Category: Union Territory

Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina lashed out at Mehbooba Mufti over her comments. “India is a strong nation. Our Prime Minister is Narendra Modi and not Joe Biden. We will eliminate all terrorists,” he said.
“Mehbooba Mufti is a traitor. She is indulging in sedition. She has insulted the people of the J&K who are patriots. Mehbooba wants Taliban rule in Jammu and Kashmir. But our government will wipe out terror in Jammu and Kashmir,” the BJP leader added.
ttacking Mufti, BJP leader Nirmal Singh called her desperate and frustrated as she has lost political ground.
“If she thinks that she can blackmail us then she needs to understand that this is Modi’s India. Those days are gone and we will not be blackmailed,” he added.
People who give such statements have some malicious intentions, said Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
“Yesterday, PM has said that tolerance is our culture and tradition but zero-tolerance against terrorism is our resolution. With that resolution, India and its people are going forward. People who give such statements have some malicious intentions,” he added.
After being released from detention in October last year, Mufti has repeatedly urged the Union government to hold talks with Pakistan.
The former Jammu and Kashmir CM also urged the Taliban to not commit violence against Afghan people.
“The world is now watching their behaviour. I urge the Taliban no to commit any act that goes against Afghan people. I urge them to not do anything that will force the world to go against them. Role of guns is over in the Taliban and the world community is watching how they behave with the people,” she said.
( Courtesy India Today )

Kolkata, Aug 21: Former Army chief Gen Shankar Roychowdhury said the government needs to step up outreach in Kashmir and reassure people there that India will continue to be a secular democracy as the Taliban victory in Afghanistan is likely to see a renewed offensive by Pakistan-based militants.

The retired General, who had commanded 16 corps in Kashmir at the height of militancy in that state in early 1990s, and became Army chief later in the same decade when Taliban last came to rule over Kabul, believes that Pakistan, re-enforced by the recent Taliban victory, “will make a fresh bid on Kashmir” using groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed.

He also said that India needs to reach out to both former Afghan government forces rallying around Ahmad Massoud, son of the late legendary anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, in Panjshir Valley, as well as to factions within the Taliban which are friendlier to India.

“We have to step up our outreach to Kashmiris, we also have to re-assure them that India will continue to be a secular democracy,” General Roychowdhury who currently heads a strategic think tank Research Centre for Eastern and Northeastern Studies, told PTI in an interview.

The central government had scrapped Article 370 and turned Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh into two separate union territories from being a single state, while placing most Kashmiri leaders under detention. Since then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tried to reach out and hold talks with Kashmir’s political leaders earlier this year.

“We need to understand that the victory in Afghanistan is being seen (by terror groups) as a Pakistani victory and an Indian defeat…. We have to organise ourselves for a renewed offensive by elements like the JeM,” said Gen Roychowdhury, a veteran of the 1965 and 1971 wars besides counter-insurgency operations within the country.

“We have to be prepared for Pakistani intentions (covert operations) supported by radical elements here,” he added.

During the period Taliban rode to power in the mid-1990s, India steadfastly refused to do business with the regime which it saw as brutal proxy for Pakistan’s military. It continued to support the remnants of the Afghan government and later the Northern Alliance, aiding them with training and supplies.

The 1999 hijacking of Indian airlines’ jetliner to Kabul by four Pakistani militants, was made possible with the cooperation of the Taliban regime. India exchanged three top militants, who included Maulana Masood Azhar, founder of JeM, for passengers and crew of that aircraft.

A study by French think-tank Centre d’ analyse du terrorisme (Centre for Analysis of Militancy) published last week warned of the renewed possibility of “more operational coordination between Pakistan-supported groups like the Lashkar e Toiba and JeM (on the one hand) and the Taliban.”

The former Army chief said, “We should try and help the son of Ahmad Shah Masood (guerrilla leader nicknamed Lion of Panjshir). The non-Pashtun minorities such as Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras have had good relations with us…. Taliban too has many factions and it should not be difficult to reach out to them.”

General Roychowdhury also said India’s role in Afghanistan needs to be to give training, relief materials and above all refuge to those who needed it. “People of Afghanistan remain our friends and we must be willing to give them refuge,” he said.

However, at the same time, there is need to beef up security and create “fortress India” to safeguard against any militant operations against India.

The former Army chief said talk of sending Indian troops to beef up US and allied troops in holding Afghanistan which had cropped up in the last two decades “was unwise as we (Indian Army) had no means to reinforce or supply them except by air and that route was fraught with grave danger.”

He also warned that while Prime Minister Modi and Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina were on good terms, opposition forces in Bangladesh which included “the entire radical set-up” would be re-invigorated by the Taliban victory and “may not let this chance slip by.”

There has been disquiet in India’s security community about the possibility of Jamaat-Ul-Mujahideen, Bangladesh drawing upon released Bangladeshi Taliban fighters and increasing their activities in that country and in bordering Indian states.

The retired general also said, “We need to reach out to like-minded people in this sub-continent to oppose the spread of the ideology associated with the Taliban.”—(PTI)

Srinagar, Aug 21: In context with Taliban, Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar on Saturday said that police and security forces will professionally handle any threat.

Responding to a question on Taliban during a presser conference addressed jointly by him and GOC Victor Force here, the top police officer of Kashmir said: “As far as Taliban is concerned, I will not talk and those who are authorized to speak will talk about it.

However speaking as police officer, if any (militant) comes here, my job is to collect information and launch operation along with army to neutralize the threat. Any future challenge will handle in professional manner. We are completely alert.”

He said public corporation will be sought. “If any element, any (militant), suicide bomber etc plans anything, we will look for information from locals. If any incident happens, the locals will be affected as tourists will fear from visiting here. Whose economy will get affected? It will be local and as such I will ask locals to share information.”

Responding to question on attempts foiled regarding suicide bombings, he said, “Police and security forces will continue to work hard and foil attempts made by motivating the youth. We will continue to be in touch with parents and continue to work hard to foil any such attempts timely as were done recently.”

Asked about the use of sophisticated weapons by militants as depicted by the recovery of RPG launcher from the militant, Usman Bhai, killed in a gunfight along Jammu-Srinagar highway near Kulgam, the officer, as per GNS, said: “There are no reports about such weapons in hinterland. Last time a pika gun was recovered from an encounter site. If such weapons are in forest area, we are activating information gathering. We are alert. Also counter-infiltration grid has been activated.”

Divulging details regarding gunfight in upper reaches of Tral, he said three militants were killed.

He said that one among the militants was Wakeel Shah who is said was involved in the killing of BJP leader Rakesh Pandit at Tral on June 2 this year.

He said that militants after killing civilians and politicians take refuge in forests.

He said police and the army is activating human intelligence in the forest area also and militants will be “tracked down not only in the hinterland only but also in the woods.”
GoC Victor Force said that the Tral operation was difficult one and the forces targeted the militants from close range after zeroing in on them.

He said two AK-47 rifles, one SLR and other warlike stores have been recovered from them.

Army in a statement said that Saifullah alias Lamboo, “involved in Pulwama attack”, was also killed in the same area on 31 July this year. (GNS)

Pulwama, Aug 21: Three militants have been killed in an encounter between government forces and militants in forest area of Nagbaeran Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday.

A senior police officer told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that three militants have been killed whose identification is being ascertained while as the search operation is on in the area.

He said that slain belong to Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit.

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.

Pertinently this is second encounter in Awantipora Police district in last two days and on Friday two militants of HM were killed in Khrew Pampore—(KNO)

Srinagar, Aug 20: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh Friday visited Kulgam of South Kashmir Range where he chaired a security review meeting with the Army, CRPF and jurisdictional officers.

During the meeting, he took stock of the security situation of the district, a statement issued reads.

Accompanied by IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar, the DGP was received by DIG SKR Abdul Jabbar, SSP Kulgam Gurinderpal Singh and other jurisdictional officers.

Besides the IGP Kashmir the meeting was attended by Brig Sector 01 RR Vijay Mahadavan, Brig Sector 02 RR A. S. Pundher, DIG SKR, Abdul Jabbar, DIG CRPF Anantnag, D.P Uphaday, SSP Kulgam, COs of Army, CRPF and gazetted jurisdictional officers.

Addressing the officers in the meeting the DGP stressed for intensified cordon and search operations to eliminate remaining militants. He directed the officers to further strengthen and augment the intelligence as well as security grids in their respective areas for the safety and security of the people.

DGP said all the suspicious elements that are providing any kind of support to militant activities should be kept under radar to foil their attempts. Stringent action should be taken against the elements found involved in anti peace activities, he directed.

During the meeting, the DGP reiterated the importance of maintaining close synergy between the J&K Police and other agencies to meet the security challenges. The DGP directed the officers to revisit the security plans of their respective jurisdictions.

He directed officers to remain extra alert as militant outfits are continuously trying to foment trouble and disturb the peace. The DGP ordered a series of measures to further tighten the noose of anti-nation elements.

The DGP directed the officers to brief their respective officers and personnel on a regular basis, especially the forces guarding the vital installations and important persons.

The officers representing different forces briefed the DGP about the measures taken on different fronts with regard to safety and security of people in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 20: The mandatory Friday prayers were once again disallowed at the major shrines and Masjids falling under the jurisdiction of Wakf board in Srinagar district.

The Masjids and shrines remained closed for the prayers since last week after the government sounded alert over 3rd possible Covid wave, claiming that the next 100 days are crucial in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), witnesses said that the major shrines and Masjids including Dargah Hazratbal and historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar remained locked for the devotees today as well.

The devotees offered Friday prayers at the local Masjids like previous Friday, they said.

The religious places, especially those falling under the jurisdiction of wakf board, remained closed since last Friday in wake of 3rd possible Covid wave.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha in a meeting chaired two Fridays back had directed not to allow any gathering where more than 25 people would be participating—(KNO)

SRINAGAR, AUG 20: The Taliban movement has asked the United Nations to remain in Afghanistan and continue with humanitarian work, UN humanitarian coordinator for Afghanistan Ramiz Alakbarov told Sputnik.

“We have working contacts. They always assure us of support,” Alakbarov said.

“They again expressed their support for us and asked us to continue to stay here and provide humanitarian assistance.”

It is pertinent to mention here that Afghanistan is now under direct control of Taliban. (PTK)

Poonch, Aug 20 : Three boys from Pakistan administered Kashmir, who were apprehended along Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch two days ago, are being repatriated, Army said on Friday.

Addressing a presser here, Commander 10 Infantry KG Brigade said that at around 3:45 PM on 18 August 2021, Army men deployed along LoC observed some suspicious movement.

“Immediately a cordon was established and three individuals were apprehended,” he said, adding that “these individuals turned out to be young children of age between 9 and 17 years.”

He said these three children had inadvertently crossed the LoC while carrying fishing activity.

The Army officer said that there was fourth individual who returned back and Army did not open fire because he too was a child.

“The boys according to them hail from Troti Darmshall and Chattra, which is located across the LoC,” he said, adding that “these children were taken care of compassionately by us and provided requisite provisions for comfortable stay as is the culture of ours.”

As per official sources, the trio has been identified as Danyal Malik (17) son of Mohammad Niyaz Ali of Lassi Mang Chattra, Arbaz Rahim (13) son of Abdul Rahim of Troti Chattra and Umair Rahim (9) son of Abdul Rahim of Troti Chattra.

The Army officer said that these children will be repatriated to Pakistan administered Kashmir.

‘They were Hit squad of HM’

Srinagar, Aug 20: Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar on Friday said that one among the two militants killed in a n gunfight in Khrew Pampore was involved in the killing of peon at Govrenment Higher Secondary School Pastuna on July 23 this year.

“Out of 2 killed (militants) of (Hizb-ul-Mujahideen) outfit, one Musaib Mustaq of Khrew, was involved in killing of Javid Ahmad Malik, Peon in GHS Pastuna, son of Ghulam Mohammad Malik of Lurgam at (his native place),” the top police officer of Kashmir told GNS.

He said identification of second militant killed in the gunfight was yet to be done.

“This was a hit squad of Hizbul mujahideen responsible for civilian killings in south Kashmir,” he said.

The IGP said one Ak-47 and one pistol were recovered from encounter site.(GNS)

Srinagar, August 20 :Two militants of outfit Hizbul- Mujahideen were killed in an encounter in Krew area of Pampore in Awantipora of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday.

Official sources told GNS that two militants were killed, however their identity couldn’t be established yet.

As per the sources both slain militants were associated with Hizb.

Earlier, reports reaching GNS that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Krew.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.(GNS)