Month: July 2017

Internet blocked, Rail Service suspended in Kashmir ahead of iconic rebel’s death anniversary

Editor

Service providers ordered to cut internet connection as activists call for demonstrations to honour popular rebel commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, whose killing in 2016 sparked months-long anti-India demonstrations in the disputed region. Authorities in India-administered Kashmir have ordered service providers to indefinitely block the internet ahead of a planned rally to observe the first anniversary of popular rebel commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani – whose killing in 2016 sparked months-long anti-India demonstrations in the disputed region. A popular commander, Wani was shot dead by Indian soldiers on July 8 and since then…

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Kashmir’s farm produce of Walnut, Almond to be taxed at 12% under GST

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Having been pitted against intense competition from imported walnut and almond especially the California produce, the local farmers and traders have expressed shock over 12 percent tax under GST regime, to be implemented in the state in a day or two. While expressing surprise over the decision of imposing tax on two Kashmir based agriculture commodities, growers and traders associated with the dry fruit demanded the immediate roll back of tax on the almond and walnut. More than 95 percent walnuts and 90 percent almonds of total Indian production are…

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Army’s counter-terror offensive yielding good results; 92 hardcore terrorists killed till July

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With the Narendra Modi government giving a free-hand to Indian Army, its counter-terror offensive has started yielding positive results. According to a ToI report, the forces involved in counter-terror operations have killed as many as 92 terrorists till July, this year. This is 13 more than 79 killed in the corresponding period of 2016, the report said. Interestingly, the number of terrorists eliminated by the security forces so far this year has surpassed the year-wise figures for 2012 and 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in power at the Centre. In…

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Scores of Bikes & Cars seized by police in Pulwama ahead of Burhan Anniversary

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Police on Thursday seized about 50 bikes and cars in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district ahead of first death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Police along with SOG had laid nakas at several key points leading to main town Pulwama. They check points were set up at Shopian road near jail complex Pulwama, Tahab circle road, Pinglina near petrol pump, and at Neva road near degree college Pulwama, where SOG personnel were checking documents of vehicles coming from different areas of Puwama. “It is a fact that our district…

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40 Tourists rescued from Dal Lake caught in strong winds

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Forty tourists caught in strong winds while enjoying shikara rides and their stay in houseboats on the famous Dal Lake here were rescued by the Jammu and Kashmir police. The tourists were rescued late last evening when strong winds swept Srinagar and other parts of the Valley, Superintendent of Police (SP), East Zone Srinagar, Sheikh Faisal said. He said 25 tourists were taking shikara rides in the lake when strong winds swept the area. Police rescue teams were rushed and the tourists were rescued, the SP said. In another operation,…

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Security up across valley for Burhan’s death anniversary

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Internet, social media sites blocked; restrictions in volatile areas Ahead of Burhan Wani’s first death anniversary, tension is palpable in the Kashmir valley even as security forces have been on their toes to avoid any law and order situation. The authorities as part of the security measures have seized hundreds of motorbikes across the Valley to stop rallies. The mobile Internet and social media sites via the lease line were blocked late Thursday evening till further orders to stop the spread of rumours. Separatists have called for weeklong protests from…

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Rajnath reviews Kashmir situation; ‘Tamgha-e-Jurrat’ for Burhan Wani announces Shabir Shah

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of slain Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani’s first death anniversary on Saturday. Minister of State Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Inspector General of National Security Guard (NSG) and other senior officers were also present in the meeting. The security forces and intelligence agencies are apprehending trouble in the Kashmir Valley on Wani’s death anniversary. Widespread protests erupted in the Kashmir valley after Burhan’s death. Kashmir…

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Armyman deserts his unit along with rifle and ammunition

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There are apprehensions Zahoor may have joined militant ranks A Kashmiri armyman posted in Baramulla district deserted his unit along with arms and ammunition on Tuesday night. Sepoy Zahoor Ahmed Tokar of Sirnoo, Pulwama, who was posted in 173 Territorial Army Engineering regiment at Gantmulla Baramulla, fled with an AK rifle and three magazines. Sources said there were apprehensions that Zahoor might have joined militant ranks. “We have put security apparatus on alert as the TA man has good knowledge of the security system and units deployed in the Valley,”…

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Leh celebrates Dalai Lama’s 82nd birthday

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Thousands of Tibetans on Thursday morning joined in the 82nd birthday celebrations of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here. Large crowds donning traditional dresses began to assemble since morning at the Shiwatsel Phodrang complex on the outskirts of Leh for the birthday celebrations. “Special prayer sessions were held for the long life of His Holiness,” a Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) spokesperson told IANS. The Dalai Lama, revered by the Tibetans as a “living god”, attended the prayers and blessed the gathering. Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also attended the…

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Burhan Wani’s Anniversary triggers diplomatic activity as far as in United Kingdom

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Birmingham city council today withdrew its permission for a planned rally to mark Burhan Wani Day on Saturday after India lodged a protest with the UK government. The rally was being planned by UK-based Kashmiri groups to mark the first death anniversary of the commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit killed by Indian armed forces in Kashmir on July 8 last year. India on Monday protested to the UK over the planned rally. “We took a booking for a peaceful rally highlighting the human rights abuse in Kashmir. However,…

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