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


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

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

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

<p>Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel&nbspwas killed while his two police guards were injured in a suspected militant attack at Rajpora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday.</p>

<p>An official said that gunmen fired at the vehicle of Ghulam Nabi Patel at Rajpora Chowk, leaving him dead and his two PSOs - Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar and Bilal Ahmad Lone - injured.</p>

<p>News agency ANI reported that the attack was carried out by some terrorists.</p>


Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel has been shot dead by some unknown assailants in Pulwama's Rajpora area. Patel, who was taken to a nearby hospital soon after the attack, succumbed to his injuries.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel&nbspwas killed while his two police guards were injured in a suspected militant attack at Rajpora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday. An official said that gunmen fired at the vehicle of Ghulam Nabi Patel at Rajpora Chowk, leaving him dead and his two PSOs - Imtiyaz Ahmad Zargar and Bilal Ahmad Lone - injured. News agency ANI reported that the attack was carried out by some terrorists.

Former PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Patel shot dead in J&K's Pulawama

<p>After the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-cm-mehbooba-mufti-accepts-resignation-of-bjp-state-ministers-130581">resignation of the two BJP lawmakers&nbsp;Chander Prakash Ganga and Lal&nbsp;Singh</a> from the Jammu and Kashmir government, other BJP ministers in the PDP-BJP alliance are also set to leave the party.</p>

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<p>The BJP ministers' are resigning from the party to make way for new BJP leaders as the party plans to reshuffle.</p>

<p>The two ministers&nbsp;Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga had resigned from the party over massive outrage that erupted, after they participated in a rally, organised in support of the accused in Kathua gang rape and murder.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP ministers to resign from J&K government to make way for new inductees. It is a reshuffle and nothing else: J&K Sources to ANI</p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986269154859765760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The BJP ministers' are resigning from the party to make way for new BJP leaders as the party plans to reshuffle

After the resignation of the two BJP lawmakers Chander Prakash Ganga and Lal Singh from the Jammu and Kashmir government, other BJP ministers in the PDP-BJP alliance are also set to leave the party. × The BJP ministers' are resigning from the party to make way for new BJP leaders as the party plans to reshuffle. The two ministers Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga had resigned from the party over massive outrage that erupted, after they participated in a rally, organised in support of the accused in Kathua gang rape and murder. BJP ministers to resign from J&K government to make way for new inductees. It is a reshuffle and nothing else: J&K Sources to ANI — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2018 ×

BJP ministers to resign from J&K govt as party plans reshuffle: Report

<p>The resignations of two BJP ministers, who courted controversy by attending a rally supporting those accused of raping and killing a young girl in Kathua, will be handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action, said senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.</p>

<p>The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation.</p>

<p>Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, also said that the state government was told to withdraw the directive of the tribal affairs department on encroachments by nomads in forest land.</p>

<p>Madhav, who attened the legislative party meeting of the state BJP MLAs and MLC, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister.</p>

<p>Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignation in view of a perception being created, he said.</p>

<p>He lashed out at the Congress, alleging that it was trying to politicise the issue which should not be done.</p>

<p>"We, including the BJP which is in the government, will ensure justice for the girl and punishment for the culprits," he said.</p>

<p>Asked about the demand for a CBI probe into the incident, the BJP leader said, "The police have completed the probe and now it is in the court of law. It is for the court to decide."</p>

<p>Ganga and Singh had hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the rape and killing of the 8-year-old girl in January this year.</p>

<p>Asking why the probe was not being handed over to the CBI, Lal Singh had said, "We too want that the real accused be punished... We have heard you. We will not allow this jungle raj, under which they (police) are picking up people at will, to continue. What kind of investigation are they doing?</p>

<p>The 'Hindu Ekta Manch', from which the BJP distanced itself, had also taken out a rally holding a tricolour to press for their demand.</p>

<p>The incident and use of national flag had evoked sharp reaction from Mufti.</p>

<p>"Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," she tweeted.&nbsp;</p>


The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation

The resignations of two BJP ministers, who courted controversy by attending a rally supporting those accused of raping and killing a young girl in Kathua, will be handed over to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for further action, said senior BJP leader Ram Madhav. The senior BJP leader said the resignation of the ministers was to address the fears of not only its ally PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the entire nation. Madhav, who is the party's general secretary in-charge of the state, also said that the state government was told to withdraw the directive of the tribal affairs department on encroachments by nomads in forest land. Madhav, who attened the legislative party meeting of the state BJP MLAs and MLC, said state party president Sat Sharma will send the resignations to the chief minister. Forest Minister Lal Singh and Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga tendered their resignation in view of a perception being created, he said. He lashed out at the Congress, alleging that it was trying to politicise the issue which should not be done. "We, including the BJP which is in the government, will ensure justice for the girl and punishment for the culprits," he said. Asked about the demand for a CBI probe into the incident, the BJP leader said, "The police have completed the probe and now it is in the court of law. It is for the court to decide." Ganga and Singh had hit out at the police for arresting "one or the other person at will" in connection with the rape and killing of the 8-year-old girl in January this year. Asking why the probe was not being handed over to the CBI, Lal Singh had said, "We too want that the real accused be punished... We have heard you. We will not allow this jungle raj, under which they (police) are picking up people at will, to continue. What kind of investigation are they doing? The 'Hindu Ekta Manch', from which the BJP distanced itself, had also taken out a rally holding a tricolour to press for their demand. The incident and use of national flag had evoked sharp reaction from Mufti. "Appalled by the marches and protests in defence of the recently apprehended rapist in Kathua. Also horrified by their use of our national flag in these demonstrations, this is nothing short of desecration. The accused has been arrested and the law will follow its course," she tweeted.

Resignations of BJP ministers to be handed to J&K CM Mufti: Ram Madhav

<p>Rahul Gandhi tweeted Tuesday that the PDP says &quot;talk&quot; with Pakistan, the BJP says the country will &quot;pay the price&quot;, while &#39;our soldiers pay with their blood&#39;. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Modi Ji dithers&quot;, he added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;1. PDP says &#39;talks&#39; with Pakistan. 2. BJP Defence Minister says &#39;Pakistan will pay the price&#39;,&quot; Rahul tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP&rsquo;s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers,&quot; Rahul added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1. PDP says &ldquo;talks&rdquo; with Pakistan.<br />
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2. BJP Defence Minister says &quot;Pakistan will pay the price&quot;.<br />
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While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP&rsquo;s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers.</p>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/963365828681924608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu &mdash; which left five soldiers and one civilian dead and 11 injured -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had said the situation cannot be allowed to continue and that India and Pakistan would have to talk to each other. She had added then that she knew she would be branded as &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-solution-other-than-dialogue-with-pakistan-mehbooba-mufti-32602" target="_blank">anti-national</a>&quot; for her comments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PDP and the BJP are in &nbsp;power in Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had on Monday said Pakistan &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-live-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-says-pakistan-will-pay-for-misadventure-32636">will pay for the misadventure</a>&quot;. She added that the men who attacked the army camp seemed to have &quot;local support&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan has since said &quot;any Indian aggression shall be met with an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-warns-india-over-sunjuwan-army-camp-attack-media-reports-32741" target="_blank">equal and proportionate response</a>&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Any <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> aggression, strategic miscalculation or misadventure regardless of its scale, mode, or location will not go unpunished &amp; shall be met with an equal &amp; proportionate response. We will defend robustly every inch of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>&#39;s soil.<br />
~Khurram Dastgir, Minister for Defence <a href="https://t.co/EqfgiP0lHk">pic.twitter.com/EqfgiP0lHk</a></p>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/963355552695967744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


'While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP’s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers,' Rahul tweeted

Rahul Gandhi tweeted Tuesday that the PDP says "talk" with Pakistan, the BJP says the country will "pay the price", while 'our soldiers pay with their blood'. "Modi Ji dithers", he added. "1. PDP says 'talks' with Pakistan. 2. BJP Defence Minister says 'Pakistan will pay the price'," Rahul tweeted. "While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP’s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers," Rahul added. 1. PDP says “talks” with Pakistan. 2. BJP Defence Minister says "Pakistan will pay the price". While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP’s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 13, 2018 × After the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu — which left five soldiers and one civilian dead and 11 injured -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had said the situation cannot be allowed to continue and that India and Pakistan would have to talk to each other. She had added then that she knew she would be branded as "anti-national" for her comments. The PDP and the BJP are in power in Kashmir. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had on Monday said Pakistan "will pay for the misadventure". She added that the men who attacked the army camp seemed to have "local support". Pakistan has since said "any Indian aggression shall be met with an equal and proportionate response". Any #Indian aggression, strategic miscalculation or misadventure regardless of its scale, mode, or location will not go unpunished & shall be met with an equal & proportionate response. We will defend robustly every inch of #Pakistan's soil. ~Khurram Dastgir, Minister for Defence pic.twitter.com/EqfgiP0lHk — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) February 13, 2018 ×

PDP says 'talk', BJP says 'Pak will pay price' while 'soldiers pay with their blood': Rahul Gandhi

<p>The Central government of India&#39;s decision to appoint Dineshwar Sharma, former IB Director, for holding talks with Kashmir may have come as a surprise to many but not for Kashmir watchers. The reality was written on the wall. It had to happen.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Despite tough measures taken by the Centre against foreign funds, bumping-off of high-value terrorists, the valley remained unsettled and out of control. Despite the complete support of the Centre to the Army, the message from the ground to the government was clear that New Delhi cannot escape dialogue. It was aired by the Army and bureaucracy.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
So, the announcement should be welcomed because it is a good and a moral step. Dineshwar Sharma will enjoy the status of a Cabinet Secretary and will have the mandate to speak to all in the valley. It will open up a possibility for the government to engage those who have already been painted anti-national by a rancid discourse where nationalism was being used as a bat to hit anyone who felt otherwise in Kashmir.</p>

<p>The appointment of an interlocutor also confirms that Kashmir will be granted some exceptions, and the acknowledgment of the exceptionalism may pave the route for a normal valley. Though every problem in Kashmir cannot be heaped on the foot of PDP-BJP&rsquo;s door, the fact remains that the strong national discourse along pro-Indian and anti-Indian lines had snatched political elbow room from BJP. The strength of the party had become its biggest disability. Despite the fact that it wanted to reach out,&nbsp;it could not because of the community voters BJP has ended up cultivating post-2014. It is in this context this appointment must be seen.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Even if we leave aside Hurriyat which has been flirting with Pakistan and fueling unrest, the strong approach has marginalised the mainstream parties like the PDP and the NC. The sustained dialogue will create a window of opportunity for mainstream and democratic setups like PDP and NC, helping them to buffer themselves from the violence which civil society has heaped on its doorsteps.</p>

<p>It is not without reason that PDP workers are being killed regularly. This will also give a face-saving window to Mufti who has been battling Kashmir alone. It is also not without significance that this announcement has come within 48 hours of Mufti&rsquo;s absence at an official function last minute. Nonetheless, the process will allow restive rural areas to have an ordinary schedule. It is this restiveness and violence at every nook and corner which has been BJP&rsquo;s headache.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Many in the government would argue that BJP was already committed to the talks but the truth is that it couldn&rsquo;t have been seen speaking to those who have already been branded anti-state. Dineshwar Sharma will have to escape this binary. Kashmir cannot become a casualty of liberal vs nationalist debate. He will have to walk a tightrope. The injustice done to the Kashmiri Pandits cannot be pushed under the carpet. Pandits also need a closure; they feel tightly glued to the current narrative. The valley needs to come to a normal.</p>

<p>Kashmir has a unique place in the Indian constitution and history has to be accepted by all. Kashmir resents any change to its status. They don&rsquo;t see it as an integration but an intrusion. It is a fact and people from other parts need to understand it. India is not only an amalgamation of boundaries. It is an amalgamation of ideas and people. Kashmir stands as an example of it. The only hope is that unlike previous dispensations, the Centre doesn&rsquo;t sit on the recommendations. The talks must have a fruitful end as talks without purpose only fuel even more vicious cycle of violence. Kashmir will always remain part of India and not an inch would be ceded but at the end, Kashmiris are also Indians. This message needs to be loud and clear.</p>

<p>Now, the time has come for the various Kashmiri political and social organisations to respond to this overture.</p>


The talks must have a fruitful end as talks without purpose only fuel even more vicious cycle of violence.

The Central government of India's decision to appoint Dineshwar Sharma, former IB Director, for holding talks with Kashmir may have come as a surprise to many but not for Kashmir watchers. The reality was written on the wall. It had to happen. Despite tough measures taken by the Centre against foreign funds, bumping-off of high-value terrorists, the valley remained unsettled and out of control. Despite the complete support of the Centre to the Army, the message from the ground to the government was clear that New Delhi cannot escape dialogue. It was aired by the Army and bureaucracy. So, the announcement should be welcomed because it is a good and a moral step. Dineshwar Sharma will enjoy the status of a Cabinet Secretary and will have the mandate to speak to all in the valley. It will open up a possibility for the government to engage those who have already been painted anti-national by a rancid discourse where nationalism was being used as a bat to hit anyone who felt otherwise in Kashmir. The appointment of an interlocutor also confirms that Kashmir will be granted some exceptions, and the acknowledgment of the exceptionalism may pave the route for a normal valley. Though every problem in Kashmir cannot be heaped on the foot of PDP-BJP’s door, the fact remains that the strong national discourse along pro-Indian and anti-Indian lines had snatched political elbow room from BJP. The strength of the party had become its biggest disability. Despite the fact that it wanted to reach out, it could not because of the community voters BJP has ended up cultivating post-2014. It is in this context this appointment must be seen. Even if we leave aside Hurriyat which has been flirting with Pakistan and fueling unrest, the strong approach has marginalised the mainstream parties like the PDP and the NC. The sustained dialogue will create a window of opportunity for mainstream and democratic setups like PDP and NC, helping them to buffer themselves from the violence which civil society has heaped on its doorsteps. It is not without reason that PDP workers are being killed regularly. This will also give a face-saving window to Mufti who has been battling Kashmir alone. It is also not without significance that this announcement has come within 48 hours of Mufti’s absence at an official function last minute. Nonetheless, the process will allow restive rural areas to have an ordinary schedule. It is this restiveness and violence at every nook and corner which has been BJP’s headache. Many in the government would argue that BJP was already committed to the talks but the truth is that it couldn’t have been seen speaking to those who have already been branded anti-state. Dineshwar Sharma will have to escape this binary. Kashmir cannot become a casualty of liberal vs nationalist debate. He will have to walk a tightrope. The injustice done to the Kashmiri Pandits cannot be pushed under the carpet. Pandits also need a closure; they feel tightly glued to the current narrative. The valley needs to come to a normal. Kashmir has a unique place in the Indian constitution and history has to be accepted by all. Kashmir resents any change to its status. They don’t see it as an integration but an intrusion. It is a fact and people from other parts need to understand it. India is not only an amalgamation of boundaries. It is an amalgamation of ideas and people. Kashmir stands as an example of it. The only hope is that unlike previous dispensations, the Centre doesn’t sit on the recommendations. The talks must have a fruitful end as talks without purpose only fuel even more vicious cycle of violence. Kashmir will always remain part of India and not an inch would be ceded but at the end, Kashmiris are also Indians. This message needs to be loud and clear. Now, the time has come for the various Kashmiri political and social organisations to respond to this overture.

Reality bites: Centre appoints an interlocutor for Kashmir talks

<p>PDP leader Vikramaditya Singh, grandson of Kashmir ruler Maharaja Hari Singh resigned from the party today, stating that his views on many issues including the illegal settlement of Rohingyas in the state and the inclusion of the period pertaining to Dogra rule in school textbooks were not appreciated by the government.</p>

<p>In a letter addressed to chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, the son of senior Congress leader Dr Karan Singh wrote, &quot;In the last several months, the views that I have publicly expressed about my concerns for our state in general and Jammu region in particular have not been in harmony with the party line. These issues include, among others, the question of illegal settlement of Rohingyas in the state, the inclusion of the period pertaining to Dogra rule and contributions made by the rulers in school textbooks and the demand for public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh <em>ji</em>. it is clear that the PDP has rejected these issues that reflect the sentiments of the people of Jammu region.&quot;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


He said his views on many issues including the illegal settlement of Rohingyas in the state and the inclusion of the period pertaining to Dogra rule in school textbooks were not appreciated by the government

PDP leader Vikramaditya Singh, grandson of Kashmir ruler Maharaja Hari Singh resigned from the party today, stating that his views on many issues including the illegal settlement of Rohingyas in the state and the inclusion of the period pertaining to Dogra rule in school textbooks were not appreciated by the government. In a letter addressed to chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, the son of senior Congress leader Dr Karan Singh wrote, "In the last several months, the views that I have publicly expressed about my concerns for our state in general and Jammu region in particular have not been in harmony with the party line. These issues include, among others, the question of illegal settlement of Rohingyas in the state, the inclusion of the period pertaining to Dogra rule and contributions made by the rulers in school textbooks and the demand for public holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh ji. it is clear that the PDP has rejected these issues that reflect the sentiments of the people of Jammu region."

Maharaja Hari Singh's grandson resigns from PDP

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti asked television news channels Monday to not conduct discussions that spread hatred against the people of Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I request national media to not show discussions on TV that spread hatred against people of J&amp;K,&quot; ANI reported her as saying. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I request national media to not show discussions on TV that spread hatred against people of J&amp;K, in the country: Mehbooba Mufti, J&amp;K CM <a href="https://t.co/f9YMgXB87i">pic.twitter.com/f9YMgXB87i</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/861450175197306881">May 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Few people pelt stones, all youths of J&amp;K don&#39;t do that,&quot; ANI reported her as saying.</p>

<p>If all the children had sloganeered so many of them would not have passed the recent examinations, she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been difficult to explain Kashmir, and why its populace might want independence from the mainland, to the Indian public. &nbsp;</p>

<p>TV news discussions on Kashmir tend to be heated, with Kashmiris and Indians usually coming down on opposite sides. The ensuing polarisation has not helped matters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


'I request national media to not show discussions on TV that spread hatred against people of J&K,' she said

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti asked television news channels Monday to not conduct discussions that spread hatred against the people of Kashmir. "I request national media to not show discussions on TV that spread hatred against people of J&K," ANI reported her as saying. I request national media to not show discussions on TV that spread hatred against people of J&K, in the country: Mehbooba Mufti, J&K CM pic.twitter.com/f9YMgXB87i — ANI (@ANI_news) May 8, 2017 × "Few people pelt stones, all youths of J&K don't do that," ANI reported her as saying. If all the children had sloganeered so many of them would not have passed the recent examinations, she added. It has been difficult to explain Kashmir, and why its populace might want independence from the mainland, to the Indian public. TV news discussions on Kashmir tend to be heated, with Kashmiris and Indians usually coming down on opposite sides. The ensuing polarisation has not helped matters. (WION)

Don't hold discussions that spread hatred of Kashmiris: Mehbooba to TV channels

<p>Sunday&#39;s&nbsp;bypolls in India&#39;s Kashmir was marked by deadly violence and a poor turnout.</p>

<p>On a day when seven&nbsp;civilians were killed in the troubled state, voting in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat saw an abysmally low turnout of 6.5 per cent.</p>

<p>Chief Electoral Officer Shantanu told journalists that more than 100 security personnel were also injured in the violence.</p>

<p>When asked as to how many polling stations he expected repoll to be ordered, the officer said it could be anywhere between 50 and 100 booths or maybe more.</p>

<p>Shantanu said Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in south Kashmir, where bypoll is scheduled for April 12, would pose a &quot;bigger challenge&quot;.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti&#39;s younger brother Tasaduq Mufti is making his electoral debut from Anantnag.</p>

<p><strong>Violence erupts on voting day</strong></p>

<p>Security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob that stormed a polling station in Kashmir&#39;s Budgam district while voting was underway for the Srinagar parliamentary&nbsp;constituency, PTI reported</p>

<p>Hundreds of protesters stormed a polling station at Pakherpora in Charar-e-Sharief area of Budgam district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another incident, security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Budgam&#39;s Beerwah area, resulting in the death of a person.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were also reported in Srinagar parliamentary constituency, police said.</p>

<p>Separatists had called for a strike asking Kashmiris to boycott the polls. Normal life was affected in three poll-bound districts of the valley because of the strike.</p>

<p>Most of the shops and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts. Public transport also remained off the roads.</p>

<p>The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after ruling PDP&#39;s Tariq Hameed Karra resigned protesting against the deaths of protesters in the wake of the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani.</p>

<p>Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and&nbsp;National Conference&nbsp;patron Farooq Abdullah is&nbsp;contending the vacant seat with PDP&#39;s Nazir Ahmad Khan.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">J&amp;K: Voting underway for Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll <a href="https://t.co/GMu2EK1p2J">pic.twitter.com/GMu2EK1p2J</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/850932799511113728">April 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>All the polling stations were declared as sensitive or hyper-sensitive keeping in mind threats from terrorist outfits and separatists. &nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,500 polling stations were set up for nearly 12.61 lakh electorate. Polling began at 7 am and ended at 5 in the evening.</p>

<p>Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the disputed territory in its entirety.</p>

<p>Rebel groups in Indian Kashmir have for decades battled troops and police, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan.</p>

<p>Around 500,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in the region.</p>

<p>Armed encounters between rebels and government forces have become more frequent following widespread unrest which was sparked by the killing of a popular rebel leader by security forces last July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police and army officials say dozens of local youths have joined the rebel ranks since then.</p>

<p>At least 29 armed militants, mostly locals, have died fighting government forces this year.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agency)</p>


Deadly clashes, coupled with calls for strike from Kashmiri separatists, meant that voter turnout remained abysmally low at 6.5%

Sunday's bypolls in India's Kashmir was marked by deadly violence and a poor turnout. On a day when seven civilians were killed in the troubled state, voting in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat saw an abysmally low turnout of 6.5 per cent. Chief Electoral Officer Shantanu told journalists that more than 100 security personnel were also injured in the violence. When asked as to how many polling stations he expected repoll to be ordered, the officer said it could be anywhere between 50 and 100 booths or maybe more. Shantanu said Anantnag Lok Sabha seat in south Kashmir, where bypoll is scheduled for April 12, would pose a "bigger challenge". Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's younger brother Tasaduq Mufti is making his electoral debut from Anantnag. Violence erupts on voting day Security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob that stormed a polling station in Kashmir's Budgam district while voting was underway for the Srinagar parliamentary constituency, PTI reported Hundreds of protesters stormed a polling station at Pakherpora in Charar-e-Sharief area of Budgam district. In another incident, security forces opened fire on a stone-pelting mob in Budgam's Beerwah area, resulting in the death of a person. Sporadic incidents of stone pelting were also reported in Srinagar parliamentary constituency, police said. Separatists had called for a strike asking Kashmiris to boycott the polls. Normal life was affected in three poll-bound districts of the valley because of the strike. Most of the shops and other business establishments remained closed in Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts. Public transport also remained off the roads. The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after ruling PDP's Tariq Hameed Karra resigned protesting against the deaths of protesters in the wake of the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah is contending the vacant seat with PDP's Nazir Ahmad Khan. J&K: Voting underway for Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll pic.twitter.com/GMu2EK1p2J — ANI (@ANI_news) April 9, 2017 × All the polling stations were declared as sensitive or hyper-sensitive keeping in mind threats from terrorist outfits and separatists. More than 1,500 polling stations were set up for nearly 12.61 lakh electorate. Polling began at 7 am and ended at 5 in the evening. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the disputed territory in its entirety. Rebel groups in Indian Kashmir have for decades battled troops and police, demanding independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. Around 500,000 Indian soldiers are deployed in the region. Armed encounters between rebels and government forces have become more frequent following widespread unrest which was sparked by the killing of a popular rebel leader by security forces last July. Police and army officials say dozens of local youths have joined the rebel ranks since then. At least 29 armed militants, mostly locals, have died fighting government forces this year. (WION with inputs from agency)

Jammu and Kashmir: Seven dead as violence mars Srinagar bypoll

About six to eight militants on Sunday attacked the guard post at the residence of Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s ruling People&#39;s Democratic Party&#39;s (PDP) district president and snatched weapons of police personnel, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Unidentified militants perpetrated the attack in the northern state at the residence of advocate Jawed Ahmed Sheikh, district president of PDP at Dayalgam in Anantnag at around 9.30 PM and snatched four AK rifles (also known as the Kalashnikov) from the security personnel, a police official was quoted as saying.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
It&#39;s pertinent to mention that PDP is ruling the northernmost state in coalition with India&#39;s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Following the attack, an alert was reported sounded in south Kashmir area to trace the militants, he said.<br />
<br />
The police official also confirmed to the news agency that this is the fifth such incident of weapon snatching in the Valley after Kashmir Valley was gripped with unrest following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The attack was reported on the same day when an Indian Army base was attacked in the Uri area &nbsp;of Kashmir leaving at least 17 soldiers dead.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Unidentified militants perpetrated the attack at the residence of advocate Jawed Ahmed Sheikh, district president of PDP at Dayalgam

About six to eight militants on Sunday attacked the guard post at the residence of Jammu and Kashmir's ruling People's Democratic Party's (PDP) district president and snatched weapons of police personnel, Indian news agency PTI reported. Unidentified militants perpetrated the attack in the northern state at the residence of advocate Jawed Ahmed Sheikh, district president of PDP at Dayalgam in Anantnag at around 9.30 PM and snatched four AK rifles (also known as the Kalashnikov) from the security personnel, a police official was quoted as saying. It's pertinent to mention that PDP is ruling the northernmost state in coalition with India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following the attack, an alert was reported sounded in south Kashmir area to trace the militants, he said. The police official also confirmed to the news agency that this is the fifth such incident of weapon snatching in the Valley after Kashmir Valley was gripped with unrest following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. The attack was reported on the same day when an Indian Army base was attacked in the Uri area of Kashmir leaving at least 17 soldiers dead. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: Militants attack residence of ruling party's leader in Kashmir, flee with four rifles

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