Jammu and Kashmir is expected to witness dry weather till January 5 hence further dip in the temperature is anticipated in coming days.
Tag: Jammu and Kashmir
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Mehbooba Mufti: “Give 50 lakh, jobs to kin of people killed in police investigation”: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti
Poonch: Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has requested Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to give compensation of 50 Lakh rupees to the people allegedly killed in the police investigation following a terror attack in Poonch last week.
Addressing a press conference, Mufti said “The people of Rajouri have supported the country’s army in all the wars that have taken place since 1947. People were picked up from their homes, killed, and beaten. This has been done with so loyal people, who guard the borders along with the army. I sincerely request that LG should tell the Defence Minister that a compensation of Rs 50 lakh should be given to the people harassed. Jobs and plots should be given on the roadside and Rs 5 lakh should be given to the injured people.”
She further said that an FIR was registered on the unknown person when everything was visible in the alleged video.”After that, the Army Chief and Defence Minister came here, then what happened? Then FIR was lodged in the name of the unknown when everything was visible in that video. If you do not catch the culprit, then in a way you are also committing crime. When I tried to come and meet their families, I was put under house arrest. People from the BJP and the National Conference were allowed. I was stopped again yesterday. Don’t know what they are trying to hide,” she added.
Further coming down heavily on the Defence Minister, she asserted that what is the benefit of his visit if people are still threatened.
“They brought so many people to stop us. We are not the people of China or Pakistan. We are among the people of our country, so why were we stopped?” Mehbooba Mufti said.Earlier, Mehbooba Mufti was stopped by the police on DKG road in Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) due to security concerns. She was en route to meet the families of victims near the location of an anti-terrorist operation in the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir.Following the incident, Mehbooba and her supporters staged a protest, expressing dissatisfaction with the situation.
“BJP president Ravinder Raina can come here; National Conference leaders can come but they tell us that there is some threat here. I think the biggest threat here is these people. They don’t want us to meet those families. They are trying to hide something then,” Mufti said on Saturday.
Earlier on December 27, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met the families of three civilians who were killed near the site of an anti-terrorist operation in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Rajnath Singh was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Singh.
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Rajouri Encounter Underway On Day 4; Army Deploy Drones, Internet Shut
During the combing operation, two army vehicles were attacked on December 20 by the terrorists in which four army soldiers were martyred.
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Two LeT ultras killed in encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian
By PTI
SRINAGAR: Two terrorists of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday, police said.
The encounter broke out in the early hours of Tuesday after security forces launched an anti-militancy operation following information about the presence of ultras in the district’s Alshipora area, they said.
“Two terrorists killed. Search going on. Further details shall follow,” the Kashmir Zone Police said in a post on X.
The police claimed one of the slain Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) ultras was involved in the killing of bank guard Sanjay Sharma earlier this year.
“Killed terrorists have been identified as Morifat Maqbool and Jazim Farooq alias Abrar of terror outfit LeT. Terrorist Abrar was involved in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit late Sanjay Sharma,” Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir Zone) Vijay Kumar said in a post on X.
SRINAGAR: Two terrorists of the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Tuesday, police said.
The encounter broke out in the early hours of Tuesday after security forces launched an anti-militancy operation following information about the presence of ultras in the district’s Alshipora area, they said.
“Two terrorists killed. Search going on. Further details shall follow,” the Kashmir Zone Police said in a post on X.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
The police claimed one of the slain Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) ultras was involved in the killing of bank guard Sanjay Sharma earlier this year.
“Killed terrorists have been identified as Morifat Maqbool and Jazim Farooq alias Abrar of terror outfit LeT. Terrorist Abrar was involved in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit late Sanjay Sharma,” Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir Zone) Vijay Kumar said in a post on X.
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Six bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protest over Manipur
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Six bills, including the one to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, were introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid protests by opposition members over the violence in Manipur.
Soon after laying of papers, Speaker Om Birla asked Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai to introduce the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Manish Tewari of the Congress opposed the introduction of the bill, claiming the House lacked “legislative competence” to do so.
He said the measure transgresses on the right to privacy and separation of power and suffers from the malady of excessive delegation.
The bill was later introduced by a voice vote.
The House then took up the moving of a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government.
After that, five other bills were introduced amid slogan-shouting by opposition members over the Manipur issue.
Minister Rai then moved to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The bill was introduced by a voice vote with no opposition member opposing its introduction.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was also introduced by Rai following a voice vote.
Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference opposed the introduction of the measure claiming that the Reorganisation Act is a “constitutionally suspect law”.
He said the matter is sub judice as the Supreme Court is examining the matter.
“It is against constitutional propriety to amend an Act which is under judicial scrutiny,” he said.
Union ministers Virendra Kumar and Arjun Munda then introduced the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, respectively.
Union minister Pralhad Joshi introduced the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023.
Opposing its introduction, N K Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party said it is against the principle of federalism.
He said it will adversely affect public sector undertakings as well as the safety and security of the nation.
He said multi-national corporations will benefit from the amendment bill.
Joshi said no objection can be raised on the legislative competence of Parliament with regard to amending the mines and minerals law.
The bill was introduced after a voice vote.
NEW DELHI: Six bills, including the one to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, were introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid protests by opposition members over the violence in Manipur.
Soon after laying of papers, Speaker Om Birla asked Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai to introduce the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
Manish Tewari of the Congress opposed the introduction of the bill, claiming the House lacked “legislative competence” to do so.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
He said the measure transgresses on the right to privacy and separation of power and suffers from the malady of excessive delegation.
The bill was later introduced by a voice vote.
The House then took up the moving of a no-confidence motion against the Narendra Modi government.
After that, five other bills were introduced amid slogan-shouting by opposition members over the Manipur issue.
Minister Rai then moved to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The bill was introduced by a voice vote with no opposition member opposing its introduction.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was also introduced by Rai following a voice vote.
Hasnain Masoodi of the National Conference opposed the introduction of the measure claiming that the Reorganisation Act is a “constitutionally suspect law”.
He said the matter is sub judice as the Supreme Court is examining the matter.
“It is against constitutional propriety to amend an Act which is under judicial scrutiny,” he said.
Union ministers Virendra Kumar and Arjun Munda then introduced the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, respectively.
Union minister Pralhad Joshi introduced the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023.
Opposing its introduction, N K Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party said it is against the principle of federalism.
He said it will adversely affect public sector undertakings as well as the safety and security of the nation.
He said multi-national corporations will benefit from the amendment bill.
Joshi said no objection can be raised on the legislative competence of Parliament with regard to amending the mines and minerals law.
The bill was introduced after a voice vote.
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Civilian Deepu Kumar killed by terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag cremated
By PTI
UDHAMPUR: Deepu Kumar, who was gunned down by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, was cremated near his native village here on Tuesday, with Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina terming the killing as unfortunate that has shamed humanity.
Kumar (27), who worked at a circus in the Janglat Mandi area in the south Kashmir district, was shot dead by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists when he had gone to the market to buy milk around 8.30 pm on Monday.
His body was on Tuesday moved to his remote Thial village in Udhampur district where it was received by villagers amid anti-Pakistan sloganeering.
The body was later taken to a nearby cremation ground where the last last rites were performed.
The pyre was lit by Kumar’s nephew in accordance with family tradition and rituals.
“This is a very unfortunate incident which shames humanity. His father is on the death-bed and his elder brother is blind. He was the only bread earner for the family,” Raina, who was among several BJP workers who joined the last rites of the deceased, told PTI.
He said the perpetrators of the gruesome crime have done a great injustice to the poor family.
“What was his crime for which he was brutally killed? An innocent blood was shed and those who have done this have committed a great sin,” Raina said, adding “the culprits cannot escape the law here and the creator too will not forgive them”.
The BJP leader said he spoke to the Lt Governor and sought adequate compensation for the poor family.
“I am hopeful that the government will come out with a proper rehabilitation plan for them”.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has approved an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of Kumar.
Hailing from remote Thial village of Majalta, about 60 kms from the Udhampur district headquarters, Kumar was a sole breadwinner in a joint family comprising his pregnant wife, ailing father besides blind brother, his wife and two children who are putting up together in a single-storey mud-house on a slope in the village.
Reacting to the killing, the Jammu chapter of J-K High Court Bar Association termed it as “dastardly act” and voiced concern about the game-plan of terrorists and their masters across the border in selectively targeting the peace-loving civilians.
Chairing a condolence meeting inside the court complex in Jammu, Bar president Vikram Sharma appreciated the offensive mounted by security forces against the perpetrators of crime to bring them to book.
“We hope such incidents are not allowed to recur and that the terrorism shall soon be wiped out,” he said, urging the government to give a befitting response to those waging war against the country from within and outside.
UDHAMPUR: Deepu Kumar, who was gunned down by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, was cremated near his native village here on Tuesday, with Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina terming the killing as unfortunate that has shamed humanity.
Kumar (27), who worked at a circus in the Janglat Mandi area in the south Kashmir district, was shot dead by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists when he had gone to the market to buy milk around 8.30 pm on Monday.
His body was on Tuesday moved to his remote Thial village in Udhampur district where it was received by villagers amid anti-Pakistan sloganeering.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
The body was later taken to a nearby cremation ground where the last last rites were performed.
The pyre was lit by Kumar’s nephew in accordance with family tradition and rituals.
“This is a very unfortunate incident which shames humanity. His father is on the death-bed and his elder brother is blind. He was the only bread earner for the family,” Raina, who was among several BJP workers who joined the last rites of the deceased, told PTI.
He said the perpetrators of the gruesome crime have done a great injustice to the poor family.
“What was his crime for which he was brutally killed? An innocent blood was shed and those who have done this have committed a great sin,” Raina said, adding “the culprits cannot escape the law here and the creator too will not forgive them”.
The BJP leader said he spoke to the Lt Governor and sought adequate compensation for the poor family.
“I am hopeful that the government will come out with a proper rehabilitation plan for them”.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has approved an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of Kumar.
Hailing from remote Thial village of Majalta, about 60 kms from the Udhampur district headquarters, Kumar was a sole breadwinner in a joint family comprising his pregnant wife, ailing father besides blind brother, his wife and two children who are putting up together in a single-storey mud-house on a slope in the village.
Reacting to the killing, the Jammu chapter of J-K High Court Bar Association termed it as “dastardly act” and voiced concern about the game-plan of terrorists and their masters across the border in selectively targeting the peace-loving civilians.
Chairing a condolence meeting inside the court complex in Jammu, Bar president Vikram Sharma appreciated the offensive mounted by security forces against the perpetrators of crime to bring them to book.
“We hope such incidents are not allowed to recur and that the terrorism shall soon be wiped out,” he said, urging the government to give a befitting response to those waging war against the country from within and outside.
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Intruder killed by Army in J-K’s Poonch sector
By ANI
POONCH: An intruder was killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector on Friday night by Bimber Gali Bridage Army, sources said on Saturday.
During the search, the army recovered drugs and IED explosives from the intruder.
Meanwhile, a search operation in the area is underway, sources said.
Further details into the matter are awaited.
Earlier on Thursday, security forces busted a suspicious hideout in the Mendhar area of Poonch district and recovered IED and other explosives.
A police officer told that a suspicious hideout was detected in the Lower Kasbalari area of Mendhar by a joint team of army and police.
“During searches by the army’s sniffer dog detected some suspicious IEDs and other explosive material which were later destroyed by the Bomb Disposal squad safely,” he said.
The officer added that the suspected IED and other explosives were destroyed in the presence of the village Sarpanch and Numberdar.
In May, Police busted a terrorist hideout in the forest area of Tehsil Khari in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district and recovered a large cache of ammunition, police said.
According to Ramban police, the search operation was launched by J-K Police and Special Operations Group (Banihal) in the Burzalla forest area and suspected hideout locations were searched.
“During which police busted a militant hideout and ammunition among other things were recovered from the spot,” police added.
During the search, the police recovered two rifles grenades, and other ammunition.
A case under sections of the Explosive Substance Act has been registered at the Banihal police station,” stated the police.
Also read: Massive searches underway in J-K’s Poonch to track terrorists after attack on army truck
Read more: Army suffers more casualties in Poonch-Rajouri districts than in Kashmir valley
POONCH: An intruder was killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch sector on Friday night by Bimber Gali Bridage Army, sources said on Saturday.
During the search, the army recovered drugs and IED explosives from the intruder.
Meanwhile, a search operation in the area is underway, sources said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Further details into the matter are awaited.
Earlier on Thursday, security forces busted a suspicious hideout in the Mendhar area of Poonch district and recovered IED and other explosives.
A police officer told that a suspicious hideout was detected in the Lower Kasbalari area of Mendhar by a joint team of army and police.
“During searches by the army’s sniffer dog detected some suspicious IEDs and other explosive material which were later destroyed by the Bomb Disposal squad safely,” he said.
The officer added that the suspected IED and other explosives were destroyed in the presence of the village Sarpanch and Numberdar.
In May, Police busted a terrorist hideout in the forest area of Tehsil Khari in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district and recovered a large cache of ammunition, police said.
According to Ramban police, the search operation was launched by J-K Police and Special Operations Group (Banihal) in the Burzalla forest area and suspected hideout locations were searched.
“During which police busted a militant hideout and ammunition among other things were recovered from the spot,” police added.
During the search, the police recovered two rifles grenades, and other ammunition.
A case under sections of the Explosive Substance Act has been registered at the Banihal police station,” stated the police.
Also read: Massive searches underway in J-K’s Poonch to track terrorists after attack on army truck
Read more: Army suffers more casualties in Poonch-Rajouri districts than in Kashmir valley
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Jammu: Nomadic families face harsh climate, wild animal attacks
By PTI
BHADERWAH/JAMMU: Hundreds of Gujjar and Bakerwal families in Jammu and Kashmir who have migrated to higher altitudes are battling on twin fronts — harsh climate due to unseasonal snowfall and attacks by wild animals, particularly leopards.
For centuries, hundreds of nomadic families trek through treacherous terrains along with cattle to high-altitude grazing fields every summer. They return to the plains in winter.
With mountainous areas of Bhaderwah, Bhalessa and Kishtwar under snow amid a spell of relentless cold, the nomadic families of Gujjars and Bakerwals are facing a tough time as they are unable to reach the alpine pastures in the Himalayas.
Bakerwal families who got stuck due to an unseasonal snowstorm at high-altitude passes of Chattergala, Guldanda, Sarthal and Padri areas of Bhaderwah Valley, say that they do not have any food for themselves and no fodder for their cattle for seven straight days.
“We are facing the dual threat of harsh weather and leopard attack. Taking advantage of the snowstorm, wild beasts killed several dozens of sheep, goats, horses and mules,” Khushal Chowdhary, who was part of this year’s migration, said.
He said that they have met the Doda deputy commissioner and Bhaderwah additional deputy commissioner and sought the administration’s help in the matter.
“We have lost our cattle, the sole source of our livelihood, in the snowstorm. A majority of the remaining cattle have fallen sick because of harsh weather and starvation. We hope that the administration extends a helping hand,” Chowdhary added.
Sadeeq Theekriyo (50) claimed that he has loar 20 goats, 10 sheep, a mule and a horse in the snowstorm.
“Some could not stand the harsh weather and a few others were hunted by leopards. We have been waiting for help but to date, no one came to us with anything,” he said.
Doda Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan said he has asked the chief sheep husbandry officer, chief medical officer and others in the Bhaderwah administration to reach out to all the distressed tribal families.
“We have already deployed multiple teams and have sent them in different directions. They checked the cattle and also distributed medicines. This process will continue till the weather improves and all nomadic tribes cross the high-altitude passes,” Mahajan said.
The verification of deaths of cattle will be done as per the existing rules, he added.
Zaitoon Jungle (35), who is camping at Halooni Nullah along with 20 other families after crossing the Chattergala pass, said that those who were ailing have not received any help so far.
“We are used to surviving in tough conditions but last fortnight turned out to be the most miserable of our lives,” he said.
BHADERWAH/JAMMU: Hundreds of Gujjar and Bakerwal families in Jammu and Kashmir who have migrated to higher altitudes are battling on twin fronts — harsh climate due to unseasonal snowfall and attacks by wild animals, particularly leopards.
For centuries, hundreds of nomadic families trek through treacherous terrains along with cattle to high-altitude grazing fields every summer. They return to the plains in winter.
With mountainous areas of Bhaderwah, Bhalessa and Kishtwar under snow amid a spell of relentless cold, the nomadic families of Gujjars and Bakerwals are facing a tough time as they are unable to reach the alpine pastures in the Himalayas.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
Bakerwal families who got stuck due to an unseasonal snowstorm at high-altitude passes of Chattergala, Guldanda, Sarthal and Padri areas of Bhaderwah Valley, say that they do not have any food for themselves and no fodder for their cattle for seven straight days.
“We are facing the dual threat of harsh weather and leopard attack. Taking advantage of the snowstorm, wild beasts killed several dozens of sheep, goats, horses and mules,” Khushal Chowdhary, who was part of this year’s migration, said.
He said that they have met the Doda deputy commissioner and Bhaderwah additional deputy commissioner and sought the administration’s help in the matter.
“We have lost our cattle, the sole source of our livelihood, in the snowstorm. A majority of the remaining cattle have fallen sick because of harsh weather and starvation. We hope that the administration extends a helping hand,” Chowdhary added.
Sadeeq Theekriyo (50) claimed that he has loar 20 goats, 10 sheep, a mule and a horse in the snowstorm.
“Some could not stand the harsh weather and a few others were hunted by leopards. We have been waiting for help but to date, no one came to us with anything,” he said.
Doda Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan said he has asked the chief sheep husbandry officer, chief medical officer and others in the Bhaderwah administration to reach out to all the distressed tribal families.
“We have already deployed multiple teams and have sent them in different directions. They checked the cattle and also distributed medicines. This process will continue till the weather improves and all nomadic tribes cross the high-altitude passes,” Mahajan said.
The verification of deaths of cattle will be done as per the existing rules, he added.
Zaitoon Jungle (35), who is camping at Halooni Nullah along with 20 other families after crossing the Chattergala pass, said that those who were ailing have not received any help so far.
“We are used to surviving in tough conditions but last fortnight turned out to be the most miserable of our lives,” he said.
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G20 should keep eye on J-K situation: Cong; PDP says govt wants to project ‘all is well in Kashmir’
By PTI
SRINAGAR: Opposition Congress and PDP on Monday said the government wanted to falsely project normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by holding a G20 event while there was an “emergency-like situation” in the Union Territory.
“The G20 countries should also internally keep an eye on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The democracy has been wiped out here, there is an emergency-like situation created by the BJP,” Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Vikar Rasool Wani told reporters at a party function here.
He said the government has destroyed the roads in the city and now is putting up hoardings to impress the G20 delegates.
“They are showing the roads to the G20, roads have been destroyed, now only pictures are being put up–the G20 should also know about the internal situation in J-K, the lack of democracy, the absence of an (elected) assembly, snatching of the statehood and the division of the state,” Wani said.
Wani claimed that he was denied permission to hold public rallies in the Valley but the BJP’s like-minded parties are continuously allowed to do so.
“We had applied for permission to hold rallies at Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara and Kishtwar but permission was not granted. Other parties like Apni party and DPAP are getting permissions continuously,” he said.
Wani said it was evident that the government has failed to improve the situation in J and K.
“(Union Home Minister) Amit Shah claims to have ended terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. But there is no decrease in target killings. In one month, we have lost 10 soldiers in Rajouri. The BJP only uses Kashmir for election campaigns,” he alleged.
PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura said while holding the G20 working group meeting in Kashmir may boost tourism in the valley, the government’s main aim was to falsely project normalcy in the Union Territory.
“Holding G20 event is good and it may help to boost tourism here. However, there is no change in the ground situation, particularly after the revocation of Article 370. I think by holding a G20 event here in Kashmir, they want to convey a message globally that all is well in Kashmir,” Hanjura told reporters here.
The PDP general secretary said the situation on the ground was ‘not good’ as two incidents of militancy-related violence happened in Rajouri and Poonch.
“Firstly, I strongly condemn the incidents. It should not happen because the PDP believes guns are not the solution. Issues can be resolved through talks but unfortunately, the BJP government cannot digest this. They are not ready for talks. Even, for instance, if war prevails for 100 years, ultimately the solution is through dialogue,” he added.
Hajura said the people in Kashmir were facing problems as authorities have tightened the security measures ahead of the G20 meeting.
On demands for another surgical strike on Pakistan, he said, “After the first surgical strike, the situation is as it was. Gun is not the solution the PDP advocates dialogue only. India and Pakistan should come on table for talks along with stakeholders to find a solution.”
In response to a question on the involvement of locals in the pooch incident, Hanjura said, “That’s the duty of security agencies. If anyone is involved, he should be punished.”
He, however, questioned how the incident took place in such a huge presence of security forces.
“The BJP is answerable for that. They claim that they made the situation better here, stone pelting is not happening, militancy is over,” he said.
On the spat between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan on the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Hanjura said, “They (two countries) should bring down the bitterness and overcome the hatred. I think Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should not have said what he said and the response he got was also not valid.”
The third G20 tourism working group meeting will be held in Kashmir between May 22 and 24.
SRINAGAR: Opposition Congress and PDP on Monday said the government wanted to falsely project normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by holding a G20 event while there was an “emergency-like situation” in the Union Territory.
“The G20 countries should also internally keep an eye on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The democracy has been wiped out here, there is an emergency-like situation created by the BJP,” Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Vikar Rasool Wani told reporters at a party function here.
He said the government has destroyed the roads in the city and now is putting up hoardings to impress the G20 delegates.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });
“They are showing the roads to the G20, roads have been destroyed, now only pictures are being put up–the G20 should also know about the internal situation in J-K, the lack of democracy, the absence of an (elected) assembly, snatching of the statehood and the division of the state,” Wani said.
Wani claimed that he was denied permission to hold public rallies in the Valley but the BJP’s like-minded parties are continuously allowed to do so.
“We had applied for permission to hold rallies at Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara and Kishtwar but permission was not granted. Other parties like Apni party and DPAP are getting permissions continuously,” he said.
Wani said it was evident that the government has failed to improve the situation in J and K.
“(Union Home Minister) Amit Shah claims to have ended terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. But there is no decrease in target killings. In one month, we have lost 10 soldiers in Rajouri. The BJP only uses Kashmir for election campaigns,” he alleged.
PDP leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura said while holding the G20 working group meeting in Kashmir may boost tourism in the valley, the government’s main aim was to falsely project normalcy in the Union Territory.
“Holding G20 event is good and it may help to boost tourism here. However, there is no change in the ground situation, particularly after the revocation of Article 370. I think by holding a G20 event here in Kashmir, they want to convey a message globally that all is well in Kashmir,” Hanjura told reporters here.
The PDP general secretary said the situation on the ground was ‘not good’ as two incidents of militancy-related violence happened in Rajouri and Poonch.
“Firstly, I strongly condemn the incidents. It should not happen because the PDP believes guns are not the solution. Issues can be resolved through talks but unfortunately, the BJP government cannot digest this. They are not ready for talks. Even, for instance, if war prevails for 100 years, ultimately the solution is through dialogue,” he added.
Hajura said the people in Kashmir were facing problems as authorities have tightened the security measures ahead of the G20 meeting.
On demands for another surgical strike on Pakistan, he said, “After the first surgical strike, the situation is as it was. Gun is not the solution the PDP advocates dialogue only. India and Pakistan should come on table for talks along with stakeholders to find a solution.”
In response to a question on the involvement of locals in the pooch incident, Hanjura said, “That’s the duty of security agencies. If anyone is involved, he should be punished.”
He, however, questioned how the incident took place in such a huge presence of security forces.
“The BJP is answerable for that. They claim that they made the situation better here, stone pelting is not happening, militancy is over,” he said.
On the spat between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan on the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Hanjura said, “They (two countries) should bring down the bitterness and overcome the hatred. I think Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should not have said what he said and the response he got was also not valid.”
The third G20 tourism working group meeting will be held in Kashmir between May 22 and 24.