GoI is arming villagers in one of earth’s most militarized places

India is arming villagers in one of earth’s most militarized places

As night fell in the tiny Himalayan village of Dhangri, a dozen armed men emerged from their homes one after another, their rifles slung over their shoulders, as if they were bound for war. With stealthy movements, they scanned the moonlit surroundings for signs of danger, their figures silhouetted against the horizon. During the day, the men are drivers, shopkeepers and farmers. At night, they are members of a once-dormant local militia that the Indian government is reviving in the Jammu and Kashmir region in response to deadly militant attacks…

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JCO among 4 Soldiers, 2 Militants killed during rebel attack in Rajouri

JCO among 4 Soldiers, 2 Militants killed during army camp attach in Darhal area of Rajouri

Two terrorists, believed to be foreigners, were killed while one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and three riflemen also died in a heavy exchange of fire as terrorists made a bid to enter an Army camp in the Darhal area of Rajouri district on Thursday morning. Two soldiers, including a Major, also sustained injuries in the gunfight. However, the Army and Police officials said that the terror attack was foiled by the alert troops. Officials told that at around 3 am on Thursday, two heavily-armed terrorists came near the fence of…

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On first day of school reopening 32 students test positive for Covid in Rajouri

On first day of school reopening 32 students test positive for Covid in Rajouri

At least 32 students of a private educational institution in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri tested positive for Covid on Monday, said, officials. The school was reopened on Monday and a team of health departments had visited there for sampling. Rajouri CMO Dr. Shamim Bhati said none of the students had severe symptoms. “They are being isolated, but the parents are reluctant to send them to Covid care center. The administration is trying to convince them. The students belong to small villages and hamlets in the nearby areas,” she added.…

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Devinder Singh a sikh leader slapped with PSA for ‘Mirpur-Kotli chalo’ call

A Sikh leader, held last year for his alleged role in the some transaction case but released later on bail, has been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) for making “provocative speeches”, the police said today. An advocate by profession, Devinder Singh Behl had been arrested last year too by NIA sleuths, was detained for making “provocative speeches in public meeting” at Nowshera area of Rajouri district on Sunday. “We have detained Behl under Public Safety Act (PSA) for his attempts to instigate people in Nowshera by making provocative statements…

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Tension mounts in Nowshera after attacks by right wing groups over Christian conversions

A number of Christian families in Sayal village of the border town of Nowshera are facing nightmarish situation after allegations of attacks by right wing groups on them over the conversion of Hindus into Christianity. Earlier a church, some shops and a tractor were set on fire by a right wing mob on January 15 after a woman died under “suspicious” circumstances. The allegation of conversion of Hindu families into Christianity and their reconversion to Hinduism has triggered unprecedented tension in Rajouri and Poonch districts. The woman Seema Devi, who…

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Protester attempts immolation in Nowshera over District Status

On the 34th day of the indefinite strike by Nowshera residents over district status, a protester set himself ablaze on Wednesday. Identified as Rohit Kohli, a resident of Nowshera, he sprinkled petrol on himself and set himself ablaze. He alleged that he was thrashed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). He was shifted to a hospital in Jammu as he had also consumed some quantity of petrol. “The issue was related to opening of a shop during protest by some people. After protesters reacted to it, the DSP reached…

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Kuldeep Raj Gupta picks up stone protesting razing of sons’ shops

The shops owned by Gupta’s sons Vijay and Dheeraj were among 73 structures, including 24 shops and 59 extensions, to be demolished during the anti-encroachment drive. Senior BJP leader and minister in the ruling PDP-BJP coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, Kuldeep Raj Gupta, on Sunday picked up a stone, apparently to attack police and officials of the state government, after two shops owned by his sons were demolished during an anti-encroachment drive in Rajouri town. Gupta has, however, claimed he picked up the stone to hit himself in wake of…

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PDP, BJP workers clashed in Rajouri; scores injured

Five people were injured today in a clash between the PDP and BJP workers during an agitation in Rajouri for a separate Nowshera district in J&K. The BJP and PDP are allies in the Mebooba Mufti government. “Five people were reportedly injured in an assault by some people in Nowshera belt (Rajouri district),” a senior police officer said. Sarpanches Bhadur Singh and Sukhdev Singh, Chhotu Ram Choudhary, Narinder Kumar, alias Mangu, and Om Parkash were injured, he said, adding that they were referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital…

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Three Killed, 17 Injured in road accident

In a latest case of overloading of passenger vehicles, three persons were killed and 17 others critically injured in a road mishap near Budhal town in Rajouri district this evening. The deceased have been identified as Mohd Asraf of Bhella, Zul kafeel of Daraj and Mohd Tariq Iqbal of Samote. Khursheed Tantrey, naib tehsildar, Budhal, said a Matador carrying 30 passengers left the Budhal town for Kotranka at about 3.30 pm and while negotiating blind curves near Kewal village, it turned turtle on the road. “Three persons succumbed to their…

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Students refuse to stand, click selfie during National Anthem at BGSB University Rajouri

In yet another shocking incident from Jammu and Kashmir, some of the students at the Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGBSU) in Rajouri refused to stand during the National Anthem. National anthem debate: Can wait outside a restaurant but not stand for 52 secs? Asks Gautam Gambhir The incident took place during a valedictory function of the Silver Rolling Trophy. Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, SSP Rajouri and Vice-Chancellor of the University were among dignitaries present on the occasion. People don’t need to stand up in…

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