Kashmir News LIVE Updates: President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The development was published in the official gazette, now making it a law.

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Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under lockdown since Sunday in view of the government decision to abrogate the state's special status, got some relief today. Local authorities decided to relax the curfew-like restrictions to allow for the Friday prayers across the restive Valley. The Friday prayers, or jumma namaz, hold special importance for followers of Islam.

Situation appeared to be returning towards normalcy at least in the Jammu region on Friday. ANI reported that the authorities in Samba district of the region allowed the schools to open for the first time since Article 370 was abrogated in the state. The state has been under lockdown since Sunday as a precautionary measure to thwart any measures to protest the government's move to scrap the state's special status.

Yechury had said he will try to go to the restive region, even as restrictions under Section 144 are still in place. Yechury had argued that it was his duty to go and see if his party workers and MLAs and safe and secure in their state.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury, who had earlier written to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik, seeking permission to meet the party's cadre in Srinagar, has been detained at Srinagar Airport.

CPI leader D Raja, who was accompanying Yechury was also stopped at the Srinagar airport. The two leaders will be sent back to New Delhi on a 5 pm flight from Srinagar.

This came after Pakistan's opposition leader in the Parliament Shehbaz Sharif drew comparison between Kashmir and Afghanistan and said, "What kind of a deal is this that the Afghans enjoy and celebrate peace in Kabul, but in Kashmir, blood is shed? No, this is not acceptable for us."

Taliban has slammed Pakistan for linking heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir with the situation in Afghanistan. Urging India and Pakistan not to turn Afghanistan into the 'theater of competition between other countries', Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahed said, "Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan by some parties will not aid in improving the crisis at hand because the issue of Afghanistan is not related," India Today reported.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has instructed security forces in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that common people are not harassed in any manner during the current tight restrictions imposed in the wake of abrogation of constitutional provisions that accorded special status to the state. He spent around two hours with security forces in downtowsn Srinagar on Friday.

Indian Navy has put all its bases and warships on high alert. Measures taken after Article 370 was revoked by the government and also due to possibility of Pakistan-backed terrorists carrying out any attack

During a press conference, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "It is important to understand that the action taken by Pakistan is unilateral. We have urged them that they should reconsider those decision, we have regretted the steps which they have announced. Our sense is that whatever is being done is to present that something big is going to happen, which is not the case. We have highlighted how the decision will support the democracy at the grassroots level, how the step will improve the livelihood prospects of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. There's a feeling that Pakistan is nervous; they will not be able to incite separatism, support terrosism, or mislead people. We want Pakistan to understand the decisions they have taken in light of the matter."

"Whatever Pakistan has done, it has done unilaterally, which means they have taken all these steps unilaterally. We have urged them to reconsider it. But we think it is part of their attempt to present an alarming picture to the world. But I don't think they have succeeded in that," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Our views are very clear. Whatever steps we have taken in view of Article 370 is an internal matter. This is something which has been properly explained, but beyond that if Pakistan decides to internationalise it, we'll see what needs to be done." He also clarified that the Pakistan airspace hasn't been closed but some flights have been rerouted.

He later also said, "It is time for Pakistan to stop interferring in internal affairs."

We regret Pakistan's decision to suspend Samjhauta Express: MEA On the suspension of the Samjhauta Express service by Pakistan, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We regret the decision to stop this link between the two countries. This is intended to show that the ties have reached an alarming state. "

On India's High Commission to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria, who was earlier told to return to India by Pakistan, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "He is not in Delhi. We have requested Pakistan for review of their decision. The timing of his return will be determined later."

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Governor Satya Pal Malik to discuss importance of reaching out to locals following the scrapping of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories.

NDTV reported that the Central government will set up a committee to divide resources, including the cadre, of Jammu and Kashmir between the two new Union territories. The home ministry is reportedly going to offer the option to the officers to pick their Union territory of preference for posting.

Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Muneer Khan said, "In Jammu, situation is normal. In Kashmir, situation is under control. All steps necessary to maintain law and order will be taken."

Jammu district Deputy Magistrate Sushma Chauhan said in a statement that Section 144 (against gathering of more than 4 people) withdrawn from Jammu municipal limits. All school, and colleges to open from Saturday.

After being detained with his party colleague D Raja at the Srinagar airport, CPM general-secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted, "This detention at the airport is a violation of our democratic rights. We strongly protest this suppression of basic freedoms by the Centre and stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir." Ahead of his visit, he had written to Governor Satya Pal Malik, expressing hope that he would not face hurdles during the visit.

They were taken in a special IAF plane to Uttar Pradesh and lodged in Agra Central Jail. This comes a day after the authorities airlifted about 25 to 70 people as a precautionary measure in the wake of constitutional changes made by the government.

The people, who have a history of being involved in separatist activities, were taken out of Kashmir in a special Indian Air Force plane, they said. They are alleged to be active members of separatist groups in Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir authorities airlifted a fresh batch of 20 "potential troublemakers" from Srinagar to Agra, officials told PTI on Friday.

"BJP activists will celebrate the historic decision (of the government to abrogate the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir) at the local level across the state and our leaders will commemorate 'Jashn-e-Azadi' on Independence Day at every panchayat, ward, and mohalla," Raina said.

He said this during an interaction with village heads, in which BJP state general-secretary Ashok Kaul and state general-secretary Yudhvir Sethi also took part.

The BJP will celebrate "Jashn-e-Azadi" on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15 at every panchayat across Jammu and Kashmir, the state unit chief of the saffron party, Ravinder Raina, said on Friday.

The Supreme Court unit of the All India Congress Committee legal, human rights and RTI department said that it endorses and supports "the decision whereby the two Union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir have been created."

SC unit of Congress' legal, human rights and RTI department backs bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two UTs

NDTV reported that the Central government will set up a committee to divide resources, including the cadre, of Jammu and Kashmir between the two new Union territories. The home ministry is reportedly going to offer the option to the officers to pick their Union territory of preference for posting.

Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Muneer Khan in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir: In Jammu, situation is normal. In Kashmir, situation is under control. All steps necessary to maintain law and order will be taken. pic.twitter.com/18oatI2Lve

Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Muneer Khan said, "In Jammu, situation is normal. In Kashmir, situation is under control. All steps necessary to maintain law and order will be taken."

Jammu district Deputy Magistrate Sushma Chauhan said in a statement that Section 144 (against gathering of more than 4 people) withdrawn from Jammu municipal limits. All school, and colleges to open from Saturday.

Com D Raja and I were not allowed to leave Srinagar airport to meet our comrades. This detention at the airport is a violation of our democratic rights. We strongly protest this suppression of basic freedoms by the Centre and stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir. https://t.co/M8TXD0mfs3

After being detained with his party colleague D Raja at the Srinagar airport, CPM general-secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted, "This detention at the airport is a violation of our democratic rights. We strongly protest this suppression of basic freedoms by the Centre and stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir." Ahead of his visit, he had written to Governor Satya Pal Malik, expressing hope that he would not face hurdles during the visit.

There were reports that Pakistan has suspended the Thar Express service following its decision to downgrade bilateral ties. “We have not received any communication or information from any side till now regarding Thar Express. As per the current information, it will depart as scheduled today,” Jodhpur division spokesperson Gopal Sharma said.

The train has been running between Jodhpur's Bhagat Ki Kothi station to Karachi every Friday night since services resumed on 18 February, 2006 after a 41-year suspension. Though there was no official word to North Western Railway's Jodhpur division on any cancellation, uncertainty loomed during the day.

After the disruption of the Samjhauta Express service at Wagah border, there was apprehension on Friday that Thar Express which links India and Pakistan across the Rajasthan border could be suspended.

Vijay Gokhale, Foreign Secretary on being asked about Bhutan's stand on #Article370 : Bhutan has shown understanding that this is a matter which is India's internal affair. pic.twitter.com/JBTF7mNLgW

"Bhutan has shown understanding that this is a matter which is India's internal affair," said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale during a press conference.

They were taken in a special IAF plane to Uttar Pradesh and lodged in Agra Central Jail. This comes a day after the authorities airlifted about 25 to 70 people as a precautionary measure in the wake of constitutional changes made by the government.

The people, who have a history of being involved in separatist activities, were taken out of Kashmir in a special Indian Air Force plane, they said. They are alleged to be active members of separatist groups in Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir authorities airlifted a fresh batch of 20 "potential troublemakers" from Srinagar to Agra, officials told PTI on Friday.

"BJP activists will celebrate the historic decision (of the government to abrogate the provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir) at the local level across the state and our leaders will commemorate 'Jashn-e-Azadi' on Independence Day at every panchayat, ward, and mohalla," Raina said.

He said this during an interaction with village heads, in which BJP state general-secretary Ashok Kaul and state general-secretary Yudhvir Sethi also took part.

The BJP will celebrate "Jashn-e-Azadi" on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15 at every panchayat across Jammu and Kashmir, the state unit chief of the saffron party, Ravinder Raina, said on Friday.

Supreme Court Unit of the AICC (All India Congress Committee) Legal, human rights and RTI department endorses and supports "the decision whereby the two union territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir have been created." pic.twitter.com/PdhRtqAIzH

The Supreme Court unit of the All India Congress Committee legal, human rights and RTI department said that it endorses and supports "the decision whereby the two Union territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir have been created."

SC unit of Congress' legal, human rights and RTI department backs bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two UTs



Kashmir News Latest Updates: President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The development was published in the official gazette, now making it a law.

The Jammu and Kashmir authorities airlifted a fresh batch of 20 "potential troublemakers" from Srinagar to Agra, officials told PTI on Friday. The people, who have a history of being involved in separatist activities, were taken out of Kashmir in a special Indian Air Force plane, they said.

After being detained with his party colleague D Raja at the Srinagar airport, CPM general-secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted, "This detention at the airport is a violation of our democratic rights. We strongly protest this suppression of basic freedoms by the Centre and stand in solidarity with the people of Kashmir." Ahead of his visit, he had written to Governor Satya Pal Malik, expressing hope that he would not face hurdles during the visit.

Jammu district Deputy Magistrate Sushma Chauhan said in a statement that Section 144 (against gathering of more than 4 people) withdrawn from Jammu municipal limits. All school, and colleges to open from Saturday.

NDTV reported that the Central government will set up a committee to divide resources, including the cadre, of Jammu and Kashmir between the two new Union territories. The home ministry is reportedly going to offer the option to the officers to pick their Union territory of preference for posting.

At a press conference, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Whatever Pakistan has done, it has done unilaterally. We have urged them to reconsider it. But we think it is part of their attempt to present an alarming picture to the world. But I don't think they have succeeded in that."

Indian Navy has put all its bases and warships on high alert. Measures taken after Article 370 was revoked by the government and also due to possibility of Pakistan-backed terrorists carrying out any attack

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said that they were shown legal orders at the Srinagar airport, stating that even escorted movement was not possible in the state. "We are still negotiating," Yechury said.

Yechury, who had earlier written to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik, seeking permission to meet the party's cadre in Srinagar, has been detained at Srinagar Airport.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday defended his government's decision to revoke provisions of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a section of residents alleged the way it was done was "extremely undemocratic".

Some even claimed the Centre only wanted to "win lands and not hearts of Kashmiris".

From students to professionals, belonging to both Jammu and Kashmir regions, many were apprehensive that taking away the special status will render the "ecologically sensitive" province "vulnerable" to exploitation due to infrastructure-related activities.

"With revoking of the Article, flood gates will be opened for the corporate sector to invest in big projects like hotels, flyovers and other big buildings. It will harm our pristine environment, which had so far been left largely unharmed due to the restrictions that come under the Article," a Kashmiri journalist, who did not wish to be identified, alleged.

He also cited the example of Uttarakhand to support his claim, saying the country saw how houses and hotels made close to rivers damaged the environment in the state.

"We do not want that to happen in our homeland," he said.

Ajaz Ahmed, a Delhi-based physiotherapist who is in his 30s, alleged, "They (the government) only want the land of Kashmir, they do not want to win the hearts of Kashmiris".

"If they wanted to win our trust, they should have taken us into confidence, discussed the pros and cons of the exercise and made us feel secure. Our families are living under siege there. If an emergency arises, our families won't even have access to an ambulance," he said.

Reaching out to Kashmiris with messages of hope and optimism, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday assured them of all-round development, early and transparent elections and end to terrorism.

He defended his government's move scrapping the provisions of Article 370 and asserted they only gave separatism, corruption, family rule and were used by Pakistan as a tool to spread terror in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a nearly 40-minute televised address to the nation, three days after the far-reaching decision, Modi also sought to assuage concerns of the people after his government bifurcated the state into Union Territories, saying Jammu and Kashmir will not remain a UT for long.

With the Kashmir Valley reeling under security clampdown, Modi promised the government is making all sincere efforts to ensure that the people in the region have no difficulties in celebrating Eid which is on Monday.

But not many citizens of Jammu or Kashmir region were impressed with the prime minister's speech.

"I think his speech was redundant, verbose and lacking substance, and linking scrapping of Article 370 with development of the state, was misplaced," the Delhi-based Kashmiri journalist alleged.

"Whatever the prime minister suggested to bring development, selling Kashmiri shawls and apples and herbs around the world, is anything stopping that? Why link the growth to the revoking if Article 370. Besides, our state is better than other sates in many indices, be it literacy rate or health indicators, plus people are well-off, very few people live off the streets," he said.

Aejaz Ahmad Rather, Jawaharlal Nehru Students' Union general secretary said, "They are saying that it has been done with an agenda to bring development. But according to figures, Gujarat is lacking in development as opposed to Jammu and Kashmir in many indices".

"What the government has done is a grave mistake, and they will regret later. They have taken away our identity," he alleged. He further alleged the situation in Kashmir was "worst form of Emergency" and the move a "travesty of justice".

Many Jammu citizens were also not enthused by Modi's speech, in which he spoke about the benefits that will accrue to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

"These people, including the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, who have been denied a lot of opportunities and benefits, unlike their counterparts in other parts of the country, will now come out of the negative impact of this article and grow," Modi said, adding, the provision has not given anything except separatism, corruption and family rule to the state, and Pakistan has used it as a tool to spread terrorism.

Shah Rukh Ali, 25, an MBA graduate, told PTI over the phone from Jammu, "The Centre should have taken the people or at least the mainstream politicians into confidence".

"How can you put the J-K leaders under house arrest and, decide on the fate of people of Jammu and Kashmir, without asking the local people. Is that a democracy," he asked, adding, this complete communication cut off in the Valley needs to end.

A Delhi-based university student from Jammu, said, she thought the revoking of the article and its repercussions are debatable, but the way in which it was scrapped is "extremely undemocratic".

"Besides, the environmental impact on the state of such a move would be catastrophic. Moreover, if this is seen as a gateway to development, it would only be beneficial to the capital-owning bourgeoisie, who can buy land and open up their businesses, and would not really benefit the common masses. The gap between the rich and the poor would increase," she alleged.