Category: Union Territory

AFP

Srinagar: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi set out his Taliban worries to world leaders this week, army staged raids and battled Kashmir militants who he fears could be emboldened by the Islamists’ victory in Afghanistan. Kashmir rebel shootings of civilians and police, raids by the security forces on militant hideouts, and insurgent infiltrations across the India-Pakistan ceasefire line have all increased in the Muslim-majority region since the Taliban overran Kabul on August 15.

About 40 people have been killed in shootings and clashes in the two months since then in the Himalayan region, which has been divided since India and Pakistan became independent in 1947.

Militants have targeted minority Hindu and Sikh civilians, while gun battles near the ceasefire line have also left soldiers and rebels dead.

India has not openly blamed the Taliban takeover for the uptick in violence, but it has intensified patrols near Pakistani Kashmir and fortified some army camps, according to residents and security officials who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.

Modi told a G20 summit in Rome earlier this week that international efforts were needed to make sure Afghanistan does not become a safe haven for “radicalisation and terrorism“.
He has also raised India’s concerns with US President Joe Biden.

In September, he told the UN General Assembly that no country must be allowed to use Afghanistan “as a tool for its own selfish interests” — a comment widely seen as a reference to neighbouring Pakistan, the chief backer of the Taliban’s 1996-2001 regime.
This time, Islamabad has stopped short of recognising the new Taliban government.

Still, New Delhi accuses its arch-rival in Islamabad of fuelling Pakistan-based militant groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad, which are blamed for many attacks in Kashmir.

Pakistan denies the claim.

India was a backer of the Soviet-puppet government in Kabul that was overthrown by mujahideen forces in 1992.

In 2001 it helped the US-led forces that toppled the Taliban. And it was a major donor to the government that the hardline Islamists crushed in August.

Afghan militants fought alongside Kashmir fighters in the 1980s and 1990s. About 20 Afghan “guest mujahideen” were killed and 10 were captured, according to a former Kashmiri fighter.

India worries that weapons and fighters could again reach the region, over which it has fought two wars against Pakistan.

“What we can say and learn from the past is that when the previous Taliban regime was in power, that time definitely we had foreign militants of Afghan origin in Jammu and Kashmir,” said India’s military chief of staff General M.M. Naravane.

Protests are virtually impossible in Kashmir because of restrictions imposed by Delhi since the region’s semi-autonomous status was revoked in 2019.

But some in Kashmir have quietly welcomed the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as a victory against the odds that they too can aspire to one day.

“If they can defeat the world’s largest military power, we see a possibility that we too can win our freedom,” one businessman in the main Kashmir city of Srinagar told AFP, declining to be named.

A former Kashmir militant who trained in Afghanistan in the 1990s and fought alongside Afghan mujahideen in Kashmir added: “The Taliban victory has already supplied oxygen to our movement.”

Given India’s security clampdown on Kashmir, Naravane and other military chiefs are confident that Delhi can cope with any surge.

But speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior security official in Kashmir said “there is some panic” inside the security establishment.

Michael Kugelman, a South Asia specialist at the Wilson Centre in Washington, said Afghanistan’s new rulers could inspire “stepped up unrest” in Kashmir.

Taliban officials have said they want to maintain trade and other ties with India, meaning that some kind of contact will have to be maintained.
“The Taliban itself won’t agitate for unrest in Kashmir, but those it is aligned with likely will do so,” he said.

Mosharraf Zaidi, a columnist and security analyst in Pakistan, said he saw no reason the Taliban would want to “deliberately agitate the Indian authorities“.

Their victory, he believes, is more important for the signal it sends to “young Kashmiri boys and girls watching the images from Afghanistan“.

With inputs from TOI

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Perpetators of these crimes will be punished soon; have intensified our efforts to crush militants, their eco-system: LG Manoj Sinha

At a time when entire valley is on a high security alert in the wake of target killings, two non-local residents were killed in two separate incidents in Srinagar and Pulwama on Saturday.

A police official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a non-local resident was shot dead in the evening at Eidgah area of Srinagar. He was identified as Arvind Kumar Shah.

“He was fired from a close range and taken to SMHS hospital where he was declared brought dead on arrival,” the official said. The police sealed the area and a massive search operation was launched to nab the attackers.

Barely 30 minutes after the killing of Arvind, the gunmen killed another non-local resident, a carpenter by profession at Pulwama’s Litter village. The slain was identified as Sagir Ahmed, who was working as a carpenter at a local mill in Litter.

“He was rushed to District Hospital Pulwama for treatment where the doctors declared him as brought dead,” the official said.

The fresh killings of non-locals in Kashmir come close on the heels of targeted killings in which seven people including a famous chemist, two school teachers and a non-local vendor were killed. Police had claimed that militants involved in majority of the selected killings were neutralised in the recent encounters. However, fresh killings have left another challenge for the security forces as they have come at a time when entire Kashmir was on a high security alert.

Meanwhile, J&K LG Manoj Sinha tweeted: “I strongly condemn the brutal killings of Arvind Kumar Shah and Sagir Ahmad by militants. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. UT Govt stands in solidarity with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Perpetrators of these heinous attacks will be punished soon. We have intensified our efforts to crush militants and their ecosystem. They will have to pay a very heavy price for killing innocent civilians. I urge people to speak in one voice and join hands in the fight against militancy.”

One slain militant Umar Mushtaq figured in list of top 10 wanted militants; was involved in killing of two cops at Baghat; 3 out of 5 Sgr-based militants killed in less than 24 Hrs, 13 militants killed in 9 encounters in ensuing month: IGP Kashmir

Two local Lashkar-e-Toiba (TRF) militants were killed in an overnight encounter at Drangbal area of Pampore in southern district of Pulwama, police said Saturday.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that acting on a specific input generated by the Awantipore police about the presence of two militants in Drangbal area of Pampore, a joint cordon and search was launched by 50 RR, 110bn CRFP and police in the area.

“When the presence of militants got ascertained, they were repeatedly asked to surrender but they refused and instead opened fire at the forces triggering a gunbattle,” the IGP said, adding that “the hiding militants took shelter in three-storey concrete building that caught fire as we fired grenades at it.”

He said that in the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed who were identified as Umar Mushtaq Khanday and Shahid Khurshid who were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (TRF) outfit.

A police spokesman said that both the slain militants were “collaborators in recent killings in Srinagar city and were involved in several others. “Umar Mushtaq was also involved in the killing of two policemen Muhammad Yousuf and Suhail Ahmad in Baghat area of Srinagar and figured among the list of top 10 most wanted militants,” the police spokesman said. “He was also responsible for creating fear among the locals and had been coercing innocent citizens to sympathise with anti-national elements.”

The police spokesman said that incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were also recovered from the site of the encounter. The IGP Kashmir, further said that post recent civilian killings in City Srinagar militants Shahid Khurshid along with Shahid Bashir shifted to district Pulwama while as their other associate Mukhtar Shah shifted to district Shopian and all the three militants stand killed.

“Police are committed to hunt down all the militants who try to create fear among masses and spread mischief & tumult in the valley and such elements & their names should be excised from society,” the IGP said.

He said that, post recent civilian killings, so far 13 militants have been eliminated in nine different anti-militancy operations including 3 out of 5 militants of Srinagar city who were killed within less than 24hrs. He also said that, as of now only two militants of Srinagar City namely Mehran and Wasim are active and all efforts are on to nab them. Replying to a query that whether security would be provided to all politicians and minorities, the IGP said that it wasn’t possible to provide security one and all but “yes we will provide security to those who are vulnerable and facing threats.”

NAGPUR: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said the abrogation of Article 370 which had given a special status to Jammu and Kashmir has not solved the problem completely, and there is a section of population there which still speaks of “Azadi” (independence).

Speaking at a book launch function here, he said society must reach out to this section so as to integrate it with “Bharat”.

He visited Kashmir recently and saw that abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 has paved the way for development in the region, Bhagwat said.

He also saw Muslim students from Jammu and Kashmir stating during a program in Mumbai last month that they wanted to be part of India and now they could be Indian without any barrier, he said.

Earlier, Jammu and Ladakh faced “discrimination” and 80 per cent of the resources spent on Kashmir Valley went into local leaders’ pockets without benefiting people, the RSS chief said.

Now this has changed and people’s lives there are “happier”, he claimed.

Article 370 also came in the way of taking action against terrorists but now nobody fears terrorists, he added.

“People who had put stones in the hands of their children instead of books have stopped praising them .

There is an open atmosphere. Tomorrow elections will be held and new government will be formed,” the RSS chief said.

But sometimes we get complacent and lethargic when “hurdles are removed”, Bhagwat said, adding, “The problem has not gone away.

Was Article 370 the problem? The reason why Article 370 had been created was the problem.

“There is one section, which persuaded by Pakistan and with communal feelings in the heart says (demands) Azaadi (freedom/independence). And these sections are still there,” Bhagwat said.

Many in Kashmir identify with Indian nationalism, he said.

But there are some others who are happy that “corrupt leaders have gone to jail” and there is development, but “in their hearts they feel even with all this, if we get independence, it will be good,” Bhagwat said.

“And the problem lies there,” he added.

“We will need to speed up efforts for assimilation,” the RSS chief said, adding that Indian society should take benefit of the “good atmosphere” prevailing now and “reach out to all of them and establish close relations make them feel that they belong to Bharat.” (PTI)

Srinagar Oct, 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday terminated services of grandson of separatist Late Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

In a communique, a copy of which lies with the possession of Kashmir Today reads, “whereas the Lieutenant Governor is satisfied after considering the facts and circumstances of the case and on the basis of the information available that the activities of Mr. Anees-ul-Islam, Research Officer in Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre S/o Altaf Ahmad Shah R/o 119-MIG Green Park, Bermina, Srinagar A/p Bachpora, Srinagar are such as to warrant his dismissal from service.

The communique further reads that the Lieutenant Governor is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India that in the interest of the security of the State, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Mr. Anees-ul-Islam, Research Officer in Sher- e-Kashmir International Convention Centre S/o Altaf Ahmad Shah R/o 119- MIG Green Park, Bemina, Srinagar A/p Bachpora, Srinagar.

Accordingly, the Lieutenant Governor hereby dismisses Mr. Anees-ul-Islam, Research Officer in Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre S/o Altaf Ahmad Shah R/o 119-MIG Green Park, Bemina, Srinagar A/p Bachpora, Srinagar from service, with immediate effect, it added.

MAKKAH: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques is abolishing the requirement of Social Distancing in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid Al Nabawi from Sunday.

A source in the General Presidency informed exclusively to Haramain Sharifain that social distancing stickers will be removed after Isha Prayers on Saturday. This comes after the Ministry of Interior ordered the complete opening of the Haramain Sharifain and relaxed majority of the Health Precautions.

The source also informed that Mataaf will be restricted for those who perform Tawaaf and Masaa (Place for performing the ritual of Saee) will be completely opened. Additionally Carpets will be replaced at all places completely.

Srinagar, Oct 16: With the approval of Covaxin for children, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Saturday said the vaccine will pave way for reopening of schools.

“Vaccination will play an important role in getting children back to classrooms,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

He said prolonged closure of schools due to Covid-19 has impacted education at all levels. Not only academic learning, school closure has resulted in loss of social and emotional learning which is important for holistic development of children.

“Now we have the vaccine that would help children to return to classrooms and ensure safe learning in schools,” he said.

The DAK President said subject expert committee on Tuesday recommended granting emergency use authorization to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for children in the 2-18 years age group.

“The vaccine has been found to be safe and effective in preventing Covid-19 in children,” he added.

“The pediatric vaccine can also prevent further waves of Covid-19,” Dr Hassan said.

He said while children mostly get mild illness, they can spread the virus to others.

“It is hard to defeat Covid-19 pandemic without vaccinating children,” Dr Nisar said.

He said we won’t be able to achieve herd immunity until children are vaccinated.

Herd immunity is achieved when most of the population in a community is immune to the disease so that the virus can no longer spread easily from person to person.

“In order to achieve herd immunity to Covid-19, 80-90 percent people need to be vaccinated. That is unlikely to be achieved, if children who constitute a huge proportion of the population are unvaccinated,” he said adding that there are around 4.8 million children in Jammu and Kashmir which constitute 38.4 percent of the JK’s population.

“Pediatric vaccine will not only help children, but it will be the basis of eventually eliminating Covid-19 in our population,” said Dr Nisar.

Sd/

Dr Riyaz Ahmad Dagga

Spokesperson DAK

—
(dak)

Militant killed in Pulwama was involved in killing of PDD employee at Batamaloo; Slain at Bemina encounter had killed SI Arshid at Khanyar, both slain locals; now only 3 militants active from Sgr district; 11 militants killed in 8 encounters this month: IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar

Jammu and Kashmir police Friday said that two Lashkar-e-Toiba (TRF) militants were killed in two separate encounters in southern Pulwama and Srinagar, who were involved in the killing of a civilian and probationary sub-inspector.

A police officer told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that based on a specific input, police, army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in village Wahibugh area of Pulwama. “During the search operation, when the suspected house where the militant was hiding, was zeroed-in, repeated offers of surrender were made. But the militant fired indiscriminately at the forces triggering a gun-battle,” he said. “In the ensuing encounter, one militant identified as Shahid Bashir Shiekh, resident of Habba Kadal, Srinagar was killed and his body retrieved from the site of encounter.” The officer said that slain militant had joined militancy recently and was linked with Lashkar-e-Toiba (TRF). Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar told KNO that slain militant Shahid was involved in the killing of civilian and PDD employee Muhammad Shafi Dar of Batamaloo, Srinagar. “We have recovered an AK-47 riffle from the slain militant,” the IGP said.

About the second encounter, police said based on a specific input by police about the presence of a militant at Hamdaniya Colony Bemina area of Srinagar, an operation was launched by the police in the area. “During the search operation, the hiding militant was asked to surrender but he fired at the forces triggering an encounter,” a police official said, adding that “In the ensuing encounter, one militant identified as Tanzeel Ahmed, a resident of Haba Kadal, Srinagar.

He said that the slain Tanzeel was involved in the killing of Probationary Sub Inspector Arshid Ashraf at Khanyar, Srinagar on September 12. The Kashmir police chief said that Shahid and Tanzil were also “collaborators in recent killings of a chemist and two teachers in the city.” The IGP Kashmir said that after recent civilian killings, Srinagar based militants had shifted to South Kashmir “but we continued to track their movements and managed to zero in on them today.”

“Now only three militants are active as two have been killed today. We are after the remaining three and will soon get them,” the IGP said, both the encounters took place within a span of three hours. “Both operations are over and two-AK-47 rifles have been recovered from the two slain militants,” he said.

Says people of Kashmir have to be courageous and fight the killers together

Srinagar: Kashmir will never become Pakistan as we are a part of India and will remain so even if I am killed, National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah said here on Wednesday.

Speaking at a condolence meeting for Supinder Kaur – the fallen principal of a government school in Eidgah who was shot dead by militants on October 7 – at a gurdwara here, Abdullah said the people of Kashmir have to be courageous and fight the killers together.

“We have to fight these beasts. This (Kashmir) will never become Pakistan, remember it. We are a part of India and we will remain a part of India come what may. They cannot change it even if they shoot me,” Abdullah, the Member of Lok Sabha from Srinagar, said.

Expressing grief over Kaur’s killing, he said the Sikh community did not leave the Kashmir Valley in the 1990s when others left due to fear and appealed to them to not get scared now.

We have to keep our morale high and be courageous, he said.

“We all have to fight them together with courage and not be afraid. You (Sikhs) were the only community which remained here when everyone left. I am proud of the fact that you did not leave from here. Killing a teacher who was teaching young students does not serve Islam. They were serving the devil,” he said.

Talking to reporters outside the gurdwara, the NC president said: “They (militants) will never succeed and will fail in their plans. But, we all – Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians—have to stand together to fight them”.

Abdullah said there is a “storm of hate” across India and communities – Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs – “are being divided”.

“This divisive politics has to be stopped, otherwise India will cease to exist. If we have to save India, then we all have to live together and only then will it move forward,” he said.

Asked about leader Devender Rana quitting the NC and joining the BJP, Abdullah said: “People come and go. It is not a big deal”. —PTI

Tral, Oct 13: A top Jaish-e- Muhammad commmander has been killed in an encounter between secuity forces and militants in Waggad area of Tral hamlet in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday, police said.

A senior police officer told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a top JeM commander has been killed in the gunfight.

Kashmir zone police tweeted: “Top JeM Commander #militant Sham Sofi killed in Tral #Encounter.”

Earlier, an official said that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) on specific information about the presence of militants in the area.

He said that as the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon them, which was retaliated, triggering an encounter—(KNO)