Speaking about the situation in J&K, Home Minister Amit Shah said that from 5 August 2019 till 17 September, not even a single bullet has been fired in Kashmir.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to ensure that normal life is restored in Jammu and Kashmir while keeping ‘national safety and security in mind’.
Meanwhile, the court has allowed former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit parts of the state, CJI Ranjan Gogoi said that he too will make a visit if “requirement arises.”
- The Centre has asked the Union Of India and J&K government to file an affidavit over a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370.
- The SC has also asked the Centre to file an affidavit over Farooq Abdullah’s detention and has fixed the matter for hearing on 30 Sept
- The UNHRC has urged India to end the lockdown in Kashmir and restore basic communication
- The government has also set up a three-member committee to look into assets and liabilities in J&K
Terror Graph on Decline in J&K: DGP
Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh on Tuesday said elements across the border are consistently trying to foment trouble in the state but the security forces are efficient enough to tackle them, reported PTI.
Singh made the statement in the Kishtwar district of the Jammu region, where terrorists struck four times over the past 10 months, killing four persons including two senior leaders of the RSS and BJP, besides snatching three service rifles from policemen.
“With continuous efforts and sacrifices of police and security forces, the graph of terror activities is decreasing with each passing day,” said Singh.
“The elements across the border are continuously trying to foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir, yet our forces are efficient enough to deal with any challenge with strong hands,” he added.
Farooq Abdullah’s Detention yet Another Assault on Democracy: NC
Strongly condemning the detention of party president Farooq Abdullah under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA), the National Conference on Tuesday described the “repressive act” as “yet another assault on the democratic polity and ethos” of the world’s largest democracy, reported PTI.
“What could be the lowest depth of the political bankruptcy of the present ruling dispensation than slapping of PSA on one of the tallest leaders of the country, a five time Chief Minister, a sitting Member Parliament and a former minister at the Centre,” said a statement issued from NC headquarters at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan in Jammu.
Kashmir Is Open, Atmosphere of Absolute Peace: Amit Shah
“No life has been lost. Kashmir is open with an atmosphere of absolute peace,” Shah stated.
RTIs Can Be Filed Locally in J&K and Ladakh Even After 31 Oct: Jitendra Singh
Union minister Jitendra Singh rejected rumours that people in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh will have to travel to Delhi to file RTIs once the two union territories come into existence on 31 October and said they can still be filed locally, reported PTI.
India, J&K People Happy With Scrapping of Special Status: Nadda
BJP working president JP Nadda claimed that the entire country were happy with the scrapping of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He claimed that people of Jammu and Kashmir are happy with the decision too.
“India is happy. People of J&K are happy too as they have got an opportunity to join the mainstream,” he said, adding that the decision was in the interest of the newly carved union territory, reported PTI.
CPI (M) Leader Tarigami at Liberty to Go Back to Srinagar: SC
The Supreme Court has said that CPI (M) leader Mohd Yousuf Tarigami, who is in Delhi at present, is at liberty to go back to Srinagar as and when he feels that his health allows him to undertake the journey.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi passed the order after Tarigami’s counsel said that the CPI (M) leader is at Delhi’s Jammu and Kashmir guest house and he has been discharged by the AIIMS hospital after a medical check up, reported PTI.
Northern Army Commander Visits Forward Areas in Ladakh
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on Monday visited forward locations in eastern Ladakh where he also interacted with members of the 15th Finance Commission, a defence spokesperson said.
The 15th Finance Commission team, led by chairman NK Singh, is on a visit to field formations in the Northern Command, gain first-hand knowledge about challenges faced by the Army in discharging their duties under extreme terrain and altitude conditions, the spokesperson said.
Thankful for SC’s Permission to Visit J&K: Azad
Congress’s Ghulam N Azad said that he was thankful to Supreme Court for permitting me to travel to Jammu & Kashmir.
“I’ll present my report before the Supreme Court. I am happy that no less than CJI has show his concern and he has held that he should visit J&K and see how things are moving,” said Azad.
‘Will Visit J&K If Need Arises’: CJI Gogoi on Kashmir Situation
Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi said in Supreme Court that he may visit Jammu and Kashmir if “requirement arises.”
“If requirement arises, I may visit J&K,” he said.
SC Allows Ghulam Nabi Azad to Visit J&K
The Supreme Court allowed senior Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Srinagar, Baramullah and Anantnag.
Ranjan Gogoi on Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Visit”He will not make any speeches or hold any public rally as per his own submissions.”
CJI Seeks Report from J&K HC On Condition of Children
The Supreme Court said that it was “difficult to approach” Enakshi Ganguly And Shanta Sinha’s petition on condition of children in Jammu and Kahmir.
“This is an extremely serious submission. We must verify this. We will not go into the aspect of children just yet.”
It ordered report form the Chief Justice of J&K HC.
SC Asks Govt to File Affidavit Over Pleas, Next Hearing on 30 Sept
The Supreme Court on Monday, 16 September, directed the Centre and State to ensure that normal life is restored in Jammu and Kashmir keeping in mind national safety and security.
The Centre has also asked the Union Of India and J&K government to file an affidavit over petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370. It has fixed the matter to 30 September.
File Affidavit Over On Efforts Made to Restore Normalcy: SC to Centre
SC orders Centre to file an affidavit and make every effort to restore the function of normal life keeping in mind the national security. This includes restoration of mobile and internet services.
“Not a single bullet has been fired and there are some localised restrictions in place,” the Centre told court told.
Farooq Abdullah Detained Under PSA
Former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has been detained under the Public Safety Act, reported NDTV.
Media Professionals Being Provided Facilities: AG Venugopal
Attorney General, KK Venugopal, appearing for Union of India, told the Supreme Court that landline and many other communication facilities are being provided to media professionals for their work.
SC Issues Notice to Centre Over Petition Over Farooq Abdullah’s Detention
The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre on Tamil Nadu politician and MDMK chief Vaiko’s habeas corpus petition for former J&K CM Farooq Abdullah, who is detained post the abrogation of Article 370.
Union home minister said Abdullah was not under any kind of detention, but we don’t know his whereabouts, said Vaiko’s counsel to SC.
The apex court has fixed it for hearing on 30 September.
SC to Hear Pleas Against Art 370 Revocation, Curbs in J&K
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday pleas challenging abrogation of provisions of Article 370 – which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, validity of imposition of President’s rule and the related restrictions imposed in the state.
A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices S A Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer will be also hearing a bunch fresh petitions, including the one filed by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad seeking permission to visit his family members and relatives.
Azad, who had tried to visit the state twice after the abrogation of Article 370 provisions in Jammu and Kashmir but was sent back from the airport by the authorities, has sought a nod from the top court to visit his family members.
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference party led by Sajjad Lone has also challenged the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and the validity of the state Re-organization Bill.
Child right activists Enakshi Ganguly and Professor Shanta Sinha have also filed a plea against the alleged illegal detention of children in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of special status.
‘Scrapping of J&K’s Special Status Was BJP’s National Commitment’: Nadda
BJP working president JP Nadda said that scrapping the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was the “national commitment” of his party which was fulfilled by the Narendra Modi government.
Addressing a meeting of BJP activists in Thane, Nadda explained the process of nullifying Articles 370 and 35A which granted special rights to residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It was our national commitment and love towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We wanted to bring the people there into the mainstream,” said Nadda hailing the “will power” and “tactics” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, respectively, reported PTI.
BJP Women Wing Chief to Lead Awareness Campaign on Abrogation of Art 370 in J&K
The BJP’s women wing chief, Vijaya Rahatkar will lead the party’s ‘Jan Jagran Abhiyaan’ (public awareness campaign) on the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and the abolition of instant triple talaq in the state, reported PTI.
Rahatkar, accompanied by party colleague Rashim Sood, arrived in Jammu on Sunday on a two-day visit.
Communication Crackdown in Kashmir Enters 42nd Day
Normal life remained affected in Kashmir Valley for the 42nd consecutive day on Sunday following abrogation of Article 370 as most of shops remained shut and public transport was off the roads, even as the weekly flea market opened in Srinagar.
Security forces were deployed along the axis to keep an eye on miscreants who might try to force vendors to wind up the stalls, the officials said.
Most of the shops and other business establishments remained closed, while public transport was off the roads across the valley, they added.
Internet services remained suspended across all platforms, the officials said.
While landline across the valley were functional, voice calls on mobile devices were working only in Kupwara and Handwara police districts of north Kashmir.
J&K Guv Calls Kashmiri Militants ‘Pak-Purchased Boys’, Warns Them of Dire Consequences
Dubbing Kashmiri militants as “Pak-purchased boys”, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik warned them of dire consequences if they do not stop threatening apple growers against selling their produce outside the Valley.
“Some Pakistan-purchased boys are roaming around (in the valley) and threatening to kill the orchardists to stop them from selling their fruit to outside markets,” said Malik, addressing a gathering after laying foundation for state cancer institute here.
“I am telling them to mend their ways as I don’t know whether the fruit dealers will die or not but there is a guarantee that you will soon get killed,” said Malik in a stern warning to terrorists.
“International Community Unwilling to Believe Pakistan”: Rajnath Singh
Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday, 14 September, said minorities in India “were safe, are safe and will remain safe”.
He said in Surat, “India’s minorities were safe, are safe, and will remain safe; India does not divide people on basis of caste or religion”.
“Pakistan was unable to digest India’s decision to abrogate Art 370, it went to UN and tried to mislead them,” he said.
He further added “International community unwilling to believe what Pakistan is saying”.
IJU Seeks to Intervene in Anuradha Bhasin Case, Moves SC
The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has sought to intervene in the petition filed in the Supreme Court by Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin seeking removal of restrictions imposed on working of the media after scrapping Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
IJU Secretary General Sabina Inderjit filed an intervention application in the apex court on Wednesday to put forth the views of working journalists saying they are the “worst suffers of the information lockdown in J&K, particularly the Kashmir valley”, PTO reported.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi will hear the case on Monday.
The IJU contended that the “lockdown extinguished constitutionally guaranteed right of freedoms of expression and speech of journalists”.
Restrictions on Hazratbal Lifted, Normal Life Remains Affected in the Valley
Normal life remained affected across Kashmir Valley for the 41st consecutive day on Saturday, 14 September with most shops and schools remaining shut and public transport off the roads, officials told news agency PTI.
Restrictions, which were imposed in the Hazratbal area of the city on Friday, were lifted, the officials said, adding most areas of the valley were restrictions-free. They added that security forces remained deployed at sensitive places across the valley.
US Lawmakers Urge for De-Escalation of Kashmir Tensions
A group of American lawmakers have expressed concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the US envoys in India and Pakistan to facilitate de-escalation of tension between the two countries as it presents “tremendous danger” to global peace and a clear national security risk for the US.
In a letter to the US Ambassadors to India and Pakistan – Kenneth Juster and Paul W Jones respectively – on Friday, seven Congressmen said there is risk that the relationship between India and Pakistan will continue to devolve as a result of the fresh tension between the two countries following revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
It’s for India, Pak to Find Lasting Solution to Kashmir: Boris Johnson
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said stressing that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Reiterating the UK government’s stand on Kashmir, Johnson described both India and Pakistan as “important partners to the UK” in a letter dated 6 September in response to a letter written last month by Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman, who supported India’s decision to revoke Article 370 and withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister”Both India and Pakistan are important partners to the UK. Our respective bilateral relationships continue to flourish. This is demonstrated by cooperation with both countries on a range of issues, as well as the vibrancy of our people-to-people links bolstered by large and active Indian and Pakistani diaspora here in the UK.”
Pak PM Imran Khan to Meet President Trump Twice During US Visit
Prime Minister Imran Khan will have two meetings with President Donald Trump later this month during his visit to the US where the Pakistani premier will also attend his first UNGA session, according to a media report.
Khan will arrive in New York on 21 September to attend the 74th session of the UN General Assembly. He will address the UNGA on 27 September. It would be his first UNGA session since he assumed office in August 2018.
He is also scheduled to hold talks with world leaders and apprise them about the tense situation in Kashmir after India revoked the region’s special status on 5 August.
MPs Allowed to Meet Farooq, Omar Abdullah, Can’t Talk to Press
While the top leadership in Kashmir are under house arrest for over a month now ever since the abrogation of Article 370, some churnings have begun in the Valley, albeit secretly.
According to sources, National Conference (NC) MPs Justice Hasnain Masoodi and Akbar Lone have met party President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday, and would meet NC Vice President Omar Abdullah on Friday, 13 September.
Sajjad Lone, Party File Petition in SC Against Article 370 Abrogation
People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone and his party, on Friday 13 September, have filed a petition in the Supreme Court against abrogation of Article 370.
‘Restrictions Lifted From All Areas, Landlines Fully Functional’: J&K Govt
The Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, 13 September, said that restrictions have been lifted from all areas and the traffic movement has increased manifold, according to ANI.
“Landlines are fully functional, mobile phones considerably working in Kupwara and Handwara,” it added.
International Community Believes India, Not Us: Pak Minister on Kashmir
Speaking about the Kashmir issue on Wednesday, Pakistan Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the international community does not believe them, but believes India.
“People do not believe us… in the international community. We say they (India) impose curfew and are not giving medicines to people of Jammu and Kashmir. People do not believe us but they believe them. The ruling elite has destroyed the country. The ruling elite of this country destroyed the name. People thought we are not a serious nation,” he was quoted by ANI as saying from a talk show on a Pakistani news channel.
‘Briefed UN High Commissioner About Pak’s Support to Terrorism’: MEA Secy
A high-level Indian delegation led by MEA Secretary Vijay Thakur Singh met Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on Thursday, and briefed her about the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
MEA Secretary Vijay Thakur Singh”We briefed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights about the Pakistan’s support to terrorism and their continued efforts to destroy the situation in J&K through terrorism. (The situation in J&K is) fast returning to normal and I think she appreciated that. We would continue to engage with her.”
‘Efforts Made to Remove Restrictions As Soon As Possible’: J&K Principal Secretary
Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal, while addressing media on Thursday said, total of 187 law and order incidents have happened since 5 August out of which 165 were reported from Srinagar. However, the incidents have been on a decline since 16 August, he said.
According to Kansal, the attempt is to remove restrictions as soon as possible.
He further added “today governor launched the first ever support price based procurement system for apples in J&K, we’ve taken note of concerns raised by farmers regarding rates offered to them, as well as transportation issues, this scheme addresses all these concerns.”
Kansal called preventive detention a decision taken by law and order authority after taking everything in account.
“If someone is taken into preventive custody, it is after due application of minds by the authority and is in ambit of law,” he said.
Shah Faesal Withdraws Plea Challenging Detention from Delhi HC
Bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal on Thursday, 12 September, withdrew his habeas corpus plea challenging his detention before the Delhi High Court.
A bench of Justices Manmohan and Sangeeta Dhingra Sehgal allowed Faesal to withdraw his plea after his wife filed an affidavit in this regard.
Faesal’s wife told the high court that she recently met him in custody and has received instructions to withdraw the plea.
‘Third Party Reconciliation Only Option’, Says Pak Foreign Minister on Kashmir Issue
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Wednesday, 11 September, that bilateral talks between India and Pakistan are not possible. “Third party reconciliation is the only option between the two countries,” Qureshi said, according to ANI.
‘Patel Was Right, Nehru Wrong on Kashmir’, Says Ravi Shankar Prasad
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Wednesday, said India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was wrong and then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel right in handling the Jammu and Kashmir issue after Independence.
Referring to the current NDA government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Prasad reportedly said PM Modi showed immense courage and corrected the “historic blunder”.
“I want to say that in J&K, Sardar Patel was right and Jawaharlal Nehru was wrong. It (Article 370) was a historical blunder committed (that time) and (by scrapping the special status) Narendra Modi as our PM, showing immense courage, corrected that historical wrong,” PTI quoted Prasad as saying.
UN Chief Wants India, Pak to Resolve Kashmir Issue Through Dialogue: Spokesperson
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who has been in contact with the leadership in India and Pakistan, remains concerned about any potential escalation by the two countries over Kashmir and appeals to both sides to deal with the issue through dialogue, on Wednesday, quoting Guterres’s spokesperson.
UN Chief’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric was responding to a question on whether Guterres plans to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir during the UN General Assembly session later this month, which would be attended by both PM Modi and Pakistan PM Imran Khan.
Restrictions Lifted from Most Parts of Kashmir
Restrictions were lifted from most parts of Kashmir on Wednesday, 11 September, and some areas in Srinagar city witnessed an increased presence of private transport leading to traffic jams. However, public transport was off the roads, PTI reported, quoting the officials.
MDMK Chief and Rajya Sabha MP, Vaiko, on Wednesday 11 September, filed a habeas corpus petition in the Supreme Court for former Jammu and Kashmir CM Farooq Abdullah. Vaiko says Abdullah was supposed to come for an event but couldn’t be contacted.
‘Pakistan’s Gory Record Speaks for Itself,’ Says India at UN Over Kashmir
Vimarsh Aryan, First Secretary MEA at UNHRC stated Article 370 was a temporary provision of the Indian Constitution and its recent modification is within India’s sovereign right and entirely an internal matter.
He further added “We’re not surprised at Pakistan’s hysterical statements with false narratives aimed to politicise and polarise this forum. Pakistan realises that our decision cuts away ground from under its feet by creating obstacles in its continuing sponsorship of cross-border terrorism.”
“Some Pakistani leaders have even gone as far as calling for jihad to encourage violence in Jammu & Kashmir and third countries, in order to create a picture of genocide which even they know is far from reality.”
“Pakistan’s gory record speaks for itself,” he said.
India Responds to Pak at UN Over Kashmir
India responded to Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s comments on the Kashmir issue at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) on Tuesday, 10 September.
Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs addressed the issue at UN.
Singh said “my government is taking affirmative action by adopting progressive policies to promote socio-economic equality and justice.”
Thesedecisions were taken by our Parliament after a full debate that was televised and enjoyed widespread support. We wish to reiterate that this sovereign decision, like other legislations passed by Parliament, is entirely internal to India. No country can accept interference in its internal affairs, certainly not India.
“There will be an end to gender discrimination, including on property rights and local bodies representation. There will be better protection of juvenile rights and laws against domestic violence. The rights to education, information and work will now be applicable,” Singh said.
India to Respond to Pak at UN Over Kashmir
India is set to respond to Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s comments on the Kashmir issue at a United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) session on Tuesday, 10 September.
Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs will respond to Qureshi’s comments.
Pages of a leaked Pakistan dossier on Jammu and Kashmir to be allegedly presented at UNHRC, contain statements made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and NC leader Omar Abdullah about J&K.
Pak FM Qureshi Raises Kashmir Issue at UNHRC
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday, 10 September, raised India’s step of abrogating Article 370 in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir, at the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
Qureshi requested the Human Rights Council to urge India to immediately “stop usage of pellet guns, end the bloodshed, reverse the curfew, reverse the clampdown and communication blackout, restore fundamental freedom and liberties, release political prisoners, stop targeting human rights defenders and fulfill obligations under the United Nations Security Council resolution and various human rights instruments as required by international law.”
He mentioned Kashmir as “Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir” in Geneva while talking to the reporters. “India trying to give impression that life has returned to normalcy. Why don’t they allow International organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is,” he said.
MEA Rejects Reference on J&K in China-Pakistan Joint Statement
In response to a query on reference to Jammu & Kashmir in the Joint Statement issued after Chinese Foreign Minister’s recent visit to Pakistan, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that India rejects the reference to J&K in the Joint Statement issued by China and Pakistan after the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister. The MEA said that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.
The joint statement had said that India and Pakistan should deal with the situation through dialogue.
12 Lakh Metric Tonne Apples to be Procured from J&K Farmers
The Department of Information and Public Relations of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, 10 September said that 12 metric tonnes of apples will be procured through special market intervention price scheme from the farmers in Jammu and Kashmir.
The apples will be procured from growers and aggregators at fruit mandis in Sopore, Parimpora, Shopian and Batengo.
“The Special Market intervention Price Scheme for procurement of Apple in Jammu and Kashmir; 12 Lakh Metric Tonnes of apple to be procured,” the department of Information and Public Relations said.
‘Willing to Help India and Pakistan If They Want’: Donald Trump
The relationship between India and Pakistan is “less heated” now than what was two weeks ago, United States President Donald Trump said on Monday, 9 September, reiterating his offer to help the two South-Asian neighbours only if both of them want.
The comments by Trump were his first and comes two weeks since his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France on 26 August.
“India and Pakistan are having a conflict over Kashmir as you know. I think (it) is a little bit less heated right now than (what) was two weeks ago,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday.
Tensions between the two neighbours escalated after New Delhi revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by scrapping provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution.
“I get along with both countries very well,” Trump said while responding to a question on his assessment of the situation between India and Pakistan.
“I am willing to help them if they want. They know that. That (offer) is out there,” he added.
Restrictions Reimposed in Parts of Kashmir to Foil Muharram Processions
Curfew-like restrictions were reimposed on Tuesday in several parts of Kashmir, including the city, to foil any plans on taking out Muharram processions in the Valley as authorities apprehended that large congregations might lead to violence.
Commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas were completely sealed off by placing concertina wires at all entry points where large number of security force personnel were deployed, officials said.
Restrictions have been in several parts of Kashmir as a precautionary measure for maintaining law and order in the Valley, they said.
The officials did not cite any reasons for reimposing restrictions but it is believed that the step was taken to prevent Muharram processions in the city and elsewhere in the Valley. The processions stand banned in Kashmir since 1990 when armed insurgency began.
J&K Police Arrest Eight LeT Terrorists
The J&K Police on Monday, 9 September, arrested eight terrorists allegedly linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Kashmir’s Sopore. Investigation under progress, reported ANI.
UN Rights Chief’s Concern on Kashmir Consistent with Stance of World Body, Says Pakistan
Pakistan on Monday said the UN human rights chief’s concerns over the situation in Kashmir are consistent with the stance of the world body.
Foreign Office spokesman in a statement said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, made “important remarks about the deteriorating situation in Jammu and Kashmir” during the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The Foreign Office said “The UN High Commissioner’s concerns and calls are consistent with the position taken by the UN system vis-a-vis the human rights situation in Kashmir including the continuing restrictions and crackdown on fundamental rights and freedoms of the Kashmiri people,” PTI reported.
All Measures in Kashmir Aimed at Safeguarding Lives: Advisor to J&K Governor
Asserting that the administration has successfully dealt with the law and order situation in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 provisions, advisor to J&K governor Farooq Khan on Monday said that not a single bullet has been fired by security forces for over a month and slammed Pakistan for spreading lies.
He stressed that all measures in Kashmir were aimed at safeguarding the lives of people and normalcy was slowly returning to the Valley, PTI reported.
“We have been successful in that (safeguarding lives). More than a month has now passed, but not even a single bullet has been fired by security forces and police to deal with the law and order situation. It is a big thing. It is the reality,” he reportedly said, adding that they “will not be cowed down” by the Pakistani propaganda.
Govt Sets up 3-Member Panel to Look into Assets, Liabilities of J&K
The Centre has constituted a three-member committee to look into distribution of assets and liabilities of Jammu and Kashmir between two successor Union territories, which will come into existence on 31 October, PTI reported, citing an official notification.
While former defence secretary Sanjay Mitra will be the chairman of the committee, retired IAS officer Arun Goyal and retired Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer Giriraj Prasad Gupta will be its members.
“…in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 84 and Section 85 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the central government hereby constitutes the advisory committee,” the home ministry notification said.
UN Rights Chief Asks India, Pak to Protect Rights of Kashmiris
UN Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Monday, 9 September, asked India and Pakistan to ensure that the human rights of the people living in the Valley are respected and protected.
Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said her office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the Line of Control, PTI reported.
“I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the Government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, including restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, and the detention of local political leaders and activists,” she reportedly said in her opening statement at the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council.
Bachelet said it was important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future.
Restrictions Lifted from Most Areas of Kashmir
Restrictions were lifted from most areas of Kashmir, except some parts of Srinagar, on Monday even as the stalemate in the Valley following the abrogation of Article 370 entered its 36th day with schools closed and public transport off the roads, news agency PTI reported, quoting officials.
The restrictions have been lifted from most areas of the valley, but continue in parts of Srinagar – in the interior areas and in the jurisdiction of Maisuma police station of the city, the officials reportedly said.
They said barricades were removed from the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas a day after they were sealed off by placing concertina wires at all entry points.
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