What's new

The abrogation of Article 370 is backfiring for India, with native Kashmiris resisting the move

Indian troops martyr one more Kashmiri youth in Kupwara district

In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, occupation troops, in their fresh act of state terrorism, martyred one more Kashmiri youth in Kupwara district today.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the youth was martyred during a cordon and search operation.

Meanwhile, Indian police and agencies arrested a dozen Kashmiris during house raids in Badgam and Jammu areas of the territory for their participation in pro-freedom activities.

The BJP led Indian government dismissed four more Kashmiri employees, including two local police constables on baseless charges.

This is part of a broader agenda to replace Kashmiri employees with RSS/BJP activists in government departments to advance Hindutva ideology in the territory.

Condemning the dismissals, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference spokesman said India has snatched every right from Kashmiris.

The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, in a statement, also criticized India's harassment of Hurriyat leaders, termination of Kashmiri employees, and confiscation of civilian properties in the occupied territory.

It called for international intervention to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

Separately, residents in Baramulla district blocked the Srinagar-Baramulla highway for several hours over the apathy of Indian authorities towards their daily needs.

The Congress party also took out a protest march in Srinagar against the delegation of dictatorial powers to the Lieutenant Governor by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act.

radio.gov.pk

Indian troops martyr one more Kashmiri youth in Kupwara district

Indian troops martyr one more Kashmiri youth in Kupwara district
radio.gov.pk radio.gov.pk
 

Kathua terror attack breakthrough: Two Jaish operatives arrested​


The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday arrested two terror operatives of Jaish-e-Mohammad, who had provided food and hotspot connection to the terrorists responsible for the July 8 ambush on an army convoy in Kathua’s Badnota village. The ambush had left five soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), dead and five others injured.

“We have arrested two overground workers (OGWs) of the JeM. They have confessed that they provided food and hotspot connection to the terrorists who attacked army trucks at Badnota on July 8,” a police officer said.

He said more arrests were likely in the case. The duo had provided strategic and logistical support to the terrorists, he added.

They have been identified as Layaqat Ali of ward number 7, Kalna Dhanu Parole in Billawar tehsil, and Mool Raj of Bowli Mohalla in Malhar tehsil of Kathua district.

The officer said that the two terrorists associates also delivered messages from one group of two terrorists to another group of an equal number of terrorists in the jungles of Machhedi. “After the attack on July 8, the two had helped the terrorists with an escape route,” the officer said.

“Both individuals deliberately chose not to disclose vital information to the police, thereby obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions,” the official statement by the police said. “More than100 individuals have been questioned in connection with July 8 terror attack case, while preventive measures have been taken against more than 40 individuals to mitigate further risk and disrupt any potential support system for terrorist activities,” it read.

An was registered at the Malhar police station.

“The arrest of the two OGWs is a testament to our resolve. We urge the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or dial 100 or 9858034100,” the police statement said.

Intel agencies suspect that Jammu region has a presence of 50 to 60 hardcore foreign terrorists, including former Pakistan army regulars from the Special Service Group, in the hill districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur.

The army has deployed more than 4,000 soldiers, including 500 elite para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare to eliminate these terrorists.

 
Two Assam Rifles Battalions From Manipur To Be Deployed To Jammu And Kashmir

Two battalions of the Assam Rifles (AR) will be moved from Manipur to Jammu and Kashmir for counter-terror operations, sources have said. The move is routine as the military works to deploy forces including the AR in a most efficient manner for neutralising terrorists in the Union Territory, sources said.

The paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) which is under the Home Ministry will take over security duties in the locations in Manipur where the two AR battalions comprising approximately 1,500 soldiers were stationed, sources said.

The remaining AR battalions in Manipur will continue to stay on for the dual roles of counter-insurgency and border-guarding, sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month chaired a review meeting to assess the security situation in J&K after a spate of terror attacks. He was given a full overview of the situation at the meeting where National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Home Minister Amit Shah were present.

Outside of J&K, the AR is among the most experienced counter-insurgency forces, sources said, adding the deployment of AR soldiers will help boost anti-terror ops in J&K.

The AR - 'Sentinels of Northeast' - is under the administrative control of the Home Ministry and operational control of the army. It guards the 1,600-km-long Indo-Myanmar border, of which nearly 400 km is in Manipur, where it also functions as the primary counter-insurgency force making its task a dual-role one.

There are some Border Security Force (BSF) battalions in Manipur, but they are not specifically tasked with guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.

Former AR Director General Lieutenant General PC Nair (retired) on July 27 had termed as "stupid reports" allegations that the AR has been "favouring one community and not the other" in ethnic violence-hit Manipur, where the valley-dominant Meitei community and nearly two dozen tribes known as Kukis - a term given by the British in colonial times - who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur, have been fighting since May 2023.

Lt General Nair, who retired this week after four decades of service, had said that to call the AR biased towards a particular community was "nothing but rumours" spread by some people with a hidden agenda.

"... From the first day, the Assam Rifle has maintained a neutral stand [in Manipur]. All these narratives that have been coming are agenda-driven. It makes me laugh when I read some of these stupid reports saying the Assam Rifles is favouring one community, not favouring the other. These are nothing but rumours, falsehoods, preposterous," Lt General Nair had said.

Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera on Thursday took charge as Director General of the AR. He has extensive experience of planning and executing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in J&K and the northeast region.

He is a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, and two Army Commander Commendation Cards.

www.ndtv.com

Two Assam Rifles Battalions From Manipur To Be Deployed In Jammu And Kashmir

Two battalions of the Assam Rifles (AR) will be moved from Manipur to Jammu and Kashmir for counter-terror operations, sources have said.
www.ndtv.com www.ndtv.com
 
Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, met with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to strongly condemn the ongoing Indian aggression in Occupied Kashmir

Both leaders expressed solidarity with the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on "Youm-e-Istehsal," condemning India's illegal actions on August 5, 2019, including the revocation of Articles 370 and 35(A), which stripped the region of its special status.

Naqvi reiterated that "Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan" and criticised India's blatant violations of UN resolutions and international laws, highlighting the oppressive measures imposed on the Kashmiri people over the past five years, including curfews and the enforcement of Article 144.

He noted that thousands of innocent Kashmiris, including children, the elderly, and women, have been martyred during this time, emphasizing that sustainable peace in South Asia is linked to resolving the Kashmir conflict.

PM Anwar ul Haq stated that August 5 exposed India's heinous actions to the world, as international organizations and media are barred from entering the region. He called on the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to play their part in stopping the injustices and atrocities in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Naqvi assured full cooperation in maintaining peace in Azad Kashmir and pledged continued support for security needs.

Source: The Express Tribune
 

One Soldier Injured In Gunfight With Terrorists In J&K's Anantnag, Encounter Underway​


An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday.

Sources informed that one army personnel has been injured, however, no official confirmation has been received in the matter.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Ahlan Gadole in the Kokernag area of the south Kashmir district following information about the presence of terrorists in the area.

The encounter began after the terrorists fired upon the search party, which retaliated.

Exchange of fire is going on and further details are awaited as it is a “communication deficient forest area”, officials stated.

www.news18.com

One Soldier Injured In Gunfight With Terrorists In J&K's Anantnag, Encounter Underway - News18

Sources informed that one army personnel has been injured, however, no official confirmation has been received in the matter
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 

Farooq Abdullah's Army, terrorists 'collusion' charge sparks row​


National Conference (NC) supremo and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Sunday stoked a controversy after he seemed to suggest that the Army is hand in gloves with the terrorists who infiltrate into the country.

The senior politician alleged that there is collusion between forces and terrorists and that is why they managed to enter India despite massive deployment on the borders.

"There is a massive troop deployment on our borders, arguably the largest in the world. Yet, despite this extensive presence, terrorists continue to infiltrate into Indian territory. Drugs are smuggled. How can this happen despite a large deployment of the Army on the border? Ye sab miley hue hain (There is collusion between them)," Abdullah said.

Abdullah was addressing his party workers in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

After his remark caused a storm, Abdullah clarified saying he only wanted answers on how drugs and terrorists in hundreds are entering the country.

"Someone's responsibility should be fixed. The border is central government's subject and our Home Minister and Defence Minister should speak," he said.

"How have the militants, who are around 200-300 come? From where have they come? Someone is responsible. Who is double-crossing? Who is dying - our Colonel, Major, and soldiers. How is all this happening? Central government should answer the entire nation," he said while speaking to news agency ANI later.

Meanwhile, Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) raised objections to Farooq Abdullah's remark and said that the allegations made by the NC chief were "very unfortunate".

"Farooq Abdullah is a very senior politician and it is very unfortunate that he has questioned the bravery of the Indian Army. This is like questioning the sacrifice of those brave soldiers of the Indian Army who make the ultimate sacrifice for the country," DPAP spokesperson Ashwani Handa said.

The statement by Farooq Abdullah comes a day after two Army personnel and a civilian were killed in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in the Ahlan Gagarmandu forest area of Anantnag district at an altitude of 10,000 feet on Saturday.

The firefight started on Saturday evening during a cordon and search operation that was initiated by the security forces based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of terrorists in the remote Ahlan Gagarmandu forest in the Kokernag belt.

www.indiatoday.in

Farooq Abdullah's Army, terrorists 'collusion' charge sparks row

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah alleged that there was collusion between Army personnel and terrorists due to which infiltration takes place in the Valley.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 

Army Captain killed in action during encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda​


An Army officer was killed in a gunfight that broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Wednesday. A terrorist was also shot down by the security forces.

The encounter broke out in a thickly forested area during a cordon and search operation (CASO) launched by a joint team to track down a group of terrorists hiding in the Shivgarh-Assar belt in Doda's Assar area.

The security personnel recovered an M4 rifle, clothes, and three rucksacks from the area.

According to Defence Ministry officials, Captain Deepak Singh belonged to the Army's Corps of Signals and was on deputation with 48 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

He was made a field Major to lead a company in the operation, the officials said.

"A captain of the Indian Army from the 48 Rashtriya Rifles was killed in action during the ongoing Op Assar in Doda district. Operations are still in progress," Defence Ministry officials said.

A search operation for the terrorists has been launched in the area amidst the heavy gunfight, the Army's White Knight Corps said in a post on X.

The terrorists are believed to be hiding in the Shivgarh-Assar belt and four of them might have also been injured as four blood-soaked rucksacks were found in the area.

"*Op ASSAR* Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by #IndianArmy and #JKP was launched in Akar Forest near Patnitop. Contact has been established with the terrorists and operations are in progress," it said in a post on X.

"Op Assar: Update Search for the terrorists continues amidst heavy firefight...," it added.

According to sources, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the ongoing anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir including the Doda encounter.

The terrorists crossed into Doda from a forest near Patnitop in the adjacent Udhampur district after a brief exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists there.

According to officials, security forces established contact with the terrorists around 6 pm in Udhampur on Tuesday. The encounter began about half an hour later and continued intermittently until both sides paused. A cordon was established overnight.

The search resumed at daylight. At about 7.30 am on Wednesday, there was a renewed exchange of fire, officials said.

Poll Body to review security situation in Jammu and Kashmir

The Election Commission officials will meet Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Wednesday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where Assembly elections are expected soon, sources told India Today TV.

The Commission, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, will meet Bhalla and discuss the deployment of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in the Union Territory in view of the Assembly polls, sources added.

www.indiatoday.in

Army Captain killed in action during encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda

A gunfight erupted in the Assar area of Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district in which Captain Deepak Singh was killed. The security personnel have recovered an M4 rifle and other items from the terrorists' hideout in the area.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 

Farooq Abdullah Confirms Pre-Poll Alliance With Congress On All 90 Assembly Seats In J&K​


National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday (August 22) said his party’s alliance with the Congress is final on all 90 seats for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, which be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1.

Abdullah said the pre-poll alliance with the Congress will be signed in the evening in the presence of leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who earlier called on the National Conference leadership at his residence. He also did not rule out the presence of the Mehbooba Mufti-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a pre- or post-poll alliance.

“We had a good meeting, in a cordial atmosphere. The alliance is on track and, God willing, it will run smoothly. The alliance is final. It will be signed this evening and the alliance is on all 90 seats,” he said about the meeting with the Congress leaders, adding that the CPI(M)’s MY Tarigami is also a part of the alliance.

Asked about Gandhi’s assurance earlier in the day that it was the priority of the Congress and the INDIA bloc to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, he said he is hopeful that full statehood with all powers will be restored.

“Statehood is very important for all of us. This has been promised to us. This state has witnessed bad days and we hope it will be restored with its full powers. For that, we stand together with the INDIA bloc,” he added.

The former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir said there is no question of a common minimum programme. “Our common programme is to fight the elections to defeat the divisive forces that exist in the country,” he said.

About an alliance with the PDP, he said: “Let us first go through the polls, then we will look into those things,” he said. “No doors are closed for anybody.”

www.news18.com

Farooq Abdullah Confirms Pre-Poll Alliance With Congress On All 90 Assembly Seats In J&K - News18

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah also did not rule out the presence of the Mehbooba Mufti-led People's Democratic Party in a pre- or post-poll alliance for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 

Mehbooba Mufti releases J&K poll manifesto: 'Won't contest if...'​


People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday invited the National Conference and Congress, which formed an alliance to fight the upcoming Assembly polls, to contest on all 90 seats of the Union Territory if they follow her party's agenda.

Releasing the PDP manifesto at a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said the alliance between NC and Congress happened on the basis of seat-sharing and not based on any agenda. She added her party won't join any alliance if there were only talks on seat-sharing.

"Alliance and seat sharing are faraway things. If the National Conference and Congress are ready to adopt our agenda, we will say they should contest on all seats. We will follow them because, for me, solving the problem of Kashmir is more important than anything else... When we allied earlier also, we had an agenda, when we allied with the BJP, we had an agenda which they agreed to," she said.

"But the alliance between the NC and Congress is not happening on the agenda. It is happening on seat sharing. We will not do any alliance in which there is only talk of seat sharing. The alliance should be on the agenda and our agenda is to solve the problem of Jammu and Kashmir," she added.

She said her party wanted the opening of the route to the Hindu pilgrimage site Sharada Peeth in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), and called for dialogue with Pakistan for the restoration of cross-LoC trade, which has been suspended by India since 2019 after Pakistan downgraded its trade ties following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the last Assembly polls held in 2014, the BJP and PDP formed a coalition government, with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as the Chief Minister. After Sayeed's death in January 2016, Mehbooba Mufti succeeded her father following a brief period of Governor’s Rule.

In June 2018, the BJP walked out of the PDP-led coalition government, leading to the dissolution of the Assembly by then-Governor Satya Pal Malik in November of that year. Since then, Jammu and Kashmir has not had an Assembly.

In the press conference, Mufti said her PDP, if voted to power in the Assembly polls, would give free 200 units of electricity and implement the old pension scheme.

She also promised that her party would ensure free electricity to temples, mosques and gurdwaras. She said her party would increase the honorarium of contractual teachers.

She stated that free legal would be provided for those people who are behind bars.

www.indiatoday.in

Mehbooba Mufti releases J&K poll manifesto: 'Won't contest if...'

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti released her party's poll manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls and said the National Conference-Congress alliance was not based on any agenda, but only on seat-sharing.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 

Terrorist Neutralised As Forces Repel Terror Attack On Police Post In J&K's Sopore​


A major terrorist attack on the Police Post near Watergam camp in the Rafiabad area of Baramulla in north Kashmir was repulsed on Saturday. A joint team of Indian Army and J&K police was fired upon by terrorists in the Watergam area of Sopore. According to Kashmir Zone police, security forces retaliated to gunshots by terrorists. On terrorist was killed in the retaliatory firing. The area has been cordoned off.

As per sources, two foreign terrorists are likely trapped in the area, one body is visible at the encounter spot.

“Exchange of fire at Watergam area of Sopore. Alert security forces retaliated. Area cordoned off. Searches underway. Further details shall follow,” Kashmir Zone police said in a statement.

www.news18.com

Terrorist Neutralised As Forces Repel Terror Attack On Police Post In J&K's Sopore; Soldier Injured - News18

According to Kashmir Zone police, security forces retaliated to gunshots by terrorists
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 
Almost every day, the Indian armed forces are being attacked in Indian-occupied Kashmir
 

Pakistan alerts OIC to India’s Kashmir control measures amid growing tensions​


Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi on Friday updated the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), highlighting concerns over India's efforts to tighten its control over the region through what he described as an “atmosphere of intimidation and fear.”

Leading Pakistan’s delegation at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting held on August 29-30 in Cameroon, Qazi addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

During the meeting, Qazi also briefed the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir, chaired by Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha. He outlined the impact of India’s 2019 decision to revoke Kashmir’s special constitutional status under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has exacerbated tensions between India and Pakistan.

According to a foreign office statement, Qazi criticised India’s actions in Kashmir, noting they contravene United Nations Security Council resolutions and contribute to an environment of oppression. He called for India to release all political detainees and lift restrictions on political activities in Kashmir.

In response, the OIC Contact Group unanimously issued a communique emphasising that long-term peace and stability in South Asia depend on resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

India is preparing for its first regional elections in Kashmir in a decade, scheduled between September 18 and October 1. This will allow Kashmiris to elect their local assembly members, marking a shift from direct rule by New Delhi. The election results are set to be announced on October 4.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan alerts OIC to India’s Kashmir control measures amid growing tensions | The Express Tribune

FO secretary calls for India to release all political detainees, lift restrictions on political activities in Kashmir
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
FearlessRoar said:

Pakistan alerts OIC to India’s Kashmir control measures amid growing tensions​


Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi on Friday updated the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), highlighting concerns over India's efforts to tighten its control over the region through what he described as an “atmosphere of intimidation and fear.”

Leading Pakistan’s delegation at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting held on August 29-30 in Cameroon, Qazi addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

During the meeting, Qazi also briefed the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir, chaired by Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha. He outlined the impact of India’s 2019 decision to revoke Kashmir’s special constitutional status under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has exacerbated tensions between India and Pakistan.

According to a foreign office statement, Qazi criticised India’s actions in Kashmir, noting they contravene United Nations Security Council resolutions and contribute to an environment of oppression. He called for India to release all political detainees and lift restrictions on political activities in Kashmir.

In response, the OIC Contact Group unanimously issued a communique emphasising that long-term peace and stability in South Asia depend on resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

India is preparing for its first regional elections in Kashmir in a decade, scheduled between September 18 and October 1. This will allow Kashmiris to elect their local assembly members, marking a shift from direct rule by New Delhi. The election results are set to be announced on October 4.

tribune.com.pk

Pakistan alerts OIC to India’s Kashmir control measures amid growing tensions | The Express Tribune

FO secretary calls for India to release all political detainees, lift restrictions on political activities in Kashmir
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
Click to expand...
Incorrect news peddled by the Pak establishment here. This is the actual OIC news statement released by OIC and is on the OIC website without the additional masala added by Pak. I highlighted the masala additions from Pak. See the below for the actual statement issued by OIC

Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir Meets on the Sidelines of the CFM in Yaoundé​

29-08-2024 |

The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir convened on the sidelines of the 50th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon. The Meeting took place on Thursday, 29 August 2024. H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, the OIC Secretary-General, addressed the Meeting in his capacity as Chairman and stressed that holding the meeting signifies the OIC’s firm commitment to the cause of the Kashmiri people.

The Secretary-General noted that the OIC – in all its efforts concerning Jammu and Kashmir is persistent in its mission to intensify activities of advocacy, awareness, and communication to cover the multifaceted dimensions of the Jammu and Kashmir conflict.

The meeting discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, while the last meeting held on the sidelines of the 15th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, on 5 May 2024, confirmed the OIC’s firm position on this issue.
 

Mushaal pledges to continue Geelani's struggle​


Peace and Culture Organisation Chairperson Mushaal Malik paid heartfelt tributes to iconic Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on his third martyrdom anniversary.

Mushaal said Geelani's powerful slogans will continue to illuminate the path to freedom, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Kashmiri people in their ongoing quest for self-determination.

In his special message on the PTV News, she praised Geelani as a courageous leader who devoted his entire life to the Kashmir struggle.

Mushaal emphasised that Geelani was more than just a leader, adding that he embodied the spirit of a thinker, visionary, revolutionary, and a symbol of sacrifice and victory.

tribune.com.pk

Mushaal pledges to continue Geelani's struggle | The Express Tribune

Mushaal said Geelani's powerful slogans will continue to illuminate the path to freedom
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

Major Anti-Terror Operation Launched In Jammu City Near Army Base; One Soldier Injured​


A massive anti-terror operation was launched in Jammu city on Monday after suspected terrorist activity was detected near the largest Army base in the area.

The Army base has been sealed off to prevent any movement, and a special operations group has been deployed to assist with the operation. The attack resulted in one Army personnel being injured.

www.news18.com

Shots Fired As Massive Anti-Terror Operation Begins In Jammu, Army Base Sealed - News18

Massive anti-terror operation in Jammu City after suspected terrorist activity near major Army base. The base is sealed and a Special Operations Group is deployed
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 

Two terrorists killed as Army foils infiltration attempt in J&K's Rajouri district​


Two terrorists were killed as the Army foiled an infiltration attempt on Monday at the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district.

The Army conducted the anti-infiltration operation in the Nowshera sector of the border district during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, the official said. The security forces killed two terrorists and seized a cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles.

A massive search operation is underway in the region as the forces suspect that at least a couple of terrorists were hit in the crossfire. Officials said that the area was illuminated and kept under strict surveillance before a search was launched.

This comes just days after a gunfight between security forces and terrorists in the same district. On September 3, a group of terrorists fired a few shots at the Army during a search operation and then fled the scene. No one was injured in this incident.

Another encounter occurred in Rajouri in the last week of August when the Army targeted a suspected terrorist hideout in the Lathi area. In July, one jawan was injured after terrorists attacked a security post in the Gundha area of the same district.

The infiltration attempt and the encounters come ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, which will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. Results are expected to be declared on October 4.

www.indiatoday.in

Two terrorists killed as Army foils infiltration attempt in J&K's Rajouri district

The Army foiled an infiltration attempt at the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Monday, killing two terrorists.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 

4 Army personnel injured in gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar​


A total of four Army personnel were injured in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar on Friday.

The security forces have cordoned off the area and operations are on in the area, the Indian Army said in a statement.

One of the injured personnel has been taken to a nearby Command Hospital for treatment, while the other three are being treated locally.

Based on intelligence inputs, the Army conducted a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police at Chatroo area in Kishtwar earlier on Friday.

The Union Territory is witnessing sporadic incidents of violence ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, the first elections in the region in 10 years.

On Wednesday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Basantgarh near the Kathua-Udhampur border in the Union Territory. A gunfight had broken out between security forces and terrorists in Udhampur district earlier in the day.

Upon being informed about the presence of terrorists in the region, paramilitary troops and police personnel reached Basantgarh and cordoned off the area. The encounter came just hours after a personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) was injured after Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu's Akhnoor sector.

www.indiatoday.in

4 Army personnel injured in gunfight with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar

The security forces have cordoned off the area and operations are on in the area, the Indian Army said in a statement.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 

Soldier Injured As Army Foils Infiltration Bid In J&K's Rajouri​


An army personnel was injured in an encounter with terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, security officials said.

The encounter occurred in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector when army troops guarding the LoC intercepted a group of terrorists trying to infiltrate into this side, the officials said.

This was the second infiltration attempt by terrorists in Nowshera in the past week. Earlier on September 9, two heavily armed terrorists were killed near the LoC in the Laam area of this sector.

Army troops noticed some terrorists and challenged them, leading to a gunfight which continued for some time, the officials said, adding the terrorists fled into the nearby forest and a massive search operation is on to track down and neutralize them.

www.news18.com

Soldier Injured As Army Foils Infiltration Bid In J&K's Rajouri - News18

The encounter occurred in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector when army troops guarding the LoC intercepted a group of terrorists trying to infiltrate into this side
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 
Hi-tech, strategic: new wave of Kashmir militant attacks before elections stuns Indian forces

On the evening of 9 June, as hundreds of high-profile guests gathered in Delhi to watch Narendra Modi sworn in as Indian prime minister for the third time, a bloody massacre unfolded 400 miles (640km) north in the mountains of Kashmir.

A bus carrying Hindu pilgrims was ambushed by militants in the southern Reasi area of Indian-administered Kashmir, killing nine and injuring 33. “A masked militant appeared on the road and started firing towards us, hitting the driver in his forehead,” said Santosh Kumar Verma, 44, a pilgrim from the state of Uttar Pradesh, who was sitting on the front seat of the bus.

Even after the bus had rolled down into a deep gorge, militants continued to fire on it for half an hour. “The aim was clearly to kill all of us and send a message to Modi,” said Verma, who was hospitalised by his injuries.

The Reasi attack was not an isolated incident but part of a mounting number of militant ambushes in Kashmir that have killed almost 200 security personal and over 350 civilians since 2020. While Indian-administered Kashmir has been in the grip of an insurgency by militants loyal to Pakistan since the 1990s, experts say this new wave of attacks is more concerning and technologically advanced than anything he region has faced in decades, and has left the military and intelligence agencies scrambling to bring it under control.

Regional elections will be held in Kashmir this week for the first time in a decade, with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party’s manifesto boasting of transforming the region from a “terrorist hotspot to a tourist spot”. Yet the recent rise in attacks appears to contradict the Modi government’s claims to have brought peace to Kashmir.

Since independence in 1947, both India and Pakistan have claimed the entire region as their own while controlling only parts of it. Three wars have resulted. In the 1990s, the independence movement in Indian-administered Kashmir took a violent turn, with the backing of Pakistan. Thousands of Kashmiris took up arms to fight against Indian rule and were joined by militants from Pakistan, as well as some veteran mujahideen of the Soviet-Afghan war. India launched a heavy-handed military operation in response, reducing the influence of militants but also bringing accusations of grave human rights violations.

The separatist insurgency, however, could never be crushed completely. Waves of terrorist attacks and the rise of new militant figures ensured that Kashmir still remains one of the most heavily militarised zones in the world.

In August 2019, the Modi government unilaterally stripped Kashmir of the partial autonomy it had enjoyed since independence and brought it under the full control of New Delhi.

In the aftermath, Modi sent thousands of additional troops to Kashmir, imposed a harsh communication blackout and put severe restrictions on physical movement of millions of Kashmiris. Hundreds were jailed and local journalists were routinely detained and harassed.

Many in the Indian establishment celebrated the move but it was met with widespread fury within Kashmir and over the border in Pakistan.

The Modi government justified its decision to take control of Kashmir on the basis of ensuring safety and security for the region. Yet according to India’s security establishment, Kashmir’s insurgency has far from disappeared, and some experts believe this latest wave of attacks is directly linked to the actions of the Modi government.

“The threat India faces on its border is totally unprecedented,” said Pravin Sawhney, a former Indian army officer and a defence expert.

After an ambush killed five soldiers last November, India’s army chief, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, who was then head of its Northern Command, said these new militants were “highly trained”, possibly in “Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries”. He also alleged that some of them were retired Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan has not responded to the allegation.

Shesh Paul Vaid, former director general of Jammu and Kashmir police, said that, as well as being highly skilled, these militants were also using sophisticated weapons such as M4 assault rifles that the US military left behind in Afghanistan and steel-cased bullets.

“The way they have been ambushing our forces in the last two years reveals a totally new phenomenon,” said Vaid. “I have decades of experience in dealing with the insurgency, but I can tell you that we have never faced anything like this – certainly not in the past two decades.”

Five officers from the Indian military, and local police and intelligence, who requested to remain anonymous, described how these recent attacks were no longer carried out by radicalised young men who had little training in combat and would often post their activities on the internet.

Instead, they described a new batch of militants who appeared to be highly trained to military standards and were coming over the border from Pakistan, equipped with hi-tech equipment, including drones, and were using virtually untraceable Chinese applications to communicate.

“The attacks over the last two years have stunned us,” said one army official. “These people have received extensive guerrilla warfare training and their goal is to cause the maximum casualties possible.”

Instead of getting killed in the ambushes, as was previously the norm – either from suicide attacks or in gunfights with police – these militants have tended to lay in wait, sometimes for days, and then hit their Indian army targets with precision.

They have then disappeared back into the forests and taken advantage of the rough mountainous terrain to stay hidden, making them difficult to track. They have also been using drones to ensure a supply of weapons and cash as far as nine miles within the Indian border.

“We are having difficulty gathering intelligence on these militants,” said the army officer. “We lack understanding of who they are and how damaging they could be to us.”

According to police and Indian military officers, there are about 150 militants active in the region. Security officials described how Indian soldiers were ambushed by militants who wore body cameras and then released the videos online in the aftermath. In July, after an attack in the region’s Doda area, militants released a gruesome video online of an Indian army officer being beheaded.

“Now there is a change in tactics. They [militants] ambush soldiers, then disappear and later show up in some other place and attack there,” said former Northern Command chief Deependra Singh Hooda.

Those who have taken responsibility for the attacks claim to be from newer militant groups such as People’s Anti-Fascist Front, the Resistance Front and the Kashmir Tigers, which all emerged after Modi’s cancellation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019. However, the Indian army claims these groups are simply a rebranding of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terrorist outfits historically responsible for driving the insurgency.

Another source of concern is where these ambushes have been taking place. The region’s Jammu province, the only Hindu majority area, had largely escaped militant attacks. However, after new networks were established, Jammu has now emerged as one of the focal points of ambushes against the Indian military. Experts believe it is part of a well-thought-out strategy to target places where Indian forces have been pulled out and deployed in other troubled border areas, particularly along the India-China border.

Fear of the insurgency has become so potent in the Jammu region that it has led to the revival of a controversial local civilian militia, which is now being armed with automatic and semi-automatic rifles by the state. This militia, known as the Village Defence Guards, also existed back in the 1990s when it became notorious for committing human rights violations such as rape, murder and extortion.

Among those who recently volunteered was Raj Kumar, 45, who lives in Garkhal village in Jammu. “There is an increase in militancy activities so we patrol the village day and night and keep an eye out for the militants,” said Kumar, adding that the government had promised them even more weapons and training.

“The militants have sophisticated weapons and training – that is why we are asking for additional support from the government,” he added. “This time we are more afraid.”

www.theguardian.com

Hi-tech, strategic: new wave of Kashmir militant attacks before elections stuns Indian forces

Military scrambling to thwart insurgency that contradicts Delhi government claims to have brought peace to region
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 

After a decade, Kashmir to vote in historic elections​


On a bright September afternoon, a caravan of colourful cars, festooned with flags, arrives at a village in Indian-administered Kashmir for an election rally.

Iltija Mufti, a politician from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), slowly rises from the sunroof of one of the cars.

“Yeli ye Mufti (When Mufti will be in power)," she shouts at a crowd that has gathered to hear the third-generation leader of one of the most influential political dynasties of the region.

“Teli Tch’le Sakhti (Then the repression will end)," they respond in unison.

From a distance, army personnel in bulletproof jackets, armed with automatic rifles, stand watch, tracking every movement.

For the first time in a decade, elections are being held in 47 assembly seats of Kashmir, long marked by violence and unrest. The region, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been the cause of three wars between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Since the 1990s, an armed insurgency against Indian rule has claimed thousands of lives, including civilians and security forces.

The three-phase polls will also extend to the 43 seats in the neighbouring Hindu-majority Jammu region.

The election is the first since 2019, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy, stripped its statehood, and split it into two federally-administered territories. Since then, the region has been governed by a federal administrator.

The major players are the two main regional parties - the PDP led by Mehbooba Mufti and the National Conference (NC) which is headed by Omar Abdullah. Both Mufti and Abdullah are former chief ministers of the region.

The NC has formed an alliance with India's main opposition party Congress.

Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also contesting but not many are betting on the party, which has a stronghold in Jammu but a weak political base in the valley.

In the last elections in 2014, the BJP had formed a government in alliance with PDP after sweeping Jammu. The alliance fell apart in 2018 after years of disagreements.

Also in the picture, this time, is Engineer Rashid - a controversial politician who has spent five years in jail accused in a terror case and was released on bail this week. Rashid came to limelight earlier this year when he pulled off a stunning victory in the general election over Abdullah. He fought the election from jail, with his sons leading an emotional campaign on the ground.

Elections in Kashmir have long been contentious, with residents and separatist leaders often boycotting them, viewing the process as Delhi's attempt to legitimise its control.

Since 1947, Kashmir has held 12 elections, but voter turnout has often been low and marked by violence. Militants have attacked polling stations, and security forces have been accused of forcing voters to come out and vote. Since the 1990s, hundreds of political workers have been kidnapped or killed by militant groups.

But for the first time in decades, even separatist leaders are contesting in several seats.

The most keenly watched of these is the outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) party, which has joined hands with Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).

Residents will vote to elect a local assembly, led by a chief minister and council of ministers. Though the assembly will have limited powers under Delhi's rule, it has sparked hopes for a political change in the valley.

Almost all opposition parties have pledged to restore statehood and the region's special status. The BJP has ruled out restoring autonomy but has promised to reinstate statehood to Jammu and Kashmir "at an appropriate time after the elections".

Most residents appeared to be reconciled to the loss of their region's autonomy.

“I don’t think Article 370 will come back unless any miracle happens,” said Suheel Mir, a research scholar, adding that parties were making promises about restoring autonomy in a “politically charged” atmosphere to get votes.

Several young men and women said they were more concerned about issues like political instability, corruption and most of all, unemployment - also a major concern in Jammu.

“We want to cast our vote to resolve our day-to-day issues. It has nothing to do with the Kashmir dispute,” said a man who did not wish to be named.

But others said they didn't want to give the impression that they had accepted the events of 2019 and would participate in the election solely to vote against the BJP.

"We want to send a message to the government that the revocation is unacceptable to us no matter what," said 38-year-old Zameer Ahmad.

Five years ago when Modi's government abrogated Article 370, the 70-year-old constitutional provision that gave the region its autonomy, the government said it was necessary to restore normalcy in India’s only Muslim-majority region.

The move triggered a severe security clampdown, mass detentions, curfews and a months-long internet blackout, stripping residents of rights to jobs and land.

Since then, Modi and his ministers have extensively talked about a new era of peace and development in Kashmir, announcing projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars that they say are part of a plan to integrate the region's economy with the rest of India. (Until Jammu and Kashmir's special status was removed, outsiders could not buy land to do business there).

But locals say they have yet to see the benefits of such projects and continue to struggle with violence and high levels of unemployment.

Thousands of Indian army troops continue to be perpetually deployed there, with powers that have led to decades of allegations of human rights violations.

"There is an absence of democracy and freedoms in Kashmir and many political activists remain in jail," said political scientist Noor Ahmad Baba.

"The election allows people to give their verdict for or against these changes."

The change in mood is visible everywhere.

Across Jammu and Kashmir, streets are adorned with posters, party flags, and billboards and men at local bakeries freely discuss election outcomes over chai.

"There has been a complete overhaul of traditional political narratives," said Tooba Punjabi, a researcher.

"Earlier, public boycotts defined elections. But now, it's a means of putting the right party in place to undo damage."

The shift in political attitudes was also evident earlier this year, when Kashmir registered a historic 58.46% voter turnout in the parliamentary election.

Many residents are now pinning their hopes on regional parties to raise their demands.

"These parties have acted as a shield between Delhi and Kashmir," said businessman Tahir Hussain," adding that "it didn't matter who will form the government as long as it's a local one".

Analysts say the BJP's performance could also receive a significant blow in Jammu this time, where internal discord and infighting has derailed its ambitions.

There's also growing anger among the residents who are unhappy with the party's policies.

Until now, the BJP's push for development has resonated with people in Jammu who hope it would bring in more economic opportunities for them.

But many say they are yet to see any signs of change. “In fact, now that Article 370 has been scrapped, people from other states are coming to Jammu. Our rights on jobs and land are being taken away from us," said Gulchain Singh Charak, a local politician.

Sunil Sethi, BJP's chief spokesperson in the region, rejected the allegations.

“We have done massive infrastructure developments, build roads and brought foreign investors here,” he said.

www.bbc.com

Jammu and Kashmir election: The region goes to vote after a decade

This is the first assembly election since PM Modi's government revoked Kashmir's special status in 2019.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 

3 BSF Personnel Dead, 28 Injured After Bus Falls Into Gorge In J&K's Budgam​


At least three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have died, and dozens more have been injured after their bus skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge in Budgam district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with medical teams dispatched to provide immediate care to the injured.

Authorities are also investigating the cause of the accident.

The accident comes just ahead of the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held on 25 September.

www.news18.com

3 BSF Personnel Dead, 28 Injured After Bus Falls Into Gorge In J&K's Budgam - News18

Rescue operations are ongoing, with medical teams dispatched to provide immediate care to the injured
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 

BJP betrayed IIOJK people; pushed them to wall: Farooq Abdullah​


Jammu: The President of National Comference, Dr. Farooq Abdullah has expressed concern over Bhartiya Janata Party’s (BJP) betrayal of people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) saying it will continue its efforts to cause hell for people of IIOJK.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Farooq Abdullah in a statement said, the policies of BJP Government and its local component installed in IIOJK, have jeopardized the fate of every segment of the Kashmiri society, Abdullah revealed.

BJP, he said has betrayed Jammu people and now it is commitment of the NC-Congress alliance is dedicated to restoring the rights of the people of not only Jammu, but whole IIOJK, “This includes giving them control over their minerals, contracts, jobs, and trade. Our goal is to ensure that the people have priority when it comes to jobs and mineral resources, and that their culture is preserved.

The BJP made grand promises, but they have failed to deliver on a single one. Where are the jobs they promised? Where is the investment they boasted about? Instead, Jammu is losing jobs and contracts to outsiders. Toll taxes on roads are burdening the poor, while the lack of electricity and water is adding to the struggles of our youth, he added.

Source: Kashmir Media Service
 
It’s clear that what’s happening in Kashmir isn’t about fighting terrorism—it’s about crushing a legitimate freedom struggle. Modi’s government has been pushing this narrative to justify more aggressive actions in the region. Since 2019, when Kashmir’s special status was revoked, the situation has worsened, with even tighter control and a military presence that makes any real insurgency nearly impossible.

Modi is also trying to change the demographics in Kashmir by settling non-Kashmiris, which sounds a lot like how other regimes handle occupied territories. It's a way to dilute the local Muslim population and undermine their claim to the land. We need to call this what it is—an oppressive strategy to hold onto power by labeling freedom fighters as terrorists. This manipulation should concern anyone who cares about justice and self-determination.
 
The Bald Eagle said:

BJP betrayed IIOJK people; pushed them to wall: Farooq Abdullah​


Jammu: The President of National Comference, Dr. Farooq Abdullah has expressed concern over Bhartiya Janata Party’s (BJP) betrayal of people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) saying it will continue its efforts to cause hell for people of IIOJK.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Farooq Abdullah in a statement said, the policies of BJP Government and its local component installed in IIOJK, have jeopardized the fate of every segment of the Kashmiri society, Abdullah revealed.

BJP, he said has betrayed Jammu people and now it is commitment of the NC-Congress alliance is dedicated to restoring the rights of the people of not only Jammu, but whole IIOJK, “This includes giving them control over their minerals, contracts, jobs, and trade. Our goal is to ensure that the people have priority when it comes to jobs and mineral resources, and that their culture is preserved.

The BJP made grand promises, but they have failed to deliver on a single one. Where are the jobs they promised? Where is the investment they boasted about? Instead, Jammu is losing jobs and contracts to outsiders. Toll taxes on roads are burdening the poor, while the lack of electricity and water is adding to the struggles of our youth, he added.

Source: Kashmir Media Service
Click to expand...
He knows he has good chance of losing the elections.
 

1 cop killed, another injured in fierce gunfight with Jaish terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua​


One policeman was killed and another was injured after a fierce gunfight broke out between security forces and Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua on Saturday evening.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector of the Jammu-Kashmir was killed after the security forces engaged three to four Jaish terrorists in Kathua's Bilawar area, officials said.

www.indiatoday.in

1 cop killed, another injured in gunfight with Jaish terrorists in J&K's Kathua

An Assistant Sub-Inspector of the Jammu-Kashmir was killed after the security forces engaged three to four Jaish terrorists in Kathua's Bilawar area.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 
Indian-controlled Kashmir votes in final phase of polls to elect local government

Voting in the final phase of the election to choose a local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir began Tuesday in the first such vote since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government stripped the disputed region of its special status five years ago.

Over 3.9 million residents are eligible to cast their votes to choose 40 lawmakers out of 415 candidates in the region’s seven districts during the third — and last — phase of the election.

It’s the first such vote in a decade and the first since Modi’s Hindu nationalist government scrapped the Muslim-majority region’s semi-autonomy in 2019.

The unprecedented move downgraded and divided the former state into two centrally governed union territories, Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir. Both are ruled directly by New Delhi through its appointed administrators along unelected bureaucrats and security setup. The move — which largely resonated in India and among Modi supporters — was mostly opposed in Kashmir as an assault on its identity and autonomy.

The region has since been on edge with civil liberties curbed and media gagged.

India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. The two nuclear-rivals have fought two of their three wars over the territory since they gained independence from the British colonial rule in 1947.

On Tuesday, thousands of armed government forces patrolled the voting districts and guarded over 5,000 polling stations. Lines of voters stretched across the stations to cast their ballot. The region’s chief electoral office said about 28% turnout was recorded as of 11 a.m.

In Jammu areas, tens of thousands of Pakistani Hindu refugees are voting for the first time in any regional election since their migration in 1947. The refugees, officially called as West Pakistan Refugees, have long been recognized as Indian citizens with voting rights in national elections. However, before 2019 changes, Kashmir’s special status allowed only descendants from residents of the territory in 1934 to vote and own property.

At a polling station in Jammu’s R S Pura area, scores of these refugees lined to cast their votes.

“It’s a Diwali for us,” said Vikram Choudhary, 26, while referring to the Hindu festival of light symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. “We feel liberated.”

“Our children will have a secure future and a say in local affairs now,” 76-year-old Satpal Choudhary said.

India’s ruling BJP has a strong political base in the region’s Hindu-dominated areas of Jammu that largely favor the 2019 changes and has won multiple seats from there in the past elections. But it is weak in the Kashmir Valley where the BJP has never won a seat. The party has fielded only 19 candidates for the 47 seats in the valley while it is contesting all 43 seats in Jammu.

Modi’s party is not officially aligned with any local group, but many politicians believe it is tacitly supporting some parties and independent candidates in the Kashmir Valley who privately agree with it. The region’s main pro-India political parties say the BJP of trying to manipulate the election and fragment the valley’s vote through independents.

About 43% of 503 candidates contesting in the Kashmir Valley are independents, in contrast to 35% of 359 in Jammu.

Voting began Sept. 18 with about 61% turnout. In the second phase on last Wednesday, overall turnout was about 55%. There were no incidents reported from either phase.

Votes will be counted on Oct. 8, with results expected that day.

The multistage election will allow Kashmir to have its own truncated government and a local legislature, called an assembly, rather than being directly under New Delhi’s rule. However, there will be a limited transition of power from New Delhi to the 90-seat assembly as Kashmir will remain a “Union Territory” — directly controlled by the federal government — with India’s Parliament as its main legislator. Kashmir’s statehood must be restored for the new government to have powers similar to other states of India.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels’ goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

SOURCE: https://abcnews.go.com/Internationa...shmir-votes-final-phase-polls-elect-114372987
 
Non-Local Labourer's Bullet-Riddled Body Found In Jammu And Kashmir's Shopian

A bullet-riddled body of a labourer hailing from Bihar was on Friday recovered in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, officials said. The body was recovered from Wachi area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, they said. They labourer identified as Ashok Chauhan was living in Sangam area of Anantnag.

One of his colleagues told PTI Videos they left their rented room at 7 in the morning and he was with them for about an hour.

"He got a phone call while we were harvesting corn. He told us that he is going somewhere. When he did not return for sometime, we went to look for him. We called his number which kept ringing, but there was no answer. Then we found his body," the colleague added.

The body has been taken to a hospital for medico-legal formalities, the officials said, adding, an investigation has started.

www.ndtv.com

Non-Local Labourer's Bullet-Riddled Body Found In Jammu And Kashmir's Shopian

A bullet-riddled body of a labourer hailing from Bihar was on Friday recovered in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, officials said. The body was recovered from Wachi area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, they said.
www.ndtv.com www.ndtv.com
 

2 migrant workers shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal​


Two migrant workers were shot dead by terrorists in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday evening, officials said. The attack occurred near an under-construction tunnel, they said.

Security forces have reached the attack site and cordoned off the area.

According to initial reports, the workers attacked were part of the construction team working on the Z Morh tunnel, which connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

Today's attack came a day after terrorists killed a migrant worker from Bihar in Shopian district on October 18. The locals found the worker's bullet-riddled body in the Waduna area of Zainapora in Shopian district in south Kashmir.

The labourer was identified as Ashok Chauhan and was living in Sangam area of Anantnag, officials said.

www.indiatoday.in

2 migrant workers shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal

Workers killed by terrorists were part of the construction team working on the Z Morh tunnel, which connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 

Ganderbal Terror Attack: NIA May Take Over Probe; Pak-Based Lashkar Front Behind Killing Of 7​


A National Investigation Agency team, led by a senior officer, headed to a terror attack site in Gagangir in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district where a doctor and six construction workers were killed on Sunday evening.

The NIA Jammu branch headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officer will assist the Jammu and Kashmir police in the terror attack probe, said sources aware of the matter. The NIA is likely to take over the probe.

Terrorist group ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’, an offshoot of the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack as its chief Sheikh Sajjad Gul masterminded the horror.

The terrorists opened fire on a camp housing workers, who were working on an under-construction Z-Morh tunnel which connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal.

Ganderbal district, long regarded as a peaceful area, has seen non-locals targeted for the first time in recent years. The district largely remained calm, and the area where gunfire erupted today has experienced peace for the past 10-15 years.

Following the terror attack last evening, security personnel from the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) along with local police officials have cordoned off the area.

Ex-J&K DGP Slams Pakistan’s ‘Deep State’​

Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid on Monday slammed Pakistan’s ‘Deep State’ after the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility for the attack that killed seven civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday evening.

“How could the deep state of Pakistan tolerate some icebreaking vibes coming from the recent visit of @DrSJaishankar to the SCO meeting in Islamabad and handshaking/smiling pictures with Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif,” Vaid wrote in an X post.

“Many on our side blame, Modi for not talking to Pakistan. How could people of J&K vote fearlessly and development projects could be pursued relentlessly by Govt? Understand who wants to derail all this,” he added.

Amit Shah Vows Action​

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the dastardly terror attack on civilians in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir was a “despicable” act of “cowardice”. He affirmed that those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from security forces.

“The dastardly terror attack on civilians in Gagangir, J&K, is a despicable act of cowardice. Those involved in this heinous act will not be spared and will face the harshest response from our security forces. At this moment of immense grief, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Shah wrote in an X post.

On Monday, senior police and army officials updated Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on the current anti-terror operations in the valley. Sinha instructed them to ramp up their efforts and crush the terrorists.

www.news18.com

Ganderbal Terror Attack: NIA Team Reaches Crime Spot; Pakistan-Based Lashkar Front Behind Killing Of 7 - News18

A four-member NIA team, led by a senior officer, reached the terror attack site in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district where a doctor and six workers were killed on Sunday.
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 

'Militants Are Back': Omar Abdullah Faces Ire For Not Calling Ganderbal Attackers 'Terrorists'​


Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was at the receiving end as he fell short of calling the Gagangir attack a “terror attack”. Condemning the attack on migrant labourers in Ganderbal, Abdullah called it a “militant attack” and refrained from using the word terrorists.

“Very sad news of a dastardly & cowardly attack on non-local labourers at Gagangir in Sonamarg region. These people were working on a key infrastructure project in the area. 2 have been killed & 2-3 more have been injured in this militant attack. I strongly condemn this attack on unarmed innocent people & send my condolences to their loved ones,” Abdullah said in his post on X after terrorists struck a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh national highway in Ganderbal district on Sunday evening.

“The casualty figure from the Gagangir attack is not final as there are a number of injured labourers, both local & non-local. Praying that the injured make a full recovery as the more seriously injured are being referred to SKIMS, Srinagar,” the J&K CM added as a doctor and six migrant workers were killed in the terror attack and 11 others were injured.

Omar Abdullah’s statements were followed by comments from people on social media, pointing out how he chose the word ‘militants’ instead of ‘terrorists’.

“Oh the “militants” are back,” a user wrote.

“Terrorists*. Remember you are a CM of a UT. Your antics are being noticed and any possibility of statehood can be revoked,” another user wrote.

“Congratulations. Both NC and terrorism have made a comeback in J&K. While it’s known that your family has a history of sympathizing with terrorists, at least on public platforms, start referring to them as ‘terrorists’ instead of using softer terms like ‘militants’,” a user added.

Mehbooba Mufti Too Refrains From Calling it ‘Terrorism’​

While Omar Abdullah faced social media ire for calling it a “militant attack”, PDP chief and former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, too, refrained from using the word “terror attack”.

“Unequivocally condemn this senseless act of violence against two labourers in Ganderbal. Deepest condolences to their families,” she posted on X.

www.news18.com

'Militants Are Back': Omar Abdullah Faces Ire For Not Calling Ganderbal Attackers 'Terrorists' - News18

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was at the receiving end as he fell short of calling the Gagangir attack a "terror attack".
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 
Attacking impoverished and poor laborers is all they can do.

Omar Abdullah cannot be soft on these terrorists. His newly formed government in Kashmir is already under pressure. Lets see what steps he takes to prevent such incidents.
 
Champ_Pal said:
Attacking impoverished and poor laborers is all they can do.

Omar Abdullah cannot be soft on these terrorists. His newly formed government in Kashmir is already under pressure. Lets see what steps he takes to prevent such incidents.
Click to expand...
The new assembly and government in J&K is a joke. Almost every power still vests in the Lieutenant Governor appointed by the center including full control of J&K Police, approval of appointments, transfers and other changes of all secretary level officers, prosecutions etc.

It's Delhi but worse.

Not saying this is wrong at this point but it is the case. No point judging the J&K government on anything but economic management and social programs. Zero influence, power or responsibility on law and order stuff.
 
There is a lot of positive change in the mentality of Muslims in Kashmir. BJP has done good work there but it’s a pity that majority of Muslims in Kashmir will just not vote for them even though they cannot deny all the developments that happened in Kashmir since Modi ji became PM. BJP has the image of the representative of Hindus and Congress has the image of being the representative of everyone except Hindus. The party that kept Kashmir chaotic and poor for decades but shamelessly finds itself in a position of power there because the Muslims cannot show a little bit of thankfulness to the party that brought stability and economic benefits to them and has paved way for prosperity in the decades to come. Muslims of Bharat are impossible to reason with.
 

2 soldiers injured as terrorists attack Army vehicle near Gulmarg in J&K​


Two soldiers were injured after an army vehicle was attacked by terrorists near the Nagin area of Botapathr in Gulmarg, close to the Line of Control (LoC). The vehicle belonged to the 18 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

The vehicle was en route from Botapathr when the terrorists launched an attack.

A porter also sustained critical injuries during the attack.

Recently there has been an increased attack on non-local labourers in Kashmir, with the latest attack occurring on Thursday morning.

Terrorists shot at and injured a labourer from Uttar Pradesh in the Tral area of Pulwama district today.

Six non-local labourers and a local doctor were killed in a terror attack on a construction site in Ganderbal district on Sunday, while a labourer from Bihar was shot dead by terrorists in Shopian district on October 18.

www.indiatoday.in

Civilian killed, 5 soldiers injured in terror attack on Army vehicle in J&K

An Army vehicle was attacked by terrorists near Botpathri, which is 5 kilometers from the Line of Control (LOC).
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 

Reconciliation between India, Pakistan only way forward to get rid of terrorism: Mehbooba Mufti​


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday said that reconciliation is the only way forward between India and Pakistan to get rid of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

She told media person in central Kashmir’s Budgam where she sympathized the family Dr Shahnawaz, who along with other six construction workers fell to the bullets of terrorists in Gagangeer area of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

“The people of Jammu & Kashmir are trapped in between the hostility of two nations. Their lives, affairs and property are getting damaged due to two nations’ unfriendly behavior, and unfortunately Dr Shahnawaz caught in such a situation,” Mehbooba said.

While urging both India and Pakistan to come together and sit to resolve the issues, the PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said “There is no way ahead till both nations sit together and start reconciliation like former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee did,” she said and added, “Otherwise Gagangeer like acts will continue”.

www.greaterkashmir.com

Reconciliation between India, Pakistan only way forward to get rid of terrorism: Mehbooba Mufti - Greater Kashmir

“There is no way ahead till both nations sit together and start reconciliation like former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee did,” she said
www.greaterkashmir.com www.greaterkashmir.com
 

Suspected terrorists fire at Army vehicle in J&K's Akhnoor, search ops underway​


A group of suspected terrorists fired at an Army vehicle in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. No casualties have been reported, and a massive search operation was underway in the area in Jammu district.

At around 7 am in the Batal area, three terrorists opened multiple rounds of fire at the Army vehicle. The security forces promptly cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt, according to sources.

The incident took place as security forces in Jammu and Kashmir had implemented elaborate security measures in the Jammu region in preparation for the Diwali festival season.

However, in a concerning development, at least 12 people, including two soldiers, have been killed in multiple gunfights across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the valley, over the past week.

On October 24, terrorists ambushed an Army vehicle near Gulmarg in Baramulla, killing two soldiers and two porters, while earlier that day, a teenager from Uttar Pradesh was injured in a separate attack in Tral, marking the third assault on migrant workers in Kashmir within a week.

On October 20, terrorists killed seven people, including a doctor and six migrant workers, at a construction site in Sonamarg, Ganderbal district. Another migrant worker from Bihar was attacked two days before this incident. In vire of these repeated terrorist attacks, a high-level meeting was held at Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor's house on October 24.

According to an official, an investigation into the attack in Gaderbal district has indicated significant gaps in intelligence and undetected infiltration since last one year along the Line of Control (LoC).

www.indiatoday.in

Suspected terrorists fire at Army vehicle in J&K's Akhnoor, search ops underway

Suspected terrorists fired at an Army vehicle in Jammu's Akhnoor sector, with no casualties reported. A search operation is underway, officials said.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 
Red-Indian said:
The new assembly and government in J&K is a joke. Almost every power still vests in the Lieutenant Governor appointed by the center including full control of J&K Police, approval of appointments, transfers and other changes of all secretary level officers, prosecutions etc.

It's Delhi but worse.

Not saying this is wrong at this point but it is the case. No point judging the J&K government on anything but economic management and social programs. Zero influence, power or responsibility on law and order stuff.
Click to expand...
They had 70+ years of unhinged autonomy and they abused it . Own flag , own constitution , no outsider rights etc etc and they decided to abuse it driving out KP's, supporting radical cross border terrorists, killing their tourism industry etc etc. So , now no more special treatment. They are 1 of the several UT's in Ind. Simple as that.
 
FearlessRoar said:

Reconciliation between India, Pakistan only way forward to get rid of terrorism: Mehbooba Mufti​


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday said that reconciliation is the only way forward between India and Pakistan to get rid of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

She told media person in central Kashmir’s Budgam where she sympathized the family Dr Shahnawaz, who along with other six construction workers fell to the bullets of terrorists in Gagangeer area of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

“The people of Jammu & Kashmir are trapped in between the hostility of two nations. Their lives, affairs and property are getting damaged due to two nations’ unfriendly behavior, and unfortunately Dr Shahnawaz caught in such a situation,” Mehbooba said.

While urging both India and Pakistan to come together and sit to resolve the issues, the PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said “There is no way ahead till both nations sit together and start reconciliation like former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee did,” she said and added, “Otherwise Gagangeer like acts will continue”.

www.greaterkashmir.com

Reconciliation between India, Pakistan only way forward to get rid of terrorism: Mehbooba Mufti - Greater Kashmir

“There is no way ahead till both nations sit together and start reconciliation like former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee did,” she said
www.greaterkashmir.com www.greaterkashmir.com
Click to expand...
Getting rid of dynasties like Muftis and Abdullahs will go a long way. Mehbooba Mufti and her party along with Abdullahs have been leaches for a very long time abusing the given power. Now they get to deal with the consequences.
 

2 migrant workers shot by terrorists in J&K, second targeted attack in 12 days​


Two migrant labourers were shot by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Friday. This is the second such targeted attack on non-locals in Central Kashmir in the last 12 days.

The injured men, Sofiyan, 25, and Usman Malik, 25, have been admitted to JVC Hospital Bemina in Srinagar. Both are from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Sofiyan and Usman labourers were working as daily wagers with the Jal Shakti Department. Their condition is said to be stable.

Upon receiving the information, security forces reached the spot and launched a search operation for the terrorists.

The latest attack on non-locals in Jammu and Kashmir came 12 days after a doctor and six migrant workers were killed after terrorists opened fire at a construction site in the Sonamarg area of Ganderbal district.

The doctor and workers attacked were part of the construction team working on the Z-Morh tunnel, which connects Gaganeer to Sonamarg in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal.

On October 18, terrorists killed a migrant worker from Bihar in Shopian district. The locals found the worker's bullet-riddled body in Shopian district in South Kashmir.

www.indiatoday.in

2 migrant workers shot by terrorists in J&K, second targeted attack in 12 days

The injured migrant workers have been identified as Sofiyan and Usman, both residents of Uttar Pradesh.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 
Indian forces martyred nine Kashmiris in October in IIOJK

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian forces in their unabated acts of state terrorism martyred nine Kashmiris during last month.

According to Kashmir Media Service, of those martyred, three were killed extra-judicially and in fake encounters.

Around one hundred sixty-nine civilians and political activists were arrested, most of them, under black laws, Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in one hundred and forty eight cordon and search operations and house raids during the month.

Meanwhile, illegally detained All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders have condemned New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor's celebration of so-called Union Territory Foundation Day.

In messages from jail, they asserted that the celebration has further exposed New Delhi’s nefarious agenda.

Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister of IIOJK, Surinder Kumar Chaudhry reaffirmed his party's rejection of the BJP-led Indian government's decision to convert the region into a Union Territory.


dunyanews.tv

Indian forces martyred nine Kashmiris in October in IIOJK

According to Kashmir Media Service, of those martyred, three were killed extra-judicially.
dunyanews.tv dunyanews.tv
 

11 Wounded In Grenade Attack Near Srinagar's Lal Chowk; CM Omar Abdullah Reacts​


A total of 11 civilians sustained injuries in a grenade attack near the heavily-guarded Tourist Reception Centre, an area close to Lal Chowk in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on Sunday, J-K police said.

This comes as a grenade was hurled in a Sunday market, which exploded on a street vendor’s cart. The injured were rushed to SMHS Hospital for treatment.

The injured have been identified as Misba aged about 17 years, Azaan Kaloo aged about 17 years, Habibullah Rather aged about 50 years, Altaf Ahmad Seer aged about 21 years, Faizal Ahmad aged about 16 years, Uer Farooq, Faizan Mushtaq aged about 20 years, Zahid aged about 19 years, Gulam Muhammad sofi aged about 55 years, and, Sumaiya Jan aged about 45 years.

Out of these, four people were discharged after giving first aid. Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohidin said that two injured would have to undergo a surgery due to severe injuries. “We came here (hospital) to meet the injured. They are undergoing treatment, 2 patients will have to undergo surgery. Special care will be given and the remaining injured will be released after treatment…" he said.

Today’s attack came a day after the top Pakistani commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was gunned down by security forces in the Khanyar area of downtown Srinagar.

Special Operation Group of J&K Police has been deployed to investigate the attack. A search operation has also been launched by the security forces to track down the attackers.

The explosion triggered panic in the area as the shoppers were seen scrambling for cover.

A local resident said, “Nothing like this ever happened here. I don’t know what’s going on here for a few days now… Even during the peak of militancy, nothing like this ever happened."

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir visited the injured civilians and assured them that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators of this crime.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described today’s attack as “deeply disturbing" and said that those responsible for people’s security “must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks".

“The last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks & encounters in parts of the valley. Today’s news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the ‘Sunday market’ in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," Abdullah posted on X.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary condemned the attack and urged the J-K police to do everything possible to end the spurt of attacks at the earliest in the region.

“Today’s news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the ‘Sunday market’ in Srinagar is deeply disturbing. There can be no justification for targeting innocent civilians. @JmuKmrPolice must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear," he said in a post on X.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also spoke to DGP Nalin Prabhat and senior officials of the security agencies on grenade attack in Srinagar. He directed the security officials for an effective and forceful response to punish the terrorists and their associates. The LG reaffirmed the government’s resolve not to allow terrorist elements to succeed in their nefarious designs.

“Terrorists targeting our citizens will have to pay a very heavy price for their actions. You have full freedom to crush terror outfits and leave no stone unturned to complete this mission," the Lieutenant Governor told the senior security officials.

Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the attack. She said, “Condemn the heinous grenade attack in #Srinagar today. Such acts of #violence are deplorable and only serve to perpetuate a cycle of fear and hatred. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured," on X.

Congress leader Ravinder Sharma said that there is a conspiracy to destabilise the elected government. “This is a conspiracy to disturb the atmosphere here. Such incidents have increased ever since elections have been held and the new government has been formed… Sunday market is mostly crowded. I will pray for the well-being of those injured in the attack… This proves that militancy is still there in the valley… Central government has the entire law and order and security apparatus in its hand. We call for strict action…" he told news agency ANI.

www.news18.com

11 Wounded In Grenade Attack Near Srinagar's Lal Chowk; CM Omar Abdullah Reacts - News18

A grenade was hurled near TRC, an area close to Lal Chowk in Srinagar, sources said.
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

The Bald Eagle
Restoration of Article 370? Congress promises restoration Of statehood for Jammu & Kashmir
Replies
50
Views
693
The Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle
FearlessRoar
[PICTURES] "All Eyes On Vaishno Devi": Hasan Ali's post on Reasi terrorist attack viral
Replies
25
Views
747
globetrotter
G
FearlessRoar
  • Poll
[VIDEOS] Is it time for Pakistan to change gears and handle AJK similarly to IOK?
Replies
35
Views
1K
mazkhan
M
The Bald Eagle
'Current period Golden for country'...'Greedy people hungry for power want to break India’: PM Modi in Gujarat
Replies
59
Views
924
FearlessRoar
FearlessRoar
MenInG
Moscow attack: Gunmen kill at least 60 at Crocus City Hall in Moscow - ISIS accepts responsibility [unverified]
2
Replies
105
Views
2K
FearlessRoar
FearlessRoar
Back
Top