By

Khalid Bashir Shah

The Kashmir valley has seen frequest protests and rallies over the last few years. With very little recreational space available, the youth are virtually locked indoors due to continued strikes and curfews.

But all that is changing now. On the banks of famous Dal Lake, a humble cafe has become a favourite spot for poetry readings, stand-up comedy and music concerts, providing an oasis of sorts to address the lack of social intercations.

Based on Game of Thrones, this cafe hosts an iron throne, quite similar to that of the famous Hollywood drama series. The cafe as been named Winterfell, on one of the seven kingdoms of the famous TV series.

&quot;We named it Winterfell because it is in the north. In Game of Thrones, the Winterfell is located in north, in Kashmir we are also placed in north. Apart from that the temperature, the kind of attire we wear is also similar, especially in winter. It turned out we were the first themed cafe in Kashmir and we were the first themed cafe in whole of India based on Game of Thrones,&quot; said Umar Imtiyaz, co-owner, Winterfell.

Multiple cafes have come up in Kashmir providing a space for youth who are otherwise witness to brutal violence. In the last decade, Kashmir has witnessed hundreds of strikes and curfews, during which the population remains completely locked up in houses. Internet shutdowns add to the trouble.

While the conflict has taken over the life of youth, these cafe provide platform to singers, artists, poets and artists in Kashmir to showcase their talent and have a sense of respite from the brunt of political trouble. Sitting on the shopfront to discuss politics was a favourite activity of Kashmiris in early days but that is now being replaced by brick walls of cafes.

Responsibility of cafe in Kashmir has increased because the social life here has gone down. I remember that during my childhood, my parents didn&#39;t allow me to venture outside because this was a conflict zone. Obviously, we didn&#39;t have much interaction with outside world to get information about how the society is developing. When we talk of cafes and their importance, people from different areas come together where people talk, share their talent and share their ideas. It is a place which is not confined to eating and drinking; there are conversations. This is where the society shapes,&quot; said Imtiyaz.

Jammu and Kashmir is also marred by widespread unemployment, particularly among the younger sections of the society. Unemployment rate in the state is highest than the national average. About 25 per cent of those between the age group 18- 29 are without a source of proper employment. Thriving cafe culture has given a boost to entrepreneurship and employment generation.

&nbsp; 
&quot;These cafes give a sense of relief because youth here are caged. People come together from different communities and interact in these cafes,&quot; said Nadir Ali, Director, Centre for Peace and Justice.

While there are many such Cafe&rsquo;s coming up, the continued strife is affecting the business as well. The unrest of 2016, during which Kashmir remained shut for many years, the owners had to face massive losses. However, they are hoping against hope and expecting the next summer to be peaceful so that the losses of previous years can me made up.

Multiple cafes have come up in Kashmir providing a space for youth who are otherwise witness to brutal violence.

By Khalid Bashir Shah The Kashmir valley has seen frequest protests and rallies over the last few years. With very little recreational space available, the youth are virtually locked indoors due to continued strikes and curfews. But all that is changing now. On the banks of famous Dal Lake, a humble cafe has become a favourite spot for poetry readings, stand-up comedy and music concerts, providing an oasis of sorts to address the lack of social intercations. Based on Game of Thrones, this cafe hosts an iron throne, quite similar to that of the famous Hollywood drama series. The cafe as been named Winterfell, on one of the seven kingdoms of the famous TV series. "We named it Winterfell because it is in the north. In Game of Thrones, the Winterfell is located in north, in Kashmir we are also placed in north. Apart from that the temperature, the kind of attire we wear is also similar, especially in winter. It turned out we were the first themed cafe in Kashmir and we were the first themed cafe in whole of India based on Game of Thrones," said Umar Imtiyaz, co-owner, Winterfell. Multiple cafes have come up in Kashmir providing a space for youth who are otherwise witness to brutal violence. In the last decade, Kashmir has witnessed hundreds of strikes and curfews, during which the population remains completely locked up in houses. Internet shutdowns add to the trouble. While the conflict has taken over the life of youth, these cafe provide platform to singers, artists, poets and artists in Kashmir to showcase their talent and have a sense of respite from the brunt of political trouble. Sitting on the shopfront to discuss politics was a favourite activity of Kashmiris in early days but that is now being replaced by brick walls of cafes. Responsibility of cafe in Kashmir has increased because the social life here has gone down. I remember that during my childhood, my parents didn't allow me to venture outside because this was a conflict zone. Obviously, we didn't have much interaction with outside world to get information about how the society is developing. When we talk of cafes and their importance, people from different areas come together where people talk, share their talent and share their ideas. It is a place which is not confined to eating and drinking; there are conversations. This is where the society shapes," said Imtiyaz. Jammu and Kashmir is also marred by widespread unemployment, particularly among the younger sections of the society. Unemployment rate in the state is highest than the national average. About 25 per cent of those between the age group 18- 29 are without a source of proper employment. Thriving cafe culture has given a boost to entrepreneurship and employment generation. "These cafes give a sense of relief because youth here are caged. People come together from different communities and interact in these cafes," said Nadir Ali, Director, Centre for Peace and Justice. While there are many such Cafe’s coming up, the continued strife is affecting the business as well. The unrest of 2016, during which Kashmir remained shut for many years, the owners had to face massive losses. However, they are hoping against hope and expecting the next summer to be peaceful so that the losses of previous years can me made up.

Game of Thrones: In strife-torn Kashmir, new cafe named Winterfell

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) supremo Bhim Singh today demanded early deportation of foreigners, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis, illegally settled in the winter capital of the state.

&quot;The presence of these foreign nationals especially in the municipal limits of Jammu is posing a threat to peace in the region. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) should make their stand (regarding deportation) clear,&quot; he told reporters here.

Singh said, &quot;My statement is neither linked to politics nor against any religion or community. It is for our rights, justice and peace for which the people of the state have rendered huge sacrifices.&quot;

The JKNPP leader said the people would not allow settlement of foreigners on their soil and &quot;it is better that these people are deported from here.&quot;

Accusing the ruling PDP-BJP coalition, of maintaining &ldquo;deliberate silence&rdquo; on the issue and misleading the people by giving wrong figures about the number of these illegal settlers, he said, &quot;The number of Bangladeshi and Myanmarese in the city is over 23,000, while the government is claiming that they are only 5,000 thus misleading the public.&quot;

'The presence of these foreign nationals especially in the municipal limits of Jammu is posing a threat to peace in the region. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) should make their stand (regarding deportation) clear,' party supremo of the JKNPP said

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) supremo Bhim Singh today demanded early deportation of foreigners, including Rohingya and Bangladeshis, illegally settled in the winter capital of the state. "The presence of these foreign nationals especially in the municipal limits of Jammu is posing a threat to peace in the region. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) should make their stand (regarding deportation) clear," he told reporters here. Singh said, "My statement is neither linked to politics nor against any religion or community. It is for our rights, justice and peace for which the people of the state have rendered huge sacrifices." The JKNPP leader said the people would not allow settlement of foreigners on their soil and "it is better that these people are deported from here." Accusing the ruling PDP-BJP coalition, of maintaining “deliberate silence” on the issue and misleading the people by giving wrong figures about the number of these illegal settlers, he said, "The number of Bangladeshi and Myanmarese in the city is over 23,000, while the government is claiming that they are only 5,000 thus misleading the public."

JKNPP demands deportation of illegal Bangladeshi, Rohingyas from Jammu

&nbsp;India has said that it did not impose any restrictions on pilgrims travelling to Pakistan amid heightened tensions between the two nations following a string of terror attacks in the Kashmir Valley.

&quot;Of course not,&quot; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Friday when asked if India had imposed any restriction on pilgrims.

The clarification comes after Pakistan reportedly blamed India for withdrawing visa applications of pilgrims from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

'Of course not,' External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Friday when asked if India had imposed any restriction on pilgrims

India has said that it did not impose any restrictions on pilgrims travelling to Pakistan amid heightened tensions between the two nations following a string of terror attacks in the Kashmir Valley. "Of course not," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Friday when asked if India had imposed any restriction on pilgrims. The clarification comes after Pakistan reportedly blamed India for withdrawing visa applications of pilgrims from the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi.

Not imposed any restriction on pilgrims traveling to Pakistan: Ministry of External Affairs

The Indian army is the epitome of courage and fearlessness. The institution in itself is a representation of the idea of India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The army has been deployed in every corner of India, including the state of Jammu and Kashmir to discharge its duties. In Jammu and Kashmir, the presence of the armed forces is directed mainly to provide assistance to the state government in civil and administrative matters as well as to maintain public order and ensure the security of the nation. The security forces are always in the forefront during any disturbances, be it a natural calamity such as floods, cloudburst and landslides, or a terrorist attack.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The personnel of the armed forces dedicate their lives towards the service of the nation and to uphold the honour of the flag and sovereignty of the country. However, there have been several incidents in which stones and petrol bombs have been hurled at the security personnel.

&nbsp;

The human rights activists and organisations often take up cases of human rights of the perpetrators of violence who suffer injury or sometimes death during the incitement and criticise the armed forces.

&nbsp;

Whenever the armed forces are required to retaliate either in defence or to restore peace, they are protected by the provisions of the AFSPA. The AFSPA act is applicable in the state of J&amp;K which allows special powers to the armed forces.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;However, it is then that these activists and others term AFSPA as a &ldquo;tool of state abuse, oppression and discrimination&rdquo;. It is essential to understand that these special powers are no privilege but a protection so that they can carry out their duties without fear and obstructions.

&nbsp;

Every member of society, by its very existence, is clothed with human rights. Thus, it is also integral to recognise that the personnel of security forces, including the Army, the BSF, and the CRPF, have human rights as well that need to be protected.

&nbsp;

Many activists and organisation have held the Indian army responsible for infringing upon the human rights of the perpetrators of violence, however, the army is responsible for safeguarding those very rights that are invoked.

&nbsp;

The appalling and gruesome pictures of soldiers being pelted with stones, disarmed and being violently attacked by groups of people and the apathy of the state government, implicating the troops in criminal cases, was disturbing. The situation compelled us to approach the human rights commission and file a representation in the NHRC.

&nbsp;

There have been attempts to add a communal twist to this issue and politicise it. However, the Indian Army is an apolitical and a positively secular institution. The Army&rsquo;s loyalty is to the nation and not to any political party.

&nbsp;

We are happy and reassured to see NHRC rising up to the occasion and promptly issuing a notice to the Government of India and the Ministry of Defence and calling upon them to submit a report.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Every member of society, by its very existence, is clothed with human rights. Thus, it is also integral to recognise that the personnel of security forces, including the Army, the BSF, and the CRPF, have human rights as well that need to be protected.

The Indian army is the epitome of courage and fearlessness. The institution in itself is a representation of the idea of India. The army has been deployed in every corner of India, including the state of Jammu and Kashmir to discharge its duties. In Jammu and Kashmir, the presence of the armed forces is directed mainly to provide assistance to the state government in civil and administrative matters as well as to maintain public order and ensure the security of the nation. The security forces are always in the forefront during any disturbances, be it a natural calamity such as floods, cloudburst and landslides, or a terrorist attack. The personnel of the armed forces dedicate their lives towards the service of the nation and to uphold the honour of the flag and sovereignty of the country. However, there have been several incidents in which stones and petrol bombs have been hurled at the security personnel. The human rights activists and organisations often take up cases of human rights of the perpetrators of violence who suffer injury or sometimes death during the incitement and criticise the armed forces. Whenever the armed forces are required to retaliate either in defence or to restore peace, they are protected by the provisions of the AFSPA. The AFSPA act is applicable in the state of J&K which allows special powers to the armed forces. However, it is then that these activists and others term AFSPA as a “tool of state abuse, oppression and discrimination”. It is essential to understand that these special powers are no privilege but a protection so that they can carry out their duties without fear and obstructions. Every member of society, by its very existence, is clothed with human rights. Thus, it is also integral to recognise that the personnel of security forces, including the Army, the BSF, and the CRPF, have human rights as well that need to be protected. Many activists and organisation have held the Indian army responsible for infringing upon the human rights of the perpetrators of violence, however, the army is responsible for safeguarding those very rights that are invoked. The appalling and gruesome pictures of soldiers being pelted with stones, disarmed and being violently attacked by groups of people and the apathy of the state government, implicating the troops in criminal cases, was disturbing. The situation compelled us to approach the human rights commission and file a representation in the NHRC. There have been attempts to add a communal twist to this issue and politicise it. However, the Indian Army is an apolitical and a positively secular institution. The Army’s loyalty is to the nation and not to any political party. We are happy and reassured to see NHRC rising up to the occasion and promptly issuing a notice to the Government of India and the Ministry of Defence and calling upon them to submit a report. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: As daughter of a soldier, I find stone pelting gruesome

Since the NDA government came to power in the centre, we have noticed two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under &quot;Operation All Out&rdquo; and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces.&nbsp;

Under &quot;Operation All Out&rdquo; all the stakeholders, including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team not only to neutralise the terrorists, they had also been successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and, in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border.

This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. &ldquo;Operation All Out&rdquo; not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces.

Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF&#39;s response to retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out the old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated at the ceasefire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that&rsquo;s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of the ISI and leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of December 2017. Members of the ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and other representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same.&nbsp;

Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and, secondly, to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps.&nbsp;

Indian agencies which had the knowledge of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs of attacks from the ISI in the coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed the news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 5th January 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will include standoff attacks on security forces, hit and run as well as grenade lobbying.

This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of the Pakistan Army and the ISI.&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy in separation from the existing offensive one, thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Secondly, because these attacks will be carried on in areas full of sympathisers, it would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; They thought that this hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too.&nbsp;

The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters as is evident from the number of attacks carried out in 2018 itself. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers.

Since the taking over of NDA Government in the centre we have seen two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under :Operation All Out&rdquo; and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces. The first one is known very well as to how all the stakeholders including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team to not only neutralise the terrorists but also successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border.

This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. &ldquo;Operation All Out&rdquo; not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces in a brutal manner.

Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF&#39;s response during retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani Soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated the cease fire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that&rsquo;s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of ISI, Leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of Dec 2017. ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same.

Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and secondly to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps.

Indian agencies which were in the know of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs that the ISI will use to unleash in coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed this news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 05th Jan 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will have standoff attacks on Security forces, Hit and Run or Grenade lobbying.

This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of Pakistan Army and ISI.

<ul>
	<li>The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy from the existing offensive one thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly.</li>
	<li>Secondly, due to these attacks in areas full of sympathisers would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres.</li>
	<li>They thought that this Hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces.</li>
	<li>Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by Security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now.</li>
	<li>Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments.</li>
	<li>Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too.</li>
</ul>

The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters and the timelines of year 2018 speaks out the same. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The Suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers.

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 614px;" width="460">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			Date
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Type of Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Location
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			Casualties
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			01 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Suicide Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Letpora, Pampore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			05 policemen Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			02 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Firing at police station
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			06 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			IED Blast
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Sopore, Baramula
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			04 Policeman Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			08 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Fire at Police Patrol
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Tahab, Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			10 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			IED Blast
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Kamalkote, Uri
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			01 Soldier injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			12 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Attack on Police post
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Keegam, Shopian
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			13 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Recovery of IED
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Srinagar City
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			15 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Infiltration Bid Foiled
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Uri, Baramula
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			05 JeM Terrorists killed
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			18 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Recovery of IED
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Pounda, Doda
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			19 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Police Station- Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			08 Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			22 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Azad Jung- Baramula
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			One Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			22 Jan 2019
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Khrew Chowk, Pampore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			One Policeman Injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			24 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Recovery of IED
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Tangpora, Pampore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			26 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Police Station- Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			27 Jan 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Warpora, Sopore
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			02 Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			01Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Firing at Police Station
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Banura, Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			03 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Tral, Pulwama
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			05 Policemen injured
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			05 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Grenade Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			RR Camp, Kakarpora
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			06 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Terrorist attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			SMHS Hospital, Srinagar
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			02 Policemen Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			10 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Suicide Attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Sunjuwan, Jammu
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			06 Soldiers Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			12 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Terrorist attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			CRPF HQ, Srinagar
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			02 Policemen Martyred
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width:104px;">
			13 Feb 2018
			</td>
			<td style="width:161px;">
			Terrorist attack
			</td>
			<td style="width:180px;">
			Damana, Jammu
			</td>
			<td style="width:170px;">
			NIL
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

&nbsp;

So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted.

As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen several suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed.

With all these sequence of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network as well as over ground workers (OGWs) is making the task furthermore complicated.

The need of the day is now a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. India must break the so-called sanctity of the Line of Control because the area across LoC belongs to us and we have full rights to thwart any unlawful activity from that area. &nbsp;This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces.

So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted.&nbsp;

As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen number of suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed.&nbsp;

With all these sequences of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across the border is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network, as well as overground workers (OGWs), is making the task more complicated.&nbsp;

The need of the day is now to deal a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give a lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The suicide attacks on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers.

Since the NDA government came to power in the centre, we have noticed two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under "Operation All Out” and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces. Under "Operation All Out” all the stakeholders, including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team not only to neutralise the terrorists, they had also been successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and, in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border. This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. “Operation All Out” not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces. Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF's response to retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out the old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated at the ceasefire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that’s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of the ISI and leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of December 2017. Members of the ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and other representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same. Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and, secondly, to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps. Indian agencies which had the knowledge of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs of attacks from the ISI in the coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed the news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 5th January 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will include standoff attacks on security forces, hit and run as well as grenade lobbying. This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of the Pakistan Army and the ISI. • The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy in separation from the existing offensive one, thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly. • Secondly, because these attacks will be carried on in areas full of sympathisers, it would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres. • They thought that this hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces. • Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now. • Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments. • Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too. The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters as is evident from the number of attacks carried out in 2018 itself. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers. Since the taking over of NDA Government in the centre we have seen two major things related to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The first is an all-out integrated approach to target terrorists and neutralise them under :Operation All Out” and second is the reaction of the terrorist outfits in the form of increased frequency of attacks on the camps of the security forces. The first one is known very well as to how all the stakeholders including Special Forces, Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police are acting as a joint team to not only neutralise the terrorists but also successfully handling stone pelters in the valley. The joint operation yielded very good results and in 2017 alone, more than 213 terrorists were killed by the security forces which gave a big blow to the aspirations of people across the border. This was a matter of serious concern for Pakistan ISI as well as the terrorist organisations like Lashkar-E- Taiyaba, Jaish-e- Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen. “Operation All Out” not only gave a major blow to the Pak sponsored terrorism but also lowered the morale of the terror outfits. There was a time when no one was ready to take over the top position in the terror group as many of the newly joined recruits from Kashmir were killed by the security forces in a brutal manner. Pak Army was also worried over the Indian Army and the BSF's response during retaliatory firing at border posts and growing casualties of its men. They were finding it difficult to carry out old strategy of BAT and sniper attacks on Indian personnel as forces were giving befitting responses. More than 138 Pakistani Soldiers were killed when Indian forces strongly retaliated the cease fire violation caused by them. ISI too had a serious concern and that’s why the Pakistani authorities called for a meeting of ISI, Leaders of various terror outfits at Rawalpindi in the last week of Dec 2017. ISI, Pak Army, Hafiz Sayeed, Massoud Azhar and representatives of Hizbul Mujahideen participated in the same. Their prime worry was low morale of their cadres and difficulties in recruitment of fresh terrorists from Kashmir. During the meeting, they worked out a two-pronged strategy. Firstly, to infiltrate militants under heavy cover of LoC firing to support Kashmiri militants and secondly to weaken the morale and operation capacity of SF by attacking their convoys and camps. Indian agencies which were in the know of the meeting have begun their counter preparations to tackle fresh designs that the ISI will use to unleash in coming months. Indian intelligence agencies confirmed this news of this meeting and the same was further confirmed on 05th Jan 2018 when IGP of CRPF, Ravideep Singh Sahi revealed that in near future terrorists are going to resort to a new kind of tactics which will have standoff attacks on Security forces, Hit and Run or Grenade lobbying. This new tactic was aimed to address some of the concern of Pakistan Army and ISI. The very first aspect was to compel security forces to adopt a defensive strategy from the existing offensive one thus, saving their cadres from being killed mercilessly. Secondly, due to these attacks in areas full of sympathisers would have helped in ushering the morale of their cadres. They thought that this Hit and run tactics will save their cadres from getting killed easily and there will be more chances of damage to the security forces. Putting IEDs on the routes frequented by Security forces will slow their movements and they will now be more cautious. This will affect the speed and agility of the forces by which they were attacking the terrorists by now. Praising and popularising such attacks through Islamic radicals and their recruiters in the valley to facilitate new recruitments. Attacking military installations will affect the morale of the security forces too. The terror outfits soon started to perform as per the new tactics of their masters and the timelines of year 2018 speaks out the same. There has been a total of 22 attacks in just 44 days which means one attack every alternate day. Most of the attacks are hit and run type and were targeted to lower the speed of the security forces. The Suicide (Fidayeen) attack on the camps were majorly targeted to lower the morale and cause a panic in the families of the soldiers. Date Type of Attack Location Casualties 01 Jan 2018 Suicide Attack Letpora, Pampore 05 policemen Martyred 02 Jan 2018 Firing at police station Pulwama NIL 06 Jan 2018 IED Blast Sopore, Baramula 04 Policeman Martyred 08 Jan 2018 Fire at Police Patrol Tahab, Pulwama NIL 10 Jan 2018 IED Blast Kamalkote, Uri 01 Soldier injured 12 Jan 2018 Attack on Police post Keegam, Shopian NIL 13 Jan 2018 Recovery of IED Srinagar City NIL 15 Jan 2018 Infiltration Bid Foiled Uri, Baramula 05 JeM Terrorists killed 18 Jan 2018 Recovery of IED Pounda, Doda NIL 19 Jan 2018 Grenade attack Police Station- Pulwama 08 Policemen injured 22 Jan 2018 Grenade attack Azad Jung- Baramula One Policemen injured 22 Jan 2019 Grenade attack Khrew Chowk, Pampore One Policeman Injured 24 Jan 2018 Recovery of IED Tangpora, Pampore NIL 26 Jan 2018 Grenade Attack Police Station- Pulwama NIL 27 Jan 2018 Grenade Attack Warpora, Sopore 02 Policemen injured 01Feb 2018 Firing at Police Station Banura, Pulwama NIL 03 Feb 2018 Grenade Attack Tral, Pulwama 05 Policemen injured 05 Feb 2018 Grenade Attack RR Camp, Kakarpora NIL 06 Feb 2018 Terrorist attack SMHS Hospital, Srinagar 02 Policemen Martyred 10 Feb 2018 Suicide Attack Sunjuwan, Jammu 06 Soldiers Martyred 12 Feb 2018 Terrorist attack CRPF HQ, Srinagar 02 Policemen Martyred 13 Feb 2018 Terrorist attack Damana, Jammu NIL So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted. As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen several suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed. With all these sequence of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network as well as over ground workers (OGWs) is making the task furthermore complicated. The need of the day is now a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. India must break the so-called sanctity of the Line of Control because the area across LoC belongs to us and we have full rights to thwart any unlawful activity from that area. This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces. So, with the changing strategy of the terror outfits, the security forces have also changed their tactics and started acting accordingly. The recent attacks on CRPF Headquarters in Srinagar and Damana in Jammu were successfully thwarted. As far as the attack on Sunjuwan camp is concerned, my personal take is the security forces did a wonderful job. I had seen number of suicide (Fidayeen) attacks in the past and know about their planning and intensity. The way this attack was immediately detected and repulsed with minimal casualties, the security forces deserve an applause. While we salute our martyrs, who laid down their lives in this attack, the overall operation will definitely be called a success. We must keep the fact in mind that the terrorists were supported by locals and were holed up in a built-up area full of the families of soldiers and all of them were unarmed. With all these sequences of events, one thing is absolutely clear that the morale of terrorists as well as their masters sitting across the border is breaking down. They are looking for ways and means to keep this movement going but finding it difficult. The cracking down on separatists, their financial network, as well as overground workers (OGWs), is making the task more complicated. The need of the day is now to deal a final blow to the terror camps across the Line of Control. This is the right time and right momentum and just need a strong political will. A perfectly planned and executed action now will certainly give a lot of tactical and strategic mileage to the Indian security forces. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why terrorists specifically attack Indian army camps

If verbal gymnastics was an Olympic sport, there is little doubt that Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Raksha Mantri, would win the Gold Medal hands down.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

One minute, in a confidential conversation with Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, she is supportive of the Chief Minister&rsquo;s intention to file an FIR against the Army unit that fired in self-defence in the Shopian incident, for &quot;carelessness&quot; on their part.&nbsp; Ten days later as the Supreme Court stays the FIR, the RM unashamedly does a perfect verbal somersault and publicly states that the Supreme Court&rsquo;s directions were expected and that the Central Government supports our &ldquo;brave soldiers&rdquo;! One would not blame the military if it concluded that with friends like her, who needs enemies?

&nbsp;

At the outset it needs to be clarified that despite all the brouhaha in the media, the military veteran community and even among prominent members of the BJP and RSS, for instance, Mr. Subramanium Swamy, the Police can lodge an FIR against the Army, even in a disturbed area where AFSPA is in force if it concludes that a cognizable crime has been committed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While AFSPA, in essence, gives the Army operating in disturbed areas police powers of arrest and search without a warrant, given the hostile environment they are required to operate in, Section 7 of the Act only prevents prosecution of Army personnel without the sanction of the Central Government. Even a layman is conversant with the fact that filing of an FIR implies only commencement of an investigation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Thus, the filing of the FIR in such circumstances means little and would not in any way adversely impact the morale of personnel, provided they have organisational support. While Ms. Sitharaman&rsquo;s flip-flops have seriously damaged the credibility of the Central Government, sadly the wishy-washy comments of the Northern Army Commander, as well as the lack of any public statement from the Army Chief in support of his troops, has not helped matters. It is probably this perceived lack of organisational support that forced Major Aditya Kumar&rsquo;s father to approach the Supreme Court with the plea to quash the FIR.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp; While Mehbooba Mufti could well be ignorant, the Police are certainly fully aware that an FIR can only be lodged against an individual or group when a cognizable offence has been committed by them. In all other circumstances, a Police Report needs to be filed and the case brought before a Magistrate who then directs whether an FIR needs to be filed or not based on the evidence available.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the present instance, it needs only a superficial understanding of the law to conclude that firing in self-defence against a mob intent on lynching soldiers, snatching their arms, destroying government property and preventing them from carrying out their duties can hardly be considered a cognizable offence. As a matter of fact, the Police had failed in its duties by not lodging an FIR against the mob and arresting those involved. It is incumbent on the authorities to hold to account those officers responsible for this lapse. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

In any case if there was any doubt as to what exactly occurred and in the version of events brought out by the Army, a Magisterial Enquiry on the basis of a Police Report would have been sufficient to place the facts on record and that would have allowed the authorities to proceed with the case on its merit. Incidentally, the State Government also simultaneously ordered a Magisterial Enquiry along with the FIR, though this Enquiry will have little credibility given the circumstances.

&nbsp;

There is a problem in the manner in which this incident has been dealt with. Clearly, there has been unwarranted and unethical attempts by both the ruling alliance and the opposition in the State to politicise the issue and curry favour with the people.&nbsp; Mehbooba Mufti&rsquo;s assertion in the Assembly while defending the police action of lodging an FIR against the Army by suggesting that&nbsp; &quot;black sheep can be anywhere&quot;, without waiting for a report from an impartial investigator clearly suggests blatant bias against the Army as well as efforts on her Governments part to exert pressure on the Police to target the Army.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp; More worrisome is the fact that thanks to judicial activism, AFSPA has lost much of its effectiveness and this has greatly restricted the Army&rsquo;s ability to respond robustly and proactively to security threats for fear of subsequent criminal cases against them. Moreover, the State Government has been excessively lenient towards citizens indulging in acts of stone pelting and other violent activities. As a result, the Army finds it extremely difficult to carry out area domination patrols, especially in rural areas, due to attacks on them by unrestrained mobs. The Army, thus, finds itself losing control of the countryside, a critical element in any counter-insurgency strategy, if it is to succeed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;There is little doubt that politicians are targeting the military for their own selfish reasons. As we are well aware, no insurgency can be resolved without a political solution being implemented. Unfortunately, in our case, neither the State nor the Central Government is willing to put forward a solution that can help resolve the issue. In such circumstances, the Army will continue to pay the price unless it takes drastic action and refuses to be played.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The worry is that if the military hierarchy refuses to stand up and confront the political leadership, it is only a matter of time before the rank and file, who bear the brunt of such operations, may take matters into their own hands. That would disastrous for the military.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Finally, of course, this government does have another option; it could arrange to hand over the situation to Mr. Bhagwat and his merry band of volunteers in khaki who believe they can achieve in three days what the Army hasn&rsquo;t in three decades. If nothing else this ludicrous suggestion may lead to the death of separatists from laughing too much and that wouldn&rsquo;t count as murder would it?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Ms. Sitharaman’s flip-flops have seriously damaged the credibility of the Central Government, sadly the wishy-washy comments of the Northern Army Commander, as well as the lack of any public statement from the Army Chief in support of his troops, has not helped matters.

If verbal gymnastics was an Olympic sport, there is little doubt that Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Raksha Mantri, would win the Gold Medal hands down. One minute, in a confidential conversation with Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, she is supportive of the Chief Minister’s intention to file an FIR against the Army unit that fired in self-defence in the Shopian incident, for "carelessness" on their part. Ten days later as the Supreme Court stays the FIR, the RM unashamedly does a perfect verbal somersault and publicly states that the Supreme Court’s directions were expected and that the Central Government supports our “brave soldiers”! One would not blame the military if it concluded that with friends like her, who needs enemies? At the outset it needs to be clarified that despite all the brouhaha in the media, the military veteran community and even among prominent members of the BJP and RSS, for instance, Mr. Subramanium Swamy, the Police can lodge an FIR against the Army, even in a disturbed area where AFSPA is in force if it concludes that a cognizable crime has been committed. While AFSPA, in essence, gives the Army operating in disturbed areas police powers of arrest and search without a warrant, given the hostile environment they are required to operate in, Section 7 of the Act only prevents prosecution of Army personnel without the sanction of the Central Government. Even a layman is conversant with the fact that filing of an FIR implies only commencement of an investigation. Thus, the filing of the FIR in such circumstances means little and would not in any way adversely impact the morale of personnel, provided they have organisational support. While Ms. Sitharaman’s flip-flops have seriously damaged the credibility of the Central Government, sadly the wishy-washy comments of the Northern Army Commander, as well as the lack of any public statement from the Army Chief in support of his troops, has not helped matters. It is probably this perceived lack of organisational support that forced Major Aditya Kumar’s father to approach the Supreme Court with the plea to quash the FIR. While Mehbooba Mufti could well be ignorant, the Police are certainly fully aware that an FIR can only be lodged against an individual or group when a cognizable offence has been committed by them. In all other circumstances, a Police Report needs to be filed and the case brought before a Magistrate who then directs whether an FIR needs to be filed or not based on the evidence available. In the present instance, it needs only a superficial understanding of the law to conclude that firing in self-defence against a mob intent on lynching soldiers, snatching their arms, destroying government property and preventing them from carrying out their duties can hardly be considered a cognizable offence. As a matter of fact, the Police had failed in its duties by not lodging an FIR against the mob and arresting those involved. It is incumbent on the authorities to hold to account those officers responsible for this lapse. In any case if there was any doubt as to what exactly occurred and in the version of events brought out by the Army, a Magisterial Enquiry on the basis of a Police Report would have been sufficient to place the facts on record and that would have allowed the authorities to proceed with the case on its merit. Incidentally, the State Government also simultaneously ordered a Magisterial Enquiry along with the FIR, though this Enquiry will have little credibility given the circumstances. There is a problem in the manner in which this incident has been dealt with. Clearly, there has been unwarranted and unethical attempts by both the ruling alliance and the opposition in the State to politicise the issue and curry favour with the people. Mehbooba Mufti’s assertion in the Assembly while defending the police action of lodging an FIR against the Army by suggesting that "black sheep can be anywhere", without waiting for a report from an impartial investigator clearly suggests blatant bias against the Army as well as efforts on her Governments part to exert pressure on the Police to target the Army. More worrisome is the fact that thanks to judicial activism, AFSPA has lost much of its effectiveness and this has greatly restricted the Army’s ability to respond robustly and proactively to security threats for fear of subsequent criminal cases against them. Moreover, the State Government has been excessively lenient towards citizens indulging in acts of stone pelting and other violent activities. As a result, the Army finds it extremely difficult to carry out area domination patrols, especially in rural areas, due to attacks on them by unrestrained mobs. The Army, thus, finds itself losing control of the countryside, a critical element in any counter-insurgency strategy, if it is to succeed. There is little doubt that politicians are targeting the military for their own selfish reasons. As we are well aware, no insurgency can be resolved without a political solution being implemented. Unfortunately, in our case, neither the State nor the Central Government is willing to put forward a solution that can help resolve the issue. In such circumstances, the Army will continue to pay the price unless it takes drastic action and refuses to be played. The worry is that if the military hierarchy refuses to stand up and confront the political leadership, it is only a matter of time before the rank and file, who bear the brunt of such operations, may take matters into their own hands. That would disastrous for the military. Finally, of course, this government does have another option; it could arrange to hand over the situation to Mr. Bhagwat and his merry band of volunteers in khaki who believe they can achieve in three days what the Army hasn’t in three decades. If nothing else this ludicrous suggestion may lead to the death of separatists from laughing too much and that wouldn’t count as murder would it? (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Will this brouhaha over Major Aditya help the Army? No

A Kashmiri man whose video of a death-defying stunt went viral, on Wednesday&nbsp;apologised&nbsp;for performing such a&nbsp;dangerous stunt.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Terming his&nbsp;stunt stupid, the youth identified as Aadil, apologised to everyone who commented and shared his video.

&quot;I don&#39;t know how to explain that how much I feel ashamed at this time. I&#39;m appealing all the people plz plz forgive me and I wouldn&#39;t repeat it again,&quot; he added,

Aadil further asked for forgiveness from police and requested to not send him to prison.

Aadil from Bijbehara from South of Kashmir performed a dangerous stunt in which he was lying on a railway track with his face down and was approached by a train in high speed coming directly&nbsp;at him.

The train&nbsp;passes over him completely leaving Aadil without any harm.

The Aadil can be seen celebrating after the stunt in a video recorded by an unidentified person.

The incident&nbsp;raised security concerns in the valley and people asked for immediate action on&nbsp;Aadil and whoever was involved in the incident.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also shared his video saying &quot;I can&rsquo;t believe the stupidity of these young men.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
There is something drastically wrong with this sort of adventure seeking. I can&rsquo;t believe the stupidity of these young men. <a href="https://t.co/83lLWanozR">pic.twitter.com/83lLWanozR</a>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/955791718216953856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Many Whatsapp group administrators also urged group members not to share the video as it will encourage more teens to do the same in the name of adventure and thrill.

Identified as Aadil, the youth apologised to everyone who commented and shared his video

A Kashmiri man whose video of a death-defying stunt went viral, on Wednesday apologised for performing such a dangerous stunt. Terming his stunt stupid, the youth identified as Aadil, apologised to everyone who commented and shared his video. "I don't know how to explain that how much I feel ashamed at this time. I'm appealing all the people plz plz forgive me and I wouldn't repeat it again," he added, Aadil further asked for forgiveness from police and requested to not send him to prison. Aadil from Bijbehara from South of Kashmir performed a dangerous stunt in which he was lying on a railway track with his face down and was approached by a train in high speed coming directly at him. The train passes over him completely leaving Aadil without any harm. The Aadil can be seen celebrating after the stunt in a video recorded by an unidentified person. The incident raised security concerns in the valley and people asked for immediate action on Aadil and whoever was involved in the incident. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also shared his video saying "I can’t believe the stupidity of these young men." There is something drastically wrong with this sort of adventure seeking. I can’t believe the stupidity of these young men. pic.twitter.com/83lLWanozR — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) January 23, 2018 × Many Whatsapp group administrators also urged group members not to share the video as it will encourage more teens to do the same in the name of adventure and thrill.

Watch: Kashmiri youth apologises for death-defying train stunt that went viral

Pakistan today said Kashmir and Rohingya issues are among the &quot;causes of a fractured world&quot; being witnessed today and they also need to be discussed at the international level.

Addressing a press conference along with his several cabinet colleagues who are here for the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said his country expects relationships to remain strong with China as well as the US.

He, however, acknowledged that the relationship with China has improved in recent past due to projects like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In reply to a question, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, &quot;Kashmir and Rohingya are also among the causes of the fractured world and they also need (to be) addressed at international level&quot;.

His comments were in reference to the theme of this year&#39;s WEF annual meeting -- &#39;Creating a shared future in a fractured world&#39;.

Asked whether Pakistan was feeling the warmth of friendship from the East or the West, Abbasi said, &quot;For our country warmth has been blowing from both East and from the West and we hope it continues to blow from both sides. We have excellent relationships with China and with the US also.&quot;

He said the relationship with China has further strengthened with BRI and CPEC.

Asif said these relationships have been there since the birth of the country.

The Chinese initiatives in a region that is politically and otherwise fractured is something that shows and manifests China&#39;s commitment to strive for a shared future, the foreign minister said.

He also noted that Pakistan has praised China&#39;s BRI and President Xi Jinping&#39;s vision at every platform in Davos.

&quot;We would like our friends to view their relationship with Pakistan as an independent relationship and not through the prism of a third country. I am referring to our relationship with the US and they have (been) in the last few years viewing the relationship through the prism of Afghanistan,&quot; Asif said.

The prime minister and his cabinet colleagues also listed out various steps being taken to attract investments and how the government was trying to improve the country&#39;s global image.

Abbasi said Pakistan is an open market and ready to do business as he invited global businesses to come and invest in the country.

The decision to attend the WEF annual meeting was mainly driven by its theme, shared future in a fractured world, he said.

&quot;In Pakistan, we are carving out a shared future for everyone without leaving any one and we are doing this despite facing fractures internally and externally,&quot; he noted.

Pakistan is at the cusp of making history by making a peaceful transition by completing a decade of continued democracy, he said.

According to him, the country is playing a key role in connecting people of the region also by participating in the CPEC which is part of the BRI project of China.

&quot;Here at the WEF, we have engaged with leaders of various sectors and the platform has allowed us to present our potential,&quot; Abbasi said.

He also said BRI would benefit the region and the world at large for decades and millenniums to come.

Abbasi said Pakistan is an open market and ready to do business as he invited global businesses to come and invest in the country.

Pakistan today said Kashmir and Rohingya issues are among the "causes of a fractured world" being witnessed today and they also need to be discussed at the international level. Addressing a press conference along with his several cabinet colleagues who are here for the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said his country expects relationships to remain strong with China as well as the US. He, however, acknowledged that the relationship with China has improved in recent past due to projects like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In reply to a question, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, "Kashmir and Rohingya are also among the causes of the fractured world and they also need (to be) addressed at international level". His comments were in reference to the theme of this year's WEF annual meeting -- 'Creating a shared future in a fractured world'. Asked whether Pakistan was feeling the warmth of friendship from the East or the West, Abbasi said, "For our country warmth has been blowing from both East and from the West and we hope it continues to blow from both sides. We have excellent relationships with China and with the US also." He said the relationship with China has further strengthened with BRI and CPEC. Asif said these relationships have been there since the birth of the country. The Chinese initiatives in a region that is politically and otherwise fractured is something that shows and manifests China's commitment to strive for a shared future, the foreign minister said. He also noted that Pakistan has praised China's BRI and President Xi Jinping's vision at every platform in Davos. "We would like our friends to view their relationship with Pakistan as an independent relationship and not through the prism of a third country. I am referring to our relationship with the US and they have (been) in the last few years viewing the relationship through the prism of Afghanistan," Asif said. The prime minister and his cabinet colleagues also listed out various steps being taken to attract investments and how the government was trying to improve the country's global image. Abbasi said Pakistan is an open market and ready to do business as he invited global businesses to come and invest in the country. The decision to attend the WEF annual meeting was mainly driven by its theme, shared future in a fractured world, he said. "In Pakistan, we are carving out a shared future for everyone without leaving any one and we are doing this despite facing fractures internally and externally," he noted. Pakistan is at the cusp of making history by making a peaceful transition by completing a decade of continued democracy, he said. According to him, the country is playing a key role in connecting people of the region also by participating in the CPEC which is part of the BRI project of China. "Here at the WEF, we have engaged with leaders of various sectors and the platform has allowed us to present our potential," Abbasi said. He also said BRI would benefit the region and the world at large for decades and millenniums to come.

Kashmir, Rohingya issues among 'causes of a fractured world': Pakistan at Davos

Three blasts in quick succession were reported from Assam on Republic Day. The blasts were reported from the Jagun, Ledo, and Tirap areas of the state.&nbsp;

There were no casualties reported, and ANI said the blasts were &quot;minor&quot;.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a> Two minor blasts reported in Jagun &amp; Ledo area of Tinsukiya district earlier today; no casualties reported <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a> <a href="https://t.co/4okkPPB3an">pic.twitter.com/4okkPPB3an</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956806539582435328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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No one has as yet claimed responsibility but police said the militant group ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) is being thought of as a suspect since it had called for a boycott of Republic Day celebrations.&nbsp;

In Kashmir meanwhile, police said they had apprehended a suspected woman suicide bomber.&nbsp;

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A lady who is suspected to be a suicide bomber has been apprehended, we will verify facts and talk to her, only then can we come to a conclusion: Munir Khan,ADG,J&amp;K Police <a href="https://t.co/NWepMesu5j">pic.twitter.com/NWepMesu5j</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956790056697544704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Intelligence agencies had put out an alert earlier, saying a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/republic-day-fidayeen-alert-issued-in-kashmir-30726" target="_blank">fidayeen attacker</a> was thought to be in the Valley.&nbsp;

They had added the attacker might be female and that everybody entering a venue where Republic Day was being celebrated was to be thoroughly frisked. Including women.&nbsp;

Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, and other parts of the country troubled by insurgency, are usually held under heavy security.&nbsp;

In Punjab meanwhile, a police constable shot himself with his AK-47 at a Republic Day function at a school in Jagraon. Police said Manjit Singh died on the spot.&nbsp;

They added that an investigation was underway, and that Singh had been depressed because of family troubles.&nbsp;

And finally, a woman and her two sons were detained in Mumbai while trying to enter a Republic Day venue. The woman, ANI said, was reportedly angry over the death of her husband in custody and was planning on immolating herself.&nbsp;

On the good news front, mobile and internet services, which had been suspended in Kashmir for security reasons, were restored early in the afternoon.&nbsp;

The blasts were minor and there were no casualties

Three blasts in quick succession were reported from Assam on Republic Day. The blasts were reported from the Jagun, Ledo, and Tirap areas of the state. There were no casualties reported, and ANI said the blasts were "minor". #SpotVisuals Two minor blasts reported in Jagun & Ledo area of Tinsukiya district earlier today; no casualties reported #Assam pic.twitter.com/4okkPPB3an — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2018 × No one has as yet claimed responsibility but police said the militant group ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) is being thought of as a suspect since it had called for a boycott of Republic Day celebrations. In Kashmir meanwhile, police said they had apprehended a suspected woman suicide bomber. A lady who is suspected to be a suicide bomber has been apprehended, we will verify facts and talk to her, only then can we come to a conclusion: Munir Khan,ADG,J&K Police pic.twitter.com/NWepMesu5j — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2018 × Intelligence agencies had put out an alert earlier, saying a fidayeen attacker was thought to be in the Valley. They had added the attacker might be female and that everybody entering a venue where Republic Day was being celebrated was to be thoroughly frisked. Including women. Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, and other parts of the country troubled by insurgency, are usually held under heavy security. In Punjab meanwhile, a police constable shot himself with his AK-47 at a Republic Day function at a school in Jagraon. Police said Manjit Singh died on the spot. They added that an investigation was underway, and that Singh had been depressed because of family troubles. And finally, a woman and her two sons were detained in Mumbai while trying to enter a Republic Day venue. The woman, ANI said, was reportedly angry over the death of her husband in custody and was planning on immolating herself. On the good news front, mobile and internet services, which had been suspended in Kashmir for security reasons, were restored early in the afternoon.

Republic Day: 3 blasts in Assam, woman suicide bomber apprehended in Kashmir, cop shoots himself in Punjab

As the tensions along the Indo-Pak border intensify, UN chief Antonio Guterres called on to both the countries for dialogue.&nbsp;

Guterres ruled out any possibility of mediation and urged India and Pakistan to address their issues. &nbsp;

Un officials noted that although the United Nations is always available for mediation, nothing can be achieved if the countries don&#39;t reach a consensus. &nbsp;

While Pakistan has always sought mediation, India often stands against any third-party intervention, especially in resolving the Kashmir issue.

&quot;We&#39;re obviously aware. We&#39;re following this, what&#39;s been going on, really for the last 10 days,&quot; UN Secretary-General&#39;s spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted.&nbsp;

&quot;As in any issue...If there are multiple parties, everyone needs to agree on involving the UN. That is true of any mediation effort,&quot; Dujarric said.

&quot;The Secretary-General would encourage both sides to address any outstanding issues through dialogue,&quot; he said.

The Indo-Pak ties have been under pressure owing to a series of attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terror groups.

The recent incidents of ceasefire violations have caused severe casualties on both sides and have strained the relationship further.&nbsp;

The Indo-Pak ties have been under pressure owing to a series of attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terror groups

As the tensions along the Indo-Pak border intensify, UN chief Antonio Guterres called on to both the countries for dialogue. Guterres ruled out any possibility of mediation and urged India and Pakistan to address their issues. Un officials noted that although the United Nations is always available for mediation, nothing can be achieved if the countries don't reach a consensus. While Pakistan has always sought mediation, India often stands against any third-party intervention, especially in resolving the Kashmir issue. "We're obviously aware. We're following this, what's been going on, really for the last 10 days," UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted. "As in any issue...If there are multiple parties, everyone needs to agree on involving the UN. That is true of any mediation effort," Dujarric said. "The Secretary-General would encourage both sides to address any outstanding issues through dialogue," he said. The Indo-Pak ties have been under pressure owing to a series of attacks carried out by Pakistan-based terror groups. The recent incidents of ceasefire violations have caused severe casualties on both sides and have strained the relationship further.

No mediation on Kashmir unless India and Pakistan arrive at consensus: UN Chief

The act of registering an FIR against Major Aditya Kumar in connection with last month&#39;s Shopian firing case shows the appeasing attitude of political hierarchy of Jammu and Kashmir. It shows them in poor light, more importantly, such an act actually lowers the morale of Armed Forces operating in Kashmir. It also shows the unawareness of the officials responsible for the FIR about the provisions of the AFSPA.

&nbsp;

The incident has been covered widely by the media. Let me highlight some important issues which the nation must think in the national interest.

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; FIR registered against Army Major Aditya Kumar in connection with last month&#39;s Shopian firing case does not stand as the military personnel was there not by choice. They were there because the country wanted them to be there; it was their duty to protect the country in a disturbed region.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; The column was attacked by stone pelters with an intent to hurt the forces, hence, criminal force was applied against them. Why the authorities did not register FIR against the stone pelters.

&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Major Aditya Kumar and his troops had no enmity with the persons who were killed in the incident.

&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; The Army personnel have the right of self-defence too

&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; As per the law in vogue, in a &lsquo;Disturbed Area&rsquo;, the officer is duty bound to protect his subordinates and the government property and can use force. The minimum force is to be used but the decision as to how much force is the minimum force is a decision to be taken by the commander on the spot, based on his judgement. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp; Army after the due warning is expected to fire for effect and not in the air, unlike police, which can use measures like tear gas or firing in air.

&nbsp;

Under the circumstances in which Maj Aditya and his troops were placed, had they not taken any action, they would have been either lynched or burnt. The officer and men, in my opinion, have acted in self-defence as per powers conferred to them by law.

&nbsp;

It needs to be understood that the Army is the instrument of last resort and if they are scarred by legal actions, then the morale of young officers and men will be affected adversely. If they get overcautious, we have to blame our political hierarchy of pushing them into fortress mentality, wherein they will not come out and protect people due to fear of litigation which is exactly desired by Pakistan and militants. If we are soft towards the militants, no corner of the country will be safe. I do not understand why politicians of Kashmir for their petty gains do not understand this, despite an attack on our Parliament.

&nbsp;

It also needs to be understood that under the AFSPA, the state has to take permission of the Central Government to proceed against the officer, which the Central Government can refuse, which has happened in many such cases earlier. Even if the permission is to be given a set procedure is to be followed.

&nbsp;

I must salute the honourable Supreme Court of India which has put a stay on the FIR registered against Army Major Aditya Kumar in connection with this&nbsp; Shopian firing case. The apex court also directed that no coercive action be taken against Major Aditya in connection with the incident in which three civilians were killed and nine others were injured.

&nbsp;

It should also be a matter of concern that Indian Army unlike most armies in the world is known to use minimum force and does not use even high calibre weapons. Nowhere in the world, you can see an example of an armed soldier being beaten by a lady, and the soldier is showing resilience to tolerate it, and taking such ill treatment from people, whom the soldiers have saved in floods a year earlier. Let us not push our soldiers to wall, the consequences can be disastrous, definitely not in the nation&#39;s interest. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The column was attacked by stone pelters with an intent to hurt the forces, hence, a criminal force was applied against them. Why the authorities did not register FIR against the stone pelters?

The act of registering an FIR against Major Aditya Kumar in connection with last month's Shopian firing case shows the appeasing attitude of political hierarchy of Jammu and Kashmir. It shows them in poor light, more importantly, such an act actually lowers the morale of Armed Forces operating in Kashmir. It also shows the unawareness of the officials responsible for the FIR about the provisions of the AFSPA. The incident has been covered widely by the media. Let me highlight some important issues which the nation must think in the national interest. • FIR registered against Army Major Aditya Kumar in connection with last month's Shopian firing case does not stand as the military personnel was there not by choice. They were there because the country wanted them to be there; it was their duty to protect the country in a disturbed region. • The column was attacked by stone pelters with an intent to hurt the forces, hence, criminal force was applied against them. Why the authorities did not register FIR against the stone pelters. • Major Aditya Kumar and his troops had no enmity with the persons who were killed in the incident. • The Army personnel have the right of self-defence too • As per the law in vogue, in a ‘Disturbed Area’, the officer is duty bound to protect his subordinates and the government property and can use force. The minimum force is to be used but the decision as to how much force is the minimum force is a decision to be taken by the commander on the spot, based on his judgement. • Army after the due warning is expected to fire for effect and not in the air, unlike police, which can use measures like tear gas or firing in air. Under the circumstances in which Maj Aditya and his troops were placed, had they not taken any action, they would have been either lynched or burnt. The officer and men, in my opinion, have acted in self-defence as per powers conferred to them by law. It needs to be understood that the Army is the instrument of last resort and if they are scarred by legal actions, then the morale of young officers and men will be affected adversely. If they get overcautious, we have to blame our political hierarchy of pushing them into fortress mentality, wherein they will not come out and protect people due to fear of litigation which is exactly desired by Pakistan and militants. If we are soft towards the militants, no corner of the country will be safe. I do not understand why politicians of Kashmir for their petty gains do not understand this, despite an attack on our Parliament. It also needs to be understood that under the AFSPA, the state has to take permission of the Central Government to proceed against the officer, which the Central Government can refuse, which has happened in many such cases earlier. Even if the permission is to be given a set procedure is to be followed. I must salute the honourable Supreme Court of India which has put a stay on the FIR registered against Army Major Aditya Kumar in connection with this Shopian firing case. The apex court also directed that no coercive action be taken against Major Aditya in connection with the incident in which three civilians were killed and nine others were injured. It should also be a matter of concern that Indian Army unlike most armies in the world is known to use minimum force and does not use even high calibre weapons. Nowhere in the world, you can see an example of an armed soldier being beaten by a lady, and the soldier is showing resilience to tolerate it, and taking such ill treatment from people, whom the soldiers have saved in floods a year earlier. Let us not push our soldiers to wall, the consequences can be disastrous, definitely not in the nation's interest. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Thank God, we had Supreme Court to protect Major Aditya

India is likely to raise with the Trump administration the use of US-made anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) by Pakistan Army to target Indian troops along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, defence ministry sources indicated today.

The Pakistan Army had used the ATMGs during heavy shelling on an Indian Army team along the LoC in Rajouri district of J-K last Sunday in which four army men including a captain were killed, the sources said.

Army sources had said that the Pakistan Army used 120mm mortars and the ATGMs in the Rajouri attack, adding usually Pakistan uses 80mm mortars to target Indian posts along the LoC. 
The security establishment here is understood to have been concerned over use of US-made ATGMs by Pakistan considering the expanding Indo-US strategic ties.

&quot;We are going to raise the issue with them (the US)&quot;, said a source.

The defence and security ties between India and the US have been on an upswing. In June 2016, the US had designated India a &quot;Major Defence Partner&quot; intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners. 
The Army last week had clearly indicated that it would take retaliatory action against the killing of four army men.

The sources said that Pakistan has been escalating the hostilities along the LoC and in hinterland in J-K to vitiate the atmosphere ahead of panchayat polls in the state.

India is likely to raise with the Trump administration the use of US-made anti-tank guided missiles by the Pakistan Army to target Indian troops along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, defence ministry sources indicated

India is likely to raise with the Trump administration the use of US-made anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) by Pakistan Army to target Indian troops along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, defence ministry sources indicated today. The Pakistan Army had used the ATMGs during heavy shelling on an Indian Army team along the LoC in Rajouri district of J-K last Sunday in which four army men including a captain were killed, the sources said. Army sources had said that the Pakistan Army used 120mm mortars and the ATGMs in the Rajouri attack, adding usually Pakistan uses 80mm mortars to target Indian posts along the LoC. The security establishment here is understood to have been concerned over use of US-made ATGMs by Pakistan considering the expanding Indo-US strategic ties. "We are going to raise the issue with them (the US)", said a source. The defence and security ties between India and the US have been on an upswing. In June 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners. The Army last week had clearly indicated that it would take retaliatory action against the killing of four army men. The sources said that Pakistan has been escalating the hostilities along the LoC and in hinterland in J-K to vitiate the atmosphere ahead of panchayat polls in the state.

India to raise use of anti-tank guided missiles by Pakistan with US

Pakistan has again raked up the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council and accused it of &quot;selectively&quot; implementing its resolution on the matter.

Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan&#39;s Permanent Representative to the UN, sought periodic review of the implementation of the UN Security Council&#39;s decades-old resolution on the issue.

&quot;Nothing undermines the credibility of the Council more than &#39;selective&#39; implementation of its resolutions,&quot; Lodhi said during an open debate of the Security Council on its working methods.

&quot;The Council should therefore periodically review the implementation of its resolutions, especially on longstanding issues like the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,&quot; she said.

She said the failure of the Council to enforce its own resolutions &quot;undercuts not just the Council&#39;s standing in the world, but the UN as well&quot;.

According to the top Pakistani diplomat, the best way to enhance the democratic and representative character of the Security Council is to reinforce this norm of accountability, and not to support any actions that threaten to undermine or reverse these ideals.

The Council, she said, should be more transparent and balanced in the working of its subsidiary organs.

Elected members should have a more equitable representation of these organs.

India is opposed to any third-party intervention in resolving the Kashmir issue while Pakistan has continuously sought mediation to sort out the differences. Pakistan often raises the issue at various international platforms.

"Nothing undermines the credibility of the Council more than 'selective' implementation of its resolutions," Lodhi said

Pakistan has again raked up the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council and accused it of "selectively" implementing its resolution on the matter. Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, sought periodic review of the implementation of the UN Security Council's decades-old resolution on the issue. "Nothing undermines the credibility of the Council more than 'selective' implementation of its resolutions," Lodhi said during an open debate of the Security Council on its working methods. "The Council should therefore periodically review the implementation of its resolutions, especially on longstanding issues like the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," she said. She said the failure of the Council to enforce its own resolutions "undercuts not just the Council's standing in the world, but the UN as well". According to the top Pakistani diplomat, the best way to enhance the democratic and representative character of the Security Council is to reinforce this norm of accountability, and not to support any actions that threaten to undermine or reverse these ideals. The Council, she said, should be more transparent and balanced in the working of its subsidiary organs. Elected members should have a more equitable representation of these organs. India is opposed to any third-party intervention in resolving the Kashmir issue while Pakistan has continuously sought mediation to sort out the differences. Pakistan often raises the issue at various international platforms.

Pakistan again rakes up Kashmir issue at UN

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir, sources have told the Zee group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Telegram channel, the MHA sources say, was created on September 23, 2017, renamed on October 3, 2017, and has 223 members.&nbsp;A Telegram channel is similar to a WhatsApp group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The MHA report adds that VeraCrypt, a programme used to encrypt files and disks, was also posted on the channel. As was content related to lone-wolf attacks and techniques explaining the usage of explosives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/wont-allow-anti-india-activities-in-kashmir-army-chief-29627" target="_blank">Won&#39;t allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief</a>

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>

The report adds that a hashtag in support of Islamic State has been doing the rounds of social media in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The report says the hashtag was used in 2014 when the IS was active in Iraq and Syria and that, as per analysis on Facebook, usage of the hashtag has seen a tenfold increase in 2017.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The sources said the MHA has instructed security agencies to identify&nbsp;the admininstrator of the channel and take action. 
&nbsp; 
For security reasons, the Zee group has decided not to disclose the name of pro-IS Telegram channel.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia in Jammu and Kashmir

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia in Jammu and Kashmir, sources have told the Zee group. The Telegram channel, the MHA sources say, was created on September 23, 2017, renamed on October 3, 2017, and has 223 members. A Telegram channel is similar to a WhatsApp group. The MHA report adds that VeraCrypt, a programme used to encrypt files and disks, was also posted on the channel. As was content related to lone-wolf attacks and techniques explaining the usage of explosives. Also read: Won't allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir The report adds that a hashtag in support of Islamic State has been doing the rounds of social media in Jammu and Kashmir. The report says the hashtag was used in 2014 when the IS was active in Iraq and Syria and that, as per analysis on Facebook, usage of the hashtag has seen a tenfold increase in 2017. The sources said the MHA has instructed security agencies to identify the admininstrator of the channel and take action. For security reasons, the Zee group has decided not to disclose the name of pro-IS Telegram channel.

Pro-IS groups may be encouraging lone-wolf attacks in Kashmir: MHA sources

A PDP MLA from Kashmir has sparked controvery after saying militants &quot;are martyrs, they are our brothers&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Militants who are from Kashmir are martyrs, they are our brothers, some of them are minors who don&#39;t even know what they are doing,&quot; PDP MLA Aijaz Ahmed Mir said Thursday.&nbsp;

Mir, the MLA from Watchi constituency in Kashmir&#39;s Shopian, added that the killing of militants should not be celebrated. And that &quot;we feel sad when our security forces are martyred as well&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;We should not celebrate the killings of militants, it is our collective failure, we feel sad when our security forces are martyred as well, we should sympathize with parents of security jawans and with parents of militants as well,&quot; Mir said.&nbsp;

2017 has been a tough year in Kashmir, with the security forces killing close to 200 militants.&nbsp;

Some of them have been students as young as 15.&nbsp;

On Thursday, newspapers reported the killing of 15-year-Old Farhan Wani who had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen last year.&nbsp;

Farhan was killed in an encounter in Anantnag on Tuesday. The other three militants with him when the security forces caught up with them managed to escape.&nbsp;

In 2017, 77 security forces personnel were killed in counter-insurgency operations Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Mir&#39;s statements were condemned by the both the BJP, which shares power with the PDP in Kashmir, and the opposition National Conference, which said the PDP is a party of contradictions. On the one hand, they said, militants are killed under their watch, and on the other, they make statements like Mir&#39;s.&nbsp;

'Militants who are from Kashmir are martyrs, they are our brothers, some of them are minors who don't even know what they are doing,' PDP MLA Aijaz Ahmed Mir said Thursday

A PDP MLA from Kashmir has sparked controvery after saying militants "are martyrs, they are our brothers". "Militants who are from Kashmir are martyrs, they are our brothers, some of them are minors who don't even know what they are doing," PDP MLA Aijaz Ahmed Mir said Thursday. Mir, the MLA from Watchi constituency in Kashmir's Shopian, added that the killing of militants should not be celebrated. And that "we feel sad when our security forces are martyred as well". "We should not celebrate the killings of militants, it is our collective failure, we feel sad when our security forces are martyred as well, we should sympathize with parents of security jawans and with parents of militants as well," Mir said. 2017 has been a tough year in Kashmir, with the security forces killing close to 200 militants. Some of them have been students as young as 15. On Thursday, newspapers reported the killing of 15-year-Old Farhan Wani who had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen last year. Farhan was killed in an encounter in Anantnag on Tuesday. The other three militants with him when the security forces caught up with them managed to escape. In 2017, 77 security forces personnel were killed in counter-insurgency operations Jammu and Kashmir. Mir's statements were condemned by the both the BJP, which shares power with the PDP in Kashmir, and the opposition National Conference, which said the PDP is a party of contradictions. On the one hand, they said, militants are killed under their watch, and on the other, they make statements like Mir's.

Kashmir MLA says 'militants are martyrs, our brothers', controversy follows

On Tuesday 9th January 2018, the Army and Kashmir Police received an input about 3-4 terrorists lodged in a village in Anantnag. Immediately, the army moved for an operation. As a procedure, the terrorists were told to surrender and given adequate time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

However, when they started firing over the security forces, they retaliated which resulted in the killing of one of the terrorists named Farhan Wani. The boy was just 18-year-old at the time of his death.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Farhan Wani came from a peaceful village of Khudgami in Kulgam District of Kashmir. The 18-year old represents the new breed of Kashmiri militants who are not very experienced or mature. They are young immature boys who are brainwashed and lured into the deep gorges of terrorism on the pretext of Islamic Jihad or Freedom of Kashmir.

&nbsp;

Over last three decades, the militancy in Kashmir has taken many turns. In the earlier times, we saw the mercenaries from Pakistan, Afghanistan and even from other countries coming to Kashmir to participate in the so-called Jihad. Pakistan soon realised that it is being branded as a perpetrator of terrorism in the global community. So, the strategy changed once again.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This time, Pakistan recruited the poor, unemployed and distressed youth of the valley after radicalising and brainwashing them through false propaganda. The goal was to claim state-sponsored terrorism as a people&rsquo;s movement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Farhan Wani was one of the many victims of this dirty game of Pakistan. He was a student of class XI when he left one day in June 2017 and never returned.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On a sunny afternoon, Farhan Wani, apparently, left for Physics tuition but joined the ranks of Hijbul Mujahidin, a terrorist group supported and nurtured by Pakistan. Son of a school Teacher, Mr Ghulam Mohammad Wani, Farhan was a very bright student and got a CGPA of 9.6 on his 10th Board exam.

&nbsp;

There are many Farhan Wani in the ranks and cadres of these groups. Some have joined Lashkar-e Taiyyaba, Some Jaish-e-Muhammad and some Hijbul Mujahidin. But one thing is common among all of them. These young terrorists, barely in their late teens,&nbsp; are radicalised by Pakistan-sponsored religious teachers and recruiters who are working in the disguise of common Kashmiri citizens.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Who is responsible for the death of this young soul? Is it the Armed Forces? No.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;It is the duty of the Indian military forces to fight the armed mercenaries. They tried their best to get him back. Defence sources even confirm that it was assured to the father of Farhan that if he comes back, no cases will be registered against him since he is not involved in any of the criminal activity and Army will provide the best of its help to settle him down.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The social leaders and his father urged him to come back. The emotional post on his Facebook profile is very touching. Mr Ghulam Mohammad thought that, like Majid, who returned last year from Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba, his son will also return some day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ghulam Mohammad was only partially right. Farhan returned but in the form of a lifeless body.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Every time I see a death in Kashmir, there is a very pertinent question that knocks in my mind. Among all the Kashmiri boys who turned militant, I always see a pattern. Having spent a considerable time in Kashmir, I have failed to see even a single militant from the influential families of the so-called Hurriyat leaders or religious teachers who are, otherwise, radicalising these innocent youths and luring them into the trap of Death. Most of the young men who turned into terrorists are people are from local communities. Sons of common people, such as teachers, farmers or even daily workers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Just check where the families of these leaders reside? They are enjoying in some foreign country or Delhi or in some other metro at the cost of the lives of poor innocent Kashmiri boys.

These so-called leaders of Kashmiri People who are not even thinking twice before sending these innocent boys to a never-ending death trap of terrorism are the real conspirators of Farhan&rsquo;s Death and every Kashmiri should understand that.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I heard today that at the time when Farhan was being cremated, Syed Ali Shah Geelani addressed the public through phone and said that the uprising in Kashmir will not die. Many Farhan will now take up arms to fight the Forces and the fire of this struggle will not die.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

My suggestion to Mr Geelani is simple, why don&rsquo;t you send your own family members to join these groups. Your grandson Izhaar is a&nbsp; pilot with a known private airlines. Another grandson Anees is working with J&amp;K State government in a senior position, there are other grandsons who are studying in various schools of India and are of the same age as Farhan was. Why don&rsquo;t you tell them to join these terrorist groups? they can lead the struggle of your so-called Kashmiri Jihad. They can effectively replace him in the group. Instead of making so much of fuss in front of the public, call them and let them join.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By the way, is there even a single person from your own family who joined this so-called Jihad? The answer is a clear no.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Not only Geelani, if I ask how many family members of the so-called religious teachers, who are busy radicalising the many Farhan&rsquo;s of the Kashmir valley, have joined the ranks of the Mujahidin&rsquo;s? The answer is NIL. Actually, they are only bidding to the dictate of their masters who are sitting abroad and paying them huge sums of money to lure innocent youth into the trap of terrorism.

&nbsp;

It is high time for the common people of Kashmir to realise what they want? Do they want the leaders like Geelani and Yasin Malik and Mirvaiz Umar Farooq who want to use the common Kashmiri in the name of aazadi or do they want a prosperous atmosphere where every Kashmiri is able to grow and live without fear?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I think any wise Kashmiri will be able to make a choice.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Having spent a considerable time in Kashmir, I have failed to see even a single militant from the influential families of the so-called Hurriyat leaders or religious teachers who are, otherwise, radicalising these innocent youths and luring them into the trap of death.

On Tuesday 9th January 2018, the Army and Kashmir Police received an input about 3-4 terrorists lodged in a village in Anantnag. Immediately, the army moved for an operation. As a procedure, the terrorists were told to surrender and given adequate time. However, when they started firing over the security forces, they retaliated which resulted in the killing of one of the terrorists named Farhan Wani. The boy was just 18-year-old at the time of his death. Farhan Wani came from a peaceful village of Khudgami in Kulgam District of Kashmir. The 18-year old represents the new breed of Kashmiri militants who are not very experienced or mature. They are young immature boys who are brainwashed and lured into the deep gorges of terrorism on the pretext of Islamic Jihad or Freedom of Kashmir. Over last three decades, the militancy in Kashmir has taken many turns. In the earlier times, we saw the mercenaries from Pakistan, Afghanistan and even from other countries coming to Kashmir to participate in the so-called Jihad. Pakistan soon realised that it is being branded as a perpetrator of terrorism in the global community. So, the strategy changed once again. This time, Pakistan recruited the poor, unemployed and distressed youth of the valley after radicalising and brainwashing them through false propaganda. The goal was to claim state-sponsored terrorism as a people’s movement. Farhan Wani was one of the many victims of this dirty game of Pakistan. He was a student of class XI when he left one day in June 2017 and never returned. On a sunny afternoon, Farhan Wani, apparently, left for Physics tuition but joined the ranks of Hijbul Mujahidin, a terrorist group supported and nurtured by Pakistan. Son of a school Teacher, Mr Ghulam Mohammad Wani, Farhan was a very bright student and got a CGPA of 9.6 on his 10th Board exam. There are many Farhan Wani in the ranks and cadres of these groups. Some have joined Lashkar-e Taiyyaba, Some Jaish-e-Muhammad and some Hijbul Mujahidin. But one thing is common among all of them. These young terrorists, barely in their late teens, are radicalised by Pakistan-sponsored religious teachers and recruiters who are working in the disguise of common Kashmiri citizens. Who is responsible for the death of this young soul? Is it the Armed Forces? No. It is the duty of the Indian military forces to fight the armed mercenaries. They tried their best to get him back. Defence sources even confirm that it was assured to the father of Farhan that if he comes back, no cases will be registered against him since he is not involved in any of the criminal activity and Army will provide the best of its help to settle him down. The social leaders and his father urged him to come back. The emotional post on his Facebook profile is very touching. Mr Ghulam Mohammad thought that, like Majid, who returned last year from Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba, his son will also return some day. Ghulam Mohammad was only partially right. Farhan returned but in the form of a lifeless body. Every time I see a death in Kashmir, there is a very pertinent question that knocks in my mind. Among all the Kashmiri boys who turned militant, I always see a pattern. Having spent a considerable time in Kashmir, I have failed to see even a single militant from the influential families of the so-called Hurriyat leaders or religious teachers who are, otherwise, radicalising these innocent youths and luring them into the trap of Death. Most of the young men who turned into terrorists are people are from local communities. Sons of common people, such as teachers, farmers or even daily workers. Just check where the families of these leaders reside? They are enjoying in some foreign country or Delhi or in some other metro at the cost of the lives of poor innocent Kashmiri boys. These so-called leaders of Kashmiri People who are not even thinking twice before sending these innocent boys to a never-ending death trap of terrorism are the real conspirators of Farhan’s Death and every Kashmiri should understand that. I heard today that at the time when Farhan was being cremated, Syed Ali Shah Geelani addressed the public through phone and said that the uprising in Kashmir will not die. Many Farhan will now take up arms to fight the Forces and the fire of this struggle will not die. My suggestion to Mr Geelani is simple, why don’t you send your own family members to join these groups. Your grandson Izhaar is a pilot with a known private airlines. Another grandson Anees is working with J&K State government in a senior position, there are other grandsons who are studying in various schools of India and are of the same age as Farhan was. Why don’t you tell them to join these terrorist groups? they can lead the struggle of your so-called Kashmiri Jihad. They can effectively replace him in the group. Instead of making so much of fuss in front of the public, call them and let them join. By the way, is there even a single person from your own family who joined this so-called Jihad? The answer is a clear no. Not only Geelani, if I ask how many family members of the so-called religious teachers, who are busy radicalising the many Farhan’s of the Kashmir valley, have joined the ranks of the Mujahidin’s? The answer is NIL. Actually, they are only bidding to the dictate of their masters who are sitting abroad and paying them huge sums of money to lure innocent youth into the trap of terrorism. It is high time for the common people of Kashmir to realise what they want? Do they want the leaders like Geelani and Yasin Malik and Mirvaiz Umar Farooq who want to use the common Kashmiri in the name of aazadi or do they want a prosperous atmosphere where every Kashmiri is able to grow and live without fear? I think any wise Kashmiri will be able to make a choice. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: The story of many Farhan Wani's of Kashmir

The 60-day-long annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas will commence on 28th June 2018, the shrine board said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Governor and chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board N N Vohra, presided over a meeting of the board to particularly discuss the implementation of the directions recently passed by NGT regarding Amarnath Yatra and to decide the further course of action.&nbsp;

Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has decided that 60 days long Amarnath Yatra would commence on 28th June 2018 and conclude on 26th August 2018.&nbsp;

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, Amarnath shrine stands at 3,888 metres, 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal.

Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has reviewed the 2018 Yatra Action Plan, including arrangements for medical care, installation of railings and of garbage in a scientific manner.&nbsp;

Amarnath Yatra would commence on 28th June 2018 and conclude 26th August 2018

The 60-day-long annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas will commence on 28th June 2018, the shrine board said on Tuesday. Jammu and Kashmir Governor and chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board N N Vohra, presided over a meeting of the board to particularly discuss the implementation of the directions recently passed by NGT regarding Amarnath Yatra and to decide the further course of action. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has decided that 60 days long Amarnath Yatra would commence on 28th June 2018 and conclude on 26th August 2018. Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, Amarnath shrine stands at 3,888 metres, 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has reviewed the 2018 Yatra Action Plan, including arrangements for medical care, installation of railings and of garbage in a scientific manner.

Amarnath Yatra to begin on June 28

Mannan Bashir Wani, a research scholar from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has reportedly joined a terrorist group in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The research scholar, who hails from Kupwara in Kashmir, was today expelled by the Aligarh Muslim University authorities in the wake of reports alleging that he may have joined a terrorist group.&nbsp;A team of senior AMU officials sealed Mannan Basheer Wani&#39;s room this morning immediately after they received a letter from the Aligarh Superintendent of Police about his alleged &quot;nefarious&quot; activities, university officials said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/highest-number-of-youth-joined-militant-group-in-2017-report-27600" target="_blank">Highest number of Kashmiri youth joined militant groups in 2017: Report</a>

A recent Facebook post hints that the 26-year-old scholar joined the group &quot;Hizbul Mujahideen&quot;.&nbsp;

Wani, in a Facebook post, was seen holding an assault rifle. The caption of the picture indicated that he joined the&nbsp;group on January 5.&nbsp;

According to a media&nbsp;report, the research scholar was driven to join the militant group after he was humiliated by the armed forces in November 2017. He said the car he was travelling in was stopped four times by armed forces and each time he had to get down to prove his identity.&nbsp;

The report also said that he was mocked by an army officer from resembling a militant commander.&nbsp;The picture caption said that his code name is Hamzah Bai.&nbsp;

Wani, pursuing PhD&nbsp;in Geology at Aligarh Muslim University,&nbsp;had taken a break from his university to visit his family in Kashmir.&nbsp;

A local news agency stated that Wani hails from a well-off family and is a son of a lecturer. 
 
The Senior Superintendent of Police Kupwara Shamsher Hussain has said that his family was unable to contact Wani.&nbsp;

AMU Proctor, Professor Mohsin Khan, meanwhile, told PTI that the University had set &quot;up a comprehensive inquiry into the entire matter&quot; and is also taking further necessary steps for stepping up security in hostels of the university. 
&nbsp;

According to a media report the research scholar was driven to join the militant group after he was humiliated by the armed forces

Mannan Bashir Wani, a research scholar from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has reportedly joined a terrorist group in Kashmir. The research scholar, who hails from Kupwara in Kashmir, was today expelled by the Aligarh Muslim University authorities in the wake of reports alleging that he may have joined a terrorist group. A team of senior AMU officials sealed Mannan Basheer Wani's room this morning immediately after they received a letter from the Aligarh Superintendent of Police about his alleged "nefarious" activities, university officials said. Also read: Highest number of Kashmiri youth joined militant groups in 2017: Report A recent Facebook post hints that the 26-year-old scholar joined the group "Hizbul Mujahideen". Wani, in a Facebook post, was seen holding an assault rifle. The caption of the picture indicated that he joined the group on January 5. According to a media report, the research scholar was driven to join the militant group after he was humiliated by the armed forces in November 2017. He said the car he was travelling in was stopped four times by armed forces and each time he had to get down to prove his identity. The report also said that he was mocked by an army officer from resembling a militant commander. The picture caption said that his code name is Hamzah Bai. Wani, pursuing PhD in Geology at Aligarh Muslim University, had taken a break from his university to visit his family in Kashmir. A local news agency stated that Wani hails from a well-off family and is a son of a lecturer. The Senior Superintendent of Police Kupwara Shamsher Hussain has said that his family was unable to contact Wani. AMU Proctor, Professor Mohsin Khan, meanwhile, told PTI that the University had set "up a comprehensive inquiry into the entire matter" and is also taking further necessary steps for stepping up security in hostels of the university.

AMU PhD scholar joins Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir, expelled

Former union home minister P Chidambaram posted a total of nine tweets on Kashmir on Sunday -- the gist of his argument being that the government&#39;s &quot;hard, militaristic&quot; approach in the state was not working.&nbsp;

&quot;From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;The last reminder,&quot; he said, &quot;came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three.&quot;

Chidambaram also referred to the appointment by the government of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor on Kashmir.

&quot;...but his (Sharma&#39;s) mandate was not clear,&quot; Chidambaram said.&nbsp;

Chidambaram finally went on to say that &quot;If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view.&quot;

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>

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1.From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846056367304704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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2. The last reminder came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846105314836482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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3. On the eve of the election in Gujarat, the government appointed Mr Dineshwar Sharma as Special Representative (SR), but his mandate was not clear.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846165008236544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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4. Subsequently, it was indicated that the SR will talk to anyone who was willing to meet him, and therein lies the catch.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846215646003202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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5. It was claimed that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach will put an end to infiltration and militancy. Has it? <a href="https://t.co/AkT6ESrbJe">pic.twitter.com/AkT6ESrbJe</a>
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846277881085952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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6. Wisdom lies in actively working to find a political solution to the issue of J&amp;K. Both Mr A B Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh will be remembered for their diligent efforts to find a solution to the issue.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846331157180416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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7. The way forward is to invite all stakeholders for talks.Unfortunately, the stakeholders have perceived the appointment of the SR as a pre-election gimmick and have totally rebuffed the good fellow.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846397720805376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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8. Still, all is not lost. I support the idea of interlocutors, but that step has to be part of a set of measures.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846548313137152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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9. If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/949846589933199361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The BJP was quick to react, with GVL Narasimha Rao saying Chidambaram&#39;s ideas were a &quot;recipe for disaster&quot;.&nbsp;

Rao added that &quot;our forces are doing a fantastic job.&quot; And that Chidambaram should &quot;support them&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it&#39;s anti-India agenda,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

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Thiru Chidambaram,Your ideas on Kashmir are a recipe for disaster. Our forces are doing a fantastic job. Support them. Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it&#39;s anti-India agenda. Seems you are jealous of Thiru MS Aiyer &amp; trying to challenge him as Pak&#39;s &quot;Apologist No. 1&quot;. <a href="https://t.co/bgA0vhNsJK">https://t.co/bgA0vhNsJK</a>
&mdash; GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GVLNRAO/status/949866640228798464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Do you ever see Cong leaders attack Pak for killing our soldiers? No.They dine with Pak, rejoice Hafiz Saeed&#39;s release, show &quot;fake&quot; concern for forces but abuse them &amp; their Twitter handles act as Poodles of Pakistan. Shame on <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OfficeOfRG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PChidambaram_IN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilSibal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KapilSibal</a>
&mdash; GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GVLNRAO/status/949879396894105600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Chidambaram posted a total of nine tweets on Kashmir. 'It was claimed that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach will put an end to infiltration and militancy. Has it?' he asked

Former union home minister P Chidambaram posted a total of nine tweets on Kashmir on Sunday -- the gist of his argument being that the government's "hard, militaristic" approach in the state was not working. "From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu & Kashmir," he said. "The last reminder," he said, "came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three." Chidambaram also referred to the appointment by the government of Dineshwar Sharma as interlocutor on Kashmir. "...but his (Sharma's) mandate was not clear," Chidambaram said. Chidambaram finally went on to say that "If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view." Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir 1.From time to time we are rudely reminded that there is an issue concerning the state of Jammu & Kashmir. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 2. The last reminder came on the night of 30-31 December 2017, when militants attacked the CRPF Training Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama district killing five CRPF personnel and injuring three. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 3. On the eve of the election in Gujarat, the government appointed Mr Dineshwar Sharma as Special Representative (SR), but his mandate was not clear. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 4. Subsequently, it was indicated that the SR will talk to anyone who was willing to meet him, and therein lies the catch. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 5. It was claimed that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach will put an end to infiltration and militancy. Has it? pic.twitter.com/AkT6ESrbJe — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 6. Wisdom lies in actively working to find a political solution to the issue of J&K. Both Mr A B Vajpayee and Dr Manmohan Singh will be remembered for their diligent efforts to find a solution to the issue. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 7. The way forward is to invite all stakeholders for talks.Unfortunately, the stakeholders have perceived the appointment of the SR as a pre-election gimmick and have totally rebuffed the good fellow. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 8. Still, all is not lost. I support the idea of interlocutors, but that step has to be part of a set of measures. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × 9. If you are one of those who had thought that the hard, muscular, militaristic approach of the government should be given a chance, please look at the table once again. You may change your view. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 7, 2018 × The BJP was quick to react, with GVL Narasimha Rao saying Chidambaram's ideas were a "recipe for disaster". Rao added that "our forces are doing a fantastic job." And that Chidambaram should "support them". "Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it's anti-India agenda," he added. Thiru Chidambaram,Your ideas on Kashmir are a recipe for disaster. Our forces are doing a fantastic job. Support them. Stop acting as a Pakistani poodle advancing it's anti-India agenda. Seems you are jealous of Thiru MS Aiyer & trying to challenge him as Pak's "Apologist No. 1". https://t.co/bgA0vhNsJK — GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) January 7, 2018 × Do you ever see Cong leaders attack Pak for killing our soldiers? No.They dine with Pak, rejoice Hafiz Saeed's release, show "fake" concern for forces but abuse them & their Twitter handles act as Poodles of Pakistan. Shame on @INCIndia & @OfficeOfRG @PChidambaram_IN @KapilSibal — GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) January 7, 2018 ×

Government's 'hard' approach in Kashmir not working, Chidambaram tweets; BJP calls him 'Pakistani poodle'

A BSF soldier was killed today in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan.

The Pakistan&nbsp;troops opened fire on soldiers in Samba Sector of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: One BSF Jawan has lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba Sector <a href="https://t.co/2b1VuiqJr6">pic.twitter.com/2b1VuiqJr6</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948523838278574081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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RP Hazra, the BSF Constable who lost his life in the ceasefire violation is survived by his wife, 18-year-old&nbsp;son and 21-year-old daughter.&nbsp;

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J&amp;K: BSF Head Constable RP Hazra lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba Sector. He is survived by his wife, 18-year-old son &amp; 21-year-old daughter. Today is his birthday. <a href="https://t.co/T0hjehBX6H">pic.twitter.com/T0hjehBX6H</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948546613194113024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The violation occurred in Samba Sector of Jammu and Kashmir

A BSF soldier was killed today in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The Pakistan troops opened fire on soldiers in Samba Sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu & Kashmir: One BSF Jawan has lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba Sector pic.twitter.com/2b1VuiqJr6 — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × RP Hazra, the BSF Constable who lost his life in the ceasefire violation is survived by his wife, 18-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter. J&K: BSF Head Constable RP Hazra lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba Sector. He is survived by his wife, 18-year-old son & 21-year-old daughter. Today is his birthday. pic.twitter.com/T0hjehBX6H — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 ×

BSF soldier killed as Pak troops open fire along LoC

The international terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been repeatedly thumbing his nose at the Pakistani establishment as well as at the United States, but Islamabad remains obdurate in not taking any action against him and several other terrorists. On several occasions, the US expressed its displeasure and concern, and nudged Pakistan to arrest and charge Saeed for his crimes. But Pakistan has always looked the other way around. What is that which is preventing Pakistan from booking Saeed at the expense of its fragile ties with the US?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There can be only two plausible reasons. Either Pakistan is impotent and afraid of the might of Saeed or it is a well-thought-out plan of action to get even with its now estranged ally. Saeed, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, is a U.N. and United States designated terrorist. Moreover, India has blamed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief for the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Pakistan has been at the receiving end ever since the Donald Trump administration took over in January last year. President Trump has been particularly hard on Pakistan since he was on his campaign trail. There is no doubt that there has been a tectonic shift in American policy of late as the US desperation grows because of Pakistan&rsquo;s failure to rein in militants ensconced in its backyard.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The ties between Pakistan and the US had started straining during the Barack Obama administration.&nbsp; It all began with the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by US special forces in May 2011 on Pakistani soil in an operation kept secret from the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government. The US, which had launched a massive manhunt for Laden, mastermind of the deadly September 11 attacks, was shocked that he was being provided a safe sanctuary by Pakistan whom it considered a strategic ally in its fight against terrorism. Even though, the US chose to maintain a fa&ccedil;ade of relationship with Pakistan because of its interests in Afghanistan.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;But all that seems to be over now! &quot;We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism when I&rsquo;m president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually,&quot; Trump had said during electioneering. And true to his words, one can notice a paradigm shift in the new US dispensation as far as the battle against Islamic militants is concerned. From here onwards, one can expect a no-nonsense US policy on terrorism which should be a major cause of worry for Pakistan, which continues to host several militant groups hostile to both India and the US.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Unlike his predecessors, there is an increasing likelihood of Trump seeking to reshape the decades-old policy towards Pakistan by linking US aid to its commitment against terrorism. Today the US administration has announced withholding $255 million in aid to Pakistan.&nbsp; Though a pittance, the message is loud and clear that the US is dissatisfied with the obstinacy shown by Pakistan in not taking substantive action against terrorist networks that continue to flourish there with the full support of the administration.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Pakistan has been the recipient of more than $33 billion in aid since 2002. And it has done precious little to rein in militants. The US frustration seems to have reached the point of no return as President Trump in his August address said:&nbsp; &quot;We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting.&quot;&nbsp; Since then he has dispatched his top diplomatic and military advisors to Pakistan -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis &ndash; who read out the riot act to senior officials of Pakistan. But thus far, Pakistan does not seem to have been rattled by such warnings.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;On the contrary, not only did it free Saeed from the so-called &ldquo;house arrest&rdquo; with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention, it went on to justify his release. To rub salt into the wound, its foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that Islamabad was committed to the implementation of United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists and had taken several steps in this regard.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Saeed has also declared his political ambitions by announcing that his organisation JuD would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD. In fact, Saeed was showered with flower petals as he openly toured several areas in full public glare.

&nbsp;

Can it happen in any civilised country that a UN-designated terrorist is allowed to roam free? But anything can happen in a rogue country like Pakistan which even allows a terrorist group to launch its political party and let it contest the elections. The MML-backed candidate had secured the fourth position with 6,000 votes, double than that of Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party (PPP) and Jamaat- i-Islami combined in a by-election in Lahore&#39;s NA-120 constituency last September. The seat had fallen vacant when the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to resign, following his disqualification by Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court.

&nbsp;

It is hard to digest that Saeed would have been allowed to open the office of MML without the consent of the government of the day and that too when the US had expressed its strong concerns and said in a statement that it hopes Pakistan &quot;does the right thing&quot; in not allowing that to happen and added that it &quot;want(s) to make...clear so that everybody knows&quot;, that the US has put a bounty of $10 million on Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).&nbsp; It is an open secret that Saeed has the full backing of Pakistani army which has been at loggerheads with the government.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;The question then arises whether Saeed has the tacit support of the Pakistani establishment or it is too afraid to take action against him as he is being backed by the army. Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa came in full support of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind when he appeared before a parliament forum last month and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue. It is a known fact that the army enjoys far greater power than the elected government in Pakistan and no government can afford to go against the wishes of the army. Whatever may be Pakistan&rsquo;s reason to prop up Saeed, but one thing is certain. Pakistan is in for a rude shock in the coming months.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Either Pakistan is impotent and afraid of the might of Saeed or it is a well-thought-out plan of action to get even with its now estranged ally, the US.

The international terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been repeatedly thumbing his nose at the Pakistani establishment as well as at the United States, but Islamabad remains obdurate in not taking any action against him and several other terrorists. On several occasions, the US expressed its displeasure and concern, and nudged Pakistan to arrest and charge Saeed for his crimes. But Pakistan has always looked the other way around. What is that which is preventing Pakistan from booking Saeed at the expense of its fragile ties with the US? There can be only two plausible reasons. Either Pakistan is impotent and afraid of the might of Saeed or it is a well-thought-out plan of action to get even with its now estranged ally. Saeed, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, is a U.N. and United States designated terrorist. Moreover, India has blamed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief for the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. Pakistan has been at the receiving end ever since the Donald Trump administration took over in January last year. President Trump has been particularly hard on Pakistan since he was on his campaign trail. There is no doubt that there has been a tectonic shift in American policy of late as the US desperation grows because of Pakistan’s failure to rein in militants ensconced in its backyard. The ties between Pakistan and the US had started straining during the Barack Obama administration. It all began with the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by US special forces in May 2011 on Pakistani soil in an operation kept secret from the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government. The US, which had launched a massive manhunt for Laden, mastermind of the deadly September 11 attacks, was shocked that he was being provided a safe sanctuary by Pakistan whom it considered a strategic ally in its fight against terrorism. Even though, the US chose to maintain a façade of relationship with Pakistan because of its interests in Afghanistan. But all that seems to be over now! "We will defeat radical Islamic terrorism when I’m president. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with India in sharing intelligence and keeping our people safe mutually," Trump had said during electioneering. And true to his words, one can notice a paradigm shift in the new US dispensation as far as the battle against Islamic militants is concerned. From here onwards, one can expect a no-nonsense US policy on terrorism which should be a major cause of worry for Pakistan, which continues to host several militant groups hostile to both India and the US. Unlike his predecessors, there is an increasing likelihood of Trump seeking to reshape the decades-old policy towards Pakistan by linking US aid to its commitment against terrorism. Today the US administration has announced withholding $255 million in aid to Pakistan. Though a pittance, the message is loud and clear that the US is dissatisfied with the obstinacy shown by Pakistan in not taking substantive action against terrorist networks that continue to flourish there with the full support of the administration. Pakistan has been the recipient of more than $33 billion in aid since 2002. And it has done precious little to rein in militants. The US frustration seems to have reached the point of no return as President Trump in his August address said: "We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting." Since then he has dispatched his top diplomatic and military advisors to Pakistan -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis – who read out the riot act to senior officials of Pakistan. But thus far, Pakistan does not seem to have been rattled by such warnings. On the contrary, not only did it free Saeed from the so-called “house arrest” with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention, it went on to justify his release. To rub salt into the wound, its foreign office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that Islamabad was committed to the implementation of United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists and had taken several steps in this regard. If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Saeed has also declared his political ambitions by announcing that his organisation JuD would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD. In fact, Saeed was showered with flower petals as he openly toured several areas in full public glare. Can it happen in any civilised country that a UN-designated terrorist is allowed to roam free? But anything can happen in a rogue country like Pakistan which even allows a terrorist group to launch its political party and let it contest the elections. The MML-backed candidate had secured the fourth position with 6,000 votes, double than that of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamaat- i-Islami combined in a by-election in Lahore's NA-120 constituency last September. The seat had fallen vacant when the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had to resign, following his disqualification by Pakistan's Supreme Court. It is hard to digest that Saeed would have been allowed to open the office of MML without the consent of the government of the day and that too when the US had expressed its strong concerns and said in a statement that it hopes Pakistan "does the right thing" in not allowing that to happen and added that it "want(s) to make...clear so that everybody knows", that the US has put a bounty of $10 million on Saeed, the founder of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). It is an open secret that Saeed has the full backing of Pakistani army which has been at loggerheads with the government. The question then arises whether Saeed has the tacit support of the Pakistani establishment or it is too afraid to take action against him as he is being backed by the army. Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa came in full support of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind when he appeared before a parliament forum last month and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue. It is a known fact that the army enjoys far greater power than the elected government in Pakistan and no government can afford to go against the wishes of the army. Whatever may be Pakistan’s reason to prop up Saeed, but one thing is certain. Pakistan is in for a rude shock in the coming months. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: US blocks aid but Pakistan still backs Hafiz Saeed. Why?

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club.&nbsp;

The residents of the region raised the slogans &quot;hum leke&nbsp;rahenge&nbsp;azaadi&quot; (We will take the liberty).&nbsp;

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Pakistan: Residents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GilgitBaltistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GilgitBaltistan</a> staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised &#39;hum leke rahenge azaadi&#39; slogans. <a href="https://t.co/mhtl8MNpia">pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946988764554866688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">aazadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank"> and not that of PoK</a>

The protesters revolted saying &quot;We are humans do not treat us like animals&quot;.

The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens.

Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/widespread-protests-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-against-ill-treatment-of-locals-by-pakistan-27543" target="_blank">Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London</a>

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We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/VtWXOF7NjP">pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946980750808584192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/Dn7Xrv4t9h">pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946983012599603200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.&nbsp;

The protesters revolted saying 'We are humans do not treat us like animals'

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club. The residents of the region raised the slogans "hum leke rahenge azaadi" (We will take the liberty). Pakistan: Residents of #GilgitBaltistan staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised 'hum leke rahenge azaadi' slogans. pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Also read: Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation Also read: Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK The protesters revolted saying "We are humans do not treat us like animals". The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens. Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights. Also read: Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan Also read: Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.

People from Gilgit Baltistan protest against Pakistan

If one were to either listen to the drivel that passes for discussion on Prime Time TV on the question of the recent killing of an Indian Army officer, Major Prafulla, and three jawans of the SIKH Regiment, one could well be forgiven for thinking that we are in the middle of a war with Pakistan. Added to this provocation was the utterly callous, disgraceful and uncivilized manner in which the Pakistan Government treated the mother and wife of the alleged spy, former naval officer, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav after permitting them to meet him on &ldquo;humanitarian&rdquo; grounds.&nbsp; These have been grounds enough for hawks here to swoop down and publicly demand that Pakistan be taught a &ldquo;lesson.&rdquo; Politicians too, especially from the ruling coalition, have not held back either, with Mr. Subramanium Swamy leading the charge.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fortunately for us, most of these individuals are ensconced either in climate controlled studios or in Lutyens Delhi, well protected by their personal security of Black Cat Commandos. One can also rest assured that those baying for Pakistani blood are certainly not going to volunteer to lead the next cross-border raid or assault. As a matter of fact, leave them aside, even their own kith and kin are unlikely to be anywhere in the vicinity of our forces, those whom they are so willing to put in harms&rsquo; way.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Undoubtedly, we have much to be angry with Pakistan about. It&rsquo;s unabated, but wholly unsuccessful, attempts to drag us into the swamp where it wallows is certainly reason enough. Though at the end of the day its schizophrenic and delusional obsession with Jammu and Kashmir has been more damaging to its polity than anything we could have ever done, barring Bangladesh, and that too would not have occurred if they had not been more sensitive and humane in their dealings with their Bengali comrades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is true that Pakistan has provided moral and material support to the Kashmir insurgency. The jihadi elements based there continue to infiltrate terrorists to cause carnage in Jammu and Kashmir and even further afield. Their efforts have actually been just a drop in the ocean with an odd success here and there, resulting more from our own inept handling of our communal environment rather than because of their capability to cause us harm. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Unfortunately, successes by these terrorist elements have been used by our political leadership to divert attention from their own failures to initiate political, social and economic measures in the state. Such a step would have met the aspirations of the local population and resolved most of the issues that have been troubling us for the past three decades. This, despite the fact that politicians, dyed in all hues, have had ample opportunity to the take the initiative, but have neither displayed the strength of character nor the willingness to take things forward. At the end of the day, the fruits that the business of insurgency provides them are too lucrative to surrender. &nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

That brings us to the ongoing situation at the LOC wherein as a tit- for- tat action, a Pakistan Army link patrol was ambushed by a Border Action Team in response to the attack on the Sikh Battalion.&nbsp; Pakistan suffered three killed and one wounded and on the Indian side, there was the death of one officer and three men. As a matter of fact, this was just a repeat of similar incidents, too innumerable to recount, that have dogged both our Armies ever since the First War of 1948. These actions have little strategic or tactical significance and are routinely carried out by both sides to gain moral and psychological ascendancy over the other side. There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered.

&nbsp;

One is, therefore, at a loss to understand what the hoopla is about or the reason for the display of excessive testosterone over the past few days among those who haunt our media channels.&nbsp; If the media is at all serious about its job, it should be questioning our political leadership as to why this unending tragedy has been perpetuated on our forces and people over decades. What have any of our great leaders done, over the years, to resolve this unfortunate state of affairs?&nbsp; How is it that despite agreeing to return 90,000 prisoners in 1971, we were unable to convince Pakistan to amicably resolve a 700 km border?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is time to desist being fooled by the unholy exhortations of our leaders to mindless sacrifice, in which neither they nor their kin ever contribute. Instead, it is high time that we started to ask them uncomfortable and hard questions as to their motives for keeping hostilities on a perennial simmer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered.

If one were to either listen to the drivel that passes for discussion on Prime Time TV on the question of the recent killing of an Indian Army officer, Major Prafulla, and three jawans of the SIKH Regiment, one could well be forgiven for thinking that we are in the middle of a war with Pakistan. Added to this provocation was the utterly callous, disgraceful and uncivilized manner in which the Pakistan Government treated the mother and wife of the alleged spy, former naval officer, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav after permitting them to meet him on “humanitarian” grounds. These have been grounds enough for hawks here to swoop down and publicly demand that Pakistan be taught a “lesson.” Politicians too, especially from the ruling coalition, have not held back either, with Mr. Subramanium Swamy leading the charge. Fortunately for us, most of these individuals are ensconced either in climate controlled studios or in Lutyens Delhi, well protected by their personal security of Black Cat Commandos. One can also rest assured that those baying for Pakistani blood are certainly not going to volunteer to lead the next cross-border raid or assault. As a matter of fact, leave them aside, even their own kith and kin are unlikely to be anywhere in the vicinity of our forces, those whom they are so willing to put in harms’ way. Undoubtedly, we have much to be angry with Pakistan about. It’s unabated, but wholly unsuccessful, attempts to drag us into the swamp where it wallows is certainly reason enough. Though at the end of the day its schizophrenic and delusional obsession with Jammu and Kashmir has been more damaging to its polity than anything we could have ever done, barring Bangladesh, and that too would not have occurred if they had not been more sensitive and humane in their dealings with their Bengali comrades. It is true that Pakistan has provided moral and material support to the Kashmir insurgency. The jihadi elements based there continue to infiltrate terrorists to cause carnage in Jammu and Kashmir and even further afield. Their efforts have actually been just a drop in the ocean with an odd success here and there, resulting more from our own inept handling of our communal environment rather than because of their capability to cause us harm. Unfortunately, successes by these terrorist elements have been used by our political leadership to divert attention from their own failures to initiate political, social and economic measures in the state. Such a step would have met the aspirations of the local population and resolved most of the issues that have been troubling us for the past three decades. This, despite the fact that politicians, dyed in all hues, have had ample opportunity to the take the initiative, but have neither displayed the strength of character nor the willingness to take things forward. At the end of the day, the fruits that the business of insurgency provides them are too lucrative to surrender. That brings us to the ongoing situation at the LOC wherein as a tit- for- tat action, a Pakistan Army link patrol was ambushed by a Border Action Team in response to the attack on the Sikh Battalion. Pakistan suffered three killed and one wounded and on the Indian side, there was the death of one officer and three men. As a matter of fact, this was just a repeat of similar incidents, too innumerable to recount, that have dogged both our Armies ever since the First War of 1948. These actions have little strategic or tactical significance and are routinely carried out by both sides to gain moral and psychological ascendancy over the other side. There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered. One is, therefore, at a loss to understand what the hoopla is about or the reason for the display of excessive testosterone over the past few days among those who haunt our media channels. If the media is at all serious about its job, it should be questioning our political leadership as to why this unending tragedy has been perpetuated on our forces and people over decades. What have any of our great leaders done, over the years, to resolve this unfortunate state of affairs? How is it that despite agreeing to return 90,000 prisoners in 1971, we were unable to convince Pakistan to amicably resolve a 700 km border? It is time to desist being fooled by the unholy exhortations of our leaders to mindless sacrifice, in which neither they nor their kin ever contribute. Instead, it is high time that we started to ask them uncomfortable and hard questions as to their motives for keeping hostilities on a perennial simmer. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Requiem to the fallen soldier. But why so many deaths?

United Nations-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed has found a new supporter in Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, who has hailed the Mumbai attack mastermind as &#39;active&#39; to resolve the Kashmir issue, as every other citizen of Pakistan.

This statement is being viewed as Bajwa comparing every Pakistani citizen with the chief of banned terror outfit - Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

Bajwa, speaking at an &#39;in-camera session&#39; of the Senate Committee of the Whole in Islamabad, deliberated on a wide range of topics from politics to counter-terrorism operations and foreign policy.

When asked about Hafiz Saeed&#39;s role in fighting for the country, especially the Kashmir issue, Bajwa said, &quot;Like every other Pakistani, Saeed can also take up the Kashmir cause.&quot;

Bajwa&#39;s statement has come close on the heels of former Pakistan president General Parvez Musharraf declaring support for the terror outfits - Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD.

At the event, Bajwa further said if the Army&#39;s role was proved in the recent Faizabad sit-in, he would resign from his post.

About 2,000 activists of Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY) and its allied groups staged protests and sit-ins on highway and railway lines in several cities of

Pakistan for nearly three weeks in November. The protests paralysed the life in Islamabad by occupying the Faizabad interchange, linking the Pakistani capital with Rawalpindi.

Bajwa was responding to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Mushahidullah Khan&#39;s question. (ANI)

'Like every other Pakistani, Saeed can also take up the Kashmir cause,' General Qamar Bajwa said

United Nations-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed has found a new supporter in Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, who has hailed the Mumbai attack mastermind as 'active' to resolve the Kashmir issue, as every other citizen of Pakistan. This statement is being viewed as Bajwa comparing every Pakistani citizen with the chief of banned terror outfit - Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). Bajwa, speaking at an 'in-camera session' of the Senate Committee of the Whole in Islamabad, deliberated on a wide range of topics from politics to counter-terrorism operations and foreign policy. When asked about Hafiz Saeed's role in fighting for the country, especially the Kashmir issue, Bajwa said, "Like every other Pakistani, Saeed can also take up the Kashmir cause." Bajwa's statement has come close on the heels of former Pakistan president General Parvez Musharraf declaring support for the terror outfits - Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD. At the event, Bajwa further said if the Army's role was proved in the recent Faizabad sit-in, he would resign from his post. About 2,000 activists of Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY) and its allied groups staged protests and sit-ins on highway and railway lines in several cities of Pakistan for nearly three weeks in November. The protests paralysed the life in Islamabad by occupying the Faizabad interchange, linking the Pakistani capital with Rawalpindi. Bajwa was responding to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Mushahidullah Khan's question. (ANI)

Hafiz Saeed finds new supporter in Pakistan Army chief

Few events in history have had such a telling effect on the history and trajectory of South Asian politics the way Bangladesh Liberation War has. Strategically and ideologically, it fundamentally redefined the calculations of the regional political players.

There are many tales that can be told about this dramatic historic event. For instance, the events running up to the war, the way the actual war was fought, its consequence for Indo-Pak relations or the trajectory of Indo-Bangladesh relations. However, the basic fulcrum for all these aspects remains the Bangladesh Liberation war which can only be understood properly in the larger context of South Asian history and politics. Even after decades, the War continues to shape South Asian diplomacy.

Pakistan viewed the event (and still does) as a betrayal of the idea of two-nation theory&nbsp;which, historically, acted as the foundation of the nation-state. Pakistan continues to see Bangladesh as a product of Indian intrigue and conspiracy against Pakistan.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, sees this event as a story of liberation from Pakistani atrocities with the central rallying point being an ethnic Bengali identity.

For India, it was a significant chapter in its relations with Pakistan and how it was heavily and decisively able to prevail upon it.

With the creation of Bangladesh, the balance of power&nbsp;in the subcontinent,&nbsp;compared to Pakistan, was tilted heavily in India&rsquo;s favour.

In India, this war was also seen as a clear mandate in favour of India&rsquo;s secular ideals in South Asia as opposed to Pakistan&rsquo;s idea of being a state based on Islamic ideals. For India, the Bangladeshi liberation movement showed that religion was not an adequate criterion for forging a national identity. Since independence, this was an ideological score that India subconsciously had been looking to settle.

Even though these regional reasons formed an important aspect of the Bangladesh Liberation War,&nbsp;there was a strong current of international politics too that heavily shaped the events of the subcontinent. Srinath Raghavan shows in his book, &#39;1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh&#39; that the birth of a new South Asian country in 1971 was part choice and part chance. He attributed such international influence to the process of decolonisation, Cold War politics and the beginnings of globalisation as a phenomenon. As is the case, generally, with all important historical events, the Bangladesh Liberation War had its roots in a multitude of causes.

The Liberation War left a profound impact on Kashmir.

The Simla Agreement, signed after the war, was crucial in defining the politics of the region for a long time, primarily in terms of the Line of Control in Kashmir and the conflict in the Siachen Glacier.

Pakistan which felt humiliated at such a crushing defeat significantly changed its strategy with respect to India. It now abandoned the strategy of direct warfare and, instead, started instigating and supporting the insurgency in India, most notably in Punjab and Kashmir.

Even though the issue in Punjab had been resolved, the issue of Kashmir still festers. Indian relation with Bangladesh has also been marred by political complications. After the initial euphoria had died down the complicated reality started to rear its head.

It was evident that even though Bengali ethnic identity had been the rallying point of the nationalist movement in Bangladesh, the complications of religious identity as a binding force had not left either the public discourse or the Bangladeshi political scene. Strategically speaking, an unstable and indifferent Bangladesh could be a fertile ground for other external powers to influence Bangladesh, a situation which is not palatable to New Delhi.

The collective memory of a nation effects politics in very subtle ways that are not always tangible enough for a rigorous academic study, however, its importance cannot be completely undermined either. 1971 holds that power on the collective conscious of South Asia. Whether directly or indirectly, the Bangladesh Liberation War set into motion a chain of events which have had massive implications for South Asian politics, the natural centre for which is India.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Having met defeat in 1971, Pakistan abandoned the strategy of direct warfare and, instead, started instigating and supporting the insurgency in India, most notably in Punjab and Kashmir.

Few events in history have had such a telling effect on the history and trajectory of South Asian politics the way Bangladesh Liberation War has. Strategically and ideologically, it fundamentally redefined the calculations of the regional political players. There are many tales that can be told about this dramatic historic event. For instance, the events running up to the war, the way the actual war was fought, its consequence for Indo-Pak relations or the trajectory of Indo-Bangladesh relations. However, the basic fulcrum for all these aspects remains the Bangladesh Liberation war which can only be understood properly in the larger context of South Asian history and politics. Even after decades, the War continues to shape South Asian diplomacy. Pakistan viewed the event (and still does) as a betrayal of the idea of two-nation theory which, historically, acted as the foundation of the nation-state. Pakistan continues to see Bangladesh as a product of Indian intrigue and conspiracy against Pakistan. Bangladesh, on the other hand, sees this event as a story of liberation from Pakistani atrocities with the central rallying point being an ethnic Bengali identity. For India, it was a significant chapter in its relations with Pakistan and how it was heavily and decisively able to prevail upon it. With the creation of Bangladesh, the balance of power in the subcontinent, compared to Pakistan, was tilted heavily in India’s favour. In India, this war was also seen as a clear mandate in favour of India’s secular ideals in South Asia as opposed to Pakistan’s idea of being a state based on Islamic ideals. For India, the Bangladeshi liberation movement showed that religion was not an adequate criterion for forging a national identity. Since independence, this was an ideological score that India subconsciously had been looking to settle. Even though these regional reasons formed an important aspect of the Bangladesh Liberation War, there was a strong current of international politics too that heavily shaped the events of the subcontinent. Srinath Raghavan shows in his book, '1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh' that the birth of a new South Asian country in 1971 was part choice and part chance. He attributed such international influence to the process of decolonisation, Cold War politics and the beginnings of globalisation as a phenomenon. As is the case, generally, with all important historical events, the Bangladesh Liberation War had its roots in a multitude of causes. The Liberation War left a profound impact on Kashmir. The Simla Agreement, signed after the war, was crucial in defining the politics of the region for a long time, primarily in terms of the Line of Control in Kashmir and the conflict in the Siachen Glacier. Pakistan which felt humiliated at such a crushing defeat significantly changed its strategy with respect to India. It now abandoned the strategy of direct warfare and, instead, started instigating and supporting the insurgency in India, most notably in Punjab and Kashmir. Even though the issue in Punjab had been resolved, the issue of Kashmir still festers. Indian relation with Bangladesh has also been marred by political complications. After the initial euphoria had died down the complicated reality started to rear its head. It was evident that even though Bengali ethnic identity had been the rallying point of the nationalist movement in Bangladesh, the complications of religious identity as a binding force had not left either the public discourse or the Bangladeshi political scene. Strategically speaking, an unstable and indifferent Bangladesh could be a fertile ground for other external powers to influence Bangladesh, a situation which is not palatable to New Delhi. The collective memory of a nation effects politics in very subtle ways that are not always tangible enough for a rigorous academic study, however, its importance cannot be completely undermined either. 1971 holds that power on the collective conscious of South Asia. Whether directly or indirectly, the Bangladesh Liberation War set into motion a chain of events which have had massive implications for South Asian politics, the natural centre for which is India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Pakistan can't let go Kashmir as it can't forget 1971

&quot;At the stroke of the midnight hour when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom&hellip;. when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance&rdquo;.

The famous Tryst and Destiny speech was addressed by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on the eve of Indian Independence when the country was stepping from the old to new.

The two hundred years of colonial power had left India poverty-stricken and disintegrated, and the partition inflicted severe pains of communal violence.

It was not easy to lay the foundation of a country, which had suffered two hundred years of exploitation. The struggle for Independence had already played a major role in unifying the country, but half of the battle was still to be won in laying the foundation for &ldquo;India&rdquo;.

The collective efforts of the first Prime Minister Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the 567 princely states into the dominion of India. The Congress managed to add Junagarh, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kashmir and many other princely states to India.

It implemented many other policies to reform the social, economic and educational sector of the country. However, amidst the many progressive steps that were undertaken for the improvement of the country, the Congress led by Nehru was also held responsible for the existing ire on Kashmir as well as the enmity between India and Pakistan.

Jammu and Kashmir had voluntarily joined India after Indian army protected the state from the atrocities, loot, murder and rapes committed by Pakistani Kabalis. The then ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh had sought help from India after the tribal invasion by Pakistan.

In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession and acceded to be a part of the dominion of India.

&nbsp;However, the issue of Kashmir still remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Pakistan keeps on asking for UN involvement in resolving the matter between the two countries.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was also involved in a similar rhetoric recently. While asking for more autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister of the state emphasised on PoK being part of Pakistan. While readily accepting PoK as part of Pakistan, he said that India cannot claim its authority over it. He reminded that India should stick to the Instrument of Accession signed with Maharaja Hari Singh.

Evidently, off late, Farooq Abdullah has been speaking in the language of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.

&quot;You do not remember the Instrument of Accession and claim the other side of Kashmir is administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?&quot; he said.

Separatists and leaders like him who willfully accept the occupation of Pakistan over PoK choose to avoid the constant revolt by the people against the human right violations.

PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region. To mark the unfortunate seventy years of the &ldquo;Black Day&rdquo; invasion, Gilgit and Baltistan held protest across the region on October 22, 2017.

The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory.

Another PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir. While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan&#39;s claim over Kashmir. Calling it propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s?&nbsp;

He said, &quot;Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors, they have written &#39;Kashmir banega Pakistan.&quot;

Recently, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan&#39;s immoral imposition of taxes on them. The lawyers claim that the imposition of any tax in the region is illegal as people of the region do not have any representation in national assembly and senate.

Legal experts say that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should not be taxed until they are granted constitutional rights. They also underlined that there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the Constitution, also that the state provides them subsidies.

Pakistan and its organisations and leaders who constantly attack India over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should not forget that the peaceful state was first attacked by Pakistan Kabalis. It was Pakistan which had created havoc in one of the most peaceful areas of South Asia.

The ones who talk about India conducting plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir must not forget that according to the UN resolution, Pakistan is first supposed to vacate the place.

&nbsp;Responding to P. Chidambaram&rsquo;s advice for granting greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Arun Jaitley had said its position regard to aazadi or greater autonomy for Kashmir was against the national interest.

P Chidambaram recently said when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for aazadi, most of them mean they want greater autonomy.

On this Jaitley blamed Congress&rsquo;s flawed policy since 1947 for the Kashmir problem.

He asked what kind of &ldquo;aazadi or autonomy&rdquo; is Chidambaram asking which the state government or India&rsquo;s Constitution does not already provide.

Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley also said that the state assembly and the state government have all the necessary powers under the Constitution, and the only issues not covered by the state are defence, communication, foreign affairs and currency.

Recently, a Delhi-based NGO&nbsp; filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging Article 35A. Article 35(A) and Article 370 gives special rights to the permanent residents of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. It restricts people from the rest of the country to buy or own immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir, settle permanently, or avail themselves of state-sponsored scholarship schemes. The petition said that the article discriminates against the fellow citizens from the rest of the country.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

&nbsp;

PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region.

"At the stroke of the midnight hour when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom…. when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance”. The famous Tryst and Destiny speech was addressed by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on the eve of Indian Independence when the country was stepping from the old to new. The two hundred years of colonial power had left India poverty-stricken and disintegrated, and the partition inflicted severe pains of communal violence. It was not easy to lay the foundation of a country, which had suffered two hundred years of exploitation. The struggle for Independence had already played a major role in unifying the country, but half of the battle was still to be won in laying the foundation for “India”. The collective efforts of the first Prime Minister Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the 567 princely states into the dominion of India. The Congress managed to add Junagarh, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kashmir and many other princely states to India. It implemented many other policies to reform the social, economic and educational sector of the country. However, amidst the many progressive steps that were undertaken for the improvement of the country, the Congress led by Nehru was also held responsible for the existing ire on Kashmir as well as the enmity between India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir had voluntarily joined India after Indian army protected the state from the atrocities, loot, murder and rapes committed by Pakistani Kabalis. The then ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh had sought help from India after the tribal invasion by Pakistan. In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession and acceded to be a part of the dominion of India. However, the issue of Kashmir still remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Pakistan keeps on asking for UN involvement in resolving the matter between the two countries. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was also involved in a similar rhetoric recently. While asking for more autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister of the state emphasised on PoK being part of Pakistan. While readily accepting PoK as part of Pakistan, he said that India cannot claim its authority over it. He reminded that India should stick to the Instrument of Accession signed with Maharaja Hari Singh. Evidently, off late, Farooq Abdullah has been speaking in the language of Pakistan. He said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. "You do not remember the Instrument of Accession and claim the other side of Kashmir is administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?" he said. Separatists and leaders like him who willfully accept the occupation of Pakistan over PoK choose to avoid the constant revolt by the people against the human right violations. PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region. To mark the unfortunate seventy years of the “Black Day” invasion, Gilgit and Baltistan held protest across the region on October 22, 2017. The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory. Another PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir. While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan's claim over Kashmir. Calling it propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? He said, "Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors, they have written 'Kashmir banega Pakistan." Recently, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan's immoral imposition of taxes on them. The lawyers claim that the imposition of any tax in the region is illegal as people of the region do not have any representation in national assembly and senate. Legal experts say that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should not be taxed until they are granted constitutional rights. They also underlined that there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the Constitution, also that the state provides them subsidies. Pakistan and its organisations and leaders who constantly attack India over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should not forget that the peaceful state was first attacked by Pakistan Kabalis. It was Pakistan which had created havoc in one of the most peaceful areas of South Asia. The ones who talk about India conducting plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir must not forget that according to the UN resolution, Pakistan is first supposed to vacate the place. Responding to P. Chidambaram’s advice for granting greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Arun Jaitley had said its position regard to aazadi or greater autonomy for Kashmir was against the national interest. P Chidambaram recently said when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for aazadi, most of them mean they want greater autonomy. On this Jaitley blamed Congress’s flawed policy since 1947 for the Kashmir problem. He asked what kind of “aazadi or autonomy” is Chidambaram asking which the state government or India’s Constitution does not already provide. Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley also said that the state assembly and the state government have all the necessary powers under the Constitution, and the only issues not covered by the state are defence, communication, foreign affairs and currency. Recently, a Delhi-based NGO filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging Article 35A. Article 35(A) and Article 370 gives special rights to the permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir. It restricts people from the rest of the country to buy or own immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir, settle permanently, or avail themselves of state-sponsored scholarship schemes. The petition said that the article discriminates against the fellow citizens from the rest of the country. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK

A girl from Kashmir has left stone-pelting behind her to captain Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s women football team. Last year, a picture of Afshan Ashiq pelting stones at local police had gone viral. Afshan&#39;s life took a U-turn after she was recognised online as well as in the national media. The twenty-one-year-old now holds a football in her hands and captains a 22-member state women football team.

Afshan had also reached out to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh asking for better infrastructure and support for women in sports in Kashmir.

&quot;The only reason for us to have reached out to him was to improve and encourage sports in J&amp;K. The state government is taking many initiatives but central government&#39;s support is essential too. We thought if kids talked to him, it would have an impact. It was important to talk about the problems faced by us,&quot; Afshan told ANI.

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m0myYWKVZhs" width="560"></iframe>

&quot;When we told the home minister that Jammu and Kashmir lack sports infrastructure, he immediately called up the Chief Minister (Mehbooba Mufti) and requested her to do the needful to help us,&quot; Ashiq, who is from Srinagar, said.

&quot;The minister also told us that Rs. 100 crore had already been sanctioned (under the Prime Minister&#39;s special package) for the state,&quot; the captain of the CM&#39;s-XI team told PTI.

Later, the home minister tweeted, &quot;Met the young and energetic girls of JK&#39;s first ever Women Football Team. They are highly motivated and driven when it comes to football.&quot;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met the young and energetic girls of J&amp;K&rsquo;s first ever women football team. They are highly motivated &amp; driven when it comes to football. Playing the role of new age &lsquo;Gender Benders&rsquo; these girls are setting an example for others to follow. I wish them success and a great future. <a href="https://t.co/3ZlMwhzkXm">pic.twitter.com/3ZlMwhzkXm</a>
&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/937923270849921024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

He also said they were examples for others to follow. &quot;Playing the role of new age &#39;Gender Benders&#39;, these girls are setting an example for others to follow. I wish them success and a great future,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

A picture of Afshan Ashiq pelting stones at local police had gone viral last year

A girl from Kashmir has left stone-pelting behind her to captain Jammu and Kashmir's women football team. Last year, a picture of Afshan Ashiq pelting stones at local police had gone viral. Afshan's life took a U-turn after she was recognised online as well as in the national media. The twenty-one-year-old now holds a football in her hands and captains a 22-member state women football team. Afshan had also reached out to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh asking for better infrastructure and support for women in sports in Kashmir. "The only reason for us to have reached out to him was to improve and encourage sports in J&K. The state government is taking many initiatives but central government's support is essential too. We thought if kids talked to him, it would have an impact. It was important to talk about the problems faced by us," Afshan told ANI. "When we told the home minister that Jammu and Kashmir lack sports infrastructure, he immediately called up the Chief Minister (Mehbooba Mufti) and requested her to do the needful to help us," Ashiq, who is from Srinagar, said. "The minister also told us that Rs. 100 crore had already been sanctioned (under the Prime Minister's special package) for the state," the captain of the CM's-XI team told PTI. Later, the home minister tweeted, "Met the young and energetic girls of JK's first ever Women Football Team. They are highly motivated and driven when it comes to football." Met the young and energetic girls of J&K’s first ever women football team. They are highly motivated & driven when it comes to football. Playing the role of new age ‘Gender Benders’ these girls are setting an example for others to follow. I wish them success and a great future. pic.twitter.com/3ZlMwhzkXm — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 5, 2017 × He also said they were examples for others to follow. "Playing the role of new age 'Gender Benders', these girls are setting an example for others to follow. I wish them success and a great future," he tweeted. (With inputs from PTI)

Former stone pelter is now captain of Kashmir women's football team

India&rsquo;s foreign policy, in its earliest avatar, was built in conformity with Prime Minister Pandit Nehru&rsquo;s vision. It remained so for the next 4 decades. The impression in post-colonial India has been that only Nehru was passionate about foreign affairs and rest in the Congress had different indulgences. If one goes through the correspondence between Patel and Nehru, the latter admits his own enthusiasm about foreign policy, and acknowledge the difference of opinion between him and his peers on many world issues.

Sardar Patel&rsquo;s image, on the other hand, is that of a prisoner of his own success like BR Ambedkar. As Ambedkar&rsquo;s career boils down to the making of the Constitution, Patel&rsquo;s repertoire comes down to the unification of India. &nbsp;

Patel passed away soon after the independence, leaving little or no public imprint of the world-view he espoused in numerous meetings of the Congress before and after independence.

Nonetheless, some of his observations on the United Nations Security Council remain pertinent even today. His views were built on India&rsquo;s early engagement with the UN-- the organisation that epitomised the new world order of the victors of World War II.

&nbsp;As observed by Sardar Patel so many decades ago, India and several other countries continue to face the same dilemma after 70 years. The member countries of the UN have to deal with an archaic and unfair Security Council which on multiple occasions has taken partisan positions on the issue of terrorism and civil conflict.

The matter was best illustrated during Justice Dalbir Singh&rsquo;s election when Britain came down to using the most archaic tool available to them. Britain bowed down under world pressure but the archaic tool persists. Despite world pressure, the United Nation Security Council continues to resist reform.

Sardar Patel&rsquo;s observation three years after its inception shows UN from a different light. We get to see the UN from the perspective of a newly independent nation which is trying to build a republic over a motley body of feudal states.

Sardar Patel in his Nagpur speech on 4th November 1948 said, &quot;You have seen what is happening in Hyderabad. The Nizam says, &#39;I do not want my case in Security Council.&#39; But Security Council says, &#39;We are seized of it.&#39; It is so because they have no other thing to do. Therefore, anything which comes before them, they go on discussing it which disturbs the security here or likely to disturb the security here and thereby it disturbs the security of the world and thus it is proper and fitting thing to call this organization an &ldquo;Insecurity Council&rdquo;. How far it is advisable to be the member of this august Organisation is a question which has to be seriously considered.&rdquo;

Sardar Patel in his speech elaborates further. &ldquo;Take Palestine, take Indonesia, take any question that has been referred to Security Council. It has not been able to dispose them and bring peace; they are all problems which they are not able to settle. So, in one way, the League of Nations was more or less a harmless organization. This organization if it does not improve itself is going to land the world into a terrific slaughter and destruction,&rdquo; he said.

Lastly, in a letter written on 28th March 1950, in response to Nehru&rsquo;s letter dated 26th March, a difference between them on a key issue was recorded. It is an issue which remains alive even today.

Nehru was upset that Sardar had discussed foreign policy with Members of Parliament, making uncharitable comments on his initiatives. Patel&rsquo;s reply was in response to it and the letter said, &ldquo;Some Muslim countries have recognized Israel but we have not done out of deference of the views our Muslim brethren.&rdquo;

Narsimaha Rao in his tenure established full diplomatic relations with Israel and it&rsquo;s no co-incidence which school of thought he belonged to in the Congress.

Coming back to the moot point, Sardar Patel&rsquo;s observation continues to be true for the UN, which behaves as a political body motivated only by national interest of big powers where interests come first and merit later. The romanticism related to the UN exists no more. It needs reforms and tough negotiation from various emerging economies.

I would end by quoting an excerpt from Sardar Patel&#39;s observation on Kashmir. &ldquo;We have seen what price we have paid by going to that Organisation. We went to UN to bring the dispute to an early end and we were maligned all over the world by the representatives of Pakistan. And people who had never seen this country and who did not understand what the problem of India and Pakistan or Kashmir was, - they began to hear the case from people who had no bone in in their tongue. They, therefore, went on talking anything that came into their mouth and for six months, it went on like that. They visited Kashmir, they visited Pakistan, they visited India, and had long and prolonged conversations and discussions. The other party did not. Eventually, they make proposals for cease-fire. The other party did not. Yet we are where we were.&nbsp; If we were to fight this out by armed forces and if United Nations Organisation is not able to do anything then instead of calling it a Security Council, it must be termed the &ldquo;Insecurity Council&rdquo; which disturbs the security of law.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

"...if United Nations Organisation is not able to do anything then instead of calling it a Security Council, it must be termed the ?Insecurity Council? which disturbs the security of law,? said Sardar Patel.

India’s foreign policy, in its earliest avatar, was built in conformity with Prime Minister Pandit Nehru’s vision. It remained so for the next 4 decades. The impression in post-colonial India has been that only Nehru was passionate about foreign affairs and rest in the Congress had different indulgences. If one goes through the correspondence between Patel and Nehru, the latter admits his own enthusiasm about foreign policy, and acknowledge the difference of opinion between him and his peers on many world issues. Sardar Patel’s image, on the other hand, is that of a prisoner of his own success like BR Ambedkar. As Ambedkar’s career boils down to the making of the Constitution, Patel’s repertoire comes down to the unification of India. Patel passed away soon after the independence, leaving little or no public imprint of the world-view he espoused in numerous meetings of the Congress before and after independence. Nonetheless, some of his observations on the United Nations Security Council remain pertinent even today. His views were built on India’s early engagement with the UN-- the organisation that epitomised the new world order of the victors of World War II. As observed by Sardar Patel so many decades ago, India and several other countries continue to face the same dilemma after 70 years. The member countries of the UN have to deal with an archaic and unfair Security Council which on multiple occasions has taken partisan positions on the issue of terrorism and civil conflict. The matter was best illustrated during Justice Dalbir Singh’s election when Britain came down to using the most archaic tool available to them. Britain bowed down under world pressure but the archaic tool persists. Despite world pressure, the United Nation Security Council continues to resist reform. Sardar Patel’s observation three years after its inception shows UN from a different light. We get to see the UN from the perspective of a newly independent nation which is trying to build a republic over a motley body of feudal states. Sardar Patel in his Nagpur speech on 4th November 1948 said, "You have seen what is happening in Hyderabad. The Nizam says, 'I do not want my case in Security Council.' But Security Council says, 'We are seized of it.' It is so because they have no other thing to do. Therefore, anything which comes before them, they go on discussing it which disturbs the security here or likely to disturb the security here and thereby it disturbs the security of the world and thus it is proper and fitting thing to call this organization an “Insecurity Council”. How far it is advisable to be the member of this august Organisation is a question which has to be seriously considered.” Sardar Patel in his speech elaborates further. “Take Palestine, take Indonesia, take any question that has been referred to Security Council. It has not been able to dispose them and bring peace; they are all problems which they are not able to settle. So, in one way, the League of Nations was more or less a harmless organization. This organization if it does not improve itself is going to land the world into a terrific slaughter and destruction,” he said. Lastly, in a letter written on 28th March 1950, in response to Nehru’s letter dated 26th March, a difference between them on a key issue was recorded. It is an issue which remains alive even today. Nehru was upset that Sardar had discussed foreign policy with Members of Parliament, making uncharitable comments on his initiatives. Patel’s reply was in response to it and the letter said, “Some Muslim countries have recognized Israel but we have not done out of deference of the views our Muslim brethren.” Narsimaha Rao in his tenure established full diplomatic relations with Israel and it’s no co-incidence which school of thought he belonged to in the Congress. Coming back to the moot point, Sardar Patel’s observation continues to be true for the UN, which behaves as a political body motivated only by national interest of big powers where interests come first and merit later. The romanticism related to the UN exists no more. It needs reforms and tough negotiation from various emerging economies. I would end by quoting an excerpt from Sardar Patel's observation on Kashmir. “We have seen what price we have paid by going to that Organisation. We went to UN to bring the dispute to an early end and we were maligned all over the world by the representatives of Pakistan. And people who had never seen this country and who did not understand what the problem of India and Pakistan or Kashmir was, - they began to hear the case from people who had no bone in in their tongue. They, therefore, went on talking anything that came into their mouth and for six months, it went on like that. They visited Kashmir, they visited Pakistan, they visited India, and had long and prolonged conversations and discussions. The other party did not. Eventually, they make proposals for cease-fire. The other party did not. Yet we are where we were. If we were to fight this out by armed forces and if United Nations Organisation is not able to do anything then instead of calling it a Security Council, it must be termed the “Insecurity Council” which disturbs the security of law.” (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Why Sardar Patel mistrusted the UN Security Council

A former top Pakistani diplomat has said that because of India&#39;s influence and economic power, countries are unwilling to raise the issue of Kashmir at international level, including at the UN.

Masood Khan, former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pak-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), rued that India has a veto on the talks between the two South Asian neighbours.

Khan is currently in Washington, for what he described is part of his effort to appraise the international community about current situation in Kashmir.

&quot;India has strategic alliances with certain countries. Because of the lucrative deals that it offers to powerful countries in the West, it has practically imposed a gag order on Kashmir,&quot; Khan said yesterday in response to a question at the Atlantic Council, a top American think-tank.

Khan said that because of increasing Indian influence, &quot;people here (in Washington DC), in Brussels, in London or other world capitals don&#39;t talk about Kashmir, because this would have consequences? for these countries, like in terms of economic transactions, and strategic costs.?

Responding to questions at the thinly-attended Atlantic Council event, Khan alleged that the UN is not acting on its own resolution because of India.

&quot;The United Nations is not acting because of real politics,&quot; he said.

&quot;The Security Council, first because of cold war dynamics, and now because of number of other factors is not taking cognisance of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which is regrettable because of mandate that is given to the Security Council by the UN charter under chapter six and chapter seven,&quot; he said.

Khan argued that UN should be acting. &quot;It should be proactive. It&#39;s because of real politics. It is also because of two other factors,&quot; he said.

&quot;One was that in the past 30 to 40 years, India and Pakistan have invested a lot of energy and time in bilateral talks. But these bilateral talks or dialogue have proved to be mirage for Kashmiris because it has produced no results,&quot; he said, adding that these talks have been non-productive.

Because of these talks, India has &quot;acquired two vetoes&quot; he said.

One on the agenda whereby they have in fact reduced the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir to a fraction of their whole agenda. It is one of 10 agenda items, he added.

Secondly, India has veto over the timetable. &quot;They will start negotiations when it suites them and when they don&#39;t like it they will blame Pakistan for terrorism. And that has just got scuttled the dialogue process,&quot; he said.

Khan claimed that there are no terrorist camps in PoK. &quot;None whatso ever,&quot; he said during the interaction.

&quot;This is in fact a propaganda against the Kashmiris intended to demonie them,&quot; he said, and claimed that there is no terrorism right now in Kashmir. Neither there is any cross-border activities.

&quot;This is not happening,&quot; he said.

&quot;Right now, India has fenced the Line of Control. There are two layers of the fence. In between there are landmines. There are motion sensors. They also have electronic surveillance, thermal imaging. If any crossing takes place they would be detected,&quot; he added. PTI

Masood Khan, former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, now president of Pak-Occupied Kashmir, rued that India has a veto on talks between India and Pakistan

A former top Pakistani diplomat has said that because of India's influence and economic power, countries are unwilling to raise the issue of Kashmir at international level, including at the UN. Masood Khan, former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pak-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), rued that India has a veto on the talks between the two South Asian neighbours. Khan is currently in Washington, for what he described is part of his effort to appraise the international community about current situation in Kashmir. "India has strategic alliances with certain countries. Because of the lucrative deals that it offers to powerful countries in the West, it has practically imposed a gag order on Kashmir," Khan said yesterday in response to a question at the Atlantic Council, a top American think-tank. Khan said that because of increasing Indian influence, "people here (in Washington DC), in Brussels, in London or other world capitals don't talk about Kashmir, because this would have consequences? for these countries, like in terms of economic transactions, and strategic costs.? Responding to questions at the thinly-attended Atlantic Council event, Khan alleged that the UN is not acting on its own resolution because of India. "The United Nations is not acting because of real politics," he said. "The Security Council, first because of cold war dynamics, and now because of number of other factors is not taking cognisance of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which is regrettable because of mandate that is given to the Security Council by the UN charter under chapter six and chapter seven," he said. Khan argued that UN should be acting. "It should be proactive. It's because of real politics. It is also because of two other factors," he said. "One was that in the past 30 to 40 years, India and Pakistan have invested a lot of energy and time in bilateral talks. But these bilateral talks or dialogue have proved to be mirage for Kashmiris because it has produced no results," he said, adding that these talks have been non-productive. Because of these talks, India has "acquired two vetoes" he said. One on the agenda whereby they have in fact reduced the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir to a fraction of their whole agenda. It is one of 10 agenda items, he added. Secondly, India has veto over the timetable. "They will start negotiations when it suites them and when they don't like it they will blame Pakistan for terrorism. And that has just got scuttled the dialogue process," he said. Khan claimed that there are no terrorist camps in PoK. "None whatso ever," he said during the interaction. "This is in fact a propaganda against the Kashmiris intended to demonie them," he said, and claimed that there is no terrorism right now in Kashmir. Neither there is any cross-border activities. "This is not happening," he said. "Right now, India has fenced the Line of Control. There are two layers of the fence. In between there are landmines. There are motion sensors. They also have electronic surveillance, thermal imaging. If any crossing takes place they would be detected," he added. PTI

Countries not willing to talk about Kashmir because of India's influence: Ex-Pak diplomat

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah waded into another controversy on Monday after he dared the Indian government to raise the tricolour in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Srinagar.&nbsp;

&ldquo;They are talking of raising flag at PoK. I ask them, first you go and raise the Tricolour at Lal Chawk in Srinagar. They can&rsquo;t even do that here and they are talking about PoK,&rdquo; Abdullah told Alert India News.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He also mentioned the Kashmiri Pandits, saying that they had had to live away from home for 28 years and still nothing had been done for them.&nbsp;

Abdullah has run afoul of public opinion a number of times in recent weeks.&nbsp;

He recently said that, after 70 years, we have to accept Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belongs to Pakistan.&nbsp;

He also asked for how long will the blood of innocent people be shed.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-how-long-will-we-say-pok-is-ours-farooq-abdullah-24318" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;For how long will we say PoK is ours? Farooq Abdullah</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-ajit-doval-doctrine-has-failed-farooq-abdullah-22897" target="_blank">The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed: Farooq Abdullah</a>

And on Sunday he expressed his concern over the &quot;worsening security situation&quot; in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Abdullah was referring to the killing of a Territorial Army jawan by militants.&nbsp;

Abdullah also termed the talks between the Centre&#39;s interlocutor on Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma and the Kashmiri people a &quot;formality&quot;.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

Abdullah had recently said that, after 70 years, we have to accept PoK is a part of Pakistan

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah waded into another controversy on Monday after he dared the Indian government to raise the tricolour in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. “They are talking of raising flag at PoK. I ask them, first you go and raise the Tricolour at Lal Chawk in Srinagar. They can’t even do that here and they are talking about PoK,” Abdullah told Alert India News. He also mentioned the Kashmiri Pandits, saying that they had had to live away from home for 28 years and still nothing had been done for them. Abdullah has run afoul of public opinion a number of times in recent weeks. He recently said that, after 70 years, we have to accept Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belongs to Pakistan. He also asked for how long will the blood of innocent people be shed. Also read: For how long will we say PoK is ours? Farooq Abdullah The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed: Farooq Abdullah And on Sunday he expressed his concern over the "worsening security situation" in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah was referring to the killing of a Territorial Army jawan by militants. Abdullah also termed the talks between the Centre's interlocutor on Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma and the Kashmiri people a "formality". Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir

Watch: Never mind raising tricolour in PoK, first raise it in Srinagar, says Farooq Abdullah

PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir.

While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan&#39;s claim over Kashmir. Calling it a propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s?&nbsp;

He said, &quot;Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is a propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors they have written &#39;Kashmir banega&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;.&quot;

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Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s? No agreement says so. This is non-sense &amp; is a propaganda by Muslim Conference &amp; their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors they have written &#39;Kashmir banega Pakistan&#39;: PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani in Muzaffarabad, PoK <a href="https://t.co/JKjcYp5qUh">pic.twitter.com/JKjcYp5qUh</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934322539420991488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Countering Pakistan&#39;s charges of treachery, he said the Kashmiris buy Pakistan&#39;s salt which is not acceptable to anyone in the world.&nbsp;

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Bakwas-baazi ki inteha hoti hai! TV pe aake kehte hain Kashmiri namak-haram hain, hum to Rs.20 deke tumhara namak khareedte hain jisko duniya mein koi nahi khareedta, arey tum to paani bhi hamara peete ho: PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani on Pakistan in Muzaffarabad, PoK
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934323787486474241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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He also blamed Pakistan for the killing of the fathers of Hurriyat separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir minister Sajjad Lone. He said jihadists backed by Pakistan have killed over 650 people of Liberation Front and that Pakistan pays Rs 30,000 to put Pakistani flag on bodies of so-called freedom- fighters.&nbsp;

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Pakistan was behind killing of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq &amp; Sajjad Lone&#39;s fathers, jihadis backed by them have killed over 650 people of Liberation Front. Pakistan pays Rs30,000 to put Pakistani flag on bodies of so-called freedom-fighters: PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani in Muzaffarabad, PoK <a href="https://t.co/Eh5fng0R6g">pic.twitter.com/Eh5fng0R6g</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/934321989765836800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, the PoK leader questioned Pakistan's claim over Kashmir. Calling it a propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's??

PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir. While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan's claim over Kashmir. Calling it a propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? He said, "Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is a propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors they have written 'Kashmir banega Pakistan'." Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? No agreement says so. This is non-sense & is a propaganda by Muslim Conference & their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors they have written 'Kashmir banega Pakistan': PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani in Muzaffarabad, PoK pic.twitter.com/JKjcYp5qUh — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2017 × Countering Pakistan's charges of treachery, he said the Kashmiris buy Pakistan's salt which is not acceptable to anyone in the world. Bakwas-baazi ki inteha hoti hai! TV pe aake kehte hain Kashmiri namak-haram hain, hum to Rs.20 deke tumhara namak khareedte hain jisko duniya mein koi nahi khareedta, arey tum to paani bhi hamara peete ho: PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani on Pakistan in Muzaffarabad, PoK — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2017 × He also blamed Pakistan for the killing of the fathers of Hurriyat separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir minister Sajjad Lone. He said jihadists backed by Pakistan have killed over 650 people of Liberation Front and that Pakistan pays Rs 30,000 to put Pakistani flag on bodies of so-called freedom- fighters. Pakistan was behind killing of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq & Sajjad Lone's fathers, jihadis backed by them have killed over 650 people of Liberation Front. Pakistan pays Rs30,000 to put Pakistani flag on bodies of so-called freedom-fighters: PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani in Muzaffarabad, PoK pic.twitter.com/Eh5fng0R6g — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2017 ×

Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's?: PoK leader

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