Blog

PTI

Security forces have recovered ammunition during a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said Thursday.

During a search operation launched in Targain-Jalan area of Budhal tehsil, security forces recovered a pocket kept hidden under a boulder on Wednesday evening, they said.

They recovered 25 rounds of Light Machine Gun (LMG) and a rusted magazine, they said. (PTI)

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

PTI

Border incidents between India and China will continue to occur till a boundary agreement is reached between the two countries, Army Chief General M M Naravane said on Thursday.

Recent developments in Afghanistan “have definitely been the focus” of the Indian Army that continues to evaluate threat perceptions and formulate strategies accordingly, the Army chief added while addressing a gathering at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Discussing China, he said, “… we have an outstanding border issue. We are again well prepared to meet any misadventure that may occur as we have demonstrated in the past.”

“Such kinds of incidents will continue to occur till such time that a long-term solution is reached, and that is to have a boundary agreement. And that should be the thrust of our efforts so that we have lasting peace along the northern (China) border,” he stated during the annual session meeting of the industry body.

Referring to Afghanistan, he said the Indian Army “or the armed forces for that matter continue to carry out periodic evaluation of threat perceptions”.

Based on those evaluations, the Indian Army formulates strategies and doctrines that are needed to meet future threats, he noted.

“This is a continuous process that never stops,”” he added.

Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15. Expressing its concerns about the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, India had on September 20 had said the country’s territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing terrorist acts.

As far as the terrorist threat is concerned, the Indian Army is ready to meet all challenges, Naravane said.

“We have a very dynamic counterinsurgency and counterterrorist grid in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a dynamic grid and it is based on threat perception and the escalating levels of attempts by our western neighbour (Pakistan) to push in more and more terrorists,” he said.

Based on ups and downs, we also recalibrate our levels of operations, he added.

The current border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted in May last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area. Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

The row escalated after the Galwan Valley clashes on June 15 last year. Twenty Indian Army personnel laid down their lives in the clashes that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in decades.

In February 2021, China officially acknowledged that five Chinese military officers and soldiers were killed in the clashes with the Indian Army though it is widely believed that the death toll was higher.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in Gogra area last month.

In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC (Line of Actual Control) in the sensitive sector.

In 2017, Indian and Chinese troops were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam tri-junction which even triggered fears of a war between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it. (PTI)

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

Srinagar Sep 29: Kashmir administration is on alert as hospitals have been asked to be equipped with oxygen generation plants in view of a possibility of 3rd COVID wave.
Over the last few weeks, there has been a significant increase in positive cases in Srinagar.
In view of the daily rising COVID-19 cases in Srinagar, the authorities on last Friday imposed a 10 day long curfew in the parts of the Srinagar city.
An order issued by District Magistrate Mohammad Aijaz said that a strict curfew shall come into force from Friday itself in areas falling under Zadibal and Lal Bazar municipal wards.
All educational institutions, shopping malls, and other businesses shall remain closed during the 10-day long curfew and only essential services would be allowed.
Experts believe there is a possibility of a 3rd COVID wave which may hit by the third week of October.
Taking note, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has directed chief medical officers to ensure required oxygen generation plants are put in hospitals which have 50 bed capacity.
“You are requested to convey the concerned private health institutions under your jurisdiction which are having more than 50 beds capacity to establish the oxygen generation plants of appropriate capacity for the facility of patient care under the intimidation of this office,” reads the letter.
A social and preventive medicine expert who is data analysis incharge in divisional control room Dr Rouf Hussain Rather had told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Agency (KINS) that people are not adhering COVID norms.
He said that the impact of the third wave could be avoided if people take several measures.
“The biggest tool at present we have is vaccination. People should not hesitate in taking the vaccination. It does not impact one’s fertility. Then we have to wear face masks, avoid gatherings and frequent hand washing which will be helpful in avoiding the third wave,” he said.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole recently visited several hospitals of district Srinagar to review preparedness of these institutions for containment of Covid and inspect adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) in these health institutions.
He stressed upon the heads of institutions to strictly implement CAB in these institutions to contain the spread of virus.
“As there are resurgence of cases in Kashmir valley, especially Srinagar district, we have to be very vigilant and alert so that we can keep the virus at bay which will eventually help us to delay any effect of possible 3rd wave,” Pole added. (KINS)

Police, army terms allegation baseless

A family in Seer Jageer area of Tral in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district Tuesday alleged that they were assaulted by the army on Monday evening.

The family alleged that their daughter Ishrat Jan was dragged while her clothes were torn before she fell unconscious and was later taken to hospital.

Ishrat while talking with the media alleged that the army dragged her out of the house and tried to take her away in their vehicle.

“I raised a hue and cry after which villagers came out and saved me,” she said.

“Army has been raiding our house frequently due to which we are feeling disturbed and insecure,” she said.

Ishrat’s mother said that her one son was already languishing in jail for the last three months, “while two others are being assaulted by the forces.”

The family demanded an end to such “atrocities” so that such an incident should not happen again.

Meanwhile, the army termed the allegation as baseless.

An army officer said that no manhandling of anyone was carried out by the army at Seer last night.

“An army night domination party had gone to a village where they spotted two persons near Arapal Nala. The duo were called and were being questioned, Ali Mohammed Chopan and his family came out of the house which was nearby,” an officer said.

“As they came out, Ishrat Jan feigned fainting while other members started shouting after which other villagers came out and started blaming the army for ransacking the house and beating the girl,” an officer said.

SSP Awantipora Mohammed Yousuf told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the claims made by the family are baseless after inquiring about the incident.

“Basically, they have links with militancy. One of their sons is already in jail after he was arrested in a militancy related case,” he said, adding that all the claims made by the girl are baseless.

Meanwhile, former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti said that this is not the first time that civilians from Seer village have been beaten up by the army.

“Army from Yagwani camp in Tral ransacked homes & ruthlessly thrashed a family last night.The daughter owing to her serious injuries was admitted to hospital. Not the first time that civilians from this village have been beaten up by the army in this area (sic),” Mehbooba tweeted.

Uri, Sep 28: The 19-year-old militant, who was apprehended at Salamabad Uri in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district Tuesday said that he was hopeful to see his mother back home in Pakistan one day soon.

Ali Babar Patra, aged 19, son of Lt. Muhammad Haneef, a resident of Okara district in the Punjab region in Pakistan was apprehended by the Indin Army during a nine-day long counter-militancy operation at Salamabad Uri in which seven militants were killed.

In an interview with the reporters at Uri brigade, the apprehended infiltrator as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that he attained the arms training in Muzaffarabad back in 2019 for around three weeks and was recalled by one of the LeT commanders saying that he was to take part in an important operation un-known to him in April in the ensuing year.

He said that he has a mother and elder sister at home while his father passed away a couple of years ago and they have no one other than him to earn for living and survival. “I am hopeful to see my mother and sister back home in Pakistan one day soon,” Ali said.

Babar stated that no infiltrator can cross the Line of Control (LoC) without support from across the border saying that it is impossible to cross the massive cover of the two armies on the LoC.

He said that his group was tasked to enter Kashmir through the route they sneaked in and remain in the Baramulla district at Pattan area. “We were told to reach Pattan and the LeT handler there will get in touch with us (the infiltrator’s group) and that he will give directions about the plans ahead”, he revealed.

Babar said that they were told by handlers on leaving that their immediate task is to motivate the local youth of Kashmir valley and get them in their folds.

About the communication, he revealed that they have a device through which they send voice SMS directly and the directions are issued in the same medium to carry out the tasks given to them.

The apprehended militant claimed to have attained the arms training along with nine others and he was the youngest among them and was chosen by one of the handlers for this particular operation earlier this year to drop the supplies in north Kashmir besides to motivate local youth—(KNO)

Uri, Sep 28: The army on Tuesday claimed to have carried out a successful anti-militancy operation in a period of nine days along the Line of Control in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir by killing seven heavily armed militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba militant outfit and capturing another one live in the area.

Addressing a press conference at Uri, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of Baramulla based- army’s 19 Infantry Division, Virendra Vats, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the operation started on September 18, when alert troops detected the infiltration movement flowing which an encounter broke out by the infiltrators and more reinforcement was mobilized.

“The infiltrating group comprised six infiltrators and two of them managed to sneak into the Indian side while four others went back, taking advantage of darkness. Two militants who were in the process of crossing the fence sneaked into this side and once we realized all this, additional forces were mobilized but given that the civilian population’s maximum restraint was exercised to avoid any collateral damage during the operation. All this happened the night of September 18,” he said.

The GoC also said that two of the infiltrators were holed up in a Nallah at Salamabad and the contact was established again on September 25 and one of them was killed on the September 26 morning, while another one pleaded to spare his life and he was accordingly apprehended.

“The apprehended militant identified himself as Ali Babar Patra, 19, son of Late Muhammad Lateef resident of Dipalpur district Okara of Punjab Pakistan, he has admitted that he was the member of LeT and was trained by the outfit,” the GoC said.

Given the recoveries made from the slain militants, the GoC said that it is quite possible that these infiltrators had come here for some kind of major strike which seems beyond the weapon supply drop.

“This infiltration attempt was made in the area of Salamabad Nallah, this is the same area through which we have had a history of infiltration in 2016 that is when a suicide attack on Uri Garrison took place,” the GoC said.

He said that it has also been revealed that this infiltration group was supported by the Pakistani side by three porters who had come to the LoC along with supplies.

“What we have also seen is that there has been a lot of movement in the launch pads across the LoC. An infiltration was also made when three militants were neutralized in the neighboring area recently, which shows the desperation of the neighbouring country whenever there is peace and stability in Kashmir,” said the army officer said.

He claimed that in the last seven days seven militants have been neutralized and one has been apprehended and five of these neutralizations have taken place near the Line of Control. “The major recoveries that have taken place include 7 AK series rifles, 9 pistols and revolvers and more than 80 different kinds of grenades and some Pakistani and Indian currency.” The GoC 19 Infantry division said that the operation was over in the area now—(KNO)

SRINAGAR, SEP 28 : During his visit to review progress of work on Zojila and Z Morh tunnels today, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said that extensive road networks in the Himalayan Region will help boost the tourism sector in the area. The minister is on a two day visit to the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing the media persons the minister gave the detailed information about the two tunnel projects and said that the Central Government has given a new impetus to the construction of new highways, tunnels and bridges which will bring transformative changes in the lives of people and will create huge employment opportunities to the local people.

He said that Zojila tunnel project will provide all weather connectivity to the Union Territory of Ladakh. He assured that work on the Zojila Tunnel is in full capacity and NHIDCL is geared up to continue the work in winter months. He stressed for putting in every effort in place to complete the project well before the scheduled date.

Gadkari expressed his satisfaction on the work progress and said that the Zojila tunnel is of a significant importance to the development and tourism for both UTs of J&K and Ladakh as it will provide round the year connectivity to Ladakh region.

Gadkari expressed satisfaction over the construction work at the Zojila tunnel and said that he has directed the authorities to complete the tunnels before the 2024 parliamentary election.

“I am satisfied with the speed of construction and have told the authorities to complete the construction of the tunnels before May 2024, so that we can show the opposition what we have achieved”, Gadkari said while addressing a press conference.

Pertinent to mention that, once completed the Zojila tunnel will be India’s longest road tunnel and Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. Several bridges are being constructed along this route and a connecting tunnel from Z-Morh in the National Highway-1 to Zojila tunnel will be constructed in the Zojila Ghats between Sonamarg and Kargil. The entire work is divided into two divisions in the 33 km span.

Stressing upon the state of art infrastructure in the tunnel projects he said that appropriate security measures have been kept in place including vertical shafts at three places and adequate security and lighting measures with CCTV, fire alarm and heat detection systems at par with international standards.

He further highlighted various important tunnel, rail and road projects of the country that were completed on priority by the Government keeping in mind border security alongside development and said various infrastructure development projects are going on in full swing throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

Important to mention, the project site of Zojila tunnel is located at existing highway (NH-01) starting from Sonamarg (UT of J&K) and ending at Minamarg (UT of Ladakh) at an elevation ranging from 2700m to 3300m, thus making the Zojila Tunnel (13.2 km) the longest tunnel at this elevation in Asia region. The present site location falls into seismic zone IV and all precautionary measures have been provisioned to safeguard the structures provisioned in the project.

Srinagar, Sept 28: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday warned the government against sacking employees on the grounds that they had links to militants, saying the move will create more problems.
“The government should stop it. The militancy will not reduce, it will only increase and create more problems for them (government),” Abdullah told reporters here.
He was responding to questions about the sacking of government employees on various grounds, including links to militancy and separatism.
Six government employees, including two policemen, were dismissed from service on September 22 for their alleged links to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Asked about the sacking of employees on the grounds that they were appointed without following the laid down procedure, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said the previous governments gave jobs to the people so that they could earn a living.
“It is not as if we had taken money or there was corruption (in recruitment). We gave jobs to people so that they earn a living. Now, if they are sacking them, what will their children do? How will they meet everyday needs?” Abdullah said.
In response to a question, the Lok Sabha member from Srinagar said he has not received any information about the next meeting of the delimitation commission for Jammu and Kashmir.
“As a Member of Parliament, I have to sit in the delimitation commission but so far I have not received any information,” he added.
Asked about restoration of statehood and special constitutional status to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said “We want to do it in a Gandhian way”.
“The case is before the Supreme Court. There has been no hearing. What can we do? We can’t throw stones. We want to do it the Gandhian way,” he said. ( KINS)