<p>Multiple delegations of people from various districts on Monday met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in state&#39;s Poonch district to discuss various problems, primarily the situation near the border area.</p>

<p>The official spokesman said that during the camp the Chief Minister listened to scores of deputations and hundreds of people from difficult and hilly areas who apprised her of their developmental needs and sought their redressal.</p>

<p>Some of the border dwellers said that shelling has become a regular exercise on the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts since the last 10 months, usually causing disruptions in functioning of educational institutions falling within shelling and firing range, thus, affecting studies of the children and failure of crops as the people were unable to work in the fields.</p>

<p>She assured the dwellers of Line of Control (LoC) that the Government was aware of their problems especially in the context of studies of the children, crops, safety etc due to constant mortar shelling and firing by the Pakistani troops and that it would work out a mechanism to ensure that their life remains on track.</p>

<p>Around 80 delegations called on Mehbooba during her &lsquo;Public Outreach Programme&rsquo; in the border district of Poonch. Among the delegations, a large number hailed from the areas falling along LoC in Poonch, Mendhar, Balakote, Shahpur, Mankote etc.</p>

<p>The representatives appraised Mehbooba and said that she was very welcoming of everyone&#39;s demands. Mehbooba also distributed cash relief among the kin of nine persons, who were killed during ongoing border shelling and firing by Pakistani troops in Poonch district. The border firing victims hailed from forwarding areas of Balakote, Haveli and Mendhar. Kin of the victims were given Rs 5 lakh each.</p>


The official spokesman said that during the camp the Chief Minister listened to scores of deputations and hundreds of people from difficult and hilly areas who apprised her of their developmental needs and sought their redressal

Multiple delegations of people from various districts on Monday met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in state's Poonch district to discuss various problems, primarily the situation near the border area. The official spokesman said that during the camp the Chief Minister listened to scores of deputations and hundreds of people from difficult and hilly areas who apprised her of their developmental needs and sought their redressal. Some of the border dwellers said that shelling has become a regular exercise on the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts since the last 10 months, usually causing disruptions in functioning of educational institutions falling within shelling and firing range, thus, affecting studies of the children and failure of crops as the people were unable to work in the fields. She assured the dwellers of Line of Control (LoC) that the Government was aware of their problems especially in the context of studies of the children, crops, safety etc due to constant mortar shelling and firing by the Pakistani troops and that it would work out a mechanism to ensure that their life remains on track. Around 80 delegations called on Mehbooba during her ‘Public Outreach Programme’ in the border district of Poonch. Among the delegations, a large number hailed from the areas falling along LoC in Poonch, Mendhar, Balakote, Shahpur, Mankote etc. The representatives appraised Mehbooba and said that she was very welcoming of everyone's demands. Mehbooba also distributed cash relief among the kin of nine persons, who were killed during ongoing border shelling and firing by Pakistani troops in Poonch district. The border firing victims hailed from forwarding areas of Balakote, Haveli and Mendhar. Kin of the victims were given Rs 5 lakh each.

Mehbooba Mufti hailed for addressing border issues

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today spoke on the ongoing tension at the Indo-Pak border. She stated that dialogue can solve problems and not &quot;guns&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;Conditions at the border are not good, both the countries should talk and there should be a ceasefire. Peace should be given an opportunity,&quot; Mufti noted at Kulgam, J&amp;K earlier today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Guns cannot solve any problems, only talks can solve problems. Conditions at the border are not good, Both the countries should talk &amp; there should be ceasefire. Peace should be given an opportunity: Jammu &amp; Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti at Kulgam earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/HhwlQFQCgu">pic.twitter.com/HhwlQFQCgu</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965200512520982528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah also commented on the &#39;worsening&#39; situation at the India Pakistan border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The National Conference chief, last month, lauded J&amp;K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after she asked the governments of India and Pakistan to resume talks and resolve their mutual issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I would like to congratulate Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Ji for realising that until we have talks with Pakistan, militancy will not end. I feel Modi Ji has the courage to initiate this and take it to a logical end,&quot; Abdullah noted.</p>


Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah also commented on the 'worsening' situation at the India Pakistan border

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today spoke on the ongoing tension at the Indo-Pak border. She stated that dialogue can solve problems and not "guns". "Conditions at the border are not good, both the countries should talk and there should be a ceasefire. Peace should be given an opportunity," Mufti noted at Kulgam, J&K earlier today. Guns cannot solve any problems, only talks can solve problems. Conditions at the border are not good, Both the countries should talk & there should be ceasefire. Peace should be given an opportunity: Jammu & Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti at Kulgam earlier today. pic.twitter.com/HhwlQFQCgu — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah also commented on the 'worsening' situation at the India Pakistan border. The National Conference chief, last month, lauded J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti after she asked the governments of India and Pakistan to resume talks and resolve their mutual issues. "I would like to congratulate Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Ji for realising that until we have talks with Pakistan, militancy will not end. I feel Modi Ji has the courage to initiate this and take it to a logical end," Abdullah noted.

Guns cannot solve any problems, only talks can: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on the rising tensions on the India-Pakistan border, Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that amidst all the tensions- present and future, India&#39;s head will always be high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said &quot; Currently there is tension at India-Pakistan border. Whatever is happening now and whatever will happen in future, I would like to assure you that India&#39;s head will always be held high..today and always.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Currently there is tension at India-Pakistan border. Whatever is happening now &amp; whatever will happen in future, I would like to assure you that India&#39;s head will always be held high... today and always: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/gDJO8kxM0W">pic.twitter.com/gDJO8kxM0W</a></p>
&mdash; ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/954735734417629184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting to the three days of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-3-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-30130" target="_blank">consecutive ceasefire&nbsp;fire violations by Pakistan</a>, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her grief saying that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are the worst victims of the animosity between the two countries.</p>

<p>She said &quot;Distraught to hear of three more civilians caught in the crossfire on the border. The people of J&amp;K are the worst victims of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pak-border-tensions-soar-7879" target="_blank">acrimony between the two neighbouring countries</a>. I pray that the hostility on the borders end s soon. &quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Distraught to hear of three more civilians caught in the crossfire on the border. The people of J&amp;K are the worst victims of the acrimony between the two neighbouring countries. I pray that the hostility on the borders ends soon: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> CM Mehbooba Mufti (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/iaoMvYzAcT">pic.twitter.com/iaoMvYzAcT</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954681198965477376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-never-mind-raising-tricolour-in-pok-first-raise-it-in-srinagar-says-farooq-abdullah-6982" target="_blank">Farooq Abdullah</a> who has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-enemy-is-not-across-border-but-among-ourselves-national-conference-chief-farooq-abdullah-29509" target="_blank">previously been in controversy</a> for his statements on Jammu and Kashmir,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-court-orders-to-file-fir-against-farooq-abdullah-on-charges-of-treason-24146" target="_blank"> PoK</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/you-have-made-one-pakistan-how-many-pakistans-will-you-make-how-many-pieces-will-you-cut-india-into-says-farooq-andullah-24514" target="_blank">Pakistan</a> also raised his concern over the number of deaths resulting from ceasefire violations.</p>

<p>He said &quot;It&#39;s not only BSF jawans but civilians also ...it is tremendous tragedy that it is taking place on our border. I hope our neighbour realises it is not going to take us anywhere other than destruction.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&#39;s not only BSF jawans but civilians also... It is a tremendous tragedy that is taking place on our border. I hope our neighbor realises it is not going to take us anywhere other than destruction.: Farooq Abdullah in Delhi on ceasefire violations by Pakistan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/1zWbGmkAVO">pic.twitter.com/1zWbGmkAVO</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954704465877090304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Civilians in border areas hold strong morals. Matter of concern is statements of those people, who consider themselves mainstream politicians. When in power, they call Kashmir integral part of India but make irresponsible remarks otherwise: Jitendra Singh on ceasefire violations <a href="https://t.co/1YppYkDTX9">pic.twitter.com/1YppYkDTX9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954672341283356673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


He said 'Currently there is tension at India-Pakistan border. Whatever is happening now and whatever will happen in future, I would like to assure you that India's head will always be held high..today and always'

Speaking on the rising tensions on the India-Pakistan border, Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that amidst all the tensions- present and future, India's head will always be high. He said " Currently there is tension at India-Pakistan border. Whatever is happening now and whatever will happen in future, I would like to assure you that India's head will always be held high..today and always." Currently there is tension at India-Pakistan border. Whatever is happening now & whatever will happen in future, I would like to assure you that India's head will always be held high... today and always: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/gDJO8kxM0W — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 20, 2018 × Reacting to the three days of consecutive ceasefire fire violations by Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed her grief saying that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are the worst victims of the animosity between the two countries. She said "Distraught to hear of three more civilians caught in the crossfire on the border. The people of J&K are the worst victims of the acrimony between the two neighbouring countries. I pray that the hostility on the borders end s soon. " Distraught to hear of three more civilians caught in the crossfire on the border. The people of J&K are the worst victims of the acrimony between the two neighbouring countries. I pray that the hostility on the borders ends soon: #JammuAndKashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti (File pic) pic.twitter.com/iaoMvYzAcT — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 × Former chief minister Farooq Abdullah who has previously been in controversy for his statements on Jammu and Kashmir, PoK and Pakistan also raised his concern over the number of deaths resulting from ceasefire violations. He said "It's not only BSF jawans but civilians also ...it is tremendous tragedy that it is taking place on our border. I hope our neighbour realises it is not going to take us anywhere other than destruction." It's not only BSF jawans but civilians also... It is a tremendous tragedy that is taking place on our border. I hope our neighbor realises it is not going to take us anywhere other than destruction.: Farooq Abdullah in Delhi on ceasefire violations by Pakistan #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/1zWbGmkAVO — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 × Civilians in border areas hold strong morals. Matter of concern is statements of those people, who consider themselves mainstream politicians. When in power, they call Kashmir integral part of India but make irresponsible remarks otherwise: Jitendra Singh on ceasefire violations pic.twitter.com/1YppYkDTX9 — ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2018 ×

India's head will always be held high: Rajnath Singh on J&K ceasefire violation

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today drew a contrast between a developing India and her state which was facing bloodshed from cross-border shelling and terrorism.</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, who was addressing the passing out parade of new police constables in the state&#39;s Baramulla district, said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the country being on the path of development, her state was facing a &quot;Holi of blood&quot; on the border. She stressed on the need to build &quot;bridges of friendship&quot; in the state.</p>

<p>Hamare border pe iss waqt, khuda na khasta, ek tarah se khoon ki Holi chal rahi hai (At the moment on our border, god forbid, there is a Holi of blood being played). The country is on the path of development, it is what the PM talks about, but opposite is happening in our state. I appeal to the PM and to Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir ko jung ka akhada mat banaiye, dosti ka pul banaiye (Don&#39;t make Jammu and Kashmir a battlefield, build bridges of friendship),&quot; the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.</p>

<p>The chief minister also said that the state&#39;s police faced the biggest challenges because they had to face their people while maintaining law and order in the state.</p>

<p>&quot;The Jammu and Kashmir Police has the toughest work because you have the biggest challenges in front of you. You will have to face your people while maintaining law and order and you have to keep patience while dealing with it,&quot; Mehbooba Mufti said.<br />
<br />
(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)</p>


Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today drew a contrast between a developing India and her state which was facing bloodshed from cross-border shelling and terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today drew a contrast between a developing India and her state which was facing bloodshed from cross-border shelling and terrorism. The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, who was addressing the passing out parade of new police constables in the state's Baramulla district, said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the country being on the path of development, her state was facing a "Holi of blood" on the border. She stressed on the need to build "bridges of friendship" in the state. Hamare border pe iss waqt, khuda na khasta, ek tarah se khoon ki Holi chal rahi hai (At the moment on our border, god forbid, there is a Holi of blood being played). The country is on the path of development, it is what the PM talks about, but opposite is happening in our state. I appeal to the PM and to Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir ko jung ka akhada mat banaiye, dosti ka pul banaiye (Don't make Jammu and Kashmir a battlefield, build bridges of friendship)," the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said. The chief minister also said that the state's police faced the biggest challenges because they had to face their people while maintaining law and order in the state. "The Jammu and Kashmir Police has the toughest work because you have the biggest challenges in front of you. You will have to face your people while maintaining law and order and you have to keep patience while dealing with it," Mehbooba Mufti said. (With inputs from ANI)

Opposite of development happening in J&K: Mehbooba Mufti

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for a dialogue with Pakistan amid the increase in ceasefire violations by the country and a rise in terrorist activity in the state.</p>

<p>Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter that she would be &quot;labelled anti-national by news anchors&quot; for her views.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed. I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn&rsquo;t matter. The people of J&amp;K are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option.</p>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/962983233058156544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed. I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn&rsquo;t matter. The people of J&amp;K are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option.</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister made similar remarks in the state assembly, stating that there was no solution other than dialogue with Pakistan. She blamed &quot;some media houses&quot; of creating an atmosphere of being labelled anti-national if one mooted talks with Pakistan.</p>

<p>Mehbooba Mufti also invoked former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee&#39;s Lahore bus journey to Pakistan in 1999 and said that she wondered &quot;what some media houses would have called Atalji if he took bus to Lahore in today&#39;s time and talked of dialogue.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Unfortunately, some media houses have created an atmosphere that if we talk of dialogue (with Pakistan) then we are labelled anti-national,&quot; Mehbooba Mufti said the in state assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;We fought and won all wars against Pakistan but even now today there is no solution other than dialogue, till when will our jawans and civilians keep dying. Wonder what some media houses would have called Atalji if he took bus to Lahore in today&#39;s time and talked of dialogue&quot;</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)</p>


Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for a dialogue with Pakistan amid the increase in ceasefire violations by the country and a rise in terrorist activity in the state

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for a dialogue with Pakistan amid the increase in ceasefire violations by the country and a rise in terrorist activity in the state. Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter that she would be "labelled anti-national by news anchors" for her views. Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed. I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn’t matter. The people of J&K are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 12, 2018 × Dialogue with Pakistan is necessary if we are to end bloodshed. I know I will be labelled anti-national by news anchors tonight but that doesn’t matter. The people of J&K are suffering. We have to talk because war is not an option. The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister made similar remarks in the state assembly, stating that there was no solution other than dialogue with Pakistan. She blamed "some media houses" of creating an atmosphere of being labelled anti-national if one mooted talks with Pakistan. Mehbooba Mufti also invoked former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Lahore bus journey to Pakistan in 1999 and said that she wondered "what some media houses would have called Atalji if he took bus to Lahore in today's time and talked of dialogue." "Unfortunately, some media houses have created an atmosphere that if we talk of dialogue (with Pakistan) then we are labelled anti-national," Mehbooba Mufti said the in state assembly. "We fought and won all wars against Pakistan but even now today there is no solution other than dialogue, till when will our jawans and civilians keep dying. Wonder what some media houses would have called Atalji if he took bus to Lahore in today's time and talked of dialogue" (With inputs from ANI)

No solution other than dialogue with Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-warns-against-any-indian-cross-border-raid-after-sunjuwan-attack-32596">Pakistan &#39;warns&#39; India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack</a></p>

<p>Pakistan warned India against cross-border strikes after Indian authorities blamed Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) for an attack on an Army camp in which soldiers and their families were targeted. Saturday&#39;s attack on the Sunjuwan camp in Jammu was the worst in months, with five soldiers and the father of one of the soldiers killed and women and children among the ten wounded.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-solution-other-than-dialogue-with-pakistan-mehbooba-mufti-32602">No solution other than dialogue with Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti</a></p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for a dialogue with Pakistan amid the increase in ceasefire violations by the country and a rise in terrorist activity in the state. Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter that she would be &quot;labelled anti-national by news anchors&quot; for her views.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-gives-employment-to-50000-in-24-hours-india-gives-450-rahul-gandhi-32589">China gives employment to 50,000 in 24 hours, India to 450: Rahul Gandhi</a></p>

<p>Campaigning for the upcoming polls in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi today targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a gathering at Raichur. &quot;When China is creating 50,000 jobs every 24 hours, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite launching &#39;Make in India&#39;, Start up India&#39; and &#39;Digital India&#39;, has only created 450 to 500 jobs in 24 hours,&quot; Rahul Gandhi said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-loses-court-battle-to-pay-90-million-to-singapores-boc-aviation-32611">Vijay Mallya loses court battle, to pay $90 million to Singapore&#39;s BOC aviation</a></p>

<p>Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya has lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims. The latest case involving the 62-year-old businessman, whose extradition case over alleged loan defaults amounting to around Rs. 9,000 crore returns to Westminster Magistrates&rsquo; Court in London on March 16, is related to the leasing of aircraft by Kingfisher Airlines dating back to 2014.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-meet-priya-prakash-varrier-internets-latest-crush-32591">Meet Priya Prakash Varrier, the Internet&#39;s latest crush</a></p>

<p>The weekend saw Internet obsessing over a clip from an upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Lover which features debutant actress Priya Prakash Varrier.&nbsp; Part of a song from the film, the clip has Priya winking and raising her eyebrows at her co-star in the film. And the Internet cannot get enough of her.</p>


Pakistan 'warns' India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack Pakistan warned India against cross-border strikes after Indian authorities blamed Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) for an attack on an Army camp in which soldiers and their families were targeted. Saturday's attack on the Sunjuwan camp in Jammu was the worst in months, with five soldiers and the father of one of the soldiers killed and women and children among the ten wounded. No solution other than dialogue with Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for a dialogue with Pakistan amid the increase in ceasefire violations by the country and a rise in terrorist activity in the state. Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter that she would be "labelled anti-national by news anchors" for her views. China gives employment to 50,000 in 24 hours, India to 450: Rahul Gandhi Campaigning for the upcoming polls in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi today targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a gathering at Raichur. "When China is creating 50,000 jobs every 24 hours, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite launching 'Make in India', Start up India' and 'Digital India', has only created 450 to 500 jobs in 24 hours," Rahul Gandhi said. Vijay Mallya loses court battle, to pay $90 million to Singapore's BOC aviation Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya has lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims. The latest case involving the 62-year-old businessman, whose extradition case over alleged loan defaults amounting to around Rs. 9,000 crore returns to Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on March 16, is related to the leasing of aircraft by Kingfisher Airlines dating back to 2014. Meet Priya Prakash Varrier, the Internet's latest crush The weekend saw Internet obsessing over a clip from an upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Lover which features debutant actress Priya Prakash Varrier. Part of a song from the film, the clip has Priya winking and raising her eyebrows at her co-star in the film. And the Internet cannot get enough of her.

WION Evening News Brief, February 12, 2018

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said there has been&nbsp;increase in the number of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/highest-number-of-youth-joined-militant-group-in-2017-report-27600" target="_blank"> youth who have joined militancy </a>in 2017.</p>

<p>&quot;Number of youths who joined militancy in 2017 is 126, while in 2016 the number was 88 and in 2015, it was 66,&quot; the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said in a written reply in the state assembly.</p>

<p>According to the date, 2017 has been marked as the year of highest recruitment of youth in militant groups in the last seven years.</p>

<p>The data placed before Parliament in March last year, showed a steady hike in the number of youths taking up arms in the Valley from 2014 onwards, as compared to 2011, 2012 and 2013.</p>

<p>This rush in locals joining militancy was witnessed after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani in an encounter in South Kashmir on July 8, 2016.</p>

<p>Mufti further said that certain Separatist leaders including two women were detained in terms of the provisions of the Public Safety Act, 1978 to prevent them from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the state or maintenance of the public order.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


'Number of youths who joined militancy in 2017 is 126, while in 2016 the number was 88 and in 2015, it was 66,' Mehbooba Mufti said in a written reply in the state assembly

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said there has been increase in the number of youth who have joined militancy in 2017. "Number of youths who joined militancy in 2017 is 126, while in 2016 the number was 88 and in 2015, it was 66," the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said in a written reply in the state assembly. According to the date, 2017 has been marked as the year of highest recruitment of youth in militant groups in the last seven years. The data placed before Parliament in March last year, showed a steady hike in the number of youths taking up arms in the Valley from 2014 onwards, as compared to 2011, 2012 and 2013. This rush in locals joining militancy was witnessed after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani in an encounter in South Kashmir on July 8, 2016. Mufti further said that certain Separatist leaders including two women were detained in terms of the provisions of the Public Safety Act, 1978 to prevent them from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the state or maintenance of the public order.

Spike in number of youths joining militancy: Mehbooba

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday ruled out revoking the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Kashmir &quot;due to the prevailing situation&quot; and asserted that the Indian Army is the &quot;most disciplined&quot; force in the world.</p>

<p>Mehbooba Mufti said the Army&#39;s footprint in the valley had increased due to the deteriorating security situation.</p>

<p>&quot;If the situation deteriorates, the footprint of security forces will increase. If militancy or stone pelting increases, you will see more footprint of police. We don&#39;t want that to happen,&quot; she said while replying to a discussion on demand of grants for the departments under her charge.</p>

<p>On CPI(M)&#39;s MY Tarigami raking up the issue of revocation of AFSPA, Mehbooba retorted and asked: &quot;Can AFSPA be revoked in such a situation? Is it realistic?&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;The Indian Army is most disciplined force in the world. It was instrumental in bettering the security situation... that is the reason we are here today... They have made huge sacrifices,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>Also Read -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmiri-students-attacked-in-haryana-mehbooba-mufti-demands-probe-31630">Kashmiri students attacked in Haryana, Mehbooba Mufti demands probe</a><br />
<br />
On the National Conference&#39;s concerns about the fate of an FIR registered against Army men over the killing of three civilians in alleged firing in Shopian last month, Mehbooba said: &quot;The Army has a great reputation, but when someone commits a wrong the legal process has to follow.&quot;<br />
She said her government was reaching out to Kashmiri youths to wean them away from militancy.</p>

<p>The chief minister said her government withdrew cases of stone-pelting against more than 9,700 youths which were pending since 2008.</p>

<p>Mehbooba Mufti hoped that &quot;all shades of opinion&quot; in Jammu and Kashmir would join the dialogue process initiated by the Centre&#39;s representative Dineshwar Sharma to &quot;cut through the unending cycle of violence and uncertainty in the state&quot;.</p>

<p>The central and state governments were on the same page on the subject, she said.</p>

<p>Mehbooba said political outreach was a must to get people out of despair while and mainstream political parties had a major role in it. She favoured &quot;cross-LoC cooperation&quot; in the sectors of tourism, environment, disaster management, among others.&nbsp;</p>

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The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also ruled out the revoking of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday ruled out revoking the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Kashmir "due to the prevailing situation" and asserted that the Indian Army is the "most disciplined" force in the world. Mehbooba Mufti said the Army's footprint in the valley had increased due to the deteriorating security situation. "If the situation deteriorates, the footprint of security forces will increase. If militancy or stone pelting increases, you will see more footprint of police. We don't want that to happen," she said while replying to a discussion on demand of grants for the departments under her charge. On CPI(M)'s MY Tarigami raking up the issue of revocation of AFSPA, Mehbooba retorted and asked: "Can AFSPA be revoked in such a situation? Is it realistic?" "The Indian Army is most disciplined force in the world. It was instrumental in bettering the security situation... that is the reason we are here today... They have made huge sacrifices," she said. Also Read - Kashmiri students attacked in Haryana, Mehbooba Mufti demands probe On the National Conference's concerns about the fate of an FIR registered against Army men over the killing of three civilians in alleged firing in Shopian last month, Mehbooba said: "The Army has a great reputation, but when someone commits a wrong the legal process has to follow." She said her government was reaching out to Kashmiri youths to wean them away from militancy. The chief minister said her government withdrew cases of stone-pelting against more than 9,700 youths which were pending since 2008. Mehbooba Mufti hoped that "all shades of opinion" in Jammu and Kashmir would join the dialogue process initiated by the Centre's representative Dineshwar Sharma to "cut through the unending cycle of violence and uncertainty in the state". The central and state governments were on the same page on the subject, she said. Mehbooba said political outreach was a must to get people out of despair while and mainstream political parties had a major role in it. She favoured "cross-LoC cooperation" in the sectors of tourism, environment, disaster management, among others.

Jammu & Kashmir CM: Indian Army 'most disciplined' force in the world

<p>A day after the grand mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam demanded a separate state for Muslims alleging that Muslims were living a &quot;pathetic&quot; life in India&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted condemning any such call.</p>

<p>In an apparent reference to him, she said she strongly condemns any statement made in demand for a separate state for Muslims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/happy-to-form-alliance-with-bjp-in-jk-mehbooba-mufti-31083" target="_blank">Happy to form alliance with BJP in J&amp;K: Mehbooba Mufti</a></p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-you-get-you-will-get-from-india-mehbooba-mufti-to-jk-assembly-29148" target="_blank">Whatever you get, you will get from India: Mehbooba Mufti in J&amp;K assembly</a></p>

<p>She tweeted &quot; J&amp;K was neither a party to the partition of our country nor did we support division on religious lines. We as a state opted for the opposite but unfortunately are paying the price. I strongly condemn any statement made asking for Muslims in India to demand a separate state. &quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K was neither a party to the partition of our country nor did we support division on religious lines. We as a state opted for the opposite but unfortunately are still paying the price. I strongly condemn any statement made asking for Muslims in India to demand a separate state.</p>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/958633199772557312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The deputy grand mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam had said on Tuesday that Muslims were living a &quot; pathetic &quot; life in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that Muslims were being harassed under various pretexts such as love jihad and cow vigilantism.</p>

<p>He also demanded a separate state within India for Muslims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A day after the grand mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam demanded a separate state for Muslims alleging that Muslims were living a "pathetic" life in India Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted condemning any such call

A day after the grand mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam demanded a separate state for Muslims alleging that Muslims were living a "pathetic" life in India Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted condemning any such call. In an apparent reference to him, she said she strongly condemns any statement made in demand for a separate state for Muslims. Also read: Happy to form alliance with BJP in J&K: Mehbooba Mufti Also read: Whatever you get, you will get from India: Mehbooba Mufti in J&K assembly She tweeted " J&K was neither a party to the partition of our country nor did we support division on religious lines. We as a state opted for the opposite but unfortunately are paying the price. I strongly condemn any statement made asking for Muslims in India to demand a separate state. " J&K was neither a party to the partition of our country nor did we support division on religious lines. We as a state opted for the opposite but unfortunately are still paying the price. I strongly condemn any statement made asking for Muslims in India to demand a separate state. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 31, 2018 × The deputy grand mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam had said on Tuesday that Muslims were living a " pathetic " life in India. He added that Muslims were being harassed under various pretexts such as love jihad and cow vigilantism. He also demanded a separate state within India for Muslims.

Mehbooba Mufti condemns demand for separate state for Muslims

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday&nbsp;expressed her&nbsp;satisfaction over&nbsp;forming an alliance with the BJP in the&nbsp;state.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>She also hit out at the UPA government saying that the&nbsp;political process&nbsp;initiated&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Vajpayee&nbsp;government came to a halt in the 10 years of UPA regime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also said that she was happy that she formed an alliance with the BJP&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said &quot; There was UPA government for 10 years but unfortunately the political process started by Vajpayee Ji stopped moving in those years. Be it dialogues or working level facilities or other areas, everything was left hanging, just at the&nbsp;point it was left earlier&quot;.</p>

<p>She added &quot; When Modi Ji&#39;s government came and we formed an alliance. I am happy we did that. People tell me of the pleasant change in atmosphere here. Had we rejected people&#39;s mandate just because it is BJP, I do not understand what face we would have shown to the people.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Then Modi Ji&#39;s govt came &amp; we formed an alliance. I am happy we did that. People tell me of the pleasant change in atmosphere here. Had we rejected people&#39;s mandate just because it is BJP, I do not understand what face we woulds have shown to the people: J&amp;K CM Mehbooba Mufti <a href="https://t.co/oDpEiX0E9U">pic.twitter.com/oDpEiX0E9U</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/957888679367725057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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She also hit out at the UPA government saying that the political process initiated by the Vajpayee government came to a halt in the 10 years of UPA regime

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday expressed her satisfaction over forming an alliance with the BJP in the state. × She also hit out at the UPA government saying that the political process initiated by the Vajpayee government came to a halt in the 10 years of UPA regime. She also said that she was happy that she formed an alliance with the BJP She said " There was UPA government for 10 years but unfortunately the political process started by Vajpayee Ji stopped moving in those years. Be it dialogues or working level facilities or other areas, everything was left hanging, just at the point it was left earlier". She added " When Modi Ji's government came and we formed an alliance. I am happy we did that. People tell me of the pleasant change in atmosphere here. Had we rejected people's mandate just because it is BJP, I do not understand what face we would have shown to the people. Then Modi Ji's govt came & we formed an alliance. I am happy we did that. People tell me of the pleasant change in atmosphere here. Had we rejected people's mandate just because it is BJP, I do not understand what face we woulds have shown to the people: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti pic.twitter.com/oDpEiX0E9U — ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2018 ×

Happy to form alliance with BJP in J&K: Mehbooba Mufti

<p>Four policemen were killed and one&nbsp;seriously injured in an IED blast in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Baramulla district on Saturday.</p>

<p>The blast took place in the Sapore&#39;s main market. The explosive device was placed near a shop in a lane between the &#39;Chotta Bazaar&#39; and &#39;Bada Bazaar&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visuals</a> from Baramulla where 4 Policemen have lost their lives after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/BLybHzhaFl">pic.twitter.com/BLybHzhaFl</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949516297993256965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Three of the four policemen were identified as ASI Irshad, M Amin and Ghulam Nabi, media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The fourth policeman succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Baramulla: 3 Policemen have lost their lives &amp; 2 are seriously injured after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/k4TCaLRxx2">pic.twitter.com/k4TCaLRxx2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/949513405609648129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the attack. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pained to hear that four policeman have been killed in an IED explosion in Sopore. My deepest condolences to their families.</p>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/949513543220637696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to nab the terrorists.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED

Four policemen were killed and one seriously injured in an IED blast in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday. The blast took place in the Sapore's main market. The explosive device was placed near a shop in a lane between the 'Chotta Bazaar' and 'Bada Bazaar'. The blast was triggered when the police vehicle ran over the IED. More #visuals from Baramulla where 4 Policemen have lost their lives after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/BLybHzhaFl — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × Three of the four policemen were identified as ASI Irshad, M Amin and Ghulam Nabi, media reports said. The fourth policeman succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital. #Visuals from Baramulla: 3 Policemen have lost their lives & 2 are seriously injured after an IED blast by terrorists in Sopore #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/k4TCaLRxx2 — ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2018 × Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to condemn the attack. Pained to hear that four policeman have been killed in an IED explosion in Sopore. My deepest condolences to their families. — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) January 6, 2018 × The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to nab the terrorists.

J&K: 4 policemen killed, 1 injured in IED blast in Sapore

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said she was appalled by the incident wherein an actress was allegedly molested on a flight, and sought swift action in the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor has alleged that she was molested by a co-passenger on board a Delhi-Mumbai flight and narrated her ordeal on Instagram via live video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Any harassment/crime against women shld (should) be dealt with swiftly &amp; (and) effectively. As a mother of 2 (two) daughters, I am appalled at what happened. Hope relevant authorities take strict action,&quot; Mehbooba wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actress said she was on an Air Vistara flight from Delhi to Mumbai when a co-passenger sitting behind her put up his feet on her armrest.&nbsp;</p>


'Any harassment/crime against women shld (should) be dealt with swiftly & (and) effectively,' the Jammu & Kashmir chief minister tweeted

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said she was appalled by the incident wherein an actress was allegedly molested on a flight, and sought swift action in the matter. The actor has alleged that she was molested by a co-passenger on board a Delhi-Mumbai flight and narrated her ordeal on Instagram via live video. "Any harassment/crime against women shld (should) be dealt with swiftly & (and) effectively. As a mother of 2 (two) daughters, I am appalled at what happened. Hope relevant authorities take strict action," Mehbooba wrote on Twitter. The actress said she was on an Air Vistara flight from Delhi to Mumbai when a co-passenger sitting behind her put up his feet on her armrest.

Actress molestation case: Mehbooba Mufti says she is appalled?

<p>Union home minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived In &nbsp;Srinagar today on a four-day visit of the state, met Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Srinagar. He is on a four day visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/TuP4wBkExw">pic.twitter.com/TuP4wBkExw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/906404485185937408">September 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="et">J&amp;K: Home Minister Rajnath Singh meets Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in Srinagar <a href="https://t.co/A4zW4p69UE">pic.twitter.com/A4zW4p69UE</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/906410150864371713">September 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The home minister who is accompanied by union home secretary Rajiv Gauba will meet all stakeholders to find a solution to the problems being faced by the people of the state.</p>

<p>Rajnath Singh will also meet the Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra.</p>

<p>He will also visit the border areas in the Jammu region.</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir government arrested Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik on Thursday.</p>

<p>The home minister&#39;s visit comes at a time when the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nia-quizzes-kashmir-separatist-leaders-over-alleged-funding-from-let-15841" target="_blank">National Investigation Agency (NIA) has cracked down on the separatist leaders</a> for their alleged involvement in terror funding.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik was arrested on Thursday as he along with Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had threatened to hold a march to the NIA headquarters in Delhi on Saturday.</p>

<p>The protest march was announced against NIA&#39;s raids at various locations in Kashmir and Delhi in relation to the terror funding case.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The home minister will hold interactions with all stakeholders to find solution to the problems faced by people of J&K

Union home minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived In Srinagar today on a four-day visit of the state, met Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Srinagar. He is on a four day visit to #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/TuP4wBkExw — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017 × J&K: Home Minister Rajnath Singh meets Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in Srinagar pic.twitter.com/A4zW4p69UE — ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017 × The home minister who is accompanied by union home secretary Rajiv Gauba will meet all stakeholders to find a solution to the problems being faced by the people of the state. Rajnath Singh will also meet the Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra. He will also visit the border areas in the Jammu region. The Jammu and Kashmir government arrested Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik on Thursday. The home minister's visit comes at a time when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has cracked down on the separatist leaders for their alleged involvement in terror funding. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik was arrested on Thursday as he along with Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had threatened to hold a march to the NIA headquarters in Delhi on Saturday. The protest march was announced against NIA's raids at various locations in Kashmir and Delhi in relation to the terror funding case.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh arrives in Srinagar on 4-day J&K visit, meets CM Mehbooba Mufti

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, today, met Prime Minister Modi in the backdrop of a raging debate over abrogation of Article 35A of the Constitution.</p>

<p>Mufti said that the idea of Jammu and Kashmir has to be accommodated within the idea of India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Idea of India has to accommodate idea of Jammu &amp; Kashmir: J&amp;K CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/w2qUU9ydMw">pic.twitter.com/w2qUU9ydMw</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895929784902991872">August 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Mufti also brought up the issue of maintaining a status quo on Article 370 of the Constitution which grants autonomy to the state.</p>

<p>Maintaining status quo on Article 370 was part of the agenda of alliance between the PDP and the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and no one can go against it, she said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained none of us can go against that: J&amp;K CM after meeting PM <a href="https://t.co/ttHLb9OLV2">pic.twitter.com/ttHLb9OLV2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895930680521089024">August 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>She said that the Prime Minister gave &quot;100 per cent assurance on the agenda of alliance&quot;. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The J&amp;K chief minister met Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference on Tuesday to discuss the issue of Article 35A. According to reports, the NC president has suggested that Mufti should consult other like minded parties on the issue and try to build a wider consensus.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court is hearing a petition challenging Article 35A of the Constitution which grants powers to Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent residents.</p>

<p>The Centre is going to present before the apex court the legal aspects of Article 35A, according to a report in PTI.</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>


Mufti said that the idea of Jammu and Kashmir has to be accommodated within the idea of India

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, today, met Prime Minister Modi in the backdrop of a raging debate over abrogation of Article 35A of the Constitution. Mufti said that the idea of Jammu and Kashmir has to be accommodated within the idea of India. Idea of India has to accommodate idea of Jammu & Kashmir: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM Modi pic.twitter.com/w2qUU9ydMw — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 × Mufti also brought up the issue of maintaining a status quo on Article 370 of the Constitution which grants autonomy to the state. Maintaining status quo on Article 370 was part of the agenda of alliance between the PDP and the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and no one can go against it, she said. The basis of our agenda of alliance is that status quo of 370 has to maintained none of us can go against that: J&K CM after meeting PM pic.twitter.com/ttHLb9OLV2 — ANI (@ANI) August 11, 2017 × She said that the Prime Minister gave "100 per cent assurance on the agenda of alliance". The J&K chief minister met Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference on Tuesday to discuss the issue of Article 35A. According to reports, the NC president has suggested that Mufti should consult other like minded parties on the issue and try to build a wider consensus. The Supreme Court is hearing a petition challenging Article 35A of the Constitution which grants powers to Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent residents. The Centre is going to present before the apex court the legal aspects of Article 35A, according to a report in PTI.

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti meets PM Modi, raises Article 35A with him

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today met home minister Rajnath Singh and discussed the prevailing security situation in the state especially the security arrangements for the ongoing Amarnath pilgrimage.</p>

<p>Mehbooba Mufti, while discussing the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, blamed &quot;external forces&quot; for the ongoing fight in Kashmir. She also said that China is trying to meddle in the affairs of Kashmir.</p>

<p>&quot;Kashmir issue is not a law and order problem. It is happening because of external forces. The ongoing fight is a handiwork of external forces and now unfortunately China is also trying to meddle into it,&quot; Mehbooba told reporters emerging from the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;All countries condemned the Amarnath Terror Attack, surprising that we didn&#39;t hear anything from China,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>She expressed her gratitude to the home minister and the people of the country for their support in the aftermath of the attack on Amarnath pilgrims last week.</p>

<p>&quot;The attack was designed to create communal tension in the country. But I am grateful that the entire country, political parties and the central government especially the home minister helped us in overcoming the tragedy,&quot; she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mufti thanks Rajnath, people for their support during Kashmir crisis<br />
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Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news">@ANI_news</a> story | <a href="https://t.co/jCpEMFBYOR">https://t.co/jCpEMFBYOR</a> <a href="https://t.co/YOZiZc0YAJ">pic.twitter.com/YOZiZc0YAJ</a></p>
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<p>Seven pilgrims were killed when a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims was attacked by terrorists in Kashmir&#39;s Anantnag district.</p>

<p>The attack led to strong reactions from across the country. The Kashmir civil society also condemned the incident terming it as an attack on &quot;Kashmiriyat&quot;. &nbsp;</p>


She also said that China is trying to meddle in the affairs of Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today met home minister Rajnath Singh and discussed the prevailing security situation in the state especially the security arrangements for the ongoing Amarnath pilgrimage. Mehbooba Mufti, while discussing the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, blamed "external forces" for the ongoing fight in Kashmir. She also said that China is trying to meddle in the affairs of Kashmir. "Kashmir issue is not a law and order problem. It is happening because of external forces. The ongoing fight is a handiwork of external forces and now unfortunately China is also trying to meddle into it," Mehbooba told reporters emerging from the meeting. "All countries condemned the Amarnath Terror Attack, surprising that we didn't hear anything from China," she added. She expressed her gratitude to the home minister and the people of the country for their support in the aftermath of the attack on Amarnath pilgrims last week. "The attack was designed to create communal tension in the country. But I am grateful that the entire country, political parties and the central government especially the home minister helped us in overcoming the tragedy," she said. Mufti thanks Rajnath, people for their support during Kashmir crisis Read @ANI_news story | https://t.co/jCpEMFBYOR pic.twitter.com/YOZiZc0YAJ — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 15, 2017 × Seven pilgrims were killed when a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims was attacked by terrorists in Kashmir's Anantnag district. The attack led to strong reactions from across the country. The Kashmir civil society also condemned the incident terming it as an attack on "Kashmiriyat".

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti blames 'external forces' for Kashmir unrest

<p>The Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council meeting to deliberate on tax rates is underway in Srinagar&#39;s Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre.</p>

<p>The meeting is being attended by the finance ministers of all the states and union territories.</p>

<p>The meeting is being chaired by union finance minister Arun Jaitley.</p>

<p>The 14th GST meeting in Srinagar comes in the wake of ongoing unrest in the valley.</p>

<p>The Mehbooba Mufti-led government in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is keen on being a part of the GST framework which will subsume all indirect taxes into a single tax.</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir government will call a special session of the state assembly to pass a GST-related legislation to pave the way for its implementation, reported NDTV. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The GST Council will meet for the next two days to include goods and services in the 5, 12, 18 or 28 per cent tax bracket.</p>

<p>It is expected to kick off from July 1 this year.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from ANI)</p>


The 14th GST meeting in Srinagar comes in the wake of ongoing unrest in the valley

The Goods and Service Tax (GST) Council meeting to deliberate on tax rates is underway in Srinagar's Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. The meeting is being attended by the finance ministers of all the states and union territories. The meeting is being chaired by union finance minister Arun Jaitley. The 14th GST meeting in Srinagar comes in the wake of ongoing unrest in the valley. The Mehbooba Mufti-led government in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is keen on being a part of the GST framework which will subsume all indirect taxes into a single tax. The Jammu and Kashmir government will call a special session of the state assembly to pass a GST-related legislation to pave the way for its implementation, reported NDTV. The GST Council will meet for the next two days to include goods and services in the 5, 12, 18 or 28 per cent tax bracket. It is expected to kick off from July 1 this year. (WION with inputs from ANI)

GST Council meets in Srinagar

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can resolve the Kashmir problem as he has a strong mandate and appealed to him to pull the valley out of morass.<br />
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Mufti, whose government is battling spiralling protests in the valley, said the situation is the result of pent up anger due to failure of the UPA government to continue with the policy started by the previous NDA government in Jammu and Kashmir during her father Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed&#39;s rule.&nbsp;<br />
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&quot;I say today with authority and I will be criticised for it also. If anyone can find a solution to Jammu and Kashmir problem, it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<br />
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&quot;He (PM) has a strong mandate. Whatever decision he takes, the country will support him,&quot; said Mufti, whose party is running a government in coalition with the BJP.<br />
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&quot;If anyone can take us out of the sticky spot, it is Prime Minister Modi. The nation will support whatever he decides...it is may earnest appeal...,&quot; she said.<br />
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The CM was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a flyover here.<br />
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Hailing the Prime Minister&#39;s decision to visit Lahore on December 25, 2015, she said that it was a sign of strength not weakness.<br />
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&quot;He has the mandate of the people. This is his biggest power. He went to Lahore and met the PM of that country. This is not a sign of weakness but an indication of strength and power,&quot; she said.<br />
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She took a dig at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying he did not have the courage to visit Pakistan.<br />
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&quot;Before him (Modi), a Prime Minister had also desired to go to Pakistan for over ten years. He wanted to see his home there,&quot; she said, with naming Singh.<br />
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&quot;He also would have tried to end the confrontation between the two countries, and bring J&amp;K out of this unfortunate situation, but he had no courage to do that.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
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She gave credit to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former chief minister Mufti Sayeed for starting the &quot;chapter of peace&quot; in Jammu and Kashmir in 2002.<br />
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&quot;They tried their best to bring out Kashmir out of this unfortunate situation. He was successful to a large extent in shortest of period,&quot; Mehbooba said.&nbsp;<br />
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&quot;There was ceasefire (along Indo-Pak border) during Vajpayee&#39;s rule. There were talks with L K Advani (in Kashmir). There was beginning of the process of opening (cross -LoC) roads.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
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The chief minister said militancy declined during that period and there was peace on the borders.<br />
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&quot;These were not small developments. But unfortunately Mufti was out of the government and Vajpayee ji left, and the process came to grinding halt,&quot; the PDP leader lamented.<br />
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She alleged that the UPA regime at the centre and the state government did not carry forward the process thinking &quot;everything is peaceful and there is no need to do anything further&quot;.<br />
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&quot;There was pent-up lava. It started to come out when the youths were out on the streets in 2008 and then 2009 and 2010.<br />
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This lava has now spread to the streets and we are forced to face this situation,&quot; she said.&nbsp;<br />
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The CM said while her government is trying to improve the situation in Kashmir, there are some forces which do not want it.<br />
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&quot;Mufti sahib, who had seen a dream, shook hands with the Prime Minister of our country Narendra Modi, who has got the mandate of the people,&quot; she said.<br />
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As the chief minister was speaking, former Minister and senior Congress leader Gulchain Singh Charak interrupted her speech and demanded setting up of two civil secretariat in Jammu and Srinagar capital cities.<br />
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Charak, who later walked out of the hall in protest, was heckled by some workers after conclusion of the function.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


The chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir urged the Indian premier to use his mandate to stop the rot in the riven state

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can resolve the Kashmir problem as he has a strong mandate and appealed to him to pull the valley out of morass. Mufti, whose government is battling spiralling protests in the valley, said the situation is the result of pent up anger due to failure of the UPA government to continue with the policy started by the previous NDA government in Jammu and Kashmir during her father Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed's rule. "I say today with authority and I will be criticised for it also. If anyone can find a solution to Jammu and Kashmir problem, it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "He (PM) has a strong mandate. Whatever decision he takes, the country will support him," said Mufti, whose party is running a government in coalition with the BJP. "If anyone can take us out of the sticky spot, it is Prime Minister Modi. The nation will support whatever he decides...it is may earnest appeal...," she said. The CM was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a flyover here. Hailing the Prime Minister's decision to visit Lahore on December 25, 2015, she said that it was a sign of strength not weakness. "He has the mandate of the people. This is his biggest power. He went to Lahore and met the PM of that country. This is not a sign of weakness but an indication of strength and power," she said. She took a dig at former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying he did not have the courage to visit Pakistan. "Before him (Modi), a Prime Minister had also desired to go to Pakistan for over ten years. He wanted to see his home there," she said, with naming Singh. "He also would have tried to end the confrontation between the two countries, and bring J&K out of this unfortunate situation, but he had no courage to do that." She gave credit to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former chief minister Mufti Sayeed for starting the "chapter of peace" in Jammu and Kashmir in 2002. "They tried their best to bring out Kashmir out of this unfortunate situation. He was successful to a large extent in shortest of period," Mehbooba said. "There was ceasefire (along Indo-Pak border) during Vajpayee's rule. There were talks with L K Advani (in Kashmir). There was beginning of the process of opening (cross -LoC) roads." The chief minister said militancy declined during that period and there was peace on the borders. "These were not small developments. But unfortunately Mufti was out of the government and Vajpayee ji left, and the process came to grinding halt," the PDP leader lamented. She alleged that the UPA regime at the centre and the state government did not carry forward the process thinking "everything is peaceful and there is no need to do anything further". "There was pent-up lava. It started to come out when the youths were out on the streets in 2008 and then 2009 and 2010. This lava has now spread to the streets and we are forced to face this situation," she said. The CM said while her government is trying to improve the situation in Kashmir, there are some forces which do not want it. "Mufti sahib, who had seen a dream, shook hands with the Prime Minister of our country Narendra Modi, who has got the mandate of the people," she said. As the chief minister was speaking, former Minister and senior Congress leader Gulchain Singh Charak interrupted her speech and demanded setting up of two civil secretariat in Jammu and Srinagar capital cities. Charak, who later walked out of the hall in protest, was heckled by some workers after conclusion of the function. (PTI)

Only PM Modi can resolve Kashmir issue: Mehbooba Mufti

<p>Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the BJP&#39;s landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh and for the completion of longest tunnel of South Asia, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that he supported her and her government during troubled times. She was referring to the violence that gripped the Valley after militant Burhan Wani was shot dead by security forces last year.<br />
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&quot;We are thankful to our Prime Minister. The tunnel inaugurated will bridge distances, be it in travel or between people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congratulations to the Prime Minister for the mandate in Uttar Pradesh. Last year, during very troubled times you supported me and my government,&quot; Mehbooba Mufti said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asserting that the tunnel inaugurated will bridge distances, be it in travel or between people, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said that a lot has improved and a lot more needs to be done in Jammu and Kashmir.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Mufti s<em>ahab </em>had faith in the people and in <em>Jamhuriyat</em>,&quot; she added.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi on his part thanked the chief minister. He said that the Centre announced package for the state, adding the work has begun in this regard.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister earlier in the day inaugurated India`s longest tunnel Chenani-Nashri, on the Jammu-Srinagar highway amid high security.</p>

<p>The tunnel is expected to give sigh of relief to travellers on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, as it will reduce the travel time on National Highway 44 between Jammu and Srinagar by about 2 hours by shortening the distance between the cities by 31 km.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(ANI)<br />
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The Jammu and Kashmir CM was referring to the violence which gripped the Valley after the death of militant Burhan Wani last year

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the BJP's landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh and for the completion of longest tunnel of South Asia, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that he supported her and her government during troubled times. She was referring to the violence that gripped the Valley after militant Burhan Wani was shot dead by security forces last year. "We are thankful to our Prime Minister. The tunnel inaugurated will bridge distances, be it in travel or between people. Congratulations to the Prime Minister for the mandate in Uttar Pradesh. Last year, during very troubled times you supported me and my government," Mehbooba Mufti said. Asserting that the tunnel inaugurated will bridge distances, be it in travel or between people, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said that a lot has improved and a lot more needs to be done in Jammu and Kashmir." "Mufti sahab had faith in the people and in Jamhuriyat," she added. Prime Minister Modi on his part thanked the chief minister. He said that the Centre announced package for the state, adding the work has begun in this regard. The Prime Minister earlier in the day inaugurated India`s longest tunnel Chenani-Nashri, on the Jammu-Srinagar highway amid high security. The tunnel is expected to give sigh of relief to travellers on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, as it will reduce the travel time on National Highway 44 between Jammu and Srinagar by about 2 hours by shortening the distance between the cities by 31 km. (ANI)

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti thanks PM Modi for supporting J&K govt during 'troubled times'

<p>Zaira Wasim, who shot to fame for playing the role of younger Geeta Phogat in the much-acclaimed Bollywood movie &#39;&#39;Dangal&#39;&#39;, posted an apology on Twitter and Facebook after she was trolled on social media for meeting the chief minister of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>The actress said in her social media post, which was later taken down by her, that she was just a 16-year-old kid and that people should treat her likewise.</p>

<p>Some of the trolls asked her as to why she met the chief minister when she could&#39;ve instead met the victims of the turmoil being witnessed in Indian Kashmir.</p>

<p>Omar Abdullah, who is a prominent opposition leader in Jammu and Kashmir, tweeted his disgust with such trolls forcing a 16-year-old to apologise for no fault of hers.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A 16 year old shouldn&#39;t be forced to apologise &amp; that too allegedly for meeting <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti">@MehboobaMufti</a>. What are we coming to!!!!! <a href="https://t.co/MFz3ZKykV1">https://t.co/MFz3ZKykV1</a></p>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdullah_omar/status/820938620676800513">January 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&#39;ve a problem with <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti">@MehboobaMufti</a> trying to userp other peoples success to cover up her own failures but why punish/troll people she meets?</p>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdullah_omar/status/820940054327676928">January 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>While Zaira has not revealed any reason behind her apology, social media space is buzzing with speculation that the apology was the result of some kind of threat and pressure.</p>

<p>The post further reads that she wants to apologize to all those whom she might have &ldquo;unintentionally hurt&rdquo;.</p>

<p>Zaira termed her recent actions as &ldquo;not deliberate&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She hoped that she will be forgiven for her &ldquo;unintentional&rdquo; actions.</p>

<p>She also said that people should stop calling her the role-model of youngsters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today while referring to her meeting with Zaira said that these girls must be encouraged for they are the real stars of the people.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


Omar Abdullah, who is a prominent opposition leader in Jammu and Kashmir, tweeted his disgust with such trolls

Zaira Wasim, who shot to fame for playing the role of younger Geeta Phogat in the much-acclaimed Bollywood movie ''Dangal'', posted an apology on Twitter and Facebook after she was trolled on social media for meeting the chief minister of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The actress said in her social media post, which was later taken down by her, that she was just a 16-year-old kid and that people should treat her likewise. Some of the trolls asked her as to why she met the chief minister when she could've instead met the victims of the turmoil being witnessed in Indian Kashmir. Omar Abdullah, who is a prominent opposition leader in Jammu and Kashmir, tweeted his disgust with such trolls forcing a 16-year-old to apologise for no fault of hers. A 16 year old shouldn't be forced to apologise & that too allegedly for meeting @MehboobaMufti. What are we coming to!!!!! https://t.co/MFz3ZKykV1 — Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) January 16, 2017 × I've a problem with @MehboobaMufti trying to userp other peoples success to cover up her own failures but why punish/troll people she meets? — Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) January 16, 2017 × While Zaira has not revealed any reason behind her apology, social media space is buzzing with speculation that the apology was the result of some kind of threat and pressure. The post further reads that she wants to apologize to all those whom she might have “unintentionally hurt”. Zaira termed her recent actions as “not deliberate”. She hoped that she will be forgiven for her “unintentional” actions. She also said that people should stop calling her the role-model of youngsters. Meanwhile, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today while referring to her meeting with Zaira said that these girls must be encouraged for they are the real stars of the people. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: 'Dangal' actress Zaira Wasim apologises after getting trolled for meeting Jammu & Kashmir chief minister

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir government today said it will construct bunkers for civilians residing along the border with Pakistan. The decision comes amid continuing ceasefire violations by Pakistan and cross border shelling between the two countries.</p>

<p>The state&#39;s chief minister Mehbooba Mufti directed divisional authorities to initiate the process of identifying land for construction of the bunkers, an official spokesperson told PTI.</p>

<p>She said Rs 50 crore are being earmarked for construction of bunker facilities which could be used by the civilians for their safety.</p>

<p>The chief minister also took stock of the relief, rescue and rehabilitation plans devised by the respective district administrations from the Jammu divisional administration in view of the cross border shelling, the official spokesperson told PTI.</p>

<p>She was informed that an adequate rehabilitation plan had been put in place and spots identified where people would be relocated in case of emergencies, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>Mehbooba enquired about the status of harvesting in the border areas and she was informed that additional ration needs to be sent to the villages of Balakote sector which have seen a dip in crop yield due to late harvesting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of civilians have died or have been injured in the shelling and firing and thousands have migrated to safer places following shelling by Pakistan&#39;s security forces along the International Border and Line of Control, PTI reported.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


A number of civilians have died or been injured in the shelling. Thousands have migrated to safer places

The Jammu and Kashmir government today said it will construct bunkers for civilians residing along the border with Pakistan. The decision comes amid continuing ceasefire violations by Pakistan and cross border shelling between the two countries. The state's chief minister Mehbooba Mufti directed divisional authorities to initiate the process of identifying land for construction of the bunkers, an official spokesperson told PTI. She said Rs 50 crore are being earmarked for construction of bunker facilities which could be used by the civilians for their safety. The chief minister also took stock of the relief, rescue and rehabilitation plans devised by the respective district administrations from the Jammu divisional administration in view of the cross border shelling, the official spokesperson told PTI. She was informed that an adequate rehabilitation plan had been put in place and spots identified where people would be relocated in case of emergencies, the spokesman said. Mehbooba enquired about the status of harvesting in the border areas and she was informed that additional ration needs to be sent to the villages of Balakote sector which have seen a dip in crop yield due to late harvesting. A number of civilians have died or have been injured in the shelling and firing and thousands have migrated to safer places following shelling by Pakistan's security forces along the International Border and Line of Control, PTI reported. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Bunkers to be built for civilians after tensions with Pakistan escalate along J&K border

An Indian Member of Parliament from Srinagar in Kashmir, Tariq Hameed Karra, resigned from the People&#39;s Democratic Party (PDP)&nbsp;and also quit his lower house seat in Parliament today. He said he tendered resignation to protest against the &quot;brutal policies&quot; of the Indian government and the state government&#39;s surrender to it.<br />
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Karra is a founding member of the PDP and one of the three MPs from the Kashmir part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. His resignation is being seen as a major set-back for the Mehmooba Mufti-led PDP-Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state.<br />
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&quot;I have decided to disassociate myself from the primary membership of the PDP and from the membership of the Parliament to which I was elected from the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency in 2014 on PDP ticket,&quot; Karra told reporters at his residence here.<br />
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Karra alleged that the central and state governments policies of &quot;unabated genocide&quot;, continued denial of the dangerous ground realities, insensitive and adhoc approach towards Kashmir issue and blatant policy of dealing with Kashmiris by way of &quot;oppressive, repressive and suppressive measures&quot; were the other reasons for his resignation.<br />
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The Srinagar MP&#39;s resignation comes after more than two months of curfew in the state following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani in a gun battle with security forces. This was also the first time in more than two-and-a-half decades that curfew was imposed in the state on Eid.<br />
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&quot;My heart is bleeding and my soul is crying for the people of my homeland. My conscience cannot take it any longer,&quot; Karra said.&nbsp;<br />
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<h5>The Grand mosque (Jamia Masjid) of Sringar was closed and people were not allowed to offer Eid prayers. The last time the grand mosque was closed was in 1819, Karra rued&nbsp;</h5>
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The Lok Sabha (Lower House) member from Srinagar said PDP was floated in 1999 to safeguard lives, property, honour, dignity, self-respect and the political aspirations of the people. &quot;But today, in the present tragic circumstances, (PDP) made a U-turn and treated its subjects much worst than the Nazi forces. I feel still continuing with them would be equally subscribing to the administratively inhuman and politically unethical blunders,&quot; he said.<br />
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Karra, 61, said the PDP was formed to act as buffer between the Indian government and the state. &quot;The launch of this new political dispensation was on the premise as facilitators rather than collaborators or obstructionists for the&nbsp;permanent, peaceful and everlasting resolution of Kashmir issue.&quot;<br />
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&quot;I was forcefully consistent on it so that PDP buffer character would be saved which had blood and sweat of thousands of dedicated and selfless workers in it,&quot; Karra said. He&nbsp;is the first Jammu and Kashmir MP to resign from the Parliament.<br />
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Karra also said that members of his party in office at the state and central government will have to decide if they want to support the helpless people of Kashmir or let the bloodshed continue. He said the violence in the state in which 80 have been killed in 69 days and thousands injured was&nbsp;&quot;perpetuated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-driven BJP and facilitated by the PDP.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
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Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karra said his &quot;imperialistic methods&quot; have intensified the Kashmir unrest and to only blame Pakistan for the current situation was a self-defeating approach.<br />
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&quot;His arm-twisting attitude and imperialistic methods towards Kashmir and issues of Kashmir added fuel to the fire.&quot;<br />
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&quot;He firmly believes that minus Pakistan there would be no Jammu and Kashmir problem. To my understanding it is self-defeating move and not a smart move even for India.&quot;<br />
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Karra alleged that the Prime Minister has pushed the country towards Hinduisation and turned &quot;Incredible India into Intolerant India&quot;<br />
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<h5>Karra alleged that the Prime Minister has pushed the country towards Hinduisation and turned &#39;Incredible India&#39; into &#39;Intolerant India&#39;</h5>
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&quot;The Prime Minister has pushed the country towards Hinduisation and by doing so undermined Indian nationalism which has liberal space and place for diversity built into it.&quot;<br />
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&quot;Although he couldn&#39;t convert his jingoistic promises made during general elections even to the people of Ladakh and Jammu into reality, one must give the devil his due for converting highly publicised Incredible India into Intolerant India.&quot;<br />
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He claimed his foresight about RSS and BJP making inroads and committing &quot;religious aggression&quot; in Kashmir has been vindicated after the state government imposed curfew and locked down major mosques and shrines in the Valley<br />
<br />
&quot;The Grand mosque (Jamia Masjid) of Sringar was closed and people were not allowed to offer Eid prayers. The last time the grand mosque was closed was in 1819,&quot; he rued.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from PTI)

Karra is one of the three MPs from Indian Kashmir. He decided to step down after 69 days of unrest in the state

An Indian Member of Parliament from Srinagar in Kashmir, Tariq Hameed Karra, resigned from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and also quit his lower house seat in Parliament today. He said he tendered resignation to protest against the "brutal policies" of the Indian government and the state government's surrender to it. Karra is a founding member of the PDP and one of the three MPs from the Kashmir part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. His resignation is being seen as a major set-back for the Mehmooba Mufti-led PDP-Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state. "I have decided to disassociate myself from the primary membership of the PDP and from the membership of the Parliament to which I was elected from the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency in 2014 on PDP ticket," Karra told reporters at his residence here. Karra alleged that the central and state governments policies of "unabated genocide", continued denial of the dangerous ground realities, insensitive and adhoc approach towards Kashmir issue and blatant policy of dealing with Kashmiris by way of "oppressive, repressive and suppressive measures" were the other reasons for his resignation. The Srinagar MP's resignation comes after more than two months of curfew in the state following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani in a gun battle with security forces. This was also the first time in more than two-and-a-half decades that curfew was imposed in the state on Eid. "My heart is bleeding and my soul is crying for the people of my homeland. My conscience cannot take it any longer," Karra said. The Grand mosque (Jamia Masjid) of Sringar was closed and people were not allowed to offer Eid prayers. The last time the grand mosque was closed was in 1819, Karra rued The Lok Sabha (Lower House) member from Srinagar said PDP was floated in 1999 to safeguard lives, property, honour, dignity, self-respect and the political aspirations of the people. "But today, in the present tragic circumstances, (PDP) made a U-turn and treated its subjects much worst than the Nazi forces. I feel still continuing with them would be equally subscribing to the administratively inhuman and politically unethical blunders," he said. Karra, 61, said the PDP was formed to act as buffer between the Indian government and the state. "The launch of this new political dispensation was on the premise as facilitators rather than collaborators or obstructionists for the permanent, peaceful and everlasting resolution of Kashmir issue." "I was forcefully consistent on it so that PDP buffer character would be saved which had blood and sweat of thousands of dedicated and selfless workers in it," Karra said. He is the first Jammu and Kashmir MP to resign from the Parliament. Karra also said that members of his party in office at the state and central government will have to decide if they want to support the helpless people of Kashmir or let the bloodshed continue. He said the violence in the state in which 80 have been killed in 69 days and thousands injured was "perpetuated by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-driven BJP and facilitated by the PDP." Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karra said his "imperialistic methods" have intensified the Kashmir unrest and to only blame Pakistan for the current situation was a self-defeating approach. "His arm-twisting attitude and imperialistic methods towards Kashmir and issues of Kashmir added fuel to the fire." "He firmly believes that minus Pakistan there would be no Jammu and Kashmir problem. To my understanding it is self-defeating move and not a smart move even for India." Karra alleged that the Prime Minister has pushed the country towards Hinduisation and turned "Incredible India into Intolerant India" Karra alleged that the Prime Minister has pushed the country towards Hinduisation and turned 'Incredible India' into 'Intolerant India' "The Prime Minister has pushed the country towards Hinduisation and by doing so undermined Indian nationalism which has liberal space and place for diversity built into it." "Although he couldn't convert his jingoistic promises made during general elections even to the people of Ladakh and Jammu into reality, one must give the devil his due for converting highly publicised Incredible India into Intolerant India." He claimed his foresight about RSS and BJP making inroads and committing "religious aggression" in Kashmir has been vindicated after the state government imposed curfew and locked down major mosques and shrines in the Valley "The Grand mosque (Jamia Masjid) of Sringar was closed and people were not allowed to offer Eid prayers. The last time the grand mosque was closed was in 1819," he rued. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Kashmir MP Karra resigns from party, Parliament

Taking separatist leaders head-on, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today accused them of instigating the children in the Valley to engage in violence while making sure their own studied abroad or outside the state.<br />
<br />
&quot;My colleagues have this (fear) that I may say something. But, I have always spoken truth. The way a mother slaps her child when he tries to touch a hot kangri (firepot), I will do the same to save my people. I will be angry, I will speak truth and warn them not to use children as a shield (during street protests),&quot; Mehbooba told a gathering at an official event, invoking motherhood that is devoted to the welfare of the child.<br />
<br />
She exuded confidence that the Valley will come out of the &quot;misery&quot; as her intentions were noble. &quot;Majority of the people want an honourable solution to the issue. Nobody wants violence except for those who don&#39;t have to face impact of this violence as their own children are studying outside the Valley.<br />
<br />
&quot;They ask the children to fight bullets, pellets and teargas, but themselves fear a policeman,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
Taking on the separatists, she said they were &quot;exploiting&quot; children in the Valley after having ensured their&nbsp;own children studied outside.<br />
<br />
She, however, hoped the situation would get back to normal.<br />
<br />
&quot;Time will not remain like this always, but wounds will be there on the hearts of the children which these people have inflicted. Today, people will find my words bitter, but they will later understand what I said because I saw many people roaming the streets at night provoking children to join the protests.<br />
<br />
&quot;God is witness, that their (the separatists&#39;) own children study in Malaysia, Dubai, Bangalore and Rajasthan. If a single child of these people has been injured in the protests in these days, I am ready to quit politics,&quot; she said at the function organised to distribute LED bulbs under the ruling government&#39;s &#39;UJALA&#39; scheme.<br />
<br />
The function was organised by union power ministry, state power development department and Energy Efficiency Services Limited a joint venture of public sector undertaking under the power ministry.<br />
<br />
Hitting out at those who were provoking people, especially children to come out on the roads, Mehbooba said, &quot;What solution is this that our children are getting blinded. Till when will this go on?&quot;<br />
<br />
&quot;Nothing will come out of this. By violence, by closing shops and throwing stones. Our movement is not a movement now because it has jettisoned our culture and become uncultured,&quot; Mehbooba said. She said there is an opportunity to address the Kashmir issue as the country has a strong prime minister in Narendra Modi who has called for an end to the violence.<br />
<br />
&quot;Today, there is an opportunity as there is a very strong prime minister in this country. Today, in this situation, the cream of the country, members of Parliament, came to you (as part of an all-party delegation) and many among them said that they want to talk without any conditions.<br />
<br />
&quot;I, as president (Peoples Democratic Party), wrote a letter. It had not happened till now. I said you talk wherever you want, we would facilitate it because every day children are getting killed, injured. This should end. Our shops are closed, our schools are shut, everything has stopped. Today, there is an opportunity for the people of the state if they want a solution to the issue,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
&quot;We have lost several opportunities in the past to resolve the issue through engagement and dialogue and today again if we miss the chance, the coming generations will never forgive us for our intransigence,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
She said if the separatists have the courage they should sleep in their homes instead of roaming around exploiting the children.<br />
<br />
&quot;If you (separatists) have courage, then sleep in your homes and not roam around from one home to another asking children to take out protests rallies. You fear my policeman, but tell these children, my children, our children, who should have been in schools, to take out protests in other places and do something so that there is a reaction (from the security forces).<br />
<br />
&quot;How will I tolerate this? I have been saying this that there are mostly those children who used to be at my rallies when they were kids when no one was with me,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
(PTI)

There is an opportunity to address the Kashmir issue as the country has a strong prime minister in Narendra Modi, she said

Taking separatist leaders head-on, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti today accused them of instigating the children in the Valley to engage in violence while making sure their own studied abroad or outside the state. "My colleagues have this (fear) that I may say something. But, I have always spoken truth. The way a mother slaps her child when he tries to touch a hot kangri (firepot), I will do the same to save my people. I will be angry, I will speak truth and warn them not to use children as a shield (during street protests)," Mehbooba told a gathering at an official event, invoking motherhood that is devoted to the welfare of the child. She exuded confidence that the Valley will come out of the "misery" as her intentions were noble. "Majority of the people want an honourable solution to the issue. Nobody wants violence except for those who don't have to face impact of this violence as their own children are studying outside the Valley. "They ask the children to fight bullets, pellets and teargas, but themselves fear a policeman," she said. Taking on the separatists, she said they were "exploiting" children in the Valley after having ensured their own children studied outside. She, however, hoped the situation would get back to normal. "Time will not remain like this always, but wounds will be there on the hearts of the children which these people have inflicted. Today, people will find my words bitter, but they will later understand what I said because I saw many people roaming the streets at night provoking children to join the protests. "God is witness, that their (the separatists') own children study in Malaysia, Dubai, Bangalore and Rajasthan. If a single child of these people has been injured in the protests in these days, I am ready to quit politics," she said at the function organised to distribute LED bulbs under the ruling government's 'UJALA' scheme. The function was organised by union power ministry, state power development department and Energy Efficiency Services Limited a joint venture of public sector undertaking under the power ministry. Hitting out at those who were provoking people, especially children to come out on the roads, Mehbooba said, "What solution is this that our children are getting blinded. Till when will this go on?" "Nothing will come out of this. By violence, by closing shops and throwing stones. Our movement is not a movement now because it has jettisoned our culture and become uncultured," Mehbooba said. She said there is an opportunity to address the Kashmir issue as the country has a strong prime minister in Narendra Modi who has called for an end to the violence. "Today, there is an opportunity as there is a very strong prime minister in this country. Today, in this situation, the cream of the country, members of Parliament, came to you (as part of an all-party delegation) and many among them said that they want to talk without any conditions. "I, as president (Peoples Democratic Party), wrote a letter. It had not happened till now. I said you talk wherever you want, we would facilitate it because every day children are getting killed, injured. This should end. Our shops are closed, our schools are shut, everything has stopped. Today, there is an opportunity for the people of the state if they want a solution to the issue," she said. "We have lost several opportunities in the past to resolve the issue through engagement and dialogue and today again if we miss the chance, the coming generations will never forgive us for our intransigence," she said. She said if the separatists have the courage they should sleep in their homes instead of roaming around exploiting the children. "If you (separatists) have courage, then sleep in your homes and not roam around from one home to another asking children to take out protests rallies. You fear my policeman, but tell these children, my children, our children, who should have been in schools, to take out protests in other places and do something so that there is a reaction (from the security forces). "How will I tolerate this? I have been saying this that there are mostly those children who used to be at my rallies when they were kids when no one was with me," she said. (PTI)

Kashmir chief minister: Separatists inciting children to violence

Fresh violence broke out in Kashmir as a 26-member team of Indian parliamentarians arrived in Srinagar on Sunday to allay tensions in the restive state.<br />
<br />
The conciliatory effort received another blow as Hurriyat, a group fighting for Kashmir&#39;s freedom, declined the offer to meet the delegation.<br />
<br />
The Hurriyat rejected Mufti&#39;s invitation for lack of clarity in the engagement process.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Violence erupted in Shopian district in Kashmir on Sunday morning, injuring at least 50 people.<br />
<br />
A group of protesters also set ablaze the office of district magistrate (a senior government official), national radio broadcaster All India Radio tweeted.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The clash broke out after Indian security forces tried to intervene a pro-freedom rally in Pinjura village.<br />
<br />
The clashes coincide with the arrival of Indian lawmakers in the Valley. The delegate, headed by India&#39;s home minister Rajnath Singh, is on a two-day visit to Srinagar&nbsp;to discuss the security situation in the Valley.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The delegate met Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti earlier in the day to discuss ways to tackle the festering problem in the state.<br />
<br />
&quot;We intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in Kashmir valley,&quot; India&#39;s home minister had said before leaving for Kashmir. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
Singh said the Centre would take a final decision with regard to Kashmir unrest on the basis of feedback and suggestions given by the delegation, which comprises members cutting across political affiliation.<br />
<br />
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti yesterday invited&nbsp;leaders of Hurriyat for talks with the all-party delegation. Hurriyat is&nbsp;an organisation that is fighting for Kashmir&#39;s independence.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Kashmir has been gripped with tension following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from agencies)<br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;

The Hurriyat rejected Jammu and Kashmir chief minister's invitation for lacking clarity in the engagement process?

Fresh violence broke out in Kashmir as a 26-member team of Indian parliamentarians arrived in Srinagar on Sunday to allay tensions in the restive state. The conciliatory effort received another blow as Hurriyat, a group fighting for Kashmir's freedom, declined the offer to meet the delegation. The Hurriyat rejected Mufti's invitation for lack of clarity in the engagement process. Violence erupted in Shopian district in Kashmir on Sunday morning, injuring at least 50 people. A group of protesters also set ablaze the office of district magistrate (a senior government official), national radio broadcaster All India Radio tweeted. The clash broke out after Indian security forces tried to intervene a pro-freedom rally in Pinjura village. The clashes coincide with the arrival of Indian lawmakers in the Valley. The delegate, headed by India's home minister Rajnath Singh, is on a two-day visit to Srinagar to discuss the security situation in the Valley. The delegate met Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti earlier in the day to discuss ways to tackle the festering problem in the state. "We intend to talk to individuals and groups who want peace and normalcy in Kashmir valley," India's home minister had said before leaving for Kashmir. Singh said the Centre would take a final decision with regard to Kashmir unrest on the basis of feedback and suggestions given by the delegation, which comprises members cutting across political affiliation. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti yesterday invited leaders of Hurriyat for talks with the all-party delegation. Hurriyat is an organisation that is fighting for Kashmir's independence. Kashmir has been gripped with tension following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir freedom group shuns India's peace outreach meeting

Chief minister of India&#39;s Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday insisted that people give her a chance to address the crisis in the state.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&ldquo;I appeal to all those protesting in the streets. You may be angry with me, I may be angry with you. But please give me one chance to address your concerns and aspirations,&rdquo; she said.<br />
<br />
After her 45-minute-meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Mehbooba told DNA that she had outlined a three-pronged action during the meeting.<br />
<br />
It included the involvement of separatists and Pakistan in a substantive dialogue. But she refused to divulge details.<br />
<br />
Mehbooba said that good governance in her state was linked to peaceful relations between India and Pakistan. &ldquo;How can you govern and undertake development-related work when there are tensions?&rdquo; she said.<br />
<br />
On this front, she blamed Islamabad for not responding to Modi&rsquo;s peace overtures.<br />
<br />
&quot;PM Modi reached out to Pakistan, went to Lahore, but then Pathankot happened. Home minister Rajnath Singh also went to Islamabad. Unfortunately, Pakistan has repeatedly given up the chances to talk and resolve the issue of violence in Kashmir. Now, it is again time for Pakistan (to respond),&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
Only Modi can revive the process, she said. Mehbooba, however, skirted questions on the PM&rsquo;s recent pronouncements on Balochistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PoK).<br />
<br />
Fifty seven-year-old Mehbooba, mother of two and one of the few women politicians from Kashmir, said she asked Modi to put in place an institutionalised mechanism to address the issue. &ldquo;I asked for reviving the reconciliation and resolution process, which was initiated by the then NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 2002 and 2005,&rdquo; she said.<br />
<br />
It was the brushing of issues under the carpet, as in 2008 and 2010, that has resulted in the current unrest, Mehbooba said. &ldquo;The country&rsquo;s political leadership must commit itself to address all dimensions of the problem in a manner that balances and promotes enduring political and economic stability in the state and the region,&rdquo; she said.<br />
<br />
She expressed confidence that the escalating tensions would not derail the scheduled South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit and the PM&rsquo;s proposed visit to Islamabad.<br />
<br />
She also appealed to all political parties to help resolve the problems and not make the state a discussion point during their election campaigns. An &ldquo;all-party delegation will visit the state soon to reach out to the people,&rdquo; she said.<br />
<br />
Mehbooba, who single-handedly built the edifice of People&rsquo;s Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the monopoly of mainstream National Conference (NC) said the Agenda of Alliance enacted between her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and the Prime Minister has a commitment to normalise the relationship with Pakistan.<br />
<br />
(This piece first appeared in DNA)

Mehbooba Mufti believes that only Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi can smoothen the fraying relations with Pakistan

Chief minister of India's Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday insisted that people give her a chance to address the crisis in the state. “I appeal to all those protesting in the streets. You may be angry with me, I may be angry with you. But please give me one chance to address your concerns and aspirations,” she said. After her 45-minute-meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Mehbooba told DNA that she had outlined a three-pronged action during the meeting. It included the involvement of separatists and Pakistan in a substantive dialogue. But she refused to divulge details. Mehbooba said that good governance in her state was linked to peaceful relations between India and Pakistan. “How can you govern and undertake development-related work when there are tensions?” she said. On this front, she blamed Islamabad for not responding to Modi’s peace overtures. "PM Modi reached out to Pakistan, went to Lahore, but then Pathankot happened. Home minister Rajnath Singh also went to Islamabad. Unfortunately, Pakistan has repeatedly given up the chances to talk and resolve the issue of violence in Kashmir. Now, it is again time for Pakistan (to respond)," she said. Only Modi can revive the process, she said. Mehbooba, however, skirted questions on the PM’s recent pronouncements on Balochistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PoK). Fifty seven-year-old Mehbooba, mother of two and one of the few women politicians from Kashmir, said she asked Modi to put in place an institutionalised mechanism to address the issue. “I asked for reviving the reconciliation and resolution process, which was initiated by the then NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 2002 and 2005,” she said. It was the brushing of issues under the carpet, as in 2008 and 2010, that has resulted in the current unrest, Mehbooba said. “The country’s political leadership must commit itself to address all dimensions of the problem in a manner that balances and promotes enduring political and economic stability in the state and the region,” she said. She expressed confidence that the escalating tensions would not derail the scheduled South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit and the PM’s proposed visit to Islamabad. She also appealed to all political parties to help resolve the problems and not make the state a discussion point during their election campaigns. An “all-party delegation will visit the state soon to reach out to the people,” she said. Mehbooba, who single-handedly built the edifice of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the monopoly of mainstream National Conference (NC) said the Agenda of Alliance enacted between her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and the Prime Minister has a commitment to normalise the relationship with Pakistan. (This piece first appeared in DNA)

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister urges protesters to give her chance to address crisis

As the unrest in the Kashmir valley enters its 50th day, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and discussed the security situation in the state.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Following a discussion at 7 Race Course Road, the official residence of the Prime Minister in the capital New Delhi, she accused Pakistan of openly trying to provoke and fuel tensions in the Valley.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;Pakistan has repeatedly wasted chances to talk and resolve issues. It is time for Pakistan to respond if it wants peace in Kashmir,&quot; she said, lashing out at the neighbouring country.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Modi like all of us is very concerned with the situation in J&amp;K: CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM <a href="https://t.co/vCIExGgUxo">pic.twitter.com/vCIExGgUxo</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/769413945866260480">August 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi ji took an initiative, our HM took an initiative, they went to Pakistan, but now its upto Pakistan to respond: J&amp;K CM</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/769416623929356288">August 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<br />
Defending the long spell of curfew in the region, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister called for talks between interlocutors and all stakeholders on the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Separatists should also come forward and help in saving lives of the innocent youth: J&amp;K Mehbooba Mufti <a href="https://t.co/sauL6fluYj">pic.twitter.com/sauL6fluYj</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/769419871608250368">August 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Modi expressed concern over the situation in the Valley.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The meeting comes two days after Indian home minister Rajnath Singh visited the Valley to take stock of the situation. Singh also reiterated the need to substitute the controversial pellet guns that have left hundreds blind during the ongoing unrest.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Kashmir in midst of worst unrest in six years&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
Embroiled in violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, Kashmir is in the midst of its worst unrest in six years.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Wani represented a new generation of fighter in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen in recent years.<br />
<br />
About 70 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in month-and-a-half of clashes, many of them wounded by shotgun rounds fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the Muslim-majority region.<br />
<br />
A police constable was shot dead by terrorists in Pulwama district of in the wee hours today. The police constable, Khurshid Ahmed, was killed outside his house in Koil village at around 3:00 a.m.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
As per reports, he was leaving his home for duties when the militants shot him from close range. &nbsp;However, the number of militants has still not been ascertained.<br />
<br />
A youth also died in Pulwama district during protests on Friday, according to media reports, when security forces opened firing during protests.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Normal life remains crippled across Kashmir and roads largely remain deserted amid restrictions. Indian Army and paramilitary personnel have been patrolling the streets of summer capital Srinagar while barricades and concertina wires have been erected in sensitive areas.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;

The Prime Minister expressed concern over the situation in the Kashmir Valley

As the unrest in the Kashmir valley enters its 50th day, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and discussed the security situation in the state. Following a discussion at 7 Race Course Road, the official residence of the Prime Minister in the capital New Delhi, she accused Pakistan of openly trying to provoke and fuel tensions in the Valley. "Pakistan has repeatedly wasted chances to talk and resolve issues. It is time for Pakistan to respond if it wants peace in Kashmir," she said, lashing out at the neighbouring country. PM Modi like all of us is very concerned with the situation in J&K: CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting PM pic.twitter.com/vCIExGgUxo — ANI (@ANI_news) August 27, 2016 Modi ji took an initiative, our HM took an initiative, they went to Pakistan, but now its upto Pakistan to respond: J&K CM — ANI (@ANI_news) August 27, 2016 Defending the long spell of curfew in the region, the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister called for talks between interlocutors and all stakeholders on the Kashmir issue. Separatists should also come forward and help in saving lives of the innocent youth: J&K Mehbooba Mufti pic.twitter.com/sauL6fluYj — ANI (@ANI_news) August 27, 2016 Meanwhile, Modi expressed concern over the situation in the Valley. The meeting comes two days after Indian home minister Rajnath Singh visited the Valley to take stock of the situation. Singh also reiterated the need to substitute the controversial pellet guns that have left hundreds blind during the ongoing unrest. Kashmir in midst of worst unrest in six years Embroiled in violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, Kashmir is in the midst of its worst unrest in six years. Wani represented a new generation of fighter in a region where alienation runs deep even though attacks have fallen in recent years. About 70 people have been killed and 6,000 injured in month-and-a-half of clashes, many of them wounded by shotgun rounds fired by security forces enforcing a curfew across the Muslim-majority region. A police constable was shot dead by terrorists in Pulwama district of in the wee hours today. The police constable, Khurshid Ahmed, was killed outside his house in Koil village at around 3:00 a.m. As per reports, he was leaving his home for duties when the militants shot him from close range. However, the number of militants has still not been ascertained. A youth also died in Pulwama district during protests on Friday, according to media reports, when security forces opened firing during protests. Normal life remains crippled across Kashmir and roads largely remain deserted amid restrictions. Indian Army and paramilitary personnel have been patrolling the streets of summer capital Srinagar while barricades and concertina wires have been erected in sensitive areas. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir chief minister meets Indian PM Modi, accuses Pak of fuelling tension

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the troubled northernmost Jammu and Kashmir state, said today that the government will&nbsp;propose a substitute to the controversial pellet guns in the wake of widespread criticism of the crowd-control device.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The use of pellet guns during protests has left thousands of&nbsp;Kashmiris blind amid the current unrest in the Valley. &nbsp;Singh had made a similar assurance last month when he said that government would look for non-lethal alternatives.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Singh also said that ministry&nbsp;of home affairs will soon set up a nodal agency that will look into complaints&nbsp;of Kashmiri youth across the country, Indian media reported.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&quot;I had meetings with&nbsp;more than 20 delegations here. All want peace in Kashmir,&quot; he said mentioning that he has been meeting stakeholders during his two-day visit. &nbsp;He has also been driving through the roads in summer capital Srinagar to take stock of the situation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Accompanied by union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other officials,&nbsp;Singh met different wings of administration including security, health and&nbsp;maintenance of essential commodities for the people.<br />
<br />
Singh&#39;s second visit this month, however, has been marked with fresh clashes between protesters and the security&nbsp;forces in Pulwara district. One youth was killed in the incident, taking the&nbsp;death toll in the more than a month-old Valley unrest to 66.<br />
<br />
Sources said that Singh directed the heads of para-military forces to exercise&nbsp;maximum restraint while dealing with protesters while he appreciated their&nbsp;efforts in maintaining law and order in the Valley.<br />
<br />
The home minister was told that essential commodities and health services&nbsp;were not a problem in the Valley.<br />
<br />
The current unrest in Kashmir broke out 47 days ago following the killing of&nbsp;Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp;The region has been marred by curfew and restrictions ever since.<br />
<br />
Ahead of his Kashmir visit, Singh had said that &quot;those who believe&nbsp;in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat (Kashmir s pluralist ethos, humanity&nbsp;and democracy) are welcome.&quot;<br />
<br />
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti too said that 95 per cent&nbsp;people of the state don&#39;t want violence, they want peace. &quot;We have to reach out&nbsp;to them,&quot; she said.<br />
<br />
A delegation of opposition National Conference led by former chief minister&nbsp;Omar Abdullah too met the home minister and urged him to immediately ban&nbsp;use of pellet guns as a crowd control means in Kashmir.<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from agencies)<br />
&nbsp;

Rajnath Singh had made a similar assurance last month amidst widespread criticism of the crowd-control device that has left thousands blind

Indian home minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the troubled northernmost Jammu and Kashmir state, said today that the government will propose a substitute to the controversial pellet guns in the wake of widespread criticism of the crowd-control device. The use of pellet guns during protests has left thousands of Kashmiris blind amid the current unrest in the Valley. Singh had made a similar assurance last month when he said that government would look for non-lethal alternatives. Singh also said that ministry of home affairs will soon set up a nodal agency that will look into complaints of Kashmiri youth across the country, Indian media reported. "I had meetings with more than 20 delegations here. All want peace in Kashmir," he said mentioning that he has been meeting stakeholders during his two-day visit. He has also been driving through the roads in summer capital Srinagar to take stock of the situation. Accompanied by union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and other officials, Singh met different wings of administration including security, health and maintenance of essential commodities for the people. Singh's second visit this month, however, has been marked with fresh clashes between protesters and the security forces in Pulwara district. One youth was killed in the incident, taking the death toll in the more than a month-old Valley unrest to 66. Sources said that Singh directed the heads of para-military forces to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with protesters while he appreciated their efforts in maintaining law and order in the Valley. The home minister was told that essential commodities and health services were not a problem in the Valley. The current unrest in Kashmir broke out 47 days ago following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani on July 8. The region has been marred by curfew and restrictions ever since. Ahead of his Kashmir visit, Singh had said that "those who believe in Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat (Kashmir s pluralist ethos, humanity and democracy) are welcome." Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti too said that 95 per cent people of the state don't want violence, they want peace. "We have to reach out to them," she said. A delegation of opposition National Conference led by former chief minister Omar Abdullah too met the home minister and urged him to immediately ban use of pellet guns as a crowd control means in Kashmir. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian home minister: Govt will propose substitute for pellet guns in Kashmir

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

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

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

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

Mystery over the killing of Burhan Wani deepened on Thursday when chief minister of India&#39;s northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti claimed that security forces had no inkling that Hizbul Mujahedeen commander was present in the hideout on the day of the encounter at Bamdoora village on July 8.<br />
<br />
Mehbooba&#39;s disclosure comes on the day when Hizbul released new video showcasing the new group minus Burhan in the jungles of south Kashmir.<br />
<br />
&quot;How can one know about every encounter? I have talked to the police and, army and they told me that there were three militants but they did not know who they were. I feel if they knew (Burhan was there), perhaps we would had looked for another chance. Like Omar Abdullah who knew about Afzal Guru hanging and prepared for it accordingly,&quot; Mehbooba told reporters on the sidelines of the Peoples Democratic Party foundation day celebrations.<br />
<br />
The opposition party National Conference (NC) reacted angrily describing Mehbooba&#39;s remarks as &quot;theatrical tendency to lie and deflect responsibility&quot;.<br />
<br />
&quot;It was ironic and ridiculous that the chief minister was terming Burhan Wani&#39;s killing a coincidence while simultaneously having released lakhs of rupees as reward money from the Chief Minister&#39;s secret fund for those who took part in the encounter&quot;, said Nasir Aslam Wani, National Conference provincial president.<br />
<br />
Abdullah said that Mufti was kept fully informed of Burhan&#39;s killing.&quot;I&#39;m going by the first on record statement by Jammu and Kashmir police to the media that the chief minister was kept fully informed of the killing. At no point in the first Jammu and Kashmir police media briefing was it ever suggested that they didn`t know who was trapped,&quot; Abdullah said in a series of tweets.<br />
<br />
Burhan was killed along with two of his associates by the security forces at Bamdoora village of Kokernag in south Kashmir&#39;s Anantnag district on July 8.<br />
<br />
&quot;There seems to be larger design behind such orchestrated eruptions to push Kashmiris into perpetual economic deprivation and social disorder. Kashmiris are made to pay a huge price by way of their life and livelihood in each such cycle of violence. It has been observed time and again that such hideous situations have only hurt the interests of Kashmiris the most,&quot; Mehbooba said.<br />
<br />
Chief minister called upon India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a renewed effort towards the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s problems by engaging all the stakeholders.<br />
<br />
&quot;I am sure the country&#39;s political leadership will pick up the threads and carry forward the reconciliation and resolution process started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003,&quot; she said and emphasised the need for taking concrete steps to win hearts and minds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
<br />
Mehbooba&#39;s statement came on the day when Hizbul Mujhadeen released new video featuring heavily armed militants in army fatigues. It is the first video that has been released by Hizbul after the killing of Burhan Wani, who used social media to the hilt to send across his messages.<br />
<br />
(ANI)<br />
&nbsp;

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah rubbished chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's claim that she was not aware of Burhan Wani's hideout

Mystery over the killing of Burhan Wani deepened on Thursday when chief minister of India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti claimed that security forces had no inkling that Hizbul Mujahedeen commander was present in the hideout on the day of the encounter at Bamdoora village on July 8. Mehbooba's disclosure comes on the day when Hizbul released new video showcasing the new group minus Burhan in the jungles of south Kashmir. "How can one know about every encounter? I have talked to the police and, army and they told me that there were three militants but they did not know who they were. I feel if they knew (Burhan was there), perhaps we would had looked for another chance. Like Omar Abdullah who knew about Afzal Guru hanging and prepared for it accordingly," Mehbooba told reporters on the sidelines of the Peoples Democratic Party foundation day celebrations. The opposition party National Conference (NC) reacted angrily describing Mehbooba's remarks as "theatrical tendency to lie and deflect responsibility". "It was ironic and ridiculous that the chief minister was terming Burhan Wani's killing a coincidence while simultaneously having released lakhs of rupees as reward money from the Chief Minister's secret fund for those who took part in the encounter", said Nasir Aslam Wani, National Conference provincial president. Abdullah said that Mufti was kept fully informed of Burhan's killing."I'm going by the first on record statement by Jammu and Kashmir police to the media that the chief minister was kept fully informed of the killing. At no point in the first Jammu and Kashmir police media briefing was it ever suggested that they didn`t know who was trapped," Abdullah said in a series of tweets. Burhan was killed along with two of his associates by the security forces at Bamdoora village of Kokernag in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on July 8. "There seems to be larger design behind such orchestrated eruptions to push Kashmiris into perpetual economic deprivation and social disorder. Kashmiris are made to pay a huge price by way of their life and livelihood in each such cycle of violence. It has been observed time and again that such hideous situations have only hurt the interests of Kashmiris the most," Mehbooba said. Chief minister called upon India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a renewed effort towards the resolution of Jammu and Kashmir's problems by engaging all the stakeholders. "I am sure the country's political leadership will pick up the threads and carry forward the reconciliation and resolution process started by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003," she said and emphasised the need for taking concrete steps to win hearts and minds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba's statement came on the day when Hizbul Mujhadeen released new video featuring heavily armed militants in army fatigues. It is the first video that has been released by Hizbul after the killing of Burhan Wani, who used social media to the hilt to send across his messages. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti: Security forces had no inkling of Burhan Wani's whereabouts on day of killing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<br />
&nbsp;Accusing the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s chief minister Mehbooba Mufti&#39;s government of failing to assess the situation after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani&#39;s killing, National conference leader Omar Abdullah today said the PDP-BJP combine had &quot;forgotten&quot; the lessons of 2008 and 2010 when the Valley witnessed large scale protests.<br />
<br />
The former chief minister also charged that Mehbooba Mufti was &quot;shamelessly&quot; trying to convey message of normalcy in the state hit by violence.<br />
<br />
&quot;I will not go into whether the situation is worse or not than 2008 or 2010. That is something you people have to decide. However, I feel that unfortunately, the lessons which we learnt in 2008 and 2010, the present government has forgotten them for some reasons,&quot; Omar told reporters here.<br />
<br />
Abdullah was speaking to media after paying tributes to the martyrs of 1931 at Martyrs graveyard in Khawaja Bazar in downtown Srinagar.<br />
<br />
Omar, who is the working president of the opposition National Conference (NC), said either the government&#39;s assessment of the situation after Wani&#39;s killing was wrong or their preparations were not right.<br />
<br />
&quot;Either the present government exhibited negligence in assessing the situation after Burhan&#39;s killing or they did not prepare for the situation. Some reason out of the two is true that either their assessment was wrong or their preparations were not right.So, it is the responsibility of the government to restore normalcy,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The NC leader said it was the time to reach out to the Valley with a healing touch and requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send specialist doctors to the Valley for treating the injured.<br />
<br />
&quot;Hon (Honourable) @narendramodi ji. After Kerala fire you carried a plane load of burn specialists with you.Please send eye/trauma specialists to Kashmir,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
&quot;Please don&#39;t let the fact that these youngsters people have been injured in protests stop us from giving the best care possible.Thank you jenab,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The NC leader also appealed to the Centre to order the forces to show restraint while dealing with the protests.<br />
<br />
&quot;I appeal the Centre to order the forces for exercising restraint and if people and forces can be ferried in planes, then what is the problem in getting medicine here.The news about dearth of emergency medicine is coming out of the hospitals.I request them to bring medicines and other such things in the planes in which forces are being brought.<br />
<br />
&quot;Our doctors must be tired now, how many hours can they work? Our operation theatres are overflowing, so I appeal them that normalcy cannot be restored by ferrying people in buses, we need some concrete steps like restraint and immediate assistance to hospitals,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
The former chief minister said he conveyed to home minister Rajnath Singh, who called him on Monday, that his party&#39;s political role to restore normalcy in the Valley would only start once the killings are stopped.<br />
<br />
&quot;I told the home minister that whatever our role would be in restoring normalcy, we would do that, but before that the spate of killings has to be stopped.Same statement of restraint has come from the UN secretary general as well.<br />
<br />
&quot;I told him that once there is restraint and killings stop, then we will lend our hand in playing a political role to create normalcy, but if anyone has played a role for the situation to reach this point, it is the present government and the biggest responsibility for restoring normalcy is of the government as well,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
Omar also said that normalcy cannot be restored by having the forces &quot;attack&quot; ambulances and the patients inside the hospitals.<br />
<br />
&quot;I told the home minister that the visual images that we get from social media or other ways which show that ambulances are attacked, patients are attacked in hospitals, the situation will not get better by such things but would rather get worse,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
He said the violence and the spate of killings was now shifting to other areas of the Valley and the government, rather than trying to restore normalcy, was allegedly staging a drama to give a semblance of normalcy.<br />
<br />
&quot;Every day there is news about killing of people from new areas. When it started, it was in south Kashmir only. Yesterday, such news came from Kupwara in north Kashmir. It is shameful that rather than using the police administration to restore peace, you saw in the morning how people were ferried here in police buses just to show to the chief minister that people had attended. While coming here, I was surprised to see people in police buses leaving the spot,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
Omar said if the government feels the need to stage a &quot;drama of normalcy&quot;, then they cannot restore normalcy in the Valley.<br />
<br />
&quot;If in this situation, these people feel the need to stage a drama and if they do not learn even in such a situation and just to create an atmosphere of normalcy, they brought people in civil to the function, then, I feel, how can this government restore normalcy if they want to keep themselves oblivious of the ground realities,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
Later on Twitter, the NC leader charged that the government had misplaced priorities and was shamelessly trying to convey message of normalcy.<br />
<br />
&quot;Brazen shamelessness of the @MehboobaMufti #BJPDP Govt, ferrying people in police buses to state function to convey normalcy has returned,&quot; Omar wrote on Twitter.<br />
<br />
The former chief minister said more than 30 people have died and all Mehbooba and her party want to do is put up party flags and get police to ferry people to her function.<br />
<br />
Misplaced priorities that put theatrics and falsified public participation over and above the ground realities so as to befool bosses in Delhi, Omar charged.<br />
<br />
The NC working president said the government should have rather focused on restoring calm in the Valley.<br />
<br />
&quot;Shameless Government should have been focused on restoring calm and on helping our doctors who are struggling to treat 1200+ injured people,&quot; he said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)

He accused the ruling coalition government of forgetting the lessons of 2008 and 2010 when the Valley witnessed large scale protests

Accusing the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's government of failing to assess the situation after Hizbul commander Burhan Wani's killing, National conference leader Omar Abdullah today said the PDP-BJP combine had "forgotten" the lessons of 2008 and 2010 when the Valley witnessed large scale protests. The former chief minister also charged that Mehbooba Mufti was "shamelessly" trying to convey message of normalcy in the state hit by violence. "I will not go into whether the situation is worse or not than 2008 or 2010. That is something you people have to decide. However, I feel that unfortunately, the lessons which we learnt in 2008 and 2010, the present government has forgotten them for some reasons," Omar told reporters here. Abdullah was speaking to media after paying tributes to the martyrs of 1931 at Martyrs graveyard in Khawaja Bazar in downtown Srinagar. Omar, who is the working president of the opposition National Conference (NC), said either the government's assessment of the situation after Wani's killing was wrong or their preparations were not right. "Either the present government exhibited negligence in assessing the situation after Burhan's killing or they did not prepare for the situation. Some reason out of the two is true that either their assessment was wrong or their preparations were not right.So, it is the responsibility of the government to restore normalcy," he said. The NC leader said it was the time to reach out to the Valley with a healing touch and requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send specialist doctors to the Valley for treating the injured. "Hon (Honourable) @narendramodi ji. After Kerala fire you carried a plane load of burn specialists with you.Please send eye/trauma specialists to Kashmir," he said. "Please don't let the fact that these youngsters people have been injured in protests stop us from giving the best care possible.Thank you jenab," he said. The NC leader also appealed to the Centre to order the forces to show restraint while dealing with the protests. "I appeal the Centre to order the forces for exercising restraint and if people and forces can be ferried in planes, then what is the problem in getting medicine here.The news about dearth of emergency medicine is coming out of the hospitals.I request them to bring medicines and other such things in the planes in which forces are being brought. "Our doctors must be tired now, how many hours can they work? Our operation theatres are overflowing, so I appeal them that normalcy cannot be restored by ferrying people in buses, we need some concrete steps like restraint and immediate assistance to hospitals," he said. The former chief minister said he conveyed to home minister Rajnath Singh, who called him on Monday, that his party's political role to restore normalcy in the Valley would only start once the killings are stopped. "I told the home minister that whatever our role would be in restoring normalcy, we would do that, but before that the spate of killings has to be stopped.Same statement of restraint has come from the UN secretary general as well. "I told him that once there is restraint and killings stop, then we will lend our hand in playing a political role to create normalcy, but if anyone has played a role for the situation to reach this point, it is the present government and the biggest responsibility for restoring normalcy is of the government as well," he said. Omar also said that normalcy cannot be restored by having the forces "attack" ambulances and the patients inside the hospitals. "I told the home minister that the visual images that we get from social media or other ways which show that ambulances are attacked, patients are attacked in hospitals, the situation will not get better by such things but would rather get worse," he said. He said the violence and the spate of killings was now shifting to other areas of the Valley and the government, rather than trying to restore normalcy, was allegedly staging a drama to give a semblance of normalcy. "Every day there is news about killing of people from new areas. When it started, it was in south Kashmir only. Yesterday, such news came from Kupwara in north Kashmir. It is shameful that rather than using the police administration to restore peace, you saw in the morning how people were ferried here in police buses just to show to the chief minister that people had attended. While coming here, I was surprised to see people in police buses leaving the spot," he said. Omar said if the government feels the need to stage a "drama of normalcy", then they cannot restore normalcy in the Valley. "If in this situation, these people feel the need to stage a drama and if they do not learn even in such a situation and just to create an atmosphere of normalcy, they brought people in civil to the function, then, I feel, how can this government restore normalcy if they want to keep themselves oblivious of the ground realities," he said. Later on Twitter, the NC leader charged that the government had misplaced priorities and was shamelessly trying to convey message of normalcy. "Brazen shamelessness of the @MehboobaMufti #BJPDP Govt, ferrying people in police buses to state function to convey normalcy has returned," Omar wrote on Twitter. The former chief minister said more than 30 people have died and all Mehbooba and her party want to do is put up party flags and get police to ferry people to her function. Misplaced priorities that put theatrics and falsified public participation over and above the ground realities so as to befool bosses in Delhi, Omar charged. The NC working president said the government should have rather focused on restoring calm in the Valley. "Shameless Government should have been focused on restoring calm and on helping our doctors who are struggling to treat 1200+ injured people," he said. (PTI)

Former Jammu and kashmir chief minister accuses current CM of failing to assess Kashmir situation

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