Pak PM Considering Completely Closing Airspace for India: Pak Min
Catch all the live updates on the Kashmir situation here.
Amid tensions between India-Pakistan following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said on Tuesday, 27 August, that Prime Minister Imran Khan is considering a complete closure of Air Space for India.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Director of Education Younis Malik said that high schools will reopen in areas of J&K where restrictions have been removed, ANI reported.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday, 28 August, a batch of petitions challenging the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370.
- Development programmes and division of assets were the key areas of discussion in the meeting, an MHA official said
- The Centre will give 75% subsidy on setting up food park in J&K, MoS for Food Processing Industry said on Tuesday
- Journalists in Chennai on Tuesday demanded striking down of restrictions on the press in Kashmir
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)
MHA to Hold High-Level Meet on J&K on Tuesday
The Union Home Ministry will hold a high-level meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday next week, said a ministry source on Thursday, reported IANS.
The meeting would be attended by secretaries of government of India and would be chaired by newly appointed Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
Faesal Illegally Picked Up, Says Habeas Corpus Writ
Shah Faesal's friend filed a Habeas Corpus writ in Delhi High Court and sought the former bureaucrat's release.
The plea contended that Faesal was "illegally picked up" from the airport while on way to Harvard University in the United States. He was going there to complete his fellowship.
"The circumstances of his illegal custody from the Delhi airport point to unlawful and illegal detention, which effectively amounts to abduction," the plea said.
After his ‘illegal detention’ in the intervening night of 14-15 August, Faesal was "illegally whisked away to Kashmir against his wishes. No transit remand was sought in Delhi before taking him to Srinagar," it said.
The court sought both the J&K government and the Centre’s reply on the matter and posted the next hearing on 23 August.
Centre Delays Submitting Response on Shah Faesal's Detention
The Centre delays submitting the response on Shah Faesal’s detention, adding that it will submit it later today. It has asked for matter to be heard early next week.
Faesal’s lawyer urges for hearing today with Warisha Farasat saying it is a “matter of person's liberty.”
Faesal was booked under the Public Safety Act and placed under house arrest.
Pak Writes to UNHCHR Again on Kashmir Issue
Pakistan said that it has sent another letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights about the humanitarian situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Foreign Office said that the letter was sent by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reported PTI.
The letter highlighted, in detail, the context and consequences of India abrogating the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August, it said.
The Foreign Office said that the foreign minister's letter is being shared with the UN Security Council and all the members of the United Nations.
Kashmiri Pandits in the US Slam 'The Lancet' Editorial on Kashmir
Kashmiri Pandits in the US have slammed an editorial published in a popular medical journal on the health and the safety of people in Kashmir, asking the weekly publication to retract the piece or include a more thorough analysis of the matter in it, reported PTI.
Medical journal — ‘The Lancet’ — published the editorial ‘Fear and Uncertainty Around Kashmir's Future’ on 16 August that raised concerns over the health, security and freedom of the people of the region.
Pak PM to Raise Kashmir Issue at UNGA Session Next Month: Media Report
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will raise the Kashmir issue during his address to the UN General Assembly session next month, according to a media report.
Khan's General Debate speech at the world body is scheduled for 27 September, The Express Tribune reported.
According to PTI, the report stated that Khan has directed his party to mobilise community members and human rights organisations to protest against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York during the summit.
Restrictions Imposed in Srinagar After Provocative Posters to March Were Issued
Security was heightened and restrictions were imposed in Srinagar by authorities after posters were issued by separatists, calling on people to march towards the local United Nations military observer group’s office to protest the abrogation of Article 370.
Local police blocked all major junctions leading to the UN Military observor's office in Sonwar region of the city, reported ANI.
UK Denies Support to UNSC Session on Kashmir; Refuses to Mediate in the Issue
The British High Commission spokesperson said that UK did not call for the UNSC session on Kashmir on 16 August and made it clear that the long-standing Kashmir issue must be resolved bilaterally between India and Pakistan.
AFCAT at Srinagar Centre Postponed: IAF
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), scheduled to be held in Srinagar on 24 August, has been postponed, the IAF said, citing failure of the candidates to download hall tickets due to the prevailing situation in the Kashmir Valley.
However, the examination at centres established in Leh and Jammu would be conducted as per the fixed schedule, a statement issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) said.
Kashmir Peaceful Except for Scattered Protests After Friday Prayers: Officials
The situation in Kashmir's main city and the rest of the Valley remained mostly peaceful today except for scattered protests after the afternoon prayers, officials said, as authorities imposed fresh restrictions to ward off trouble.
About 300 people protested in Soura on the outskirts of Srinagar city after the Friday prayers. However, the crowds were dispersed with security forces making repeated announcements and a “mild lathi charge”, the officials said.
Kathua's DM Issues Notice to Prevent Rumours on Social Media
In order to check and keep a vigil over rumour-mongering on social networking sites, Kathua’s District Magistrate, Dr Raghav Langer has asked the administrators of social media groups to register their groups with the concerned SHO immediately, reported ANI.
The order by the DM stated, “Each WhatsApp group admin shall immediately enable message uploading status to ‘only admins can send messages’ from today for two months till 21 October.”
BJP-SAD MLA's Protest Outside Delhi CM's Office
Delhi’s BJP Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLAs protested outside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office against the decision disallowing a “congratulatory resolution” on the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir by the Central government.
“We wanted to introduce a congratulatory resolution on the revocation of Article 370, we were not allowed to do so. I have been suspended for the entire session while Manjinder Sirsa was marshalled out,” leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta told ANI.
JCCI Demands Camp Offices of Govt Departments in Jammu
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) asked Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik will set up camp offices of various government departments in the region as people are facing hardships due to the prevailing law and order situation in the Valley.
JCCI President Rakesh Gupta made the demand in a letter to Malik, a spokesman of the industry body said.
Pak PM Discusses Kashmir Issue With German Chancellor Merkel
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan held a telephonic conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the Kashmir issue, reported PTI.
During the talks, the prime minister “emphasised that India scrapping the special status to Jammu and Kashmir has serious implications for peace and security in the region and the international community has the responsibility to act urgently”, the Foreign Office said.
Oppn Leaders to Visit J&K on Saturday, Rahul Likely to Join
Leaders of various opposition parties will visit Srinagar on Saturday to meet the people of Jammu and Kashmir, where restrictions were imposed after the Centre withdrew the special status of J&K and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories.
Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, KC Venugopal of Congress, D Raja of CPI, Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M), Tiruchi Siva of DMK, Manoj Jha of RJD, Dinesh Trivedi of TMC, Majeed Memon of NCP and Kupendra Reddy of JD(S) are the leaders that are part of the delegation that is likely to visit Srinagar on Saturday, reported ANI.
Information & PR Dept of J&K Requests Oppn Leaders Not to Visit Srinagar on Saturday
Department of Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir stated, “Political leaders are requested to cooperate and not visit Srinagar as they would be putting other people to inconvenience. They would also be violating restrictions that are still there in many areas.”
Scrapping of J&K's Special Status Due to Modi, Voters' Willpower: KP Gurjar
Union Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the voters for the revocation of Jammu & Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, saying that nobody had thought the Valley's problem could be resolved “so easily”.
Savitribai Phule Pune Univ Plans to Open an Educational Centre in Kashmir
Savitribai Phule Pune University stated, “A proposal was approved in a meeting of administration today to set up an educational centre in Kashmir and to send the proposal to the state government to seek permission for same.”
'Govt Contradicting Itself on J&K Situation': Ghulam Nabi Azad
Ghulam Nabi Azad who is part of Opposition delegation which will visit J&K today said that the government is contradicting itself over the J&K situation.
“On one hand, the government says the situation is normal, and on the other hand they don't allow anyone to go. Never seen such contradictions. If things normal then why political leaders are under house arrest?” he said while addressing the media.
Rahul Gandhi Boards a Flight to Srinagar
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi boards a flight to Srinagar. He is a part of the delegation of opposition leaders who are visiting Jammu and Kashmir today.
D Raja, Sharad Yadav and Other Opposition Leaders Leave for J&K
Opposition leaders D Raja, Sharad Yadav, Majeed Memon and Manoj Jha leave for Jammu & Kashmir. The delegation also includes Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
'Desh Hamara Hai': Opposition Leader Sharad Yadav
Opposition leader Sharad Yadav told ANI, “Desh hamara hai, koi mana kare ya na kare iskya kya matlab hai?” (Translated: The country is ours. Somebody allows or not, what does that mean?)
Further, NCP leader Majid Memon said that they were not going to do anything that would affect peace in Jammu & Kashmir.
Rahul Gandhi, Other Oppn Leaders Arrive at Srinagar
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sharad Yadav, etc. arrived at Srinagar airport on Saturday.
Opposition Leaders Sent Back from Srinagar
The delegation of opposition leaders led by Rahul Gandhi was sent back from Srinagar, ANI reported.
Amit Shah: Article 370 Has Integrated J&K with Rest of India
On Saturday, 24 August, Home Minister Amit Shah at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad said that the abrogation of Article 370 has led to integration of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India.
He said, “I want to pay tributes to Sardar Patel, he united 630 princely states, only Jammu & Kashmir was left. Under PM Modi's leadership, Article 370 has been abrogated and Jammu & Kashmir fully integrated with rest of India,” reported ANI.
Congress: Media Persons Being "Aggressively" Handled by Srinagar Police
The Congress tweeted that as per reports, media persons are being “aggressively” handled by the Srinagar police and are not being allowed to meet the delegation of opposition leaders.
Oppn Leaders Not Allowed to Leave Srinagar Airport, Says CPI(M)
An 11-member delegation of opposition parties from Delhi, which wanted to visit Kashmir Valley to take stock of the situation there after the abrogation of Article 370 provisions, was not allowed to leave Srinagar airport by the administration on Saturday, the CPI(M) said, PTI reported.
The delegation representing eight political parties - Congress, CPI(M), CPI, DMK, NCP, JD(S), RJD and TMC, had said that they were "responding to the invite of the the governor of Jammu and Kashmir for visiting the state".
A statement from CPI(M)'s Politburo slammed the government over "denial of entry" into Srinagar to opposition leaders, alleging it was "day light robbery of rights" guaranteed by the Constitution.
NC Dismisses Reports of Govt Reaching out to Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah
The National Conference on Saturday rubbished media reports that the Centre has reached out to its leader and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah, currently under detention, saying there is "absolutely no basis" for these, PTI reported.
The reports, quoting highly placed sources, said that some officials of investigating agencies were in communication with Abdullah and former chief minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, who is also under detention since 5 August when the Centre abrogated the state's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.
J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik: Had Invited Rahul out of 'Goodwill'
On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visiting Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said, “There is no need for him now, he was needed when his colleague was speaking in the Parliament. If he wants to aggravate the situation and come here to repeat the lie he told in Delhi, it is not good.”
He further said that he had invited Rahul out of “goodwill” and alleged that he started doing politics over it.
Oppn Leaders Sent Back from Srinagar Arrive in Delhi
The delegation of opposition leaders comprising Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, D Raja, Sharad Yadav, Manoj Jha, Majeed Memon, and others that had gone to Srinagar and was sent back, has arrived at the Delhi airport, ANI reported.
J&K Principal Secretary, Planning Commission: Steady Decline in Incidents from 17 Aug
On Saturday, Rohit Kansal, J&K Principal Secretary, Planning Commission said that day-time restrictions have now been lifted from 69 police stations across the Kashmir valley. “In Jammu division, the corresponding figure is 81 police stations without any day-time restrictions,” he said, ANI reported.
He further said that there has been a “steady” decline in incidents from 17 August onwards. Nearly 1500 primary schools and 1,000 middle schools were opened, although attendance continues to be very thin, he mentioned.
“There has been an important decision taken regarding holding elections to the Block Development Councils, as the next step towards operationalising and institutionalising Panchayati Raj mechanism in the state,” he added.
'Things Not Normal in J&K': Rahul Gandhi
After returning from Srinagar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that they were not allowed beyond the Srinagar airport. He mentioned that media persons were “mishandled and beaten.”
Another Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “We weren't allowed to go to the city, but the situation in J&K is terrifying. The stories we heard from the passengers of Kashmir present in our flight, would bring tears even to a stone.”
Oppn Leaders Call Detention 'Undemocratic and Unconstitutional'
The delegation of opposition leaders that went to Srinagar and was sent back from Srinagar airport in Budgam, wrote a letter to Budgam District Magistrate, ‘We record our strong objection to the basis of our detention, which prima facie is undemocratic and unconstitutional.’
Delegation of Opposition Leaders Detained at Srinagar Airport
The delegation of opposition leaders that was detained at Srinagar Airport on Saturday, 24 August included Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sharad Yadav, among others. They were sent back and have arrived in New Delhi.
SC to Hear Yechury's Petition for Production of Party Leader Detained in J&K
The Supreme Court will hear on Monday, 26 August, a petition filed by CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury for production of party leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami, who has been detained in Jammu and Kashmir since the Centre abrogated provisions of Article 370, PTI reported.
The petition was mentioned on Friday before a bench comprising justices NV Ramana and Ajay Rastogi, that agreed to hear it on 26 August.
J&K Congress Criticises Govt for Not Letting Opposition Leaders Come out of Airport
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Saturday, 24 August criticised the government for not allowing a delegation of opposition members including Rahul Gandhi to come out of Srinagar airport to take stock of the situation there after the abrogation of Article 370 provisions, PTI reported.
Congress state president GA Mir and other party leaders said that the government action belies its "repeated claims" that the situation in the valley has largely "normalised".
Pakistan Journos Stopped From Crossing the LoC
Police in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Saturday stopped hundreds of journalists from symbolically moving towards the Line Of Control in the state, reported PTI.
The journalists said they carried two truckloads of medicines and food for Kashmiris.
The march started from the Central Press Club in Muzaffarabad and about 400 journalists took part it, led by Pakistan's Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) president Afzal Butt and secretary general Lala Asad Pathan.
In a tweet, Butt said the purpose of the march was to report on the situation in Kashmir.
Kashmiri Pandits Hold Rally in US to Support Revocation of Article 370
The Kashmiri Pandit community in the US held a rally applauding the Indian government's decision to revoke the Article 370 of the Constitution that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian government on 5 August revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Landline Telephone Services Restored in Most Places in Valley: Officials
The communication curbs in Kashmir have been eased to some extent and landline telephone services restored in most places across the Valley in view of the improving situation, officials said on Sunday.
No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the Valley on Saturday, they said, adding the restrictions on communication were eased in view of the improving situation.
Landline telephone services have been restored in most areas across the length and breadth of the Valley, the officials said.
They said a few more telephone exchanges providing fixed-line phone services, including in Srinagar, were restored on Saturday evening.
The process of fully restoring the landline connectivity, baring in a few pockets, is underway and more telephone lines would be restored soon, they added.
Minority Affairs Ministry Team to Visit Kashmir on 27-28 Aug
A Minority Affairs Ministry team will visit the Kashmir Valley for two days from Tuesday to identify the areas to implement centrally-sponsored development projects after provisions of Article 370 was abrogated, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has said.
He also asserted that those opposing the government's withdrawal of J&K's special status, acting as per their "political prejudice", will also come around to support the move after seeing its impact.
"A team of senior officials, including the Secretary, will be visiting the area (Kashmir Valley) on August 27-28. The team will explore development possibilities -- where schools, colleges, skill development centres can be opened," Naqvi told PTI in an interview.
No Shortage of Medicines; Phone Restriction Helped Save Lives: J&K Guv
Governor Satya Pal Malik on Sunday denied that there was any shortage of medicines and essential commodities in Jammu and Kashmir and said communication curbs helped save many lives there.
Mailk also said no life has been lost in Jammu and Kashmir due to any violence in the last 10 days after the abrogation of the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir and its division into two Union Territories.
"If blockade of communication helps saves lives, what is the harm?" he told reporters when asked to comment on how long the restrictions will continue.
Malik said that in the past, whenever there was a crisis in Kashmir, at least 50 people used to die in the first week itself.
"Our attitude that there should be no loss of human life. '10 din telephone nahi honge, nahi honge, lekin hum bahut jaldi sab wapas kar denge. (If there is no phone connection for 10 days, so be it. But, we will restore everything soon)," he said.
No Shortage of Medicines; Phone Restriction Helped Save Lives: J&K Governor
Most of the chemist shops remained open in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday, 25 August, as Governor Satya Pal Malik denied any shortage of medicines and essential commodities in Jammu and Kashmir, and said communication curbs helped save many lives in the state.
In a statement, the Jammu and Kashmir administration said 1,165 out of 1,666 chemist shops in Srinagar remained open on Sunday.
J&K State Flag Removed from Civil Secretariat
The flag of Jammu and Kashmir which used to fly along with the tricolour was removed from the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on Sunday, three weeks after the Centre revoked Article 370 provisions.
Under Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir was permitted to have its own flag, which was red in colour with three equidistant white vertical strips and a white plough.
The flag, which was hoisted along with the tricolour every day atop the civil secretariat, the seat of the government, was supposed to be removed on 31 October when the law bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh – will come into effect.
Oppn, Press Got Taste of 'Draconian Administration', 'Brute Force' Unleashed on People in J&K: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, 25 August, said leaders of the opposition and the press got a taste of the "draconian administration" and "brute force" unleashed on the people of Jammu and Kashmir when they tried to visit Srinagar.
A delegation of opposition leaders, including Gandhi, which wanted to visit Kashmir Valley to take stock of the situation there after the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370, was not allowed to leave Srinagar airport on Saturday by the state administration and had to return to the national capital.
The former Congress president also posted a video of Saturday's events, showing authorities reading out an order to the opposition leaders and Gandhi addressing the media.
The video showed Gandhi speaking to the media and alleging that media persons accompanying the delegation were mishandled and beaten up.
Committed to Complete Kartarpur Corridor, Despite Tense Ties with India: Pakistan
Pakistan is committed to complete the Kartarpur corridor project for Sikh pilgrims ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak despite the tensions in relations with India, a senior aide to the Pakistani Prime Minister said on Sunday, 25 August.
Local Truck Driver Killed in Stone Pelting in South Kashmir
In a freak stone-pelting incident, protesters on Sunday 25 August evening hurled stones at a civilian truck in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, killing the driver, news agency ANI reported quoting police sources. Noor Mohammed Dar, 42, who belonged to the same Zradipora Uranhall locality, was returning home when stone-pelters mistook his truck for a security force vehicle and hurled stones at it, a police officer said.
The stone pierced the pane and injured the driver in the head; he was rushed to the nearby Bhijbhera hospital, from where he was referred to SKIMS Soura. He, however, was declared brought dead by doctors, the official said.
Doing My Work With Utmost Devotion: Satya Pal Malik Hits Back at Cong Leader
Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik, on Monday 26 August lashed out on Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, over his remark, saying that Malik should be the J&K BJP Chief. Malik, responding to Ranjan’s comments, said that Chowdhuey has already buried his party by his statement in the parliament. “What do I say on his knowledge? I'm doing my work with utmost devotion, I don't care about these allegations,” Malik said.
Will Speak on Kashmir Issue at UN on 27 September: Imran Khan
Addressing his nation on on Monday, 26 August, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he will speak on the Kashmir Issue at the UN General Assembly on 27 September.
He also claimed that Pakistan has been able to internationalise the Kashmir issue.
“We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on Kashmir issue,” he said.
Pak President Gets Notice from Twitter over Post on Kashmir
Twitter has sent a notice to Pakistan President Arif Alvi over his tweet on the situation in Kashmir, according to a media report.
Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari posted the screen shot of a mail received by President Alvi from Twitter authorities and said the notice was "in bad taste and simply ridiculous." On Monday, President Alvi tweeted a video showing a protest rally over the Kashmir issue.
On Sunday, Minister for Communication Murad Saeed said he has also received a notice from the micro-blogging site that one of his tweets has violated Indian laws.
Director General (DG) Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor last week said the authorities had taken up with Twitter and Facebook the alleged suspension of Pakistani social media accounts posting in support of Kashmir.
"Pakistan authorities have taken up the case with Twitter and Facebook against suspending Pakistani accounts for posting in support of Kashmir. Indian staff at their regional headquarters is the reason," he said in a tweet.
Higher Secondary Schools Reopen in J&K's Poonch
Higher secondary schools reopened in Poonch district of Jammu region on Monday after remaining closed for over three weeks due to restrictions imposed in the wake of abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status earlier this month, an official said.
Colleges in the district, however, continued to remain closed and are likely to resume work this week after a review of the law-and-order situation, the official said.
"The higher secondary schools have started functioning normally across the district. The schools in the city and adjoining areas registered a 90 per cent attendance, and it was around 70 per cent in far-flung areas," District Development Commissioner Rahul Yadav said.
Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi Speaks with OIC Secretary General over Kashmir
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday spoke with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen and briefed him about the situation in Kashmir.
In a statement, the Pakistan Foreign Office said it was part of Pakistan's continuing diplomatic outreach to apprise the world about the regional situation.
"The serious risks to regional peace and security arising from" India's move on Kashmir were also highlighted by the Foreign Minister, it said. "The serious risks to regional peace and security arising from" India's move on Kashmir were also highlighted by the Foreign Minister, it said.
No Shortage of Medicine in J&K, Drugs Worth Rs 32 Crore Supplied Last Month
Medicines worth around 32 crore have been supplied to Kashmir valley from 20 July to 23 August 2019, the Deputy Drugs Controller, Food and Drugs Administration, Jammu said on Monday, 26 August.
The Deputy Drugs Controller informed that special efforts are being made to ensure and facilitate timely supply of medicines which require specialised storage conditions to authorised stockists and stake holders in the Kashmir valley.
Moreover, the field functionaries of Drugs Control Organisation Kashmir and the Project Coordinator, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadi Yojana (PMJAY), have informed that all outlets of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadi are fully operational at different locations in Srinagar and have sufficient stocks of all categories of drugs.
In addition to this, there are around 40 outlets operational under the PMJAY scheme in the Kashmir division catering to those in need.
Union Home Ministry to Hold Meeting on J&K Today
The Union Home Ministry will hold a high-level meeting on Jammu and Kashmir today. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, sources told news agency ANI.
LeT Militant Iqbal Naikoo Killed in Baramulla
LeT militant Iqbal Naikoo, who was a resident of Baramulla, was killed by security forces on Tuesday, 27 August.
Sources told The Quint that the security forces received information about his movement and laid an ambush on Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Highway. He had stolen a AK-47 rifle from sub-inspector Amardeep Parihar, during the 20 August in Baramulla. The equipment was recovered today.
On August 20, an Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist and a special police officer were killed, while a police sub-inspector was injured in a gunfight in Baramulla district of north Kashmir - the first encounter between security forces and militants after J&K’s special status was revoked.
Top Central Officials Discuss Issues Related to J&K Bifurcation
Top officials of the central government on Tuesday met to discuss ways to carry forward the process of bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories and the division of assets and manpower, PTI reported, quoting officials.
Chaired by Union Home Secretary AK Bhalla, the meeting stressed on the need for moving forward as per The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, which was passed by Parliament this month.
As Jammu and Kashmir is currently under President's rule, the onus is on the central government to implement the Act under which the two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh - will come into existence on 31 October, a home ministry official told PTI.
More than 15 secretaries of major central ministries and departments, including finance, agriculture, rural development, industries attended the meeting.
Development programmes and division of assets and manpower were the key areas of discussion in the meeting, the official reportedly said.
Dogra Sadar Sabha Chief Detained in Jammu
Dogra Sadar Sabha president and former minister Gulchain Singh Charak was on Tuesday detained ahead of his scheduled press conference in Jammu.
Charak had reached his party headquarters at Dogra Hall in the city to address a press conference and was picked up by police without citing any reason, his son Gambhir Dev Singh Charak told PTI.
Gambhir, who is also incharge youth wing of the party, reportedly said the press conference was convened by the Dogra Sadar Sabha to put forth some suggestions for safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu region with regard to the re-organisation of the state.
"There is no justification for the action as our organisation has wholeheartedly welcomed the abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August. The action is tantamount to murder of democracy," Gambhir said.
Govt to Provide 75% Subsidy on Food Park In J&K: Rameshwar Teli
MoS for Food Processing Industry Rameshwar Teli said on Tuesday that the government will provide 75 percent subsidy if any state government or entrepreneur sets up a mega food park in Jammu and Kashmir, ANI reported.
"We also want that food produced in J&K should not be wasted. We will hold a roadshow in the state to spread awareness about the government schemes," Teli reportedly said.
Chennai Journalists Demand Press Freedom in Kashmir
Journalists in Chennai held a press conference at the Madras Reporters’ Guild on Tuesday, demanding striking down of all restrictions imposed upon the press in Kashmir.
The media briefing was conducted by chairman of The Hindu Publishing Group N Ram, Carnatic singer TM Krishna and members of the Tamil Nadu Women’s Coordination Committee, Centre of Media Persons for Change, Tamil Nadu Union of Journalists and the Network of Women in Media.
“The application filed by the Press Council of India endorsing media restrictions in J&K is awful and disgraceful. It represents a dystopian vision of press freedom. It is shocking that the Press Council took this stand given that they are the responsible for safeguarding the press,” N Ram said.
Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel to Visit J&K, Ladakh in September
Union tourism minister Prahlad Patel will visit Jammu Kashmir and Leh next month, along with a team of officials, to finalise the plans to boost tourism in the two newly-formed Union territories by 1 November.
In an interview to PTI, Patel said he had already sent two officials from the Union culture and tourism ministry on deputation to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, who would act as an "advance team" before he would arrive there in the first week of September to take stock of the situation.
"I will to go to Leh first and then to Jammu and Kashmir to visit the identified tourist spots and conduct a review. We need to provide skill training to guides, get them acquainted with different languages. We are planning to get this done over the next two months," he said on Monday.
'Our Focus Now on Saving Muzaffarabad': Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Tuesday that his party's policy now is to "save Muzaffarabad."
"Our Kashmir policy earlier was how to capture Srinagar, but because of Imran Khan's greed and failures, our policy now is to focus on how to save Muzaffarabad," Zardari said, ANI reported.
Pakistan's Envoy to UN Meets UNGA President to Discuss Kashmir Issue
Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi met with UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa in New York and briefed her about the situation in Kashmir, PTI reported on Tuesday.
In a tweet on Tuesday, Lodhi said the United Nations should live up to its obligations on Kashmir, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
Her meeting with the UNGA president on Monday came hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he will raise the Kashmir issue at every international forum, including at the UN General Assembly.
In Meet with PM Modi, UN Chief Urges All Parties to Avoid Escalation in Kashmir
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to avoid any sort of escalation in Kashmir during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in the French town of Biarritz, PTI reported, quoting his spokesperson.
Addressing a press briefing at United Nations, Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that the issue of Kashmir did come up during the meeting between the two leaders.
"For the Secretary-General's part, he reiterated the message that he has been saying publicly, and that's basically a need for all parties to avoid any sort of escalation," Dujarric reportedly said.
J&K Governor Not Involved in Detention or Release of Any Person: Raj Bhavan
Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has had no communication with Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, the Raj Bhavan said on Tuesday that he is not involved in the detention or release of any person and such decisions are taken by the local police administration, PTI reported.
"A news item has appeared stating that the Governor has told the ex-chief ministers (Abdullah and Mufti) who are presently under detention, that they would be shifted to their residences provided they do not make any statements in the Valley against abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state," a Raj Bhavan spokesperson said in a statement.
He reportedly said it is clarified that the news item is completely "false and baseless".
Editors Guild Slams PCI for 'Perversely Arguing' in Favour of Media Clampdown in J&K
The Editors Guild on Tuesday hit out at the Press Council of India's move to intervene in a case in the Supreme Court over the curbs on communication in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is "gravely concerned" that the media watchdog is not only failing to speak up for press freedom but is perversely arguing in favour of a media clampdown.
The Guild, in a statement, said it expects the Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman CK Prasad to rescind his "unilateral decision", apparently taken without consulting Council members, to intercede in the case in the Supreme Court concerning extreme and unrelenting restrictions placed on the media in Jammu and Kashmir, PTI reported.
Restrictions to Be Eased in 10 More Police Stations by Thursday
Director of Information & Public Relations in Jammu and Kashmir Syed Sehrish Asgar said during a press conference on Tuesday that day time restrictions have been lifted from 81 police stations which was earlier 69 police stations, and restrictions would be eased out in ten more police stations by Thursday.
The police stations where restrictions were lifted include north Kashmir’s Hajin, Kreeri, Dangiwacha and Vilgam. In south Kashmir, the police stations include Anantnag, Kulgam, Tral and Shopian. Similarly, in central Kashmir, the police stations where restrictions have been removed include Nishat, Shergari, Beerwah and Chrar-e-Sharief.
High Schools to Reopen in Areas Where Restrictions Have Been Removed
Jammu and Kashmir Director of Education Younis Malik said on Tuesday that high schools will reopen in all those areas of J&K where restrictions have been removed.
"We had already declared primary and middle schools open, from tomorrow we are declaring open high schools in all those areas where restrictions have been removed," Malik said, ANI reported.
Shops Can Open Where Restrictions Lifted: J&K Administration
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday said shops and business establishments can open in areas where restrictions have been lifted while efforts have been made to ensure restoration of public transport services in the Kashmir Valley.
Addressing a press conference, Jammu and Kashmir Director of Information and Public Relations Sehrish Asgar said steps are being taken to open a few more telephone exchanges in the Valley for revival of landline telephone connections in more areas.
"Shops can open wherever the restrictions have been lifted," Asgar said, replying to a question on when the business establishments will open.
Pakistan PM Considering Completely Closing Airspace for India: Pak Minister
Pakistan Federal Minister for Science & Technology Fawad Hussain said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Imran Khan is considering a complete closure of Air Space to India.
“PM is considering a complete closure of Air Space to India, a complete ban on use of Pakistan Land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan was also suggested in cabinet meeting, legal formalities for these decisions are under consideration... Modi has started, we will finish,” he wrote in a tweet.
SC to Hear Batch of Pleas on Scrapping of Article 370, Related Issues on 28 August
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Wednesday, 28 August, a batch of petitions challenging the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The apex court will also hear the petitions seeking removal of other restrictions including communication blockade in the state which is coming in the way of journalists to carry out their professional duties.
While the petition against the scrapping of Article 370 has been filed by advocate M L Sharma, National Conference MPs Mohd Akbar Lone and Justice (rtd) Hasnain Masoodi have challenged the changes made in the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir by the Centre.
Northern Army Commander Reaches out to People in North Kashmir
Army commander, Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh reached out to the people of north Kashmir on Tuesday with an aim to instill a sense of security and promote wellbeing among the public.
In a series of interactions, the Army commander, accompanied by Lt Gen K J S Dhillon, Chinar Corps Commander met people at Vilgam (Kupwara district), Rampur and Boniyar (Barmulla district), a defence spokesperson said.
During the interaction, he informed the local people about the present situation, security measures put in place for the safety and security of people, and initiatives being taken by the government and also by the Army to improve the situation, he said.
Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi Apprises British Parliamentarians on Kashmir
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met a five-member delegation of British Parliamentarians on Tuesday and apprised them about the Kashmir issue. The Foreign Office said that Qureshi apprised the delegation of the "illegal actions" of India in Kashmir.