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Fri, 15 June 2018
PM chairs meeting on Kashmir
Timeline Refresh
23:28 PM chairs meeting on Kashmir
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight held a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and to review the suspension of operations during the holy month of Ramzan that ended today, officials said in New Delhi.
During the meeting, which was held ahead of a dinner hosted by the prime minister for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders, the home minister is understood to have briefed on the security situation in the Kashmir Valley, especially in view of the recent killings, including that of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar yesterday.
The Centre is expected to monitor the situation for some more days before taking a decision on extending the ceasefire, they said.
The Ramzan ceasefire was announced on May 17.
During the brief meeting, the home minister is also understood to have briefed on security for the two-month Amarnath Yatra, which begins on June 28.
The fate of the Centre's one-month-old policy of suspension of operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir hangs in balance, with a few security agencies flagging its disadvantages, including regrouping of militants, and some in the home ministry being in favour of extending it with a rider that intelligence-based operations should be increased, officials had said.
The valley has witnessed the killings of over 55 militants and the deaths of 27 locals this year.
The situation in Kashmir is considered to be turbulent as nearly 80 incidents of violence occurred there in the last four months.
Civilians were often seen thronging to encounter sites to stage protests with the intention of giving the militants an opportunity to escape. -- PTI
22:38 Centre to take call on ceasefire extension in J&K: Ahir
Union minister Hansraj Gangaram Ahir today said the people of Kashmir wanted the ceasefire, announced on account of Ramzan, to be extended and security operations suspended, but the final call on the matter would be taken by the Centre.
"The people of Kashmir are happy and they want the (security) operations to remain suspended. We are committed to keeping the people happy and safe and secure our country from any kind of threat. We will do whatever is needed to achieve that goal," he told reporters at the state Bharatiya Janata Party office in Kashmir.
Stating that the Centre would decide on whether to extend the ceasefire and suspend the operations in the Valley, the Union minister of state for home affairs said, "We want peace, we are not trigger-happy, but that does not mean we will not respond to ceasefire violations."
He added that the Centre had announced the ceasefire keeping in mind the holy month of Ramzan, but Pakistan had time and again violated it.
"Our priority is to keep the people of our country happy and safe. Kashmir has been burning for decades due to terrorist activities. We have always given a befitting reply to the terror tactics of Pakistan," he said. -- PTI
22:20 Video shot before killing of abducted jawan circulated on social media
A video of Army rifleman Aurangzeb, understood to have been shot moments before his killing, surfaced today in which he was seen being interrogated by the terrorists about encounters in which he had participated, officials said today.
Aurangzeb, who was in blue jeans and t-shirt was being asked by suspected Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists about his duties, posting and encounters in which he participated in 1.15 minutes video probably shot in a forest area, they said.
The rifleman, who was 'buddy' of a company commander, was abducted by militants at Kalampora in Pulwama yesterday morning when he was on his way home in Rajouri district for Eid celebrations.
His body was found by a team of police and Army at Gussu village, about 10 km away from Kalampora, in Pulwama district.
He was shot in his head and neck, police said.
Aurangzeb belonged to 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and was posted at the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg in Shopian, they said.
At about 9 am, Army men from the unit stopped a car asking the driver to drop Aurangzeb in Shopian, officials said, recounting what had happened.
Terrorists stopped the vehicle as it approached Kalampora and abducted the jawan. -- PTI
21:11 Nagpur varsity suspends Prof Shoma Sen held for 'Maoist links'
Prof Shoma Sen, who was recently arrested for alleged Maoist links, was suspended today by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), where she was the head of English department.
On June 6, the Pune police probing the January 1 Bhima Koregaon violence, had arrested five people, including Sen, for allegedly having Maoist links.
Talking to PTI, Vice Chancellor of the university Dr S P Kane said Sen has been suspended from the service till further orders.
"She was suspended on the basis of information received from Pune police that she has been detained under various IPC sections," Kane said while replying to a query.
"Similarly, I had sought legal opinion on the issue and her suspension is also due to her remaining in police custody for more than 48 hours," he said.
Besides Sen, Pune police had also arrested activist Mahesh Raut and lawyer Surendra Gadling from Nagpur, prominent Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale from Mumbai and Rona Wilson from his flat in Delhi.
Shoma Sen's husband Tushar Kranti Bhattacharya was arrested from Nagpur station for alleged Naxal links in 2010.
According to police, Dhawale was one of the organisers of Elgar Parishad, which was held to commemorate 200 years of the Bhima Koregaon battle on December 31 at Shaniwarwada.
Kabir Kala Manch activists had allegedly made provocative speeches at the event leading to violence at Bhima Koregaon in the district, according to an FIR registered at Vishrambaug police station after the event.
One person was killed in the caste violence between two groups near Sanaswadi, adjacent to Bhima Koregaon. The violence led to a statewide Dalit agitation.
The mobs had damaged and torched several vehicles and shops on New Year's day and the houses of local residents were also ransacked. -- PTI
Photograph: Kind courtesy @shoma58/Twitter
20:55 Two more arrested in Assam lynching case
Two persons were arrested today for their alleged involvement with the lynching of two men in Assam's Karbi Anglong district last week, taking the number of people arrested in the murder case to 30, a police official said.
The Assam Police spokesperson identified the persons arrested today as Bubai Rabha and Bijay Swargiary.
Altogether 65 people have been arrested from various parts of Assam for killing Nilotpal Das, 29, and Abhijeet Nath, 30, and spreading rumours and hate messages on social media.
Of them, 30 have been arrested for killing the two men and the rest for spreading hate messages and rumours on social media.
On June 8, Das and Nath had gone to Kangthilangso waterfall in Karbi Anglong district.
While returning, their vehicle was stopped at Panjuri Kachari by villagers, who pulled them out from the car and beat them for hours before killing them mistaking them for child-lifters.
The brutal killing was recorded by locals on their mobile phones and circulated on social media. -- PTI
19:47 SIT formed to probe Bukhari's killing, 1 suspect arrested
The Jammu and Kashmir Police today arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari and two of his PSOs, Kashmir's top police officer announced today.
The suspect has been identified as Zubair Qadri, Inspector General Kashmir Swayam Prakash Pani said at a hurriedly called press conference.
He said Qadri was seen in the video stealing the pistol of the PSO who was shot dead along with Bukhari.
"The pistol has since been recovered and he is being questioned about his presence at the scene of the crime. So far, he has not been able to give any convincing answers," he said.
Pani added that the state police had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Deputy Inspector General (central Kashmir) V K Virdi to probe the killing of the editor of Rising Kashmir yesterday.
Pani also described the killing of the journalist as a 'terror attack'.
The identity of the other three attackers was being ascertained, the police official said.
Bukhari, 50, was gunned down yesterday evening soon after he got into his car from his office at Press Enclave in the city centre, Lal Chowk. His two personal security officers were also killed. -- PTI
IMAGE: IG Kashmir Swayam Prakash Pani addresses a press conference in Srinagar. Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.om
19:24 VHP threatens to launch agitation against CIA
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad today threatened to launch an agitation against the America's Central Intelligence Agency, which reportedly termed it a 'religious militant organisation'.
In a statement, the VHP called the CIA 'anti-India' and sought an apology from it.
It was reported that the agency had allegedly termed the VHP and the Bajrang Dal 'religious militant organisations'.
The Hindu organisation's General Secretary Surendra Jain said it's a nationalist group which works for the country.
Asserting that the CIA's allegations were 'baseless' and 'false', Jain in a statement said, 'The CIA was responsible for creating Osama bin Laden and has no moral right to lecture it.'
He said the map of India used by the CIA shows a significant portion of Jammu and Kashmir as non-Indian territory.
'This shows the CIA's anti-India mindset. The VHP will launch an agitation against it,' he added. -- PTI
19:18 Nobody can touch me till at least till LS polls: Kumaraswamy
As questions over the longevity of the Congress-Janata Dal-Secular coalition government in Karnataka lingered, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said no one can 'touch' him at least till the 2019 Lok Sabha polls are over.
"This coalition government will function with stability. I know, no one can touch me for one year. I will be there at least for one year, until the Lok Sabha election is over. Until then, no one can do anything to me," he said.
Addressing an event in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy said he would not remain silent during the period that he has got and would focus on taking decisions for the benefit of the state.
The chief minister said he would not waste his time and immerse himself in work as it was important that the state progresses in all spheres.
"So in the opportunity that I have got, rather than going into what others have done, what I have done will be my message. in doing this, the environment is also in my favour (with good rains)," he added.
Kumaraswamy's comments come even as his government is facing the birth pangs of coalition politics, following the disquiet among newly elected Congress lawmakers who were left out during the Cabinet expansion. -- PTI
19:01 Bombay HC quashes FIR against actor Armaan Kohli
The Bombay high court today quashed a first information report against actor Armaan Kohli after he submitted an affidavit from jail expressing 'remorse and regret' for assaulting his girlfriend.
The court observed that since the victim, Neeru Randhawa, had consented to the quashing of the FIR and did not desire to take the case forward, it was best to quash the FIR.
In the affidavit that Kohli's lawyer brought to court in compliance with its previous order, the actor also assured the court that he will not repeat such behaviour.
Randhawa, who was present in court, also filed an affidavit stating that she and Kohli had decided to amicably settle the matter following the intervention of Kohli's family and their mutual friends.
She also told the court that she has already received some monetary compensation from Kohli's family and that she was to receive some other post-dated cheques from them.
"If the conditions of settlement are met then I willbe happy to take back the case," she told the court.
At this the bench permitted that the FIR be quashed and directed Arthur Road prison authorities to release Kohli from custody.
"We hope and trust the petitioner (Kohli) will abide by what is stated in the affidavit in its true spirit," the bench said.
The court also directed Kohli to deposit, as costs, an amount of rupees one lakh each with the Tata Memorial Centre's children treatment centre and The National Association of the Blind within six months from today.
Kohli's 90-year-old father and yesteryear film producer Rajkumar Kohli was in court but said that he was unaware of the settlement.
The court then put Kohli's brother-in-law, Raman Bhandari, in the witness box, who told the court that the family was aware of the amicable settlement.
Kohli was arrested by the police from Lonavala earlier this week and booked under section 326 of the Indian Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt after Randhawa complained to the police that she had been assaulted by the actor.
The Metropolitan Magistrate, Mumbai, rejected his bail on Wednesday and Kohli was remanded to judicial custody. -- PTI
18:14 J-K govt to release 115 prisoners ahead of Eid
In view of Eid tomorrow, the J&K govt has ordered the release of 115 prisoners, from various jails of the state. CM Mehbooba Mufti had directed undertaking an exercise to release all those prisoners found not involved in serious crimes so that they can celebrate Eid with their families.
18:09 This is the 4th suspect in Shujaat Bukhaari's killing
The Jammu and Kashmir Police today released a screen grab showing a suspect in connection with the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his two personal guards in Srinagar yesterday and have sought the help of the general public in identifying him.
The police issued the picture from a video, which was purportedly recorded by a passerby following the attack on Bukhari outside his office, showing a bearded man surveying the inside of the journalist's vehicle and cradling the head of Bukhari's guard.
The suspect is seen picking up the security officer's pistol which had fallen out of the car and disappearing from the scene right under the nose of the cops there.
Late last night, police had issued two photographs of three-motorcycle borne suspects that were taken from the CCTV footage. However, their faces were not visible.
While the driver was wearing a helmet, one of the pillion riders had used a face mask to conceal his identity. The face of the third assailant, sitting in the middle, did not seem to be covered but he was leaning towards the other side so as not to be captured on the CCTV.
Any information regarding this suspect may kindly be given to Police Station Kothibagh on 9596770623 or PCR Srinagar on 9596222550, 9596222551, 01942477568 or Police Control Room Kashmir on 100, the Srinagar district police said.
Bukhari is the fourth journalist to be killed by militants in the nearly three-decade-long violence in Kashmir. In 1991, the editor of 'Alsafa', Mohammed Shaban Vakil, was killed by militants of Hizbul Muahideen.
The police issued the picture from a video, which was purportedly recorded by a passerby following the attack on Bukhari outside his office, showing a bearded man surveying the inside of the journalist's vehicle and cradling the head of Bukhari's guard.
The suspect is seen picking up the security officer's pistol which had fallen out of the car and disappearing from the scene right under the nose of the cops there.
Late last night, police had issued two photographs of three-motorcycle borne suspects that were taken from the CCTV footage. However, their faces were not visible.
While the driver was wearing a helmet, one of the pillion riders had used a face mask to conceal his identity. The face of the third assailant, sitting in the middle, did not seem to be covered but he was leaning towards the other side so as not to be captured on the CCTV.
Any information regarding this suspect may kindly be given to Police Station Kothibagh on 9596770623 or PCR Srinagar on 9596222550, 9596222551, 01942477568 or Police Control Room Kashmir on 100, the Srinagar district police said.
Bukhari is the fourth journalist to be killed by militants in the nearly three-decade-long violence in Kashmir. In 1991, the editor of 'Alsafa', Mohammed Shaban Vakil, was killed by militants of Hizbul Muahideen.
17:54 SIT formed to crack Bukhari murder
A Special Investigations Team has been formed to crack the murder of Shujaat Bukhari. The team will be headed by a DIG level officer.
17:06 Indrani's ex-driver begs for forgiveness
Shyamvar Pinturam Rai -- Indrani and Peter Mukerjea's former driver -- was produced in the sessions court, Kala Ghoda, today at CBI Special Courtroom No 51, in connection with the Sheena Bora murder trial.
The Mukerjeas once ran INX Media Services Pvt Ltd.
Rai had applied for bail over two months ago. The reply from the prosecution has not yet come in. CBI Special Prosecutor Kavita Patil promised to examine the legalities of giving bail to an approver before the trial is over and if exceptions can be made on any grounds.
Rai, who is lodged in Thane jail in suburban Mumbai, took the witness stand and wept, his hands folded, saying he had no one to support his family or no "sahara" or means to raise his kids. He asked for forgiveness.
The ex-driver also complained of health problems adding he could not see properly and heard strange sounds in his left ear.
Judge Jayendra Chandrasen Jagdale promised to pass an order to have his medical issues investigated. His wife Sharda and son and daughter were present in the courtroom.
-- Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com
The Mukerjeas once ran INX Media Services Pvt Ltd.
Rai had applied for bail over two months ago. The reply from the prosecution has not yet come in. CBI Special Prosecutor Kavita Patil promised to examine the legalities of giving bail to an approver before the trial is over and if exceptions can be made on any grounds.
Rai, who is lodged in Thane jail in suburban Mumbai, took the witness stand and wept, his hands folded, saying he had no one to support his family or no "sahara" or means to raise his kids. He asked for forgiveness.
The ex-driver also complained of health problems adding he could not see properly and heard strange sounds in his left ear.
Judge Jayendra Chandrasen Jagdale promised to pass an order to have his medical issues investigated. His wife Sharda and son and daughter were present in the courtroom.
-- Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com
16:45 'Bukhari's killing an attack on Kashmir's peace'
Defence Expert Rahul Jalali termed the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari as an attack on the "peace and the peace process" in the Kashmir valley.
In an interview to ANI, Jalali acknowledged Bukhari's active participation in pursuing the peace process with various stakeholders of Kashmir and said the time has come for Kashmiris to give up the gun.
"This is an attack on peace and the peace process in Kashmir. It's time the people of Kashmir think about throwing the gun in the river," he said.
The 'Rising Kashmir' Editor was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar's Press Colony area on Thursday.
Thereafter, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released images of the men suspected to have killed Bukhari.In the two pictures released, three men can be seen riding a motorcycle with their faces covered.In the past, Bukhari has survived three assassination attempts, following which he was given police protection since 2000.
On a related note, scores of people from all walks of life bid a tearful farewell to Bukhari as he was laid to rest earlier in the day in Baramulla.
-- ANI
In an interview to ANI, Jalali acknowledged Bukhari's active participation in pursuing the peace process with various stakeholders of Kashmir and said the time has come for Kashmiris to give up the gun.
"This is an attack on peace and the peace process in Kashmir. It's time the people of Kashmir think about throwing the gun in the river," he said.
The 'Rising Kashmir' Editor was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar's Press Colony area on Thursday.
Thereafter, the Jammu and Kashmir Police released images of the men suspected to have killed Bukhari.In the two pictures released, three men can be seen riding a motorcycle with their faces covered.In the past, Bukhari has survived three assassination attempts, following which he was given police protection since 2000.
On a related note, scores of people from all walks of life bid a tearful farewell to Bukhari as he was laid to rest earlier in the day in Baramulla.
-- ANI
15:56
Rahul Pandita @rahulpandita This man is also a suspect now in Shujaat Bukhari's killing. Hovered around for a while after the kill, probably looking for weapons carried by Shujaat's SPOs.
15:35
Shah Faesal @shahfaesal At Syed Shujat Bukhari's funeral today, I realised that life has come to a dead end in Kashmir. We are now nothing but a large crowd of numb mourners going from house to house and graveyard to graveyard, each one of us waiting for our turn to die.
15:33 'The Pakistanis have a hand in Kashmir'
"Pakistan had almost disappeared from Kashmir. 'Now in the last three, four years we have brought Pakistan back again by not handling Kashmir properly. We need to move forward on Kashmir and we have to move forward with Pakistan," former Research and Analysis Wing chief A S Dulat tells Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf and Saisuresh Sivaswamy in in the second part of an exclusive interview. Read it here.
Read the 1st part of the interview here.
Read the 1st part of the interview here.
15:28 TCS approves share buyback of Rs 16,000 crore
Tata Consultancy Services board approves a share buyback of up to Rs 16,000 crore: Statement. Details awaited.
15:26 Another terror attack in Srinagar, 2 cops, 1 civilian injured
Another terror attack in Kashmir. Two police personnel and 1 civilian have been injured in a terror attack at a police naka in Srinagar.
This comes less than 24 hours after rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was killed along with his three security-men last evening. Army Rifleman Aurangzeb, who was abducted yesterday, was found dead, shot in the head and neck, last evening as well.
Bukhari was laid to rest in his ancestral village with thousands of friends and admirers braving heavy rain to mourn the veteran journalist, who had championed peace in times of conflict and may have been killed for it.
Image: Relatives of Shujaat Bukhari mourn his death. Pic: Umar Ganie
This comes less than 24 hours after rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was killed along with his three security-men last evening. Army Rifleman Aurangzeb, who was abducted yesterday, was found dead, shot in the head and neck, last evening as well.
Bukhari was laid to rest in his ancestral village with thousands of friends and admirers braving heavy rain to mourn the veteran journalist, who had championed peace in times of conflict and may have been killed for it.
Image: Relatives of Shujaat Bukhari mourn his death. Pic: Umar Ganie
15:12 Modi to host dinner for RSS, BJP leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet key functionaries of the BJP, RSS and Sangh affiliates at his official residence over dinner tonight, sources said.
The functionaries have gathered at Surajkund in Haryana for a two-day meeting during which they are scheduled to take stock of their works and discuss the agenda with a focus on coordination among saffron organisations, a development which assumes significance as the BJP gears up for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Senior leaders in charge of organisation matters of these Sangh affiliates besides the BJP are attending the meeting. RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi and joint general secretary Krishna Gopal are present. BJP president Amit Shah is expected to attend the exercise tomorrow.
The prime minister, a longtime RSS pracharak before he joined active politics, has often hosted Sangh leaders at his residence. -- PTI
The functionaries have gathered at Surajkund in Haryana for a two-day meeting during which they are scheduled to take stock of their works and discuss the agenda with a focus on coordination among saffron organisations, a development which assumes significance as the BJP gears up for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Senior leaders in charge of organisation matters of these Sangh affiliates besides the BJP are attending the meeting. RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi and joint general secretary Krishna Gopal are present. BJP president Amit Shah is expected to attend the exercise tomorrow.
The prime minister, a longtime RSS pracharak before he joined active politics, has often hosted Sangh leaders at his residence. -- PTI
14:33 Maharana Pratap was greater than Akbar: UP CM
From the legion of the ridiculous, here's the latest from UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
It was not Akbar, but Rajput king Maharana Pratap who stood up to the might of the Mughal Army, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has said.
Speaking at a function to mark the Maharana Pratap Jayanti yesterday, he asserted, "It was not the Mughal emperor Akbar, but Maharana Pratap who was great for he displayed exemplary courage in the face of the might of the Mughal army. "It is not important as to who won the Battle of Haldighati... what is important is who stood up to the most powerful army of those times... Maharana Pratap displayed the courage and valour which is rare in history... the battle continued for years in the hills of Aravalli, and finally after winning back all his forts, it was proved that it is was not Akbar, but Maharana Pratap who was great," he said.
Historians say that the forces of Mughal emperor Akbar had defeated Maharana Pratap in the battle of Haldighati in 1576.
"He (Maharana)... guarded the self-respect and honour of the country through his bravery and valour even in that phase of history," Adityanath said. -- PTI
Image: A statue of Maharana Pratap on his horse Chetak.
It was not Akbar, but Rajput king Maharana Pratap who stood up to the might of the Mughal Army, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has said.
Speaking at a function to mark the Maharana Pratap Jayanti yesterday, he asserted, "It was not the Mughal emperor Akbar, but Maharana Pratap who was great for he displayed exemplary courage in the face of the might of the Mughal army. "It is not important as to who won the Battle of Haldighati... what is important is who stood up to the most powerful army of those times... Maharana Pratap displayed the courage and valour which is rare in history... the battle continued for years in the hills of Aravalli, and finally after winning back all his forts, it was proved that it is was not Akbar, but Maharana Pratap who was great," he said.
Historians say that the forces of Mughal emperor Akbar had defeated Maharana Pratap in the battle of Haldighati in 1576.
"He (Maharana)... guarded the self-respect and honour of the country through his bravery and valour even in that phase of history," Adityanath said. -- PTI
Image: A statue of Maharana Pratap on his horse Chetak.
14:25 Decision on extension of Ramzan ceasefire to be taken on June 17
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the decision whether the unilateral ceasefire in place in Kashmir since the beginning of the month of Ramzan should be extended or otherwise, will be taken on June 17, after Eid.
The Ramzan ceasefire has been in place for over a month. Incidents of stone pelting have reduced during this period, but according to reports recruitment of local youths by terrorist groups and incidents of grenade lobbying have risen alarmingly.
According to the latest data compiled by the Centre, as many as 23 youths have been recruited by terror groups during the first 19 days of the ceasefire.
Data accessed by The New Indian Express in a report, shows that of the total number of grenade lobbying incidents reported in the month of May, more than 80 percent took place during the ceasefire period alone.
Defence experts have also questioned the need for having a unilateral ceasefire in the Kashmir Valley during the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, maintaining that this had been fully exploited by terrorists.
Image: Friends and relatives carry the body of Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari who was killed by three bike-born terrorists last evening. Reports say Bukhari was shot 15 times.
The Ramzan ceasefire has been in place for over a month. Incidents of stone pelting have reduced during this period, but according to reports recruitment of local youths by terrorist groups and incidents of grenade lobbying have risen alarmingly.
According to the latest data compiled by the Centre, as many as 23 youths have been recruited by terror groups during the first 19 days of the ceasefire.
Data accessed by The New Indian Express in a report, shows that of the total number of grenade lobbying incidents reported in the month of May, more than 80 percent took place during the ceasefire period alone.
Defence experts have also questioned the need for having a unilateral ceasefire in the Kashmir Valley during the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, maintaining that this had been fully exploited by terrorists.
Image: Friends and relatives carry the body of Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari who was killed by three bike-born terrorists last evening. Reports say Bukhari was shot 15 times.
14:14 Will you be able to run your govt if officers don't show up: Kejriwal to PM
A team of doctors and an ambulance at Delhi L-G Anil Baijal's house. Doctors have been monitoring the health of the fasting AAP ministers since they they went on a sit-in five days ago.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today wrote a fresh letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, seeking his intervention to end the IAS officers' "strike" even as he hit out at his detractors, saying the sit-in was "not for personal gains" but for greater good of the people of Delhi.
Kejriwal, in a video message today attacked the BJP, alleging the bureaucrats' strike was to "throw roadblocks" in the working of the AAP government.
"I have told the LG and (deputy chief minister) Manish Sisodia wrote a letter to him (Anil Baijal) yesterday and even sent a message on WhatsApp. But, no response from his side. We got no response to the letter I wrote to the PM. So, today again I wrote to the prime minister," he said.
The latest letter by Kejriwal was in response to an invite to attend a meeting of NITI Aayog on Sunday. "I have asked the PM, if in his meetings officers don't show up, will he be able to run the government for a day? Then why have you allowed the strike of officers in Delhi. It is not good to bother people of Delhi," Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal yesterday had written to Modi, seeking his intervention to end the strike, claiming that Lt Governor Anil Baijal was doing "nothing" to end the impasse.
A team of doctors yesterday conducted a health check-up of Kejriwal's deputy Sisodia and health minister Satyendar Jain at the L-G office, who are on indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands.
Kejriwal said in his fresh letter to Modi, he has reiterated the demands. The AAP government has sought that the L-G direct the IAS officers to end their "strike" and act against those who have struck work.
They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. "I have again asked him (PM) to do something. It is not alright to have this strike be allowed. So, on Sunday, will go to the PM's residence, lot of people of Delhi will go to his residence and appeal to him to have the strike cancelled," he said. Kejriwal hoped that the prime minister will ensure that the "strike" ends.
"If not, then after Sunday we will be go to every household. Our workers will reach out to 10 lakh households in the city and collect signatures on a letter on this obstruction to Delhi government work and on the issue of full statehood to Delhi. These 10 lakh families will then agitate for full statehood and against this strike of IAS officers," he claimed. -- PTI
Image: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal with his cabinet colleagues, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Rural Development minister Gopal Rai at the dharna at the L-G's office.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today wrote a fresh letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, seeking his intervention to end the IAS officers' "strike" even as he hit out at his detractors, saying the sit-in was "not for personal gains" but for greater good of the people of Delhi.
Kejriwal, in a video message today attacked the BJP, alleging the bureaucrats' strike was to "throw roadblocks" in the working of the AAP government.
"I have told the LG and (deputy chief minister) Manish Sisodia wrote a letter to him (Anil Baijal) yesterday and even sent a message on WhatsApp. But, no response from his side. We got no response to the letter I wrote to the PM. So, today again I wrote to the prime minister," he said.
The latest letter by Kejriwal was in response to an invite to attend a meeting of NITI Aayog on Sunday. "I have asked the PM, if in his meetings officers don't show up, will he be able to run the government for a day? Then why have you allowed the strike of officers in Delhi. It is not good to bother people of Delhi," Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal yesterday had written to Modi, seeking his intervention to end the strike, claiming that Lt Governor Anil Baijal was doing "nothing" to end the impasse.
A team of doctors yesterday conducted a health check-up of Kejriwal's deputy Sisodia and health minister Satyendar Jain at the L-G office, who are on indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands.
Kejriwal said in his fresh letter to Modi, he has reiterated the demands. The AAP government has sought that the L-G direct the IAS officers to end their "strike" and act against those who have struck work.
They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. "I have again asked him (PM) to do something. It is not alright to have this strike be allowed. So, on Sunday, will go to the PM's residence, lot of people of Delhi will go to his residence and appeal to him to have the strike cancelled," he said. Kejriwal hoped that the prime minister will ensure that the "strike" ends.
"If not, then after Sunday we will be go to every household. Our workers will reach out to 10 lakh households in the city and collect signatures on a letter on this obstruction to Delhi government work and on the issue of full statehood to Delhi. These 10 lakh families will then agitate for full statehood and against this strike of IAS officers," he claimed. -- PTI
Image: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal with his cabinet colleagues, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Rural Development minister Gopal Rai at the dharna at the L-G's office.
13:57 Afghanistan cricketers celebrate Eid
The Afghanistan team today brought the festive fever on the ground of Chinnaswamy stadium as they celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr before the start of the second day's play of the historic one-off Test against India in Chennai.
The visiting players including Rashid Khan, captain Ashghar Stanikzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, first visited a local mosque in the morning and then arrived at the stadium wearing traditional Afghani festive dress.
The players then greeted by hugging each other for quite some time before they changed into their whites to prepare themselves for the day's play.
"Eid Mubarak ! ACB extends its best wishes on the auspicious occasion of #Eid to Patron in- Chief H.E Ashraf Ghani, National players, Cricket fans, Afghan people and all Muslims around the world," Afghanistan Cricket Board said in their Twitter handle.
After losing the toss to Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Afghanistan made a superb comeback in the Test match after they were belted all over the park by centurions Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan.
They came back strongly by removing five wickets in the last session yesterday. They also picked up the last four wickets in the first session of Day two to dismiss India for 474 in their first innings. -- PTI
The visiting players including Rashid Khan, captain Ashghar Stanikzai and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, first visited a local mosque in the morning and then arrived at the stadium wearing traditional Afghani festive dress.
The players then greeted by hugging each other for quite some time before they changed into their whites to prepare themselves for the day's play.
"Eid Mubarak ! ACB extends its best wishes on the auspicious occasion of #Eid to Patron in- Chief H.E Ashraf Ghani, National players, Cricket fans, Afghan people and all Muslims around the world," Afghanistan Cricket Board said in their Twitter handle.
After losing the toss to Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Afghanistan made a superb comeback in the Test match after they were belted all over the park by centurions Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan.
They came back strongly by removing five wickets in the last session yesterday. They also picked up the last four wickets in the first session of Day two to dismiss India for 474 in their first innings. -- PTI
13:19
Omar Abdullah @OmarAbdullah Yesterday I couldn't put names to them but today I salute Const Hameed & Const Mumtaz of @JmuKmrPolice. Killed in the line of duty while posted as security officers to Shujaat Bhukari.
Shujaat Bukhari, the editor-in-chief of the English newspaper 'Rising Kashmir' was assassinated last evening in Srinagar. Two of his personal security officers were also killed. Bukhari and the PSOs were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the Rising Kashmir office in the Press Enclave near the city centre Lal Chowk in Srinagar shortly before the Iftaar yesterday evening.
Shujaat Bukhari, the editor-in-chief of the English newspaper 'Rising Kashmir' was assassinated last evening in Srinagar. Two of his personal security officers were also killed. Bukhari and the PSOs were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the Rising Kashmir office in the Press Enclave near the city centre Lal Chowk in Srinagar shortly before the Iftaar yesterday evening.
13:14
In Poonch, the family of rifleman Aurangzeb mourns his death. He was abducted by terrorists and his body was found in Pulwama's Gusoo, yesterday.
13:03 Kohli takes YoYo test but no clarity on neck injury
Indian captain Virat Kohli, along with former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, today took the fitness test which would determine his availability for the gruelling tour of United Kingdom starting June 27.
The neck injury sustained during the IPL had thrown Kohli's build-up for the UK tour haywire as he had to pull out of a planned stint with Surrey in the County Championship this month.
The YoYo test, which is the basic fitness parameter set by the Indian team management before any tour, was conducted at the National Cricket Academy ground, in the presence of Team India trainer Shankar Basu and the other support staff. Kohli along with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the injured Kedar Jadhav (not in any squad meant for UK) took the advanced beep test in the first batch.
While the scores were not known (minimum required to pass is 16.1), Kohli didn't look in any discomfort as he matched paces with Dhoni during the test.
But he was seen feeling his shoulder and back region after the completion of the test. While the YoYo test is the basic parameter but it will be the status of his neck injury that will decide his availability for the Ireland T20 Internationals, on June 27 to 29. The tour of England, comprsing three T20 Internationals, three ODIs amd five Test matches, starts July 3. -- PTI
The neck injury sustained during the IPL had thrown Kohli's build-up for the UK tour haywire as he had to pull out of a planned stint with Surrey in the County Championship this month.
The YoYo test, which is the basic fitness parameter set by the Indian team management before any tour, was conducted at the National Cricket Academy ground, in the presence of Team India trainer Shankar Basu and the other support staff. Kohli along with Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the injured Kedar Jadhav (not in any squad meant for UK) took the advanced beep test in the first batch.
While the scores were not known (minimum required to pass is 16.1), Kohli didn't look in any discomfort as he matched paces with Dhoni during the test.
But he was seen feeling his shoulder and back region after the completion of the test. While the YoYo test is the basic parameter but it will be the status of his neck injury that will decide his availability for the Ireland T20 Internationals, on June 27 to 29. The tour of England, comprsing three T20 Internationals, three ODIs amd five Test matches, starts July 3. -- PTI
12:51 'Severe' to 'Hazardous': Delhi chokes as dusty haze persists
Air quality in the national capital remained "hazardous" in many areas on Friday prompting authorities to alert people to avoid stepping outdoors. Strong-anti cyclonic winds, blowing from Rajasthan, are the reason behind the worsening air quality.
According to AQICN, on Friday morning, PM10 (particles with the diameter less than 10mm) level was over 700 in most of the areas in Delhi-NCR areas, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility.
The AQI of R.K. Puram and Anand Vihar were recorded 948 and 999 respectively.
Looking at the weather situation on Delhi in the past few days, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday ordered to stop all civil construction activities across the national capital from June 15 to 17 to bring down the severe dust pollution.
Lt. Governor took to Twitter and said "Held emergency meeting in view of severe dust pollution in Delhi with Hon Min @ImranHussaain & officials. Emergency measures like stoppage of all civil construction activities till 17th June. More monitoring by agencies like NHAI, DMRC, MCDs, PWD & NBCC etc. for ensuring compliance (sic)."
However, according to reports, the air quality in the national capital is expected to improve over the next few days.
A number of dust storms have struck the northern part of India several times in this year's summer season, causing casualties and loss of properties.
As per the AQI level - from 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'poor', 301-400 is 'very poor', and 401 and above is 'severe' or 'hazardous'. -- ANI
File pic.
According to AQICN, on Friday morning, PM10 (particles with the diameter less than 10mm) level was over 700 in most of the areas in Delhi-NCR areas, leading to hazy conditions and limiting visibility.
The AQI of R.K. Puram and Anand Vihar were recorded 948 and 999 respectively.
Looking at the weather situation on Delhi in the past few days, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday ordered to stop all civil construction activities across the national capital from June 15 to 17 to bring down the severe dust pollution.
Lt. Governor took to Twitter and said "Held emergency meeting in view of severe dust pollution in Delhi with Hon Min @ImranHussaain & officials. Emergency measures like stoppage of all civil construction activities till 17th June. More monitoring by agencies like NHAI, DMRC, MCDs, PWD & NBCC etc. for ensuring compliance (sic)."
However, according to reports, the air quality in the national capital is expected to improve over the next few days.
A number of dust storms have struck the northern part of India several times in this year's summer season, causing casualties and loss of properties.
As per the AQI level - from 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 is 'satisfactory', 101-200 is 'moderate', 201-300 is 'poor', 301-400 is 'very poor', and 401 and above is 'severe' or 'hazardous'. -- ANI
File pic.
12:28 Parrikar visits temple, chairs meet day after return from US
A day after Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar returned home from the US, where he had gone for medical treatment, he sought the blessings of his family deity at a temple near Panaji this morning and also chaired a meeting of state officials.
Parrikar first visited the Devaki Krishna temple at Khandola village in North Goa, 15 km away from Panaji, to seek the blessings of the deity in the morning, the Chief Minister's Office said.
Devaki Krishna is the family deity of Parrikar. The chief minister then drove back to Panaji, where he visited the Mahalaxmi temple. Thereafter, he went to his office in the state secretariat, where he chaired a meeting of senior bureaucrats and police officers to take stock of the law and order situation in Goa.
Parrikar, 62, returned from the US last evening after his three-month long treatment for his pancreatic ailment. He had left for the US on March 7. Before leaving Goa, Parrikar had formed a cabinet advisory committee to guide the state administration on governance and other issues, in his absence. -- PTI
Image: Goa CM Manohar Parrikar at this office today.
Parrikar first visited the Devaki Krishna temple at Khandola village in North Goa, 15 km away from Panaji, to seek the blessings of the deity in the morning, the Chief Minister's Office said.
Devaki Krishna is the family deity of Parrikar. The chief minister then drove back to Panaji, where he visited the Mahalaxmi temple. Thereafter, he went to his office in the state secretariat, where he chaired a meeting of senior bureaucrats and police officers to take stock of the law and order situation in Goa.
Parrikar, 62, returned from the US last evening after his three-month long treatment for his pancreatic ailment. He had left for the US on March 7. Before leaving Goa, Parrikar had formed a cabinet advisory committee to guide the state administration on governance and other issues, in his absence. -- PTI
Image: Goa CM Manohar Parrikar at this office today.
12:02 Abducted jawan laid to rest
In Srinagar, a wreath-laying ceremony of Indian Army Rifleman Aurangzeb, whose bullet-ridden body was found in Pulwama's Gusoo yesterday. He was abducted by terrorists from Pulwama district, yesterday, and shot in the head and neck.
Reacting to the killing of the jawan, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had tweeted, "Another piece of terrible news to add to an already horrible day. May Aurangzeb rest in peace. Allah Jannat naseeb karay(sic)."
Aurangzeb was involved in the encounter of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger. He was on his way back home after completing his duties when he was surrounded by a group of heavily-armed terrorists and taken away at gunpoint. He was travelling on board a bus and headed towards his home in Poonch when he was abducted.
Reacting to the killing of the jawan, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had tweeted, "Another piece of terrible news to add to an already horrible day. May Aurangzeb rest in peace. Allah Jannat naseeb karay(sic)."
Aurangzeb was involved in the encounter of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger. He was on his way back home after completing his duties when he was surrounded by a group of heavily-armed terrorists and taken away at gunpoint. He was travelling on board a bus and headed towards his home in Poonch when he was abducted.
11:55 Thousands mourn Shujaat Bukhari as funeral begins
Massive funeral procession of slain Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari taking place in Srinagar. Prayers are being read out as this coffin covered in a shroud is being carried aloft by mourners. The coffin was carried through the narrow streets of Srinagar as people across party lines paid tribute. Bukhari will be laid to rest in his ancestral village in Kreeri in north Kashmir's Baramulla district today.
Former J-K CM Omar Abdullah visited Bukhari's home this morning. Separatist Yasin Malik is also seen in the funeral procession. The separatists have also condemned his killing terming it barbaric and unpardonable.
Bukhari's killing has evoked widespread condemnations in Jammu and Kashmir and from across the country.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has conveyed shock and grief on the gruesome killing of Bukhari.
Recalling Bukhari's standing as a veteran journalist, the Governor described his murder as a big loss to the media fraternity. In a message, Vohra has prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. The Governor also called Bukhari's brother and Cabinet Minister Basharat Ahmed Bukhari to convey his heartfelt sympathy.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has also strongly condemned the killing of the veteran journalist. In a condolence message, the chief minister described the killing of Bukhari as highly barbaric, deplorable and condemnable. "His killing has only established that violence cannot stand the scrutiny of logic and rationality. The whole state stands in unanimity in condemning this inhuman act of savagery,' Mehbooba said in the statement.
The chief minister visited the hospital where Bukhari was taken after the attack and paid her respects to the departed soul. She also conveyed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family particularly his parents, wife and two minor children.
Former J-K CM Omar Abdullah visited Bukhari's home this morning. Separatist Yasin Malik is also seen in the funeral procession. The separatists have also condemned his killing terming it barbaric and unpardonable.
Bukhari's killing has evoked widespread condemnations in Jammu and Kashmir and from across the country.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra has conveyed shock and grief on the gruesome killing of Bukhari.
Recalling Bukhari's standing as a veteran journalist, the Governor described his murder as a big loss to the media fraternity. In a message, Vohra has prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. The Governor also called Bukhari's brother and Cabinet Minister Basharat Ahmed Bukhari to convey his heartfelt sympathy.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has also strongly condemned the killing of the veteran journalist. In a condolence message, the chief minister described the killing of Bukhari as highly barbaric, deplorable and condemnable. "His killing has only established that violence cannot stand the scrutiny of logic and rationality. The whole state stands in unanimity in condemning this inhuman act of savagery,' Mehbooba said in the statement.
The chief minister visited the hospital where Bukhari was taken after the attack and paid her respects to the departed soul. She also conveyed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family particularly his parents, wife and two minor children.
11:07 Missing French tourist found at organic farm in Alwar
A 20-year- old French woman who reportedly went missing was found safe in Saarkela village of Alwar district. The woman was missing since June 1.
Gaelle Chouteau was traced by the Rajasthan Police in Saarkela village where she was learning organic farming.
The French national had reached Pushkar on May 30 and stayed in a hotel there, before leaving for Jaipur on June 1.
She was not in touch with her family members and friends, as a result of which they started worrying and were trying to locate her by posting messages on social media.
Earlier on Wednesday, French Ambassador in India Alexandre Ziegler tweeted about the disappearance of Chouteau and asked for information on her whereabouts.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also took cognizance of the matter, following which the Rajasthan police started the investigation.
Chouteau said she went there on her own and intends to stay for a week more. -- ANI
Gaelle Chouteau was traced by the Rajasthan Police in Saarkela village where she was learning organic farming.
The French national had reached Pushkar on May 30 and stayed in a hotel there, before leaving for Jaipur on June 1.
She was not in touch with her family members and friends, as a result of which they started worrying and were trying to locate her by posting messages on social media.
Earlier on Wednesday, French Ambassador in India Alexandre Ziegler tweeted about the disappearance of Chouteau and asked for information on her whereabouts.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also took cognizance of the matter, following which the Rajasthan police started the investigation.
Chouteau said she went there on her own and intends to stay for a week more. -- ANI
11:01
The Hindu's Malini Parthasarathy @MaliniP on former colleague Shujaat Bukhari: Shujaat Bukhari joined @the_hindu in the '90s & lit up the paper's link to the Kashmir crisis. He connected the Hurriyat leaders & many other key players to our editorial board, bringing home the full force of Kashmir 's despair. Thanks, Shujaat for your splendid contributions.
10:56 Madras HC sets aside appointment of MKU VC
The Madras High Court has set aside the appointment of P P Chellathurai as Vice-Chancellor of Madurai Kamaraj University.
The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar delivered its judgement yesterday on petitions by M Lionel Antony Raj and from social activist 'Traffic' Ramaswamy challenging the appointment.
Chellathurai was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university in May, 2017. The bench also directed re-constitution of the committee for selecting a panel of three names for appointment as MKU Vice-Chancellor. -- PTI
The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar delivered its judgement yesterday on petitions by M Lionel Antony Raj and from social activist 'Traffic' Ramaswamy challenging the appointment.
Chellathurai was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university in May, 2017. The bench also directed re-constitution of the committee for selecting a panel of three names for appointment as MKU Vice-Chancellor. -- PTI
10:52 Nawaz Sharif's wife suffers cardiac arrest in UK
Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nazwaz Sharif's ailing wife Kulsoom Nawaz's health has further deteriorated following a cardiac arrest in the UK where she was undergoing treatment following throat cancer surgery.
Kulsoom, 68, was shifted to the intensive care unit of the London hospital late last night after her condition deteriorated further, Maryam Nawaz, her daughter said.
"Ami had a sudden cardiac arrest when we were on the flight and is in ICU and on the ventilator since," Maryam tweeted. Maryam, who flew to London along with her father, requested well-wishers to pray for her mother's health. Kulsoom was readmitted to the hospital on Wednesday, where her health deteriorated and she was immediately taken to the emergency unit in the night and has not regained consciousness since, The Express Tribune reported.
She was rushed to the ICU as she collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest yesterday and has ever since been kept under intensive care. Hussain Nawaz, son of Nawaz Sharif, also appealed to the nation to pray for his mother's wellness. Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz's brother, requested the nation to join him in prayers for speedy recovery. -- PTI
File pic of Nawaz Sharif with his wife Maryam.
Kulsoom, 68, was shifted to the intensive care unit of the London hospital late last night after her condition deteriorated further, Maryam Nawaz, her daughter said.
"Ami had a sudden cardiac arrest when we were on the flight and is in ICU and on the ventilator since," Maryam tweeted. Maryam, who flew to London along with her father, requested well-wishers to pray for her mother's health. Kulsoom was readmitted to the hospital on Wednesday, where her health deteriorated and she was immediately taken to the emergency unit in the night and has not regained consciousness since, The Express Tribune reported.
She was rushed to the ICU as she collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest yesterday and has ever since been kept under intensive care. Hussain Nawaz, son of Nawaz Sharif, also appealed to the nation to pray for his mother's wellness. Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz's brother, requested the nation to join him in prayers for speedy recovery. -- PTI
File pic of Nawaz Sharif with his wife Maryam.
10:44
Siddharth Varadarajan @svaradarajan tweets 15 hours ago Shujaat Bukhari and I were colleagues at The Hindu. He was a formidable reporter, and, as editor of Rising Kashmir, a powerful voice for the embattled media fraternity, a true voice of sanity and reason. No words of condemnation are enough for the scum who have assassinated him.
10:41 Cops seek people's help in identifying Bukhari murder suspects
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has released images of the men suspected to have killed veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari on Thursday.
In the two pictures released, three men can be seen riding a motorcycle with their faces covered.
An official statement read, "In connection with the today's attack at Srinagar's Press enclave, police requests the general public to identify the suspects for the purpose of the police investigation."
"Any information pertaining to the suspects in the photographs should be submitted to Police Station Kothibagh on 9596770623 or PCR Srinagar on 9596222550, 9596222551, 01942477568 or Police Control Room Kashmir on '100'," it added.
The police also stated the name of the person providing any clue or information regarding the suspects will be kept confidential.
In the two pictures released, three men can be seen riding a motorcycle with their faces covered.
An official statement read, "In connection with the today's attack at Srinagar's Press enclave, police requests the general public to identify the suspects for the purpose of the police investigation."
"Any information pertaining to the suspects in the photographs should be submitted to Police Station Kothibagh on 9596770623 or PCR Srinagar on 9596222550, 9596222551, 01942477568 or Police Control Room Kashmir on '100'," it added.
The police also stated the name of the person providing any clue or information regarding the suspects will be kept confidential.
10:31 Omar Abdullah visits Shujaat Bukhari's home
Jammu & Kashmir: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah visits the residence of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari, in Baramulla.
Omar had tweeted several times after Bukhari's death, expressing his shock, outrage and grief.
"The show must go on. As Shujaat would have wanted it to. This is todays @RisingKashmir issue. That Shujaats colleagues were able to bring out the paper in the face of insurmountable grief is a testament to their professionalism & the most fitting tribute to their late boss."
Omar had tweeted several times after Bukhari's death, expressing his shock, outrage and grief.
"The show must go on. As Shujaat would have wanted it to. This is todays @RisingKashmir issue. That Shujaats colleagues were able to bring out the paper in the face of insurmountable grief is a testament to their professionalism & the most fitting tribute to their late boss."
10:20 She is super-awesome: Nick Jonas' brother on Priyanka
Singer Nick Jonas' brother Kevin has all good things to say about his sibling's rumoured girlfriend Priyanka Chopra. The Indian star and the singer have been spotted together multiple times since the Memorial Day Weekend and are apparently dating.
Priyanka recently appeared as Nick's date for his cousin's wedding. They were photographed walking arm-in-arm at the nuptials near Atlantic City.
When asked if it was the first time he met Priyanka, Kevin told E! News, "You have to ask Nick about that. We have met her in the past. She is super-awesome. But, that's Nick's thing and he can say what he wants to say."
Priyanka, 35, and Nick, 25, sparked dating speculations early this month. They first came together when they posed for photos on the red carpet in Ralph Lauren designs at the 2017 Met Gala. The duo is yet to comment on their relationship status. -- PTI
Priyanka recently appeared as Nick's date for his cousin's wedding. They were photographed walking arm-in-arm at the nuptials near Atlantic City.
When asked if it was the first time he met Priyanka, Kevin told E! News, "You have to ask Nick about that. We have met her in the past. She is super-awesome. But, that's Nick's thing and he can say what he wants to say."
Priyanka, 35, and Nick, 25, sparked dating speculations early this month. They first came together when they posed for photos on the red carpet in Ralph Lauren designs at the 2017 Met Gala. The duo is yet to comment on their relationship status. -- PTI
10:16 TTP chief who had carried out terror attack on Pak school may be dead
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Mullah Fazal Ullah has been reportedly killed in targeted drone strikes conducted by the United States, a US military official informed the Voice of America.
Army lieutenant colonel Martin O'Donnell told VOA that counter-terrorism strikes were carried out on June 13 in Kunar province which lies close to Afghanistan-Pakistan border.Further, Pentagon officials refused to comment on whether the strike was successful.
The officials further said that Mullah Fazal Ullah had directed numerous high-profile attacks against the US and Pakistan.
He had also conducted many other deadly attacks including December 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar that claimed lives of 151 people, out of which 130 were children.
The US further underscored that it was Mullah Fazal Ullah who had ordered the 2012 attempted assassination of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.
The US Department for State offered a $5 million reward for Fazlullah in March soon after his son was killed in a US drone strike on TTP training facility. -- PTI
Image: A family mourns their son, a student who was killed during an attack by Taliban gunmen on the Army Public School in 2014.
Army lieutenant colonel Martin O'Donnell told VOA that counter-terrorism strikes were carried out on June 13 in Kunar province which lies close to Afghanistan-Pakistan border.Further, Pentagon officials refused to comment on whether the strike was successful.
The officials further said that Mullah Fazal Ullah had directed numerous high-profile attacks against the US and Pakistan.
He had also conducted many other deadly attacks including December 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar that claimed lives of 151 people, out of which 130 were children.
The US further underscored that it was Mullah Fazal Ullah who had ordered the 2012 attempted assassination of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.
The US Department for State offered a $5 million reward for Fazlullah in March soon after his son was killed in a US drone strike on TTP training facility. -- PTI
Image: A family mourns their son, a student who was killed during an attack by Taliban gunmen on the Army Public School in 2014.
09:58 Rising Kashmir's tribute to their editor
This the front page of Rising Kashmir, the newspaper which Shujaat Bukhari edited. Bukhari and his two personal security officers were shot dead by terrorists outside the newspaper's office in Srinagar last evening.
The caption at the bottom reads:
25 February 1968-14 June 2018
You left all too sudden by you will always be our leading light with your professional conviction and exemplary courage. We won't be cowed down by the cowards who snatched you from us. We will uphold your principle of telling the truth howsoever unpleasant it may be...
Rest in Peace!
The caption at the bottom reads:
25 February 1968-14 June 2018
You left all too sudden by you will always be our leading light with your professional conviction and exemplary courage. We won't be cowed down by the cowards who snatched you from us. We will uphold your principle of telling the truth howsoever unpleasant it may be...
Rest in Peace!
09:33 India suffering worst water crisis in history, says NITI report
India is suffering from 'the worst water crisis' in its history with about 60 crore people facing high to extreme water stress and about two lakh people dying every year due to inadequate access to safe water, Niti Aayog said in a report today.
The report, titled 'Composite Water Management Index' released by Minister for Water Resources Nitin Gadkari, further said the crisis is only going to get worse.
"By 2030, the country's water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, implying severe water scarcity for hundreds of millions of people and an eventual 6 per cent loss in the country's GDP," the report noted.
Citing data by independent agencies, the report pointed out that with nearly 70 per cent of water being contaminated, India is placed at 120th amongst 122 countries in the water
quality index.
"Currently, 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress and about two lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to safe water," Niti Aayog said in the report.
It stressed that there is an imminent need to deepen understanding of water resources and usage.
Citing data by agencies like Dalburg Analysis, FAO and UNICEF, the report said 40 per cent of population will have no access to drinking water by 2030 and 21 cities, including New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, will run out of groundwater by 2020, affecting 100 million people.
-- PTI
09:13 Akbar was not great, only Maharana Pratap was: Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday insisted Mughal emperor Akbar was not great and that only 16th century Mewar king Maharana Pratap was.
He praised Prataps persistence in winning back his forts after years of fight in the Aravalli hills and his refusal to accept Akbar as king. Adityanath said the Mewar ruler did not accept the Mughal emperor asking as he was a Turk who could not be trusted.
Adityanath maintained Pratap remained relevant even after 500 years of his death while addressing an RSS gathering to mark the Mewar kings birth celebrations. A special edition of RSS magazine Avadh Prahri was also released on the occasion.
He referred to the 1576 Haldighati battle and said it was unimportant who won or lost. It is important that Maharana Pratap fought it for several years in the hills of Aravalli with his self-respect and ultimately won back his forts. He said Pratap set an example of bravery as the fight was not for a day but went on for years.
Maharana Pratap proved it was not Akbar who was great but only Maharana Pratap was great by ultimately winning back his forts.
09:00 Shujaat Bukhari's funeral at 11 am today
The funeral of senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari will be offered at his ancestral graveyard at Kreei Baramulla at 11 am today.
Shujaat Bukhari was shot by unidentified gunmen as he left his office in Srinagar.
Police said the assailants came on a motorbike and fired a volley of bullets toward the victims, leaving Bukhari and his guards in a pool of blood.
He died before he could get medical aid, said Mohammed Omar, the group manager of Bukhari's newspapers.
08:46 Pakistan condemns Shujaat Bukhari's killing
Pakistan has condemned the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari, who was gunned down outside his office in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir today.
Fifty-three-year-old Bukhari, the editor of English daily 'Rising Kashmir', was shot dead soon after he boarded his car from his office located at Press Enclave in the heart of the city centre -- Lal Chowk.
"We have learned with deep shock and sadness about the assassination of noted Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari by unknown gunmen," Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement.
The Foreign Office said Bukhari was known for carrying out his professional responsibilities with courage and conviction.
"There can be no justification for anyone to commit such brutality, which cannot be condemned enough," it said.
"Praying for Bukhari's soul to rest in eternal peace, the Foreign Office said:
"Our profound thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."
"May the Almighty Allah grant them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss," it said.
Bukhari, survived by his wife and one son and a daughter, was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley.
He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan.
-- PTI
08:17 Shujaat Bukhari killing: Cops release pictures of suspected attackers
The Jammu and Kashmir Police released two pictures of three bike-borne men who are suspected to have killed Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari, and sought the public's help in identifying them.
The three were caught on a CCTV camera, the police said.
The two pictures showed the three men riding a motorcycle. The attackers had their faces covered.
The police released the pictures late night and asked the public to help them identify the attackers.
"In connection with today's terror attack at Srinagar, police requests general public to identify the suspects for the purpose of the police investigation," a statement read.
The name of the person providing any clue or information regarding the suspects will be kept confidential, it said.
Shujaat Bukhari and his two personal security officers were shot dead by terrorists outside the newspaper's office in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital today, police officials said.
Fifty-three-year-old Bukhari, who had worked as the state correspondent for national daily 'The Hindu' for several years, was shot dead soon after he boarded his car from his office located at Press Enclave in the heart of the city centre -- Lal Chowk.
-- PTI
00:15 Man lynched in West Bengal on suspicion of being child lifter
A man was allegedly lynched by an enraged mob on suspicion of being a child lifter, at Bulbulchandi in Malda district, police said on Thursday.
The 35-year-old man was tied to a post and thrashed on Wednesday by the mob over his alleged involvement in kidnapping of children for organ harvesting, a police officers aid.
He was rescued by police but succumbed to his injuries en route to hospital, the officer said.
Three persons have been detained in connection with the incident and are being questioned, police said.
"There have been rumours of child abductions circulating on the social media for the past few days, and we are trying to keep them at bay," the officer said.
The lynching comes close on the heels of a similar incident in Assam, where two men were pulled out of their vehicle at Panjuri in Karbi Anglong district on June 9 and beaten to death by irate villagers, who suspected them to be child-lifters. -- PTI
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