News Analysis India

Tag: Jammu and Kashmir

  • Encounter underway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, police said.

    “Encounter has started at Semthan #Bijbehara area of #Anantnag. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” a spokesman of Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

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

    SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, police said.

    “Encounter has started at Semthan #Bijbehara area of #Anantnag. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow,” a spokesman of Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

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

  • Time to leave old challenges, benefit from new possibilities: PM to Jammu and Kashmir youth

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described Jammu and Kashmir as the pride of every Indian, and said that it is time to leave behind the old challenges and take full benefit of new possibilities.

    Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Rozgar Mela through video conferencing, he also said that there is a need to work with a new approach and new thinking for fast-paced development.

    “We are committed to taking benefits of development equally to all sections and citizens,” Modi said.

    “Jammu and Kashmir is the pride of every Indian. Together we have to take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights,” he said.

    “This decade of the 21st century is the most important decade in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Now is the time to leave the old challenges behind, and take full advantage of the new possibilities.”

    Modi congratulated 3,000 young people who received appointment letters to work in the government in 20 different places in Jammu and Kashmir.

    These youngsters will get opportunities to serve in various departments like the PWD, health department, food and civil supplies department, animal husbandry, Jal Shakti, and education-culture, he added.

    The prime minister further said that preparations are in full swing to hand out more than 700 appointment letters in other departments in the coming days.

    Referring to a record increase in the number of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister said the tourism sector in the state received a boost due to the infrastructural developments and increased connectivity.

    “It is our endeavour that the benefits of government schemes reach every section of society without any discrimination,” the prime minister remarked.

    He also informed that efforts are on to strengthen the health and education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir with the opening of two new AIIMS, seven new medical colleges, two state cancer institutes and 15 nursing colleges.

    He said efforts are underway to improve connectivity to Kashmir by trains.

    The prime minister further said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir were coming forward in large numbers for the development of their state and their people.

    “It is our youth who will write a new story of development in Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi said.

    He said 30,000 people have been recruited for various government jobs since 2019 and nearly 20,000 of these posts have been filled in the last one-and-a-half years only.

    The prime minister said the entire team of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, especially Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his team, must be credited for this commendable work.

    “The mantra of ‘Yogyata Se Rozgar’ (employment with competence), which the team has followed, is instilling new confidence in the youth of the state,” Modi said.

    Referring to several steps taken by the central government to promote employment and self-employment, he said employment fairs being organised in different parts of the country from October 22 will see more than 10 lakh appointment letters being awarded by the central government in the next few months.

    As various states like Jammu and Kashmir are also associated with this campaign, this number is going to increase even more, he added.

    “To increase employment in Jammu and Kashmir, we have also expanded the business environment here. Our new industrial policy and business reforms action plan has paved the way for ease of doing business. This has given a tremendous impetus to investment here,” the prime minister said.

    With the increase in investment in Jammu and Kashmir, new employment opportunities are being created for the youth and the pace at which work is being done on development-related projects will change the entire economy here, Modi said.

    He further said work was underway at a fast pace for train connectivity to Kashmir, while international flights from Srinagar to Sharjah have already started.

    “Flights have started from Jammu and Kashmir even at night. Farmers here have also benefited a great deal from the increasing connectivity. It is now easier for apple farmers of Jammu and Kashmir to send their produce outside,” Modi said.

    “The way the government is working on promoting transport through drones, fruit-producing farmers here are also going to get special help,” he said.

    Modi said the way new employment and self-employment opportunities have opened up in the Union territory, no one could have imagined it a few years ago.

    “It is our endeavour that the benefits of government schemes reach every section of the society without any discrimination. We are committed to take equal benefits of development to all sections, to all people.

    “With this model of holistic development, along with government jobs, other employment options are also being prepared,” the prime minister said.

    Speaking on how the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always emphasised and appreciated transparency, he urged the youth who are coming into government services to make it a priority.

    The prime minister recalled, “Whenever I used to meet the people of Jammu and Kashmir earlier, I always felt their pain.nIt was the pain of corruption in the system.”

    “People of Jammu and Kashmir hate corruption and are fed up of it,” he said, and praised LG Manoj Sinha and his team for working hard to end the menace of corruption.

    “It is the responsibility of the youth who are now becoming a part of the state government to give new energy to the efforts of transparency and honest governance by becoming true companions of Manoj Sinha,” the prime minister said.

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described Jammu and Kashmir as the pride of every Indian, and said that it is time to leave behind the old challenges and take full benefit of new possibilities.

    Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Rozgar Mela through video conferencing, he also said that there is a need to work with a new approach and new thinking for fast-paced development.

    “We are committed to taking benefits of development equally to all sections and citizens,” Modi said.

    “Jammu and Kashmir is the pride of every Indian. Together we have to take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights,” he said.

    “This decade of the 21st century is the most important decade in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Now is the time to leave the old challenges behind, and take full advantage of the new possibilities.”

    Modi congratulated 3,000 young people who received appointment letters to work in the government in 20 different places in Jammu and Kashmir.

    These youngsters will get opportunities to serve in various departments like the PWD, health department, food and civil supplies department, animal husbandry, Jal Shakti, and education-culture, he added.

    The prime minister further said that preparations are in full swing to hand out more than 700 appointment letters in other departments in the coming days.

    Referring to a record increase in the number of tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister said the tourism sector in the state received a boost due to the infrastructural developments and increased connectivity.

    “It is our endeavour that the benefits of government schemes reach every section of society without any discrimination,” the prime minister remarked.

    He also informed that efforts are on to strengthen the health and education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir with the opening of two new AIIMS, seven new medical colleges, two state cancer institutes and 15 nursing colleges.

    He said efforts are underway to improve connectivity to Kashmir by trains.

    The prime minister further said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir were coming forward in large numbers for the development of their state and their people.

    “It is our youth who will write a new story of development in Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi said.

    He said 30,000 people have been recruited for various government jobs since 2019 and nearly 20,000 of these posts have been filled in the last one-and-a-half years only.

    The prime minister said the entire team of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, especially Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and his team, must be credited for this commendable work.

    “The mantra of ‘Yogyata Se Rozgar’ (employment with competence), which the team has followed, is instilling new confidence in the youth of the state,” Modi said.

    Referring to several steps taken by the central government to promote employment and self-employment, he said employment fairs being organised in different parts of the country from October 22 will see more than 10 lakh appointment letters being awarded by the central government in the next few months.

    As various states like Jammu and Kashmir are also associated with this campaign, this number is going to increase even more, he added.

    “To increase employment in Jammu and Kashmir, we have also expanded the business environment here. Our new industrial policy and business reforms action plan has paved the way for ease of doing business. This has given a tremendous impetus to investment here,” the prime minister said.

    With the increase in investment in Jammu and Kashmir, new employment opportunities are being created for the youth and the pace at which work is being done on development-related projects will change the entire economy here, Modi said.

    He further said work was underway at a fast pace for train connectivity to Kashmir, while international flights from Srinagar to Sharjah have already started.

    “Flights have started from Jammu and Kashmir even at night. Farmers here have also benefited a great deal from the increasing connectivity. It is now easier for apple farmers of Jammu and Kashmir to send their produce outside,” Modi said.

    “The way the government is working on promoting transport through drones, fruit-producing farmers here are also going to get special help,” he said.

    Modi said the way new employment and self-employment opportunities have opened up in the Union territory, no one could have imagined it a few years ago.

    “It is our endeavour that the benefits of government schemes reach every section of the society without any discrimination. We are committed to take equal benefits of development to all sections, to all people.

    “With this model of holistic development, along with government jobs, other employment options are also being prepared,” the prime minister said.

    Speaking on how the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always emphasised and appreciated transparency, he urged the youth who are coming into government services to make it a priority.

    The prime minister recalled, “Whenever I used to meet the people of Jammu and Kashmir earlier, I always felt their pain.nIt was the pain of corruption in the system.”

    “People of Jammu and Kashmir hate corruption and are fed up of it,” he said, and praised LG Manoj Sinha and his team for working hard to end the menace of corruption.

    “It is the responsibility of the youth who are now becoming a part of the state government to give new energy to the efforts of transparency and honest governance by becoming true companions of Manoj Sinha,” the prime minister said.

  • 4 killed, 6 injured in landslides in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar

    By PTI

    JAMMU: Four people, including a policeman, were killed and six injured after landslides struck near the under-construction Ratle power project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Saturday, officials said.

    An operation to find and rescue survivors trapped under the debris has concluded, they said.

    Labourers were working on the construction of a link road near the Ratle power project site and a JCB machine was digging when a big boulder rolled down, trapping the workers, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Devansh Yadav told PTI.

    As an operation team comprising six people rushed to the spot to rescue those trapped under the debris, another landslide hit the area, burying more people, the officials said.

    Yadav said a rescue operation was launched immediately and six people, including an assistant sub-inspector of police, were pulled out from the debris and taken to the hospital.

    Four people, including a policeman and the JCB operator, were killed in the incident. The JCB operator was identified as Manoj Kumar, he said.

    Earlier, Yadav had said five people were trapped under the debris.

    Of the six injured, the officials said, three were rushed to the Government Medical College in Doda, two to the Thathri hospital and one was sent to Jammu.

    Jitendra Singh, Union minister and MP from Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur, said he spoke to Yadav after receiving a report on the landslide at the Ratle power project site.

    “The JCB driver, unfortunately, died on the spot,” he said.

    “Further assistance, as required, (is) being provided. I am in constant touch with the district  administration,” he said.

    Taking to Twitter, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condoled the loss of lives in the incident.

    “Deeply anguished by mishap at Drabshalla-Ratle hydroelectric project. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for early recovery of injured,” he said.

    The district administration has been directed to provide all necessary assistance, he said.

    JAMMU: Four people, including a policeman, were killed and six injured after landslides struck near the under-construction Ratle power project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Saturday, officials said.

    An operation to find and rescue survivors trapped under the debris has concluded, they said.

    Labourers were working on the construction of a link road near the Ratle power project site and a JCB machine was digging when a big boulder rolled down, trapping the workers, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Devansh Yadav told PTI.

    As an operation team comprising six people rushed to the spot to rescue those trapped under the debris, another landslide hit the area, burying more people, the officials said.

    Yadav said a rescue operation was launched immediately and six people, including an assistant sub-inspector of police, were pulled out from the debris and taken to the hospital.

    Four people, including a policeman and the JCB operator, were killed in the incident. The JCB operator was identified as Manoj Kumar, he said.

    Earlier, Yadav had said five people were trapped under the debris.

    Of the six injured, the officials said, three were rushed to the Government Medical College in Doda, two to the Thathri hospital and one was sent to Jammu.

    Jitendra Singh, Union minister and MP from Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur, said he spoke to Yadav after receiving a report on the landslide at the Ratle power project site.

    “The JCB driver, unfortunately, died on the spot,” he said.

    “Further assistance, as required, (is) being provided. I am in constant touch with the district  administration,” he said.

    Taking to Twitter, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condoled the loss of lives in the incident.

    “Deeply anguished by mishap at Drabshalla-Ratle hydroelectric project. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for early recovery of injured,” he said.

    The district administration has been directed to provide all necessary assistance, he said.

  • Rajnath lauds heroes of 1947 war, crucial role played by J&K people 

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday heaped praises on the heroes of the 1947 war and also commended the crucial contribution made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in driving out Pakistani infiltrators to protect the territorial integrity of the country.

    In his address at an event held at the old airfield, Srinagar to mark the 75th anniversary of the Infantry Day, he also said “traits of new-born Pakistan could be seen from its nascent stage only”.

    Exactly 75 years ago, troops of the Indian Army’s 1 Sikh Regiment had arrived at the old airfield of Srinagar, carried in Dakota aircraft, to protect Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani forces, a day after its then Maharaja Hari Singh signed the ‘instrument of accession’ on October 26, 1947.

    “The bloody tale of the Partition that was written in 1947, and even its ink had not dried, and a new script of betrayal began to be written by Pakistan. Shortly after the Partition, the character of Pakistan came to the fore, which could never be imagined,” Singh said.

    Talks on Jammu and Kashmir integration with India was going on when on October 22, 1947, Pakistan attacked J&K.

    “The Kabalis were not wearing a military uniform, but they carried guns, mortars, and other combat equipment,” the defence minister said.

    “From Domal and Muzaffarabad, they moved to Peer Panjal Hills in their attacks. Maharaja Hari Singh was in a fix over the situation as these Pakistani infiltrators plundered, killed and wreaked havoc,” he said.

    But, these infiltrators could not succeed against the iron grit and bravery of “our soldiers”, many of whom made the supreme sacrifice while fighting to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, the minister added.

    Singh in his address asserted that despite a number of stumbling blocks, India has risen time and again, because of the “courage and sacrifice of our soldiers” and today the edifice of India stands tall on the strong foundation laid by them.

    “The greatest glory, as they say, is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. The incident of 1947 is one such instance,” he said.

    Some of the key scenes of the historic landings of the Indian Army troops were reenacted at old airfield, Srinagar, in the presence of Singh, to pay tribute to the brave soldiers and people of Jammu and Kashmir who laid down their lives, and also to honour the next of kin of war heroes who participated in the 1947-48 war.

    Under command of Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai, who later laid down his life at Baramulla, the course of the war changed, wherein people and soldiers of State Forces of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army fought alongside valiantly, to evict Pakistani forces, driving them out of most of Jammu and Kashmir till ceasefire on January 5, 1949.

    Singh also extolled the valour of the first Param Vir Chakra recipient, Maj Somnath Sharma, who despite being injured led a company and saved the Srinagar airfield from enemy clutches and in the process made the supreme sacrifice.

    He also paid glowing tributes to the bravery of other gallantry award winners such as Brig Rajinder Singh and Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai.

    Major Somnath Sharma, who was there with his men “till his last bullet and last breath”, and other heroes will always remain a source of inspiration for every Indian and the nation will forever be indebted to their sacrifices, the defence minister said.

    “Here, I would also like to remember former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, who was also a skilled pilot, and made a valuable contribution to the movement of the troops during the war.

    He may have belonged to different political views, but his contribution to national security will always be remembered, ” the minister said.

    He commended the crucial role played by the people of J&K who helped the armed forces in forcing the enemies to retreat, saying, the help rendered by “Kashmiri brothers and sisters deserves fulsome praise”.

    Singh termed the campaign of October 27, 1947 as the one for safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity as well as the safety of the people.

    It was a campaign to protect the dreams and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

    “On October 27, 1947, Indian Army came through aerial and road routes to Budgam for saving the country’s honour and prestige,” he said.

    At the venue, huge cut-outs of Brig Rajinder Singh, Brig Mohd Usman, Maj Somnath Sharma and Maqbool Sherwani were mounted, and ‘Shaurya Diwas’ posters were also put up.

    “These bravehearts played ‘Holi’ with blood in fields of saffron. Three days ago, it was Diwali, so in 1947 too, it must have been near Diwali. And, many laid their lives protecting Jammu and Kashmir against Pakistani forces,” he said.

    Singh also said that Pakistan is fully responsible for inhuman incidents against innocent people in PoK.

    “We are moving forward with the spirit of unity. We must resolve to fight together against any divisive forces which may come in the way of our development in the future,” he said.

    SRINAGAR: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday heaped praises on the heroes of the 1947 war and also commended the crucial contribution made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in driving out Pakistani infiltrators to protect the territorial integrity of the country.

    In his address at an event held at the old airfield, Srinagar to mark the 75th anniversary of the Infantry Day, he also said “traits of new-born Pakistan could be seen from its nascent stage only”.

    Exactly 75 years ago, troops of the Indian Army’s 1 Sikh Regiment had arrived at the old airfield of Srinagar, carried in Dakota aircraft, to protect Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani forces, a day after its then Maharaja Hari Singh signed the ‘instrument of accession’ on October 26, 1947.

    “The bloody tale of the Partition that was written in 1947, and even its ink had not dried, and a new script of betrayal began to be written by Pakistan. Shortly after the Partition, the character of Pakistan came to the fore, which could never be imagined,” Singh said.

    Talks on Jammu and Kashmir integration with India was going on when on October 22, 1947, Pakistan attacked J&K.

    “The Kabalis were not wearing a military uniform, but they carried guns, mortars, and other combat equipment,” the defence minister said.

    “From Domal and Muzaffarabad, they moved to Peer Panjal Hills in their attacks. Maharaja Hari Singh was in a fix over the situation as these Pakistani infiltrators plundered, killed and wreaked havoc,” he said.

    But, these infiltrators could not succeed against the iron grit and bravery of “our soldiers”, many of whom made the supreme sacrifice while fighting to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, the minister added.

    Singh in his address asserted that despite a number of stumbling blocks, India has risen time and again, because of the “courage and sacrifice of our soldiers” and today the edifice of India stands tall on the strong foundation laid by them.

    “The greatest glory, as they say, is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. The incident of 1947 is one such instance,” he said.

    Some of the key scenes of the historic landings of the Indian Army troops were reenacted at old airfield, Srinagar, in the presence of Singh, to pay tribute to the brave soldiers and people of Jammu and Kashmir who laid down their lives, and also to honour the next of kin of war heroes who participated in the 1947-48 war.

    Under command of Lieutenant Colonel Dewan Ranjit Rai, who later laid down his life at Baramulla, the course of the war changed, wherein people and soldiers of State Forces of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army fought alongside valiantly, to evict Pakistani forces, driving them out of most of Jammu and Kashmir till ceasefire on January 5, 1949.

    Singh also extolled the valour of the first Param Vir Chakra recipient, Maj Somnath Sharma, who despite being injured led a company and saved the Srinagar airfield from enemy clutches and in the process made the supreme sacrifice.

    He also paid glowing tributes to the bravery of other gallantry award winners such as Brig Rajinder Singh and Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai.

    Major Somnath Sharma, who was there with his men “till his last bullet and last breath”, and other heroes will always remain a source of inspiration for every Indian and the nation will forever be indebted to their sacrifices, the defence minister said.

    “Here, I would also like to remember former Chief Minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik, who was also a skilled pilot, and made a valuable contribution to the movement of the troops during the war.

    He may have belonged to different political views, but his contribution to national security will always be remembered, ” the minister said.

    He commended the crucial role played by the people of J&K who helped the armed forces in forcing the enemies to retreat, saying, the help rendered by “Kashmiri brothers and sisters deserves fulsome praise”.

    Singh termed the campaign of October 27, 1947 as the one for safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity as well as the safety of the people.

    It was a campaign to protect the dreams and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

    “On October 27, 1947, Indian Army came through aerial and road routes to Budgam for saving the country’s honour and prestige,” he said.

    At the venue, huge cut-outs of Brig Rajinder Singh, Brig Mohd Usman, Maj Somnath Sharma and Maqbool Sherwani were mounted, and ‘Shaurya Diwas’ posters were also put up.

    “These bravehearts played ‘Holi’ with blood in fields of saffron. Three days ago, it was Diwali, so in 1947 too, it must have been near Diwali. And, many laid their lives protecting Jammu and Kashmir against Pakistani forces,” he said.

    Singh also said that Pakistan is fully responsible for inhuman incidents against innocent people in PoK.

    “We are moving forward with the spirit of unity. We must resolve to fight together against any divisive forces which may come in the way of our development in the future,” he said.

  • Restore conditions of J-K’s accession to India: Mehbooba

    Mehbooba Mufti affirmed that the Kashmiris do not want the accession day holiday, but want the essence of accession to be restored.

  • Pakistani LeT terrorist killed in failed infiltration bid along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed on Wednesday as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said.

    The operation was launched in the Tangdhar sector on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

    The slain terrorist was identified as Mohammed Shakur (32) from Syedpura in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said.

    The joint operation was launched based on specific information received from the police regarding the infiltration of a group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists through the Sudpura forward post in the Karnah area of Kupwara district.

    The inputs were corroborated by other intelligence agencies, the spokesperson said in a statement.

    “Alert troops on the anti-infiltration grid intercepted two terrorists trying to infiltrate into own (Indian) side in the forward area close to the Line of Control (LoC). Around 1:45 am on 26 October (20)22, the infiltrating terrorists were fired upon, leading to the elimination of one terrorist. However, taking advantage of the darkness, the other terrorist managed to flee to PoJK side,” he added.

    In a search operation launched at the site this morning, one AK series rifle, two pistols and a large quantity of ammunition and war-like stores were recovered, according to the statement.

    Timely action and close coordination between the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other intelligence agencies led to foiling of the infiltration attempt and potential threat to peace in the hinterland, the spokesperson said.

    “Continued engagements along the Line of Control are uncanny reminders of efforts by Pakistan to infuse terrorism in Kashmir and disrupt peace and harmony while putting on the facade of ceasefire understanding,” he said.

    “The youth in PoK are being used as cannon fodder by Pakistan state policy from the last three decades with a fruitless aim to constantly disrupt progress towards collective peace,” he said.

    SRINAGAR: A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed on Wednesday as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said.

    The operation was launched in the Tangdhar sector on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

    The slain terrorist was identified as Mohammed Shakur (32) from Syedpura in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said.

    The joint operation was launched based on specific information received from the police regarding the infiltration of a group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists through the Sudpura forward post in the Karnah area of Kupwara district.

    The inputs were corroborated by other intelligence agencies, the spokesperson said in a statement.

    “Alert troops on the anti-infiltration grid intercepted two terrorists trying to infiltrate into own (Indian) side in the forward area close to the Line of Control (LoC). Around 1:45 am on 26 October (20)22, the infiltrating terrorists were fired upon, leading to the elimination of one terrorist. However, taking advantage of the darkness, the other terrorist managed to flee to PoJK side,” he added.

    In a search operation launched at the site this morning, one AK series rifle, two pistols and a large quantity of ammunition and war-like stores were recovered, according to the statement.

    Timely action and close coordination between the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other intelligence agencies led to foiling of the infiltration attempt and potential threat to peace in the hinterland, the spokesperson said.

    “Continued engagements along the Line of Control are uncanny reminders of efforts by Pakistan to infuse terrorism in Kashmir and disrupt peace and harmony while putting on the facade of ceasefire understanding,” he said.

    “The youth in PoK are being used as cannon fodder by Pakistan state policy from the last three decades with a fruitless aim to constantly disrupt progress towards collective peace,” he said.

  • Srinagar Diary

    Express News Service

    Govt redraws social caste listThe Lt Governor’s administration in Jammu and Kashmir has redrawn the social caste list in the Union Territory, and now 15 more groups would get quota benefits. Under the Jammu & Kashmir government’s reservation rules, social castes have 4 per cent reservation in government jobs. The 15 new classes added in the social caste list include Waghey (Chopan), Ghirath/Bhati/Chang community, Jat community, Saini community, Markabans/PonyWalas, Sochi community, Christian Biradari (converted from Hindu Valmiki), Sunar/Swarankar Teeli (Hindu Teeli along with already existing Muslim Teli), Perna/Kouro (Kaurav), Bojru/Decount/Dubdabay Brahmin Gorkans, Gorkhas, West Pakistani refugees (excluding SCs) and Acharyas. The administration also made modifications in the existing social castes. The other change made in Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, is substituting the words ‘Pahari Speaking People’ with ‘Pahari Ethnic People’. The social caste list was redrawn on the recommendations of the Jammu and Kashmir Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission which was constituted by the J&K Government in 2020. Former High Court Judge GD Sharma heads the three-member panel. The redrawing of caste list took place after Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent J&K visit, announced reservation benefits to Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals in the UT.

    200 electric buses to ply in Srinagar, JammuAbout 200 electric buses will soon ply on the roads in the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, in an attempt by the government to establish an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable network of public transport. Tata Motors will be responsible for supply, operation and maintenance of electric buses, 100 each in Jammu and Srinagar. Chalo Mobility will deploy its consumer technology solutions to offer convenience like Electronic Ticket Issuing Machines (ETIMs), Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), mobile app with mobile tickets and mobile passes platform, Smart Cards platform and cloud-based hosting to commuters. Passengers travelling in electric buses can get details like real-time tracking of buses, how congested it is, along with expected time of arrival. 

    City residents asked to register petsAmid a surge in dog bite cases in Srinagar, city residents have been asked by the authorities to register their pets. A circular issued by Srinagar Municipal Corporation has asked dog keepers to give in writing details about the age, breed and source they have got the pets from. “All the owners/keepers of pet dogs residing within the limits of Srinagar Municipal Corporation are required to get their pet dogs registered in accordance with Section-304 (Regulation and Control of Dogs) of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 and Section-3 of Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, in the office of the undersigned,” reads the circular. It warned that anybody keeping a pet dog without registration as required under Section 304 of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000, & Section-3 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, will be liable to be challaned, fined and may lead to impounding of the dog. It also asked pet dog keepers to get their dogs sterilized, especially females. 

    Fayaz waniOur correspondent in Jammu and [email protected]

    Govt redraws social caste list
    The Lt Governor’s administration in Jammu and Kashmir has redrawn the social caste list in the Union Territory, and now 15 more groups would get quota benefits. Under the Jammu & Kashmir government’s reservation rules, social castes have 4 per cent reservation in government jobs. The 15 new classes added in the social caste list include Waghey (Chopan), Ghirath/Bhati/Chang community, Jat community, Saini community, Markabans/PonyWalas, Sochi community, Christian Biradari (converted from Hindu Valmiki), Sunar/Swarankar Teeli (Hindu Teeli along with already existing Muslim Teli), Perna/Kouro (Kaurav), Bojru/Decount/Dubdabay Brahmin Gorkans, Gorkhas, West Pakistani refugees (excluding SCs) and Acharyas. The administration also made modifications in the existing social castes. The other change made in Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, is substituting the words ‘Pahari Speaking People’ with ‘Pahari Ethnic People’. The social caste list was redrawn on the recommendations of the Jammu and Kashmir Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission which was constituted by the J&K Government in 2020. Former High Court Judge GD Sharma heads the three-member panel. The redrawing of caste list took place after Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent J&K visit, announced reservation benefits to Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals in the UT.

    200 electric buses to ply in Srinagar, Jammu
    About 200 electric buses will soon ply on the roads in the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, in an attempt by the government to establish an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable network of public transport. Tata Motors will be responsible for supply, operation and maintenance of electric buses, 100 each in Jammu and Srinagar. Chalo Mobility will deploy its consumer technology solutions to offer convenience like Electronic Ticket Issuing Machines (ETIMs), Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), mobile app with mobile tickets and mobile passes platform, Smart Cards platform and cloud-based hosting to commuters. Passengers travelling in electric buses can get details like real-time tracking of buses, how congested it is, along with expected time of arrival. 

    City residents asked to register pets
    Amid a surge in dog bite cases in Srinagar, city residents have been asked by the authorities to register their pets. A circular issued by Srinagar Municipal Corporation has asked dog keepers to give in writing details about the age, breed and source they have got the pets from. “All the owners/keepers of pet dogs residing within the limits of Srinagar Municipal Corporation are required to get their pet dogs registered in accordance with Section-304 (Regulation and Control of Dogs) of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 and Section-3 of Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, in the office of the undersigned,” reads the circular. It warned that anybody keeping a pet dog without registration as required under Section 304 of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000, & Section-3 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, will be liable to be challaned, fined and may lead to impounding of the dog. It also asked pet dog keepers to get their dogs sterilized, especially females. 

    Fayaz wani
    Our correspondent in Jammu and Kashmir
    [email protected]

  • CRPF commandant held for sexually harassing woman officer in J-K’s Udhampur, gets bail

    By PTI

    UDHAMPUR/JAMMU: A commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was arrested on the charge of sexually harassing a woman officer of the force in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, officials said on Monday.

    A complaint was registered on Sunday in which an assistant commandant of a CRPF unit at Battal Ballian alleged that commandant Surinder Singh Rana was sexually and mentally harassing her, they said.

    Based on the complaint, an FIR number was lodged against the commandant under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 354-A (making sexually coloured remarks -guilty of the offence of sexual harassment), 354-D (sexual favour shall mean and include any kind of unwanted sexual activity), 509 (intentional insult) at the Udhampur police station.

    Udhampur Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Vinood Kumar told PTI that the accused CRPF commandant was arrested by police and later court released him on bail.

    The matter is being investigated, the SSP added.

    UDHAMPUR/JAMMU: A commandant of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was arrested on the charge of sexually harassing a woman officer of the force in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, officials said on Monday.

    A complaint was registered on Sunday in which an assistant commandant of a CRPF unit at Battal Ballian alleged that commandant Surinder Singh Rana was sexually and mentally harassing her, they said.

    Based on the complaint, an FIR number was lodged against the commandant under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 354-A (making sexually coloured remarks -guilty of the offence of sexual harassment), 354-D (sexual favour shall mean and include any kind of unwanted sexual activity), 509 (intentional insult) at the Udhampur police station.

    Udhampur Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Vinood Kumar told PTI that the accused CRPF commandant was arrested by police and later court released him on bail.

    The matter is being investigated, the SSP added.

  • J-K administration asks Mehbooba to vacate official bungalow 

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has asked PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to vacate her official bungalow in the high-security Gupkar area here. The former chief minister was served the eviction notice earlier this week.

    “The notice to evict from the Fair View was served to me a few days ago. This has not come as a surprise and is along the expected lines,” Mehbooba told PTI.

    She said although the notice has mentioned that the bungalow where she lives was meant for the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, that is not the case.

    “This place was allowed to my father (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) in December 2005 after he relinquished the office of chief minister. So, the grounds taken by the administration are not correct,” she added.

    Mehbooba has been living in the Gupkar area since December 2005.

    Asked if she will challenge the notice in the court of law, the PDP chief said she will consult her legal team.

    “I don’t own a place where I can live. So, I have to consult my legal team before making a decision,” Mehbooba said.

    Another former chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah vacated the official bungalow in the Gupkar road in 2020 even before the administration issued an eviction notice to him.

    The change in entitlements for former chief ministers in the wake of the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories meant that they could not continue to live in the official residences provided to them in the erstwhile state.

    Senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar also had to vacate his Gupkar house after the change in the Constitution.

    Several politicians, including former ministers, continue to live in government bungalows and houses in Jammu and Kashmir though.

    SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has asked PDP president Mehbooba Mufti to vacate her official bungalow in the high-security Gupkar area here. The former chief minister was served the eviction notice earlier this week.

    “The notice to evict from the Fair View was served to me a few days ago. This has not come as a surprise and is along the expected lines,” Mehbooba told PTI.

    She said although the notice has mentioned that the bungalow where she lives was meant for the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, that is not the case.

    “This place was allowed to my father (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) in December 2005 after he relinquished the office of chief minister. So, the grounds taken by the administration are not correct,” she added.

    Mehbooba has been living in the Gupkar area since December 2005.

    Asked if she will challenge the notice in the court of law, the PDP chief said she will consult her legal team.

    “I don’t own a place where I can live. So, I have to consult my legal team before making a decision,” Mehbooba said.

    Another former chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah vacated the official bungalow in the Gupkar road in 2020 even before the administration issued an eviction notice to him.

    The change in entitlements for former chief ministers in the wake of the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories meant that they could not continue to live in the official residences provided to them in the erstwhile state.

    Senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar also had to vacate his Gupkar house after the change in the Constitution.

    Several politicians, including former ministers, continue to live in government bungalows and houses in Jammu and Kashmir though.

  • Two labourers from UP killed in grenade attack in J-K, LeT ‘hybrid terrorist’ arrested

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Two migrant labourers were killed after terrorists hurled a grenade at them in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.

    A local “hybrid terrorist” of the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was arrested for the attack during a search and cordon operation, they said.

    “Hybrid terrorists” are unlisted radicalised people who carry out terror strikes and slip back into their routine lives often without leaving any trace.

    2 migrant labourers from UP killed in a grenade attack by militants in Harmen area of Shopian in south Kashmir. The deceased labourers identified as Monish Kumar & Ram Sagar, both residents of Kanooj, UP.@NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @TheMornStandard
    — Fayaz Wani (@iamfayazwani) October 18, 2022
    Below are links to other such attacks in Jammu and Kashmir:

    1. Four militants killed in separate encounters in J-K’s Shopian 

    2. Cop killed, CRPF personnel injured in militant attack in J&K’s Pulwama

    3. Encounter breaks out between militants and security forces in J&K’s Kulgam

    4. Two militants involved in attack on labourer killed

    5. Kashmiri Pandit shot dead, brother injured in militant attack in J&K’s Shopian

    SRINAGAR: Two migrant labourers were killed after terrorists hurled a grenade at them in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Tuesday, police said.

    A local “hybrid terrorist” of the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was arrested for the attack during a search and cordon operation, they said.

    “Hybrid terrorists” are unlisted radicalised people who carry out terror strikes and slip back into their routine lives often without leaving any trace.

    2 migrant labourers from UP killed in a grenade attack by militants in Harmen area of Shopian in south Kashmir. The deceased labourers identified as Monish Kumar & Ram Sagar, both residents of Kanooj, UP.@NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @TheMornStandard
    — Fayaz Wani (@iamfayazwani) October 18, 2022
    Below are links to other such attacks in Jammu and Kashmir:

    1. Four militants killed in separate encounters in J-K’s Shopian 

    2. Cop killed, CRPF personnel injured in militant attack in J&K’s Pulwama

    3. Encounter breaks out between militants and security forces in J&K’s Kulgam

    4. Two militants involved in attack on labourer killed

    5. Kashmiri Pandit shot dead, brother injured in militant attack in J&K’s Shopian