In Pics | Artists flee Sudan as army, paramilitary clash despite truce

The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IMO) said that more than a million people have been displaced within the country since the fighting began over a month ago.&nbsp;

<h2>US and Saudi Arabia&nbsp; monitoring ceasefire</h2>

The weeklong ceasefire which is being monitored by the US and Saudi Arabia was off to a shaky start after witnesses since late Monday&nbsp;in the capital, Khartoum, have been reporting&nbsp;fighter jets over the city and continued fighting in some areas. Meanwhile, the observers from the two countries noted that the “fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense”.&nbsp;

The agreement came after the warring Sudanese army and paramilitary faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had previously violated multiple ceasefire agreements. Washington and Riyadh addressing the reports said there is some indication that “both sides violated the agreement” but stressed that the efforts to deliver “lifesaving assistance” to the people of Sudan are underway.&nbsp;

<h2>'Heartbreaking': UN Human Rights chief about&nbsp;Sudan</h2>

According to recent data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 1,800 people have lost their lives since the fighting began on April 15. The conflict has also worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis as over a million people have been forced to flee their homes.&nbsp;

The IMO, on Wednesday, said 319,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries out of which, over 132,000 refugees arrived in Egypt; 80,000 in Chad; and 69,000 in South Sudan. “In spite of successive ceasefires, civilians continue to be exposed to serious risk of death and injury,” said UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk.&nbsp;

He also called the situation in Sudan “heartbreaking,” at a press briefing in Geneva and went on to address the two warring generals directly and said, “General (Abdel Fattah) al-Burhan, General (Mohamed Hamdan) Dagalo, you must issue clear instructions, in no uncertain terms to all those under your command, that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence...civilians must be spared and you must stop this senseless violence now.”&nbsp;

Turk also said that his office has found at least 25 cases of sexual violence so far but believes that the real number is much higher.&nbsp;

<h2>Fighting continues with some respite</h2>

Columns of black smoke could be seen rising into the air in areas west of central Khartoum, while witnesses told Reuters, on Wednesday that there was shelling near an army camp in the southern part of the capital city.&nbsp;

In Omdurman, witnesses said that an army fighter plane had been shot down, the footage of which appeared on social media but could not independently be verified. Additionally, gunfire was heard in the Jabra neighbourhood of southern Khartoum.&nbsp;

Ali Mohammed, a resident of the Sudanese capital city, as per AFP&nbsp;said that the water supply had not been restored as of Wednesday “but at least I was able to go out and buy water for my family”.&nbsp;

Another resident, 55-year-old, Mohammed Taher, said he was finally able to go to the city’s central market “five kilometres away to buy food and return without incident”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal.

The rival factions in Sudan continue to clash despite the ceasefire in the capital city of Khartoum, on Wednesday (May 24), reported Reuters citing residents. This comes amid fears that the fighting could break the fragile United States-Saudi Arabia brokered weeklong ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IMO) said that more than a million people have been displaced within the country since the fighting began over a month ago. US and Saudi Arabia monitoring ceasefire The weeklong ceasefire which is being monitored by the US and Saudi Arabia was off to a shaky start after witnesses since late Monday in the capital, Khartoum, have been reporting fighter jets over the city and continued fighting in some areas. Meanwhile, the observers from the two countries noted that the “fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense”. The agreement came after the warring Sudanese army and paramilitary faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had previously violated multiple ceasefire agreements. Washington and Riyadh addressing the reports said there is some indication that “both sides violated the agreement” but stressed that the efforts to deliver “lifesaving assistance” to the people of Sudan are underway. 'Heartbreaking': UN Human Rights chief about Sudan According to recent data from Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 1,800 people have lost their lives since the fighting began on April 15. The conflict has also worsened the country’s humanitarian crisis as over a million people have been forced to flee their homes. The IMO, on Wednesday, said 319,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries out of which, over 132,000 refugees arrived in Egypt; 80,000 in Chad; and 69,000 in South Sudan. “In spite of successive ceasefires, civilians continue to be exposed to serious risk of death and injury,” said UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk. He also called the situation in Sudan “heartbreaking,” at a press briefing in Geneva and went on to address the two warring generals directly and said, “General (Abdel Fattah) al-Burhan, General (Mohamed Hamdan) Dagalo, you must issue clear instructions, in no uncertain terms to all those under your command, that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence...civilians must be spared and you must stop this senseless violence now.” Turk also said that his office has found at least 25 cases of sexual violence so far but believes that the real number is much higher. Fighting continues with some respite Columns of black smoke could be seen rising into the air in areas west of central Khartoum, while witnesses told Reuters, on Wednesday that there was shelling near an army camp in the southern part of the capital city. In Omdurman, witnesses said that an army fighter plane had been shot down, the footage of which appeared on social media but could not independently be verified. Additionally, gunfire was heard in the Jabra neighbourhood of southern Khartoum. Ali Mohammed, a resident of the Sudanese capital city, as per AFP said that the water supply had not been restored as of Wednesday “but at least I was able to go out and buy water for my family”. Another resident, 55-year-old, Mohammed Taher, said he was finally able to go to the city’s central market “five kilometres away to buy food and return without incident”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan witnesses clashes amid ceasefire; more than a million people displaced due to fighting

Sudan’s two warring forces — The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — have announced a seven-day ceasefire even as mass exodus continued and death toll breached the 500-mark.

In a statement on Tuesday, South Sudan’s foreign ministry said that both sides would send representatives for peace talks “to be held at an agreed venue of their choice”, reports CNN.

However, it is unclear whether the warring forces would abide by the truce as similar ceasefire announcements have failed to yield any results in the past.

Moreover, the SAF and RSF are yet to respond to the South Sudan ministry’s statement through their official channels.

The latest announcement comes after the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) warned that more than 800,000 people may flee to neighboring countries, as the ongoing violence stifles evacuation convoys from key ports in Sudan.

According to estimates, 73,000 refugees — mostly women and children — have already fled Sudan to neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, amidst fears of regional instability.

<h2>United Nations estimates over 800,000 could flee Sudan if fighting continues&nbsp;</h2>

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Concerns over shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, have triggered the mass exodus. The fighting has also rendered all hospitals useless, as many of them are not operational, or in some way damaged.

According to reports, the fuel crisis has paved the way for black market trade, forcing many people to abandon their vehicles&nbsp;and trudge on foot to escape.

World Health Organization (WHO) regional director Ahmed al-Mandhari said that health facilities have come under attack in Khartoum, and some are even being used as military bases.

"Up to now there were around 26 reported attacks on healthcare facilities. Some of these attacks resulted in the death of healthcare workers and civilians in these hospitals," he told the BBC.

The ongoing armed conflict between two generals — General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Chief General Mohamed Hamdan Dagaloof of the paramilitary group RSF — began on April 15.

The conflict has already crossed into the third week, and since it started, has resulted in the death of at least 528 people. As per estimates by the Sudanese health ministry, an additional 4,599 have been injured in the fighting.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Sudan’s two warring forces — The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — have announced a seven-day ceasefire even as mass exodus continued and death toll breached the 500-mark.

Sudan’s two warring forces — The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — have announced a seven-day ceasefire even as mass exodus continued and death toll breached the 500-mark. In a statement on Tuesday, South Sudan’s foreign ministry said that both sides would send representatives for peace talks “to be held at an agreed venue of their choice”, reports CNN. However, it is unclear whether the warring forces would abide by the truce as similar ceasefire announcements have failed to yield any results in the past. Moreover, the SAF and RSF are yet to respond to the South Sudan ministry’s statement through their official channels. The latest announcement comes after the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) warned that more than 800,000 people may flee to neighboring countries, as the ongoing violence stifles evacuation convoys from key ports in Sudan. According to estimates, 73,000 refugees — mostly women and children — have already fled Sudan to neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, amidst fears of regional instability. United Nations estimates over 800,000 could flee Sudan if fighting continues Concerns over shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, have triggered the mass exodus. The fighting has also rendered all hospitals useless, as many of them are not operational, or in some way damaged. According to reports, the fuel crisis has paved the way for black market trade, forcing many people to abandon their vehicles and trudge on foot to escape. World Health Organization (WHO) regional director Ahmed al-Mandhari said that health facilities have come under attack in Khartoum, and some are even being used as military bases. "Up to now there were around 26 reported attacks on healthcare facilities. Some of these attacks resulted in the death of healthcare workers and civilians in these hospitals," he told the BBC. The ongoing armed conflict between two generals — General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Chief General Mohamed Hamdan Dagaloof of the paramilitary group RSF — began on April 15. The conflict has already crossed into the third week, and since it started, has resulted in the death of at least 528 people. As per estimates by the Sudanese health ministry, an additional 4,599 have been injured in the fighting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sudan’s warring army and paramilitary force agree to seven-day truce, says South Sudan

In the midst of heavy combat between Sudan's army and a paramilitary group, it is reported that 3,000 Indians are stranded there.

Around 100 members of the nomadic Hakki-Pikki tribe from the southern state of Karnataka are included in this figure since they travelled to Sudan to trade in natural medicines and goods.

After India's foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, accused an opposition Congress lawmaker of "playing politics" when he tweeted a request to ensure their safe return to India, the situation they were in had generated a political debate in that nation.

Their issue had caused an uproar in India after S Jaishankar, the foreign minister of the country accused a Congress opposition leader of "playing politics" when he tweeted an appeal to ensure their safe return to India.

Some Hakki-Pikki tribal members in Sudan who spoke with BBC Hindi claimed they were living in dread and had limited access to necessities like food and water.

While the majority of them are in the capital Khartoum, where fighting is fierce, others are in the western city of Al-Fashir, which is almost 1,000 kilometres from Khartoum.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Fighting intensifies, Sudanese flee in thousands

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The battle, which is&nbsp;&nbsp;ongoing since last week, is the consequence of a struggle for dominance between the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation, and the Sudanese regular army.

Uncertainty surrounds the number of deaths brought on by the conflict, although the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) said on Tuesday that at least 174 civilians died in the battle.

"It is extremely scary. Heavy firing takes place nearby, mainly in the mornings and evenings. It continues late into the night," Prabhu S, a member of the Hakki-Pikki tribe who is in Al-Fashir, told the BBC Hindi.

"`We are living in a hotel where the employees went away five days ago, soon after the fighting started," says Sanju Pitaji, who is stuck in Khartoum.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-and-gunfire-resound-in-sudanese-capital-as-situation-worsens-584380">Explosions and gunfire resound in Sudanese capital as situation worsens</a>

"We are surviving on some leftover bread and drinking water from the tap in the washroom. Ten of us are living in this room," he says.

<h2>Who are the Hakki-Pikkis?</h2>

In Karnataka, there are roughly 12,000 Hakki-Pikkis, according to the 2011 Census. The Kannada word "Hakki-Pikki" refers to bird hunters, but after bird hunting was outlawed in India in the 1970s, tribe members turned to creating herbal medicines to make ends meet.

They frequently travel with their families to sell these goods in nations like Sudan, Singapore, and Malaysia, according to Dr&nbsp;DC Nanjunda, an anthropologist and deputy director at the University of Mysore's Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, who spoke to the BBC. 
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In the midst of heavy combat between Sudan's army and a paramilitary group, it is reported that 3,000 Indians are stranded there. Around 100 members of the nomadic Hakki-Pikki tribe from the southern state of Karnataka are included in this figure since they travelled to Sudan to trade in natural medicines and goods.

In the midst of heavy combat between Sudan's army and a paramilitary group, it is reported that 3,000 Indians are stranded there. Around 100 members of the nomadic Hakki-Pikki tribe from the southern state of Karnataka are included in this figure since they travelled to Sudan to trade in natural medicines and goods. After India's foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, accused an opposition Congress lawmaker of "playing politics" when he tweeted a request to ensure their safe return to India, the situation they were in had generated a political debate in that nation. Their issue had caused an uproar in India after S Jaishankar, the foreign minister of the country accused a Congress opposition leader of "playing politics" when he tweeted an appeal to ensure their safe return to India. Some Hakki-Pikki tribal members in Sudan who spoke with BBC Hindi claimed they were living in dread and had limited access to necessities like food and water. While the majority of them are in the capital Khartoum, where fighting is fierce, others are in the western city of Al-Fashir, which is almost 1,000 kilometres from Khartoum. ALSO WATCH | Fighting intensifies, Sudanese flee in thousands The battle, which is ongoing since last week, is the consequence of a struggle for dominance between the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation, and the Sudanese regular army. Uncertainty surrounds the number of deaths brought on by the conflict, although the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) said on Tuesday that at least 174 civilians died in the battle. "It is extremely scary. Heavy firing takes place nearby, mainly in the mornings and evenings. It continues late into the night," Prabhu S, a member of the Hakki-Pikki tribe who is in Al-Fashir, told the BBC Hindi. "`We are living in a hotel where the employees went away five days ago, soon after the fighting started," says Sanju Pitaji, who is stuck in Khartoum. ALSO READ | Explosions and gunfire resound in Sudanese capital as situation worsens "We are surviving on some leftover bread and drinking water from the tap in the washroom. Ten of us are living in this room," he says. Who are the Hakki-Pikkis? In Karnataka, there are roughly 12,000 Hakki-Pikkis, according to the 2011 Census. The Kannada word "Hakki-Pikki" refers to bird hunters, but after bird hunting was outlawed in India in the 1970s, tribe members turned to creating herbal medicines to make ends meet. They frequently travel with their families to sell these goods in nations like Sudan, Singapore, and Malaysia, according to Dr DC Nanjunda, an anthropologist and deputy director at the University of Mysore's Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, who spoke to the BBC. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sudan crisis: Members of Indian nomadic tribe Hakki-Pikki stranded amid conflict, seek rescue

An Indian border security officer opened fire at his colleagues and then shot himself dead on Sunday morning in Punjab’s Amritsar, officials said.

Among those who were shot at, 5 have died while&nbsp;7 were injured and admitted to a local hospital. One of the injured is said to be in critical condition.

The incident took place at a mess in the Border Security Force camp in the Khasa area, about 20 km short of the Attari-Wagah border crossing along the India-Pakistan international front.

The incident took place between 9.30 am&nbsp;and 9.45 am&nbsp;when constable Sateppa SK&nbsp;allegedly used his service rifle and pumped bullets on of his colleagues, an officer said.

“In an unfortunate incident, 5 BSF troops were injured on March 6, due to fratricide committed by Ct Satteppa SK at HQ 144 Bn Khasa, Amritsar. Ct Satteppa SK was also injured in the incident. Out of the 6 injured, 5, including Ct Satteppa, have lost their lives. One of the injured is critical. A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts,” BSF officials said in a statement.

The victims include personnel in the ranks of constable and head constable.

A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts and more details will follow, BSF said.&nbsp;

The officials are yet to establish the reason for provocation that led the accused to fire at his colleagues.

But there are media reports claiming that the constable was upset for being overworked and an argument with a senior officer might have forced him to take his rifle.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian border security officer opened fire at his colleagues and then shot himself dead on Sunday morning in Punjab’s Amritsar, officials said. Among those who were shot at, 5 have died while 7 were injured and admitted to a local hospital.

An Indian border security officer opened fire at his colleagues and then shot himself dead on Sunday morning in Punjab’s Amritsar, officials said. Among those who were shot at, 5 have died while 7 were injured and admitted to a local hospital. One of the injured is said to be in critical condition. The incident took place at a mess in the Border Security Force camp in the Khasa area, about 20 km short of the Attari-Wagah border crossing along the India-Pakistan international front. The incident took place between 9.30 am and 9.45 am when constable Sateppa SK allegedly used his service rifle and pumped bullets on of his colleagues, an officer said. “In an unfortunate incident, 5 BSF troops were injured on March 6, due to fratricide committed by Ct Satteppa SK at HQ 144 Bn Khasa, Amritsar. Ct Satteppa SK was also injured in the incident. Out of the 6 injured, 5, including Ct Satteppa, have lost their lives. One of the injured is critical. A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts,” BSF officials said in a statement. The victims include personnel in the ranks of constable and head constable. A court of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts and more details will follow, BSF said. The officials are yet to establish the reason for provocation that led the accused to fire at his colleagues. But there are media reports claiming that the constable was upset for being overworked and an argument with a senior officer might have forced him to take his rifle. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian BSF personnel opens fires at his colleagues, 5 dead, 1 critical

In order to maintain the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh during and after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-reserves-ayodhya-verdict-after-40-days-of-hearing-256283">pronouncement of judgement</a> on the Ram Janambhoomi- Babri masjid case, the Centre has given Uttar Pradesh almost 4000 extra Paramilitary personnel.

A decision was made on Monday where the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted 15 companies of paramilitary forces to Uttar Pradesh immediately which will stay in the state till November 18.

According to a document exclusively accessed by ANI, the 15 companies of paramilitary forces include three companies each of BSF, RAF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.

The official communication also says that 15 more companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will reach Uttar Pradesh on November 11 to stay till November 18.

The central government has also granted an extension of stay till November 18 to ten companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) which are already deployed in Uttar Pradesh.

"Total 40 companies which include 16 companies of RAF and six companies each of CISF, ITBP, SSB and BSF will be deployed in Uttar Pradesh till November 18," an official communication said.

These paramilitary companies will be deployed in 12 most sensitive districts and cities of the state.

Apart from Varanasi and Ayodhya paramilitary forces will be deployed in Kanpur, Aligarh, Lucknow, Azamgarh etc to maintain law and order situation and ensure normalcy during and after the Ayodhya verdict.

The local administration has been asked to make arrangements for the deployment of security force personnel.

The central government is aware that even the smallest of security-related incidents could spark reactions in other states hence there is close coordination between top security departments of both the centre and UP.

Strict instructions have been given right down to the police station level that no breach of government directives on security must be tolerated.

The Supreme Court is expected to pronounce its judgement in the decades-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case before November 17 when Chief Justice of India Ranjan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-sharad-arvind-bobde-appointed-next-cji-will-take-oath-on-november-18-258727">Gogoi demits office</a>.

In order to maintain the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh during and after the pronouncement of judgement on the Ram Janambhoomi- Babri masjid case, the Centre has given Uttar Pradesh almost 4000 extra Paramilitary personnel.

In order to maintain the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh during and after the pronouncement of judgement on the Ram Janambhoomi- Babri masjid case, the Centre has given Uttar Pradesh almost 4000 extra Paramilitary personnel. A decision was made on Monday where the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted 15 companies of paramilitary forces to Uttar Pradesh immediately which will stay in the state till November 18. According to a document exclusively accessed by ANI, the 15 companies of paramilitary forces include three companies each of BSF, RAF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The official communication also says that 15 more companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will reach Uttar Pradesh on November 11 to stay till November 18. The central government has also granted an extension of stay till November 18 to ten companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) which are already deployed in Uttar Pradesh. "Total 40 companies which include 16 companies of RAF and six companies each of CISF, ITBP, SSB and BSF will be deployed in Uttar Pradesh till November 18," an official communication said. These paramilitary companies will be deployed in 12 most sensitive districts and cities of the state. Apart from Varanasi and Ayodhya paramilitary forces will be deployed in Kanpur, Aligarh, Lucknow, Azamgarh etc to maintain law and order situation and ensure normalcy during and after the Ayodhya verdict. The local administration has been asked to make arrangements for the deployment of security force personnel. The central government is aware that even the smallest of security-related incidents could spark reactions in other states hence there is close coordination between top security departments of both the centre and UP. Strict instructions have been given right down to the police station level that no breach of government directives on security must be tolerated. The Supreme Court is expected to pronounce its judgement in the decades-old Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case before November 17 when Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi demits office.

Centre gives UP 4000 CAPF personnel to maintain law and order before, after Ayodhya judgement

Security forces gunned down what they claimed was a top militant commander in India&#39;s Kashmir after a prolonged firefight today. 
 
The gun battle broke out after army and police launched a joint search operation in Kupwara district following a tip-off about the presence of the militant. 
 
The militant opened fire on the security forces as they zeroed in on the house he was hiding in. A heavy exchange of fire followed. 
 
Brigadier Rajeev Puri of the Indian army&#39;s Rashtriya Rifles said the militant belonged to the&nbsp;Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen&nbsp;group. 
 
&quot;We have recovered his body. We have been told that his name is Sameer Wani. Identification process is underway. He was a top commander of Hizbul (Mujahideen),&quot; Puri said. 
 
&quot;He had grenade and a pistol and other recoveries are being made. Parties (forces) have come out. We will give more information later. Operation is over,&quot; Puri added. 
 
Violence in Kashmir has spiked against a backdrop of rising social tension and separatist sentiment in the Muslim-majority region, which for decades has been at the centre of a strategic tussle between India and Pakistan. 
 
Militants killed eight paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and injured 20 others when they targeted a security convoy in Pampore town of the state on June 25. 
 
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for the attack. 
 
India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars since independence in 1947 over Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. 
 
India accuses Pakistan of training and arming the rebels in the portion it controls and sending them over to the Indian side, a claim its neighbour denies. 
 
(Reuters)

Extremists had also attacked a security convoy on Saturday, killing 8 police officials and wounding 20

Security forces gunned down what they claimed was a top militant commander in India's Kashmir after a prolonged firefight today. The gun battle broke out after army and police launched a joint search operation in Kupwara district following a tip-off about the presence of the militant. The militant opened fire on the security forces as they zeroed in on the house he was hiding in. A heavy exchange of fire followed. Brigadier Rajeev Puri of the Indian army's Rashtriya Rifles said the militant belonged to the Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen group. "We have recovered his body. We have been told that his name is Sameer Wani. Identification process is underway. He was a top commander of Hizbul (Mujahideen)," Puri said. "He had grenade and a pistol and other recoveries are being made. Parties (forces) have come out. We will give more information later. Operation is over," Puri added. Violence in Kashmir has spiked against a backdrop of rising social tension and separatist sentiment in the Muslim-majority region, which for decades has been at the centre of a strategic tussle between India and Pakistan. Militants killed eight paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel and injured 20 others when they targeted a security convoy in Pampore town of the state on June 25. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for the attack. India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars since independence in 1947 over Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part. India accuses Pakistan of training and arming the rebels in the portion it controls and sending them over to the Indian side, a claim its neighbour denies. (Reuters)

Security forces gun down militant in Indian Kashmir, say he was top commander

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