News Analysis India

Tag: Jammu and Kashmir

  • Recruitment by militant groups has come down considerably in Kashmir: Police chief

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbag Singh on Saturday said recruitment by militant groups has come down considerably in the Valley as the youth are acting wisely.

    The director general of police also said that the attacks taking place in Kashmir reflect the frustration of pro-Pakistan forces as the top leadership of various militant outfits has been wiped out.

    “The local militant recruitment has not increased but reduced considerably as the youth are acting wisely.

    We want the youth to focus on their life and career and to not indulge in any irresponsible activity,” Singh told reporters.

    Asked about the militant attacks taking place in Kashmir despite security forces claiming that there has been a decline in violence in the region, he said, “Both police and security forces make claims based on facts and figures which are the result of successful counter-terrorism operations.

    The number of terrorists has decreased.

    The terrorist structure has been destroyed.

    Their leadership has been wiped out.

    ” The attacks are a result of the frustration of pro-Pakistan forces, he said.

    Not only will they be given exemplary punishment here, but they will also be punished in the afterlife, he added.

    “We want peace to prevail so that people can live in a peaceful atmosphere and we will work towards that,” Singh said.

    He claimed that the overall situation in Kashmir is more peaceful compared to the previous years.

    The enemies of peace are not happy about it.

    The number of overground workers (OGWs) in the Valley has halved compared to the previous years and no local militant is active in Kupwara, Baramulla and Sopore, he said.

    “Barring Sopore and Sumbal areas of Bandipora district, no militant is active in north Kashmir,” the DGP said.

  • Over 200 doctors set out to hold 105 camps across Jammu border

    By PTI

    JAMMU: Over 200 doctors from different parts of the country would organise over 100 medical-cum-Covid awareness camps during a five-day programme, starting Saturday, in border areas of the Jammu region, an official spokesperson said.

    Jammu Divisional Commissioner Raghav Langer flagged off the ‘Rishi Kashyap Swasthya Seva Yatra’ organised by the National Medicos Organisation (NMO), the spokesperson said.

    During the five-day campaign from September 18 to 22, the teams would organise a total of 105 medical-cum-Covid awareness camps in the border and remote areas of the Jammu region from Poonch to Kathua.

    “The main objective of the camps is to provide health services to the border residents at their doorsteps. In the camps, the locals will be provided with free medicines, free blood sugar and BP check-ups besides awareness on COVID-19 and the prevention of a possible 3rd wave,” the spokesman said.

    The NMO is a leading pan-India organisation of qualified doctors and medical students, functioning throughout the country.

    It has been organising health camps in J&K for the last seven years under Rishi Kashyap Swasthya Seva Yatra, a unique and one of its kinds of an event aiming at connecting with people of far-off areas and providing medical services at their doorsteps, the spokesman said.

    The divisional commissioner appreciated the efforts of the MNO and others who have organised these camps in rural and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir to solve the basic health issues of people at their doorsteps and in bridging the gaps by creating awareness general public about the prevention of various diseases and their treatment.

    He especially recognised the efforts of doctors from various states for providing their free and selfless services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Centre keen to provide efficient, inclusive healthcare to people of Jammu and Kashmir: Mandaviya

    He made these remarks during a visit to Baramulla district as part of the central government #39;s public outreach programme which aims to evoke public feedback pertaining to developmental concerns.

  • J&K spending more money than other states to nurture talent of youth in education, sports: L-G Manoj Sinha

    Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated 11 infrastructure projects worth Rs 43.91 crore at the main campus and offsite campuses in Ramnagar, Reasi, and Kathua.

  • J&K administration requires employees to maintain absolute integrity, honesty, allegiance to India

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday issued a slew of instructions to officials while carrying out periodic character and antecedents verification of government employees including failure to report any immediate family member who is associated with any foreign entity hostile to India.

    According to a circular issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), every government employee is mandatorily required to maintain absolute integrity, honesty and allegiance to the Union of India and its Constitution and do nothing which is unbecoming of a government servant.

    The GAD said during periodic verification of character and antecedents of government employees, the officials should report involvement of an employee in any act of sabotage, espionage, treason, terrorism, subversion, sedition/secession, facilitating foreign interference, incitement to violence or any other unconstitutional act.

    The authorities have been asked also to report association or sympathy of any employee with persons who are attempting to commit any of the above acts or involved in aiding or abetting or advocating the above acts.

    The other facets to be looked at include involvement of an individual’s immediate family, persons sharing residential space with the employee to whom he or she may be bound by affection, influence, or obligation or involved in any of the acts, directly or indirectly, having potential of subjecting the individual to duress, thereby posing a grave security risk, as per the circular.

    “Failure to report relatives, persons sharing residential space or associates who are connected with any foreign government, associations, foreign nationals known to be directly or indirectly hostile to India’s national and security interests,” it read.

    The directions also include the failure to report unauthorised association with a suspected or known collaborator or employee of a foreign intelligence service among the criteria to be followed.

    “Reports indicating that representatives or nationals from a foreign country are acting to increase the vulnerability of the individual to possible future exploitation, coercion or report contacts with citizens of other countries or financial interests in other countries which make an individual potentially vulnerable to coercion, exploitation, or pressure by a foreign Government,” the circular said.

    The GAD said on the basis of discrete verifications on the above parameters, a list of adversely reported employees received by the government from time to time shall be taken into cognisance by the administrative departments concerned which shall then immediately report it to the General Administration Department.

    “In the event, such employee(s) are due for promotion, their cases shall be put on hold immediately.

    Further, such cases shall be submitted to the UT Level Screening Committee constituted for the purpose, for a decision.

    “On confirmation of the adverse report by the UT Level Screening Committee, further action shall be taken against the adversely reported employee(s), which may include termination from Government services,” it added.

    The decision of the UT Level Screening Committee can be reviewed by the Review Committee, on reference to it by the UT Level Screening Committee or on the representation of any aggrieved employee, the GAD said.

  • One dead, six injured in unexplained blast in residential house in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: A 17-year-old girl died and six others were injured in a blast Thursday in scrap material which consisted of unexploded shells and grenade probably stored in a residential house in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, police said.

    The explosion took place in the house of Ghulam Ahmad Wani at Taratpora in Handwara area of the district around 8.

    45 pm, the officials said.

    Police said that blast took place in scrap material which consisted of unexploded shells and grenade probably stored in the house.

    They said Shabnum Wani (17) died in the incident, while six others, all believed to be Wani’s family members, sustained injuries.

    The injured have been rushed to a hospital and the police have started investigation, the officials said.

  • RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to visit Jammu and Kashmir in October, first time after abrogation of article 370

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to undertake his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of articles 370 and 35 A.

    Bhagwat, during his three-day visit to the Union Territory from October 1 to October 3, will interact with ‘prabudh varg’ members, informed sources.

    Apart from meeting intellectuals in the Union Territory, the RSS Sarsanghchalak has a packed schedule as this visit comes after a gap of more than two years. Meeting intellectuals in Jammu is the only public programme, Bhagwat will attend, sources added.

    Sources in the Sangh said that RSS Sarsanghchalak who usually visit every “Prant” once in two years has lesser visits over the past two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

    Touted as his first visit to the Union Territory post abrogation of articles 370 and 35 A, sources said Bhagwat could not visit earlier due to the ongoing pandemic situation.

    The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the restriction of physical movement and gathering.

    “He usually visits a ‘prant’ once in two years but due to Covid related protocols, these visits were limited. Also, if Sarsanghchalak visits a region he would want to meet pracharaks and those involved in Sangh works and review progress. That wasn’t possible because of Covid situation and this the visit after a long gap,” said a senior RSS functionary.

    The RSS chief will meet pracharaks and heads of RSS affiliates working in Jammu and Kashmir and take stock of the changed situation on the ground.

    “We focus on society and its concerns and this visit is significant in light of the improved situation in the Union Territory. A stocktaking of activities will also be done,” added the source.

    In August 2019, the Centre abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution of India that gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two territories- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

  • India voices disappointment over ‘unwarranted remarks’ by UN human rights chief on Kashmir

    By PTI

    UNITED NATIONS: India on Tuesday expressed disappointment over “unwarranted remarks” made by the UN human rights chief on Jammu and Kashmir, saying her comments do not reflect the ground reality and any shortcomings in upholding human rights must be addressed in an impartial manner and anchored in non-interference in a country’s internal affairs.

    “We take note of references to India in the oral update by the High Commissioner and express our disappointment over her unwarranted remarks on the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which do not reflect the ground reality,” Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs Reenat Sandhu said on Tuesday while delivering India’s statement under the General Debate on Oral Update of the High Commissioner at the 48th Session of the Human Rights Council.

    Sandhu said India’s approach to global promotion and protection of human rights is based on “our own experience as a pluralistic and inclusive society and vibrant democracy.”

    ALSO READ | UN human rights chief criticises India for ‘frequent’ communication blackouts in Jammu and Kashmir

    She said India believes that promotion and protection of human rights are best pursued through dialogue, consultation and cooperation among States and through provision of technical assistance and capacity building.

    “Any shortcomings in upholding human rights must be addressed in a transparent and impartial manner, anchored in respect for national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of States,” she said.

    UN high commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet on Monday described as “worrying” India’s use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as well as “frequent” temporary communication blackouts in Jammu and Kashmir.

    In her opening statement at the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bachelet acknowledged the Indian government’s efforts to counter terrorism and promote development in Jammu and Kashmir but said such “restrictive measures can result in human rights violations and foster further tensions and discontent”.

    Sandhu said that India’s Constitution enshrines basic human rights as fundamental rights.

    “Our Parliament, independent judiciary, vibrant media and civil society ensure full enjoyment of human rights by our people,” she added.

    On Afghanistan, Sandhu said the situation in the country continues to be of “grave concern” and added that the UN Security resolution 2593 should guide the international community’s approach to Afghanistan.

    The resolution, adopted under India’s presidency of the Security Council in August, “reaffirms the importance of upholding human rights incising those of women, children and minorities, allowing safe passage for those wanting to leave Afghanistan and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian assistance,” she said, adding that the international community must stand with the people of Afghanistan in their desire to live in peace and dignity.

  • 70 years of ‘deceitful politics’ ruined Jammu and Kashmir: Apni Party leader Altaf Bukhari

    By PTI

    JAMMU: In a scathing attack on the rulers of the past in Jammu and Kashmir, Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday said the 70 years of “deceitful politics” ruined the erstwhile state.

    Bukhari, a former minister who is currently on a tour of the Chenab Valley region, was speaking at a party convention at Thathri in Doda district.

    “For the last over 70 years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, have been duped by deceitful politics which needs to be done away with.

    “It is extremely unfortunate that the political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have been raising passions among the people just to fulfil their electoral motives.

    And, this type of politics has hugely shadowed the socio-economic and political stability in the region,” he said.

    Without naming anyone but apparently referring to the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bukhari claimed that the compromises made by the local political parties not only cost the people dearly but also ignited a vicious cycle of violence and insecurity for them.

    “Such dirty politics has not only resulted in the loss of precious lives but also has inflicted huge economic losses that have proven detrimental to the development and progress in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Apni Party leader said.

    Pledging to continue with his efforts to strengthen a truthful political atmosphere, Bukhari said his party has emerged as a “credible political voice” of Jammu and Kashmir that has been established on the edifice of transparency, probity and pragmatic politics.

    Meanwhile, over a dozen socio-political activists joined the party on the occasion, a party spokesperson said.

  • NH-44 in south Kashmir on Jaish, Lashkar target, suggest Intelligence inputs

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the two terror groups that have been working in coordination for some time, are planning to carry out a major attack in south Kashmir by “ripping the national highway to shreds” with a series of IED explosions, intelligence inputs suggest. 

    “There are threats of IED attacks on National Highway-44 from Qazigund to Khanabal axis in south Kashmir,” said a senior intelligence official, who refused to share more details. Although security forces have been taking precautions since the Pulwama attack in February 2019, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, the latest input has sent all security agencies in Kashmir into a tizzy. Sources told TNIE that an even greater vigil was being maintained, especially over the transport of personnel and ammunition.

    According to highly placed sources, several inputs suggesting a “major attack” on the forces have been received since the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan on August 15. Anti-India terror groups such as JeM and LeT, along with outfits such as Hizbul Mujahideen and Al-Badr, which have been lying low over the past few months, have become highly active and collaborative, the intelligence inputs suggest. The JeM, founded by Masood Azhar, has carried out several dastardly attacks in India including the 2001 Parliament attack. There have been reports about Azhar meeting Taliban top leaders in Kandahar in the third week of August, seeking support for ‘India-centric operations’.

    The Taliban and the JeM are believed to have been working in tandem for quite some time now and have expressed similar sentiments in interpreting Sharia. While LeT is the most active group in the Valley, the JeM, desperately trying to make an impact, has been focusing on consolidating its organisation network in south Kashmir, the official said. 

    Worryingly, Ministry of Home Affairs’ data accessed by The New Indian Express shows a total of 305 youths, including 272 from Kashmir, have gone missing this year. Security agencies believe at least 82 of them have joined terror groups, with 42 being recruited by LeT. More than 80 per cent of the new terror recruits belong to south Kashmir, which has been a hotbed of terrorism in Kashmir.