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Srinagar:

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ruled that a person cannot be denied a passport merely because his relatives were involved in anti-national activities.

“This court is of the considered opinion that there is no reason to not recommend the case of the petitioner for issuance of passport just for the involvement of his brother in militancy activities in the year 2011, when he was killed, and the listing of his father as an OGW (overground worker of a terror outfit) for grant of passport in his favour,” Justice M A Chowdhary said in his order while disposing of a petition on Tuesday.

The court allowed the petition filed by Mohammad Amir Malik, a diploma holder in engineering who had applied for the issuance of a passport for travelling abroad to search for a job.

The passport-issuing authority cannot issue travel documents without a clearance from the additional director general of police (ADGP) in the CID.

Malik, a resident of Ramban, filed the petition as the CID headquarters did not give a clearance for the issuance of his passport for his slain brother’s militancy links.

“It should have been the activities of the petitioner, which should have formed the basis either for permitting or rejecting the request for issuance of a passport in his favour. The basis for not recommending the case of the petitioner for the issuance of a passport does not have any reasonable relation or nexus with the activities of the petitioner, as the same does not even remotely connect the petitioner with any activity which could be termed as prejudicial to the security, sovereignty and integrity of the state or the country,” the bench observed.

It directed the ADGP, CID to re-submit the report, “uninfluenced by the conduct or activities of the brother of the petitioner as well as his father”, to the regional passport officer within four weeks and said the latter shall consider the petitioner’s case on the ADGP’s report and pass an appropriate order in his favour within two weeks thereafter.

The court order was welcomed by the People’s Conference and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“The honourable High Court’s decision of not denying a passport to an individual for merely being related to a militant is certainly a step in the right direction. Given how even the basic fundamental right to travel is being weaponised brutally since 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir,” PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said in a post on X.

“There are countless cases pending in passport offices awaiting clearance from the CID department. Not only are passports denied to such individuals but also journalists, students and also job seekers who despite fulfilling the pre requisites for government positions are also denied jobs only because of a negative report given by CID. The status of the related militant — whether dead or alive — seems irrelevant. Unfortunately this policy has even been extended to individuals even remote related to Jamaat-e-Islami party members as well,” the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.

People’s Conference president Sajad Lone said the verdict sets a powerful precedent for thousands facing similar discrimination.

“I feel optimistic that a comprehensive ruling along these lines will soon be issued in response to our party’s petition,” he said.

Welcoming the court’s decision, Lone reaffirmed that an individual’s rights must be determined solely by their own actions, not by the circumstances of their relatives.

“This should have happened much earlier, but better late than never. I am hopeful that this ruling will be extended across Jammu and Kashmir and that our petition will be addressed at the earliest to ensure uniform application,” he said.

Lone expressed confidence that the ruling would rectify systemic flaws and provide long-overdue relief, particularly to the youngsters of Jammu and Kashmir, who have often been subjected to unwarranted restrictions.

“If the effect of this judgment is extended across Jammu and Kashmir, it will help ensure that our youth are not unfairly penalised and that they are given the same opportunities as their peers in the rest of the country,” he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jammu:

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a cabinet meeting of his government here on Friday during which various issues, including employment, reservation and recruitment processes, were discussed and directions were passed.

The cabinet, which discussed the growing demand for revising the reservation limit in government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir, decided to form a sub-committee to engage with all stakeholders on the issue.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, other ministers and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo participated in the meeting.

This was the second meeting of this government during its tenure of over one month.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Minister for Jal Shakti and Forests, Javed Ahmed Rana, said that critical issues, including employment, reservation, recruitment processes and development, were deliberated upon.

“Today we held a cabinet meeting under the leadership of the chief minister. We discussed the address by the honourable lieutenant governor in the assembly and it has been approved. Rest assured, all the decisions taken in the meeting will be shared with you in due course,” Rana said.

He said that the lieutenant governor’s speech during the assembly session was thoroughly discussed and approved.

Replying to a question about the demand for the Darbar Move, the minister said “every important aspect mentioned in his address has been included in it”.

Responding to another question about unemployment, which emerged as a major focus during the discussions, Rana said, “The CM has instructed all ministers to prioritize addressing unemployment within their respective departments. They should start their exercise. As part of our 100-day agenda, we are committed to presenting concrete measures within the next two months.” He emphasized that tackling unemployment was a significant promise in the election manifesto and the government is committed to fulfilling it.

On filling vacant posts across various departments, Rana said that “deliberations were held on whether the posts should be referred to the PSC (Public Service Commission) or SSRB”.

“We will ensure that advertisements for these posts are issued within a fixed time frame,” he added.

Rana further emphasized “our election manifesto is no longer just a promise – it is now an official government document”.

“Whether it is the provision of gas cylinders or other welfare measures, the honourable CM has directed ministers to take swift departmental actions to ensure implementation in letter and spirit,” he said.

Replying to a question about National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah’s threat to hold a dharna at the chief minister’s residence on the issue of the rationalization of reservation, Rana said that Abdullah has decided to form a cabinet sub-committee to engage with all stakeholders.

“As per the direction of the CM, a cabinet sub-committee will be formed. The sub-committee will hold talks with all stakeholders. Any decisions taken will prioritize the public’s interest,” he added.

Rana stressed that dialogue and consensus are crucial in such matters.

Unrest among unemployed youth was triggered after the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission recently advertised 575 posts of school lecturers, out of which only 238 were for open meritorious candidates, while 337 were for reserved categories.

Responding to the strike call of various youth organizations, NC MP Ruhullah wrote on X “And I will sit with all of you outside the office or the residence of HCM (Hon’ble Chief Minister). I have neither forgotten nor backtracked on the issue of Rationalisation of Reservation. I am assured that the government will take a decision to rationalise the policy soon.” On the issue of age relaxation for job aspirants and daily wagers, Rana acknowledged its urgency and said it was also discussed.

“The cabinet has directed the government to address this matter promptly,” he said.

Regarding the issue of daily wagers, Rana said, “The issue of daily wagers is a big one. There is a large number of daily wagers. The honourable CM has already issued instructions to the ministers to start the process on this direction at their end.” Rana reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises, ensuring transparency and addressing the pressing issues faced by people of the region.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Jammu and Kashmir recorded a decline of over 70 per cent in terror-related activities in the past five years but civilian killings continue to remain a major concern amid a surge in such cases in the region this year, a top bureaucrat in the Home Ministry informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said the Union territory registered a considerable drop in civilian killings over the past five years, but the figure stands higher this year in comparison to last year. Besides, a steep decline in the number of terrorists killed in various operations and encounters with security forces during the given period has also been recorded, sending alarm bells ringing in government circles.

The information was provided at a time when Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a marked escalation in terror attacks and counter-terrorism operations, especially after the assembly elections – the first in a decade – in September and October.

The ministry said that as many as 50 civilians were killed in 2019 in the Union territory. While the figure came down to 14 by the first week of November this year, it is nearly three times more than what was recorded last year, when five civilians were killed by terrorists.

The Centre also said that 73 cases of attacks on civilians were reported in 2019 but these were reduced to 10 this year.

According to the Home Ministry, the number of terror-related incidents registered a sharp decline from 286 in 2019 to only 40 by the first week of November this year.

Likewise, 96 instances of terror attacks on security forces were reported in 2019. The figure rose to 111 a year later but subsequently declined from then onwards. A total of 111 cases were recorded in 2020, 95 in 2021, 65 in 2022, 15 in 2023 and five this year.

On the killings of security personnel, the ministry’s data said 77 cases were reported in 2019, which was reduced to 58 in 2020, 29 in 2021, 26 in 2022, 11 in 2023 and seven in 2024.

The ministry also provided data on the number of terrorists killed in the region in various operations and encounters.

“In 2019 as many as 142 terrorists were killed but this year the number is around 44. This a cause of worry as it means that despite various efforts we are not able to eliminate them,” a senior officer said, seeking anonymity.

The ministry said that the number of grenade attacks decreased from 49 in 2019 to one this year. Similarly, the number of infiltration bids by terrorists was reduced from 141 to three during these five years.

Home ministry officials said the safety of civilians has been a key focus area of the Narendra Modi government. As part of “Vision @ 2047” (the Centre’s Viksit Bharat plan to make India a developed nation by 2047), the ministry said it seeks to develop a safe, harmonious and prosperous India with safe borders, and that this could be achieved through strong internal security, cyberspace, transparent criminal justice system and prosperous borders.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the government intends to eliminate terrorist support and terror financing networks, besides taking legal action against “anti-India elements”, the officials said.

Srinagar:

J&K Encounter: Two security personnel are injured as heavy exchange of fire continues with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar, the third such encounter that broke out in the past 24 hours. A junior commissioned officer (JCO) is among the two injured soldiers.

The encounter in Kishtwar broke out after the security forces cornered the terrorists who were behind the killing of two village defence guards two days ago.

“Encounter begins at Keshwan Kishtwar between terrorists and Security forces. 3/4 terrorists believed to be trapped. This is same group which killed the 2 innocent villagers,” said police.

Earlier in the day, another encounter broke out in the Zabarwan forest on Srinagar.

“A joint Police and security forces operation was launched in Zabarwan forest area of #Srinagar based on specific intelligence about the presence of #terrorists. An exchange of fire ensued during the operation,” said Kashmir Zone Police.

This followed an encounter in Baramullah district yesterday in which a terrorist was gunned down. The security forces and state police had launched a joint operation in Rajpura after they observed suspicious activity.

The encounter broke out after the terrorists opened fire at the forces. “One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces in the ongoing Operation in general area Rajpura, Sopore, Baramulla,” said the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps.

Srinagar:

Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district this morning, sources said. The gunfight began in the Chak Taper Kreeri in the Pattan area of the north Kashmir district late Friday after a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir police based on specific intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists.

The operation is going on.

Joint operation with @JmuKmrPolice in progress at #Baramulla. https://t.co/YZY7MLjYeopic.twitter.com/GkvBlwRJ2k

— NORTHERN COMMAND – INDIAN ARMY (@NorthernComd_IA) September 14, 2024

In a separate encounter, troops of the Army’s Rising Star Corps unit shot dead two terrorists in Kathua on Friday.

“Large war-like stores were recovered after the operations concluded,” they said in a statement on X.

#

In the Joint operation launched on 11 Sep by & & , Two Terrorists Neutralised & Large War Like Stores Recovered. … pic.twitter.com/SE4bfRVmNL

— Rising Star Corps_IA (@RisingStarCorps) September 13, 2024

Earlier Friday, two Army personnel, including a junior commissioned officer (JCO), were killed in action and an equal number injured in an encounter with terrorists in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.

The gunfight broke out when a joint security party of the Army and police, acting on a tip-off, launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Naidgham area in the Chhatroo belt connecting Kishtwar with south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

#GeneralUpendraDwivedi#COAS and All Ranks of #IndianArmy salute the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts Nb Sub Vipan Kumar and Sep Arvind Singh, who laid down their lives in the line of duty in J&K and express deepest condolences to the bereaved families. https://t.co/4eGMGpTxDk

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 14, 2024

Four Army personnel were injured in the gunbattle and two of them — Naib Subedar Vipan Kumar, a JCO, and Sepoy Arvind Singh — later died, the officials said, adding that one of the soldiers died of splinter injuries caused by a grenade explosion and another of a bullet injury in the head.

PM Modi’s Jammu And Kashmir Visit

These encounters happened ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mega poll rally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district.

Multi-tier security has been deployed across the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar, particularly around the venue, to ensure a peaceful and smooth conduct of the election rally.

This will be the first visit by a prime minister to Doda in the last 42 years.

Voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases – September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.

This is the first Assembly election in J&K in 10 years, and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 – which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir – and Article 35A – which empowered Jammu and Kashmir’s legislature to decide who the erstwhile state’s permanent residents were.

Srinagar:

One terrorist was killed on Saturday in an encounter with the security forces in J&K’s Baramulla district.

Earlier, an exchange of firing took place between the security forces and the terrorists in the Watergam area of Baramulla district.

“In the exchange of firing, one terrorist was killed and his weapon was recovered from the encounter site. The exact identity of the terrorist is being ascertained,” an official said.

He said that the operation is still underway in the area.

Security forces including the army, paramilitary forces and local police have been aggressively carrying out anti-terrorism operations in J&K for the last three months.

The heightened security alert is being maintained throughout J&K to ensure that the terrorists are prevented from disturbing the upcoming Assembly elections.

Over 300 additional companies of paramilitary forces are being deployed to augment the strength of the already existing security forces in J&K to secure the democratic process.

After reports of a group of hardcore foreign terrorists operating in the hilly districts of the Jammu division came in, the army deployed over 4,000 trained soldiers including the elite Para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare to secure the mountain tops in the Jammu region.

Terrorists have carried out ambush attacks against the army, security forces and civilians in Kathua, Doda, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur districts during the last 2 months.

The modus operandi of the terrorists has been to carry out surprise attacks and then disappear into the densely foliaged and forested areas of these distrusts.

The deployment of the army and the CRPF inside the densely forested areas is meant to deprive the terrorists of this element of surprise.

Senior security forces officers believe that the revised anti-terrorism strategy is working well as the security forces have been able to keep the terrorists engaged in encounters so that they cannot carry out sly attacks.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jammu:

In a shocking case, the bodies of newborn twins with their throats slit were recovered in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said today, adding that their father has been arrested.

The bodies of the newborn baby girls were found in their home in the Chaijjla Kayani village of the Mendhar sub-division of the district.

The father of the babies was initially detained for questioning and later was arrested, said officials.

Authorities said immediately after receiving information about the bodies of two newborn baby girls lying in the house of Mohd Khursheed of Chajjla Keyani village, a team was sent to the village.

The bodies have been sent for autopsy. A board of doctors has been constituted to carry out the post-mortem and furnish a detailed report.

Doctors said that after completion of medico-legal formalities, the bodies would be handed over to police.

The incident has sent shock waves throughout the district as it involves the fate of girl children at a time when the country is celebrating the birth, education and contribution of women to the development of the country and its democratic institutions.

This comes a day after newborn twin girls were found murdered in Delhi. Desperate for a son, a 32-year-old man allegedly killed his three-day-old twin daughters and buried them near his house in outer Delhi’s Sultanpuri area.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Rajouri:

A woman allegedly killed her eight-day-old newborn daughter by leaving her in a nearly dry pond under direct sunlight, causing the baby to die from heat, hunger and thirst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said on Monday.

Police received a report on Sunday about an infant’s body lying in a nearly dry pond in Kadma Prat village in Sunderbani tehsil and promptly sent a team to recover it, the officials said. During investigation, the victim’s mother, Sharifa Begum, accused the father, Mohammad Iqbal, of the crime, they said. However, it was found that he had left for Kashmir when the incident took place, the officials added.

This led investigators to focus on the mother, who was later detained for questioning, they said.

“She broke down during interrogation and confessed to the crime,” an official said.

According to the officials, Sharifa had a confrontation with Iqbal and to settle scores with him, she murdered the infant by leaving her alone in a dry pond under direct sunlight and later put the blame on him.

A case of murder and other offences have been registered against Sharifa at the Sunderbani police station and further investigations are going on, they said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir):

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday busted a terrorist hideout in the Arnas area.

“Acting on the reliable information regarding the presence of a hideout in the general area of Dalas Barneli, subdivision Arnas, an operation was launched to sanitise the area in the Dalas Barneli area of Arnas,” police said.

As per the officials, during the search and cordon operation, the police team recovered a huge quantity of arms and ammunition from the hideout.

The recovered items include two detonators, 12 cartridges of Assault Rifle, one pull-through, One hand-held Tape recorder IED Enabled, One calculator IED enabled, one battery and a few connecting wires, police said.

“Search operations are still going on in the area of Arnas and Reasi Police is committed to neutralising any nefarious designs of anti-national elements,” Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma said.

On April 17, police recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) from a terrorist hideout in the Gursai top area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.

According to officials, the recovery was made during a joint search operation by J-K Police, Army and the CRPF.

Subsequently, the bomb disposal squad promptly destroyed the IED through a controlled explosion. This action effectively foiled the terrorists’ intentions to execute explosions in the Union Territory, they added.

Earlier, security forces busted a terror hideout on Saturday and recovered arms and ammunition in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi.

The hideout was busted during a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir police and the Indian Army’s 58 RR in the Lancha area of Mahore sub-division in Reasi, officials said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)