Category: Kashmir

Kashmir

Tensions brewing in Kashmir after Hizb issues acid attack threat contesting panchayat polls

Editor

Ahead of the next month’s crucial panchayat elections, which will be a litmus test for the PDP-BJP coalition government, the Valley has been gripped with fear after Hizbul Mujahideen threatened to pour acid into the eyes of those who participate in the polls. The open threat by Riyaz Naikoo, the operational chief of the Hizb, comes days after the Hurriyat also asked people to stay away from the polls. In a video that has gone viral on social media, Naikoo is seen asking another top militant commander from south Kashmir’s…

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Sniper squads to take down terrorists in Kashmir Valley

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NSG has acquired the latest sniping weapon PSG 1 Alpha 1 Sniper and 7.6 mm Beretta sniper rifle. A specially trained squad of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police (JKP) is likely to take down the next fidayeen attackers by sniping them. The personnel have been trained by the National Security Guards (NSG) over the past one year in Manesar and more recently in the Lethapora CRPF training camp in Pulwama. Director General (DG) Sudhir Pratap Singh said, “Sniping…

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Clear skies cause dip in temperature across Kashmir region

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Cold wave continued to prevail across Kashmir as the mercury fell to -6.1°C in Srinagar city last night. The freezing cold gave a tough time to the city residents as water supply was hampered due to frozen taps. The Dal Lake continued to be partially frozen for the second day. “The sky remained bright and clear throughout the day due to which the mercury is further expected to dip by a few notches in the coming days,” said Sonam Lotus, Director, Meteorological Department. The official said the weather would mainly…

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Hizb threatens to pour acid in eyes of those who contest panchayat elections

Editor

The rural body polls, which could not be held in 2016 following violence after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, are scheduled to take place from February 15. Kashmir’s indigenous militant organisation Hizbul Mujahideen has purportedly threatened to “pour acid” into the eyes of those who would participate in the upcoming panchayat elections in the state. The threat was conveyed in a clip circulated on social media. The outfit, for the first time, also publically acknowledged killing some of those who participated in the past elections, but said…

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For playing Pakistan’s national anthem cricket teams booked in Bandipora

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Several players are also reportedly detained after a video of the incident went viral. Two cricket teams have been booked and several players were reportedly detained for standing in honour of Pakistan’s national anthem being played before the start of a match in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. The arrests were made after a video of the incident, which took place on January 3, went viral on social media. In the video, two cricket teams – one wearing green and another white – are purportedly seen standing in attention in two…

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Lingering Kashmir issue threat to peace and stability in South Asia: Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi

Editor

Senior separatist leader and president Anjuman Shari Shian, Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi has hailed the “stand” of Pakistan against the United States, saying the latter “is plotting against Islamabad and Iran to weaken these countries.” Addressing during congregational Friday prayers, Aga Syed Hasan said the US remarks over Afghanistan against Pakistan are uncalled for as “Pakistan has sacrificed everything to curb the activities of terrorists. “Pakistan’s refusal to support the US in Afghanistan and its stand against America is laudable and represents the aspirations of people of Pakistan. “At…

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Two killed, Five missing after avalanche vehicle in Kupwara

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At least seven people, including three women, are feared dead in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district after the vehicle they were travelling in was buried by an avalanche on Friday. Authorities have recovered two bodies so far, including one of a 10-year-old boy. Deputy commissioner Khalid Jehangir said the passengers were on their way from Kupwara to Karnah in a cab when their vehicle was struck by the avalanche around 4pm. The 70km long only surface link connecting Karnah with Kupwara usually remains closed for at least three months during winters…

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No rules, no procedures for preventive detentions under J&K Public Safety Act, reveals RTI

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An RTI application has found that even after four decades, there are no rules or standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ordering preventive detentions under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978. In a reply to an RTI application filed by members of the J&K RTI Movement, headed by Shaikh Ghulam Rasool, the Jammu & Kashmir Home Department has admitted that the state government has not made any rules or SOPs under the Act, 1978 during the four decades of its existence. It, however, said: “However, every case is examined…

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Essential commodities shortage hit various parts of Srinagar

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People in various areas of Srinagar complained of shortage of essential commodities and urged authorities to send fresh supplies without delay. “We are suffering immense hardships due to shortage of essentials for past week. The authorities have failed to supply the ration for December,” said Abbas Ahmad, a local at Shivpora. He added that that due to lack of food grains, they were compelled to fetch essentials from private shops. Inhabitants of Sonwar and Rajbagh have same complaint. They alleged that the ration depots were without supplies, forcing the people…

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Multiple funerals for Jaish militants in Pulwama

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16-yr-old Fardeen’s video recorded before attack on CRPF camp goes viral Manzoor wanted his property to be distributed among his kin Multiple funeral prayers were held for two Jaish militants Manzoor Ahmad Baba and 16-year-old Fardeen Ahmad Khanday, who were killed in fidayeen attack on CRPF camp at Lethpora in Pulwama district yesterday, at their native places in south Kashmir on Monday. Manzoor, 19, son of late Ali Mohammad Baba, was laid to rest in his native village of Drabgam in Pulwama this afternoon. Despite restrictions, thousands of people participated…

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