‘Deeply Concerned’: UN Human Rights Chief on Kashmir After Art 370
Catch all the live updates on the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet raised the Kashmir issue at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday, 9 September, saying that she’s “deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, detention of local political leaders and activists.”
"While I continue to urge the governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected, I have appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews,” she reportedly said.
- Ailing CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, who has been under house arrest for over a month in Srinagar, was shifted to AIIMS on 9 September
- Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Friday, 6 September, said Kashmir is his country’s “jugular vein”
- Lt General KJS Dhillon said on Wednesday that Pakistan is desperate to push terrorists into Kashmir to disrupt peace in the Valley
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After Criticism, Press Council to Tell SC It Does Not Approve Media Restriction
Faced with severe criticism over its move to intervene in a case in the Supreme Court over the curbs on communication in Jammu and Kashmir, the Press Council of India has decided to tell the apex court that it does not approve of any sort of restriction on the media and will give a detailed reply after its fact-finding panel submits a report.
The Council made its stand clear even as top media bodies such as the Editors Guild, Press Association, Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC), Indian Journalists Union, Working News Camermen's Association and the Press Club of India, asked it to withdraw its application seeking intervention in the petition filed by Anuradha Bhasin, Executive Editor of Kashmir Times.
In the petition, Bhasin has sought the removal of restrictions on communication in Jammu and Kashmir, which she said were coming in the way of journalists' right to exercise their profession.
A group of PCI members had raised questions over the Council's move, saying they were not taken into confidence before or after the action by the media watchdog's chairman and retired Supreme Court Justice CK Prasad.
SC to Hear Batch of Pleas on Scrapping of Article 370 & Related Issues Today
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions challenging the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, today.
It will also hear petitions seeking the removal of other restrictions including the communications blockade in the state, which affecting journalists’ ability to carry out their jobs.
While the petition against the scrapping of Article 370 has been filed by advocate ML Sharma, National Conference MPs Mohd Akbar Lone and Justice (rtd) Hasnain Masoodi have challenged the changes made in the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.
IAS officer Shah Faesal, former JNU student leader Shehla Rashid and several others, including eminent persons like Radha Kumar, have joined them in the effort.
CPM leader Sitaram Yechury has also filed a petition asking for his party colleague Mohd Tarigami, who has been detained by the authorities, to be produced before the court.
All the matters relating to Article 370 and subsequent developments are listed for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
Shah Faesal Was not Going to US to Study: J&K Police
Justifying the detention of bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal, the Jammu and Kashmir government has told the Delhi High Court that he instigated people gathered at the Srinagar airport against the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
Faesal had no student visa, though he claimed that he was going to the US for studies, the state government, through DIG, CKR, Srinagar, said in an affidavit.
The affidavit was filed in response to the former IAS officer's habeas corpus petition in which he alleged that he was illegally detained at the Delhi airport on 14 August and taken back to Srinagar, where he has been kept under house arrest.
Kashmir India's Internal Matter, No Room for Pak Interference: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday 28 August, extended support to the government on the front that Kashmir is India's internal matter and that no country, even Pakistan has no role in interfering with it.
"I disagree with this government on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it," Gandhi said in a tweet.
Rahul further went on to accuse Pakistan for supporting violence in the valley. Calling Pakistan the prime supporter of terrorism accross the world, Gandhi said that there is violence in Kashmir because Pakistan is supporting and instigating it.
Student Petitioner Allowed to Travel to Kashmir, State to Facilitate Travel & Protection
Starting the day with a Habeas Corpus plea filed by a Kashmiri student Mohd Aleem Sayed, the SC allowed the petitioner to travel to J&K’s Anantnag to meet his parents. The SC further directed the state to facilitate the student’s travel and the SP of Srinagar to provide him with adequate police protection.
Sitaram Yechury Also Allowed to Go to Kashmir
After allowing a student petitioner to visit Kashmir, the SC also allowed Sitaram Yechury to go to state and meet Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the SC's ruling, saying that if Yechury goes, he has to be taken by government authorities. In response, the CJI said that Yechury should be allowed to visit his colleague tomorrow, but denied the plea for a government escort.
The Court, however, said that Yechury should not indulge in any other acts except meeting his colleague Tarigami, which would be construed as a violation of the Court's order.
5-Judge Constitution Bench to Hear Challenges to Article 370: SC
Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, while hearing cases relating to the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of J&K into two UTs, said that the challenges to the removal of J&K’s special status will go to a 5-judge Constitution bench.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Attorney General KK Venugopal opposed the issuance of this notice by the CJI.
"It can be misused," Mehta said, implying that the abrogation of Article 370 has cross-border implications. The CJI ordered that the Constitution bench would hear the cases starting in the first week of October.
SC Seeks Centre's Response Within 7 Days Over Media Restrictions in J&K
On Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin’s petition against media restrictions, the Supreme Court again issued a notice to the Centre, seeking a response from the government in the next seven days.
Bhasin pointed out that the lockdown had entered its 24th day, and that "even a doctor speaking to the media was whisked away."
Govt May Announce J&K Package After Wednesday Cabinet Meet
The government is likely to announce a package for Jammu and Kashmir after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, sources told IANS.
The move comes after Tuesday's inter-ministerial meeting in the Home Ministry over the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 that discussed implementation of Central schemes in the state and the steps taken so far to bring normalcy back to the Kashmir Valley.
The Cabinet meeting is likely to spell out moves on the promise of jobs, investment and the implementation of welfare schemes.
Delhi HC Seeks Response from Centre Over Shah Faesal's Look Out Notice
The Delhi High Court, on Wednesday, 28 August, sought a response from the Centre on a fresh application filed by Shah Faesal, the founder of J&K People's Movement Party (JKPMS), seeking copy of the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him. The Court has asked the Centre to file its reply by 1 September. The matter will be heard on 3 September.
Sovereign Decision of India, Should be Discussed Internally: Russian Envoy to India
Nikolay Kudashev, Russian Envoy to India, on Wednesday 28 August spoke about the J&K issue. He said that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter of India and that all the issues should be resolved through dialogue on the basis of the Shimla Agreemnt and the Lahore declaration.
The deputy chief of the Russian embassy also spoke on the issue. He said that Russia has no role in the India-Pakistan dispute, unless asked for mediation. He said that it was reiterated in a closed door UNSC meeting to establish that J&K is an internal issue of India.
Going to Kashmir to Meet Tarigami Tomorrow: Sitaram Yechury
CP(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, on getting permission to visit Jammu and Kashmir to meet his colleague Yusuf Tarigami, said that he will depart for the valley on Thursday, 29 August, to meet Tarigami.
Centre's GoM on Jammu and Kashmir to Headed by Ravi Shankar Prasad: Report
The Central government will set up a group of minister (GoM) for Jammu and Kashmir, to address the situation after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state of J&K into two UTs, NDTV reported.
Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will head the group of ministers, the report said.
Anti-Pak Protest by Gujjars Against Killing of Two Nomads in J&K
A group of Gujjars led by former minister Abdul Gani Kohli on Wednesday staged an anti-Pakistan protest against the recent killing of two members of the community by terrorists in Kashmir.
Several BJP leaders belonging to the community, including state vice president Ghulam Ali Khatana, also joined the protest outside the party headquarters and raised anti-Pakistan slogans.
Bullet-riddled bodies of the two nomads -- Abdul Qadir Kohli and his cousin Manzoor Ahmad Kohli -- were recovered on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, after they were abducted by terrorists from the higher reaches of Tral in south Kashmir on the intervening night of 18 and 19 August.
Pak Issues NOTAM and Naval Warning in View of Possible Missile Test
Pakistan has issued NOTAM (notice to airmen) and naval warning in the view of a possible missile test firing from Sonmiani flight test range near Karachi.
Pak Railways Minister Predicts War in 'October or Following Month': Reports
Pakistan Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has predicted that a full-blow war between Pakistan and India is “likely to occur in October or the following month,” news agency ANI reports quoting Pakistani media.
HC Seeks Centre's Response on Shah Faesal's Plea to Give Him Copy of Look out Circular
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Centre on a plea of bureaucrat-turned politician Shah Faesal, who is currently detained in Srinagar, to give him a copy of the look out circular issued against him.
A bench of justices Manmohan and Sangeeta Dhingra Sehgal asked the Central government to file its response on or before September 2 and listed it for hearing on September 3 along with a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Faesal, challenging his detention.
Advocate Warisa Sarasat, representing Faesal, said they do not know the grounds on which the look out circular (LOC) was issued.
Lt Gen Ranbir Singh Visits Kupwara, Baramulla
Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command met locals at Vilgam village in Kupwara district and Rampur and Boniyar in Baramulla district on Wednesday.
Reports of GoM on Kashmir-Related Issues Not Correct: Sources
Reports about the government setting up a GoM (Group of Ministers) on issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir is not correct and has been denied, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources.
Pak PM will 'forcefully' raise Kashmir issue at UNGA: Shah Mahmood Qureshi
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will "forcefully" raise the Kashmir issue before the international community during his address to the UN General Assembly next month in New York, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Wednesday.
Talking to reporters in Islamabad, Qureshi said Prime Minister Khan will also hold bilateral meetings and attend other events in New York on the sidelines of UN General Assembly session.
India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave the special status to Jammu and Kashmir was an internal matter and also advised Pakistan to accept the reality.
"Prime Minister Khan will forcefully present sentiments of Kashmiris during his address to the UN General Assembly next month," Qureshi said.
Rajnath Singh to Visit Ladakh on Thursday
Defence Minister Rajmath Singh will visit Ladakh on Thursday, news agency AMI reported.
Schools, Hopsitals, Other Services Under Control: J&K Governor
Briefing the media, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said that all necessary services including schools and medical facilities are running smooth.
50,000 Govt Vacancies Will be Filled in Next Three Months
J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said that 50,000 jobs in J&K administration will be filled in the next two-three months.
Those Against Scrapping Art 370 Will be Beaten With Shoes: J&K Guv
Briefing the media on Wednesday, 28 August, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said that those against the scrapping of Article 370 will be beaten up with shoes by people. He was asked by a journalist to comment upon Rahul Gandhi.
Mobile and Internet Mostly Used by Terrorists: J&K Guv
J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said, “The medium of phone and internet is used less by us and mostly by terrorists and Pakistanis as well as for mobilisation and indoctrination. It is a kind of weapon used against us so we have stopped it. Services will be resumed gradually.”
Amit Shah Gives Presentation on Article 370 to Council of Ministers
Home Minister Amit Shah has given a presentation on nullifying Article 370 and situation in Kashmir at meeting of Union Council of Ministers.
Internet More Useful to Terrorists and Pak for Mobilisation, Indoctrination: J&K Governor
Internet and phone services have been shut because these are more useful to terrorists and Pakistan for mobilisation of people and indoctrination of youths, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Wednesday, indicating that the services will continue to remain suspended for some more time.
Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson said, “Mobile phones to open up in all 10 districts of Jammu (barring one location) and to be made functional in the entire revenue district of Kupwara and Handwara Police districts in the Kashmir valley.
Pakistan to Observe 'Kashmir Hour' on Friday: Army
The Pakistan Army said on Wednesday, 28 August that the 'Kashmir Hour' will be observed at 12 pm on Friday.
Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor made the announcement after Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday that an event will be held every week to show solidarity with the Kashmiri people.
The first such protest will be observed at 12pm on 30 August, Ghafoor said, adding that sirens will also be blared for 'Kashmir Hour'.
Pak PM Dials French President to Discuss Kashmir
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and briefed him on the situation in Kashmir.
Khan told Macron that the actions taken by India "posed a grave risk for peace and security" in the region, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
Rahul Gandhi Speaking Pakistan’s Language on Kashmir: Nadda
BJP working president J P Nadda on Wednesday alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was speaking "Pakistan's language" on Kashmir. Targeting Rahul Gandhi, Nadda said his statement on Kashmir was used by Pakistan in the United Nations.
"Gandhi was speaking Pakistan's language," he alleged.
"Now he has backtracked and is saying thatJammu and Kashmir is India's internal matter and there is no scope of any foreign country to interfere in it. Why was he silentfor so long?" Nadda asked.
Congress Leadership Committed Several Betrayals on J&K Issue: RSS Leader
Senior RSS leader Arun Kumar on Wednesday said the top Congress leadership committed a series "betrayals" on the Kashmir issue in the early years of independence.
"The first betrayal with Jammu & Kashmir was when the Maharaja of J&K was continuously asking for merger and we (the then Indian government) were not carrying out merger," he alleged.
"The greatest betrayal in Jammu and Kashmir happened with Maharaja Hari Singh when he was exiled from J&K," he said.
Mobile Phone Services Resumed in Five Districts of Jammu Region
Mobile phone services snapped across Jammu and Kashmir since 5 August, on Thursday were resumed in five districts of Jammu region- Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch.
Kashmir Internal Issue for India, Imran Khan's Rhetoric Ridiculous: US Lawmaker
Asserting that Kashmir is an internal issue for India, Indian-American lawmaker Ro Khanna who recently joined the Pakistani Congressional Caucus has said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan needs to cool his heated rhetoric.
“Kashmir is an internal matter for India's democracy and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan needs to cool his heated rhetoric and not escalate to a war or conflict,” Congressman Khanna told members of the Indian-American community during an interaction in Freemont, California recently.
“Imran Khan's rhetoric of war with India is absolutely ridiculous,” Khanna, the two-term Democratic Congressman representing Silicon Valley in the US House of Representatives, was quoted as saying by local India Post in its latest weekly edition.
Yechury Leaves from Srinagar to Meet Party Leader
Communist Party of India (M) leader Sitaram Yechury leaves for Srinagar from Delhi Airport. The Supreme Court on Wednesday had given Yechury the permission to visit Jammu and Kashmir to meet his party leader and former MLA, Yousuf Tarigami.
Five Facebook Users Living Outside J&K Booked for 'Fake' Posts
Five residents of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts, working in other states, were booked for posting on Facebook "fake updates and sensitive remarks" having potential to disturb peace in the state, a senior police officer told PTI on Thursday.
During routine surveillance on social media platforms, a team of Rajouri police came across the five Facebook users who made sensitive remarks that could emerge as grave threat to peace and order in the state, Rajouri Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Yougal Manhas said.
They have been identified as Zaheer Chowdhary, Zakir Shah Bukhari, Imran Qazi, Naziq Hussain and Sardar Tariq Khan, the police officer said.
Manhas said all the five accused work outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Condemn Pak's Statement on Internal Matters: MEA
Briefing the media on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, “We strongly condemn the recent statements by Pakistani leadership on matters internal to India. These are very irresponsible statements.”
MEA Reacts Strongly to Pak's Letter to UN
In a strong retort to Pakistan’s letter to the UN on the Kashmir issue, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday said that the letter is “not even worth the paper on which it was written”.
“Don’t want to give credence to it by reacting,” he said.
Army Chief to Visit Srinagar
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will visit Srinagar on Friday to review the security situation and preparedness of security forces to deal with the situation in Kashmir valley.
This is Army Chief's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 from the state.
Stop Crying Unnecessarily Over Kashmir: Rajnath
Pakistan should stop "crying" unnecessarily over India's decision to end special status of Jammu and Kashmir and instead focus on dismantling terror infrastructure operating from its soil, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Thursday.
As tension between India and Pakistan escalated over the Kashmir issue, Singh said Islamabad does not have any locus standi on Jammu and Kashmir and it must stop interfering in India's internal affairs.
In his first visit to this strategically key region after the government's historic decision on Jammu and Kashmir, the defence minister said Pakistan should now focus on gross violations of human rights in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir including in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Mehbooba Mufti's Mother, Sister Meet Her
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's mother and sister Rubya Sayeed met her on Thursday at Chashmashahi Resort, where she has been kept under detention.
The first request from her daughter Sana was received in the DC office Srinagar on 27 August and they were informed that no permission was required and the concerned Superintendent would facilitate the visit. Rubya Sayeed reached Srinagar on Wednesday evening and met her on Thursday.
Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat to Visit Srinagar Today
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat will visit Srinagar today to review the security situation and preparedness of security forces to deal with the situation in Kashmir valley.
This will be the Army Chief's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370, reported ANI.
Fresh Restrictions Imposed in Kashmir Ahead of Friday Prayers
Fresh restrictions were imposed in the city and other parts of the Kashmir Valley as a preventive measure ahead of Friday congregational prayers, officials said.
Restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPc were announced on public address system. People have been asked not to venture outside and barricades have been placed.
Terrorists Opened Fire at Parimpora, One Civilian Dead
Terrorists fired at a civilian in Parim Pora jurisdiction of Srinagar. The civilian succumbed to his injuries at the local hospital. A police team is on the spot.
Pak Cleric 'Provokes' Crowd Calling for 'Jihad'
In a video that surfaced online, a cleric in Islamabad is seen and heard addressing a crowd where he is blatanty calling for 'Jihad' in the wake of India's decision to abrogate Article 370, ANI reported.
“When Muslims anywhere get weakened, 'jihad' becomes obligatory for them. Our Kashmiri brothers, sisters and mothers have been affected. If you don't have the guts to fight, you will keep on getting defeated,” the cleric was heard saying in the video, according to ANI.
Pak Observes 'Kashmir Hour' to Express 'Solidarity'
Pakistan observed ‘Kashmir Hour’ to express ‘solidarity’ with the Kashmiri people after India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sirens blared across the country as the clock struck noon and traffic signals turned red on all roads of the federal capital Islamabad, reported PTI.
Pak Foreign Min Qureshi Dials Up South Korean Counterpart to Brief About J&K Situation
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi breifed his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as part of Islamabad's nefarious designs to internationalise the issue after New Delhi changed the consitutional status of the region, reported ANI.
Talks With India Only After It Reverses Kashmir Decision: Pak PM
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that talks with India can happen only if New Delhi "reverses" its decision on revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status, end the restrictions and withdraws its troops to the barracks.
In an opinion piece in The New York Times on Thursday, Khan again warns that if the world does nothing to stop India's decision on Kashmir, the two nuclear-armed countries will get ever closer to a "direct military confrontation."
Deteriorating Situation in Kashmir Is a Threat to Regional Peace: Pak Army Chief
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa claimed on Friday that the "deteriorating situation" in Kashmir is a threat to regional peace. Gen Bajwa visited the headquarters of the Gujranwala Corps where he was briefed about the operational preparedness, according to a brief statement issued by the army.
"Deteriorating situation" in Kashmir is a threat to the regional peace, he said.
Internal Matter of India, Respect Indian Position: Australian High Commissioner on Kashmir
Australian High Commissioner to India, Harinder Sidhu has said that they believe that the Kashmir issue will be resolved between India and Pakistan.
“The Indian government says it's an internal matter of India. We respect the Indian position on that. Australia's long held view on Kashmir has been that the issue should be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan,” she said, speaking to ANI.
Pak Ready for 'Conditional' Bilateral Talks With India: Shah Mahmood Qureshi
“Pakistan ready for 'conditional' bilateral talks with India,” said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistani media reported.
Restrictions on Movement of People Lifted in Most Parts of Kashmir
Restrictions were lifted from most parts of Kashmir today, a day after strict curbs on the movement of people were imposed in view of Friday congregational prayers, officials said.
They said that barricades have been removed from the roads in most areas of the city and elsewhere in the valley to allow the movement of people, reported PTI.
However, deployment of security forces continued on the ground to maintain law and order, the officials said.
Modi Govt Committed to Timely Completion of Kartarpur Corridor: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Modi-led government is committed to completing the Kartarpur Sahib corridor within the stipulated time.
The assurance of the home minister came a day after India and Pakistan held a meeting of the technical committee at the Zero Point in Gurdaspur in Punjab on the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, amid fresh tensions between the two countries after Jammu and Kashmir's special status was scrapped.
War Not an Option to Deal With Kashmir: Pak FM
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that war is not an option to deal with the Kashmir issue amidst fresh Indo-Pak tensions over New Delhi revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
In an interview to BBC Urdu published on Saturday, 31 August, Qureshi said Pakistan never followed an aggressive policy and always preferred peace, adding that the current government of Pakistan has repeatedly offered India to start talks because the two nuclear armed neighbours cannot take the risk of going on a war.
War was not option to deal with the issue of Kashmir, the Pakistani foreign minister emphasised.
He reiterated that Kashmir is an international issue and not just a bilateral affair between Pakistan and India.
Tensions between India and Pakistan spiked after India abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories.
"India's Action in Kashmir Unacceptable," Says Bernie Sanders
United States presidential contender Bernie Sanders called India’s action in Kashmir “unacceptable” and that the communication blockade should be lifted in the erstwhile state.
“India’s action (in Kashmir) is unacceptable and the communications blockade must be lifted immediately, and the US government must be speak out boldly in support of international humanitarian live and in support of a UN backed peaceful resolution,” he said.
India Thwarts Pakistan's Attempt to Raise Kashmir Issue at Male
India on Sunday thwarted an attempt by Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue during the South Asian Speakers' Summit in the Maldives.
Pakistan's Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Qasim Suri tried to raise the Kashmir issue during the discussion on Sustainable Development Goals, at the summit held in the Maldivian Parliament. In a strong response, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh hit out at Pakistan for raising India's internal issue and politicisation of the forum.
"We strongly object to the raising of internal matter of India in this forum. We also reject to the politicisation of this forum by raising the issues which are extraneous to the theme of this summit," Harivansh said.
"There is a need for Pakistan to end cross border terrorism and all kinds of state support to the same in the interest of regional peace and stability. Terrorism is the biggest threat to the entire humanity today,” he added.
Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah Allowed to Meet Families
Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been allowed to meet their families, nearly a month after their arrest on 5 August, sources said, according to NDTV. Abdullah's family reportedly met him twice this week at Hari Niwas in Srinagar, where he was taken soon after the Centre moved on Jammu and Kashmir. His sister, Safia, and her children were also allowed to meet the leader.
Meanwhile, Mufti's mother and sister Rubya Sayeed met her on Thursday at Chashmashahi Resort, where she has been kept under detention.
Kashmir Is Calm as Restrictions Eased out in Most Areas: Officials
The situation in Kashmir was calm as restrictions have been eased out in most areas across the Valley but normal life remained affected for the 29th consecutive day on Monday, officials said.
“Barricades have been removed from most areas of the Valley but deployment of security forces continued on the ground to maintain law and order,” they said.
Pak PM Imran Hypes Kashmir Situation, Increases Volatility: Ex-Envoy Roemer
“The US should remain steady in its policy towards the strategic ties with India and must push Islamabad for ‘real results’ on counter-terrorism cooperation,” said former US Ambassador to India Tim Roemer, lashing out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for ratcheting up the Kashmir issue.
Roemer oversaw the signing of the Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Initiative, which broadened US-India coordination in intelligence and security cooperation.
Jaishankar Dismisses Reading Imran Khan's NYT Piece, Slams Pak for 'Openly Practicing Terrorism'
“Didn't have the time to read it”, is how Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed the vitriolic opinion piece written by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in The New York Times where he has threatened the world with the spectre of a nuclear war over Kashmir.
In an interview with POLITICO in Brussels, Jaishankar has also predicted that security restrictions across Kashmir would be eased in the “coming day,” reported IANS.
Responding to questions on the NYT opinion piece by Khan, in which the latter has sought the opening of a dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi, Jaishankar has said that te idea is a non-starter while Pakistan “openly practices terrorism”.
Jaishankar said that there is no hope of negotiations until Pakistan reins in its financing and recruitment of militant groups. “Terrorism is not something that is being conducted in dark corners of Pakistan. It's done in broad daylight,” Jaishankar said.
Rajnath Singh Discusses Art 370's Abrogation at Japan-India Defence Ministerial Meeting
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired Japan – India Defence Ministerial Meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Takeshi lwaya in Tokyo today.
Singh also discussed abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution and said talks and cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan cannot go together.
Next Tourism Ministers Meeting in J&K: Union Min Prahlad Patel
Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel said that next meeting of state tourism ministers will take place in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that while every ministry is planning schemes for Ladakh region, he said he would soon be visiting Kashmir to take stock of 'feasibility' of implementation of schemes in the newly-carved Union Territory.
"Our next meeting of all state tourism ministers, as per their wish, has been in Jammu and Kashmir. When all these ministers met me in Delhi recently, all of them expressed their desire for the next meeting in Jammu and Kashmir. It could be in Srinagar as well. However, we haven't decided the location as of now, the minister told ANI.
Most Hospitals Functioning Normally in Srinagar: J&K Principal Secy Kansal
Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary (Planning Commission), Rohit Kansal said, “All essentials supplies continue in the Valley, major hospitals in Srinagar have been functioning normally.”
He added, “Over 26,000 landlines are functional in the Valley, in Jammu and Ladakh landlines and mobile phones are fully functional. Day time restrictions have been fully lifted from 92 police stations. This makes 90 percent of Valley free of day time restrictions of any kind.”
New Road Brought Relief to Over 10K People: District Development Commissioner
A newly constructed road in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir has extended connectivity to over ten villages and brought relief to over ten thousand people residing there.
The road connects Narain, Chakkli Potha, Hidayatpura, Daggani, Sangpur and Kalakote villages among others.“People in these villages had to face a lot of problems earlier.
More roads are being constructed and Kalara Bridge has also been completed. It will provide relief to the people,” District Development Commissioner Mohammed Aijaz Asad told ANI.
South Asian Speakers' Summit Overlooks Pakistan's Claims on Kashmir
A day after India thwarted an attempt by Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue during the South Asian Speakers' Summit in the Maldives, the Male declaration adopted by the meeting today overlooked all assertions made by Islamabad on the issue.
India and Pakistan had a heated exchange during summit on Sunday held in the Maldivian Parliament — ‘Majlis’ — where the representatives of the South Asian countries had gathered.
Sitaram Yechury Submits Report on Kashmir Visit in SC
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court giving details of his 29 August Kashmir visit during which he met his ailing colleague Yusuf Tarigami, the party sources said.
The affidavit was submitted in the court in a sealed envelope.
The apex court had permitted Yechury to go meet Tarigami, a four-time former MLA, after he filed a habeas corpus petition.
Sources said that affidavit gives details of Tarigami's health condition and stresses on the need for him to visit AIIMS, where he was being treated. It reportedly also talks about the situation in Kashmir which has been under heavy security cover since 5 August, when the government abrogated the state's special status under Article 370, PTI reported.
BJP Demands Waiving of Mobile Bills for Service Suspension Period in J&K
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has demanded waiving cell phone bills in the state for the period the mobile telephone service has been suspended.
“We urge the government of India to waive the pre-paid and post-paid bills of mobile telephone services that have been put on suspension since 5 August in Jammu and Kashmir after the nullification of Articles 370,” BJP state in-charge of IT and Social Media Jaidev Rajwal told reporters in Jammu.
'Will Not Use Nuclear Weapons First': Pak PM Imran Khan
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Pakistan will not use nuclear weapons first amid tensions with India, reported Reuters.
“We will never ever start the war. Both Pakistan and India are nuclear powers and if tension escalates the world will face danger,” Khan said while addressing a gathering of the Sikh community at the Governor's House in Lahore, PTI reported.
Khan said that war is not a solution to any problem.
“I want to tell India that war is not a solution to any problem. The winner in war is also a loser. War gives birth to host of other issues,” he said.
Man With Stone Injury Brought to Hospital in Srinagar
In Jammu and Kashmir, a 30-year-old Mohammad Yaseen Bhat from Pulwama was brought to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar with stone injury in his head, reported ANI.
Srinagar Mayor Calls Article 370 Developments "Deeply Disturbing and Anguishing"
On the developments since the abrogation of Article 370, Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu told The Indian Express that they are “deeply disturbing and anguishing.” “The arbitrary disavowal of constitutional guarantees promised to the people of J&K and the break-up of the state has been one of the darkest days in its chequered history,” he said.
Although Mattu’s party, the People’s Conference, along with its leader Sajjad Lone were previously in support of the BJP, but after the abrogation of Article 370, Mattu said that “the mainstream as a whole is faced with a larger, more existential question at this juncture and should strive for the restoration of the state’s eroded constitutional rights and seek reversal of these moves,” the report added.
On the Centre’s claims that the situation in the Valley is “normal” he said,“The media and administrative narrative seems to be content in defining ‘normalcy’ in a purely operational context, in the ability of the clampdown to contain the immediate repercussions of what was done. If the absence of dead bodies is the new definition of ‘normalcy,’ what can one possibly say,” The Indian Express reported.
Curbs Imposed to Stop Communication Between Terrorists: Jaishankar
In an interview with Politico magazine in Brussels, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that curbs imposed on mobile and internet services were required to “cut off” communication between terrorists and their masters.
He said, “If you tell me how do I cut off communications between the terrorists and their masters on the one hand, but keep the internet open for other people? I would be delighted to pass on this information,” Politico reported.
Delegation of J&K Panchayat Association Arrives to Meet Shah
A delegation of Jammu & Kashmir Panchayat Association arrived at Ministry of Home Affairs to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah, over abrogation of Artcle 370 and 35A in J&K.
Day-Time Restrictions Eased in Most Parts of Valley, Markets Shut in Srinagar
Day-time restrictions were eased in most parts of Kashmir on Tuesday, 3 September, but markets remained shut and public transport off the roads for the 30th day since 5 August when the Centre revoked the state's special status, PTI reported.
There were no curbs during the day in over 90 per cent of the Valley with the situation being eased in 92 police station areas in view of the improving situation, officials said.
Many private vehicles were on the road, and inter-district cabs as well as auto-rickshaws were plying in some areas.
They said barricades were removed from most areas of the Valley, but the deployment of security forces continued on the ground to maintain law and order.
No Change in Pak's Nuclear Policy: FO Says on Imran's Statement
There is no change in Pakistan's nuclear policy, the Foreign Office has said, hours after Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed that his country will never ever start a war with India, amid escalating tensions between the nuclear powers over the Kashmir issue, PTI reported
Addressing a gathering of the Sikh community at the Governor's House in Lahore on Monday, 2 September evening, Khan said both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed countries and if tension escalates, the world will face danger.
"There will be no first from our side ever," he said, without explaining further.
'Panch,' 'Sarpanch' in J&K to Get Security, Insurance Coverage: HM Shah
Panch and sarpanch in Jammu and Kashmir will get police security and an insurance coverage of Rs two lakh each.
This assurance was given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to a delegation of sarpanch (village head) and panch (panchayat member) from Jammu and Kashmir who met him today.
Bhat also said that Shah told the delegation that mobile phone services in Jammu and Kashmir will be restored in the next 15-20 days, reported PTI.
Maharashtra Govt to Buy Land in J&K to Build Resorts
The Maharashtra government will likely buy land in Jammu and Kashmir to build two resorts, reported ANI.
Jaykumar Rawal, Maharashtra Tourism Minister said, “We are planning to open a resort near Srinagar and to open a mountaineering institute near Ladakh. In next 15-20 days a team would go there to find suitable sites.”
Pak Wants Peaceful Resolution of Kashmir Through Negotiations: Mahmood Qureshi
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that his country wants a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue through a dialogue with India.
In a report to Dunya News, he said that Pakistan's foreign policy had been prepared keeping in view both internal and external issues. With effective foreign policy, Pakistan has made its name in the world, he asserted, reported ANI.
Pak Allows Import of Life-Saving Drugs From India
The Pakistani government has allowed the import of life-saving drugs from India, despite the escalating tensions between the two countries over the Kashmir issue, according to a media report, as per PTI.
Pakistan downgraded diplomatic relations and formally suspended its trade relations with India last month, after New Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories.
Pak to Issue Multiple, On-Arrival Visas to Sikh Pilgrims: PM Khan
“Kartarpur is the 'Madina' and Nankana Sahib is the 'Makkah' of the Sikh community,” said Pakistan PM Imran Khan, adding that his government will issue multiple on-arrival visas to Sikh pilgrims coming from India and other countries, media reports said.
Khan said that the government will provide Sikh pilgrims all possible facilities during their pilgrimage to the holy sites in Pakistan, the News International reported.
BJP Backs Jaishankar's Statement on Talks With Pak
BJP has seconded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's take on Pakistan's call for dialogue and said that there is no scope of initiating talks with Pakistan until it stops sponsoring terrorism.
“Our External Affairs Minister is right. There is not scope of talks with Pakistan until it stops sponsoring terrorism. Pakistan openly sponsors terrorism and provides a safe haven to terrorists on its soil. It also sponsors terrorism in other countries. The country has become a danger for the rest of the world,” BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told ANI.
Tough to Prove 'Kashmir Genocide' Claim: Pak ICJ Lawyer
Pakistan's lawyer Khawar Qureshi in an open admission accepted that there is insubstantial evidence with Pakistan to back its claims of genocide in Kashmir.
Qureshi, speaking to the Pakistani media, said, “In absence of these evidences, it is extremely difficult for Pakistan to take this case to the ICJ,” reported IANS.
Earlier, Pakistan threatened to take India to the ICJ over the Kashmir issue.
Shah, Nadda meet Ex-Guv of J&K, Jagmohan in Delhi
In Delhi, BJP President Amit Shah, BJP working president JP Nadda and party leader Dharmendra Pradhan met Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Jagmohan as a part of BJP's Sampark Abhiyan, reported ANI.
NPP Seeks Release of Detained Leaders, Restoration of Internet Services in J&K
Activists of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) staged a demonstration in Jammu seeking immediate release of opposition leaders under house arrest and the restoration of internet services, reported PTI.
Several political leaders continue to remain under house arrest following the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, on 5 August.
Pak PM Imran Khan, Saudi Prince Discuss Kashmir on Call
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) discussed Jammu and Kashmir, among other issues, during a phone call, Geo News Reported.
This is the fourth phone call between the Pakistani Prime Minister and MBS over the matter since New Delhi's 'historic' move to amend the Constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir Press Club Denounces Curbs on Media, Journalists in Official Statement
Makeshift PCOs Pop up in Srinagar as People Queue up to Call Loved Ones
With hundreds standing in queues to use landlines to get in touch with their loved ones in Srinagar, it's a rewind to the age of the PCOs and STD booths which had gone out of business with the introduction of mobile phones.
Makeshift Public Call Offices (PCOs) have sprung up in several Civil Lines' localities where landline telephone facilities have been restored, reported PTI.
Issuance of LOC Was Mala Fide Exercise of Power, Shah Faesal Tells Delhi HC
Bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal, detained in Srinagar, told the Delhi High Court that the Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him was prima facie a mala fide exercise of power and no reasonable ground was made out for it.
The submissions filed on behalf of Faesal said that a copy of the LOC was not provided to him and no details of the contents have been given in the Jammu and Kashmir government's reply which was submitted in response to his habeas corpus petition, reported PTI.
A bench of Justices Manmohan and Sangeeta Dhingra Sehgal listed the matter for further hearing on 12 September as the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was not available for advancing arguments in the matter.
Prohibitory Orders in Place in Only 13-14 Police Stations in J&K: Javadekar
The government said that prohibitory orders imposed in Jammu and Kashmir under section 144 of the CrPC are limited to a little over a dozen police stations and there there have been no cases of police firing or use of tear gas.
Responding to a question on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir after its special status was scraped last month, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said that except for a very few police stations, prohibitory orders have not been imposed under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
Firecrackers Used to Disrupt Traffic, Gun-Wielding Youths Threaten Shopkeepers in Kashmir
Use of firecrackers to disrupt traffic, gun-wielding youths threatening shopkeepers and posters warning people to obey diktats of militants have become frequent in the Kashmir Valley, where restrictions are in place since the Centre abrogated the state's special status on 5 August, reported PTI.
While officials claimed that day-time restrictions were eased in most parts of Kashmir today, the worry is about opening of markets which continue to remain shut.
Miscreants have been using firecrackers to disrupt vehicular movement on roads, the officials said and cited an example of some youths hurling firecrackers at private vehicles in Karan Nagar area in Srinagar.
According to the officials, two pistol-borne youths riding a bike were spotted in civil lines areas on Sunday and Monday, reportedlyasking people to keep their shops closed warning them of dire consequences.
29,000 Youths Register for Army Recruitment Rally in Jammu
A seven-day recruitment rally by the Army commenced today in Reasi for Jammu region where over 29,000 aspiring youths from various districts got themselves registered.
It is the first such recruitment rally after the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution.
“The response is an indicator of the desire of local youths to opt for peace and progress,” said Jammu-based PRO Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand.
Loan of Over Rs 3.20 Cr Sanctioned to Aid Police Personnel: J&K Police
Jammu and Kashmir Police said, “To provide assistance to personnel who are in need of monetary assistance, DGP Jammu and Kashmir Dilbag Singh has sanctioned welfare relief and loan of over Rs 3.20 crore in favour of 325 Police personnel,” reported ANI.
Union Min Mandaviya Has No Info About Drug Shortage in J&K
Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that he does not have any information about the shortage of medicines in the troubled Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is the state health department that provides (medical) services there. But there is no information with us about there being a shortage of medicines anywhere,” he told reporters in Mumbai.
Srinagar Mayor Put Under House Arrest
Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu has reportedly been placed under house arrest a day after he criticised the government's move on Kashmir.
ITBP Jawan Accidentally Injured by Own Rifle in J&K's Rajouri
An Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawan was seriously injured today when his service rifle accidentally went off in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.
“Constable Bhim Singh was on law and order duty in Bella Colony when his rifle accidentally discharged and a bullet hit him in the face,” said a police official.
TV Advertisements Work, J&K Players Get Together to Train
Jammu and Kashmir cricketers, who could not train for the upcoming domestic season due to the communication clampdown in the region, have finally managed to get together and will begin their training in Baroda from Thursday.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) had last week put out advertisements on local TV channels to get in touch with their players from the Valley who have been incommunicado, reported PTI.
J&K Gearing up to Provide Piped Water to All Households by 2022
The Governor's administration has envisaged connecting each and every household of Jammu and Kashmir with piped water supply by 2022 for ensuring water security to its population, an official said.
The state has around 30 percent piped water connectivity which is much above the national average of 18 percent, reported PTI.
Allegations of Human Rights Violations in Kashmir Must Be Investigated: UK
The UK said that the allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir since India revoked the Article 370 of the Constitution must be “thoroughly, promptly and transparently” investigated, reported PTI.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told MPs in the House of Commons in the first parliamentary session after a long summer recess that he had raised the concerns with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during a conversation on 7 August and that the UK will carefully monitor the situation in Kashmir.
Internal Matter Which Doesn't Impact Other Countries: Indian Ambassador to US on Kashmir
Harsh V Shringla, Indian Ambassador to USA: “Over the past few weeks we have seen a great deal of speculation, some peddling of half truths, untruths, factually incorrect information that is emanated in media, primarily in United States,” reported ANI.
He added, “An administrative reorganisation is an internal matter within India and doesn't in anyway impinge on the boundaries of the state of Jammu and Kashmir or the international line of control. Therefore, it is an internal matter which doesn't have any impact on any other country.”
BJP to Hold Workshop for Its Leaders on Article 370 Move in Gujarat
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will hold a workshop on Thursday on Article 370 to help party leaders place the contentious issue before the masses effectively, reported PTI.
Sufficient Medicines Available for 2 Months in Kashmir Hospitals: GMC Principal
All hospitals associated with the Government Medical College (GMC) have sufficient stocks of medicines to last for at least two months, GMC principal Parvaiz Shah said.
“Further stocks that will last for another six months would be received before the end of the current month,” he said.
Shah said that the Indian Red Cross Society in Jammu and Kashmir approached his office and offered to supplement stocks of specific kinds of medicines. He clarified that the offer was accepted, but it was stressed that no requisition was made to the organisation.
“The drugs mentioned in the IRCS communication are available with GMC hospitals in abundance,” he said, adding that stocks of all drugs are sufficient for a period of two to three months at minimum with some of them being available for six months, reported PTI.
Union Joint Secretaries Review Progress of Livestock and Fisheries Sectors in J&K
Union Joint Secretaries, who are currently on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, today reviewed working of animal and sheep husbandry, and fisheries sectors in the state and assured liberal funding for their promotion.
Union Joint Secretary, Cattle and Dairy Development, OP Chaudhary reviewed working of animal and sheep husbandry sectors and implementation of dairy development schemes at a high level meeting in Srinagar, an official spokesman said.
“During the meeting, the Joint Secretary assured of liberal funding for promotion of livestock sector in Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesman said.
Students ‘Attack’ Teacher After He Spoke About Article 370 Abrogation
In Ramban district, a teacher was allegedly attacked by students of a school that is run by the state government. The teacher was attacked after he said that the Modi-led government adhered to proper procedure in abrogating Article 370, The Indian Express reported.
Students protested and did not attend classes on Tuesday, 3 September, so that an action is taken against the teacher. However, the principal later asked them to go back to their classes and said that they can only say something when the teacher comes to school because he is presently on leave, the report added.
Youth Dies of Injuries in Srinagar Hospital, Restrictions Reimposed in Parts of City
A Kashmiri youth who was injured during protests last month died at a Srinagar hospital in the early hours of Wednesday, 4 September, prompting authorities to reimpose restrictions in parts of the city, officials said.
Asrar Ahmed Khan was part of a mob holding protests in Soura on 6 August, a day after the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and announced its bifurcation into two union territories, they said.
Restrictions were reimposed Downtown Srinagar and parts of the Civil Lines area as a precautionary measure.
'Pak Desperate to Infiltrate Terrorists': Lt General KJS Dhillon
Lieutenant General KJS Dhillon said that Pakistan is desperate to infiltrate maximum terrorists into the Kashmir valley to disrupt peace in the Valley, ANI reported.
“On 21 August, we apprehended two Pakistani nationals who are associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba,” he added. The Indian Army further released confession video of the two Pakistani nationals.
Plan of Resorts in J&K a Bid to Build Modi Govt's Image: Congress
Hitting out at the Maharashtra government over its plan to set up two resorts in Srinagar and Ladakh, the Congress on Wednesday, 4 September, said the move is being made to build Modi government's image and justify its decision of abrogating Article 370.
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the MTDC's resorts in the state itself were in poor condition and required more investment to attract tourism.
"At such a juncture, the money of Maharashtra's people is being used for building Modi government's image and justifying its Kashmir-related decision than ensuring interest of Maharashtra," Sawant said in a statement.
J&K Administration Announces Implementation of E-Procurement Policy
The department of Jammu and Kashmir in the Union ministry of home affairs, in a letter on 21 August, has advised the government of Jammu and Kashmir to implement e-procurement policy in the state for government purchases and works, said a circular issued by Financial Commissioner Arun Kumar Mehta on Wednesday.
Accordingly, all administrative secretaries are requested to adhere to the guidelines, the circular said, adding that it is mandatory for departments to receive all bids through e-procurement portals.
Departments which do not have large volume of procurement or carry out procurement required only for day to day running of offices and also have not initiated e-procurement through any other solution provided so far, may use e-procurement solution developed by National Informatics Centre, it said.
DoNER Ministry Team to Visit J&K on 5 September
A high-level team of officers from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will visit Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, 5 September, to look into new reforms and best practices that can be introduced there.
According to an official statement, the key focus areas of the visit will be to exchange notes on ensuring sustainable livelihood after giving due emphasis on women empowerment and community-based bottom-up approach and eco-tourism.
The delegation will focus on exposure programmes of the farmers and artisans of the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.
Article 370: Mehbooba Mufti's Daughter Moves SC Against Detention of Her Mother
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter moved the Supreme Court on Wednesday, seeking directions to the authorities to allow her to meet her mother, who is under detention following the abrogation of Article 370 from the state.
Iltija has submitted that she is concerned about her mother's health as she has not met her in a month, PTI reported.
Her petition is listed for hearing on Thursday before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SA Bobde and SA Nazeer.
One Month Since Abrogation of Article 370, 290 Booked Under PSA
In one month since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the bifurcation of the state, at least 290 people have been booked under the state’s Public Safety Act (PSA), reported The Indian Express.
The Act allows the government to detain a person without a trial for a period of three to six months.
SC Inclined to Shift Ailing CPI-M Leader Under House Arrest to AIIMS
SC says it is inclined to shift ailing CPI-M leader Mohd Yusuf Tarigami, who is under house arrest in Srinagar, to AIIMS in Delhi. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury says he has no objection to him being shifted.
He said, “We want to reserve our right to challenge detention of former MLA Tarigami in Habeas Corpus (bring the person) plea.”
SC Allows Mehbooba Mufti’s Daughter To Meet Her in Srinagar
The Supreme Court, on Thursday, 5 September, allowed former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija to travel to Srinagar to meet her mother who has been placed under arrest since the abrogation of Article 370 in the state.
The court, however, said that she can move in other parts of Srinagar but it would be subject to prior permission from authorities,if needed.
SC Issues Notice to Centre Over Journalist's Petition, Reserves Order Till 16 Sept
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre over Kashmir Times editor, Anuradha Bhasin's petition challenging the silence of the local media in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. The SC also reserved the order on the matter till 16 September. "We will hear all the petitions on 16 September," the court said.
Vrinda Grover, the lawyer appearing for Bhasin, told the Apex court that in her affidavit, she had mentioned that the media is not being able to operate in J&K. "The situation is not good there, in my opinion."
19 More Telephone Exchanges Restored in Kashmir Valley
Authorities in Kashmir have restored 19 more telephone exchanges, a month after telephone services were snapped following abrogation of provisions of Article 370, officials said on Thursday.
Landline telephone connections started working in commercial hub of Lal Chowk and press colony in the early hours of Thursday, the officials said.
Pakistan Doctors Seek Indian Visa to Visit Kashmir
Representatives of Pakistani medics have requested the Indian High Commission to provide them visas to visit Kashmir, a media report said on Friday, 6 September.
"I met the Indian High Commission's First Secretary (Economics and Commerce) Ashish Sharma and handed him an application to issue visas to 21 doctors who want to go to Kashmir so that medical treatment would be provided to Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs." Vice Chancellor of University of Health Sciences (UHS) Professor Javed Akram told Dawn news on Thursday.
On 30 August, the UHS and Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine (PSIM) had signed a declaration that a multidisciplinary team of doctors would be sent to Kashmir. It was also decided that the team would take the medicines along with it.
(Source: IANS)
Curbs Reimposed in Parts of Kashmir Ahead of Friday Prayers
Restrictions were reimposed on Friday, 6 September, in several parts of Kashmir as a precautionary measure with authorities apprehending violence after congregational prayers, PTI reported.
Curbs were first imposed across Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August when the Centre announced its decision to revoke the state's special status under Article 370 and bifurcate it into two Union territories. The restrictions were lifted in phases from many parts of the Valley as the situation improved with passage of time.
Restrictions have been imposed in some parts of Kashmir, including the city, as a precautionary measure ahead of the Friday prayers, the officials said.
The authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the Valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.
No Question of Atrocities by Army in Kashmir: NSA Ajit Doval
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, on Saturday, 7 September, denied reports of atrocities committed by Army in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 which rendered special status to the state.
He said, according to ANI, “I am totally convinced that majority of Kashmiris support the abrogation of article 370 , they see greater opportunities, future, economic progress and employment opportunities, only a few miscreants are opposing it.”
DGP Prisons, SMVDU VC Brief J-K Governor
Director General of Police, Prisons, V K Singh and Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Ravindra Kumar Sinha separately called on Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in Srinagar on Saturday, a Raj Bhavan spokesman said.
Singh briefed Malik about functioning and the adequacy of the security arrangements in prisons of Jammu and Kashmir, issues relating to the number and existing capacity of the jails and the gaps in their day-to-day administration, the spokesman said.
He said the DGP Prisons also informed the Governor about prisoners welfare programmes being run in the jails.
Malik stressed the importance of effectively ensuring the security arrangements in the jails, which, he said, must be run strictly as per prescriptions in the jail manual, and adequate medical arrangements and the welfare of the prisoners be assured, the spokesman said.
Normal Life Remains Affected in Kashmir
Normal life remained affected in Kashmir on Saturday though authorities lifted the restrictions re-imposed a day earlier in some parts of the Valley as a precautionary measure.
Most markets and other business establishments remained closed on Saturday while public transport was off the roads across the Valley, officials said. Some private vehicles could be seen plying in parts of the city.
Government offices were open but attendance in many was thin due to lack of public transport, they said, adding offices at district headquarters registered normal attendance.
Abrogation of J&K's Special Status 'Aggression on State': NC
Equating the Centre's decision to abrogate Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 with the 1947 invasion of the state by tribal warriors, the National Conference (NC) on Saturday dubbed the move an "aggression".
The party also termed 5 August, the day when Jammu and Kashmir's special status was revoked, a black day in the state's history.
"The act of unilaterally back tracking on the constitutional assurances is no less than an aggression on the state," NC Lok Sabha members Muhammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi said in a joint statement.
With the scrapping of Article 370 and Article 35A, the Centre has permanently branded itself as "undependable and deceitful", the MPs said.
The statement said the decision had played with the honour of the state's people.
Pakistani Handlers Told Terrorists in Kashmir They Will Get Bangles If They Don't Cause Unrest: NSA
Pakistan has readied about 230 terrorists for infiltration into Kashmir, and some have already crossed over with orders to cause unrest, India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said on Saturday, citing the case of two terrorists who were told by their handlers that they would receive bangles if they didn't do their jobs properly.
Doval told a select group of journalists that there are Pakistani communications towers along a 20-km stretch of the border from where they are sending messages to terrorists.
"We heard intercepts in which they told their men 'how come so many apple trucks are moving. Can't you stop them? Should we send you bangles instead of guns'," Doval said, referring to the fact that some 750 trucks carrying apples leave the valley every day for trade in other parts of the country.
Ailing CPI(M) MLA from J&K Yusuf Tarigami Shifted to AIIMS
Ailing CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, who has been under house arrest for over a month in Srinagar, was shifted to AIIMS on Monday morning, officials said.
Accompanied by a doctor, a relative and a police officer, Tarigami arrived here and was immediately taken to AIIMS, the officials said.
The Supreme Court had on Thursday said that Tarigami should be shifted "at the earliest" to "the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, from Srinagar, where he is under house arrest." He had been put under house arrested in the early hours of August 5 when the Centre abrogated special status to Jammu and Kashmir under the Constitution.
'Appeal to India to Ease Current Lockdowns': UN Human Rights Chief Raises Kashmir Issue
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet raised the Kashmir issue at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday saying that she’s “deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, detention of local political leaders and activists.”
"While I continue to urge the governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected, I have appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews,” she reportedly said.