LAHAUL-SPITI, 21 September 2020, (TON): The Indian Border Road Organisation (BRO) has successfully constructed world's longest high-altitude tunnel on Manali-Leh national highway is fully ready to open in Himachal Pradesh''s Lahaul-Spiti district.

The 9 kilometers Atal tunnel built at an altitude of about 10,000 feet above sea level in Lahaul Spiti's Rohtang will formally be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month. However, Chief Engineer, Brigadier K P Purshothaman claimed Prime Minister would be opening anytime after 25 September 2020.

Having immense strategic importance, Atal Tunnel has been built at a cost of about Rs 3,500 crore. The tunnel has not only reduced the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometers but will also be allowing the residents of Lahaul-Spiti to use it during snow time lock down. It will also promote tourism in the areas of Himachal Pradesh''s Lahaul-Spiti and Leh-Ladakh.

NEW DELHI, 21 September 2020, (TON): In a statement issued by Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Raim he informed that as many as 350 detainees, who were lodged in the different detention centres across Assam, have been released on bail in compliance of the Supreme Court order.

Rajya Sabha was told today that compliance to the order dated 13 April 2020, of the Supreme Court of India, 350 detainees lodged in different detention centres of Assam have been released on bail while 15 detainees died in different detention centres across Assam.

. The Supreme Court of India, in a suo motu writ petition directing that the prisoners or detainees who were under detention for two years be entitled to be released subject to fulfilment of stipulated conditions including the furnishing of a bond of Rs 5000 with two sureties of the like sum of Indian citizens.

The Orient News broke the news story on 20 September 2020 that thousands of foreigners hold up in various detention centers by the Indian law enforcement agencies while over 670 have died during last five years. It was informed that in Assam alone, over 1,000 foreigners are lodged in six detention camps out of which 28 have died. India is facing serious problems about these foreigners who are not being given Indian nationality despite a lot of effort. Those living in detention camps have serious complaints about inhuman environment and non-availability of even normal facilities.  It was reported that a good number of new Indian national holders are also being settled in disputed Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir State. 

NEW DELHI, 20 September 2020, (TON): In a statement issued on today, Indian Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai disclosed that during 2015-2019, out of 18,855 people of 56 nationalities who were granted Indian citizenship, 15,012  were Bangaldeshi, 2,668 Pakistani, 109 Sri Lankan, 665 Afghan and 105 American citizens.

In addition to these figures, 40 Nepali, 40 UK, 23 Kenya, 21 Malaysia, 18 Canada and 18 Singapore citizens were also given Indian citizenship during the same period.

Indian authorities have accepted that there are thousands of foreigners hold up in various detention centers by the Indian law enforcement agencies while over 670 have died during last five years. It was informed that in Assam alone, over 1,000 foreigners are lodged in six detention camps out of which 28 have died. India is facing serious problems about these foreigners who are not being given Indian nationality despite a lot of effort. Those living in detention camps have serious complaints about inhuman environment and non-availability of even normal facilities.  It was reported that a good number of new Indian national holders are also being settled in disputed Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir State. 

WASHINGTON, 19 September 2020, (TON): The 2020 Annual Report, the USCIRF had recommends 14 countries to the State Department for designation as “countries of particular concern” (CPCs) because their governments engage in or tolerate “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations.” US Senators urged that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took power in 2014, religious intolerance and violence against Christians has surged across India.

The letter, primarily endorsed by the Coalition to Stop Genocide in India (CSGI), a united body of more than 100 US social welfare organisations and rights institutions, has been signed by ten Republican senators and four Democratic senators, requesting the US Secretary of State that in case the Government decides not to accept the recommendations by United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), it must inform its reason in the US Congress within a period of 30 days.

The letter has asked both the State Department and USCIRF play important roles in sustaining the States’ leadership in religious freedom across the globe in helping hold bad actors accountable. They have also demanded that the US government must quickly move to impose “targeted sanctions” against Indian agencies and officials “responsible for severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ assets and/or barring their entry into the United States.

It is to be noted that the United States itself is involved in grave human right violations and war crimes in Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia and many other sovereign countries. India has a responsible judiciary to take care of the affairs as well as world organization i.e. United Nations Organizations is there to look into the matter. US has levelled allegations on India and other nations that must not go unchecked. India and other countries must also present the Human Rights violations and war crimes by many western countries. 

NEW DELHI, 19 September 2020, (TON): The Indian Minister of State for Defence, Shripad Naik told Rajya Sabha this week that since 2003, there were highest number of  ceasefire violations between the two countries across the Line of Control. The number of such violations has gone up to 3,186 (from 1 January to 31 August 2020) as compared to 2,000 ceasefire violations in 2019.

 In the meanwhile, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian senior diplomat to register Pakistan’s protest over the ceasefire violations by the Indian security forces along the Line of Control.  Pakistan condemned the targeting of innocent civilians and said such senseless acts were a clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding.

The Indian side was also urged to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

SRINAGAR, 19 September 2020, (TON): Indian puppet Jammu and Kashmir government has notified new housing policy 2020, with a set target to construct one lakh residential units in next five years, for marginalized section and lower income groups.

A notification issued by Jammu and Kashmir Housing and Urban Development Department reads: “In supersession of all the previous policies/notifications/orders on the issue and in the interest of general public, the government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby notifies the Jammu and Kashmir Housing, Affordable Housing, Slum Redevelopment and Rehabilitation and Township Policy -2020.”

Under the policy, the government has set an initial target of 1 lakh dwelling units to be constructed over the next five years for economically weaker section and lower income group households.

As per the sources in Jammu, already multiple stories apartments and houses have been built in Jammu and Srinagar and other localities to settle mostly non-Kashmiris and Government Servants. Separate scheme have been announced by Hindus of Jammu and other districts.

GENEVA, 17 September 2020 (TON): United Nations Organization’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for positive move on Kashmir and cautioned India that restriction on movement of Kashmiris could exacerbate human rights situation in the region.

UN Chief made a statement and asked both, India and Pakistan that, “it is absolutely essential to move forward in a positive way”. He said, “I made a statement last year and I maintain it today.” While expressing concern over reports of restrictions on movement on the Indian-side he said, “The position of the United Nations on this region is governed by the Charter of the United Nations and applicable Security Council resolutions,” and “it could exacerbate the human rights situation in the region.”

SRINAGAR, 17 September 2020 (TON): In a hardcore operation, on 17 September 2020, in which beside Indian army troops, personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out joint operation in Batmaloo area, Srinagar. As per the witnesses, four dead bodies were brought at 92 Base hospital. It was also reported that a Kashmiri woman identified as Kounsar Riyaz resident of Batmaloo was also seriously injured and admitted at the same hospital. Indian authorities claimed that the slain Kashmiris were hardcore militants.        

Despite the claims by the Indian authorities that the law and order situation in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir has improved the things are moving from bad to worse. Few days back, Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy while giving statistics at Rajya Sabha, New Delhi about the law and order situation in disputed Jammu and Kashmir State informed the House that since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution from period, 5 August 2019 to 10 September 2020, a total of 45 civilians and 49 security personnel were killed due to militancy-related incidents. He claimed that prior to the abrogation of Article 370 from 29 June 2018 to 4 August 2019, there were the figures were much higher. 

There is no doubt that it has become a routine that Indian Army and security forces kill Kashmiri youth in illegal confinement and extra judicial custody and later pronounce that they are killed in encounters or joint operations.  However, it is a common observation that dead bodies are brought at the site of joint operation and it is later claimed that the killed Kashmiris are militants killed in an encounter.

PULWAMA, 16 September 2020 (TON): Another suicide case was reported in which a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel committed suicide on Wednesday, 16 September by shooting himself in Lethpora area of Pulwama district.

As per the details Constable T. Sriniwas from 90 CRPF Battalion was attached with 185 CRPF battalion, shot himself dead with his service rifle.It is has become a normal practice that every day two to three cases of attempted-suicide are reported since decades in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir state.

Suicidal tendencies among the Indian Army and Para Military Force (PMF) personnel deployed in disputed State of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir is on the rise. Every year, the number is gradually increasing. In the last ten years, between 2010 and 2020, over one thousand cases were reported due to many reasons but generally speaking most of them committed suicide or made an unsuccessful attempt after having ordered by their command and seniors to open indiscriminate firing of Kashmiri civilians in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

NEW DELHI, 14 September 2020 (TON): Delhi Police Crime Branch, early this month arrested or questioned a number of Muslims and Hindus in connection with Delhi Riots. Umar Khalid was detained for questioning by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on 2 September 2020. Apparently, at that time he was cleared by the Police.

In the recent development, in late night raid on Sunday, Umar Khalid was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged role in Delhi riots. Sources claimed that his mobile was under surveillance and the first thing Police did was seized his mobile. Meanwhile, after hectic interrogation overnight, he was taken to Delhi Court today legal formalities. In the past too, he had been arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police for his involvement in different riots.

MOSCOW, 12 September 2020, TON: India and China have reached a five-point disengagement consensus to resolve the four-month-long military standoff in eastern Ladakh and take steps to restore peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in Moscow on the sidelines of a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Thursday.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement on Friday, “The two foreign ministers agreed that the current situation in the border areas is not in the interest of either side. They agreed therefore that the border troops of both sides should continue their dialogue, quickly disengage, maintain proper distance and ease tensions.”  

The joint statement also said Jaishankar and Wang agreed that both sides should take guidance from the series of consensus reached between leaders of the two countries on developing India-China relations, including not allowing differences to become disputes.

It was clear that the reference was to the broad decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the talks following the Doklam episode of 2017.

“The two sides also agreed to continue to have dialogue and communication through the Special Representative mechanism on the India-China boundary question,” the joint statement said.

“They also agreed in this context that the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC), should also continue its meetings,” it said. Foreign Minister Wang and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval are special representatives for the boundary talks.

The Indian Army and the PLA have been locked in a tense standoff in multiple areas along the LAC in eastern Ladakh since early May. Shots were fired across the LAC on Monday for the first time in 45 years with the two sides accusing each other of firing in the air.

In New Delhi,  top military brass also  deliberated on the five-point agreement which included National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen. MM Naravane, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh. 

NEW DELHI, 11 September 2020: Arya Samaj top leader Swami Agnivesh passed away this Friday after a cardiac arrest at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences at New Delhi.  His condition deteriorated and he could not survive despite a lot of efforts by hospital authorities. He was suffering from liver cirrhosis.

Hindus of Pakistan are aggrieved over the loss such a great leader. Swami Agnivesh, a former MLA from Haryana, founded a political party, Arya Sabha, that was based on the principles of the Arya Samaj, in 1970. He was also an advocate for the dialogue between religions.

Agnivesh was also involved in various areas of social activism including campaigns against female foeticide and emancipation of women. He was a prominent associate of Anna Hazare during “India against Corruption” campaign run in 2011 to implement the Jan Lokpal Bill. He was supported of giving rights to the Kashmiris.

NEW DELHI, 10 September 2020, TON: India has signed a mutual logistics support arrangement (MLSA) with Japan to keep an eye on China’s expansionist behavior in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The defense secretary of India Ajay Kumar and Japanese ambassador Suzuki Satoshi signed the agreement. 

The officials said, “This agreement will provide the closer framework of interoperability, cooperation, and use of each other’s military force through the armed forces of both the countries.”

Moreover, the defense ministry spokesperson said “The agreement established the enabling framework for closer cooperation between the armed forces of India and Japan in the reciprocal provision of supplies and services while engaged in bilateral training activities.

Before the agreement with Japan, India has signed similar agreements with various countries that include France, the US, Singapore, Australia, and South Korea. 

In 2018, India has signed an agreement with France that allows the Indian Navy’s reach in south-western IOR due to the French bases in the Reunion Island near Djibouti and Madagascar on the horn of Africa.

India signed the agreement with the US back in 2016; it was an agreement of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). This agreement allows India to refuel and access American bases in Guam, Diego Garcia, Djibouti, and Subic Bay.

The agreement with Australia allows India to reach the warships in southern IOP as well as the Western Pacific region. Similarly, India has signed agreements with other countries to get access to various bases in time of need.

On the other hand, it is claimed that China has an access to Pakistani port of Gwadar to harbor its warships and submarines. Moreover, China has also military access to strategic port of Hambantota as well as other bases in various other countries.

BANDIPORA, 8 September 2020, TON: Jammu and Kashmir Police claimed today that on the tip of Indian Military Intelligence (MI) on Monday, they arrested three Kashmiri hardcore militants on 8 September, belonging to outlawed Lashkar-e-Tayyiaba (LeT). Police claims, “They hoised Pakistani flags at Bazar Hajin in Bandipura”.

An FIR vide no 35/2020 has been filed in Police Station Hajin against, Mujeeb Shamas, Tanveer Ahmad Mir and Imtiyaz Ahmad Sheikh all residents of Mir Mohalla Hajin in which their arrests have been shown and FIA read, “On 06/09/2020 police station Hajin recieved information from reliable sources that some miscreants at the behest of local active militants of LeT has hoisted Pakistani flags at main Bazar Hajin with a view to create fear pyschosis and  incite anti-national feelings among the common people of Hajin town.” Police also claimed that a hand grenade, cloth, sewing machine and other incriminating material used in preparing flags was also recovered from them.

A local eye witness at main Bazar Hajin said on the condition of anonymity, “I swear by Allah that Indian Military Intelligence and other Intelligence setups of security forces are, in fact, involved in the crime but they always blame the local Kashmiris”. He pointed out that the six side star in the flag is symbol of Jews and why a Kashmiri will stitch such flags or hoist in the Bazar. TON representation at Srinagar also confirmed the claim of eyewitness at main Bazar Hajin through sources.

It has become a matter of routine that Indian authorities create self engineered cases of involvement of Kashmiri Muslims in various crimes and terrorism related cases and try to establish their link with Pakistan to malign the neighbouring country. How long Kashmiris would suffer.

UDHAMPUR, 7 September 2020, TON: Indian Security Forces have abandoned its third cordon-and-search-operation in a row since 6 September 2020, when the case of extra judicial fake encounter was surfaced before the international media. One such operation was suspended in Kawoosa area of district Budgam while the other was at Pulwama. TON on 6 September, also reported the story titled, “Dead Bodies of Two Kashmiri Youth found in Neelum River – Army claims they were drowned” that highlighted Indian Army and security forces fake operations against Kashmiris. It was reported that the Northern Command, Udhampur, on Monday, has issued orders to it’s under command Crops Headquarters to carryout investigations in their Area of responsibilities (AOR).

 On 5 September 2020, Indian Army unit deployed at Gurez valley sector claimed to have fished out dead bodies of two Kashmiri youth fished out from Neelam River (Kishanganga) in Bandipora district. Army authorities handed over the bodies to Police claiming that they finished out Malangam village. However, the locals claimed that Indian Army was seen in the area at dawn on 5 September 2020 but locals were not allowed around the operation area and Indian Army personnel made fake recoveries of huge quantity of arms and ammunition from the drowned dead bodies.  The dead bodies were identified as Nisar Ahmad Rathore son of Abdul Aziz Rathore, resident of Dadsara, Tral  and Sameer Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, resident of Dogripora Pulwama. Family of the one of the deceased claimed, “My son was a driver and we approached Police in April 2018 that Sameer is missing but they could not be traced him and now Indian Army has killed him while Police claims that he was drowned in the river and was a militant”. 

There is no doubt that it has become a routine that Indian Army and security forces kill Kashmiri youth in illegal confinement and extra judicial killings. Hundreds of Kashmir youth have been killed by the Indian occupying forces in disputed Jammu and Kashmir State by declaring them to be infected with COVID or their dead bodies are found in the forests. This time they Kashmiri youth were killed in extra judicial custody and thrown into the river.  

BANDIPORA, 6 September 2020, TON: Indian Army unit deployed at Gurez valley claimed to have fished out dead bodies of two Kashmiri youth fished out from Neelam River (also referred as Kishanganga) in Gurez valley in Bandipora district on Saturday.

As per the detail Army personnel handed over the bodies to Police claiming that they finished out Malangam village. Locals claimed that Indian Army was seen in the area at dawn on 5 September 2020 but locals were not allowed to be seen around the operation area. Commanding Officer of the unit who could not be identified informed Police that arms and ammunition were recovered along with the bodies from the river. However, locals claimed that how drown bodies could be in possession of such a large quantity of arms and ammunition.

Meanwhile, SSP Bandipora, Rahul Malik, disclosed that as per the Indian Military Intelligence (MI) record, one of the deceased identified as Nisar Ahmad Rathore son of Abdul Aziz Rathore, resident of Dadsara, Tral  and Sameer Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, resident of Dogripora Pulwama, was a militant. List of recoveries claimed were Wireless Set, AK Rifle with magzines, over 100 AK rounds, 9 mm rounds, Grenades and remote wrist watches. Family of the deceased broke into tears and said, “My son was a driver and we approached Police in April 2018 that Sameer is missing but they could not be traced and now Indian Army has killed him while Police claims that he was drowned in the river and was a militant”.

It has become a routine that Indian Army and security forces kill Kashmiri youth in illegal confinement and extra judicial killings. Hundreds of Kashmir youth have been killed by the Indian occupying forces in disputed Jammu and Kashmir State by declaring them to be infected with COVID or their dead bodies are found in the forests. This time they Kashmiri youth were killed in extra judicial custody and thrown into the river. The United Nations Organization (UNO), European Union (EU) and Human Rights organizations must stop Indian from carrying out atrocities and target killings and genocide of Kashmir youth of those who demand their right of self determination under the UNSC Resolutions.

NEW DELHI, 4 September 2020, TON: "With a Heavy Heart, this is to inform you that my father Shri Pranab Mukherjee has just passed away despite the best efforts of Doctors of RR Hospital and prayers, duwa, and Prarthana's from people throughout India! I thank all of You, " his son Abhijit Mukherjee tweeted. 

Pranab (84) tested positive for Covid-19 and underwent brain surgery at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi Cantonment on August 10, and had been in coma and ventilator support since then.

When the Congress-led  (UPA) came into power in 2004, Mukherjee won a Lok Sabha seat (the popularly elected lower house of Parliament) seat for the first time.

From then until his resignation in 2012, Mukherjee held several key cabinets portfolios in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government – Defence (2004–06), External Affairs (2006–09) and Finance (2009–12) – apart from heading several Groups of Ministers (GoMs) and being Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha. After securing the UPA's nomination for the country's presidency in July 2012, Mukherjee comfortably defeated P. A. Sangma in the race to Rashtrapati Bhavan, winning 70 percent of the electoral-college vote.

Bangladesh on Wednesday observed one-day national mourning in respect to the memory of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee.

Marking the day, the national flag was hoisted half-mast all government, semi-government and autonomous offices, educational institutions and all government and non-government buildings and at all missions abroad. Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen signed the condolence book in memory of Pranab Mukherjee at the Indian High Commission here.

Samiur Rashid, Department of CSE, International Islamic University of Chittagong.

Another suicide case was reported at Indian Army 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar. The Duty Medical Officer (DMO) says, “nothing unusual has happened as it is a routine matter”. He claimed that it is a normal practice that every day two to three cases of attempted-suicide are reported since decades, even before his posting at Base Hospital. He explained that the suicide cases pertaining to specifically Indian Army are usually one to two per month while with regard to Para Military Forces it is four times.

Yesterday too, in an unbelievable incident, Assistant Sub Inspector Amrit Bhardwaj, resident of Bharlipur village of Assam, serving at 33 Battalion CRPF was found dead if he has committed suicide at Battalion headquarters at Kotli. Witnesses informed that he returned from night duty and was fine but they were told next day morning that he committed suicide. One witness said that he saw Amrit Bhardwaj which bore four bullet marks.

Suicidal tendencies among the Indian Army and Para Military Force (PMF) personnel deployed in disputed State of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir is on the rise. Every year, the number is gradually increasing. In the last ten years, between 2010 and 2020, over one thousand cases were reported due to many reasons but generally speaking most of them committed suicide or made an unsuccessful attempt after having ordered by their command and seniors to open indiscriminate firing of Kashmiri civilians in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Subedar Kumar, who survived a suicide attempt informed TON correspondent in August 2020, “Hindu Dharam does not allow killing of even animals but I was ordered to open fire on Hindu traders and their dead bodies pricks my conscience. I could not resist the dead bodies”. One of the major reasons is, of course, extrajudicial killings and fake encounters. There are at least three cases last year where stoppage of routine casual leave forced them to shoot themselves. One such last year’s suicide attempt case said, “I did not avail leave since over six months and I had pressure from my house to leave the job if leave is not granted”.

Focusing on suicide cases of Central Reserve Police Force (CRFP) this year, on 12 August 2020, Inspector Damodar from 141 battalion, who was posted at the Shergadi area of Srinagar shot himself with his service rifle but survived.

Another incident took place on 26 July this year when a CRPF personnel posted in Srinagar shot himself dead.

On 19 July, a CRPF personnel committed suicide by shooting himself dead inside the unit lines at Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar.

On 6 July, two Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel were killed in in district courts in Kulgam. It was alleged that they killed themselves by their service rifles after engaging in an argument. However, witnesses present at that claimed that facts are quite different but they cannot disclose as intelligence agencies would eliminate them and their families.  

Similarly, on 12 May, under mysterious condition in two different cases in Anantnag district, two CRPF personnel committed suicide by shooting themselves with their service rifles. m Kashmir’s Anantnag district. In the first incident, Assistant Sub Inspector CRPF Fateh Singh committed suicide by shooting himself with service rifle at Akrun Mattan, Islamabad district Interestingly, it is being claimed that Fatah Singh left behind a suicide note which read, “I am afraid, I may have contracted Corona.” However, there was no evidence for the same as reported by his colleagues. In the second incident Assistant Sub-Inspector CRPF, Bengali Babu resident of Madhya Pradesh committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at his 49th battalion camp in Srinagar.  

On 21 March, another CRPF personnel posted outside Civil Secretariat Srinagar had committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle.

The increasing suicidal tendencies in disputed Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir State cannot be ignored. These are just few months cases and that too confined to CRPF. Someone should ask the next to kin of these personnel how they are feeling. These personnel who joined the forces to serve their country returned their home wrapped in coffins. One wonders how long these personnel would be ordered against their conscience to kill innocent people in fake encounters and extra judicial killings. Did their love ones send them to the forces to come back in coffins and get compensation for their lives? It is high time that the United Nations Organizations, European Union UNHCR, and other international 0rganizations including International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch.

SRINAGAR, 02 September 2020, TON: The Indian Cabinet on Wednesday approved Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, declaring Hindi and English beside Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri as five official languages.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announcing the approval said, “the Bill will be introduced in Parliament soon.” "Inclusion of Hindi and English as official languages in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been carried out under the pressure of New Delhi to accommodate illegal immigrants. 

Meanwhile, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government has accepted the long pending demand of the region for the inclusion of Dogri, Hindi and Kashmiri as officials’ languages and it is fulfilment of a long-pending public demand of the region. However, Kashmiris have strongly reacted to the Cabinet’s decision claiming that New Delhi has stabbed on the back of Kashmiris as India directly threatened Muslim identity and Islam while it is an attempt to eliminate “Kashmiriyat”.

If we recall, the top Pakistani Kashmiri leader, Syed Ali Geelani said last year to promote tourism, “I welcome you to sylvan and salubrious Kashmir valley. Whatever your faith, whatever language you speak and to whatever region you belong to, we are bound by a common bond, the bond of humanity. You are our honoured guest, respecting and protecting guests is not only our moral obligation but an article of faith.” However, Kashmiris had no idea what Indian would do with the Kashmiris.

SRINAGAR, 2 September 2020, TON: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has launched a new book, "India Tomorrow: Conversations with the Next Generation of Political Leaders". His book contains interviews of 20 of the next-generation youth politicians and highlights various aspects of Kashmiri politics. Former Indian puppet Kashmiri leaders said he was detained when the government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 and bifurcated the Jammu and Kashmir State into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on 5 August 2019.

Responding to slogans from across the Line of Control about his book, Omar Abdullah said, “Let me make it clear that we are not anyone’s puppets, neither New Delhi’s nor of anyone across the border. We are answerable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will work for them.” He said, six political parties including National Conference, Congress, and the Peoples Democratic Party had on August 22 issued a statement titled “Gupkar Declaration-II” and promised to fight against the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The parties described the Centre’s decision to alter the region’s status under Article 370 of the Constitution as “grossly unconstitutional” and a “measure to disempowered” people of the former state.

Last week he issued a statement that criticised the Centre for revoking the special status granted to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and said that New Delhi does not believe in the Constitution. He said, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, who is still under detention, was “suffering” because she did not cooperate with the Centre in the abrogation of the special status”.

Omar Abdullah who was taken into custody Indian custody on 5 August last and was charged under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in February was released on 24 March 2020, said in his book that although his 232-day detention period has made him bitter, resentful and angry but it won't change his time-tested stand that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. He writes that Jammu and Kashmir has been treated very, very badly and every single promise made has been broken.

Omar Abdullah in October 2019, issued a statement that he was pressurized during detention that if he signed a bond pledging silence “for the foreseeable future” on all developments in the state, he would be released immediately. Media reported his statement, “the magistrate came with his rubber stamp and his pen, assuming that i would sign it quite happily and run away. And he gave me the bond and said you sign this and you can leave, and the bond says that I will remain silent on all developments in J&K subsequent to August 5, 2019 for the foreseeable future. Which is basically tantamount to saying I will no longer be a politician. I said no, I am not going to sign this bond because to sign it silences me for the future.”

DECCA, 27 August 2020, TON: In the recent meeting between the high officials of Indian Border Security Force and Bangladeshi Border Guard Bangladesh, it was decided to hold biannual talks between the Director Generals of respective organizations from September 13 to18 at the headquarters of the Bangladeshi force at Pilkhana, in Dhaka. 

Director General Border Security Force Rakesh Asthana in a recent statement said that he is hopeful is resolving the issue of repatriation of illegal Bangladeshi from India as well as narcotics smuggling by Bangladeshi citizens in India and abroad. Indian side is expected to take up the issue of joint border security management, fencing of unfenced areas. On the other hand, media sources quoted Director General Border Guard Bangladesh, Major General Mohammad Shafeenul Islam saying that Indian agencies are pushing illegal Bengalis of Indians origin from West Bengal into Bangladesh to disturb law and order situation.

Director General Border Security Force Rakesh Asthana has taken the charge from Director General Indo-Tibet Border Police (ITBP) S S Deswal, who was holding the additional charge of Border Security Force since March 2020. Rakesh Asthana will remain Director General BSF till his retirement on 31 July 2021. During his previous appointment he held additional charge of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).  

NEW DELHI, 21 August 2020, TON: New Delhi has once again offered Nagas for talks, however, the Nagas have insisted for their independence as a precondition.

 On the independence day of India on 15 August 2020, BJP President Temjen Imna Along and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak in  a statement welcomed  the decision of Prime Minister  that the government of India has floated an initiative for talks Nagas to resume the Indo-Naga political dialogue with utmost seriousness to find a political solution that will pave the way for peace, progress and development.
The Indian authorities in the past had adopted a strategy to bring the Nagas with the fold o9f Indian Union by offering jobs in the government sector. Today, the government jobs are the main source of employment and the economy is largely based on salaries of Government servants. The agriculture sector, which livelihood of most of the people is in distress.  

Meanwhile, talks with former NSCN-IM cadre who had already surrendered have been invited to hold peace talks with the government of India to give an impression of a deluge with separatists.

Meanwhile NSCN-IM has rejected the inclusion of interlocutor, R N Ravi and desired his replacement. NSCN-IM cadre has made it clear that they would not accept rule of Indian Union wants a separate flag and their own constitution. However, New Delhi ruled out a separate flag and constitution since long and have scheduled talks to satisfy international community. In another development, Nagaland opposition party, Naga Peoples Front (NPF) has announced their decision to withdraw membership from the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF).

SRINAGAR, 20 August 2020:  Top Pakistani Kashmir leader, Syed Ali Geelani, along with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Grand Mufti of Kashmir Nasirul Islam has given call for complete shutdown in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir territory and peaceful protests after Friday prayers in throughout Indian occupied territories.  Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema has strongly condemned the blasphemous remarks and warned that such kind of derogatory acts would not be tolerated at any cost.

Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq asked the Kashmiri Muslims and Muslims throughout the world raise their voices against the blasphemous acts by BJP for killing of three lobourers from Rajouri in fake encounter and torture of two Muslim farmers in Reasi in the name of cow vigilante.

Meanwhile, All Parties Hurriyat Conference’s General Secretary, Molvi Bashir Ahmad in a statement issued Srinagar said that tens of thousands of Kashmiri Muslims were ready to sacrifice their lives to protect honour and dignity of the Prophet (Alhe Salam Sal Allah Ho Alhe Wasalam). He appealed for peaceful protests tomorrow after Friday prayers, against the blasphemous act by a BJP leader and hooliganism of cow vigilantes in Jammu region.

Other Kashmiri leadership in separate statements strongly condemned the blasphemous act and beating of two people by cow vigilantes and termed such acts as reflection of fascist and communal mindset of Indian leadership. They said that these forces were doing this under a well-planned strategy to hurt religious sentiments of Muslims in the occupied territory and provoke them to retaliate and then punish them, physically, financially and politically. The said that Indian secularism has been exposed.

NEW DELHI, 12 August 2020, TON: On 11 August 2020, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra of Supreme Court ruled that daughters have equal rights as that of sons on parental property. They shall remain coparcener throughout their life. This includes in cases where the father died before the enactment of Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005. The Judgement also said that the according to Section 6 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, the status of coparcener on the daughter born before or after amendment in the same manner as that of the son.

It is important to highlight that in 2015, the Supreme Court had pronounced that the rights under the amendment of Hindu Succession Act, 1956 is applicable only to living daughters. However, in the recent judgement, the apex court nullifies the previous pronouncement. The Supreme Court’s Decision will also affect the State Subjects of disputed Jammu and Kashmir State. Previously, women hailing from Jammu and Kashmir who choose to marry men from outside the state do not lose their residency and inheritance rights under Article 35A of the Constitution. This issue was settled by a full bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court in the case titled State and others versus Dr Susheela Sawhney and others in October 2002 by striking down the proviso of the state subject (permanent residency) law according to which women marrying outsiders would lose their permanent resident status."

If we recall, in December 2019, Khatija Taj, born in Pakistan had migrated to Jammu and Kashmir after her marriage with Muhammad Taj. The deputy Commissioner of Poonch, Rahul Yadav said that Khatija has been issued a certificate of registration, granting Indian citizenship under Section 5(1)(c) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The same was granted on the basis of her marriage to an Indian citizen.

It is important to highlight here that the India government intentionally kept the Kashmiris of Jammu and Kashmir state underdeveloped and backward. Now, the Indians including the citizens of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, who marries the women of Indian, held Jammu and Kashmir State would be entitled to inheritance of full share in the property equal to the male claimants. It is also important to mention here that India Armed Forces and Security Forces have killed thousands of male members of Kashmir Muslims in fake encounters, those Indian who marry these Kashmiri widows and their daughters would be entitled full share in the property.

NEW DELHI, 11 August 2020, TON: High-powered special panel headed by Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and comprising other officers, including Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir submitted before the Supreme Court of India bench today that the Committee has decided that 4G internet services can be allowed on a trial basis in one district each of Jammu and Kashmir divisions
If we recall, in May 2020, the Supreme Court of India bench comprising of Justices N V Ramana, R Subhash Reddy and B R Gavai declined to pass any order on the restoration of Internet services in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the bench directed Indian Government for immediate setting up of a high-powered special panel headed by Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and comprising other officers, including Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, to decide the issue of restoring 4G internet services over there.
On 11 August 2020, Attorney General K K Venugopal submitted before a bench that the central committee would review the outcome of trial after a two-month period. The impact would also be examined by the state level committees periodically, at least once in seven working days. He, however, clarified that any opening on the trial basis should not be in any area adjoining the International Border or Line of Control. He clarified, "The area should have low intensity of terrorist activities and minimum spillover effect on neighbouring areas."
The special committee, which held its meeting on 10 August, revealed that in the given the current security scenario, both in Jammu and Kashmir and in neighbouring areas, "the overall situation is still not conducive to lifting the limited restrictions on high speed internet through mobile devices while allowing broadband and 2G across the board". However, the Special Committee was of the view that the present situation would permit a "carefully calibrated easing of some restrictions in limited and specified geographical areas which are which are comparatively less sensitive from national, internal, and border security and public order standpoint, subject to strict monitoring and periodical review". The government also maintained that internet speed-related restrictions were not posing any hindrance to COVID control measures, access to education programmes and business activities.

KARIPUR, 10 August 2020, TON: An Air India Express plane carrying 190 passengers skidded while landing at Karipur Airport in Kozhikode on evening 7 August 2020. At least 18 people including two pilots have lost their lives in the incident. Air India Express in a statement said, all the accident victims will be tested for COVID including those who killed in the crash as one victim has tested positive for Coronavirus. The injured are admitted to hospitals in Malappuram and Kozhikode. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs to the next of kin of each passenger who died in the Air India Express crash.

The crash incident in which flight from Dubai had which had 190 people on board will be formally investigated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to look into the cause of crash. As per the witnesses, the flight overshot the runway in rainy conditions, "went down 35-feet into a slope before breaking up into two pieces. It has also been decided that the Boeing technical team would be allowed to take part in the investigations. Although, it could not be confirmed but security agencies did not rule out sabotage by Indian rebel elements in North East, which claimed the responsibility.

KARU, 10 August 2020, TON: Indian General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command, Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi has asked military commanders in Northern, Western and Eastern commands to be prepared for any eventuality and maintain highest operational preparedness.

The comment comes against the backdrop of tensions between India and Pakistan in the recent weeks. There are reports of mobilization of Indian troops along their un-demarcated areas in Siachen Glacier, Line of Control and Line of Actual Control border in the Western sector.

On Friday, Lieutenant General Yogesh Kumar Joshi was briefed by respective Division Commanders about their operational preparedness. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command interacted with all the Divisional and Brigade Commanders and reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness. 

WASHINGTON, 7 August 2020, TON: A panel of the United States House of Representatives expressed concern over continued lack of normalcy in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoJ&K) on Thursday, 6 August 2020.

The panel of the US House of Representatives; Chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Eliot Engel and Michael T McCaul wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday – a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in New Delhi stripped off the special status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir and divided the State into two Union Territories with India.

As per the details, panel of the US House of Representatives expressed strong “bipartisan support” for the US-India relations but noted with concern that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had not normalized, a year after the Modi Government’s 5 August  2019 move on the status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir State.

India reacting over the letter Anurag Srivastava, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “There have been several positive changes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir over the past one year, be it in terms of ensuring good governance or socio-economic development or justice to the disadvantaged sections of the population” adding, New Delhi will be happy to brief the US Congress on positive changes and return of normalcy. 

If we recall, Indian External Affairs Minister cancelled meeting with US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal in December last year over her report on Kashmir. He said, “I don't think the report is fair understanding of situation in Jammu and Kashmir or fair characterization of what Government of India is doing. I have no interest in meeting her.”

Ever since the India illegitimate action of 5 August,, the disputed Jammu and Kashmir State and adjoining regions witnessed strong protests and security forces used third degree methods to control the masses. Thousands of Kashmiris were picked up from their homes and are being continuously harassed since 5 August 2019. In most of the cases there whereabouts are not know. Despite arrests and detention of thousands of people, including three politicians and people from other walk of lives, protests against the move were continued. The Kashmiris have decided that they would not sit idle and continue their peaceful struggle to acquire their right of self-determination which has been guaranteed by international law and supported by United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

SRINAGAR, 4 August 2020, TON: Curfew has been imposed in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in anticipation of State-wide protests ahead of 5 August - the day Indian government illegally and unconstitutionally declared UN recognized disputed State as part of India.

Kashmiris throughout the world including disputed Jammu and Kashmir State are observing 5 August as “Black Day”.

India, in order to stop Kashmiris from exercising their fundamental right of peaceful assembly has decided to impose curfew. Earlier, orders were passed by Department of Disaster Management vide Order No.65 and 66-JK-(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 03 July 2020 extending COVID-19 lockdown till 5 August 2020. However, to give relaxation to Indian security forces and Indian nationals, the order said, “The protocol for returnees/passengers shall, however, be governed by the Government Order No.71-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 30 July 2020.” Indian Union Home Secretary in his capacity as Chairperson National Executive Committee (NEC), vide Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 29 July 2020 issued guidelines for implementation of the extended lockdown.

The disputed Jammu and Kashmir State and adjoining regions witnessed strong protests and security forces used third degree methods to control the masses. Thousands of Kashmiris were picked up from their homes and are being continuously harassed since 5 August 2019. In most of the cases there whereabouts are not know. Despite arrests and detention of thousands of people, including three politicians and people from other walk of lives, protests against the move were continued. The Kashmiris have decided that they would not sit idle and continue their peaceful struggle to acquire their right of self-determination which has been guaranteed by international law and supported by United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

SRINAGAR, 3 August 2020, TON: The government of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir today extended the lockdown until 5 August due to the fear of State wide protests against Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir State are removing the special status of the State from the Indian constitution.

The order issued by Department of Disaster Management said that in exercise of powers conferred under Section 24 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Executive Committee hereby orders that the guidelines/ instructions issued vide Order No.65 and 66-JK-(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 03 July 2020 shall continue to remain valid till 05 August 2020. The order gave relaxation to passengers, “The protocol for returnees/passengers shall, however, be governed by the Government Order No.71-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 30 July 2020.”  

Meanwhile, the Indian Union Home Secretary in his capacity as Chairperson National Executive Committee (NEC), vide Order No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 29 July 2020 issued fresh guidelines for implementation of the extended lockdown in Containment Zones (Red Zones) for activities in areas outside Red Zones which would require Indian occupied State and UT Governments to assess the current spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and based on this assessment, allow or prohibit certain activities.