Kashmir Updates: Internet services restored in 5 districts
On Day 13 of clampdown after abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, restrictions are gradually being eased while security forces remain on high alert. State government officials said most phone lines in the Valley will be gradually restored over the weekend and schools will reopen area-wise next week. Twelve districts in Jammu and Kashmir out of 22 were functioning normally while there was limited night-time restrictions only in five districts. The UN Security Council in its informal consultation on Kashmir acknowledged India's measures to bring normalcy and development to the state. India said its position was and remains that matters pertaining to Article 370 are entirely an internal matter. Meanwhile, the White House said US President Donald Trump conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue during a phone call with Pakistan PM Imran Khan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India is "firmly committed" to its 'no first use' of nuclear weapons policy but future of the security doctrine will depend on the circumstances. Stay tuned to IndiaToday.in for all the news updates.
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Unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan, 1 Indian soldier attains martyrdom
Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation along the line of control (LC). In the exchange of fire, Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa attained martyrdom. Indian Army responded strongly and effectively. Heavy damage to Pakistan Army posts have been inflicted.
Narendra Modi has buried Nehru's India: Shah Mahmood Qureshi
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Narendra Modi has buried Nehru's India and that Indian policy is revolving around "Doval Doctrine". Asif Ghafoor also stated that Kashmir is a nuclear flash point and the world needs to look into Indian defence minister's remarks about the use of nuclear weapons.
The way India is going, option cannot be ignored: Pak Army spokesperson
Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor said, "We believe that there is no space for a conventional war. But the way India is moving ahead, the option cannot be ignored."
He said this in response to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remark on "no first use" nuclear policy.
General Asif Ghafoor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to address media shortly
ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be addressing the media in a press conference shortly.
Director Informations J&K talks to India Today TV reporter Pooja Shali
Director Informations J&K Syed Sehrish Asgar is talking to India Today TV reporter Pooja Shali.
Landline services restored in Hyderpora area as well
Landline services have been restored in Hyderpora area of Srinagar. I managed to get through to my family. So I hope everyone will be able to contact home as well.
Article 370 was shield to protect terrorists: Ravi Shankar Prasad
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, on abrogation of Article 370, said, "Article 370 had become a shield to protect the terrorists and their veterans. This abrogation is in interest of the people."
He also said, "The MEA is working o the Kasmir issue at the UNSC. India is alert toward its security and if there is activity from Pakistan’s side, then the country will give a befitting reply."
Administration is calibrating the situation: IGP Kashmir SP Pani
IGP Kashmir SP Pani said that the administration is calibrating the situation and in this regard easing is being done in gradual manner. IGP said that so far restrictions have been lifted from 35 police stations which include North, South Kashmir and Central Kashmir.
IGP Kashmir SP Pani said that the administration is calibrating the situation & in this regard easing is being done in gradual manner.
— DIPR-J&K (@diprjk) August 17, 2019
IGP said that so far restrictions have been lifted from 35 police stations which include North, South Kashmir & Central Kashmir.
Pakistan PM's advisor reacts on Rajnath Singh's "no first use" statement
Firdous Ashiq Awan, Pakistan PM Imran Khan's advisor on Saturday said that Rajnath Singh's statement on nuclear policy reflected the extremist ideology of RSS which can go to the extent of putting the world peace at stake to accomplish its nefarious designs.
She was referring to Rajnath Singh's statement that India's "no first use" nuclear policy may change.
First meeting of Kashmir Committee held today in Pakistan
The first meeting of Kashmir Committee was held today in Pakistan. The committee comprised of seven members. The committee was formed by PM Imran Khan on August 6.
Section 144 relaxed in Kishtwar for the entire day
Section 144 has been relaxed in Kishtwar for the entire day.
Section 144 relaxed in KISHTWAR for the entire day. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/BQ1Ejj4js5
— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2019
Received threatening calls by Pakistanis, says Major Surendra Poonia
Indian Special Forces veteran Major Surendra Poonia tweeted, "I have received threatening VoIP calls by Pakis asking me to stop Tweeting or they will malign my name. They are calling and threatening my family members and friends. Just want to send them my Regimental insignia. @OfficialDGISPR this is BALIDAN. And we don’t know the meaning of fear."
I have received threatening VoIP calls by Pakis asking me to stop Tweeting or they will malign my name.They are calling & threatening my family members & friends.Just want to send them my Regimental insignia. @OfficialDGISPR this is BALIDAN. And we don’t know the meaning of fear. pic.twitter.com/Jkl7z0qyDx
— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) August 17, 2019
Relaxation in areas under 35 police stations in Kashmir
Relaxation has been provided in areas under 35 police stations in Kashmir valley. Public transport has started and primary schools to begin from Monday.
We intend to start 50 per cent of exchanges in Kashmir: Principal secretary J&K
J&K Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal said, "Process of providing relaxation and easing restrictions on 17 Telephone exchanges functional in Kahsmir valley. We intend to start 50 per cent of the exchanges in Kashmir."
Happy that Ladakh is being discussed in UN: BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal
BJP MP from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on UNSC discussion on Kashmir said, "I'm happy that due to the decision taken under Modi ji's leadership, Ladakh is being discussed in UN. Earlier when Congress was in power, Ladakh was not even discussed in Parliament let alone the UN."
He also said, "How Indian government develops one of its regions is an internal matter. If the neighbours have a problem with it, we can do nothing. Ladakh is an integral part of India. It's one of India's invaluable jewels. How to handle it is an internal matter of India."
BJP MP from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal on UNSC discussion on Kashmir: I'm happy that due to the decision taken under Modi ji's leadership, Ladakh is being discussed in UN. Earlier when Congress was in power, Ladakh was not even discussed in Parliament let alone the UN. pic.twitter.com/BaDDbLgBm1
— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2019
Ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera Sector, Rajouri
Ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan in Nowshera Sector, district Rajouri of J&K on Saturday morning. Pakistan fired small arms and shelling with mortars in Nowshera. Indian Army is retaliating to the attack.
Amit Shah leaves after conclusion of GOM meeting
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has left after the conclusion of Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting that was held at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's residence.
Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah leaves after the conclusion of Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting that was held at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's residence. pic.twitter.com/VZsuGj4lS1
— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2019
Landline services in 17 exchanges restored, 50,000 lines reopened
More than 50,000 landline phones were made operational on Saturday after services in 17 exchanges of the Kashmir Valley were restored after a period of about 12 days, officials said.
Seventeen out of a little over 100 telephone exchanges were made operational. These exchanges are mainly in Civil Lines area, Cantonment area, airport of Srinagar district, they said.
The officials said 20 more exchanges will be operationalised soon.
The restoration of exchanges had enabled landline services in Budgam, Sonamarg and Manigam areas of central Kashmir.
In north Kashmir, the services have been restored in Gurez, Tangmarg, Uri Keran Karnah and Tangdhar areas. In south Kashmir, the landline services have been made operational in Qazigund and Pahalgam areas.
(PTI)
Meeting underway at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's residence
Delhi: The Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting is underway at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's residence. https://t.co/1Z6mJvLVow
— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2019