The Kashmir valley saw a bumper cherry crop produce this season and the harvesting has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country.

Bumper cherry harvest in Kashmir Valley, government to airlift produce to support farmers

Floating gardens, islands, and houseboats are all things we've heard of, but Kashmir's famous Dal Lake has a floating post office. It's the only floating post office in the whole world.

A Floating post-office at Srinagar's famous Dal Lake

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an all-party meeting to hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Four former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir are participating in this meeting.

India: J&K all-party meet underway at PM Narendra Modi's residence in New Delhi

Floating gardens, islands, and houseboats are all things we've heard of, but Kashmir's famous Dal Lake has a floating post office. It's the only floating post office in the whole world.&nbsp;

This two-centuries-old floating post office was started in the British era and continues to deliver letters and couriers to the people living on the lake. The delivery of the post is done by a postman while travelling in a shikara.

All the services of the post office are available at this floating post office on Dal Lake while being afloat. They use a special seal of a shikara along with a boatman to put it on the envelope.&nbsp;

"This is a 200-year-old post office that served from before the Maharaja's reign to the British era. It was finally called a floating post office. There is no change in the number of posts sent around. We don't have time to talk when there is a tourist influx. Thousands of people visit this post office to take pictures. They can buy special covers, postcards and stamps from here. The letter is delivered to the houseboat by the postman, who hires a Shikara. This has been going on for years and is still going on," according to Farooq Ahmad, the Post Master.

 
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Mohd Ismail worked as a postman for India Post for many years. He has been delivering letters every day to people living on the lake. It is time-consuming to take a shikara and go to different houseboats, but the charm of doing so is what he likes the most.&nbsp;

"I have been delivering letters in Dal Lake for ten years. It's so good for my health to breathe fresh air on the lake. I deliver around 100-150 letters a day. There is also a CRPF camp within the lake, which receives a lot of letters that I deliver. It takes me hours to deliver these letters. "I start at 11 am and finish at 5:30 pm," Mohd Ismail explained.

Locals who live on or near the lake claim that the internet and social media have had a significant impact on letter writing and sending.But some people miss it as it used to be emotional to receive or send a letter in earlier times.&nbsp;

"This post office has been there for a long time. It is so easy for houseboat owners to receive and send letters. People have shifted to email and social networks for now and the art of letter writing has gone down. It was a wonderful feeling to receive or send a letter, and it was even more wonderful to open a letter and read it.I miss it all, said Noor Mohammad, the owner of a houseboat. 
 
The floating post office has a collection of old stamps and used to have a small museum in one of the rooms, which was damaged in the 2014 floods.

Floating gardens, islands, and houseboats are all things we've heard of, but Kashmir's famous Dal Lake has a floating post office. It's the only floating post office in the whole world. This two-centuries-old floating post office was started in the British era and continues to deliver letters and couriers to the people living on the lake. The delivery of the post is done by a postman while travelling in a shikara. All the services of the post office are available at this floating post office on Dal Lake while being afloat. They use a special seal of a shikara along with a boatman to put it on the envelope. "This is a 200-year-old post office that served from before the Maharaja's reign to the British era. It was finally called a floating post office. There is no change in the number of posts sent around. We don't have time to talk when there is a tourist influx. Thousands of people visit this post office to take pictures. They can buy special covers, postcards and stamps from here. The letter is delivered to the houseboat by the postman, who hires a Shikara. This has been going on for years and is still going on," according to Farooq Ahmad, the Post Master. Mohd Ismail worked as a postman for India Post for many years. He has been delivering letters every day to people living on the lake. It is time-consuming to take a shikara and go to different houseboats, but the charm of doing so is what he likes the most. "I have been delivering letters in Dal Lake for ten years. It's so good for my health to breathe fresh air on the lake. I deliver around 100-150 letters a day. There is also a CRPF camp within the lake, which receives a lot of letters that I deliver. It takes me hours to deliver these letters. "I start at 11 am and finish at 5:30 pm," Mohd Ismail explained. Locals who live on or near the lake claim that the internet and social media have had a significant impact on letter writing and sending.But some people miss it as it used to be emotional to receive or send a letter in earlier times. "This post office has been there for a long time. It is so easy for houseboat owners to receive and send letters. People have shifted to email and social networks for now and the art of letter writing has gone down. It was a wonderful feeling to receive or send a letter, and it was even more wonderful to open a letter and read it.I miss it all, said Noor Mohammad, the owner of a houseboat. The floating post office has a collection of old stamps and used to have a small museum in one of the rooms, which was damaged in the 2014 floods.

World's only floating post office in Kashmir: Delivering letters since 200 years

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore area. The operation started on Sunday&nbsp;evening and lasted the whole night. In the morning security forces retrieved three terrorist bodies from the encounter site.

The operation has been a huge success for the forces as they managed to kill one of the most wanted terrorists in Kashmir Valley. Mudasir Pandit, commander of Lashkar-e&nbsp;-Toiba was killed in the gunfight along with two other terrorists.&nbsp;

''This operation was launched last night in Sopore. It was a joint operation and our field commanders supervised it personally. Three&nbsp;deadly terrorists were killed. They were all commander ranks and were instrumental in many attacks. Since June 2019, Mudasir Pandit was an active LeT commander. He has killed four&nbsp;civilians, nine&nbsp;security forces personnel, two&nbsp;ex-militants, three&nbsp;sarpanches, and two&nbsp;Hurriyat and separatists,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh.

The other two terrorists killed in the encounter were Khurshid Ahmad Mir and a foreign terrorist.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site.

''Khurshid Ahmad Mir was another commander, he was from Sopore only and was active since May 2020 with LeT. He has killed seven&nbsp;security forces and five&nbsp;civilians. He was involved in many attacks and killings along with Mudasir Pandit,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh.

Police say that after putting up wanted posters of these terrorists in different districts of Kashmir Valley, they have been getting calls and messages from locals about the presence of terrorists in these areas.&nbsp;

''Two major attacks have happened in three&nbsp;months. We installed posters in Sopore of these terrorists and put up rewards too. We kept getting information from locals and their support. I want to thank locals for supporting us in killing these militants.'' said IG Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

However, the Indian army said that they are trying to break the cycle of violence in the Kashmir Valley.

''These are the people who spill the blood of Kashmiris. They want to keep the cycle of violence going on. We want to break the cycle of violence. We have to stop supporting these elements. We are pained when old parents of these youth appealed to them to return back,'' said H S Saha, Lt Gen, Kilo Force.&nbsp;

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore area. The operation started on Sunday evening and lasted the whole night. In the morning security forces retrieved three terrorist bodies from the encounter site.

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter in North Kashmir's Sopore area. The operation started on Sunday evening and lasted the whole night. In the morning security forces retrieved three terrorist bodies from the encounter site. The operation has been a huge success for the forces as they managed to kill one of the most wanted terrorists in Kashmir Valley. Mudasir Pandit, commander of Lashkar-e -Toiba was killed in the gunfight along with two other terrorists. ''This operation was launched last night in Sopore. It was a joint operation and our field commanders supervised it personally. Three deadly terrorists were killed. They were all commander ranks and were instrumental in many attacks. Since June 2019, Mudasir Pandit was an active LeT commander. He has killed four civilians, nine security forces personnel, two ex-militants, three sarpanches, and two Hurriyat and separatists,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh. The other two terrorists killed in the encounter were Khurshid Ahmad Mir and a foreign terrorist. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site. ''Khurshid Ahmad Mir was another commander, he was from Sopore only and was active since May 2020 with LeT. He has killed seven security forces and five civilians. He was involved in many attacks and killings along with Mudasir Pandit,'' said DG Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh. Police say that after putting up wanted posters of these terrorists in different districts of Kashmir Valley, they have been getting calls and messages from locals about the presence of terrorists in these areas. ''Two major attacks have happened in three months. We installed posters in Sopore of these terrorists and put up rewards too. We kept getting information from locals and their support. I want to thank locals for supporting us in killing these militants.'' said IG Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. However, the Indian army said that they are trying to break the cycle of violence in the Kashmir Valley. ''These are the people who spill the blood of Kashmiris. They want to keep the cycle of violence going on. We want to break the cycle of violence. We have to stop supporting these elements. We are pained when old parents of these youth appealed to them to return back,'' said H S Saha, Lt Gen, Kilo Force.

Top LeT commander killed along with two other terrorists in Kashmir

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward.&nbsp;

This is the first time New Delhi has initiated a political process in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370. The UT has been under President's rule since.&nbsp;

People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti received a call from the Centre to attend the meeting. However, no official invite has been sent to any party yet. PDP has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow to deliberate.&nbsp;

"We have not received any formal written invitation but PDP president Mehbooba Mufti received a call and was informed about this meeting. We have now called for a party meeting on Sunday which will be chaired by Mehbooba Mufti and everything will be discussed in the meeting. We will take a decision on whether the party will attend the meet or not," said Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson, PDP.&nbsp;

None of the Political parties including BJP's state wing has received any formal invitation from the Centre yet. But every political party has appreciated the step.&nbsp;

“We are learning it from you only, we have not received any formal invitation for it, but I think it will be a good opportunity for political parties and people of Jammu and Kashmir. As there have been hiccups in the political process and this opportunity should be used by everyone. Everyone should go and speak. Every party must go.” said Rafi Mir, senior leader, Apni Party.

While the conglomerate of Kashmir's political parties called 'People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration' (PAGD) has not taken any decision so far, parties affiliated say whatever the conglomerate decides that will be their course of action.&nbsp;

“This is what we are hearing, on this we had a discussion. When we met under the chairmanship of National Conference (NC) leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, our spokesperson said that dialogue is fine, it’s ok and we are here for that. We have been saying that we should sit down and talk. If the initiative is coming from the Prime Minister, I welcome it. But the final decision would be taken by the party president and by PAGD leadership. And we hope for the best," said Muzaffar Shah, PAGD member.

However, National Conference (NC) has said that they will attend the meeting if invited.&nbsp;

“If we get the invitation, we will go and we will put across the points we have. We will ask for pre position on 5 august 2019. &nbsp;It’s going to be the first of its kind. We are ready for elections," Akbar Lone, parliamentarian, NC.

While this whole process is going on, the Government has released Mehbooba Mufti's Uncle Sartaj Madni from detention.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed Prime Minister's initiative of calling an all-party meet. The meeting is to be held on June 24. All regional and national parties of Jammu and Kashmir have welcomed this step and said dialogue is the only way forward. This is the first time New Delhi has initiated a political process in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of article 370. The UT has been under President's rule since. People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti received a call from the Centre to attend the meeting. However, no official invite has been sent to any party yet. PDP has decided to hold a meeting tomorrow to deliberate. "We have not received any formal written invitation but PDP president Mehbooba Mufti received a call and was informed about this meeting. We have now called for a party meeting on Sunday which will be chaired by Mehbooba Mufti and everything will be discussed in the meeting. We will take a decision on whether the party will attend the meet or not," said Suhail Bukhari, chief spokesperson, PDP. None of the Political parties including BJP's state wing has received any formal invitation from the Centre yet. But every political party has appreciated the step. “We are learning it from you only, we have not received any formal invitation for it, but I think it will be a good opportunity for political parties and people of Jammu and Kashmir. As there have been hiccups in the political process and this opportunity should be used by everyone. Everyone should go and speak. Every party must go.” said Rafi Mir, senior leader, Apni Party. While the conglomerate of Kashmir's political parties called 'People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration' (PAGD) has not taken any decision so far, parties affiliated say whatever the conglomerate decides that will be their course of action. “This is what we are hearing, on this we had a discussion. When we met under the chairmanship of National Conference (NC) leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, our spokesperson said that dialogue is fine, it’s ok and we are here for that. We have been saying that we should sit down and talk. If the initiative is coming from the Prime Minister, I welcome it. But the final decision would be taken by the party president and by PAGD leadership. And we hope for the best," said Muzaffar Shah, PAGD member. However, National Conference (NC) has said that they will attend the meeting if invited. “If we get the invitation, we will go and we will put across the points we have. We will ask for pre position on 5 august 2019. It’s going to be the first of its kind. We are ready for elections," Akbar Lone, parliamentarian, NC. While this whole process is going on, the Government has released Mehbooba Mufti's Uncle Sartaj Madni from detention.

Parties in Kashmir welcome PM's initiative of all-party meet

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Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country.&nbsp;

With this step, the farmers would benefit monetarily and also their produce will not get damaged while waiting for the buyers.&nbsp;

''About cherry, this year our government has earmarked a separate budget for cherry transportation, and we have done an MoU with GO airlines recently. We have taken up with the government to provide subsidies also. Normally our production is 14 thousand metric tonnes or more but we are expecting higher this year. Production is more and there is little disease among the fruit trees. “ said Aijaz Ahmad, Director Horticulture.
</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">&nbsp;</div>

<div dir="auto" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px"><img alt="J&amp;K" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="99b19047-3148-4d63-b012-9692f7ef7e11" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Slide1.jpg" /></div>

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<div dir="ltr" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">The Kashmiri cherries are famous across the world and there is a high demand for them. The farmers say they will benefit if the government helps them to sell the produce or market it. Due to COVID-19 they had to incur huge losses last year.&nbsp;</div>

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“The produce is good and the market is good too. Our whole produce was wasted last year but this year it’s been good, traffic is moving. If the government takes our produce, it will benefit farmers a lot” said Gulzar Ahmad, Farmer.

The government has tied up with a private airline to lift the produce from Kashmir and send it across various cities of the country. Farmers expect it would help them in a big way.&nbsp;

“The produce this year is good but the market should retain. If we are able to send it across, we will be benefitted. The government is saying we will take the produce at less cost and sell it. We are getting good rates.” Said Mohd Ayub, Farmer.&nbsp;

With this farmers expect that the government will come to their help with other crops as well. Apple, almond and walnut growers hope that the government will come up with some scheme for them too.&nbsp;
</div>

Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country.

Kashmir Valley's first major fruit crop is cherry. It's a bumper crop this year and harvesting of the produce has started. The government has also come to support the farmers and signed an MoU to airlift the produce from Kashmir Valley to various parts of the country. With this step, the farmers would benefit monetarily and also their produce will not get damaged while waiting for the buyers. ''About cherry, this year our government has earmarked a separate budget for cherry transportation, and we have done an MoU with GO airlines recently. We have taken up with the government to provide subsidies also. Normally our production is 14 thousand metric tonnes or more but we are expecting higher this year. Production is more and there is little disease among the fruit trees. “ said Aijaz Ahmad, Director Horticulture. The Kashmiri cherries are famous across the world and there is a high demand for them. The farmers say they will benefit if the government helps them to sell the produce or market it. Due to COVID-19 they had to incur huge losses last year. “The produce is good and the market is good too. Our whole produce was wasted last year but this year it’s been good, traffic is moving. If the government takes our produce, it will benefit farmers a lot” said Gulzar Ahmad, Farmer. The government has tied up with a private airline to lift the produce from Kashmir and send it across various cities of the country. Farmers expect it would help them in a big way. “The produce this year is good but the market should retain. If we are able to send it across, we will be benefitted. The government is saying we will take the produce at less cost and sell it. We are getting good rates.” Said Mohd Ayub, Farmer. With this farmers expect that the government will come to their help with other crops as well. Apple, almond and walnut growers hope that the government will come up with some scheme for them too.

Bumper cherry crop in Kashmir Valley, government to airlift produce to help farmers

Kashmir's tourism industry has been completely shattered due to Covid's second wave and lockdown. However, now, with cases finally coming down, the industry is now slowly opening and tourist arrivals have begun, with stakeholders hoping for a good summer season.&nbsp;

With the government allowing all hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg to open and making sure that all covid protocols are followed,&nbsp;the hotels and houseboats around the Dal lake are opening too. Tourists could be seen taking shikara rides around the lake and enjoying pleasant weather.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/local-residents-bring-back-a-dead-lake-in-srinagar-391441" hreflang="en">Local residents bring back a dead lake in Srinagar</a>

The tourist department along with the stakeholders are providing huge discounts to people arriving in Kashmir. Some hotels have slashed their prices by 50 per cent.&nbsp;

''Overall experience was very nice, Main areas are still under the lockdown as we have been here for the last ten days, Srinagar is opening slowly but gardens are yet to open. Apart from this, Pahalgam and Gulmarg are open, the gondola was shut but we have noticed that there aren't many covid cases here. Because of the lockdown since last one year, it has affected the business and we got a lot of cheap deals. Five star hotels are giving 50 per cent off, it's all because everything was shut," said Rounak, a tourist from Mumbai from WION.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/specially-abled-hold-cricket-matches-across-valley-to-help-relieve-stress-amid-covid-19-391591" hreflang="en">Specially-abled hold cricket matches across valley to help relieve stress amid COVID-19</a>

While many tourists in the valley requested the government to open the gardens in the entire valley so that tourists can enjoy the beauty.''It was a very nice experience but gardens like tulips and Shalimar are not open yet. If people start coming I am sure they will open everything. And we have noticed that there are very few covid cases and I think the government should open the place now," said Forum R, a tourist.&nbsp;

All the tourists arriving in the valley are being asked for their vaccination certificates as well as the test results of COVID-19. Tourists have also been asked to make sure that they follow all the Covid protocol.&nbsp;

''To come here in Covid, we started our journey from Rajasthan. We got our RT-PCR test, our antigen test, and all permission and E-pass. It's a wonderful experience here and we are very excited. People are welcoming. It's a positive way and cases are getting down, everyone is getting back to business and that's important.'' said Manoj Kumar, another tourist.

Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the Kashmir valley and the government is slowly opening areas that were closed due to lockdown.&nbsp;

''We started from Jaipur from 12, we went to Leh and then came here. Cases are coming down and things should open for the tourists, the experience was really good. We don't see any risk and we have followed all covid protocols. It was a very wonderful experience. It's very important to open all the businesses as people depend on them.'' said Sarvind Yadav, a tourist from WION.

The lifting of restrictions in the valley has brought smiles to the faces of tourism stakeholders. They are hoping that arrivals will increase in the coming days. The stakeholders however are requesting the tourists to get vaccinated before the arrival and also get the test done before travelling.&nbsp;

''By God's grace, things are improving, but we have to win the war against the pandemic. We appeal to tourists to come here after being vaccinated, we won't allow them to take shikara rides without being vaccinated. We check the certificates first and then take them around. We ourselves got vaccinated. Tourists should come and we are hopeful they will. We have to keep our distance, wash ourselves and make sure to follow all covid protocols," said Abdul Razak, a shikara owner.&nbsp;

With the decrease in covid cases in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, tourism Industry is finally opening its door for tourists and they expect that within next few weeks there would be a revival of tourism in Kashmir valley.

Kashmir's tourism industry has been completely shattered due to Covid's second wave and lockdown. However, now, with cases finally coming down, the industry is now slowly opening and tourist arrivals have begun, with stakeholders hoping for a good summer season.

Kashmir's tourism industry has been completely shattered due to Covid's second wave and lockdown. However, now, with cases finally coming down, the industry is now slowly opening and tourist arrivals have begun, with stakeholders hoping for a good summer season. With the government allowing all hill stations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg to open and making sure that all covid protocols are followed, the hotels and houseboats around the Dal lake are opening too. Tourists could be seen taking shikara rides around the lake and enjoying pleasant weather. Also read | Local residents bring back a dead lake in Srinagar The tourist department along with the stakeholders are providing huge discounts to people arriving in Kashmir. Some hotels have slashed their prices by 50 per cent. ''Overall experience was very nice, Main areas are still under the lockdown as we have been here for the last ten days, Srinagar is opening slowly but gardens are yet to open. Apart from this, Pahalgam and Gulmarg are open, the gondola was shut but we have noticed that there aren't many covid cases here. Because of the lockdown since last one year, it has affected the business and we got a lot of cheap deals. Five star hotels are giving 50 per cent off, it's all because everything was shut," said Rounak, a tourist from Mumbai from WION. Also read | Specially-abled hold cricket matches across valley to help relieve stress amid COVID-19 While many tourists in the valley requested the government to open the gardens in the entire valley so that tourists can enjoy the beauty.''It was a very nice experience but gardens like tulips and Shalimar are not open yet. If people start coming I am sure they will open everything. And we have noticed that there are very few covid cases and I think the government should open the place now," said Forum R, a tourist. All the tourists arriving in the valley are being asked for their vaccination certificates as well as the test results of COVID-19. Tourists have also been asked to make sure that they follow all the Covid protocol. ''To come here in Covid, we started our journey from Rajasthan. We got our RT-PCR test, our antigen test, and all permission and E-pass. It's a wonderful experience here and we are very excited. People are welcoming. It's a positive way and cases are getting down, everyone is getting back to business and that's important.'' said Manoj Kumar, another tourist. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in the Kashmir valley and the government is slowly opening areas that were closed due to lockdown. ''We started from Jaipur from 12, we went to Leh and then came here. Cases are coming down and things should open for the tourists, the experience was really good. We don't see any risk and we have followed all covid protocols. It was a very wonderful experience. It's very important to open all the businesses as people depend on them.'' said Sarvind Yadav, a tourist from WION. The lifting of restrictions in the valley has brought smiles to the faces of tourism stakeholders. They are hoping that arrivals will increase in the coming days. The stakeholders however are requesting the tourists to get vaccinated before the arrival and also get the test done before travelling. ''By God's grace, things are improving, but we have to win the war against the pandemic. We appeal to tourists to come here after being vaccinated, we won't allow them to take shikara rides without being vaccinated. We check the certificates first and then take them around. We ourselves got vaccinated. Tourists should come and we are hopeful they will. We have to keep our distance, wash ourselves and make sure to follow all covid protocols," said Abdul Razak, a shikara owner. With the decrease in covid cases in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, tourism Industry is finally opening its door for tourists and they expect that within next few weeks there would be a revival of tourism in Kashmir valley.

Tourist arrivals start in Kashmir, stakeholders expect revival of industry

Pakistan President Arif Alvi has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's change of statements on Kashmir was 'not a u-turn' and a leader must change their stance as per the situation.

Pak Prez Alvi: Imran Khan's change of statements on Kashmir 'not a u-turn'

In Kashmir, artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley. But now, under the smart city project, local Kashmiri artists have been allowed to showcase their talent on the walls, flyovers and subways in the Srinagar city.

Kashmir: Artists can display their works on the walls, flyovers

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Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley.

However, under the smart city project,&nbsp;local Kashmiri artists have been allowed to showcase their talent on the walls, flyovers and subways in the Srinagar city. This is the first time artists have been given am opportunity to highlight their work.

Artists in the valley say that this is the first time that their work will be put up in public spaces for people to see.&nbsp;''I am happy about the fact that we have been given space to showcase our talent, we are making paintings and people are appreciating it. They are happy to see our work, those who are artists should keep painting and never give up. Never lose heart. This requires a lot of patience. It's a god's gift...", an artist, Mohd Sadiq told WION.

"There&nbsp;are no galleries here, there is no scope. Even Ladakh has a gallery but we don't, students who study art also have nowhere to showcase their work. Some of them become painters and a friend of mine who was a gold medalist is working as a mason as there was&nbsp;no scope and career for artists,”&nbsp;Sadiq added.

The paintings on the walls in the city mostly depict the culture of the Kashmir valley. They have painted Kashmir's famous hill stations, shawls,&nbsp;temples, houseboats and shikaras among many things.

"We are thankful that we are able to work on these walls. There is so much work for people outside the UT but here artists have no work. We have made shawls, house boats, artisans, ski players, temples, and shikaras in these spaces. I am extremely happy about it . And&nbsp;when people stop while we are working here to take pictures and videos of our work, it&nbsp;feels&nbsp;very good. Art is a god's gift and it's a talent you are born with,” another artist,&nbsp;Abdul Rashid told WION.

In the absence of valid platforms for art display, many creative minds in Kashmir have had to struggle. Due to this, they were unable to make inlays in public reach.&nbsp;Many artists want the government to intervene so that youngsters don't&nbsp;lose the hope of becoming artists or choosing it as their career.&nbsp;

''Something has to be done for the students who study art for 5 years.They should have some scope and some mode of earning. The government should do something. Otherwise people studying art will lose interest and there would be no artists,” Sadiq added.

The purpose of these paintings and artworks across the Srinagar&nbsp;city is not only for the beautification of the area but also for creating spaces for these artists to showcase their talent.&nbsp;
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Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley.

Kashmir has a centuries old art and craft industry but the artists have always had to struggle when it comes to showcasing their work, especially in the absence of any art galleries in Kashmir valley. However, under the smart city project, local Kashmiri artists have been allowed to showcase their talent on the walls, flyovers and subways in the Srinagar city. This is the first time artists have been given am opportunity to highlight their work. Artists in the valley say that this is the first time that their work will be put up in public spaces for people to see. ''I am happy about the fact that we have been given space to showcase our talent, we are making paintings and people are appreciating it. They are happy to see our work, those who are artists should keep painting and never give up. Never lose heart. This requires a lot of patience. It's a god's gift...", an artist, Mohd Sadiq told WION. "There are no galleries here, there is no scope. Even Ladakh has a gallery but we don't, students who study art also have nowhere to showcase their work. Some of them become painters and a friend of mine who was a gold medalist is working as a mason as there was no scope and career for artists,” Sadiq added. The paintings on the walls in the city mostly depict the culture of the Kashmir valley. They have painted Kashmir's famous hill stations, shawls, temples, houseboats and shikaras among many things. "We are thankful that we are able to work on these walls. There is so much work for people outside the UT but here artists have no work. We have made shawls, house boats, artisans, ski players, temples, and shikaras in these spaces. I am extremely happy about it . And when people stop while we are working here to take pictures and videos of our work, it feels very good. Art is a god's gift and it's a talent you are born with,” another artist, Abdul Rashid told WION. In the absence of valid platforms for art display, many creative minds in Kashmir have had to struggle. Due to this, they were unable to make inlays in public reach. Many artists want the government to intervene so that youngsters don't lose the hope of becoming artists or choosing it as their career. ''Something has to be done for the students who study art for 5 years.They should have some scope and some mode of earning. The government should do something. Otherwise people studying art will lose interest and there would be no artists,” Sadiq added. The purpose of these paintings and artworks across the Srinagar city is not only for the beautification of the area but also for creating spaces for these artists to showcase their talent.

In absence of art galleries, Kashmiri artists paint public spaces to showcase their work

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'.&nbsp;

The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&amp;K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. &nbsp;

During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial.&nbsp;

The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith".&nbsp;

Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. &nbsp;

Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India. &nbsp;

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan.

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'. The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial. The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith". Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India.

India slams UNGA prez Bozkir's Kashmir remarks; Says comments 'unacceptable' 

It was a bumper produce year for strawberry growers in Jammu and Kashmir. The crop saw about a 20% increase but it did not turn out to be a cause for cheer for the farmers because they have have nowhere to sell due to market closure amid Coronavirus pandemic.

Despite bumper produce, strawberry farmers in Kashmir stare at huge losses

This is a bumper produce year for strawberry growers in Kashmir. On average, the crop has seen 20 per cent&nbsp;increase, but this is not a cause of cheer for the growers.&nbsp;

High produce has very little value with no market available due to COVID-19 lockdown across the region. The farmers allege the government hasn’t tried to rescue their crops.

Manzoor Ahmad, a strawberry farmer in Srinagar's Batapora area, is among the leading strawberry growers in the valley. He says they have incurred more than 50-60 per cent losses.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/group-of-volunteers-helps-transgender-community-in-kashmir-with-food-kits-amid-covid-387082" hreflang="en">Group of volunteers helps transgender community in Kashmir with food kits amid Covid</a>

''If we compare it to last year, we have had 20 per cent extra produce this time and also the fruit quality is really good. However, due to lockdown, we have no customers, and we are incurring huge losses. Our rates have gone down and the government is doing nothing,"&nbsp;said Manzoor Ahmad, a strawberry farmer.

&nbsp;"Our main source of Income is strawberry farming and due to lockdown, we have to bear 50-60 per cent losses this year. Earlier, we used to sell this in different districts, also to vendors on the boulevard, downtown or other areas. We even sold in ganderbal, shopian and north Kashmir districts."

The&nbsp;farmers are completely on their own and have time and again approached the government for cold storage for strawberries as the fruit has a small shelf life.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-shopian-one-of-first-districts-to-achieve-100-vaccination-among-people-above-45-387329" hreflang="en">J&amp;K: Shopian one of first districts to achieve 100% vaccination among people above 45</a>

''Government has zero role in this, we sell it ourselves in mandis. We request the government to at least make cold storage or make a policy as they have for saffron or orchards or cherries. People should get interested in farming but they are losing it due to no schemes. Last year, we had around 100 hectares of land utilised for strawberry farming but this year it was only 70-80," Ahmad said.

Another strawberry farmer claimed that last year even during the covid lockdown, they managed to sell it to local people but this year with no traffic and no open market, the rates have gone down and there is no one to buy.&nbsp;

''Production was good this year, and with no market, we have to throw our produce away. Even if we have produced more fruit this year, we are still going to bear losses," said Shabir Ahmad, farmer.&nbsp;

The farmer's only hope is if the state government comes to their rescue by either helping them in the storage of the produce or in selling the fruit in different markets.

This is a bumper produce year for strawberry growers in Kashmir. On average, the crop has seen 20 per cent increase, but this is not a cause of cheer for the growers.

This is a bumper produce year for strawberry growers in Kashmir. On average, the crop has seen 20 per cent increase, but this is not a cause of cheer for the growers. High produce has very little value with no market available due to COVID-19 lockdown across the region. The farmers allege the government hasn’t tried to rescue their crops. Manzoor Ahmad, a strawberry farmer in Srinagar's Batapora area, is among the leading strawberry growers in the valley. He says they have incurred more than 50-60 per cent losses. Also read | Group of volunteers helps transgender community in Kashmir with food kits amid Covid ''If we compare it to last year, we have had 20 per cent extra produce this time and also the fruit quality is really good. However, due to lockdown, we have no customers, and we are incurring huge losses. Our rates have gone down and the government is doing nothing," said Manzoor Ahmad, a strawberry farmer. "Our main source of Income is strawberry farming and due to lockdown, we have to bear 50-60 per cent losses this year. Earlier, we used to sell this in different districts, also to vendors on the boulevard, downtown or other areas. We even sold in ganderbal, shopian and north Kashmir districts." The farmers are completely on their own and have time and again approached the government for cold storage for strawberries as the fruit has a small shelf life. Also read | J&K: Shopian one of first districts to achieve 100% vaccination among people above 45 ''Government has zero role in this, we sell it ourselves in mandis. We request the government to at least make cold storage or make a policy as they have for saffron or orchards or cherries. People should get interested in farming but they are losing it due to no schemes. Last year, we had around 100 hectares of land utilised for strawberry farming but this year it was only 70-80," Ahmad said. Another strawberry farmer claimed that last year even during the covid lockdown, they managed to sell it to local people but this year with no traffic and no open market, the rates have gone down and there is no one to buy. ''Production was good this year, and with no market, we have to throw our produce away. Even if we have produced more fruit this year, we are still going to bear losses," said Shabir Ahmad, farmer. The farmer's only hope is if the state government comes to their rescue by either helping them in the storage of the produce or in selling the fruit in different markets.

Bumper strawberry produce in Kashmir, but lack of market leads to huge losses

Jammu & Kashmir is all set to create a vaccination record of being the first region in India with four districts completing the target of vaccinating all people above the age of 45 with at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

J&K: 4 districts achieve 100% vaccination of people above 45

The pandemic has hit almost all sections of the society in&nbsp;ways more than one. Scores have been left jobless and many have been left to fend for themselves as lockdowns have prolonged. One of the lesser talked about sections is the transgender community in Kashmir, which seems to have been severely impacted as their sources of income have dried up.

Khushi Mir, a transgender from Srinagar has been without a job for more than a year. Khushi is a make-up artist and she has not had a client since the start of pandemic . Her clients mostly were brides and due to lockdown, there have been&nbsp;no weddings which means no business for her.

But that did not stop her from creating a group where not only has she managed to help herself but hundreds of other transgenders. Along with four young boys, she started&nbsp;a volunteer group. They're currently distributing food kits to the transgender community.&nbsp;

"A friend called me a few weeks ago and was in a very desperate situation, they had no food. I tried helping first on a personal level but later when I started getting more calls. I got in touch with Uzair. We are a group of 5 and we are trying our best to reach as many transgenders as possible. We have a list on 400 with us and slowly we are providing food kits to all of them.'' says Khushi Mir, a volunteer.

Khushi, on her own managed to make a network among the transgender community in the valley. They have listed 400 so far. These transgenders were make-up artists, singers and matchmakers. But due to lockdown they have lost their livelihoods.&nbsp;

Transgender community experiences&nbsp;harassment which has&nbsp;impacted the rates of vaccination&nbsp;among the community. They're&nbsp;requesting the government to start a special vaccination drive or to stipulate a centre for their community.&nbsp;

''We want separate vaccination centres for our community. Some people make fun of us while we walk on the roads, we don't want to go through that humiliation during our vaccination. So, a small vaccination centre for us would be a great help by the government.'' says Khushi Mir, Volunteer.&nbsp;

Among the other four&nbsp;members of the group are Mir Junaid and Uzair Dar. They have managed to crowd fund this project. Multiple people and organisations from across the country have donated for this cause.&nbsp;

''We distribute a ration kit [to] transgenders. The kit includes 25 kgs rice, 5 litre oil, spices, tea, sugar and salt. It costs us around 2500 rupees to make per kit. We have a list of 400 transgenders in total with us. In our first drive, we managed to reach out to 50 people,'' says Uzair Dar, Volunteer. The community claims that they have not received any help from the government.&nbsp;

The pandemic has hit almost all sections of the society in ways more than one. Scores have been left jobless and many have been left to fend for themselves as lockdowns have prolonged.

The pandemic has hit almost all sections of the society in ways more than one. Scores have been left jobless and many have been left to fend for themselves as lockdowns have prolonged. One of the lesser talked about sections is the transgender community in Kashmir, which seems to have been severely impacted as their sources of income have dried up. Khushi Mir, a transgender from Srinagar has been without a job for more than a year. Khushi is a make-up artist and she has not had a client since the start of pandemic . Her clients mostly were brides and due to lockdown, there have been no weddings which means no business for her. But that did not stop her from creating a group where not only has she managed to help herself but hundreds of other transgenders. Along with four young boys, she started a volunteer group. They're currently distributing food kits to the transgender community. "A friend called me a few weeks ago and was in a very desperate situation, they had no food. I tried helping first on a personal level but later when I started getting more calls. I got in touch with Uzair. We are a group of 5 and we are trying our best to reach as many transgenders as possible. We have a list on 400 with us and slowly we are providing food kits to all of them.'' says Khushi Mir, a volunteer. Khushi, on her own managed to make a network among the transgender community in the valley. They have listed 400 so far. These transgenders were make-up artists, singers and matchmakers. But due to lockdown they have lost their livelihoods. Transgender community experiences harassment which has impacted the rates of vaccination among the community. They're requesting the government to start a special vaccination drive or to stipulate a centre for their community. ''We want separate vaccination centres for our community. Some people make fun of us while we walk on the roads, we don't want to go through that humiliation during our vaccination. So, a small vaccination centre for us would be a great help by the government.'' says Khushi Mir, Volunteer. Among the other four members of the group are Mir Junaid and Uzair Dar. They have managed to crowd fund this project. Multiple people and organisations from across the country have donated for this cause. ''We distribute a ration kit [to] transgenders. The kit includes 25 kgs rice, 5 litre oil, spices, tea, sugar and salt. It costs us around 2500 rupees to make per kit. We have a list of 400 transgenders in total with us. In our first drive, we managed to reach out to 50 people,'' says Uzair Dar, Volunteer. The community claims that they have not received any help from the government.

Group of volunteers helps transgender community in Kashmir with food kits amid Covid

Kashmir's music industry was in shambles for the last three decades. There were no music albums or songs released for years until the young brigade took it on themselves to revive this industry. The pace is slow but these young artists are making every effort to put life back into this industry.

Young brigade steps up efforts to revive Kashmir's music industry

A coffee shop at the Kaman Aman Setu, has been established by Indian Army. This coffee shop will be hosting people from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and also people from all across the country.

Kashmir: Coffee shop opened by Indian Army at Kaman Aman Setu

While the whole country is grappling with growing COVID-19 positive cases, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a huge increase in the cases as well COVID-19 related deaths. And the government has said that to beat this second deadly wave in the country, vaccination is the only way out.

However, Kashmir valley is facing an immense shortage of vaccines. According to a government release, not a single dose of vaccine has been given to people in the last 5 days. The J&amp;K media bulletin clearly shows that in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley, not a single vaccine dose has been given to any citizen.

Amarjit Kaur and her father have been coming to the vaccination centre every day for the last 5 consecutive days, but every day they are being sent back as the vaccination centre has no vaccines.&nbsp;

"I have been coming here for almost a week and we are not given a dose, my father is above 50 and he has not been given his first dose yet. They have been telling us every day to come after a few days. My father is a daily wage worker and he has to go out to work so we need him to be vaccinated for sure. They are not vaccinating people above 45, my chance stands very bleak,'' said Amarjit Kaur, a resident.&nbsp;

The daughter-father duo is not the only one who had to return disappointed from the vaccination centre. People in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley are facing the same problem. From daily wagers to Government employees, everyone is waiting for vaccines to arrive so that they can get their Jab.

"They are saying there is no vaccine, we asked them to tell us when it will arrive, they are saying for the next one week they have no idea when it will be available. On one side the Government says get vaccinated and on the other, there are no vaccines available,'' said Ruhi Jan, a government employee.&nbsp;

However, the office of Lt Governor has said that ''A timeline has been set of 10 days for 100 per cent vaccination of above 45 age group with the first dose in all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir''. But the situation on the ground is completely different.&nbsp;

While the whole country is grappling with growing COVID-19 positive cases, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a huge increase in the cases as well COVID-19 related deaths.

While the whole country is grappling with growing COVID-19 positive cases, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a huge increase in the cases as well COVID-19 related deaths. And the government has said that to beat this second deadly wave in the country, vaccination is the only way out. However, Kashmir valley is facing an immense shortage of vaccines. According to a government release, not a single dose of vaccine has been given to people in the last 5 days. The J&K media bulletin clearly shows that in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley, not a single vaccine dose has been given to any citizen. Amarjit Kaur and her father have been coming to the vaccination centre every day for the last 5 consecutive days, but every day they are being sent back as the vaccination centre has no vaccines. "I have been coming here for almost a week and we are not given a dose, my father is above 50 and he has not been given his first dose yet. They have been telling us every day to come after a few days. My father is a daily wage worker and he has to go out to work so we need him to be vaccinated for sure. They are not vaccinating people above 45, my chance stands very bleak,'' said Amarjit Kaur, a resident. The daughter-father duo is not the only one who had to return disappointed from the vaccination centre. People in all the ten districts of Kashmir valley are facing the same problem. From daily wagers to Government employees, everyone is waiting for vaccines to arrive so that they can get their Jab. "They are saying there is no vaccine, we asked them to tell us when it will arrive, they are saying for the next one week they have no idea when it will be available. On one side the Government says get vaccinated and on the other, there are no vaccines available,'' said Ruhi Jan, a government employee. However, the office of Lt Governor has said that ''A timeline has been set of 10 days for 100 per cent vaccination of above 45 age group with the first dose in all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir''. But the situation on the ground is completely different.

COVID-19: Due to acute shortage, vaccine drive grinds to a halt in Kashmir valley

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine. They said that action will be taken against social media users who try ' ‘to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order in the Kashmir valley.’

“We are a professional force and are sensitive to public anguish. But J&amp;K police has a legal responsibility to ensure law and order as well. It, however, wouldn’t allow cynical encashment of the public anger to trigger violence, lawlessness and disorder on Kashmir streets," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Kashmir

The police say people have the right to express their opinions but they cannot hold any protests during the Covid pandemic. IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar stressed that engineering and inciting violence on streets is unlawful.

All irresponsible social media comments that result in actual violence and breaking of the law including Covid protocol will attract legal action.

Police have urged people to cooperate and desist from inciting tension in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine. They said that action will be taken against social media users who try ' ‘to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order in the Kashmir valley.’ “We are a professional force and are sensitive to public anguish. But J&K police has a legal responsibility to ensure law and order as well. It, however, wouldn’t allow cynical encashment of the public anger to trigger violence, lawlessness and disorder on Kashmir streets," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Kashmir The police say people have the right to express their opinions but they cannot hold any protests during the Covid pandemic. IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar stressed that engineering and inciting violence on streets is unlawful. All irresponsible social media comments that result in actual violence and breaking of the law including Covid protocol will attract legal action. Police have urged people to cooperate and desist from inciting tension in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Police to take action against sensitive social media content on Palestine

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle.&nbsp;

At around 4 am IST, security forces got a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in a residential house at village Sheikhpora, Vailoo area of Kokernag, after which a joint cordon and search operation was launched by police, 19RR and CRPF.&nbsp;

Security forces gave an opportunity to the terrorists to surrender, however they fired on security forces after which the firing from both sides started.&nbsp;

"Bodies of the killed terrorists were retrieved from the site of encounter and they have been identified as Ilyas Ahmad Dar alias Sameer resident of Danwathpora Kokernag, Ubaid Shafi alias Abdullah resident of Batamaloo Srinagar and Aqib Ahmad Lone alias Sahil resident of Khandaypora Kulgam. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT and part of the groups involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and security establishments,"&nbsp;police in a press release said.&nbsp;

Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site by security forces. The ammunition included one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and other incriminating material.&nbsp;

Kashmir Zone IG Vijay Kumar lauded the role of security forces for conducting operation without any collateral damage.&nbsp;

“I congratulate police &amp; security forces for conducting successful operation without any collateral damage. I also appeal&nbsp;the parents of the misguided youth to help police to bring their wards back into mainstream.” Kumar said.

The police however said that the rites of the killed terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and the nearest family members of local terrorist shall be allowed to participate in the last rites. 
&nbsp;

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle.

In an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, three terrorists belonging to LeT were neutralised after a six-hour gun battle. At around 4 am IST, security forces got a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in a residential house at village Sheikhpora, Vailoo area of Kokernag, after which a joint cordon and search operation was launched by police, 19RR and CRPF. Security forces gave an opportunity to the terrorists to surrender, however they fired on security forces after which the firing from both sides started. "Bodies of the killed terrorists were retrieved from the site of encounter and they have been identified as Ilyas Ahmad Dar alias Sameer resident of Danwathpora Kokernag, Ubaid Shafi alias Abdullah resident of Batamaloo Srinagar and Aqib Ahmad Lone alias Sahil resident of Khandaypora Kulgam. As per police records, all the killed terrorists were linked with proscribed terror outfit LeT and part of the groups involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on security forces and security establishments," police in a press release said. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the encounter site by security forces. The ammunition included one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and other incriminating material. Kashmir Zone IG Vijay Kumar lauded the role of security forces for conducting operation without any collateral damage. “I congratulate police & security forces for conducting successful operation without any collateral damage. I also appeal the parents of the misguided youth to help police to bring their wards back into mainstream.” Kumar said. The police however said that the rites of the killed terrorists shall be performed after conducting medico-legal formalities and the nearest family members of local terrorist shall be allowed to participate in the last rites.

Three terrorists killed in encounter in Kashmir

With the increasing numbers of Covid positive patients across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, people are finding it difficult to get a hospital bed in state-run hospitals. Now, the Indian Army has come to the rescue of the administration by setting up a 250-bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangret area.&nbsp;

A facility inside the army camp has been established with a capacity of more than 250 beds. The hospital has ICU and HDU facilities available with seven doctors and 35 paramedical staff.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-general-assembly-president-volkan-bozkir-postpones-india-trip-due-to-covid-19-383051" hreflang="en">UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir postpones India trip due to COVID-19</a>

''We at Chinar Corp want to tell the people of Kashmir that we are with you in the fight against the Covid. Whatever is possible, we will do it. We have started this Covid facility today. We have a state health department with us and we have established this facility with ICU beds, HDU, X-ray and a laboratory. The process of admission is simple, health services will refer the patients and we will take them in.'' said S Seth, Brigadier, Indian Army.

Around 3,500 positive cases are reported in the Union Territory every day making it very difficult for the hospitals. However, this step will ease out a lot of pressure on the state health department.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-stays-delhi-hc-order-on-contempt-proceedings-against-centres-officials-over-oxygen-supply-383046" hreflang="en">SC stays Delhi HC order on contempt proceedings against Centre's officials over oxygen supply</a>

"This hospital is a joint venture between the army and department of health. Almost all hospitals in the UT are full so in this situation, this joint venture is going to ease the pressure from many hospitals, we have an ICU ward with 20 ventilators. Each and every ventilator counts, each bed counts. We are ready to receive the patients.'' said Dr Mudasir Ahmad.&nbsp;

The army had established the same facility last year when the pandemic had started, but at that time only asymptomatic patients were taken into this facility.&nbsp;

With the increasing numbers of Covid positive patients across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, people are finding it difficult to get a hospital bed in state-run hospitals.

With the increasing numbers of Covid positive patients across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, people are finding it difficult to get a hospital bed in state-run hospitals. Now, the Indian Army has come to the rescue of the administration by setting up a 250-bed Covid hospital in Srinagar's Rangret area. A facility inside the army camp has been established with a capacity of more than 250 beds. The hospital has ICU and HDU facilities available with seven doctors and 35 paramedical staff. Also read | UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir postpones India trip due to COVID-19 ''We at Chinar Corp want to tell the people of Kashmir that we are with you in the fight against the Covid. Whatever is possible, we will do it. We have started this Covid facility today. We have a state health department with us and we have established this facility with ICU beds, HDU, X-ray and a laboratory. The process of admission is simple, health services will refer the patients and we will take them in.'' said S Seth, Brigadier, Indian Army. Around 3,500 positive cases are reported in the Union Territory every day making it very difficult for the hospitals. However, this step will ease out a lot of pressure on the state health department. Also read | SC stays Delhi HC order on contempt proceedings against Centre's officials over oxygen supply "This hospital is a joint venture between the army and department of health. Almost all hospitals in the UT are full so in this situation, this joint venture is going to ease the pressure from many hospitals, we have an ICU ward with 20 ventilators. Each and every ventilator counts, each bed counts. We are ready to receive the patients.'' said Dr Mudasir Ahmad. The army had established the same facility last year when the pandemic had started, but at that time only asymptomatic patients were taken into this facility.

Indian Army establishes Covid hospital in Kashmir

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation.

Taking to his Twitter handle this morning, PM Modi said, "Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator &amp; a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policymaking. Condolences to his family &amp; admirers."&nbsp;

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Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator and a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policy making. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
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Born in September 1927, Jagmohan was a former Indian civil servant, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Goa, as well as the 5th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jagmohan served two terms as governor in Kashmir – from 1984 to 89, and then from January to May 1990.

When the BJP’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister in 1998, Jagmohan served in his cabinet in a variety of portfolios, including communications, urban development and tourism. During the 1990s, Jagmohan had served as nominated MP in the Rajya Sabha in 1990–96 and won a hat-trick of Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi (1996, 1998 and 1999).

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan Malhotra passed away at the age of 94 after a brief illness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the death of the veteran leader and said his demise is a monumental loss for our nation. Taking to his Twitter handle this morning, PM Modi said, "Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator & a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policymaking. Condolences to his family & admirers." Jagmohan Ji’s demise is a monumental loss for our nation. He was an exemplary administrator and a renowned scholar. He always worked towards the betterment of India. His ministerial tenure was marked by innovative policy making. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 4, 2021 × Born in September 1927, Jagmohan was a former Indian civil servant, who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Goa, as well as the 5th Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Jagmohan served two terms as governor in Kashmir – from 1984 to 89, and then from January to May 1990. When the BJP’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister in 1998, Jagmohan served in his cabinet in a variety of portfolios, including communications, urban development and tourism. During the 1990s, Jagmohan had served as nominated MP in the Rajya Sabha in 1990–96 and won a hat-trick of Lok Sabha elections from New Delhi (1996, 1998 and 1999). (With inputs from agencies)

Former Jammu and Kashmir governor Jagmohan passes away in Delhi

Kashmir’s Pashmina and Sozni (needle) work is famous all over the world but with the changing market trends, this craft is gasping for survival.

However, a specially-abled man is not only trying to save this art but has also brought together 40 more people like him and created a self-help group with a focus on the revival of this craft.&nbsp;

Every morning in the neighbourhood of Gotapora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district voices singing songs of joy and love echo. It is Tariq Ahmad and his associates starting their day at work with Kashmiri folk songs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-madras-alumnis-startup-3d-prints-600sqft-concrete-home-comprising-hall-kitchen-bedroom-381123" hreflang="en">IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom</a>

Tariq is an award-winning Sozni craftsman and has been suffering from muscular dystrophy, a rare neurological disorder that leads to degeneration of muscles. His condition hasn’t held him back from starting this group of 40 craftsmen. They have aptly named it the 'Special Hands of Kashmir'.

It's the first time any such group of specially-abled people in the valley have come together and are creating unique pieces of craft.&nbsp;

"I am thankful to you for coming to us, Special Hands of Kashmir is a group of artisans who are specially-abled, I am myself 90 per cent handicap but we are committed to promote and revive the craft of Sozni. We need to bring in new designs, new products to create a market," Tariq Ahmad said. "We, at Special Hands, tried a few new things like khadi sari with Sozni work, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked people to promote Khadi. It got us inspired and we made use of it. We got a great response. We are trying to keep the traditional work alive with bringing in new changes as well.''&nbsp;

Tariq has received many national and state awards for his exemplary work. He has helped in reviving the art of Sozni in the valley and also managed to put a big group of specially-abled together to save the craft. For him, it all started from his home as two of his brothers also suffer from the same disorder as him. That has not stopped the brothers from fulfilling their dreams.

"We are three brothers, all handicapped. Our father has been working on this craft for many decades, and he encouraged us to take up this craft. People used to treat us a little different and many thought we would not do anything but beg on the streets. I wanted to do something so I decided that not only my family but I should get others who are looked down upon by society to work with us. I managed to get dozens of specially-abled people to join this group so that they can earn their livelihood&nbsp;and now I am proud of it. People who used to say they won't be able to do anything, we proved them wrong. I am sure we will have more than 1000 artisans who are specially-abled joining us in the future," Ahmad said.&nbsp;

There are around 40 specially-abled craftsmen working with Tariq and more than 500 are associated with his group indirectly. He has personally trained all of these 40 artisans and wants to create a chain where more and more people could join this group. His only goal is to work for specially-abled and make them independent.&nbsp;

"Tariq and I have known each other for long. He told me about his group and asked me to join. He convinced me that after joining I will be independent and able to earn my livelihood. Although my family is into the same craft, it was Tariq who trained me and helped me and today I am able to earn my livelihood. Now we are also asking others to join us so that they can earn their livelihood from this too,"&nbsp;said Shahnawaz Ahmad, a member of the group.&nbsp;

Tariq is not only incorporating new designs into this craft but has also become an inspiration to thousands of specially-abled across the country by giving them hope that they can achieve their dreams too.

Kashmir’s Pashmina and Sozni (needle) work is famous all over the world but with the changing market trends, this craft is gasping for survival. However, a specially-abled man is not only trying to save this art but has also brought together 40 more people like him and created a self-help group with a focus on the revival of this craft.

Kashmir’s Pashmina and Sozni (needle) work is famous all over the world but with the changing market trends, this craft is gasping for survival. However, a specially-abled man is not only trying to save this art but has also brought together 40 more people like him and created a self-help group with a focus on the revival of this craft. Every morning in the neighbourhood of Gotapora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district voices singing songs of joy and love echo. It is Tariq Ahmad and his associates starting their day at work with Kashmiri folk songs. Also read | IIT Madras alumni’s startup 3D prints 600sqft concrete home comprising hall, kitchen, bedroom Tariq is an award-winning Sozni craftsman and has been suffering from muscular dystrophy, a rare neurological disorder that leads to degeneration of muscles. His condition hasn’t held him back from starting this group of 40 craftsmen. They have aptly named it the 'Special Hands of Kashmir'. It's the first time any such group of specially-abled people in the valley have come together and are creating unique pieces of craft. "I am thankful to you for coming to us, Special Hands of Kashmir is a group of artisans who are specially-abled, I am myself 90 per cent handicap but we are committed to promote and revive the craft of Sozni. We need to bring in new designs, new products to create a market," Tariq Ahmad said. "We, at Special Hands, tried a few new things like khadi sari with Sozni work, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked people to promote Khadi. It got us inspired and we made use of it. We got a great response. We are trying to keep the traditional work alive with bringing in new changes as well.'' Tariq has received many national and state awards for his exemplary work. He has helped in reviving the art of Sozni in the valley and also managed to put a big group of specially-abled together to save the craft. For him, it all started from his home as two of his brothers also suffer from the same disorder as him. That has not stopped the brothers from fulfilling their dreams. "We are three brothers, all handicapped. Our father has been working on this craft for many decades, and he encouraged us to take up this craft. People used to treat us a little different and many thought we would not do anything but beg on the streets. I wanted to do something so I decided that not only my family but I should get others who are looked down upon by society to work with us. I managed to get dozens of specially-abled people to join this group so that they can earn their livelihood and now I am proud of it. People who used to say they won't be able to do anything, we proved them wrong. I am sure we will have more than 1000 artisans who are specially-abled joining us in the future," Ahmad said. There are around 40 specially-abled craftsmen working with Tariq and more than 500 are associated with his group indirectly. He has personally trained all of these 40 artisans and wants to create a chain where more and more people could join this group. His only goal is to work for specially-abled and make them independent. "Tariq and I have known each other for long. He told me about his group and asked me to join. He convinced me that after joining I will be independent and able to earn my livelihood. Although my family is into the same craft, it was Tariq who trained me and helped me and today I am able to earn my livelihood. Now we are also asking others to join us so that they can earn their livelihood from this too," said Shahnawaz Ahmad, a member of the group. Tariq is not only incorporating new designs into this craft but has also become an inspiration to thousands of specially-abled across the country by giving them hope that they can achieve their dreams too.

Specially-abled artisans saving the Pashmina and Sozni craft

The Paper Mache has traveled from Iran to Kashmir in the 15th century. The Kashmiri Paper Mache artisans, they have converted a variety of articles into attractive works of art.

Paper Mache: One of the oldest crafts of Kashmir

A senior diplomat confirmed that the UAE is mediating between India and Pakistan on a lasting Kashmir resolution. Are the Emirati royals behind Islamabad's softening approach to India? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Did the UAE broker Indo-Pak talks?

The United Arab Emirates’ envoy to US confirmed that the Gulf state is mediating between India and Pakistan to help the nuclear-armed rivals reach a “healthy and functional” relationship. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said that the UAE played a role “in bringing Kashmir escalation down and created a ceasefire".

Emirates’ envoy to US confirmed UAE mediation between India and Pakistan

In Jammu and Kashmir, a soldier was shot in the valley - on a day when local designers were holding a fashion show for over 500 guests. But, the efforts by some to sow fear are not working. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the people of J&K are taking control of their lives.

Gravitas: Jammu and Kashmir: Caught in conflicting narratives

In a dramatic U-turn, the Pakistani cabinet has deferred the import of sugar and cotton from India. The&nbsp;flip flop came&nbsp;a day after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had given approval for import of white sugar from India up to 500,000 metric tonne&nbsp;till June 30, and import of cotton till the date.&nbsp;

Restoration of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has been a key issue for Islamabad vis a vis import of sugar and cotton.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-u-turns-decision-to-import-of-sugar-cotton-from-india-374837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, "Cabinet deferred the decision, till India reverses the 5th August decision of 2019, till that time it won't be easy to normalise the things".

Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meet, said, "We have deferred the import of sugar and cotton till India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir".

India had removed article 370 or special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. As a reaction to it, Islamabad recalled its envoy from New Delhi, cut trade ties and people-to-people relationship by suspending train and bus services.&nbsp;

Pakistani government sources told WION that Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, Sheikh Rashid, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Finance Minister Asad Umar had opposed the proposal by ECC on imports from India, which led to the matter being deferred in the federal Cabinet meeting.

Earlier today,&nbsp;sources in Delhi told WION they were fine with Pakistan's decision to import sugar and cotton from India. Pakistan doesn't require any permission to import from India as New Delhi hasn't banned exports to Pakistan.

The development comes&nbsp;even as there has been some positive sentiment by both Delhi and Islamabad.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, militaries of both the countries came up with a joint statement for observance of the 2003 ceasefire pace at Line of Control.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Pakistan's National Day on March 23, to which the latter replied. Other than this, while on his visit to Colombo, the Pakistani PM's plane had requested for the use of Indian air space.&nbsp;

There have not been any formal talks between the two sides for years now, and ties deteriorated after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.

In a dramatic U-turn, the Pakistani cabinet has deferred the import of sugar and cotton from India. The flip flop came a day after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had given approval for import of white sugar from India up to 500,000 metric tonne till June 30, and import of cotton till the date.

In a dramatic U-turn, the Pakistani cabinet has deferred the import of sugar and cotton from India. The flip flop came a day after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had given approval for import of white sugar from India up to 500,000 metric tonne till June 30, and import of cotton till the date. Restoration of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has been a key issue for Islamabad vis a vis import of sugar and cotton. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, "Cabinet deferred the decision, till India reverses the 5th August decision of 2019, till that time it won't be easy to normalise the things". Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meet, said, "We have deferred the import of sugar and cotton till India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir". India had removed article 370 or special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. As a reaction to it, Islamabad recalled its envoy from New Delhi, cut trade ties and people-to-people relationship by suspending train and bus services. Pakistani government sources told WION that Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, Sheikh Rashid, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Finance Minister Asad Umar had opposed the proposal by ECC on imports from India, which led to the matter being deferred in the federal Cabinet meeting. Earlier today, sources in Delhi told WION they were fine with Pakistan's decision to import sugar and cotton from India. Pakistan doesn't require any permission to import from India as New Delhi hasn't banned exports to Pakistan. The development comes even as there has been some positive sentiment by both Delhi and Islamabad. Earlier this year, militaries of both the countries came up with a joint statement for observance of the 2003 ceasefire pace at Line of Control. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Pakistan's National Day on March 23, to which the latter replied. Other than this, while on his visit to Colombo, the Pakistani PM's plane had requested for the use of Indian air space. There have not been any formal talks between the two sides for years now, and ties deteriorated after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.

Flip flop! Pakistan makes a U-turn on import of cotton, sugar from India, citing Kashmir

The United States highlighted a deteriorating picture for&nbsp;human&nbsp;rights across the world on Tuesday.

The State Department released reports on the&nbsp;rights situation last year in nearly 200 countries, which are required annually by law.

The report states that India has several significant human right issues including unlawful and arbitrary killings, restrictions on freedom of expression, corruption and tolerance of violations of religious freedom.

However, it appreciated the restoration of normalcy in Kashmir, saying ''The government continued taking steps to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by gradually lifting some security and communications restrictions.''

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-human-rights-report-lambasts-china-over-uighur-atrocities-374537">US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities</a>

The trendlines on human rights continue to move in the wrong direction, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

Governments that respect human rights are more likely to support the rules-based international order that the US and its allies have built and invested in for decades and decades, Blinken said.

Some have argued that it is not worth it for the US to speak up forcefully for human rights or highlight abuse only in select countries and only in a way that "directly advances our national interests", he noted.

"We will hear from some countries as we do every year that we have no right to criticise them because we have our own challenges to deal with," he said.&nbsp;

America's judgement is unsolicited as neither India nor any other country asked for the report.

The information for the report is collected from random sources NGOs, academics and activists. Their&nbsp;opinions are influenced by their politics.

The report praises allies of the United States. Blinken himself admitted that the US has to work on itself and is open towards the idea.&nbsp;

George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd lay on the pavement in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Floyd’s death has sparked global protests about racial inequality and police brutality, and renewed pledges from some to fight racism.

The number of immigrant families apprehended by US&nbsp;agents along the southern border nearly tripled in February from a month earlier to about 19,000 people. Hunger and poverty are spurring their flight. So is disinformation that has rocketed across social media and by word of mouth that the US&nbsp;border is now wide open.

According to government statistics, on Monday the&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services,&nbsp;had 12,035 migrant children in its care, while the US Customs and Border Protection, the agency which first processes migrants, was holding another 4,068.&nbsp;

American troops deployed all across the world&nbsp;commit horrendous crimes&nbsp;in the name of security and get get a free pass for them in there country.

American presidents have carpet-bombed civilians and&nbsp;starved rival nations with sanctions.

The United States highlighted a deteriorating picture for human rights across the world on Tuesday. The State Department released reports on the rights situation last year in nearly 200 countries, which are required annually by law.

The United States highlighted a deteriorating picture for human rights across the world on Tuesday. The State Department released reports on the rights situation last year in nearly 200 countries, which are required annually by law. The report states that India has several significant human right issues including unlawful and arbitrary killings, restrictions on freedom of expression, corruption and tolerance of violations of religious freedom. However, it appreciated the restoration of normalcy in Kashmir, saying ''The government continued taking steps to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by gradually lifting some security and communications restrictions.'' Also read| US human rights report lambasts China over Uighur atrocities The trendlines on human rights continue to move in the wrong direction, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said. Governments that respect human rights are more likely to support the rules-based international order that the US and its allies have built and invested in for decades and decades, Blinken said. Some have argued that it is not worth it for the US to speak up forcefully for human rights or highlight abuse only in select countries and only in a way that "directly advances our national interests", he noted. "We will hear from some countries as we do every year that we have no right to criticise them because we have our own challenges to deal with," he said. America's judgement is unsolicited as neither India nor any other country asked for the report. The information for the report is collected from random sources NGOs, academics and activists. Their opinions are influenced by their politics. The report praises allies of the United States. Blinken himself admitted that the US has to work on itself and is open towards the idea. George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd lay on the pavement in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Floyd’s death has sparked global protests about racial inequality and police brutality, and renewed pledges from some to fight racism. The number of immigrant families apprehended by US agents along the southern border nearly tripled in February from a month earlier to about 19,000 people. Hunger and poverty are spurring their flight. So is disinformation that has rocketed across social media and by word of mouth that the US border is now wide open. According to government statistics, on Monday the Department of Health and Human Services, had 12,035 migrant children in its care, while the US Customs and Border Protection, the agency which first processes migrants, was holding another 4,068. American troops deployed all across the world commit horrendous crimes in the name of security and get get a free pass for them in there country. American presidents have carpet-bombed civilians and starved rival nations with sanctions.

Are human rights a US monopoly?

Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Saturday (local time) said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan were a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir but have been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947.&nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference at Geneva on human rights violations in Pakistan and the occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, he said UKPNP is opposed to the use of religion as a weapon and terrorism as a foreign policy tool. &nbsp;

He said the Article 257 constitution of Pakistan is a provision related to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, "when the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan and that State shall be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people of that State." &nbsp;

According to a UN resolution, Pakistan is obligated to ensure life, liberty, the dignity of the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, he said. &nbsp;

The people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan do not enjoy any basic political rights. The government represses political freedom, and controls the freedom of expression, Kashmiri said. &nbsp;

He further said that anyone, who wants to take part in public life in the country, has to sign a pledge of loyalty to Pakistan while anyone, who publicly supports or worries about Kashmir, faces persecution. &nbsp;

Those, who favour independence, risk being beaten and jailed. Numerous political leaders of Kashmir have been forced to live in exile and face the threat of being eliminated or languish in jail. &nbsp;

Talking about a prominent political leader from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Sardar Arif Shahid, who was brutally killed in Rawalpindi seven years ago, Kashmiri said that the issue was raised several times at different forums including United Nations to put pressure on Pakistan for a judicial inquiry but no action has been taken yet.&nbsp;

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, nationalist leaders and political workers and human rights activists are being booked for sedition, he added.&nbsp;

Speaking about the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), he said, the project runs through disputed territories of Gilgit Baltistan and is a cause of environmental damage - air quality, water resources, and soil erosion.&nbsp;

Kashmiri also said that UKPNP demands that the Pakistan government must take immediate actions against security forces and agencies, who kidnap citizens of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir and make arrangement for the immediate release of all those, who have disappeared.&nbsp;

UKPNP recommends that the Jammu and Kashmir issue must be resolved through a process of dialogue and peaceful means, he further said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Saturday (local time) said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan were a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir but have been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947.

Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, exiled Chairman of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Saturday (local time) said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan were a part of the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir but have been illegally held by Pakistan since 1947. Speaking at a press conference at Geneva on human rights violations in Pakistan and the occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir, he said UKPNP is opposed to the use of religion as a weapon and terrorism as a foreign policy tool. He said the Article 257 constitution of Pakistan is a provision related to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, "when the people of the State of Jammu and Kashmir decide to accede to Pakistan, the relationship between Pakistan and that State shall be determined in accordance with the wishes of the people of that State." According to a UN resolution, Pakistan is obligated to ensure life, liberty, the dignity of the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, he said. The people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan do not enjoy any basic political rights. The government represses political freedom, and controls the freedom of expression, Kashmiri said. He further said that anyone, who wants to take part in public life in the country, has to sign a pledge of loyalty to Pakistan while anyone, who publicly supports or worries about Kashmir, faces persecution. Those, who favour independence, risk being beaten and jailed. Numerous political leaders of Kashmir have been forced to live in exile and face the threat of being eliminated or languish in jail. Talking about a prominent political leader from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Sardar Arif Shahid, who was brutally killed in Rawalpindi seven years ago, Kashmiri said that the issue was raised several times at different forums including United Nations to put pressure on Pakistan for a judicial inquiry but no action has been taken yet. In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, nationalist leaders and political workers and human rights activists are being booked for sedition, he added. Speaking about the China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC), he said, the project runs through disputed territories of Gilgit Baltistan and is a cause of environmental damage - air quality, water resources, and soil erosion. Kashmiri also said that UKPNP demands that the Pakistan government must take immediate actions against security forces and agencies, who kidnap citizens of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir and make arrangement for the immediate release of all those, who have disappeared. UKPNP recommends that the Jammu and Kashmir issue must be resolved through a process of dialogue and peaceful means, he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

UKPNP chairman: Parts of Jammu & Kashmir illegally held by Pakistan since 1947 

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