5 Non-Kashmiri labourers shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Watch video to know more.

5 Non-Kashmiri labourers shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir

In all, 22 of the 27 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are Right-wing politicians in their home countries. EU panel in Srinagar for visit and Opposition put out questions. Watch this video to find out more.

EU panel in Srinagar for visit, Opposition put out questions

A head constable of CRPF sustained serious injuries and at least five personnel of the paramilitary force were injured after suspected terrorists lobbed a grenade at the Karan Nagar police station in Srinagar on Saturday, officials said.

The attack took place when unknown terrorists hurled a grenade at a patrol party of 144 Battalion of CRPF.

The head constable of CRPF who was seriously injured suffered groin injuries in the grenade attack, which took place in front of Emergency of Maharaja Hari Singh hospital here.

The rest of the injured police personnel are stable.The incident took place at 6.50 pm today, according to information, which said that a joint patrol party of CRPF and police came under the attack.

All the injured personnel were shifted to the Army base hospital.

Cordon and search operation has been wrapped up from the location but searches are on.

A head constable of CRPF sustained serious injuries and at least five personnel of the paramilitary force were injured after suspected terrorists lobbed a grenade at the Karan Nagar police station in Srinagar on Saturday, officials said.

A head constable of CRPF sustained serious injuries and at least five personnel of the paramilitary force were injured after suspected terrorists lobbed a grenade at the Karan Nagar police station in Srinagar on Saturday, officials said. The attack took place when unknown terrorists hurled a grenade at a patrol party of 144 Battalion of CRPF. The head constable of CRPF who was seriously injured suffered groin injuries in the grenade attack, which took place in front of Emergency of Maharaja Hari Singh hospital here. The rest of the injured police personnel are stable.The incident took place at 6.50 pm today, according to information, which said that a joint patrol party of CRPF and police came under the attack. All the injured personnel were shifted to the Army base hospital. Cordon and search operation has been wrapped up from the location but searches are on.

CRPF head constable seriously injured in Srinagar grenade attack

A day after terrorist Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/three-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-awantipora-257585">Awantipora encounter</a> on Tuesday, Jammu Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out.

"As of now, Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out," he said while addressing a press conference here while not ruling out that the group could reemerge in future.

Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was one of the three terrorists neutralised in an encounter with security forces in Awantipora on Tuesday.

Lelhari was heading Al-Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. All three neutralised terrorists were working in coordination with Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The DGP said that the operation against militants has gained pace while adding, "In Tral, 3 local militants associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind were killed yesterday.

You would recall that when Zakir Musa was killed, the command of this group was handed over to Hameed Lelhari."

Singh said Lelhari became active in 2016 and was involved in several terror attacks.

DGP said that contrary to the apprehensions expressed by some that After August 5, more youths will join terrorist ranks..the pace of recruitment to terrorist ranks has been comparatively slower during this time.

Acknowledging that some youths have gone missing from homes, he said it cannot be confirmed if all of them have joined terrorist ranks.

The DGP also denied rumours of telecommunication restriction returning to the Valley.

"Through launching pads near Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan army &amp; ISI are involved in pushing in the maximum number of militants towards Indian side," he said.

Asked about the alleged detention of children, the DGP said, "There is a lot of misinformation and propaganda by some of the agencies especially some very irresponsible media circles when they start quoting figures without verification and getting in touch with us. I am very sure that whatever action has been taken, the action has got good solid bases."

"No one has been tortured. No youngster, teenager or juvenile has been arrested by us. Wherever juveniles were arrested, provisions of Juvenile Justice Act was followed very strictly," he said.

"We will be successful in our efforts to curb terrorism only when the local youth of Kashmir do not take the path of militancy and choose the path of peace," he added.

A day after terrorist Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was killed in Awantipora encounter on Tuesday, Jammu Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out.

A day after terrorist Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was killed in Awantipora encounter on Tuesday, Jammu Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out. "As of now, Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind group (AGH) has been wiped out," he said while addressing a press conference here while not ruling out that the group could reemerge in future. Zakir Musa's successor Abdul Hameed Lelhari was one of the three terrorists neutralised in an encounter with security forces in Awantipora on Tuesday. Lelhari was heading Al-Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. All three neutralised terrorists were working in coordination with Jaish-e-Mohammad. The DGP said that the operation against militants has gained pace while adding, "In Tral, 3 local militants associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind were killed yesterday. You would recall that when Zakir Musa was killed, the command of this group was handed over to Hameed Lelhari." Singh said Lelhari became active in 2016 and was involved in several terror attacks. DGP said that contrary to the apprehensions expressed by some that After August 5, more youths will join terrorist ranks..the pace of recruitment to terrorist ranks has been comparatively slower during this time. Acknowledging that some youths have gone missing from homes, he said it cannot be confirmed if all of them have joined terrorist ranks. The DGP also denied rumours of telecommunication restriction returning to the Valley. "Through launching pads near Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan army & ISI are involved in pushing in the maximum number of militants towards Indian side," he said. Asked about the alleged detention of children, the DGP said, "There is a lot of misinformation and propaganda by some of the agencies especially some very irresponsible media circles when they start quoting figures without verification and getting in touch with us. I am very sure that whatever action has been taken, the action has got good solid bases." "No one has been tortured. No youngster, teenager or juvenile has been arrested by us. Wherever juveniles were arrested, provisions of Juvenile Justice Act was followed very strictly," he said. "We will be successful in our efforts to curb terrorism only when the local youth of Kashmir do not take the path of militancy and choose the path of peace," he added.

Terrorist group AGH has been wiped out, says Jammu Kashmir DGP

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region.

Tensions escalated between the nuclear-armed neighbours after India revoked Kashmir's autonomy on August 5 and imposed movement and communications restrictions to quell unrest.

Officials from the two countries accused each other of firing mortar rounds and small arms along the so-called Line of Control.

"Two soldiers and a civilian were killed and three others injured in the unprovoked fire by Pakistan," Indian Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP of the "unprovoked" fire in the mountainous Tangdhar region of Kupwara district.

Several homes were damaged in the attack and three civilians were being treated in a hospital, he added.

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir told AFP six civilians were killed and eight others wounded in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley.

"Mortar shells hit civilian houses and have so far martyred five people in Muzzafarabad and wounded six others," said Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Badar Munir said.

Munir said the dead included three members of one family.

Neelum Valley official Akhtar Ayub said one civilian was killed and two injured.

The shelling came after five people were killed in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday, two days after New Delhi restored mobile phone and text services.

Indian authorities said repeatedly during the lockdown that Kashmir has been mostly peaceful.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since 1947 and was the spark of two wars and numerous skirmishes.

An armed rebellion against Indian rule has raged in the valley since 1989, claiming tens of thousands of lives, mostly civilians. 
&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region.

At least nine people were killed Sunday in firing along the de facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir, officials said, adding to the spike in deaths in recent days as New Delhi eased a curfew in the disputed region. Tensions escalated between the nuclear-armed neighbours after India revoked Kashmir's autonomy on August 5 and imposed movement and communications restrictions to quell unrest. Officials from the two countries accused each other of firing mortar rounds and small arms along the so-called Line of Control. "Two soldiers and a civilian were killed and three others injured in the unprovoked fire by Pakistan," Indian Army spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told AFP of the "unprovoked" fire in the mountainous Tangdhar region of Kupwara district. Several homes were damaged in the attack and three civilians were being treated in a hospital, he added. Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir told AFP six civilians were killed and eight others wounded in Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. "Mortar shells hit civilian houses and have so far martyred five people in Muzzafarabad and wounded six others," said Muzaffarabad deputy commissioner Badar Munir said. Munir said the dead included three members of one family. Neelum Valley official Akhtar Ayub said one civilian was killed and two injured. The shelling came after five people were killed in Indian Kashmir on Wednesday, two days after New Delhi restored mobile phone and text services. Indian authorities said repeatedly during the lockdown that Kashmir has been mostly peaceful. Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since 1947 and was the spark of two wars and numerous skirmishes. An armed rebellion against Indian rule has raged in the valley since 1989, claiming tens of thousands of lives, mostly civilians.

Nine killed in fresh firing across Kashmir border

At least five civilians were injured in a grenade attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir`s Srinagar on Saturday.

The attack happened when terrorists lobbed a grenade at Hari Singh High Street area, Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

The injured are said to be stable now and a cordon and search operation has been conducted in the area, police added.

At least five civilians were injured in a grenade attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir`s Srinagar on Saturday. The attack happened when terrorists lobbed a grenade at Hari Singh High Street area, Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

At least five civilians were injured in a grenade attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir`s Srinagar on Saturday. The attack happened when terrorists lobbed a grenade at Hari Singh High Street area, Jammu and Kashmir Police said. The injured are said to be stable now and a cordon and search operation has been conducted in the area, police added.

Jammu and Kashmir: 5 civilians injured in Srinagar grenade attack

At least 7 people were injured in a grenade attack by suspected militants in a market area in Srinagar on Saturday.

Grenade blast near Srinagar's Lal Chowk, 7 Injured

For the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian army organised a recruitment rally in Srinagar which witnessed large participation of youth, mostly from the far-flung villages and districts of Jammu and Kashmir. This also comes at a time when Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;

This is part of the major announcements made by the J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik in his last press conference about opening up new opportunities for youth in the state.&nbsp;

"I hail from Kupwara, a frontier district and since my childhood, I wanted to join the Indian army. The timing right now is critical and I want to serve the army," said young Nasir Ahmad, who has just passed his higher secondary school.

During a recruitment rally, 2780 aspiring youth from all over J&amp;K turned up for enrollment as soldier general duty, tradesmen and clerk with full enthusiasm. The two-day long drive will see young boys from the state sweating it out to make it to the Indian army’s J&amp;K light infantry.&nbsp;

"This vacancy is being filled by the combined effort of ARO Srinagar, Jammu and JAKLI regimental centre. We would see a range of 1000 to 1200, however on the first day, 2000 candidates have arrived which is an encouraging sign," says &nbsp;Brigadier SR Sharma, Commanding officer, JKLI Regimental Centre Srinagar.&nbsp;

Most of these boys hail from the frontier districts where shelling and firing by Pakistan make life miserable. These young men say that they are willing to serve the nation on the fence and are ready to tackle any situation.&nbsp;

"I questioned myself and figured that I should be in the army. Since morning, I have passed several tests and feel I will qualify other too," says Mir Sartaj from Kokarnag area of south Kashmir where terrorism has been a cause of concern.&nbsp;

The employment rate in the state is very low and the Indian army has been long providing employment opportunities to the youth. The selected youth will dawn the military uniform after going through tough one-year-long training.

The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was started in 1947. It has participated in many wars including the Sino-India War of 1962. In 1984 this unit was deployed to the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot.

For the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian army organised a recruitment rally in Srinagar which witnessed large participation of youth, mostly from the far-flung villages and districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

For the first time after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian army organised a recruitment rally in Srinagar which witnessed large participation of youth, mostly from the far-flung villages and districts of Jammu and Kashmir. This also comes at a time when Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC). This is part of the major announcements made by the J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik in his last press conference about opening up new opportunities for youth in the state. "I hail from Kupwara, a frontier district and since my childhood, I wanted to join the Indian army. The timing right now is critical and I want to serve the army," said young Nasir Ahmad, who has just passed his higher secondary school. During a recruitment rally, 2780 aspiring youth from all over J&K turned up for enrollment as soldier general duty, tradesmen and clerk with full enthusiasm. The two-day long drive will see young boys from the state sweating it out to make it to the Indian army’s J&K light infantry. "This vacancy is being filled by the combined effort of ARO Srinagar, Jammu and JAKLI regimental centre. We would see a range of 1000 to 1200, however on the first day, 2000 candidates have arrived which is an encouraging sign," says Brigadier SR Sharma, Commanding officer, JKLI Regimental Centre Srinagar. Most of these boys hail from the frontier districts where shelling and firing by Pakistan make life miserable. These young men say that they are willing to serve the nation on the fence and are ready to tackle any situation. "I questioned myself and figured that I should be in the army. Since morning, I have passed several tests and feel I will qualify other too," says Mir Sartaj from Kokarnag area of south Kashmir where terrorism has been a cause of concern. The employment rate in the state is very low and the Indian army has been long providing employment opportunities to the youth. The selected youth will dawn the military uniform after going through tough one-year-long training. The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry was started in 1947. It has participated in many wars including the Sino-India War of 1962. In 1984 this unit was deployed to the Siachen Glacier as part of Operation Meghdoot.

Youth from Jammu and Kashmir line up to join Indian Army in Srinagar

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”. The motion was submitted by the Blackburn, Dudley North, Keighley, Stockport and Wakefield constituencies of the Labour Party. It condemned “The recent actions of the Government of India to revoke Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the special status” granted to Kashmir.

It called on the Labour party to clearly and vocally support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and for international observers to be sent to the region immediately. The resolution also sought the party’s intervention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Reacting to the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “The government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on September 25 pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event.” He also declined any engagement with the vote-bank driven politics of the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party, which sits in the opposition and whose position is in conflict with the official stance of the British government that considers Kashmir a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and Article 370 as an internal matter of India.

The High Commission of India in London cancelled the customary dinner reception to the Labour party and withdrew invites, a senior official said.

Jeremy Corbyn, 70, looks like the younger brother of Bernie Sanders on the other side of Atlantic, who in his speech, had made similar references to Kashmir.

Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on September 21, Sanders said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir and asked the US government to “speak out boldly” in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue.

This 77-year-old leader also penned an article in the Houston Chronicle at the same time when the highly successful ‘Howdy Modi’ extravaganza was taking place about. He wrote: “When President (Donald) Trump meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples. However, there will be a deafening silence on the human rights crisis in Kashmir.”

The bad news is neither of them knows anything about Kashmir; the good news is both of them are well past their sell-by date and have no chance of winning office. Both are pandering to Muslim voters, more so in the case of Corbyn since London has become ‘Londonistan’ and Mirpuris from Kashmir are a significant vote bank.

Actually there are many commonalities between Corbyn and our own Rahul Gandhi. Both are leaders of a declining party with a dismal future. Both are college failures and full-time politicians with no other qualifications or expertise. The only difference is Corbyn is aged, married thrice and sometimes accused of being an anti-Semite.

After comments by Naz Shah in 2014 and Ken Livingstone in 2016 resulted in their suspension from membership pending investigation, Corbyn established the Chakrabarti Inquiry, which concluded that the Labour party was not “overrun by anti-Semitism or other forms of racism”, although there was an “occasionally toxic atmosphere” and “clear evidence of ignorant attitudes”. This exactly is apt in their comments on Kashmir — the occasionally toxic atmosphere and clear evidence of ignorant attitudes.

Someone needs to tell Corbyn that under his party, India became Independent and Pakistan itself is a gift of colonialism and a policy of divide and rule. This Kashmir mess is a British creation to keep a toe hold in the affairs of the Indian sub-continent.

Article 370 was obnoxious in denying rights to Scheduled Castes/nomadic tribes and women marrying non-Kashmiris. Women in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) can now buy real estate and transfer property to children, even if they get married to a non-resident as Article 35A has automatically become void with the scrapping of Article 370.

Article 35A gives the J&amp;K government the right to decide who qualifies as a ‘permanent resident’. The permanent resident is subject to special rights as only he can acquire land, settle and get government jobs and scholarships in the state. Does Corbyn know that Pakistan has to fulfill certain conditions for a plebiscite — like withdrawal of its troops from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir?

Much water has flown down the Jhelum and the global situation has changed. If Corbyn is a chit-reading leader like Stalin in Tamil Nadu, then he is a great loser. He must start studying history and acquaint himself with the geography of the Jammu and Kashmir.

Interestingly, the British labour leader is rather quiet about Uighur Muslims who are denied freedom and kept as prisoners by China in its western region. That is the irony of Left Liberals. Attack democratic societies like India and uphold theocracies like Pakistan and dictatorships like China.

Of course, the UK itself is in dire straits economically, socially and politically and may request India to take over their country and rule them! After all, they did rule India for two centuries.

They are a failed country and sick child of Europe wanting to get out of the continent, but not knowing how to do so. The UK has become the butt of all jokes: Boris Johnson wants a poll, but does not want to resign and Corbyn wants Boris to resign but does not want a poll! The UK should take care it is not pushed out of Commonwealth because of its tantrums.

Corbyn has to be informed that his party may pamper and appease their Islamic constituency as much as they like, but there is no need to involve himself in India’s affairs. The Queen does not rule us any more — fortunately. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-uk-labour-s-india-pain-2793356">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”.

On September 25, United Kingdom’s Labour Party at its conference in Brighton passed a resolution that supported “international intervention in Kashmir and a call for UN led-referendum”. The motion was submitted by the Blackburn, Dudley North, Keighley, Stockport and Wakefield constituencies of the Labour Party. It condemned “The recent actions of the Government of India to revoke Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution and the special status” granted to Kashmir. It called on the Labour party to clearly and vocally support the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and for international observers to be sent to the region immediately. The resolution also sought the party’s intervention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Reacting to the development, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “The government has noted certain developments at the Labour Party Conference on September 25 pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. We regret the uninformed and unfounded positions taken at this event.” He also declined any engagement with the vote-bank driven politics of the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party, which sits in the opposition and whose position is in conflict with the official stance of the British government that considers Kashmir a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and Article 370 as an internal matter of India. The High Commission of India in London cancelled the customary dinner reception to the Labour party and withdrew invites, a senior official said. Jeremy Corbyn, 70, looks like the younger brother of Bernie Sanders on the other side of Atlantic, who in his speech, had made similar references to Kashmir. Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on September 21, Sanders said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir and asked the US government to “speak out boldly” in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue. This 77-year-old leader also penned an article in the Houston Chronicle at the same time when the highly successful ‘Howdy Modi’ extravaganza was taking place about. He wrote: “When President (Donald) Trump meets with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples. However, there will be a deafening silence on the human rights crisis in Kashmir.” The bad news is neither of them knows anything about Kashmir; the good news is both of them are well past their sell-by date and have no chance of winning office. Both are pandering to Muslim voters, more so in the case of Corbyn since London has become ‘Londonistan’ and Mirpuris from Kashmir are a significant vote bank. Actually there are many commonalities between Corbyn and our own Rahul Gandhi. Both are leaders of a declining party with a dismal future. Both are college failures and full-time politicians with no other qualifications or expertise. The only difference is Corbyn is aged, married thrice and sometimes accused of being an anti-Semite. After comments by Naz Shah in 2014 and Ken Livingstone in 2016 resulted in their suspension from membership pending investigation, Corbyn established the Chakrabarti Inquiry, which concluded that the Labour party was not “overrun by anti-Semitism or other forms of racism”, although there was an “occasionally toxic atmosphere” and “clear evidence of ignorant attitudes”. This exactly is apt in their comments on Kashmir — the occasionally toxic atmosphere and clear evidence of ignorant attitudes. Someone needs to tell Corbyn that under his party, India became Independent and Pakistan itself is a gift of colonialism and a policy of divide and rule. This Kashmir mess is a British creation to keep a toe hold in the affairs of the Indian sub-continent. Article 370 was obnoxious in denying rights to Scheduled Castes/nomadic tribes and women marrying non-Kashmiris. Women in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) can now buy real estate and transfer property to children, even if they get married to a non-resident as Article 35A has automatically become void with the scrapping of Article 370. Article 35A gives the J&K government the right to decide who qualifies as a ‘permanent resident’. The permanent resident is subject to special rights as only he can acquire land, settle and get government jobs and scholarships in the state. Does Corbyn know that Pakistan has to fulfill certain conditions for a plebiscite — like withdrawal of its troops from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir? Much water has flown down the Jhelum and the global situation has changed. If Corbyn is a chit-reading leader like Stalin in Tamil Nadu, then he is a great loser. He must start studying history and acquaint himself with the geography of the Jammu and Kashmir. Interestingly, the British labour leader is rather quiet about Uighur Muslims who are denied freedom and kept as prisoners by China in its western region. That is the irony of Left Liberals. Attack democratic societies like India and uphold theocracies like Pakistan and dictatorships like China. Of course, the UK itself is in dire straits economically, socially and politically and may request India to take over their country and rule them! After all, they did rule India for two centuries. They are a failed country and sick child of Europe wanting to get out of the continent, but not knowing how to do so. The UK has become the butt of all jokes: Boris Johnson wants a poll, but does not want to resign and Corbyn wants Boris to resign but does not want a poll! The UK should take care it is not pushed out of Commonwealth because of its tantrums. Corbyn has to be informed that his party may pamper and appease their Islamic constituency as much as they like, but there is no need to involve himself in India’s affairs. The Queen does not rule us any more — fortunately. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kashmir mess is a British creation

India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval is in Srinagar to review security measures in the Kashmir valley and to hold meetings with security agencies. Watch this video to know.

NSA Ajit Doval in Kashmir to review security

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday visited Srinagar to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

He is slated to hold meetings with security forces and state government officials to review the situation following the abrogation of Article 370.

On September 16, MHA officials briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the current situation in Kashmir and also discussed the opening of mobile networks in different parts of Kashmir.

Also, a detailed discussion was held in the meeting on the report sent by the intelligence agency to MHA that over 200 Pakistani terrorists were waiting to infiltrate in Jammu and Kashmir, sources shared

Restrictions remain in some parts of Kashmir however, the Home Ministry is expecting that soon normalcy will be completely restored in the entire region.&nbsp;

Doval earlier this month said that the Article 370 was not about any special status but was special discrimination against the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier in August, the Central government had scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday visited Srinagar to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He is slated to hold meetings with security forces and state government officials to review the situation following the abrogation of Article 370.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday visited Srinagar to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He is slated to hold meetings with security forces and state government officials to review the situation following the abrogation of Article 370. On September 16, MHA officials briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the current situation in Kashmir and also discussed the opening of mobile networks in different parts of Kashmir. Also, a detailed discussion was held in the meeting on the report sent by the intelligence agency to MHA that over 200 Pakistani terrorists were waiting to infiltrate in Jammu and Kashmir, sources shared Restrictions remain in some parts of Kashmir however, the Home Ministry is expecting that soon normalcy will be completely restored in the entire region. Doval earlier this month said that the Article 370 was not about any special status but was special discrimination against the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier in August, the Central government had scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution, which conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

NSA Ajit Doval in Srinagar to review security situation

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday released funding of Rs 3.5 crore to strengthen the healthcare framework in the Srinagar district.

"The Srinagar administration has authorised funding to the tune of around Rs 3.5 crore in favour of hospitals and health centres of the district to facilitate procurement of certain smart equipment and machines aimed at strengthening the healthcare in the health centres of the district," a press release reads.

According to the release, this was disclosed in a meeting held here under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.

"The amount released under the Special Area Development Programme or SADP 2019-20 includes 2 crore rupees released in favour of the Chief Medical Officer Srinagar and around 1.5 crore rupees released in favour of the Principal Government Medical College Srinagar," it stated.

"The two crore rupees authorised in favour of the Chief Medical Officer Srinagar includes 60 lac for UPHC Batamaloo, 45 lac for UPHC SR Gunj, 37 lac for UPHC Lal Bazar, 33 lac for UPHC Narwara and 25 lac for PHC Habakadal," it added.

In addition to different kinds of testing machines and medical equipment, the amount will be used to install - for the first time - a smart apparatus enabling smart registration of patients for their seamless utilisation of healthcare services.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday released funding of Rs 3.5 crore to strengthen the healthcare framework in the Srinagar district. "The Srinagar administration has authorised funding to the tune of around Rs 3.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday released funding of Rs 3.5 crore to strengthen the healthcare framework in the Srinagar district. "The Srinagar administration has authorised funding to the tune of around Rs 3.5 crore in favour of hospitals and health centres of the district to facilitate procurement of certain smart equipment and machines aimed at strengthening the healthcare in the health centres of the district," a press release reads. According to the release, this was disclosed in a meeting held here under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary. "The amount released under the Special Area Development Programme or SADP 2019-20 includes 2 crore rupees released in favour of the Chief Medical Officer Srinagar and around 1.5 crore rupees released in favour of the Principal Government Medical College Srinagar," it stated. "The two crore rupees authorised in favour of the Chief Medical Officer Srinagar includes 60 lac for UPHC Batamaloo, 45 lac for UPHC SR Gunj, 37 lac for UPHC Lal Bazar, 33 lac for UPHC Narwara and 25 lac for PHC Habakadal," it added. In addition to different kinds of testing machines and medical equipment, the amount will be used to install - for the first time - a smart apparatus enabling smart registration of patients for their seamless utilisation of healthcare services.

Jammu and Kashmir: Rs 3.5 crore released for strengthening healthcare framework in Srinagar

Pakistani national and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has expressed concern about the people of Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and said she has urged the United Nations to work towards peace&nbsp;and&nbsp;help Kashmiri children go back to school.

Malala is an activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate who was shot at by a gunman on her way back home from school in the Swat district in 2012.

She was targetted for speaking out about the plight of girls in her region who were banned from going to school by the Taliban.

Watch: Malala Yousafzai's 'selective &amp; ignoble' outrage on Kashmir

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Her concern for Kashmiris appears hypocritical as she has been tight-lipped about atrocities against minorities in her own country, Pakistan's harsh blasphemy laws and forced conversions&nbsp;of Hindu girls.

She also never spoke against the human rights violations of Baloch people. People of Balochistan have raised the issue of their "annihilation" by the Pakistani forces at the forum of UNHRC also, but Malala did not extend any support to them.

Malala has been very selective in condemning human rights abuses. Fearing the backlash, she does not speak against barbarities people have been facing in her own country.

In her recent tweets on Kashmir issue, she reiterated Pakistan state narrative. Indian nationals firmly pointed out her hypocrisy, saying she is running Pakistan's agenda on Kashmir.

Pakistan has been responding hysterically since the time Indian government scrapped Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Imran Khan and other ministers tried to portray a manipulated picture with false narratives, however, got no traction from global leaders. Even the Taliban has strongly criticised Pakistan for linking the Kashmir issue with the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Instead of fighting a social media war with India and making embarrassing statements, Malala, Pakistani leaders and need to accept the reality on Kashmir and solve their own issues. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Pakistani national and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has expressed concern about the people of Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and said she has urged the United Nations to work towards peace and help Kashmiri children go back to school.

Pakistani national and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai has expressed concern about the people of Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and said she has urged the United Nations to work towards peace and help Kashmiri children go back to school. Malala is an activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate who was shot at by a gunman on her way back home from school in the Swat district in 2012. She was targetted for speaking out about the plight of girls in her region who were banned from going to school by the Taliban. Watch: Malala Yousafzai's 'selective & ignoble' outrage on Kashmir × Her concern for Kashmiris appears hypocritical as she has been tight-lipped about atrocities against minorities in her own country, Pakistan's harsh blasphemy laws and forced conversions of Hindu girls. She also never spoke against the human rights violations of Baloch people. People of Balochistan have raised the issue of their "annihilation" by the Pakistani forces at the forum of UNHRC also, but Malala did not extend any support to them. Malala has been very selective in condemning human rights abuses. Fearing the backlash, she does not speak against barbarities people have been facing in her own country. In her recent tweets on Kashmir issue, she reiterated Pakistan state narrative. Indian nationals firmly pointed out her hypocrisy, saying she is running Pakistan's agenda on Kashmir. Pakistan has been responding hysterically since the time Indian government scrapped Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Imran Khan and other ministers tried to portray a manipulated picture with false narratives, however, got no traction from global leaders. Even the Taliban has strongly criticised Pakistan for linking the Kashmir issue with the situation in Afghanistan. Instead of fighting a social media war with India and making embarrassing statements, Malala, Pakistani leaders and need to accept the reality on Kashmir and solve their own issues. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is selective in condemning human rights abuses

Why does India get bad press internationally? The answer lies within complex layers of history and culture. Global media coverage of Kashmir is just the latest example of how misinformed, inaccurate and biased Western reportage on India can be.&nbsp;

Exhibit one: The New York Times editorial board wrote: “The Indian government’s decision to revoke the semi-autonomous status of Kashmir, accompanied by a huge security clampdown, is dangerous and wrong. Bloodshed is all but certain. The United Nations recommended holding a referendum to let Kashmiris decide their fate, but that never happened.”&nbsp;

Note the confidence with which The New York Times makes the assertion: “Bloodshed is all but certain.” Worse is the newspaper’s reference to the United Nations “recommending holding a referendum”, without mentioning the fact that the UN had set a pre-condition for Pakistan to vacate PoK before any referendum could be considered.&nbsp;

Exhibit two: Reuters reported: “Police used tear gas and pellets to fight back at least 10,000 people protesting Delhi’s withdrawal of special rights for Jammu and Kashmir in its main city of Srinagar on Friday, a police official and two witnesses said.”&nbsp;

Reuters’ sources? An unnamed police officer and two anonymous “witnesses”. The report of “a crowd of 10,000” protestors has been disproved by on-ground accounts from credible, independent Indian journalists. Reuters’ reportage clearly does not meet the standard of accurate and responsible journalism.&nbsp;

The New York Times editorial board has often been forced to apologise for inaccurate commentary. The BBC’s and Al Jazeera’s editorial coverage of Kashmir has been equally tendentious. Neither media organisation sufficiently stressed Pakistan’s malignant role in abetting terrorism in Kashmir. Without context, such journalism sets a low bar for itself.&nbsp;

Now history. Days before J&amp;K acceded to the Indian Union on October 26/27,1947,&nbsp;Pakistan connived with Britain to annex J&amp;K by force. Islamabad, with tacit support from the British, sent tribal Afridi fighters towards Srinagar. What transpired subsequently is well-documented. The Afridis were stopped just outside Srinagar and evicted by the Indian Army.

For Britain and the West, post-independent Pakistan has served as valuable geostrategic real estate. It helped thwart Soviet influence extending beyond the Khyber Pass. Pakistan plays the supplicant, ever ready to do the West’s bidding. The US prefers doing business with dictators — in the Middle East, South America and South Asia. Pakistan’s long line of military dictators, from the 1950s right up to Pervez Musharraf, has served Washington well.&nbsp;

The West’s pro-Pakistan tilt was evident when US President Richard Nixon and his Machiavellian Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tried to goad China into opening a second front against India during the 1971 Bangladesh war. A timely Indo-Russian treaty of peace and friendship signed astutely by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Moscow in August 1971, kept the Chinese at bay.&nbsp;

The US attempted, unsuccessfully, to help the beleaguered Pakistani Army by sending its Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal in December 1971 to intimidate India.&nbsp;

While Independent India developed into a socialist democracy, Pakistan emerged as a capitalist dictatorship. For the US, socialism was culturally and politically anathema. It welcomed Pakistani dictators, but had little love lost for socialists like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;

The US, Britain and other Anglo-Saxon nations have a grim record of committing historical crimes: trafficking Africans to North America during the centuries-long Atlantic slave trade; invading and colonising countries; waging extra-territorial wars; destabilising elected governments; supporting apartheid in South Africa; dispossessing Aborigines in Australia and indigenous Indians in the US; imposing a racist White Australia immigration policy; and segregating African-Americans in the southern states of the US till as late as the 1960s.&nbsp;

Western media tries its best to avoid highlighting these issues. It was only when Democratic Presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris raised the issue of reparations for slavery that the US media gingerly took cognisance of it with a nervous editorial twitch.

Warren has gone further by suggesting compensation for indigenous Indians whose land was usurped by European settlers in the US. &nbsp;

Amidst all this, India is a tempting target. A large, diverse democracy, it has multiple mutinies, as the late VS Naipaul wrote, going on raucously at the same time. These provide easy pickings for Western journalists. They have learnt their lesson the hard way after the French magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked by Islamist terrorists, several of its staff killed and the publication eventually forced to change ownership. The lesson learnt? It is safer to criticise India. Indians don’t hit back.&nbsp;

India, in fact, provides Western media an invaluable additional resource: Indian journalists. These editorial sepoys can be inveigled to write how brutish and viscerally communal India is. Were Western journalists to write the same articles, they would be accused of racism. Indian journalists thus serve as useful surrogates. The Indian government has compounded the problem by not having daily briefings to provide timely information on key political and economic issues, allowing international media to misinform and distort as it has done in its reportage on Kashmir. &nbsp;

India has real problems of poverty, corruption and sectarianism, but there are gripping stories as well of startups, space technology and the rise of a new Dalit entrepreneurial class.&nbsp;

You won’t find much reportage on these in the Western media that picks its Indian mutinies carefully.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-foreign-media-s-india-bias-2789101">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Why does India get bad press internationally? The answer lies within complex layers of history and culture. Global media coverage of Kashmir is just the latest example of how misinformed, inaccurate and biased Western reportage on India can be.

Why does India get bad press internationally? The answer lies within complex layers of history and culture. Global media coverage of Kashmir is just the latest example of how misinformed, inaccurate and biased Western reportage on India can be. Exhibit one: The New York Times editorial board wrote: “The Indian government’s decision to revoke the semi-autonomous status of Kashmir, accompanied by a huge security clampdown, is dangerous and wrong. Bloodshed is all but certain. The United Nations recommended holding a referendum to let Kashmiris decide their fate, but that never happened.” Note the confidence with which The New York Times makes the assertion: “Bloodshed is all but certain.” Worse is the newspaper’s reference to the United Nations “recommending holding a referendum”, without mentioning the fact that the UN had set a pre-condition for Pakistan to vacate PoK before any referendum could be considered. Exhibit two: Reuters reported: “Police used tear gas and pellets to fight back at least 10,000 people protesting Delhi’s withdrawal of special rights for Jammu and Kashmir in its main city of Srinagar on Friday, a police official and two witnesses said.” Reuters’ sources? An unnamed police officer and two anonymous “witnesses”. The report of “a crowd of 10,000” protestors has been disproved by on-ground accounts from credible, independent Indian journalists. Reuters’ reportage clearly does not meet the standard of accurate and responsible journalism. The New York Times editorial board has often been forced to apologise for inaccurate commentary. The BBC’s and Al Jazeera’s editorial coverage of Kashmir has been equally tendentious. Neither media organisation sufficiently stressed Pakistan’s malignant role in abetting terrorism in Kashmir. Without context, such journalism sets a low bar for itself. Now history. Days before J&K acceded to the Indian Union on October 26/27,1947, Pakistan connived with Britain to annex J&K by force. Islamabad, with tacit support from the British, sent tribal Afridi fighters towards Srinagar. What transpired subsequently is well-documented. The Afridis were stopped just outside Srinagar and evicted by the Indian Army. For Britain and the West, post-independent Pakistan has served as valuable geostrategic real estate. It helped thwart Soviet influence extending beyond the Khyber Pass. Pakistan plays the supplicant, ever ready to do the West’s bidding. The US prefers doing business with dictators — in the Middle East, South America and South Asia. Pakistan’s long line of military dictators, from the 1950s right up to Pervez Musharraf, has served Washington well. The West’s pro-Pakistan tilt was evident when US President Richard Nixon and his Machiavellian Secretary of State Henry Kissinger tried to goad China into opening a second front against India during the 1971 Bangladesh war. A timely Indo-Russian treaty of peace and friendship signed astutely by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with Moscow in August 1971, kept the Chinese at bay. The US attempted, unsuccessfully, to help the beleaguered Pakistani Army by sending its Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal in December 1971 to intimidate India. While Independent India developed into a socialist democracy, Pakistan emerged as a capitalist dictatorship. For the US, socialism was culturally and politically anathema. It welcomed Pakistani dictators, but had little love lost for socialists like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. The US, Britain and other Anglo-Saxon nations have a grim record of committing historical crimes: trafficking Africans to North America during the centuries-long Atlantic slave trade; invading and colonising countries; waging extra-territorial wars; destabilising elected governments; supporting apartheid in South Africa; dispossessing Aborigines in Australia and indigenous Indians in the US; imposing a racist White Australia immigration policy; and segregating African-Americans in the southern states of the US till as late as the 1960s. Western media tries its best to avoid highlighting these issues. It was only when Democratic Presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris raised the issue of reparations for slavery that the US media gingerly took cognisance of it with a nervous editorial twitch. Warren has gone further by suggesting compensation for indigenous Indians whose land was usurped by European settlers in the US. Amidst all this, India is a tempting target. A large, diverse democracy, it has multiple mutinies, as the late VS Naipaul wrote, going on raucously at the same time. These provide easy pickings for Western journalists. They have learnt their lesson the hard way after the French magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked by Islamist terrorists, several of its staff killed and the publication eventually forced to change ownership. The lesson learnt? It is safer to criticise India. Indians don’t hit back. India, in fact, provides Western media an invaluable additional resource: Indian journalists. These editorial sepoys can be inveigled to write how brutish and viscerally communal India is. Were Western journalists to write the same articles, they would be accused of racism. Indian journalists thus serve as useful surrogates. The Indian government has compounded the problem by not having daily briefings to provide timely information on key political and economic issues, allowing international media to misinform and distort as it has done in its reportage on Kashmir. India has real problems of poverty, corruption and sectarianism, but there are gripping stories as well of startups, space technology and the rise of a new Dalit entrepreneurial class. You won’t find much reportage on these in the Western media that picks its Indian mutinies carefully. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Article 370 abrogation: Foreign media’s India bias

This story must be told to make the point on how governments allowed a lobby supporting Pakistan in Kashmir to grow big at the cost of the common Kashmiri, who were betrayed and pushed to the wall.

In the 1990s, then MOS home, Rajesh Pilot, was projected as the proverbial carrot of the policy as against the stick of an administration led by Governor Girish Chandra Saxena in J&amp;K.&nbsp;

The illusion of the two being at loggerheads was deliberate. Saxena, whose soft-spoken persona bellied the image of a former RAW chief, was left to deal with terrorism, unrest and growing influence of the pro-Pakistanis in the Valley; Pilot, the politician, would listen to public, appease some, help others and carry a big bundle of applications — for jobs, phone connections and release of arrested men — back to Delhi.

During one of his visits, Pilot asked me and my husband George Joseph to meet him in the Guest House No 5 in uptown Srinagar. I worked for the Tribune while George reported for the Indian Express. We were happy at the possibility of getting a scoop!

Pilot ushered us into the bedroom, probably to create an informal setting. He straightaway asked us: What can I do for you? I found his question strange while George, who failed to get the nuances of Hindi language, replied, “Please make sure we get press notes from the (police) control room on time. Just because we are Indians does not mean we should be the last ones to get it.”&nbsp;

Pilot’s bright expression suddenly looked sullen; he probably expected us to value his authority more than just a supplier of police handout on killings and encounters in Kashmir. He promised to do the needful and after a small conversation, the meeting was over.

George’s demand reflected the level of frustration of ‘Indians’ in Kashmir. We were not the only ones to not believe in the supremacy of the Hizbuls, JKLFs and Pakistan. Many Kashmiri Muslims felt betrayed and abandoned by the System, which appeased the rebels and the ever-burgeoning ‘Pakistan lobby’.&nbsp;

People who were Indians by belief, temperament and through professions or by simply being normal, would face smirks, social ostracism and pressure to ‘raliv, galiv ya challiv’ (join, die or simply vanish).&nbsp;

The word Indian was an invective; it was blackened out from the boards of organisations, restaurants and shops in Kashmir; people who could not compromise on their identity were counseled to keep a low profile.&nbsp;

Hizbul Mujahideen issued a threat to George and me in 1992, asking us to leave Kashmir within 48 hours. Our crime was that as journalists we had reported the fact of Hizbul splitting due to financial dispute between its factions.

Issuing the threat to us was part of the plan to banish Indians from Kashmir.&nbsp;

Many Kashmiris were simply left at the mercy of new jihadi commanders and their suit-wearing embedded omnipresent supporters. They were in offices, hospitals, buses, schools, restaurants and places where media persons met informally. They were feared the most for they always behaved more loyal than the king.&nbsp;

A handful of leftists – poets, writers, thinkers and academicians – were targeted by the new defacto oligarchs in Kashmir. A couple of them were killed in cold blood and others subjected to the humiliation of seeking pardon for their lack of belief in Allah (La-deen) inside the local mosques. This made many others retract into silence while some fell in line.

Nothing in Kashmir was spontaneous; a well-organised plot to create chaos and undermine the State of India was unfolding without any resistance as the elected government had fled and small-time leaders had been silenced by the gun – many of them were killed in cold blood, often after Friday congregation as they come out of the mosques.

Today people in Kashmir are genuinely disturbed by the blockade of mobile and internet services. However, may I remind everyone that the Valley had remained incommunicado for six months in the 1991-92 after Hizbul Mujahidden blew up a transmission tower atop Peer Panjal at Banihal.&nbsp;

In comparison, the miseries of common people were manifold then. Journalists like me had to look for friends, acquaintances or even rely on a stranger flying to Jammu to carry our typed news stories to our local offices. The telegraph machine in the Central Telegraph Office was resting without connectivity.

Indians were treated as second-grade citizens often making them wonder why a State would appease those who were working against it. I remember the words of Rammohan Rao, media advisor to JK government and a seasoned bureaucrat, “Well, India is a soft state; can’t be seen as being harsh to those against us.”

A Jordanian envoy visiting Kashmir had rattled Governor `Gary’ Saxena when he said that ‘India is a soft State, you have no guts to take on the enemy within.’ &nbsp;

The envoy was a member of the diplomatic corps invited by the PV Narsimha Rao government to visit Kashmir. He had read local newspapers in his guest house and was aghast to see the anti-India coverage in Urdu and English newspapers. He had thrown the papers at Saxena’s desk and asked him how a government could allow it to happen?

An Israeli high-up on a secret visit to Kashmir in the mid-1990s also told the government that it can never crush terror as long as anti-India supporters were allowed a free run.

Contrary to expectations, the return of an elected government led by Farooq Abdullah was a boon to ‘Pakistanis’; they had turned into power brokers. The new dispensation was too keen to appease them with government bungalows and other largesse.

The man in the street got his clue – it was prudent to be seen on the side of ‘Pakistanis’ for survival. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-how-the-pak-lobby-prospered-2787706">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

This story must be told to make the point on how governments allowed a lobby supporting Pakistan in Kashmir to grow big at the cost of the common Kashmiri, who were betrayed and pushed to the wall.

This story must be told to make the point on how governments allowed a lobby supporting Pakistan in Kashmir to grow big at the cost of the common Kashmiri, who were betrayed and pushed to the wall. In the 1990s, then MOS home, Rajesh Pilot, was projected as the proverbial carrot of the policy as against the stick of an administration led by Governor Girish Chandra Saxena in J&K. The illusion of the two being at loggerheads was deliberate. Saxena, whose soft-spoken persona bellied the image of a former RAW chief, was left to deal with terrorism, unrest and growing influence of the pro-Pakistanis in the Valley; Pilot, the politician, would listen to public, appease some, help others and carry a big bundle of applications — for jobs, phone connections and release of arrested men — back to Delhi. During one of his visits, Pilot asked me and my husband George Joseph to meet him in the Guest House No 5 in uptown Srinagar. I worked for the Tribune while George reported for the Indian Express. We were happy at the possibility of getting a scoop! Pilot ushered us into the bedroom, probably to create an informal setting. He straightaway asked us: What can I do for you? I found his question strange while George, who failed to get the nuances of Hindi language, replied, “Please make sure we get press notes from the (police) control room on time. Just because we are Indians does not mean we should be the last ones to get it.” Pilot’s bright expression suddenly looked sullen; he probably expected us to value his authority more than just a supplier of police handout on killings and encounters in Kashmir. He promised to do the needful and after a small conversation, the meeting was over. George’s demand reflected the level of frustration of ‘Indians’ in Kashmir. We were not the only ones to not believe in the supremacy of the Hizbuls, JKLFs and Pakistan. Many Kashmiri Muslims felt betrayed and abandoned by the System, which appeased the rebels and the ever-burgeoning ‘Pakistan lobby’. People who were Indians by belief, temperament and through professions or by simply being normal, would face smirks, social ostracism and pressure to ‘raliv, galiv ya challiv’ (join, die or simply vanish). The word Indian was an invective; it was blackened out from the boards of organisations, restaurants and shops in Kashmir; people who could not compromise on their identity were counseled to keep a low profile. Hizbul Mujahideen issued a threat to George and me in 1992, asking us to leave Kashmir within 48 hours. Our crime was that as journalists we had reported the fact of Hizbul splitting due to financial dispute between its factions. Issuing the threat to us was part of the plan to banish Indians from Kashmir. Many Kashmiris were simply left at the mercy of new jihadi commanders and their suit-wearing embedded omnipresent supporters. They were in offices, hospitals, buses, schools, restaurants and places where media persons met informally. They were feared the most for they always behaved more loyal than the king. A handful of leftists – poets, writers, thinkers and academicians – were targeted by the new defacto oligarchs in Kashmir. A couple of them were killed in cold blood and others subjected to the humiliation of seeking pardon for their lack of belief in Allah (La-deen) inside the local mosques. This made many others retract into silence while some fell in line. Nothing in Kashmir was spontaneous; a well-organised plot to create chaos and undermine the State of India was unfolding without any resistance as the elected government had fled and small-time leaders had been silenced by the gun – many of them were killed in cold blood, often after Friday congregation as they come out of the mosques. Today people in Kashmir are genuinely disturbed by the blockade of mobile and internet services. However, may I remind everyone that the Valley had remained incommunicado for six months in the 1991-92 after Hizbul Mujahidden blew up a transmission tower atop Peer Panjal at Banihal. In comparison, the miseries of common people were manifold then. Journalists like me had to look for friends, acquaintances or even rely on a stranger flying to Jammu to carry our typed news stories to our local offices. The telegraph machine in the Central Telegraph Office was resting without connectivity. Indians were treated as second-grade citizens often making them wonder why a State would appease those who were working against it. I remember the words of Rammohan Rao, media advisor to JK government and a seasoned bureaucrat, “Well, India is a soft state; can’t be seen as being harsh to those against us.” A Jordanian envoy visiting Kashmir had rattled Governor `Gary’ Saxena when he said that ‘India is a soft State, you have no guts to take on the enemy within.’ The envoy was a member of the diplomatic corps invited by the PV Narsimha Rao government to visit Kashmir. He had read local newspapers in his guest house and was aghast to see the anti-India coverage in Urdu and English newspapers. He had thrown the papers at Saxena’s desk and asked him how a government could allow it to happen? An Israeli high-up on a secret visit to Kashmir in the mid-1990s also told the government that it can never crush terror as long as anti-India supporters were allowed a free run. Contrary to expectations, the return of an elected government led by Farooq Abdullah was a boon to ‘Pakistanis’; they had turned into power brokers. The new dispensation was too keen to appease them with government bungalows and other largesse. The man in the street got his clue – it was prudent to be seen on the side of ‘Pakistanis’ for survival. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How a lobby supporting Pakistan prospered in Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan has been responding hysterically since the time Indian government scrapped Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir is all Pakistan talks about these days. First, Islamabad downgraded diplomatic ties with India, suspended trade, Samjhauta and Thar Express and then announced that there will be no talks with India till India withdraws its decision of abrogating Article 370 and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs).&nbsp;

Pakistan tried to portray a manipulated picture with false narratives, however, got no traction from global leaders. It stands isolated. US President Donald Trump, who had earlier offered mediation between the two countries, termed Kashmir a bilateral issue after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recently held G7 Summit.

Ignoring Khan's appeal, Islamic countries have also maintained that Kashmir is India's integral issue. In fact, UAE honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the 'Order of Zayed', country's highest civilian award.

Moreover, the Taliban has strongly criticised Pakistan for linking the Kashmir issue&nbsp;with the situation in Afghanistan

Pakistan is now&nbsp;making embarrassing statements, organising protests and fighting a war on social media, instead of accepting the reality. Deserted on the global platform, Pakistan Prime Minister even threatened India with a Nuclear war.

Several ministers in the Pakistan government have repeated the war rhetoric of their prime minister. The neighbours also tested nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile last week to spread the war hysteria.

It's high time Islamabad wake up and smell the coffee. They need to set their own house in order. &nbsp;

On the economic front, the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the global terror financing and money laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has put Pakistan in the Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List for failing to comply with commitments.

The development makes it more difficult for the South Asian country to leave FATF's grey list and can expedite its process of blacklisting in October's FATF plenary.&nbsp;

Imran Khan is also facing the ire of Pakistan's opposition parties for failing to handle the Kasmir situation.

Other than the crippling economy, Pakistan also needs to focus on increasing cases of forced conversions and alleged atrocities on civilians in Balochistan province of Pakistan.

Islamabad must&nbsp;realise that irrational reactions and baseless statements won't get them attention. The global community has understood and supported India's decision and rightly so.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Pakistan has been responding hysterically since the time Indian government scrapped Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is all Pakistan talks about these days.

Pakistan has been responding hysterically since the time Indian government scrapped Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is all Pakistan talks about these days. First, Islamabad downgraded diplomatic ties with India, suspended trade, Samjhauta and Thar Express and then announced that there will be no talks with India till India withdraws its decision of abrogating Article 370 and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs). Pakistan tried to portray a manipulated picture with false narratives, however, got no traction from global leaders. It stands isolated. US President Donald Trump, who had earlier offered mediation between the two countries, termed Kashmir a bilateral issue after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recently held G7 Summit. Ignoring Khan's appeal, Islamic countries have also maintained that Kashmir is India's integral issue. In fact, UAE honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the 'Order of Zayed', country's highest civilian award. Moreover, the Taliban has strongly criticised Pakistan for linking the Kashmir issue with the situation in Afghanistan Pakistan is now making embarrassing statements, organising protests and fighting a war on social media, instead of accepting the reality. Deserted on the global platform, Pakistan Prime Minister even threatened India with a Nuclear war. Several ministers in the Pakistan government have repeated the war rhetoric of their prime minister. The neighbours also tested nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile last week to spread the war hysteria. It's high time Islamabad wake up and smell the coffee. They need to set their own house in order. On the economic front, the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the global terror financing and money laundering watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has put Pakistan in the Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List for failing to comply with commitments. The development makes it more difficult for the South Asian country to leave FATF's grey list and can expedite its process of blacklisting in October's FATF plenary. Imran Khan is also facing the ire of Pakistan's opposition parties for failing to handle the Kasmir situation. Other than the crippling economy, Pakistan also needs to focus on increasing cases of forced conversions and alleged atrocities on civilians in Balochistan province of Pakistan. Islamabad must realise that irrational reactions and baseless statements won't get them attention. The global community has understood and supported India's decision and rightly so. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pakistan is left with no option on Jammu and Kashmir

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;

The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9.

"This rally is being conducted to provide employment to youth from seven districts - Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi," Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in a release.

"Over 29,000 aspiring youths from Jammu Region have registered and are likely to be screened for their physical and medical fitness during the week-long Army recruitment rally in Reasi. On the first day of the rally, more than 2,500 candidates from districts of Kishtwar and Ramban converged for the physical fitness tests," the release added.

The vacancies are open for six categories which are Soldier General Duty, Soldier Technical, Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance (AMC)/ Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance Veterinary, Soldier Clerk, Store Keeper Technical and Soldier Tradesman.&nbsp;

The recruitment process is divided into several categories and rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test and written test. Selected candidates will be inducted into the various arms and services of the Indian Army.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9.

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9. "This rally is being conducted to provide employment to youth from seven districts - Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi," Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in a release. "Over 29,000 aspiring youths from Jammu Region have registered and are likely to be screened for their physical and medical fitness during the week-long Army recruitment rally in Reasi. On the first day of the rally, more than 2,500 candidates from districts of Kishtwar and Ramban converged for the physical fitness tests," the release added. The vacancies are open for six categories which are Soldier General Duty, Soldier Technical, Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance (AMC)/ Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance Veterinary, Soldier Clerk, Store Keeper Technical and Soldier Tradesman. The recruitment process is divided into several categories and rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test and written test. Selected candidates will be inducted into the various arms and services of the Indian Army.

First Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 commences at Reasi

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works. 
 
It was the first such meeting of a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir with Shah since the repeal of Article 370 and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories. 
 
The meeting was also attended by Ministers of State for Home Nityanand Rai and G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Home Secretary AK Bhalla and All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Association Chairman Anil Sharma. It discussed the agenda of development of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Sources in the ministry said that Shah told the sarpanches that they should take responsibility of development works in their areas. He said local bodies will now get "enough" funds for development as was the case with other states. Shah said the repeal of Article 370 will be beneficial to the state and open more doors of development in the Valley. 
 
"Employment opportunities will come to your home and your future will be brighter," Shah told the group. The home minister also met a group of apple growers from Kashmir who apprised him of their problems. He assured to look into their issues. Meer Junaid, a sarpanch who was present at the meeting, told ANI that Shah assured them to give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir once normalcy is returned. 
 
"The Home Minister presented a roadmap for the development of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works.

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works. It was the first such meeting of a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir with Shah since the repeal of Article 370 and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories. The meeting was also attended by Ministers of State for Home Nityanand Rai and G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Home Secretary AK Bhalla and All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Association Chairman Anil Sharma. It discussed the agenda of development of Jammu and Kashmir. Sources in the ministry said that Shah told the sarpanches that they should take responsibility of development works in their areas. He said local bodies will now get "enough" funds for development as was the case with other states. Shah said the repeal of Article 370 will be beneficial to the state and open more doors of development in the Valley. "Employment opportunities will come to your home and your future will be brighter," Shah told the group. The home minister also met a group of apple growers from Kashmir who apprised him of their problems. He assured to look into their issues. Meer Junaid, a sarpanch who was present at the meeting, told ANI that Shah assured them to give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir once normalcy is returned. "The Home Minister presented a roadmap for the development of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir citizens group meets Amit Shah, assured of enough development funds

Tourism workers in Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, home to the scenic Dal Lake that houses hundreds of floating houseboat hotels and Shikara boats, were defiant in their opposition to India's decision to strip the autonomous regions if its autonomy, saying on Tuesday (August 20) that despite declining business their main concern was their rights as Kashmiri.

Kashmir tourism industry decries Indian move as business suffers

Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi speaks to WION over Jammu & Kashmir issue. Watch this video to know more.

Fineprint: Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi speaks to WION over J&K issue

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam reassured that Kashmir is returning to normalcy. Schools offices to open from tomorrow. Medical facilities and hospitals continue to function. Phone lines expected to resume from tomorrow.

WION Dispatch: Kashmir returning to normalcy, says J&K chief secretary

Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam reassured that Kashmir is returning to normalcy. Schools offices to open from tomorrow. Medical facilities and hospitals continue to function. Phone lines expected to resume from tomorrow. Watch this video to know more.

Normalcy in Kashmir only a matter of time: J&K chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam to WION

Kashmir returning to normalcy, schools offices to open from tomorrow: J&K chief secretary

The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had removed Article 370 and Article 35A from Jammu and Kashmir which ended its special status. Now after a while, Life back on track in J&K; Schools, offices to open from Monday.

Life back on track in J&K; Schools, offices to open from Monday

Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the National Tricolour at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in the first Independence Day celebration in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of its special status.

Governor Satya Pal Malik unfurls National Flag at Srinagar's Sher-i-Kashmir stadium

Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, said Governor Satya Pal Malik after hoisting the national flag at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar to mark the occasion of India`s 73rd Independence Day.&nbsp;

"Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. The administration is committed towards their homecoming and rehabilitation in Kashmir. This is possible with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders including Valley people who share a social and cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants," Malik said. 
 
Congratulating Kashmiri people for cooperating with the administration during the Amarnath Yatra and concluding it in a peaceful manner, he said: "Over 3 lakh pilgrims paid a visit to the Holy cave. Hajj and Amarnath were organised in a manner which is an excellent example of the true essence of Kashmiriyat which is exemplary for its communal harmony." 
 
The Governor asserted that 3,000 vacancies out of 6,000 in the public sector were established for Kashmiri migrant Pandits and these vacancies are soon to be filled. "The process for recruitment against the remaining 3000 posts out of 6000 created for Kashmiri migrants and the construction of transit accommodation for the employees serving in the Valley has been expedited," he said. 
 
Malik informed that the foundation stone for new Kushak Bakula Rimpoche Airport terminal building at Leh has been laid and the process is underway to establish a full-fledged commercial airport at Kargil. 
 
The process to establish the second tier of the Panchayats has been initiated for which the elections to the block development councils shall be held very soon, he said."I request all elected Panches and Sarpanches to come forward and participate in these elections. 
 
Both Block Development Councils and District Development Boards play a key role in ensuring the participation of people and development in their respective areas," he added. Recalling government`s "Back to Village" programme to address the problems of locals in the remote areas, he said: "Over 4,500 Gazetted Officers of the state visited the Panchayats and stayed there for two days. They interacted with the people to resolve their grievances. 
 
Speaking about Ladakh, he said Ladakh`s people demand has been fulfilled with the formation of a Union Territory of Ladakh."The formation of Ladakh as a new territory will enable the people of Ladakh to realise their aspirations despite the difficult terrain. My administration had created a separate Revenue and Administrative Division for 'Ladakh'&nbsp;comprising the districts of Leh and Kargil with a divisional commissioner and an inspector general of police. Around 495 posts were also sanctioned for staffing the various departments of this division," Malik said. 
 
He said that a separate University has been established for Ladakh region for which a vice-chancellor has been appointed and now students do not have to move outside Ladakh for higher studies.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, said Governor Satya Pal Malik after hoisting the national flag at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar to mark the occasion of India`s 73rd Independence Day.

Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, said Governor Satya Pal Malik after hoisting the national flag at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar to mark the occasion of India`s 73rd Independence Day. "Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. The administration is committed towards their homecoming and rehabilitation in Kashmir. This is possible with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders including Valley people who share a social and cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants," Malik said. Congratulating Kashmiri people for cooperating with the administration during the Amarnath Yatra and concluding it in a peaceful manner, he said: "Over 3 lakh pilgrims paid a visit to the Holy cave. Hajj and Amarnath were organised in a manner which is an excellent example of the true essence of Kashmiriyat which is exemplary for its communal harmony." The Governor asserted that 3,000 vacancies out of 6,000 in the public sector were established for Kashmiri migrant Pandits and these vacancies are soon to be filled. "The process for recruitment against the remaining 3000 posts out of 6000 created for Kashmiri migrants and the construction of transit accommodation for the employees serving in the Valley has been expedited," he said. Malik informed that the foundation stone for new Kushak Bakula Rimpoche Airport terminal building at Leh has been laid and the process is underway to establish a full-fledged commercial airport at Kargil. The process to establish the second tier of the Panchayats has been initiated for which the elections to the block development councils shall be held very soon, he said."I request all elected Panches and Sarpanches to come forward and participate in these elections. Both Block Development Councils and District Development Boards play a key role in ensuring the participation of people and development in their respective areas," he added. Recalling government`s "Back to Village" programme to address the problems of locals in the remote areas, he said: "Over 4,500 Gazetted Officers of the state visited the Panchayats and stayed there for two days. They interacted with the people to resolve their grievances. Speaking about Ladakh, he said Ladakh`s people demand has been fulfilled with the formation of a Union Territory of Ladakh."The formation of Ladakh as a new territory will enable the people of Ladakh to realise their aspirations despite the difficult terrain. My administration had created a separate Revenue and Administrative Division for 'Ladakh' comprising the districts of Leh and Kargil with a divisional commissioner and an inspector general of police. Around 495 posts were also sanctioned for staffing the various departments of this division," Malik said. He said that a separate University has been established for Ladakh region for which a vice-chancellor has been appointed and now students do not have to move outside Ladakh for higher studies.

Jammu and Kashmir incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits: Governor Satya Pal Malik

The debate on dilution of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A has skirted some important issues. People are not aware of the extent of violation of human and women’s rights that these laws forced on people who lived in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K). &nbsp;

Let’s take the example of Farooq Abdullah. He married a British citizen, who became a Kashmiri by virtue of 35A. His son, Omar Abdulla, by virtue of 35A a natural citizen of Kashmir, married a Hindu girl outside J&amp;K and she became a citizen of Kashmir. His sister married a Hindu from Rajasthan, but she lost her citizenship of J&amp;K, or her permanent resident (PR) status, which gives her certain rights.&nbsp;

She cannot will her property in the state to either her husband or her children. Her family loses the right to inheritance. After she passes away, it would go to the state exchequer. &nbsp;

Article 35A is also about the unseen orphans of Partition, who came to J&amp;K at the invitation of the state government. These include the Gorkhas who stayed back after defending Kashmir as members of the Maharaja’s army and displaced persons from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb in the Jammu district. &nbsp;

It is time to focus on these large, neglected sections of Indians. After the Partition in 1947, about 5,800 families, mostly Hindus and Sikhs, entered Jammu from West Punjab. Nearly 80 per cent of them are from SC/ST groups, living in utterly miserable conditions in Jammu. They were allowed to stay and were given ‘refugee’ status. They number around 300,000 now. After years of struggle, they can vote for the Lok Sabha elections, but not for the Assembly elections as they are not state subjects under article 35A of the J&amp;K Constitution, a 50-page document that makes no mention of minorities and their rights or privileges.&nbsp;

They are not entitled to go to government schools and colleges, get jobs, buy land or do business! This is the fourth generation of these victims of 35A. Ironically, refugees from the same region who entered India from Punjab, went onto establish successful lives. Two of them, Manmohan Singh and I K Gujral, went onto becoming Prime Ministers.

There are refugees who trooped into Jammu &amp; Kashmir from POJK. India has laid claim on this area by keeping 24 seats in the J&amp;K Assembly. However, those who migrated from POJK after tribal incursions - mainly from Muzzafarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimbar, Deva Balala and also from Gilgit-Baltistan - were not even given refugee status.&nbsp;

The state government has categorised them as Displaced Persons or DPs. Neither the central nor the state government has formally registered them. Some put their number at around a million. No claims for their properties have been given; not even the meagre ex-gratia has been allotted.

They have no support from any government, nor has the UN or any international human rights organisations cared for their cause over the last seven decades.

Likewise, around 200 Valimiki (SC) families were brought from Punjab to J&amp;K in 1957 to be employed as sweepers and scavengers. They were assured that the permanent resident clause would be relaxed for them. Though their numbers have gone up manifold, the permanent resident clause has not been relaxed for them. It means even if they do a PhD, they can only take up the job of a sweeper. It is tragic that such a caste-specific profession has been imposed in secular India. Radhika Gill, who belongs to this category, is a champion state-level athlete, but was refused a civil services job and told she can only become a sweeper!&nbsp;

The sweeper of J&amp;K can vote in Lok Sabha elections, but not in the state Assembly or municipality elections. Politically, they have been kept away from the state’s democratic process.

Even J&amp;K citizens with full rights have not got justice. After the 1971 war, some areas of Chhamb were permanently handed over to Pakistan by India in 1972 as part of Shimla Agreement. People of about 46 to 48 villages of Chhamb were asked by the central government to vacate their homes and lands in 1972.&nbsp;

As per rough estimates, nearly 6,500 to 7,000 families were uprooted. Of these, around 4,600 families comprising of nearly 18,000 members were accommodated in relief camps while nearly 1,600 to 2,000 families were treated as non-camp DPs as they shifted to their relatives’ villages. They have yet to be compensated or provided alternative homes, which they deserved.

&nbsp;The case of Gorkha population of around 100,000 who became part of the Dogra King’s army 170 years back, is equally tragic. Article 35A has ensured that they are deprived of basic human rights. Like the others, they have no right to vote in local elections, nor can they avail of any welfare benefits.&nbsp;

A retired Army officer wrote a letter to the governor of Jammu Kashmir, complaining, “We are residing in Jammu and Kashmir right from the beginning of the Dogra Regime in 1846. The large population of people, whose beloved ones fought for the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Maharaja, now live in the most inhuman conditions. After more than 70 years of independence, we are still denied the status of permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and are victims of social and economic discrimination...”&nbsp;

Clearly, Articles 370 and 35A had dehumanised the lives of millions of Indian citizens. I can but hope that this small note will open the eyes of champions of these highly unjust provisions of the Indian Constitution.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-invisible-victims-of-partition-2781279">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The debate on dilution of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A has skirted some important issues. People are not aware of the extent of violation of human and women’s rights that these laws forced on people who lived in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

The debate on dilution of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A has skirted some important issues. People are not aware of the extent of violation of human and women’s rights that these laws forced on people who lived in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Let’s take the example of Farooq Abdullah. He married a British citizen, who became a Kashmiri by virtue of 35A. His son, Omar Abdulla, by virtue of 35A a natural citizen of Kashmir, married a Hindu girl outside J&K and she became a citizen of Kashmir. His sister married a Hindu from Rajasthan, but she lost her citizenship of J&K, or her permanent resident (PR) status, which gives her certain rights. She cannot will her property in the state to either her husband or her children. Her family loses the right to inheritance. After she passes away, it would go to the state exchequer. Article 35A is also about the unseen orphans of Partition, who came to J&K at the invitation of the state government. These include the Gorkhas who stayed back after defending Kashmir as members of the Maharaja’s army and displaced persons from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb in the Jammu district. It is time to focus on these large, neglected sections of Indians. After the Partition in 1947, about 5,800 families, mostly Hindus and Sikhs, entered Jammu from West Punjab. Nearly 80 per cent of them are from SC/ST groups, living in utterly miserable conditions in Jammu. They were allowed to stay and were given ‘refugee’ status. They number around 300,000 now. After years of struggle, they can vote for the Lok Sabha elections, but not for the Assembly elections as they are not state subjects under article 35A of the J&K Constitution, a 50-page document that makes no mention of minorities and their rights or privileges. They are not entitled to go to government schools and colleges, get jobs, buy land or do business! This is the fourth generation of these victims of 35A. Ironically, refugees from the same region who entered India from Punjab, went onto establish successful lives. Two of them, Manmohan Singh and I K Gujral, went onto becoming Prime Ministers. There are refugees who trooped into Jammu & Kashmir from POJK. India has laid claim on this area by keeping 24 seats in the J&K Assembly. However, those who migrated from POJK after tribal incursions - mainly from Muzzafarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimbar, Deva Balala and also from Gilgit-Baltistan - were not even given refugee status. The state government has categorised them as Displaced Persons or DPs. Neither the central nor the state government has formally registered them. Some put their number at around a million. No claims for their properties have been given; not even the meagre ex-gratia has been allotted. They have no support from any government, nor has the UN or any international human rights organisations cared for their cause over the last seven decades. Likewise, around 200 Valimiki (SC) families were brought from Punjab to J&K in 1957 to be employed as sweepers and scavengers. They were assured that the permanent resident clause would be relaxed for them. Though their numbers have gone up manifold, the permanent resident clause has not been relaxed for them. It means even if they do a PhD, they can only take up the job of a sweeper. It is tragic that such a caste-specific profession has been imposed in secular India. Radhika Gill, who belongs to this category, is a champion state-level athlete, but was refused a civil services job and told she can only become a sweeper! The sweeper of J&K can vote in Lok Sabha elections, but not in the state Assembly or municipality elections. Politically, they have been kept away from the state’s democratic process. Even J&K citizens with full rights have not got justice. After the 1971 war, some areas of Chhamb were permanently handed over to Pakistan by India in 1972 as part of Shimla Agreement. People of about 46 to 48 villages of Chhamb were asked by the central government to vacate their homes and lands in 1972. As per rough estimates, nearly 6,500 to 7,000 families were uprooted. Of these, around 4,600 families comprising of nearly 18,000 members were accommodated in relief camps while nearly 1,600 to 2,000 families were treated as non-camp DPs as they shifted to their relatives’ villages. They have yet to be compensated or provided alternative homes, which they deserved. The case of Gorkha population of around 100,000 who became part of the Dogra King’s army 170 years back, is equally tragic. Article 35A has ensured that they are deprived of basic human rights. Like the others, they have no right to vote in local elections, nor can they avail of any welfare benefits. A retired Army officer wrote a letter to the governor of Jammu Kashmir, complaining, “We are residing in Jammu and Kashmir right from the beginning of the Dogra Regime in 1846. The large population of people, whose beloved ones fought for the Jammu & Kashmir Maharaja, now live in the most inhuman conditions. After more than 70 years of independence, we are still denied the status of permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and are victims of social and economic discrimination...” Clearly, Articles 370 and 35A had dehumanised the lives of millions of Indian citizens. I can but hope that this small note will open the eyes of champions of these highly unjust provisions of the Indian Constitution. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Article 35A deprived a vast section of Jammu and Kashmir's population of their basic rights

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up&nbsp;troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370</a>.

General Rawat said that&nbsp;India was prepared to deal with any provocation by Islamabad. "If the adversary wants to activate the LoC, that's his choice. Everybody does precautionary deployment, we should not get too concerned about it. As far as the Army and other services are concerned, we have to be always prepared," he said.

He further said that the Army is committed to maintain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-government-needs-time-to-bring-back-normalcy-in-jammu-and-kashmir-says-supreme-court-242715">cordial relations </a>with the general public in the Union Territory. "One should know how the Army and the common public used to live together in Jammu and Kashmir in the 70s and 80s. We used to meet without guns and if everything stays normal we will once again go back to having that relationship," news agency ANI quoted General Bipin Rawat.

Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

<a href="We used to meet without guns and if everything stays normal we will once again go back to having that relationship,&quot; Rawat said. ">Pakistan</a> has downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the wake of revocation of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370. General Rawat said that India was prepared to deal with any provocation by Islamabad. "If the adversary wants to activate the LoC, that's his choice. Everybody does precautionary deployment, we should not get too concerned about it. As far as the Army and other services are concerned, we have to be always prepared," he said. He further said that the Army is committed to maintain cordial relations with the general public in the Union Territory. "One should know how the Army and the common public used to live together in Jammu and Kashmir in the 70s and 80s. We used to meet without guns and if everything stays normal we will once again go back to having that relationship," news agency ANI quoted General Bipin Rawat. Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Pakistan has downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the wake of revocation of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved. (With inputs from agencies)

If everything stays normal, we will meet people of Jammu and Kashmir without guns, says Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

Thirty years ago, it was the wall. On November 9, 1989, what they brought down in Berlin wasn’t just a few tonnes of bricks, mortar and barbed wire.&nbsp;

They tore up an entire fault line that had dragged the world to the brink of MAD or Mutually Assured Destruction. It ended an epoch. MAD, incidentally, was a very sophisticated argument to avert precisely what it assured. 
 
What was done for the State of Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament last week was no different. On the surface, it may seem that an inglorious history, of seven decades of self-infliction, has ended. Beneath that surface, an entire civilisation gasping for breath in Kashmir has been extended an oxygen mask. Article 370 was introduced in our Constitution-in-the-making in the month of November, 1949. This was a good two years after the accession of J&amp;K to the Union of India.&nbsp;

Through this provision, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah sought ‘autonomy’ by circumcising the jurisdiction of Indian Parliament. He sought, and got away with, a separate Constitution.&nbsp;

These concessions were most unlike the arrangement with any other princely state, despite the fact that all of them acceded to India on identical terms. These exceptions and concessions for J&amp;K were, clearly, an afterthought.&nbsp;

None of it was a condition prerequisite for accession, which itself was the sole prerogative of the Maharaja. It is time India knew the reasons for such largesse. In the run-up to August 15, 1947, when the then Maharaja of Kashmir sought talks to negotiate the terms of accession, he was snubbed repeatedly. His Prime Minister was kept waiting for three days and denied audience by the interim Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. He was clearly told to appoint Sheikh Abdullah as his Prime Minister and send him as J&amp;K’s emissary to deal with PM Nehru. This was humiliating for the Maharaja because the Sheikh was in detention for sedition. The delay in accession thus caused, was blamed on the Maharaja’s dithering.&nbsp;

Invasion by Pakistan on October 22, 1947, precipitated matters. The Maharaja sought help to fight back the invasion. PM Nehru refused on the grounds that Jammu &amp;Kashmir wasn’t a part of India yet. &nbsp;An unconditional accession was offered by the Maharaja on October 24. Nehru refused to budge till the Sheikh was appointed the PM. On October 26, another offer of accession was sent. This time, Sheikh Abdullah was persuaded by the Maharaja to carry it. &nbsp; 
 
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, then a Lt. Colonel, was an eye witness to the interaction when the accession was sealed. In his interview to Prem Shankar Jha, published in 1996, in the book —Rival Versions of History – the Field Marshal explained how the accession was signed and Kashmir defended. How Sheikh had no role more than that of Nehru’s preferred courier boy. And, how Sardar Patel had to, virtually, coax an instruction out of Nehru, to mobilise the Indian Army for Kashmir.

Later, keeping his word, Maharaja appointed Sheikh as the PM of J&amp;K. Soon after, he started demanding concessions from Nehru, who had his own phantoms to fight. He had emerged badly bruised and battered from the partition contest with Jinnah. An unmistakable rebuff by the Muslims of India must have rankled, like unrequited love. A Muslim-majority Kashmir acceding to India looked like a consolation prize. But with his overture, the secular, liberal progressive and democrat Nehru went overboard. He forced India to make an exception to its secularism for the J&amp;K because it was a Muslim-majority state. He allowed the Sheikh to run roughshod over all norms of democracy, rig elections and stuff the assembly with his own stooges because he was a leader of Muslims. &nbsp;Nehru forced India to allow the state of J&amp;K complete immunity from the Indian Constitution. All this was done because the J&amp;K was a Muslim-majority state.&nbsp;

Going forward, in 1954, even a law like 35A was smuggled into the statute, to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of its citizens, deprive them of their basic human rights and institutionalise gender discrimination. &nbsp;On August 5 and 6, 2019, all these travesties were reversed. But, what it unleashed in the last 70 years are like a genie out of the bottle. &nbsp;If one has to identify the top-most challenge to India’s integrity today, it has to be the relentless jihad that the Valley of Kashmir faces today. I know a few people who are squeamish about using the word jihad to describe what goes on in the Valley in the name of Azadi. 
 
They are broadly of two types. Both empathise with the Azadi seekers. Both enjoy privileged access to their ecosystem. Both have enough commonsense to know that it is nothing but jihad. Yet, they are reluctant. It is because they know that the world has very little appetite left for jihad.&nbsp;

One of the two are jihadis themselves. Just that they are the white-collar, politically literate, tactical type. This type knows that unless they dress-up the medieval world view of jihad and accord it the correct vocabulary, there is no hope. &nbsp;The other one is the typical bleeding heart liberal who go through considerable trouble to be in the bed with the enemy. Lenin had a description for such species — useful idiots. The trouble is that jihad is able to find them in abundance.

The bigger challenge is the genie of violent jihad that has been roaming free and gaining heft. It has the mosques, streets, the media, academia, the polity, bureaucracy, the civil-society platforms and more in its stranglehold. Those who wish to triumphantly declare victory must sober down. We have barely begun. It is a long road ahead. The Jihad is well entrenched and implacable. It will take a lot of time, effort, resources, tact, perseverance and above all, a single-minded resoluteness to re-establish freedom, equality, democracy, gender-justice and a harmonious plural order in Kashmir.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bringing-down-article-370-wall-2780726">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
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Thirty years ago, it was the wall. On November 9, 1989, what they brought down in Berlin wasn’t just a few tonnes of bricks, mortar and barbed wire. They tore up an entire fault line that had dragged the world to the brink of MAD or Mutually Assured Destruction.

Thirty years ago, it was the wall. On November 9, 1989, what they brought down in Berlin wasn’t just a few tonnes of bricks, mortar and barbed wire. They tore up an entire fault line that had dragged the world to the brink of MAD or Mutually Assured Destruction. It ended an epoch. MAD, incidentally, was a very sophisticated argument to avert precisely what it assured. What was done for the State of Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament last week was no different. On the surface, it may seem that an inglorious history, of seven decades of self-infliction, has ended. Beneath that surface, an entire civilisation gasping for breath in Kashmir has been extended an oxygen mask. Article 370 was introduced in our Constitution-in-the-making in the month of November, 1949. This was a good two years after the accession of J&K to the Union of India. Through this provision, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah sought ‘autonomy’ by circumcising the jurisdiction of Indian Parliament. He sought, and got away with, a separate Constitution. These concessions were most unlike the arrangement with any other princely state, despite the fact that all of them acceded to India on identical terms. These exceptions and concessions for J&K were, clearly, an afterthought. None of it was a condition prerequisite for accession, which itself was the sole prerogative of the Maharaja. It is time India knew the reasons for such largesse. In the run-up to August 15, 1947, when the then Maharaja of Kashmir sought talks to negotiate the terms of accession, he was snubbed repeatedly. His Prime Minister was kept waiting for three days and denied audience by the interim Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. He was clearly told to appoint Sheikh Abdullah as his Prime Minister and send him as J&K’s emissary to deal with PM Nehru. This was humiliating for the Maharaja because the Sheikh was in detention for sedition. The delay in accession thus caused, was blamed on the Maharaja’s dithering. Invasion by Pakistan on October 22, 1947, precipitated matters. The Maharaja sought help to fight back the invasion. PM Nehru refused on the grounds that Jammu &Kashmir wasn’t a part of India yet. An unconditional accession was offered by the Maharaja on October 24. Nehru refused to budge till the Sheikh was appointed the PM. On October 26, another offer of accession was sent. This time, Sheikh Abdullah was persuaded by the Maharaja to carry it. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, then a Lt. Colonel, was an eye witness to the interaction when the accession was sealed. In his interview to Prem Shankar Jha, published in 1996, in the book —Rival Versions of History – the Field Marshal explained how the accession was signed and Kashmir defended. How Sheikh had no role more than that of Nehru’s preferred courier boy. And, how Sardar Patel had to, virtually, coax an instruction out of Nehru, to mobilise the Indian Army for Kashmir. Later, keeping his word, Maharaja appointed Sheikh as the PM of J&K. Soon after, he started demanding concessions from Nehru, who had his own phantoms to fight. He had emerged badly bruised and battered from the partition contest with Jinnah. An unmistakable rebuff by the Muslims of India must have rankled, like unrequited love. A Muslim-majority Kashmir acceding to India looked like a consolation prize. But with his overture, the secular, liberal progressive and democrat Nehru went overboard. He forced India to make an exception to its secularism for the J&K because it was a Muslim-majority state. He allowed the Sheikh to run roughshod over all norms of democracy, rig elections and stuff the assembly with his own stooges because he was a leader of Muslims. Nehru forced India to allow the state of J&K complete immunity from the Indian Constitution. All this was done because the J&K was a Muslim-majority state. Going forward, in 1954, even a law like 35A was smuggled into the statute, to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of its citizens, deprive them of their basic human rights and institutionalise gender discrimination. On August 5 and 6, 2019, all these travesties were reversed. But, what it unleashed in the last 70 years are like a genie out of the bottle. If one has to identify the top-most challenge to India’s integrity today, it has to be the relentless jihad that the Valley of Kashmir faces today. I know a few people who are squeamish about using the word jihad to describe what goes on in the Valley in the name of Azadi. They are broadly of two types. Both empathise with the Azadi seekers. Both enjoy privileged access to their ecosystem. Both have enough commonsense to know that it is nothing but jihad. Yet, they are reluctant. It is because they know that the world has very little appetite left for jihad. One of the two are jihadis themselves. Just that they are the white-collar, politically literate, tactical type. This type knows that unless they dress-up the medieval world view of jihad and accord it the correct vocabulary, there is no hope. The other one is the typical bleeding heart liberal who go through considerable trouble to be in the bed with the enemy. Lenin had a description for such species — useful idiots. The trouble is that jihad is able to find them in abundance. The bigger challenge is the genie of violent jihad that has been roaming free and gaining heft. It has the mosques, streets, the media, academia, the polity, bureaucracy, the civil-society platforms and more in its stranglehold. Those who wish to triumphantly declare victory must sober down. We have barely begun. It is a long road ahead. The Jihad is well entrenched and implacable. It will take a lot of time, effort, resources, tact, perseverance and above all, a single-minded resoluteness to re-establish freedom, equality, democracy, gender-justice and a harmonious plural order in Kashmir. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Bringing down Article 370 wall: The battle to contain Jihad in Jammu and Kashmir has just begun

Scrapping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370 </a>in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two.

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-detained-after-special-status-to-jammu-and-kashmir-is-revoked-240931">Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah</a> had an argument over the present state of Jammu and Kashmir at Hari Niwas Palace in Srinagar, where the two former chief ministers have been put under preventive custody after the abolishment of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Reports said that Omar and Mehbooba blamed each other for bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the valley. 
 
Omar hit out at her for forming government in J&amp;K between 2015-2018 with BJP as the alliance partner whereas Mehbooba slammed Omar, saying that his father Farooq Abdullah had an alliance with Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Following the nasty argument, Omar was shifted out to a hut, managed by the forest department, in Chesmashahi.

Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference deputy chief Omar Abdullah were taken under preventive arrest last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. 
 
The Centre has deployed a huge contingent of central forces in the Valley anticipating violence after scrapping Article 370. 
 
Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval is also present in Jammu and Kashmir to take a review of the situation on the ground. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two. According to reports, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah had an argument over the present state of Jammu and Kashmir at Hari Niwas Palace in Srinagar, where the two former chief ministers have been put under preventive custody after the abolishment of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two. According to reports, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah had an argument over the present state of Jammu and Kashmir at Hari Niwas Palace in Srinagar, where the two former chief ministers have been put under preventive custody after the abolishment of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Reports said that Omar and Mehbooba blamed each other for bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the valley. Omar hit out at her for forming government in J&K between 2015-2018 with BJP as the alliance partner whereas Mehbooba slammed Omar, saying that his father Farooq Abdullah had an alliance with Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Following the nasty argument, Omar was shifted out to a hut, managed by the forest department, in Chesmashahi. Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference deputy chief Omar Abdullah were taken under preventive arrest last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Centre has deployed a huge contingent of central forces in the Valley anticipating violence after scrapping Article 370. Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval is also present in Jammu and Kashmir to take a review of the situation on the ground. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti 'fight it out' at Srinagar's Hari Niwas Palace

Amid the ongoing tensions with India over the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bringing-down-article-370-wall-the-battle-to-contain-jihad-in-jammu-kashmir-has-just-begun-242339"> abrogation of Article 370</a>, Pakistani forces have started moving equipment to their forward bases close to Ladakh.

"Three C-130 transport aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was used on Saturday to ferry equipment to their Skardu airbase opposite the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along with the border areas," government sources told ANI.

Sources said the equipment moved to the forward operating base could be support equipment for fighter aircraft operations.

Pakistanis are most likely to move in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-delivers-first-overhauled-jf-17-fighter-jet-to-pakistan-220677">JF-17 fighter planes </a>to the Skardu airfield, they said.

The Indian intelligence agencies along with the Air Force and Army are keeping a close watch on the movement of the Pakistani Air Force as they can see almost the entire length and breadth of Pakistan.

Watch: Glimpses of normal life in Jammu and Kashmir as restrictions relaxed for Eid

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The Pakistanis use an older version of the C-130 transport aircraft supplied by the Americans a long time ago and one of their military rulers Gen Zia Ul Haq was also killed in power when the C-130 in which he was travelling crashed in August 1988 due to a bomb explosion.

Sources said the Pakistan Air Force was planning to conduct an exercise of its Air Force and Army elements and the move of shifting planes to the forward base could also be a part of it.

Skardu is a forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force and it uses it to support its Army operations on the border with India.

Pakistan has been trying to make a big issue out of India's decision of scrapping Article 370 and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/glimpses-of-normal-life-in-jammu-and-kashmir-as-restrictions-relaxed-for-eid-242341">bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir</a> into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Amid the ongoing tensions with India over the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistani forces have started moving equipment to their forward bases close to Ladakh. "Three C-130 transport aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was used on Saturday to ferry equipment to their Skardu airbase opposite the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Amid the ongoing tensions with India over the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistani forces have started moving equipment to their forward bases close to Ladakh. "Three C-130 transport aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was used on Saturday to ferry equipment to their Skardu airbase opposite the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along with the border areas," government sources told ANI. Sources said the equipment moved to the forward operating base could be support equipment for fighter aircraft operations. Pakistanis are most likely to move in their JF-17 fighter planes to the Skardu airfield, they said. The Indian intelligence agencies along with the Air Force and Army are keeping a close watch on the movement of the Pakistani Air Force as they can see almost the entire length and breadth of Pakistan. Watch: Glimpses of normal life in Jammu and Kashmir as restrictions relaxed for Eid × The Pakistanis use an older version of the C-130 transport aircraft supplied by the Americans a long time ago and one of their military rulers Gen Zia Ul Haq was also killed in power when the C-130 in which he was travelling crashed in August 1988 due to a bomb explosion. Sources said the Pakistan Air Force was planning to conduct an exercise of its Air Force and Army elements and the move of shifting planes to the forward base could also be a part of it. Skardu is a forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force and it uses it to support its Army operations on the border with India. Pakistan has been trying to make a big issue out of India's decision of scrapping Article 370 and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

India keeps a close watch as Pakistan deploys fighter jets to Skardu near Ladakh

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