Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday claimed that terrorism was in its "last stage" in Kashmir and over 600 militants had been killed because of the government's decisive actions on the anti-terrorism front. His remarks come ahead of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's expected visit to Jammu and Kashmir next week.

"The decisive actions that the government has taken... 600 militants have been killed during the period, and this is much higher than the number of militants killed during the UPA-I and UPA-II (governments). Terrorism in the Valley is in its last stage," he told reporters here.

Replying to a question on whether the cessation of anti-terror operations be followed by talks with Pakistan and separatists, he said, "The Government of India will take a decision which will be in the interest of the country."

On talks with separatist, the Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office said, "Everybody is welcome to talk. Nobody has said that we are going to send an invitation to the separatists. Anybody (any Indian citizen) is welcome to meet me."

Jitendra Singh said he had met 45 delegations in Jammu and 70-75 in Srinagar. "Nobody has been barred from coming and meeting me," he said. He said Union Minister Rajnath Singh has said that anybody is welcome to meet him.

On Pakistan, he said the neighbouring country has suffered due to the decisive action by India and now the issue of cross-border terrorism will be dealt on the military and diplomatic fronts.

Jitendra Singh said countries that never heard India's point of view on Pakistan and cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, have begun to hear, respond and support the country. On the truce announced before Ramzan, he said it was a "conditional ceasefire and to that extent, the government stands vindicated".

He said that the government has been endeavouring to resolve issues with Pakistan both at the diplomatic and military levels. The Modi government has taken bold decisions such as demonetisation and implementing the GST for the development of the country, the MoS said. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to pay special attention to Jammu and Kashmir

"The Central government has taken a number of initiatives to address the problems of border people, including compensation and relief to the victims of Pakistani shelling," said Jitendra Singh.

On the opposition's formula of contesting forthcoming elections against the BJP under the one seat-one joint candidate formula, he said this is an experiment and is being tried by certain groups that tried to come together despite the difference in ideologies.

Replying to a question on the demand for delimitation of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that delimitation is also part of the agenda of alliance (AoA). On the killing of a BJP worker in West Bengal, the MoS alleged there is state-ruled terror unleashed against the BJP in Bengal.

Replying to a question on whether the cessation of anti-terror operations be followed by talks with Pakistan and separatists, he said, "The Government of India will take a decision which will be in the interest of the country."

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday claimed that terrorism was in its "last stage" in Kashmir and over 600 militants had been killed because of the government's decisive actions on the anti-terrorism front. His remarks come ahead of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's expected visit to Jammu and Kashmir next week. "The decisive actions that the government has taken... 600 militants have been killed during the period, and this is much higher than the number of militants killed during the UPA-I and UPA-II (governments). Terrorism in the Valley is in its last stage," he told reporters here. Replying to a question on whether the cessation of anti-terror operations be followed by talks with Pakistan and separatists, he said, "The Government of India will take a decision which will be in the interest of the country." On talks with separatist, the Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office said, "Everybody is welcome to talk. Nobody has said that we are going to send an invitation to the separatists. Anybody (any Indian citizen) is welcome to meet me." Jitendra Singh said he had met 45 delegations in Jammu and 70-75 in Srinagar. "Nobody has been barred from coming and meeting me," he said. He said Union Minister Rajnath Singh has said that anybody is welcome to meet him. On Pakistan, he said the neighbouring country has suffered due to the decisive action by India and now the issue of cross-border terrorism will be dealt on the military and diplomatic fronts. Jitendra Singh said countries that never heard India's point of view on Pakistan and cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, have begun to hear, respond and support the country. On the truce announced before Ramzan, he said it was a "conditional ceasefire and to that extent, the government stands vindicated". He said that the government has been endeavouring to resolve issues with Pakistan both at the diplomatic and military levels. The Modi government has taken bold decisions such as demonetisation and implementing the GST for the development of the country, the MoS said. He reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to pay special attention to Jammu and Kashmir "The Central government has taken a number of initiatives to address the problems of border people, including compensation and relief to the victims of Pakistani shelling," said Jitendra Singh. On the opposition's formula of contesting forthcoming elections against the BJP under the one seat-one joint candidate formula, he said this is an experiment and is being tried by certain groups that tried to come together despite the difference in ideologies. Replying to a question on the demand for delimitation of assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, he said that delimitation is also part of the agenda of alliance (AoA). On the killing of a BJP worker in West Bengal, the MoS alleged there is state-ruled terror unleashed against the BJP in Bengal.

Terrorism in its 'last stage' in Kashmir: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered two FIRs (First Information Report) against the Srinagar Unit of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) over Nowhatta incident, wherein a stone pelter died after being mowed down by a CRPF vehicle.

The FIRs were registered under sections 307 for attempt to murder, 148 for rioting, armed with deadly weapon, and section 279 for rash driving, among other sections including 149, 152, 336 and 427.

Kaiser Ahmad, who was admitted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura on Friday, succumbed to his critical internal injuries earlier today.

Besides Ahmad, the CRPF vehicle also hit two others during protests after congregational prayers at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.&nbsp

A total of 3 protesters were hit by the CRPF jeep. The incident took place on Friday

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered two FIRs (First Information Report) against the Srinagar Unit of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) over Nowhatta incident, wherein a stone pelter died after being mowed down by a CRPF vehicle. The FIRs were registered under sections 307 for attempt to murder, 148 for rioting, armed with deadly weapon, and section 279 for rash driving, among other sections including 149, 152, 336 and 427. Kaiser Ahmad, who was admitted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura on Friday, succumbed to his critical internal injuries earlier today. Besides Ahmad, the CRPF vehicle also hit two others during protests after congregational prayers at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

Kashmir Police file 2 FIRs after CRPF jeep runs over, kills protester

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue.&nbsp

Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh.

Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office.&nbsp

It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh.

The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory".

"Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said.

"These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

"The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe said.

Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now.&nbsp

China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue. Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh. Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office. It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh. The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory". "Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said. "These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions. The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute. "The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe said. Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now. China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan summons India's Deputy High Commissioner over 'Gilgit-Baltistan' issue

"Catch them alive" is the new mantra in Jammu and Kashmir as security forces, which have killed over 70 terrorists in the last seven months, shift gear to focus on finding new recruits and motivating them to return to their families, senior officials said.

The strategy of police and security agencies is to cut the "umbilical cord" by smashing the overground worker network, which is instrumental in radicalising youth and pushing them to jihad, the officials said.

"Our effort is to catch them alive and understand their grievances. After all, a 15 or 16 year old boy can't be brainwashed to the extent that he would like to be killed in a gunfight. There has to be a counter-narrative," said a senior official engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

In the run-up to the Centre asking security forces not to launch operations during Ramzan, there was need to eliminate hardcore terrorists like Saddam Paddar, Esa Fazili and Sameer Tiger as they were the brains behind the fresh influx of cadres for Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashker-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said.

After the elimination of several top leaders, efforts are now on to change the script.

Operations based on specific intelligence inputs will continue but there will also be increasing emphasis on catching newly-recruited terrorists alive, they said.

"We have got indication from our field intelligence that many desire to return. Some parents have also approached us and we have no hesitation in helping them resume their normal life and education at the earliest," a senior police official said.

Many officials, including those from intelligence agencies, believe the present cessation of hostilities may provide the much needed window to convince parents to woo their wards back to textbooks.

"In the last seven months, four new recruits have been arrested while one returned," said Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani, who has been closely watching the situation in the Valley and is using his experience as deputy inspector general in south Kashmir to tackle militancy.

The aim, he said, is to create a conducive atmosphere so that people can get over the cycle of violence.

"My director general of police (S P Vaid) has also appealed to misguided youths and so I am asking them to return to their families," Pani said.

Several people from various parts of the Valley have been booked in the last seven months. They were entrusted with the indoctrination of young minds and motivating them to pick up arms, officials said.

The identification of these overground workers is necessary before a crackdown on the militant top brass, they explained.&nbsp

"The militants also know that their basic structure of the overground network, which used to facilitate their movement from one place to another, has been hit. You can't be holed up at one place for days together," an official said.

The multi-pronged strategy -- including encounters with militants, fighting their overground workers in courts and smashing their network of sympathisers -- has also brought down the number of videos on social media showing groups of militants roaming freely in the orchards and forests of Tral, Shopian and Kulgam in South Kashmir.

The trend is now a single militant posing in a closed room with a rifle so the location can't be identified, an official said. 
 
"The trend of videos has ended as security forces have gained an upper hand," he added.

Operations based on specific intelligence inputs will continue but there will also be increasing emphasis on catching newly-recruited terrorists alive, officials said.

"Catch them alive" is the new mantra in Jammu and Kashmir as security forces, which have killed over 70 terrorists in the last seven months, shift gear to focus on finding new recruits and motivating them to return to their families, senior officials said. The strategy of police and security agencies is to cut the "umbilical cord" by smashing the overground worker network, which is instrumental in radicalising youth and pushing them to jihad, the officials said. "Our effort is to catch them alive and understand their grievances. After all, a 15 or 16 year old boy can't be brainwashed to the extent that he would like to be killed in a gunfight. There has to be a counter-narrative," said a senior official engaged in counter-insurgency operations. In the run-up to the Centre asking security forces not to launch operations during Ramzan, there was need to eliminate hardcore terrorists like Saddam Paddar, Esa Fazili and Sameer Tiger as they were the brains behind the fresh influx of cadres for Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashker-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said. After the elimination of several top leaders, efforts are now on to change the script. Operations based on specific intelligence inputs will continue but there will also be increasing emphasis on catching newly-recruited terrorists alive, they said. "We have got indication from our field intelligence that many desire to return. Some parents have also approached us and we have no hesitation in helping them resume their normal life and education at the earliest," a senior police official said. Many officials, including those from intelligence agencies, believe the present cessation of hostilities may provide the much needed window to convince parents to woo their wards back to textbooks. "In the last seven months, four new recruits have been arrested while one returned," said Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani, who has been closely watching the situation in the Valley and is using his experience as deputy inspector general in south Kashmir to tackle militancy. The aim, he said, is to create a conducive atmosphere so that people can get over the cycle of violence. "My director general of police (S P Vaid) has also appealed to misguided youths and so I am asking them to return to their families," Pani said. Several people from various parts of the Valley have been booked in the last seven months. They were entrusted with the indoctrination of young minds and motivating them to pick up arms, officials said. The identification of these overground workers is necessary before a crackdown on the militant top brass, they explained. "The militants also know that their basic structure of the overground network, which used to facilitate their movement from one place to another, has been hit. You can't be holed up at one place for days together," an official said. The multi-pronged strategy -- including encounters with militants, fighting their overground workers in courts and smashing their network of sympathisers -- has also brought down the number of videos on social media showing groups of militants roaming freely in the orchards and forests of Tral, Shopian and Kulgam in South Kashmir. The trend is now a single militant posing in a closed room with a rifle so the location can't be identified, an official said. "The trend of videos has ended as security forces have gained an upper hand," he added.

Security forces have new mantra in Kashmir: 'Try to catch them alive'

An earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude&nbsp;hit the central Asian nation of Tajikistan, in its mountainous border region near Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The tremors were felt in&nbsp;various parts of north India, including Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region.&nbsp;

No casualties have been reported as yet.&nbsp;

This is a developing story. More details awaited.

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Earthquake tremors felt in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> Valley. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/994166476260106240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The epicentre of the earthquake was located in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region. No casualties have been reported so far

An earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude hit the central Asian nation of Tajikistan, in its mountainous border region near Afghanistan on Wednesday. The tremors were felt in various parts of north India, including Kashmir and the Delhi-NCR region. No casualties have been reported as yet. This is a developing story. More details awaited. Earthquake tremors felt in #Kashmir Valley. More details awaited. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2018 ×

6.2 earthquake hits Tajikistan, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR

Five civilians were killed in the clashes that broke out between civilians and security forces on Sunday in parts of Jammu and Kashmir <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-jks-shopian-134867">following the encounter of five terrorists</a>.

The clashes erupted in Kashmir's Shopian, Pulwama and other parts&nbsp;after the security forces gunned down five terrorists in South Kashmir's&nbsp;Shopian&nbsp;Badigam on Sunday.&nbsp;

The terrorists killed includes Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sadam Padder and&nbsp;Kashmir University assistant professor-turned-militant&nbsp;Rafi Bhat.

Two security personnel were also injured in the joint operation which was carried out by the army, the police and the Central Reserve Police Force.

The encounter started at Badigam village's Imama Sahib where the terrorists were trapped inside a house.

The army had cordoned off the area and searched the area acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Badigam in the Zainapora area of the south Kashmir district.

The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding militants fired upon the forces. 
&nbsp;

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Clashes broke out between civilians and security forces in Shopian, Pulwama and other parts of South Kashmir following encounter of five terrorists in Shopian's Badigam today five civilians were killed in the clashes <a href="https://t.co/Uvnk2rGX62">pic.twitter.com/Uvnk2rGX62</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/993068678525718528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The clashes erupted in south Kashmir's Shopian, Pulwama and other parts of south Kashmir after the security forces gunned down five terrorists in South Kashmir's Shopian Badigam on Sunday

Five civilians were killed in the clashes that broke out between civilians and security forces on Sunday in parts of Jammu and Kashmir following the encounter of five terrorists. The clashes erupted in Kashmir's Shopian, Pulwama and other parts after the security forces gunned down five terrorists in South Kashmir's Shopian Badigam on Sunday. The terrorists killed includes Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sadam Padder and Kashmir University assistant professor-turned-militant Rafi Bhat. Two security personnel were also injured in the joint operation which was carried out by the army, the police and the Central Reserve Police Force. The encounter started at Badigam village's Imama Sahib where the terrorists were trapped inside a house. The army had cordoned off the area and searched the area acting on specific information about the presence of militants in Badigam in the Zainapora area of the south Kashmir district. The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding militants fired upon the forces. Clashes broke out between civilians and security forces in Shopian, Pulwama and other parts of South Kashmir following encounter of five terrorists in Shopian's Badigam today five civilians were killed in the clashes pic.twitter.com/Uvnk2rGX62 — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2018 ×

Jammu and Kashmir: 5 civilians killed in clashes following Shopian encounter

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-killed-as-bus-catches-fire-in-bihars-motihari-134410">27 killed after bus overturns, catches fire in Bihar's Motihari</a>

At least 27 people died afer a bus overturned and caught fire in Bihar's Motihari district.&nbsp;

The bus reportedly fell into a ditch, after which it caught fire.&nbsp;

The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the victims.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-national-film-awards-2018-68-winners-skip-ceremony-janhvi-kapoor-a-r-rahman-attend-134403">National Film Awards: 68 winners skip ceremony because President Kovind does not present all awards</a>

Sixty-eight winners of the National Film Awards skipped the awards ceremony this afternoon in Delhi.&nbsp;

The winners were miffed that President Ram Nath Kovind was handing out only 11 of the National Awards, and that the rest would be handed out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dust-storm-kills-close-to-100-in-uttar-pradesh-rajasthan-134406">Dust storm kills close to 100 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan</a>

A severe dust storm followed by thunder showers hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan overnight, killing nearly 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction.

Houses collapsed and trees and poles were uprooted in the storm that also led to power outages.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-money-for-his-lawyer-cohen-not-from-the-campaign-134417">Porn star</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-money-for-his-lawyer-cohen-not-from-the-campaign-134417"> Stormy Daniels was not paid with campaign money: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-45-youth-including-mba-phd-scholar-join-terrorist-ranks-in-2018-134419">Kashmir: 45 youths including MBA, PhD scholar join terrorist ranks in 2018</a>

At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise.

27 killed after bus overturns, catches fire in Bihar's Motihari At least 27 people died afer a bus overturned and caught fire in Bihar's Motihari district. The bus reportedly fell into a ditch, after which it caught fire. The government has announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of each of the victims. National Film Awards: 68 winners skip ceremony because President Kovind does not present all awards Sixty-eight winners of the National Film Awards skipped the awards ceremony this afternoon in Delhi. The winners were miffed that President Ram Nath Kovind was handing out only 11 of the National Awards, and that the rest would be handed out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani. Dust storm kills close to 100 in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan A severe dust storm followed by thunder showers hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan overnight, killing nearly 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction. Houses collapsed and trees and poles were uprooted in the storm that also led to power outages. Porn star Stormy Daniels was not paid with campaign money: Trump US President Donald Trump said on Thursday his lawyer Michael Cohen did not use presidential campaign funds to pay Stormy Daniels as part of a contract he said was aimed at stopping the adult-film star from making "false and extortionist accusations" about an affair. Kashmir: 45 youths including MBA, PhD scholar join terrorist ranks in 2018 At least 45 youths from the Kashmir Valley, including an MBA graduate and a PhD scholar, have joined militancy this year till mid-April, according to officials. The unusual surge in numbers has taken the security establishment by surprise.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in view of a strike call by separatists to protest the killing of a civilian near the site of an encounter with security forces.&nbsp

A police official said the curbs have been imposed in police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Maharajgunj.

The restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, he said.

Two militants, including top Hizbul Mujahideen ultra Sameer Ahmad alias Tiger, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Drabgam area of Pulwama District on Monday.&nbsp

Meanwhile, a civilian was killed in the security forces' action against protestors near the scene of gun battle.&nbsp

Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), had called for a strike to protest the killings.

The strike affected normal life in the Valley as most of the shops and other business establishments were shut, while public transport was off the roads, officials said.

Schools and colleges remained closed while universities postponed the examinations scheduled to be held Tuesday. 
&nbsp

Restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in view of a strike call by separatists to protest the killing of a civilian near the site of an encounter with security forces

Restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in view of a strike call by separatists to protest the killing of a civilian near the site of an encounter with security forces. A police official said the curbs have been imposed in police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Maharajgunj. The restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, he said. Two militants, including top Hizbul Mujahideen ultra Sameer Ahmad alias Tiger, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Drabgam area of Pulwama District on Monday. Meanwhile, a civilian was killed in the security forces' action against protestors near the scene of gun battle. Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), had called for a strike to protest the killings. The strike affected normal life in the Valley as most of the shops and other business establishments were shut, while public transport was off the roads, officials said. Schools and colleges remained closed while universities postponed the examinations scheduled to be held Tuesday.

Restrictions imposed in J&K as separatists protest civilian's death in encounter

Top Hizbul commander Sameer Tiger was killed in an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-major-soldier-injured-in-ongoing-encounter-in-pulwama-between-terrorists-security-forces-133753">encounter</a> in Kashmir's Pulwama today.&nbsp;

The army major leading the operation had, only 24 hours earlier, been threatened by Tiger in a video. The video soon went viral.&nbsp;

In the video, Sameer can be seen interrogating an informer. He asks the informer for his name, and those of people working for the army in the area.&nbsp;

He also tells the informer to not tell the army about the whereabout of militants.&nbsp;

At the end of the video, Sameer (who is not visible) can be heard telling the informer: "Tell Shukla that the lion has not stopped hunting. They think the jungle belongs to them. Tell him to come face me."&nbsp;

Shortly after the video went viral, Tiger was killed in the encounter. Major Shukla however was also critically injured.

Shukla is posted with the 44 Rashtrya Rifles in Pulwama's Shadimarg area.&nbsp;

Drabgaam village, from where Tiger hailed, falls under the jurisdiction of Shukla's unit.&nbsp;

Shukla was on Monday injured in the upper chest and has been admitted to the 92 Base Army Hospital in Srinagar.

Sameer was from the Burhaan group, the most-wanted group of militants led by former Hizbul posterboy Burhan Wani.&nbsp;

Sameer joined the Hizbul on May 8, 2016. Before joining the militants' ranks, police records say a number of cases of protesting and stone pelting had been lodged against him at the Pulwama police station.&nbsp;

Tiger was an A++ category militant and there was a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head.&nbsp;

<img alt="sameer tiger.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="545" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sameer%20tiger.jpg" width="970" />

(Sameer Tiger aka Bhat.)

Tiger would frequently upload videos and photos on social websites and was the first militant to post a picture of himself with an American M16 rifle.&nbsp;That revealed that Kashmiri militants had US-made weapons with them.

According to the police, Tiger was the mastermind of almost all the major attacks carried out by militants in south Kashmir. He was accused of attacks on a number of political leaders, activists, and the security forces.

It is also said that he was an expert motivator and had got some 50 youths to join the militancy in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Tiger had also played a major role in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-terrorists-escape-from-srinagar-hospital-sets-alarm-bells-ringing-32132">escape</a> of Pakistani commander Naveed Jatt from a Srinagar hospital in February this year.

After Tiger's killing, there are now three surviving militants from the Burhan group.&nbsp;These include Hizbul Chief Riyaz Naiku, Commander Saddam Padder, and Commander Zinat-Ul-Islam.&nbsp;

The security forces claim Sameer's killing is a big success for them and will help them control the militancy in south Kashmir.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206">In and a difficult out of south Kashmir</a>

The encounter 
On a tip-off about the presence of militants in Drabgaam village, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the village at around 9 am in the morning.&nbsp;

Contact with the militants was established at around 10 am after which a gunfight broke out and which continued till 2.15 pm.&nbsp;

The bodies of two terrorists have been recovered. Security forces have also recovered two AK 47 rifles and a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the site of the encounter. &nbsp;

The slain militants were identified by security forces as Sameer Bhat aka Tiger and Akib.&nbsp;

"At around 9 am in the morning we received information of militants' presence in Drabgaam village. Around 9.30 am we started cordon and at 10 am militants fired on us and showed their presence,. In initial fire, army's Major Shukla and his associate got injured. Militants tried to escape but we had tight cordon jointly by CRPF, 44 RR and Jammu and Kashmir police who fired and killed two militants. They were identified as Sameer Tiger and Akib.In this encounter, the two army personnel, including Major Rohit Shukla, got seriously injured," said Vinay Kumar, CO, 183 Battalion CRPF.&nbsp;

Massive protests and clashes with the security forces broke out after the encounter began when people in the area learnt that the trapped militants included Tiger.&nbsp;

One civilian was killed and 15 injured in the clashes.

'If he has drunk his mother's milk, tell him to come face me,' Commander Sameer Tiger had said in the video

Top Hizbul commander Sameer Tiger was killed in an encounter in Kashmir's Pulwama today. The army major leading the operation had, only 24 hours earlier, been threatened by Tiger in a video. The video soon went viral. In the video, Sameer can be seen interrogating an informer. He asks the informer for his name, and those of people working for the army in the area. He also tells the informer to not tell the army about the whereabout of militants. At the end of the video, Sameer (who is not visible) can be heard telling the informer: "Tell Shukla that the lion has not stopped hunting. They think the jungle belongs to them. Tell him to come face me." Shortly after the video went viral, Tiger was killed in the encounter. Major Shukla however was also critically injured. Shukla is posted with the 44 Rashtrya Rifles in Pulwama's Shadimarg area. Drabgaam village, from where Tiger hailed, falls under the jurisdiction of Shukla's unit. Shukla was on Monday injured in the upper chest and has been admitted to the 92 Base Army Hospital in Srinagar. Sameer was from the Burhaan group, the most-wanted group of militants led by former Hizbul posterboy Burhan Wani. Sameer joined the Hizbul on May 8, 2016. Before joining the militants' ranks, police records say a number of cases of protesting and stone pelting had been lodged against him at the Pulwama police station. Tiger was an A++ category militant and there was a bounty of Rs 10 lakh on his head. (Sameer Tiger aka Bhat.) Tiger would frequently upload videos and photos on social websites and was the first militant to post a picture of himself with an American M16 rifle. That revealed that Kashmiri militants had US-made weapons with them. According to the police, Tiger was the mastermind of almost all the major attacks carried out by militants in south Kashmir. He was accused of attacks on a number of political leaders, activists, and the security forces. It is also said that he was an expert motivator and had got some 50 youths to join the militancy in Kashmir. Tiger had also played a major role in the escape of Pakistani commander Naveed Jatt from a Srinagar hospital in February this year. After Tiger's killing, there are now three surviving militants from the Burhan group. These include Hizbul Chief Riyaz Naiku, Commander Saddam Padder, and Commander Zinat-Ul-Islam. The security forces claim Sameer's killing is a big success for them and will help them control the militancy in south Kashmir. Also read: In and a difficult out of south Kashmir The encounter On a tip-off about the presence of militants in Drabgaam village, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the village at around 9 am in the morning. Contact with the militants was established at around 10 am after which a gunfight broke out and which continued till 2.15 pm. The bodies of two terrorists have been recovered. Security forces have also recovered two AK 47 rifles and a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the site of the encounter. The slain militants were identified by security forces as Sameer Bhat aka Tiger and Akib. "At around 9 am in the morning we received information of militants' presence in Drabgaam village. Around 9.30 am we started cordon and at 10 am militants fired on us and showed their presence,. In initial fire, army's Major Shukla and his associate got injured. Militants tried to escape but we had tight cordon jointly by CRPF, 44 RR and Jammu and Kashmir police who fired and killed two militants. They were identified as Sameer Tiger and Akib.In this encounter, the two army personnel, including Major Rohit Shukla, got seriously injured," said Vinay Kumar, CO, 183 Battalion CRPF. Massive protests and clashes with the security forces broke out after the encounter began when people in the area learnt that the trapped militants included Tiger. One civilian was killed and 15 injured in the clashes.

Major who killed Hizbul commander in Kashmir's Pulwama had been threatened by him in viral video

A sixty-year-old politician Ghulam Nabi Patel who was killed by militants in Pulwama district was disowned by both the parties whom he had provided his valuable services and time. His decades-old contribution was not acknowledged by any of the parties he worked for.

Patel was earlier associated with the Congress party in 2002. In the year 2004, he joined a lesser known new political party the SDA (social democratic alliance) headed by Darakshana Andrabi who later joined hands with the BJP. Patel's family says that he, in 2014, joined PDP (People’s Democratic Party) in front of late Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who was the party president and former chief minister. As the news of his killing broke, state CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident but associated him with the Congress party. 
&nbsp 
“Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, GN&nbspPatel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated,” she tweeted.

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Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, G. N. Patel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/989090073802170370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It doesn’t stop at that! Replying to chief minister's tweet, the Congress quoted their state Vice President and condemned the killing. They mentioned Patel as a PDP leader, “Strongly condemning the gruesome killing of Senior PDP activist Gulam Nabi Patel, the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Vice President Mohd Anwar Bhat while reacting to CMs tweet about the deceased Gulam Nabi Patel said that CM is disowning her own Party worker for the reasons known to her 
In a statement issued to Press today Congress Vice President expressed profound grief over the gruesome killing of PDP activist saying that the deceased (Patel) had joined PDP before 2014 and was actively working for PDP in Pulwama District,” the statement read.&nbsp 
&nbsp 
Patel's family says he was with the PDP for last four years and had worked for the area MLA Haseeb Drabu with all efforts to make him win. They said he motivated people of the region to vote for the PDP. The family says its very unfortunate that at this time of grief his own party had disowned him, that’s a double shock for them. 
&nbsp 
“He was with PDP, he went to people's homes, brought people from orchards and got them to vote for PDP. In this time of grief PDP didn’t offer a helping hand and disowned it's very unfortunate and shocking for us, everyone knows he was with Mehbooba Ji, he was with the PDP,” Said Ali Mohammad brother, Ghulam Nabi Patel brother noted. 
&nbsp 
Former Chief Minister and the leader of Opposition, Omar Abdullah said, "it’s tragic that a political worker is disowned after he is killed".

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Ghulam Nabi Patel is being denied the dignity of having been assassinated for belonging to a political party just so the PDP & Congress can lie to their workers to claim they aren’t at risk from militant bullets.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/989108468048060416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“How tragic is that Patel Sahib, a political worker assassinated by militants in Kashmir, disowned by both the PDP and the&nbspCongress. If neither party is willing to own him as one of their own, let's just call him an NC worker,” Omar posted on Twitter. 
&nbsp 
Senior political worker Ghulam Nabi Patel was critically injured in a terrorist attack in Rajpora Chowk of Pulwama yesterday. He was coming back from his home village Yader Shadimarg. Patel later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He was travelling in a Scorpio SUV along with a&nbspdriver and his two personal security officials. All of them also got injured in the attack and were being treated at a hospital in Srinagar one of them is said to be critical in condition.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Pulwama: Two injured security personnel of former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel admitted to hospital after terrorists fired upon the leader & them in Rajpora. Ghulam Nabi Patel succumbed to his injuries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/9RiPwkh0WY">pic.twitter.com/9RiPwkh0WY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989101562499825664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It’s said that Patel was not in the practice of visiting his home often because of security threats, this time around he had gone to see the preparation of a marriage at his home due next month. 
&nbsp 
Eyewitnesses say&nbspthat his car was stopped just a&nbspfew kilometres away from his residence by three armed men&nbspwho opened fire&nbspat him indiscriminately. Patel was hit on his mouth and neck he was sitting in the front.

The police later said that the attack was carried out by local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen and its mastermind commander Samir tiger. The attack has again sent a signal of fear among mainstream politicians of Kashmir, but this time another question has been raised among political workers -- whether or not political parties they work with should be trusted?.

“When we see what they have done with Patel Sahab after he was killed, we have no choice but to think again that for who should we put over lives at stake? Do they really care for us? It’s very shocking, tomorrow it could happen with us too,” said a political worker from the region. 
&nbsp 
This is what is happening while the political leaders and political activists are being attacked and killed in the valley, especially in southern Kashmir. The space for mainstream politicians is shrinking. Those who have kept mainstream parties alive despite life threats are smelling suspicion from where they always expected protection.&nbsp

The police later said that the attack on Patel was carried out by local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen and its mastermind commander Samir tiger

A sixty-year-old politician Ghulam Nabi Patel who was killed by militants in Pulwama district was disowned by both the parties whom he had provided his valuable services and time. His decades-old contribution was not acknowledged by any of the parties he worked for. Patel was earlier associated with the Congress party in 2002. In the year 2004, he joined a lesser known new political party the SDA (social democratic alliance) headed by Darakshana Andrabi who later joined hands with the BJP. Patel's family says that he, in 2014, joined PDP (People’s Democratic Party) in front of late Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who was the party president and former chief minister. As the news of his killing broke, state CM Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident but associated him with the Congress party. “Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, GN&nbspPatel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated,” she tweeted. Heartfelt condolences to the family of senior Congress leader, G. N. Patel who was killed by militants today in Rajpora. Such cowardly acts achieve nothing but leave one more family devastated. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 25, 2018 × It doesn’t stop at that! Replying to chief minister's tweet, the Congress quoted their state Vice President and condemned the killing. They mentioned Patel as a PDP leader, “Strongly condemning the gruesome killing of Senior PDP activist Gulam Nabi Patel, the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Vice President Mohd Anwar Bhat while reacting to CMs tweet about the deceased Gulam Nabi Patel said that CM is disowning her own Party worker for the reasons known to her In a statement issued to Press today Congress Vice President expressed profound grief over the gruesome killing of PDP activist saying that the deceased (Patel) had joined PDP before 2014 and was actively working for PDP in Pulwama District,” the statement read. Patel's family says he was with the PDP for last four years and had worked for the area MLA Haseeb Drabu with all efforts to make him win. They said he motivated people of the region to vote for the PDP. The family says its very unfortunate that at this time of grief his own party had disowned him, that’s a double shock for them. “He was with PDP, he went to people's homes, brought people from orchards and got them to vote for PDP. In this time of grief PDP didn’t offer a helping hand and disowned it's very unfortunate and shocking for us, everyone knows he was with Mehbooba Ji, he was with the PDP,” Said Ali Mohammad brother, Ghulam Nabi Patel brother noted. Former Chief Minister and the leader of Opposition, Omar Abdullah said, "it’s tragic that a political worker is disowned after he is killed". Ghulam Nabi Patel is being denied the dignity of having been assassinated for belonging to a political party just so the PDP & Congress can lie to their workers to claim they aren’t at risk from militant bullets. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 25, 2018 × “How tragic is that Patel Sahib, a political worker assassinated by militants in Kashmir, disowned by both the PDP and the&nbspCongress. If neither party is willing to own him as one of their own, let's just call him an NC worker,” Omar posted on Twitter. Senior political worker Ghulam Nabi Patel was critically injured in a terrorist attack in Rajpora Chowk of Pulwama yesterday. He was coming back from his home village Yader Shadimarg. Patel later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He was travelling in a Scorpio SUV along with a&nbspdriver and his two personal security officials. All of them also got injured in the attack and were being treated at a hospital in Srinagar one of them is said to be critical in condition. #Visuals from Pulwama: Two injured security personnel of former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel admitted to hospital after terrorists fired upon the leader & them in Rajpora. Ghulam Nabi Patel succumbed to his injuries. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/9RiPwkh0WY — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2018 × It’s said that Patel was not in the practice of visiting his home often because of security threats, this time around he had gone to see the preparation of a marriage at his home due next month. Eyewitnesses say&nbspthat his car was stopped just a&nbspfew kilometres away from his residence by three armed men&nbspwho opened fire&nbspat him indiscriminately. Patel was hit on his mouth and neck he was sitting in the front. The police later said that the attack was carried out by local militants of Hizbul Mujahideen and its mastermind commander Samir tiger. The attack has again sent a signal of fear among mainstream politicians of Kashmir, but this time another question has been raised among political workers -- whether or not political parties they work with should be trusted?. “When we see what they have done with Patel Sahab after he was killed, we have no choice but to think again that for who should we put over lives at stake? Do they really care for us? It’s very shocking, tomorrow it could happen with us too,” said a political worker from the region. This is what is happening while the political leaders and political activists are being attacked and killed in the valley, especially in southern Kashmir. The space for mainstream politicians is shrinking. Those who have kept mainstream parties alive despite life threats are smelling suspicion from where they always expected protection.

Kashmir: Killed by militants, political worker now disowned by both PDP and Congress

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound.

Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram -&nbsp; will land on Indian soil on April 25.

It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> :&nbsp;A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a>. <a href="https://t.co/xq8LHza53V">pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988465747583094784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station.

The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year.

The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India.

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar.

On April 22, the&nbsp;Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well.

A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines.

Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh.

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Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> : On 22Apr18, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VP905?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VP905</a> flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 <a href="https://t.co/RpwhaFdPbk">pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988622633456435201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd.

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound. Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram - will land on Indian soil on April 25. It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict. #DakotaHomebound : A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the #IAF. pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 23, 2018 × Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station. The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year. The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India. The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar. On April 22, the Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well. A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines. Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh. Update on #DakotaHomebound : On 22Apr18, #VP905 flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 24, 2018 ×

Watch: World War II-era Dakota finally home-bound to India

Ahead of the annual migration of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwal families this month, authorities in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir today said over two dozen schools would move with them to ensure proper educational facilities to students.

A total of 25 schools having an enrolment of 801 students - 410 boys and 391 girls - will move with the migratory population.

"These schools have been provided 45 teachers for running the schools in higher reaches during the annual migration to higher reaches in Kashmir, an official spokesman said.

He said district development commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary finalised the plan at a meeting of senior officers from various departments and heads of migratory schools along with staff.

The annual migration of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwal families is beginning later this month.

The spokesman said another 41 schools for tribal population would remain stationary which will cater to 1,451 students including 802 boy students and 651 girl students where 95 teachers have been posted.

Mr Choudhary directed that books and uniform be provided to the students before migration.&nbsp

It was decided in the meeting that apart from educational aids, the department will also provide sports equipment and first aid kits for each migratory school.&nbsp

A comprehensive plan for self-defence training was also discussed and finalised. The students are also being provided scholarship by the Tribal Affairs Department, the spokesman said.

He said the Chief Education Officer was directed to regularly monitor attendance in migratory schools during the period and the heads of schools were instructed to hold mandatory parent-teacher meetings twice a month during the period of migration.&nbsp

A special squad would check the attendance. Record and pictures of such meetings and classes will have to be shared online, the spokesman said.

He said Mr Choudhary directed that all girl students would be provided with special education kits this year and scholarship to meritorious students. He asked the departments to lay special focus on skill development and to organise courses for these students which would be monitored by his office.

The schools migrating to Drass, Kargil, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Gurez, Budgam, Kangan, Dachigham and Sukhnai would be provided with gadgets, stationery, tents, ration and other requirements, the spokesman said.&nbsp

He said other issues related to ration, training, examination, awards to best performers and ICDS support were also discussed in the meeting.

A total of 25 schools having an enrolment of 801 students - 410 boys and 391 girls - will move with the migratory population.

Ahead of the annual migration of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwal families this month, authorities in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir today said over two dozen schools would move with them to ensure proper educational facilities to students. A total of 25 schools having an enrolment of 801 students - 410 boys and 391 girls - will move with the migratory population. "These schools have been provided 45 teachers for running the schools in higher reaches during the annual migration to higher reaches in Kashmir, an official spokesman said. He said district development commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary finalised the plan at a meeting of senior officers from various departments and heads of migratory schools along with staff. The annual migration of nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwal families is beginning later this month. The spokesman said another 41 schools for tribal population would remain stationary which will cater to 1,451 students including 802 boy students and 651 girl students where 95 teachers have been posted. Mr Choudhary directed that books and uniform be provided to the students before migration. It was decided in the meeting that apart from educational aids, the department will also provide sports equipment and first aid kits for each migratory school. A comprehensive plan for self-defence training was also discussed and finalised. The students are also being provided scholarship by the Tribal Affairs Department, the spokesman said. He said the Chief Education Officer was directed to regularly monitor attendance in migratory schools during the period and the heads of schools were instructed to hold mandatory parent-teacher meetings twice a month during the period of migration. A special squad would check the attendance. Record and pictures of such meetings and classes will have to be shared online, the spokesman said. He said Mr Choudhary directed that all girl students would be provided with special education kits this year and scholarship to meritorious students. He asked the departments to lay special focus on skill development and to organise courses for these students which would be monitored by his office. The schools migrating to Drass, Kargil, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Gurez, Budgam, Kangan, Dachigham and Sukhnai would be provided with gadgets, stationery, tents, ration and other requirements, the spokesman said. He said other issues related to ration, training, examination, awards to best performers and ICDS support were also discussed in the meeting.

25 mobile schools to migrate with nomads in Jammu and Kashmir

The peaceful resolution of India-Pakistan disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, can be found through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue, Pakistan's Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has said.

Bajwa's remarks came during his speech at the passing-out parade of cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul yesterday, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the country's armed forces.

"It is our sincere belief that the route to peaceful resolution of Pak-India disputes -- including the core issue of Kashmir -- runs through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue.

"While such dialogue is no favour to any party, it remains the inevitable precursor to peace across the region. Pakistan remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour," he said.

Addressing the cadets, Bajwa, 57, said Pakistan is a peace loving country and seeks harmonious and peaceful co- existence with all countries, especially its neighbours, according to the statement.

"However, this desire for peace must not, in any sense, be construed as a sign of weakness. Our valiant Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond across the full spectrum of threat in a befitting manner," he added.

The Army chief also reaffirmed his country's "political and moral support" to the "basic right of self-determination" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said Pakistan has done its part to cleanse itself of the scourge of terrorism and extremism without any distinction and the efforts have started to bear results.

"We are committed to continue these efforts, not out of any compulsion, but to make Pakistan a safe, prosperous and progressive country," he said.

Bajwa also said that a "hybrid war" had been imposed on Pakistan to internally weaken it.

"Our enemies know, that they cannot beat us fair and square and have thus subjected us to a cruel, evil and protracted hybrid war," he said, without taking any names.

Stressing that Pakistan has totally rejected extremism and terrorism, he said, "I would like to reiterate here that the nation and its Armed Forces are totally united and focused towards our primary objective, that is, eradication and elimination of terrorism."&nbsp;

'Pakistan remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour,' Qamar Bajwa said

The peaceful resolution of India-Pakistan disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, can be found through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue, Pakistan's Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has said. Bajwa's remarks came during his speech at the passing-out parade of cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul yesterday, according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the country's armed forces. "It is our sincere belief that the route to peaceful resolution of Pak-India disputes -- including the core issue of Kashmir -- runs through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue. "While such dialogue is no favour to any party, it remains the inevitable precursor to peace across the region. Pakistan remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour," he said. Addressing the cadets, Bajwa, 57, said Pakistan is a peace loving country and seeks harmonious and peaceful co- existence with all countries, especially its neighbours, according to the statement. "However, this desire for peace must not, in any sense, be construed as a sign of weakness. Our valiant Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond across the full spectrum of threat in a befitting manner," he added. The Army chief also reaffirmed his country's "political and moral support" to the "basic right of self-determination" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan has done its part to cleanse itself of the scourge of terrorism and extremism without any distinction and the efforts have started to bear results. "We are committed to continue these efforts, not out of any compulsion, but to make Pakistan a safe, prosperous and progressive country," he said. Bajwa also said that a "hybrid war" had been imposed on Pakistan to internally weaken it. "Our enemies know, that they cannot beat us fair and square and have thus subjected us to a cruel, evil and protracted hybrid war," he said, without taking any names. Stressing that Pakistan has totally rejected extremism and terrorism, he said, "I would like to reiterate here that the nation and its Armed Forces are totally united and focused towards our primary objective, that is, eradication and elimination of terrorism."

Peaceful resolution of India-Pakistan disputes, including Kashmir, will come through dialogue: Pak Army chief

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in the state.

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The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy&nbsp;in their studies, tuition and sports activities&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir government had in February approved the withdrawal of over 9000&nbsp;cases registered against stone pelters.&nbsp;

The cases withdrawn included first time offenders between 2008 and 2017.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had also assured earlier that her government had recommended giving amnesty to more than 4000 people involved in minor incidents of stone pelting in the past two years.

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Jammu & Kashmir: Police conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in Anantnag. Police assured full support of the police in facilitating in their studies, tuition, sports activities as well as monetary assistance to the needy. <a href="https://t.co/t9lzSfVPq6">pic.twitter.com/t9lzSfVPq6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/985075085777276930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy in their studies, tuition and sports activities

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in the state. × The police have also assured full monetary support besides assisting the needy in their studies, tuition and sports activities The Jammu and Kashmir government had in February approved the withdrawal of over 9000 cases registered against stone pelters. The cases withdrawn included first time offenders between 2008 and 2017. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had also assured earlier that her government had recommended giving amnesty to more than 4000 people involved in minor incidents of stone pelting in the past two years. Jammu & Kashmir: Police conducted a counselling session for youth involved in stone pelting on security forces in Anantnag. Police assured full support of the police in facilitating in their studies, tuition, sports activities as well as monetary assistance to the needy. pic.twitter.com/t9lzSfVPq6 — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018 ×

In Kashmir, police hold counselling session for stone pelters

I saw a strange picture the other day.&nbsp;

The picture (above) was I thought at first of a man on his knees. In his hands, pointed upwards, he held a catapult.&nbsp;

The "weapon" was pulled back, ready to launch a projectile at someone or something.&nbsp;

Then, when I looked more closely, I saw crutches in the background.&nbsp;

I imagine then that the man was without a leg, or legs. The caption that went with the picture was frustratingly "incomplete" — it said something like "Palestinians clash with Israeli defence forces on the Gaza border" there was nothing about the man himself, or why there might have been crutches lying behind him.&nbsp;

Some 16 Palestinians were killed in the clashes.&nbsp;

I do not know what happened to the man in the picture.&nbsp;

But I think I know why he might have been launching stones at soldiers who have colonised his land. And I thought back then to another picture that we often use here at wionews.com to try and explain the situation in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Here it is:&nbsp;

<img alt="kashmir stone pelters-reuters_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kashmir%20stone%20pelters-reuters_0.jpg" width="770" />

(Kashmiri schoolboys pelt stones at Indian security forces.)

&nbsp;

Here's another:&nbsp;

<img alt="kashmir stone pelters2-znn.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="400" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/kashmir%20stone%20pelters2-znn.jpg" width="700" />

(Kashmiri schoolgirls do the same.)

&nbsp;

I was in Kashmir after the killing of the young Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.&nbsp;

The valley had erupted in fury and as the Indian security forces clamped down on the protests that ensued, the bodies began to pile up. By the time that summer of gore ended, the death toll had touched a 100.&nbsp;

Early one morning we left for south Kashmir, the hotbed of the protests.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

We were in time directed to the village of Hillerbhai Kokernag in Anantnag where, we were told, a man had been shot dead by the CRPF the previous day.&nbsp;

When we got there, an announcement was made over the loudspeaker atop the village mosque. It said the media were here and that the villagers should come out and speak to us.&nbsp;

The gathering suddenly morphed into a protest.&nbsp;

A young boy was lifted onto the crowd’s shoulders. He would chant a line ("India, India") and the crowd would shout another back in unison ("Go back, go back").&nbsp;

The chanting went on for a long time.&nbsp;

When it finally began to lull, the women joined in, and it picked up again.&nbsp;

"How does a crowd chant for so long? What keeps it going?" I had written then.&nbsp;

The answer is simple.&nbsp;

Like the Palestinian man with the crutches, or the Kashmiri schoolchildren in the other pictures, the villagers of Hillerbhai Kokernag believe soldiers have colonised their land. And from what I saw, I imagine they will stop at nothing to throw them out.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/story-most-kashmiri-men-tell-i-was-beaten-by-security-forces-3124">Story most Kashmiri men tell: 'I was beaten by security forces'</a>

We have already been warned of that.&nbsp;

India's security forces recently killed 13 Kashmiri militants in one day. The killings were dubbed the Indian Army's "greatest success" in over a decade.&nbsp;

But a day or two later, a commentator gently reminded us that we might be barking up the wrong tree. And that what we are forgetting is that along with the 13 militants, three civilians were also killed, and that another was reportedly used as a human shield by the security forces.&nbsp;

And, that 50 civilians were injured in clashes that broke out between the security forces and locals after the encounters. The civilians, the commentator said, were showing "solidarity" with the militants.&nbsp;

That he said was the bigger battle. The one against the "people". That everyone in Kashmir knows the militants are no match for the Indian military.&nbsp;

But how do you beat a boy or a crippled man with a stone, even if you're armed with a gun?&nbsp;

And when an entire people pick up stones against you, that battle is unwinnable.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author&nbsp;and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How do you beat a boy or a crippled man with a stone, even if you're armed with a gun?

I saw a strange picture the other day. The picture (above) was I thought at first of a man on his knees. In his hands, pointed upwards, he held a catapult. The "weapon" was pulled back, ready to launch a projectile at someone or something. Then, when I looked more closely, I saw crutches in the background. I imagine then that the man was without a leg, or legs. The caption that went with the picture was frustratingly "incomplete" — it said something like "Palestinians clash with Israeli defence forces on the Gaza border" there was nothing about the man himself, or why there might have been crutches lying behind him. Some 16 Palestinians were killed in the clashes. I do not know what happened to the man in the picture. But I think I know why he might have been launching stones at soldiers who have colonised his land. And I thought back then to another picture that we often use here at wionews.com to try and explain the situation in Kashmir. Here it is: (Kashmiri schoolboys pelt stones at Indian security forces.) Here's another: (Kashmiri schoolgirls do the same.) I was in Kashmir after the killing of the young Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The valley had erupted in fury and as the Indian security forces clamped down on the protests that ensued, the bodies began to pile up. By the time that summer of gore ended, the death toll had touched a 100. Early one morning we left for south Kashmir, the hotbed of the protests. Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir We were in time directed to the village of Hillerbhai Kokernag in Anantnag where, we were told, a man had been shot dead by the CRPF the previous day. When we got there, an announcement was made over the loudspeaker atop the village mosque. It said the media were here and that the villagers should come out and speak to us. The gathering suddenly morphed into a protest. A young boy was lifted onto the crowd’s shoulders. He would chant a line ("India, India") and the crowd would shout another back in unison ("Go back, go back"). The chanting went on for a long time. When it finally began to lull, the women joined in, and it picked up again. "How does a crowd chant for so long? What keeps it going?" I had written then. The answer is simple. Like the Palestinian man with the crutches, or the Kashmiri schoolchildren in the other pictures, the villagers of Hillerbhai Kokernag believe soldiers have colonised their land. And from what I saw, I imagine they will stop at nothing to throw them out. Story most Kashmiri men tell: 'I was beaten by security forces' We have already been warned of that. India's security forces recently killed 13 Kashmiri militants in one day. The killings were dubbed the Indian Army's "greatest success" in over a decade. But a day or two later, a commentator gently reminded us that we might be barking up the wrong tree. And that what we are forgetting is that along with the 13 militants, three civilians were also killed, and that another was reportedly used as a human shield by the security forces. And, that 50 civilians were injured in clashes that broke out between the security forces and locals after the encounters. The civilians, the commentator said, were showing "solidarity" with the militants. That he said was the bigger battle. The one against the "people". That everyone in Kashmir knows the militants are no match for the Indian military. But how do you beat a boy or a crippled man with a stone, even if you're armed with a gun? And when an entire people pick up stones against you, that battle is unwinnable. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: In Kashmir and Palestine, the stone is mightier than the gun

By Khalid Bashir Shah

At 12:36 pm on April 9, 2018, Farooq Dar looks at his watch and says that at around this time last year he had been tied to an Indian Army jeep which doing the rounds of villages in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district.

The incident triggered a national debate which went on for many months and every now and then, the debate makes a return to the national headlines.&nbsp;

While the Indian Army awarded Major Leetul Gogoi, the officer who tied Farooq to the jeep, for saving people's lives and thinking strategically during a stone-pelting incident, Farooq’s life has been turned upside down.&nbsp;

He has had no employment or income this past year.&nbsp;

"Today is my birthday because on the same day I was tied to a car. God put me in this misery and pulled me out of the misery. This became my new birthday. IT was my mistake that I came out to cast the vote. After casting the vote I was tied to the car. This is the the exact time when I was tied to the vehicle. It is one o'clock and at this time I was near Arizal village tied to the vehicle," says Farooq.&nbsp;

"It was my fault to cast the vote, I was used as a human shield immediately after casting my vote. Is this my fault or of the person who tied me to the vehicle? If I had been the stone pelter, let them prove I was a stone pelter. At least there should have been some investigation and the man who tied me to the vehicle should have been asked why he tied me to the vehicle."

Farooq worked as an embroidery artist before, for want of a better word, the "incident".&nbsp;

He is fighting his legal battle with help from his lawyer, Ahsan Untoo. Other than his lawyer, no one else has come forward with support. The Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Commission had sanctioned Farooq relief of a million rupees but the government turned it down.&nbsp;

"Problem is that I have lost my peace of mind, I am barely able to relax. If I go anywhere, people say, 'The human shield guy has come, he was paid 10 lakh, he has no worry. Only my lawyer came to rescue me and told me stand on my feet and I will fight for your justice. If my lawyer, Mohammad Ahsan Untoo, hadn’t supported me, my life would have gotten over."

Most recently a furore erupted in the Kashmir valley after a company began making <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-man-tied-to-jeep-now-theres-a-t-shirt-and-another-controversy-126473">T-shirts</a> showing Farooq tied to the Indian Army jeep. And then the Tiger Shroff movie Baaghi 2 also depicted the incident.&nbsp;

These, says Farooq, are an assault on his wounds.&nbsp;

"If anyone gets a small injury, and even if the injury starts healing, if there is a scratch on that clot... The wound will start bleeding again. That is what happens to my mind, my heart and my soul, when such things happen," he says.&nbsp;

"We have sent a legal notice to T-shirt people and to the film directors as well. Now the high court will deal with them."&nbsp;

He also talks about his lack of employment, saying, "No I don’t do any work. I used to work as a daily wage labourer and now that is now possible either. No one is willing to give me employment."

"They think the CID guys will be after me. Police will be searching for me, media will be following. The employees think if they take me for employment, their money will go to waste." &nbsp;

Dar has had no employment — people are too scared to hire him — since he was tied to an Indian Army jeep and used as a 'human shield' exactly a year ago

By Khalid Bashir Shah At 12:36 pm on April 9, 2018, Farooq Dar looks at his watch and says that at around this time last year he had been tied to an Indian Army jeep which doing the rounds of villages in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district. The incident triggered a national debate which went on for many months and every now and then, the debate makes a return to the national headlines. While the Indian Army awarded Major Leetul Gogoi, the officer who tied Farooq to the jeep, for saving people's lives and thinking strategically during a stone-pelting incident, Farooq’s life has been turned upside down. He has had no employment or income this past year. "Today is my birthday because on the same day I was tied to a car. God put me in this misery and pulled me out of the misery. This became my new birthday. IT was my mistake that I came out to cast the vote. After casting the vote I was tied to the car. This is the the exact time when I was tied to the vehicle. It is one o'clock and at this time I was near Arizal village tied to the vehicle," says Farooq. "It was my fault to cast the vote, I was used as a human shield immediately after casting my vote. Is this my fault or of the person who tied me to the vehicle? If I had been the stone pelter, let them prove I was a stone pelter. At least there should have been some investigation and the man who tied me to the vehicle should have been asked why he tied me to the vehicle." Farooq worked as an embroidery artist before, for want of a better word, the "incident". He is fighting his legal battle with help from his lawyer, Ahsan Untoo. Other than his lawyer, no one else has come forward with support. The Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Commission had sanctioned Farooq relief of a million rupees but the government turned it down. "Problem is that I have lost my peace of mind, I am barely able to relax. If I go anywhere, people say, 'The human shield guy has come, he was paid 10 lakh, he has no worry. Only my lawyer came to rescue me and told me stand on my feet and I will fight for your justice. If my lawyer, Mohammad Ahsan Untoo, hadn’t supported me, my life would have gotten over." Most recently a furore erupted in the Kashmir valley after a company began making T-shirts showing Farooq tied to the Indian Army jeep. And then the Tiger Shroff movie Baaghi 2 also depicted the incident. These, says Farooq, are an assault on his wounds. "If anyone gets a small injury, and even if the injury starts healing, if there is a scratch on that clot... The wound will start bleeding again. That is what happens to my mind, my heart and my soul, when such things happen," he says. "We have sent a legal notice to T-shirt people and to the film directors as well. Now the high court will deal with them." He also talks about his lack of employment, saying, "No I don’t do any work. I used to work as a daily wage labourer and now that is now possible either. No one is willing to give me employment." "They think the CID guys will be after me. Police will be searching for me, media will be following. The employees think if they take me for employment, their money will go to waste."

There should have been an investigation: 'Human shield' Farooq Dar says 1 year on

Sachin Tendulkar waded Wednesday into the slugfest over Shahid Afridi's comments on Kashmir.&nbsp;

"We have got capable people to manage and run our country. No outsider needs to know or tell us what we need to do," said Sachin.&nbsp;

"Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?" Afridi had tweeted earlier.&nbsp;

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Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/981084208369192961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A massive posse of India's cricketing world has since taken on Afridi:&nbsp;

"As an Indian you want to express what is best for your nation and my interests are always for the benefit of our nation. If anything opposes it, I would never support it for sure," said Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

"But having said that, it's a very personal choice for someone to comment about certain issues. Unless I have total knowledge of the issues & the intricacies of it I don't engage in it but definitely your priority stays with your nation," Kohli added.&nbsp;

Suresh Raina took the "Kashmir is an integral part of India" route.&nbsp;

"Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so always. Kashmir is the pious land where my forefathers were born. I hope @SAfridiOfficial bhai asks Pakistan Army to stop terrorism and proxy war in our Kashmir. We want peace, not bloodshed and violence," he said.&nbsp;

Kapil Dev seemed to say Afridi should not be paid attention to:&nbsp;

"Who is he? Why are we giving importance to him? We should not be giving importance to certain people," &nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

The bluntest salvo though, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gautam-gambhir-to-bear-educational-expenses-of-children-of-crpf-personnel-killed-in-sukma-15019">perhaps expectedly</a>, came from Gautam Gambhir:&nbsp;

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Media called me for reaction on <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAfridiOfficial</a> tweet on OUR Kashmir & <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a>. What’s there to say? Afridi is only looking for <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> which in his retarded dictionary means “UNDER NINTEEN” his age bracket. Media can relax, <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAfridiOfficial</a> is celebrating a dismissal off a no- ball!!!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/981136834913763333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

'We have got capable people to manage and run our country. No outsider needs to know or tell us what we need to do,' said Sachin.

Sachin Tendulkar waded Wednesday into the slugfest over Shahid Afridi's comments on Kashmir. "We have got capable people to manage and run our country. No outsider needs to know or tell us what we need to do," said Sachin. "Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?" Afridi had tweeted earlier. Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed? — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 3, 2018 × A massive posse of India's cricketing world has since taken on Afridi: "As an Indian you want to express what is best for your nation and my interests are always for the benefit of our nation. If anything opposes it, I would never support it for sure," said Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli. "But having said that, it's a very personal choice for someone to comment about certain issues. Unless I have total knowledge of the issues & the intricacies of it I don't engage in it but definitely your priority stays with your nation," Kohli added. Suresh Raina took the "Kashmir is an integral part of India" route. "Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so always. Kashmir is the pious land where my forefathers were born. I hope @SAfridiOfficial bhai asks Pakistan Army to stop terrorism and proxy war in our Kashmir. We want peace, not bloodshed and violence," he said. Kapil Dev seemed to say Afridi should not be paid attention to: "Who is he? Why are we giving importance to him? We should not be giving importance to certain people," he said. The bluntest salvo though, perhaps expectedly, came from Gautam Gambhir: Media called me for reaction on @SAfridiOfficial tweet on OUR Kashmir & @UN. What’s there to say? Afridi is only looking for @UN which in his retarded dictionary means “UNDER NINTEEN” his age bracket. Media can relax, @SAfridiOfficial is celebrating a dismissal off a no- ball!!! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 3, 2018 ×

No outsider needs to tell us what we need to do: Sachin on Afridi's Kashmir comments

Twenty people were killed in Kashmir on Sunday. Thirteen of them were militants, killed in three separate encounters, giving the security forces their biggest success in over a decade.&nbsp

Three Army men also lost their lives in the operations, but it was the deaths of four civilians and the injuries to 55 people in the crossfire between the security forces and militants and in clashes with the forces that had the Jammu and Kashmir government worried.

It all started at midnight when the sounds of gunfire were in heard in Anantnag's Diyalgam village, in where an encounter broke out between security forces and militants. One Hizbul militant was killed and another captured alive.&nbsp

The operation started at around 12.45 am, concluded at 3 in the morning.&nbsp

The Anantnag SSP, who was leading the operations, said he had tried to get both militants to surrender, but one of them fired and the security forces retaliated.&nbsp

" I bought the family of both the militants who were in same locality where militants were trapped, they even made appeal to them to surrender and I also assured them that if they surrender they will not be harmed, we delayed operation almost by about 1 hour but when one of them fired on us we retaliated and in the encounter we killed one but were successful in capturing one alive," the police officer said.

Post-encounter searches were still on in Diyalgam when the focus shifted to the militant bastion and apple town of Shopian.&nbsp

The security forces had managed to cordon off dozens of militants in two places.&nbsp

The first strike was on the Dragad-Sugan village where, intelligence inputs said, as many as 11 militants were hiding in a house. Sources said the militants belonged to the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar e Taiba, and that it was a scheduled meeting between the two groups to chalk out a future strategy.&nbsp

The militants and the security forces were soon exchanging heavy fire.&nbsp

It is believed four of the 11 militants, including top Lashkar commander "Zinat-ul-Islam", were able to escape but the other 7 were killed in a five-hour-long gun battle. Two civilians were shot in the exchange of fire, with one of them falling to his injuries later.&nbsp

They seven slain militants were identified as local Hizbul militants Adil Ahmed Thoker of Humhuna, Nazim Dar of Nagbal, Ubaid Shafi Malla of Trenz, Yawar Itoo of Safanagri-Zainapora, Rayees Ahmed Thoker of Padarpora, Ashfaq &nbspMalik of Pinjura, and ZubairTuray of the main town of Shopian. All fo them were from Shopian district.&nbsp

Of the seven, Zubair Turray and Ashfaq Malik were A++ category militants, the rest being classified as C category.

At the same time, another bloody encounter was in progress just a few kilometres away in Kachdoora village as were heavy clashes between the police-CRPF and locals.&nbsp

In the meantime, the top brass of the security forces including the J&K DGP, GOC 15 Corps Army and IG CRPF held a press conference giving details of the ongoing encounters.&nbsp

They said eight militants, two civilians, and two Army soldiers had been killed in the three encounters. They added that 25 people had received pellet injuries, and 6 had received bullet injuries.&nbsp

They also claimed that two of the militants killed had been involved in the killing of Lt Umar Fayaz in Shopian in May 2016. "Two of the slain militants were involved in the killing of young army officer Umar Fayyaz in Shopian in May last and today we avenged that," said Lt Gen A K Bhatt, GoC 15 Corps".&nbsp

At the same press conference, Vaid and the IG CRPF again appealed to the people, especially parents, to keep their sons away from encounter sites. They added however that they would not shy away taking strict action against whomsoever disturbs the operations and made clear that such anti-militancy operation would continue. They also, again, urged the local militants to surrender

"I will like to make it clear that our operations against militants will not stop,” IG CRPF Zulfiqar Hassan said.&nbsp

“It is painful for all of us to see the loss of young lives. I appeal to the parents of boys who have taken the wrong path that they should convince their wards to leave the path of violence,” said Vaid.

The toll from the three encounters later went up to 20, when Vaid confirmed that five bodies of militants had been recovered from the Kachdoora encounter site. He added that one Army soldier had died from his injuries and that two more civilians had died in the clashes.

"We have recovered 5 militant bodies from debris of kachdoora encounter site, and two more civilians have died in clashes and its unfortunate that we lost one more soldier," said Vaid.

But massive protests broke out in south Kashmir, largely in Shopian, and in Srinagar as soon as news spread that all the militants gunned down had been local Kashmiris. The four civilian deaths only added to the anger.&nbsp

Smelling trouble, the authorities suspended mobile internet services across the Valley to stop rumour mongering train services was also suspended.&nbsp

The Joint Resistance Leadership meanwhile called for two days of shutdown in the Kashmir valley.&nbsp 
A statement was issued by Syed Ali Shah Gillani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yaseen malik, saying: "Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has asked people to suspend business and other activities for today and tomorrow, and offer funeral prayers in absentia at 4 pm across Kashmir valley".&nbsp

As soon the statement was published, exams which had been scheduled for Monday were postponed, with the authorities ordering schools and colleges to remain closed. Keeping the strike call in view, restrictions were imposed in the seven police station areas of Srinagar and in the Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag district of south Kashmir.&nbsp

Thirteen of them were militants, killed in three separate encounters, giving the security forces their biggest success in over a decade

Twenty people were killed in Kashmir on Sunday. Thirteen of them were militants, killed in three separate encounters, giving the security forces their biggest success in over a decade. Three Army men also lost their lives in the operations, but it was the deaths of four civilians and the injuries to 55 people in the crossfire between the security forces and militants and in clashes with the forces that had the Jammu and Kashmir government worried. It all started at midnight when the sounds of gunfire were in heard in Anantnag's Diyalgam village, in where an encounter broke out between security forces and militants. One Hizbul militant was killed and another captured alive. The operation started at around 12.45 am, concluded at 3 in the morning. The Anantnag SSP, who was leading the operations, said he had tried to get both militants to surrender, but one of them fired and the security forces retaliated. " I bought the family of both the militants who were in same locality where militants were trapped, they even made appeal to them to surrender and I also assured them that if they surrender they will not be harmed, we delayed operation almost by about 1 hour but when one of them fired on us we retaliated and in the encounter we killed one but were successful in capturing one alive," the police officer said. Post-encounter searches were still on in Diyalgam when the focus shifted to the militant bastion and apple town of Shopian. The security forces had managed to cordon off dozens of militants in two places. The first strike was on the Dragad-Sugan village where, intelligence inputs said, as many as 11 militants were hiding in a house. Sources said the militants belonged to the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashkar e Taiba, and that it was a scheduled meeting between the two groups to chalk out a future strategy. The militants and the security forces were soon exchanging heavy fire. It is believed four of the 11 militants, including top Lashkar commander "Zinat-ul-Islam", were able to escape but the other 7 were killed in a five-hour-long gun battle. Two civilians were shot in the exchange of fire, with one of them falling to his injuries later. They seven slain militants were identified as local Hizbul militants Adil Ahmed Thoker of Humhuna, Nazim Dar of Nagbal, Ubaid Shafi Malla of Trenz, Yawar Itoo of Safanagri-Zainapora, Rayees Ahmed Thoker of Padarpora, Ashfaq &nbspMalik of Pinjura, and ZubairTuray of the main town of Shopian. All fo them were from Shopian district. Of the seven, Zubair Turray and Ashfaq Malik were A++ category militants, the rest being classified as C category. At the same time, another bloody encounter was in progress just a few kilometres away in Kachdoora village as were heavy clashes between the police-CRPF and locals. In the meantime, the top brass of the security forces including the J&K DGP, GOC 15 Corps Army and IG CRPF held a press conference giving details of the ongoing encounters. They said eight militants, two civilians, and two Army soldiers had been killed in the three encounters. They added that 25 people had received pellet injuries, and 6 had received bullet injuries. They also claimed that two of the militants killed had been involved in the killing of Lt Umar Fayaz in Shopian in May 2016. "Two of the slain militants were involved in the killing of young army officer Umar Fayyaz in Shopian in May last and today we avenged that," said Lt Gen A K Bhatt, GoC 15 Corps". At the same press conference, Vaid and the IG CRPF again appealed to the people, especially parents, to keep their sons away from encounter sites. They added however that they would not shy away taking strict action against whomsoever disturbs the operations and made clear that such anti-militancy operation would continue. They also, again, urged the local militants to surrender "I will like to make it clear that our operations against militants will not stop,” IG CRPF Zulfiqar Hassan said. “It is painful for all of us to see the loss of young lives. I appeal to the parents of boys who have taken the wrong path that they should convince their wards to leave the path of violence,” said Vaid. The toll from the three encounters later went up to 20, when Vaid confirmed that five bodies of militants had been recovered from the Kachdoora encounter site. He added that one Army soldier had died from his injuries and that two more civilians had died in the clashes. "We have recovered 5 militant bodies from debris of kachdoora encounter site, and two more civilians have died in clashes and its unfortunate that we lost one more soldier," said Vaid. But massive protests broke out in south Kashmir, largely in Shopian, and in Srinagar as soon as news spread that all the militants gunned down had been local Kashmiris. The four civilian deaths only added to the anger. Smelling trouble, the authorities suspended mobile internet services across the Valley to stop rumour mongering train services was also suspended. The Joint Resistance Leadership meanwhile called for two days of shutdown in the Kashmir valley. A statement was issued by Syed Ali Shah Gillani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yaseen malik, saying: "Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has asked people to suspend business and other activities for today and tomorrow, and offer funeral prayers in absentia at 4 pm across Kashmir valley". As soon the statement was published, exams which had been scheduled for Monday were postponed, with the authorities ordering schools and colleges to remain closed. Keeping the strike call in view, restrictions were imposed in the seven police station areas of Srinagar and in the Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag district of south Kashmir.

A day in Kashmir: 20 killed including 4 civilians, 55 injured

Ten of the 13 militants killed over the weekend in a major offensive by the state police were from Shopian, an indication that security personnel have tightened their hold on the south Kashmir terror bastion over the last five months, officials said.

Most of the 10 from Shopian, once considered the ground zero of terrorism, were young and had joined the militant movement between last year and now. Sources in the security establishment expressed the hope that parents of disappeared youth would now encourage their children to shun violence and surrender.

The oldest of the 10 was Ishfaq Ahmad Thoker, alias 'Abrar', who became a militant in September 2015, officials said.

The others, from various villages in the district, were Ubaid Shafi Malla alias 'Abu Huraira', who became a militant in February 2017, Zubair Ahmed Turrey alias 'Abu Bakar', Nazim Ahmad Dar alias 'Furqan Bhai' and Rayees Ahmad Thoker (May 2017), Yawar Itoo (July 2017), Adil Ahmed Thoker (November 2017), Ishfaq Ahmed Malik alias 'Umar Bhai' (January 2018), Aetimad Hussain Malik (November 2017) and Sameer Ahmed Lone (February 2018).

Director General of Police S P Vaid made a passionate appeal, asking youth to shun violence.

"It is painful to all of us to see the loss of young lives. My appeal again to the parents of the boys, who have taken the wrong path... They should convince their wards to leave the path of violence and come home," he said Sunday.

Considered a gateway to the Kashmir Valley for being strategically located on the way to the historical Mughal road, Shopian had nearly 30 active militants, including Saddam Paddar and Zeenat-ul-Islam who are rated A++ category militants and carry a cash reward on them. Both are still at large.

The area, south of the Peer Panjal mountain range, can provide free access to terrorists to cross over to Doda, Kishtawar and Poonch area of Jammu, the officials said.

"My appeal to the young people of Kashmir would be not to be carried away by Pakistan or their proxies and be led into the path of violence," said Lt Gen A K Bhatt, corps commander of the Srinagar-based XV corps.

"We will carry out operations as we have carried against anybody who will use his weapon," Bhatt had said Saturday.

More than 50 youths from the area "disappeared", a euphemism for joining various militant groups, after the killing of Burhan Wani, the poster boy of Hizbul Mujahideen, on July 8, 2016.

The police, CRPG and the Army increased their footprint over Shopian, where militants roamed freely, last year.

The forceful resistance to security forces to enter into Heff Shermaal area in the district in April last year was an eye-opener, officials said. Security forces were compelled to withdraw, pushing senior officials to the drawing board to draft a new strategy to make Shopian a militant free zone.

Victor Force, a counter-insurgency unit of the Army headed by Major Gen B S Raju, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) S P Pani, along with senior CRPF officers brain-stormed and re-calibrated their plans to control Shopian, it is learnt.

Soon, intelligence information from locals started flowing, resulting in encounters that saw the top militant leadership, including the main recruiter for Hizbul Mujahideen Ifan Maldera and the group's financier Waseem Sheikh, being eliminated last year.

In November last year, the CRPF moved in a reserve battalion comprising nearly 1,000 men into Shopian. At the same time, police moved in a large number of its personnel to various parts of the district. Its crack teams joined hands with the Army and the CRPF.

The Army also established new camps at Nagabal, Chillipura, Maitribugh, Zainpura and Larkipura and increased its strength in existing camps in the area, the officials said.

The most important of these was the Army camp at Chillipura, which is located next to Heff Shreemal area.

Security forces Sunday gunned down 13 militants, including those responsible for the brutal killing of Lieutenant Umar Fayaz, in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts.

The operations, which dealt a severe blow to terror groups in Kashmir Valley, were launched in the two districts Saturday night and continued till late Sunday.&nbsp

The ten terrorists from Shopian, once considered the ground zero of terrorism, were young and had joined the militant movement between last year and now. Sources in the security establishment expressed the hope that parents of disappeared youth would now encourage their children to shun violence and surrender

Ten of the 13 militants killed over the weekend in a major offensive by the state police were from Shopian, an indication that security personnel have tightened their hold on the south Kashmir terror bastion over the last five months, officials said. Most of the 10 from Shopian, once considered the ground zero of terrorism, were young and had joined the militant movement between last year and now. Sources in the security establishment expressed the hope that parents of disappeared youth would now encourage their children to shun violence and surrender. The oldest of the 10 was Ishfaq Ahmad Thoker, alias 'Abrar', who became a militant in September 2015, officials said. The others, from various villages in the district, were Ubaid Shafi Malla alias 'Abu Huraira', who became a militant in February 2017, Zubair Ahmed Turrey alias 'Abu Bakar', Nazim Ahmad Dar alias 'Furqan Bhai' and Rayees Ahmad Thoker (May 2017), Yawar Itoo (July 2017), Adil Ahmed Thoker (November 2017), Ishfaq Ahmed Malik alias 'Umar Bhai' (January 2018), Aetimad Hussain Malik (November 2017) and Sameer Ahmed Lone (February 2018). Director General of Police S P Vaid made a passionate appeal, asking youth to shun violence. "It is painful to all of us to see the loss of young lives. My appeal again to the parents of the boys, who have taken the wrong path... They should convince their wards to leave the path of violence and come home," he said Sunday. Considered a gateway to the Kashmir Valley for being strategically located on the way to the historical Mughal road, Shopian had nearly 30 active militants, including Saddam Paddar and Zeenat-ul-Islam who are rated A++ category militants and carry a cash reward on them. Both are still at large. The area, south of the Peer Panjal mountain range, can provide free access to terrorists to cross over to Doda, Kishtawar and Poonch area of Jammu, the officials said. "My appeal to the young people of Kashmir would be not to be carried away by Pakistan or their proxies and be led into the path of violence," said Lt Gen A K Bhatt, corps commander of the Srinagar-based XV corps. "We will carry out operations as we have carried against anybody who will use his weapon," Bhatt had said Saturday. More than 50 youths from the area "disappeared", a euphemism for joining various militant groups, after the killing of Burhan Wani, the poster boy of Hizbul Mujahideen, on July 8, 2016. The police, CRPG and the Army increased their footprint over Shopian, where militants roamed freely, last year. The forceful resistance to security forces to enter into Heff Shermaal area in the district in April last year was an eye-opener, officials said. Security forces were compelled to withdraw, pushing senior officials to the drawing board to draft a new strategy to make Shopian a militant free zone. Victor Force, a counter-insurgency unit of the Army headed by Major Gen B S Raju, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) S P Pani, along with senior CRPF officers brain-stormed and re-calibrated their plans to control Shopian, it is learnt. Soon, intelligence information from locals started flowing, resulting in encounters that saw the top militant leadership, including the main recruiter for Hizbul Mujahideen Ifan Maldera and the group's financier Waseem Sheikh, being eliminated last year. In November last year, the CRPF moved in a reserve battalion comprising nearly 1,000 men into Shopian. At the same time, police moved in a large number of its personnel to various parts of the district. Its crack teams joined hands with the Army and the CRPF. The Army also established new camps at Nagabal, Chillipura, Maitribugh, Zainpura and Larkipura and increased its strength in existing camps in the area, the officials said. The most important of these was the Army camp at Chillipura, which is located next to Heff Shreemal area. Security forces Sunday gunned down 13 militants, including those responsible for the brutal killing of Lieutenant Umar Fayaz, in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts. The operations, which dealt a severe blow to terror groups in Kashmir Valley, were launched in the two districts Saturday night and continued till late Sunday.

10 of 13 killed in offensive from Shopian, sign of security forces' control on area

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has accused India of launching a "brutal crackdown" in Kashmir after terror groups suffered a major setback following killing of 13 terrorists in counter-insurgency operations.

Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The brutal crackdown, including the despicable use of pellet guns on civilians who were protesting against the killing, is deplorable," Abbasi said.

He also asked the international community to urge India to allow access to fact-finding missions of the UN to Kashmir.

Yesterday's operations by the Indian security forces have rendered a severe blow to terror groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba.

Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has accused India of launching a "brutal crackdown" in Kashmir after terror groups suffered a major setback following killing of 13 terrorists in counter-insurgency operations. Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir. "The brutal crackdown, including the despicable use of pellet guns on civilians who were protesting against the killing, is deplorable," Abbasi said. He also asked the international community to urge India to allow access to fact-finding missions of the UN to Kashmir. Yesterday's operations by the Indian security forces have rendered a severe blow to terror groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba.

UN fact-finding mission should visit Kashmir: Abbasi

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/indore-building-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-10-127558">Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to 10</a>

At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556">Gaza sees </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556">bloodiest</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/gaza-sees-bloodiest-day-in-years-127556"> day in years</a>

Gazans buried their dead on Saturday with calls for "revenge" a day after a mass protest led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 Palestinians in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/two-encounters-in-kashmir-1-terrorist-killed-one-held-127564">Two encounters in Kashmir 1 terrorist killed, one held</a> 
 
An encounter between security forces and terrorists in Dialgam area of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir got one terrorist killed while another has been held. The operation has finally come to an end.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/epl-manchester-city-one-win-away-from-title-127565">EPL: Manchester City one win away from </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/epl-manchester-city-one-win-away-from-title-127565">title</a> 
 
Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/the-indian-beauty-queen-that-no-one-has-heard-of-127568">The Indian beauty queen that no one has heard of</a> 
 
Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers.&nbsp;

Indore building collapse: Death toll rises to 10 At least 10 were killed in a building collapse in Madhya Pradesh's Indore last night. According to reports, a four storeyed-building in Sarwate area collapsed around 9:20 pm last night. Gaza sees bloodiest day in years Gazans buried their dead on Saturday with calls for "revenge" a day after a mass protest led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 Palestinians in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war. Two encounters in Kashmir 1 terrorist killed, one held An encounter between security forces and terrorists in Dialgam area of Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir got one terrorist killed while another has been held. The operation has finally come to an end. EPL: Manchester City one win away from title Pep Guardiola's side, who will be champions if they win next Saturday's Manchester derby, grabbed the lead in the fourth minute through Leroy Sane's sizzling volley from a tight angle at the back post after a pinpoint cross from David Silva. The Indian beauty queen that no one has heard of Varsha Rajkhowa, 26, won the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant in Malaysia in November 2016. Miss Scuba International is a beauty pageant with a slight twist – the contestants all have to be scuba divers.

Separatists today called for a two-day strike in Kashmir over the killings of 11 militants and two civilians in three separate encounters in the valley.

Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), called for a two-day strike from today across Kashmir to protest the killings, a spokesman of the JRL said.

He said the JRL, comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Mailk, asked people to suspend business and other activities and offer funeral prayers in absentia across the valley.

Meanwhile, authorities have put the Mirwaiz under house arrest at his Nigeen residence here.

Eleven militants have been killed in three separate encounters in south Kashmir today. Two civilians and three Army jawans also lost their lives in these operations.&nbsp;

Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), called for a two-day strike from today across Kashmir to protest the killings, a spokesman of the JRL said

Separatists today called for a two-day strike in Kashmir over the killings of 11 militants and two civilians in three separate encounters in the valley. Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), called for a two-day strike from today across Kashmir to protest the killings, a spokesman of the JRL said. He said the JRL, comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Mailk, asked people to suspend business and other activities and offer funeral prayers in absentia across the valley. Meanwhile, authorities have put the Mirwaiz under house arrest at his Nigeen residence here. Eleven militants have been killed in three separate encounters in south Kashmir today. Two civilians and three Army jawans also lost their lives in these operations.

Separatists call 2-day strike in Kashmir over encounters in valley

There is no proposal for scrapping Article 370, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, under the government's consideration, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir made the assertion while replying to a written question from BJP MP Ashwini Kumar.

"There is currently no such proposal under consideration of the government," Ahir said.

Kumar had asked whether the government was committed to scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution.

'There is currently no such proposal under consideration of the government,' Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said

There is no proposal for scrapping Article 370, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, under the government's consideration, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir made the assertion while replying to a written question from BJP MP Ashwini Kumar. "There is currently no such proposal under consideration of the government," Ahir said. Kumar had asked whether the government was committed to scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution.

No proposal to scrap Article 370 for Kashmir, says government

India&#39;s permanent <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/empowered-xi-jinping-says-china-ready-to-fight-bloody-battle-36473">representative at the United Nations</a>, Syed Akbaruddin said today that India and China are &quot;frenemies&quot; who are working with each other despite disagreements.

While responding<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-fighter-planes-helicopters-conducting-reconnaissance-over-north-doklam-intelligence-sources-33036"> to questions at Georgetown University</a>, India&#39;s top diplomat said: &quot;In Hollywood there is a term, which has become quite popular. And that, I think, is called frenemies.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;That&#39;s what we have with China. We engaged with them, we compete with them. In some areas we work with them together and in some areas we agree to disagree and move on,&quot; Akbaruddin added.

India and China were engaged in a battle of nerves over Doklam last year with troops from both countries set on high alert, however, both sides decided to talk to each other and bring down tension in the region.

PM Modi later visited Beijing as both countries vowed to work with each other in the interests of the region.

While responding to China&#39;s controversial One Belt, One Road(OBOR) initiative which is widely resisted by India, Akbaruddin said: &quot;Belt and Road Initiative, to me, is not a normal multilateral or plurilateral approach...We are not party to that.&quot;

India had skipped China&#39;s high-profile Belt and Road Forum last year due to sovereignty concerns over the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

On the contentious Kashmir issue and Pakistan&#39;s oft-repeated demand on plebiscite, Akbaruddin said: &quot;Frankly to me, issues of India and Pakistan, the way you framed it are yesterday&#39;s problems. This does not mean that we don&#39;t need to address them,&quot; he said, adding that Pakistan has no internal support on it.

India and China were engaged in a battle of nerves over Doklam last year with troops from both countries set on high alert

India's permanent representative at the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin said today that India and China are "frenemies" who are working with each other despite disagreements. While responding to questions at Georgetown University, India's top diplomat said: "In Hollywood there is a term, which has become quite popular. And that, I think, is called frenemies." "That's what we have with China. We engaged with them, we compete with them. In some areas we work with them together and in some areas we agree to disagree and move on," Akbaruddin added. India and China were engaged in a battle of nerves over Doklam last year with troops from both countries set on high alert, however, both sides decided to talk to each other and bring down tension in the region. PM Modi later visited Beijing as both countries vowed to work with each other in the interests of the region. While responding to China's controversial One Belt, One Road(OBOR) initiative which is widely resisted by India, Akbaruddin said: "Belt and Road Initiative, to me, is not a normal multilateral or plurilateral approach...We are not party to that." India had skipped China's high-profile Belt and Road Forum last year due to sovereignty concerns over the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). On the contentious Kashmir issue and Pakistan's oft-repeated demand on plebiscite, Akbaruddin said: "Frankly to me, issues of India and Pakistan, the way you framed it are yesterday's problems. This does not mean that we don't need to address them," he said, adding that Pakistan has no internal support on it.

'India, China are 'frenemies',' says India's UN diplomat Akbaruddin

UN chief Antonio Guterres is following the situation in Kashmir &quot;closely&quot; and encourages a dialogue between India and Pakistan to settle any outstanding differences, his spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Spokesman for Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric made the comment while responding to a question on the tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.

&quot;Obviously, we are following the situation there as closely, as we always do, and we would encourage dialogue between the parties to settle any outstanding differences,&quot;&nbsp;Dujarric told reporters here yesterday at his daily briefing.

On whether the Secretary General has talked with the prime ministers of Pakistan or India, Dujarric said there is &quot;nothing to report&quot; on that currently.

In the past, Dujarric, when asked at press briefings about the Secretary General&#39;s response to the situation in Kashmir, has repeatedly said that Guterres follows the situation in the region closely.

The UN chief reiterated his call for India and Pakistan to find a peaceful solution through engagement and dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

'Obviously, we are following the situation there as closely, as we always do, and we would encourage dialogue between the parties to settle any outstanding differences,' the spokesperson said

UN chief Antonio Guterres is following the situation in Kashmir "closely" and encourages a dialogue between India and Pakistan to settle any outstanding differences, his spokesperson said. Spokesman for Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric made the comment while responding to a question on the tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. "Obviously, we are following the situation there as closely, as we always do, and we would encourage dialogue between the parties to settle any outstanding differences," Dujarric told reporters here yesterday at his daily briefing. On whether the Secretary General has talked with the prime ministers of Pakistan or India, Dujarric said there is "nothing to report" on that currently. In the past, Dujarric, when asked at press briefings about the Secretary General's response to the situation in Kashmir, has repeatedly said that Guterres follows the situation in the region closely. The UN chief reiterated his call for India and Pakistan to find a peaceful solution through engagement and dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.

UN Secretary General following Kashmir 'closely', encourages dialogue between India, Pakistan: Spokesperson

Senior PDP leader Haseeb Drabu said on Tuesday said J&amp;K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti&#39;s decision to sack him as the state&#39;s finance minister came as a surprise to him and added the manner in which he was informed about it was shocking.

Drabu said he got no chance to explain his side and learnt the party&#39;s decision through the media. The senior, however, added that he bore ill will against no one.

&quot;The decision to drop me did come as a surprise but what was shocking was the manner and method of communicating it,&quot; Drabu, seen as the architect of the ruling PDP-BJP alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, said in a statement here.

Drabu, &nbsp;the co-author of Agenda of Alliance between the two parties, was dropped from the council of ministers yesterday following his remarks that Kashmir was not a political issue.

The former finance minister said he understood and accepted the party&#39;s decision to drop him but it was painful that it was through media that he came to know about. &nbsp;

&quot;While I understand and accept the decision of the party, to talk to media before talking to me, was painful. I was not accorded the opportunity to explain the context and the content of my speech,&quot; he said.

Drabu, who was considered close to the BJP leadership, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mufti for giving him the opportunity to contribute towards accomplishing the PDP mission.

&quot;Notwithstanding this, I am very grateful to Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) Sahib and Mehbooba ji to have been given the opportunity to contribute in whatever small way I could in accomplishing the party patron&#39;s vision of addressing the distressing situation in and around Jammu and Kashmir which has jeopardised the security, peace and prosperity of the people of the state and imperilled stability in the subcontinent,&quot; he said.

My association with PDP dates back to those years when I wasn&#39;t even formally into politics, he reminisced. The rapport I enjoyed with its late founder and patron is something that I would cherish all my life, Drabu added. &nbsp;

He said the &quot;unflinching confidence&quot; that Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) always reposed in him and the relationship of trust that &quot;we shared, is my source of strength&quot; to endure this situation.

&quot;Not for nothing did he entrust me with the task of negotiating with the BJP and make me the pointsman for the alliance which was later continued by Mehbooba ji. Every single meeting, discussion and negotiations were done with the knowledge and consent of the patron and the (party) president,&quot; he said. &nbsp;Drabu assured people of his constituency, Rajpora, in Pulwama district that he will continue to work for them.

&quot;I am very grateful to them for their love and affection. I must thank Mehbooba ji for reposing trust in me which helped this government to set off so many pioneering initiatives in the specific area of public expenditure management and generally in the fronts of economic development. &nbsp;I bear no ill will against anyone. That&#39;s simply not my way of being,&quot; he added.

Drabu, the co-author of Agenda of Alliance between the two parties, was dropped from the council of ministers yesterday following his remarks that Kashmir was not a political issue

Senior PDP leader Haseeb Drabu said on Tuesday said J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's decision to sack him as the state's finance minister came as a surprise to him and added the manner in which he was informed about it was shocking. Drabu said he got no chance to explain his side and learnt the party's decision through the media. The senior, however, added that he bore ill will against no one. "The decision to drop me did come as a surprise but what was shocking was the manner and method of communicating it," Drabu, seen as the architect of the ruling PDP-BJP alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, said in a statement here. Drabu, the co-author of Agenda of Alliance between the two parties, was dropped from the council of ministers yesterday following his remarks that Kashmir was not a political issue. The former finance minister said he understood and accepted the party's decision to drop him but it was painful that it was through media that he came to know about. "While I understand and accept the decision of the party, to talk to media before talking to me, was painful. I was not accorded the opportunity to explain the context and the content of my speech," he said. Drabu, who was considered close to the BJP leadership, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mufti for giving him the opportunity to contribute towards accomplishing the PDP mission. "Notwithstanding this, I am very grateful to Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) Sahib and Mehbooba ji to have been given the opportunity to contribute in whatever small way I could in accomplishing the party patron's vision of addressing the distressing situation in and around Jammu and Kashmir which has jeopardised the security, peace and prosperity of the people of the state and imperilled stability in the subcontinent," he said. My association with PDP dates back to those years when I wasn't even formally into politics, he reminisced. The rapport I enjoyed with its late founder and patron is something that I would cherish all my life, Drabu added. He said the "unflinching confidence" that Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) always reposed in him and the relationship of trust that "we shared, is my source of strength" to endure this situation. "Not for nothing did he entrust me with the task of negotiating with the BJP and make me the pointsman for the alliance which was later continued by Mehbooba ji. Every single meeting, discussion and negotiations were done with the knowledge and consent of the patron and the (party) president," he said. Drabu assured people of his constituency, Rajpora, in Pulwama district that he will continue to work for them. "I am very grateful to them for their love and affection. I must thank Mehbooba ji for reposing trust in me which helped this government to set off so many pioneering initiatives in the specific area of public expenditure management and generally in the fronts of economic development. I bear no ill will against anyone. That's simply not my way of being," he added.

Decision to drop me came as a surprise, manner in which it was conveyed shocking, says Haseeb Drabu

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday sacked Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu from the cabinet after a political storm over his controversial remarks that the Kashmir issue should be seen as a social and not a political problem.

One of the architects of the PDP-BJP alliance in the state was unceremoniously removed from the council of ministers by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over his remarks that the Kashmir issue was not a political one, officials said.

The chief minister, who returned from the national capital to Jammu, shot off a letter to the state Governor N N Vohra requesting him to drop Drabu from her council of ministers with immediate effect, PDP sources said.

The Governor, after examining the letter, wrote back to the chief minister conveying his nod to her request to drop the 57-year-old Drabu from her council of ministers, officials said.

Since yesterday, pressure was mounting on Drabu, who played a key role in stitching an alliance with the BJP during Mufti Mohammed Sayeed&#39;s tenure earlier and again when Mehbooba Mufti became the chief minister, after newspapers published his remarks that people were &quot;barking up the wrong tree&quot; as the Kashmir issue was not a political issue.

&quot;It (JK) is not a political issue as far as I can see. They have been barking up the wrong tree for the last 50 or 70 years by talking about the politics of it; that the political situation has never improved. We seriously need to look at in terms of how it is a society that is in search for itself,&quot; Drabu had said at an event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi on Friday.

Following the sudden development, the state cabinet meeting scheduled tomorrow was deferred by a week.

&quot;JK State Cabinet meeting which was scheduled to be held tomorrow at 12.30 pm has been postponed. It will be now be held on 20, March 2018 at 11 am,&quot; J&amp;K&#39;s Department of Information and Public Relations tweeted.

Drabu, a former Business Standard editor, was known to be close to late Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed, father of Mehbooba Mufti.

He plunged into politics in 2014 when he joined the PDP and successfully contested the Assembly elections from his home constituency Rajpora in south Kashmir`s Pulwama district.

He was the chairman and CEO of the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Bank from 2005 to 2010.

He was the economic advisor to the state during the PDP-Congress coalition that came to power after the 2002 elections.

Drabu began his economist career in 1990 when he was appointed with the Perspective Planning Division of the Planning Commission. He was also a consultant to the Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister and finally with the 10th Finance Commission.

He also served as a consultant to the Asian Development Bank.

Drabu had earlier too been caught up in controversy when in March 2014 JKLF leader Yaseen Malik, a militant-turned-separatist politician, said the economist was an advisor to his group in the early 1990s when it started an insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.

(With the inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti sacked senior PDP leader and state finance minister Haseeb Drabu, days after he remarked that the situation in the state shouldn't be seen as a political problem

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday sacked Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu from the cabinet after a political storm over his controversial remarks that the Kashmir issue should be seen as a social and not a political problem. One of the architects of the PDP-BJP alliance in the state was unceremoniously removed from the council of ministers by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over his remarks that the Kashmir issue was not a political one, officials said. The chief minister, who returned from the national capital to Jammu, shot off a letter to the state Governor N N Vohra requesting him to drop Drabu from her council of ministers with immediate effect, PDP sources said. The Governor, after examining the letter, wrote back to the chief minister conveying his nod to her request to drop the 57-year-old Drabu from her council of ministers, officials said. Since yesterday, pressure was mounting on Drabu, who played a key role in stitching an alliance with the BJP during Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's tenure earlier and again when Mehbooba Mufti became the chief minister, after newspapers published his remarks that people were "barking up the wrong tree" as the Kashmir issue was not a political issue. "It (JK) is not a political issue as far as I can see. They have been barking up the wrong tree for the last 50 or 70 years by talking about the politics of it; that the political situation has never improved. We seriously need to look at in terms of how it is a society that is in search for itself," Drabu had said at an event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi on Friday. Following the sudden development, the state cabinet meeting scheduled tomorrow was deferred by a week. "JK State Cabinet meeting which was scheduled to be held tomorrow at 12.30 pm has been postponed. It will be now be held on 20, March 2018 at 11 am," J&K's Department of Information and Public Relations tweeted. Drabu, a former Business Standard editor, was known to be close to late Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed, father of Mehbooba Mufti. He plunged into politics in 2014 when he joined the PDP and successfully contested the Assembly elections from his home constituency Rajpora in south Kashmir`s Pulwama district. He was the chairman and CEO of the Jammu & Kashmir Bank from 2005 to 2010. He was the economic advisor to the state during the PDP-Congress coalition that came to power after the 2002 elections. Drabu began his economist career in 1990 when he was appointed with the Perspective Planning Division of the Planning Commission. He was also a consultant to the Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister and finally with the 10th Finance Commission. He also served as a consultant to the Asian Development Bank. Drabu had earlier too been caught up in controversy when in March 2014 JKLF leader Yaseen Malik, a militant-turned-separatist politician, said the economist was an advisor to his group in the early 1990s when it started an insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. (With the inputs from Agencies)

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti sacks finance minister Haseeb Drabu over controversial remarks

Groups of people raised &quot;azadi&quot; slogans at an event of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar here today and left midway alleging that they were tricked into participating in the programme.

As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech.

The people alleged they did not know that Ravishankar was to speak there and were invited to the programme on different pretexts.

We reached here early in the morning. We were told that we will be given jobs and some management company is giving training here, a group of youths from Pantha Chowk area of the city said.

Another group from central Kashmir&#39;s Budgam district said they were told some religious scholar was to shed light on Islam.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank">Our country should not become like Syria, says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank">Sri Sri</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank"> Ravishankar</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-face-backlash-over-syria-remark-34813" target="_blank">Sri Sri</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-face-backlash-over-syria-remark-34813" target="_blank"> Ravishankar faces backlash over Syria remark</a>

We would not have participated in this event had we known who was to speak. We were tricked by the organisers, they claimed.

A group of students alleged that they were promised cricket kits by the organisers.

We were promised cricket kits and money. But we have not been given anything, not even a glass of water, Javed Ahmad, a student from Baramulla district, said.

The people raised pro-freedom slogans at the event, but dispersed peacefully later.

Asked about the people&#39;s allegations, Ravishankar said it was he who was invited to Kashmir and he had not invited those people but would be available to hear whatever they want to say.

Earlier, the Art of Living founder in his speech said he wanted to see Kashmir as the Switzerland of Asia.

I want to see an atmosphere of beauty, peace and love here, for which we all have to work together If we think about past only, then we will remain sad. We should look forward. We have the courage and power to be resilient and think about our future, he said.

Later, talking to reporters at another location, Ravishankar said he had come to Kashmir to hear the people.

&quot;I will be meeting several delegations, including victims of violence. I will hear them over the next two days and I want to create a wave of happiness and an atmosphere of love in Kashmir,&quot; he said.

As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech

Groups of people raised "azadi" slogans at an event of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar here today and left midway alleging that they were tricked into participating in the programme. As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech. The people alleged they did not know that Ravishankar was to speak there and were invited to the programme on different pretexts. We reached here early in the morning. We were told that we will be given jobs and some management company is giving training here, a group of youths from Pantha Chowk area of the city said. Another group from central Kashmir's Budgam district said they were told some religious scholar was to shed light on Islam. Also read: Our country should not become like Syria, says Sri Sri Ravishankar Also read: Sri Sri Ravishankar faces backlash over Syria remark We would not have participated in this event had we known who was to speak. We were tricked by the organisers, they claimed. A group of students alleged that they were promised cricket kits by the organisers. We were promised cricket kits and money. But we have not been given anything, not even a glass of water, Javed Ahmad, a student from Baramulla district, said. The people raised pro-freedom slogans at the event, but dispersed peacefully later. Asked about the people's allegations, Ravishankar said it was he who was invited to Kashmir and he had not invited those people but would be available to hear whatever they want to say. Earlier, the Art of Living founder in his speech said he wanted to see Kashmir as the Switzerland of Asia. I want to see an atmosphere of beauty, peace and love here, for which we all have to work together If we think about past only, then we will remain sad. We should look forward. We have the courage and power to be resilient and think about our future, he said. Later, talking to reporters at another location, Ravishankar said he had come to Kashmir to hear the people. "I will be meeting several delegations, including victims of violence. I will hear them over the next two days and I want to create a wave of happiness and an atmosphere of love in Kashmir," he said.

Tricked into attending Sri Sri Ravishankar's Srinagar event: Locals

More needed to be done to manage the perception about the Army among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to counter the negative influences being spread in the Valley, former senior officers of the armed forces have said.

Lt Gen. (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain has said efforts were made to reach out to and connect with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the past.

&quot;There is the Operation Sadbhavna. It has transformed the situation largely. Then there is the Army Goodwill School. We even started the Kashmir Premier League, so that the youth could be engaged in sports and kept away from the elements of radicalisation,&quot; he said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-militant-returns-home-after-mother-asks-him-to-34488" target="_blank">Militant returns home after mother asks him to</a>

Hasnain, who was posted in the Valley as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 21 Corps, said mass communication strategies should be used effectively to manage the perception about the Army among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and counter the negative influences being spread.

He was yesterday speaking at the Annual Army Seminar on &quot;Contribution of the Army Towards Nation Building&quot; at the Manekshaw Centre here.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

Former GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen. (retd) K T Patnaik said, &quot;A perception management strategy is needed to curb the nefarious elements. 
 
&quot;There are those in the Valley, who are spreading a negative perception about the Army. There are elements who are promoting radicalisation among the youth, spreading anti-army and anti-India feelings. We need to counter all that.&quot;&nbsp;

The comment was made by Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, who was at one time the seniormost Indian Army officer in Kashmir

More needed to be done to manage the perception about the Army among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to counter the negative influences being spread in the Valley, former senior officers of the armed forces have said. Lt Gen. (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain has said efforts were made to reach out to and connect with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the past. "There is the Operation Sadbhavna. It has transformed the situation largely. Then there is the Army Goodwill School. We even started the Kashmir Premier League, so that the youth could be engaged in sports and kept away from the elements of radicalisation," he said. Also read: Militant returns home after mother asks him to Hasnain, who was posted in the Valley as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 21 Corps, said mass communication strategies should be used effectively to manage the perception about the Army among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and counter the negative influences being spread. He was yesterday speaking at the Annual Army Seminar on "Contribution of the Army Towards Nation Building" at the Manekshaw Centre here. Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir Former GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen. (retd) K T Patnaik said, "A perception management strategy is needed to curb the nefarious elements. "There are those in the Valley, who are spreading a negative perception about the Army. There are elements who are promoting radicalisation among the youth, spreading anti-army and anti-India feelings. We need to counter all that."

'More needs to be done to manage perception about Army in JK'

A boy, who joined militancy in Kashmir, has returned home today following an appeal by his mother, a senior police official said.

&quot;Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley&quot;, DGP S P Vaid said in a tweet today.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley. I wish the family happy re- union.
&mdash; Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/969448877916073984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The DGP also wished a happy reunion to the family in his tweet.

&quot;I wish the family happy re-union&quot;, he said.

The age of the boy has not been disclosed.

Four Kashmiri youths, who had taken to militancy, shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream in 2017.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kashmir-burhan-wanis-successor-asks-pandits-to-return-says-militants-planning-sikh-outfit-7706" target="_blank">Burhan Wani&#39;s &#39;successor&#39; asks Pandits to return</a>

Notably, last month, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in a written reply to a question of BJP MLC Vikram Randhawa in the Legislative Council, said that four misguided youths shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream.

&quot;Efforts are being made to counsel the families of militants to convince their wards to give up violence&quot;, she said.

The chief minister said her government had taken a number of states to contain radicalisation and extremism, and undertaken youth engagement activities, such as cricket tournaments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

Mufti said youth clubs had been set up at the police station level to train them in information technology and indoor games.

Also, she mentioned about the surveillance on social media, which she said had been enhanced as the Internet plays a major role in radicalisation of the youth.&nbsp;

The age of the boy has not been disclosed. Last year too, four boys who had joined the militants had returned home

A boy, who joined militancy in Kashmir, has returned home today following an appeal by his mother, a senior police official said. "Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley", DGP S P Vaid said in a tweet today. Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley. I wish the family happy re- union. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) March 2, 2018 × The DGP also wished a happy reunion to the family in his tweet. "I wish the family happy re-union", he said. The age of the boy has not been disclosed. Four Kashmiri youths, who had taken to militancy, shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream in 2017. Also read: Burhan Wani's 'successor' asks Pandits to return Notably, last month, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in a written reply to a question of BJP MLC Vikram Randhawa in the Legislative Council, said that four misguided youths shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream. "Efforts are being made to counsel the families of militants to convince their wards to give up violence", she said. The chief minister said her government had taken a number of states to contain radicalisation and extremism, and undertaken youth engagement activities, such as cricket tournaments. Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir Mufti said youth clubs had been set up at the police station level to train them in information technology and indoor games. Also, she mentioned about the surveillance on social media, which she said had been enhanced as the Internet plays a major role in radicalisation of the youth.

Kashmir: Militant returns home after mother asks him to

As China should work towards reducing tension in the Indian Ocean Region and put pressure on Pakistan to accept India&#39;s position over Kashmir, an improved Sino-Indian relationship can only be possible if India, in response, should agree to facilitate the unhindered utilisation of Chinese-built road through Aksai Chin. The Chinese built this road to serve some very crucial logistical purposes, particularly, to connect with the Xin Jiang province, the raison de etre for the occupation of Aksai Chin in 1962. Further, India should also agree to transit facilities to China for CPEC infrastructure, passing through the Indian territory in POK.&nbsp;&nbsp;

China needs to persuade Pakistan to see reason in revisiting their political priorities. Pakistan&#39;s Kashmir obsession has catapulted it into a political cauldron of the economic mess, governance deficit and slanderous afflictions associated with terrorism. It has been amply proved in Pakistan&#39;s case that the religion alone is not the binding force to sustain the viability of a nation-state. Pakistan needs to introspect their politico-religious concepts as they have failed to keep East Pakistan based on it and there are dissident movements continuing within Pakistan, indicating flaws in theological overreach which Pakistan propagates in Kashmir.

Moreover, looking at current US strategic interests, Russian assertiveness, and Chinese aggressiveness in the Asian landscape,&nbsp; it has the potential to impact on political autonomy and security of Pakistan itself.&nbsp; Reconciliation with India would bestow higher political buoyancy to absorb the negative influences of extra-regional manipulations which is a bigger threat to them as on date. Pakistani civil society and think tanks are abuzz with such fears and have been vocal in favour of an urgent need of a reality check by the ruling establishment.&nbsp;

Post reconciliation, if it happens, Pakistan would no longer require strategic depth against India which has been the primary motive of their complicity in fostering insurgency in Afghanistan. As a cascading effect, it would pave the way for reconciliation amongst the warring factions of Afghanistan as Pakistan have substantial influence over Taliban and their affiliates. It will help in bringing about political stability in the Af-Pak region, leading to a gradual reduction in terrorism, a matter of grave international concern. It would also deny any excuse for extra-regional powers to meddle in their internal affairs to an extent they do it as of now.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With security situation improving in Afghanistan, the success of CPEC would get a further boost with the participation of Central Asian Republics and Eurasian countries. Besides this, Pakistan would have much needed higher economic synergies with a friendly India and its&nbsp; MFN status for trade and commerce. As a consequence, Pakistan would have fair chances to bring about their economic turnaround. It is time for Pakistan to realise that their political vibrancy is a function of regional cohesiveness and not extra-regional political surrogacy.&nbsp;

The&nbsp; spectre of ten ASEAN heads of states on 69th republic day of India, Quad sponsored mil exercises in Indo- Pacific, suspension&nbsp; of US aid to Pakistan,&nbsp; Indian&nbsp; concern on illegality of CPEC alignment through POK, Chabahar port as an alternate linkage to Afghanistan and Eurasia are all links to a subtle&nbsp; political message to China and Pakistan combine signaling them to revisit their priority matrix . India is central to this diplomatic push being the dominant power in IOR and South Asian landscape, hence need be taken seriously.&nbsp;

Unlike Chinese self-seeking exclusivity, India has aspirations of peaceful growth including everyone as per their ancient philosophy of &ldquo;Vasudeva Kutumbam&rdquo;(the world is one family). The key to Chinese aspirations and Pakistani politico-economic stability lies in recognising the legally correct status of J&amp;K as it existed at the time of accession with India, and restoring forced occupation of its territories to India. Yes, it is difficult to change the subversive political narratives propagated by both China and Pakistan for their vested interests all these years. But, given the current national interests of all parties, reconciliation is the only sensible way forward, and it is bound to happen sooner or later. Therefore, it is time to move away from the designed manipulative discourses by the Chinese as well as Pakistani leaders.&nbsp;

India as an economically vibrant, militarily strong, politically mature nation with strong strategic pull is a beacon to be rallied around to bring in positive political synergies in the South Asian landscape.&nbsp; Marching together with India will bring about higher strategic dividends to both China as well as Pakistan, a win-win situation for all.&nbsp;

To do all these, the Chinese political tango needs a paradigm shift in the orchestration of her steps in sync with contemporary global strategic outlook and keeping in rhythm with regional compatriots to achieve their ambitions of world leadership role. The ball is in China&rsquo;s court. Take it, or leave it.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China needs to persuade Pakistan to see reason in revisiting their political priorities in Kashmir.

As China should work towards reducing tension in the Indian Ocean Region and put pressure on Pakistan to accept India's position over Kashmir, an improved Sino-Indian relationship can only be possible if India, in response, should agree to facilitate the unhindered utilisation of Chinese-built road through Aksai Chin. The Chinese built this road to serve some very crucial logistical purposes, particularly, to connect with the Xin Jiang province, the raison de etre for the occupation of Aksai Chin in 1962. Further, India should also agree to transit facilities to China for CPEC infrastructure, passing through the Indian territory in POK. China needs to persuade Pakistan to see reason in revisiting their political priorities. Pakistan's Kashmir obsession has catapulted it into a political cauldron of the economic mess, governance deficit and slanderous afflictions associated with terrorism. It has been amply proved in Pakistan's case that the religion alone is not the binding force to sustain the viability of a nation-state. Pakistan needs to introspect their politico-religious concepts as they have failed to keep East Pakistan based on it and there are dissident movements continuing within Pakistan, indicating flaws in theological overreach which Pakistan propagates in Kashmir. Moreover, looking at current US strategic interests, Russian assertiveness, and Chinese aggressiveness in the Asian landscape, it has the potential to impact on political autonomy and security of Pakistan itself. Reconciliation with India would bestow higher political buoyancy to absorb the negative influences of extra-regional manipulations which is a bigger threat to them as on date. Pakistani civil society and think tanks are abuzz with such fears and have been vocal in favour of an urgent need of a reality check by the ruling establishment. Post reconciliation, if it happens, Pakistan would no longer require strategic depth against India which has been the primary motive of their complicity in fostering insurgency in Afghanistan. As a cascading effect, it would pave the way for reconciliation amongst the warring factions of Afghanistan as Pakistan have substantial influence over Taliban and their affiliates. It will help in bringing about political stability in the Af-Pak region, leading to a gradual reduction in terrorism, a matter of grave international concern. It would also deny any excuse for extra-regional powers to meddle in their internal affairs to an extent they do it as of now. With security situation improving in Afghanistan, the success of CPEC would get a further boost with the participation of Central Asian Republics and Eurasian countries. Besides this, Pakistan would have much needed higher economic synergies with a friendly India and its MFN status for trade and commerce. As a consequence, Pakistan would have fair chances to bring about their economic turnaround. It is time for Pakistan to realise that their political vibrancy is a function of regional cohesiveness and not extra-regional political surrogacy. The spectre of ten ASEAN heads of states on 69th republic day of India, Quad sponsored mil exercises in Indo- Pacific, suspension of US aid to Pakistan, Indian concern on illegality of CPEC alignment through POK, Chabahar port as an alternate linkage to Afghanistan and Eurasia are all links to a subtle political message to China and Pakistan combine signaling them to revisit their priority matrix . India is central to this diplomatic push being the dominant power in IOR and South Asian landscape, hence need be taken seriously. Unlike Chinese self-seeking exclusivity, India has aspirations of peaceful growth including everyone as per their ancient philosophy of “Vasudeva Kutumbam”(the world is one family). The key to Chinese aspirations and Pakistani politico-economic stability lies in recognising the legally correct status of J&K as it existed at the time of accession with India, and restoring forced occupation of its territories to India. Yes, it is difficult to change the subversive political narratives propagated by both China and Pakistan for their vested interests all these years. But, given the current national interests of all parties, reconciliation is the only sensible way forward, and it is bound to happen sooner or later. Therefore, it is time to move away from the designed manipulative discourses by the Chinese as well as Pakistani leaders. India as an economically vibrant, militarily strong, politically mature nation with strong strategic pull is a beacon to be rallied around to bring in positive political synergies in the South Asian landscape. Marching together with India will bring about higher strategic dividends to both China as well as Pakistan, a win-win situation for all. To do all these, the Chinese political tango needs a paradigm shift in the orchestration of her steps in sync with contemporary global strategic outlook and keeping in rhythm with regional compatriots to achieve their ambitions of world leadership role. The ball is in China’s court. Take it, or leave it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Kashmir is key to political reconciliation between India, Pakistan, China

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