News Analysis India

Tag: Jammu and Kashmir

  • Troop infusion in J&K ahead of Shah’s visit, 5,000 sent

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  In view of the targeted killings of civilians by militants, the Centre has decided to deploy around 5,000 additional troops in Kashmir to strengthen anti-terror operations and boost law and order measures. 

    The order, issued on Friday, comes a day before Home Minister Amit Shah’s maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of its special status and bifurcation into two Union territories. Fifty companies of the Central Armed Police Forces comprising CRPF and BSF would be deployed in the Valley, according to an official order accessed by this paper.

    Twenty-five companies of the BSF would be deployed for ‘static guard duties’, while an equal number of CRPF troops would be pressed into aggressive anti-terror operations. Static guard duties include gate keeping of vital institutions and government buildings.

    The last time the BSF was roped in for internal security duties in the Valley was in February 2019, ahead of the scrapping of Article 370. CRPF director-general Kuldeip Singh, along with senior officials from other agencies such as the Intelligence Bureau, is already in J&K monitoring the security situation after a spate of targeted killings of civilians.

    According to sources, the new deployment of paramilitary forces would be spanned over eight districts in the Valley and 30 CAPF companies would be posted in Srinagar. One CAPF company comprises 100 personnel.

    The first batch of 1,500 CRPF troops will reach Jammu and Kashmir by Saturday, sources said, adding that Indian Army would take care of safe transportation of the troops. This newspaper was the first to report on October 19 about the government’s plan  to send more troops to Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of a spurt in terror acts in the Valley. 

    Dismantling terror hubsThe fresh infusion of forces comes as security forces have cracked down on terror networks and have been carrying out back-to-back anti-terror operations

  • Eight terror operatives arrested by NIA during multiple raids in Jammu and Kashmir

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Eight operatives of various proscribed terror organisations were arrested Friday during multiple searches spread across six districts of Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a terrorism conspiracy case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said.

    The searches were carried out at 10 locations in Srinagar, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag and Baramulla districts, which also led to the seizure of electronic devices and incriminating ‘Jihadi’ (holy war) documents and posters, an agency official said.

    With this, a total of 21 accused people have been arrested in connection with the terrorism conspiracy case which was registered on October 10.

    The official identified the arrested persons as Adil Ahmad War, Manan Gulzar Dar, Sobhia and Zamin Adil of Srinagar, Hilal Ahmad Dar and Shaqib Bashir of Kupwara, Rouf Bhatt of Anantnag and Haris Nisar Langoo.

    “The eight accused persons arrested are terror operatives of various proscribed terrorist organisations and have been instrumental in providing logistical and material support to terrorists,” the NIA official said.

    He said the case relates to the conspiracy for undertaking violent terrorist acts in J&K and other major cities by cadres of proscribed terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al Badr and their affiliates such as the Resistance Front (TRF) and People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF).

    “Further investigation in the case continues,” the NIA said.

    On October 13, the NIA said nine terror associates were arrested during two days of searches at 18 locations in different districts of Kashmir following the registration of the case.

    Four more suspected persons were arrested during searches at 11 locations in the valley on October 20.

  • Was told I will get Rs 300-crore bribe if I clear deals of ‘Ambani’, ‘RSS-linked man’: Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has claimed that he was told he would get Rs 300-crore bribe if he cleared two files belonging to “Ambani” and an “RSS-affiliated man” during his tenure but he cancelled the deals, and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting his decision by saying there is no need to compromise on corruption.

    Malik, who currently holds the gubernatorial post in Meghalaya, also supported the ongoing farmer agitation against the Centre’s farm laws and said he is ready to leave his post and stand with them if their protest continues.

    “After going to Kashmir, two files came to me (for clearance), one belonging to Ambani and another to an RSS-affiliated man who was a minister in the previous Mehbooba Mufti-led (PDP-BJP coalition) government and claimed to be very close to the prime minister.

    “I was informed by secretaries in both the departments that there is a scandal involved and I accordingly cancelled both the deals. The secretaries told me that ‘you will get Rs 150 crore each for clearing the files’ but I told them that I have come with five kurta-pajamas and will leave with that only,” Malik told a gathering at an event in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.

    A video of his speech has gone viral.

    Malik did not elaborate on the two files, but he was apparently referring to a file related to the roll-out of a group health insurance policy for government employees, pensioners and accredited journalists, for which the government had tied up with Reliance General Insurance, part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

    In October 2018, Malik who was then the governor of J&K, had cancelled the tie-up with Reliance General Insurance Company for providing the group health insurance to employees as there was “some bungling” in it.

    Two days later, the governor approved foreclosure of the contract with Reliance General Insurance and referred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for examining the entire process to see whether it was conducted in a transparent and fair manner.

    “As a precaution, I took time from the prime minister and briefed him about the two files and the scandal as the people involved were taking his name. I straightaway told him (PM) that I am ready to leave the post but if I stay back, I am not going to clear the files,” he claimed and praised Modi for saying that there is no need to compromise on corruption.

    Malik also alleged that Kashmir is the most corrupt place in the country.

    “In the whole country, four to five per cent commission is sought, but in Kashmir 15 per cent commission is demanded,” he said without explaining, but added that under his leadership, there was no big case of corruption reported in J&K and that he even declined a favour to his relatives in the valley.

    He said after his return from Kashmir, he made a statement in favour of the agitating farmers.

    He said that he being poor is his strength and he can fight any powerful man in the country.

    “If the farmer agitation continues, I will leave my post and stand with them without caring for anyone. It is possible when I have done no wrong and do not have any wrong item in my wardrobe. I am satisfied that I have not done anything wrong,” he said.

    Advising newly recruited officers not to budge under pressure and work honestly for the betterment of society, he asked them to remain alert against their wives who “spoil everything” by demanding more and prompting their husbands to indulge in corrupt practices.

    “The pressure will come and you will also feel good (by taking bribe)…In Jaipur, there are officers who did not even have thatched houses in their native places have built palatial houses. But if you remain steadfast and honest, you can fight anyone,” Malik said.

    The former J&K governor said he does not have a house to live in after his retirement but “I do not have any worry that I have no house.”

    Malik said he had been an MLA, an MP, a union minister but the people from Rajasthan who have a lot of money would come to his place and be surprised on seeing his small accommodation.

  • Farooq Abdullah questions claims of peace, development in Jammu and Kashmir

    By PTI

    JAMMU: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over the targeted killings in Kashmir and said it should give an answer to the people over the claims of restoration of peace in the valley.

    He also said that the National Conference was never a pro-Pakistan party and always worked for the betterment of all, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion.

    “They (BJP) used to say after abrogation of Article 370 (in August 2019) that they have restored peace in J&K Where is the promised peace and development? Give answers to the people,” Abdullah said addressing party workers in Ramban district.

    Eleven civilians, including two teachers, a pharmacy owner and five non-local labourers, were killed in targeted attacks by terrorists in different parts of the Kashmir valley this month.

    Without naming the BJP or the central government, the former chief minister said the recent killings have shattered all the claims made in the aftermath of the August 5, 2019 development.

    “They are talking about ‘Ram Rajya’ but the fact is that they do not know anything about it. In ‘Ram Rajya’, there is no discrimination and all the people whether Muslims, Hindus, Sikh or Christians are treated equally,” he said.

    Referring to the statement of former prime minister A B Vajpayee “you can change friends but not neighbours”, Abdullah said friendship between India and Pakistan holds the key to peace in the region.

    However, he said the National Conference has never been a pro-Pakistan party.

    “The aim of National Conference is to serve the people of all faiths without any discrimination, provide better living to them, ensure they educate their children and bring laurels to J&K and the country,” he said.

    “Our enemies have always conspired against us but they never succeeded in the past nor will they succeed in future. We will live and die here,” the NC president said.

    He also slammed the central government for price hike of essential commodities and said the rates of petrol and diesel are touching the sky, making the lives of the commoners miserable.

  • NIA conducts searches in Jammu and Kashmir, arrests 4 terror associates in terrorism conspiracy

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The NIA on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations in four districts of Jammu and Kashmir and arrested four alleged terror associates in connection with a terrorism conspiracy case, an official said.

    The searches were carried out at 11 locations in Srinagar, Pulwama, Kulgam and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

    Suhail Ahmad Thokar of Kulgam; Kamran Ashraf Reshi, Rayid Bashir and Hanan Gulzar Dar from Srinagar, have been arrested by the premier investigation agency, the NIA official said.

    The case relates to conspiracy for undertaking violent terrorist acts in Jammu and Kashmir along with other major cities by cadres of the proscribed terrorist organisations Laskhar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al Badr and similar other outfits and their affiliates including The Resistance Front (TRF), People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF) among others, the NIA official said.

    The National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered the case on October 10 and has so far arrested nine accused.

    The searches have led to the recovery and seizure of electronic devices and incriminating jehadi documents/ Posters among others, the official said.

    The four accused are terror associates/OGWs (Over Ground Workers) of various proscribed terrorist organisations and have been providing logistical and material support to terrorists, the NIA official said, adding that further investigation in the case continues.

  • Encounter underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian, two militants killed

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Two unidentified militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.

    Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dragad area of Shopian district following information about presence of militants there, a police official said.

    ALSO READ | NIA raids 11 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with recent terrorism conspiracy case

    He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire on the security forces who retaliated.

    The official said two ultras have been killed.

    The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was being ascertained, he added.

  • J&K militant involved in murder of non-local carpenter killed in Shopian encounter

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR: Police on Wednesday said the TRF militant involved in the murder of a non-local carpenter last week has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district.

    Police said two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Draggad area of Shopian in south Kashmir on Wednesday.

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar identified one of the slain militants as Adil Ahmed Wani.

    The slain militant was district commander of LeT (TRF), he said.

    ALSO READ | NIA raids 11 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with recent terrorism conspiracy case

    According to IGP Kashmir, Adil was involved in the killing of non-local carpenter Mohammad Sagir from UP at Litter, Pulwama in south Kashmir.

    On October 16 evening, militants shot dead Sagir at Litter area of Pulwama. An hour earlier, a non-local street vendor Arbind Kumar from Bihar was shot dead by militants at Iddgah area of Srinagar.

    Militants have shot dead 12 civilians including five non-locals, three minority community members and four locals in the Valley this month so far.

    After the targeted killings, non-local workers are leaving the Valley.

  • Encounter underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, police said.

    Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Dragad area of Shopian district following information about presence of militants there, a police official said.

    He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants opened fire on security forces who retaliated.

    There were no reports of any casualties so far on either side, he added.

  • People asked to stay indoors as anti-terror operation enters day 9 in Poonch-Rajouri forest

    By PTI

    JAMMU: As the counter-insurgency operation in the forest belt of Jammu and Kashmir’s twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri entered the ninth day on Tuesday, public announcements were made in Mendhar asking local residents to stay indoors for their safety, officials said.

    The people were alerted through the public address system in local mosques in Bhatta Durrian and adjoining areas as the security forces were preparing a final assault against the terrorists believed to be hiding in the forest area of Mendhar in Poonch district, the officials said.

    They said the people were asked not to venture into the forest area and also keep their livestock at their homes in view of the ongoing operation.

    Those who have gone outside were asked to return to their homes along with their animals, the officials said.

    While a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and four other security personnel laid down their lives in a fierce gunfight during the start of the counter-insurgency operation in Surankote forest of Poonch on October 11, four other soldiers including another JCO lost their lives in another encounter in Nar Khas forest in Mendhar on Thursday evening after the security forces extended the cordon and search operation.

    An encounter was on in the adjoining Thanamandi forest in Rajouri district on October 11 when the security forces confronted the fleeing militants who, however, managed to escape.

    The entire forest belt is still under tight security cordon to neutralise the terrorists, the officials said, adding the area is mountainous and the forest is dense, making the operation difficult and dangerous.

    Eight suspected persons including a mother-son duo were detained for questioning from Bhatta Durrian in connection with providing logistic support to the terrorists.

    However, it is to be seen whether the support was given voluntarily or under duress, the officials said.

    Earlier on Saturday, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rajouri-Poonch range, Vivek Gupta said the presence of terrorists in the forest area connecting Poonch and Rajouri was observed two and a half months ago and accordingly tactical operations were launched to track them down.

    “The joint security grid was tracking different groups of terrorists but sometimes operations take time, depending on the topography of the area. The contact with the terrorists was established on three occasions during the start of the operation, based on the intelligence inputs,” the officer had said, adding the terrorists are holed up and the joint forces are on the job to take the operation to the logical conclusion.

    The army has already deployed para-commandos and a helicopter was also seen hovering over the forest area on Saturday for surveillance.

    The traffic between Mendhar and Thanamandi along the Jammu-Rajouri highway remained suspended as a precautionary measure for the fifth day on Tuesday in the wake of the ongoing operation.

    Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region have witnessed a rise in infiltration attempts since June this year, resulting in the killing of nine terrorists in separate encounters.

  • CRPF DG in Kashmir Valley to expedite work on safe camps for labourers

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Aiming to accelerate construction of special security camps for migrant workers in Kashmir, the DG of CRPF, who also happens to be the DG of NIA, flew to the Valley on Monday to review the arrangements. 

    Sources said the main purpose of his visit, which comes in the wake of a spate in targeted killings of non-locals, is to review the final arrangements made for the proposed security camps, the construction work on which is likely to begin soon.  

    Highly placed sources said that the DG, Kuldeep Singh, asked agencies to compile data on the number of non-locals in the Valley and the present security arrangements available for them. Singh, who would be camping in the Valley for next few days, would apprise the home ministry about the number of camps that would be required, the timeline in which these camps could be readied and the necessary resources that would be required to build these camps, a top government functionary told this newspaper.

    “The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is likely to deploy more CRPF companies in the Valley for the protection of these camps. Orders to this effect may be issued soon,” the official said. Sources said that for the time being, senior security officials were toying with the idea of converting schools that were not in use into temporary shelters for the non-locals. “Details such as the number of non-locals are being compiled along with the security arrangements that have been made for Pandits, Sikhs and non-locals  living in Kashmir,” said a senior security official. A similar plan to secure non-locals in Kashmir had been put in place right after the abrogation of Article 370.