The World Opinion

Tag: Jammu And Kashmir

  • J&K: Palestinian Flag Waved, Anti-US Slogans Chanted During Muharram Procession |

    Srinagar: In a significant development, thousands from the Shia community gathered today at Lal Chowk to join the mourning procession of 8th Muharram, an event that had not been allowed for over three decades due to security concerns. The procession marked a stark contrast to previous restrictions, under which even small gatherings were prohibited. 

    The participants of the procession carried Palestine flags, and slogans against Israel and the United States were heard. This year’s event followed the lifting of a 34-year ban by the Jammu and Kashmir government, which had initially imposed the restriction in 1989 amid rising terrorism threats. 

    The ban was lifted last year when the government permitted the 8th Muharram procession to follow its traditional route from Gurubazar to Dalgate in Srinagar. This decision came after assessments indicated improved security conditions in the region. 

    Shia community members expressed their gratitude to the government for allowing the procession. “We are very happy with the decision of the government. Today, our sentiments were respected, and the arrangements were commendable,” said one participant. 

    Extensive security measures were implemented to ensure the safety of the procession. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, VK Bhri, chaired a joint meeting with police and other security agencies to discuss the arrangements and challenges. The IGP, along with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and other officials, personally oversaw the procession to ensure everything was in place. 

    “Complete security arrangements have been made. A three-tier security system is in place, and all necessary provisions have been made. Peace has returned to the valley,” said IGP Kashmir VK Bhri. 

    The procession, which started at 5 am from Gurubazar following Fajr prayers, was scheduled to conclude by 8 am but was extended till noon due to the peaceful nature and large turnout of participants. 

    Divisional Commissioner Vijay Bhidhuri commented on the comprehensive preparations: “All needed arrangements are in place, be it water, toilets, or health facilities. People have been very cooperative, and it’s a big change we are seeing in Kashmir.” 

    The 8th of Muharram commemorates the day of Karbala when Imam Hussain and his followers were martyred. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims, particularly the Shia community. Ensuring a safe environment for the mourning programs and processions was a top priority for the authorities. 

    Despite the peaceful atmosphere, a group of youths carrying Palestinian flags and raising anti-Israel and anti-US slogans was briefly observed before dispersing from the procession. 

    This historic event highlighted the Shia community’s deep-rooted traditions and the improved security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a new chapter in the region’s religious and social landscape. 

  • Uri Encounter Update: Two Terrorists Killed, Security Forces Retrieve One Body In Ongoing Operation |

    Uri Encounter Update: The body of a terrorist was discovered by security personnel on Sunday during an ongoing anti-infiltration operation in J&K’s Uri area. “A dead body of the terrorist was recovered today while the search for the other dead terrorist is going on,” according to an official.

    He confirmed that the operation is still ongoing in the region. On Saturday, security forces battled a group of infiltrating terrorists on the Line of Control in the Uri area, killing at least two of them. The officer claimed that the dead bodies of the two terrorists could not be recovered on Saturday since they were lying near to the LoC.

    This is a developing story.
     

  • J-K: Two IEDs Recovered From OGW Network Of Slain LeT Commanders In Pulwama |

    New Delhi: The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama recovered IEDs packed in a plastic container along with the explosives, which weighed around six kg from the over-ground workers (OGWs) of slain LeT commanders Reyaz Dar and his associate Rayees Dar.

    The recovery followed after a joint cordon and search operation launched by the Pulwama police, Army and CRPF, the police said in a press release.

    During the search operation, the two terrorists, namely Reyaz Ahmed Dar, a resident of Sether Gund and Rayees Ahmed Dar, a resident of Larve in the Nihama village, fired upon the security forces, which led to the start of an operation.

    In the said operation, which took place on the intervening night of June 2 and 3, LeT commander Reyaz Dar and Rayees Dar, both category A, were neutralized by the security forces.

    The investigation further exposed the network of over-ground workers (OGWs), revealing that the terrorists were given harbour, shelter and logistics by the OGWs namely Bilal Ahmed Lone, Sajjad Ganie, and Shakir Bashir, all the residents of Nihama. Subsequently, all three persons were arrested.

    The investigation also revealed that the two slain terrorists had prepared IEDs, which were recovered from the possession of Shakir Bashir who hid them in the orchards. The said IEDs were packed in a plastic container along with the explosives, and active circuit trigger mechanism which weighed around six kg, and were later destroyed in situ by Pulwama police and army, the press release said.

    During the investigation, a huge quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered including AK-47 rifles, AK-47 rounds, pistols, etc, and other incriminating materials. In this regard, a case under section 307 IPC, 7/27 Arms Act, 16,18,19,20,38 UAPA was registered in Police Station Kakapora, the press release by Pulwama police said. 

  • Jammu-Kashmir: Encounter Breaks Out Between Security Forces, Terrorists In Pulwama |

    Pulwama Encounter: An encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday, news agency PTI quoted police as saying. Following specific information about the presence of militants in the Nihama area of the south Kashmir district, security forces established a cordon and conducted a search.

    The search operation turned into an encounter when the militants opened fire on a search party of the forces, who then fired back, an official said. The exchange of fire is ongoing, and neither side has reported any casualties, the official added. 

    In recent years, there have been a number of encounters between terrorists and security forces in Kashmir, with many terrorists being killed. More details awaited. 

    This is a developing story.

  • Kashmiri Techie Enters NASA’s ‘Hall of Fame’ For Cybersecurity Achievements |

    Kulgam: A techie from the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir has entered NASA’s ‘Hall of Fame’ after identifying vulnerabilities leading to data breaches in its system. Twenty-two-year-old cybersecurity researcher Munib Amin Bhatt achieved this feat after making it to Apple’s ‘Hall of Fame’ in 2023 by reporting vulnerabilities in Apple systems. Munib was also honored with an award by Apple for his contributions.

    Muneeb, a resident of Zungalpora village in Kulgam, South Kashmir, reported his findings under NASA’s Vulnerability Disclosure Program (VDP). This program facilitates the awareness of otherwise unknown vulnerabilities to the US agency. Due to VDP guidelines, Munib cannot disclose the specifics of the external vulnerabilities in the NASA system. However, he mentioned that it involved sensitive data exposure.

    Muneeb Amin Bhatt said, “I was inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ by Apple in 2023. They allowed me to ethically hack their systems to investigate vulnerabilities and report them. They later validated and accepted my findings, adding my name to their ‘Hall of Fame’. Recently, I did the same for NASA, found some vulnerabilities, and reported them. NASA accepted my findings and inducted me into their Hall of Fame. I am extremely happy and proud to help security organizations secure their data.”

    Over the past few years, Muneeb has been working tirelessly, identifying vulnerabilities in many organizations. For his efforts, he has received millions of dollars in awards and recognition in various Halls of Fame. He has ethically hacked and secured many international organizations, including Oracle, McDonald’s, Intel, USAA, Indeed, and many others.

    “Many organizations around the world improve their security by calling on ethical hackers to help them keep their data safe. They have their own cybersecurity teams, but to ensure complete safety, they invite hackers to investigate their systems. That is why we are invited, and we investigate and report on vulnerabilities. I am extremely happy that my name has been listed in the Hall of Fame,” said Muneeb Ahmad Bhat.

    Muneeb is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) degree from IGNOU, having started this after dropping out of a B.Tech program at a private engineering college in Kashmir.

  • Narco-Terror Module Busted In Baramulla Of Jammu and Kashmir: Drugs Worth Rs 50 Crore, Cash Recovered, 3 Arrested |

    The Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Thursday that they have busted a narco-smuggling module in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir, arresting three smugglers with a significant quantity of narcotics and cash. Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure stated that the Uri police station received information on May 8 from reliable sources indicating the involvement of Mehmood Ahmad Najar of Churunda and Sajad Ahmad Malik of Dhanisyedan in narcotics smuggling. 

    Both suspects were detained for questioning, during which they disclosed that they had concealed contraband substances and cash in Churanda. “Following their disclosure, a police party, along with a magistrate, conducted a search at the location and recovered the contraband substance. The operation was assisted by the Army,” Amod said.

    He further mentioned that the accused revealed the involvement of another individual, Fayaz Ahmad Hajam of Danisyedan, in smuggling contraband from Pakistan. Subsequently, Hajam was detained, and during questioning, he disclosed the concealment of additional contraband, which was subsequently recovered by the police and magistrate.

    “Additionally, based on further disclosures by Fayaz, some cash was also recovered from his residence. This module is linked to Pakistan-based handlers, from whom the police managed to recover contraband weighing 7.800 kg (valued at approximately Rs 50 crore) and cash worth Rs 12,63,500,” he added.

    The SSP stated that as of now, no election angle has been established in the investigation. However, a thorough investigation will be conducted to ensure that elections are held in a free and fair manner.

  • 5 Soldiers Injured In Terror Attack On Security Vehicles Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls In J&K’s Poonch |

    Terrorists opened fire on two vehicles, one of which belonged to the Indian Air Force (IAF), in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Saturday, injuring five security personnel, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying. They said that the attack happened in the Surankote area of the district, close to Shashidhar, in the evening as the vehicles were heading towards Sanai Top.

    Two of the five injured soldiers are in critical condition. According to the officials, they were taken to a hospital. To find and neutralise the terrorists, a massive search and cordon operation has been initiated, and reinforcements from the army and police have been rushed to the scene, they said.

    #WATCH | J&K: Five Indian Air Force personnel injured in the attack on Indian Air Force vehicle convoy in Pooch.

    Visuals of a Police vehicle entering the Indian Army base near Jarra Wali Gali (JWG) Poonch. pic.twitter.com/Qoktbwmg8j
    — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2024

    They said the vehicles were on their way to nearby Sanai Top in the district’s Surankote area, and they suspected the same group of terrorists were behind the ambush on the troops in neighbouring Bufliaz on December 21 last year, which killed four soldiers and injured three others.

    According to officials, the Army truck bore the brunt of the terrorists’ firing, who were armed with AK assault rifles and are believed to have fled into nearby forests. The Army and police have dispatched reinforcements to the area, and a massive search and cordon operation has been launched to locate and neutralise the terrorists, according to reports.
     

    #WATCH | J&K: Visuals of tight security checking by Indian Army personnel at Sanai area near Jarran Wali Gali (JWG) Poonch, in Surankot.

    An Indian Air Force vehicle convoy was attacked by terrorists in the Poonch district. The injured troops have been airlifted to Command… pic.twitter.com/I747iXbndd
    — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2024

    Police, assisted by paramilitary forces, have been conducting searches in Poonch town since Friday in response to information about the movement of suspected individuals. Officials said no one was arrested during the operation.

  • Properties Of Seven Terrorists Handlers, Currently In Pakistan, Attached In Baramulla: Police |

    Police in Baramulla announced today that they have attached multiple properties belonging to the handlers of seven terrorists currently residing in Pakistan who have been active since the 1990s, maintaining communication with active terrorists in the valley and instructing them to carry out anti-India activities.

    According to a police spokesperson, “Properties of seven terrorist handlers, currently in Pakistan, have been attached in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.” The spokesperson stated that this action was taken following the receipt of an attachment order issued by the Honorable Additional Sessions Court in Baramulla.

    The attached properties, totaling 8 Kanals, 6 Marlas, and 2 Sersai of land worth lakhs of rupees, are owned by militant handlers based in Pakistan. They were identified by the police as Sajad Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Bardan; Irshad Ahmad Khan, son of Abdul Aziz, a resident of Pringal; Gulla Mochi, son of Gama Mochi, a resident of Limber; Mohammad Aslam Khan, son of Shah Zaman, a resident of Pringal; Mohammad Beigh, son of Abdul Gani, a resident of Ijara; Khalid Mir, son of Ayoub Mir, a resident of Hiller Peerniyan; and Rafiq Ahmad Bakerwal, son of Shamus Din, a resident of Limber.

    The police spokesperson clarified that this action was taken under sections of the 88 CRPC and is connected with case FIR No.02/2008 under sections 2/3 EIMCO Act, 120 B, 121, 124 RPC, and 19 UA (P) Act of PS Boniyar.

    “The properties were identified as belonging to absconders during an investigation/enquiry conducted by the Police. This operation underscores the Police’s commitment to combating militant activities,” the spokesperson added.

  • Anantnag-Rajouri Election To Be Postponed? Omar, Mehbooba Voice Concern On ECI’s Query |

    Former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir – Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah today urged the Election Commission of India to not postpone the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha polls. The two leaders’ remarks came after the Election Commission of India wrote to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and the Chief Electoral Officer of the region seeking a report about the constituency and the need for postponing the polls. The ECI wrote to the state election officer after several political parties including the BJP, Apni Party, and J&K Peoples’ Conference wrote to the ECI demanding the postponement of the polls citing adverse road conditions and inclement weather.

    Responding to this, both Omar and Mehbooba wrote to the ECI, alleging that the BJP and its A, B, C teams are sensing defeat and thus making excuses regarding weather conditions. PDP chief and Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency candidate Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of attempting to sabotage the electoral process in the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency.

    Mufti stated, “The BJP and other parties who have ganged up against me want to prevent me from reaching Parliament. The support I’m receiving from people across party lines in both the Kashmir and Jammu regions is making these parties fearful of my influence among the people, prompting them to write to the ECI to defer the polls for the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat.”

    Mufti further asserted that the demand is entirely illogical as only a few days remain until the polls. She appealed to the ECI not to postpone the polls for the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency under any circumstances, stating, “This action would convey the wrong message, eroding trust in the electoral process and resulting in serious consequences.” Mehbooba Mufti wrote a detailed letter to the ECI demanding that the polls for the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency not be deferred.

    NC Vice President Omar Abdullah addressed a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar over the issue opposing the postponement of the polls. “When they sense that the NC has the upper hand and the establishment-backed candidate is losing, they resort to these tactics. We have witnessed this in the past as well; when the former CM’s brother was on the verge of losing and the Anantnag elections were postponed, then no elections happened. The BJP and partner parties, along with the ECI, are attempting to do the same, citing the Mughal road problem.”

    Abdullah added, “Some parties among those who have written this letter have nothing to do with these elections since they haven’t fielded a candidate, such as the People’s Conference and the BJP. Should I write a letter tomorrow for some seat in South India to have it deferred?”

    Abdullah further said that if the polls are deferred, the NC will take the matter to court. “The ECI must instruct the administration to keep the roads open. I’ve been CM, and I know that machinery and manpower can keep the Mughal road open,” he stated.

    Inclement weather conditions have led to frequent closure of the Mughal Road, which connects the Anantnag and Rajouri areas of J&K. Mufti also held a roadshow through the Mughal Road yesterday. In the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency, all paperwork is complete, with 21 candidates contesting the polls while voting is slated to take place on May 7th, in the third phase.

  • ‘Will Get Back What Was Snatched From Us After 2019…’: Mehbooba Mufti In Pahalgam |

    Pahalgam: The ongoing electoral battle transcends mere developmental issues; the priority is safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s core identity and interests, stated Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during a series of roadshows across various hamlets of South Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Saturday. Mehbooba rallied supporters, emphasizing that the ongoing electoral battle focuses on safeguarding the core identity and interests of Jammu and Kashmir, rather than just developmental issues. She expressed the intention to reclaim the plundered rights of Jammu and Kashmir since 5th August 2019.

    Mehbooba underscored the significance of unity among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, urging them to rise above partisan politics and prioritize the greater cause. She stated that the PDP is the protector of people’s interests and, if voted into power, will take the people’s voices to parliament.

    Addressing the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba remarked, “The current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a systematic assault on our rights and resources.” She highlighted issues such as skyrocketing electricity bills and the denial of employment opportunities for educated youth, asserting that the people are bearing the brunt of these injustices.

    Mehbooba alleged, “Our lands are being taken away from us, our resources and jobs are being bartered to outsiders. Our people are being turned into bonded laborers with no identity and no say,” while addressing a public rally.

    She further pledged to fight to reverse the losses incurred since 5th August 2019, promising a resurgence of rights and dignity for the people of Kashmir.

    Mehbooba assured, “I promise you that we will get back whatever was snatched away from us post 5th August 2019,” and asked people to remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity. “We must not lose hope, for history has shown that change is possible even in the darkest of times,” concluded Mufti.