US Urges India to Release Leaders Held in J&K ‘Without Charges’
Catch all the live updates on the Jammu and Kashmir hearings in the Supreme Court.
The United States of America urged India to release political leaders who have been detained in Jammu and Kashmir for almost five months on Friday, 24 January.
Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, said, “We also continue to urge the government to permit regular access by our diplomats, and to move swiftly to release those political leaders detained without charge.”
Earlier on Friday evening, the Jammu and Kashmir administration decided to restore 2G mobile internet in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir nearly five months after it was shutdown.
- The restoration of the 2G internet facility on mobile phones will continue till 31 January after which it would be reviewed further
- In a significant judgment on J&K shutdown, SC on 10 January observed that the access to internet cannot be suspended indefinitely
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SC Reserved Judgment on Anuradha Bhasin and Ghulam Nabi Azad's Petition
The SC had, on 27 November, reserved its judgment on a batch of petitions filed by Kashmir Times Editor Anuradha Bhasin and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad challenging the restrictions on communication and other restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in July.
SC to Start Hearing Batch of Pleas Against Article 370 Abrogation Today
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, 10 December, will start hearing a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Centre's move to abolish Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
On Monday, a bench headed by Justice NV Ramana asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Raju Ramachandaran to come prepared in the matter.
The bench has also asked the parties to prepare a common compilation of all the documents so that hearing of the matter becomes easier.
Mehta said that although the common compilation of submission is ready, but if any fresh material during the course of hearing, then it will be filed at a later stage.
Home Minister Amit Shah Takes Questions on Jammu and Kashmir
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the Lok Sabha, answered questions on the Infiltration of Militants in Jammu and Kashmir. While answering the question, the Home Minister said that the situation in the area is completely normal. He further said that the problem is with the Opposition since they predicted bloodshed. "Nothing of that sort happened, not one bullet was fired."
Further, Shah answered to Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, saying that 99.5 percent students in J&K sat for their examination, and 7 lakh people and that 7 lakh people have availed OPD services in Srinagar is a clear indicator that things are normal in the region.
Upon being asked about the politicians held in detention in the area, Shah said that the government doesn't want to keep them even a day extra. "Whenever the administration thinks is the right time, the political leaders will be released," he said.
"Farooq Abdullah's father was kept in jail for 11 years by Congress, we dont want to follow them, as soon as admin decides, they will be released."
Important to Restore Normalcy in Kashmir: EU Ambassador to India
Ugo Astuto, the European Union Ambassador to India, said today that it is important to restore freedom of movement and normalcy in Kashmir.
Urging Pakistan to take action against militants and terrorists operating from its soil, the Ambassador said that the visit of European MPs was not an expression of the EU's policy decision.
7th Pay Commission Allowances Worth Rs 4,800 Cr Approved for J&K, Ladakh: MoS for Home Affairs
G Kishan Reddy, the Ministry of State for Home Affairs, while answering a question on the development of the new Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, said that the 7th Central Pay Commission allowances worth around Rs 4,800 crore have been approved for the Government employees of the two UTs.
SMS Services Restored in Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday, 10 December, allowed service providers to start SMS service messages in the Valley so people, particularly business-persons, can receive messages from various banks, officials said.
Mobile subscribers in the Kashmir Valley will now be able to receive SMS messages generated from machines, the officials said.
SMS services were stopped as a "precautionary measure" on 14 October, a few hours after postpaid mobile phone connections were restored in the Valley. Mobile connections were suspended on 5 August after the Centre abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two union territories.
Abrogation of Article 370 Unconstitutional, People of J&K Bypassed: Petitioners to SC
The Centre's decision to abrogate provisions of Article 370 was “unconstitutional” since people of Jammu and Kashmir were “bypassed,” one of the petitioners told the Supreme Court, which today commenced hearing on a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the government's 5 August move.
A 5-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice NV Ramana was told by the petitioners that any proposal for altering the constitutional status of the erstwhile state should emanate from citizens there and the Centre's move was violative of Constitution as orders were passed in “disregard of consent” of people of Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI.
Imran Khan Asks International Community to Press India to Lift Kashmir Restrictions
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan appealed to the international community to press India to lift the restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir, which has entered the fourth month.
The restrictions were imposed on 5 August when the central government had announced the abrogation of the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under the Article 370 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories.
In a tweet on the Human Rights Day, Khan said he condemns the “atrocities” inflicted on the people in Kashmir.
“We must appeal to the world's conscience, to upholders of international law and to the UNSC to act” against India's illegal actions in Kashmir, he said.
'Who Could Be Competent Authority to Reconstitute Constituent Assembly?': SC
The Supreme Court raised a query on Wednesday as to who could be the competent authority to reconstitute the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly to take a call on altering the special status of the erstwhile state under Article 370 of the Constitution.
The top court, which was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370, also raised the point that if the decision rested with people then will it be a case of “referendum, concurrence or consultation,” reported PTI.
HC Asks Home Ministry to Consider Deployment of CAPF for Securing Its Wings, District Courts
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has asked the Union Home Ministry to urgently consider deploying the central armed police force for securing both its wings and district courts in the newly created union territory.
Taking suo moto cognisance of some incidents in Jammu and Srinagar wings of the high court over the past few months, a division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rajesh Bindal issued notice to the government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre on the issue of security.
Satisfied With Report Saying No Detention of Minors in J&K: SC
The Supreme Court on Friday said it is satisfied with the report of Juvenile Justice Committee of Jammu and Kashmir HC which had said that no minors have been detained in jails there post abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in the erstwhile state.
The apex court, after perusing the committee's report, said that four high court judges have visited all the jails in J&K and they have clearly stated that no minors have been illegally detained there, reported PTI.
A bench, headed by Justice NV Ramana, said that it would not be proper if the court does not believe its own judges.
The bench said this when senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for petitioner Enakshi Ganguly who has alleged that minors were detained there post abrogation of provisions of Article 370, insisted that he should be given time to respond to the committee's report.
The bench granted liberty to the petitioners to approach the appropriate forum if they have any grievance over alleged detention of minors in Jammu and Kashmir, PTI further reported.
In a First, J&K Administration to Hire from Across India
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court, for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370, has sent a recruitment notice and invited applications for 33 non-gazetted posts from candidates from across the country, The Times of India reported on Monday, 30 December.
This will be the first time in the valley that a government job is not limited to the residents of Kashmir and Ladakh.
Five Kashmiri Political Leaders Released After Four Months of Detention
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday released five political leaders who have been under detention since 5 August, the day when the Centre announced abrogation of Article 370 provisions and bifurcation of the state.
The five leaders released belonged to the National Conference, the PDP and the Congress, who were kept under preventive detention, officials said.
The leaders included Ishfaq Jabbar and Ghulam Nabi Bhat (NC), Bashir Mir (Congress) and Zahoor Mir and Yasir Reshi (PDP), they said.
Reshi is considered as a rebel PDP leader who had openly revolted against then chief minister and PDP patron Mehbooba Mufti.
On 25 November, two political leaders - Dilawar Mir of the PDP and Ghulam Hassan Mir of the Democratic Party Nationalist - were released by the new administration.
SMS Services to Be Restored in Kashmir Valley
SMS services to be restored from midnight, 31 December in Kashmir valley. Internet services in all government-run hospitals will also be restored.
J&K DGP Singh on Status of Terrorists in J&K
As many as 160 terrorists were killed and 102 arrested in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, while 250 ultras were still active, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on Tuesday, noting that the number of local youths joining militancy has decreased.
"218 such (local) youths joined militant outfits in 2018 but only 139 joined in 2019," Singh said at the annual press conference at police headquarters.
Out of these new recruits only 89 have survived, he said.
There have been only 481 law and order incidents this year as compared to 625 last year, he said, adding that 250 terrorists have been active in Jammu and Kashmir. “There is a decrease in number of active militants as compared to last year," Singh said.
There were 80 percent successful anti-terror operations in which 160 terrorists, including foreigners, have been killed during the year. Singh said 102 terrorists have been arrested and 10 terrorists surrendered during the year.
Broadband Internet Services to 80 Hospitals in Kashmir Restored
After initial hiccups, broadband internet services were restored in 80 government hospitals and nursing homes in Kashmir, officials said, a move which is being seen as a big relief for patients and healthcare professionals in the Valley.
Medical Superintendent of Chest Disease hospital in Srinagar Dr Saleem Tak confirmed that internet started working in the facility on Thursday "which is a big relief to us as well as for patients".
An official of the Jammu and Kashmir administration said, "Broadband high-speed internet connectivity was restored at 80 government hospitals, including health centres and offices linked to the department of health, across Kashmir."
The internet services were to start at the government-run hospitals from midnight of 31 December as a new year gift to the people in the Valley but it could not resume due to some technical issues, officials said.
Broadband, 2G Internet Partially Restored in J&K: Officials
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday, 14 January, evening allowed mobile Internet in parts of Jammu region and broadband in hotels, travel establishments and hospitals but only on white-listed websites, official said, PTI reported.
In a three-page order, the home department said additional 400 internet kiosks will be established in Kashmir division.
In order to facilitate tourism, broadband internet would be provided to hotels and tour and travel establishments.
5 More Political Leaders Released from Detention in J&K
Five more political leaders were released from detention in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, according to ANI. They were detained following abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August last year.
The leaders are – Salman Sagar (NC), Nizamuddin Bhat (PDP), Showkat Ganai (NC), Altaf Kalloo (NC) and Muktiar Baba (PDP).
J&K Highway Reopens for Vehicular Traffic After Remaining Closed for 4 Days
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country, was reopened for vehicular traffic on Thursday, 16 January, evening after remaining closed for four days following multiple landslides, officials said, PTI reported.
The highway was closed on Monday after snowfall across Jawahar Tunnel and multiple landslides in Banihal-Ramban sector.
Banihal Deputy Superintendent of Police Shamsher Singh said restoration work was started after improvement in weather conditions on Thursday.
Prepaid Voice and SMS Services Restored in Jammu and Kashmir
Prepaid mobile connections were restored in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday and 2G services resumed in two districts of the Valley after being disconnected in August last year, an official said in Jammu.
Voice and SMS facilities were restored for all local prepaid mobile phones across the Union territory.
Rohit Kansal, the principal secretary to the administration of Jammu and Kashmir, said the order will come into effect from Saturday, reported PTI.
In order to consider giving mobile internet connectivity on such SIM cards, the telecom service providers will have to verify the credentials of the subscribers, he said.
Internet service providers have been asked to provide fixed line internet connectivity in all the 10 districts of Jammu region and two districts, Kupwara and Bandipora, in North Kashmir, it was further reported.
SC Resumes Hearing Batch of Pleas Against Article 370 Abrogation
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, 21 January, resumed hearing a batch of pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Centre's move to abolish Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
SC Resumes Hearing Petitions Against Article 370 Abrogation
Senior Advocates Sanjay Parikh and Dinesh Dwivedi requested the matter to be referred to larger bench whereas substantial number of other lawyers from the petitioner side opposed it.
Dwivedi began by talking about how the the Constitution of J&K was conceived, and how provisions of the Constitution of India can't override and repeal this.
He noted that Article 370 was supposed to be temporary till such time as the Constitution of J&K came into force.
'Art 370 Doesn't Have Power to Amend Constitution of J&K': Senior Counsel Dwivedi
Senior Counsel Dinesh Dwivedi resumed his arguments post lunch and said that Article 370 does not have the power to amend the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir.
SC Hearing on Petitions Challenging Article 370 Abrogation Adjourned
The hearing on the petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in the Supreme Court have been adjourned to Wednesday.
SC to Resume Hearing Batch of Pleas Against Article 370 Abrogation
The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court will resume hearing the petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, 22 January.
SC Resumes Hearing Petitions Against Article 370 Abrogation
The Supreme Court has resumed hearing arguments in the matter of Article 370 abrogation. Senior Advocate Sanjay Parekh has resumed his arguments on behalf of the petitioners, Bar and Bench reported.
Parekh talks about the Instrument of Accession and insists that the Bench must look at the word “Sovereignty” that has been reiterated in it, according to Bar and Bench.
'Will of the People Paramount': Senior Advocate Sanjay Parekh
Arguing in behalf of the petitioners, senior advocate Sanjay Parekh said, “The Constitution of J&K is part and parcel of the Constitution of India, but in a different sense. No exercise of Presidential Orders could have been carried out without the concurrence of the will of the people,” Bar and Bench reported.
SC Resumes Hearing Petitions Against Article 370 Abrogation
The Supreme Court has resumed hearing arguments in the matter of Article 370 abrogation on Thursday, 23 January.
Senior Advocate Zaffar Ahmed Shah continues submissions before the five-judge bench.
Article 370: SC Reserves Order on Whether to Refer Case to Larger Bench
A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its order on whether to refer the case pertaining to Article 370 to a larger seven-judge bench.
No Role for 3rd Party in Kashmir Issue: MEA on Trump’s Help Offer
There is no role for any third party in the Kashmir issue which has to be resolved bilaterally with Pakistan and the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment for engagement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, 23 January.
The ministry's assertion came in response to US President Donald Trump's fresh offer to "help" in resolving the issue.
Kumar said issues have to be resolved bilaterally and the onus was on Pakistan to create an environment for engagement.
Pakistan's attempt to create an alarmist situation in Kashmir failed and the global community understands its double standards, he said in response to another question.
Govt to Restore 2G Services in All J&K Districts From Saturday: Reports
According to reports, the government is planning to restore 2G internet in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir from Saturday, 25 January. All postpaid and prepaid subscribers across the union territory will reportedly get access to 301 whitelisted websites.
US Urges India to Release Leaders Held in Kashmir ‘Without Charges’
The United States of America urged India to release political leaders who have been detained in Jammu and Kashmir for almost five months on Friday, 24 January.
Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, said, “We also continue to urge the government to permit regular access by our diplomats, and to move swiftly to release those political leaders detained without charge.”