BANDIPORA, 9 July 2020, TON:    Bharatiya Janata Party former district president, Sheikh Wasim Bari along with his father Bashir Ahmad and his younger brother Sheikh Umar Bari were killed by security personnel in target killing. 10 policemen deputed on protection duties with Sheikh Wasim Bari have been arrested. All three were BJP leaders and are suspected to have been killed by Indian agencies to fail complete strike given by Kashmiri leadership from 8^th to 13 July 2020. On 8^th July strike call was observed by all the Kashmiris throughout Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which was indication of Kashmiris resistance to Indian occupation.

As per the details, the incident took barely 10 metres from the local police station. The attack took place when all the three were sitting in their shop, located just outside their house in Muslimabad area of Bandipora. Unidentified gunmen opened fire from two directions and sprinkled bullets in their bodies. One was killed on the spot while two were seriously injured in the firing. They were immediately shifted to Sub District Hospital, Bandipora, where they succumbed to injuries.

Witnesses said that the terrorist who had covered their faces used revolvers fitted with silencers but one witnessed claimed that they were having normal talk with a group who killed them. Soon after the incident, police and security forces rushed to the spot and arrested all the 10 Police personnel deputed on protection duties of BJP leader.

 In a statement attributed to top Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Geelani, he paid rich tributes to Burhan Wani for his struggle for freedom of Kashmiris and also condemned the attack on BJP leaders and expressed condolence with the aggrieved family. IGP Kashmir said in a statement that there was negligence on the part of the police personnel deputed on protection of the BJP leader as they were missing at the time of attack. Meanwhile, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda said that it was a cowardly attack that caused huge loss for the party.

When it comes to the protection of and promotion of Human Rights in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir State, the Indian record as well as that of the administration of Jammu and Kashmir has had always remained very poor.  In a surprise move, month of July 2020 witnessed National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) trying to impose Standing Operating Principle in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir State but seems too late with serious issue of action in good faith.  The first ever letter written by NHRC read, “In case of custodial deaths, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should be intimated within 24 hours, and within 48 hours of the incident in case of an encounter death”. It is surprising that thousands of men, women and children have been killed in fake operations, extra-judicial killings and cold blooded murders, nowadays on the pretext of contracting Coronavirus but why all of the sudden the conscience of Indians NHRC awoke?

Interestingly, NHRC Secretary General Jaideep Govind has requested the Indian occupied authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to pass suitable instructions to those concerned for compliance and directed to immediately send all requisite reports, including the post-mortem, videography and magisterial enquiry reports, in all custodial deaths and encounter deaths. Meanwhile in an interesting move, Indian agencies aided a robust media attributed a letter from top Kashmir’s Pakistani leader Syed Ali Geelani, giving a call for a six day shutdown in entire Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir  beginning 8 July 2020, on the occasion of death anniversary of Kashmiri freedom fighter Burhan Wani. Indian agencies blamed Kashmiri media for posting of social media platforms on Tuesday, 7 July and making it viral. It would surprise everyone that there is no internet service in entire Jammu and Kashmir except some pockets where the signals are too weak and specialized equipment is required to access the network. However, the India media claims that Jammu and Kashmir police was quick to step in, informing the people that it was a fake letter and that Police has filed a FIR under Section 13 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Section   Indian Penal Code (IPC) for publishing or circulation of statements that cause fear and alarm in public.

It could not be comprehended that the Indian law enforcement authorities and other agencies did not directly clarified from Syed Ali Geelani about the genuineness of the letter but unidentified family member is being quoted that the letter is fake and not issued by Syed Ali Geelani. In a tweet dated 7  July 2020, Jammu and Kashmir police writes, “Kashmir Zone Police @KashmirPolice In this regard a #case FIR No 265/2020 under section 13 ULA(P) Act, 505/IPC has been #registered in PS #Budgam. Further #investigation is in progress. @JmuKmrPolice.” Another tweet said, As per the family sources of SAS Geelani the letter is fake and not issued by him. This is published from Pakistan. Police is taking action against those who are circulating it through different social media platforms to instigate violence and create L&O problems. @JmuKmrPolice.”

It is sad to observe that India has annexed illegally self-ruled disputed State of Jammu and Kashmir as Indian Union Territory against the signing of Instrument of Accession between Ruler of Jammu and Kashmir State dated 26 October 1947 as temporary provision, a number of United Nations Security Council Resolutions, Simla Agreement and other treaties concluded under the Charter of United Nations Organization. To add fuel to the fire in grave human rights violations, the Indian authorities have imposed draconian, Media Policy – 2020 on 2 June to further harass and punish the Kashmiris. Now Indian authorities would sensor all material on websites, pages of newspapers, portals and groups to check fake news or any material challenging the sovereignty and integrity of India so that journalist, editors and staff could be punished. The Indian media policy is challenging freedom of press and information and sheer violation of Charter of United Nations. One wonders why the United Nations Organization is silent and not doing anything for the right of self-determination of the Kashmiris who are still the symbol of colonialism.

PULWAMA, 7 July 2020, TON: Report of Army personnel killed in an operation in Pulwama proved to be self-engineered and fake. Indian Army conducting joint operation along with Police, 53 Rashtriya Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force reported presence of militant in the house in Goosu village of Pulwama district on Tuesday. Although there was no militant present but cross firing started in which it was claimed that three security personnel received minor injuries. The initial reports emitting from the Brigade Headquarters said that two military personnel were killed in the operation against the terrorists.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police on Tuesday clarified that no Army personel was killed or injured in the operation; however, later it was attributed of having said that two army soldiers and a policeman were injured in a gunfight in Goosu area of Pulwama district.

It was also reported that unidentified persons on lobbed a grenade near Police post Delina, however, no casualty or damage to property was reported. The senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, disclosed that unidentified persons lobbed a grenade on Delina-north campus road, however, no one was injured in the incident.

SRINAGAR, 7 July 2020, TON: The Kashmiri journalists throughout the Jammu and Kashmir announced on Tuesday a State vide protest for indefinite period against the highhandedness of bureaucrats from India as well as intelligence and security forces. They were protesting against New Delhi’s new media policy in Jammu and Kashmir State.  The journalists also assembled at the Press Enclave under the banner of “Jammu and Kashmir Media Guild” and were carrying banners that read: “Don’t gag media, we are an equally important pillar of democracy”, “Down with media policy 2020” and :We want freedom”.

President JK Media Guild Mir Ajaz Ahmad said “the intentions of the government clearly indicate an official gag to prevent us from reporting truth.” He said, “But we will not succumb to these pressure tactics. If this policy is not rolled back we will fight against it at every level and even stage protest in Delhi if need arises.” He said all the media forums and associations have exhibited solidarity to fight against this policy.

New Delhi has introduced a new Media Policy for the Jammu and Kashmir, “Media Policy-2020”. In the name of mechanism for monitoring of fake news, freedom of speech and thoughts has been curtailed to the lowest level. Journalists and news organizations have been made answerable to bureaucrats ruling the disputed State from New Delhi as well as intelligence and security officials, who have been empowered to decide which news item is fake or anti-national. All such newspapers and news organizations would suffer total blackout of sharing of official news and the advertisements. The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) is acting as anti-terror squad using Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as the tool to harass the journalists.

Meanwhile, other journalists affiliated with various media associations and groups staged a joint protest against the New Media Policy-2020 and demanded its immediate rollback. Media persons in Kashmir have been reporting facts against all odds but after the introduction of new policy, they would be facing a very tough time. May journalists also said that they are being threatened that they may lose lives if noncooperation is witnessed. 

GANDERBAL, 6 July 2020, TON: The annual Amarnath yatra scheduled from July 21 from Baltal in Ganderbal district is in doldrums due to fears of spread of COVID pandemic, official sources said. Although, final decision about the yatra will be taken by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) today, however, with the detection of 8 new cases of COVID positive in Ganderbal district is made the yatra controversial.

As per the schedule, the 42-day long yatra this year was to begin from 23 June but it could not organized due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Official sources told route Baltal route in Ganderbal district has been earmarked but go ahead signal has not been given by the authorities.

UNITED NATIONS: 02 July 2020, TON: In a statement, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the stock exchange in Karachi, Pakistan, on 29 June.  He conveyed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and the people and Government of Pakistan. He reiterated the solidarity of the United Nations with the Government and people of Pakistan in their efforts to address terrorism and violent extremism.

Press statement issued Security Council President Christoph Heusgen on 1 July 2020, is reproduced:-

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly terrorist attack that took place in Karachi, Pakistan, on 29 June 2020, which resulted in several people killed.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Pakistan and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Government of Pakistan and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

KARACHI, 29 June 2020, TON: Terrorist attacked Pakistan financial center, Pakistan Stock Exchange in provincial capital Karachi on Monday, killing at least three people including two guards and a policeman. There were no reports of wounded, however, media reported at least three injuries.   

As per the details, unidentified persons driving silver Toyota Corolla Sedan 2013, bearing Karachi registration plate BAP 629, tried to enter the security barrier near Stock Exchange. When the guards stopped them, the unidentified gunmen got down from the car and opened fire on the guard killing one of them on the spot. Later there was exchange of fire in which another guard and a Policeman was martyred. Sindh Police Additional Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon confirmed that the firing took place outside the barrier gate. It was confirmed from eyewitnesses as well as Police authorities that the terrorists could not enter the Stock Market building. At least two terrorist were killed whose dead bodies were shown to the media. However, the security apparatus claimed to have killed four terrorists. Eyewitnesses claimed that they had brought some person in the car who was made hostage and wanted to recover some huge amount, however, their attempt failed. Another eyewitness claimed that there was internal rift between two groups within the Karachi Stock Exchange, having links in Mumbai Stock Exchange over some issue. The witness added that the group has gone underground after the incident as most of them migrated from Indian post 1980s and some of them do not possess valid Pakistani nationality.

A Counter-Terrorism Department official said that the attackers were carrying significant quantities of ammunition and grenades in backpacks. However, personnel, who were part of the Rapid Reaction claimed on the condition of anonymity that when they saw the bodies of neuteralized attackers, neither grenades, nor large quantity of arms and ammunition was there but later some placed different items including mobile phones beside the dead bodies, which was also displayed to media.

Meanwhile, the Indian media and Indian Military Intelligence run social media groups are carrying out extensive propaganda that Balochistan Liberation Army has accepted the responsibility of the attack. The names of Tasleem Baloch, Shehzad Baloch, Salman Hammal, Siraj Kungur are being publicized by the Indian intelligence agencies through their social networking. It has also come to light that India has established various call centers in Karachi and other cities of Pakistan, manned round the clock, where such propaganda articles, news items and video clips are regularly viralized.  New Delhi has shifted hundreds and thousands of illegal Indian with criminal background in Pakistan, especially Karachi who are also involved in terrorist activities. Such individuals are able to get Pakistani nationality by bribing NADRA employees and have been tasked to create unrest in Sindh and Balochistan by eliminating Baloch presence in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Karachi, especially Layari.

ISLAMABAD, 27 June 2020, TON:  In one of the most shocking incident in the history of commercial aviation there are reports that Government of Pakistan admitted to have grounded 262 airline pilots; 109 commercial and 153 airline transport pilots with 'dubious' credentials, suspected of dodging their exams following inquiries into their qualifications. They included 141 from PIA, nine from Air Blue, 10 from Serene Airline, and 17 from nonexistent Shaheen Airlines, which has closed down. The authorities in PIA and Air Blue complaint that although they would comply but had so far not received the list of pilots to be grounded, which appeared in the international and national media. Reports from Minister’s office claims that lists had been sent to airlines and same would also be available on the Civil Aviation’s website.

It is on record that that in May 2020, the Pakistan Airlines Pilots Association (PALPA) gave a statement, “The aircraft’s landing gear has always been a grave cause for concern. Numerous ‘technical logs’ concerning this particular aircraft will validate PALPA’s contentions… The CAA has also failed in its duty as the regulator. Airworthiness of an aircraft is a concern that falls exclusively within the regulatory domain of the CAA. The crash has occurred due to the unfitness of the aircraft itself… negligence of the PIA management in entirety in ensuring maintenance of its aircraft is a dominant factor in plane crash.” PALPA had demanded a thorough investigation into the PIA aircraft crash by involving the association and international bodies to probe beside technical aspects, into the aircraft’s health prior to the flight, investigators must consider the working conditions of the ground staff and flight crew as well as internationally acknowledged air safety rules. They also expressed serious reservations over the abilities and capabilities of the Special Investigation Board (SIB).

In a joint statement, The International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations called for the crash probe to be conducted on international standards, urging against “premature conclusions” based on incomplete or speculative information. There was collusion between pilots and Civil Aviation officials since late 2018 over appointment officers from Pakistan Air Force in PIA including present Chief Executive Officer Air Marshal Arshad Mahmood Malik. In another development, the International Air Transport Association and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have expressed concerns over such a large number of pilots having dubious credentials.

As per the details, Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan told media that authorities had been investigating pilots were accused of having someone sit one or more papers for them, and sometimes even all the eight papers required for an airline pilot's licence. It has come to light that at least 28 of the pilots had already been found to have obtained academic degrees are suspected to be illegitimate and if confirmed would face criminal charges and termination from would service.

Meanwhile the US Embassy in Islamabad reported having received a letter signed by PIA Chief Executive Arshad Malik saying, “It is also ensured that all pilots flying PIA flights are having genuine licences endorsed by the government of Pakistan.” Earlier, PIA’s spokesman said the letter had been sent to all heads of foreign missions in Pakistan as well as international aviation regulators and safety monitoring agencies.

In the latest development, Captain Chaudhry Salman, head of the Pakistan Airline Pilots' Association, said in a news conference in Karachi that here is no truth in these allegations and claims by aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan were false as their licences are not fake.  He added 39 pilots out of the 262 accused of obtaining fake pilot licenses had either died or retired years ago.

WASHINGTON, 22 June 2020, TON: Tahawwur Hussain Rana and his close associate, David Headley alias Syed Dawood Gilani, an American national who were mastermind of 26 November 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people and injured hundreds other were arrested by US Court and both confessed their involvement in masterminding the terrorism in Indian city of Mumbai.

Interestingly, both these individuals and their families belong to Shia (Shiite) faith and cannot have any connection with an orthodox Sunni group Lashkar-e-Tayyiaba but court mistakenly mentioned their links with Sunni groups, which lack substance and any base. There are also reports that family of Tahawwur Hussain Rana belongs to a minority groups in Pakistan and their asylum papers mentions the same. India has planned to use Tahawwur Hussain Rana against Pakistan to put diplomatic pressure..

Attorney of absconder military terrorist, Tahawwur Hussain Rana submitted his plea while the federal government's response is due by 26 June. The next hearing is scheduled on 30 June 2020. A federal jury convicted him of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism in Denmark and to Lashkar-e-Tayyiaba in Mumbai attacks inside India. It was transpired during Tahawwur Hussain Rana's trial in Chicago that evidences that attackers linked with Rana were planning to storm the Jyllands Posten facility in Copenhagen, take hostages, behead innocent employees of the newspaper, throw their heads to the street below, and set up a stronghold fight to the death with Danish forces. With regard to Mumbai attacks, his associate David Headley testified at trial that Rana provided him the cover to conduct surveillance of Mumbai for the attacks. 

As per the details, top terrorist was released from jail on compassionate ground after testing positive for the COVID-19 was rearrested in Los Angeles on 10 June following an extradition request by India, where he is a declared fugitive while US District Judge Jacqueline Chooljian of the Central District of California has scheduled his hearing on 30 June 2020. Assistant US Attorney John J Lulejian told a federal court in Los Angeles last week that there are fears that he may flee to Canada or some other place.

 According to the extradition treaty between Canada and India, extradition may be refused when the offence for which extradition is requested is punishable with death under the laws of the requesting state and the laws of the requested state do not provide such punishment for the conduct constituting the offence, unless India assures Canada that the death penalty shall not be executed, if imposed. US is trying to handover Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face trial in connection with Mumbai attacks.

NEW DELHI, 17 June 2020, TON: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has summoned leaders of major political parties at New Delhi on Friday, 19^th June to carry out a brainstorming on options in the prevailing situation on Chinese and Nepalese borders. If we recall, during his Wednesday’s speech Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India wants peace but is capable of giving a reply if situation demands.”

In response to phone call by Indian Minister for External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned New Delhi not to underestimate Beijing’s determination to safeguard what it considers its sovereign territory. China has responded to misadventure by India forces which crossed the Line of Actual Control first and tried to justify India action. Casual response from Washington over ongoing rift between India and China on LAC has led India to adopt a peaceful strategy.

Meanwhile, Chinese side has asked Indian side to carryout investigation first to ascertain who is at fault. Beijing desires an apology from Indian side for escalating the situation at Line of Actual Control (LAC). On the other hand Indian side is justifying its action on the ground that China has erected a structure in the Galwan Valley. Satellite images revealed no new construction in the last two months other than communication pathways early this year at quite a distance from LAC.

The United Nations associate spokesperson Eri Kaneko urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and said, “We take positive note of reports that the two countries have engaged to de-escalate the situation to exercise maximum restraint.”