The phase from the end of October to early November in J&amp;K every year is 'paralysis' time. The old practice of moving the 'durbar' from Srinagar (summer capital) to Jammu (winter capital) demands a pack up and reopening period and virtually puts the government into freeze. About Rs 100 crore is spent on the practice of moving files, records and personnel twice a year. It is not a practice which can be stopped easily due to sentiments attached to the seat of power being alternated between the two cities of Srinagar and Jammu. 
 
When an elected government is in place, this should be the time for the political representatives to visit their constituencies, ascertain the problems for winter and determine the needs to make life a little more comfortable in the bleak season. During Governor's rule even more opportunities exist, provided there is a will in the political community and the administration. There are many aspects which the administration should be looking at – snow-clearance, public health centres with sufficient medicines in them and in the market, emergency medical relief, adequate energy reserves and food stocks in the event of road closure, and the power situation. The new Governor is proactively attempting to change things and should be advised on ground realities that will really constitute change in a transformational way.

There is a misnomer that in winter violence takes backstage. In earlier times when foreign terrorists (FTs) were in abundance all over Kashmir, it was never very easy for them to move around given the lack of vegetation for cover and non-availability of guides. With militancy becoming largely local, at least in South Kashmir, local terrorists (LTs) know the ground and have multiple hideouts and safe houses. The level of violence through winter could remain almost the same as summer unless innovations are applied. Pakistan will attempt to up the ante to put India under pressure before the elections next year. Early indicators of enhanced rabble- rousing were evident in the speech of Pakistan Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, at Islamabad two days ago. Her supposed strategic conflict resolution model appears akin to a conflict-enhancing one. Economically broke or not, Pakistan is not going to let go of opportunities to weaken India's integration of J&amp;K and continuance of violence forms an important aspect of that strategy. If violence levels come down in the hinterland then the choice remains to instigate more violence at the LoC. This is typical Pakistani strategy where strategic planning has no vision of the terminal end but there is immense clarity about the initiation in which much energy is expended. Fighting the twin tracks, of violence and information, remains the challenge for those responsible for securing and mainstreaming J&amp;K.

The Indian security forces (SF) have been adept at quelling violence through 28 years but there is no common yardstick for the application of practices of counter-violence. The nature of violence is dynamic and best practices have to keep pace with change. Accusations of adopting a muscular policy to quell violence will remain rife. These have never cowed us down and should not do so now. The watch words here are sensitivity and calibration and that comes with careful monitoring, extensive coordination and the one aspect we rarely speak about, training. The Army has facilities and staff for training a very large strength. 
 
There is no reason why these should not be available to all SF and without ego. No security personnel should ever be allowed to operate without having undergone joint training at such a facility. There has to be a more purposeful demonstration of will to calibrate than the one recently displayed at Kulgam's Laroo village, where unexploded munitions, probably of the terrorists, were left without final physical search and clearance leading to seven fatalities of civilians who entered the encounter site prematurely. The Governor himself chided the SF but the grim reality and the paradox remains; the persisting presence of SF after an encounter brings them into contact with instigated flash mobs thus enhancing the feasibility of serious casualties on both sides. It's a truism that violence can never be overcome with counter-violence; it can only be contained. A mature strategic-operational leadership understands this and the need for a muscular policy is to the extent necessary to contain violence. The reduction and final neutralization comes through means other than violent and allude to the other half of Pakistani strategy — the use of information to instigate.

Governance at the grassroots forms a part of the information domain as it has a telling psychological effect on the population. Surprisingly, Kashmir has been uncomfortable through winter for many years due to inadequacy of infrastructure for as basic a thing among others as stocks of cooking gas and other fuel. In bleak, cloudy, snow conditions, the abundance of material comforts brings joy to people. Nothing can be done in a single season but the Governor and his administration ensuring an energetic presence during such times and maintaining contact with people will have a telling effect. The Governor has shown a sense of commitment; taking this proposal to visibility in other domains can have a cascading effect of positivity.

Two other measures among a host of ideas come to mind, due to experience of being amongst the troops and the people. Let the administration spend some money on a 'meeting of minds' programme for the various regions of J&amp;K. There exists such a perceptional fear 'for the other' that mutual understanding and cooperation for the betterment of the people is adversely affected. It is only worsening by the day due to the negative media blitz from Delhi's visual channels. The involvement of the Kashmiri Pandit community in such a campaign will only be helpful. Secondly, Governor's Rule does not place an embargo on grassroots politics. There are panchayat polls yet to be completed. Hopefully, these will go through without much violence but post polls, efforts should be made so that the regional mainstream parties, the NC and the PDP, can return to their constituencies. Dealing with J&amp;K, without their presence will only give us an artificial sense of calm; that calm should give us no joy. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-governance-at-the-grass-roots-2679671">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The phase from the end of October to early November in J&K every year is 'paralysis' time. The old practice of moving the 'durbar' from Srinagar (summer capital) to Jammu (winter capital) demands a pack up and reopening period and virtually puts the government into freeze.

The phase from the end of October to early November in J&K every year is 'paralysis' time. The old practice of moving the 'durbar' from Srinagar (summer capital) to Jammu (winter capital) demands a pack up and reopening period and virtually puts the government into freeze. About Rs 100 crore is spent on the practice of moving files, records and personnel twice a year. It is not a practice which can be stopped easily due to sentiments attached to the seat of power being alternated between the two cities of Srinagar and Jammu. When an elected government is in place, this should be the time for the political representatives to visit their constituencies, ascertain the problems for winter and determine the needs to make life a little more comfortable in the bleak season. During Governor's rule even more opportunities exist, provided there is a will in the political community and the administration. There are many aspects which the administration should be looking at – snow-clearance, public health centres with sufficient medicines in them and in the market, emergency medical relief, adequate energy reserves and food stocks in the event of road closure, and the power situation. The new Governor is proactively attempting to change things and should be advised on ground realities that will really constitute change in a transformational way. There is a misnomer that in winter violence takes backstage. In earlier times when foreign terrorists (FTs) were in abundance all over Kashmir, it was never very easy for them to move around given the lack of vegetation for cover and non-availability of guides. With militancy becoming largely local, at least in South Kashmir, local terrorists (LTs) know the ground and have multiple hideouts and safe houses. The level of violence through winter could remain almost the same as summer unless innovations are applied. Pakistan will attempt to up the ante to put India under pressure before the elections next year. Early indicators of enhanced rabble- rousing were evident in the speech of Pakistan Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, at Islamabad two days ago. Her supposed strategic conflict resolution model appears akin to a conflict-enhancing one. Economically broke or not, Pakistan is not going to let go of opportunities to weaken India's integration of J&K and continuance of violence forms an important aspect of that strategy. If violence levels come down in the hinterland then the choice remains to instigate more violence at the LoC. This is typical Pakistani strategy where strategic planning has no vision of the terminal end but there is immense clarity about the initiation in which much energy is expended. Fighting the twin tracks, of violence and information, remains the challenge for those responsible for securing and mainstreaming J&K. The Indian security forces (SF) have been adept at quelling violence through 28 years but there is no common yardstick for the application of practices of counter-violence. The nature of violence is dynamic and best practices have to keep pace with change. Accusations of adopting a muscular policy to quell violence will remain rife. These have never cowed us down and should not do so now. The watch words here are sensitivity and calibration and that comes with careful monitoring, extensive coordination and the one aspect we rarely speak about, training. The Army has facilities and staff for training a very large strength. There is no reason why these should not be available to all SF and without ego. No security personnel should ever be allowed to operate without having undergone joint training at such a facility. There has to be a more purposeful demonstration of will to calibrate than the one recently displayed at Kulgam's Laroo village, where unexploded munitions, probably of the terrorists, were left without final physical search and clearance leading to seven fatalities of civilians who entered the encounter site prematurely. The Governor himself chided the SF but the grim reality and the paradox remains; the persisting presence of SF after an encounter brings them into contact with instigated flash mobs thus enhancing the feasibility of serious casualties on both sides. It's a truism that violence can never be overcome with counter-violence; it can only be contained. A mature strategic-operational leadership understands this and the need for a muscular policy is to the extent necessary to contain violence. The reduction and final neutralization comes through means other than violent and allude to the other half of Pakistani strategy — the use of information to instigate. Governance at the grassroots forms a part of the information domain as it has a telling psychological effect on the population. Surprisingly, Kashmir has been uncomfortable through winter for many years due to inadequacy of infrastructure for as basic a thing among others as stocks of cooking gas and other fuel. In bleak, cloudy, snow conditions, the abundance of material comforts brings joy to people. Nothing can be done in a single season but the Governor and his administration ensuring an energetic presence during such times and maintaining contact with people will have a telling effect. The Governor has shown a sense of commitment; taking this proposal to visibility in other domains can have a cascading effect of positivity. Two other measures among a host of ideas come to mind, due to experience of being amongst the troops and the people. Let the administration spend some money on a 'meeting of minds' programme for the various regions of J&K. There exists such a perceptional fear 'for the other' that mutual understanding and cooperation for the betterment of the people is adversely affected. It is only worsening by the day due to the negative media blitz from Delhi's visual channels. The involvement of the Kashmiri Pandit community in such a campaign will only be helpful. Secondly, Governor's Rule does not place an embargo on grassroots politics. There are panchayat polls yet to be completed. Hopefully, these will go through without much violence but post polls, efforts should be made so that the regional mainstream parties, the NC and the PDP, can return to their constituencies. Dealing with J&K, without their presence will only give us an artificial sense of calm; that calm should give us no joy. (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)

J&K needs to strengthen governance at grassroot level

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar this morning to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;

He is also expected to take stock of the overall situation following recently held Municipal elections and the deteriorating ground situation in Kashmir. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He will also discuss with officials the ground situation in Kashmir following killings in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday.

All educational institutions from Class 11th to college level shall also remain closed in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Baramulla and Sopore.

The home minister is expected to meet leaders of political parties in Jammu and Kashmir during his visit, the official said.

The state has been under the Governor’s rule after PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had resigned as Chief Minister in June following the withdrawal of support by the BJP to her government.

Singh is also likely to meet representatives of some civil society groups, another official said.

Unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has been continuing with incidents of violence perpetrated by terror groups taking place regularly.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar this morning to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He is also expected to take stock of the overall situation following recently held Municipal elections and the deteriorating ground situation in Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar this morning to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He is also expected to take stock of the overall situation following recently held Municipal elections and the deteriorating ground situation in Kashmir. He will also discuss with officials the ground situation in Kashmir following killings in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Sunday. All educational institutions from Class 11th to college level shall also remain closed in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Baramulla and Sopore. The home minister is expected to meet leaders of political parties in Jammu and Kashmir during his visit, the official said. The state has been under the Governor’s rule after PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had resigned as Chief Minister in June following the withdrawal of support by the BJP to her government. Singh is also likely to meet representatives of some civil society groups, another official said. Unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has been continuing with incidents of violence perpetrated by terror groups taking place regularly.

Rajnath Singh arrives in Srinagar for a high-level security review meet

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun.

Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm. In the final phase, the electorate will seal the fate of 150 candidates in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. As many as 260 candidates will be contesting for 132 wards.

In the wake of the polls, security has been beefed up at polling stations, while checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and Ganderbal, where vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly to ensure seamless completion of polls.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Voting underway for the fourth phase of urban local body polls; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from a polling station in Ganderbal <a href="https://t.co/Fj07FZ4xnl">pic.twitter.com/Fj07FZ4xnl</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052014250573656064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Among the three polling phases, maximum voter turnout was recorded in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir (56.7 per cent), while least voter turnout was registered during the third phase (16.4 per cent).

The fight is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Jammu and Kashmir's two major parties- National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Alliance (PDP)- have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stand on Articles 35A.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: High-speed mobile internet services suspended in South and central Kashmir including Srinagar due to fourth phase of urban local body polls.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1052014712643379202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Article 35A disallows people from residing in Jammu and Kashmir, buying or owning immovable property in the state, settling permanently, or getting state government jobs.

Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20. 
&nbsp;

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm.

The fourth and final phase of the urban local body polls in 36 wards in central Kashmir's Srinagar and Ganderbal districts has begun. Polling began at 6 am and is slated to end at 4 pm. In the final phase, the electorate will seal the fate of 150 candidates in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts. As many as 260 candidates will be contesting for 132 wards. In the wake of the polls, security has been beefed up at polling stations, while checkpoints have been set up in Srinagar and Ganderbal, where vehicles and commuters are being searched thoroughly to ensure seamless completion of polls. Jammu & Kashmir: Voting underway for the fourth phase of urban local body polls; #Visuals from a polling station in Ganderbal pic.twitter.com/Fj07FZ4xnl — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × Among the three polling phases, maximum voter turnout was recorded in the first phase in Jammu and Kashmir (56.7 per cent), while least voter turnout was registered during the third phase (16.4 per cent). The fight is between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Jammu and Kashmir's two major parties- National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Alliance (PDP)- have boycotted the elections over lack of clarity in the Centre's stand on Articles 35A. Jammu & Kashmir: High-speed mobile internet services suspended in South and central Kashmir including Srinagar due to fourth phase of urban local body polls. — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2018 × Article 35A disallows people from residing in Jammu and Kashmir, buying or owning immovable property in the state, settling permanently, or getting state government jobs. Counting of votes cast during all four phases will be done on October 20.

J&K municipal polls: Final phase of voting begins

Two days ahead of the local body election in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists on Friday shot dead two civilians and injured another by firing at them.

The terrorists opened fire at the people from a&nbsp;close range in Karfali Mohalla area of Srinagar.

The state police have launched a search and rescue operation to find the terrorist&nbsp;involved in the case.&nbsp;

SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray said, "Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details".&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details: SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray <a href="https://t.co/tJ3XKm1jEE">pic.twitter.com/tJ3XKm1jEE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1048102144073715712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Two days ahead of the local body election in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists on Friday shot dead two civilians and injured another by firing at them. The terrorists opened fire at the people from a close range in Karfali Mohalla area of Srinagar.

Two days ahead of the local body election in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorists on Friday shot dead two civilians and injured another by firing at them. The terrorists opened fire at the people from a close range in Karfali Mohalla area of Srinagar. The state police have launched a search and rescue operation to find the terrorist involved in the case. SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray said, "Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details". #UPDATE Two people have been killed, they had some political background, we are ascertaining more details: SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray pic.twitter.com/tJ3XKm1jEE — ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2018 × (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: 2 civilians killed, 1 injured as terrorists open fire in Srinagar

Eight people including four paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers and an equal number of civilians were injured on Saturday in four grenade attacks carried out by the militants.

Peace in summer capital Srinagar was torn by these explosions as the militant outfit, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) owned responsibility for these attacks.

In the first attack, militants lobbed a grenade towards a security forces patrol party in Fatehkadal area of Srinagar, they said.

Three CRPF personnel and a woman were injured in the explosion, they said.

The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, where their condition is stated to be stable.

In the second attack, militants targeted a CRPF vehicle in Budshah Chowk area near the city centre here, injuring a jawan and a civilian, the police said.

The third grenade attack took place in Magarmal Bagh area of the city, they said.

The fourth grenade attack has taken place in Mominabad-Batamaloo area.&nbsp;

However, there was no damage due to the explosion there.

There have been at least six grenade attacks in Kashmir valley, including one at the residence of ruling PDP MLA Mushtaq Shah, since yesterday.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The fourth grenade attack has taken place within a span of around four hours in Srinagar, the latest one being in Mominabad-Batamaloo area.

Eight people including four paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers and an equal number of civilians were injured on Saturday in four grenade attacks carried out by the militants. Peace in summer capital Srinagar was torn by these explosions as the militant outfit, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) owned responsibility for these attacks. In the first attack, militants lobbed a grenade towards a security forces patrol party in Fatehkadal area of Srinagar, they said. Three CRPF personnel and a woman were injured in the explosion, they said. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital, where their condition is stated to be stable. In the second attack, militants targeted a CRPF vehicle in Budshah Chowk area near the city centre here, injuring a jawan and a civilian, the police said. The third grenade attack took place in Magarmal Bagh area of the city, they said. The fourth grenade attack has taken place in Mominabad-Batamaloo area. However, there was no damage due to the explosion there. There have been at least six grenade attacks in Kashmir valley, including one at the residence of ruling PDP MLA Mushtaq Shah, since yesterday. (With inputs from Agencies)

Four CRPF soldiers, 4 civilians injured in grenade attacks in Srinagar

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to J&K on Saturday, Indian security forces have increased safety measures in the state.

PM Modi will be inaugurating the 300-Megawatt hydroelectricity project in the Valley.&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister will also be laying the foundation stone for the longest road tunnel through the Zojila Pass to connect the Valley with Ladakh.

It will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel.

The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes.

The tunnel is set to take seven years to build by India.

The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes.

Ahead of PM Modi's visit to J&K on Saturday, Indian security forces have increased safety measures in the state. PM Modi will be inaugurating the 300-Megawatt hydroelectricity project in the Valley. The Indian prime minister will also be laying the foundation stone for the longest road tunnel through the Zojila Pass to connect the Valley with Ladakh. It will India's longest road tunnel and Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel. The 14.2 km tunnel is estimated to cost over 6,000 crores and will cut travel time between Srinagar to Leh to 15 minutes. The tunnel is set to take seven years to build by India.

PM Modi to visit J&K to inaugurate Zojila tunnel, hydroelectricity project

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound.

Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram -&nbsp; will land on Indian soil on April 25.

It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> :&nbsp;A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IAF</a>. <a href="https://t.co/xq8LHza53V">pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988465747583094784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station.

The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year.

The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India.

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar.

On April 22, the&nbsp;Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well.

A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines.

Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh.

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Update on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DakotaHomebound?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DakotaHomebound</a> : On 22Apr18, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VP905?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VP905</a> flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 <a href="https://t.co/RpwhaFdPbk">pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk</a>
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/988622633456435201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd.

It's a World War-II era aircraft. It's a plane which was a game-changer while transporting Indian troops into Srinagar during the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan in 1947 just after India's independence. It's a plane which has risen from the ashes like a phoenix. And it's a plane which is finally home-bound. Having started its flight from the United Kingdom on April 17, the Dakota DC-3 - named Parashuram - will land on Indian soil on April 25. It will bear the tail number VP 905, the same one which the first such Dakota which transported troops of the 1st Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on October 27, 1947, during the Kashmir conflict. #DakotaHomebound : A Dakota DC-3 aircraft of 1940’s vintage would be inducted shortly into the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the IAF. The aircraft was obtained from scrap in 2011 & restored to flying condition in UK by Hon’ble Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar for gifting it to the #IAF. pic.twitter.com/xq8LHza53V — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 23, 2018 × Procured from scrap and restored to its flying glory with the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar, this aircraft - regarded as one of the most versatile transport aircraft of its time - will land in Jamnagar in Gujarat on April 25 and is all set to be inducted in the Vintage Aircraft Flight of the Indian Air Force on May 4 at the Hindan Air Force Station. The Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B.S Dhanoa had ceremonially accepted the aircraft into the IAF from Rajeev Chandrasekhar in February this year. The IAF had signed a contract with M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd London for upgrading its navigational systems. Once the restoration was completed, it was subject to test flights and once it successfully completed those, it began its journey to India. The Dakota is being flown to India by a joint crew of the Indian Air Force and M/s Reflight Airworks Ltd. Ever since it started its journey on April 17, the aircraft has made scheduled halts at in France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. It'll now undertake the last leg of its journey from Muscat to Jamnagar. On April 22, the Dakota flew the longest leg of its homebound journey. It flew 1,598.47 kilometres from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first night landing as well. A large fleet of Dakota DC-3 served in the IAF till 1988. Built in 1944, the aircraft served in the military with the Royal Air Force and was also operated by various civil airlines. Regarded as the main workhorses of the then Royal Indian Air Force, the Dakotas are credited as being the game-changers in the 1947 India-Pakistan war by saving the Kashmir valley for India. They are also credited with hastening Dhaka's fall and the liberation of Bangladesh. Update on #DakotaHomebound : On 22Apr18, #VP905 flew the longest leg (1598.47 Kms) of the ferry from Aqaba Royal Jordanian Air Force Base to Bahrain International Airport & carried out its first Night Landing. The homebound lap from Muscat to Jamnagar, India is planned on 25Apr18 pic.twitter.com/RpwhaFdPbk — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 24, 2018 ×

Watch: World War II-era Dakota finally home-bound to India

A Hizbul Mujahideen militant, who was involved in a shoot-out with the Army in Shopian district, has surfaced in SKIMS Hospital here in an injured condition, police said.

"Asif Ashraf Malik, an active militant of outlawed Hizbul Mujahideen outfit has been admitted with a bullet injury at SKIMS hospital here," a police spokesman said.

He said a preliminary investigation suggests that he was injured at Ahgam in Shopian district last night when militants, travelling in a car, opened fire on an Army patrol.

Malik, a resident of Krawoora in Shopian, has been active as a militant since October last year.

Militants last night opened fire on an Army patrol at Ahgam in Shopian last night, drawing retaliatory fire from security forces. 
The car in which the militants were travelling at the time of the incident had veered off the road and hit a tree.

Security forces had launched a search operation in the area but the militants managed to escape and Malik managed to travel a distance of more than 50 kilometres to reach the SKIMS Hospital here for treatment.

The spokesman said police is investigating the matter.

Malik, a resident of Krawoora in Shopian, has been active as a militant since October last year

A Hizbul Mujahideen militant, who was involved in a shoot-out with the Army in Shopian district, has surfaced in SKIMS Hospital here in an injured condition, police said. "Asif Ashraf Malik, an active militant of outlawed Hizbul Mujahideen outfit has been admitted with a bullet injury at SKIMS hospital here," a police spokesman said. He said a preliminary investigation suggests that he was injured at Ahgam in Shopian district last night when militants, travelling in a car, opened fire on an Army patrol. Malik, a resident of Krawoora in Shopian, has been active as a militant since October last year. Militants last night opened fire on an Army patrol at Ahgam in Shopian last night, drawing retaliatory fire from security forces. The car in which the militants were travelling at the time of the incident had veered off the road and hit a tree. Security forces had launched a search operation in the area but the militants managed to escape and Malik managed to travel a distance of more than 50 kilometres to reach the SKIMS Hospital here for treatment. The spokesman said police is investigating the matter.

Shopian shoot-out: Injured militant in hospital

Ahdoos Hotel and Restaurant began its journey a century ago in the city center of Srinagar. Back in 1918, it was a standalone bakery shop running its operations from a small outlet on Srinagar&#39;s Residency Road.

Ahdoos has witnessed many turns of history. It bore witness to the bloody Partition. After India&rsquo;s Independence, it became a nerve centre for political and social conversations concerning the Kashmir Valley.

Then, during the militancy of the early 90&rsquo;s, it served as a welcoming hub for reporters travelling to Kashmir to report on the Kashmir conflict. Room boys would serve piping hot dinner to working journalists at any time of night and a fax machine was available at all odd hours to file stories and meet deadlines.

And now, tourists from across the world flock to Ahdoos for a taste of the famous and sumptuous Wazwan cuisine of Kashmir.

Ahdoos&#39;s customers say that the 100-year-old establishment is synonymous to Kashmir. However, and during the last three decades, it rose to prominence chiefly due to the insurgency and conflict. When every other hotel in Srinagar closed its doors to visitors, Ahdoos remained open. Journalists would throng to stay here and file their dispatches on the violence and conflict. The third generation owner of Ahdoos proudly says that even during those dark days, the hotel&#39;s business didn&rsquo;t stop or miss a single beat.

As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoo&#39;s owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India. As a franchise, Ahdoos will soon set up shop in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The famous Ahdoos bakery will now be known as Creme.

For many government officials, bureaucrats, politicians and security officers, Ahdoos has become a cherished habit. And now, the management is taking on the challenge of meeting the tastes of the younger generation too.

&nbsp;

As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoos' owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India

Ahdoos Hotel and Restaurant began its journey a century ago in the city center of Srinagar. Back in 1918, it was a standalone bakery shop running its operations from a small outlet on Srinagar's Residency Road. Ahdoos has witnessed many turns of history. It bore witness to the bloody Partition. After India’s Independence, it became a nerve centre for political and social conversations concerning the Kashmir Valley. Then, during the militancy of the early 90’s, it served as a welcoming hub for reporters travelling to Kashmir to report on the Kashmir conflict. Room boys would serve piping hot dinner to working journalists at any time of night and a fax machine was available at all odd hours to file stories and meet deadlines. And now, tourists from across the world flock to Ahdoos for a taste of the famous and sumptuous Wazwan cuisine of Kashmir. Ahdoos's customers say that the 100-year-old establishment is synonymous to Kashmir. However, and during the last three decades, it rose to prominence chiefly due to the insurgency and conflict. When every other hotel in Srinagar closed its doors to visitors, Ahdoos remained open. Journalists would throng to stay here and file their dispatches on the violence and conflict. The third generation owner of Ahdoos proudly says that even during those dark days, the hotel's business didn’t stop or miss a single beat. As on the cusp of celebrating its 100th birthday, Ahdoo's owners are now renaming the brand to take a slice of Kashmir to big cities across India. As a franchise, Ahdoos will soon set up shop in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The famous Ahdoos bakery will now be known as Creme. For many government officials, bureaucrats, politicians and security officers, Ahdoos has become a cherished habit. And now, the management is taking on the challenge of meeting the tastes of the younger generation too.

Bite of history: Srinagar's iconic restaurant turns 100

Domestic budget carrier IndiGo&#39;s A320neo aircraft was grounded earlier today in Srinagar, Jammu &amp; Kashmir. According to reports, the aircraft was reported of a hydraulic leak from its engine.&nbsp;

The incident occurred within a week of the national aviation watchdog cracking its whip on airlines over stringent safety and security measures.&nbsp;

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An IndiGo A320neo aircraft grounded in Jammu &amp; Kashmir&#39;s Srinagar due to hydraulic leak from its engine.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975356530978643968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The private airline was earlier slapped with a notice by the national aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation. DGCA&nbsp; grounded eight of IndiGo&#39;s A320Neo planes with faulty Pratt &amp; Whitney engines. According to reports, GoAir&#39;s three such aircraft were also grounded.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-plane-crash-aftermath-after-dgca-cracks-whip-indigo-cancels-47-flights-across-india-35604">DGCA&#39;s order, that was issued earlier this week</a>, cited safety measures for the airlines. The directive grounded A320 Neos Airbus fitted with PW1100 engines beyond ESN 450 with immediate effect.

Three other IndiGo A320Neo planes have been on the ground since February following similar engine problems. 
&nbsp;

Three other IndiGo A320Neo planes have been on the ground since February following similar engine problems

Domestic budget carrier IndiGo's A320neo aircraft was grounded earlier today in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. According to reports, the aircraft was reported of a hydraulic leak from its engine. The incident occurred within a week of the national aviation watchdog cracking its whip on airlines over stringent safety and security measures. An IndiGo A320neo aircraft grounded in Jammu & Kashmir's Srinagar due to hydraulic leak from its engine. — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × The private airline was earlier slapped with a notice by the national aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation. DGCA grounded eight of IndiGo's A320Neo planes with faulty Pratt & Whitney engines. According to reports, GoAir's three such aircraft were also grounded. DGCA's order, that was issued earlier this week, cited safety measures for the airlines. The directive grounded A320 Neos Airbus fitted with PW1100 engines beyond ESN 450 with immediate effect. Three other IndiGo A320Neo planes have been on the ground since February following similar engine problems.

Jammu and Kashmir: IndiGo A320neo aircraft grounded due to leak in engine

Groups of people raised &quot;azadi&quot; slogans at an event of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar here today and left midway alleging that they were tricked into participating in the programme.

As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech.

The people alleged they did not know that Ravishankar was to speak there and were invited to the programme on different pretexts.

We reached here early in the morning. We were told that we will be given jobs and some management company is giving training here, a group of youths from Pantha Chowk area of the city said.

Another group from central Kashmir&#39;s Budgam district said they were told some religious scholar was to shed light on Islam.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank">Our country should not become like Syria, says </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank">Sri Sri</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-country-should-not-become-like-syria-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-34792" target="_blank"> Ravishankar</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-face-backlash-over-syria-remark-34813" target="_blank">Sri Sri</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-face-backlash-over-syria-remark-34813" target="_blank"> Ravishankar faces backlash over Syria remark</a>

We would not have participated in this event had we known who was to speak. We were tricked by the organisers, they claimed.

A group of students alleged that they were promised cricket kits by the organisers.

We were promised cricket kits and money. But we have not been given anything, not even a glass of water, Javed Ahmad, a student from Baramulla district, said.

The people raised pro-freedom slogans at the event, but dispersed peacefully later.

Asked about the people&#39;s allegations, Ravishankar said it was he who was invited to Kashmir and he had not invited those people but would be available to hear whatever they want to say.

Earlier, the Art of Living founder in his speech said he wanted to see Kashmir as the Switzerland of Asia.

I want to see an atmosphere of beauty, peace and love here, for which we all have to work together If we think about past only, then we will remain sad. We should look forward. We have the courage and power to be resilient and think about our future, he said.

Later, talking to reporters at another location, Ravishankar said he had come to Kashmir to hear the people.

&quot;I will be meeting several delegations, including victims of violence. I will hear them over the next two days and I want to create a wave of happiness and an atmosphere of love in Kashmir,&quot; he said.

As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech

Groups of people raised "azadi" slogans at an event of Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar here today and left midway alleging that they were tricked into participating in the programme. As Ravishankar was speaking at Paigham-e-Mohabbat (message of love) function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) lawns, people started to leave the venue, forcing the spiritual leader to cut short his speech. The people alleged they did not know that Ravishankar was to speak there and were invited to the programme on different pretexts. We reached here early in the morning. We were told that we will be given jobs and some management company is giving training here, a group of youths from Pantha Chowk area of the city said. Another group from central Kashmir's Budgam district said they were told some religious scholar was to shed light on Islam. Also read: Our country should not become like Syria, says Sri Sri Ravishankar Also read: Sri Sri Ravishankar faces backlash over Syria remark We would not have participated in this event had we known who was to speak. We were tricked by the organisers, they claimed. A group of students alleged that they were promised cricket kits by the organisers. We were promised cricket kits and money. But we have not been given anything, not even a glass of water, Javed Ahmad, a student from Baramulla district, said. The people raised pro-freedom slogans at the event, but dispersed peacefully later. Asked about the people's allegations, Ravishankar said it was he who was invited to Kashmir and he had not invited those people but would be available to hear whatever they want to say. Earlier, the Art of Living founder in his speech said he wanted to see Kashmir as the Switzerland of Asia. I want to see an atmosphere of beauty, peace and love here, for which we all have to work together If we think about past only, then we will remain sad. We should look forward. We have the courage and power to be resilient and think about our future, he said. Later, talking to reporters at another location, Ravishankar said he had come to Kashmir to hear the people. "I will be meeting several delegations, including victims of violence. I will hear them over the next two days and I want to create a wave of happiness and an atmosphere of love in Kashmir," he said.

Tricked into attending Sri Sri Ravishankar's Srinagar event: Locals

A boy, who joined militancy in Kashmir, has returned home today following an appeal by his mother, a senior police official said.

&quot;Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley&quot;, DGP S P Vaid said in a tweet today.&nbsp;

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Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley. I wish the family happy re- union.
&mdash; Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/969448877916073984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The DGP also wished a happy reunion to the family in his tweet.

&quot;I wish the family happy re-union&quot;, he said.

The age of the boy has not been disclosed.

Four Kashmiri youths, who had taken to militancy, shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream in 2017.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kashmir-burhan-wanis-successor-asks-pandits-to-return-says-militants-planning-sikh-outfit-7706" target="_blank">Burhan Wani&#39;s &#39;successor&#39; asks Pandits to return</a>

Notably, last month, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in a written reply to a question of BJP MLC Vikram Randhawa in the Legislative Council, said that four misguided youths shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream.

&quot;Efforts are being made to counsel the families of militants to convince their wards to give up violence&quot;, she said.

The chief minister said her government had taken a number of states to contain radicalisation and extremism, and undertaken youth engagement activities, such as cricket tournaments.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

Mufti said youth clubs had been set up at the police station level to train them in information technology and indoor games.

Also, she mentioned about the surveillance on social media, which she said had been enhanced as the Internet plays a major role in radicalisation of the youth.&nbsp;

The age of the boy has not been disclosed. Last year too, four boys who had joined the militants had returned home

A boy, who joined militancy in Kashmir, has returned home today following an appeal by his mother, a senior police official said. "Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley", DGP S P Vaid said in a tweet today. Another young boy responding to the appeals of crying mother returned to the fold of family leaving path of violence in the valley. I wish the family happy re- union. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) March 2, 2018 × The DGP also wished a happy reunion to the family in his tweet. "I wish the family happy re-union", he said. The age of the boy has not been disclosed. Four Kashmiri youths, who had taken to militancy, shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream in 2017. Also read: Burhan Wani's 'successor' asks Pandits to return Notably, last month, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in a written reply to a question of BJP MLC Vikram Randhawa in the Legislative Council, said that four misguided youths shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream. "Efforts are being made to counsel the families of militants to convince their wards to give up violence", she said. The chief minister said her government had taken a number of states to contain radicalisation and extremism, and undertaken youth engagement activities, such as cricket tournaments. Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir Mufti said youth clubs had been set up at the police station level to train them in information technology and indoor games. Also, she mentioned about the surveillance on social media, which she said had been enhanced as the Internet plays a major role in radicalisation of the youth.

Kashmir: Militant returns home after mother asks him to

A terrorist who was injured in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-open-fire-on-security-force-during-cordon-and-search-operations-in-jks-bandipora-34052" target="_blank">Bon Mohalla of Bandipora&#39;s Hajin</a> on Monday has succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Terrorist who was injured yesterday in Bon Mohalla of Bandipora&#39;s Hajin succumbed to his injuries. Security forces had started a cordon and search operation in Bon Mohalla after terrorists fired on troops at 0515 hrs yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/968314330130329600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Security forces had launched a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Bandipora district&nbsp;after some people reported suspicious movements in the area.

Also, the schools in the adjoining areas where searches were underway were shut down for the day as a precautionary measure.

The Cordon and search operation (CASO) was&nbsp;launched by 45 Bn CRPF, Special Operations Group, and 13 RR after terrorists had fired on troops at around 5:15 a.m. in the morning.

Earlier on Sunday, a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-kill-2-policemen-in-two-separate-incidents-34012" target="_blank"> policeman lost his life </a>in a militant attack at Soura in Srinagar.

The police personnel was guarding the residence of a Hurriyat Conference (M) leader as a militant attacked him and decamped with his service rifle at Soura in the outskirts of Srinagar.

This was the second attack in a row after a policeman was killed while guarding Charar-e-Sherief in the central Kashmir&#39;s Budgam district on Sunday afternoon.

The terrorist was injured in Bon Mohalla of Bandipora's Hajin on Monday

A terrorist who was injured in Bon Mohalla of Bandipora's Hajin on Monday has succumbed to his injuries. Terrorist who was injured yesterday in Bon Mohalla of Bandipora's Hajin succumbed to his injuries. Security forces had started a cordon and search operation in Bon Mohalla after terrorists fired on troops at 0515 hrs yesterday. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2018 × Security forces had launched a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district after some people reported suspicious movements in the area. Also, the schools in the adjoining areas where searches were underway were shut down for the day as a precautionary measure. The Cordon and search operation (CASO) was launched by 45 Bn CRPF, Special Operations Group, and 13 RR after terrorists had fired on troops at around 5:15 a.m. in the morning. Earlier on Sunday, a policeman lost his life in a militant attack at Soura in Srinagar. The police personnel was guarding the residence of a Hurriyat Conference (M) leader as a militant attacked him and decamped with his service rifle at Soura in the outskirts of Srinagar. This was the second attack in a row after a policeman was killed while guarding Charar-e-Sherief in the central Kashmir's Budgam district on Sunday afternoon.

J&K: Terrorist injured in Bandipora on Monday dies from his injuries

Traffic on the 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended on Monday after a massive landslide blocked the arterial road in Udhampur district, officials said.

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Jammu-Srinagar National Highway blocked after a landslide in Udhampur&#39;s Moud <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/vXTGVet5o7">pic.twitter.com/vXTGVet5o7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967972410623315969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The authorities said the restoration of traffic on the highway could take two days.

As per reports, the authority has deployed JCB machines to clear the debris.

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway blocked after a landslide in Udhampur's Moud

Traffic on the 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar national highway was suspended on Monday after a massive landslide blocked the arterial road in Udhampur district, officials said. Jammu-Srinagar National Highway blocked after a landslide in Udhampur's Moud #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/vXTGVet5o7 — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2018 × The authorities said the restoration of traffic on the highway could take two days. As per reports, the authority has deployed JCB machines to clear the debris.

Landslide blocks Jammu-Srinagar highway in Udhampur's Moud

Srinagar Humhama CRFF headquarter ceremony hall was jam packed all top rank officials including DG CRFP were present to award the brave hearts of CRPF, all of sudden there was call from the dice, &ldquo;hero of Karan nagar operation guard Raghunath&rdquo; out of crowd a young slim blackish soldier stood up and walked towards stage with full confidence and happiness on face reaching dice he was appreciated by the CRPF chief DG and was awarded by DG commendation certificate and a cash reward of 1 lakh, Raghunath was seen encouraged and glow on his face could easily explain that what he did for his country and force is recognised.

&ldquo;It was around 4.30 in morning I had just taken the guard duty at post and it was heavily snowing the visibility was very low because it was still dark at same time I felt some suspicious movement just in few seconds I saw two persons ( terrorist) heavily armed having bags on there backs walking towards 23 battalion camp I soon smelled the danger but I thought it&rsquo;s better to challenge them in spite of informing the higher officials as time was less, I cocked my gun and fired 30-40 rounds on those terrorists the firing not only made them flee but also raised alarm in camp and everybody took position and a big attack was thwarted&rdquo; said Constable Raghunath Ghait.&nbsp;

There is all set that 27-year-old Constable Raghunath Ghait, from Nandura in Maharashtra will get an out of turn promotion, &quot;we have taken a decision to grant him ( Raghunath) out of turn promotion,&quot; said Director General (DG) CRPF RR Bhatnagar. The DG will be writing to Home Ministry to seek sanction for the clearance of the decision.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Recommendation for his promotion is done and it&rsquo;s expected that his file will be cleared soon, and then formal announcement will be made,&rdquo; said a CRPF official.

Raghunath joined as constable in the force in 2014. In the normal course of promotion, he would have to wait for another 10 years to be a Head Constable, but his promotion is done out of turn it will take him just four years to be head constable.

&ldquo;This commendation card for bravery will not only boost my morale but other soldiers will also feel proud to be the part of such force where someone&rsquo;s work is recognised&rdquo; said Constable Raghunath Ghait.

It was early dawn of Monday 12th of February when terrorist tried to storm 23 battalion CRPF camp, but attack was foiled and terrorists were cornered in an under construction building and 32 hours gun battle whereby two foreign terrorist were killed but CRPF lost a Constable Mohajid Khan, a resident of Ara in Bihar, who nabbed the terrorist in the under construction building.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Raghunath joined as constable in the force in 2014. In the normal course of promotion, he would have to wait for another 10 years to be a Head Constable, but his promotion is done out of turn it will take him just four years to be head constable

Srinagar Humhama CRFF headquarter ceremony hall was jam packed all top rank officials including DG CRFP were present to award the brave hearts of CRPF, all of sudden there was call from the dice, “hero of Karan nagar operation guard Raghunath” out of crowd a young slim blackish soldier stood up and walked towards stage with full confidence and happiness on face reaching dice he was appreciated by the CRPF chief DG and was awarded by DG commendation certificate and a cash reward of 1 lakh, Raghunath was seen encouraged and glow on his face could easily explain that what he did for his country and force is recognised. “It was around 4.30 in morning I had just taken the guard duty at post and it was heavily snowing the visibility was very low because it was still dark at same time I felt some suspicious movement just in few seconds I saw two persons ( terrorist) heavily armed having bags on there backs walking towards 23 battalion camp I soon smelled the danger but I thought it’s better to challenge them in spite of informing the higher officials as time was less, I cocked my gun and fired 30-40 rounds on those terrorists the firing not only made them flee but also raised alarm in camp and everybody took position and a big attack was thwarted” said Constable Raghunath Ghait. There is all set that 27-year-old Constable Raghunath Ghait, from Nandura in Maharashtra will get an out of turn promotion, "we have taken a decision to grant him ( Raghunath) out of turn promotion," said Director General (DG) CRPF RR Bhatnagar. The DG will be writing to Home Ministry to seek sanction for the clearance of the decision. “Recommendation for his promotion is done and it’s expected that his file will be cleared soon, and then formal announcement will be made,” said a CRPF official. Raghunath joined as constable in the force in 2014. In the normal course of promotion, he would have to wait for another 10 years to be a Head Constable, but his promotion is done out of turn it will take him just four years to be head constable. “This commendation card for bravery will not only boost my morale but other soldiers will also feel proud to be the part of such force where someone’s work is recognised” said Constable Raghunath Ghait. It was early dawn of Monday 12th of February when terrorist tried to storm 23 battalion CRPF camp, but attack was foiled and terrorists were cornered in an under construction building and 32 hours gun battle whereby two foreign terrorist were killed but CRPF lost a Constable Mohajid Khan, a resident of Ara in Bihar, who nabbed the terrorist in the under construction building.

'Hero of Karan Nagar operation' CRPF braveheart Raghunath Ghait promoted

Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu, General Officer, Northern Command said today that social media was a big factor for the&nbsp;increase in terror-related activities as the youth are increasingly using it on a large scale.

&quot;The youth joining terrorism is a concern, we need to address this trend,&quot; Lt Gen Anbu said.

Addressing a press conference, the northern command chief said anyone who has arms&nbsp;and is against the state, is a terrorist, adding that terror organizations &nbsp;Hizbul Mujahideen, JeM and LeT are hand-in-glove in the Kashmir Valley.

Taking a dig at those who recently whipped up the issue of religion in the Indian Army, Lt Gen Anbu said: &quot;We don&#39;t communalise martyrs, those making statements don&#39;t know the Army well.&quot;

On the recent spate of terror attacks, Lt Gen Anbu declared that the enemy was &quot;frustrated&quot;&nbsp; so&nbsp;it was trying to attack &quot;soft targets&quot;.

&quot;Last year we focused on the leadership and eliminated it,&quot; he said.

Addressing a press conference, the northern command chief said anyone who has arms and is against the state, is a terrorist,

Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu, General Officer, Northern Command said today that social media was a big factor for the increase in terror-related activities as the youth are increasingly using it on a large scale. "The youth joining terrorism is a concern, we need to address this trend," Lt Gen Anbu said. Addressing a press conference, the northern command chief said anyone who has arms and is against the state, is a terrorist, adding that terror organizations Hizbul Mujahideen, JeM and LeT are hand-in-glove in the Kashmir Valley. Taking a dig at those who recently whipped up the issue of religion in the Indian Army, Lt Gen Anbu said: "We don't communalise martyrs, those making statements don't know the Army well." On the recent spate of terror attacks, Lt Gen Anbu declared that the enemy was "frustrated" so it was trying to attack "soft targets". "Last year we focused on the leadership and eliminated it," he said.

We don't communalise martyrs, those making statements don't know the Army: Lt Gen Anbu, northern command chief

Security<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-now-terrorists-try-to-enter-army-camp-indomana-32714"> forces today killed both&nbsp;terrorists </a>in Srinagar&#39;s Karan Nagar area who were holed up inside a building.&nbsp;

The security forces have now begun clearing the area after killing both terrorists.

The encounter began over 24 hours ago after&nbsp;two terrorists tried to enter a CRPF camp on Monday.&nbsp; The security men immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area.

The terrorists were later tracked down in&nbsp;the Karan Nagar area near the CRPF camp by security forces leading to a gun battle.

&quot;One LeT terrorist has been neutralised in Karan Nagar encounter,&quot; SP Vaid, DGP, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, said. Security officials confirmed the second terrorist has also been&nbsp;killed.

Earlier on Tuesday,&nbsp;Swayam Prakash Pani, IGP, Kashmir had&nbsp;said:&nbsp;&quot;We suspect the presence of two terrorists, the operation is in its final stage.&quot;

Meanwhile, security forces conducted search operation in Jammu&#39;s Raipur Domana area.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited J&amp;K on Monday to monitor the situation.

The defence minister said Sunjuwan army camp attack which had taken place on Saturday was&nbsp;carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed, adding that the attackers &quot;enjoyed some local support&quot;.&nbsp;

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Security forces in J&amp;K have reportedly tracked two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday. (ANI)
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Security personnel take positions during an encounter with terrorists near a CRPF camp at Karra Nagar in Srinagar on Monday. (PTI)
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The encounter began over 24 hours ago after two terrorists tried to enter a CRPF camp

Security forces today killed both terrorists in Srinagar's Karan Nagar area who were holed up inside a building. The security forces have now begun clearing the area after killing both terrorists. The encounter began over 24 hours ago after two terrorists tried to enter a CRPF camp on Monday. The security men immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area. The terrorists were later tracked down in the Karan Nagar area near the CRPF camp by security forces leading to a gun battle. "One LeT terrorist has been neutralised in Karan Nagar encounter," SP Vaid, DGP, Jammu & Kashmir, said. Security officials confirmed the second terrorist has also been killed. Earlier on Tuesday, Swayam Prakash Pani, IGP, Kashmir had said: "We suspect the presence of two terrorists, the operation is in its final stage." Meanwhile, security forces conducted search operation in Jammu's Raipur Domana area. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited J&K on Monday to monitor the situation. The defence minister said Sunjuwan army camp attack which had taken place on Saturday was carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed, adding that the attackers "enjoyed some local support". Security forces in J&K have reportedly tracked two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday. (ANI) × Security personnel take positions during an encounter with terrorists near a CRPF camp at Karra Nagar in Srinagar on Monday. (PTI) ×

Watch: Over 24 hours later, both terrorists killed in Srinagar gun battle

Security forces today launched a massive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-hours-later-gun-battle-continues-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-srinagar-32678">search operation after Army personnel </a>foiled a suspected terrorist attack on their camp in Jammu, three days after a deadly strike by Jaish-e-Mohammad group killed seven people at Sunjuwan military station, an official said.

&quot;An attack (on a camp) was averted and the terrorist fled away,&quot; Jammu-based Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said.

A senior police officer said two motorcycle-borne terrorists are believed to have approached the main gate of the camp at Domana on Jammu-Akhnoor road in the early morning hours on Tuesday&nbsp;and fired on the sentry post after security officials signalled them to stop, prompting retaliation.

&quot;An investigation has started and a search operation is underway to trackdown the fleeing terrorists,&quot; the official said adding that an alert has been sounded in the area.

Heavily-armed terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM) group struck an Army camp in Sunjuwan area in Jammu on Saturday morning, triggering a gunbattle in which six soldiers and a civilian died.

Three terrorists were also killed by the security forces.

Yesterday, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Jammu to take stock of the situation following the attack. She blamed Pakistan for the attack and said Islamabad will pay the price for the &quot;misadventure&quot;.

&quot;Pakistan will pay for this misadventure. I repeat Pakistan will pay for it,&quot; she told reporters.

Asked whether the Indian government was sharing evidence with Pakistan, Sitharaman said &quot;yes&quot;.

&quot;Yes, all the evidences which have been collected will be compiled and definitely the evidences will be given - as always - to Pakistan. But Pakistan, inspite of being given dossiers after dossiers, has not taken any action,&quot; she said.

Her visit came as another encounter between security forces and terrorists began to unfold in Srinagar&#39;s Karan Nagar area. The encounter was still on, a CRPF official said this morning.

J&amp;K: Now, terrorists try to enter Army camp in&nbsp;Domana

A senior police officer said two motorcycle-borne terrorists are believed to have approached the main gate of the camp at Domana on Jammu-Akhnoor road

Security forces today launched a massive search operation after Army personnel foiled a suspected terrorist attack on their camp in Jammu, three days after a deadly strike by Jaish-e-Mohammad group killed seven people at Sunjuwan military station, an official said. "An attack (on a camp) was averted and the terrorist fled away," Jammu-based Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said. A senior police officer said two motorcycle-borne terrorists are believed to have approached the main gate of the camp at Domana on Jammu-Akhnoor road in the early morning hours on Tuesday and fired on the sentry post after security officials signalled them to stop, prompting retaliation. "An investigation has started and a search operation is underway to trackdown the fleeing terrorists," the official said adding that an alert has been sounded in the area. Heavily-armed terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e- Mohammad (JeM) group struck an Army camp in Sunjuwan area in Jammu on Saturday morning, triggering a gunbattle in which six soldiers and a civilian died. Three terrorists were also killed by the security forces. Yesterday, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Jammu to take stock of the situation following the attack. She blamed Pakistan for the attack and said Islamabad will pay the price for the "misadventure". "Pakistan will pay for this misadventure. I repeat Pakistan will pay for it," she told reporters. Asked whether the Indian government was sharing evidence with Pakistan, Sitharaman said "yes". "Yes, all the evidences which have been collected will be compiled and definitely the evidences will be given - as always - to Pakistan. But Pakistan, inspite of being given dossiers after dossiers, has not taken any action," she said. Her visit came as another encounter between security forces and terrorists began to unfold in Srinagar's Karan Nagar area. The encounter was still on, a CRPF official said this morning. J&K: Now, terrorists try to enter Army camp in Domana

J&K: Now, terrorists try to enter Army camp in Domana

Authorities have&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunjwan-army-camp-attack-iaf-para-commandos-airlifted-to-jammu-from-udhampur-32391">discovered a body of another soldier</a> killed by terrorists in the Sunjuwan Army camp on Saturday.

Earlier, the Army had said five soldiers were killed in the attack, with today&#39;s discovery of another body the death toll has been revised to seven, which includes one civilian.

Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp.

In the early morning hours on Saturday, terrorists opened fire at the camp located in &nbsp;Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. The terrorists struck the camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.

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Jammu: J&amp;K CM Mehbooba Mufti and Deputy CM Nirmal Singh at wreath laying ceremony of four Army personnel who lost their lives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunjuwanArmyCamp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunjuwanArmyCamp</a> terror attack. Total six army personnel and one civilian had lost their lives and three terrorists were killed in the attack. <a href="https://t.co/3jECPVDClU">pic.twitter.com/3jECPVDClU</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963277526687772672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp.

Authorities have discovered a body of another soldier killed by terrorists in the Sunjuwan Army camp on Saturday. Earlier, the Army had said five soldiers were killed in the attack, with today's discovery of another body the death toll has been revised to seven, which includes one civilian. Pak-based Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp. In the early morning hours on Saturday, terrorists opened fire at the camp located in Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. The terrorists struck the camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Jammu: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti and Deputy CM Nirmal Singh at wreath laying ceremony of four Army personnel who lost their lives in #SunjuwanArmyCamp terror attack. Total six army personnel and one civilian had lost their lives and three terrorists were killed in the attack. pic.twitter.com/3jECPVDClU — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2018 ×

Another solider's body found at Sunjuwan Army camp, death toll revised to seven

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-hours-later-gun-battle-continues-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-srinagar-32678">24 hours later, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-hours-later-gun-battle-continues-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-srinagar-32678">gun</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/24-hours-later-gun-battle-continues-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-srinagar-32678"> battle continues between security forces, terrorists in Srinagar</a>

Heavy firing is still underway between terrorists and security forces in Srinagar&#39;s Karan Nagar area.

One soldier was killed after two terrorists tried to enter a CRPF camp on Monday. The security men immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-extends-ban-on-terror-groups-listed-by-un-32676">Pakistan extends ban on terror groups listed by UN</a>

After UN released a list of banned terrorist organisations, Pakistan authorities decided to extend the ban in the country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/japanese-olympic-speed-skater-tests-positive-for-doping-report-32669">Japanese Olympic speed skater tests positive for doping: CAS</a>

Japanese short-track speed skater Kei Saito has tested positive for doping at the Pyeongchang Olympic Games, the first doping case of the Games, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/phillippines-president-orders-soldier-to-shoot-women-rebels-in-their-genitals-32673">Phillippines president Duterte orders soldiers to &#39;shoot women rebels&#39; in genitals: Report</a>

Already reputed for his inappropriate language, Phillippine&#39;s president Rodrigo Duterte has again come under fire for his recent comment about women.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-offers-putin-condolences-over-plane-crash-32668">Trump offers Putin condolences over plane crash</a>

US President Donald Trump called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday to offer his condolences after a deadly plane crash near Moscow, a White House official said.

 
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24 hours later, gun battle continues between security forces, terrorists in Srinagar Heavy firing is still underway between terrorists and security forces in Srinagar's Karan Nagar area. One soldier was killed after two terrorists tried to enter a CRPF camp on Monday. The security men immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area. Pakistan extends ban on terror groups listed by UN After UN released a list of banned terrorist organisations, Pakistan authorities decided to extend the ban in the country. Japanese Olympic speed skater tests positive for doping: CAS Japanese short-track speed skater Kei Saito has tested positive for doping at the Pyeongchang Olympic Games, the first doping case of the Games, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Tuesday. Phillippines president Duterte orders soldiers to 'shoot women rebels' in genitals: Report Already reputed for his inappropriate language, Phillippine's president Rodrigo Duterte has again come under fire for his recent comment about women. Trump offers Putin condolences over plane crash US President Donald Trump called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday to offer his condolences after a deadly plane crash near Moscow, a White House official said.

WION Morning News Brief, February 13, 2018

One&nbsp;CRPF personnel has been killed during the encounter with terrorists in Srinagar&#39;s&nbsp; Karan Nagar area.

Earlier, security forces in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-terrorists-approach-crpf-camp-in-srinagar-soldiers-open-fire-32538"> J&amp;K tracked</a>&nbsp;down two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday morning.

Reports had<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorist-attack-sunjwan-army-camp-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2-injured-32376"> indicated that the terrorists</a> were carrying bags and AK-47 guns. The soldiers immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area as&nbsp;CRPF personnel prevented the terrorists from entering the camp.

As soon as the terrorists were located by the CRPF&nbsp;an encounter broke out near the camp at Karan Nagar.&nbsp;The 23 battalion of the CRPF now&nbsp;engaged in the encounter with terrorists.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Encounter underway at CRPF camp in Srinagar&#39;s Karan Nagar. 23 Bn CRPF engaged in firing; Visuals deferred by unspecified time <a href="https://t.co/mHFf3UNHyf">pic.twitter.com/mHFf3UNHyf</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/962919681991565312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A CRPF jawan has been&nbsp;injured in the exchange of fire as the encounter continues.

Meanwhile, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has left for Jammu to assess the security situation.

&quot;The sentry at the camp noticed two suspicious persons at around 4.30 am, carrying backpacks and weapons. He challenged them and opened fire,&quot; a spokesman of the CRPF said.

The terrorists fled from the spot and took shelter in an under-construction house nearby, the officials said.

The building has been cordoned off by the CRPF.&nbsp;According to senior CRPF officials, there were two terrorists holed up inside the building.

Intermittent exchange of fire was reported and the CRPF moved in more troops to ensure that the terrorists&nbsp;do not escape.

On Saturday, terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

Meanwhile, 3G &amp; 4G internet services have been suspended in Srinagar&nbsp;in Karan Nagar. The attackers suspected to be Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist(JeM) opened fire on the Army camp killing three soldiers and a civilian.

On Saturday, terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

One CRPF personnel has been killed during the encounter with terrorists in Srinagar's Karan Nagar area. Earlier, security forces in J&K tracked down two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday morning. Reports had indicated that the terrorists were carrying bags and AK-47 guns. The soldiers immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area as CRPF personnel prevented the terrorists from entering the camp. As soon as the terrorists were located by the CRPF an encounter broke out near the camp at Karan Nagar. The 23 battalion of the CRPF now engaged in the encounter with terrorists. Jammu & Kashmir: Encounter underway at CRPF camp in Srinagar's Karan Nagar. 23 Bn CRPF engaged in firing; Visuals deferred by unspecified time pic.twitter.com/mHFf3UNHyf — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × A CRPF jawan has been injured in the exchange of fire as the encounter continues. Meanwhile, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman has left for Jammu to assess the security situation. "The sentry at the camp noticed two suspicious persons at around 4.30 am, carrying backpacks and weapons. He challenged them and opened fire," a spokesman of the CRPF said. The terrorists fled from the spot and took shelter in an under-construction house nearby, the officials said. The building has been cordoned off by the CRPF. According to senior CRPF officials, there were two terrorists holed up inside the building. Intermittent exchange of fire was reported and the CRPF moved in more troops to ensure that the terrorists do not escape. On Saturday, terrorists had attacked an Army camp in Sunjwan area located on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. Meanwhile, 3G & 4G internet services have been suspended in Srinagar in Karan Nagar. The attackers suspected to be Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist(JeM) opened fire on the Army camp killing three soldiers and a civilian.

Video: 1 CRPF soldier killed in encounter with terrorists in Srinagar

Fifteen-year-old Arwa Imtiyaz could be called a voice of sportspeople in Kashmir who don&#39;t have one. She is a translator for 300 sportspeople who are hearing-impaired and unable to speak.&nbsp;

Arwa was not trained at a special school -- she learnt from her mother, who has been hearing-impaired since birth.&nbsp;

Arwa became a translator for the hearing-impaired at the age of 11 after she joined her maternal uncle who runs an association for differently-abled sportspersons. Her uncle is also hearing-impaired.&nbsp;

The association is registered with the Jammu and Kashmir sports council. And Arwa translates everything for its members.

Arwa, who lives on the outskirts of Srinagar in the Nowgaam area, quite often misses school to accompany the association&#39;s sportspersons to their tournaments in places as far away as&nbsp;Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, helping them maintain&nbsp;contact with family&nbsp;and communicate with organisers.

&quot;Money is not all to me but I want to help people like my mother, maternal uncle and aunt, who cannot speak. They have always taught me to fight back in life despite being disabled,&quot; says Arwa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She adds, &quot;My mother and maternal uncle are very good badminton players and my mother had won many medals at state and national level. I have seen them struggling while facing discrimination in and around but the way they stood with their goal has inspired me a lot and has given me the courage to go further in this mission.&quot;&nbsp;

While other children enjoy their leisure time, Arwa works. She says it is not to easy convince the parents who, fearful for their children&#39;s security, do not wish to send them away from home.

They hold Arwa responsible for their children. Arwa however takes that risk since she believes the association&#39;s members have the talent and should be allowed&nbsp;to prove themselves.

Arwa aspires to become a doctor but her family is not in a position to support her ambition.

&quot;I don&#39;t think I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor as my father&#39;s income is very less,&quot; says Arwa. &quot;I had even changed my school at a time when we were not able to deposit fees, but I believe that prayers of the differently-abled will help me to make my future shine.&quot;

Arwa&#39;s father Imtiyaz Ahmed Bhat is an autorickshaw driver. &quot;I am proud of my girl she does a tremendous job. I am trying my best to support her. Whatever I have it is for my daughter and the differently-abled children,&quot; he says.&nbsp;

Arwa&rsquo;s younger brother Abu Zar studies in class V while her elder brother Arbaz dropped out of school four years ago -- he was in class X -- after he met with an accident. Despite the hardships the family faces, they do not&nbsp;deter Arwa from her work.

&quot;She is an inspiration to others and we are trying&nbsp;to support her and also the association,&quot; the Jammu and Kashmir sports council says.&nbsp;

Arwa meanwhile says she is happy to see her support make people smile.

&quot;I will work for them till my last breath and hope that the government is also doing something for them. This will earn them a respectable life and also help me to fulfill my dreams. I will also get reward when I see the children smiling,&quot; she says.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Arwa is a translator for some 300 Kashmiri sportspeople who are hearing-impaired and unable to speak

Fifteen-year-old Arwa Imtiyaz could be called a voice of sportspeople in Kashmir who don't have one. She is a translator for 300 sportspeople who are hearing-impaired and unable to speak. Arwa was not trained at a special school -- she learnt from her mother, who has been hearing-impaired since birth. Arwa became a translator for the hearing-impaired at the age of 11 after she joined her maternal uncle who runs an association for differently-abled sportspersons. Her uncle is also hearing-impaired. The association is registered with the Jammu and Kashmir sports council. And Arwa translates everything for its members. Arwa, who lives on the outskirts of Srinagar in the Nowgaam area, quite often misses school to accompany the association's sportspersons to their tournaments in places as far away as Chennai, Hyderabad, and Delhi, helping them maintain contact with family and communicate with organisers. "Money is not all to me but I want to help people like my mother, maternal uncle and aunt, who cannot speak. They have always taught me to fight back in life despite being disabled," says Arwa. She adds, "My mother and maternal uncle are very good badminton players and my mother had won many medals at state and national level. I have seen them struggling while facing discrimination in and around but the way they stood with their goal has inspired me a lot and has given me the courage to go further in this mission." While other children enjoy their leisure time, Arwa works. She says it is not to easy convince the parents who, fearful for their children's security, do not wish to send them away from home. They hold Arwa responsible for their children. Arwa however takes that risk since she believes the association's members have the talent and should be allowed to prove themselves. Arwa aspires to become a doctor but her family is not in a position to support her ambition. "I don't think I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor as my father's income is very less," says Arwa. "I had even changed my school at a time when we were not able to deposit fees, but I believe that prayers of the differently-abled will help me to make my future shine." Arwa's father Imtiyaz Ahmed Bhat is an autorickshaw driver. "I am proud of my girl she does a tremendous job. I am trying my best to support her. Whatever I have it is for my daughter and the differently-abled children," he says. Arwa’s younger brother Abu Zar studies in class V while her elder brother Arbaz dropped out of school four years ago -- he was in class X -- after he met with an accident. Despite the hardships the family faces, they do not deter Arwa from her work. "She is an inspiration to others and we are trying to support her and also the association," the Jammu and Kashmir sports council says. Arwa meanwhile says she is happy to see her support make people smile. "I will work for them till my last breath and hope that the government is also doing something for them. This will earn them a respectable life and also help me to fulfill my dreams. I will also get reward when I see the children smiling," she says.

15-year-old Arwa Imtiyaz: A voice for Kashmiri sportspersons who don't have one

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-pakistan-economic-corridor-cant-be-pushed-under-the-carpet-says-indian-ambassor-to-china-31102">Ready to work with India on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, says China</a>

In an interview with China&#39;s state-run daily Global Times, India&#39;s newly-appointed ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale said people in India do not have an anti-China mentality while asserting that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) &quot;violates&quot; India&#39;s territorial integrity.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-at-srinagar-airport-air-traffic-suspended-briefly-31107">Fire at Srinagar airport, air traffic suspended briefly</a>

A fire broke out at the Srinagar International Airport today in the area under the control of the Indian Air Force, disrupting the air traffic for some time, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-police-files-chargesheet-against-let-8-accused-in-amarnath-bus-attack-31094">J&amp;K police files charge sheet against LeT &amp; 8 accused in Amarnath bus attack</a>

The Jammu and Kashmir police have filed a 1500 page charge sheet against Lashkar-e-Taiba and eight accused in Amarnath Yatra bus attack that took place in July 2017.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/10-big-takeaways-from-economic-survey-31068">Big takeaways from economic survey</a>

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday tabled the economic survey in Parliament which noted that the reform measures undertaken in 2017-18 can be strengthened further in 2018-19. The survey points out that India can be rated as among the best performing economies in the world as the average growth during last three years is around four percentage points higher than global growth and nearly three percentage points higher than that of emerging market and developing economies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-closes-at-new-high-over-economic-survey-31105">Sensex closes at new high over Economic Survey</a>

Benchmark Sensex zoomed 233 points to end at yet another record high today after the Economic Survey said India will re-establish itself as the world&#39;s fastest-growing major economy with GDP expanding by 7-7.5 per cent in 2018-19.

Ready to work with India on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, says China In an interview with China's state-run daily Global Times, India's newly-appointed ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale said people in India do not have an anti-China mentality while asserting that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC) "violates" India's territorial integrity. Fire at Srinagar airport, air traffic suspended briefly A fire broke out at the Srinagar International Airport today in the area under the control of the Indian Air Force, disrupting the air traffic for some time, officials said. J&K police files charge sheet against LeT & 8 accused in Amarnath bus attack The Jammu and Kashmir police have filed a 1500 page charge sheet against Lashkar-e-Taiba and eight accused in Amarnath Yatra bus attack that took place in July 2017. Big takeaways from economic survey Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday tabled the economic survey in Parliament which noted that the reform measures undertaken in 2017-18 can be strengthened further in 2018-19. The survey points out that India can be rated as among the best performing economies in the world as the average growth during last three years is around four percentage points higher than global growth and nearly three percentage points higher than that of emerging market and developing economies. Sensex closes at new high over Economic Survey Benchmark Sensex zoomed 233 points to end at yet another record high today after the Economic Survey said India will re-establish itself as the world's fastest-growing major economy with GDP expanding by 7-7.5 per cent in 2018-19.

WION Evening News Brief, January 29, 2018

With the mercury dropping over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, normal life in Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir remain affected due to harsh weather.

With frozen taps becoming a common sight, frequent power cuts are only amplifying the cold and adding to the discomfort of the residents.

&quot;We are having major shortage of water. It is very cold here. The tap and the pipes freeze and we have to light fire to de-ice taps and the water pipeline,&quot; said a local.

&quot;Our daily lives have been disrupted. There is no electricity, no water. We are facing lot of difficulties in doing our regular basic chores,&quot; added another Local.

&quot;As the temperatures drops drastically during night, the public post tape water point gets freezes during winter and it needs at least half an hour heating to withdraw water every morning,&quot; said another local.

With the mercury dropping by over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Ladakh region has become the coldest recorded place in the state.

The Leh region in Ladakh continued to be cut off from the rest of the world by surface due to heavy snowfall on higher reaches, for over six months now.

The two gateways to Ladakh region -- Zojila pass from Srinagar side and Rohtang La and Taglang La pass from Manali side -- continued to remain closed for vehicular traffic since November.

However, in the recent years, some of the winter sports, such as Ice Skating, Ice Hockey Tournament and Chadar trek, are becoming popular among the youth.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of &#39;Chillai-Kalan&#39;, the 40-day harshest winter period. It will end on January 31 but the cold wave conditions will continue in the Valley.

With frozen taps becoming a common sight, frequent power cuts are only amplifying the cold and adding to the discomfort of the residents

With the mercury dropping over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, normal life in Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir remain affected due to harsh weather. With frozen taps becoming a common sight, frequent power cuts are only amplifying the cold and adding to the discomfort of the residents. "We are having major shortage of water. It is very cold here. The tap and the pipes freeze and we have to light fire to de-ice taps and the water pipeline," said a local. "Our daily lives have been disrupted. There is no electricity, no water. We are facing lot of difficulties in doing our regular basic chores," added another Local. "As the temperatures drops drastically during night, the public post tape water point gets freezes during winter and it needs at least half an hour heating to withdraw water every morning," said another local. With the mercury dropping by over 15 degrees Celsius below the freezing point, Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region has become the coldest recorded place in the state. The Leh region in Ladakh continued to be cut off from the rest of the world by surface due to heavy snowfall on higher reaches, for over six months now. The two gateways to Ladakh region -- Zojila pass from Srinagar side and Rohtang La and Taglang La pass from Manali side -- continued to remain closed for vehicular traffic since November. However, in the recent years, some of the winter sports, such as Ice Skating, Ice Hockey Tournament and Chadar trek, are becoming popular among the youth. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan', the 40-day harshest winter period. It will end on January 31 but the cold wave conditions will continue in the Valley.

Dipping mercury disrupts daily life in Leh

The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the construction of Asia&#39;s longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between areas of Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall.

The tunnel is pegged to cost&nbsp;Rs 6,089 crore and will reduce the travel time through Zojila Pass to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours between Srinagar and Leh.&nbsp;

The project was approved by the&nbsp;Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his go-ahead to the 14.2-km long tunnel project.&nbsp;

In a statement,&nbsp;road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said,&nbsp;&quot;Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree Celsius. The tunnel shall be an engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area.&quot;

He added, &quot;Defense forces have to face a hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past.&quot;

It was announced that the&nbsp;Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work on the tunnel is likely to start this year.

Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir. 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

Estimated to cost Rs 6,089 crore, once constructed, the tunnel will reduce travel time from 3.5 hours to 15 minutes

The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the construction of Asia's longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between areas of Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall. The tunnel is pegged to cost Rs 6,089 crore and will reduce the travel time through Zojila Pass to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours between Srinagar and Leh. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his go-ahead to the 14.2-km long tunnel project. In a statement, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree Celsius. The tunnel shall be an engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area." He added, "Defense forces have to face a hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past." It was announced that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work on the tunnel is likely to start this year. Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir.

Srinagar to Leh in 15 minutes, Cabinet approves Zojila Pass tunnel project

Six Shive Sena activists were detained Wednesday in Kashmir as police stalled their bid to hoist a tricolour at the infamous Lal Chowk.&nbsp;

As reported by PTI, a police officer told the agency about the movement of these activists. He said, &quot;The Shiv Sena activists arrived at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in two vehicles and were taken into preventive custody as soon as they alighted.&quot;

The official added, &quot;The detained activists were taken to the Police Station Kothibagh where they were released after completing legal formalities.&quot;

The Jammu unit of the Shiv Sena had sent a special team to hoist the national flag in Srinagar following National Conference president Farooq Abdullah&#39;s remarks on Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) last week.

&quot;They (Centre and BJP) are talking about raising the flag in PoK. I ask them to go and raise the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. They cannot even do that and they are talking about PoK,&quot; Abdullah had said.&nbsp;

The six Shiv Sena members were later released

Six Shive Sena activists were detained Wednesday in Kashmir as police stalled their bid to hoist a tricolour at the infamous Lal Chowk. As reported by PTI, a police officer told the agency about the movement of these activists. He said, "The Shiv Sena activists arrived at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in two vehicles and were taken into preventive custody as soon as they alighted." The official added, "The detained activists were taken to the Police Station Kothibagh where they were released after completing legal formalities." The Jammu unit of the Shiv Sena had sent a special team to hoist the national flag in Srinagar following National Conference president Farooq Abdullah's remarks on Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK) last week. "They (Centre and BJP) are talking about raising the flag in PoK. I ask them to go and raise the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. They cannot even do that and they are talking about PoK," Abdullah had said.

Srinagar: Shiv Sena team trying to hoist tricolour detained

Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni visited the Delhi Public School in Srinagar today and interacted with teachers and students.

Dhoni who has conferred the honorary&nbsp;title of Lieutenant Colonel&nbsp;by the Army a few years ago&nbsp;visited the &quot;special educational&nbsp;needs&quot;&nbsp;department of the school and interacted with visually impaired children there.

&nbsp;Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-pm-modi-congratulates-blind-cricketers-but-is-india-sensitive-to-the-disabled-25263">Modi praises blind cricketers but is India sensitive to the disabled</a>

Dhoni also appreciated the school&#39;s contribution for visually impaired especially the cricket match for&nbsp;visually impaired which&nbsp;was recently held in the Kashmir Valley.

He also praised the school for creating an inclusive model of education&nbsp;which very few schools have in the country.

Dhoni also promised the students he would&nbsp;play a match with them along with the&nbsp;teachers next time.

Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni visited the Delhi Public School in Srinagar today

Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni visited the Delhi Public School in Srinagar today and interacted with teachers and students. Dhoni who has conferred the honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel by the Army a few years ago visited the "special educational needs" department of the school and interacted with visually impaired children there. Also read: Modi praises blind cricketers but is India sensitive to the disabled Dhoni also appreciated the school's contribution for visually impaired especially the cricket match for visually impaired which was recently held in the Kashmir Valley. He also praised the school for creating an inclusive model of education which very few schools have in the country. Dhoni also promised the students he would play a match with them along with the teachers next time.

Watch: Lt. Col MS Dhoni visits school in J&K

&quot;If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I&#39;ll bet they&#39;d live a lot differently,&quot; said Calvin to his best friend Hobbes in one those many imaginary conversations he had with his stuffed toy. But isn&#39;t that true?

We have lived in the national capital -&nbsp;Delhi - for years now? And how many a times have we seen the stars on a regular basis? How many a times did we strike a conversation with them? How many times did we sit in the favourite part of our terrace or on a random bench in a park or just take a walk in any random road and look at those beautiful shinning creatures?

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<h5>In a city like Mumbai, the people probably have the sea where they can go sit, relax, process their thoughts and walk away relaxed.</h5>
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The majority of us have been living in the&nbsp;9 am to 5 pm&nbsp;kind of jobs. Us journalists we never know when our day starts and when it ends. All the anger, the frustration, the pressure comes out in a way that we do not like. In a city like Mumbai, the people probably have the sea where they can go sit, relax, process their thoughts and walk away relaxed.

But we in Delhi have nothing to call our own. The parks, the monuments, the ivory houses, the VVIP traffics, each household boasting of three to four cars each, does not help us get peace. Please do not get me wrong they pretty much make Delhi what it is, as a city. But think again can we call them our own?

Add to it, the air pollution woes in the city have reached hazardous levels, to say the least. Does it not give you chills to not see stars in the sky in the night? Or enjoy the sun coming out early in the morning? Do you not miss the skyline when the sun leaves us with its beautiful shades? Guessing, we have all but forgotten what it feels like to breathe in fresh air in the city.

Now, how is this for a change!

When was the last time you packed your rug-sack and just left? When was the last time you took a bus ride to the hills, alone? When was the last time you walked out on the streets and got fresh air to breath? When was the last time you stood on your balcony and saw the stars?

For me, it was as latest as last week! After earning a week&#39;s off from my hectic work culture, I packed my rucksack and set out all by myself. The destination, I had no clue about. I told myself, I will head to the Kashmere Gate ISBT and sit on the first bus that leaves the terminal. And as fate would have it. The first bus that left the terminal was to Jammu. I hopped on the bus and left for Jammu.

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<h5>As the bus rolled away from the city limits, passing the Sonipat, the Panipat and&nbsp;Ambala, the skies got clearer, the air cleaner and the temperature started to drop.</h5>
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This was my first-ever journey to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. I quickly called up my friend in Srinagar, informing her that I am finally coming to her state. Shabnam Khan - my batchmate from college -&nbsp;has been behind my life to visit her for five years. So the excitement in her voice was evident.

As the bus rolled away from the city limits, passing Sonipat, Panipat and&nbsp;Ambala, the skies got clearer, the air cleaner and the temperature started to drop. The bus did stop at some small dhabba along the way but I happily crossed the road for a foot-long sub. Not cause I am not a fan of dhabba food but cause I wanted to keep my belly healthy for the trip. And surprisingly the subway station served some really hot coffee too that held.

As the bus began its journey after a pit-stop we were back on the road again. It was now time to close our window panes and the winds grew colder. Sadly for me, I had to glance out the window through the pane! But music in my ears winds around me food in my belly and coffee in my hands, I would say I was up for the remainder of the sojourn.

The bus came to halt at a place called Lakhanpur, a village that connects the rest of India with Jammu via road. As I got off the bus I could see smoke come out of my mouth due to the cold conditions. I looked at the coffee bottle in a makeshift shop along the highway and said, &quot;Why not!&quot; With music in my ears, winds around me and coffee in my hands, we began our journey to Jammu.

We reached Jammu close to&nbsp;2:30&nbsp;in the night. The moment I got off the bus, the cold hit me - it was close to 10-degree Celsius - and there were private cab drivers looking for passengers to ferry from Jammu to Srinagar. It was quite surprising to see the night-long bus and cab services from Jammu to Srinagar. Fortunately for me, I found one and thus began my journey to Srinagar by&nbsp;3 am.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)

When pollution makes it impossible to breathe, pack your rug-sack and just leave for the hills.

"If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I'll bet they'd live a lot differently," said Calvin to his best friend Hobbes in one those many imaginary conversations he had with his stuffed toy. But isn't that true? We have lived in the national capital - Delhi - for years now? And how many a times have we seen the stars on a regular basis? How many a times did we strike a conversation with them? How many times did we sit in the favourite part of our terrace or on a random bench in a park or just take a walk in any random road and look at those beautiful shinning creatures? In a city like Mumbai, the people probably have the sea where they can go sit, relax, process their thoughts and walk away relaxed. × The majority of us have been living in the 9 am to 5 pm kind of jobs. Us journalists we never know when our day starts and when it ends. All the anger, the frustration, the pressure comes out in a way that we do not like. In a city like Mumbai, the people probably have the sea where they can go sit, relax, process their thoughts and walk away relaxed. But we in Delhi have nothing to call our own. The parks, the monuments, the ivory houses, the VVIP traffics, each household boasting of three to four cars each, does not help us get peace. Please do not get me wrong they pretty much make Delhi what it is, as a city. But think again can we call them our own? Add to it, the air pollution woes in the city have reached hazardous levels, to say the least. Does it not give you chills to not see stars in the sky in the night? Or enjoy the sun coming out early in the morning? Do you not miss the skyline when the sun leaves us with its beautiful shades? Guessing, we have all but forgotten what it feels like to breathe in fresh air in the city. Now, how is this for a change! When was the last time you packed your rug-sack and just left? When was the last time you took a bus ride to the hills, alone? When was the last time you walked out on the streets and got fresh air to breath? When was the last time you stood on your balcony and saw the stars? For me, it was as latest as last week! After earning a week's off from my hectic work culture, I packed my rucksack and set out all by myself. The destination, I had no clue about. I told myself, I will head to the Kashmere Gate ISBT and sit on the first bus that leaves the terminal. And as fate would have it. The first bus that left the terminal was to Jammu. I hopped on the bus and left for Jammu. As the bus rolled away from the city limits, passing the Sonipat, the Panipat and Ambala, the skies got clearer, the air cleaner and the temperature started to drop. × This was my first-ever journey to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. I quickly called up my friend in Srinagar, informing her that I am finally coming to her state. Shabnam Khan - my batchmate from college - has been behind my life to visit her for five years. So the excitement in her voice was evident. As the bus rolled away from the city limits, passing Sonipat, Panipat and Ambala, the skies got clearer, the air cleaner and the temperature started to drop. The bus did stop at some small dhabba along the way but I happily crossed the road for a foot-long sub. Not cause I am not a fan of dhabba food but cause I wanted to keep my belly healthy for the trip. And surprisingly the subway station served some really hot coffee too that held. As the bus began its journey after a pit-stop we were back on the road again. It was now time to close our window panes and the winds grew colder. Sadly for me, I had to glance out the window through the pane! But music in my ears winds around me food in my belly and coffee in my hands, I would say I was up for the remainder of the sojourn. The bus came to halt at a place called Lakhanpur, a village that connects the rest of India with Jammu via road. As I got off the bus I could see smoke come out of my mouth due to the cold conditions. I looked at the coffee bottle in a makeshift shop along the highway and said, "Why not!" With music in my ears, winds around me and coffee in my hands, we began our journey to Jammu. We reached Jammu close to 2:30 in the night. The moment I got off the bus, the cold hit me - it was close to 10-degree Celsius - and there were private cab drivers looking for passengers to ferry from Jammu to Srinagar. It was quite surprising to see the night-long bus and cab services from Jammu to Srinagar. Fortunately for me, I found one and thus began my journey to Srinagar by 3 am. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)

Opinion: Delhi chokes, let's turn to hills

Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s capital Srinagar recorded season&rsquo;t coldest night on Wednesday, with the temperature dropping to minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said.

Jammu too recorded a temperature of 7.9 degrees Celsius, the city&rsquo;s coldest this season.

Leh was the coldest town in the state at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius. Other town like Kargil saw night temperature dropping to minus 9.

With winter setting in early, night temperatures fell below the freezing point through the Kashmir valley.&nbsp;Pahalgam was at minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, while the famous ski resort Gulmarg recorded a temperature of minus 5.4 degrees celsius.

The weather office has forecast mainly clear weather till Friday.

Jammu and Kashmir?s capital Srinagar recorded season?t coldest night on Wednesday, with the temperature dropping to minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said.

Jammu and Kashmir’s capital Srinagar recorded season’t coldest night on Wednesday, with the temperature dropping to minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, the meteorological department said. Jammu too recorded a temperature of 7.9 degrees Celsius, the city’s coldest this season. Leh was the coldest town in the state at minus 11.6 degrees Celsius. Other town like Kargil saw night temperature dropping to minus 9. With winter setting in early, night temperatures fell below the freezing point through the Kashmir valley. Pahalgam was at minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, while the famous ski resort Gulmarg recorded a temperature of minus 5.4 degrees celsius. The weather office has forecast mainly clear weather till Friday.

Srinagar records season's coldest night at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius

Seven swine flu-related deaths have taken place in Kashmir Valley this season, authorities said on Saturday.

&quot;As of date, the SKIMS has treated 24 positive cases of H1N1, out of which 12 have been discharged and five are under treatment,&quot; Director, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), A G Ahangar said.

&quot;Unfortunately, seven patients have expired because of other co-morbidities primarily like malignancies, leukaemia, COPD, immune compromised states,&quot; he said.

He said with seasonal variations in Jammu and Kashmir in general and Kashmir Valley in particular, the viral surges in the atmosphere, when temperature dips, leading to increased incidence of such infections.

&quot;No part of the world and for that matter, no population is immune to such epidemics, least the Kashmir Valley, which is unfortunately as of date, facing slightly increased surge in swine flu (H1N1) infections,&quot; the director said.

He said SKIMS was bearing the maximum brunt of the patient population because of the tertiary care facilities available.

Ahangar said the staff members looking after H1N1 patients were provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) masks and other facilities for their protection as well as immunisation against H1N1.

He said the institute has purchased 250 vaccines for hospital staff and ordered 2000 more.

Advising people to maintain hand hygiene by washing with soap and water, Ahangar said there is no need to panic

With seasonal variations in Jammu and Kashmir in general and Kashmir Valley in particular, the viral surges in the atmosphere, when temperature dips, leading to increased incidence of such infections.

Seven swine flu-related deaths have taken place in Kashmir Valley this season, authorities said on Saturday. "As of date, the SKIMS has treated 24 positive cases of H1N1, out of which 12 have been discharged and five are under treatment," Director, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), A G Ahangar said. "Unfortunately, seven patients have expired because of other co-morbidities primarily like malignancies, leukaemia, COPD, immune compromised states," he said. He said with seasonal variations in Jammu and Kashmir in general and Kashmir Valley in particular, the viral surges in the atmosphere, when temperature dips, leading to increased incidence of such infections. "No part of the world and for that matter, no population is immune to such epidemics, least the Kashmir Valley, which is unfortunately as of date, facing slightly increased surge in swine flu (H1N1) infections," the director said. He said SKIMS was bearing the maximum brunt of the patient population because of the tertiary care facilities available. Ahangar said the staff members looking after H1N1 patients were provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) masks and other facilities for their protection as well as immunisation against H1N1. He said the institute has purchased 250 vaccines for hospital staff and ordered 2000 more. Advising people to maintain hand hygiene by washing with soap and water, Ahangar said there is no need to panic

7 swine flu-related deaths reported in Kashmir this season

Restrictions in parts of Srinagar continued for the second day today in view of a strike called by separatists against the recent anti-militancy operations conducted by security forces in the valley.

Restrictions in eight police station areas continued for the second day today, a police official said.

He said the curbs were in force in Khanyar, M R Gunj, Nowahtta, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Parimpora police station areas of the city.

The restrictions were imposed as a preventive measure to maintain law and order in view of the strike called by the separatists.

The restrictions were first imposed yesterday in the wake of the killing of a militant in a shootout with police in the outskirts of the city on Friday.

Three militants travelling in a car opened fire on a police team at the Zakura crossing on the Srinagar-Ganderbal road, killing sub-inspector Imran Tak and injuring a special police officer (SPO) on Friday evening.

The police team managed to intercept the car and apprehended one militant, but two others fled the scene. Later, police came to know that Mugees Ahmad Mir, one of the two militants who had managed to escape, was brought home dead.

Mir, a resident of Parimpora in the city, was brought home dead last evening after he was injured in the shoot-out. The slain militant was an associate of Zakir Musa, who left the Hizbul Mujahideen to float an IS affiliate in Kashmir.

Mir&#39;s killing was followed by the killing of six LeT militants in Hajin area of north Kashmir&#39;s Bandipora district in an encounter yesterday.

Later in the night, the separatists called for a shutdown today against these killings.

In a joint statement, the separatists, comprising chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference - Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq - and JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik, called for a complete shutdown for today against the cordon and search operations being carried out by armed forces in the Valley.

The separatist troika said, &quot;section of youth feels forced to find expression to their political aspirations and will by resorting to armed means because of stubbornness on the part of Government of India with regard to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute?

Most of the shops, fuel stations, and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar due to the strike, the police official said. However, he said, the weekly flea market, along with the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis through Lal Chowk city center, was open.

The official said public transport was sparse, but private cars, cabs, and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in many areas of the city.

Similar reports were received from other district headquarters of the valley, he said.

Restrictions in Srinagar continued for the second day today in view of a strike called by separatists against the recent anti-militancy operations conducted by security forces in the valley

Restrictions in parts of Srinagar continued for the second day today in view of a strike called by separatists against the recent anti-militancy operations conducted by security forces in the valley. Restrictions in eight police station areas continued for the second day today, a police official said. He said the curbs were in force in Khanyar, M R Gunj, Nowahtta, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Parimpora police station areas of the city. The restrictions were imposed as a preventive measure to maintain law and order in view of the strike called by the separatists. The restrictions were first imposed yesterday in the wake of the killing of a militant in a shootout with police in the outskirts of the city on Friday. Three militants travelling in a car opened fire on a police team at the Zakura crossing on the Srinagar-Ganderbal road, killing sub-inspector Imran Tak and injuring a special police officer (SPO) on Friday evening. The police team managed to intercept the car and apprehended one militant, but two others fled the scene. Later, police came to know that Mugees Ahmad Mir, one of the two militants who had managed to escape, was brought home dead. Mir, a resident of Parimpora in the city, was brought home dead last evening after he was injured in the shoot-out. The slain militant was an associate of Zakir Musa, who left the Hizbul Mujahideen to float an IS affiliate in Kashmir. Mir's killing was followed by the killing of six LeT militants in Hajin area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district in an encounter yesterday. Later in the night, the separatists called for a shutdown today against these killings. In a joint statement, the separatists, comprising chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference - Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq - and JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik, called for a complete shutdown for today against the cordon and search operations being carried out by armed forces in the Valley. The separatist troika said, "section of youth feels forced to find expression to their political aspirations and will by resorting to armed means because of stubbornness on the part of Government of India with regard to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute? Most of the shops, fuel stations, and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar due to the strike, the police official said. However, he said, the weekly flea market, along with the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis through Lal Chowk city center, was open. The official said public transport was sparse, but private cars, cabs, and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in many areas of the city. Similar reports were received from other district headquarters of the valley, he said.

Restrictions in parts of Srinagar continue for second day today

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