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  • Two more militants killed in ongoing Bandipora operation

    Srinagar: Two more militants were killed in an ongoing encounter at Panar forest area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

    Official sources told GNS that today morning a fresh gunfight broke out between the militants and the joint team of army’s 14 RR, 22 RR, 52 RR, 18 RR, 28 RR, 27 RR, 31 RR, army’s 3 Para Commandos and special team of air force in the dense forest area of Panar.

    A police officer also confirmed the killing of two militants in the operation.

    Police sources said that a group of at least thirteen more militants is believed to be hiding inside the woods.

    On June 14, two militants and an army soldier were killed in the operation.

    The officer had said that six soldiers including an officer were also suffered injuries so far in the ongoing operation.

    “The operation was launched on June 9 when the militants and the government forces exchanged brief gunfight in Raynar forests adjacent to Panar area. The operation with the help of additional reinforcements of army’s Para Commandos continued and entered on 10th straight day today,” the officer said.

    He said that during the period the joint team of forces and militants exchanged intermittent firing several times.

    “Operation is still going on to trace out the hiding militants,” the officer added. (GNS)

  • CASO’s resume in south Kashmir

    Srinagar: A day after the government of India (GoI) announced the resumption of operations against militants in Jammu Kashmir, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in Waghama village of south Kashmir’s Bijbehara area on Monday.

    Local sources said that all entry and exit points have been sealed and searches were going on in the area.

  • Ramzan saw 39 killings, 61 incidents of violence

    Srinagar: Despite unilateral ceasefire announced by the Central government, the holy month of Ramzan saw 39 killings and nearly 61 incidents of militant-initiated action in Kashmir.

    Those killed included 24 militants, nine security men and six civilians.

    Since May 17 when the security forces had halted anti-militancy operations, out of the 24 militants killed, 22 were eliminated along the border in Kupwara district. The Army says all 22 militants were infiltrators. The other two militants were killed in Bandipora district in a gunfight when militants ambushed an Army patrol.

    Out of the nine security men killed, five were J&K policemen and four were Army men. Of the four Army men, one was abducted and later killed by the militants in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

    The bloodiest attack during the Ramzan was carried by gunmen suspected to be militants in the heart of Srinagar on June 14, which left Shujaat Bukhari, editor-in-chief of Valley’s leading daily “Rising Kashmir”, dead along with two of his security guards.

    The major relief has been the reduction in the number of civilian killings. The civilian killings during the gunfights this year had become a major concern for the security establishment.

    During Ramzan, two civilians were killed in forces action. While one was killed allegedly in Army firing in Pulwama, another was crushed to death by a CRPF vehicle during a stone-throwing incident in Srinagar.

    Gunmen suspected to be militants also killed three civilians. One among them was beheaded in front of his family in the Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

    During Ramzan, however, there was a spurt in grenade attacks. At least 18 grenade attacks took place this Ramzan which left 56 persons, including 27 security men, injured.

    There was also a reduction in stone-throwing incidents in the Valley.

  • Army solider abducted by suspected militants in Pulwama

    Srinagar, June 14: Suspected miltants on Thursday abducted an army soldiers from Pulwama district of South Kashmir.
    A police officer told GNS that the militants abducted the solidier namely Aurengzeb who was travelling in a passenger vehicle.
    “Today morning at about 9 am army men from 44 RR camp at Shadimarg, Pulwama stopped a private vehicle and asked the driver to drop the soldier in Shopian. When the vehicle reached near Kalampora militants came in front of vehicle and abducted the army man,” he said.
    Aurenzab, a resident of Poonch is presently posted at Shadimarg army camp was on way to his home town when the incident occurred.
    Meanwhile massive searches have been launched to trace out the abducted solidier.(GNS)

  • Lailat-ul-Qadr to be observed tonight in Kashmir

    Srinagar: Muslims across the world will observe the holy Shab-e-Qadr or Lailat-ul-Qadr, a night considered to be equal to praying for 1000 months, with the religious reverence tonight.
    The night is being observed on every (Ramzan-ul-Mubarak 27).
    Notably, this is one of the holiest and most blessed nights, which is likely to occur on one of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan and most likely to be the 27th of the holy month.
    According to the holy Quran, the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in this night.
    The night has special significance as it is better than one thousand years and the angels descend therein by the permission of Allah Almighty.
    Special arrangements have been made for special prayers in Masjids and the shrines across the Valley to mark the holy night and seek divine blessings.
    Devotees have started thronging to the shrines especially Dargah Hazratbal where a huge congregational nightlong prayers are expected.
    The biggest congregational prayers will also be held at the historical Jamia Masjid Srinagar.
    The devotees will attend religious gatherings to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty and his blessings.
    Ulemas and Islamic clerics will highlight the teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
    Muslims traditionally observe the occasion through nightlong special prayers, Quran Khwani, religious discussions at mosques and in their houses on this holy night.
    Devotees also visit graveyards to seek eternal blessings for the departed souls of their near and dear ones.
    Meanwhile, the traffic police department has also issued a route plan for the vehicles carrying devotees to Hazratbal shrine on Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida from North, South and Central Kashmir to ensure free and smooth vehicular movement.
    The government has also made special arrangements for the devotees.
    Besides, the district administration has stressed the concerned authorities for ensuring proper sanitation around Eidgahs, Masjids, installing LED lamps besides keeping available medical facilities at the places where big congregation takes place.

  • ‘No peace without Pakistan’

    Farooq Abdullah the President of the opposition National Conference and a three time former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir is presently Member parliament representing Srinagar-Budgam constituency in the Lok Sabha the lower house of the Indian parliament. Abdullah the senior most mainstream political leader in the state was instrumental in pushing through a resolution for restoration of autonomy to Pre-1952 position during his six year term as Chief Minister (1996-2002). He spoke to Kashmir Magazine on the current political situation in Jammu & Kashmir and the working of the incumbent Mehbooba Mufti led PDP-BJP Coalition Government.

    Below mentioned are the main excerpts of the interview

    What about the present situation in Jammu & Kashmir and the announcement of unilateral ceasefire?

    Unilateral ceasefire was a good decision but without involvement and engagement of Pakistan no peace initiative can work in Jammu & Kashmir. Nine civilians were killed in one single day in border areas in Jammu border and an infant was killed the other day. The situation itself necessitates the engagement and involvement Pakistan for restoration of peace and stability in Jammu & Kashmir Even the normal working of the government is contrary to the expectation of the people of the state. A delegation from Poonch told me that after constructing three buildings of a university in Poonch the government is now thinking about its shifting to some other place and I don’t know that in how many years the government will complete this project. Unfortunately Srinagar master plan has been designed to allow occupation of greet belt areas to the workers of the political presently in power in the state.

    What flaws are there in the master plan designed by the government? Can you elaborate please?

    The master plan designed by the government is suited to the interests of the people of a political party presently in power. Scope to allow grabbing of vast green belt areas to the workers of the political party in power has been kept wide open and even the Dal catchment area is being damaged for extending chances of land grabbing to the vested interests.

    What about ceasefire? Chief Minister has said that Pakistan does not respond well to help restore peace in the state?

    Without involvement and engagement of Pakistan and political stake holders of Jammu & Kashmir no peace initiative can work in the state. This is the Vajpayee type of ceasefire. Vajpayee had taken on board both Pakistan and as well as the important stakeholders in Jammu & Kashmir.

    Trend among youth to join militancy is on the rise and now even professors and scholars tend to join militancy. What are the reasons of this new growing trend among youth in Kashmir?

    The rise of Hindutva in the country has badly hit the heart and minds of youth in Jammu & Kashmir. Youth of Kashmir are beaten ruthlessly in other parts of the country and don’t see their future safe in other states. Diversity has to be strengthening to bring back Kashmir youth from the violent paths.

    What about PDP-BJP alliance? Has this alliance led to present situation in Kashmir?

    Yes PDP sought votes against BJP and RSS but disrespected the public mandate by sitting with the people against whom they delivered fiery speeches during campaigning in last assembly election. South Kashmir district worst hit by the current phase of unrest had almost enmass voted for the PDP to deny BJP role in the government formation in Jammu & Kashmir.

    What about autonomy which is the main plank of your party?

    Autonomy is the only solution and both present and future governments will have to concede this demand. Without restoring autonomy the central government can’t restore peace and stability in Jammu & Kashmir.

    You passed resolution by two third majority but central government reject it and how do you expect a breakthrough?

    Central government did not reject the autonomy resolution but talks were initiated to discuss the issue. Several interlocutor were sent to discuss the issue with stake holders in Jammu & Kashmir and once even top separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah was asked to present his points over the issue. Former Prime Minister Narshima Rao once said “sky is the limit” and even Manmohan Singh during his prime ministerial tenure talked about restoration of autonomy to the state.

    Do you think successive central government have not kept their promises and betrayed the people of Jammu & Kashmir?

    Yes centre has always betrayed us but we have to stuck to our stand and sooner or later the central government has to restore the autonomy once granted to us.

    What about Karnatka vis-à-vis the misuse of article 356 by governors?

    Not only Karnatka but in Goa and Manipur the BJP did not respect the public mandate. In Goa and Manipur Congress party was in majority but BJP imposed the governments of its own will by allowing horse trading in those states. Thank God Supreme Court delivered justice within 48 hours as otherwise BJP was set to lure the MLAs of other parties and form a BJP government in Karnatka also.

    What would be the implications of BJP’s post poll strategy on 2019 parliamentary elections?

    People in the country have started uniting against the BJP and results of 2019 Lok Sabha elections will decide what the future of India’s electoral politics could be.

    What about healing touch policy of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party?

    No healing touch. Show me where is the healing touch? There is electric touch, there are pellets guns blinding the youth. An all party delegation of parliament members had come here and the replacement of pellet guns was our main demand. Even today pellets guns are used and pellets continue to strike deep into the eye of youth.

    What political mileage NC would get from the present situation vis-a-vis alienation?

    National Conference does not want to get any mileage from the present situation. We want restoration of peace and stability in the state. Situation can’t improve without dialogue with Pakistan and for permanent peace talks with both Pakistan and political stake holders of Jammu & Kashmir including Hurriyat Conference is a must.

    Should Hurriyat have welcomed the ceasefire?

    I can’t comment on the views of the Hurriyat Conference. Hurriyat Conference has its own views over Kashmir issue and I don’t want to comment on its policies.

    Has government failed to deliver?

    People are the best judges. You see fuel process have touched sky rocketing heights we too here in Jammu & Kashmir are badly hit. Tourism has been hit and ruined by national media. You see how a fake news about a Pampore incident was splashed by national media just to bring into disrepute the gullible Kashmiris. These are the new tactics of weakening us economically but god is there to take care of us.

    What could be the permanent solution to alienation in Kashmir?

    Alienation will automatically end the moment Kashmir is resolved. Autonomy guaranteeing self respect to the people of all the three regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is the only solution.

    What about propaganda of national news channels on tourism in Kashmir?

    National news channels are ruining the Kashmir tourism by continuing its vicious propaganda about the present situation in Kashmir but the government is also not doing anything to promote tourism in the state. See for two and a half hour long Delhi-Banglore air travel we have to pay just Rs 6000, but for just one hour Delhi-Srinagar air travel we have to pay Rs16000 and where is the government of Jammu & Kashmir. In the 1996 the central government has announced special concessions for air tickets to Srinagar, leave travel concession to employees for travelling Kashmir, and special incentives for the conduct of official meetings in Kashmir

    Stone pelting is increasing and youth don’t pay heed to calls for restraint, Why?

    Youth not in control as they have become masters of their own destiny. They think elders have failed to deliver. I would like to advice them to focus on education as the education is the solution to all problems.

    What about the book joint authored by Ex ISI Chief Lt General Asad Durani and Ex Raw Chief A S Dulat?

    A very good happening for restoration of normal relations between India and Pakistan. You go through the book and see people working under track-II diplomacy are trying to give good suggestion to both the government for resolution of the contentious issues.

    Courtesy: The Kashmir Magazine

  • LeT claims responsibility for Hajin army camp attack

    Srinagar: Militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba today claimed responsibility for the attack on an army camp at Hajin area of Bandipora district in north Kashmir.

    In a statement issued to GNS, Lashkar-e-Toiba spokesman Dr Abdullah Ghaznavi said that the outfit carried out the ‘fidayeen attack’ on army camp in Hajin.

    “Three Indian army men were killed and several injured in the attack,” the spokesperson said.

    On late Tuesday evening, a group of militants opened fire and lobbed UBGL grenades upon the army’s 13 RR camp which also has a police station and SOG camp in the vicinity.

    “Standoff attack by militants on Hajin army camp. Own troops retaliated,” army spokesperson had said yesterday. (GNS)

  • Infiltration bid foiled in Machil sector, three killed: Army

    Srinagar, June 6: Army on Wednesday claimed to have foiled an infiltration bid by killing three militants near the Line of Control (LoC) in Machil sector of Kupwara district in north Kashmir.

    Official sources told GNS that a gunfight broke out between militants and the troops of 17 JAK manning the fence at Khanabal area near Roshni Post in Machil sector today early morning.

    Army’s Srinagar based defence spokesperson Col Rajesh Kalia said that the infiltration bid was foiled in Machil sector.

    “Three infiltrators were killed and the search operation in the area is going on,” he said. (GNS)

  • At 35°C, Kashmir sees hottest June of Decade.

    Srinagar: With mercury touching a high of 35°C and the weather department warning of a heat wave in the region, Kashmir is witnessing the hottest June of the decade.

    On Sunday, the maximum day temperature was recorded at 35°C in the city while it was 34.4°C on Monday. These were the highest temperatures recorded in the Kashmir valley in the past one decade and were eight to nine degrees above the normal for this time of the year.

    The day temperatures of Sunday and Monday have beaten the previous high of 34.1°C recorded in June 2013. The temperatures this month are nearing the highest-ever June temperature of 37.8°C recorded in 1978. The drastic rise in the temperature has come at a time when the region is witnessing a lengthy dry spell. Rain has eluded for most of the past nine months, except April. The day temperatures across the Valley are several degrees higher than the normal with Gulmarg in north Kashmir registering a high of 23°C on Sunday — six degrees more than the normal.

    In south Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort, the maximum temperature on Sunday was recorded at 28.8°C which was also six degrees above the normal.

    The day temperature in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district was eight degrees above the normal while it was nine degrees above the normal in south Kashmir’s Qazigund town. — TNS

  • Three CRPF men, two civilians injured in Srinagar grenade blast

    Srinagar: Three paramilitary troopers and two pedestrians including a woman were injured after suspected militants lobbed a grenade on CRPF party at Fatehkadal area of Old city in Srinagar on Saturday evening.

    Official sources told GNS that the militants hurled a grenade on CRPF 82 battalion (F coy) at Fatehkadal.

    In the incident, three paramilitary men sustained splinter injuries, they said.

    Two pedestrians including a woman also said to have received injuries in the blast, they said.

    All the injured were shifted to nearby hospital for treatment.

    SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail Parray while confirming the grenade attack on CRPF told GNS that the paramilitary men were deployed in the area for law and order. (GNS)