Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday (Jan 14) said that India was &ldquo;incomplete&rdquo; as a country without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), dubbing the territory &lsquo;foreign&rsquo; for Islamabad. Singh also issued a warning to Pakistan against operating terrorist training camps in the region.
"Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan... PoK's land is being used to run the business of terrorism. Terrorist training camps are being run in PoK... Pakistan will have to destroy them otherwise," Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The minister was speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day event in Akhnoor city of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
During his speech, Rajnath Singh also criticised the 1965 government of then-PM Lal Bahadur Shastri for not trying to convert the victory against Pakistan into a &ldquo;strategic advantage.&rdquo;
"Cross-border terrorism would have ended in 1965 itself, but the then central government was unable to convert the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage," Singh added, citing the 1965 war.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rajnath-singh-reaffirms-indias-commitment-to-strengthen-maldives-defence-readiness" rel="dofollow">Also read: Rajnath Singh reaffirms India's commitment to strengthen Maldives' defence readiness</a>
&ldquo;The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani army. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965,&rdquo; said the defence minister.
<h2>&lsquo;Muslim brothers sacrificed lives&rsquo;</h2>
Rajnath Singh also hailed &ldquo;Muslim brothers&rdquo; who have sacrificed their lives for the nation while fighting against terrorism. &ldquo;More than 80 per cent of terrorists entering India are from Pakistan," said Singh.
He added that the top agenda of the central government of PM Narendra Modi was to bridge the gap between New Delhi and Jammu-Kashmir.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-anti-terror-operations-continue-in-jk-two-terror-associates-arrested-7-properties-attached-780104">India: Anti-terror operations continue in J&amp;K, two terror associates arrested, 7 properties attached</a>
&ldquo;The top priority of our government is to bridge whatever gap exists between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Steps are being taken in this direction by J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah...The Veterans Day celebrations in Akhnoor prove that Akhnoor has the same place in our hearts as Delhi," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)

India News | Rajnath Singh also criticised the 1965 government of then-PM Lal Bahadur Shastri for not trying to convert the victory against Pakistan into “strategic advantage.”

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday (Jan 14) said that India was “incomplete” as a country without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), dubbing the territory ‘foreign’ for Islamabad. Singh also issued a warning to Pakistan against operating terrorist training camps in the region. "Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan... PoK's land is being used to run the business of terrorism. Terrorist training camps are being run in PoK... Pakistan will have to destroy them otherwise," Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The minister was speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day event in Akhnoor city of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. During his speech, Rajnath Singh also criticised the 1965 government of then-PM Lal Bahadur Shastri for not trying to convert the victory against Pakistan into a “strategic advantage.” "Cross-border terrorism would have ended in 1965 itself, but the then central government was unable to convert the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage," Singh added, citing the 1965 war. Also read: Rajnath Singh reaffirms India's commitment to strengthen Maldives' defence readiness “The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani army. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965,” said the defence minister. ‘Muslim brothers sacrificed lives’ Rajnath Singh also hailed “Muslim brothers” who have sacrificed their lives for the nation while fighting against terrorism. “More than 80 per cent of terrorists entering India are from Pakistan," said Singh. He added that the top agenda of the central government of PM Narendra Modi was to bridge the gap between New Delhi and Jammu-Kashmir. Also read: India: Anti-terror operations continue in J&K, two terror associates arrested, 7 properties attached “The top priority of our government is to bridge whatever gap exists between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Steps are being taken in this direction by J&K CM Omar Abdullah...The Veterans Day celebrations in Akhnoor prove that Akhnoor has the same place in our hearts as Delhi," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India ‘incomplete’ without Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, declares Rajnath Singh in fierce warning

Amid the intensified protest against the Pakistan government in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday reiterated India's stand on merging the illegally occupied region and said that "one day we will end the illegal occupation of the POK and the POK will join with India.

Amid the intensified protest against the Pakistan government in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday reiterated India's stand on merging the illegally occupied region and said that "one day we will end the illegal occupation of the POK and the POK will join with India." "These days, a lot of things are going on at the POK. You must have seen some incidents happening there. Now we (the Modi government) are very clear on this...POK is a part of India...it was always part of India, it will be part of India," EAM said during a media interaction at a seminar on Indian Capital Markets 'Roadmap for Viksit Bharat' at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in Mumbai. "And we have this intention. that one day we will end the illegal occupation of the POK and it will join with India. Now you see that the opposition is in the opposite direction," he added. The minister also questioned those "who wanted to run Article 370, who was interested in it" referring to the criticism over the abrogation of the article by the BJP-led government in August 2019. "If I talk about the record, then in the last five years, one of our great achievements was on Article 370. We will also say that the NDA's record and its thinking. The Modi government's thinking is how to integrate Kashmir with the country and how to further develop it. On the other hand, you see who wanted to run Article 370, and were interested in it. So this is also a clear choice in front of the country," he said. Also Read: EAM Jaishankar recalls 1998 Pokhran test, says ‘decision ensured national security’ He also commented on former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah's remarks that "they (Pakistan) are also not wearing bangles" and will attack us. "Farooq Abdullah reminds us not to talk about POK because Pakistan has nuclear weapons. We are proud of India's nuclear weapons. On the contrary, Pakistan's nuclear weapons seem to be more important. If it is Manish Shankar Iyer or Farooq Abdullah, they are so afraid of Pakistan's nuclear weapons that they think that we should not talk about POK. The situation remained tense in PoJK on Monday as the total strike against high prices of wheat flour and inflated electricity bills and taxes entered its fourth day, with the Pakistan government stepping up efforts to de-escalate the situation following deadly clashes between security forces and protesters. Amid a wheel-jam strike persisting for the fourth consecutive day in PoJK, a long march spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) set off for the PoJK capital, Muzaffarabad, Geo News reported. Watch: Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer rarrives in India, to hold bilateral talks with S Jaishankar Protesters have already initiated sit-ins, effectively shutting down the Kohala-Muzaffarabad Road at various points along its 40-kilometer stretch, which connects Kohala town with Muzaffarabad in PoJK. Their route from Dhirkot is expected to lead them to the capital. The PoJK government deployed Rangers and police following clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators in Mirpur. These clashes resulted in the death of a police officer and left over 70 others injured. Heavy police contingents have been stationed at key points and sensitive areas, while markets, trade centres, and educational institutions remain shuttered, and transportation services remain suspended. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a high-level meeting to address the ongoing situation in PoJK, as negotiations between protesters and the state government reached an impasse, according to Geo News.

India's EAM reiterates 'Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir' will always be part our country

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions flared on Friday (May 10) as locals protested against harsh economic conditions and taxes imposed by Pakistan.

The protests as per news agency ANI were met with severe suppression by Pakistani defence forces.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests against inflation</h2>

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had called for protests on May 11, yet residents in various cities including Muzafarabad, Kotli, Dadayal, Rawalakot, Hajira, Bhimbar, and Bagh took to the streets a day earlier.&nbsp;

Police, as per the Dawn also fired tear-gas shells at the protesting crowd. Some shells landed in a nearby school, injuring young girls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-bomb-threat-hoax-mails-sent-to-schools-traced-to-pakistan-720243">Ahmedabad bomb threat: Hoax mails sent to schools traced to Pakistan</a>

This happened as the Pakistani administration deployed additional forces to crush the planned protests and a long march, announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. The arrest of 70 activists also angered people, media reports suggest, leading to protests a day earlier.

Inflation, the scarcity of essential commodities like flour and wheat, excessive power cuts, rising unemployment, and chronic infrastructural neglect sparked the protests. Despite longstanding grievances, demonstrators argue that the Pakistani administration remains dismissive of their plight.

<h2>Pakistan's violence against the people</h2>

A local leader during a protest voiced the community's frustration, condemning the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement. "The level of violence that the law enforcement agencies have employed in PoK is unacceptable and we are protesting here for the same. But we will always continue our protest peacefully, as we are peace-loving people," the leader stated.

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Protests and crackdown continues in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) <a href="https://t.co/yzGoGPV5qo">pic.twitter.com/yzGoGPV5qo</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1789154822748549137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We peacefully are demanding our basic rights, like subsidies on flour and wheat. However, the protests suppressed by the Pakistani defence personnel resulted in shelling and baton charges. This led to several protestors getting severely injured and harassment of the local people," they added.

In Bagh, another leader criticised the government's decision to deploy defence forces to stifle the protests, leading to a forceful reaction from the community including a long march.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-indian-student-missing-in-us-family-scrambles-to-find-clues-about-rupesh-chintakindis-whereabouts-719662">Another Indian student goes missing in US; family alleges Chicago police 'not responding properly'</a>

"The administration of PoJK demanded the deployment of defence personnel to suppress the protest being organised by the general public for resolution of their issues. The people of Bagh retaliated against this act of suppression and organised a long march against it. We express our solidarity with the protest invoked by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on May 11. We will protest peacefully but the use of defence personnel for suppression is unacceptable."

Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir highlighted the severity of the protests on X (formerly Twitter), noting that thousands had defied the colonial-era black law, Section 144, to demand tax-free electricity from Mangla Dam and subsidies on wheat flour.&nbsp;

"This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section 144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to the wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax-free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour" Mir posted.

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This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/2aNuSyP9ou">pic.twitter.com/2aNuSyP9ou</a>
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) <a href="https://twitter.com/HamidMirPAK/status/1788901987825713320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the situation escalated when the Frontier Corps deployed hundreds of troops to PoK, leading to violent clashes that saw 18 protestors detained and several instances of violence, including an attack on the Assistant Commissioner of the Dadyal area. Additionally, a shutter down strike was initiated by local leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the JAAC, signifying a further intensification of the civil unrest.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions flared on Friday (May 10) as locals protested against harsh economic conditions and taxes imposed by Pakistan. The protests as per news agency ANI were met with severe suppression by Pakistani defence forces.

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions flared on Friday (May 10) as locals protested against harsh economic conditions and taxes imposed by Pakistan. The protests as per news agency ANI were met with severe suppression by Pakistani defence forces. Protests against inflation The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had called for protests on May 11, yet residents in various cities including Muzafarabad, Kotli, Dadayal, Rawalakot, Hajira, Bhimbar, and Bagh took to the streets a day earlier. Police, as per the Dawn also fired tear-gas shells at the protesting crowd. Some shells landed in a nearby school, injuring young girls. Also read | Ahmedabad bomb threat: Hoax mails sent to schools traced to Pakistan This happened as the Pakistani administration deployed additional forces to crush the planned protests and a long march, announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. The arrest of 70 activists also angered people, media reports suggest, leading to protests a day earlier. Inflation, the scarcity of essential commodities like flour and wheat, excessive power cuts, rising unemployment, and chronic infrastructural neglect sparked the protests. Despite longstanding grievances, demonstrators argue that the Pakistani administration remains dismissive of their plight. Pakistan's violence against the people A local leader during a protest voiced the community's frustration, condemning the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement. "The level of violence that the law enforcement agencies have employed in PoK is unacceptable and we are protesting here for the same. But we will always continue our protest peacefully, as we are peace-loving people," the leader stated. Protests and crackdown continues in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) pic.twitter.com/yzGoGPV5qo — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 11, 2024 × "We peacefully are demanding our basic rights, like subsidies on flour and wheat. However, the protests suppressed by the Pakistani defence personnel resulted in shelling and baton charges. This led to several protestors getting severely injured and harassment of the local people," they added. In Bagh, another leader criticised the government's decision to deploy defence forces to stifle the protests, leading to a forceful reaction from the community including a long march. Also read | Another Indian student goes missing in US; family alleges Chicago police 'not responding properly' "The administration of PoJK demanded the deployment of defence personnel to suppress the protest being organised by the general public for resolution of their issues. The people of Bagh retaliated against this act of suppression and organised a long march against it. We express our solidarity with the protest invoked by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on May 11. We will protest peacefully but the use of defence personnel for suppression is unacceptable." Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir highlighted the severity of the protests on X (formerly Twitter), noting that thousands had defied the colonial-era black law, Section 144, to demand tax-free electricity from Mangla Dam and subsidies on wheat flour. "This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section 144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to the wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax-free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour" Mir posted. This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour. #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/2aNuSyP9ou — Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) May 10, 2024 × Earlier, the situation escalated when the Frontier Corps deployed hundreds of troops to PoK, leading to violent clashes that saw 18 protestors detained and several instances of violence, including an attack on the Assistant Commissioner of the Dadyal area. Additionally, a shutter down strike was initiated by local leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the JAAC, signifying a further intensification of the civil unrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests erupt in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over inflation and other economic hardships

Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the visit by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner was an "infringement" of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity calling the development "unacceptable".

"India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10," said India's Ministry of External Affairs.

British envoy Jane Marriott visited Mirpur in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir.

"Such infringement of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable," said the MEA.

Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India

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The Indian ministry made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been and shall always remain an integral part of India."

Marriott, who visited Mirpur, even shared a post about her visit on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) attempting to trace roots of 'British Pakistani' population in the United Kingdom.

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Salaam from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people to people ties! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests. Thank you for your hospitality! <a href="https://t.co/3LyNFQan9H">pic.twitter.com/3LyNFQan9H</a>
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaneMarriottUK/status/1745078793989956042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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India has expressed its strong displeasure to British High Commissioner in India. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra conveyed India's objection.

Exclusive | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-ram-temple-ceremony-is-a-global-event-a-second-diwali-mauritius-fm-maneesh-gobin-679644">Ram temple ceremony is a global event, a second Diwali: Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin</a>

This is not the first time senior official of a prominent Western country has chosen to visit Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-arrested-after-attack-on-ed-officials-in-west-bengal-679631">India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal</a>

Just last year, in the month of October, the US envoy to Pakistan Donald Blome visited PoK. Even at that time, India conveyed its 'strong objection' to the United States and urged all countries to respect India's "sovereignty and territorial integrity".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official.

Indian foreign ministry has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner in India over British High Commissioner to Islamabad's visit to Pakistan- occupied Kashmir with another British official. India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the visit by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner was an "infringement" of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity calling the development "unacceptable". "India has taken a serious note of the highly objectionable visit of the British High Commissioner in Islamabad, along with a UK Foreign Office official, to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on January 10," said India's Ministry of External Affairs. British envoy Jane Marriott visited Mirpur in Pakistan- occupied Kashmir. "Such infringement of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unacceptable," said the MEA. Watch | India: Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge to lead opposition bloc India × The Indian ministry made it clear in no uncertain terms that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been and shall always remain an integral part of India." Marriott, who visited Mirpur, even shared a post about her visit on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) attempting to trace roots of 'British Pakistani' population in the United Kingdom. Salaam from Mirpur, the heart of the UK and Pakistan’s people to people ties! 70% of British Pakistani roots are from Mirpur, making our work together crucial for diaspora interests. Thank you for your hospitality! pic.twitter.com/3LyNFQan9H — Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) January 10, 2024 × India has expressed its strong displeasure to British High Commissioner in India. Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra conveyed India's objection. Exclusive | Ram temple ceremony is a global event, a second Diwali: Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin This is not the first time senior official of a prominent Western country has chosen to visit Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Also Read | India: Two men arrested for attack on ED officials during raid on TMC leader’s house in West Bengal Just last year, in the month of October, the US envoy to Pakistan Donald Blome visited PoK. Even at that time, India conveyed its 'strong objection' to the United States and urged all countries to respect India's "sovereignty and territorial integrity". (With inputs from agencies)

India lodges ‘strong protest’ after British envoy visits Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

India slammed US congresswoman Ilhan Omar's visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday.

"She visited a part of J&amp;K currently illegally occupied by Pakistan. If such a politician wishes to practice her narrow-minded politics at home, that may be her business, but violating our territorial integrity in its pursuit makes this ours. Condemnable, "said MEA on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. 
&nbsp;

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We condemn all terrorist attacks such as the one in Afghanistan; We are looking at the developments there: MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi <a href="https://t.co/SMp6bdzfQn">pic.twitter.com/SMp6bdzfQn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1517097107315781638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Yesterday, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at his Bani Gala mansion in Islamabad.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ilhan-omar-imran-khan-meet-us-lawmaker-visits-ex-pakistan-pm-despite-his-america-bashing-472426">Also read | Ilhan Omar-Imran Khan meet: US lawmaker visits ex-Pakistan PM despite his America-bashing</a> 
 
The meeting took place just weeks after Khan claimed that the fall of his government in Pakistan was the result of a US conspiracy.

The internet, on the other hand, has chastised Imran Khan for meeting with a US envoy after he accused the US of orchestrating the no-confidence vote against him in the Pakistan Assembly.&nbsp;

Imran Khan was chastised by one user for referring to Pakistan Muslim League-N leaders who meet with US officials as "traitors."

India slammed US congresswoman Ilhan Omar's visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday. "She visited a part of J&K currently illegally occupied by Pakistan. If such a politician wishes to practice her narrow-minded politics at home, that may be her business, but violating our territorial integrity in its pursuit makes this ours.

India slammed US congresswoman Ilhan Omar's visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Thursday. "She visited a part of J&K currently illegally occupied by Pakistan. If such a politician wishes to practice her narrow-minded politics at home, that may be her business, but violating our territorial integrity in its pursuit makes this ours. Condemnable, "said MEA on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. We condemn all terrorist attacks such as the one in Afghanistan; We are looking at the developments there: MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi pic.twitter.com/SMp6bdzfQn — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2022 × Yesterday, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at his Bani Gala mansion in Islamabad. Also read | Ilhan Omar-Imran Khan meet: US lawmaker visits ex-Pakistan PM despite his America-bashing The meeting took place just weeks after Khan claimed that the fall of his government in Pakistan was the result of a US conspiracy. The internet, on the other hand, has chastised Imran Khan for meeting with a US envoy after he accused the US of orchestrating the no-confidence vote against him in the Pakistan Assembly. Imran Khan was chastised by one user for referring to Pakistan Muslim League-N leaders who meet with US officials as "traitors."

India condemns visit of US congresswoman Ilhan Omar to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

The medical council of India (MCI) has said that any qualification obtained from illegally occupied Indian Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will not be recognized to allow the modern medicine in India.&nbsp;

In an order issued on Monday, Secretary-General of MCI, Dr R K Vats said that “This is to inform all concerned that the entire territories of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India. Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory,” adding that Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory.”&nbsp;

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The order further reads that “any medical institution in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (PoJKL) requires permission/recognition under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Such permission has not been granted to any medical college in POJKL.”

This order would mean that qualifications obtained from any medical colleges located in these occupied areas of India will not be entitled for grant of registration under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 to practice modern medicine in India.&nbsp;

Talking to WION over the phone, president of Jammu &amp; Kashmir Medical Council president Dr&nbsp;Saleem Ur Rehman said that “we have standard guidelines as per MCI. Anyone coming from any country will have to get his qualifications verified from Ministry of Home affairs. Then we do the registration.” While the Registrar of IMC in J&amp;K, Vijay Gupta, told WION an order has been issued.&nbsp;

Many students from J&amp;K in the past would go to Pakistan to study medicine, several of them on the recommendations of separatist leaders and there would be a special quota for J&amp;K students reserved by the Pakistan government.

The medical council of India (MCI) has said that any qualification obtained from illegally occupied Indian Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will not be recognized to allow the modern medicine in India.

The medical council of India (MCI) has said that any qualification obtained from illegally occupied Indian Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will not be recognized to allow the modern medicine in India. In an order issued on Monday, Secretary-General of MCI, Dr R K Vats said that “This is to inform all concerned that the entire territories of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India. Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory,” adding that Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the territory.” The order further reads that “any medical institution in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (PoJKL) requires permission/recognition under Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Such permission has not been granted to any medical college in POJKL.” This order would mean that qualifications obtained from any medical colleges located in these occupied areas of India will not be entitled for grant of registration under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 to practice modern medicine in India. Talking to WION over the phone, president of Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council president Dr Saleem Ur Rehman said that “we have standard guidelines as per MCI. Anyone coming from any country will have to get his qualifications verified from Ministry of Home affairs. Then we do the registration.” While the Registrar of IMC in J&K, Vijay Gupta, told WION an order has been issued. Many students from J&K in the past would go to Pakistan to study medicine, several of them on the recommendations of separatist leaders and there would be a special quota for J&K students reserved by the Pakistan government.

No registration for medical students studying in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir & Ladakh: Medical Council of India 

Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Narwane said on Saturday that the Indian Army would take steps to remove Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) from Islamabad's control if Parliament wishes and if the Government of India gave such an order. #IndianArmy #India #WION

'Pok will belong to India as soon as we get orders,' says Indian Army Chief

General Naravane: Ready to take appropriate actions on PoK, waiting for orders

Kalraj Mishra, who was on Sunday appointed as the Governor of Rajasthan, asserted that India will take back the part of Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan.

"Pakistan thinks that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is a part of India, is theirs. They are scared that in the future, PoK will come to India. This is our resolution, we will take PoK back," Mishra said here on Sunday.

Expressing views over the abrogation of Article 370, Mishra said, "It was a practical approach towards accomplishing the unity and integrity of the nation. Now when a law will be made, it will be implemented everywhere across the country."

An official communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday said, "The President of India is pleased to announce that Kalraj Mishra, Governor of Himachal Pradesh is transferred and appointed as Governor of Rajasthan."

The appointment will take effect from the date he will assume the charge of the office. BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya has replaced Mishra in Himachal Pradesh.

Kalraj Mishra, who was on Sunday appointed as the Governor of Rajasthan, asserted that India will take back the part of Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan. "Pakistan thinks that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is a part of India, is theirs.

Kalraj Mishra, who was on Sunday appointed as the Governor of Rajasthan, asserted that India will take back the part of Kashmir illegally occupied by Pakistan. "Pakistan thinks that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is a part of India, is theirs. They are scared that in the future, PoK will come to India. This is our resolution, we will take PoK back," Mishra said here on Sunday. Expressing views over the abrogation of Article 370, Mishra said, "It was a practical approach towards accomplishing the unity and integrity of the nation. Now when a law will be made, it will be implemented everywhere across the country." An official communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday said, "The President of India is pleased to announce that Kalraj Mishra, Governor of Himachal Pradesh is transferred and appointed as Governor of Rajasthan." The appointment will take effect from the date he will assume the charge of the office. BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya has replaced Mishra in Himachal Pradesh.

India will take Pakistan-occupied Kashmir back: Kalraj Mishra 

In what is a significant diplomatic shift in its dealings with Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clarified on Sunday that if bilateral talks happen, it would not be on Jammu and Kashmir, only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir - the territory under Pakistan's control since its invasion in 1947.

Dialogue with Pakistan on PoK only: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Kotli district have accused security forces of illegal encroachment.

"What is your right to do this? You first captured our estate, and now, you are capturing our plots. We will not leave," the residents can be heard saying in a video clip.

PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people.

The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

The locals, including various leaders and activists, have also been accusing the Pakistani Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings and human rights violation.

India has been bearing the brunt of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for over three decades.

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&nbsp

PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people.

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's (PoK) Kotli district have accused security forces of illegal encroachment. "What is your right to do this? You first captured our estate, and now, you are capturing our plots. We will not leave," the residents can be heard saying in a video clip. PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) often stage widespread protests against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people. The residents blame Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and for being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region. The locals, including various leaders and activists, have also been accusing the Pakistani Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings and human rights violation. India has been bearing the brunt of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir for over three decades. #WATCH Locals of Kotli district in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) accuse Pakistan security forces of illegal encroachment, say, "what is your right to do this? You first captured our estate & now you are capturing our plots. We will not leave." pic.twitter.com/e0lMJM70ym — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2018 ×

First you captured our Kashmir, now our plots: PoK Kashmiris to Pakistan army

Goods worth Rs 3432.94 crore were traded between business establishments of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) via two LoC points of Chakan-Da-Bagh and Salamabad along the Indo-Pak border during last three years. &nbsp;

The information was provided by Jammu and Kashmir Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga in a written reply to a question of National Conference MLC Shehnaz Ganai in the state Legislative Council today. &nbsp;

The value of items traded by the Indian businessmen in the state during the three-year period amounted to Rs 1676.77 crore while that by the PoK businessmen stood at Rs 1756.17 crore for the same period, the minister said. &nbsp;

Items worth Rs 2367.82 crore were traded via Salamabad crossing point in Uri area of Baramulla district (Kashmir) along the Indo-Pak border and Rs 1065.12 crore worth trade was conducted via Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district of Jammu region, Ganga elaborated. &nbsp;

As many as 21 items are traded along these points between traders of PoK and J&amp;K since the trade started in 2005, he said. &nbsp;

The state government, in terms of cabinet decision, has conveyed its agreement for establishing the banking facility for cross-LoC trade to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, he said. &nbsp;

A final decision, however, is to be taken up further by the Indian government in consultation and mutual agreement with the Government of Pakistan, he said. &nbsp;

Similarly, the state government has also conveyed its support and agreement to the opening of seven additional trade routes and two additional contact and meeting points as recommended by the working groups, he said. &nbsp;

A final decision in this regard is to be taken by the governments of the two countries, the minister added. &nbsp;

He said the state has requested the Centre to include 21 more items in the list of the trade items. He added that a final decision is to be taken following due process of the bilateral diplomatic protocol.

The value of items traded by the Indian businessmen in the state during the three-year period amounted to Rs 1676.77 cr while that by the PoK businessmen stood at Rs 1756.17 cr

Goods worth Rs 3432.94 crore were traded between business establishments of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) via two LoC points of Chakan-Da-Bagh and Salamabad along the Indo-Pak border during last three years. The information was provided by Jammu and Kashmir Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga in a written reply to a question of National Conference MLC Shehnaz Ganai in the state Legislative Council today. The value of items traded by the Indian businessmen in the state during the three-year period amounted to Rs 1676.77 crore while that by the PoK businessmen stood at Rs 1756.17 crore for the same period, the minister said. Items worth Rs 2367.82 crore were traded via Salamabad crossing point in Uri area of Baramulla district (Kashmir) along the Indo-Pak border and Rs 1065.12 crore worth trade was conducted via Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district of Jammu region, Ganga elaborated. As many as 21 items are traded along these points between traders of PoK and J&K since the trade started in 2005, he said. The state government, in terms of cabinet decision, has conveyed its agreement for establishing the banking facility for cross-LoC trade to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, he said. A final decision, however, is to be taken up further by the Indian government in consultation and mutual agreement with the Government of Pakistan, he said. Similarly, the state government has also conveyed its support and agreement to the opening of seven additional trade routes and two additional contact and meeting points as recommended by the working groups, he said. A final decision in this regard is to be taken by the governments of the two countries, the minister added. He said the state has requested the Centre to include 21 more items in the list of the trade items. He added that a final decision is to be taken following due process of the bilateral diplomatic protocol.

Jammu and Kashmir: Goods over Rs 3,432 crore traded via two LoC points in 3 years  

Widespread protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan against Pakistan&#39;s ill-treatment of the region and its people.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, people have come out onto the streets shouting anti-Pakistan slogans and rejecting the Pakistan Government&#39;s enforced taxation. Markets and business establishments remained shut and traders in large numbers gathered in major cities, including Gilgit and Skardu to express their anger against the imposition of &quot;illegal&quot;&nbsp;taxes by Islamabad.

They called on the government to withdraw all taxes imposed in Gilgit Baltistan under the GB Tax Adaptation Act 2012. The protest call was given by the Anjiman-i-Tajran and the Awami Action Committee (AAC), and backed by all political and religious parties in Baltistan.

Addressing a gathering in Skardu, Basharat, an advocate and member of Baltistan civil society, blamed Islamabad for its autocratic behaviour and for abusing the powers of the Gilgit Baltistan Council which is headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He said, &quot;Gilgit-Baltistan Council is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He definitely has no sympathy for Gilgit-Baltistan. If it was so, he would have taken decisions as per the convenience of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He never attends any meeting. It is very sad.

The Prime Minister only endorses a plan designed by a section officer in Islamabad.The protests will continue till the government meets the demands, the organisers have announced.&quot;This is the height of barbarism. We don&#39;t have any party to express our concerns.

So, the people have no option but to block roads and go on strike. Now, the government will use force to demolish our campaign.

For the past 47 years, they have kept us confined by dividing us on sectarian lines&quot;, said a protester. In Rawalakot city, people came out onto the streets to protest against the discriminatory surge in load shedding hours.

The protest was organised by the Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP), which claimed that the PoK produces some 5,000 megawatts of electricity from five dams and 4500 Megawatts of that electricity is diverted to the Islamabad grid leaving the local people with just 500 Megawatts.

Sardar Liaqat Hayat, President of JKNAP, said, &quot;We people are paying hefty bills despite having hours long load shedding. We all need to come onto the streets to protest for our right to free electricity. We need to give sacrifices as nothing comes free. Those who are getting everything free are the &#39;moulvis&#39;&nbsp;sitting in a mosque. Ordinary people have to fight for their rights&quot;.

The JKNAP has threatened to intensify its protest against Islamabad if their demands are not met. It also blames Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

People came to streets raising anti-Pakistan slogans and rejecting the Pakistan Government's enforced taxation

Widespread protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan against Pakistan's ill-treatment of the region and its people. In Gilgit-Baltistan, people have come out onto the streets shouting anti-Pakistan slogans and rejecting the Pakistan Government's enforced taxation. Markets and business establishments remained shut and traders in large numbers gathered in major cities, including Gilgit and Skardu to express their anger against the imposition of "illegal" taxes by Islamabad. They called on the government to withdraw all taxes imposed in Gilgit Baltistan under the GB Tax Adaptation Act 2012. The protest call was given by the Anjiman-i-Tajran and the Awami Action Committee (AAC), and backed by all political and religious parties in Baltistan. Addressing a gathering in Skardu, Basharat, an advocate and member of Baltistan civil society, blamed Islamabad for its autocratic behaviour and for abusing the powers of the Gilgit Baltistan Council which is headed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said, "Gilgit-Baltistan Council is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He definitely has no sympathy for Gilgit-Baltistan. If it was so, he would have taken decisions as per the convenience of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He never attends any meeting. It is very sad. The Prime Minister only endorses a plan designed by a section officer in Islamabad.The protests will continue till the government meets the demands, the organisers have announced."This is the height of barbarism. We don't have any party to express our concerns. So, the people have no option but to block roads and go on strike. Now, the government will use force to demolish our campaign. For the past 47 years, they have kept us confined by dividing us on sectarian lines", said a protester. In Rawalakot city, people came out onto the streets to protest against the discriminatory surge in load shedding hours. The protest was organised by the Jammu Kashmir National Awami Party (JKNAP), which claimed that the PoK produces some 5,000 megawatts of electricity from five dams and 4500 Megawatts of that electricity is diverted to the Islamabad grid leaving the local people with just 500 Megawatts. Sardar Liaqat Hayat, President of JKNAP, said, "We people are paying hefty bills despite having hours long load shedding. We all need to come onto the streets to protest for our right to free electricity. We need to give sacrifices as nothing comes free. Those who are getting everything free are the 'moulvis' sitting in a mosque. Ordinary people have to fight for their rights". The JKNAP has threatened to intensify its protest against Islamabad if their demands are not met. It also blames Pakistan for exploiting resources from PoK and being responsible for the poverty and underdevelopment in the region.

Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah again stirred the hornet&#39;s nest on Wednesday.&nbsp;

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Kab tak begunahon ka khoon behta rahega aur hum ye kehte rahenge ki wo hamara hissa hai? Wo inke baap ka hissa nahi hai. 70 saal ho gaye hain. Wo Pakistan hai, ye Hindustan hai aur 70 saal se ye usko haasil nahi kar sake. Aaj kehte hain ye hamara hissa hai: Farooq Abdullah in Uri <a href="https://t.co/iabCHWaFCC">pic.twitter.com/iabCHWaFCC</a>
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&quot;Kab tak begunahon ka khoon behta rahega aur hum ye kehte rahenge ki wo hamara hissa hai?&quot; he said. &nbsp;

Abdullah was referring to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

&quot;Wo inke baap ka hissa nahi hai,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

&quot;70 saal ho gaye hain,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

&quot;Wo Pakistan hai, ye Hindustan hai aur 70 saal se ye usko haasil nahi kar sake,&quot; Abdullah said.&nbsp;

&quot;Aaj kehte hain ye hamara hissa hai,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pok-is-part-of-pakistan-farooq-abdullah-23989" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;&#39;PoK is part of Pakistan&#39;: Farooq Abdullah </a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-ajit-doval-doctrine-has-failed-farooq-abdullah-22897" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed, says Farooq Abdullah</a>

Abdullah was addressing a gathering in Uri.&nbsp;

Abdullah has of late been advocating changing the Line of Control into an international border and granting more autonomy to both Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a solution to the seven-decade-old conflict.&nbsp;

Abdullah&#39;s remarks, expectedly, drew huge amounts of flak with a Bihar court even ordering the filing of an FIR against him on charges of treason.

&quot;I welcome the FIR. Now, they will know who the real man is,&quot; ANI reported Abdullah as saying in response.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

'For how long will the blood of innocent people be shed?' the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and union minister added

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah again stirred the hornet's nest on Wednesday. Kab tak begunahon ka khoon behta rahega aur hum ye kehte rahenge ki wo hamara hissa hai? Wo inke baap ka hissa nahi hai. 70 saal ho gaye hain. Wo Pakistan hai, ye Hindustan hai aur 70 saal se ye usko haasil nahi kar sake. Aaj kehte hain ye hamara hissa hai: Farooq Abdullah in Uri pic.twitter.com/iabCHWaFCC — ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2017 × "Kab tak begunahon ka khoon behta rahega aur hum ye kehte rahenge ki wo hamara hissa hai?" he said. Abdullah was referring to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "Wo inke baap ka hissa nahi hai," he added. "70 saal ho gaye hain," he added. "Wo Pakistan hai, ye Hindustan hai aur 70 saal se ye usko haasil nahi kar sake," Abdullah said. "Aaj kehte hain ye hamara hissa hai," he added. Also read: 'PoK is part of Pakistan': Farooq Abdullah Also read: The Ajit Doval doctrine has failed, says Farooq Abdullah Abdullah was addressing a gathering in Uri. Abdullah has of late been advocating changing the Line of Control into an international border and granting more autonomy to both Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as a solution to the seven-decade-old conflict. Abdullah's remarks, expectedly, drew huge amounts of flak with a Bihar court even ordering the filing of an FIR against him on charges of treason. "I welcome the FIR. Now, they will know who the real man is," ANI reported Abdullah as saying in response. Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir

For how long will we say PoK is ours? Farooq Abdullah

Raising the issue of Balochistan for the first time before the United Nations, India today accused Pakistan of widespread human rights violations there as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
 
In a scathing attack on Pakistan during the 33rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council, India said the main reason for the the disturbances in Kashmir is the cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan that stems from its territorial ambitions over the place that has found concrete expression in repeated armed aggressions. 
 
Pakistan&#39;s dismal track record is well known and many countries have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to end cross- border infiltration; dismantle the terrorism infrastructure, and stop acting as an epicentre of terrorism, India&#39;s ambassador and permanent representative at the UN, Ajit Kumar said. 
 
India&#39;s credentials as a peaceful, democratic, pluralistic society that is deeply committed to the welfare of its people are well established and on the contrary, Pakistan is characterised by authoritarianism, absence of democratic norms and widespread human rights violations across the country including Balochistan, Kumar said. 
 
Exercising its right of reply to the statement made by Pakistan, Kumar said Pakistan is a country, which has systematically abused and violated the human rights of its own citizens, including in Balochistan, as well as of the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. 
 
&quot;The fundamental reason for disturbances in Kashmir is the cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan which has provided active support since 1989 to separatist groups and terrorist elements including those operating from the territory under Pakistan&#39;s control. 
 
&quot;Pakistan has once again sought to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the garb of concern for human rights. 
 
&quot;J&amp;K is an integral part of India and will always remain so. We reject attempts by Pakistan to denigrate the democratic choice that has been regularly exercised by the people of J&amp;K,&quot; he said. 
 
In a no-holds-barred offensive, India said while advocating restraint to others, Pakistan has no hesitation in using air power against its own people. 
 
&quot;Pakistan also continues to provide sanctuary to UN- designated terrorists. It was, therefore, no surprise that Pakistan failed to convince the international community to secure the membership of the Human Rights Council last year,&quot; Kumar added. 
 
India strongly rejects Pakistan&#39;s continued misuse of the Council to make tendentious references about internal matters pertaining to the Indian state of J&amp;K, the ambassador said. 
 
&quot;This stems from Pakistan&#39;s territorial ambitions over Kashmir that has found concrete expression in repeated armed aggressions. Pakistan continues to be in illegal occupation of a large part of territory in J&amp;K,&quot; he said. 
 
Reiterating that the situation in the Valley arose from the death of a self-acknowledged commander of Hizb-ul- Mujahideen terror group, India said it was further aggravated by sustained cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. 
 
Kumar said the high number of causalities sustained by Indian security forces is a reflection of the tremendous restraint they have displayed in difficult circumstances.&nbsp; 
 
Kumar asserted that India has a robust institutional framework to ensure adherence to rule of law and respect for fundamental rights of the people in J&amp;K, including independent judiciary, National Human Rights Commission, vibrant civil society and free and vocal media. 
 
In contrast, the people of Pakistan as well as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir have become victims of sectarian conflict, terrorism and extreme economic hardship due to Pakistan&#39;s authoritarian and discriminatory policies in complete disregard of human rights, he added. 
 
Emphasising that terrorism was the grossest violation of human rights and should be so acknowledged by any impartial observer. 
 
&quot;The heart of the matter is that we are dealing with a state that regards the use of terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft. 
 
&quot;The world watches with concern as the consequences of Pakistan?s actions have spread beyond its immediate neighbour. All of us stand prepared to help, if only the creators of this monster wake up to the dangers of what they have done to themselves,&quot; the Indian envoy added. 
 
&quot;The institutions of governance in Pakistan have corroded to such an extent that it has become a hub for the global export of terror,&quot; he said. 
 
The envoy also said that it will be in the fitness of things if instead of ritually raking up alleged human rights violations elsewhere, Pakistan were to focus its energies on improving human rights situation within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 
 
It must also take action against the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on its neighbours who are roaming freely in Pakistan with impunity, so that terrorism emanating from Pakistan - the gravest risk for peace and stability of the region - could be addressed effectively, he added. 
 
(PTI)

India said the main reason for the the disturbances in Kashmir is the cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan

Raising the issue of Balochistan for the first time before the United Nations, India today accused Pakistan of widespread human rights violations there as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In a scathing attack on Pakistan during the 33rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council, India said the main reason for the the disturbances in Kashmir is the cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan that stems from its territorial ambitions over the place that has found concrete expression in repeated armed aggressions. Pakistan's dismal track record is well known and many countries have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to end cross- border infiltration; dismantle the terrorism infrastructure, and stop acting as an epicentre of terrorism, India's ambassador and permanent representative at the UN, Ajit Kumar said. India's credentials as a peaceful, democratic, pluralistic society that is deeply committed to the welfare of its people are well established and on the contrary, Pakistan is characterised by authoritarianism, absence of democratic norms and widespread human rights violations across the country including Balochistan, Kumar said. Exercising its right of reply to the statement made by Pakistan, Kumar said Pakistan is a country, which has systematically abused and violated the human rights of its own citizens, including in Balochistan, as well as of the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. "The fundamental reason for disturbances in Kashmir is the cross-border terrorism sponsored by Pakistan which has provided active support since 1989 to separatist groups and terrorist elements including those operating from the territory under Pakistan's control. "Pakistan has once again sought to mask its territorial ambitions and use of terrorism as a state policy under the garb of concern for human rights. "J&K is an integral part of India and will always remain so. We reject attempts by Pakistan to denigrate the democratic choice that has been regularly exercised by the people of J&K," he said. In a no-holds-barred offensive, India said while advocating restraint to others, Pakistan has no hesitation in using air power against its own people. "Pakistan also continues to provide sanctuary to UN- designated terrorists. It was, therefore, no surprise that Pakistan failed to convince the international community to secure the membership of the Human Rights Council last year," Kumar added. India strongly rejects Pakistan's continued misuse of the Council to make tendentious references about internal matters pertaining to the Indian state of J&K, the ambassador said. "This stems from Pakistan's territorial ambitions over Kashmir that has found concrete expression in repeated armed aggressions. Pakistan continues to be in illegal occupation of a large part of territory in J&K," he said. Reiterating that the situation in the Valley arose from the death of a self-acknowledged commander of Hizb-ul- Mujahideen terror group, India said it was further aggravated by sustained cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Kumar said the high number of causalities sustained by Indian security forces is a reflection of the tremendous restraint they have displayed in difficult circumstances. Kumar asserted that India has a robust institutional framework to ensure adherence to rule of law and respect for fundamental rights of the people in J&K, including independent judiciary, National Human Rights Commission, vibrant civil society and free and vocal media. In contrast, the people of Pakistan as well as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir have become victims of sectarian conflict, terrorism and extreme economic hardship due to Pakistan's authoritarian and discriminatory policies in complete disregard of human rights, he added. Emphasising that terrorism was the grossest violation of human rights and should be so acknowledged by any impartial observer. "The heart of the matter is that we are dealing with a state that regards the use of terrorism as a legitimate instrument of statecraft. "The world watches with concern as the consequences of Pakistan?s actions have spread beyond its immediate neighbour. All of us stand prepared to help, if only the creators of this monster wake up to the dangers of what they have done to themselves," the Indian envoy added. "The institutions of governance in Pakistan have corroded to such an extent that it has become a hub for the global export of terror," he said. The envoy also said that it will be in the fitness of things if instead of ritually raking up alleged human rights violations elsewhere, Pakistan were to focus its energies on improving human rights situation within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It must also take action against the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on its neighbours who are roaming freely in Pakistan with impunity, so that terrorism emanating from Pakistan - the gravest risk for peace and stability of the region - could be addressed effectively, he added. (PTI)

India raises Balochistan for first time at UN, lashes out at Pak

Indian Chief of Air Staff &nbsp;Arup Raha on Thursday (September 1) said that had India not been reluctant in the use of military power, especially aero space power, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have been a part of India.&nbsp; 
 
He said that PoK remains &quot;a thorn in our flesh&quot; till date.&nbsp; 
 
He stressed that the Indian Air Force was drawn several times in the past when there was a conflict. Aero space power, he added, was utilised to its full potential only during the 1971 Bangladesh war.&nbsp; 
 
Raha emphasized that immediately after India&#39;s independence it was the Air Force&#39;s transport wing that helped the military by attacking the raiders to retrieve the situation. 
 
&ldquo;In 1947 immediately after the independence, hoards of raiders from across the border supported by the military and the government from across the border tried to overrun the state of Jammu and Kashmir,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;The Indian army on ground was not strong enough, they did not have enough boots on ground to react to this. and prevent them from over running Indian territory,&quot; Raha added. 
 
Stating that large number of troops, military equipment, weapons and logistics were brought into Srinagar, Poonch, Leh and other areas Raha said that the air bridging was carried out for several months when the fighter air craft attacked the raiders. &nbsp; 
 
The Air Chief said that reluctance to use aero space power in conflicts should be overcome.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;The nation is ready to use aero space power to defend itself,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;In 1965 conflict, we did not use air power against Pakistan because of political reasons. Despite several attacks by the Pakistani Air Force operating from east Pakistan, attacking our air bases and infrastructure and air craft on ground, we had serious setbacks but we never retaliated because of political reasons,&quot; the Air Chief added. 
 
(WIOn with inputs from ANI)

Arup Raha called PoK a 'thorn in India's flesh', adding that aero space power should be used to defend India in conflicts

Indian Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha on Thursday (September 1) said that had India not been reluctant in the use of military power, especially aero space power, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have been a part of India. He said that PoK remains "a thorn in our flesh" till date. He stressed that the Indian Air Force was drawn several times in the past when there was a conflict. Aero space power, he added, was utilised to its full potential only during the 1971 Bangladesh war. Raha emphasized that immediately after India's independence it was the Air Force's transport wing that helped the military by attacking the raiders to retrieve the situation. “In 1947 immediately after the independence, hoards of raiders from across the border supported by the military and the government from across the border tried to overrun the state of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. "The Indian army on ground was not strong enough, they did not have enough boots on ground to react to this. and prevent them from over running Indian territory," Raha added. Stating that large number of troops, military equipment, weapons and logistics were brought into Srinagar, Poonch, Leh and other areas Raha said that the air bridging was carried out for several months when the fighter air craft attacked the raiders. The Air Chief said that reluctance to use aero space power in conflicts should be overcome. “The nation is ready to use aero space power to defend itself,” he said. "In 1965 conflict, we did not use air power against Pakistan because of political reasons. Despite several attacks by the Pakistani Air Force operating from east Pakistan, attacking our air bases and infrastructure and air craft on ground, we had serious setbacks but we never retaliated because of political reasons," the Air Chief added. (WIOn with inputs from ANI)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir would have been India's had we opted for military soution: Indian Chief of Air

Amid reports of Pakistani women in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir offering their bangles to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for &#39;not doing enough&#39; on the Kashmir issue, the UN said that it fully supports people&#39;s rights to express their opinions peacefully on issues that concern them. 
 
On Tuesday (August 23), hundreds of women in Muzzafarbad, the main city in PoK, held up their bangles -- as an insult hurled at the UN&#39;s head over perceived inaction over violence in Kashmir. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Violence has escalated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Burhan Wani. Clashes between protestors and security forces that began on July 9 have killed 66 and injured thousands more in the worst violence to hit the restive region since 2010.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&quot;I think we are... We are fully supportive of everyone&#39;s right to demonstrate their opinions peacefully about issues that they care about,&quot; Ban&#39;s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Ban added he is closely following the clashes in Kashmir and has called on all political parties to &quot;exercise restraint&quot; to avoid further violence. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of women in Muzzafarabad offered their bangles to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon over perceived inaction over Kashmir violence

Amid reports of Pakistani women in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir offering their bangles to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for 'not doing enough' on the Kashmir issue, the UN said that it fully supports people's rights to express their opinions peacefully on issues that concern them. On Tuesday (August 23), hundreds of women in Muzzafarbad, the main city in PoK, held up their bangles -- as an insult hurled at the UN's head over perceived inaction over violence in Kashmir. Violence has escalated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Burhan Wani. Clashes between protestors and security forces that began on July 9 have killed 66 and injured thousands more in the worst violence to hit the restive region since 2010. "I think we are... We are fully supportive of everyone's right to demonstrate their opinions peacefully about issues that they care about," Ban's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters. Ban added he is closely following the clashes in Kashmir and has called on all political parties to "exercise restraint" to avoid further violence. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Support people's right to protest: UN Secretary General on reports of PoK protest

Cross-border trade between India and Pakistan resumed on Monday after remaining suspended over widespread unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
 
The trade route between Poonch in India and Rawalakot in Pakistan was shut down on August 3 for the second time within a fortnight after massive protests erupted across PoK against alleged rigging in recent elections. 
 
&quot;Trade remained suspended for at least two weeks because of some internal crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Trade finally resumed today. 
 
Ten vehicles have crossed from our side and more than 20 are coming from their end,&quot; said Mohammad Tanvir, custodian at Chakan da Bagh trade facilitation centre in Poonch. 
 
PoK witnessed violent protests over the July 21 elections, which agitators claimed were rigged by the winning Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. 
 
Cross border trade, which started in 2008, has often been suspended due to animosity between India and Kashmir. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

The trade route between Poonch and Rawalakot was shut down on August 3 after protests erupted in PoK against alleged rigging in election

Cross-border trade between India and Pakistan resumed on Monday after remaining suspended over widespread unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The trade route between Poonch in India and Rawalakot in Pakistan was shut down on August 3 for the second time within a fortnight after massive protests erupted across PoK against alleged rigging in recent elections. "Trade remained suspended for at least two weeks because of some internal crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Trade finally resumed today. Ten vehicles have crossed from our side and more than 20 are coming from their end," said Mohammad Tanvir, custodian at Chakan da Bagh trade facilitation centre in Poonch. PoK witnessed violent protests over the July 21 elections, which agitators claimed were rigged by the winning Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. Cross border trade, which started in 2008, has often been suspended due to animosity between India and Kashmir. (ANI)

India, Pakistan resume cross-border trade