Indo-Pak border to be completely sealed by December 2018: Rajnath Singh

[Rashid Mahmood]

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...emated-at-native-town-in-haryana_1943432.html

Last Updated: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 14:52
Kurukshetra: The mortal remains of BSF Head Constable Sushil Kumar, who was killed in Pakistani shelling while defending the border, were consigned to flames with full military honours at his native Pihowa village here on Tuesday.

Kumar was killed as Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire, resorting to heavy shelling and firing from automatic weapons in several sectors along the International Border in Jammu district yesterday.

A large number of people from the town and the adjoining villages were lined along the road from Pihowa chowk to Kumar's residence on Gulha road to pay homage to the martyr.

Heavy crowd assembled at the main chowk when his body was brought by a team of BSF officers at Pihowa at around 7.30 am on Tuesday.

Kumar's body was brought to his home for sometime and then it was taken to the cremation ground where the last rites were performed as relatives and people lined up to bid a tearful adieu to the slain BSF jawan.

Earlier, Minister of State for Social welfare Krishan Bedi laid wreath on behalf of the state government.

He announced that an ex-gratia grant of Rs 50 lakh would be given to Kumar's family by the Haryana Government.

PTI

First Published: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 14:52

The Pakistan Rangers also resorted to ceasefire violations by targeting civilian population in RS Pura sector in Jammu district this afternoon, a BSF spokesman said. (Photo: PTI)

A 6-year-old boy and a BSF jawan were killed and 10 people including 8 civilians were injured in the shelling on Monday when Pakistan Rangers targeted over 25 Border out Posts in the border hamlets along International Border.

There have been over 40 ceasefire violations from the Pakistani side since the Indian side carried out surgical strikes inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir targeting terror launching pads, post the attack on an army camp in Uri on September 18.

 

[Hindustani78]

A woman injured by cross border firing at Suchetgarh is shifted to the Government Medical Hospital in Jammu.

 

[Hindustani78]

Jammu and Kashmir Police busts militant hideout near LoC; huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...che-of-arms-ammunition-recovered_1943949.html
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 - 20:55

Rajouri: In a major success, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday busted a militant hideout in Rajouri district of the state.

Reportedly, the terrorist hideout was busted near Indo-Pak Line of Control (LoC).

The police personnel busted the hideout in Gani forest near LoC, according to a report in CNN-News18.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the spot.

Precisely, it was busted in Mendhar sector of Rajouri district.

(More details awaited)




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http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...ian-retaliatory-firing-says-army_1943603.html

Last Updated: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 - 00:33
Jammu: At least 2-3 Pakistani armymen are believed to have been killed on Tuesday in the retaliatory firing by Indian troops in the Noushera sector of Rajouri district while seven women, including six members of a family, were injured in R S Pura sector of Jammu district in cross-border shelling.


Heavy exchange of fire, involving use of 82 mm and 120 mm mortar shells besides small arms, was still going on in the evening after it started at around 10 am.

"From 10 am, Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in Noushera sector of Rajouri district by targeting our positions with mortar bombs and small arms fire," an army officer said.

The Indian army is giving a "befitting response" to the ceasefire violation from the Pakistani side, he added.

"We have inputs that two to three Pakistani soldiers have been killed in the retaliatory firing by our men," an army officer said.

"The firing is still going on and our side is giving a befitting reply," he said, adding there is no loss of life or injury on our side.

In Jammu district, 6 female members of a family were injured in Suchetgarh sector of R S Pura along the International Border after a mortar shell fired by the Pakistan Rangers exploded in their house this evening, another lady was also injured in the Chandu Chak area of the same sector this evening.

The injured have been identified as Shakshi (12), Manju Choudhary (15), Veena (26), Soma Devi (40), Kamlesh Kumari (28), Sanjna (10)- all residents of Suchetgarh and Daljeet Kaur of Chandu Chak area of the sector.

"They were given first aid at R S Pura hospital after which they were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) hospital here," Deputy Commissioner (Jammu) Simrandeep Singh said.

PTI

First Published: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 - 00:33


An officer of the Border Security Force was injured when a shell fired by the Pakistan Rangers exploded near him in a overnight ceasefire violation in the RS Pura sector along the International Border in Jammu.

In the last 24 hours, 10 people, mostly women, were injured in the cross-border firing in the sector.

“Assistant Sub Inspector of BSF A K Upadhayay was injured when a shell exploded near him in the RS Pura sector. He received splinter injures in his hand”, a BSF spokesman said.

“The firing was mainly concentrated in the RS Pura sector. There was heavy firing up to 2330 hours. Arnia also witnessed Intermittent firing,” he said adding that the BSF was giving a “befitting reply” to the Pakistani firing.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jammu, Simrandeep Singh said Pakistani posts also targeted civilian areas, including Sai Kalan, Bure Jaal, Treva and Arnia. “Shelling opened up in Sai Kalan also, Arnia also came under shelling from 0130 hours. People were inside their houses, so no human casualty,” he said.

Those injured in the cross border shelling have been identified as Shakshi (12), Manju Choudhary (15), Veena (26), Soma Devi (40), Kamlesh Kumari (28), Sanjana (10) Ratno Devi (60), Ramesh Kumar all residents of Suchetgarh.

Daljit Kour of Chanduchak was also injured in the firing

A six-year-old boy and a BSF Jawan were killed in the cross-border shelling in the RS Pura sector on October 24.


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http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...ts-release-of-arrested-kashmiris_1943574.html

Last Updated: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 23:22
Srinagar: Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Tuesday said he told BJP leader Yashwant Sinha that the government should release all separatist leaders and others arrested during an ongoing unrest as a precursor to beginning negotiations on how to solve the Kashmir issue.

Yashwant Sinha on Tuesday led a five-member team to Kashmir to meet separatists, including Geelani and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

A statement issued by the Hurriyat faction led by Geelani said the "high level delegation" called on the octogenarian leader at his residence soon after Sinha and the others landed in Srinagar.

"The conversation took place in a cordial atmosphere" and Geelani demanded that "all people and leaders should be released and the cases against them withdrawn so that, after consultation, a common and collective point of view can be put forward" over the Kashmir issue, the statement said.

The Sinha-led team includes former bureaucrat Wajahat Habibullah, who has served in Jammu and Kashmir, ex-Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak, journalist Bharat Bhushan and activist Sushobha Barve.

The delegation members made it clear that they did not represent the government and were visiting the Kashmir Valley on their own initiative.

The visit is aimed at breaking a logjam after 108 days of unrest and shutdown that have hit normal life in the Kashmir Valley.

At least 92 persons have been killed and over 12,000 injured in clashes between protestors and security forces.

Police have arrested over 7,000 persons, who are suspected to be stone throwers. Some have been let off.

IANS

 

[Hindustani78]

Reuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016
A girl, who according to local media was wounded in a shelling attack at the international border with Pakistan, is rushed to a government hospital in Ranbir Singh Pura area near Jammu. REUTERS/Mukesh Gupta

 

[Hindustani78]

Last Updated: Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 19:36
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...tani-spy-arrested-from-rajasthan_1944296.html

Jaipur: Hours after Delhi Police detained Pakistan High Commission official and arrested two other Indian spies on alleged espionage charges and working for Pakistan's ISI, a third spy was on Thursday arrested by the Rajasthan police.

As per the report, Shoaib, a Jodhpur-based man, is said to be spy ring run by Pakistani high commission staffer, was absconding since two other spies were arrested early today.

He will be brought to Delhi for further investigation.

Earlier today, sensitive defence documents on the deployments and strength of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Army along the India-Pakistan border, especially in Gujarat and the Sir Creek area were allegedly recovered from two arrested spies and a Pakistani diplomat.

Mehmood Akhtar, a staff member at the Pakistani high commission, was held today on charges of running a spy network following an investigation.

While Akhtar has been asked to return to Pakistan along with his family in 48 hours, the arrested spies were brought to Delhi for a probe.

The Delhi Police said the documents recovered from the spies have serious implications on national security adding further that the interrogation of the three men revealed that Pakistan allegedly wants specific information on the military deployments on the Indian side of the border in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

In another revelation, the Delhi Police said that the Pakistan High Commission (based in Delhi) was trying to get in touch with government officials in connection with today's arrests.


First Published: Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 19:36

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http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...iplomat-held-on-espionage-charge_1944242.html
Last Updated: Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 17:33
New Delhi: India on Thursday issued a 48-hour deadline to a Pakistani diplomat to return home after he was caught running a spying network.

Mehmood Akhtar, a staff member at the Pakistani high commission, was held on Thursday on charges of running a spy network following an investigation.

Briefing the media, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Akhtar has been asked to return to Pakistan with his family in the next 48 hours.

Two of his aides, who are Indians and hail from Rajasthan, have been sent to 12 days of police remand by a Delhi Court on Thursday.

India also rejected the charges of manhandling Akhtar labeled by Pakistan following his detention.

Swarup said that there would be more arrests if the involvement of other people is uncovered in the spying racket.

“If we uncover evidence of involvement of more people, they will be arrested,” Swarup said.

India on Thursday declared the Pakistan High Commission staffer persona non-grata for espionage activities.

After the announcement of the high-profile arrests by the Delhi Police, the MEA also confirmed that an espionage ring, run by the ISI, has been busted.


First Published: Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 17:03

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http://zeenews.india.com/news/jammu...jks-baramulla-by-security-forces_1944319.html

Baramulla: Two Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla on Thursday.

They were nabbed in a joint search operation by 46 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group.


An AK-47, a pistol with ammunition, Under Barrel Grenade Launcher and UBGL grenades were recovered from them, as per ANI.

Meanwhile, BSF today said that it had killed a Pakistani paramilitary jawan and wounded another after a BSF jawan died and six civilians were injured in shelling and firing from across the International Border in RS Pura and Arnia sectors since last night.

Pakistani troops also violated ceasefire along LoC in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district today.

"At 1230 and 1315 hours today, BSF troops in Arnia and RS Pura sectors killed one Pakistani Ranger and seriously injured another in the retaliatory firing," a senior BSF officer said.

Pakistani Rangers somehow managed to evacuate their grievously injured colleague in the vehicle amidst exchange of fire, officer said.

"Pakistani has resorted to very heavy firing which is being responded in a befitting manner," he said, as per PTI.

Earlier, a BSF jawan died and six civilians were injured when Pakistani troops shelled over 15 Indian border outposts and 29 hamlets with mortar bombs and fired heavily from automatic weapons overnight in R S Pura and Arnia sectors along the International Border (IB) in Jammy district.

"One BSF jawan was injured when he was hit by a bullet in RS Pura sector of Jammu district during the night," the BSF officer said.

He died on his way to hospital.

"There was heavy firing and mortar shelling on BoPs and villages along IB in RS Pura and Arnia sectors of Jammu district overnight and continued till this morning," a police officer said.

In the shelling, six civilians were injured in Khopra Basti belt in RS Pura this morning, he said, adding the injured have been taken to hospital for treatment.

Pakistani Rangers started firing heavy mortars and small arm fire towards the Indian side from 2035 hours last night, the BSF officer said.

Pakistan troops also violated ceasefire on the LoC by resorting to firing in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district.

"Pakistan troops have violated ceasefire and resorted to firing along LoC in Sunderbani sector today," a senior Army officer said.

Troops guarding the border retaliated, he added.

Yesterday, an Assistant Sub-Inspector of BSF was injured when a shell fired by Pakistani Rangers exploded near him during overnight ceasefire violation in RS Pura sector along the International Border in Jammu.

As many as 16 people mostly women have been injured in the cross-border firing in the RS Pura sector in past two days. 8 civilians were injured shelling in R S Pura and Arnia on October 25.

Jammu Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh said the government has issued an advisory and all the educational institutions near the International Border have been closed in the wake of the firing from across the border.

Border residents are migrating to safer locations in the wake of the heavy firing, Singh said.

A six-year-old boy and a BSF Jawan were killed in the cross border shelling in the RS Pura sector on October 24.

Over 55 ceasefire violations have taken place since surgical strikes by Indian Army against terror launch pads in Azad Kashmir on September 29.

(With Agency inputs)


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File photo for representative purposes. Photo: Nissar Ahmad
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...r-injured-in-north-kashmir/article9276148.ece

A soldier was killed and another injured as the Army foiled an infiltration in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

A Srinagar-based Army spokesman said the infiltration attempt by a group of militants was made in Tangdhar Sector on the Line of Control.

"The troopers intercepted the group of terrorists and one soldier was killed in the exchange of fire," he said.

''The injured soldier has been evacuated and the operation continues," he said.

*************
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bsf-jawan-killed-in-crossfire-in-jammu/article9275021.ece

Updated: October 27, 2016 17:08 IST
This is the third death of a BSF man along the Pakistan border in Jammu in the past one week.
A BSF Head Constable was killed in firing from across the border in Jammu's Abdullian district on Thursday. Jitender Kumar, a resident of Motihari in Bihar, joined the BSF in 1991.

This is the third death of a BSF man along the Pakistan border in Jammu in the past one week.

Officials said Kumar was injured by a splinter after the area where he was posted received heavy shelling. He died of his injuries in a hospital.

The 192-km long International Border (IB) that runs along Jammu has seen ceasefire violations since October 19, when BSF personnel pushed back four terrorists who were trying to infiltrate from the Hiranagar sector.

The BSF has said that Pakistan was deliberately targeting the civilian areas.

PTI adds:

Meanwhile, a Pakistan Ranger was killed and another injured in retaliatory fire along the IB in R.S. Pura and Arnia sectors in Jammu, the BSF said.

*******************
A Border Security Force trooper was killed and seven civilians were injured on Thursday during heavy shelling between Indian and Pakistani forces in Jammu district’s R.S. Pura sector, officials said.

In retaliatory fire, a Pakistan Ranger was killed and another injured in R.S. Pura and Arnia sectors, BSF said.

BSF spokesperson Shubhendu Bhardwaj told IANS that head constable Jitendra Kumar, resident of Motihari in Bihar, died after sustaining splinter injuries during shelling at Abdullian in R.S. Pura sector.

Kumar, 45, was inducted in the BSF in 1991. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

Police said that the seven injured civilians, including five women belonging to two families of Goparbasti village, have been shifted to a hospital for treatment.

Pakistani troopers also started indiscriminate shelling and firing on the international border in the neighbouring Samba district.

“Pakistan Rangers targeted BSF positions in S.M. Pur, Nanga and Chambyal villages of Samba district.


“People from shelling affected villages of R.S. Pura and Akhnoor in Jammu district and areas of Samba district have started moving to safer locations,” the police said.

Intermittent shelling and firing exchanges continued in both Samba and R.S. Pura.

“There was heavy firing and mortar shelling on border outposts and villages along IB in R.S. Pura and Arnia sectors of Jammu district overnight and continued till this morning”, a police officer said.

Pakistani posts started firing heavy mortars towards the Indian side at 8.35 p.m., a BSF officer said.

“Heavy mortar shells were fired towards Arnia last night”, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Simrandeep Singh said.

On Wednesday, an officer of the BSF was injured when a shell fired by Pakistan Rangers exploded near him during in R.S. Pura sector along the IB in Jammu.

As many as 16 people mostly women have been injured in the cross-border firing in the R.S. Pura sector in the past two days.

Assistant Sub Inspector of BSF A.K. Upadhayay was injured when a shell exploded near him in R.S. Pura sector.He received splinter injures in his hand.

Eight civilians were injured in shelling in R.S. Pura and Arnia on October 25.

*********
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...t-in-kashmir-four-arrested/article9272467.ece

As fresh violence broke out in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, the police claimed to have arrested “four members of a militant group” behind the unrest in Sopore, a town in north Kashmir.

A police officer said four persons, including two active members of a militant organisation, “received money from Pakistan for fuelling and sustaining the unrest in Sopore”. Gowhar Ahmed Bhat and Hilal Ahmed Gojri are believed to be members of the Pakistan-based Tehreek-i-Jehad-i-Islami.

“They had visited Pakistan during the unrest. During interrogation, they revealed the names of two more persons: Showkat Ali Gazi and Zahoor Ahmed Shagoo. Documents were recovered from them,” the police officer said. They said each of them received Rs. 50,000 from Pakistan, which promised them more funds for fuelling the unrest.

Meanwhile, masked men attacked vehicles and markets in Pulwama and Srinagar to enforce the shutdown called by the separatists.

On Hari Singh High Street in Srinagar, miscreants stoned vehicles and tried to ransack shops, the police said.

The police said adequate forces had been deployed at vulnerable points in Srinagar. In fresh Pakistani shelling and firing, a BSF officer and a civilian were injured near the International Border in Jammu district.

A police officer said they were hit by splinters. The R.S Pora sector witnessed fresh ceasefire violation on Tuesday night. “The BSF effectively retaliated,” an official spokesman said.

PTI adds

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Maulana Ramzan Khan (right) and Subhash Jangir being produced at PHQ in New Delhi on October 27, 2016. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar.
Foreign Secretary Jaishankar conveys to Abdul Basit that a Pak. High Commission staffer has been declared persona non grata for espionage activities.
Two persons were arrested on Wednesday morning by the Delhi Police's Crime Branch for selling information related to the BSF and Indian Army's deployment in the border areas to Pakistan. Several defence related maps and secret documents were recovered from the two spies, the police claimed.

The two arrested are Maulana Ramzan Khan and Subhash Jangir, both residents of Nagaur in Rajasthan. Khan is a teacher in a mosque there and Jangir ran a local business that was suffering heavy losses, police said.

The police also nabbed a Pakistan High Commission staffer when he was receiving secret documents from the two persons. However, the staffer, who the police said was an ISI agent, was let off after he claimed diplomatic immunity.

Ravindra Yadav, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) said Mehmood Akhtar was deployed at the visa office at the Pakistan High Commission office for the last two-and-a-half-years. He was deployed there to scout for potential spies while people came seeking visas for Pakistan. He will be deported to Pakistan within 48 hours, Mr. Yadav said.

 

[Hindustani78]

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http://www.deccanherald.com/content/578030/primary-school-building-set-ablaze.html
Srinagar, Oct 27, 2016 (PTI)
A primary school building and two vehicles were set ablaze by some persons in Kashmir in separate incidents of arson over the past 24 hours, police said here today.

This was the 19th school building set on fire by unknown persons since the current unrest began in Kashmir following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

A police official said Government Primary School at Taaper in Pattan area of Baramulla district was set on fire by unknown persons late last night, a police official said.

He said the three-room building was gutted in the fire.In another incident, miscreants set on fire an autorickshaw at Rainawari in the city for violating the strike call given by the separatists, who are spearheading the agitation.The autorickshaw was destroyed in the fire, the official said.

Unconfirmed reports said a truck was set ablaze at Parimpora in the outskirts of the city this morning.However, police denied any such incident having taken place

Villagers search for their belongings in the houses damaged by shelling from the Pakistani side

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/jammu...ill-army-jawan-mutilate-his-body_1944630.html

First Published: Friday, October 28, 2016 - 22:24

Srinagar: An army jawan was on Friday killed in an encounter with terrorists who later mutilated his body near the Line of Control (LoC) in Macchil sector of Kupwara district of Kashmir.

One militant was also killed in the gunbattle, army said here tonight.

"In an encounter close to the Line of Control this evening, one solider was martyred and one terrorist was killed. The terrorists mutilated the body of the jawan before fleeing back into Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir under the cover of firing by Pakistan Army," an army spokesman said.

He said the incident reflected the barbarism pervading in official and unofficial organisations in Pakistan.

PTI

 

[Hindustani78]

*************


The army today paid rich tributes to Rifleman Sandeep Singh Rawat, who was killed during an anti-infiltration operation along the Line of Control in Tangdhar sector. "Rich tributes were paid by the army to its valiant soldier Rifleman Sandeep Singh Rawat who attained martyrdom at a young age of 21 while successfully foiling an infiltration bid in Kupwara on October 27," an army spokesman said.

Officers and other ranks laid floral wreaths on the coffin -- draped in tricolour -- carrying Rawat's body. Rawat was part of a team that had yesterday intercepted and engaged a group of infiltrating militants along the LoC in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara, he said.

"In the ensuing gunfight, Rifleman Rawat had sustained bullet injury. After being given first-aid at the site of encounter, he was evacuated by air to 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar where he succumbed to his grievous injuries," he said.

The spokesman said Rawat, who was a proficient boxer, had won over his superiors and peers alike by his "soldierly attributes, youthful energy and an ever smiling disposition".

He is survived by his parents. The mortal remains of Rawat will be taken to his native place, Dehradun, where the last rites will be performed tomorrow with full military honours, he added.

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http://www.deccanherald.com/content/578231/separatists-using-children-cannon-fodder.html

Lashing out at the separatists, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today alleged they were not allowing schools in the Valley to function because they wanted a new generation of uneducated youths who can pelt stones and can be used as "cannon fodder".

She said the separatists were exploiting children from the poor families by instigating them to attack army camps, police stations and CRPF camps and were using them as shields, while their own children were safe.

"If the youths gets education they won't pelt stones for them. The (separatist) leadership want a generation of uneducated youths who can pelt stones for them," Mehbooba said in a scathing attack on separatists during a passing out parade of police officers here.

"Today I see that big leaders feel if schools open, poor children will get education and then they will not have time for stone pelting or might not be ready for that," she said.

Stressing that leaders who give preference to the future and education of the children are needed and not the ones who use them as cannon fodder, she said, "for three months our schools are closed, we tried and even Delhi sent big delegations. "Our Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) came thrice, our Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) went there and an allparty delegation also went to meet them but they closed doors for them.

"The reply to the request of a civil society delegation led by Yashwant Sinha, which completed its three-day visit to Kashmir yesterday, was given by burning of two schools," the chief minister said.

"A civil society delegation went to meet them (separatists) and they opened their doors for them. The team requested them that the future of children was getting spoiled and for God's sake help to let the schools open and the reply came in the form of burning of two schools," Mehbooba said.

With the unrest in the Valley continuing for over a hundred days, she alleged that the separatists wanted that the children should get hurt to keep the "pot boiling". "They feel that let the children of poor people die. What will happen if they get injured or die they are not rich kids. It is a big challenge for us because till now they have handed over the gun to poor children and now they are using them as shields," she added.

"Amongst all those killed or injured, 99 per cent were small kids, not one from the rich family, not a single child of those leaders have been injured, only poor kids" Mehbooba said.

She said that first the separatists thought that the uneducated youths would pick guns for them, but the youths in the past 25 years has realised that gun will not solve any problem.

"Children are not ready to pick up guns. Now they want a generation of illiterate children who can pelt stones for them, not only pelt the stones but in the process lose their lives.

"I was told that girl students want to go to school but are afraid that they would be attacked by stone pelters when they see them in the white uniform," Mehbooba said.

Lauding the police force of the state, Mehbooba said that the men and women in uniform were lucky to get a chance to serve the nation. "I have always said that people are more important than anything else and it will be because of you (police) that people will get a sense of security. After God if there is a protector, it is the police. In Jammu and Kashmir, police had to work in very difficult situation, they had to make lot of sacrifices," she said.

She said the police had a very tough role to play as at times they had to deal with their own neighbours and relatives because they have to fight an ideological war and they became a major target.

"My father always said that India has democracy, it has a big heart which can accommodate the diversity and uniqueness of Jammu and Kashmir and that is the reason that India gave us a unique place in its Constitution and kept the Article 370 there," Mehbooba said adding Jammu and Kashmir is a small India within India, where Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs live together.

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In the evening, unidentified terrorists barged into a house, shot and critically wounded a 50-year-old woman Beeba Yusuf in Batpora Nyaina village of southern Pulwama district. She was rushed to hospital but died soon, the police said blaming the murder on separatist militants.


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http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...orter-arrested-in-night-raids-in-kashmir.html

The police here said on Friday that it arrested four militants and a policeman during a raid at a private house in Srinagar’s Bemina area on Friday. They are believed to be members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, officials said. In a separate operation, one militant and a local resident were arrested from southern Kulgam district.

A statement issued by the police here said that acting on specific information regarding the presence of a militant in the area, the Kulgam police along with the Army’s 1 Rashtriya Rifles and 18th Battalion of CRPF launched an operation in village Hamdan Pora, Rampora. During search operation, one Hizb-ul-Mujahedin militant Manzoor Ahmad Khan who is a resident of Srinagar’s Dhobi Mohalla, Batamaloo was arrested. “He is involved in a number of subversive activities and has got recycled into militant ranks a couple of months ago,” the statement said adding that one pistol and hand-grenade each and some ammunition were recovered from his possession.

The police said that one more person namely Mohammad Yaqoob Dar, a local resident, who provided logistic support to the militant was also arrested.

The police said that four militants and a police constable were arrested during a nocturnal raid in Bemina. The raid was conducted after inputs about the presence of a group of militants in the area. The arrested policeman has been identified as Khurshid Ahmed Chuhan, who is a resident of Karnah in frontier district of Kupwara. The police said that eight hand-grenades and one AK-47 were recovered from the possession of these militants.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...-family-wants-10-pakistani-heads_1944828.html
Kurukshetra/Jammu: A pall of gloom descended on the native village of an Indian Army jawan, whose body was mutilated after being killed by terrorists, in Haryana.

The barbaric incident at the Line of Control in Kashmir on Friday night also sparked an outrage.

Amid the latest escalation of ceasefire violation, Sepoy Mandeep Singh's family members demanded that Pakistan be taught a lesson for harbouring terrorists.

The martyr's brother Sandeep Singh demanded that the family wanted 10 Pakistani heads for the price of one.

The family members of the 30-year-old martyr were inconsolable.

Terrorists, aided by the cover fire by Pakistani Army, last night crossed the Line of Control and killed sepoy Mandeep Singh and mutilated his body in Macchil sector of Kupwara district.

Several women from Aantehri village in Kurukshetra reached the martyr's house and tried to console Mandeep`s widow. The couple had got married two years ago, family members said. Mandeep's widow Prerna is a Head Constable with Haryana police and posted at Shahbad Markanda in Kurukshetra.

Mandeep's father said the Indian Army should give a befitting reply to Pakistan.

"It was his duty, he has done it. He sacrificed his life. We should give a befitting reply to Pakistan," he said, adding that he got the news of his son's death when army personnel visited him at his home at 1 am.

Prerna said Pakistan must be taught a lesson for harbouring terrorists.

"Pakistan should be taught a lesson once for all so that no other family of a soldier has to go through such pain," she said breaking down several times.

"Nivedan sarkaar se hai ki ya toh samjha do Pakistan ko; samjhe toh thik, warna khatam kar do. Kam se kam roz-roz Diwali kaali nhi hogi sabhi ki (I request to the government either tell Pakistan to behave; if it does not listen then wipe it out. At least we will not have a black Diwali everyday)," the martyr's wife said

She said that Mandeep had come for vacation six months back. "He was supposed to visit home again on Diwali but his leave was cancelled in view of the tension on the border at Machil sector."

Kurukshetra's Deputy Commissioner Sumedha Kataria also visited the jawan's home and offered her condolences.

The martyr's neighbours described him as a "go getter" who always had a smile on his face.

Subhash, the husband of the Sarpanch of the village, said Mandeep was a helpful person who always offered help to anyone who approached him in need.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh condemned the mutilation of the soldier's body as "atrocious" while senior Congress leader Manish Tewari called it "depraved behaviour".

"There can't be anything more atrocious than this (on terrorists mutilated the body of a soldier)," Jitendra Singh told reporters in Jammu.

"I am always of the view that the human rights of soldiers should enjoy precedence over human rights of anybody else", he said.

"These are acts of cowardice and these are happening at the time of desperation of the part of the Pakistan Army as well as Islamabad. Indian forces are capable of standing up to this challenge."

Tewari, while condemning the multilation, as "absolutely depraved behaviour" said it "violates you as a human being".

"There are certain rules of engagement and conduct even in a conflict situation. Pakistan is expected to respect the rules of engagement," he said.

"I am very sad being a soldier. It is a very sad mentality to take your anger on an injured or dead person," said Maj Gen (retd) BC Khanduri.

(With PTI inputs)


First Published: Saturday, October 29, 2016 - 16:37

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[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...rt-heavy-shelling-in-jammu/article9284094.ece
Updated: October 29, 2016 17:03 IST

Constable Koli Nitin Subhash, from Sangli in Maharashtra, was killed in firing by Pakistani security forces, a BSF official said.


A BSF jawan was today killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Macchil sector along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

28-year-old Constable Koli Nitin Subhash, hailing from Sangli in Maharashtra, was martyred this morning in firing by Pakistani security forces, a BSF official said.

Subhash had joined BSF in 2008 and is survived by his wife and two sons aged four years and two years.

The fresh casualty came hours after terrorists, aided by the cover fire by Pakistani Army, last night crossed the Line of Control in the sector. They killed an Indian army jawan and mutilated his body prompting the Indian army to warn that “the incident will be responded to appropriately“.

Four army and three BSF personnel have died in the latest escalation along the boundary with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan Rangers also violate ceasefire in RS Pura and Kathua sectors along International Border today.

In last night’s attack, one attacker was killed in the incident.

“In an encounter close to the Line of Control this evening, one solider was martyred and one terrorist was killed. The terrorists mutilated the body of the jawan before fleeing back into Pakistan-occupied=Kashmir under the cover of firing by Pakistan Army,” an army spokesman said.

He said the incident reflected the barbarism pervading in official and unofficial organisations in Pakistan.

Two civilians were killed and as many injured yesterday after Pakistani troops had pounded civilian areas and forward India posts with 120 mm mortar shells and automatic weapons in Jammu, Kathua, Poonch and Rajouri districts.

BSF yesterday said that it killed 15 Pakistani soldiers till now in retaliatory firing along IB.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...dges-militarylike-response/article9285025.ece

Children show remains of mortar shells fired from across the Line of Control by Pakistan in Mankot village of J&K’s Poonch district on Saturday.
Six jawans have died in fresh escalation by Pakistani troops on the International Border and the LoC since October 21.

As the Army paid tributes to the soldier, whose body was mutilated by infiltrators near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir, it pledged to respond to Pakistani violation and aggression “effectively and military-like”.

Meanwhile, one more BSF jawan was killed in cross-border firing and shelling.

Describing deceased sepoy Mandeep Singh a “national hero”, Chinar Corps General Officer Commanding Lt. Gen. Satish Dua and all ranks paid “tributes to the hero on behalf of a proud nation”.

The mortal remains of the soldier were flown from Srinagar to his home in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

Son of a truck driver, deceased Singh, 26, joined the Army in 2009. He is survived by his wife, serving in Haryana Police, who he had married in 2014.

In another casualty near the LoC in north Kashmir, a BSF jawan, identified as Constable Koli Nitin Subhash, a resident of Sangli, Maharashtra, was hit by Pakistani fire in Macchil Sector, the same sector where sepoy Singh engaged a group of infiltrators on Friday evening. He succumbed to his injuries in the morning.

Deceased Subhash had joined the BSF in 2008 and is survived by his wife and two sons, aged four and two.

Four BSF jawans and two Army soldiers have died in fresh escalation by Pakistani troops to push militants and target installations on the International Border and the LoC since October 21, 2016. The escalation was sparked after the BSF repulsed an infiltration bid in Jammu and retaliated to a cross-border sniper attack on a BSF jawan.

“While the Pakistani Army has been violating the ceasefire over the last few days, even to abet infiltrating terrorists in such despicable acts as witnessed On Friday in Macchil Sector of Kupwara, the Indian Army's response has been firm, intense but military-like,” said a Srinagar-based spokesman.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, heavy shelling targeting military installations was reported on Saturday morning in Hiranagar and R.S. Pura Sectors.

 

[Hindustani78]

A villager points to marks made on a wall allegedly from firing from the Pakistan side of the border. (Photo: PTI)
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...-jawan-injured-in-pak-shelling-along-loc.html

Srinagar: Pakistani troops on Saturday targeted Indian security positions in Kathua, RS Pura and Keran sectors along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, injuring a BSF jawan while another BSF jawan was killed accidentally while retaliating to the cross- border shelling and firing.

A BSF jawan was injured in fresh shelling by Pakistan troops in Keran sector, a senior official of the force said Saturday evening.

He said the jawan was admitted to a medical facility for treatment.

"The unprovoked Pakistani aggression is being effectively retaliated," he added.

A woman Shaheena Begun was injured in Keran sector along the LoC in Kashmir in shelling by Pakistani troops Saturday morning, officials said.

They said the Indian army retaliated the "unprovoked" Pakistani aggression "in equal measure".

Pakistan Rangers also indulged in cross-border firing and shelling in RS Pura and Kathua sectors along the International Border.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...taliate-destroy-4-pak-army-posts_1944908.html

Last Updated: Sunday, October 30, 2016 - 00:23
Srinagar: Hours after an Indian soldier was mutilated in a horrific attack on the border, the Army hit back and destroyed at least four Pakistani border posts in a late night massive fire assault on Saturday.

The posts were destroyed in a massive fire assault in the Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, the army's Northern Command said.

Heavy casualties were inflicted on the other side, it said.

The development comes after terrorists from Pakistan on Friday killed a soldier and mutilated his body near the LoC in Kupwara's Machhal sector.

The attackers have fled to Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) after the attack, helped by covering fire from Pakistani troops.

In a brief statement, the army had said "appropriate response" will be given.

"In a despicable act, terrorists mutilated the body of an Indian army soldier before fleeing into Azad Kashmir, supported by covering fire from Pakistani Army posts.

"This barbarism is a true reflection which pervades official and non-official organisations across the border.

“This act will invite an appropriate response," it said after the attack.

The Pakistani troops have stepped up attacks in the past few weeks, targeting Indian security positions in Kathua, RS Pura and Keran sectors on the border.

This is not the first time Pakistan has mutilated the bodies of Indian soldiers.

During the Kargil war in 1999, several soldiers of 4 Jat Regiment were captured by Pakistani troops and brutally tortured.

The soldiers had their ear drums pierced with hot iron rods, eyes punctured and genitals cut off.

The autopsy of the bodies also revealed that they were burned with cigarettes butts. Their limbs were also chopped off, teeth broken and skull fractured. Even their nose and lips were sliced off.

The Third Geneva Convention makes it illegal to torture prisoners.


First Published: Saturday, October 29, 2016 - 22:43

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[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...a-during-combing-operation/article9285363.ece
Updated: October 30, 2016 12:41 IST
Security forces launch an operation following information about the presence of militants in the area.
An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in forest area of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, the Army said in Srinagar.

Security forces launched an operation in the forest area of Kupwara on Sunday morning following information about the presence of militants in the area, an Army official said.


He said some gunshots were exchanged at the start of the operation which was continuing when the last reports were received.

Further details are awaited, he added.

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Pakistan resorted to small arms and mortar fire in R.S. Pura, Hiranagar and Samba sectors.
BSF retaliated a fresh ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rangers on the International Border (IB) in Jammu district’s R.S. Pura sector on Saturday night, officials said on Sunday.

No one suffered injuries in over five hours of intermittent firing that started from the Pakistan side at about 9.15 p.m. on Saturday and last till about 3 a.m. on Sunday.

“It was fire of small arms as well as mortar shells in small quantity but not effective. BSF retaliated appropriately,” BSF spokesperson Subhendu Bhardwaj told IANS.

The official said that Pakistan also started firing with small arms and mortar at around 2 a.m. in Hiranagar and Samba sectors which continued till 8 a.m. intermittently.

“So far no loss and injury of BSF personnel or civilian has been reported,” the officer said.

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BSF personnel paying tribute to their colleague Constable Nitin Subhash at BSF Headquaters Humhama in Srinagar on Sunday.

Floral tributes were paid today to the BSF jawan who was killed in accidental recoiling of his long range weapon while retaliating to the ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Machhil sector of Kashmir.

Senior BSF officers laid floral wreaths on the coffin carrying the body of Constable Nitin Subhash at Humhama Centre of the BSF here.

Subhash sustained grievous injuries when the round blasted inside the chamber of his long range weapon he was firing in retaliation to ceasefire violation from across the LoC on Friday.

Army soldiers take position during an operation in Keran sector of North Kashmir's Kupwara district. File photo

 

[Hindustani78]

BSF soldiers pay tributes to their colleague, constable Nitin Koli Subhash, during a wreath-laying ceremony near Srinagar on Sunday. — Photo: Nissar Ahmad

Last Updated: Monday, October 31, 2016 - 11:24
http://zeenews.india.com/news/mahar...artyr-bsf-jawan-from-maharashtra_1945115.html
Mumbai: Thousands of villagers today bid a tearful adieu to BSF jawan Nitin Subhash Koli, who was killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in the Macchil sector along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

Koli was cremated with full military honours at his village Dudhgaon in Sangli district of Western Maharashtra this morning.

State ministers Chandrakant Patil and Sadabhau Khot were among those who paid tributes to the martyr.

Earlier, his body was taken to his home and later kept at the Karmveer Chowk to enable people pay their last respects.

The 28-year-old Koli, who was martyred on October 29, was planning to visit his family in his native village after Diwali.

Koli hailed from a farmer family in Dudhgaon village in Miraj tehsil. He is survived by parents Subhash and Suman, younger brother, wife Samapada and two sons - Devraj (4) and Yuvraj (2).

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...lling-at-3-places-in-jammu/article9287482.ece
Updated: October 31, 2016 09:11 IST
Pakistan Rangers resorted to shelling and firing on the International Border (IB) in R.S. Pura, Suchetgarh and Hira Nagar sectors in Jammu and Kashmir during the night, officials said on Monday.

Pakistan Rangers resorted to shelling and firing at civilian and defence facilities in three sectors of the IB in the Jammu region, police said.

“Pakistan troops fired mortars and used automatic weapons to target civilian and Border Security Force (BSF) facilities in R.S.Pura, Suchetgarh and Hira Nagar sectors during the night. Pakistan shelling was retaliated by the BSF. Firing exchanges stopped around midnight,” the police said.


Residents of border villages close to the IB celebrated a subdued Diwali, away from home.

Authorities have set up temporary accommodations — in educational institutions, rural development department buildings and community halls — for hundreds of border residents in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...hools-set-ablaze-in-valley/article9285925.ece
Updated: October 31, 2016 01:04 IST

As three more schools were set on fire by unknown persons in the Valley in the last 24 hours, mainstream and separatist political parties have come together to condemn the arson.

Jawahar Nehru Vidyala (JNV) Ashmuqam, Anantnag; Government High School, Mihrama, Kulgam; and Higher Secondary School, Kabamarg, Anantnag were the three schools targeted. The miscreants behind the incidents have not been identified so far.

At least 26 schools have been set on fire by unknown men in the Valley since militant commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter on July 8.

National Conference (NC) working president and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said: “This is an abhorrent ploy to destroy the future of our children. The administration is responsible for protecting the education infrastructure and should take the sternest possible action against those elements that are found guilty.”

Separatist Mirwaiz Qazi Yasir, who heads the Ummat-e-Islami, said, “The burning of schools is like snatching oxygen from our children.”

Separatist JKLF chief Yasin Malik, who was released on Saturday after 110 days of detention, blamed Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and State Education Minister Nayeem Akhtar for the attacks.

Fire tenders were rushed to put out the fire as locals also assisted in the firefighting job. (Photo: Twitter)

Srinagar: Two schools, including a JawaharNavodya Vidyalaya (JNV), were damaged since yesterday in mysterious fire incidents in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said here on Sunday.

Fire broke out in Government Higher Secondary School building at Kabamarg in Anantnag district this afternoon, a police official said.