Indo-Pak border to be completely sealed by December 2018: Rajnath Singh

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/paki...ational-to-army-on-loc-in-poonch_1966786.html
Jammu: The Pakistan Army today handed over an Indian national to the Indian Army at Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point along LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.


Javed Iqbal, a resident of village Bagla of Rajouri district, had inadvertently crossed the LoC on May 3 last, a defence spokesman said.

Iqbal's return was made possible as a result of continuous pursuance by the Indian Army, he said.


First Published: Friday, January 13, 2017 - 00:23

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...a-kills-one/story-Z9wtSZ0nGnC0DLDJe6ToOK.html

Updated: Jan 15, 2017 00:52 IST

Ravi Krishnan Khajuria
Hindustan Times, Jammu

It has been seen that when snowfall plugs mountain passes in winter, militants try to infiltrate into Indian territory. (HT file photo)

Close on the heels of a terror attack on the GREF Camp in Akhnoor sector on January 8 and 9, which left three labourers dead, the Border Security Force (BSF) foiled a major infiltration bid by a group of five to six terrorists on the International Border in Hiranagar sub-sector of Kathua district on Friday night. It was also successful in shooting dead one of them.

BSF Jammu Frontier DIG, D Pareekh, told Hindustan Times that around 9pm, a group of five to six terrorists were seen via night vision devices in a low-lying area behind a mound (higher ground) near the International Border in the Hiranagar sub-sector.

“While others remained in the low-lying area, one of them, who probably could be a guide, crawled and entered our territory. The alert BSF jawans opened two rounds of fire to check the movement. Consequently, other members of the group opened fire and there was an exchange of fire between the two sides,” said the DIG.

“BSF personnel also fired at the intruder, who had entered our territory. He was hit by three to four bullets and fell. Other suspected ultras fled back to Pakistan taking advantage of the darkness and undulating ground,” he added.

BSF didn’t suffer any casualties in the encounter.

The officer informed that the entire incident happened near Tarnah Nullah, a seasonal rivulet.

In the past, it It has been seen that during winters, when heavy snowfall plugs mountain passes, ultras from Pakistan try to infiltrate via the 198 km long International Border--largely a plain area--and Hiranagar sub-sector has always remained a preferred route for them.


On Saturday morning, we retrieved the body from the site where fire exchanges took place on Friday night, said DIG Pareekh.

While no weapon was found from the spot, it appears that the slain intruder might have been a guide and was sent by his handlers to gauge our alertness, he said.

In the aftermaths of the November 29 terror attack on Nagrota cantonment last year, followed by the January 9 attack on a GREF camp along the LoC in Akhnoor sector, a high alert has been sounded along the International Border and the 744km long LoC in the state.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has warned Pakistan of more surgical strikes if it didn’t stop proxy war in the state and intrusion bids on the borders.

Earlier, on in the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday the army killed two terrorists and on Thursday recovered their bodies along with two AK 47 rifles, 14 magazines, 392 rounds, 23 grenades and propaganda material in the Poonch sector.

On Friday too, the army recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from a forest in Surankote area of Poonch district.

 

[Hindustani78]

In this December 2016 image, Army jawans take position during an encounter at Anantnag district, south Kashmir. Representational image. | Photo Credit: Nissar Ahmad
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...curity-forces-in-Anantnag/article17040785.ece

A heavy exchange of fire between hiding militants and the security forces started in south Kashmir's Pahalgam on Sunday afternoon.

A group of militants hiding in Awoora village near Pahalgam, Anantnag, opened fire when a search party threw a cordon in the area.

A police official said the firing is on in the area.

Sources said security agencies believe around three militants are hiding there.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/secu...ahalgam-3-ak-47-rifles-recovered_1967532.html

Pahalgam: In yet another victory against terrorism, security forces gunned down at least three terrorists in an encounter on Monday.

The encounter between security personnel and terrorists took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Also, the Army has recovered three AK-47 rifles from the terrorists.

The bodies were recovered from Awoora village.

The entire encounter area has been cordoned off.

"An operation against the militants resumed on Monday morning after it was suspended on Sunday evening," a senior police officer said.

The gunfight erupted on Sunday following information about the presence of the militants hiding in a house in the village.

(More details awaited)


First Published: Monday, January 16, 2017 - 09:05

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...sneak-into-nagrota-army-camp-shot-nabbed.html

The alert sentry challenged the person as per the standard operating procedure (SPO) but the man did not respond.

Soldiers stand guard at Army base in Nagrota, Jammu. (PhotoTI)

Jammu: A man allegedly trying to sneak into the Nagrota Army camp on the outskirts of Jammu city was shot and injured before being nabbed, Defence Ministry spokesman said here today.

During last night, an unidentified man was found moving suspiciously near the fence of the Nagrota Army Camp along the banks of River Tawi, the spokesman said.

The alert sentry challenged the person as per the standard operating procedure (SPO) but the man did not respond, he said.

The man, instead, crossed the boundary fence and started running towards the camp, the spokesman said.

On not responding to the repeated challenges, the sentry opened fire, thereby injuring the individual, he said.

Subsequently, a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) team approached the individual, administered first aid and shifted him to the nearest military hospital, he said.

Police has been informed and FIR lodged. It is pertinent to mention here that the area where the individual was found lurking is far away from any road and habitation, the spokesman said.

"Investigation is being carried out to identify and ascertain the antecedents of the individual," he said.

In the same Nagrota area, an army unit was attacked by terrorists about one-and-a-half months back in which two officers and five jawans were killed.

The Nagrota firing incident was raised in the Legislative Assemby by National Conference MLA Devender Singh Rana after which Parliamentary Affairs Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri made a statement.

“A man came from the Tawi side and the sentry on duty shot him. The person got gun shot in his neck and was shifted to MI room Nagrota after first aid. The patient was (later) shifted to army hospital Satwari,” Veeri said.

He said his identity could not be ascertained. “The SHO is on the job. An FIR has been registered at Police Station Nagrota and the matter is under investigation,” the minister said.

The NC member said that the government should take up the issue with the army authorities so that innocents are not harmed.

“The minister should take up the issue with the army as such incidents cause a dent in the peace of our area. It’s a very serious matter and I would request the minister to direct the DGP and home secretary to take up the issue with the GoC 16 corps,” Rana said.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/mumb...lakhvis-nephew-gunned-down-in-jk_1968649.html

Srinagar: In a big success for the security forces, the Lashkar-e-Toiba commander gunned down in Banipora on Thursday has been identified as Abu Musaib, a nephew of Mumbai attacks mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.


Acting on specific intelligence, security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Hajin area of Bandipora and cornered LeT commander Musaib.

The LeT militant responded by opening fire. The forces retaliated and killed him.

Security forces have also recovered an AK-47 rifle, three Chinese grenades, 66 rounds of live cartridges, a radio communication set and some medicines from the encounter site.

One Special Operations Group (SOG) commando was also injured in the gunfight. He has been shifted to a hospital.

The injured security personnel has been identified as Vikas Sharma. He has been hit by a bullet below the left side of his chest.

Some miscreants pelted stones on the security forces near the encounter site, reports said.

Musa is said to have been the incharge of LeT's activities in Bandipora and was actively involved in strengthening the terror organisation's network in the region.

Earlier in the month, security forces had killed top Lashkar-e-Toiba militant Muzaffar Naikoo alias Muzz Moulvi in an encounter on the outskirts of Srinagar.


First Published: Thursday, January 19, 2017 - 14:34


Srinagar January 19, 2017 09:56 IST
Updated: January 19, 2017 10:48 IST

A Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant was killed and a policeman injured during an anti-militancy operation in north Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday.

Preliminary reports suggest that militants opened fire when a village was cordoned off in Bandipora's Hajin area, around 30 km away from Srinagar, in the wee hours.

A police official said one LeT militant, identified as Musaib, was killed in the exchange of fire. "Another militant is believed to have escaped the site," police sources said.

One personnel of the police's Special Operation Group was also injured. The injured policeman has been hospitalised.

Of late, security agencies are witnessing a heightened militant activity in Sumbal Sonamarg in north Kashmir.

 

[Hindustani78]

• IANS, New Delhi
  |
• Updated: Nov 24, 2016 22:08 IST

Indian army soldiers hold positions near the Line of Control in Nowshera sector, about 145 km from Jammu, in October 2016. (Nitin Kanotra / HT File Photo)
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...ls-pakistan/story-71PkqTaUACERqRxtaX0e5K.html


Giving details of the demarche issued to Pakistan deputy high commissioner Syed Hyder Shah on Wednesday, external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the government had reiterated its concerns about the safety of Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan who inadvertently crossed over the LoC over seven weeks back.

Ministry of Defence
21-January, 2017 19:16 IST
SEP Chandu Babulal Chavan handed over to Indian Authorities

Sep Chandu Babulal Chavan crossed over to Pak Occupied Kashmir from own Krishna Ghati sector on 29 Sep 16. In order to ensure his release the matter was taken up with Pakistani Military authorities through the existing Hotline and scheduled DGMO level talks. His presence was acknowledged by Pakistan on 07 Oct 16. The matter has been continuously raised in scheduled DGMO level talks since then. The issue was also taken up diplomatically through our High Commission in Pakistan and Ministry of External Affairs.


Today (21 Jan 17) at 1PM, we finally got confirmation by Pakistan Military Authorities that Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan would be handed over to Indian Authorities at Wagah at 3 PM Indian time. The Jawan was finally handed over to our representatives at Wagah Crossing Point at approx 3:45 PM.



Col Rohan Anand, SM

PRO (Army)

 

[Hindustani78]

PTI | Last Updated: Sunday, January 22, 2017 - 11:31
http://zeenews.india.com/india/high-alert-sounded-in-jammu-ahead-of-republic-day_1969507.html

Jammu: A high alert has been sounded in Jammu city as police has cautioned schools amid raising multiple barricades and intensified checking ahead of Republic day.


"From the security point of view, it is requested to all the school managements in Jammu district to not allow any stranger in the school and meanwhile give necessary precaution to the students," J&K Police said in an advisory tonight.

Keeping in view the forthcoming Republic Day, present security scenario in the state and threat from militants, some nakas and frisking points have been established in Jammu as well as rural areas for the security and safety of the general public, it said.

"You are requested to co-operate with police while at naka and frisking points, don't feel it as harassment by the police," it said.

"Barricades and checking will be intensified within the city and at the borders. Citizens are requested to plan their movements accordingly," the advisory said.

"The general public is requested to take preventive actions like do not touch any abandoned object. On seeing any suspicious person, object & material inform the police immediately," it said.

"If you have any information about any anti-national/anti-social elements, please inform the police immediately," it said.

"Security of the informant shall be kept confidential. Be alert while travelling in passenger vehicles, in crowded areas i.e bus stand, railway station, shopping complex, hospitals etc," it said.

"All SHOs and in-charge police posts have been directed to remain present in their respective jurisdiction round the clock," the advisory said.

"Village defence committees, members, numberdars, chowkidars are directed to cooperate with each other while performing their duties for safety and security of their respective villagers especially on forthcoming Republic Day," it said.


First Published: Sunday, January 22, 2017 - 11:31

 

[Hindustani78]

Written by Sushant Singh | New Delhi | Updated: January 22, 2017 8:34 am

Chandu Babulal Chavan after his release on Saturday. (PTI Photo)
http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-babulal-chavan-cites-regional-peace-4485808/


Almost four months after he “inadvertently” crossed the Line of Control (LoC), Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan, 22, was handed over by the Pakistani authorities to the Border Security Force (BSF) at the Wagah border crossing on Saturday afternoon. Islamabad said he was being released on “humanitarian grounds”, as a “gesture of goodwill” and to “maintain peace and tranquility” along the LoC.

Chavan, who was posted with 37 Rashtriya Rifles at Mendhar along the LoC, crossed to the Pakistani side on September 29, the morning after the Special Forces launched “surgical strikes” on terrorist launch pads across the LoC. The government had claimed he had “inadvertently” crossed over.

Although Pakistani authorities were informed the same day, Islamabad only acknowledged his presence on October 7. After that, the matter of his release was raised during DGMO-level talks. With no assurance coming from the Pakistani side, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) approached the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which took up the issue with Islamabad.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad also raised the issue with the Pakistani government. There were indications in last week’s conversation between the two DGMOs that Chavan could be released soon, although no date was given.

Chavan’s release was announced today by Pakistan military’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). “As a gesture of goodwill and in continuation of our efforts to maintain peace and tranquility along LoC and WB, Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chohan (Chavan) has been convinced to return to his own country and will be handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah border on humanitarian grounds,” it said in a statement.

This was followed by a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. “Pakistan has handed over an Indian soldier, Chandu Babulal Chohan (Chavan), to Indian authorities this afternoon (21 January) at 1430 hrs through Wagah border,” it said.

“The decision of the government of Pakistan to return the Indian soldier is based on humanitarian grounds and the commitment to ensure peace and tranquility at the LoC and the working boundary… Despite Indian belligerence, Pakistan believes in a peaceful neighbourhood and rejects all actions aimed at undermining regional peace and security,” said a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, according to PTI.

The MoD said it was informed about the development at 1 pm on Saturday. Chavan was scheduled to be handed over at Wagah at 3 pm, and was finally handed over at 3:45 pm, said the ministry.

Chavan, who is from Borvihir village in Dhule district of Maharashtra, was received by BSF personnel, and later handed over to the Army. Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre, who met him in Amritsar, said he would be allowed to meet his family after following due procedure.

He will first undergo a detailed medical examination at the Amritsar Military Hospital, following which he will be debriefed by personnel from the Military Intelligence Directorate.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/jammu-and-...u-and-kashmirs-pulwama-1-injured_1970279.html
Srinagar: A policeman was injured on Tuesday evening when militants hurled a grenade in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.


Police said the militants threw the grenade on a group of CRPF and police personnel in Haal area. The injured constable was shifted to a hospital.

Security in the state has been beefed up with checkposts and by carrying out random searches to foil guerrilla attacks ahead of the Republic Day on Thursday.


First Published: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 - 22:01

Security personnel are seen in Pulwama district. File photo | Photo Credit: Nissar Ahmad
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...one-injured/article17089220.ece?homepage=true

Militants attacked a police patrol in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday evening, leaving a policeman injured.

Preliminary reports suggest the militants opened fire at a police party near Haal area of Puwama district, more than 30 km away from Srinagar, in the evening.

One constable, Firdous Ahmad, was injured and shifted to hospital.


There are conflicting reports whether militants laid an ambush or were travelling in a vehicle stopped by the police patrol.

Meanwhile, a security forces' operation came under attack from protesters. Reports suggest clashes erupted in Pulwama's Lelhar, Kakapora and Karimabad villages after the security forces started a search operation. Locals pelted stones at the search party.

Security across the valley has been beefed up to thwart any attempts by militants to disrupt the Republic Day functions in the State.

*********

Google Maps image locates Hadoora village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gandherbal district.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...erbal-district-of-Kashmir/article17086298.ece

Two holed up militants have been killed in the operation in Kashmir valley's Ganderbal district.

An Army spokesperson said two militants were killed in Hadoora village of Ganderbal.

A gunfight broke out between the security forces and militants earlier in the day during a counter-militancy operation.

The hiding militants opened fire on the search party, triggering a gunfight.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...illed-in-3-unrests-in-kashmir-j-k-government/

Over 200 people were killed in unrests in 2008, 2010 and 2016 in Kashmir, the government told Legislative Assembly on Monday. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, in a written reply, told the House that 76 civilians and two police personnel were killed in “law and order disturbances” in the Valley last year.

In 2010, 101 persons were killed and 4,288 others, including security forces, injured, she said. Mehbooba said 46 persons were killed and 1,265 others, including security forces, were injured in 2008.

In 2016, as many as 8,587 persons were arrested, out of which 8,473 have been released till January 21, the Chief Minister said.

In addition, 522 persons were booked under the J&K Public Safety Act (PSA), and 265 persons among 1,978 booked in the recent unrest were still under detention as on January 21, she said.

Mehbooba said as many as 133 buildings, including police stations and schools, were damaged or set ablaze during the “law and order disturbances” in the Valley last year and 213 persons were arrested in this connection

She said 2,655 cases have been registered in various police stations across Kashmir since July 8 last year.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/india/inte...cumstances-in-srinagar-residence_1973053.html

Srinagar: An Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer was found dead on Thursday under mysterious circumstances inside his quarters here, police said.


Police said Vinod Ram Joshi, a Deputy Superintendent level officer was found dead inside his residential quarters in Shivpora area.

"Body of the officer was removed to police control room for postmortem after registering an FIR under section 174 of the CrPC in the concerned police station," police said.

The officer belonged to Lucknow.


First Published: Thursday, February 2, 2017 - 23:10

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/594452/first-violation-year-ib-pak.html
Jammu, Feb 2, 2017, (PTI)
In the first ceasefire violation along the Indo-Pak International Border (IB) this year, Pakistan today fired gunshots and hurled grenades at a BSF post in the Samba sector here.

Officials said the gunshot were fired and grenades launched around 3:30 PM at the Border Security Force post, Katao, in the Samba sector, which was retaliated by the border guarding force.

They said rapid rounds of gunfire and about half a dozen grenades were shot at the border post, near the Bobiyan post, which has been targeted by Pakistan forces a number of times.
"No loss has been reported from the BSF post," they said.

They added this breach of ceasefire along the IB is the first this year as the last such incident was reported on the intervening night of November 29-30.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nati...er-to-soon-have-smart-fencing-government.html
New Delhi: With the testing process already in final phases, the government today expressed hope that work on installing 'smart fence' along 3,323-km-long the Indo-Pak border will begin soon.

The testing for the fence is in final stages and soon work for erecting it along the Indo-Pak border will begin, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said here today.


The new fencing is likely to have a multi-tier security ring comprising an alarm to security force personnel in case of any infiltration bid or attempts to cut the fence.

"The testing for the smart fencing is in the final stage. Pretty soon it will be done and it will be soon erected at the India-Pakistan border," Rijiju told reporters here.

He said the testing is being done at many places and its details can't be divulged now due to security reasons. "We will have smart fencing at all our borders in phases but priority would be Indo-Pak frontier," he said.

A Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) is also being worked out by the government where the security of Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders, both sensitive and difficult terrain, will shift from the regular troops patrolling system to a quick reaction team pattern where guards strike once they notice a blip of infiltration on their surveillance radars.

There have been several attempts of infiltration by terrorists who cut the fences to enter into India from Pakistan side.

India's border with Pakistan runs through four states, Jammu and Kashmir (1,225 km which includes 740 km of Line of Control), Rajasthan (1,037 km), Punjab (553 km) and Gujarat (508 km).

The government has set a target of completely sealing the India-Pakistan border by December 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
03-February, 2017 18:29 IST
J&K DGP calls on Dr Jitendra Singh

The Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir, Shri S. P. Vaid called on the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here yesterday.

Dr Jitendra Singh congratulated Shri Vaid on taking over as DGP and expressed the hope that his experience and expertise will be put to best use. Dr Jitendra Singh appreciated the manner in which the different wings of security forces have been working in coordination in the State of J&K and hoped that this coordination will become even more cohesive and fruitful in the times to come. Describing the Indian forces as among the best in the world, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the nation is proud of our security personnel and is eternally indebted to their sacrifices and service.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

Srinagar February 03, 2017 17:05 IST
Updated: February 03, 2017 17:05 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ashes-in-Srinagar-Pulwama/article17175707.ece
At least six persons were injured on Friday as clashes broke out between protestors and security forces in Nowhatta area of the city and Pulwama district in south Kashmir.

Clashes broke out in Nowhatta area soon after the Friday prayers concluded inside the historic Jamia Masjid here as groups of youth indulged in stone pelting on police personnel in the area, a police official said.

The security forces fired tear smoke shells and used batons to chase the miscreants, the official said.

He said at least three persons were injured in the clashes which were going on till last reports came in.

Among the injured is chief photojournalist of PTI S. Irfan, who had gone to cover the incident.

“As the security forces were chasing away the protestors, I tried to take a safe position during which my safety helmet came off. As i turned to pick up the helmet, I was struck by a stone,” Irfan said.


The photojournalist said he was rushed to a hospital by his colleagues where he was discharged after first aid.

Clashes also broke out in Pulwama town in south Kashmir where youth pelted stones at security forces, who had launched a search operation, following information about presence of militants in the area, the police official said.

He said three persons were injured in retaliatory action by security forces to chase the protestors away.

Meanwhile, normal life was affected across Kashmir due to the strike called by separatist groups in support of their demand for “right to self determination“.

Shops and business establishments remained closed while public transport was mostly off the roads in the valley.

×
However, private vehicles were plying on all major roads of the valley despite the strike call.