Chidambaram Cites Kashmir, Claims Modi Govt Moving Towards Fascism
Catch all the live updates on the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
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On 7 December, veteran Congress leader P Chidambaram, who is out on bail after spending more than three months in prison, spoke about the lack of freedom in Kashmir and said, “In this country, a right wing, retrograde (government) is moving towards a fascist type of government that usurped freedom... we have to be very vigilant.”
- China termed the bifurcation “void,” saying that it included some of their territories
- GC Murmu was sworn-in as the first LG of J&K and Radha Krishna Mathur as LG of Ladakh
- 23 members of European Parliament, mostly belonging to right-wing parties, who flew to J&K for a two-day official visit, termed the dilution of Article 370 an internal issue of India
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J&K Bifurcated from Ladakh, President’s Rule Revoked
The President's rule imposed in undivided Jammu and Kashmir was on Thursday revoked following bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories.
The two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh come into existence on Thursday after the central government on August 5 decided to abrogate the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and create them on October 31.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 356 of the Constitution, I, Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, hereby revoke the proclamation issued by me under the said article on the 19th December, 2018 in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir,” the official notification said.
RK Mathur Sworn-in as First LG of Ladakh
Radha Krishna Mathur was sworn-in as the first Lt Governor of Union Territory of Ladakh, which came into existence after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The oath of office was administered by chief justice of Jammu and Kashmir high court Geeta Mittal at Leh.
Bodies of Labourers Killed in Kulgam Handed Over to Families
Bodies of five labourers, who were killed by terrorists in Kulgam in J&K on 29 October, were handed over to their families in Murshidabad on Thursday morning. The state government has announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased.
'New J&K Arrangement Mirrors Patel's Dream'
After floral tributes to Sardar Patel at the Statue Of Unity in Kevadiya in Gujarat on the occasion of the leader's birth anniversary, PM Modi, via his office's Twitter handle said that the new scheme of things in Jammu and Kashmir is not aimed at demarcating the land but at forging ties of trust.
Radio Stations Renamed in J&K
Radio Stations in Jammu, Srinagar and Leh have been renamed as All India Radio, Jammu; All India Radio, Srinagar; and All India Radio Leh, respectively.
The identity announcements from these stations have been changed to "All India Radio"/"Akashvani" from "Radio Kashmir" with effect from Thursday.
GC Murmu Becomes J&K L-G
G C Murmu was on Thursday sworn in as the first lieutenant governor of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir following the bifurcation of the state into two union territories.
The oath of office to Murmu, who will turn 60 next month, was administered by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Justice Gita Mittal at a simple function held at Raj Bhawan at the foothills of the Zaberwan range.
The warrant of appointment of Murmu, a 1985 batch IAS officer from Gujarat, was read out by Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam.
BJP leader Jugal Kishore and Rajya Sabha MP and PDP member Nazir Laway were among the over 250 guests present the function.
China opposes Bifurcation of J&K that Include 'Chinese Territories'
China voiced strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to India's move of officially establishing new union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, which included “Chinese territories,” Chinese media People’s Daily reported.
Central Rule to Continue in J&K Through LG
The President's rule imposed in undivided Jammu and Kashmir was revoked on Thursday following the state's bifurcation into Union territories, but the central rule will continue for an indefinite period through the Lieutenant Governor (LG) in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
President Ram Nath Kovind issued two separate notifications on Thursday morning -- the first revoking the President's rule in undivided Jammu and Kashmir and subsequently, taking over the control of the administration of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, which will be controlled through the LG now.
He said after considering the governor's report and other information, he was satisfied that a situation had arisen in which the administration of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir could not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.
"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, read with articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I – (a) assume to myself as President of India all functions of the Government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and all powers vested in or exercisable by the LG of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir; (b) declare that the powers of the legislature or legislative Assembly of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament," the notification issued by the president said.
CBDT Extends Income Tax Deadline For J&K and Ladakh to 30 November
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has extended the deadline for filing of all types of income tax returns to 30 November in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, according to news agency PTI.
Pakistan Rejects as 'Illegal and Void' Bifurcation of J&K Into Two Union Territories
Pakistan on Thursday rejected as "illegal and void" the formal bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and said the purpose of these "unilateral changes" is to alter its demographic structure, PTI reported.
"Changing of status quo in Kashmir is in complete violation of the UN Security Council Resolutions and Bilateral Agreements between India and Pakistan, especially the Simla Agreement," the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.
It said that Kashmir was "an internationally recognised disputed territory" and no step by the government of India can change this.
Terrorists Set Ablaze 2 Vehicles in J&K's Kulgam
Two vehicles were set ablaze by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam on Thursday night, according to ANI.
US Congressman Applauds Modi for 'Bold' Steps In J&K
A US Congressman on Thursday, 31 October, applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the "bold steps" in Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating an "outdated and temporary" provision of the Constitution, according to PTI.
"The steps that Prime Minister Modi and the Parliament have taken are needed, they're good for the long-term stability of the region, and they should be applauded,” Congressman George Holding said on the House floor Thursday.
The Republican lawmaker said the Indian Parliament passed the legislation changing the status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and modified provisions that were an "obstacle to economic development and promoted a sense of separatism."
UN Chief Appeals to India, Pak to Deal With Kashmir Issue Through Dialogue
As Jammu and Kashmir transitioned from a state into two union territories, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, 31 October, reiterated his appeal that India and Pakistan deal with the Kashmir issue through dialogue and ensure full respect for human rights, according to PTI.
The UN Chief's Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq on Thursday said, “Well, just to reiterate our basic concerns that the Secretary General has previously expressed his concerns about the situation in Kashmir. As you know, he has met with representatives of India and Pakistan at their request to discuss the situation."
Restrictions Imposed in Parts of Srinagar in View of Congregational Prayers
Restrictions were imposed on Friday, 1 November in some parts Srinagar as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order due to apprehension of violent protests after congregational prayers, PTI reported.
The official said security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable places elsewhere in the Valley.
Markets remained closed while transport remained off the roads, the officials added.
PDP Expells RS Member Nazir Ahmad Laway for Attending LG Swearing-In
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party has expelled Rajya Sabha member Nazir Ahmad Laway from party for attending swearing-in ceremony of J&K LG, according to the party spokesperson, reports PTI.
Current Situation in J&K Not Suitable: German Chancellor Merkel
The current situation in Kashmir is "not sustainable" and needs to change for sure, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday, 1 November, told German media ahead of her 'restricted meeting' with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and after co-chairing the fifth Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) with him.
However, the Kashmir situation was not discussed during the IGC and as per sources, Merkel expected to hear from Prime Minister Modi plans for Jammu and Kashmir during their 'restricted meeting,' "as the situation at this moment (in Kashmir) is not sustainable and not good, this has to change for sure," Merkel was quoted as having said by German sources.
After their extensive delegation-level talks, the two leaders held a 'restricted meeting' at the official residence of the Prime Minister in the presence of select ministers and officials from both the sides.
Governor Meets Top Officers, Calls for Close Coordination with Civil Admin
Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu on Friday met top security officers here and asked them to meet all security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, and ensure safety and security of people, an official spokesperson said.
Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, the general officer commanding (GoC), 15 Corps, briefed the L-G about the security situation along the LoC and in the Valley, an official spokesman said.
Zulfiquar Hasan, ADG CRPF, J&K, also met Murmu at the Raj Bhavan and briefed him about the prevailing security scenario in J&K and the role being played by the CRPF in the internal security management.
The Lt Governor advised them to ensure safety and security of people in all possible manner.
Muneer Ahmad Khan, ADGP, Security, Law and Order, also met Murmu and briefed him about several matters relating to security and law and order.
Security Council Won't Be Discussing Kashmir Issue: Council President UK Amb Pierce
The UN Security Council will not be discussing the issue of Kashmir this month, Karen Pierce, Permanent Representative of the UK to the UN and President of the Security Council for November has said, underlining that there are a lot of issues going on in the world.
“No, we don't have anything scheduled on Kashmir,” Pierce said Friday during a press conference here as Britain assumed the monthly Presidency of the 15-nation top organ of the UN.
She was asked by a Syrian reporter if any meeting or discussion is scheduled on Kashmir during Britain's Presidency of the Council.
Indian Army, J&K Police Arrested One LeT Terrorist in Sopore
In a joint operation, Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested one Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist in Sopore.
Lt Governor Murmu Calls on Union Minister Jitendra Singh in Jammu
Days after assuming charge as the first Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Girish Chandra Murmu on Sunday, 3 November, met Union Minister Jitendra Singh in Jammu, officials said, according to PTI.
Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam was also present at the meeting which took place at the residence of the Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and lasted for nearly two hours.
The prevailing situation in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 provisions and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir were discussed in detail during the meeting, officials said.
Hideout Unearthed in J&K's Kishtwar, Overground Hizbul Worker Arrested
An Overground Worker (OGW) of Hizbul Mujahideen was arrested after security forces unearthed a hideout in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday, 5 November.
A cache of arms and ammunition including a Pakistan-make 7.63 mm pistol with a magazine and a Chinese grenade were recovered from the hideout unearthed during a joint search operation by Rashtriya Rifles and police in Sangram Bhatta area of the district on Monday, the official said.
SC Hears Kashmir Kids' Detention Case; Asks Juvenile Justice Board to Redo Report
Supreme Court, on Tuesday 5 November heard the matter on the alleged detention of children in Kashmir by the security forces. Senior Counsel Huzefa Ahmadi made suubmissions on behalf of the petitioners, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was arguing in favour of the government.
The bench has asked the J&K Juvenile Justice Committee directed to submit a fresh report after going into the issue independently.
Matter will now be listed on 3 December.
Amit Shah to Chair Meeting with J&K Officials
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the meeting with Union Home Secretary AK Bhalla, chief secretary, J&K, DGP J&K and principal secretary home, J&K.
Phone Services Shutdown in J&K ‘Unconstitutional’: Vrinda Grover
Notifications and orders shutting down mobile, landline and internet services in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 were "illegal and unconstitutional,” the Supreme Court was told on Tuesday, 5 November, PTI reported.
A bench headed by Justice NV Ramana was told that even after 90 days, communication services -- data, internet, pre-paid mobiles and SMS -- were not operational in the Kashmir Valley, affecting the working of the media.
Advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for Executive Editor of Kashmir Times Anuradha Bhasin who has challenged the restrictions imposed in the Valley, said the state has the power to put reasonable restrictions on the rights conferred under Article 19 (protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech) but it cannot extinguish the right itself.
"There is absolute communications shutdown from 4 August. It requires to be tested by this court. Yes, there can be reasonable restrictions on rights under Article 19 but the same cannot extinguish the right itself," she told the bench, also comprising Justices R Subhash Reddy and BR Gavai.
Internet Essential Attribute to Press Freedom: Vrinda Grover
While arguing for Editor of Kashmir Times, Anuradha Bhasin, advocate Vrinda Grover said that there is no way a shutdown for 90 days can be called temporary.
She said that in today's times, internet is an essential and basic attribute of freedom of press and that it enables the media to perform its role in a democracy.
Railway Service in Kashmir to Resume From 11 November: Official
Indian Railway service in Kashmir Valley will resume from 11 November, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday, 6 November, over three months after it was suspended in view of abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, PTI reported.
Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan directed the railway authorities to conduct track inspection within three days, followed by a trial run on 10 November and resumption of services from 11 November, the spokesperson said.
Preventive Restrictions Lifted Across Jammu; Schools, Colleges Reopen
Preventive restrictions, imposed as a precautionary measure across Jammu region on the eve of the Supreme Court's judgement on Ayodhya case, were withdrawn on Sunday night, 10 October, an official said, according to PTI.
However, controlled regulation with deployment of forces wherever necessary will remain in force but it will not have any impact on normal life, according to Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma.
Release All J&K Political Leaders: NC Reiterates Demand
The National Conference on Monday reiterated its demand of releasing all political leaders from detention and restoration of political activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Terming the detention of political leaders "unprecedented and undemocratic", NC Secretary Rattan Lal Gupta said it was imperative to release all the leaders and others detained since 5 August.
Three former chief ministers -- National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah, and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti -- are among the mainstream politicians currently under detention in Kashmir.
"The detention of the political leaders is against the democratic ethos of the country," Gupta said in a statement in Jammu.
Train Services in Kashmir Valley to Begin from Tuesday: Railways
Train services in the Kashmir Valley, which were disrupted since 3 August ahead of the abrogation of provisions of Article 370, will resume on Tuesday, a Northern Railway official said.
"After appropriate action and assurance by GRP, J&K regarding safe operation of train in Kashmir Valley between 10 AM and 3 PM, the Firozpur Division will commence a limited passenger service of running two pair of trains between Srinagar-Baramulla-Srinagar with effect from November 12," an official said.
Centre Files Affidavit in SC in Response to Petitions Against Abrogation of Article 370
The Centre on Monday, 10 November filed a detailed affidavit in the Supreme Court in response to a slew of petitions against the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.
SC Hears Plea by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin
Supreme Court hearing a batch of petitions filed by Kashmir Times Editor, Anuradha Bhasin and others fixed for final hearing in the case on 10 December, with respect to restrictions on communication and other restrictions after abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Supreme Court also directed the Centre to file a counter affidavit on or before 22 November in the case, today.
(Source: ANI)
Markets Open for Longer Hours, Public Transport Back on Roads in Srinagar
Signs of normalcy were visible in Srinagar as most modes of public transport have started plying, while markets at some places remained open for longer hours, officials said.
The intra-district connectivity in Srinagar has been restored as cabs have started plying in several areas of the city, the officials said.
There are reports of movement of intra-district cabs and other modes of public transport in most other district headquarters of the valley as well.
With this, most modes of public transport have started plying in the valley, especially in the city in Srinagar, as inter-district cabs, auto-rickshaws and few mini-buses were already plying, reported PTI.
Two Advisors to Lieutenant Governor of J&K Appointed
Retired IPS officer Farooq Khan and former bureaucrat K K Sharma have been appointed as the advisors to the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to an order of the Union Home Ministry, the appointments will be effective from the day of their joining.
The advisors will assist LG Girish Chandra Murmu in the administrative work.
Both Khan, a retired IPS officer, and Sharma, a retired IAS officer, were advisors to former governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik.
Mehbooba Mufti Shifted to Govt Quarters in Srinagar
PDP leader and former Chief Minister Mehooba Mufti was shifted to government quarters in Srinagar, from Chashma Shahi hut in Srinagar, reported ANI on Friday, 15 November.
Let 3 Leaders 'Remain Inside' If You See Valley Is Peaceful Due Their Detention: Jitendra to Officers
Union minister Jitendra Singh on Friday, 15 November, told officers if they believe that the detention of three Kashmiri leaders has helped in maintaining peace in the Kashmir Valley, then the trio should "remain inside".
Singh was addressing officers here after inaugurating a two-day regional conference, which focuses on the implementation of good governance practices in the region.
"Now you (officials) say that situation is right, because those three persons are inside. If the situation is peaceful, because they are inside, then should they remain inside. You (officials) are indirectly supporting that (move)," Singh said.
Two Trial Runs Before Railway Services Are Resumed in Kashmir
A trial run for railways was held between Srinagar in Kashmir and Jammu region’s Banihal on Saturday.
Another trial run is due on Saturday before railway services are resumed in South Kashmir.
30 Political Detainees in Srinagar Moved Amid Claims of Manhandling
As Srinagar reeled under harsh winter conditions, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday, 17 November, shifted all 34 political prisoners, lodged at Centaur Hotel since 5 August, to the MLA Hostel as the facility lacked proper heating arrangements, officials said, according to PTI.
Among the political prisoners are Sajjad Lone of People's Conference (PC), Ali Mohammad Sagar of National Conference (NC), Naem Akhtar of the PDP and former IAS officer Shah Faesal.
Tempers ran high during the shifting of political detainees to the MLA Hostel when Lone allegedly refused to cooperate in the mandatory body search and luggage frisking by police personnel, officials said.
Lone's party claimed that he was "manhandled" on pretext of security checking but the police denied it, saying it was following mandatory security drills.
Qureshi Writes Letter to Top UN Officials to Reject Bifurcation of Kashmir
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written a letter to the UN Secretary General and the President of the Security Council to reject India's decision to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, the Foreign Office said on Monday.
The Foreign Office said in a statement that as part of his ongoing effort to highlight the Kashmir issue, Qureshi addressed another comprehensive letter to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary General Antonio Guterres on 31 October.
It said among other things, Qureshi conveyed Pakistan's rejection of the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated the call for strengthening of he UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
Article 370: SC Begins Hearing Pleas Over Restrictions in J&K
The Supreme Court on Tuesday, 19 November, hearing a batch of petitions filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad with respect to restrictions on communication after abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir.
Islamic Insurgents Spreading Terror in J&K and Elsewhere in India: US Lawmaker
Islamic insurgents are a constant threat, spreading terror throughout Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India, an American lawmaker said on Thursday, 21 November and urged his Congressional colleagues to support New Delhi in its fight against terror, according to PTI.
"India faces many regional and geopolitical threats. Islamic insurgents are a constant threat, spreading terror throughout Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India. We should support the government in Delhi in the continued fight against terror," Congressman Francis Rooney said.
Resolution Condemning Human Rights Violations in Kashmir Introduced in US Congress
A US lawmaker has introduced a resolution on Kashmir in the House of Representatives, condemning the alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir and urged India and Pakistan to abstain from the use of force to settle the status of all disputed territories between them.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlalib, who along with Ilhan Omar is the first two Muslim women to be elected to the Congress, in the House Resolution No 724 introduced on Thursday urged India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue to deescalate tensions between them.
The resolution said that any changes to the status of Jammu and Kashmir must be made with the direct consultation of the Kashmiri people, who must play a central role in the determination of their future.
Alleging that India has unilaterally changed the status of Jammu and Kashmir without a direct consultation or the consent of the Kashmiri people, the resolution urges New Delhi to immediately lift all remaining elements of the communications blockade imposed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Yashwant Sinha-Led Group Barred from Moving out of Srinagar
The five-member group led by former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha visiting Kashmir was on Saturday prevented by Jammu & Kashmir authorities from travelling outside Srinagar citing a terrorist threat in the areas they intended to visit.
Sinha said they had planned to travel to Pulwama and Shopian in south Kashmir but authorities restricted their movement citing terrorist threat in south Kashmir.
"We had sent a written communication to deputy commissioner asking for permission to visit Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Yousuf Tarigami," Sinha told IANS. "We have been told that permission has not been granted."
He said the police told him they were free to move in Srinagar with the knowledge and permission of the authorities.
"This is to stop us from going to these places and seeing the situation for ourselves," he said.
SC Reserves Order On Pleas Challenging Restrictions in J&K
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 27 November, reserved its judgment on a batch of petitions filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad challenging the restrictions on communication and other restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in July.
Not a Single Bullet Fired in J&K Since Abrogation of Special Status: Satya Pal Malik
Satya Pal Malik, the last governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday said no untoward incident has happened there ever since the abrogation of provisions of Article 370.
He claimed that since the abrogation of special status, there has been no casualty in the Valley.
"If there used to be a minor incident, thousands would die. There was unrest in 2010, 50 men died. When the Burhan Wani issue happened, 110 died. Every week, there used to be a casualty. People used to die, people were incited. They used to attack police and stations.”
"And today after the abrogation of Article 370, the Indian forces have not fired even a single bullet... A day after its removal, a boy even said to me 'Let me take you to Laal Chowk to have tea',” Malik said.
NRI Businessman, Charged After Aug 5 Under PSA, Released for Three Months
Dr Mubeen Shah, a Non Resident Indian businessman detained in the aftermath of the August 5 crackdown on political leaders and businessmen in Jammu and Kashmir, was "temporarily released" on Saturday.
Shah, who is based out of Malaysia, walked out of the Agra Central Jail and was received by his brother Niyaz, who had been fighting in the Supreme Court to seek his release.
Refusing to talk to the media citing that the case was sub-judice, Niyaz drove away with his brother, Mubeen, who was detained on August 7 and immediately shifted to the central jail in Agra.
Chidambaram Dubs Centre "Retrograde," Alleges Freedom Denied to Kashmir People
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday alleged freedom was being denied to 75 lakh people in the Kashmir valley and dubbed the Central government "retrograde."
The former Union minister, who is currently out on bail, said “In several parts of the nation, freedom is being snatched away and voices of freedom are being choked, and you should not forget it at all." He also added that if freedom of one person was denied, it meant denying it for all the people.
"In this country, a right wing, retrograde (government) is moving towards a fascist type of government that usurped freedom... we have to be very vigilant,” he said.