An Indian Army officer and at least three other soldiers were killed in a sudden escalation of cross-border firing on the Line of Control’s Bhimber Gali sector. The BG area that is near Rajouri is a particularly volatile area. For the first time, the Indian Army has also said that the firing was not limited only to small arms or mortars but also to missiles. The nature of the missiles were not specified. But they are likely to have been anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) used in a bunker-busting role. An…
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Jammu
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…
Read More25 Civilians killed, 162 Hurt in Pak shelling in 2 Years: Mehbooba Mufti
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday disclosed that 25 civilians were killed and 162 injured in firing and shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in the past two years. She said 224 structures, including two mosques, had suffered damage in shelling along the LoC and the IB during the period. At least 94 terrorists were gunned down and three were arrested along the border and the LoC in the last two years. Five districts of the Jammu province — Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri…
Read MoreWater supply snapped to Muslim families in Jammu village: National Conference
The opposition National Conference (NC) on Thursday alleged that anti-social elements were harassing the minority Muslims in parts of Jammu region, even resorting to snapping drinking water supply to them. During question hour in the state assembly today, NC MLA Javaid Rana said Muslims in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts were being harassed by hooligans and anti-social elements. The MLA alleged that after the abduction and subsequent murder of an eight-year-old Bakerwal (goatherd) girl in Rasana village of Kathua district last month, hooligans had now snapped drinking water supply to…
Read MoreRavinder Raina, BJP MLA demands ban on alcohol in J&K
BJP MLA Ravinder Raina demanded that Jammu and Kashmir be declared a dry state and that alcohol and bars be banned immediately, drawing support from legislators from across the political spectrum but not enough for the Speaker in the assembly to conclude that the majority was in its favour. J&K finance minister Haseeb Drabu said freedom of choice should be respected. Raina, while referring to the growing menace of alcoholism, especially in Jammu, said a ban should be imposed immediately in border areas, which are the first line of defence for…
Read MoreDisplaced Kashmiri Pandits hail MHA’s advisory board proposal
Displaced Kashmiri Pandits have welcomed the suggestion of the Ministry of Home Affairs to the state government to constitute an advisory board to look into the grievances of the displaced community members. They have sought a comprehensive plan and involvement of community representatives for its success. Living in exile for 28 years, Pandits feel neglected by the successive government. They claim the governments failed to implement any major plan to rehabilitate and resettle 3.5 lakh community members. Setting up of a welfare board to look after the issues of displaced…
Read MoreGuns fall silent along IB, but fear deafening
The guns have fallen silent on the International Border and a fragile calm exists but the fear remains. Border residents living in relief camps are scared of going home as they do not want to risk their lives in case Pakistan again rains mortar shells on them. They have decided to stay put in camps till the Republic-Day celebrations are over. “Though we have been provided the best possible facilities in the relief camp established at the ITI Institute here, nothing can match the facilities at home. The circumstances have…
Read MoreGovt has failed to protect border dwellers: Ajay Sadhotra
National Conference (NC) leader Ajay Sadhotra has said the BJP governments at the Centre and the state have failed to protect the lives and property of the people living along the International Border and the Line of Control. During his visit to border villages from Chakrali-Gajansoo to Lalyal Camp and Kanachak in the Marh block, the NC leader condemned the frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. “I have come to enquire about your condition,” he told border residents and expressed shock and grief over the killing of people and expressed sympathies…
Read MoreSurrounded by Pak on Three Sides, Mortar Shells Rain on Kashmir’s ‘Basmati Villages’
12 people, including 5 soldiers, have lost their lives in the fresh bout of firing along IB and LoC while more than 50 civilians have been wounded, an indication that populated areas are being targeted. The farmers of villages in RS Pura and Suchetgarh sectors – known for growing the fabled basmati – are living in fear due to the roaring guns on both sides of the restive international border. This sowing season, they are fearful of stepping on to their fields, lest unexploded shells that are littered around might…
Read MoreBooming guns give sleepless nights to residents along IB
As guns boomed along the International Border on Friday and Saturday, the thuds of falling shells could be heard in Jammu city, reminding people that how close the winter capital, having a population of 7 lakh, is to the battlefield. People living in residential colonies of the Temple City looked towards the western horizon as border villages experienced heavy and sustained bombardment. They could even hear the sound of heavy calibre weapons being used all along Suchetgarh, Kanachak and Akhnoor sectors. Jammu is separated from Pakistan by the 198-km International…
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