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<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pashtuns-support-freedom-of-baloch-from-pakistan-195246&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi3zNzUjdThAhUKRo8KHXJMAbUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw01zBWBaJrWLMa7J63MDfD6">Pakistani security forces</a> raided a militant hideout in a residential compound in the northwestern city of Peshawar triggering a 15-hour shootout in which a police officer and at least five suspected terrorists were killed.

Three other police officers were also injured in the operation, which has been continuing since Monday night against terrorists hiding in a three-story residential building in Hayatabad area.

The terror suspects were wanted for attacks on a judge and additional inspector-general of police, security sources said.

The operation was carried out on the basis of an intelligence tip-off regarding the presence of terrorists in the three-story residential building.&nbsp;

The operation saw the exchange of heavy fire between security forces and the terrorists.&nbsp;

The security forces blew up the main boundary walls of the house and entered the building.

The terror suspects were asked to surrender but instead, they opened fire on the security forces.&nbsp;

Police say the suspects also threw grenades, which killed an officer.&nbsp;

Pakistani security forces raided a militant hideout in a residential compound in the northwestern city of Peshawar triggering a 15-hour shootout in which a police officer and at least five suspected terrorists were killed.

Pakistani security forces raided a militant hideout in a residential compound in the northwestern city of Peshawar triggering a 15-hour shootout in which a police officer and at least five suspected terrorists were killed. Three other police officers were also injured in the operation, which has been continuing since Monday night against terrorists hiding in a three-story residential building in Hayatabad area. The terror suspects were wanted for attacks on a judge and additional inspector-general of police, security sources said. The operation was carried out on the basis of an intelligence tip-off regarding the presence of terrorists in the three-story residential building. The operation saw the exchange of heavy fire between security forces and the terrorists. The security forces blew up the main boundary walls of the house and entered the building. The terror suspects were asked to surrender but instead, they opened fire on the security forces. Police say the suspects also threw grenades, which killed an officer.

Pakistan: One police officer, five terrorists killed in shootout in Peshawar

A lot has been spoken and written about highway control in J&amp;K post both the first and second attempts at use of car bombs by Pakistan sponsored terror groups this year. Everyone is familiar with the first one at Pulwama which tragically caused forty fatalities of CRPF personnel and commenced a spiral of escalation with Pakistan, almost leading to war. The second one at Banihal, less than a month ago, is less known to the public although the media has highlighted it but without too much emphasis on the implications. It was a failed attempt by a lone wolf operative probably backed by a full network of terror. The vehicle along with explosives packed in it caught fire and was burnt down once the detonation mechanism apparently failed; the local terrorist was caught next day attempting to sneak back to the Valley from the south of Pir Panjal. It was enough to send the establishment into a tizzy with the possibility of more such attempts.

Just after the Pulwama incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) attempted different measures to reduce the footprint of vehicular movement so as to offer lesser opportunity to terrorists to target security forces’ vehicles. This included a high profile announcement of a move to authorise CRPF personnel commercial air travel between Srinagar and Jammu at government expense. A proactive decision no doubt which was much appreciated but reflected little knowledge of the reality of dynamics of security forces deployment, their logistics and movement pattern in Kashmir. After Banihal comes another announcement in aid of securing the movement of personnel in vehicles. This time the National Highway from Udhampur to Baramulla, has reportedly been reserved for movement of only army and police vehicles on Sundays and Wednesdays. No civilian vehicle is being permitted to ply from 4 AM in the morning till 7 PM in the evening on the notified days. It is being hoped that this will completely neutralise the feasibility of car bombs being rammed into a vehicle of the convoy.

As per most media analyses, if the earlier decision after Pulwama was a travesty of understanding of threats in J&amp;K the one reserving days for the army and police movement makes it even worse by its complete lack of sensitiveness. How right is this thinking and are such arrangements justified? A writ petition in J&amp;K High Court against the government direction on the restricted movement of civilian traffic is already under examination with the court asking the government to examine more options for secure convoy movement without disturbing civilian traffic.&nbsp;

There are a couple of facts which need highlighting. The first is that with the MHA decision on air travel it appeared that the CRPF, which functions under the MHA, is the only threatened entity in J&amp;K. Little is it realised that the Army mans the entire LoC and major parts of J&amp;K’s rural countryside; it’s controlling ministry the MoD did not think it fit to offer even a token gesture of permitting its personnel movement by commercial air.&nbsp; &nbsp;How can personnel under the Government of India, involved in near similar tasks and facing common threats be given different treatment? A practical look at the situation and method of movement will reveal the impossibility of securing personnel through such a gesture. Logistics is far more complicated than mere movement of troops in vehicles. The Army's system of supplies, catering to warlike situations, stretches all the way back to the hinterland and caters for stocking up to variable periods till 210 days, thus entailing a massive movement of convoys for at least six months in summer. The Ladakh region is stocked for the entire winter by using routes for large convoys running through the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

The recent chain of events and the media reporting has led to a mistaken belief that the Jammu-Srinagar convoy of the CRPF is the only major security movement in J&amp;K. Within the Valley, almost ten army convoys move every day and each one has personnel, supplies and stores with protection vehicles against possible ambush. The BSF has a few too. Thus both measures by the MHA, air travel by CRPF personnel and earmarking of convoy days with no civilian vehicular move, can only partially ameliorate the threat because there are thousands of other security personnel on the move and many more convoys than just those between Udhampur and Baramulla.

One cannot be entirely critical of the government's decision on earmarked days for convoy movement without any civilian movement. Challenging situations sometimes do demand very uncomfortable decisions. Obviously, the Banihal failed car bomb raised hackles of concern on how soon after Pulwama a second attempt was made with impunity. One can imagine the implications if like Pulwama there were once again a large number of fatal casualties. The spiral of escalation with Pakistan may have gone through the roof. However, the question is whether the current security measures have been adequately thought through. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted his observation when he found the movement of military convoys on the Srinagar - Uri road on days not earmarked for them. The reality is that military movement in and to the Valley cannot remain restricted. Contingencies being such; terrorist threats, climatic conditions and civilian street turbulence all combine to prevent any rigidity such as fixed days for convoys and other military movement. The two days on which movement of civilian traffic is banned are therefore essentially days on which convoys will possibly be dedicated to maximum personnel movement while on other days balance of logistics, not involving groups of personnel in large numbers, will move. This is the only explicable rationale of the decisions recently taken. However, they have caused much bitterness in Kashmir. The problem with our system remains our inability to take the public into confidence or have even a modicum of consultation with it. Some public articulation was necessary to tell the public in no uncertain terms that trends in terrorism result in discomfort to the common people and that full rights of the people cannot be guaranteed under the prevailing extraordinary circumstances. A similar warning through media could also be repeatedly given against stone-throwing being done by ISI sponsored mobs to prevent the conduct of anti-terrorist operations. The problem in Kashmir is that while alienated people support terrorists they also demand full rights for themselves, little realising that people in proxy conflict zones can rarely enjoy the same rights as people in peaceful areas.&nbsp;

The above is no justification for the recent decision but a more plausible explanation. With approaching summer, movement of convoys will increase causing more stringent measures leading to enhanced levels of alienation, exactly what the adversary wishes. Can better measures be thought through? Ban on movement of vehicles with less than three passengers is a possible way as suicide mode of execution can ill afford more than a lone wolf. In 2011 on public request, the Army moved its convoys from Srinagar outside timings of normal public movement. That measure can, however, decongest the road only near Srinagar. It’s a complex security issue we face and much more deliberation with some flexibility may meet the requirement, at least for some time.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-jk-s-turbulent-highway-2739017">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

A lot has been spoken and written about highway control in J&K post both the first and second attempts at use of car bombs by Pakistan sponsored terror groups this year.

A lot has been spoken and written about highway control in J&K post both the first and second attempts at use of car bombs by Pakistan sponsored terror groups this year. Everyone is familiar with the first one at Pulwama which tragically caused forty fatalities of CRPF personnel and commenced a spiral of escalation with Pakistan, almost leading to war. The second one at Banihal, less than a month ago, is less known to the public although the media has highlighted it but without too much emphasis on the implications. It was a failed attempt by a lone wolf operative probably backed by a full network of terror. The vehicle along with explosives packed in it caught fire and was burnt down once the detonation mechanism apparently failed; the local terrorist was caught next day attempting to sneak back to the Valley from the south of Pir Panjal. It was enough to send the establishment into a tizzy with the possibility of more such attempts. Just after the Pulwama incident, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) attempted different measures to reduce the footprint of vehicular movement so as to offer lesser opportunity to terrorists to target security forces’ vehicles. This included a high profile announcement of a move to authorise CRPF personnel commercial air travel between Srinagar and Jammu at government expense. A proactive decision no doubt which was much appreciated but reflected little knowledge of the reality of dynamics of security forces deployment, their logistics and movement pattern in Kashmir. After Banihal comes another announcement in aid of securing the movement of personnel in vehicles. This time the National Highway from Udhampur to Baramulla, has reportedly been reserved for movement of only army and police vehicles on Sundays and Wednesdays. No civilian vehicle is being permitted to ply from 4 AM in the morning till 7 PM in the evening on the notified days. It is being hoped that this will completely neutralise the feasibility of car bombs being rammed into a vehicle of the convoy. As per most media analyses, if the earlier decision after Pulwama was a travesty of understanding of threats in J&K the one reserving days for the army and police movement makes it even worse by its complete lack of sensitiveness. How right is this thinking and are such arrangements justified? A writ petition in J&K High Court against the government direction on the restricted movement of civilian traffic is already under examination with the court asking the government to examine more options for secure convoy movement without disturbing civilian traffic. There are a couple of facts which need highlighting. The first is that with the MHA decision on air travel it appeared that the CRPF, which functions under the MHA, is the only threatened entity in J&K. Little is it realised that the Army mans the entire LoC and major parts of J&K’s rural countryside; it’s controlling ministry the MoD did not think it fit to offer even a token gesture of permitting its personnel movement by commercial air. How can personnel under the Government of India, involved in near similar tasks and facing common threats be given different treatment? A practical look at the situation and method of movement will reveal the impossibility of securing personnel through such a gesture. Logistics is far more complicated than mere movement of troops in vehicles. The Army's system of supplies, catering to warlike situations, stretches all the way back to the hinterland and caters for stocking up to variable periods till 210 days, thus entailing a massive movement of convoys for at least six months in summer. The Ladakh region is stocked for the entire winter by using routes for large convoys running through the Kashmir Valley. The recent chain of events and the media reporting has led to a mistaken belief that the Jammu-Srinagar convoy of the CRPF is the only major security movement in J&K. Within the Valley, almost ten army convoys move every day and each one has personnel, supplies and stores with protection vehicles against possible ambush. The BSF has a few too. Thus both measures by the MHA, air travel by CRPF personnel and earmarking of convoy days with no civilian vehicular move, can only partially ameliorate the threat because there are thousands of other security personnel on the move and many more convoys than just those between Udhampur and Baramulla. One cannot be entirely critical of the government's decision on earmarked days for convoy movement without any civilian movement. Challenging situations sometimes do demand very uncomfortable decisions. Obviously, the Banihal failed car bomb raised hackles of concern on how soon after Pulwama a second attempt was made with impunity. One can imagine the implications if like Pulwama there were once again a large number of fatal casualties. The spiral of escalation with Pakistan may have gone through the roof. However, the question is whether the current security measures have been adequately thought through. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted his observation when he found the movement of military convoys on the Srinagar - Uri road on days not earmarked for them. The reality is that military movement in and to the Valley cannot remain restricted. Contingencies being such; terrorist threats, climatic conditions and civilian street turbulence all combine to prevent any rigidity such as fixed days for convoys and other military movement. The two days on which movement of civilian traffic is banned are therefore essentially days on which convoys will possibly be dedicated to maximum personnel movement while on other days balance of logistics, not involving groups of personnel in large numbers, will move. This is the only explicable rationale of the decisions recently taken. However, they have caused much bitterness in Kashmir. The problem with our system remains our inability to take the public into confidence or have even a modicum of consultation with it. Some public articulation was necessary to tell the public in no uncertain terms that trends in terrorism result in discomfort to the common people and that full rights of the people cannot be guaranteed under the prevailing extraordinary circumstances. A similar warning through media could also be repeatedly given against stone-throwing being done by ISI sponsored mobs to prevent the conduct of anti-terrorist operations. The problem in Kashmir is that while alienated people support terrorists they also demand full rights for themselves, little realising that people in proxy conflict zones can rarely enjoy the same rights as people in peaceful areas. The above is no justification for the recent decision but a more plausible explanation. With approaching summer, movement of convoys will increase causing more stringent measures leading to enhanced levels of alienation, exactly what the adversary wishes. Can better measures be thought through? Ban on movement of vehicles with less than three passengers is a possible way as suicide mode of execution can ill afford more than a lone wolf. In 2011 on public request, the Army moved its convoys from Srinagar outside timings of normal public movement. That measure can, however, decongest the road only near Srinagar. It’s a complex security issue we face and much more deliberation with some flexibility may meet the requirement, at least for some time. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In J&K, government faces the challenge of safe movement of soldiers

Those who have been indulging in an abuse competition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now "insulting" the bravery of the security forces, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged Saturday.

Naqvi's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi used Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks questioning the government's aggressive action against Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack to tear into the Opposition, saying they reflect the Congress' unwillingness to respond to forces of terror.

Reacting to it, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said, "Whether it is Pitroda or any individual, such comments may be their personal opinion and the Congress has nothing to do with them."

A "political competition" is going on every day to create confusion on nation's dignity and security through "fake and fabricated agenda", Naqvi told reporters here.

The people of the country will teach a lesson to this "gang" for insulting the bravery of the security forces of the country, he said.

Naqvi alleged that the Congress leaders are "mourning" the deaths of terrorists.

"Demanding proof, raising the question on the killing of terrorists -- what an amazing 'Pakistan-Congress Jugalbandi', he said.

The "gaali gang" that has been indulging in an "abuse competition" against Prime Minister Modi is now insulting bravery of the country's security forces, he alleged.

Those who have been indulging in an abuse competition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now "insulting" the bravery of the security forces, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged Saturday.

Those who have been indulging in an abuse competition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi are now "insulting" the bravery of the security forces, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi alleged Saturday. Naqvi's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi used Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks questioning the government's aggressive action against Pakistan after the Pulwama terror attack to tear into the Opposition, saying they reflect the Congress' unwillingness to respond to forces of terror. Reacting to it, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said, "Whether it is Pitroda or any individual, such comments may be their personal opinion and the Congress has nothing to do with them." A "political competition" is going on every day to create confusion on nation's dignity and security through "fake and fabricated agenda", Naqvi told reporters here. The people of the country will teach a lesson to this "gang" for insulting the bravery of the security forces of the country, he said. Naqvi alleged that the Congress leaders are "mourning" the deaths of terrorists. "Demanding proof, raising the question on the killing of terrorists -- what an amazing 'Pakistan-Congress Jugalbandi', he said. The "gaali gang" that has been indulging in an "abuse competition" against Prime Minister Modi is now insulting bravery of the country's security forces, he alleged.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi: Those abusing PM Narendra Modi now insulting security forces

Encounter underway between terrorists & Indian security forces in JK valley

One&nbsp;terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces at Imam Sahab area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Friday morning.&nbsp;

According to reports, around 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in a residential house; firing is currently going on from both sides.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Shopian encounter: One terrorist neutralised, Operation underway <a href="https://t.co/DWMFz3WZiA">https://t.co/DWMFz3WZiA</a>
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This comes just a day after two terrorists were killed and three Army personnel, including an officer, were injured in an encounter in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-army-personnel-in-jks-baramulla-204733">Jammu and Kashmir's in Baramulla district</a> on Thursday.

Colonel Kalia said an officer and two soldiers were injured in the operation.

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces at Imam Sahab area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Friday morning. According to reports, around 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in a residential house; firing is currently going on from both sides.

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces at Imam Sahab area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Friday morning. According to reports, around 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in a residential house; firing is currently going on from both sides. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: One terrorist neutralised, Operation underway https://t.co/DWMFz3WZiA — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × This comes just a day after two terrorists were killed and three Army personnel, including an officer, were injured in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's in Baramulla district on Thursday. Colonel Kalia said an officer and two soldiers were injured in the operation.

J&K: One terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian

Terrorists Abduct, Kill minor in J&K

Two armed Naxals were neutralised in an encounter with troops of 198 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Andhra Pradesh Police in Pedabayalu of Visakhapatnam district.

The encounter broke out at around 1:30 am on Saturday when the troops were out for area-specific input patrol.

One CRPF personnel sustained bullet injuries during the encounter and was shifted to a hospital in Vizag.

He is said to be out of danger. Security forces have recovered bodies of the neutralised Naxals along with two weapons. More details are awaited.

Two armed Naxals were neutralised in an encounter with troops of 198 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Andhra Pradesh Police in Pedabayalu of Visakhapatnam district.

Two armed Naxals were neutralised in an encounter with troops of 198 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Andhra Pradesh Police in Pedabayalu of Visakhapatnam district. The encounter broke out at around 1:30 am on Saturday when the troops were out for area-specific input patrol. One CRPF personnel sustained bullet injuries during the encounter and was shifted to a hospital in Vizag. He is said to be out of danger. Security forces have recovered bodies of the neutralised Naxals along with two weapons. More details are awaited.

Andhra Pradesh: Two Naxals killed in encounter

Three militants were killed in an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jem-infiltrated-7-times-in-india-in-one-year-nia-202424">encounter with security forces</a> in Tral town of Pulwama district on Sunday.

Two AK-47 rifles and a pistol were recovered from the spot. The search operation is underway.

The gunfight broke out after the forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area acting on a tip-off on the presence of militants, officials said.

On March 7, one militant was killed in Handwara in an encounter. The state police said that the terrorist was a Pakistan national and was affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Three militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Tral town of Pulwama district on Sunday. Two AK-47 rifles and a pistol were recovered from the spot.

Three militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Tral town of Pulwama district on Sunday. Two AK-47 rifles and a pistol were recovered from the spot. The search operation is underway. The gunfight broke out after the forces launched a cordon and search operation in the area acting on a tip-off on the presence of militants, officials said. On March 7, one militant was killed in Handwara in an encounter. The state police said that the terrorist was a Pakistan national and was affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed.

J&K: Three killed in an encounter with security forces in Tral

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district entered the third day on Sunday.&nbsp;

Two terrorists have been killed in the ongoing operation against terrorists. 
&nbsp; 
Five security personnel, including three CRPF soldiers and two Jammu and Kashmir police personnel, have been killed in the encounter so far.&nbsp;

A civilian has also been killed in the crossfire.

The operation was going on when the reports last came in, official sources said.&nbsp;

Mobile internet in Handwara also remained suspended since Friday morning.

Security forces resumed operation against militants at Baba Gund area in Kralgund Handwara in Kupwara district.

Para Commandos also joined the search operation against holed up militants on Saturday.&nbsp;

Security forces have spotted dead bodies of terrorists killed at the encounter site in Handwara.&nbsp;

The two bodies have been spotted near the debris of a house while searches are ongoing.&nbsp;

Gunfire has stopped since yesterday evening after forces blasted the second house where militants were believed to be hiding.

On Friday, four security personnel including two policemen and two CRPF jawans succumbed to their injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Handwara town of Kupwara district.&nbsp;

One civilian was also killed in the encounter, officials said. Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Baba Gund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched on Friday jointly by police and security forces in the area, the police said.&nbsp;

The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party.&nbsp;

The two police personnel who lost their lives were identified as SgCt Naseer Ahmad Kholi and SgCt Ghulam Mustafa Barah, while the two CRPF personnel were identified as Inspector Pintu and Ct Vinod. The slain civilian was identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir.

(With inputs from agencies)

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district entered the third day on Sunday. Two terrorists have been killed in the ongoing operation against terrorists.

The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district entered the third day on Sunday. Two terrorists have been killed in the ongoing operation against terrorists. Five security personnel, including three CRPF soldiers and two Jammu and Kashmir police personnel, have been killed in the encounter so far. A civilian has also been killed in the crossfire. The operation was going on when the reports last came in, official sources said. Mobile internet in Handwara also remained suspended since Friday morning. Security forces resumed operation against militants at Baba Gund area in Kralgund Handwara in Kupwara district. Para Commandos also joined the search operation against holed up militants on Saturday. Security forces have spotted dead bodies of terrorists killed at the encounter site in Handwara. The two bodies have been spotted near the debris of a house while searches are ongoing. Gunfire has stopped since yesterday evening after forces blasted the second house where militants were believed to be hiding. On Friday, four security personnel including two policemen and two CRPF jawans succumbed to their injuries during an encounter with terrorists in Handwara town of Kupwara district. One civilian was also killed in the encounter, officials said. Based on credible input about the presence of terrorists in Baba Gund area of Kralgund in Handwara, a cordon and search operation was launched on Friday jointly by police and security forces in the area, the police said. The encounter broke out after the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party. The two police personnel who lost their lives were identified as SgCt Naseer Ahmad Kholi and SgCt Ghulam Mustafa Barah, while the two CRPF personnel were identified as Inspector Pintu and Ct Vinod. The slain civilian was identified as Waseem Ahmad Mir. (With inputs from agencies)

Handwara encounter: Two terrorists, five security personnel killed as gunfight enters third day

Two terrorists were killed during an overnight encounter at Babagund village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday.&nbsp;

Security forces had laid a cordon around the village after receiving inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. After searches, forces were able to track the terrorists in hiding.&nbsp;

Early on Friday, firing in the area stopped and bodies of two terrorists were recovered from the spot.&nbsp;

Despite ceasefire violations on the Line of Control, forces have conducted several operations in the valley after Pulwama attack which killed over 40 CRPF jawans.

In wake of the Pulwama attack, the central government has declared <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-imposes-ban-on-jamaat-e-islami-jammu-and-kashmir-200364">Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir as an ‘unlawful association’</a>. Hundreds of its activists have already been arrested by the security forces in the valley.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Kamalkote area of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday. Civilian identified as Riyaz Ahmad was injured in the shelling carried out by Pakistan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Two terrorists were killed during an overnight encounter at Babagund village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday. Security forces had laid a cordon around the village after receiving inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Two terrorists were killed during an overnight encounter at Babagund village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday. Security forces had laid a cordon around the village after receiving inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area. After searches, forces were able to track the terrorists in hiding. Early on Friday, firing in the area stopped and bodies of two terrorists were recovered from the spot. Despite ceasefire violations on the Line of Control, forces have conducted several operations in the valley after Pulwama attack which killed over 40 CRPF jawans. In wake of the Pulwama attack, the central government has declared Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir as an ‘unlawful association’. Hundreds of its activists have already been arrested by the security forces in the valley. Meanwhile, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Kamalkote area of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday. Civilian identified as Riyaz Ahmad was injured in the shelling carried out by Pakistan.

J&K: Security forces gun down 2 militants in Kupwara encounter

'Cricket last thing on my mind, have to back security forces,' says VVS Laxman

Pakistan’s nefarious agenda of filling coffers of Islamabad through systematic political exploitation of Balochistan, compounded by heightened military operations has left the resource and mineral-rich province as one of the most impoverished regions across the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Widespread economic depredations through a structured design are the reality of Balochistan.&nbsp;

The locals, activists, and leaders who have dared raise their voice against the oppression have met with a brute high handedness of security forces. &nbsp;

However, the freedom fighters who have been unrelenting in challenging the oppressive status quo in the region have resolved to resist the colonial forces of Pakistan.

Underlining the atrocities being meted out to people in Balochistan Bashir Zaib Baloch, the new head of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said the situation here is much grave than Palestine, Iraq, and in Afghanistan and sought international support in exposing Pakistan. Bashir Zaib Baloch took charge of BLA after its commander Aslam Baloch was killed in a suicide bombing last December.

Through a recorded video he said: &nbsp;“Today, I say this to the entire world, to India, to the United States of America and the European Union; whether you believe it or not, hear it or not. It has been said before by our friends as well; if the manner in which Baloch genocide is being carried out gets exposed, the problems of Kashmir, Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan will appear insignificant.”

The atrocities on Baloch people have increased since Islamabad and Beijing signed the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

The country has only stepped up its systematic violence in order to pave way for the much-hyped China Pakistan Economic Corridor (or CPEC) in recent times.

The people in Balochistan, who are championing the cause of the Free Balochistan Movement, are opposing the project which they say has exploited all their natural resources. Baloch freedom fighters, however, have vowed to resist this subjugation till the end of their lives. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bashir Zaib Baloch added that “Pakistan and China, on the pretext of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), Gwadar Port, and Saindak project have unleashed their satanic designs in the region. Balochs are resisting them and will continue to do so till the end of their life as it is a matter of their identity. Still, they (Pakistan and China) have been aggressively plundering our resources. They have been trying hard to declare the unsuccessful project of CPEC as a game changer. Pakistan and China have been systematically killing Balochs.”

The fundamental fact with regards to Pakistan is that anyone who doesn’t belong to a particular feudal elite community -- predominantly comprising army generals and political leaders from its most favoured province of Punjab, are made to live a second-class citizen life. Whether it is the Balochs, Shias, Hazaras or Ahmedis -- none have been able to escape the state brutality by Pakistan.

Over the past few years, thousands of Baloch political activists and intellectuals have disappeared, many brutally killed by Pakistan’s snooping agency and army.

“Today, we are forced to kill or get killed. Today, we are losing our friends and families with a hope that world will listen to us and one day we’ll be able to get out of this bloodbath and will be able to escape the misrule of this Pakistani government,” said Bashir &nbsp;Although the region of Balochistan has been going through one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, it has failed to gather enough international attention.

In spite of the lack of international support, Baloch freedom fighters have intensified their rebellion against the Pakistani establishment. Baloch Liberation Army chief’s statements have certainly provided reinforcement to the movement that Pakistan is hell-bent on crushing through severe high handedness. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s nefarious agenda of filling coffers of Islamabad through systematic political exploitation of Balochistan, compounded by heightened military operations has left the resource and mineral-rich province as one of the most impoverished regions across the world.

Pakistan’s nefarious agenda of filling coffers of Islamabad through systematic political exploitation of Balochistan, compounded by heightened military operations has left the resource and mineral-rich province as one of the most impoverished regions across the world. Widespread economic depredations through a structured design are the reality of Balochistan. The locals, activists, and leaders who have dared raise their voice against the oppression have met with a brute high handedness of security forces. However, the freedom fighters who have been unrelenting in challenging the oppressive status quo in the region have resolved to resist the colonial forces of Pakistan. Underlining the atrocities being meted out to people in Balochistan Bashir Zaib Baloch, the new head of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) said the situation here is much grave than Palestine, Iraq, and in Afghanistan and sought international support in exposing Pakistan. Bashir Zaib Baloch took charge of BLA after its commander Aslam Baloch was killed in a suicide bombing last December. Through a recorded video he said: “Today, I say this to the entire world, to India, to the United States of America and the European Union; whether you believe it or not, hear it or not. It has been said before by our friends as well; if the manner in which Baloch genocide is being carried out gets exposed, the problems of Kashmir, Palestine, Iraq, and Afghanistan will appear insignificant.” The atrocities on Baloch people have increased since Islamabad and Beijing signed the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The country has only stepped up its systematic violence in order to pave way for the much-hyped China Pakistan Economic Corridor (or CPEC) in recent times. The people in Balochistan, who are championing the cause of the Free Balochistan Movement, are opposing the project which they say has exploited all their natural resources. Baloch freedom fighters, however, have vowed to resist this subjugation till the end of their lives. Bashir Zaib Baloch added that “Pakistan and China, on the pretext of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), Gwadar Port, and Saindak project have unleashed their satanic designs in the region. Balochs are resisting them and will continue to do so till the end of their life as it is a matter of their identity. Still, they (Pakistan and China) have been aggressively plundering our resources. They have been trying hard to declare the unsuccessful project of CPEC as a game changer. Pakistan and China have been systematically killing Balochs.” The fundamental fact with regards to Pakistan is that anyone who doesn’t belong to a particular feudal elite community -- predominantly comprising army generals and political leaders from its most favoured province of Punjab, are made to live a second-class citizen life. Whether it is the Balochs, Shias, Hazaras or Ahmedis -- none have been able to escape the state brutality by Pakistan. Over the past few years, thousands of Baloch political activists and intellectuals have disappeared, many brutally killed by Pakistan’s snooping agency and army. “Today, we are forced to kill or get killed. Today, we are losing our friends and families with a hope that world will listen to us and one day we’ll be able to get out of this bloodbath and will be able to escape the misrule of this Pakistani government,” said Bashir Although the region of Balochistan has been going through one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, it has failed to gather enough international attention. In spite of the lack of international support, Baloch freedom fighters have intensified their rebellion against the Pakistani establishment. Baloch Liberation Army chief’s statements have certainly provided reinforcement to the movement that Pakistan is hell-bent on crushing through severe high handedness.

Baloch commander vows to resist Pakistani subjugation till end of life

A gunfight erupted&nbsp;between security forces and terrorists in Kellam Devsar area of Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, ANI reported quoting officials.

Upon receiving a tip-off about the militants, the security forces started a search operation in Kelam village. 
 
"As the cordon around the hiding militants was tightened, they fired at the security forces triggering the ongoing encounter," the police said. 
 
Authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in Kulgam as a precautionary measure.

No casualties or injuries reported so far.

Two terrorists from militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 1.

Similarly, on January 26, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar.&nbsp;

The joint operation was carried out by 50 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Srinagar Police.&nbsp;

A gunfight erupted between security forces and terrorists in Kellam Devsar area of Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, ANI reported quoting officials. Upon receiving a tip-off about the militants, the security forces started a search operation in Kelam village.

A gunfight erupted between security forces and terrorists in Kellam Devsar area of Kulgam district, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, ANI reported quoting officials. Upon receiving a tip-off about the militants, the security forces started a search operation in Kelam village. "As the cordon around the hiding militants was tightened, they fired at the security forces triggering the ongoing encounter," the police said. Authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in Kulgam as a precautionary measure. No casualties or injuries reported so far. Two terrorists from militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed were killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on February 1. Similarly, on January 26, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces on the outskirts of Srinagar. The joint operation was carried out by 50 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Srinagar Police.

J&K: Gunfight underway between security forces and terrorists in Kulgam

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Two&nbsp;terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-budgam-district-191710">Budgam district on Monday</a>.

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J&amp;K: An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details awaited.
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The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Shopian encounter: Two terrorists have been neutralized by the security forces; Operation underway <a href="https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo">https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo</a>
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The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora.

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details are awaited. Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday. J&K: An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: Two terrorists have been neutralized by the security forces; Operation underway https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Two militants killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian's Zainapora

Zimbabwe police manned checkpoints on many main roads on Saturday, searching vehicles for protesters allegedly involved in recent anti-government demonstrations.

A<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/total-internet-shutdown-in-zimbabwe-provider-191278"> crackdown by security forces</a> has been fiercely criticised by the UN human rights office, with allegations of shootings, beatings and abductions of opposition figures, activists and ordinary residents.

In pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/zimbabwe-anti-govt-protest-after-fuel-prices-hike-pastor-faces-trial-workers-reject-raise-in-salary-191379">Discord simmers in Zimbabwe as anti-government protest grips nation</a>

Police roadblocks were a notorious feature of daily life under former president Robert Mugabe.

But they largely disappeared after he was ousted by the military in November 2017 and succeeded by his former deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa.

"We want to tell members of the public that... we have already set up security checkpoints where police officers and other security institutions will be checking," police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told Saturday's state-owned Herald newspaper.

She said the checkpoints were to catch suspected looters and recover property stolen during protests that erupted after Mnangagwa last weekend announced a 150-per cent increase in petrol prices.

The Herald said 700 people had been arrested after the violent protests, which it blamed on the opposition MDC party and trade unions.

Police armed with assault rifles

Police checkpoints were in action on Saturday in the capital Harare and the second city Bulawayo, AFP reporters witnessed.

In Bulawayo, police officers armed with assault rifles manned roadblocks on every major route, conducting "stop and search" operations.

In both cities, customers seeking to stock up on basic goods tentatively returned to shops that opened for the first time since the protests started on Monday.

Long queues formed to buy bread and petrol, which are both in short supply due to Zimbabwe's long-burning economic crisis.

"Nothing has changed after the fuel price increase," said one motorist in a queue who identified himself only as Sonny.

Social media has been blocked by the government in an apparent attempt to suppress information about the security operation and alleged abuses.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said it had recorded at least 12 deaths, 78 gunshot injuries and more than 240 incidents of assault and torture.

The United Nations human rights office on Friday urged Harare to "stop the crackdown", voicing alarm over the security forces' "excessive use of force" which included reports of them using live ammunition.

And it called on Zimbabwe's government "to find ways of engaging with the population about their legitimate grievances".

Zimbabwe police manned checkpoints on many main roads on Saturday, searching vehicles for protesters allegedly involved in recent anti-government demonstrations.

Zimbabwe police manned checkpoints on many main roads on Saturday, searching vehicles for protesters allegedly involved in recent anti-government demonstrations. A crackdown by security forces has been fiercely criticised by the UN human rights office, with allegations of shootings, beatings and abductions of opposition figures, activists and ordinary residents. In pics: Discord simmers in Zimbabwe as anti-government protest grips nation Police roadblocks were a notorious feature of daily life under former president Robert Mugabe. But they largely disappeared after he was ousted by the military in November 2017 and succeeded by his former deputy Emmerson Mnangagwa. "We want to tell members of the public that... we have already set up security checkpoints where police officers and other security institutions will be checking," police spokeswoman Charity Charamba told Saturday's state-owned Herald newspaper. She said the checkpoints were to catch suspected looters and recover property stolen during protests that erupted after Mnangagwa last weekend announced a 150-per cent increase in petrol prices. The Herald said 700 people had been arrested after the violent protests, which it blamed on the opposition MDC party and trade unions. Police armed with assault rifles Police checkpoints were in action on Saturday in the capital Harare and the second city Bulawayo, AFP reporters witnessed. In Bulawayo, police officers armed with assault rifles manned roadblocks on every major route, conducting "stop and search" operations. In both cities, customers seeking to stock up on basic goods tentatively returned to shops that opened for the first time since the protests started on Monday. Long queues formed to buy bread and petrol, which are both in short supply due to Zimbabwe's long-burning economic crisis. "Nothing has changed after the fuel price increase," said one motorist in a queue who identified himself only as Sonny. Social media has been blocked by the government in an apparent attempt to suppress information about the security operation and alleged abuses. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum said it had recorded at least 12 deaths, 78 gunshot injuries and more than 240 incidents of assault and torture. The United Nations human rights office on Friday urged Harare to "stop the crackdown", voicing alarm over the security forces' "excessive use of force" which included reports of them using live ammunition. And it called on Zimbabwe's government "to find ways of engaging with the population about their legitimate grievances".

Zimbabwe police erect road blocks to hunt protesters

India on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official lodged a strong protest at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December 2018.

The release issued by Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi conveyed its "Grave Concern" at Pakistan’s continued support to cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including "supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces."

The release added that "this year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquillity" Pakistan forces have "carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives."

New Delhi asked Pakistan to fulfil "its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner."

The Pakistani Army on Wednesday initiated unprovoked firing in Naoshera Sector resulting in fatal casualty of one civilian Bodhraj aged about 55 years, a resident of Deeing in Naoshera Tehsil.&nbsp;

On 21st, 2 Indian army soldiers died during unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara district. Late Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa sustained bullet injuries and later succumbed to the injury.&nbsp;

42-year-old Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa had joined the Army in 1993 and hailed from Karhiya Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and two sons. 39-year-old Subedar Raman Thapa, 39 years of age, had joined the Army in 1996 and hailed from Tulsipur Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and a son.

The development comes even as Indian diplomats have reported harassment by Pakistani agencies in the neighbouring country. According to the govt 15 army personnel, 12 BSF Personnel and 28 civilians have died in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in 2018.

India on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official lodged a strong protest at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December 2018.

India on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official lodged a strong protest at the incidents of cross LoC terrorist infiltration and targeting of Indian civilians and security forces on 21 and 26 December 2018. The release issued by Ministry of External Affairs said that New Delhi conveyed its "Grave Concern" at Pakistan’s continued support to cross-border terrorist infiltration into India, including "supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces." The release added that "this year, despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquillity" Pakistan forces have "carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians have lost their lives." New Delhi asked Pakistan to fulfil "its bilateral commitment to not allow any territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India in any manner." The Pakistani Army on Wednesday initiated unprovoked firing in Naoshera Sector resulting in fatal casualty of one civilian Bodhraj aged about 55 years, a resident of Deeing in Naoshera Tehsil. On 21st, 2 Indian army soldiers died during unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Keran sector of Kupwara district. Late Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa and Subedar Raman Thapa sustained bullet injuries and later succumbed to the injury. 42-year-old Subedar Gamar Bahadur Thapa had joined the Army in 1993 and hailed from Karhiya Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and two sons. 39-year-old Subedar Raman Thapa, 39 years of age, had joined the Army in 1996 and hailed from Tulsipur Village in Rependehi district of Nepal. He is survived by his wife and a son. The development comes even as Indian diplomats have reported harassment by Pakistani agencies in the neighbouring country. According to the govt 15 army personnel, 12 BSF Personnel and 28 civilians have died in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in 2018.

India summons Pakistan high commission official over incidents of killing of civilians and security forces

Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter&nbsp;in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> One soldier has lost his life in the encounter, operation continues <a href="https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a">https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073826098671165441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sirnoo village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Pulwama district. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/vQ1ryAxODJ">pic.twitter.com/vQ1ryAxODJ</a>
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He said as the forces were conducting searches, the militants opened fire on them.

The forces retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said.

He said the gunfight is going on. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said.

Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said. #UPDATE One soldier has lost his life in the encounter, operation continues https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sirnoo village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Pulwama district. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/vQ1ryAxODJ — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × He said as the forces were conducting searches, the militants opened fire on them. The forces retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said. He said the gunfight is going on. Further details are awaited.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three terrorists, one soldier dead in ongoing encounter in Pulwama district

Around 1 lakh security personnel have been deployed in Chhattisgarh for smooth conduct of the first phase of polling on November 12, a senior police official said Saturday.

The first phase of assembly polls will see voting in 18 seats spread over eight Naxal-affected districts in the state.

Naxal outfits have given calls for the boycott of the election and have also carried out three major attacks in the last fortnight which have claimed the lives of 13 people, including eight security personnel.

The security personnel, including central paramilitary force, have been deployed to ensure peaceful polling in the first phase, Chhattisgarh's Special Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) D M Awasthi told.

In the last 10 days, over 300 IEDs were recovered from Bastar region and Rajnandgaon district by security forces, he said, adding that all necessary measures had been taken to thwart attempts by Maoists to disrupt the poll process.

A total of 650 companies, including those from paramilitary units like CRPF, BSF, ITBP and around 65,000 personnel from police forces of other states, have been sent by the Centre for the assembly polls, he said.

These units are apart from existing paramilitary personnel and 200 companies of state forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, the Special DG said.

He informed that around 650 polling booth parties were airlifted by helicopters Saturday to remote areas while other teams would be sent by road Sunday.

Indian Air Force and BSF choppers were pressed into service for the purpose, he said.

"As of now, the challenge is to escort all the polling parties safely to their destination in Naxal-affected areas and later it will be to conduct polls and bring back them safely," he said.

He said there are inputs of Naxals planning to plant improvised explosive devices to target security forces and, therefore, a hawk-eye was being kept on roads in such areas.

He said forces that had arrived from other states have been advised to avoid using any road unless it had been sanitised by "road opening parties" (ROPs) or had been subject to a de-mining exercise to detect and clear IEDs.

These forces have also been asked to avoid patrolling on foot as Naxals are known to place iron spikes to inflict injuries, Awasthi said.

Police have been asked to maintain a strict vigil on the borders with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, he said.

Polling in 10 constituencies Mohla-Manpur, Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur and Konta will start at 7 am and end at 3 pm.

In the other eight seats Khairgarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Bastar, Jagdalpur and Chitrakot the polling time will be 8 am to 5 pm.

On November 8, four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.

On October 30, three police personnel and a cameraman of national broadcaster Doordarshan were killed in a Maoist attack in Aranpur area of Dantewada.

On October 27, four CRPF personnel, belonging to 168th battalion were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bulletproof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district.&nbsp;

Around 1 lakh security personnel have been deployed in Chhattisgarh for smooth conduct of the first phase of polling on November 12, a senior police official said Saturday.

Around 1 lakh security personnel have been deployed in Chhattisgarh for smooth conduct of the first phase of polling on November 12, a senior police official said Saturday. The first phase of assembly polls will see voting in 18 seats spread over eight Naxal-affected districts in the state. Naxal outfits have given calls for the boycott of the election and have also carried out three major attacks in the last fortnight which have claimed the lives of 13 people, including eight security personnel. The security personnel, including central paramilitary force, have been deployed to ensure peaceful polling in the first phase, Chhattisgarh's Special Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) D M Awasthi told. In the last 10 days, over 300 IEDs were recovered from Bastar region and Rajnandgaon district by security forces, he said, adding that all necessary measures had been taken to thwart attempts by Maoists to disrupt the poll process. A total of 650 companies, including those from paramilitary units like CRPF, BSF, ITBP and around 65,000 personnel from police forces of other states, have been sent by the Centre for the assembly polls, he said. These units are apart from existing paramilitary personnel and 200 companies of state forces engaged in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, the Special DG said. He informed that around 650 polling booth parties were airlifted by helicopters Saturday to remote areas while other teams would be sent by road Sunday. Indian Air Force and BSF choppers were pressed into service for the purpose, he said. "As of now, the challenge is to escort all the polling parties safely to their destination in Naxal-affected areas and later it will be to conduct polls and bring back them safely," he said. He said there are inputs of Naxals planning to plant improvised explosive devices to target security forces and, therefore, a hawk-eye was being kept on roads in such areas. He said forces that had arrived from other states have been advised to avoid using any road unless it had been sanitised by "road opening parties" (ROPs) or had been subject to a de-mining exercise to detect and clear IEDs. These forces have also been asked to avoid patrolling on foot as Naxals are known to place iron spikes to inflict injuries, Awasthi said. Police have been asked to maintain a strict vigil on the borders with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, he said. Polling in 10 constituencies Mohla-Manpur, Antagarh, Bhanupratappur, Kanker, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur and Konta will start at 7 am and end at 3 pm. In the other eight seats Khairgarh, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon, Dongargaon, Khujji, Bastar, Jagdalpur and Chitrakot the polling time will be 8 am to 5 pm. On November 8, four civilians and a CISF jawan were killed when Naxals detonated a bus with an improvised explosive device in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. On October 30, three police personnel and a cameraman of national broadcaster Doordarshan were killed in a Maoist attack in Aranpur area of Dantewada. On October 27, four CRPF personnel, belonging to 168th battalion were killed and two others injured after Maoists blew up their bulletproof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district.

Chhattisgarh elections: 1 lakh security forces deployed, says Special DGP

The BSF sub-inspector injured in the encounter today with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has died from his injuries.&nbsp;

A Maoist was killed and another apprehended in the encounter.

ANI reported that the Maoists triggered 6 IEDs, planted in a row between the villages of Gome and Gattakal in Koyalibeda, at one go.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh goes to the polls tomorrow.

The sub-inspector was identified as Mahinder Singh. He had been airlifted to Raipur but doctors were unable to save him.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a>: BSF personnel SI Mahender Singh who was injured in IED blast in Kanker's Koyali beda today, has succumbed to injuries.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061520782604550145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is the fourth IED blast triggered by the Maoists in the state in the last 15 days and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chattisgarh-goes-to-polls-tomorrow-naxals-have-carried-out-6-attacks-in-last-15-days-176627">the sixth attack</a>.&nbsp;

Three of those attacks were major and left 13 people dead, including a Doordarshan cameraman. The Maoists don't usually attack journalists but the cameraman and his colleagues had been travelling with security forces.&nbsp;

They were in the state to cover the elections.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh will go to the polls over two phases — tomorrow and on November 20.&nbsp;Some 1 lakh security personnel have been deployed in the state for the polls.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> A set of 6 IEDs were planted in a series and were set off in one go between village Gome and Gattakal in Koyali beda <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/p8NvgTogDA">https://t.co/p8NvgTogDA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061484149050097665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Chhattisgarh: Encounter underway in Bijapur between security forces and Maoists. One Maoist dead, one apprehended. Arms and ammunition recovered. Operation continues
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1061477441850540032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Preparations underway ahead of the first phase of voting in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChhattisgarhElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChhattisgarhElections2018</a> tomorrow. Visuals from Rajnandangaon <a href="https://t.co/eZywQTtPPA">pic.twitter.com/eZywQTtPPA</a>
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ANI added that security forces had recovered arms and ammunition from Sunday's encounter site.&nbsp;

The BSF sub-inspector injured in the encounter today with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has died from his injuries. A Maoist was killed and another apprehended in the encounter.

The BSF sub-inspector injured in the encounter today with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has died from his injuries. A Maoist was killed and another apprehended in the encounter. ANI reported that the Maoists triggered 6 IEDs, planted in a row between the villages of Gome and Gattakal in Koyalibeda, at one go. Chhattisgarh goes to the polls tomorrow. The sub-inspector was identified as Mahinder Singh. He had been airlifted to Raipur but doctors were unable to save him. #Chhattisgarh: BSF personnel SI Mahender Singh who was injured in IED blast in Kanker's Koyali beda today, has succumbed to injuries. — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2018 × This is the fourth IED blast triggered by the Maoists in the state in the last 15 days and the sixth attack. Three of those attacks were major and left 13 people dead, including a Doordarshan cameraman. The Maoists don't usually attack journalists but the cameraman and his colleagues had been travelling with security forces. They were in the state to cover the elections. Chhattisgarh will go to the polls over two phases — tomorrow and on November 20. Some 1 lakh security personnel have been deployed in the state for the polls. #UPDATE A set of 6 IEDs were planted in a series and were set off in one go between village Gome and Gattakal in Koyali beda #Chhattisgarh https://t.co/p8NvgTogDA — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2018 × Chhattisgarh: Encounter underway in Bijapur between security forces and Maoists. One Maoist dead, one apprehended. Arms and ammunition recovered. Operation continues — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2018 × Preparations underway ahead of the first phase of voting in #ChhattisgarhElections2018 tomorrow. Visuals from Rajnandangaon pic.twitter.com/eZywQTtPPA — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2018 × ANI added that security forces had recovered arms and ammunition from Sunday's encounter site.

Day before Chhattisgarh polls, BSF sub-inspector, Maoist killed in encounter

Two terrorists were&nbsp;killed by security forces in the ongoing encounter which started in Malganipora area of Sopore in Baramulla district on Friday morning.&nbsp;

One soldier was also killed during the gunbattle.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Pazalpora village of Dangiwacha town in the north Kashmir district this morning after receiving specific information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The official said the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists&nbsp;fired at the search party.

Heavy firing has been going on from both sides. Further information is awaited.

Reports say that internet services in the area have been suspended as a precautionary measure.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: An encounter between terrorists and security forces has started in north Kashmir's Sopore. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/8KeYHE5bLr">pic.twitter.com/8KeYHE5bLr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1055653320122077186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The encounter comes hours after another army jawan was killed in a sniper fire by terrorists in Tral area of South Kashmir. Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack on a camp of the 42 Rashtriya Rifles.

The terrorists used carried out the attack in Luragam around 9 pm, killing Sepoy Ngamsiamliana, who was on the guard duty. Another hjawan was injured in the attack.

Two terrorists were killed by security forces in the ongoing encounter which started in Malganipora area of Sopore in Baramulla district on Friday morning. One soldier was also killed during the gunbattle.

Two terrorists were killed by security forces in the ongoing encounter which started in Malganipora area of Sopore in Baramulla district on Friday morning. One soldier was also killed during the gunbattle. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Pazalpora village of Dangiwacha town in the north Kashmir district this morning after receiving specific information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. The official said the search operation turned into an encounter after the terrorists fired at the search party. Heavy firing has been going on from both sides. Further information is awaited. Reports say that internet services in the area have been suspended as a precautionary measure. #Visuals: An encounter between terrorists and security forces has started in north Kashmir's Sopore. #JammuAndKashmir (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/8KeYHE5bLr — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × The encounter comes hours after another army jawan was killed in a sniper fire by terrorists in Tral area of South Kashmir. Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack on a camp of the 42 Rashtriya Rifles. The terrorists used carried out the attack in Luragam around 9 pm, killing Sepoy Ngamsiamliana, who was on the guard duty. Another hjawan was injured in the attack.

Watch: Two terrorists, one soldier killed during encounter in J&K's Sopore

Fourteen Iranian security forces, including members of the Revolutionary Guards, were kidnapped on the border with Pakistan on Tuesday, state news agency IRNA reported, citing an official who said the kidnappers were members of a terrorist group.

Armed Sunni Muslim separatist groups in eastern Iran have stepped up attacks against security targets in recent months.

"These 14 people were kidnapped around 4 or 5 am&nbsp;in Lulakdan border area," IRNA quoted the unnamed official as saying.

Lulakdan is in Sistan-Baluchistan, a mainly Sunni province that has long been plagued by unrest from both separatist militants and drug smuggling gangs.

In September, the Revolutionary Guards killed four Sunni Muslim militants at a border crossing with Pakistan, including the second-in-command of Jaish al-Adl, a group that has carried out several attacks on Iranian military targets in recent years.

The official said some of the security forces were members of Basij volunteer paramilitary force, a part of the Revolutionary Guards.

Iran says militant groups have safe havens in Pakistan and has warned it will hit their bases there if Islamabad does not confront them.

Fourteen Iranian security forces, including members of the Revolutionary Guards, were kidnapped on the border with Pakistan on Tuesday, state news agency IRNA reported, citing an official who said the kidnappers were members of a terrorist group.

Fourteen Iranian security forces, including members of the Revolutionary Guards, were kidnapped on the border with Pakistan on Tuesday, state news agency IRNA reported, citing an official who said the kidnappers were members of a terrorist group. Armed Sunni Muslim separatist groups in eastern Iran have stepped up attacks against security targets in recent months. "These 14 people were kidnapped around 4 or 5 am in Lulakdan border area," IRNA quoted the unnamed official as saying. Lulakdan is in Sistan-Baluchistan, a mainly Sunni province that has long been plagued by unrest from both separatist militants and drug smuggling gangs. In September, the Revolutionary Guards killed four Sunni Muslim militants at a border crossing with Pakistan, including the second-in-command of Jaish al-Adl, a group that has carried out several attacks on Iranian military targets in recent years. The official said some of the security forces were members of Basij volunteer paramilitary force, a part of the Revolutionary Guards. Iran says militant groups have safe havens in Pakistan and has warned it will hit their bases there if Islamabad does not confront them.

Fourteen Iranian security forces kidnapped by terror group on Pakistan border: Report

Article 33 of the Constitution is an exception to the Fundamental Rights contained in Part III. It empowers Parliament to restrict or abrogate the Fundamental Rights of certain categories of government servants so as to ensure the proper discharge of their duties and maintenance of discipline amongst them. Besides the three wings of the armed forces, these rights have been abrogated in respect of the members of the police and paramilitary forces, persons employed in intelligence or counter-intelligence services, and communication systems set up for the above organisations.

In exercising the powers conferred by Article 33, Parliament has authorised the Central government to make rules to restrict certain Fundamental Rights of the members of the armed forces. The Central government, exercising its rule-making power under the Army Act, 1950 (and also the Air Force Act), has restricted the rights relating to freedom of speech and expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom to form associations and unions contained in Article 19 of the Constitution. In the case of the Navy, Parliament has done this under section 12 of the Navy Act itself. The Supreme Court has ruled that these rights can be restricted even for personnel with non-combat roles in the armed forces. This appears logical because the armed forces have to be a disciplined organisation.&nbsp;

The question which emerges is whether the Fundamental Rights of the members of the armed forces, other than the three listed under Article 19, can also be abrogated even if they do not have any impact on discipline or the performance of duty.

There have been a number of incidents where military governance in matters of promotion, posting, pay and allowances, conditions of service and pension have been taken up in the Supreme Court. The arbitrariness in the justice delivery systems has also been questioned in several cases. The Delhi High Court held in a recent case: “A soldier or officer’s honour and dignity is as much a part of his right to life; it is to be respected just as much, if not more, for the reason that it is offered unhesitatingly and fully in defending the borders of the nation. Unlike ‘hired guns’ they stand guard so that the rest exercise our liberties. Denying them the right to a safe workplace with standard equipment constitutes violation of their right to life and dignity.”&nbsp;

The fundamental rights have been liberally construed by the Supreme Court in the last five decades, keeping in view the international covenants to which India is a party. For instance, the right to protection of life and personal liberty has received the widest possible interpretation. The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has held that access to justice is a fundamental right guaranteed to citizens by Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution.

While dealing with the case of Ram Sarup in 1964, the Supreme Court relied on the submission made by the Attorney General that each provision of the Army Act is a law made by Parliament and that if any provision tends to affect the fundamental rights, it must be taken that Parliament, under Article 33, has made the requisite modification to affect the respective fundamental right. This was perhaps a wrong interpretation of the constitutional provision, which has to be reviewed in the context of the march of time and the development of law. A constitutional provision must be construed not in a narrow, constricted sense, but in a wide and liberal manner. 
 
The Supreme Court has often taken the path of least resistance by supporting the military in any controversial case. The courts are generally of the opinion that any adverse comment on military higher-ups may erode discipline in the armed forces. The judiciary believes, in good faith, that by supporting the organisation, they are affording an opportunity to the military hierarchy as well as the government to rectify the defects in governance and the justice delivery system. Thus, in cases of alleged bias, denial of rights or injustice at the hands of a commander, the courts are tempted to rule out the possibility of culpability or malice on the part of the superior.&nbsp;

In Maneka Gandhi case (1978), the Supreme Court observed, “The attempt of the court should be to expand the reach and ambit of the fundamental rights, rather than to attenuate their meaning and content by a process of judicial construction.” In the case Ajay Hasia (1981), the Court declared that it has a special responsibility “to enlarge the range and meaning of the fundamental rights and to advance the human rights jurisprudence”. However, when it comes to the fundamental rights of military personnel, the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the constitutional provision has been very narrow. 
 
The members of the armed forces must be entitled to the same rights and protections as all other persons, subject to certain limitations imposed to maintain discipline. When the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the members of the armed forces are protected within their institution, they will be more likely to uphold these while carrying out their duties.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-protecting-basic-rights-of-military-personnel-2667368">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Article 33 of the Constitution is an exception to the Fundamental Rights contained in Part III. It empowers Parliament to restrict or abrogate the Fundamental Rights of certain categories of government servants so as to ensure the proper discharge of their duties and maintenance of discipline amongst them.

Article 33 of the Constitution is an exception to the Fundamental Rights contained in Part III. It empowers Parliament to restrict or abrogate the Fundamental Rights of certain categories of government servants so as to ensure the proper discharge of their duties and maintenance of discipline amongst them. Besides the three wings of the armed forces, these rights have been abrogated in respect of the members of the police and paramilitary forces, persons employed in intelligence or counter-intelligence services, and communication systems set up for the above organisations. In exercising the powers conferred by Article 33, Parliament has authorised the Central government to make rules to restrict certain Fundamental Rights of the members of the armed forces. The Central government, exercising its rule-making power under the Army Act, 1950 (and also the Air Force Act), has restricted the rights relating to freedom of speech and expression, freedom of assembly, and freedom to form associations and unions contained in Article 19 of the Constitution. In the case of the Navy, Parliament has done this under section 12 of the Navy Act itself. The Supreme Court has ruled that these rights can be restricted even for personnel with non-combat roles in the armed forces. This appears logical because the armed forces have to be a disciplined organisation. The question which emerges is whether the Fundamental Rights of the members of the armed forces, other than the three listed under Article 19, can also be abrogated even if they do not have any impact on discipline or the performance of duty. There have been a number of incidents where military governance in matters of promotion, posting, pay and allowances, conditions of service and pension have been taken up in the Supreme Court. The arbitrariness in the justice delivery systems has also been questioned in several cases. The Delhi High Court held in a recent case: “A soldier or officer’s honour and dignity is as much a part of his right to life; it is to be respected just as much, if not more, for the reason that it is offered unhesitatingly and fully in defending the borders of the nation. Unlike ‘hired guns’ they stand guard so that the rest exercise our liberties. Denying them the right to a safe workplace with standard equipment constitutes violation of their right to life and dignity.” The fundamental rights have been liberally construed by the Supreme Court in the last five decades, keeping in view the international covenants to which India is a party. For instance, the right to protection of life and personal liberty has received the widest possible interpretation. The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has held that access to justice is a fundamental right guaranteed to citizens by Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution. While dealing with the case of Ram Sarup in 1964, the Supreme Court relied on the submission made by the Attorney General that each provision of the Army Act is a law made by Parliament and that if any provision tends to affect the fundamental rights, it must be taken that Parliament, under Article 33, has made the requisite modification to affect the respective fundamental right. This was perhaps a wrong interpretation of the constitutional provision, which has to be reviewed in the context of the march of time and the development of law. A constitutional provision must be construed not in a narrow, constricted sense, but in a wide and liberal manner. The Supreme Court has often taken the path of least resistance by supporting the military in any controversial case. The courts are generally of the opinion that any adverse comment on military higher-ups may erode discipline in the armed forces. The judiciary believes, in good faith, that by supporting the organisation, they are affording an opportunity to the military hierarchy as well as the government to rectify the defects in governance and the justice delivery system. Thus, in cases of alleged bias, denial of rights or injustice at the hands of a commander, the courts are tempted to rule out the possibility of culpability or malice on the part of the superior. In Maneka Gandhi case (1978), the Supreme Court observed, “The attempt of the court should be to expand the reach and ambit of the fundamental rights, rather than to attenuate their meaning and content by a process of judicial construction.” In the case Ajay Hasia (1981), the Court declared that it has a special responsibility “to enlarge the range and meaning of the fundamental rights and to advance the human rights jurisprudence”. However, when it comes to the fundamental rights of military personnel, the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the constitutional provision has been very narrow. The members of the armed forces must be entitled to the same rights and protections as all other persons, subject to certain limitations imposed to maintain discipline. When the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the members of the armed forces are protected within their institution, they will be more likely to uphold these while carrying out their duties. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Important to protect basic rights of military personnel

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday initiated a cordon and search operation in villages of Pulwama region, news agency ANI reported.

According to reports, the operation is being carried out by a joint team of Kashmir Police and Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The operation comes a day after the bodies of three security personnel were recovered in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. Two SPOs and a constable were allegedly abducted from their residence and killed by militants.&nbsp;

In the wake of Friday's incident, the Indian government decided to call off the upcoming meeting between External Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Security forces have started cordon and search operation in the villages of Pulwama in south Kashmir. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/APg8ZtbQgL">pic.twitter.com/APg8ZtbQgL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1043354028846055424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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''Since yesterday's announcement of the meeting of foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, two deeply disturbing developments took place. Latest brutal killings of our security personnel by Pakistan entities and the recent release of series of 20 postal stamps by Pakistan glorifying terrorists,'' Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Friday.

Pakistan government stated that India's reason to cancel the meeting was 'unconvincing'.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Friday expressed disappointment at India calling off a meeting between him and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New York and alleged that "internal pressure" forced New Delhi to make the "unfortunate" move.

"It is unfortunate that India has not given a positive response. Indian has once again wasted an opportunity for peace," Qureshi told the media here.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday initiated a cordon and search operation in villages of Pulwama region, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the operation is being carried out by a joint team of Kashmir Police and Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday initiated a cordon and search operation in villages of Pulwama region, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the operation is being carried out by a joint team of Kashmir Police and Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The operation comes a day after the bodies of three security personnel were recovered in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district. Two SPOs and a constable were allegedly abducted from their residence and killed by militants. In the wake of Friday's incident, the Indian government decided to call off the upcoming meeting between External Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. #Visuals: Security forces have started cordon and search operation in the villages of Pulwama in south Kashmir. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/APg8ZtbQgL — ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2018 × ''Since yesterday's announcement of the meeting of foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, two deeply disturbing developments took place. Latest brutal killings of our security personnel by Pakistan entities and the recent release of series of 20 postal stamps by Pakistan glorifying terrorists,'' Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Friday. Pakistan government stated that India's reason to cancel the meeting was 'unconvincing'. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Friday expressed disappointment at India calling off a meeting between him and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New York and alleged that "internal pressure" forced New Delhi to make the "unfortunate" move. "It is unfortunate that India has not given a positive response. Indian has once again wasted an opportunity for peace," Qureshi told the media here. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Security forces conduct search, cordon operations in Pulwama

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