RK Mathur Becomes First L-G of UT Ladakh, Prez Rule Revoked in J&K
Catch all the live updates on the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
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Radha Krishna Mathur was sworn-in as the first Lt Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh on Thursday, 31 October, which came into existence after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The President's rule imposed in undivided Jammu and Kashmir was revoked following the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories.
The two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh come into existence on Thursday after the central government, on 5 August, decided to abrogate the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.
- 23 members of European Parliament, who flew to J&K for a two-day official visit, termed the dilution of Article 370 an internal issue of India
- The Congress called the visit of the EU MPs a historic political blunder and blamed the government of “internationalising the issue”
- Five migrant laboureres from Murshidabad were shot dead by terrorists the day the EU MPs visited the valley
- On 26 October, a grenade attack on a CRPF team injured six personnel in Srinagar
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Block Development Council Elections to Be Held on 24 October Across J&K
Block Development Council elections will be held in 310 blocks out of 316 blocks across Jammu and Kashmir, said Shailendra Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, Srinagar on Sunday, 29 September.
“Block Development Council elections will be conducted on 24 October from 9 am till 1 pm, across J&K. Counting of votes will start at 3 pm on the same day,” Kumar said.
SC Refers Batch of Pleas on Kashmir Issue to Its Constitution Bench
The Supreme Court on Monday, 30 September, referred a batch of petitions challenging abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir to its Constitution bench which will hear the matters from Tuesday, according to PTI.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi referred the pleas, which also raised issues of alleged restrictions imposed on movement of journalists in Kashmir as well as petitions claiming illegal detention of minors in the Valley, to its five-judge bench.
A five-judge Constitution bench headed by justice NV Ramana will hear the matters related to the Kashmir issue.
SC Refuses to Entertain Vaiko's Plea on Farooq Abdullah's Detention Order
The Supreme Court on Monday, 30 September, refused to further entertain Rajya Sabha MP Vaiko's plea seeking production of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah before it, according to PTI.
The bench also comprising justices SA Bobde and SA Nazeer, said the petitioner can challenge the detention order against Abdullah under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act before the appropriate authority.
'I’m Living Proof of Restrictions in Kashmir': Ghulam Azad’s Jibe at Amit Shah
Taking a jibe at Home Minister Amit Shah, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Monday, 30 September, that he is “live evidence” of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hitting out at the government for abrogating Article 370 provisions, that gave special status to the state, he said all sections of society in Jammu and Kashmir have been affected by the laws passed by the Indian government as business has come down to "zero".
Azad alleged that he was not allowed to visit many places during his six-day tour and all those who visited him were videographed.
His visit became possible after the Supreme Court on 16 September allowed him to tour the state.
Article 370: 5-Judge Constitution Bench to Hear Pleas From Today
A 5-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court is all set to commence on Tuesday, 1 October, the crucial hearing on the challenge mounted to the legal validity of the Centre's abrogation of the provision of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday had set up the Constitution bench of justices N V Ramana, S K Kaul, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant to commence hearing on a batch of petitions challenging the scrapping of provisions of Article 370. It was decided on 28 August to refer them to a larger bench.
A bench headed by the CJI, which on Monday dealt with other related petitions concerning the issues arising after the constitutional changes were brought in Jammu and Kashmir, said all such matters would now be adjudicated upon by a 3-judge bench headed by Justice Ramana.
Several pleas have been filed in the top court challenging the Centre's 5 August decision abrogating provisions of Article 370 and bifurcating the state into Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Expresses Support for Kashmiris
US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed her support and called for democracy, equality and human rights for Kashmiris.
Constitution Bench Assembles, to Hear M L Sharma's Petition First
The Constitution Bench has assembled and Advocate M L Sharma's petition will be heard first. Sharma had filed the petition the day after the President issued the order on 5 August.
AG Venugopal Says Wants to File Counter-Affidavit to 10 Petitions
Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Union of India says that the Centre wants to file a counter-affidavit to the 10 petitions and has requested four weeks time. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for for the State of J&K, says he agrees.
The judges have said that the government request is reasonable as there are new petitions to respond to.
SC Grants Centre 4 Weeks to File Response in Article 370 Petitions, Adjourns Hearing
Supreme Court grants four weeks time to the Centre to file its response in the batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of J&K into two territories. The Constitution Bench will hear the matter next on 14 November.
SC Places Embargo on Filing of Fresh Writ Petition
The SC put an embargo on filing of any fresh writ petition challenging constitutional validity on abrogation of Article 370.
The apex court at the hearing refused the plea of petitioners that not more than 2 weeks be given to the Centre and J&K administration for filing counter-affidavits.
The Constitution bench said one week time would be for the petitioners to file their replies to the counter-affidavit that would be filed by the Centre and J&K administration within four weeks.
"We have to allow the Centre and the J&K administration to file counter-affidavit otherwise we can't decide the matter," the bench also comprising justices S K Kaul, R Subhash Reddy, B R Gavai and Surya Kant said.
SC Suggests MY Tarigami Habeas Corpus Petition Should be Pursued in J&K HC
In the habeas corpus petition filed by CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury for Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, the Supreme Court suggested that the case should be pursued before the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
The Supreme Court pointed out that with the production of MY Tarigami, there is no urgency left in the matter and the challenge to the validity of the detention order will come up in due course.
SC Refuses to Entertain Petition Seeking Lifting of Curbs on Internet, Communication Services
The Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition seeking lifting of curbs on internet and fixed landline phone services across all hospitals and medical establishments in Kashmir. The SC instead directed the petitioner to approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
SC Grants Centre 2 Weeks to Respond to Petition Challenging Restrictions in J&K
The SC has granted the government two weeks to respond to the petition challenging restrictions in J&K. The SC had asked the petitioners to approach the J&K High Court. However, appearing for the Centre, Tushar Mehta stated that there were no restrictions in movement now and asked for two weeks to file a reply on the personal liberty issue.
Centre Files Counter Affidavit in Petition of Anuradha Bhasin
The Centre has filed counter affidavit in the petition of Kashmir Times Editor, Anuradha Bhasin, who has challenged the restriction on working journalists in the Kashmir valley in the wake of the abrogation of Article 370.
Impleadment Application Filed in SC
The Indian Journalists Union has filed an impleadment application in the Court, which argues that the internet and movement restrictions have had a disproportionate impact.
Hearing for Anuradha Bhasin's Petition Adjourned to 16 November
The SC said that no further impleadment applications or unevenness will be allowed apart from the ones already filed. The Anuradha Bhasin matter, challenging restrictions in J&K has been adjourned to 16 November.
SC Directs Centre to File Response on All Petitions, Applications Filed on Issue of Lockdown of J&K
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to file its response on all the petitions and applications filed on the issue of lockdown on Kashmir and adjourned the matter. The Kashmir lockdown cases will now to be heard on 16 October by the three-judge bench.
Confusion Over Date of Next Hearing of Bhasin's Petition
There is some confusion over the next date of the hearing as to whether it is 16 November or 16 October since some matters including Enakshi Ganguly's case on child detention, Sitaram Yechury's habeas, are scheduled for that day.
Anuradha Bhasin's petition challenging the restrictions seems to have been scheduled for 16 November. However, this is a Saturday. While the court order will clarify the date, court masters are confident the next date of hearing for all cases relating to restrictions including telecom shutdown is 16 October and not November.
‘Internal Matter’: MEA Slams Turkey, Malaysia for Kashmir Remarks
Speaking after Malaysia and Turkey raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Friday asserted that the matter is "completely internal to India".
While the MEA called upon the Turkey government to "get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground before they make any further statements on the issue", it asked the government of Malaysia to "desist from making such remarks".
Raising the Kashmir issue at the UN, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad alleged that India has "invaded and occupied" Jammu and Kashmir and asked New Delhi to work with Pakistan to resolve the issue.
Turkey too criticised India over the situation in Kashmir.
'Provocative, Irresponsible': MEA on Imran Khan's Comments on Kashmir
India on Friday condemned the “provocative and irresponsible” statements against it by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan over abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and said he is unaware of how international relations are conducted.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the comments made by Khan do not behove the post he holds.
“This is not the first time that such statements have come from Pakistan. Pakistan's prime minister holds a high constitutional office. He has given such statements even before. You have heard his statements even in the UNGA... such provocative and irresponsible language he has used. We condemn this,” Kumar said.
Pak PM Warns PoK Residents Against Crossing LoC
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday, 5 October, asked the residents of PoK not to cross the Line of Control to extend humanitarian aid to the Kashmiri people after India removed the special status of the state two months back.
"I understand the anguish of the Kashmiris seeing their fellow Kashmiris in Jammu and Kashmir.... Anyone crossing the LoC to provide humanitarian aid or support for Kashmiri struggle will play into the hands of the Indian narrative," Khan said in a tweet.
J&K Government Allows NC Delegation to Meet Omar, Farooq Abdullah
The Jammu and Kashmir government has granted permission to a delegation of National Conference from Jammu province to meet party president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah who are currently under detention here.
“The delegation led by Provincial President Mr Devender Singh Rana and comprising former party legislators will leave from Jammu tomorrow, 6th October 2019, in the morning,” a National Conference spokesperson said.
Most of the top level and second rung separatist politicians have been taken into preventive custody while mainstream leaders including the two former chief ministers have been either detained or placed under house arrest.
Army Organises Mega Medical Camp in Jammu
Over 3,000 people attended a mega medical camp organised by the Army on Saturday in a remote village in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman said.
General Officer Commanding (GOC), Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform), Maj Gen Dhiraj Seth inaugurated the camp at Ransoo village, the spokesman said.
Leading super-specialist doctors drawn from various Army hospitals were pooled in for the day-long camp, he said.
Democrat Elizabeth Warren Raises Concerns Over Situation in Kashmir
US’ Democratic party’s presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren on Saturday, 5 October, voiced concerns over the restrictions and communication blockade in Kashmir, urging India to respect the rights of the people of Kashmir.
Strict restrictions were imposed in Kashmir after the Indian government on 5 August announced abrogation of Article 370, that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and to bifurcate the State into two union territories.
"The US-India partnership has always been rooted in our shared democratic values. I'm concerned about recent events in Kashmir, including a continued communications blackout and other restrictions. The rights of the people of Kashmir must be respected," Warren, 70, said in a tweet.
15-Member National Conference Delegation Arrives in Srinagar
The 15-member National Conference (NC) delegation arrived in Srinagar, on Sunday 6 October to meet party President Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah, who have been put under detention since 4 August, a day before the Centre abolished Article 370.
Farooq Abdullah, Wife at Their Srinagar Residence
After the National Conference (NC) delegation has reached to meet him, Farooq Abdullah and wife Molly were seen waving from their residence in Srinagar.
Farooq, Omar Abdullah Doing Well, in High Spirits: NC Delegation
National Conference leader Devender Rana, who was a part of the 15-member delegation of National Conference that went to meet Farooq and Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, said that both the NC leaders are well and in high spirits. He said that the mainstream leaders have to be released, in order to start the political process in the valley.
10-Member PDP Delegation to Meet Mehbooba Mufti on 7 October
A day after National Conference leaders Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah met with a 15-member delegation of their party, a 10-member delegation of PDP will meet party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday, 7 October in Srinagar, news agency ANI reported.
JLKF Marchers Head Towards LoC to Protest Abrogation of Article 370
A large number of people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are marching towards the Line of Control (LoC) on Sunday to protest India's move to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday warned the protesters not to cross the LoC, saying anyone crossing the LoC to provide humanitarian aid or support for Kashmiris will "play into the hands of the Indian narrative." Tension between India and Pakistan escalated after New Delhi revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
Pakistan has downgraded diplomatic ties with New Delhi and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.
Pakistan has been trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue but India has asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 was its "internal matter". New Delhi has also asked Islamabad to accept the reality and stop its anti-India rhetoric.
Current Situation Very Peaceful, Getting Better in Kashmir: J&K DGP
Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Dilbagh Singh while speaking to reporters about infiltration bids and ceasefire violations on the border areas, he said that the current situation in Jammu, Leh and Kargil is very peaceful, and is only getting better in Kashmir.
He said that Sunday, 6 October morning, there was a lot of traffic on roads, markets are open, and businesses are operational.
JKLF Marchers Protesting Against Article 370 Abrogation Stopped From Moving Towards LoC
Thousands of people from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were on Sunday stopped from marching towards the highly militarised Line of Control (LoC) to protest India's move to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and to express solidarity with Kashmiris, reported PTI.
PDP Delegation Defers Its Monday Meeting With Mehbooba Mufti
A 10-member delegation of PDP which was to meet party Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday, 7 October, in Srinagar, has deferred its meeting, reported ANI.
PDP Leader Lashes out at Party Colleagues
Differences in the PDP over the issue of a party delegation meeting its detained president Mehbooba Mufti in Srinagar came out in the open on Monday with a senior leader alleging that those involved in the decision did not take on board the leadership in Jammu.
PDP General Secretary and former legislator Surinder Choudhary alleged that some "land grabbers and land mafia" within the party have taken the decision on the meeting.
Within hours of announcing that a team of party leaders from Jammu led by General Secretary Ved Mahajan will meet Mehbooba in Srinagar on Monday following permission from administration, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) late Sunday said it has decided to defer the scheduled meeting but gave no reason.
Farooq Abdullah Demands Unconditional Release of All Detainees for Political Process to Begin in J&K
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has demanded unconditional release of all those detained or arrested in the wake of abrogation of Article 370 for any political process to begin in the state, the party said on Monday, a day after its delegation met the leader for the first time after his detention.
An NC spokesman said the party president also told the delegation that the people of the state have voiced their disapproval over the revocation of the special status and bifurcation of the state by protesting in a peaceful manner and the party cannot ignore these sentiments.
Kashmir Is in the Blood of the Pakistani Nation: Musharraf
Kashmir is in the blood of the Pakistani nation and the country and the army will stand by the Kashmiri people "no matter what," the ailing former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has asserted, as he returned to active politics.
General (retd) Musharraf, now based in Dubai, also referred to Kargil conflict, and alleged that India was repeatedly threatening Pakistan despite Islamabad's peace overtures.
Advisory Asking Tourists to Leave Valley to be Lifted from 10 Oct
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday directed that the Home Department’s advisory asking tourists to leave the Valley be lifted immediately, with effect from 10 October.
The governor held a situation-cum-security review meeting on Monday with the advisors and the chief secretary. The meeting was also attended by the principal secretaries of Planning and Housing and Urban Development Department, reported ANI.
The governor was also briefed about the Block Development Councils (BDC) elections. He was informed that there is active interest in the BDC elections and most of the seats of chairpersons of BDCs would be filled, the J&K government said.
The state administration on 2 August had issued a security advisory asking Amarnath pilgrims and tourists to leave Kashmir as soon as possible, citing terror threat in the Valley.
The advisory was issued just before the Centre announced the negation of Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories on 5 August.
Pak Intruder Arrested Along International Border in Jammu
A Pakistani intruder was arrested by Border Security Force personnel along the international border in Jammu on Monday, 7 October, officials said, PTI reported.
The intruder was apprehended soon after he crossed the border in RS Pura sector of Jammu, they said. He is being questioned, the officials said, refusing to divulge any other details.
This is the third Pakistani intruder to be arrested along the Indo-Pak border in Jammu in the last 17 days.
A Pakistani teenager was arrested in Akhnoor sector of Jammu on 3 October and another Pakistani national was arrested from Chandu Chak village of RS Pura on 21 September.
US Congress Committee Urges India to Lift Communication Blackout in Kashmir
A powerful US Congressional Committee has urged India to lift the communication blackout in Kashmir, saying that it is impacting the lives of the people in the state, PTI reported.
“India's communication blackout in Kashmir is having a devastating impact on the lives and welfare of everyday Kashmiris," the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee said in a tweet on Monday, 7 October.
"Its time for India to lift these restrictions and afford Kashmiris the same rights and privileges as any other Indian citizen,” it said.
'Party Reviewing Decision to Contest BDC Polls': J&K Congress
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of Congress on Tuesday, 8 October said it is reviewing its decision to participate in the Block Development Council elections in view of the continued restrictions on majority of its senior leaders in the valley, according to PTI.
Block Development Council (BDC) polls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir on 24 October. These will be the first elections to be held in the state since its special status was revoked under Article 370 on 5 August.
Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said there was no cooperation from the government even after his party expressed its willingness to participate in the polls despite strong reservations about the conduciveness of the situation in the state.
Congress to Boycott J&K Block Development Council Polls
The Congress has decided to boycott Jammu and Kashmir’s Block Development Council polls. This comes days after its original decision to participate in the BDC elections.
“We've come to realise that these elections (Block Development Council elections) are being held to facilitate only one party - ruling party. Our leaders are under detention. We have no other option but to announce that we are boycotting the election.” said Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir.
Colleges Reopen in Kashmir but Students Stay Away
On Wednesday, the 66th day of shutdown, normal life continued to remain disrupted across Kashmir. The efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir administration to reopen colleges in the Valley on Wednesday failed as students did not turn up for classes.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Khan had last week announced that the schools would reopen on 3 October and the colleges on 9 October in the valley.
The staff reported for work at the colleges but the students stayed away, officials said. Students have also not attended schools despite several attempts by the administration.
J&K Govt Holds Meeting for Smooth Conduct of Annual Exams
On Wednesday, 9 October, advisor to Jammu and Kashmir governor chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for smooth conduct of forthcoming annual examinations of classes X, XI and XII in Kashmir and winter zone of Jammu division, ANI reported.
Section 144 will be imposed around exam centres and adequate police personnel to be deployed.
Three J&K Politicians to Be Released From Detention on 10 Oct: Officials
The Jammu and Kashmir administration will release three politicians detained since 5 August after the Centre abrogated special status granted to the state under the Constitution, officials said on the night of Wednesday, 9 October, PTI reported.
Yawar Mir, Noor Mohammed and Shoiab Lone will be released on various grounds which includes signing of a bond, they said, explaining the reasons for ending of their detention.
While Mir is a former MLA of the PDP from Rafiabad assembly seat, Lone contested unsuccessfully on a Congress ticket from North Kashmir and later resigned from the party. He was considered close to People's Conference chief Sajjad Lone.
Noor Mohammed is a National Conference worker who has been managing the party's show in the militancy-infested Batmaloo area of the Srinagar city.
Before his release, he will be signing a bond to maintain peace and good behaviour, the officials said.
The governor administration had earlier released Imran Ansari of the People's Conference and Syed Akhoon on health grounds on 21 September.
Kashmir Open to Tourists From Today
After more than two months since the 2 August advisory, asking tourists to leave the valley, Kashmir will open to tourists today, 10 October.
The decision to lift the travel ban was announced by Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday, 7 October, following a situation and security review.
The travel advisory was issued on 2 August, when the ongoing Amarnath Yatra was cancelled and pilgrims were asked to return immediately. The Centre had given intelligence inputs of terror threat as the reason for the advisory back then.
Khalsa Aid, J&K Students Association Help as Kashmiri Students Run Out of Essentials
With more than two months since lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri students are slowly running out of supplies - essential items and money, the Khalsa aid and J&K Students Association has provided 150 Kashmiri students with groceries, money and other necessary items, The Indian Express reported on Thursday, 10 October.
According to the report, the two organisations have provided the students in Banur with a 25-kg kit of essentials including rice, flour, cooking oil and soaps, among other necessities.
Three Kashmiri Politicians Released From Detention
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, on Thursday 10 October released three local politicians, who had been under detention ever since the Central government abolished Article 370 in August, removing the special status granted to the state.
The leaders released are Noor Mohammad, a National Conference politician, Yawar Dilawar Mir, a PDP Spokesperson and JKPC's Shoaib Lone.
It was earlier reported that the three politicians will be released on various grounds, including signing a bond.
J&K Travel Advisory Asking People to Curtail Visit Withdrawn
Security advisory requesting tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir to curtail their stay in the Kashmir valley, stands withdrawn from today. Tourists desirous of undertaking visiting to the state shall be provided all necessary assistance and logistical support, the fresh advisory says.
Tourism Stakeholders Not Upbeat About Lifting of Travel Restrictions in Kashmir
Tourism stakeholders in Kashmir are not upbeat about the revival of the sector even after the state government withdrew its security advisory of 2 August which had asked tourists in the Valley to leave, PTI reported.
“This would help, but the complete revival of the tourism in Kashmir is not possible until and unless the restrictions on the communication are lifted,” Asif Burza, president of a hotel industry association of Kashmir, told PTI.
Delegation of Muslim Spiritual Leaders to Visit J&K to Assess Ground Situation
A delegation of Sufi leaders and spiritual heads of various shrines across the country will visit Jammu and Kashmir between 12 and 14 October to meet the locals and assess the ground situation, reported PTI.
The spiritual head of Ajmer dargah, Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, has taken the initiative to send the delegation comprising 18 members that will be led by his son Nasiruddin Chisty.
“Kashmir has been a sufferer of false propaganda which is executed against India from across the border. I felt the necessity to interact with Kashmiri people, particularly youths, and work for their prosperity,” the Ajmer dargah Deewan said.
“We would like to act as a bridge between the Kashmiri (people) and prosperity,” he added.
UK Leader Jeremy Corbyn Holds Talks With Congress Over Kashmir
UK Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn held what he described as “very productive” talks with representatives of the Congress Party in London, during which both sides discussed the human rights situation in Kashmir.
Corbyn has been under pressure from Indian diaspora groups in Britain since the Labour Party passed a resolution against the Indian government's decision to revoke Article 370 and called for international intervention in the region.
“There must be a de-escalation and an end to the cycle of violence and fear which has plagued the region for so long,” Corbyn’s statement read.
BJP Slams Congress for Discussing Kashmir Issue With Jeremy Corbyn
The BJP on Thursday, 10 October, lashed out at the Congress and demanded an explanation after British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he discussed the human rights situation in Kashmir with “UK representatives from the Indian Congress Party.”
“Appalling! Congress owes it to the people of India to explain what its leaders are telling foreign leaders about India,” the BJP said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Congress accused the BJP of making “malicious statements” to distract people from its failures.
“Our meeting with Jeremy Corbyn was held to condemn the Kashmir resolution passed by his Party and to reiterate that J&K is an internal matter and outside intervention will not be accepted. BJP's malicious statements are another attempt to distract people from their failures,” the Indian Overseas Congress said in a tweet.
Congress Carrying Forward Pak Agenda in India: BJP
The BJP on Thursday, 10 October, demanded cancellation of the Congress's registration, claiming that it is carrying forward nothing but the agenda of Pakistan through its Block Development Council (BDC) poll boycott call in Jammu and Kashmir.
J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina said a political party has the prime responsibility to contest the elections to represent the masses but as it fails to do so, the election commission must take essential steps to disaffiliate the party.
"The Congress is carrying forward nothing but the agenda of Pakistan through its BDC poll boycott call. The registration of Congress party should be cancelled with immediate effect for its repeated acts to weaken the institutions of democracy," he told reporters in Jammu.
Raina said the Congress has carried forward the agenda put forth by Hurriyat, separatists, and the enemies of the nation, through its actions and hence proved itself to be a "traitor by bringing bad name to the country".
Pak Has Dubious Distinction of Recruiting Children in Terrorist Groups: India at UNGA
India slammed Pakistan for "weaving fake narratives" about children living in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the country has a "dubious distinction" of "schooling" young children in violent extremist ideologies and recruiting them in terrorist groups.
Addressing the General Assembly Third Committee session on 'Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children' on Thursday, 10 October, First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Paulomi Tripathi, without naming Pakistan, said one delegation yet again chose to distract the attention of the Committee with its "deceitful political propaganda by weaving fake narratives, while making unwarranted references to internal matters of my country".
Tripathi was responding to remarks made in the Committee by Pakistan's outgoing UN envoy Maleeha Lodhi on Wednesday, 9 October, in which she had raked up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and referred to the condition of children in the state in the aftermath of India revoking Article 370.
Lodhi had also alluded to reports by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Post-Paid Mobile Phones Likely to Resume in Kashmir From Saturday
Post-paid mobile services in Kashmir are likely to resume from Saturday, 12 October, 68 days after they were shut down following the Centre's decision to abrogate Jammu and Kashmir's special status, officials said, according to PTI.
They made it clear that the subscribers will have to wait for some more time for the Internet services to resume in the valley.
The officials said a decision has been taken that post-paid mobile services will be resumed in the beginning and the pre-paid services will be resumed later. They have also stressed that a proper verification of customer be undertaken for post-paid mobile services.
Markets Continue to Be Shut, Public Transport off the Roads: Officials
Normal life remained affected in Kashmir for the 68th consecutive day on Friday, 11 October as main markets continued to be shut and public transport off the roads, officials said, according to PTI.
Additional forces have been deployed in vulnerable areas of Kashmir including the Srinagar city to maintain law and order in view of the congregational prayers, the officials said, adding there were no restrictions in the city or elsewhere in the valley.
'Don't Be Afraid of Militant Threats, Resume Normal Activities': J&K Administration
As the shutdown over abrogation of Article 370 provisions continued for the 68th day, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has come out with a full-page advertisement in local dailies asking people not to be afraid of militant threats and resume their normal activities, according to PTI.
"Are we going to succumb to militants? For over 70 years now, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been misled. They have been victims of a vicious campaign and motivated propaganda that has kept them trapped in an endless cycle of terrorism, violence, destruction and poverty," the advertisement, published in various dailies of Kashmir, read.
'Violence in Kashmir Reduced After Abrogation of Article 370': Army
The Army on Friday, 11 October, said violence in the Kashmir valley has gone down since the abrogation of the Article 370 on 5 August, according to PTI.
"There has been reduction in terrorist initiated incidents. There has been reduction in stone pelting incidents. There has also been reduction in the protests that were carried out by the people or the large number of crowds coming out," General Officer Commander in Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said.
But the situation remains fragile, because Pakistan continues with its efforts to push in infiltrators so that they can keep the state of Jammu and Kashmir in a constant state of turmoil, the Army commander added.
Admn Secretaries to Be Present in Srinagar on 31 Oct
All administrative secretaries will be present in Srinagar on the “appointed day” i.e. 31 October, for the formation of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and Union Territory of Ladakh, ANI reported.
All Postpaid Phones to be Restored in J&K From 14 October Noon
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday, 12 October announced restoration of all postpaid mobile phone services from Monday noon.
The services were likely to be resumed on Saturday but a last minute technical hitch led to deferring of the resumption of services.
The subscribers will have to, however, wait for some more time for Internet services to resume in the Valley, Government spokesman and senior IAS officer Rohit Kansal told reporters.
The state administration has been examining various options with regard to suspension of mobile phone services which have come in for severe criticism for causing hardships to some seven million residents of the Valley.
'Restrictions Lifted in 99% Areas in J&K': Govt
Restrictions on movement of people have been lifted in “over 99 percent” areas of Jammu and Kashmir, state government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, he asserted that the curbs were necessary to prevent “externally-aided terrorists” from disturbing peace in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of the state's special status under Article 370 in August.
He also said that the cases of those who were detained, including political leaders, were being reviewed by the government for their release.
Kansal said that there was a gradual lifting of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir since 16 August and most curbs were lifted by the first week of September.
“Barring eight to ten police stations, movement restrictions have now been completely removed. Over 99 percent of the areas of Jammu and Kashmir have absolutely no movement restrictions,” he said, reported PTI.
Kashmir Was Turned Into 'Hell of Terror' Under Art 370: Naqvi
Separatists and terrorists had turned Kashmir into a “hell of terror” using Article 370 as a shield, but abrogation of its provisions will now pave the way for the development of the region, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said in Mumbai.
Praising the Modi government, the Minority Affairs Minister said it has “broken” the back of terrorism.
Naqvi also lauded the Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra for “eliminating corruption and misrule of the previous Congress-NCP dispensation.”
“The separatists and terrorists had converted Kashmir, which had been called the 'heaven on the Earth' into the 'hell of terror' by using Article 370 as a shield,” a statement quoted Naqvi as saying, reported PTI.
BJP Indulging in Mud-Slinging to Hide Its Failures: J&K Cong
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress blamed the BJP of indulging in mud-slinging on political opponents, saying that the Modi-led government is doing great service to Pakistan by terming every voice of disagreement, dissent and dissatisfaction with its style of governance and political philosophy as “anti-national and pro-Pakistan,” reported PTI.
Abrogation of Article 370 Has Upset Rahul: Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Yogi Adityanath said the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir, had upset Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Pakistan.
On his second visit to poll-bound Haryana in recent times, Adityanath targeted the Congress and its former chief Gandhi while addressing rallies in Hisar, Bhiwani, Badli and Jhajjar.
Restoring Postpaid Mobile Telephony to Help Return of Normalcy in Kashmir: Guv Advisor
With the postpaid mobile mobile phone services set to be restored in Kashmir from Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has expressed hope that it would help achieve normalisation in the Valley.
Normal day-to-day activities has been disrupted across Kashmir since 5 August, the day the Centre revoked the state's special status after negating the Article 370 of the Constitution and providing for reorganisation of the state into two Union territories of J&K and Ladakh from 31 October.
The state administration announced on Saturday that about 40 lakh postpaid mobile phones will become operational from Monday noon.
Postpaid Phone Lines Restored in J&K
In a major step to ease the lockdown in the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir administration restored all postpaid mobile phone services on Monday, 14 October noon, ANI reported.
'Lives of Kashmiris More Important Than Mobile Services': J&K Guv
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday, 14 October, defended the communication blockade in the Valley saying safety of Kashmiris was more important than mobile services which the terrorists use for their activities and mobilisation, according to PTI.
The J&K administration restored all postpaid mobile phone services on Monday.
"People used to make noise that there is no telephone. We stopped telephone services because terrorists were using them for their activities, mobilisation and indoctrination," Malik said.
Over 100 British-Indian Bodies Challenge Jeremy Corbyn's Kashmir Stance
Over 100 British-Indian professional and community organisations on Monday, 14 October, wrote to the UK Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn, to condemn the Labour Party's stance on Kashmir in the wake of the Indian government revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PTI reported.
A cross-section of British-Indian bodies, including the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF), Indian National Students Association (INSA), Hindu Council UK as well as temple bodies and community representatives, added their name to a joint letter which accuses Corbyn of bringing an India-Pakistan bilateral affair into the domestic politics of the UK by adopting a “divisive” emergency motion that calls for international intervention in the region.
Farooq Abdullah's Sister & Daughter Detained During Protest
The police on Tuesday detained half a dozen women activists including the sister and daughter of former chief minister Farooq Abdullah during a protest against abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.
Abdullah's sister Suraiya and his daughter Safiya, who were leading a group of women activists, were detained by the police.
Wearing black arm bands and holding placards, the women protesters were not allowed by the police personnel to assemble and were asked to disperse peacefully.
Curbs on SMS Services Reimposed in Kashmir After Terror Attack
Hours after postpaid cellular service connections were restored in the Valley on 14 October, 70 days after the abrogation of article 370, the government reimposed curbs on SMS services.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the move came after the J&K police said that two milliants gunned down the driver of a truck from Rajasthan transporting apples in Sindhu Shermal village of Shopian district.
Kashmiris Asked to Pay Postpaid Phone ‘Dues’ for Aug-Sept Blockade
After the restrictions on postpaid cellular services were lifted, the users have been asked to clear their outstanding bills from 5 August, when Article 370 was abrogated, till 30 September, in order to use the services.
The Quint reached out to several Kashmiri residents, who said they felt it was “very unfair” to have to pay for a service they were denied by the government for more than 70 days.
'Decisive Battle' Against Proxy War & Terrorism in Kashmir: Shah on Article 370
The abrogation of Article 370 provisions is a "decisive battle" waged by the Narendra Modi government to end years of Pakistan-sponsored proxy war and terrorism, and it will bring long-lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday.
Attending the 35th Raising Day celebrations of the counter-terror force NSG as the chief guest here, Shah said the recent decision to repeal special provisions in J and K will help "completely eradicate" Pakistan-supported terrorism from the Kashmir Valley.
The minister said his government is firm on the policy of "zero tolerance" on terrorism and to defeat all its forms.
Farooq Abdullah Detained at His House
Farooq Abdullah has been detained at his house in Srinagar, news agency ANI reported on Wednesday, quoting J&K police. His daughter Safiya who was detained during a protest against abrogation of Article 370 on Tuesday, is in judicial custody.
SC Asks Centre to Put on Record All Orders Relating to J&K
Supreme Court asks the Centre to place on record before it all the orders relating to restriction, shutdown and detention in Jammu and Kashmir.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana says if government doesn’t wish to divulge reasons for not placing any order before it, an affidavit detailing the reasons to be filed by it. Cases on various restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir adjourned for 25 October.
'Human Rights Has Become 'Global Buzzword' After Abrogation of Article 370': Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir denied women from the state inheritance rights and this was a "serious human rights violation" that no one spoke about but human rights has become a "global buzzword" following the revocation of the temporary constitutional provision, PTI reported.
"So, a temporary Article 370, which till now denied women of the state their inheritance, which denied the Scheduled Castes of the state a constitutional right for affirmative action, which denied every tribal what positive and affirmative action gave them of the Indian Constitution is now, after the removal of Article 370, which is a temporary article, going to enable us to provide all that to everybody," Sitharaman said amid a round of applause from the audience at Columbia University on Tuesday.
Kashmiri Students Announce Boycott of Annual Sir Syed Celebrations in AMU
Kashmiri students in AMU on Wednesday said they will boycott the annual Sir Syed day celebrations, including a traditional dinner on Thursday, 17 October, to express their anguish over the situation in the valley following the revocation of the state's special status, PTI reported.
There are about 1,300 Kashmiri students studying in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) currently.
SC Asks Centre to Produce Orders Related to Shutdown, Detentions in Kashmir
The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the Centre on not placing on record the orders concerning the shutdown and restrictions in the Kashmir, Bar and Bench reported.
The three-Judge Bench of Justices NV Ramana with R Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta why the orders concerning the imposition of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir were not placed on record.
Mehta told the Court that a rejoinder was filed by the Centre when the matter was taken up the previous time.
Sister, Daughter of Farooq Abdullah Released
Women protestors, including National Conference President Farooq Abdullah's sister and daughter, who were arrested on Tuesday after they took out a protest march, were released on bail by a court this evening, PTI reported quoting officials.
Abdullah's sister Suraiya, his daughter Safiya and 11 other women furnished a personal bond of Rs 10,000 and surety of Rs 40,000 each under section 107 of criminal procedure code, giving an assurance that they would maintain peace, the officials said.
The women, who were lodged in central jail Srinagar, were released around 6 pm on Wednesday after the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate granted them bail, they said.
Details of Investment in J&K Would Be Available Very Soon: Sitharaman
The details of the government's policy to attract more investments in Jammu and Kashmir would be available very soon, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, listing out the potential the area carries for investors in sectors like tourism, handicrafts, silk, production of saffron and apple, reported PTI.
Sitharaman made the comments while responding to a question during an interactive session with investors at the IMF headquarters in Washington on Wednesday. The event was organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and US India Strategic and Partnership Forum.
J&K Legislative Council Staff to Report to General Administration Department
On Thursday, 17 October, the government of Jammu and Kashmir put out a notification saying that all staff of J&K Legislative Council, following its abolition will have to report to General Administration Department by 22 October.
40,000 Boxes of Apple Procured Under NAFED: J&K Govt
Under the recently launched market intervention scheme (MIS), over 40,000 boxes of apple were procured from registered farmers in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, an official said.
The apples were taken from Orchardists at the new mega fruit mandi in Aglar, Shopian through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), deputy commissioner of Shopian Choudhary Mohammad Yasin said during a review of the MIS in the district.
Yasin directed the concerned officials to gear up their administrative machinery to ensure that apple growers reap the benefits of the MIS.
The necessary facilities and infrastructure have been created for the smooth functioning of the scheme at the mega fruit mandi in Shopian-- a Rs 31 crore project being funded under PMDP and NABARD, which is being operationalised for the first time.
Forces Will Fight Pakistan Until It Stops Infiltration: Rajnath
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, 21 October said the armed forces will keep giving befitting reply to Pakistan until it stops infiltration over which Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik also warned that the army will go deep inside and destroy terrorist camps.
The assertions by Singh and Malik came a day after Army chief General Bipin Rawat said that 6 to 10 Pakistan Army personnel were killed and three terror camps destroyed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army across the Line of Control (LoC) opposite the Tangdhar and Keran sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Guv Hits out at Separatists and Mainstream Leaders, Says None of Them Lost Their Own to Terrorism
“Leaders of Hurriyat and mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir, religious preachers and clerics have used their influence to get the children of ordinary Kashmiris killed while none of them lost their own to terrorism,” Governor Satya Pal Malik said while addressing the seventh convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra town.
Alleging that “affluent and powerful” sections have crushed the dreams of the youths in Kashmir and destroyed their lives, he appealed to the people to understand the truth and join the Centre's efforts to usher peace and progress in the state, reported PTI.
Their own children are studying abroad and are well settled. But to the children of commoners, they show the “way to jannat” (paradise) get them killed.
Position of J&K Guv Is Weak, Not Even Allowed to Hold Press Conference: Malik
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said that the position of a governor in the country is very weak as he does not have the right to hold a press conference or talk his heart out.
He also reiterated his statement that a section of wealthy people in the country are like “rotten potatoes” because they do not do charity or come forward to help improve the education system, reported PTI.
Normal Remains Affected in Kashmir
Normal life in Kashmir remained disturbed for the 79th day following abrogation of Article 370, but there was increased movement of traffic in parts of the city leading to massive traffic snarls.
Markets and other business establishments opened early in the morning but downed their shutters at around 11:00 am, officials said.
They said that while public transport was off the roads in most parts of the valley, there was huge rush of private vehicles in some areas of the city including commercial hub of Lal Chowk and Jehangir chowk, reported PTI.
Kashmiri Students Say They Are Not Ready for Exams, Want Syllabus Cut
Students in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley, are in a dilemma as authorities have decided to go ahead with the annual examinations for various classes according to schedule but almost half of the syllabus is yet to be completed due to the closure of schools post 5 August.
Parents of the children have alleged that the school administrations have also charged fees from the students for these non-working months, reported PTI.
US Lawmakers Express Concern Over Human Rights Situation in Kashmir
American lawmakers expressed concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the special status of the state and said that as the world's largest democracy India needs to uphold its commitment to human rights.
The lawmakers, including Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, aired their concerns during a Congressional hearing on ‘Human Rights in South Asia: Views from the State Department and the Region,’ reported PTI.
Two Truck Drivers Shot Dead by Terrorists in Shopian
Terrorists on Thursday, 24 October, struck for the third time in 10 days in south Kashmir's militancy-hit Shopian district killing two non-Kashmiri truck drivers, who had gone to ferry loads of apples, officials said.
The official said that bodies of two drivers had been recovered while another injured was being evacuated to hospital in Srinagar.
Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said in the evening, terrorists fired at trucks near Chittargam in Shopian and injured three drivers.
The terrorists stopped the three trucks bearing registration number of Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab and started indiscriminate firing at the drivers who made an unsuccessful attempt to flee the area.
The terrorists also torched two of the trucks.
One of the dead has been identified as Mohmmed Illiyas, a resident of Alwar in Rajasthan, while the injured has been identified as Jeevan from Hoshiarpur in Punjab. The identity of the other deceased is being ascertained.
UN Chief Continues to Call for Kashmir Issue to Be Resolved Through Dialogue
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres continues to call for the Kashmir issue to be resolved through dialogue, saying any solution should be rooted in the respect for human rights of the people living in the Valley, his spokesperson has said.
Guterres will engage whenever he can with the two nations on the issue, spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said.
"The Secretary-General... has discussed the issue of Kashmir with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, with the Prime Minister of India, during the General Assembly and before," he said.
Responding to a question on the situation in Kashmir, Dujarric said the UN chief has called and will continue to call for "the situation to be resolved through dialogue and that any solution be rooted in the respect for human rights of the people who live in Kashmir. So, that continues to be his position".
J&K BDC Polls: 217 Independents, 81 BJP Members Elected
Over 200 Independents were elected to the post of chairperson in the first-ever Block Development Council (BDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, 24 October, with the BJP winning in 81 of the 310 blocks. This is after a turnout of 98.3 percent was recorded in the state.
Elections were held in 283 blocks as 27 candidates were elected unopposed, poll officials said, adding that results of three blocks are awaited. The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) won in eight blocks and the Congress in one, Chief Electoral Officer Shailendra Kumar said.
Read more here.
Trump Ready to Mediate on Kashmir If Asked by India and Pakistan: US
US President Donald Trump is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir only if asked by both the countries, a senior administration official said on Thursday, 24 October, reiterating that the onus for peace talks lies on Islamabad by taking sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups.
President Trump has expressed his concern over the level of tensions between India and Pakistan. And he discussed Kashmir directly in his meetings with Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Imran Khan, a senior State Department official said.
"He (Trump) certainly is prepared to play a mediation role, if both the countries ask. It has been India's position not to seek outside mediation," said the official in response to a question.
US Lawmakers Seek Access of Foreign Journalists, Congressmen to Kashmir, Writes to Indian Envoy
Seeking free access of foreign journalists and congressmen to Kashmir, six American lawmakers have written to Indian Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla, claiming that the picture portrayed by India in the Valley is different from the one being told to them by their constituents.
Noting that journalists have extensively covered developments in Kashmir, acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells had said the role of some of the international reporters have been particularly important, but journalists continue to face challenges in access while reporting due to the security restrictions.
“We believe true transparency can only be achieved when journalists and Members of Congress are allowed free access to the region. We encourage India to open Jammu and Kashmir to both domestic and foreign journalists, and other international visitors, in the interest of open media and increased communication,” the congressmen said in the letter.
Security Forces Ready to Foil Pak's Design to Create Unrest in Kashmir: BJP's Madhav
BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav said security forces are fully prepared to foil Pakistan's design to create trouble in Kashmir and deal with militants who are trying to destroy Kashmiriyat by targetting outsiders.
Defending the scrapping of Article 370, Madhav said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “well thought-out” decision will not be revoked as it has been taken for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have remained deprived of their various rights for the past 70 years under the garb of the constitutional provision.
“Pakistan is continuing its efforts to create unrest in the Valley but our security forces will frustrate all its attempts,” the BJP leader told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar organised by his party on “accession day” in Jammu, reported PTI.
PM Extends Birthday Wishes to Farooq Abdullah
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah, who is currently in detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA), was wished by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 82nd birthday, NC sources said, reported PTI.
The sources said Abdullah, who turned 82 on 21 October, received a letter from the Prime Minister greeting him on his birthday.
'First Diwali Post Art 370 Revocation Special for J&K People': BJP Gen Sec
BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav said, “This Diwali is special for people of Jammu and Kashmir as it is the first Diwali after complete integration of the state with India. We are no more a victim of dual citizenship. We all are citizens of India. We will celebrate Diwali with this pride.”
He added, “On 26 October 1947, Jammu and Kashmir acceded to dominion of India, the anniversary of which is observed every year but this year is different. The objective with which Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession, and the vision behind his step has been realised with abrogation of Article 370,” reported ANI.
Congress Claims Security of Its Leaders Further Downgraded in J&K
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress accused the state administration of “deliberately downgrading” security cover of its leaders and other opposition members to keep them away from reaching out to the public.
The Congress also claimed that some BJP leaders, who had never held any official position in the government, have got better security and vehicles compared to party leaders who remained ministers, parliamentarians and legislators, reported PTI.
6 CRPF Personnel Injured as Militants Hurl Grenade in Srinagar
Militants hurled a grenade at a CRPF team, injuring six personnel, in the Karan Nagar area of Srinagar, police said.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) team was manning a checkpoint when the grenade attack took place, reported PTI.
Grenade Attack in J&K's Sopore, Reports Say Multiple People Injured
A grenade attack took place near a bus stand in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore on Monday. Reports say six people have been injured.
'6 Civilians Sustained Injuries': Kashmir Zone Police
Of the six, one person is seriously injured and has been referred to a hospital in Srinagar. The others are undergoing treatment at a local hospital, officials cited by PTI said.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to nab the attackers.
No arrests have been made so far, the police said.
20 Injured in Grenade Attack in Sopore
At least 20 people have been injured in the grenade attack near a bus stand in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore, reported PTI. Of them, six are seriously injured.
Truck Driver Shot Dead in J&K's Anantnag
A truck driver, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur region, was shot dead by terrorists in Bijbehara in Anantnag, the police said on Monday. This is the fourth such incident in less than 14 days in the state, reports said.
Narayan Dutt, a resident of Katra, is the fourth truck driver to be killed by militants since 5 August, when the Centre abrogated Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 and split the state into two Union Territories.
Dutt was fired upon by the terrorists in the evening in the Kanilwan area of Bijbehara in the south Kashmir district, a police official cited by PTI said. He died on the spot, he added.
A senior police official, who was nearby, rushed to the spot and managed to save two other truck drivers who were in the vicinity, the police said.
The area has been cordoned off and a hunt launched to nab the attackers, they said.
Delegation of EU MPs Reach Delhi Airport Ahead of J&K Visit
The delegation of European Union (EU) MPs scheduled to visit Kashmir today, have reached Delhi Airport, reported Times Now.
They left for the Delhi Airport almost half an hour ago.
'Good Opportunity to See the Ground Reality in Kashmir': British MP
UK Parliamentarian Nathan Gill, while speaking to ANI said, “It is a good opportunity for us to go to Kashmir as a foreign delegation and be able to see what is actually happening on the ground.”
Owaisi Slams EU MPs, Says They 'Suffer From Islamophobia'
Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) tweeted, “Fantastic choice of MEP’s who suffer from a disease — Islamophobia".
He also quoted an old song, 'Gairon pe karam, apno pe sitam' (Generous to strangers, but torturous to our own) from the 1968 Bollywood movie Ankhen.
Body of Terrorist Suspected to Have Killed Truck Driver Found: J&K Police
Jammu and Kashmir Police said, “The dead body of the suspected terrorist involved in shooting the slain truck driver Narayan Dutt of Katra has been recovered. The identity of the terrorist is being established,” reported ANI.
Narayan Dutt, hailing from the state's Udhampur region, had been shot dead a day earlier by terrorists in Anantnag's Bijbehara.
'EU Team Is Allowed in J&K, but Indian MPs Are Sent Back': Priyanka Gandhi
Slamming the Centre, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said, “European MPs in Kashmir are allowed to visit and intervene, but Indian MPs and leaders were sent back from the airport as soon as they arrived. Such unique nationalism.”
Govt Trying to Conceal 'Real' Situation in J&K: PDP
The PDP will not be part of any “rhetoric” the Centre wants to build by concealing the “real situation” in Jammu and Kashmir, the party said, distancing itself from any member who attended a lunch hosted by NSA Ajit Doval.
The PDP “officially distances itself from any (of its) members who attended (National Security Advisor) Doval's lunch yesterday,” party spokesman and former legislator Firdous Tak said, reported PTI.
Doval on Monday met a group of 27 European lawmakers, who are visiting Kashmir on today.
23 EU MPs Arrive in Srinagar
A team 23 European Union parliamentarians have arrived in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir to see the ground situation for themselves.
The team originally comprised 27 parliamentarians, mostly from extreme right or right wing parties, but four did not travel to Kashmir and have reportedly returned to their respective countries, officials said, reported PTI.
Four Injured in Clashes in Kashmir, Shutdown in Srinagar
At least four persons were injured in clashes between protestors and security forces in Kashmir where a complete shutdown was observed in Srinagar and some other parts, officials said.
The clashes broke out on the day when a delegation of 23 European Union MPs have arrived in Srinagar for a firsthand assessment of the situation on the ground.
Normal life remained disrupted in Kashmir for the 86th day following abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, reported PTI.
EU Delegation To Be Briefed by Security Forces in Srinagar
The delegation of European Union MPs visiting Jammu and Kashmir will be briefed by security forces in the 15 Corps Headquarters in Srinagar, according to ANI.
J&K visit of EU delegation a 'PR stunt': NC
Terming the visit of European Union MPs to Jammu and Kashmir as a “PR exercise,” the National Conference said such “stunts” are not the answer to the situation in the region.
NC’s statements come after 23 European Union MPs arrived in Jammu and Kashmir to asses the situation in the region following the revocation of the state's special status under Article 370.
“The visit of the selected EU MPs, largely of a particular ideology, is clearly a PR exercise. It is ironical that European MPs are visiting the Valley when the state's leaders including three former Chief Ministers, are incarcerated for nearly three months now, and hundreds of others are in jails across the country,” the NC said in a statement, reported PTI.
Govt Should Have Allowed Opposition to Visit J&K Before EU MPs: Mayawati
The government should have allowed opposition party MPs to visit Jammu and Kashmir before sending EU MPs to assess the situation in the Valley, BSP chief Mayawati said.
“Before sending EU MPs to Kashmir to assess the current situation there, it would have been better if the government had allowed the MPs of (our) country, especially opposition parties, to go there,” Mayawati tweeted in Hindi.
Unidentified Terrorists Fire 6-7 Rounds on CRPF Deployment at School Examination Centre
Unidentified terrorists fired 6-7 rounds on a CRPF deployment at a school which was an examination centre in Drabgam, Pulwama district, reported ANI. CRPF and local police had been deployed to guard the centre. No injuries have been reported thus far. More details are awaited.
Additional forces have been deployed at the spot. A search operation has been launched.
UK Member of EU Parliament Claims India Withdrew Invitation to Visit Kashmir
A senior UK politician claimed on Tuesday that the Indian government withdrew, with little explanation, its invitation to him to be a part of the EU delegation currently on a visit to Kashmir after he demanded to speak with local people without a police escort.
Why Not to Jammu? NPP Targets Centre over EU Delegation's Kashmir Visit
The National Panthers Party (NPP) attacked the Centre for clearing a EU delegation's visit to Kashmir alone, saying an "opportunity was lost" to draw the world attention towards the Jammu region.
Priyanka Gandhi Slams BJP's Nationalism Over EU MP's Visit to Kashmir
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the BJP's nationalism is strange, allowing European MPs to visit and interfere in Kashmir while Indian MPs are sent back from the airport.
"European MPs allowed to visit and interfere in Kashmir, but when Indian MPs and leaders go there they are sent back from the airport. This kind of nationalism is very strange," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.
Criticising the BJP government for allowing the EU MPs to visit Kashmir and turning back Indian leaders and parliamentarians, the Congress has said it is an insult to the sovereignty of Parliament and to India's democracy.
Urge India to Restore The Rights Currently Being Denied: UN
Expressing concern over the situation in Kashmir, the UN said on Tuesday that people in the Valley continue to be deprived of a wide range of human rights and urged the Indian authorities to fully restore the same.
"We are extremely concerned that the population In Kashmir continues to be deprived of a wide range of human rights and we urge the Indian authorities to unlock the situation and fully restore the rights that are currently being denied," said Rupert Colville, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Although some of these measures have been relaxed, their impact on human rights continues to be widely felt, he said.
'Don't Want Kashmir to Become Second Afghanistan': EU Lawmaker
"Terrorism is a problem of France, Europe... Don't want Kashmir to become second Afghanistan,” a lawmaker said while addressing media on their Kashmir visit. However, he added that they were not here to interfere in Indian politics.
"Terrorism in Kashmir is not a problem only for India... I think it's a problem for the international community also... we support India for finding the best solution,” a lawmaker said.
Briefed About Situation, Feel Assured: EU Lawmakers
The delegation said that they were visiting Kashmir to get a better understanding of the problems there. "We are here to find out what the concerns are, how can we support, how can we help improve the situation,” a member of the delegation said.
They said that the information they had received during their visit was very interesting and added that they hoped to get more when they visit the region again.
"We were briefed about the situation. The steps being taken are quite thorough. We would have liked to meet more people from civil society, but we understand the situation, and feel assured,” a member said.
Opposition Politicians Should be Allowed Into Kashmir: EU MP Nicolaus Fest
EU MP Nicolaus Fest spoke to the media in Srinagar on his visit to J&K, batting for Opposition politicians to be allowed into Kashmir.
“I think if you let in European Union parliamentarians, you should also let in Opposition politicians from India. So there is some kind of disbalance, the government should somehow address it,” Fest said.
Congress on J&K Visit by Delegation of EU MPs
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala held a press briefing on the delegation of EU MPs’ Kashmir visit. At the briefing, Surjewala demanded some clarification on the EU delegation’s visit to J&K.
Surjewala also slammed the Centre over the J&K visit, calling it a ‘diplomatic blunder; and the ‘gravest sin’ of the government.
“India’s long-standing policy has been that Kashmir is an internal issue… Modi government has committed the gravest sin of reversing this policy… the BJP government has insulted India’s Parliament,” Surjewala said.
He also condemned the killings of two truck drivers of Punjab and the workers from West Bengal in Kashmir. "We are with families of deceased and we trust our Army and government should give security to people there in Kashmir," Surjewala said.
Indian-American Attorney Demands US Congressional Fact-Finding Mission to Kashmir
An Indian-American attorney has urged US lawmakers to schedule a bipartisan Congressional fact-finding mission to Kashmir.
In a supplemental testimony submitted to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, New York-based attorney Ravi Batra urged lawmakers to "schedule a bipartisan Congressional Fact Finding Mission to Kashmir".
He suggested that the fact-finding team should include "Americans whose ancestry can add an honest and objective nuance — as that will serve to reassure every member's constituents, and aid in hastening the lifting of all restrictions, other than those based upon credible intel of clear and present danger to India or visitors".
NC Appeals for Maintaining Jammu and Kashmir's Statehood
The National Conference on Wednesday, 30 October, made a last-minute appeal to the Centre to shelve the plan of bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into union territories and urged it to maintain the statehood of the 200-year-old state, PTI reported.
Two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh -- will come into existence on Thursday.
The NC also requested political parties, intellectuals, academicians, civil society, traders and transporters to come together and join hands with the party to make a joint request to President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Parliament to retain Jammu and Kashmir as a state.
Some People Being Kept Away From Us During Kashmir Visit, Says EU Parliamentarian
Spain's Hermann Tertsch, part of the group visiting Kashmir, said that they were there looking for facts about the Kashmir situation, The Wire reported.
Talking to the press he said he did not have enough facts to draw a conclusion yet, adding that “some people” were being kept away from the group.
“Some are not, but some people were kept away and we are very conscious about it that some people are being kept away from us,” he said.
EU MPs Visit to Kashmir 'Biggest Diplomatic Blunder' in India's History: Congress
The Congress on Wednesday termed the EU MPs’ visit to Kashmir the "biggest diplomatic blunder" in India's history, accusing the government of deliberately internationalising the issue, PTI reported.
"The truth is that this is the biggest diplomatic blunder in India's history. The Modi government has deliberately internationalised the Kashmir issue, violating our time tested policy of Kashmir being an internal matter' of India," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters.
MEPs May Be Invited to Parliament, Speak in Favour of Govt, Says Chidambaram
Former finance minister P Chidambaram, said EU parliamentarians who visited Jammu and Kashmir may be invited to the parliament and speak in favour of the government, reported PTI.
"Who knows, it may happen," Chidambaram said as he came out of the crowded courtroom. He was on Wednesday sent to judicial custody till 13 November.
J&K Cong Issues Show Cause Notice to Members Who Met EU Parliamentarians
The Congress’ Jammu & Kashmir unit has issued show cause notice to Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Usman Majid, spokesperson Farooq Andrabi and General Secretary Surinder Singh who met with the delegation of European Union parliamentarians on Tuesday in Jammu & Kashmir, reported ANI.
J&K Bifurcated from Ladakh, President’s Rule Revoked
The President's rule imposed in undivided Jammu and Kashmir was on Thursday revoked following bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories.
The two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh come into existence on Thursday after the central government on August 5 decided to abrogate the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and create them on October 31.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 356 of the Constitution, I, Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, hereby revoke the proclamation issued by me under the said article on the 19th December, 2018 in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir,” the official notification said.
RK Mathur Sworn-in as First LG of Ladakh
Radha Krishna Mathur was sworn-in as the first Lt Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh, which came into existence after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The oath of office was administered by chief justice of Jammu and Kashmir high court Geeta Mittal at Leh.
Bodies of Labourers Killed in Kulgam Handed Over to Families
Bodies of five labourers, who were killed by terrorists in Kulgam in J&K on 29 October, were handed over to their families in Murshidabad on Thursday morning. The state government has announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 5 lakhs for the kin of the deceased.