How smartphones are shaping Kashmir’s insurgency

It is all too easy to dismiss the upsurge in violence in Indian-administered Kashmir this weekend as just another cycle in a conflict that has ebbed and flowed ever since the country received independence in 1947. But that would be to ignore a new factor that is transforming the nature of protest in the region. There’s a clue to what is happening in the government’s response to the threat of disorder. Burhan Wani, the young militant leader whose death sparked the latest explosion of violence, was killed in a gun…

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Protests or no protests, forces to go full steam against terror

Unfazed by violent protests in south Kashmir in the wake of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani ‘s killing, the security establishment will continue to go full-steam in its fight against terror. The encounter in Handwara and the foiling of an infiltration bid in Keran on Monday exhibit the security establishment’s resolve to deal firmly with those who pick up arms and indulge in violence. According to a top officer of the security establishment, protests or no protests, there would be no compromise on crushing terror with armed action. Stating that…

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Festivity punctuated by death and violence

The festive mood was still on when the news of Kashmir’s ‘azadi’ icon Burhan Muzaffar Wani’s killing broke out late in the evening. It was third day after Eid and children in the nearby lane could be seen bursting firecrackers. The mood was enthusiastic and the kids holding their toy guns were seen everywhere — some posing as rebels, some as policemen and others as victims falling to bullets from both sides. That’s the impact deep-seated turmoil has on the kids in the Valley. The same trauma had made Wani,…

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Women in large number take to road against Burhan Wani’s killing

At least 10 women have been injured since the protests started after Hizbul Mujahedeen commander Burhan Wani’s killing on Friday. In Kashmir it is not just men on the streets, women in large numbers have also taken to roads to protest the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in the Valley. At least one woman has died during the firing and many are recuperating in the hospitals across the Valley. At least 10 women have been injured since the protests started after Hizbul Mujahedeen commander Burhan Wani’s killing on Friday.…

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Doda, Kishtwar observed Bandh over killings of civilians in Kashmir

The majority community in the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar today observed partial bandh over the killings of civilians during the Kashmir unrest following the gunning down of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. In Doda, protests were held at two separate places, Ghat and Doda town, this morning in which pro-Pakistan and pro-azadi slogans were allegedly raised by protesters. Around hundred youth took out the protest march in the town by raising slogans against the killings. Shops and other business establishments of the majority community remained closed in the…

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Ban Ki-Moon United Nations chief concerned over Kashmir situation

United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon is concerned over the tense situation in Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, a spokesperson said on Monday. Stephane Dujarric told reporters the UN chief has noted with concern the situation unfolding in Kashmir. Dujarric strongly rejected remarks by a Pakistani journalist that the UN chief, who had earlier in the day addressed the press on the situation in South Sudan, has “brushed aside” the issue of Kashmir and is not sufficiently addressing it. “No one is denying that we…

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Kashmir to Dhaka to Istanbul: The world is burning and we don’t have answers

The world needs leadership. And hashtags are no substitute for the real hard work of leadership across the world. Istanbul, Dhaka, Baghdad, Medina have been prominent in the litany of recent terror around the world and noticeably the world didn’t respond in large numbers to any of these or other gruesome episodes of terror with the #jesuisistanbul #jesuisdhaka #jesuisbaghdad #jesuismedina or #jesuisanyplaceelse. Before the birth of #jesuis, with the attack on Charlie Hebdo, no other massacres had invited such an outpouring of social media oneness in the world. #jesuischarliehebdo spawned…

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Help govt end violence, appeals Chief Minister

Says she can understand anger of youth and is looking forward to better future for them Asserting that various measures are being taken to restore calm, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has sought people’s cooperation in restoration of peace and normalcy in Kashmir to prevent further loss of precious lives and destruction of public and private property. She said this while interacting with representatives of various civil society groups and prominent citizens here today. “I appeal to all sections of society, including political leaders, media, religious heads, business community and prominent…

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Kashmir Simmers as death toll reaches 32, Injury toll crosses 1500 as firing spree continues (11:00 AM)

• Woman among 9 civilians succumb to injuries • Massive clashes rock Valley; Air Force base, police stations, police posts attacked • Cops fire at protestors at Shopian, Bijbehara, Tral, Tregham • Life remains paralysed for 3rd day; Separatists remain caged • CM, DGP review situation • Hospital administrators reveal tragic details of wanton use of force • DHSK sets up 24×7 helpline Amir Latto a youth from Bijbehara succumbs taking the toll to 32 and counting… Kashmir continues to be on boil as the death toll in the ongoing…

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‘Business can wait, dead can’t come back’

Govt carrying genocide of Kashmiri Muslims: KEA SOP not being followed, most injuries above waist: KCCI Valley’s business community feels that when their ‘kith and kin’ are being killed left right and centre, business doesn’t remain a priority. The business leaders also accused the state government of carrying out ‘genocide’ of Kashmiri Muslims. President of Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK) Zahoor Tramboo said that business surely takes a back seat but it doesn’t remain a priority in such situations. “We are also a part of the general…

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