Month: June 2017

Pellet terror continues, scores injured in Kakapora clashes, Resistance group calls for protests

Editor

At least 40 persons were injured in clashes between protesters and government forces following the killing of three militants in Kakapora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on Thursday. Hospital sources said that more than thirty persons, with pellet, assault and shell injuries were brought to PHC Kakapora. Around eight persons were allegedly assaulted by forces while they were returning from the funeral of Lashkar militant Majid in Kakapora, they said. “They were also being treated at the hospital,” said an official. Over a dozen were being treated at…

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Civilian killed in Kakapora clashes, Multiple funerals held for slain Lashkar militants

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A civilian was killed during clashes between protesters and government forces in Kakapora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday. The deceased, identified as Touseef Ahmad Wani, a resident of Tengpuna village of the district, had suffered multiple pellet injuries, said an official. He was shifted to Sub-district hospital pampore where he was declared dead on arrival. Clashes erupted after youth took to streets against the killing of three militants in a gunfight earlier today. Multiple funerals were held on Thursday for three militants killed in a gunfight with…

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Post encounter massive protests in Awantipora & Pulwama, Highway closed, Internet Services Shut, Colleges closed, Restrictions imposed

Editor

Three Lashkar-e-Toiba militants were killed in an overnight encounter with government forces in Kakapora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir on Thursday. An army major was also wounded in the firefight that erupted late last night after militants fired on forces who were laying a siege to New Colony Kakapora. “A joint nakka party of police, army and paramilitary forces observed some suspicion movement near New Colony Kakpora at around 8 pm. Forces cordoned off the area and launched searches to nab the militants,” said a police official. “At…

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Thousands lose jobs as restive Kashmir’s tourism economy dwindles

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Tourism is important for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, contributing 8% to the state’s gross domestic product. In 2016, the state recorded 1.29 million tourists. At the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Rizwan Ahmad Bhat stands next to his shikara (a traditional boat), named Do Badan Ek Jan (two bodies, one soul), waiting for tourists. Last year this time, the lake was packed with visitors exploring its waters and the views of the surrounding Zabarwan hills. This summer, the lake and its shores are empty of tourists and the smartly-dressed boatman is…

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3rd Intl Yoga Day observed across Jammu, Rain fails to dampen fervour

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On 3rd International Yoga Day today, incessant rain played a spoilsport but it failed to dampen the spirit of the participants. Various departments, organisations and educational institutes had organised yoga sessions this morning, in which participants performed asanas to stay mentally and physically fit. The International Yoga Day Coordination Committee, Jammu, in collaboration with the AYUSH Department today celebrated the day at Brahman Sabha, Parade. The venue for the event was Mini Stadium but due to continuous rain, it was shifted to nearby Brahman Sabha. Union Minister of State Jitendra…

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Incessant rain lashes Kashmir Valley

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The Kashmir valley is witnessing incessant rain for the past 24 hours, providing much relief to the people from the sweltering heat as the region is also observing Ramadan. The region, including summer capital Srinagar, witnessed light showers on Tuesday evening but by Wednesday morning moderate to heavy rain lashed different places. However, the rain had no dampening effect on Eid shoppers as the malls and markets in the capital witnessed a steady rush of the people today. On Monday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 27.4°C. It plummeted to…

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All states pass GST Act, except JK

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With Kerala approving the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) Act on Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir remains the only state yet to pass the legislation ahead of the July 1 launch of the pan-India tax regime. “All states and union territories, except Jammu and Kashmir, have approved the SGST Act and are ready for the smooth roll-out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with effect from July 1,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement here. Kerala issued an ordinance on Wednesday approving the State GST Act while West Bengal…

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Army to deploy 2 more battalions in south Kashmir

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Two additional battalions — a total of 2,000 men — of the Army will be sent as reinforcement to four troubled districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said today. With the presence of additional forces in Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama, some Army camps would be revived again, they said. The officials said the two additional battalions, which have already started moving to Kashmir, would be posted to some of the more vulnerable areas of the four districts. Major General BS Raju, General Officer Commanding of the Army’s Victor Force,…

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UN Chief engages to resume India-Pakistan talks on Kashmir

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Guterres was asked about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control and the ceasefire violations since he assumed office as the UN chief in January. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres suggested today that he is engaged in bringing about a dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue through his meetings with the prime ministers of the two countries. “Why do you think I met three times the prime minister of Pakistan (Nawaz Sharif) and two times the prime minister of India (Narendra Modi).…

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Pre-monsoon rain exposes poor sewerage across Jammu city

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Pre-monsoon rain in Jammu has exposed the much-hyped underground sewerage system laid under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission as overflowing manholes spilled dirty water on the roads. The project executed by the National Building Construction Corporation and the Economic Reconstruction Agency has been facing problems from the onset. Jammu received about 47 mm of rain during the past 24 hours which led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas of the city despite functional sewerage line. Residents in several localities in the city demanded investigation against the executing agencies…

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