts of Kashmir, India's only Muslim majority state, since July 9 during an upsurge in violence sparked by the killing of a top militant commander called Burhan Wani in a gunfight with security forces. More than 60 civilians, mostly young men, have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces, and thousands more injured in the region's worst violence since 2010. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British colonial rule in 1947 but both claim the territory in full. It is the epicentre of a separatist insurgency, with several rebel groups fighting Indian troops and police as they seek either independence or a merger with Pakistan. (AFP)

Five protesters killed, 20 wounded in Kashmir

Asserting that guns will not solve any problem, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today hoped Prime Minister Narendra Modi will complete the process started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee to address the state&#39;s problems which she attributed to the &quot;mistakes&quot; by successive central governments, starting from Jawaharlal Nehru. 
 
In her maiden Independence Day address as chief minister, Mehbooba made an emotional appeal to the youth indulging in violence, telling them not to be misled by the &quot;vested interests&quot; who want to keep Kashmir burning, and prevent the beautiful valley from turning into another Syria or Afghanistan. 
 
Speaking against the backdrop of over month-long unrest in the valley triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, she questioned people who have been indulging in violence as she underlined that any remedy could be found through dialogue in a great democracy like India. 
 
Emphasising that any propaganda like attempts to erode the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is false, she urged the people to give her time so that she could work on the plans and programmes she had charted for peace and progress of the state. 
 
&quot;Gun will not solve the problem. Guns has not solved any issue,&quot; Mehbooba said, adding there is no way other than the dialogue to resolve problems and address grievances. 
 
&quot;People of Jammu and Kashmir are not bad, nor is India bad. Somewhere mistakes were made with regard to elections. The leadership of the country -- from Jawahar Lal Nehru till date -- and the parties, it is their mistake,&quot; she said. 
 
The Chief Minister said she too had a grievance at the way Kashmir issue has been handled over the years. 
 
&quot;I also have grievances. People of Jammu and Kashmir joined with such a big country, not considering the religion, and preferred a democracy. Why has our democracy remained confined to casting votes? 
 
&quot;The biggest part of democracy is dialogue. We have resolved so many issues but why have we failed to take forward the dialogue 
process here? Where have made a mistake? 
 
&quot;Why did it take till 2002 for the (fair) election system to reach Kashmir? Why did our system and leadership here and in Delhi in 1987 elections usurp the rights of those people (now separatists) who could have become MLAs, ministers or chief minister? They wanted to take oath of Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir along with the Constitution of the country. There is no fault of people of J&amp;K in it,&quot; she said. 
 
Mehbooba said the separatists were then looking for alternatives to National Conference and Congress but &quot;it was not allowed to happen by the leaders here and there (Delhi)&quot;. 
 
(PTI)

She made an emotional appeal to the youth not to be misled by 'vested interests', prevent the Kashmir valley from turning into another Syria

Asserting that guns will not solve any problem, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today hoped Prime Minister Narendra Modi will complete the process started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee to address the state's problems which she attributed to the "mistakes" by successive central governments, starting from Jawaharlal Nehru. In her maiden Independence Day address as chief minister, Mehbooba made an emotional appeal to the youth indulging in violence, telling them not to be misled by the "vested interests" who want to keep Kashmir burning, and prevent the beautiful valley from turning into another Syria or Afghanistan. Speaking against the backdrop of over month-long unrest in the valley triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, she questioned people who have been indulging in violence as she underlined that any remedy could be found through dialogue in a great democracy like India. Emphasising that any propaganda like attempts to erode the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is false, she urged the people to give her time so that she could work on the plans and programmes she had charted for peace and progress of the state. "Gun will not solve the problem. Guns has not solved any issue," Mehbooba said, adding there is no way other than the dialogue to resolve problems and address grievances. "People of Jammu and Kashmir are not bad, nor is India bad. Somewhere mistakes were made with regard to elections. The leadership of the country -- from Jawahar Lal Nehru till date -- and the parties, it is their mistake," she said. The Chief Minister said she too had a grievance at the way Kashmir issue has been handled over the years. "I also have grievances. People of Jammu and Kashmir joined with such a big country, not considering the religion, and preferred a democracy. Why has our democracy remained confined to casting votes? "The biggest part of democracy is dialogue. We have resolved so many issues but why have we failed to take forward the dialogue process here? Where have made a mistake? "Why did it take till 2002 for the (fair) election system to reach Kashmir? Why did our system and leadership here and in Delhi in 1987 elections usurp the rights of those people (now separatists) who could have become MLAs, ministers or chief minister? They wanted to take oath of Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir along with the Constitution of the country. There is no fault of people of J&K in it," she said. Mehbooba said the separatists were then looking for alternatives to National Conference and Congress but "it was not allowed to happen by the leaders here and there (Delhi)". (PTI)

Kashmir CM says guns no solution, blames successive Indian governments

A CRPF officer and two militants were killed while nine others were injured after militants opened fire on security forces in the Downtown area of Srinagar -- close to the historic Jama Masjid -- on Monday. 
 
Authorities said an unspecified number of militants had opened fired on the security forces. 
 
A police official said a total of 10 security personnel had been injured in the attack, with the CRPF officer dying from his injuries later. 
 
Authorities added that two militants had been killed in the firefight. 
 
Police said the two militants had attacked a police station in the old city of Srinagar as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivering his annual Independence Day speech in the national capital, New Delhi. 
 
The gunmen were unable to take control of the police station, the summer capital of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, but did wound six police reservists in the attack. 
 
Operations were continuing against the attackers, who were holed up in a nearby building, police said. No further details were immediately available and there was no claim of responsibility. 
 
Kashmir has witnessed violent protests since the July 8 killing of militant leader Burhan Wani, a commander of the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, with 54 people killed and several thousand wounded in clashes with security forces. 
 
Modi avoided direct reference to Kashmir in his Independence Day speech, but he did criticise people in Pakistan for celebrating when what he called terrorist attacks were launched on Indian soil. 
 
The prime minister met national party leaders on Friday to seek ways to end the worst unrest in Kashmir since 2010, but there was no agreement to send an all-party delegation to the region for talks to try and calm tensions there. 
 
Both India and Pakistan rule Kashmir in part but claim it in full. The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought two of their three wars since independence 69 years ago over the Muslim-majority region where the Line of Control, or de facto border, still runs roughly where the guns fell silent in 1948. 
 
Army foils infiltration attempt, 2 militants killed 
 
Separately, the army said today that it had foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Kashmir, killing two militants. 
 
&quot;Alert troops noticed some suspicious movement along the Line of Control in Uri Sector in north Kashmir&#39;s Baramulla district this morning and challenged the intruders,&quot; an army official said. 
 
He said the intruders opened fire on army positions, and that soldiers returned fire. 
 
&quot;Two militants have been killed in the operation which was going on till reports last came in,&quot; the official said. 
 
(Agencies)

Police said the militants opened fire on security forces while Indian PM Modi was delivering his Independence Day speech in Delhi

A CRPF officer and two militants were killed while nine others were injured after militants opened fire on security forces in the Downtown area of Srinagar -- close to the historic Jama Masjid -- on Monday. Authorities said an unspecified number of militants had opened fired on the security forces. A police official said a total of 10 security personnel had been injured in the attack, with the CRPF officer dying from his injuries later. Authorities added that two militants had been killed in the firefight. Police said the two militants had attacked a police station in the old city of Srinagar as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivering his annual Independence Day speech in the national capital, New Delhi. The gunmen were unable to take control of the police station, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, but did wound six police reservists in the attack. Operations were continuing against the attackers, who were holed up in a nearby building, police said. No further details were immediately available and there was no claim of responsibility. Kashmir has witnessed violent protests since the July 8 killing of militant leader Burhan Wani, a commander of the Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Hizbul Mujahideen, with 54 people killed and several thousand wounded in clashes with security forces. Modi avoided direct reference to Kashmir in his Independence Day speech, but he did criticise people in Pakistan for celebrating when what he called terrorist attacks were launched on Indian soil. The prime minister met national party leaders on Friday to seek ways to end the worst unrest in Kashmir since 2010, but there was no agreement to send an all-party delegation to the region for talks to try and calm tensions there. Both India and Pakistan rule Kashmir in part but claim it in full. The nuclear-armed neighbours have fought two of their three wars since independence 69 years ago over the Muslim-majority region where the Line of Control, or de facto border, still runs roughly where the guns fell silent in 1948. Army foils infiltration attempt, 2 militants killed Separately, the army said today that it had foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Kashmir, killing two militants. "Alert troops noticed some suspicious movement along the Line of Control in Uri Sector in north Kashmir's Baramulla district this morning and challenged the intruders," an army official said. He said the intruders opened fire on army positions, and that soldiers returned fire. "Two militants have been killed in the operation which was going on till reports last came in," the official said. (Agencies)

CRPF officer, two militants killed in gun battle in Kashmir capital Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had a deeply embarrassing moment Monday when the tricolour -- the Indian flag -- fell away from the post and landed on the ground when she tried to hoist it here at Bakshi stadium, where the state&#39;s main Independence Day function was held. 
 
An inquiry was immediately ordered into the fiasco. 
 
Mehbooba, who was hoisting the national flag as chief minister for the first time, pulled on the string attached to the post only to see the tricolour peel away from the post and land on the ground. 
 
Amid the embarrassing situation, two personnel from the security detail of the chief minister held the flag in their hands till Mehbooba gave the ceremonial salute to the flag. 
 
As Mehbooba left the stage for inspecting the contingents of the police and paramilitary forces, the security staff at the Bakshi Stadium hurriedly set the flag right and hoisted it atop the post. 
 
Later, director general of police K Rajendra Kumar said he has ordered an inquiry into the fiasco. 
 
&quot;An inquiry was ordered immediately into the incident so as to fix the responsibility,&quot; Kumar told PTI. 
 
The DGP said it was a lapse on part of &quot;someone and that person needs to answer. How can the flag come down like that!&quot; 
 
(PTI)

Mufti pulled on the string attached to the post only to see the tricolor peel away from the post and land on the ground

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had a deeply embarrassing moment Monday when the tricolour -- the Indian flag -- fell away from the post and landed on the ground when she tried to hoist it here at Bakshi stadium, where the state's main Independence Day function was held. An inquiry was immediately ordered into the fiasco. Mehbooba, who was hoisting the national flag as chief minister for the first time, pulled on the string attached to the post only to see the tricolour peel away from the post and land on the ground. Amid the embarrassing situation, two personnel from the security detail of the chief minister held the flag in their hands till Mehbooba gave the ceremonial salute to the flag. As Mehbooba left the stage for inspecting the contingents of the police and paramilitary forces, the security staff at the Bakshi Stadium hurriedly set the flag right and hoisted it atop the post. Later, director general of police K Rajendra Kumar said he has ordered an inquiry into the fiasco. "An inquiry was ordered immediately into the incident so as to fix the responsibility," Kumar told PTI. The DGP said it was a lapse on part of "someone and that person needs to answer. How can the flag come down like that!" (PTI)

Kashmir CM tries to hoist Indian flag, it falls to the ground

Voicing concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives in Kashmir Valley, lower house of the Indian parliament (Lok Sabha) today unanimously passed a resolution, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the Valley while asserting that there can be no compromise with the country&#39;s integrity and security.&nbsp; 
 
In the resolution read out by the speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, the lower house appealed to all sections of the society in northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The house conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation,&quot; it said.&nbsp; 
 
Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the house &quot;is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. 
 
&quot;It is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people,&quot; it said.&nbsp; 
 
The resolution was read out by the speaker after opposition parties suggested that she instead of home minister Rajnath Singh should propose it.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier, leader of grand old party Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the house pass a resolution on Kashmir where the situation was turning complex and was deteriorating by the day. The House should appeal that the whole nation is united on the issue, Kharge said which was promptly agreed to by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia was seen having some discussions with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the home minister, apparently over the issue of adopting the resolution. 
 
Earlier this week, the upper house (Rajya Sabha) too had passed a resolution expressing its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir valley.&nbsp; 
 
The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution unanimously shortly before the monsoon session was adjourned sine-die by the speaker. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp;

The house said 'urgent steps need to be taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people'

Voicing concern over prolonged curfew, violence and loss of lives in Kashmir Valley, lower house of the Indian parliament (Lok Sabha) today unanimously passed a resolution, appealing for urgent steps to restore order and peace in the Valley while asserting that there can be no compromise with the country's integrity and security. In the resolution read out by the speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, the lower house appealed to all sections of the society in northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir to restore the confidence among the people in general and youth in particular. "The house conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation," it said. Amid thumping of desks by members from all sides, the resolution asserted that the house "is of the firm and considered view that there cannot be any compromise on unity, integrity and national security. "It is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people," it said. The resolution was read out by the speaker after opposition parties suggested that she instead of home minister Rajnath Singh should propose it. Earlier, leader of grand old party Congress Mallikarjun Kharge demanded that the house pass a resolution on Kashmir where the situation was turning complex and was deteriorating by the day. The House should appeal that the whole nation is united on the issue, Kharge said which was promptly agreed to by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Earlier Congress chief whip Jyotiraditya Scindia was seen having some discussions with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the home minister, apparently over the issue of adopting the resolution. Earlier this week, the upper house (Rajya Sabha) too had passed a resolution expressing its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir valley. The Lok Sabha adopted the resolution unanimously shortly before the monsoon session was adjourned sine-die by the speaker. (PTI)

Lower house of Indian Parliament passes resolution over Kashmir unrest, appeals for peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said like every Indian, he was also deeply pained by recent incidents in northermost Jammu and Kashmir state and assured the opposition parties of his government&#39;s commitment to stable and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue as per basic principles of the constitution. 
 
&quot;Like every Indian, I&#39;m also deeply pained by recent incidents and we are committed to a stable and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue as per basic principles of the constitution. We are committed to the welfare of the people of the state. To find a solution, we will follow the path shown by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee,&quot; said the Prime Minister while delivering the concluding remarks at the all-party meeting to review and seek suggestions on the Kashmir situation at the parliament House here. 
 
Invoking former Vajpayee, he referred to the former prime minister&#39;s offer to hold dialogue under the framework of &#39;insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat&#39;. It would be pertinent to mention Modi has more than once referred to Vajpayee&#39;s approach during the last two years while talking about the situation prevailing in the Valley. &nbsp; 
 
&quot;When we talk about Jammu and Kashmir, then we should talk about four regions; Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK),&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;Jammu and Kashmir, which is often referred to as the crown of India, is an age old symbol of embodying the equality of all religions where Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Muslims have co-existed for centuries. The state is not only the matter of our unity, but is also a definition of our nationalism,&quot; he added. 
 
&quot;We cannot reject the fact that security forces have braved all sorts of injuries. They were subjected to organised attacks despite that they maintained restraint. Data speaks that security forces are injured in large numbers,&quot; he said. 
 
The Prime Minister said the percentage of elements, who indulge in spreading propaganda, disturbing peace and inciting children have gone down, despite a vicious campaign by some. 
 
&quot;This is why despite warnings from some separatist elements, the people of Jammu and Kashmir showed their faith in democratic principles during the polls,&quot; he added. 
 
Expressing his gratitude to all political parties and leaders for expressing their feelings in one voice, Prime Minister Modi said, &quot;it&#39;s a matter of happiness that all our friends have expressed their feelings in one voice. I&#39;m grateful to all political parties for raising concerns over the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir&quot;. &nbsp; 
 
Opposition calls for defusing present situation&nbsp; 
 
Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who attended today&#39;s meeting, said the most important thing with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is to defuse the present tense and tragic situation. 
 
Leader of Opposition in the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Nabi Azad, while addressing the media after the meeting quoted the former prime minister as saying that the former United Party Alliance (UPA) regime in the last ten years in office made efforts to find practical solution to these problems.&nbsp; 
 
Azad said, &quot;We have lot of problems with the Centre, but right now we only want that the situation in J&amp;K to normalise. Manmohan Singh ji said at the meet that most imp thing with regard to J&amp;K is to defuse the present tense and tragic situation.&quot; 
 
&quot;Manmohan Singhji also said in last 10 years when we were in office, we made efforts to find practical solution to these problem, but we recognise that we didn`t fully succeed and it is the government of India&#39;s duty to come up with a roadmap for defusing the present situation.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Azad further said Dr Singh assured the government that any positive step in this endeavour would have the Congress&#39; full cooperation. 
 
Home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI&#39;s D. Raja and Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav were among others who attended the meeting. 
 
 
&#39;Contact citizens of Pakistan-cantrolled Kashmir,&#39; insists Modi&nbsp; 
 
While Jaitley said security forces have been advised to maintain restraint, Rajnath drew attention to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;PM said that the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world, on atrocities against people in Balochistan &amp; Pakistan-cantrolled Kashmir,&quot; &nbsp;ANI quoted him as saying.&nbsp;
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PM said that the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world, on atrocities against people in Balochistan &amp; PoK: HM Rajnath Singh
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/764076388122972161">August 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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All parties put forth their concerns in one voice and with the right intent: HM Rajnath Singh on All party meet <a href="https://t.co/SU4ZuRei7X">pic.twitter.com/SU4ZuRei7X</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/764075048445489154">August 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Security guards will act with restraint. Terrorism&amp;violence will be dealt with effectively: Jaitley on Kashmir issue <a href="https://t.co/OAuAtfPjaR">pic.twitter.com/OAuAtfPjaR</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/764079637588606978">August 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Sharing the main points of his government&#39;s Kashmir policy, Modi also asked the external affairs ministry to try to contact citizens of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, living in different parts of the world, to get details of the area&#39;s pitiable condition and share them with the international community. 
 
The government&#39;s efforts include reaching out to the civil society and speeding up measures to integrate Kashmir&#39;s youth with the state&#39;s economic activities. 
 
Seeking support of all political parties, the Prime Minister said, &quot;When terrorism is on the rise across the world and when we are encircled by terrorism sponsored by the neighbouring country, then we will have to be united in this fight. The government expects constructive support from all opposition parties on this.&quot; 
 
&quot;I have complete confidence that with the dedication of the state government and with your total cooperation we will soon restore normal life in Jammu and Kashmir again,&quot; he said as he praised chief minister Mehbooba Mufti&#39;s government, in which India&#39;s ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is a partner, for its &quot;careful handling&quot; of the issue despite odds. 
 
Indian security forces killed a militant leader Burhan Wani on July 8, sparking a wave of violent protests across the Himalayan region, which has been ruled in part, but claimed in full, by both India and Pakistan since 1947. 
 
Police extended a curfew in parts of the Muslim-majority territory for a 35th day on Friday, a clampdown that Kashmiris said &quot;showed authorities&#39; failure to defuse deep-seated anger against Indian rule&quot;. More than 50 protesters have been killed so far and thousands have been injured in the month-long clashes.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from PTI, Reuters and ANI)&nbsp;

'Like every Indian, I'm also deeply pained by recent incidents. We're committed to a stable resolution to the Kashmir issue,' he said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said like every Indian, he was also deeply pained by recent incidents in northermost Jammu and Kashmir state and assured the opposition parties of his government's commitment to stable and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue as per basic principles of the constitution. "Like every Indian, I'm also deeply pained by recent incidents and we are committed to a stable and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue as per basic principles of the constitution. We are committed to the welfare of the people of the state. To find a solution, we will follow the path shown by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee," said the Prime Minister while delivering the concluding remarks at the all-party meeting to review and seek suggestions on the Kashmir situation at the parliament House here. Invoking former Vajpayee, he referred to the former prime minister's offer to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. It would be pertinent to mention Modi has more than once referred to Vajpayee's approach during the last two years while talking about the situation prevailing in the Valley. "When we talk about Jammu and Kashmir, then we should talk about four regions; Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)," he said. "Jammu and Kashmir, which is often referred to as the crown of India, is an age old symbol of embodying the equality of all religions where Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Muslims have co-existed for centuries. The state is not only the matter of our unity, but is also a definition of our nationalism," he added. "We cannot reject the fact that security forces have braved all sorts of injuries. They were subjected to organised attacks despite that they maintained restraint. Data speaks that security forces are injured in large numbers," he said. The Prime Minister said the percentage of elements, who indulge in spreading propaganda, disturbing peace and inciting children have gone down, despite a vicious campaign by some. "This is why despite warnings from some separatist elements, the people of Jammu and Kashmir showed their faith in democratic principles during the polls," he added. Expressing his gratitude to all political parties and leaders for expressing their feelings in one voice, Prime Minister Modi said, "it's a matter of happiness that all our friends have expressed their feelings in one voice. I'm grateful to all political parties for raising concerns over the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir". Opposition calls for defusing present situation Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who attended today's meeting, said the most important thing with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is to defuse the present tense and tragic situation. Leader of Opposition in the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Nabi Azad, while addressing the media after the meeting quoted the former prime minister as saying that the former United Party Alliance (UPA) regime in the last ten years in office made efforts to find practical solution to these problems. Azad said, "We have lot of problems with the Centre, but right now we only want that the situation in J&K to normalise. Manmohan Singh ji said at the meet that most imp thing with regard to J&K is to defuse the present tense and tragic situation." "Manmohan Singhji also said in last 10 years when we were in office, we made efforts to find practical solution to these problem, but we recognise that we didn`t fully succeed and it is the government of India's duty to come up with a roadmap for defusing the present situation." Azad further said Dr Singh assured the government that any positive step in this endeavour would have the Congress' full cooperation. Home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI's D. Raja and Janata Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav were among others who attended the meeting. 'Contact citizens of Pakistan-cantrolled Kashmir,' insists Modi While Jaitley said security forces have been advised to maintain restraint, Rajnath drew attention to Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. "PM said that the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world, on atrocities against people in Balochistan & Pakistan-cantrolled Kashmir," ANI quoted him as saying. PM said that the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world, on atrocities against people in Balochistan & PoK: HM Rajnath Singh — ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 All parties put forth their concerns in one voice and with the right intent: HM Rajnath Singh on All party meet pic.twitter.com/SU4ZuRei7X — ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Security guards will act with restraint. Terrorism&violence will be dealt with effectively: Jaitley on Kashmir issue pic.twitter.com/OAuAtfPjaR — ANI (@ANI_news) August 12, 2016 Sharing the main points of his government's Kashmir policy, Modi also asked the external affairs ministry to try to contact citizens of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, living in different parts of the world, to get details of the area's pitiable condition and share them with the international community. The government's efforts include reaching out to the civil society and speeding up measures to integrate Kashmir's youth with the state's economic activities. Seeking support of all political parties, the Prime Minister said, "When terrorism is on the rise across the world and when we are encircled by terrorism sponsored by the neighbouring country, then we will have to be united in this fight. The government expects constructive support from all opposition parties on this." "I have complete confidence that with the dedication of the state government and with your total cooperation we will soon restore normal life in Jammu and Kashmir again," he said as he praised chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's government, in which India's ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is a partner, for its "careful handling" of the issue despite odds. Indian security forces killed a militant leader Burhan Wani on July 8, sparking a wave of violent protests across the Himalayan region, which has been ruled in part, but claimed in full, by both India and Pakistan since 1947. Police extended a curfew in parts of the Muslim-majority territory for a 35th day on Friday, a clampdown that Kashmiris said "showed authorities' failure to defuse deep-seated anger against Indian rule". More than 50 protesters have been killed so far and thousands have been injured in the month-long clashes. (With inputs from PTI, Reuters and ANI)

'Deeply pained over Kashmir unrest,'  says Modi as he invokes former PM Vajpayee yet again

Pakistan&#39;s foreign policy Advisor Sartaj Aziz today said that Pakistan would soon write to India and invite it for a dialogue on the Kashmir issue. 
 
Aziz told a news conference in Islamabad that during an Envoys Conference convened this week to deliberate on major foreign policy challenges of Pakistan the &quot;envoys had spent considerable time on the grim situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir and Indian brutalities after July 8.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
It was emphasised that Pakistan would continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris movement for self-determination, and also take certain diplomatic initiatives. 
 
&quot;One proposal was that since the comprehensive dialogue was not happening, Pakistan should invite India for a dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, because the situation there has deteriorated so much that we need to have a dialogue on this issue. Our foreign secretary would formally be writing to his counterpart in this regard, telling him that the Kashmir issue had reached such a stage that an exclusive dialogue on it had become un avoidable,&quot; Aziz said. 
 
Aziz&#39;s offer comes two days after India&#39;s home minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that India was willing to discuss only Pakistani Kashmir with Pakistan, and the question of discussing Indian held Kashmir with Islamabad did not arise. 
 
Replying to a reporter who said Indian ministers keep saying there is &quot;no issue&quot; in Jammu and Kashmir, Aziz said: 
 
&quot;If they (India) are saying that there is no issue, then why is all this happening over there on the ground? Secondly, why have you kept a force of 600,000 / 700,000 there? Why are all local leaders under detention, almost continuously? There is a media blackout, and no one from outside can get in to probe the situation. So naturally, there is a crisis, and there is a need to discuss it. So, if the Comprehensive Dialogue will take time to arrange, or is not happening, at least if you are ready to talk on the Kashmir issue, we are ready to talk also,&quot; he said. 
 
He said even the international community was getting edgy about the grim situation in Indian Kashmir 
 
&quot;This is a very serious situation. Most of the Kashmiri leaders are under arrest. Apprehensions of the international community are growing about this, and hopefully India will start feeling this pressure. At the same time, we have started a diplomatic offensive in the last five weeks, and that will continue to accelerate until India agrees to either discuss this issue or address it,&quot; he said. 
 
Aziz said a dossier was being prepared on the basis of the confessions of arrested Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadev who was being interrogated by security agencies. 
 
&quot;On the first issue of Kulbhushan (Yadev), a lot of detailed investigations are going on, because he was not alone. He had a network which he was running. So until we can trace out all the links through which he was operating, saying anything about it prematurely would defeat our goal of defeating the network and bringing it under our control. We are trying to further beef up the dossier that we had handed over earlier, so that we can share it at the upcoming General Assembly meeting in September. But work is still going on that,&quot; he said. 
 
He said there were indications that the Jamaatul Ahrar, which had claimed responsibility for the recent Quetta blast, was indirectly supported by Afghan spy agency NDS and Indian intelligence agency RAW. 
 
&quot;It has just been three days since the Quetta attack, but the signals that are coming are pointing at a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter group in Afghanistan, Jamaatul Ahrar, which has claimed responsibility. In the past it has been said several times that this group has some indirect support from the NDS (Afghanistan&#39;s National Directorate of Security). And RAW has some connections with NDS. But how much involvement there is in this Quetta attack, we cannot say yet. However, the overall perception is that RAW may be indirectly involved, through NDS, and through the Tehreek-e Taliban group. We do not want to point fingers on this without solid proof, but there are fears that all this happened. So as the investigation moves forward, things will get clear,&quot; he said. 
 
He said efforts were underway to improve coordination between the NDS and Pakistan&#39;s prime intelligence agency ISI in order to prevent such attacks in the future. 
 
&quot;Naturally, when we are talking with Afghanistan, we are trying to improve links and interaction between NDS and ISI (Pakistan&#39;s prime intelligence agency) , so that we are able to pinpoint such incidents in the future. We have made mutual commitments that we will not allow our soil to be used against them, and they will not allow their soil to be used against us. The monitoring for this commitment is only possible if both intelligence agencies have interactions at different level, at the border level, as well as a higher level. This is our aim, and God willing we are moving towards it,&quot; he said. 
 
Aziz said there is positive progress on the issue of Pakistan&#39;s membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Aziz's offer comes 2 days after India's home minister told parliament that India was willing to discuss only Pakistani Kashmir with Pakistan

Pakistan's foreign policy Advisor Sartaj Aziz today said that Pakistan would soon write to India and invite it for a dialogue on the Kashmir issue. Aziz told a news conference in Islamabad that during an Envoys Conference convened this week to deliberate on major foreign policy challenges of Pakistan the "envoys had spent considerable time on the grim situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir and Indian brutalities after July 8." It was emphasised that Pakistan would continue to extend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris movement for self-determination, and also take certain diplomatic initiatives. "One proposal was that since the comprehensive dialogue was not happening, Pakistan should invite India for a dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, because the situation there has deteriorated so much that we need to have a dialogue on this issue. Our foreign secretary would formally be writing to his counterpart in this regard, telling him that the Kashmir issue had reached such a stage that an exclusive dialogue on it had become un avoidable," Aziz said. Aziz's offer comes two days after India's home minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that India was willing to discuss only Pakistani Kashmir with Pakistan, and the question of discussing Indian held Kashmir with Islamabad did not arise. Replying to a reporter who said Indian ministers keep saying there is "no issue" in Jammu and Kashmir, Aziz said: "If they (India) are saying that there is no issue, then why is all this happening over there on the ground? Secondly, why have you kept a force of 600,000 / 700,000 there? Why are all local leaders under detention, almost continuously? There is a media blackout, and no one from outside can get in to probe the situation. So naturally, there is a crisis, and there is a need to discuss it. So, if the Comprehensive Dialogue will take time to arrange, or is not happening, at least if you are ready to talk on the Kashmir issue, we are ready to talk also," he said. He said even the international community was getting edgy about the grim situation in Indian Kashmir "This is a very serious situation. Most of the Kashmiri leaders are under arrest. Apprehensions of the international community are growing about this, and hopefully India will start feeling this pressure. At the same time, we have started a diplomatic offensive in the last five weeks, and that will continue to accelerate until India agrees to either discuss this issue or address it," he said. Aziz said a dossier was being prepared on the basis of the confessions of arrested Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadev who was being interrogated by security agencies. "On the first issue of Kulbhushan (Yadev), a lot of detailed investigations are going on, because he was not alone. He had a network which he was running. So until we can trace out all the links through which he was operating, saying anything about it prematurely would defeat our goal of defeating the network and bringing it under our control. We are trying to further beef up the dossier that we had handed over earlier, so that we can share it at the upcoming General Assembly meeting in September. But work is still going on that," he said. He said there were indications that the Jamaatul Ahrar, which had claimed responsibility for the recent Quetta blast, was indirectly supported by Afghan spy agency NDS and Indian intelligence agency RAW. "It has just been three days since the Quetta attack, but the signals that are coming are pointing at a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter group in Afghanistan, Jamaatul Ahrar, which has claimed responsibility. In the past it has been said several times that this group has some indirect support from the NDS (Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security). And RAW has some connections with NDS. But how much involvement there is in this Quetta attack, we cannot say yet. However, the overall perception is that RAW may be indirectly involved, through NDS, and through the Tehreek-e Taliban group. We do not want to point fingers on this without solid proof, but there are fears that all this happened. So as the investigation moves forward, things will get clear," he said. He said efforts were underway to improve coordination between the NDS and Pakistan's prime intelligence agency ISI in order to prevent such attacks in the future. "Naturally, when we are talking with Afghanistan, we are trying to improve links and interaction between NDS and ISI (Pakistan's prime intelligence agency) , so that we are able to pinpoint such incidents in the future. We have made mutual commitments that we will not allow our soil to be used against them, and they will not allow their soil to be used against us. The monitoring for this commitment is only possible if both intelligence agencies have interactions at different level, at the border level, as well as a higher level. This is our aim, and God willing we are moving towards it," he said. Aziz said there is positive progress on the issue of Pakistan's membership for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). (Reuters)

Pakistan gearing up to invite India for talks on Kashmir, asserts Sartaj Aziz

India&#39;s Parliament discussed the ongoing unrest in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, August 10 as curfew continued for an unprecedented 33rd day in the Kashmir valley following the killing of a separatist militant. 
 
Initiating the debate, lawmaker of opposition Congress party, Ghulam Nabi Azad asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in the Parliament. 
 
&quot;We want this (Kashmir issue) to be sorted out. Everyone should sit together and find a solution. We all should sit together (to find a solution),&quot; Azad said in the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. 
 
Unrest has been brewing in Jammu and Kashmir since July 8, when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen- a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region. 
 
Wani&#39;s killing has triggered the Valley&#39;s worst outbreak of violence in six years. 
Fifty-eight people have been killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security personnel, in the month-long unrest. More than 300 people have suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. 
 
Azad said that the Jammu and Kashmir government did not have the resource or manpower to tackle the problem and urged federal government to find a solution to the crisis. 
 
The debate created ruckus in the House as opposition mounted attacks on the government. 
 
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tried to pacify the situation and said that political parties needed to set aside their differences and speak with one voice. 
 
&quot;Jammu and Kashmir is in a sensitive state, there is a need for all of us to speak in one voice. There have been many differences on various issues in the past but today is not the right time to divert the debate to some other direction,&quot; said Jaitley in Rajya Sabha. 
 
Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. 
 
India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but some have accused troops of using excessive force.

Curfew in the Valley enters 33rd day today as unrest continues

India's Parliament discussed the ongoing unrest in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, August 10 as curfew continued for an unprecedented 33rd day in the Kashmir valley following the killing of a separatist militant. Initiating the debate, lawmaker of opposition Congress party, Ghulam Nabi Azad asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in the Parliament. "We want this (Kashmir issue) to be sorted out. Everyone should sit together and find a solution. We all should sit together (to find a solution)," Azad said in the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Unrest has been brewing in Jammu and Kashmir since July 8, when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen- a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region. Wani's killing has triggered the Valley's worst outbreak of violence in six years. Fifty-eight people have been killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security personnel, in the month-long unrest. More than 300 people have suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. Azad said that the Jammu and Kashmir government did not have the resource or manpower to tackle the problem and urged federal government to find a solution to the crisis. The debate created ruckus in the House as opposition mounted attacks on the government. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tried to pacify the situation and said that political parties needed to set aside their differences and speak with one voice. "Jammu and Kashmir is in a sensitive state, there is a need for all of us to speak in one voice. There have been many differences on various issues in the past but today is not the right time to divert the debate to some other direction," said Jaitley in Rajya Sabha. Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence, but some have accused troops of using excessive force.

Indian minister Jaitley calls for all-party discussion on Kashmir issue

Even as Kashmir&#39;s chief minister Mehbooba Mufti made a passionate plea for the revival of dialogue and the application of a &#39;healing touch&rsquo; on the wounds of Kashmir, the Indian Army is set to deploy its troops on patrolling duty on the streets of the state to help quell the more than month-long unrest in the Kashmir Valley and bring it back to normalcy. 
 
This is the second time in five years that the army has been called in to assist security forces in the restoration of order in Kashmir following a spate of violent protests that has seen the deaths of 60 civilians so far this year and has paralysed normal life with over 30 days of curfew. 
 
Army sources both at headquarters and at northern command confirmed to DNA that a decision in this regard has been finalised. 
 
&quot;Army will be deployed on major highways and at the sensitive points in support of the state police and paramilitary forces based on an elaborate plan worked out at the headquarters level (in Delhi),&quot; said an official who did not wish to be identified. 
 
The army has already moved in to secure crucial roads near Sopore and Narabal to protect the strategic Srinagar-Baramulla-Kupwara highway in north Kashmir. Sources here said the army may be deployed to patrol the streets and stage flag marches if the unrest continues beyond Independence Day (August 15) and the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) on August 18. 
 
This issue was apparently conveyed to chief minister Mehbooba Mufti yesterday, when she met India&#39;s central government leaders including interior minister Rajnath Singh. Sources close to her told DNA that she pleaded political options be explored rather than the military be used to curb the current unrest in Kashmir. She stressed the need for the taking of bold and tangible initiatives to reach out to the people, including the revival of dialogue with Pakistan and stakeholders (read the separatists) in Kashmir. 
&nbsp; 
The earlier decision to bring in the army - primarily engaged in counter-insurgency operations and the guarding of sections of the disputed border with Pakistan - to help restore order was taken by the Omar Abdullah government in 2010 when the Valley erupted in a three-month long cycle of violence. Back then, 116 youth were shot dead by security forces in the protests that followed a fake encounter in Macchil in which the army tried to pass off three villagers it had killed as militants. &nbsp; 
 
Mufti, who was an opposition leader at the time, had then called for Abdullah&rsquo;s resignation. But while in power, she seems to lack the ability to come up any new initiatives to deal with the resentment of the Kashmiris, and has resorted to following in the footsteps of her predecessor. &nbsp; 
 
Shortly after the top brass of the army visited Mufti and assured her &quot;all possible assistance to the state government to bring peace at the earliest&rsquo;&rsquo; would be provided, a meeting was held at the 15 Corps Headquarters in Badami Bagh, Srinagar on August 5. Discussions were held at length on these options by the army, Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force or CRPF (deployed in Srinagar), J&amp;K Police, and the civil administration. The move to deploy the army to assist the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) Police is being considered in view of growing apprehensions of militant attacks or violent protests organised by the locals close to Independence Day - observed as a black day in Kashmir - and the conclusion of the Amarnath yatra next week. 
 
A major deterrent to bringing the army out onto the streets remains the conditions of its rules of engagement. The army&#39;s Victor Force which &nbsp;operates in Awantipora (south Kashmir) and Kilo Force which operates in Kupwara (north Kashmir) have both been working out a coordination plan between them so as to prevent the mobilisation of protesters. &quot;Army has been tasked to take over what is called in security parlance the Highway Domination and Corridor Protection,&quot; a source added.&nbsp; 
 
In turbulent south Kashmir -- the districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Tral and Anantnag -- young men and boys have taken control of the streets and entry is restricted. Roads are blocked with large stones, burnt tyres, and tree logs that act as barricades while local youth take turns to patrol the streets and keep a vigil against nocturnal raids. 
 
The killing of the local Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in the village of Bemdoroo on July 8 led to a spontaneous outpouring of grief and rage against the security forces. News reports and rumours of security personnel opening fire on unarmed civilians, abusing women, children and the elderly on the suspicion of having participated in the protests has created deep resentment against the men in uniform. &nbsp; 
 
The state government is under mounting pressure to calm the enraged population and put a stop to the rising casualties. Restoring stability, restarting schools, colleges, government offices, and trade - which has been hampered since the beginning of the protests - is also an immediate priority. Flag marches by the army in the affected areas will no doubt project its domination and put it in charge of security. However, deployment of troops in civilian areas could trigger a deadly backlash, if there are any fatalities of protesters. 
 
Some of the worst violence in the early days of the unrest took place in parts of south Kashmir with the police shooting over 20 and retaliatory mobs setting fire to police stations and military outpost. That the region is also the bastion of ruling People&#39;s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Mufti family has added constraints on the ruling administration, to ensure that that situation does not arise. 
 
Sections favoring the army&rsquo;s deployment argue that the strict enforcement of curfew will bring down violent clashes and minimise casualties, and that it would cause fatigue among the protesters like in the previous cycle of violence. 
 
A senior CRPF official, on the condition of anonymity, said the presence of the army will help in resuming daytime traffic on the national highway and restoring connectivity. &quot;Stone pelters and protesters are a major concern for us. For now, we are forced to carry the vehicle movement only at night that includes escorting the Amarnath yatris.&quot; 
 
(DNA) 
&nbsp;

This is the second time in five years in Kashmir that the Army has been called in to assist police and paramilitary forces restore order

Even as Kashmir's chief minister Mehbooba Mufti made a passionate plea for the revival of dialogue and the application of a 'healing touch’ on the wounds of Kashmir, the Indian Army is set to deploy its troops on patrolling duty on the streets of the state to help quell the more than month-long unrest in the Kashmir Valley and bring it back to normalcy. This is the second time in five years that the army has been called in to assist security forces in the restoration of order in Kashmir following a spate of violent protests that has seen the deaths of 60 civilians so far this year and has paralysed normal life with over 30 days of curfew. Army sources both at headquarters and at northern command confirmed to DNA that a decision in this regard has been finalised. "Army will be deployed on major highways and at the sensitive points in support of the state police and paramilitary forces based on an elaborate plan worked out at the headquarters level (in Delhi)," said an official who did not wish to be identified. The army has already moved in to secure crucial roads near Sopore and Narabal to protect the strategic Srinagar-Baramulla-Kupwara highway in north Kashmir. Sources here said the army may be deployed to patrol the streets and stage flag marches if the unrest continues beyond Independence Day (August 15) and the conclusion of the Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) on August 18. This issue was apparently conveyed to chief minister Mehbooba Mufti yesterday, when she met India's central government leaders including interior minister Rajnath Singh. Sources close to her told DNA that she pleaded political options be explored rather than the military be used to curb the current unrest in Kashmir. She stressed the need for the taking of bold and tangible initiatives to reach out to the people, including the revival of dialogue with Pakistan and stakeholders (read the separatists) in Kashmir. The earlier decision to bring in the army - primarily engaged in counter-insurgency operations and the guarding of sections of the disputed border with Pakistan - to help restore order was taken by the Omar Abdullah government in 2010 when the Valley erupted in a three-month long cycle of violence. Back then, 116 youth were shot dead by security forces in the protests that followed a fake encounter in Macchil in which the army tried to pass off three villagers it had killed as militants. Mufti, who was an opposition leader at the time, had then called for Abdullah’s resignation. But while in power, she seems to lack the ability to come up any new initiatives to deal with the resentment of the Kashmiris, and has resorted to following in the footsteps of her predecessor. Shortly after the top brass of the army visited Mufti and assured her "all possible assistance to the state government to bring peace at the earliest’’ would be provided, a meeting was held at the 15 Corps Headquarters in Badami Bagh, Srinagar on August 5. Discussions were held at length on these options by the army, Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force or CRPF (deployed in Srinagar), J&K Police, and the civil administration. The move to deploy the army to assist the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police is being considered in view of growing apprehensions of militant attacks or violent protests organised by the locals close to Independence Day - observed as a black day in Kashmir - and the conclusion of the Amarnath yatra next week. A major deterrent to bringing the army out onto the streets remains the conditions of its rules of engagement. The army's Victor Force which operates in Awantipora (south Kashmir) and Kilo Force which operates in Kupwara (north Kashmir) have both been working out a coordination plan between them so as to prevent the mobilisation of protesters. "Army has been tasked to take over what is called in security parlance the Highway Domination and Corridor Protection," a source added. In turbulent south Kashmir -- the districts of Pulwama, Shopian, Tral and Anantnag -- young men and boys have taken control of the streets and entry is restricted. Roads are blocked with large stones, burnt tyres, and tree logs that act as barricades while local youth take turns to patrol the streets and keep a vigil against nocturnal raids. The killing of the local Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in the village of Bemdoroo on July 8 led to a spontaneous outpouring of grief and rage against the security forces. News reports and rumours of security personnel opening fire on unarmed civilians, abusing women, children and the elderly on the suspicion of having participated in the protests has created deep resentment against the men in uniform. The state government is under mounting pressure to calm the enraged population and put a stop to the rising casualties. Restoring stability, restarting schools, colleges, government offices, and trade - which has been hampered since the beginning of the protests - is also an immediate priority. Flag marches by the army in the affected areas will no doubt project its domination and put it in charge of security. However, deployment of troops in civilian areas could trigger a deadly backlash, if there are any fatalities of protesters. Some of the worst violence in the early days of the unrest took place in parts of south Kashmir with the police shooting over 20 and retaliatory mobs setting fire to police stations and military outpost. That the region is also the bastion of ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Mufti family has added constraints on the ruling administration, to ensure that that situation does not arise. Sections favoring the army’s deployment argue that the strict enforcement of curfew will bring down violent clashes and minimise casualties, and that it would cause fatigue among the protesters like in the previous cycle of violence. A senior CRPF official, on the condition of anonymity, said the presence of the army will help in resuming daytime traffic on the national highway and restoring connectivity. "Stone pelters and protesters are a major concern for us. For now, we are forced to carry the vehicle movement only at night that includes escorting the Amarnath yatris." (DNA)

Kashmir unrest: Indian Army set to deploy troops, restore normalcy

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today termed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s statement on Kashmir as a &quot;futile attempt&quot; at underplaying the ongoing struggle in the valley. 
 
Modi yesterday reached out to the people of turbulent Kashmir and indicated a&nbsp;willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of &#39;insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat&#39;. 
 
&quot;To connect the 70-year-old struggle for freedom and liberty of the people of this state with development and livelihood issues is indicative of the delusion that the Indian state seems to be suffering from,&quot; KCCI said in a statement, reacting to Modi&#39;s remarks. 
 
It said the &quot;present turmoil&quot; draws sustenance from the &quot;unconditional support&quot; of all the peace-loving people of the state and &quot;cannot by any stretch of imagination be termed as the handiwork of a handful of misguided elements&quot;. 
 
&quot;It was sad that the Prime Minister had no words of sympathy for the innocents killed, blinded, disfigured and maimed during the past one month,&quot; the KCCI said adding &quot;the brutality with which children, women, and teenagers have been attacked have found no mention in the Prime Minister&#39;s remarks&quot;. 
 
KCCI also criticised chief minister Mehbooba Mufti for her reported statement that the present turmoil is &quot;Halla Gulla&quot; (commotion). 
 
&quot;The reported statement of Mehbooba Mufti according to which she has termed the present turmoil as &#39;Halla Gulla&#39; was also unanimously condemned. The Chamber termed the statement as insensitive and inappropriate,&quot; the statement said. 
 
It also expressed &quot;surprise&quot; at the statement of the acting Director General of state Police SK Mishra, asking shopkeepers to defy separatists strike call and assuring protection to them. 
 
&quot;The statement is aimed at dividing the business community of the state. The business community, including the shopkeepers, are fully supporting the ongoing phase of the struggle and out rightly reject such statements and offers,&quot; the KCCI said. 
 
Meanwhile, Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani termed Prime Minister&#39;s remarks as &quot;ridiculous&quot; and &quot;irresponsible&quot;. 
 
(PTI)

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it was sad Modi had no words of sympathy for all the innocents killed in the past one mont

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today termed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on Kashmir as a "futile attempt" at underplaying the ongoing struggle in the valley. Modi yesterday reached out to the people of turbulent Kashmir and indicated a willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. "To connect the 70-year-old struggle for freedom and liberty of the people of this state with development and livelihood issues is indicative of the delusion that the Indian state seems to be suffering from," KCCI said in a statement, reacting to Modi's remarks. It said the "present turmoil" draws sustenance from the "unconditional support" of all the peace-loving people of the state and "cannot by any stretch of imagination be termed as the handiwork of a handful of misguided elements". "It was sad that the Prime Minister had no words of sympathy for the innocents killed, blinded, disfigured and maimed during the past one month," the KCCI said adding "the brutality with which children, women, and teenagers have been attacked have found no mention in the Prime Minister's remarks". KCCI also criticised chief minister Mehbooba Mufti for her reported statement that the present turmoil is "Halla Gulla" (commotion). "The reported statement of Mehbooba Mufti according to which she has termed the present turmoil as 'Halla Gulla' was also unanimously condemned. The Chamber termed the statement as insensitive and inappropriate," the statement said. It also expressed "surprise" at the statement of the acting Director General of state Police SK Mishra, asking shopkeepers to defy separatists strike call and assuring protection to them. "The statement is aimed at dividing the business community of the state. The business community, including the shopkeepers, are fully supporting the ongoing phase of the struggle and out rightly reject such statements and offers," the KCCI said. Meanwhile, Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani termed Prime Minister's remarks as "ridiculous" and "irresponsible". (PTI)

PM Modi's statement a futile attempt: KCCI

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to the people of Kashmir and indicated a willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of &#39;insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat&#39;. 
 
Breaking his silence on the more than month-long unrest which has claimed more than 55 lives, Modi appealed to the people that they maintain peace and harmony in &quot;heaven&quot; on earth. 
 
Modi reassured the people of Kashmir that they have the same freedom as the rest of India. He asserted that the government is working to solve the state&#39;s difficulties but some people are causuing harm to the plan of development. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Whether it is the J&amp;K Govt under Mehbooba ji or the Central Govt, we are finding a solution to all problems through development: PM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762944657525538816">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kashmir, which we give so much love to, some people there are causing it a lot of harm: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/SyGKjMYIwp">pic.twitter.com/SyGKjMYIwp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762942779613929472">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
&quot;When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister he had adopted the path of insaniyat, jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat and we walk the same road. I want to tell the brothers and sisters of Kashmir from this great birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad that Kashmir has the same strength that has been given to (other parts of) India by our freedom fighters. 
 
&quot;Today, one feels pained to see that innocent youths have been handed stones. Politics of some people is clicking but what will happen to these gullible and simple youths. Humanity and Kashmiriyat will not be allowed to be hit,&quot; Modi said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Boys who should be holding laptops, bats, balls in their hands &amp; dreams in their hearts are ones carrying stones: PM Modi on Kashmir
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762943913854439424">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Modi said it was his good fortune to bow his head in the birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad and in his speech remembered all the freedom fighters who made it possible to breathe in a free India 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Many of us were born in a free India. But the freedom fighters got the honour to sacrifice their lives for the nation: PM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762940832114675712">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
Therefore today is a fitting moment to remember all those who made it possible for us to breathe in freedom: PM Modi
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762939781101842432">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Making an impassioned appeal to the youth of Kashmir,&nbsp;Modi said Kashmir should remain a heaven on earth. 
 
He hailed other political parties, especially Congress, for speaking in one voice on the Kashmir issue, calling it the strength of India. &quot;We would like to move forward with this strength,&quot; he said. 
 
Asserting that the state government, in which BJP is a partner, along with the central dispensation, is working towards the state&#39;s development, he said his government would do everything in this regard and will help lawyers, doctors, those depending on tourism and apple growers in their endeavours. 
 
&quot;Our Kashmir is heaven for the countrymen. Every India has a dream to travel to Kashmir sometime. But we can see that a handful of people in Kashmir, which is loved by India so much, a few misled people are harming this great tradition,&quot; he said before invoking Vajpayee&#39;s mantra. 
 
&quot;The common man in Kashmir wants peace,&quot; he said. 
 
His government wants to take Kashmir to new heights of development, empower its panchayats and give job opportunities to its youths, he said. 
 
The Prime Minister congratulated Mehbooba Mufti for ensuring that the Amarnath yatra continue despite the &quot;malicious intentions&quot; of a few people. 
 
&quot;Peace, unity and harmony in Kashmir... And I will especially call upon the youngsters of Kashmir that my friends we should together keep Kashmir as the heaven in the world. We should keep this dream,&quot; he said. 
 
He also used the occasion to make an appeal to Maoists and militants to lay down their arms, asking them to reflect if violence has given them anything even though they lost so much. 
 
Addressing the people of conflict-hit Kashmir, he said, &quot;Governments of India and Jammu &amp; Kashmir, besides 125 crore Indians, wish you well. They want your development. Whatever India has to give for your development, we are ready to give.&quot; 
 
In Kashmir, there has been no dearth of people willing to die for the country, he said, asking the people to join hands in nation-building. 
 
The valley has been hit by violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Over 55 people, including two policemen, have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces. Large parts of Kashmir have been under intermittent curfew during the period. 
 
Modi was here to kick off a 15-day exercise, &#39;70 Saal Azadi-Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani&#39;, a BJP move to commemorate the Independence Day. 
 
Speaking on the day Mahatma Gandhi had given Quit India call to the British in 1942, the Prime Minister asked the countrymen to take up a cause and develop the country to the ideals of freedom fighters.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

Modi reassured the Kashmiris they have the same freedoms as the rest of India and that development will solve their problems

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to the people of Kashmir and indicated a willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. Breaking his silence on the more than month-long unrest which has claimed more than 55 lives, Modi appealed to the people that they maintain peace and harmony in "heaven" on earth. Modi reassured the people of Kashmir that they have the same freedom as the rest of India. He asserted that the government is working to solve the state's difficulties but some people are causuing harm to the plan of development. Whether it is the J&K Govt under Mehbooba ji or the Central Govt, we are finding a solution to all problems through development: PM — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Kashmir, which we give so much love to, some people there are causing it a lot of harm: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/SyGKjMYIwp — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 "When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister he had adopted the path of insaniyat, jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat and we walk the same road. I want to tell the brothers and sisters of Kashmir from this great birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad that Kashmir has the same strength that has been given to (other parts of) India by our freedom fighters. "Today, one feels pained to see that innocent youths have been handed stones. Politics of some people is clicking but what will happen to these gullible and simple youths. Humanity and Kashmiriyat will not be allowed to be hit," Modi said. Boys who should be holding laptops, bats, balls in their hands & dreams in their hearts are ones carrying stones: PM Modi on Kashmir — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Modi said it was his good fortune to bow his head in the birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad and in his speech remembered all the freedom fighters who made it possible to breathe in a free India Many of us were born in a free India. But the freedom fighters got the honour to sacrifice their lives for the nation: PM — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Therefore today is a fitting moment to remember all those who made it possible for us to breathe in freedom: PM Modi — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Making an impassioned appeal to the youth of Kashmir, Modi said Kashmir should remain a heaven on earth. He hailed other political parties, especially Congress, for speaking in one voice on the Kashmir issue, calling it the strength of India. "We would like to move forward with this strength," he said. Asserting that the state government, in which BJP is a partner, along with the central dispensation, is working towards the state's development, he said his government would do everything in this regard and will help lawyers, doctors, those depending on tourism and apple growers in their endeavours. "Our Kashmir is heaven for the countrymen. Every India has a dream to travel to Kashmir sometime. But we can see that a handful of people in Kashmir, which is loved by India so much, a few misled people are harming this great tradition," he said before invoking Vajpayee's mantra. "The common man in Kashmir wants peace," he said. His government wants to take Kashmir to new heights of development, empower its panchayats and give job opportunities to its youths, he said. The Prime Minister congratulated Mehbooba Mufti for ensuring that the Amarnath yatra continue despite the "malicious intentions" of a few people. "Peace, unity and harmony in Kashmir... And I will especially call upon the youngsters of Kashmir that my friends we should together keep Kashmir as the heaven in the world. We should keep this dream," he said. He also used the occasion to make an appeal to Maoists and militants to lay down their arms, asking them to reflect if violence has given them anything even though they lost so much. Addressing the people of conflict-hit Kashmir, he said, "Governments of India and Jammu & Kashmir, besides 125 crore Indians, wish you well. They want your development. Whatever India has to give for your development, we are ready to give." In Kashmir, there has been no dearth of people willing to die for the country, he said, asking the people to join hands in nation-building. The valley has been hit by violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Over 55 people, including two policemen, have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces. Large parts of Kashmir have been under intermittent curfew during the period. Modi was here to kick off a 15-day exercise, '70 Saal Azadi-Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani', a BJP move to commemorate the Independence Day. Speaking on the day Mahatma Gandhi had given Quit India call to the British in 1942, the Prime Minister asked the countrymen to take up a cause and develop the country to the ideals of freedom fighters. (PTI)

Indian PM Modi reaches out to people of Kashmir, indicates willingness to hold dialogue

Two Border Security Forces (BSF) personnel and a militant were killed today in an operation in Macchil sector, near the Line of Control in Kashmir. 
 
Security forces launched an operation in Macchil sector in north Kashmir&#39;s Kupwara district following information about the&nbsp;presence of militants in the area, an Army official said. 
 
He said one militant was killed in the operation that was going on till reports last came in. 
 
Two BSF personnel were also killed in the operation, he said, adding further details of the incident are awaited. 
 
(PTI)

Security forces launched an operation in north Kashmir after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants

Two Border Security Forces (BSF) personnel and a militant were killed today in an operation in Macchil sector, near the Line of Control in Kashmir. Security forces launched an operation in Macchil sector in north Kashmir's Kupwara district following information about the presence of militants in the area, an Army official said. He said one militant was killed in the operation that was going on till reports last came in. Two BSF personnel were also killed in the operation, he said, adding further details of the incident are awaited. (PTI)

2 security forces personnel, one militant killed in encounter in Kashmir

India&#39;s Kashmir Valley remained tense today as people stayed away from roads due to prohibitory orders and a shutdown call given by separatists over the killing of a militant. 
 
The northern Jammu and Kashmir state has been on the boil since July 8, when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, a commander of the Hizbul-Mujahideen, a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region. 
 
Armed police personnel patrolled deserted markets and roads as residents largely stayed indoors. Barricades and barbed wire were laid out on roads in sensitive areas. 
 
Violent protests in parts of the Valley, a subsequent curfew and a shutdown called by separatist leaders against Wani&#39;s killing, have kept normalcy away from the Valley. 
 
In the latest instance of violence, security forces opened fire on curfew-defying protesters on Friday, killing three and injuring 100 others, including security personnel. 
 
An opposition party leader in Kashmir blamed excessive use of force for the situation. 
 
&quot;The situation is getting worse. It is bad for all of us, for common people as well as political parties. We had warned the government before that they should stop using excessive force and pellet guns and the rampant arrests and crackdowns that are causing difficulties to people in the valley should also be stopped, only then can we hope for a silver lining of improved situation,&quot; said a regional opposition leader, Ali Mohammad Sagar. 
 
Authorities had lifted curfew from all districts on July 26, except the sensitive South Kashmir belt. 
 
However, it was re-imposed the next day after separatists called for protest march to Kulgam district town against Wani&#39;s killing. 
 
Fifty-five people have been killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security personnel, in the almost month-long unrest. More than 300 people have suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Fifty five people have been killed and more than 5,000 injured, including Indian security personnel, in the almost month-long unrest

India's Kashmir Valley remained tense today as people stayed away from roads due to prohibitory orders and a shutdown call given by separatists over the killing of a militant. The northern Jammu and Kashmir state has been on the boil since July 8, when security forces gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, a commander of the Hizbul-Mujahideen, a group fighting Indian control of the Muslim-majority region. Armed police personnel patrolled deserted markets and roads as residents largely stayed indoors. Barricades and barbed wire were laid out on roads in sensitive areas. Violent protests in parts of the Valley, a subsequent curfew and a shutdown called by separatist leaders against Wani's killing, have kept normalcy away from the Valley. In the latest instance of violence, security forces opened fire on curfew-defying protesters on Friday, killing three and injuring 100 others, including security personnel. An opposition party leader in Kashmir blamed excessive use of force for the situation. "The situation is getting worse. It is bad for all of us, for common people as well as political parties. We had warned the government before that they should stop using excessive force and pellet guns and the rampant arrests and crackdowns that are causing difficulties to people in the valley should also be stopped, only then can we hope for a silver lining of improved situation," said a regional opposition leader, Ali Mohammad Sagar. Authorities had lifted curfew from all districts on July 26, except the sensitive South Kashmir belt. However, it was re-imposed the next day after separatists called for protest march to Kulgam district town against Wani's killing. Fifty-five people have been killed and more than 5,000 wounded, including Indian security personnel, in the almost month-long unrest. More than 300 people have suffered injuries because of pellet guns, including 171 with eye injuries, further fuelling the anger against the forces and the government. (Reuters)

A month on, India's Kashmir Valley remains tense

Indian security forces opened fire on curfew-defying protesters in Indian state of Kashmir on Friday, killing three and bringing the number of people killed in a wave of unrest to 55. 
 
The recent protests erupted in July over the killing of Burhan Wani, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group, a separatist group. 
 
In Friday&#39;s shootings, two protesters were killed in the west of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s summer capital, and one in the north of the city after crowds began attacking police and paramilitary positions following Friday prayers, a senior police officer said. 
 
More than 100 people were wounded including several police officers. 
 
Pakistan, on Friday, requested M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF) &mdash; commonly known as &ldquo;Doctors Without Borders&rdquo; &mdash; to immediately provide medical assistance to thousands of people injured in Kashmir due to state aggression by Indian forces. 
 
Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the growing emergency in the area is due to &ldquo;the atrocious Indian brutalities against unarmed and defenseless civilians.&rdquo; 
 
The foreign affairs adviser made the formal request by writing a letter to the international president of MSF. 
 
He said stressed on the immediate requirement of eye surgeons, as hundreds of people suffered severe eye injuries caused by use of pellet guns by security forces. Many people have lost their eyesight from shotgun injuries.&nbsp; 
 
India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence that has flared since July 9, but some have accused troops of using excessive force to control the protests. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Near-daily violence in Kashmir has flared since July 9 over the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, resulting in 55 deaths so far

Indian security forces opened fire on curfew-defying protesters in Indian state of Kashmir on Friday, killing three and bringing the number of people killed in a wave of unrest to 55. The recent protests erupted in July over the killing of Burhan Wani, a commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant group, a separatist group. In Friday's shootings, two protesters were killed in the west of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital, and one in the north of the city after crowds began attacking police and paramilitary positions following Friday prayers, a senior police officer said. More than 100 people were wounded including several police officers. Pakistan, on Friday, requested M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF) — commonly known as “Doctors Without Borders” — to immediately provide medical assistance to thousands of people injured in Kashmir due to state aggression by Indian forces. Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the growing emergency in the area is due to “the atrocious Indian brutalities against unarmed and defenseless civilians.” The foreign affairs adviser made the formal request by writing a letter to the international president of MSF. He said stressed on the immediate requirement of eye surgeons, as hundreds of people suffered severe eye injuries caused by use of pellet guns by security forces. Many people have lost their eyesight from shotgun injuries. India has urged its security forces to act with restraint as they try to keep protesters off the streets and quell near-daily violence that has flared since July 9, but some have accused troops of using excessive force to control the protests. (Reuters)

Fresh protests erupt in India's Kashmir, three killed

Curfew and restrictions were re-imposed in south Kashmir and parts of the capital city of Srinagar today in view of a march called by the separatists. As per reports, curfew will remain imposed in Anantnag and Kulgam districts, while restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed in Shopian and Pulwama districts of the state. 
 
Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain the law and order situation. Protests erupted yesterday after authorities lifted the curfew from Srinagar, south Kashmir districts and other areas. Meanwhile, the mobile internet services were restored in the Jammu region yesterday after remaining suspended for 17 days in view of protests in Kashmir valley following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani. 
 
Fearing a backlash in Jammu region after the start of protests in the valley, the authorities had decided to snap mobile internet services across 10 districts of the region. Barring BSNL post-paid mobile connections and landlines with broadband connections, the authorities suspended mobile telephony and mobile internet services across the valley following protests. 
 
With communication snapped, Kashmiris outside the state have been expressing concerns over their families&#39; welfare with some students complaining that they were running out of money. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

Protests erupted yesterday after authorities lifted the curfew from Srinagar, south Kashmir districts and other areas

Curfew and restrictions were re-imposed in south Kashmir and parts of the capital city of Srinagar today in view of a march called by the separatists. As per reports, curfew will remain imposed in Anantnag and Kulgam districts, while restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed in Shopian and Pulwama districts of the state. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain the law and order situation. Protests erupted yesterday after authorities lifted the curfew from Srinagar, south Kashmir districts and other areas. Meanwhile, the mobile internet services were restored in the Jammu region yesterday after remaining suspended for 17 days in view of protests in Kashmir valley following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani. Fearing a backlash in Jammu region after the start of protests in the valley, the authorities had decided to snap mobile internet services across 10 districts of the region. Barring BSNL post-paid mobile connections and landlines with broadband connections, the authorities suspended mobile telephony and mobile internet services across the valley following protests. With communication snapped, Kashmiris outside the state have been expressing concerns over their families' welfare with some students complaining that they were running out of money. (ANI)

Curfew re-imposed in south Kashmir in view of separatists' march

Separatist Hurriyat leader from north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Tuesday dropped a bombshell by claiming that Hizbul Mujhadeen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, whose death had led to violent clashes and protracted curfew in the state, had spoken to him few days before his death and reposed full faith in his leadership. 
 
&ldquo;Few days before his martyrdom, Burhan Wani spoke to me over phone and said he was very happy to talk to me since it was his long-pending desire,&rdquo; Geelani said, while addressing his supporters who had marched to his residence on Tuesday 
 
The Hurriyat leader said that it was a brief interaction and Burhan told him that &ldquo;We on our side are trying our best to help this freedom struggle and I have full faith in you that you will also leave no stone unturned to attain the goal of freedom for the Kashmiri nation&rdquo;. 
 
Burhan was killed along with two of his associates in an encounter with security forces at Bamdoora village of Kokarnag in south Kashmir&rsquo;s Anantnag district on July 8. 
 
Kashmir has been simmering and around 49 people have been killed in security forces firing on the mobs since the unrest began. Around 2,228 policemen, 1,100 CRPF men and 2,259 civilians have been injured in the violence so far. 
 
&ldquo;Burhan was very young, very intelligent and matured Mujahid (militant) Commander whose sincerity exposed the Indian claims in Kashmir. The sacred blood of Hizb Commander has infused a new life into the freedom struggle. It was his sincerity and piousness which forced the people of the state to come out on the roads against India. Both his life as well as his martyrdom has shaken the Indian power houses,&rdquo; Geelani said. 
 
Hurriyat hardliner cautioned the people against the policies of the pro-Indian people who have different languages at the time of power and out of power. 
 
&ldquo;The height of the shamelessness is that these paid Indian agents openly accuse each other of killing the Kashmiri innocent people and compete on the argument &ldquo;who killed more&rdquo; in their respective regimes&rdquo;, he said. 
 
Geelani appealed to people not to give them (pro-India politicians) anymore chances to exploit the sentiments of the common Kashmiris. 
 
&ldquo;Everybody in the Jammu and Kashmir knows that the pro-Indian politicians are just stooges of New Delhi and they have nothing in their hands except to hike their own salaries and perks&rdquo;, he said. 
 
(DNA)

Geelani said it was a brief interaction in which Wani had admitted having full faith in former's goal to achieve freedom for Kashmir

Separatist Hurriyat leader from north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Tuesday dropped a bombshell by claiming that Hizbul Mujhadeen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, whose death had led to violent clashes and protracted curfew in the state, had spoken to him few days before his death and reposed full faith in his leadership. “Few days before his martyrdom, Burhan Wani spoke to me over phone and said he was very happy to talk to me since it was his long-pending desire,” Geelani said, while addressing his supporters who had marched to his residence on Tuesday The Hurriyat leader said that it was a brief interaction and Burhan told him that “We on our side are trying our best to help this freedom struggle and I have full faith in you that you will also leave no stone unturned to attain the goal of freedom for the Kashmiri nation”. Burhan was killed along with two of his associates in an encounter with security forces at Bamdoora village of Kokarnag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on July 8. Kashmir has been simmering and around 49 people have been killed in security forces firing on the mobs since the unrest began. Around 2,228 policemen, 1,100 CRPF men and 2,259 civilians have been injured in the violence so far. “Burhan was very young, very intelligent and matured Mujahid (militant) Commander whose sincerity exposed the Indian claims in Kashmir. The sacred blood of Hizb Commander has infused a new life into the freedom struggle. It was his sincerity and piousness which forced the people of the state to come out on the roads against India. Both his life as well as his martyrdom has shaken the Indian power houses,” Geelani said. Hurriyat hardliner cautioned the people against the policies of the pro-Indian people who have different languages at the time of power and out of power. “The height of the shamelessness is that these paid Indian agents openly accuse each other of killing the Kashmiri innocent people and compete on the argument “who killed more” in their respective regimes”, he said. Geelani appealed to people not to give them (pro-India politicians) anymore chances to exploit the sentiments of the common Kashmiris. “Everybody in the Jammu and Kashmir knows that the pro-Indian politicians are just stooges of New Delhi and they have nothing in their hands except to hike their own salaries and perks”, he said. (DNA)

Burhan Wani called me up before death: Separatist leader Syed Shah Geelani

We left early, crossing the towns of Sangam and Anantnag &ndash; the locals call it Islamabad &ndash; to reach Bemdoroo while the air was still cool. This is where the militant separatist Burhan Wani was killed on July 8.&nbsp; 
 
Kashmir has been on lockdown ever since. The government has called a curfew, the security forces enforce it in the cities and the towns, and the Hurriyat has called a strike, which the people enforce vigilantly everywhere else. Makeshift roadblocks, manned by gangs of young men, some of them masked, have been put up every few kilometres.&nbsp; 
 
Nobody is allowed to pass, especially if you are media. There is a fierce anger here against journalists, especially towards what in local parlance is called the &ldquo;Indian media&rdquo; &ndash; the Indian TV news channels.

The Kashmiris say they are fed up with saying one thing into a TV camera and then finding it &ldquo;distorted&rdquo; that evening.&nbsp; 
 
The ferocity of the backlash has left even Kashmiri journalists reeling. &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t like this earlier,&rdquo; they say. There have been reports of journalists being roughed up and abused, especially those wielding cameras or camera phones inside hospital wards where the 50 mostly-young Kashmiri men have died or the close-to 4,000 injured are being treated. Even the Hurriyat had to call for calm a few days ago, making an appeal to the people through the local papers that journalists be allowed to go about their work.&nbsp; 
 
We got through because we left at half past five in the morning, while the people of Kashmir were still asleep and there was no one on the roads to enforce the strike. &nbsp; 
 
 
Bemdooro, Burhan, and a burnt orchard 
 
I stayed inside the car at Bemdoroo. For my own safety, said my Kashmiri colleague Anees Zargar, while he first recced the village, and then returned some minutes later for his camera and Shahid, a schoolmate of his from Srinagar who was driving us.&nbsp;

I remained in the car.&nbsp; 
 
Shahid owns a travel agency in Srinagar, two taxis, and a souped-up Tempo Traveller. One of his drivers, said Shahid, was back&nbsp;at his village. He had the other taxi with him, and no way of coming back.&nbsp;

Shahid and Anees returned a half-hour later, saying the house Burhan had been killed in had been burnt down, that angry men from nearby villages had looted the homes of the Bemdoroo villagers, that they remained fearful of a further backlash (see accompanying story), and that the angry mob had also burnt down a nearby apple orchard.&nbsp; 
 
I was allowed out at the orchard, which obviously belonged to a wealthy man. Young trees were laid out in neat lines and were covered by netting. But the orchard lay in disarray now, some trees had been felled, and an outhouse, what appeared to be a walking tractor, and two motorcycles had been burnt.&nbsp; 
 
A few villagers had guided us to the orchard, more followed on foot. They told us that the mob that looted their homes had kept a getaway lorry running, and had made off with every single valuable they could find, including shower heads. They added that one man had had an axe put to the back of his neck, and been ordered to burn his house down. (The mob had been angry because of rumours that the Bemdoroo villagers had tipped-off the security forces about Burhan&rsquo;s whereabouts. See accompanying story.)&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Did he?&rdquo; I asked.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;What else could he have done,&rdquo; I was told. &nbsp; 
 
We left, stopping some way ahead at a lone, partially-open shop for cigarettes, biscuits, and juice. This might seem trivial, but I mention it to make the point that virtually nothing is open in Kashmir at the moment. Last Thursday, when the Hurriyat relaxed its strike for a few hours post 2 pm, the government responded by strengthening its curfew. The people who had stepped out to replenish their larders were told to go home by the security forces &ndash; the only reason people are able to survive in Kashmir, have enough to eat, is because they stock up on supplies for as much as six months.&nbsp; 
 
Nobody really knows when trouble might break out. &nbsp; 
 
Plus, in our case, cigarettes killed hunger.&nbsp; 
 
 
A spontaneous protest and an offer of chai 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/slogans-20160725042522.jpg" />

<div class="media-description">
People began to stream out of their homes and a large crowd soon gathered at Hillerbahai Kokernag.

&nbsp;
</div>

We met the first of the people-enforced roadblocks a little outside of Bemdoroo. The young men, boys really, assembled there told us to drive back to Hillerbahai Kokernag, where they said a man had been shot dead the day before (Saturday, July 23) by the CRPF.&nbsp; 
 
We got there, and Anees got out to talk to the locals. Shahid stayed back in the car with me. A few minutes later, an announcement rang out in Kashmiri from the mosque. I caught the word &ldquo;media&rdquo;, looked worriedly at Shahid, and asked him to translate.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;They&rsquo;re saying the media is here and everybody should come out of their homes, and talk about everything they want to,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; 
 
People began to stream out of their homes, and a large crowd soon gathered. As more people arrived, I began to feel more and more conspicuous inside our Toyota Innova and asked Shahid whether we should step outside. Just as we did, a thin, kindly-looking man appeared and asked us whether we would like a cup of tea.&nbsp; 
 
It seemed surreal.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bite-20160725041801.png" />

<div class="media-description">
Ishtiyaq Rather&#39;s father, and cousin Shahnawaz Magray speak to WION. Shahnawaz says Ishtiyaq was shot by a Central Reserve Police Force patrol while trying to protect a girl the CRPF men were harassing. 
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In the din, we heard piecemeal what the villagers claimed had happened the day before. A CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) patrol had been harassing a girl when a villager, Ishtiyaq Rather, tried to intervene. When he did, the policemen shot him.&nbsp; 
 
WION was unable to corroborate this with police; repeated phone calls to the seniormost policemen in Kashmir &ndash; the director general of police and the additional director general of police &ndash; went unanswered. But WION does have Ishtiyaq&rsquo;s father, and his cousin Shahnawaz Magray on camera (see video) making the claim. Shahnawaz does the talking, the father looks too grief-stricken to say anything.&nbsp; 
 
The gathering, suddenly, turned into a protest. A young boy was lifted onto the crowd&rsquo;s shoulders, and he began to lead the chanting. He would shout a line, and the crowd would shout another back in unison.&nbsp; 
 
The chanting went on for a long time. When it finally began to lull, the women joined in, and it picked up again.&nbsp; 
 
How does a crowd chant for so long? What keeps it going?&nbsp; 
 
One doesn&rsquo;t have to look far for answers. In 2008, after the government handed about 100 acres of land over to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, 60 Kashmiris were shot dead in the protests that followed. In 2009, 35 Kashmiris were killed in the protests that followed the abduction, rape, and murder of two young women, allegedly by the security forces. And in 2010, after the army killed three villagers and tried to pass them off as militants, 120 people were shot dead in the ensuing protests.&nbsp; 
 
50 people have died this year so far, and close to 4,000 have been injured, many of them grievously. But the people continue to protest.&nbsp; 
 
The chanting ended with cries of &ldquo;azaadi&rdquo;, &ldquo;we want freedom&rdquo;, and &ldquo;India go back&rdquo;.&nbsp; 
 
A weeping girl, and an older woman walked past us.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Who are they?&rdquo; I asked Shahid.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Probably his sister and his mother,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; 
 
A local boy comes to talk to me and I take out my phone to write down his details &ndash; his name, his age, what he does &ndash; but the minute I do, the attention focuses on Shahid and I and the crowd around us begins to get bigger.&nbsp; 
 
It is time to go, says Shahid, and all three of us make a beeline for the cab.

Just as we get in, the kindly-looking man appears with cups on a tray and a thermos of tea.&nbsp; 
 
We drink the tea sitting in the cab. A man knocks on my window, saying he wants to take a photograph of the newspaper I am reading. Then he says, &ldquo;You have to tell them what is happening to us. It is your duty.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
Another says, &ldquo;These (pellet) guns are used on wild animals. And they&rsquo;re using them on us.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
We leave, trying to inch our way past the protest. &nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Just don&rsquo;t hit anybody,&rdquo; I say.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;This is how it starts,&rdquo; says Shahid. &ldquo;A spontaneous protest erupts, and the police come and begin to shoot at people.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
 
An encounter with masked men and our luck runs out 
 
We hit roadblock after roadblock. We are now trying to get to Tral, which is where Burhan&rsquo;s home is. Each time the boys manning the road say turn back, and then Anees and Shahid begin to talk them down. Shahid always ends with touching the good-luck charm hanging from his rear-view mirror, and saying &ldquo;Allah kasam&rdquo;.&nbsp; 
 
I am grateful to have him with us. He has a certain manner about him, one that doesn&rsquo;t give offence. And he has a believable face.

I keep telling him he should open a hotel, he would do well in hospitality.&nbsp; 
 
A plethora of excuses are used to keep us moving forward. We give lifts to a number of people &ndash; the buses are not plying because of the strike and curfew &ndash; a lady who is unwell and needs to get to the next hospital, and from there a man who needs to buy medicine for his son and hasn&rsquo;t been able to get it at the hospital, a family, a couple, a woman and her daughter walking through a town patrolled by the security forces. Having a woman in the car makes it easier to get through the roadblocks.&nbsp; 
 
While the unwell lady is in the car, I spot a youth holding a large stone in his hand put it behind his back and wave us on.&nbsp; 
 
At Bandayalgam, we are stopped by especially militant-looking, young, masked men. They hold sticks menacingly and tell us to &ldquo;go back&rdquo; but even they are talked down.&nbsp; 
 
Our luck finally runs out at Chursoo. &nbsp; 
 
The boys here tear off our makeshift Press sticker, and force us to turn around. Then, suddenly, a whole bunch of them clamber aboard and on top of the Innova. Anees steps out in the melee and Shahid and I find ourselves driving in the wrong direction with the boys. They make us stop after a few kilometres and hop off &ndash; thankfully, they had just wanted a lift.&nbsp; 
 
We turn around looking for Anees, and we are again stopped by a group of boys looking for a lift. They too clamber aboard and make us turn around. After a while we cross the first set of boys, who again climb onboard and on top of the vehicle.&nbsp; 
 
After we have dropped everybody off, Shahid and I park by the roadside to take stock. He looks stressed. I&rsquo;ve been better too. We smoke a cigarette each to calm our nerves.&nbsp; 
 
A passerby tells us not to park by the roadside, that there is a mosque back the way we came and we should shelter there. Shahid crosses the road and enters a blue-coloured house with a large gate to ask if we can park inside the compound. We are told yes &ndash; Kashmiri hospitality is legendary I was told some years ago by a lady from Jammu &ndash; and we enter Ghulam Mohammad&rsquo;s home.&nbsp; 
 
 
Two strange conversations and talk of becoming a militant&nbsp; 
 
We sit on his carpeted verandah, make general chit-chat (by which I mean we talk about what is happening in Kashmir at the moment, nobody really talks about anything else) and I catnap.&nbsp; 
 
I wake up to find a sweet, cool drink next to me. A little later chai is offered.&nbsp; 
 
At some point, Mr Mohammad looks surprised to learn that I speak Urdu &ndash; Hindi really. (I have tended to keep my mouth shut over the course of the day, so as not to mark myself out as a non-Kashmiri.)&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;What do you want?&rdquo; I ask him.&nbsp; 
 
This is a stupid question in Kashmir. There is generally only one answer, but I feel I have to ask.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Azaadi,&rdquo; he says, &ldquo;woh toh hum le ke hi rahenge.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
A Muslim, he says, will want to live with another Muslim. Look at the newscasters in India, he says, they look &ldquo;naked&rdquo;. The ones in Pakistan look like that too, but at least they&rsquo;re better.&nbsp; 
 
I don&rsquo;t want to argue with him.&nbsp; 
 
The boys and young men from his home appear, and I have another strange conversation with one of them. Tousif, who is 18 but in class IX because he took two years off for religious studies, asks if I will have lunch. I say no out of politeness. Then, because I know I will get hungry soon and that we might have to wait here till 11 at night when the people go home and the strike is no longer enforced, I say Shahid will take a call on lunch.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Why?&rdquo; asks Tousif. &ldquo;Will you not eat food in the home of a Muslim?&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
I say no, that&rsquo;s not the case. I ask back, &ldquo;Will you not eat food in the home of a Christian?&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
Tousif is a jazzy-looking boy with a funky haircut, his hair cut short but spiked upwards and towards the middle of his scalp from both sides.&nbsp; 
 
He says no he won&rsquo;t.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Why?&rdquo; I ask. &ldquo;Is that written somewhere?&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
Yes, he says, it is written in the Quran. Anees tells him no it is not, the Quran only says a Muslim is not allowed to eat jhatka meat. Everything else is halaal for them.&nbsp; 
 
I ask Mr Mohammad&rsquo;s much younger cousin, Javed &ndash; he is 27, reed thin, bespectacled, dressed in a black salwar-kameez and looks a bit like a techie &ndash; what he does. Javed, smiling constantly, says he has a master&rsquo;s in political science but that he has been unable to get a job commensurate with his qualifications. So he works as a security guard. It pays him little.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;What else will he do if not become a militant?&rdquo; says Mr Mohammad, laughing and smiling.&nbsp; 
 
I can&rsquo;t really tell if he is joking.&nbsp; 
 
 
Lunch, and fear&nbsp; 
 
At about two in the afternoon, I ask Shahid sotto voce if maybe we can buy lunch somewhere, meaning off Mr Mohammad. He says we&rsquo;ve been offered it. That we were leaving but they insisted we eat first.&nbsp; 
 
Somewhere deep down, I knew that was what would happen.&nbsp; 
 
Lunch is delicious. Kashmiri rice, a mash vegetable of brinjal and squash, and a tomato and onion chutney.&nbsp; 
 
We get ready to leave. I see Shahid try to offer a little money but the family refuses to accept it. Javed and another young boy from the family accompany us to the same roadblock that we had been turned back from. There are trucks parked on the road now, blocking egress.&nbsp; 
 
The roadblock is now manned by a large crowd of young men. They surge towards us when they see us approach, and an especially angry young man &ndash; rough-looking &ndash; pokes his head in through the window.&nbsp; 
 
The questions come in quick succession. &ldquo;Where are you going? What Press are you?&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
We tell him.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;WION? I haven&rsquo;t heard of it,&rdquo; he says.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;And who is he?&rdquo; he asks, looking at me in the backseat.&nbsp; 
 
For the first time in the day I feel afraid. I remember my conflict reporting training in which the British paratrooper taking the class asked us whether any story was worth risking life and limb. It was an easy question, and we&rsquo;d all said no.&nbsp; 
 
Javed gets out to argue with the men. &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s go back I tell Shahid. How long will we keep doing this for?&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
But Anees is insistent we keep pressing forward. He gets out again. And a combination of our video footage from the morning &ndash; I think Anees has been saying that we need to get it to Srinagar and send it out to the world; telephones and the internet have been shut down across most of Kashmir &ndash; and the Mohammad boys get us through this obstacle too.&nbsp; 
 
We get through yet another roadblock, where a boy we had met on our way out in the morning tells us: &ldquo;I had told you to go back in the morning.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
Shahid reaches for his good-luck charm.&nbsp; 
 
 
Home, a worried policeman, and a young boy armed with a stick 
 
Finally, outside of Awantipora, 30 kilometres from the capital Srinagar, we hit a police picket manning the road. So far we have not seen a single police or army vehicle on the road, and it seems to me that the security forces are marooned inside their camps. That their writ does not run out in the villages. (Again, calls to senior policemen to corroborate this went unanswered.)&nbsp; 
 
The policeman in charge stops us, asking, &ldquo;Aage kitne log hain?&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
A lot, says Shahid, and asks him the same question. &ldquo;How many people are there ahead of us?&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s smooth sailing from here,&rdquo; he says smiling. &ldquo;You can put your camera on top of your car and drive to Srinagar.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
A few minutes later, we come across a roadblock manned by young boys. My eyes focus on one dressed in a white salwar-kameez and armed with a stick. He can&rsquo;t be more than 12 or 13.&nbsp; 
 
Shahid parks some way off from them, and Anees gets out to have yet another one of his endless conversations.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;Kids are dangerous,&rdquo; says Shahid. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t do anything to a kid.&rdquo;&nbsp; 
 
After a while the motion of the boy&rsquo;s stick, which has so far been telling us to turn around, tells us to come forward. Shahid backs off farther. The boy runs towards the car and when he sees he&rsquo;s not gaining on us, he picks up a stone and throws it towards us. We are too far off, and it doesn&rsquo;t make contact.&nbsp; 
 
Finally, when we see Anees wave, we move forward.&nbsp; 
 
(WION)

The four districts of South Kashmir are on total lockdown. Nothing gets in, nothing gets out...

We left early, crossing the towns of Sangam and Anantnag – the locals call it Islamabad – to reach Bemdoroo while the air was still cool. This is where the militant separatist Burhan Wani was killed on July 8. Kashmir has been on lockdown ever since. The government has called a curfew, the security forces enforce it in the cities and the towns, and the Hurriyat has called a strike, which the people enforce vigilantly everywhere else. Makeshift roadblocks, manned by gangs of young men, some of them masked, have been put up every few kilometres. Nobody is allowed to pass, especially if you are media. There is a fierce anger here against journalists, especially towards what in local parlance is called the “Indian media” – the Indian TV news channels. The Kashmiris say they are fed up with saying one thing into a TV camera and then finding it “distorted” that evening. The ferocity of the backlash has left even Kashmiri journalists reeling. “It wasn’t like this earlier,” they say. There have been reports of journalists being roughed up and abused, especially those wielding cameras or camera phones inside hospital wards where the 50 mostly-young Kashmiri men have died or the close-to 4,000 injured are being treated. Even the Hurriyat had to call for calm a few days ago, making an appeal to the people through the local papers that journalists be allowed to go about their work. We got through because we left at half past five in the morning, while the people of Kashmir were still asleep and there was no one on the roads to enforce the strike. Bemdooro, Burhan, and a burnt orchard I stayed inside the car at Bemdoroo. For my own safety, said my Kashmiri colleague Anees Zargar, while he first recced the village, and then returned some minutes later for his camera and Shahid, a schoolmate of his from Srinagar who was driving us. I remained in the car. Shahid owns a travel agency in Srinagar, two taxis, and a souped-up Tempo Traveller. One of his drivers, said Shahid, was back at his village. He had the other taxi with him, and no way of coming back. Shahid and Anees returned a half-hour later, saying the house Burhan had been killed in had been burnt down, that angry men from nearby villages had looted the homes of the Bemdoroo villagers, that they remained fearful of a further backlash (see accompanying story), and that the angry mob had also burnt down a nearby apple orchard. I was allowed out at the orchard, which obviously belonged to a wealthy man. Young trees were laid out in neat lines and were covered by netting. But the orchard lay in disarray now, some trees had been felled, and an outhouse, what appeared to be a walking tractor, and two motorcycles had been burnt. A few villagers had guided us to the orchard, more followed on foot. They told us that the mob that looted their homes had kept a getaway lorry running, and had made off with every single valuable they could find, including shower heads. They added that one man had had an axe put to the back of his neck, and been ordered to burn his house down. (The mob had been angry because of rumours that the Bemdoroo villagers had tipped-off the security forces about Burhan’s whereabouts. See accompanying story.) “Did he?” I asked. “What else could he have done,” I was told. We left, stopping some way ahead at a lone, partially-open shop for cigarettes, biscuits, and juice. This might seem trivial, but I mention it to make the point that virtually nothing is open in Kashmir at the moment. Last Thursday, when the Hurriyat relaxed its strike for a few hours post 2 pm, the government responded by strengthening its curfew. The people who had stepped out to replenish their larders were told to go home by the security forces – the only reason people are able to survive in Kashmir, have enough to eat, is because they stock up on supplies for as much as six months. Nobody really knows when trouble might break out. Plus, in our case, cigarettes killed hunger. A spontaneous protest and an offer of chai People began to stream out of their homes and a large crowd soon gathered at Hillerbahai Kokernag. We met the first of the people-enforced roadblocks a little outside of Bemdoroo. The young men, boys really, assembled there told us to drive back to Hillerbahai Kokernag, where they said a man had been shot dead the day before (Saturday, July 23) by the CRPF. We got there, and Anees got out to talk to the locals. Shahid stayed back in the car with me. A few minutes later, an announcement rang out in Kashmiri from the mosque. I caught the word “media”, looked worriedly at Shahid, and asked him to translate. “They’re saying the media is here and everybody should come out of their homes, and talk about everything they want to,” he said. People began to stream out of their homes, and a large crowd soon gathered. As more people arrived, I began to feel more and more conspicuous inside our Toyota Innova and asked Shahid whether we should step outside. Just as we did, a thin, kindly-looking man appeared and asked us whether we would like a cup of tea. It seemed surreal. Ishtiyaq Rather's father, and cousin Shahnawaz Magray speak to WION. Shahnawaz says Ishtiyaq was shot by a Central Reserve Police Force patrol while trying to protect a girl the CRPF men were harassing. In the din, we heard piecemeal what the villagers claimed had happened the day before. A CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) patrol had been harassing a girl when a villager, Ishtiyaq Rather, tried to intervene. When he did, the policemen shot him. WION was unable to corroborate this with police; repeated phone calls to the seniormost policemen in Kashmir – the director general of police and the additional director general of police – went unanswered. But WION does have Ishtiyaq’s father, and his cousin Shahnawaz Magray on camera (see video) making the claim. Shahnawaz does the talking, the father looks too grief-stricken to say anything. The gathering, suddenly, turned into a protest. A young boy was lifted onto the crowd’s shoulders, and he began to lead the chanting. He would shout a line, and the crowd would shout another back in unison. The chanting went on for a long time. When it finally began to lull, the women joined in, and it picked up again. How does a crowd chant for so long? What keeps it going? One doesn’t have to look far for answers. In 2008, after the government handed about 100 acres of land over to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, 60 Kashmiris were shot dead in the protests that followed. In 2009, 35 Kashmiris were killed in the protests that followed the abduction, rape, and murder of two young women, allegedly by the security forces. And in 2010, after the army killed three villagers and tried to pass them off as militants, 120 people were shot dead in the ensuing protests. 50 people have died this year so far, and close to 4,000 have been injured, many of them grievously. But the people continue to protest. The chanting ended with cries of “azaadi”, “we want freedom”, and “India go back”. A weeping girl, and an older woman walked past us. “Who are they?” I asked Shahid. “Probably his sister and his mother,” he said. A local boy comes to talk to me and I take out my phone to write down his details – his name, his age, what he does – but the minute I do, the attention focuses on Shahid and I and the crowd around us begins to get bigger. It is time to go, says Shahid, and all three of us make a beeline for the cab. Just as we get in, the kindly-looking man appears with cups on a tray and a thermos of tea. We drink the tea sitting in the cab. A man knocks on my window, saying he wants to take a photograph of the newspaper I am reading. Then he says, “You have to tell them what is happening to us. It is your duty.” Another says, “These (pellet) guns are used on wild animals. And they’re using them on us.” We leave, trying to inch our way past the protest. “Just don’t hit anybody,” I say. “This is how it starts,” says Shahid. “A spontaneous protest erupts, and the police come and begin to shoot at people.” An encounter with masked men and our luck runs out We hit roadblock after roadblock. We are now trying to get to Tral, which is where Burhan’s home is. Each time the boys manning the road say turn back, and then Anees and Shahid begin to talk them down. Shahid always ends with touching the good-luck charm hanging from his rear-view mirror, and saying “Allah kasam”. I am grateful to have him with us. He has a certain manner about him, one that doesn’t give offence. And he has a believable face. I keep telling him he should open a hotel, he would do well in hospitality. A plethora of excuses are used to keep us moving forward. We give lifts to a number of people – the buses are not plying because of the strike and curfew – a lady who is unwell and needs to get to the next hospital, and from there a man who needs to buy medicine for his son and hasn’t been able to get it at the hospital, a family, a couple, a woman and her daughter walking through a town patrolled by the security forces. Having a woman in the car makes it easier to get through the roadblocks. While the unwell lady is in the car, I spot a youth holding a large stone in his hand put it behind his back and wave us on. At Bandayalgam, we are stopped by especially militant-looking, young, masked men. They hold sticks menacingly and tell us to “go back” but even they are talked down. Our luck finally runs out at Chursoo. The boys here tear off our makeshift Press sticker, and force us to turn around. Then, suddenly, a whole bunch of them clamber aboard and on top of the Innova. Anees steps out in the melee and Shahid and I find ourselves driving in the wrong direction with the boys. They make us stop after a few kilometres and hop off – thankfully, they had just wanted a lift. We turn around looking for Anees, and we are again stopped by a group of boys looking for a lift. They too clamber aboard and make us turn around. After a while we cross the first set of boys, who again climb onboard and on top of the vehicle. After we have dropped everybody off, Shahid and I park by the roadside to take stock. He looks stressed. I’ve been better too. We smoke a cigarette each to calm our nerves. A passerby tells us not to park by the roadside, that there is a mosque back the way we came and we should shelter there. Shahid crosses the road and enters a blue-coloured house with a large gate to ask if we can park inside the compound. We are told yes – Kashmiri hospitality is legendary I was told some years ago by a lady from Jammu – and we enter Ghulam Mohammad’s home. Two strange conversations and talk of becoming a militant We sit on his carpeted verandah, make general chit-chat (by which I mean we talk about what is happening in Kashmir at the moment, nobody really talks about anything else) and I catnap. I wake up to find a sweet, cool drink next to me. A little later chai is offered. At some point, Mr Mohammad looks surprised to learn that I speak Urdu – Hindi really. (I have tended to keep my mouth shut over the course of the day, so as not to mark myself out as a non-Kashmiri.) “What do you want?” I ask him. This is a stupid question in Kashmir. There is generally only one answer, but I feel I have to ask. “Azaadi,” he says, “woh toh hum le ke hi rahenge.” A Muslim, he says, will want to live with another Muslim. Look at the newscasters in India, he says, they look “naked”. The ones in Pakistan look like that too, but at least they’re better. I don’t want to argue with him. The boys and young men from his home appear, and I have another strange conversation with one of them. Tousif, who is 18 but in class IX because he took two years off for religious studies, asks if I will have lunch. I say no out of politeness. Then, because I know I will get hungry soon and that we might have to wait here till 11 at night when the people go home and the strike is no longer enforced, I say Shahid will take a call on lunch. “Why?” asks Tousif. “Will you not eat food in the home of a Muslim?” I say no, that’s not the case. I ask back, “Will you not eat food in the home of a Christian?” Tousif is a jazzy-looking boy with a funky haircut, his hair cut short but spiked upwards and towards the middle of his scalp from both sides. He says no he won’t. “Why?” I ask. “Is that written somewhere?” Yes, he says, it is written in the Quran. Anees tells him no it is not, the Quran only says a Muslim is not allowed to eat jhatka meat. Everything else is halaal for them. I ask Mr Mohammad’s much younger cousin, Javed – he is 27, reed thin, bespectacled, dressed in a black salwar-kameez and looks a bit like a techie – what he does. Javed, smiling constantly, says he has a master’s in political science but that he has been unable to get a job commensurate with his qualifications. So he works as a security guard. It pays him little. “What else will he do if not become a militant?” says Mr Mohammad, laughing and smiling. I can’t really tell if he is joking. Lunch, and fear At about two in the afternoon, I ask Shahid sotto voce if maybe we can buy lunch somewhere, meaning off Mr Mohammad. He says we’ve been offered it. That we were leaving but they insisted we eat first. Somewhere deep down, I knew that was what would happen. Lunch is delicious. Kashmiri rice, a mash vegetable of brinjal and squash, and a tomato and onion chutney. We get ready to leave. I see Shahid try to offer a little money but the family refuses to accept it. Javed and another young boy from the family accompany us to the same roadblock that we had been turned back from. There are trucks parked on the road now, blocking egress. The roadblock is now manned by a large crowd of young men. They surge towards us when they see us approach, and an especially angry young man – rough-looking – pokes his head in through the window. The questions come in quick succession. “Where are you going? What Press are you?” We tell him. “WION? I haven’t heard of it,” he says. “And who is he?” he asks, looking at me in the backseat. For the first time in the day I feel afraid. I remember my conflict reporting training in which the British paratrooper taking the class asked us whether any story was worth risking life and limb. It was an easy question, and we’d all said no. Javed gets out to argue with the men. “Let’s go back I tell Shahid. How long will we keep doing this for?” But Anees is insistent we keep pressing forward. He gets out again. And a combination of our video footage from the morning – I think Anees has been saying that we need to get it to Srinagar and send it out to the world; telephones and the internet have been shut down across most of Kashmir – and the Mohammad boys get us through this obstacle too. We get through yet another roadblock, where a boy we had met on our way out in the morning tells us: “I had told you to go back in the morning.” Shahid reaches for his good-luck charm. Home, a worried policeman, and a young boy armed with a stick Finally, outside of Awantipora, 30 kilometres from the capital Srinagar, we hit a police picket manning the road. So far we have not seen a single police or army vehicle on the road, and it seems to me that the security forces are marooned inside their camps. That their writ does not run out in the villages. (Again, calls to senior policemen to corroborate this went unanswered.) The policeman in charge stops us, asking, “Aage kitne log hain?” A lot, says Shahid, and asks him the same question. “How many people are there ahead of us?” “It’s smooth sailing from here,” he says smiling. “You can put your camera on top of your car and drive to Srinagar.” A few minutes later, we come across a roadblock manned by young boys. My eyes focus on one dressed in a white salwar-kameez and armed with a stick. He can’t be more than 12 or 13. Shahid parks some way off from them, and Anees gets out to have yet another one of his endless conversations. “Kids are dangerous,” says Shahid. “You can’t do anything to a kid.” After a while the motion of the boy’s stick, which has so far been telling us to turn around, tells us to come forward. Shahid backs off farther. The boy runs towards the car and when he sees he’s not gaining on us, he picks up a stone and throws it towards us. We are too far off, and it doesn’t make contact. Finally, when we see Anees wave, we move forward. (WION)

In and a difficult out of South Kashmir

India&#39;s ministry of external affairs (MEA) today condemned the remark made by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, that &quot;Kashmir will one day become Pakistan&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
India&#39;s MEA issued a strong statement: &quot;The whole of India would like to tell Prime Minister of Pakistan that this dream will not be realised even at the end of eternity. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India. You will never be able to make this heaven on earth a haven for terrorists.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The official statement also criticised Pakistan&#39;s reactions over the recent spike in violence in Kashmir after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani&#39;s death:&nbsp; 
 
&quot;In the last few days, leadership of Pakistan, including its Prime Minister has praised as martyr, a wanted terrorist Commander of the banned terrorist organisation Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Burhan Wani. He was carrying an award of Rs 10 Lakh on his head because he had perpetrated heinous crimes, including murder of elected representatives of local bodies and security forces.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The statement further added, &quot;Even more condemnable than these deplorable attempts from across our border to incite violence and glorify terrorists is the fact that these attempts have been undertaken by Pakistan&rsquo;s state machinery in active partnership with UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed and other leading terrorists belonging to internationally proscribed organisations.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Hafiz Saeed 
 
Hafiz Saeed had expressed solidarity with a key separtist leader of Kashmir, Asiya Andrabi, on Friday.&nbsp;Saeed, a Pakistani Islamist with a $10 million bounty on his head, warned India of war if separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani&#39;s four-point solution to the Kashmir issue is not accepted. 
 
Widespread agitation in Kashmir since then has left over 40 dead and 3,100 injured, most of them by police fire, in the worst outbreak of violence in six years, triggering massive protests in Pakistan. 
 
(WION, with inputs from Reuters)

The Indian foreign ministry was reacting to the Pakistan PM's remark that 'Kashmir will one day become Pakistan'

India's ministry of external affairs (MEA) today condemned the remark made by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, that "Kashmir will one day become Pakistan". India's MEA issued a strong statement: "The whole of India would like to tell Prime Minister of Pakistan that this dream will not be realised even at the end of eternity. The whole of Jammu and Kashmir belongs to India. You will never be able to make this heaven on earth a haven for terrorists." The official statement also criticised Pakistan's reactions over the recent spike in violence in Kashmir after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's death: "In the last few days, leadership of Pakistan, including its Prime Minister has praised as martyr, a wanted terrorist Commander of the banned terrorist organisation Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Burhan Wani. He was carrying an award of Rs 10 Lakh on his head because he had perpetrated heinous crimes, including murder of elected representatives of local bodies and security forces." The statement further added, "Even more condemnable than these deplorable attempts from across our border to incite violence and glorify terrorists is the fact that these attempts have been undertaken by Pakistan’s state machinery in active partnership with UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed and other leading terrorists belonging to internationally proscribed organisations." Hafiz Saeed Hafiz Saeed had expressed solidarity with a key separtist leader of Kashmir, Asiya Andrabi, on Friday. Saeed, a Pakistani Islamist with a $10 million bounty on his head, warned India of war if separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's four-point solution to the Kashmir issue is not accepted. Widespread agitation in Kashmir since then has left over 40 dead and 3,100 injured, most of them by police fire, in the worst outbreak of violence in six years, triggering massive protests in Pakistan. (WION, with inputs from Reuters)

Your dream of Kashmir as part of Pakistan will never come true, India tells PM Sharif

Normal life remained disrupted in India&#39;s northern state of Kashmir as curfew continued for the 16th day on Sunday in the aftermath of widespread violence over the killing of a separatist militant Burhan Wani. 
 
Authorities, however, lifted curfew in four districts of Kashmir Valley. 
 
Men in uniform were seen patrolling on the roads of capital city Srinagar. While vehicles stayed off roads, markets remained shut and most residents chose to stay indoors. 
 
Mobile and broadband internet services continue to remain suspended in the valley. 
 
India&#39;s home minister Rajnath Singh is camping in Srinagar since Saturday meeting top security personnel and administration officials. 
 
He also had a separate meeting with Jammu and Kashmir state chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday and discussed the law and order situation in the volatile province. 
 
Kashmir has been on the boil after security forces on July 08 gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen a group fighting for the independence of the state from the Indian armed forces. 
 
Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. 
 
His killing has triggered the valley&#39;s worst outbreak of violence in six years. 
 
At least 40 people have been killed in violence across the state. About 3,500 people have been hurt, many with eye injuries caused by pellets Indian forces have been firing from a non-lethal weapon. The injuries have fueled anger. 
 
(Reuters)

Curfew enters 16th day with no vehicular movement noted on the roads of Kashmir's capital city Srinagar, residents chose to stay indoors

Normal life remained disrupted in India's northern state of Kashmir as curfew continued for the 16th day on Sunday in the aftermath of widespread violence over the killing of a separatist militant Burhan Wani. Authorities, however, lifted curfew in four districts of Kashmir Valley. Men in uniform were seen patrolling on the roads of capital city Srinagar. While vehicles stayed off roads, markets remained shut and most residents chose to stay indoors. Mobile and broadband internet services continue to remain suspended in the valley. India's home minister Rajnath Singh is camping in Srinagar since Saturday meeting top security personnel and administration officials. He also had a separate meeting with Jammu and Kashmir state chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday and discussed the law and order situation in the volatile province. Kashmir has been on the boil after security forces on July 08 gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen a group fighting for the independence of the state from the Indian armed forces. Wani represented a new generation of fighters in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen dramatically since the revolt broke out in 1989. His killing has triggered the valley's worst outbreak of violence in six years. At least 40 people have been killed in violence across the state. About 3,500 people have been hurt, many with eye injuries caused by pellets Indian forces have been firing from a non-lethal weapon. The injuries have fueled anger. (Reuters)

Tension persists in violence-hit Kashmir, curfew lifted in some parts

Appealing to people in Kashmir to help restore normalcy, Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh today said the Indian government wants an emotional relationship with the state and not just need-based, even as he warned Pakistan not to interfere in India&#39;s internal affairs. 
 
Sending a strong message to Pakistan, Rajnath also said the neighbouring country should change its attitude and approach towards Kashmir. 
 
Addressing a press conference here after winding up his two-day visit to the state after holding talks with Jammu and Kashmir state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and several delegations both in Srinagar and Anantnag, Rajnath said India will talk to whosoever needed, once peace and normalcy is restored in the state. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Want to make it clear that GoI does not only want to have a relationship based on needs with Kashmir but a emotional relationship: HM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757178867236872192">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
&quot;As far as government of India is concerned, I want to make it clear that we don&#39;t just want need-based ties, but to build an emotional relationship with Kashmir,&quot; he said, reaching out to the people in the Valley while making a fervent appeal to them to help restore peace and normalcy in the state. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We will talk to whosoever needed once peace and normalcy is restored in the state (J&amp;K): HM Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/NZYOOmQkOT">pic.twitter.com/NZYOOmQkOT</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757181186682785792">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Attacking Pakistan on its role in Kashmir, he said, &quot;its role has not been &#39;paak&#39; (pure) on Kashmir. Pakistan should change its attitude and approach towards Kashmir.&quot; 
 
Singh hit out at Pakistan, which he said is itself affected by terrorism and to end it on one hand it is killing terrorists after entering the Lal Masjid, while on the other it is asking our youth in Kashmir to take to arms. 
 
&quot;This must stop,&quot; he said. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pakistan&#39;s role isn&#39;t &#39;pak&#39; (pure) in relation to Kashmir. They need to change their behaviour: HM Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/OjGsBNb83p">pic.twitter.com/OjGsBNb83p</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757182382759878656">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pakistan is in itself a victim of terrorism, it should not encourage violence in Kashmir: HM Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/hoQFMSJxlM">pic.twitter.com/hoQFMSJxlM</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757180891902930945">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Appealing to the youth to not to resort to stone-pelting, Singh said he has asked the security forces to refrain from using pellet guns as much as possible even as he regretted the loss of lives. 
 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We will constitute a expert committee to find out ways to use of non lethal weapon. The committee will submit report in 2 months: HM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757179601005281280">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces a day after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8 resulting in 45 deaths. 
 
&quot;If there are any differences or disapprovals, they can be resolved through talks mutually. Because there cannot be any other solution.&nbsp;I feel that if there is place of Kashmiriyat in democracy, it will only be of humanity,&quot; he said, adding that the people of the entire country want that Kashmir should once again become &quot;firdaus&quot; (paradise). 
 
Expressing sympathy with those injured during the ongoing unrest in the Valley, Singh appealed to the youth to desist from indulging in stonepleting. 
 
&quot;I appeal to the youth of Kashmir not to indulge in stonepelting and security forces should avoid use of pellet guns as far as possible,&quot; he said. 
 
Rajnath said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is concerned about the situation in Kashmir and wanted the situation to improve as soon as possible. 
 
&quot;I am very concerned at the situation in Kashmir and our Prime Minister is also very concerned over it. Along with expressing regret over what happened here, I offer my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives.&nbsp;The Prime Minister spoke to me last night and discussed the situation (in Kashmir). He also wants that the situation should improve,&quot; he said. 
 
On revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state, Rajnath said whatever has to be done on the issue will be done in consultation with the state governments.&nbsp;On his two-day visit, Rajanth said he met 30 delegations during which he got information and suggestions on how to restore peace and normalcy in the Valley. 
 
&quot;I also visited Anantnag and heard the people there for one hour. I appealed to people of Anantnag also to maintain calm and help in restoring peace and normalcy,&quot; he said. 
 
Replying to a question if India will hold talks with Pakistan over Kashmir, the interior minister there was no need for involvement of a third power. 
 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We don&#39;t need third party&#39;s involvement to address the situation that prevails in J&amp;K: HM Rajnath Singh in Srinagar (J&amp;K)
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757179965091766272">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Rajnath, accompanied by Indian interior secretary and joint secretary in his ministry, took stock of the situation in the state which has been on the boil since past few days following violent protests that erupted in the aftermath of the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani in an encounter. 
 
Asked about the suggestions of former Indian interior minister P Chidambaram on granting more autonomy to the state, he said, &quot;We will look into the suggestions made by Chidambaram once normalcy is restored in Kashmir&quot;. 
 
He said various delegations who met him informed about the injuries to several people due to use of pellet guns by security forces and he has assured them of treatment of the injured in AIIMS in Delhi. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I have conveyed to J&amp;K CM that if need be the injured can be sent to Delhi. Govt will make sure that they are treated at AIIMS: HM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757181526962479104">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Singh said he talked to Union Health Minister J P Nadda and asked him to appoint a nodal officer in AIIMS to ensure the treatment of all injured in Kashmir there. He said six people are already getting treatment there. 
 
The interior minister said the Indian government has also evolved a programme for providing employment opportunities to Kashmiri youth and engage them. 
 
(PTI)

Singh also 'warned' Pakistan to not interfere in India's internal matters, asked security forces to not use pellet guns

Appealing to people in Kashmir to help restore normalcy, Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh today said the Indian government wants an emotional relationship with the state and not just need-based, even as he warned Pakistan not to interfere in India's internal affairs. Sending a strong message to Pakistan, Rajnath also said the neighbouring country should change its attitude and approach towards Kashmir. Addressing a press conference here after winding up his two-day visit to the state after holding talks with Jammu and Kashmir state chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and several delegations both in Srinagar and Anantnag, Rajnath said India will talk to whosoever needed, once peace and normalcy is restored in the state. Want to make it clear that GoI does not only want to have a relationship based on needs with Kashmir but a emotional relationship: HM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 "As far as government of India is concerned, I want to make it clear that we don't just want need-based ties, but to build an emotional relationship with Kashmir," he said, reaching out to the people in the Valley while making a fervent appeal to them to help restore peace and normalcy in the state. We will talk to whosoever needed once peace and normalcy is restored in the state (J&K): HM Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/NZYOOmQkOT — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Attacking Pakistan on its role in Kashmir, he said, "its role has not been 'paak' (pure) on Kashmir. Pakistan should change its attitude and approach towards Kashmir." Singh hit out at Pakistan, which he said is itself affected by terrorism and to end it on one hand it is killing terrorists after entering the Lal Masjid, while on the other it is asking our youth in Kashmir to take to arms. "This must stop," he said. Pakistan's role isn't 'pak' (pure) in relation to Kashmir. They need to change their behaviour: HM Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/OjGsBNb83p — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Pakistan is in itself a victim of terrorism, it should not encourage violence in Kashmir: HM Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/hoQFMSJxlM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Appealing to the youth to not to resort to stone-pelting, Singh said he has asked the security forces to refrain from using pellet guns as much as possible even as he regretted the loss of lives. We will constitute a expert committee to find out ways to use of non lethal weapon. The committee will submit report in 2 months: HM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces a day after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8 resulting in 45 deaths. "If there are any differences or disapprovals, they can be resolved through talks mutually. Because there cannot be any other solution. I feel that if there is place of Kashmiriyat in democracy, it will only be of humanity," he said, adding that the people of the entire country want that Kashmir should once again become "firdaus" (paradise). Expressing sympathy with those injured during the ongoing unrest in the Valley, Singh appealed to the youth to desist from indulging in stonepleting. "I appeal to the youth of Kashmir not to indulge in stonepelting and security forces should avoid use of pellet guns as far as possible," he said. Rajnath said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is concerned about the situation in Kashmir and wanted the situation to improve as soon as possible. "I am very concerned at the situation in Kashmir and our Prime Minister is also very concerned over it. Along with expressing regret over what happened here, I offer my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives. The Prime Minister spoke to me last night and discussed the situation (in Kashmir). He also wants that the situation should improve," he said. On revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state, Rajnath said whatever has to be done on the issue will be done in consultation with the state governments. On his two-day visit, Rajanth said he met 30 delegations during which he got information and suggestions on how to restore peace and normalcy in the Valley. "I also visited Anantnag and heard the people there for one hour. I appealed to people of Anantnag also to maintain calm and help in restoring peace and normalcy," he said. Replying to a question if India will hold talks with Pakistan over Kashmir, the interior minister there was no need for involvement of a third power. We don't need third party's involvement to address the situation that prevails in J&K: HM Rajnath Singh in Srinagar (J&K) — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Rajnath, accompanied by Indian interior secretary and joint secretary in his ministry, took stock of the situation in the state which has been on the boil since past few days following violent protests that erupted in the aftermath of the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani in an encounter. Asked about the suggestions of former Indian interior minister P Chidambaram on granting more autonomy to the state, he said, "We will look into the suggestions made by Chidambaram once normalcy is restored in Kashmir". He said various delegations who met him informed about the injuries to several people due to use of pellet guns by security forces and he has assured them of treatment of the injured in AIIMS in Delhi. I have conveyed to J&K CM that if need be the injured can be sent to Delhi. Govt will make sure that they are treated at AIIMS: HM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Singh said he talked to Union Health Minister J P Nadda and asked him to appoint a nodal officer in AIIMS to ensure the treatment of all injured in Kashmir there. He said six people are already getting treatment there. The interior minister said the Indian government has also evolved a programme for providing employment opportunities to Kashmiri youth and engage them. (PTI)

India wants emotional relationship with Kashmir, says interior minister Rajnath Singh

Asserting that the relations between India and Pakistan were at its best during the regime of former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, north Indian state Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today said encouraging the youngsters to take up arms in Kashmir reflected &#39;hypocrisy&#39; on the part of Islamabad. 
 
Mehbooba, who met Indian interior minister Minister Rajnath Singh today, thanked the doctors and other personnel working round the clock to bring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir back to normal. 
 
&quot;Today India as well as Pakistan has an opportunity to talk and discuss. But they shouldn&#39;t tell their children that if you take up guns and die, we will salute you. I think this is hypocrisy. They torture those who take up guns and teach some other lesson to our children. I believe this is wrong and this shouldn&#39;t happen,&quot; Mufti told ANI. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thankful to the doctors and others who r&nbsp;trying round-the-clock to bring back normalcy in the state: J&amp;K CM <a href="https://t.co/b1Z5ouhFqp">pic.twitter.com/b1Z5ouhFqp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757157683699060736">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Hypocrisy. Country (Pak) that punishes children who take up gun in their country but glorifies youth taking up gun in Kashmir: J&amp;K CM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757156924945231872">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: J&amp;K CM Mehbooba Mufti expresses her displeasure over glorification of Kashmiri youth who take up guns by Pak<a href="https://t.co/G9R9ltVJhS">https://t.co/G9R9ltVJhS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757169035016441856">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
She said everybody takes the problem of Jammu and Kashmir seriously only when the situation is bad. 
 
&quot;When the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is bad, we think about finding a solution. But when the situation becomes normal, we forget about it. This is the reason why Mufti ji (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) took two months to form the government with the BJP. He created an agenda of alliance that this is the way if you have to take out Jammu and Kashmir from the problem,&quot; she said. 
 
Expressing grief over loss of lives in Kashmir violence in the aftermath of terrorist Burhan Wani`s killing, Mehbooba said the confident building measures must continue. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
Pak needs to change this policy of theirs.Imp to start dialogue,confident building measures b/w the 2 nations-J&amp;K CM <a href="https://t.co/9UOW92dend">pic.twitter.com/9UOW92dend</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/757151455967141888">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
&quot;It is unfortunately not for the first time that there is such an atmosphere here. Many civilians and police personnel have died. Confidence building measures started, but later it stopped. The best period was 2002 when Mufti Government was formed here and Vajpayee Government was formed in New Delhi,&quot; she said. 
 
Mufti further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by visiting Lahore &#39;but unfortunately the dialogue process got stalled after Pathankot&#39;. 
 
Authorities today lifted the ongoing curfew from four districts of Ganderbal, Badgam, Bandipora and Baramulla in the Kashmir valley as the law and order situation showed marginal improvement. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

Mufti said Pakistan punishes its children who take up guns in their country, but hypocritically glorifies Kashmiri youth taking up arms

Asserting that the relations between India and Pakistan were at its best during the regime of former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, north Indian state Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today said encouraging the youngsters to take up arms in Kashmir reflected 'hypocrisy' on the part of Islamabad. Mehbooba, who met Indian interior minister Minister Rajnath Singh today, thanked the doctors and other personnel working round the clock to bring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir back to normal. "Today India as well as Pakistan has an opportunity to talk and discuss. But they shouldn't tell their children that if you take up guns and die, we will salute you. I think this is hypocrisy. They torture those who take up guns and teach some other lesson to our children. I believe this is wrong and this shouldn't happen," Mufti told ANI. Thankful to the doctors and others who r trying round-the-clock to bring back normalcy in the state: J&K CM pic.twitter.com/b1Z5ouhFqp — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 Hypocrisy. Country (Pak) that punishes children who take up gun in their country but glorifies youth taking up gun in Kashmir: J&K CM — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 #WATCH: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti expresses her displeasure over glorification of Kashmiri youth who take up guns by Pakhttps://t.co/G9R9ltVJhS — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 She said everybody takes the problem of Jammu and Kashmir seriously only when the situation is bad. "When the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is bad, we think about finding a solution. But when the situation becomes normal, we forget about it. This is the reason why Mufti ji (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) took two months to form the government with the BJP. He created an agenda of alliance that this is the way if you have to take out Jammu and Kashmir from the problem," she said. Expressing grief over loss of lives in Kashmir violence in the aftermath of terrorist Burhan Wani`s killing, Mehbooba said the confident building measures must continue. Pak needs to change this policy of theirs.Imp to start dialogue,confident building measures b/w the 2 nations-J&K CM pic.twitter.com/9UOW92dend — ANI (@ANI_news) July 24, 2016 "It is unfortunately not for the first time that there is such an atmosphere here. Many civilians and police personnel have died. Confidence building measures started, but later it stopped. The best period was 2002 when Mufti Government was formed here and Vajpayee Government was formed in New Delhi," she said. Mufti further said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by visiting Lahore 'but unfortunately the dialogue process got stalled after Pathankot'. Authorities today lifted the ongoing curfew from four districts of Ganderbal, Badgam, Bandipora and Baramulla in the Kashmir valley as the law and order situation showed marginal improvement. (ANI)

Encouraging Kashmiri youth to take up arms reflects Pakistan's 'hypocrisy': Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti

Authorities lifted curfew in four districts of Kashmir where schools were scheduled to reopen today but the ban on movement of people continued in the rest of the six districts of the Valley as a precautionary measure. 
 
Curfew has been lifted from Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal districts of the Valley but restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPC continue in these districts as a precautionary measure, a police official said. 
 
He said the curfew was lifted in order to facilitate the reopening of the schools in these areas following the government decision to this effect yesterday. 
 
The government yesterday modified its earlier order and announced opening of schools in these four districts from today. 
 
The schools were earlier scheduled to open on July 18 but the government had extended the summer vacations till July 25 in view of the unrest that has claimed 43 lives and injured over 3400 others. 
 
While officials did not comment on whether the schools opened today, reports from these four districts said the educational institutions remained closed. 
 
&quot;Some staff members had arrived for duty at schools but returned home as no students turned up,&quot; Nazir Ahmad, a social activist from Bandipora, said. 
 
Ahmad said even schools in Garoora, the native village of education minister Naeem Akhtar, remained closed. 
 
&quot;Please do not expect people to risk the lives of their children,&quot; he added. 
 
Unofficial reports received from Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal also spoke about schools not opening today. 
 
Meanwhile, curfew continued in the remaining six districts of the Valley. 
 
Normal life remained affected for the 13th day today due to curfew and separatist-sponsored strike against the civilian killings in the clashes between protestors and security forces in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. 
 
The separatist groups, which are spearheading the ongoing protests, have, however, relaxed the bandh in the valley from 2 PM today till night. 
 
The &quot;relaxation&quot; was announced by the separatist camp to allow people to stock essential commodities. 
 
The strike will resume from tomorrow till July 25. 
 
(PTI)

Restrictions on the assembly of people under the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure 144 will continue as a precautionary measure

Authorities lifted curfew in four districts of Kashmir where schools were scheduled to reopen today but the ban on movement of people continued in the rest of the six districts of the Valley as a precautionary measure. Curfew has been lifted from Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal districts of the Valley but restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPC continue in these districts as a precautionary measure, a police official said. He said the curfew was lifted in order to facilitate the reopening of the schools in these areas following the government decision to this effect yesterday. The government yesterday modified its earlier order and announced opening of schools in these four districts from today. The schools were earlier scheduled to open on July 18 but the government had extended the summer vacations till July 25 in view of the unrest that has claimed 43 lives and injured over 3400 others. While officials did not comment on whether the schools opened today, reports from these four districts said the educational institutions remained closed. "Some staff members had arrived for duty at schools but returned home as no students turned up," Nazir Ahmad, a social activist from Bandipora, said. Ahmad said even schools in Garoora, the native village of education minister Naeem Akhtar, remained closed. "Please do not expect people to risk the lives of their children," he added. Unofficial reports received from Baramulla, Budgam and Ganderbal also spoke about schools not opening today. Meanwhile, curfew continued in the remaining six districts of the Valley. Normal life remained affected for the 13th day today due to curfew and separatist-sponsored strike against the civilian killings in the clashes between protestors and security forces in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8. The separatist groups, which are spearheading the ongoing protests, have, however, relaxed the bandh in the valley from 2 PM today till night. The "relaxation" was announced by the separatist camp to allow people to stock essential commodities. The strike will resume from tomorrow till July 25. (PTI)

Curfew lifted in four districts of Kashmir in India

A woman injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in south Kashmir died in hospital, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest to 42, even as curfew remained in force in the Kashmir Valley today. 
 
Neelofar was injured in retaliatory firing yesterday after protesters pelted stones at an Army vehicle in Qazigund. 
 
Two other persons, including a woman, were killed and seven others injured in the incident. 
 
A police spokesman, giving details of the incident, said an army patrol had come up against a road blockade at Churaht Qazigund while moving towards&nbsp;Devsar. 
 
&quot;The security force party while removing the obstructions came under heavy stone pelting by the miscreants from two sides. The Army party warned the mob to maintain distance but it did not relent. 
 
&quot;Some miscreants tried to snatch weapons from them and tried to set ablaze the vehicles. Despite repeated warnings the mob did not disperse and army fired in self-defence in an effort to move out from the spot,&quot; the spokesman said, adding six persons were injured in the incident out of which two had succumbed last night. 
 
Curfew meanwhile remained in force across the 10 districts of the Valley, with no sign of clashes between protesters and security forces coming to an end. 
 
The clashes began soon after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in a gun battle with security forces on July 8. 
 
Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength across the Valley to enforce the strict implementation of prohibitory orders, the official said. 
 
He said there have been no reports of violence from anywhere in the Valley so far today. 
 
Normal life also remained paralysed for the eleventh day today due to the separatist-sponsored strike which has now been extended till July 22. 
 
In a joint statement, Kashmiri leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mohammad Yasin Malik yesterday said the shutdown in the Valley will continue till July 22. However, they announced a half day-relaxation from 2 pm &nbsp;onwards on July 21. 
 
Mobile phones and mobile internet services stayed down while newspapers failed to hit stands for the fourth day. 
 
(PTI) 
 
&nbsp;

Life remains paralysed for the eleventh day. Mobile phones stay down, newspapers fail to hit stands for a fourth day

A woman injured in clashes between security forces and protesters in south Kashmir died in hospital, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest to 42, even as curfew remained in force in the Kashmir Valley today. Neelofar was injured in retaliatory firing yesterday after protesters pelted stones at an Army vehicle in Qazigund. Two other persons, including a woman, were killed and seven others injured in the incident. A police spokesman, giving details of the incident, said an army patrol had come up against a road blockade at Churaht Qazigund while moving towards Devsar. "The security force party while removing the obstructions came under heavy stone pelting by the miscreants from two sides. The Army party warned the mob to maintain distance but it did not relent. "Some miscreants tried to snatch weapons from them and tried to set ablaze the vehicles. Despite repeated warnings the mob did not disperse and army fired in self-defence in an effort to move out from the spot," the spokesman said, adding six persons were injured in the incident out of which two had succumbed last night. Curfew meanwhile remained in force across the 10 districts of the Valley, with no sign of clashes between protesters and security forces coming to an end. The clashes began soon after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in a gun battle with security forces on July 8. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength across the Valley to enforce the strict implementation of prohibitory orders, the official said. He said there have been no reports of violence from anywhere in the Valley so far today. Normal life also remained paralysed for the eleventh day today due to the separatist-sponsored strike which has now been extended till July 22. In a joint statement, Kashmiri leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mohammad Yasin Malik yesterday said the shutdown in the Valley will continue till July 22. However, they announced a half day-relaxation from 2 pm onwards on July 21. Mobile phones and mobile internet services stayed down while newspapers failed to hit stands for the fourth day. (PTI)

Woman injured in clashes dies in hospital, taking death toll in Kashmir to 42

Kashmir residents said today they are facing shortages of prescription drugs, as parts of the region remained under curfew for an 11th day following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. 
 
As the overall death toll from days of violence rose to 45, shopkeepers warned supplies were running low because trucks were unable to reach them, while residents complained of being &quot;caged&quot; in their homes. 
 
&quot;People are suffering without medicines. A lot of people are struggling for medicines for diabetes, hypertension and anti-depressants,&quot; said Nazir Ahmed who owns a pharmacy in the old part of the main city of Srinagar. 
 
With most vehicles ordered off the roads under the curfew, Ahmed said he walked five kilometres to a warehouse to buy medicines. 
 
&quot;No fresh supplies are coming from outside. This will last two to three days for my neighbourhood,&quot; Ahmed said, carrying plastic bags full of medicines. 
 
Shops and other businesses have been shuttered under the curfew which the government says is needed to curb the street clashes that erupted after the death of a Hizbul Mujahideen commander on July 8. 
 
Burhan Wani, killed during a gunbattle with government forces, was commander of the region&#39;s biggest separatist group Hizbul Mujahideen, listed as a terror group by India, United States and the European Union among others, one of several fighting for decades against Indian troops deployed in the territory. 
 
The clashes are the deadliest in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule. 
 
Kashmir has been divided between rivals India and Pakistan since independence in 1947, but both claim the Himalayan territory in full. 
 
In the latest violence two protesters were killed late Monday when soldiers opened fire on stone-throwing demonstrators in the south. 
 
The army said in a statement troops were forced to shoot when a &quot;large mob turned violent&quot; and &quot;attempted to snatch weapons from the soldiers&quot;, adding that the deaths were regretted. 
 
In parts of Srinagar today, residents kept watch for volunteers from local charities delivering supplies including food on foot. 
 
An elderly woman suffering from hypertension and a heart condition said she hoped they would bring medicines soon. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t have my medicines. Some volunteers came, but they did not have the medicines I need,&quot; Noora, 80, who uses one name, said from her doorstep. 
 
&quot;We are just caged inside our home,&quot; her son, Ghulam Nabi Ahangar, added. 
 
Ahangar said security forces were firing tear gas and pepper spray at night to deter people from venturing outside. 
 
&quot;The poisonous gases stay inside our home and lungs the whole night. Our children are falling sick and cannot sleep,&quot; Ahangar told AFP. 
 
Some pharmacies outside hospitals are open but few residents can reach them, while internet and phone services remain patchy. 
 
&quot;Patients who have not been able to reach hospitals will come in large numbers once the curfew is lifted. It will be another huge emergency,&quot; said Kaisar Ahmed, head of Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital and six other government hospitals in Srinagar. 
 
(AFP)

Shopkeepers warned supplies were running low as trucks were unable to reach them. Residents complained of being 'caged' in their homes

Kashmir residents said today they are facing shortages of prescription drugs, as parts of the region remained under curfew for an 11th day following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. As the overall death toll from days of violence rose to 45, shopkeepers warned supplies were running low because trucks were unable to reach them, while residents complained of being "caged" in their homes. "People are suffering without medicines. A lot of people are struggling for medicines for diabetes, hypertension and anti-depressants," said Nazir Ahmed who owns a pharmacy in the old part of the main city of Srinagar. With most vehicles ordered off the roads under the curfew, Ahmed said he walked five kilometres to a warehouse to buy medicines. "No fresh supplies are coming from outside. This will last two to three days for my neighbourhood," Ahmed said, carrying plastic bags full of medicines. Shops and other businesses have been shuttered under the curfew which the government says is needed to curb the street clashes that erupted after the death of a Hizbul Mujahideen commander on July 8. Burhan Wani, killed during a gunbattle with government forces, was commander of the region's biggest separatist group Hizbul Mujahideen, listed as a terror group by India, United States and the European Union among others, one of several fighting for decades against Indian troops deployed in the territory. The clashes are the deadliest in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule. Kashmir has been divided between rivals India and Pakistan since independence in 1947, but both claim the Himalayan territory in full. In the latest violence two protesters were killed late Monday when soldiers opened fire on stone-throwing demonstrators in the south. The army said in a statement troops were forced to shoot when a "large mob turned violent" and "attempted to snatch weapons from the soldiers", adding that the deaths were regretted. In parts of Srinagar today, residents kept watch for volunteers from local charities delivering supplies including food on foot. An elderly woman suffering from hypertension and a heart condition said she hoped they would bring medicines soon. "I don't have my medicines. Some volunteers came, but they did not have the medicines I need," Noora, 80, who uses one name, said from her doorstep. "We are just caged inside our home," her son, Ghulam Nabi Ahangar, added. Ahangar said security forces were firing tear gas and pepper spray at night to deter people from venturing outside. "The poisonous gases stay inside our home and lungs the whole night. Our children are falling sick and cannot sleep," Ahangar told AFP. Some pharmacies outside hospitals are open but few residents can reach them, while internet and phone services remain patchy. "Patients who have not been able to reach hospitals will come in large numbers once the curfew is lifted. It will be another huge emergency," said Kaisar Ahmed, head of Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital and six other government hospitals in Srinagar. (AFP)

Kashmir unrest: Residents under curfew face medicine shortage

Hundreds gather to protest against the killing of a 22-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani. As they agitate they pelt stones to show their anger and injure the police. In return, the police resort to firing pellet guns instead of firing guns with bullets. This has resulted in many of the rioters being injured and some even being blinded. There are people of all ages protesting. Some of the injured standing on the sidelines are as young as five years old. One wonders how existing in this cycle of violence will impact them in the long term. 
 
History of Stone Pelting 
 
Stone pelting is not a new phenomenon. Palestinian youth and children were pelting stones between 1936 and 1939 against the British. In the 1980s stone pelting became more organised. From December 1987 till the signing of the Oslo agreement in 1993 large groups of children and youth were involved in it. The Palestinians have also used sling shots and crude bombs. It garnered global attention and many who have tried to bring similar global attention to Kashmir have adopted stone pelting as a means to do just that. 
 
Kashmir&rsquo;s stone pelting history dates back to the summer of 2008 when young men took to the streets to launch violent protests against the continued deployment of security forces. In 2010, the situation spiralled out of control when the alleged fake encounters of three youths and the accidental death of a school boy during tear-gas shelling became flash points. A rage quietly building up exploded with rare vengeance as the youth fought pitched battles with the men-in-uniform. It became a do-or-die struggle for a people determined to wrest freedom from the Indian establishment. 
 
However Bashir-ud-Din Ahmed, former Grand Mufti, called stone pelting un-Islamic. &ldquo;Islam strongly prohibits any form of violence. The stone pelting practice is surely un-Islamic. It causes inconvenience to people and propels more violence,&rdquo; the Grand Mufti said. However, this is the same Grand Mufti who banned the entry of four Christian pastors in the Kashmir valley, accusing them of forcible conversions. 
 
Impact of living with violence 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/stance-20160718012302.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
 
&nbsp;
</div>
Living with violence has a massive impact on the population, especially in the lives of children. There is a plethora of research on how turmoil and violence in society impacts children. It impacts the mental health of people in the long term. The effects also translate into increased rates of depression and substance abuse. 
 
A case in point is the increased incidence of drug abuse in Anantnag. Many blamed it on unemployment and easy availability of drugs but the core issue was the failure to recognise the real cause: violence in their society. A recent report from Baramulla district shows that 20 per cent of students in higher secondary schools and 30 per cent in colleges are consuming drugs. 
 
The most obvious fall out of living with violence is a constant state of anxiety in which one loses the sense of purpose and planning. When one wakes up each morning one has no idea how the day is going to be. There is an acute sense of helplessness and the only way for many youths is to get out of the Valley for a semblance of normality in their lives. But those who stay back are condemned to a harrowing existence. It is an experience no child must be put through in any society. 
 
Regarding military presence 
 
The argument pertaining to military presence and the resultant violence is as old as humanity. The reality is that with military presence in an area, there is bound to be a spurt in violence, which in turn affects the economy of the region. Militaries come with deep pockets and things begin to change rather dramatically. Recent reports of sexual exploitation by United Nations troops show exactly what happens when troops land at your doorstep. 
 
The military personnel are usually young, staying far away from their families and having lived with violence and threat to their lives, they may already have been suffering from psychological troubles. So when military arrives in your neighbourhood it is never great news. 
 
A few years ago I was in the Northern Afghanistan city of Kunduz. The Taliban had set up their anti-aircraft guns and other artilleries in civilian neighbourhoods. When the US troops or the Northern alliance troops would respond, it caused massive casualties among children. The world would then see the images and talk about the stupendous death toll. This is also what the NATO described as &ldquo;Friendly fire&rdquo;, when friends would get hurt while the enemy was being fired at. 
 
The reality is that armed groups will have to be kept out of your neighbourhood for peace and normality. I was in the middle of a gun battle in Kashmir in 2005. We were caught in the crossfire between the security forces and four terrorists who had taken over a home. The residents had informed the police about them after being forced to play host for a week. When the police went in and surrounded the place, a gun battle ensued and almost the whole house was destroyed. 
 
Living with violence is not easy, it destroys your existence. 
 
Encouraging terrorism as a strategy against a democratic government is not something that has worked in the long term. Terrorism works only against dictatorial societies, so in case one decides to use terrorism as a strategy against a democratic society, large investments have to go in to win the war of propaganda against the State. 
 
Kashmir has been represented by children of its own soil whether it was Omar Abdullah in the recent past or Mehbooba Mufti. They are bright Kashmiris who would like to see the best for their state and their people. 
 
Apart from being politicians and criticising the opposition party when they are out of power, they still mean well for their people. But the terrorists&rsquo; only goal is to create an Islamic State which does not fit into the idea of a modern Nation-State that is secular and has space for all, regardless of religion and ethnicity. 
 
Terrorism thrives on fear. It can only increase conservatism in liberal societies. A recent study demonstrated how Spanish attitudes gravitated towards conservative values after the Madrid train bombings. So what terrorism does is create a larger pool of conservative societies and this may change the very fabric of democracies. 
 
Two pictures that went viral recently represent the strategy and the outcome. One picture is of a five-year-old girl who was hit by pellets as police responded to stone pelting. The other is of the 12-year-old daughter of a Colonel of the Indian Army who was killed in Kashmir and she blamed Burhan Wani, the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist for it. 
 
The problem with extremist stances is that no one wins in a protracted struggle. We as humanity are losing, losing our way on the journey towards becoming a civilization.

There is very little understanding of the trauma of people living in conflict zone Kashmir

Hundreds gather to protest against the killing of a 22-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani. As they agitate they pelt stones to show their anger and injure the police. In return, the police resort to firing pellet guns instead of firing guns with bullets. This has resulted in many of the rioters being injured and some even being blinded. There are people of all ages protesting. Some of the injured standing on the sidelines are as young as five years old. One wonders how existing in this cycle of violence will impact them in the long term. History of Stone Pelting Stone pelting is not a new phenomenon. Palestinian youth and children were pelting stones between 1936 and 1939 against the British. In the 1980s stone pelting became more organised. From December 1987 till the signing of the Oslo agreement in 1993 large groups of children and youth were involved in it. The Palestinians have also used sling shots and crude bombs. It garnered global attention and many who have tried to bring similar global attention to Kashmir have adopted stone pelting as a means to do just that. Kashmir’s stone pelting history dates back to the summer of 2008 when young men took to the streets to launch violent protests against the continued deployment of security forces. In 2010, the situation spiralled out of control when the alleged fake encounters of three youths and the accidental death of a school boy during tear-gas shelling became flash points. A rage quietly building up exploded with rare vengeance as the youth fought pitched battles with the men-in-uniform. It became a do-or-die struggle for a people determined to wrest freedom from the Indian establishment. However Bashir-ud-Din Ahmed, former Grand Mufti, called stone pelting un-Islamic. “Islam strongly prohibits any form of violence. The stone pelting practice is surely un-Islamic. It causes inconvenience to people and propels more violence,” the Grand Mufti said. However, this is the same Grand Mufti who banned the entry of four Christian pastors in the Kashmir valley, accusing them of forcible conversions. Impact of living with violence Living with violence has a massive impact on the population, especially in the lives of children. There is a plethora of research on how turmoil and violence in society impacts children. It impacts the mental health of people in the long term. The effects also translate into increased rates of depression and substance abuse. A case in point is the increased incidence of drug abuse in Anantnag. Many blamed it on unemployment and easy availability of drugs but the core issue was the failure to recognise the real cause: violence in their society. A recent report from Baramulla district shows that 20 per cent of students in higher secondary schools and 30 per cent in colleges are consuming drugs. The most obvious fall out of living with violence is a constant state of anxiety in which one loses the sense of purpose and planning. When one wakes up each morning one has no idea how the day is going to be. There is an acute sense of helplessness and the only way for many youths is to get out of the Valley for a semblance of normality in their lives. But those who stay back are condemned to a harrowing existence. It is an experience no child must be put through in any society. Regarding military presence The argument pertaining to military presence and the resultant violence is as old as humanity. The reality is that with military presence in an area, there is bound to be a spurt in violence, which in turn affects the economy of the region. Militaries come with deep pockets and things begin to change rather dramatically. Recent reports of sexual exploitation by United Nations troops show exactly what happens when troops land at your doorstep. The military personnel are usually young, staying far away from their families and having lived with violence and threat to their lives, they may already have been suffering from psychological troubles. So when military arrives in your neighbourhood it is never great news. A few years ago I was in the Northern Afghanistan city of Kunduz. The Taliban had set up their anti-aircraft guns and other artilleries in civilian neighbourhoods. When the US troops or the Northern alliance troops would respond, it caused massive casualties among children. The world would then see the images and talk about the stupendous death toll. This is also what the NATO described as “Friendly fire”, when friends would get hurt while the enemy was being fired at. The reality is that armed groups will have to be kept out of your neighbourhood for peace and normality. I was in the middle of a gun battle in Kashmir in 2005. We were caught in the crossfire between the security forces and four terrorists who had taken over a home. The residents had informed the police about them after being forced to play host for a week. When the police went in and surrounded the place, a gun battle ensued and almost the whole house was destroyed. Living with violence is not easy, it destroys your existence. Encouraging terrorism as a strategy against a democratic government is not something that has worked in the long term. Terrorism works only against dictatorial societies, so in case one decides to use terrorism as a strategy against a democratic society, large investments have to go in to win the war of propaganda against the State. Kashmir has been represented by children of its own soil whether it was Omar Abdullah in the recent past or Mehbooba Mufti. They are bright Kashmiris who would like to see the best for their state and their people. Apart from being politicians and criticising the opposition party when they are out of power, they still mean well for their people. But the terrorists’ only goal is to create an Islamic State which does not fit into the idea of a modern Nation-State that is secular and has space for all, regardless of religion and ethnicity. Terrorism thrives on fear. It can only increase conservatism in liberal societies. A recent study demonstrated how Spanish attitudes gravitated towards conservative values after the Madrid train bombings. So what terrorism does is create a larger pool of conservative societies and this may change the very fabric of democracies. Two pictures that went viral recently represent the strategy and the outcome. One picture is of a five-year-old girl who was hit by pellets as police responded to stone pelting. The other is of the 12-year-old daughter of a Colonel of the Indian Army who was killed in Kashmir and she blamed Burhan Wani, the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist for it. The problem with extremist stances is that no one wins in a protracted struggle. We as humanity are losing, losing our way on the journey towards becoming a civilization.

Kashmir unrest: Whirlpool of violence

Prohibitory orders continued in India&#39;s Kashmir today for ninth day in a row, following widespread violence after death of a separatist militant. 
 
Heavily armed policemen and security personnel patrolled Srinagar, summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state, as security was heightened to prevent any untoward incident. 
 
Markets remained shut, roads deserted and residents preferred to stay indoors. 
 
There were no vehicles on the roads and mobile internet services continued to be suspended in parts of the Kashmir Valley to prevent rumour mongering. Trains and flights services also have been affected due to the unrest. 
 
Authorities had on Saturday seized newspapers and shut down cable television, aiming to quell a flare up of tensions in the region. 
 
Kashmir has been on the boil after security services on July 8 gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizbul Mujahideen - a group fighting India&#39;s control of the Muslim-majority region. 
 
At least 39 people have been killed and 3,100 wounded, most of them by police fire, in the worst outbreak of violence in six years in the disputed territory also claimed by Pakistan. 
 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti had appealed to the people to maintain peace. 
 
Violence in Kashmir has spiked against a backdrop of rising social tension and separatist sentiment in the Muslim-majority region, which for decades has been at the centre of a strategic tussle between India and Pakistan. 
 
Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said he was shocked by the killing of Wani and the civilians. 
 
India&#39;s foreign ministry said on Friday it was dismayed by Pakistan&#39;s attempt to &quot;interfere in our internal matters&quot;. 
 
India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars since Independence in 1947 over Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. 
 
India accuses Pakistan of training and arming the rebels in the portion it controls and sending them to the Indian side, a claim its neighbour denies. 
 
(Reuters)

Cable TV was shut down and newspapers seized by Indian authorities to stop 'campaign aimed at fomenting trouble' by media

Prohibitory orders continued in India's Kashmir today for ninth day in a row, following widespread violence after death of a separatist militant. Heavily armed policemen and security personnel patrolled Srinagar, summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir state, as security was heightened to prevent any untoward incident. Markets remained shut, roads deserted and residents preferred to stay indoors. There were no vehicles on the roads and mobile internet services continued to be suspended in parts of the Kashmir Valley to prevent rumour mongering. Trains and flights services also have been affected due to the unrest. Authorities had on Saturday seized newspapers and shut down cable television, aiming to quell a flare up of tensions in the region. Kashmir has been on the boil after security services on July 8 gunned down 22-year-old Burhan Wani, leader of Hizbul Mujahideen - a group fighting India's control of the Muslim-majority region. At least 39 people have been killed and 3,100 wounded, most of them by police fire, in the worst outbreak of violence in six years in the disputed territory also claimed by Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti had appealed to the people to maintain peace. Violence in Kashmir has spiked against a backdrop of rising social tension and separatist sentiment in the Muslim-majority region, which for decades has been at the centre of a strategic tussle between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said he was shocked by the killing of Wani and the civilians. India's foreign ministry said on Friday it was dismayed by Pakistan's attempt to "interfere in our internal matters". India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars since Independence in 1947 over Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. India accuses Pakistan of training and arming the rebels in the portion it controls and sending them to the Indian side, a claim its neighbour denies. (Reuters)

Day nine: Curfew continues, mobile internet services remain suspended in Kashmir

The Mehbooba Mufti government in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is banking on strict curfew and weather gods to keep off the protestors post the namaz in the Kashmir Valley on nervous Friday. Strife-torn Kashmir woke up to an overcast sky and a drizzle providing a flicker of hope to the law enforcing agencies in maintaining order on Friday. 
 
Official sources said maintaining peace on Friday is the biggest challenge for the government given the fact that post namaz, Kashmir has witnessed protests and stone pelting even during the peace times. 
 
Official sources said rains could play a dampener for the protestors who may find it difficult to organise the protests post Friday namaz. 
 
The Jammu and Kashmir government has imposed strict curfew in all the 10 districts of the Valley to prevent any escalation in the protests and street violence which has consumed 37 lives so far. Over 3,100 people, including 1,500 security personnel, have been injured in the street violence over the last one week. 
 
Except the Indian government-owned BSNL, services of all mobile telephone networks have been suspended in Kashmir in view of the nervous Friday. Mobile Internet continued to remain suspended for the seventh day in a row. 
 
Only the BSNL fixed line broadband services are operational in the valley. &ldquo;Curfew will be imposed throughout the districts on July 15. No public or vehicular movement, except medical emergencies would be allowed&rdquo;, said an official spokesman. 
 
Authorities are wary given the fact that it is the first Friday since the killing of Hizbul Mujhadeen Commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani in Kokarnag in south Kashmir last week. 
 
Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani, moderate leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik have appealed to the Imams of the Mosques to lead Nimaz-e-Jinaza (funeral prayers) in absentia for the slain protestors. The leaders have condemned the use of brutal force against the protesters and compelling the traders and transporters not to support the ongoing struggle. 
 
They have appealed to the people to not to fall prey to the nefarious designs and follow the combined programme in letter and spirit, said a joint spokesman of the leaders. 
 
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asghar Hussain Samon reviewed overall the law and order situation in the Valley in a meeting on Thursday. It was was attended by senior police officials of various districts through video conference.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

Kashmir has been on the boil for the last few days as protestors have clashed with security forces

The Mehbooba Mufti government in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is banking on strict curfew and weather gods to keep off the protestors post the namaz in the Kashmir Valley on nervous Friday. Strife-torn Kashmir woke up to an overcast sky and a drizzle providing a flicker of hope to the law enforcing agencies in maintaining order on Friday. Official sources said maintaining peace on Friday is the biggest challenge for the government given the fact that post namaz, Kashmir has witnessed protests and stone pelting even during the peace times. Official sources said rains could play a dampener for the protestors who may find it difficult to organise the protests post Friday namaz. The Jammu and Kashmir government has imposed strict curfew in all the 10 districts of the Valley to prevent any escalation in the protests and street violence which has consumed 37 lives so far. Over 3,100 people, including 1,500 security personnel, have been injured in the street violence over the last one week. Except the Indian government-owned BSNL, services of all mobile telephone networks have been suspended in Kashmir in view of the nervous Friday. Mobile Internet continued to remain suspended for the seventh day in a row. Only the BSNL fixed line broadband services are operational in the valley. “Curfew will be imposed throughout the districts on July 15. No public or vehicular movement, except medical emergencies would be allowed”, said an official spokesman. Authorities are wary given the fact that it is the first Friday since the killing of Hizbul Mujhadeen Commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani in Kokarnag in south Kashmir last week. Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Geelani, moderate leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik have appealed to the Imams of the Mosques to lead Nimaz-e-Jinaza (funeral prayers) in absentia for the slain protestors. The leaders have condemned the use of brutal force against the protesters and compelling the traders and transporters not to support the ongoing struggle. They have appealed to the people to not to fall prey to the nefarious designs and follow the combined programme in letter and spirit, said a joint spokesman of the leaders. Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asghar Hussain Samon reviewed overall the law and order situation in the Valley in a meeting on Thursday. It was was attended by senior police officials of various districts through video conference.

Kashmir: Fearing more protests post Friday prayers, govt banks on curfew, weather gods

One person was killed and 23 others, including 9 securitymen, were injured in violence today in Kashmir which saw mobs defying curfew in many parts to pelt stones. A police station was attacked with a grenade and firing by suspected militants from the crowd was also reported. 
 
Due to trouble in Kashmir, the Amarnath yatra (pilgrimage) continued to be suspended for the second consecutive day, with no pilgrims being allowed from Jammu to move towards the Kashmir valley. 
 
Indian authorities had imposed curfew in all the 10 districts of Kashmir fearing trouble as it was the first Friday after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. 
 
However, mobs defied curfew at many places, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal, Rafiabad, Bandipora, Kulgam and Pulwama, a police official said. 
 
In Drugmulla in Kupwara district, a mob targeted Indian security forces who opened fire in response, resulting in injuries to three civilians, a police official said. 
 
One of the injured, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie, succumbed to injuries later, he said. With this death, the toll in the current unrest has gone up to 37, including one policeman. 
 
A patrol party of security forces was attacked by a mob with stones at Delina in Baramulla district this morning, injuring three security personnel, the official said. 
 
In retaliation, security forces opened fire in which three civilians were injured. Condition of all the injured is stated to be stable, he added. 
 
A youth was critically injured in firing by security forces on stone-pelting mobs at Manigam in central Kashmir&#39;s Ganderbal district, the official said, adding that the injured was undergoing surgery at SMHS hospital. 
 
A mob indulged in pelted stones in Sopore and in the retaliatory action, four persons sustained pellet injuries. 
 
Two others were injured in clashes in nearby Pattan town, the official said. 
 
Two other persons were injured in a similar incident in Shopian district, he said. 
 
Yaripora area of Kulgam in south Kashmir saw a grenade attack followed by firing on a police station during stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to six police personnel, the official said. 
 
&quot;Someone from the mob hurled a grenade at the police personnel during stone pelting on&nbsp;Yaripora police station. The grenade attack was followed by firing,&quot; he said. 
 
Police has been saying that militants merge with stone-pelters to carry out attacks on security personnel, using civilians as a shield. 
 
Curfew had been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the valley where 37 have died and more than 3,100 others, including 1,500 securitymen, injured in the weeklong clashes following Burhan&#39;s killing in an encounter in Kokernag. 
 
The decision to impose curfew was taken in view of apprehensions that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at Friday prayers to instigate violence, an official said. 
 
Meanwhile, separatists today extended the shutdown call in Kashmir by two days till July 18. 
 
(PTI)

Indian authorities had imposed curfew in all districts of Kashmir. The number of dead since the start of the unrest has gone up to 37

One person was killed and 23 others, including 9 securitymen, were injured in violence today in Kashmir which saw mobs defying curfew in many parts to pelt stones. A police station was attacked with a grenade and firing by suspected militants from the crowd was also reported. Due to trouble in Kashmir, the Amarnath yatra (pilgrimage) continued to be suspended for the second consecutive day, with no pilgrims being allowed from Jammu to move towards the Kashmir valley. Indian authorities had imposed curfew in all the 10 districts of Kashmir fearing trouble as it was the first Friday after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. However, mobs defied curfew at many places, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal, Rafiabad, Bandipora, Kulgam and Pulwama, a police official said. In Drugmulla in Kupwara district, a mob targeted Indian security forces who opened fire in response, resulting in injuries to three civilians, a police official said. One of the injured, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie, succumbed to injuries later, he said. With this death, the toll in the current unrest has gone up to 37, including one policeman. A patrol party of security forces was attacked by a mob with stones at Delina in Baramulla district this morning, injuring three security personnel, the official said. In retaliation, security forces opened fire in which three civilians were injured. Condition of all the injured is stated to be stable, he added. A youth was critically injured in firing by security forces on stone-pelting mobs at Manigam in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, the official said, adding that the injured was undergoing surgery at SMHS hospital. A mob indulged in pelted stones in Sopore and in the retaliatory action, four persons sustained pellet injuries. Two others were injured in clashes in nearby Pattan town, the official said. Two other persons were injured in a similar incident in Shopian district, he said. Yaripora area of Kulgam in south Kashmir saw a grenade attack followed by firing on a police station during stone-pelting, resulting in injuries to six police personnel, the official said. "Someone from the mob hurled a grenade at the police personnel during stone pelting on Yaripora police station. The grenade attack was followed by firing," he said. Police has been saying that militants merge with stone-pelters to carry out attacks on security personnel, using civilians as a shield. Curfew had been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the valley where 37 have died and more than 3,100 others, including 1,500 securitymen, injured in the weeklong clashes following Burhan's killing in an encounter in Kokernag. The decision to impose curfew was taken in view of apprehensions that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at Friday prayers to instigate violence, an official said. Meanwhile, separatists today extended the shutdown call in Kashmir by two days till July 18. (PTI)

Day seven: One killed, 23 hurt in Kashmir violence

At least five police personnel were injured in a grenade attack and firing on police station at Yaripora in India&#39;s south Kashmir Kulgam district during stone pelting by protestors, a police official said. 
 
&quot;Someone from the mob hurled a grenade towards the police personnel during stone pelting on police station Yaripora. The grenade attack was followed by firing also,&quot; the official said. 
 
He said at least five cops were injured in the attack. 
 
(PTI)

The grenade hurled at police personnel at Yaripora police station was followed by firing. Five policemen were injured in the attack

At least five police personnel were injured in a grenade attack and firing on police station at Yaripora in India's south Kashmir Kulgam district during stone pelting by protestors, a police official said. "Someone from the mob hurled a grenade towards the police personnel during stone pelting on police station Yaripora. The grenade attack was followed by firing also," the official said. He said at least five cops were injured in the attack. (PTI)

Grenade attack, firing on police station in Kashmir

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