National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank.

The National Conference, its arch-rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and new entrant People's Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone have been talking about protection of Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution in their rallies in the run-up to the polling which is scheduled to begin on April 11, latching on to BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks that Article 35A will be repealed by 2020.

"Protecting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as guaranteed in the Constitution of the country, is one of the main cornerstones of our campaign for these elections," National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah told PTI.

The former chief minister dismissed suggestions that six Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir were numerically insignificant in case the special provision related to the state was to be scrapped through legislation in Parliament.

"It is not a numerical argument, it is an argument based on facts. Yes, we only have six seats but Jammu and Kashmir bats far above its rankings otherwise. The smallest thing in Jammu and Kashmir becomes international news, very big things in other states are often ignored. So, I think six members in Parliament can do more than 60 from another state," he said.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is using the special status of the state and the buzz surrounding it to stage a comeback after her party's coalition government with the BJP fell last year.

She has adopted a more hardline posture than any of the regional parties on the issues related to Article 35A and Article 370.

"The relationship between our state and the country is based on our special constitutional position that legitimises it. If we remove, what legalises this relationship, it will turn into an occupation and colonisation," she said.

Mehbooba, while reacting to Shah's remarks on Article 35A, said the relation of Jammu and Kashmir with India will end if the terms and conditions of state's accession to the Union were changed.&nbsp;

"2020 will also be a deadline from Jammu and Kashmir to the nation. If you remove those terms and conditions on which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, our relation with the country will also finish," the former chief minister, who is contesting from Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, said.

Lone, who was a minister in the PDP-led coalition government in the state from the BJP quota, has also vowed to defend the state's special status.

"Article 35A is a matter of faith and dignity for the people of the J&amp;K through which the Constitution of India guarantees to safeguard the special identity and unique status of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. In matters of pride and identity, profit and loss are immaterial. Can a country allow a foreign country to undermine its sovereignty and national pride just for the sake of some monetary gains," Lone asked.

He said Jammu and Kashmir was not the only state with special residency laws.

"All northeastern states and even Himachal Pradesh have laws prohibiting non-locals from purchasing land. Why are politicians in New Delhi only against J&amp;K's special status? What are their views on Art 371-A to 371-K which guarantee provisions like 370 as applicable to the northeastern states," he said.

Although Congress leaders in their campaign have focussed more on issues dominating the discourse at the national level, the local leaders have made it a point to raise the issue of protecting the special status in electioneering in the valley.

"No power in the world can revoke Article 370 and Article 35-A," state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who is contesting from the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, claimed.&nbsp;

National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank.

National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank. The National Conference, its arch-rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and new entrant People's Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone have been talking about protection of Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution in their rallies in the run-up to the polling which is scheduled to begin on April 11, latching on to BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks that Article 35A will be repealed by 2020. "Protecting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as guaranteed in the Constitution of the country, is one of the main cornerstones of our campaign for these elections," National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah told PTI. The former chief minister dismissed suggestions that six Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir were numerically insignificant in case the special provision related to the state was to be scrapped through legislation in Parliament. "It is not a numerical argument, it is an argument based on facts. Yes, we only have six seats but Jammu and Kashmir bats far above its rankings otherwise. The smallest thing in Jammu and Kashmir becomes international news, very big things in other states are often ignored. So, I think six members in Parliament can do more than 60 from another state," he said. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is using the special status of the state and the buzz surrounding it to stage a comeback after her party's coalition government with the BJP fell last year. She has adopted a more hardline posture than any of the regional parties on the issues related to Article 35A and Article 370. "The relationship between our state and the country is based on our special constitutional position that legitimises it. If we remove, what legalises this relationship, it will turn into an occupation and colonisation," she said. Mehbooba, while reacting to Shah's remarks on Article 35A, said the relation of Jammu and Kashmir with India will end if the terms and conditions of state's accession to the Union were changed. "2020 will also be a deadline from Jammu and Kashmir to the nation. If you remove those terms and conditions on which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, our relation with the country will also finish," the former chief minister, who is contesting from Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, said. Lone, who was a minister in the PDP-led coalition government in the state from the BJP quota, has also vowed to defend the state's special status. "Article 35A is a matter of faith and dignity for the people of the J&K through which the Constitution of India guarantees to safeguard the special identity and unique status of Jammu & Kashmir. In matters of pride and identity, profit and loss are immaterial. Can a country allow a foreign country to undermine its sovereignty and national pride just for the sake of some monetary gains," Lone asked. He said Jammu and Kashmir was not the only state with special residency laws. "All northeastern states and even Himachal Pradesh have laws prohibiting non-locals from purchasing land. Why are politicians in New Delhi only against J&K's special status? What are their views on Art 371-A to 371-K which guarantee provisions like 370 as applicable to the northeastern states," he said. Although Congress leaders in their campaign have focussed more on issues dominating the discourse at the national level, the local leaders have made it a point to raise the issue of protecting the special status in electioneering in the valley. "No power in the world can revoke Article 370 and Article 35-A," state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who is contesting from the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, claimed.

Lok Sabha elections: J&K parties make special status key poll issue

Amid the rising conflict within the NDA alliance, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday hinted at the party's efforts on bringing in new allies ahead of the 2019&nbsp;Lok Sabha polls.

In an interview to news agency ANI, Madhav admitted that certain smaller allies of the BJP have parted ways with the party.

He also added&nbsp;that BJP was now working on inducting new allies.

"Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-quitting-nda-upendra-kushwaha-joins-mahagathbandhan-in-bihar-185506">Kushwaha</a> have decided to leave us but we are working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India and Eastern India, " Madhav said.

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Ram Madhav, BJP: Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like Kushwaha have decided to leave us but we’re working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India &amp; Eastern India. <a href="https://t.co/cx4gtL3CYH">pic.twitter.com/cx4gtL3CYH</a>
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NDA recently lost&nbsp;Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the alliance on December 10 and joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar.

Chandrababu Naidu led Telugu Desam Party had earlier ended its alliance with the NDA in March.

Speaking about the recent victories of the Congress, Madhav said that though the party won the polls, the opposition was still not ready to accept Rahul Gandhi as its leader of the mahagathbandhan. Madhav said six leaders were there in the queue to become the prime minister.

"Rahul Gandhi is the leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress? He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls and brought some victories to Congress, there’s no doubt about it. If Rahul Gandhi could have been an option for PM candidate because of recent victories, then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan. Even today, no one, except Stalin, is ready to confirm the name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There are six people in queue to become PM".

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Ram Madhav,BJP: If Rahul Gandhi could've been option for PM candidate because of recent victories,then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan.Even today, no one,except Stalin, is ready to confirm name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There're 6 ppl in queue to become PM <a href="https://t.co/Xv3hRwmp4x">https://t.co/Xv3hRwmp4x</a>
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Ram Madhav also hailed the BJP government for bringing in the Triple Talaq Bill. He said, "It's a historic decision of PM Modi’s government to bring this issue of gender justice and equality. Large sections of civil society including Muslims welcomed it, it's a boon for Muslim women. Matter is before Parliament,I’m sure there’ll be meaningful debate".

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Ram Madhav,BJP: Rahul Gandhi is leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress?He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls&amp;brought some victories to Congress,there’s no doubt about it <a href="https://t.co/CJTIQdgmwB">pic.twitter.com/CJTIQdgmwB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077870340993355776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Speaking on the Ram Temple Madhav said, "Option of ordinance has always been there. But matter is right now in Supreme Court and it&nbsp;has given a date of January 4 to decide about next bench. We hoping SC will take it in fast-track way and conclude it early. If that’s not going to happen, we'll explore other options".

Amid the rising conflict within the NDA alliance, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday hinted at the party's efforts on bringing in new allies ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Amid the rising conflict within the NDA alliance, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav on Wednesday hinted at the party's efforts on bringing in new allies ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In an interview to news agency ANI, Madhav admitted that certain smaller allies of the BJP have parted ways with the party. He also added that BJP was now working on inducting new allies. "Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like Kushwaha have decided to leave us but we are working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India and Eastern India, " Madhav said. Ram Madhav, BJP: Alliance politics is all about accommodation and adjustment and for that BJP is ready. It is true that certain smaller allies like Kushwaha have decided to leave us but we’re working on bringing new allies into our fold especially in South India & Eastern India. pic.twitter.com/cx4gtL3CYH — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × NDA recently lost Upendra Kushwaha who pulled out from the alliance on December 10 and joined the mahagathbandhan in Bihar. Chandrababu Naidu led Telugu Desam Party had earlier ended its alliance with the NDA in March. Speaking about the recent victories of the Congress, Madhav said that though the party won the polls, the opposition was still not ready to accept Rahul Gandhi as its leader of the mahagathbandhan. Madhav said six leaders were there in the queue to become the prime minister. "Rahul Gandhi is the leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress? He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls and brought some victories to Congress, there’s no doubt about it. If Rahul Gandhi could have been an option for PM candidate because of recent victories, then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan. Even today, no one, except Stalin, is ready to confirm the name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There are six people in queue to become PM". Ram Madhav,BJP: If Rahul Gandhi could've been option for PM candidate because of recent victories,then there would've been no need for Mahagathbandhan.Even today, no one,except Stalin, is ready to confirm name of the leader of Mahagathbandhan. There're 6 ppl in queue to become PM https://t.co/Xv3hRwmp4x — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × Ram Madhav also hailed the BJP government for bringing in the Triple Talaq Bill. He said, "It's a historic decision of PM Modi’s government to bring this issue of gender justice and equality. Large sections of civil society including Muslims welcomed it, it's a boon for Muslim women. Matter is before Parliament,I’m sure there’ll be meaningful debate". Ram Madhav,BJP: Rahul Gandhi is leader of Congress. It's for them to decide if his leadership is beneficial to them or not. How can we comment on his leadership for Congress?He tried his electoral mettle in recent polls&brought some victories to Congress,there’s no doubt about it pic.twitter.com/CJTIQdgmwB — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × Speaking on the Ram Temple Madhav said, "Option of ordinance has always been there. But matter is right now in Supreme Court and it has given a date of January 4 to decide about next bench. We hoping SC will take it in fast-track way and conclude it early. If that’s not going to happen, we'll explore other options".

Working on bringing new allies into our folds: BJP general secretary Ram Madhav

Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight.

President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state.

In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution."

The state plunged into a political crisis in June after the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP alliance led by Mehbooba Mufti.

Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier sent a report recommending the establishment of the President's rule in the state. Following this, a cabinet headed by PM Modi decided for the imposition of the President's rule in the state.

After the proclamation, the powers of the Legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.

Since the state has a separate Constitution, in such cases, six months of governor's rule is compulsory under Article 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, under which all the legislature powers are vested with the governor.

The governor on November 21 dissolved the 87-member state assembly after the PDP, supported by the Congress and their arch-rivals National Conference, had staked claim to form the government.&nbsp;

Simultaneously, the two-member People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone had also staked claim to form a government with 25 members of the BJP and other 18 unknown members.

The governor had dissolved the assembly citing horse trading and lack of stability to form a government as the reasons.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight. President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir which has been under the Governor's rule for the past six months will come under the President's rule from Wednesday midnight. President Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation which cleared the way for the imposition of central rule in the state. In a gazette notification, President Kovind said, "In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I assume to myself as President of India all the functions of the Government of the said state and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that state under the Constitution and the state Constitution." The state plunged into a political crisis in June after the BJP withdrew its support from the PDP alliance led by Mehbooba Mufti. Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier sent a report recommending the establishment of the President's rule in the state. Following this, a cabinet headed by PM Modi decided for the imposition of the President's rule in the state. After the proclamation, the powers of the Legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament. Since the state has a separate Constitution, in such cases, six months of governor's rule is compulsory under Article 92 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, under which all the legislature powers are vested with the governor. The governor on November 21 dissolved the 87-member state assembly after the PDP, supported by the Congress and their arch-rivals National Conference, had staked claim to form the government. Simultaneously, the two-member People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone had also staked claim to form a government with 25 members of the BJP and other 18 unknown members. The governor had dissolved the assembly citing horse trading and lack of stability to form a government as the reasons. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir to come under President's rule from midnight

Days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-mehbooba-mufti-writes-to-governor-stakes-claim-to-form-government-178644">dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir</a>, the Congress demanded&nbsp;that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule".

"The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-did-not-act-on-bjps-behest-nobody-gave-me-list-of-mlas-says-jk-governor-satya-pal-malik-after-dissolving-assembly-178721"> Governor's (Satya Pal Malik)</a> rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here.

"BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&amp;K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said.

"Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&amp;K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible."

"This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said.

The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress.

This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties.

Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&amp;K and Ladakh into deep violence".

Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged.

"Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added. 
&nbsp;

Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule".

Days after the dissolution of the Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress demanded that elections be held in the state as early as possible to "restore" democracy, as it termed the Governor's rule in the state as "Modi rule". Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala termed the Governor's rule in the state as a "de facto Modi rule". "The Governor's (Satya Pal Malik) rule in Kashmir is (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi rule. It is BJP rule," he told reporters here. "BJP, in collusion with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ran the show in J&K and Ladakh from behind the curtain. It is all the more important today that democracy is restored there," Surjewala said. "Only elections can pave the way for formation of people's government in J&K," he said, adding, "So Modi-ji and the Governor should get elections held as soon as possible." "This is our direct and clear demand," Surjewala said. The Governor abruptly dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Wednesday night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival NC and the Congress. This was followed by another bid from the two-member People's Conference which claimed the support of the BJP and 18 legislators from other parties. Besides slamming the move, Surjewala also targeted the Modi government for "pushing J&K and Ladakh into deep violence". Neither the Pakistan-exported terrorism stopped nor did violence cease, Surjewala alleged. "Neither ceasefire violation by Pakistani Army stopped nor was the prime minister with 56-inch chest able to stop Pakistan from exporting extremists," the Congress leader added.

Governor rule in J&K 'de facto' Modi rule, says Congress as it seeks fresh polls soon

A day after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/best-option-in-jk-is-fresh-polls-at-earliest-says-bjp-178700">Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K) assembly</a> was dissolved, governor Satya Pal Malik said his decision was made in favour of the state and he was not acting on BJP's behest.

"Nobody&nbsp;gave me a&nbsp;list of MLAs,"&nbsp;the governor said while declaring that he could not allow horse-trading in the assembly.

"Are government's formed through social media? I neither tweet nor see the tweets. I selected yesterday for the decision to dissolve the assembly as it was a holy day, it was Eid," he said&nbsp;on Mehbooba Mufti's letter sent to him in the form of a tweet

"It is the Election Commission's job to decide on the date of the elections,"&nbsp;he said. "I did not act on BJP's behest," he added.

The J&amp;K assembly was abruptly dissolved by the governor after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference(NC) and the Congress. Another bid to form the government was made by two-member People's Conference.

The dissolution was announced by governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by Raj Bhavan.

"Why will they go to court? They were demanding this for five months. I want that they go to court, it's their right, they should go," he said after some leaders expressed their willingness to challenge the governor's decision in court.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, National Conference(NC) leader today accused the BJP of being behind the dissolution of J&amp;K assembly which was announced by governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday&nbsp;night.

"J&amp;K has been subjected to a lot of suffering," the former chief minister said, adding that talks were going on for an alliance. "We have interests of the people in mind," he asserted.

Omar said NC and PDP were in talks to form the next government in the state.

"I do not want to be chief minister," Omar told reporters at a press conference in Srinagar. He informed that the NC core group had held a meeting today to take stock of the situation.

Taking a jibe at the governor, Omar said fax machine had become the new political player in J&amp;K. He said the BJP wanted elections in the state.&nbsp;

The BJP said: "The proposed alliance between the Congress and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it."

"The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government," it added.

A day after the Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) assembly was dissolved, governor Satya Pal Malik said his decision was made in favour of the state and he was not acting on BJP's behest.

A day after the Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) assembly was dissolved, governor Satya Pal Malik said his decision was made in favour of the state and he was not acting on BJP's behest. "Nobody gave me a list of MLAs," the governor said while declaring that he could not allow horse-trading in the assembly. "Are government's formed through social media? I neither tweet nor see the tweets. I selected yesterday for the decision to dissolve the assembly as it was a holy day, it was Eid," he said on Mehbooba Mufti's letter sent to him in the form of a tweet "It is the Election Commission's job to decide on the date of the elections," he said. "I did not act on BJP's behest," he added. The J&K assembly was abruptly dissolved by the governor after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference(NC) and the Congress. Another bid to form the government was made by two-member People's Conference. The dissolution was announced by governor Satyapal Malik in a communique released by Raj Bhavan. "Why will they go to court? They were demanding this for five months. I want that they go to court, it's their right, they should go," he said after some leaders expressed their willingness to challenge the governor's decision in court. Meanwhile, National Conference(NC) leader today accused the BJP of being behind the dissolution of J&K assembly which was announced by governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday night. "J&K has been subjected to a lot of suffering," the former chief minister said, adding that talks were going on for an alliance. "We have interests of the people in mind," he asserted. Omar said NC and PDP were in talks to form the next government in the state. "I do not want to be chief minister," Omar told reporters at a press conference in Srinagar. He informed that the NC core group had held a meeting today to take stock of the situation. Taking a jibe at the governor, Omar said fax machine had become the new political player in J&K. He said the BJP wanted elections in the state. The BJP said: "The proposed alliance between the Congress and the PDP broke up even before it was formed. They have taken contradictory positions on dissolution. One supports it and the other opposes it." "The best option in such a scenario is to go in for a fresh election at the earliest. This assembly cannot produce a stable government," it added.

I did not act on BJP's behest, says J&K governor Satya Pal Malik after dissolving assembly

After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state.&nbsp;

The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference.

The coming together of the National Conference, the People's Democratic Party and the Congress, in what is seen as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-pdp-in-kashmir-145468">grand alliance</a>, was announced by senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari at his residence.&nbsp;

"All the three parties decided to join hands to defend the special status of the state, keeping in view the political situation and special status of the state," Altaf, who is seen as a front-runner for the chief ministerial chair, told WION in an exclusive chat.

He told WION that a formal announcement about the formation of the government would be made soon. "We have 60 MLAs to keep the communal forces away from the state and an alliance has been agreed," he said.&nbsp;

The alliance will also save the PDP from breaking as some of its senior members had rebelled against the party over a number of issues and were part of the Third Front which was emerging stronger by the day.&nbsp;

Backed by the BJP, the Third Front was emerging as an alternative to the traditional political parties which have ruled Kashmir for decades. But they don't have the numbers to prove their majority in the state assembly which is currently in suspended animation.

J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier said that he wouldn't dissolve the assembly but there were no signs of any government formation.&nbsp;

Sources have told WION that several informal talks were held between the political parties over the joining of hands, adding that the aim of government formation was also to stop J&amp;K from slipping into the hands of Governor's Rule.

"Congress MLAs have submitted their written consent to the party for the formation of government," a source in the PDP told WION.&nbsp;

The National Conference has called for a core group meeting tomorrow with top leaders from the three regions of the Himalayan state. The Congress' J&amp;K-in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir has flown to Delhi to meet the party's top leadership over the issue while other members have been called on the 23rd to deliberate further.&nbsp;

After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state. The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference.

After the emergence of the third front in Jammu and Kashmir, three political parties have come together to form a government in the state. The development came a day after senior PDP leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig showed his willingness to join the Third Front, currently led by Sajjad Gani Lone of the People's Conference. The coming together of the National Conference, the People's Democratic Party and the Congress, in what is seen as a grand alliance, was announced by senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari at his residence. "All the three parties decided to join hands to defend the special status of the state, keeping in view the political situation and special status of the state," Altaf, who is seen as a front-runner for the chief ministerial chair, told WION in an exclusive chat. He told WION that a formal announcement about the formation of the government would be made soon. "We have 60 MLAs to keep the communal forces away from the state and an alliance has been agreed," he said. The alliance will also save the PDP from breaking as some of its senior members had rebelled against the party over a number of issues and were part of the Third Front which was emerging stronger by the day. Backed by the BJP, the Third Front was emerging as an alternative to the traditional political parties which have ruled Kashmir for decades. But they don't have the numbers to prove their majority in the state assembly which is currently in suspended animation. J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier said that he wouldn't dissolve the assembly but there were no signs of any government formation. Sources have told WION that several informal talks were held between the political parties over the joining of hands, adding that the aim of government formation was also to stop J&K from slipping into the hands of Governor's Rule. "Congress MLAs have submitted their written consent to the party for the formation of government," a source in the PDP told WION. The National Conference has called for a core group meeting tomorrow with top leaders from the three regions of the Himalayan state. The Congress' J&K-in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir has flown to Delhi to meet the party's top leadership over the issue while other members have been called on the 23rd to deliberate further.

PDP, NC, Congress join hands in Jammu & Kashmir, will try and form government

The Congress, the People's Democratic Party, and the National Conference are in talks to form a coalition and the next government in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, news reports said Wednesday.&nbsp;

Top sources told WION that the idea was to form a government, then dissolve the house in a couple of months and go in for fresh elections.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir has been under Governor's Rule since June 19 when the BJP pulled out of a coalition government with the PDP. Governor's Rule comes to an end next month on December 19.&nbsp;

The fast-paced developments in Kashmir were spurred after senior PDP leader Muzaffar Baig said yesterday that he was ready to join the third front. 
&nbsp; 
There are currently multiple meetings underway both in Jammu and Srinagar.

Senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari meanwhile has met with Omar Abdullah to discuss a&nbsp;plan of action.&nbsp;

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Who ever said “may you live in interesting times” knew what they were talking about.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1065200799859519488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Abdullah meanwhile tweeted Wednesday that "Whoever said 'may you live in interesting times' knew what they were talking about'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ANI quoted Bukhari as saying "my leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP and NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news."&nbsp;&nbsp;

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My leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP &amp; NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news: Altaf Bukhari, PDP <a href="https://t.co/5tHEdBoOGJ">pic.twitter.com/5tHEdBoOGJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065190457527975937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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News reports Wednesday said Bukhari was emerging as the chief ministerial face of the grand coalition.&nbsp;

The reports added that the leaders of the three parties would meet with Governor Satyapal Malik on Thursday.&nbsp;

The PDP has 29 MLAs in the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly, the Congress has 12 and the National Conference has 15, putting them well ahead of the halfway mark of 44.&nbsp;

The news reports Wednesday added that should the grand coalition come into effect, it could also serve as a template for the possible BJP vs The Rest battle in the 2019 elections.&nbsp;

The Congress, the People's Democratic Party, and the National Conference are in talks to form a coalition and the next government in Jammu & Kashmir, news reports said Wednesday.

The Congress, the People's Democratic Party, and the National Conference are in talks to form a coalition and the next government in Jammu & Kashmir, news reports said Wednesday. Top sources told WION that the idea was to form a government, then dissolve the house in a couple of months and go in for fresh elections. Jammu and Kashmir has been under Governor's Rule since June 19 when the BJP pulled out of a coalition government with the PDP. Governor's Rule comes to an end next month on December 19. The fast-paced developments in Kashmir were spurred after senior PDP leader Muzaffar Baig said yesterday that he was ready to join the third front. There are currently multiple meetings underway both in Jammu and Srinagar. Senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari meanwhile has met with Omar Abdullah to discuss a plan of action. Who ever said “may you live in interesting times” knew what they were talking about. — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 21, 2018 × Abdullah meanwhile tweeted Wednesday that "Whoever said 'may you live in interesting times' knew what they were talking about'. ANI quoted Bukhari as saying "my leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP and NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news." My leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP & NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon you will get a good news: Altaf Bukhari, PDP pic.twitter.com/5tHEdBoOGJ — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × News reports Wednesday said Bukhari was emerging as the chief ministerial face of the grand coalition. The reports added that the leaders of the three parties would meet with Governor Satyapal Malik on Thursday. The PDP has 29 MLAs in the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly, the Congress has 12 and the National Conference has 15, putting them well ahead of the halfway mark of 44. The news reports Wednesday added that should the grand coalition come into effect, it could also serve as a template for the possible BJP vs The Rest battle in the 2019 elections.

Congress, PDP and NC to align, form next government in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir's state cabinet will undergo a reshuffle on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh noted on Saturday that the PDP-BJP alliance government will undertake a cabinet reshuffle on April 30.

According to Singh, the reshuffle would see the induction of some new ministers.

"The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on April 30," Singh noted.

The list of the inductees is yet to be finalised, shared Singh.

As per reports, a couple of ministers of state (MosS) may get elevated to the Cabinet rank.

The BJP's state cadre had held a meeting with party's top officials in New Delhi last Sunday to discuss and finalise new inductees and to assess the performance of the current state ministers.

On April 17, nine state ministers from Jammu and Kashmir were asked to step down to enable the party to bring in new faces in the Mufti cabinet.

The BJP has been experiencing pressure mounting over its ministers, Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Gangam, who allegedly supported the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case.&nbsp;

Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS.

The J&K cabinet can have a maximum of 25 ministers, including the chief minister. While 14 portfolios rest with the PDP, the BJP holds the remaining.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS

Jammu and Kashmir's state cabinet will undergo a reshuffle on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh noted on Saturday that the PDP-BJP alliance government will undertake a cabinet reshuffle on April 30. According to Singh, the reshuffle would see the induction of some new ministers. "The oath ceremony will take place at 12 noon on April 30," Singh noted. The list of the inductees is yet to be finalised, shared Singh. As per reports, a couple of ministers of state (MosS) may get elevated to the Cabinet rank. The BJP's state cadre had held a meeting with party's top officials in New Delhi last Sunday to discuss and finalise new inductees and to assess the performance of the current state ministers. On April 17, nine state ministers from Jammu and Kashmir were asked to step down to enable the party to bring in new faces in the Mufti cabinet. The BJP has been experiencing pressure mounting over its ministers, Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Gangam, who allegedly supported the accused in the Kathua rape and murder case. Currently, the BJP has six cabinet ministers, including associate member Sajad Lone, and three MoS. The J&K cabinet can have a maximum of 25 ministers, including the chief minister. While 14 portfolios rest with the PDP, the BJP holds the remaining. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K cabinet reshuffle on Monday: Deputy Chief Minister

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. 
&nbsp 
“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.

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/989090073802170370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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.&nbsp 
&nbsp 
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. 
&nbsp 
“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. 
&nbsp 
Former Chief Minister and the leader of Opposition, Omar Abdullah said, "it’s tragic that a political worker is disowned after he is killed".

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/989108468048060416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“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. 
&nbsp 
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.

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<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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/989101562499825664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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. 
&nbsp 
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. 
&nbsp 
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

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

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 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

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.

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&nbsp;

The BJP ministers' are resigning from the party to make way for new BJP leaders as the party plans to reshuffle.

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.

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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) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986269154859765760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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

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.&nbsp;

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

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;

&quot;Modi Ji dithers&quot;, he added. &nbsp;

&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;

&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;

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1. PDP says &ldquo;talks&rdquo; with Pakistan. 
 
2. BJP Defence Minister says &quot;Pakistan will pay the price&quot;. 
 
While our soldiers pay with their blood for BJP/ PDP&rsquo;s opportunistic alliance and non-existent Kashmir policy; Modi Ji dithers.
&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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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;

The PDP and the BJP are in &nbsp;power in Kashmir.&nbsp;

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;

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;

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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. 
~Khurram Dastgir, Minister for Defence <a href="https://t.co/EqfgiP0lHk">pic.twitter.com/EqfgiP0lHk</a>
&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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&nbsp;

'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

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. 
&nbsp; 
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. 
&nbsp; 
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&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. 
&nbsp; 
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&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. 
&nbsp; 
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.

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.

Now, the time has come for the various Kashmiri political and social organisations to respond to this overture.

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

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, &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 ji. it is clear that the PDP has rejected these issues that reflect the sentiments of the people of Jammu region.&quot; 
&nbsp;

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

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;

&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;

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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>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/861450175197306881">May 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Few people pelt stones, all youths of J&amp;K don&#39;t do that,&quot; ANI reported her as saying.

If all the children had sloganeered so many of them would not have passed the recent examinations, she added.&nbsp;

It has been difficult to explain Kashmir, and why its populace might want independence from the mainland, to the Indian public. &nbsp;

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;

(WION)

'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

Sunday&#39;s&nbsp;bypolls in India&#39;s Kashmir was marked by deadly violence and a poor turnout.

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.

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 &quot;bigger challenge&quot;.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti&#39;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&#39;s Budgam district while voting was underway for the Srinagar parliamentary&nbsp;constituency, PTI reported

Hundreds of protesters stormed a polling station at Pakherpora in Charar-e-Sharief area of Budgam district.&nbsp;

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;

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&#39;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&nbsp;National Conference&nbsp;patron Farooq Abdullah is&nbsp;contending the vacant seat with PDP&#39;s Nazir Ahmad Khan.

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J&amp;K: Voting underway for Srinagar Lok Sabha bypoll <a href="https://t.co/GMu2EK1p2J">pic.twitter.com/GMu2EK1p2J</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/850932799511113728">April 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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All the polling stations were declared as sensitive or hyper-sensitive keeping in mind threats from terrorist outfits and separatists. &nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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)

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; 
 
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; 
 
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; 
 
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.&nbsp; 
 
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; 
 
(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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