Category: Union Territory

Despite the five-point India-China agreement for defusing border tensions, China has put the ball in India’s court and said it was crucial for New Delhi to correct its “mistake”, disengage on the ground, and take tangible steps to reduce tensions.

There were other reports of change in tactics by the PLA when they belted-out Punjabi numbers to soften up the Indian troops into dropping their guard in a fiercely contested conflict.

Besides the Punjabi numbers, the Chinese loudspeakers also highlighted in chaste Hindi about the hopelessness of being stationed at these punishing heights in winter season on the whims and fancies of Indian politicians sitting comfortably in New Delhi.

The whole scheme of Chinese PLA troops is to pull down the spirit of Indian soldiers and create anxiety among the troops that they do not always get hot steaming meals and logistics. A snowy winter also lies ahead.

According to a former Indian Army chief, the PLA used the same loudspeaker tactics in 1962 clashes as well during the 1967 Nathu La conflict. “But the Indian troops were foxed about the Punjabi songs on Finger 4. Maybe, the PLA thought that troops from Punjab were holding on to the higher heights of Finger 4 feature,” said the former army chief to HT.

According to experts talking to the EurAsian Times, the Chinese could have ended up playing the Punjabi songs for the Tibetean-origin Special Frontier Force (who barely understand Hindi and would have no knowledge of Punjabi) and the impact could have been hilarious.

Earlier, according to Chinese analysts, the Special Frontier Force (SFF), numbered at most 1,000, was far from being “elite” and was only used by the Indian army as cannon fodder in the border clash against China, reported Chinese state mouthpiece, Global Times.

On the night of August 29, SFF was used to carry out the operation in eastern Ladakh. Reportedly, one member of the force, Nyima Tenzin, died during the confrontation and one member sustained critical injuries.

BJP leader Ram Madhav attended the funeral of Nyima Tenzin. “Attended the funeral of SFF Coy Ldr Nyima Tenzin, a Tibetan who laid down his life protecting our borders in Ladakh, and laid a wreath as a tribute.

Let the sacrifices of such valiant soldiers bring peace along the Indo-Tibetan border. That will be the real tribute to all martyrs,” Madhav had written in a tweet which was later deleted.

“Presence of BJP leader Ram Madhav at the SFF commando’s funeral is a mark of respect by the BJP for the contributions of the officer and the SSF, in fact, the highest contribution possible in the battle with China in Chushul,” said Ranade.

“The recognition is a clear message to China that your countrymen are fighting alongside us,” said Ranade talking to Bloomberg. “I don’t remember this force being acknowledged like this earlier.”

After the failed uprising in 1959 in Tibet, Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India as the Chinese troops crushed the uprising. A Tibetan government in exile was set up in Dharamshala.

However, in 2003, India recognized Tibet as a part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China. Tibetans have been resisting the Chinese occupation for decades. The movement has now been rekindled after this bloody clash that killed one soldier.

SFF was formed in the aftermath of the 1962 Indo-Sino war. Thousands of exiled Tibetans were recruited (now it has a mixture of Tibetans and Gorkhas). The elite force is used to conduct covert operations.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said China firmly opposes any country providing convenience in any form for the “Tibet secessionist” forces’ separatist activities.

INDIA-CHINA

“The Indians are sending a message — a very strong message, which they probably have not sent for decades,” said Robbie Barnett, who headed Columbia University’s Modern Tibetan Studies Program until 2018 and has written about the region since the 1980s.

“The involvement of exiled Tibetans and the use of exiled Tibetan icons, images and flags, is hugely significant for China’s interpretation,” reported Bloomberg.

Building frustration of China is visible with Global Times reports warning New Delhi that “playing the Tibet card” will “only make its own situation worse”.

If India openly plays the card of “Tibet secessionism” and launches an all-round confrontation with China, China has many countermeasures to make India feel the pain. After all, China is protecting its legitimate sovereign interests, which all countries would strive to protect at any cost, said a report in the tabloid.

With inputs from The EurAsian Times

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

In letter to Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, External Affairs Minister gives details of panel

In a letter to Congress leader K.C. Venugopal on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that the government had constituted an expert committee to look into allegations that a Chinese company ‘monitored’ online activity and data on thousands of Indians, including politicians, bureaucrats and journalists.

Sources said that the letter included details of the committee under the National Cyber Security Coordinator to investigate any illegalities in the surveillance carried out, reportedly by Shenzhen based Zhenhua Data Information Technology Company.

Zhenhua reportedly built a database of dossiers on about 2.4 million people worldwide. The government also said that they had asked Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong to explain the activities of the company but that he had distanced the Chinese government from Zhenhua, calling it a “private company”.

Mr. Venugopal, who had questioned the government in the Rajya Sabha about its actions over the report on Zhenhua’s activities that appeared in Indian Express, also confirmed receiving the letter.

“Replying to my zero-hour intervention on Chinese surveillance, EAM Dr. Jaishankar informed us that the government has taken the matter seriously and constituted an expert committee to assess this within 30 days. We expect quick action on this,” Mr. Venugopal tweeted.

In Beijing, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought to defend Zhenhua’s activities.

“The company said clearly that it’s a private company, and its clients are research institutions and business groups. Instead of collecting data, it only mobilizes data which is open and available online. I’d like to stress that as a staunch defender of cyber security, China opposes and fights all cyber crimes,” said Wang Wenbin, Chinese MFA spokesperson.

With inputs from The Hindu

(This story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rajnath Singh was responding to questions in Rajya Sabha that Chinese troops are blocking Indian Army patrols

No power on earth can stop Indian soldiers from patrolling along the normal routes, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday in response to questions that Chinese troops were blocking the Indian Army patrols along the disputed boundary in eastern Ladakh.

“Patrolling patterns are traditional and well-defined. No force on earth can stop our soldiers from patrolling and our soldiers have sacrificed their lives for that. There will be no change in the patrolling pattern,” he said to a question from former Defence Minister A.K. Antony. Face-offs happened because patrols were interrupted, he noted.

“Starting a war is within one’s reach, but its outcome cannot be predicted. India has always sent out a message of peace. However, it is amazed that efforts are being made to disturb that peace,” he said.

As several political parties expressed support to the government in the ongoing stand-off with China, Mr. Singh pointed out that the country had fought many wars and “however big the challenge, we stand united.”

He said he cannot say more due to sensitivities around operational requirements. The morale and motivation of the armed forces was very high. “This time also, our soldiers have chosen patience and courage over aggression.”

Since early may, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops have made an ingress in the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), undertook massive build-ups at several locations and blocked Indian Army patrols from going further. For instance, on the north bank of Pangong Tso (lake),the Indian Army has always held till Finger 4, the mountain spur, while it patrols till Finger 8 upto the Indian claim. Since May, PLA troops have moved in 8 km till Finger 4, blocking India’s movement.

In Depsang plains

Similarly, there is heavy Chinese presence in the strategic Depsang plains, at a crucial area called the Bulge, and PLA troops have also been blocking Indian Army patrols from reaching the Patrolling Points (PP) 10 to 13 on the Limit of Patrolling (LOP). The Chinese ingress in this area threatens the Indian positions at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) by bringing Chinese troops closer to the 255-km-long crucial Darbuk-Skyok-DBO road. Depsang is also close to the Karakoram pass overlooking the very strategic Saltoro ridge and the Siachen glacier.

Mr. Singh said that China had undertaken significant infrastructure construction activity that enhanced their deployment capabilities in the border areas. In response, the India too had stepped up the budget for border infrastructure development to double the previous levels. As a result, more roads and bridges have been completed in the border areas. “In the coming years too, the government remains committed to this objective. We will not back down from taking any big and tough step in the interest of our country.”

Since the five-point plan for disengagement agreed between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow on September 10, the situation on the ground has remained calm but tense. The focus now remains on the next round of Corps Commanders talks scheduled to be held soon.

With inputs from The Hindu

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

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) Thursday criticized National conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for misleading people in the name ‘election boycott’, saying the political process must continue till Article 370 and Statehood is ‘restored’ in its original form.

Talking to reporters, JKAP Vice-President, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the two parties including PDP and NC cannot make people wait for restoration of the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir by forcing them to boycott elections.

He said since the delimitation process is on, elections may not be conducted for next five to six months in Jammu and Kashmir. Manhas, without naming NC or PDP, said those who mislead people in the name of election boycott should bear in mind that freedom or Article 370 and statehood cannot be achieved by staying away from the political process.

“Let’s see who would contest elections and who boycott, we would really appreciate and support anyone who brings Article 370 and statehood back. But that does not mean, we will make people wait and suffer till Azadi is achieved or Article 370 and statehood is restored,” JKAP leader added.

Manhas said restoration of special constitutional position cannot be the precondition for any political party to contest elections in Jammu and Kashmir as the matter sub-judice is pending disposal in the highest judiciary of India.

He said the JKAP’s stand on Article 370 is clear and if any party thinks announcing election boycott can bring the special position of Jammu and Kashmir back, it welcomes the same.

“We cannot wait for Article 370 and statehood for next twenty years to restore. Omar Abdullah is on record to say that expecting restoration of special status of J&K from BJP is futile. Then how could they make it a precondition for elections, our people join the army, police, serve government departments, isn’t this part of the system, we oppose,” he added.

He alleged that some political parties follow Hurriyat Conference which was also asking people to refrain being part of any political process.

“Hurriyat was also asking people to boycott elections and the results are before you. If any political party wants to boycott elections, try to adopt it on ground without fielding proxy candidates like they did in Panchayat and ULB elections,” Manhas said—(KNO)

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister, Naeem Akhtar was released from house detention on Thursday.

Taking to KNS correspondent, Akhtar said, ” Now I will go around and check the limits of my freedom.”

On being asked whether they are pressing for Mehbooba Mufti’s release, Akhtar said they have not pressed for anyones release.

“We believe Kashmir in itself is a largest prison. There is no liberty or civil rights. Here armed forces kill anyone and next day send his body to his home.”

On Gupkar declaration, he said, “Now there is no politics except politics of unity.” (KNS)

If Mirwaiz is not under house arrest then why he is not allowed to move out of his house.

Srinagar: All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) said that the statement made in the Indian parliament by the Government that no one is under house arrest is strange and surprising.

APHC said that it’s chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been under house detention since 5 th August 2019. On that day police vehicles were parked on both the gates of his house compound and since the he is not allowed to move out. APHC said that if the Mirwaiz is not under house arrest then why he is not allowed to move out of his house.

Being the Mirwaiz, he has not even been allowed to go to Jama masjid Srinagar since August last year , from whose pulpit he delivers the traditional Friday sermons (Waz o Tableeg) and leads the Friday prayers.

APHC said that Mirwaiz should then be allowed to move out and all restrictions on his movement and communication should then be immediately withdrawn. APHC also said that all political prisoners in jails in J&K and outside should also be released.

APHC spokesman said that while the culprits of the recent Shopian fake encounter have still not been brought to book, as reported in media another cold blooded murder of a 24 year old youth in custody Irfan Ahmed Dar from Sopore, who was arrested on the night of 14 th and taken into police custody, is extremely sad and disturbing. APHC said these extra judicial killings by the authorities that keep taking place in the valley at regular intervals to sustain the atmosphere of fear among people are condemnable to say the least.

APHC appealed to all rights bodies to take cognizance of these brazen human rights violations and bring the culprits to book.

APHC said the beating and assault on local journalists while discharging their professional duties in Kakpora south Kashmir by the authorities is highly condemnable. APHC express solidarity with the Media fraternity.(KNT)

“Reopening schools while Covid is still circulating widely could accelerate virus transmission in the community,”

Srinagar: With schools in Kashmir valley preparing for students to return to classrooms next week, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Thursday said reopening schools at a time when Covid-19 cases are surging could worsen the crisis.

“Reopening schools while Covid is still circulating widely could accelerate virus transmission in the community,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

“With cases rising thick and fast, opening schools could further deteriorate the situation, the effect of which could be worse than what has happened,” he said

DAK President said studies have shown that children are as likely to be infected with Covid-19 as adults.

A report from the United States has revealed that about 97,000 children were infected within two weeks of school reopening.

In Israel, a second wave of infection has been directly linked to opening of schools.

He said while most children who get Covid develop mild illness, several hundreds have died of respiratory failure or an inflammatory syndrome.

“A recent German study suggested that children may be as infectious as adults and can spread the virus as easily as adults,” Dr Nisar said.

“Children can get infected at school and spread the virus to parents and grandparents at home who are more likely to develop severe disease. Children can also transmit the virus to teachers and other staff at school.”

He said flu is just around the corner and most children are unvaccinated which puts them at risk of severe Covid-19 disease.
Dr Nisar said children tend not to follow social distancing and are not particular about personal hygiene.

“The existing infrastructure of most schools can be fertile grounds for virus transmission,” he added.

“We understand the impact of prolonged closure of schools on children, but we are not in a favorable situation to open schools.

Sooner or later, education can somehow be compensated, but what you can’t overcome is death from the virus.

As per the criteria for reopening of schools there should be minimum 14 days of declining cases before even considering reopening,” said Dr Nisar.

Clashes erupted between protesters and security forces near the encounter site at Batamaloo area of Srinagar

Photos #BasitZargar

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPENEPI22L/?igshid=1x5s6dmhmrnr3

PTI

New Delhi: The Income Tax Department has conducted raids on a prominent hotelier and a jeweller based in Jammu and Kashmir on charges of alleged tax evasion, the CBDT said on Thursday.

In the first case, searches were launched on Wednesday against the hotelier who owns a chain of hotels at popular tourist spots of the Union Territory like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam and he also has a hotel under-construction in Leh.

“Various incriminating documents and materials evidencing unexplained investments in immovable properties, construction of hotels and residences aggregating to Rs 25 crore in the last six financial years have been seized during the search, though he has not paid any tax since assessment year 2014-15.

“Almost all these investments are in cash and outside the known sources of income,” the CBDT said in a statement without identifying the entity.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes frames policy for the I-T Department.

“During the course of the search operation, receipt of unsecured loans to the tune of Rs 25 crore in the past two years from persons of no means has been found,” it said.

“All these loans are prima facie not genuine, as the same have been advanced by persons with doubtful creditworthiness,” it added.

The action also revealed, it said, that the assessee’s children are studying in the US on whom expenditure of about Rs 25 lakh per annum is being incurred.

The expenditure on account of education in the US prima facie appears to be unexplained/undisclosed,it said.

“The assessee is also running a B Ed college as a trust along with his mother. The trust in not registered and no return is being filed though it has substantial taxable income.

“The assessee has also admitted to having incurred an expenditure of Rs 40 lakh on the renovation of his residence,” it said.

A bank locker, found during the searches, has been put under restraint, it said.

Meanwhile, the second case pertains to a prominent jeweller in Srinagar.

“During the search, it was found that he had not maintained books of accounts of the jewellery business even though the turnover is of the range of Rs 2 crore-Rs 10 crore in the earlier years.”

“The search has revealed that an undeclared bank account was maintained by the assessee with deposits running into crores of rupees, which has not been offered to tax,” the CBDT said.

The assessee also sold immovable property of Rs 1.90 crore in Srinagar in financial year 2015-16, capital gains tax on which has not been paid, it said.

Documents were found, during the raids, that revealed receipt of Rs 16 lakh in cash as ‘pagri’ by the assessee in FY 2019-20 at the time of leasing of one of the shops.

“This transaction is in violation of provisions of Section 269SS of the I-T Act. This fact of receiving cash of Rs 16 lakh has been admitted by the assessee as well as the lessee. The payment of Pagri of Rs 16 lakh is also out of undisclosed income of the lessee,” the CBDT claimed.

The search also revealed that sale of a flat in Delhi was made by the wife of the assessee in 2019-20 FY for Rs 33 lakh.

“During the search, it was seen that no capital gain has been paid on the above sale. Further, out of the sale consideration of Rs 33 lakh, Rs 13 lakh has been received in cash in violation of provisions of Section 269SS of the I-T Act,” it said.

The source of investment of buyer also seems prima-facie undisclosed, which is being investigated, the statement said.

The search also revealed that the daughter of the assessee was studying abroad and the expenditure on account of the same prima facie appears unexplained/undisclosed, it said.

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

PTI

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has made Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Shabir Shah’s wife Bilquis Shah an accused in a 2005 case of money laundering for alleged terror financing against him and alleged hawala dealer Mohammad Aslam Wani.

The probe agency named her as an accused in its supplementary charge sheet filed in the case on Wednesday.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana will take up the matter for on November 10.

In its charge sheet filed by ED’s special public prosecutors N K Matta and Rajeev Awasthi, the agency said that there were sufficient evidence against Bilquis.

The charge sheet has been filed under sections 3 and 4 Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The ED had earlier filed charge sheet against Shabir Shah and Aslam Wani.

It alleged that Wani was asked by Shah to work for him (on a commission basis) in collecting hawala money from Delhi and deliver to him at Srinagar.

The case dates back to August 2005 in which Delhi Police’s Special Cell had earlier arrested Wani.

Wani had then claimed that he had given Rs 2.25 crore to Shah, following which the ED had registered a criminal case under PMLA against the two in 2007.