News Analysis India

Tag: Kashmir

  • Two militant associates held in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Security forces arrested two militant associates of Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Friday, police said.

    “Budgam Police along with Army and CRPF arrested two terrorist associates of proscribed terror outfit AGuH in Huroo area of Budgam, in central Kashmir,” a police spokesman said.

    He identified those arrested as Amir Manzoor Budoo, resident of Dangerpora Razwan, and Shahid Rasool Ganaie, resident of Puttermulla Safapora in Ganderbal.

    Incriminating materials including a hand grenade and 25 AK-47 rounds were recovered from their possession, the spokesman said.

    A case has been registered and further investigation has been taken up, he said.

  • Two hybrid terrorists arrested in Jammu and Kashmir

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Security forces on Sunday arrested two ‘hybrid’ terrorists in Kulgam and Sringar districts of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

    “#KulgamPolice & Army ( 34 RR) arrested one #hybrid #terrorist of proscribed terror outfit LeT namely Yamin Yousaf Bhat of Gadihama Kulgam,” the Kashmir Zone Police said on its Twitter handle.

    The police said incriminating material, arms and ammunition, including a pistol, two grenades and 51 pistol rounds were recovered from his possession.

    Another ‘hybrid’ terrorist was arrested from Nowgam area of the city here, the police said.

    “On a specific input, Srinagar Police & (50 RR) arrested a hybrid terrorist namely Sheikh Sahid Gulzar of Muchhwa, Badgam from Nowgam, Srinagar,” the Srinagar Police said in a tweet.

    Incriminating material including a pistol and live ammunition was recovered from him, they said.

    A case has been registered under relevant sections, they added.

    Officials had earlier explained that a ‘hybrid terrorist’ carries out a task given to him by his handlers and then goes back to his normal work, waiting for the next assignment.

  • Earthquake of 3.4 magnitude hits Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar

    By PTI

    JAMMU: A low-intensity earthquake hit Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Monday, officials said, adding that there were no reports of any loss of life or damage to property.

    The earthquake of magnitude 3.4 had its epicentre in Kishtwar and occurred at 12.09 pm.

    There were no reports of any loss of life or damage to property, the officials said.

  • Sarpanch shot dead in Kashmir

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: A village sarpanch, who was elected as an independent, was shot dead by militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday, officials said.

    Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo was shot at by the ultras at Goshbug in Pattan area officials said, adding he was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

    Bangroo is the second victim of targeted killing of civilians by militants in three days. Satish Singh, a local Rajout, was shot dead on Wednesday in Kulgam district. The militants have stepped up attacks on civilians in the past two weeks.

    A police spokesman said a case has been registered in the sarpanch’s killing under relevant sections of law. “Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this terror crime. The area has been cordoned and search is going on,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and political parties condemned the killing. “I strongly condemn the terror attack on Sarpanch, Manzoor Ahmad Bangroo. Perpetrators of this despicable act shall be punished. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” Sinha tweeted.

    “Another targeted killing, another family in mourning this evening. This unending cycle of violence is heartbreaking. My condolences to the family of Manzoor Bangroo. May he find place in Jannat,” National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said in a tweet.

    The PDP and the BJP also condemned the killing. “Deeply pained by the news of killing of a Sarpanch Manzoor Ah Bangroo in Pattan. Even after multiple security assesments, bundling them in secure accomodations in Srinagar, why do sarpanches still continue to be killed,” a spokesman of the PDP tweeted.

    BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur said he strongly denounces the “barbaric killing” of Bangroo. “Gruesome act, terrorists have no religion and mercy even during the fasting month of Ramzan,” he said.

  • NIA conducts searches in Jammu and Kashmir in TRF terror recruitment case

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency conducted searches at nearly a dozen places linked to The Resistance Front (TRF) terror group in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, days after its announced cash rewards of Rs 10 lakh each on information leading to the arrest of its four cadres.

    The searches were carried out at multiple locations in Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Budgam and Kulgam districts in connection with a case related to radicalising, recruiting and motivating the youth to effect violent activities by TRF commander Sajad Gul and others, a spokesperson of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said.

    The spokesperson said the locations searched included the house of active terrorist Basit Ahmad Dar, against whom the NIA had recently announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh.

    Besides Dar of Redwani Payeen in Kulgam, the reward was declared against Gul of Srinagar and two Pakistani nationals — Saleem Rehmani alias ‘Abu Saad’ of Nawab Shah in Sindh and Saifullah Sajid Jatt of Shangamanga in Kasur.

    The four terrorists are wanted by the NIA in connection with the case registered last year under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

    The NIA said the searches were carried out at six locations in Srinagar, two in Baramulla, one each in Awantipora (Pulwama), Budgam and Kulgam districts.

    The spokesperson said Gul, along with his associate commanders of LeT based in Pakistan, has been recruiting individuals (Over Ground Workers) to do reconnaissance of pre-determined targets, coordinating and transporting weapons to support LeT and TRF.

    During the searches, the spokesperson said, various incriminating materials such as digital devices, SIM cards, digital storage devices and documents were seized.

    The NIA said investigation into the case was underway.

  • Bihar migrant workers in Jammu and Kashmir fear for their lives, desperate to return

    Express News Service

    PATNA: After militants in Kashmir shot at and injured two migrant workers from Bihar on Monday, family members of those who work in Kashmir are approaching the district officials in Bihar with requests to make arrangements for their safe return. 

    Jokhu Choudhary (45) and Pataleshwar Kumar (18) had suffered bullet injuries when militants opened fire on them in Pulwama on Monday. The victims, hailing from West Champaran district in Bihar, were hospitalised with injuries.

    Around 200 migrant workers from West Champaran district in Bihar have contacted their families about the threat to their lives in Kashmir and conveyed their desperation to return home. Prema Devi, wife of injured Choudhary, said her husband had gone to Kashmir in March last year. “Now, he is in trouble as militants are targeting outsiders. My husband wants to return home,” she said. Prema claimed that around 100 workers from her village alone were stuck in Kashmir. “We have requested the district officials to help them and ensure their safe return,” she added.

    Dina Patel, 35, who is currently in Lajoor near Pulwama, said he and a dozen others have confined themselves in a room fearing attack. “We are scared to step out. We might meet the same fate as Jokhu and Pataleshwar,” he said.

    Similarly Santosh Yadav, Suresh Baitha, Rahul Patel and Nand Kishore Patel, are waiting to return as soon as their wages get cleared.  “We have no money. The contractor is delaying the payment despite the fact that we all want to go home,” said Santosh over phone.

    Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expressed concern over the attacks on Bihari migrant workers. He said the resident commissioner in New Delhi has been asked to get in touch with the J&K administration. In the last year, four migrant workers were killed by militants in J&K. Meanwhile, the mortal remains of CRPF head constable Vishal Kumar were cremated with full state honours in Munger. He was killed in a militant attack in Srinagar on Monday. 

    CM Nitish asks officials to step in

    Bihar CM Nitish Kumar expressed anguish over the attack on Bihari migrant workers. He said the Bihar government’s resident commissioner in New Delhi has been asked to get in touch with the J&K administration and ensure treatment of the injured workers

  • Encounter breaks out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: A gunbattle broke out between militants and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday, police said.

    Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Shopian’s Heripora village following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

    The search operation turned into an encounter which was going on till reports last came in, the official added.

    There were no reports of any casualties so far.

  • Teacher booked for thrashing Class 4 students in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri, suspended

    By PTI

    JAMMU: A teacher has been booked and suspended for severely beating a class 4 student of a government school in Rajouri district, officials said.

    The teacher, Nisar Ahmed, allegedly thrashed two girls in the school’s classroom.

    The incident drew attention of the administration and police after it was highlighted on social media.

    The people in the area also expressed anger over the incident.

    “Today an information through reliable source was received at Police Station Budhal that a girl of Draman, studying in 4th class in government middle school, was severely beaten by a teacher in the class room,” a police officer said.

    Following the information, an FIR was lodged under section 342 (wrongful confinement), 352 (assault), 323 (causing hurt), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and section 23 of the Juvenile Justice Act, he said.

    Taking strict view of the matter, Rajouri Additional Deputy Commissioner Sachin Dev Singh ordered suspension of the teacher.

    The matter is under probe.

  • Pandits rebuild homes in Valley, return to roots 

    Express News Service

    MATTAN(ANANTNAG) : Even as a debate is raging across the country over the exodus of Hindus from Kashmir following eruption of militancy in the late Eighties, about half-a-dozen Kashmiri Pandit families are constructing houses in a village in Mattan in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, to permanently shift there.

    Following a considerable improvement in the ground situation in Kashmir, these families are keen to return to their roots in the Valley. Pandit Kakaji, who is building a two-storey house for himself and his brother’s family, told this newspaper that the construction work started in 2016.  He currently lives in a rented accommodation nearby to oversee the work. 

    “I expect the construction will be completed this year and we intend to shift to the house in 2022 only,” he said. Asked if he feels any threat living in Kashmir, Kakaji said, “I don’t feel any threat. We have total communal harmony in the village.” Anantnag has been a hotbed of militancy in Kashmir.

    The village, according to the locals, had about 80 Pandit families before the eruption of militancy and most of them migrated after 1990. Kakaji said many Pandit families have built their houses in the village and are living there. Their Kashmiri Muslim neighbours, who had been taking care of their properties, are helping the Pandits reconstruct their houses by making all arrangements for them. The construction work is also being done by the Muslims.

    Abdul Aziz, an elderly villager, said the return of Pandits was a welcome sign. “We are happy that they are returning to their roots. The Pandits are part of Kashmiriyat and they should return and live with their Muslim brethren as they used to, before 1990s,” he said.

    Ashok Kumar, president, Martand Temple Trust, Mattan said about half-a-dozen Pandit families started construction of their houses last year. “Many Pandit families have also renovated their houses as they intend to come back,” he said, adding that the local Muslims are wholeheartedly welcoming the return of the Pandits.

    Kumar said the situation in Kashmir has changed very much from the 1990s and is conducive for the return of migrant Pandits. The government should take initiative and construct houses for 6,000 Kashmiri Pandits, who have to be provided jobs under the PM’s job package. “6,000 jobs means as many families and at least 24,000 individuals. If the government provides quarter to everyone, it will have a positive impact on the ground. It will lead to greater interaction between the Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims,” Kumar said.

  • Terrorists responsible for Srinagar grenade attack identified: Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbag Singh

    By PTI

    JAMMU: The terrorists responsible for a recent grenade attack in Srinagar have been identified and the case will be solved soon, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on Tuesday.

    Two people, including a 19-year-old woman, were killed and 32 others injured when terrorists exploded a grenade at the crowded Hari Singh High Street, near Amirakadal, in the heart of Srinagar on Sunday.

    “The enemies of peace are doing such kind of cowardly acts. We have achieved success against them in the past by busting all the modules created by the enemy forces to carry out civilian killings and throw grenades to harm the public,” Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Kathua district.

    He said any new terrorist module coming to the fore will be tackled and neutralised.

    “Three-four modules were busted in the last few days. Those involved in the grenade attack (in Srinagar) have been identified and the case will be solved soon,” the police chief said.

    At another function organised by the Jammu and Kashmir police to celebrate the International Women’s Day in Jammu, the DGP said they have got solid clues in the case and some suspects were also picked up and are being questioned.

    “This module will be busted as well and those behind it will be exposed,” he said.

    The DGP said 85 such modules, involved in civilian killings and grenade-throwing incidents, were busted last year, while half-a-dozen modules were neutralised in Jammu and Kishtwar in the Jammu zone.

    Several other modules in Kashmir’s Awantipora, Ganderbal, Sopore, Baramulla and Anantnag were busted this year.

    Asked about the details of a liquid that was seized along with arms and ammunition after being dropped by a Pakistani drone in Jammu’s R S Pura sector last month, Singh said the forensic report has confirmed that it was a liquid explosive.

    “The Jammu police, headed by Additional Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, is thwarting conspiracies from across the border (to smuggle weapons and narcotics). We are working with different agencies and have also seized some more material that have been sent for (a forensic) analysis. We will share the report once it is available,” the DGP said.

    He said the security grid along the border with Pakistan has been strengthened to stop the smuggling of narcotics and weapons into the Indian side.

    “We have strengthened the security to completely stop the smuggling of drugs and weapons, which are being dropped by drones,” Singh said.

    Seeking the support of the public to wipe out the menace of drugs from the Union Territory, he said it is a bigger challenge than terrorism and police alone cannot fight it off.

    “It is a big challenge and every section of the society, including youngsters, should come forward to help police fight this plague. We have seized big consignments and will continue our work, but we need support in tackling the menace,” the DGP said.

    He said police have launched a special drive against drugs in every district, while the zonal heads are monitoring at the zonal level and “with the support of people, this will be dealt with as well”.