Amarnath Yatra: Jammu and Kashmir police issues advisory to pilgrims amid terror attack threat

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir police on Thursday issued an advisory to the pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra asking them to lodge only in authorised campuses and remain vigilant.

The advisory comes on the heels of an intelligence report that militants are planning to target 100 policemen and as many pilgrims participating in the Amarnath Yatra.

A file photo of Amarnath yatra

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J&K: Latest updates and news

1. 3rd all political party meet on GST ends without final decision.Sources say National Confernce opposed implementation in present form

2. The Enforcement Directorate ( ED) on Thursday issued show cause notice Hurriyat Leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for possession of Foreign exchange to the tune of US$10,000 illegally.

The Kashmiri separatist are in a soup after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had on May 20 began its probe against after a sting operation caught a Hurriyat leader Naeem Khan on camera as he 'confessed' of receiving money from Pakistan to foment separatism in Kashmir.

Earlier this month, the investigating agency raided various locations of the separatist leaders like Naeem Khan, Bitta Karate andJaved Baba Gazi in Jammu and Kashmir and seized around Rs 1.5 crore in cash.

Eight hawala dealers and traders in New Delhi and Haryana were also raided by the NIA.

The NIA is probing all aspects of funding of separatist leaders and use of these funds in fuelling the unrest in the Valley.

3. Restrictions, under Section 144 of CrPC, imposed in five police station areas in Srinagar on June 30 as precautionary measure.

4. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi met Governor NN Vohra at the Raj Bhavan. They discussed the obtaining security environment and issues in regard to which effective enforcement and implementation are required.

5. India’s position that entire J&K is an integral part of India is well known. The US government has been apprised of the same once again: MEA

6. A 14-year-old boy, trying to cross LoC to allegedly get arms training in PoK, intercepted by a police naka party in Baramulla's Uri

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Printing of Rs 200 currency notes begins

The notes of Rs 200 denomination are being printed in one of the government-owned facilities after RBI placed an order a few weeks ago for the bills

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J&K: Latest updates and news

1. Union Cabinet approves recommendations of 7th Pay Commission on allowances. For details, click here

2. Kupwara Police rescued 4 boys who were trying to cross the LoC & handed them over to their parents after questioning & counselling. 

They were trying to cross LoC&were caught just in time. Investigation is on. Since they're minors they were handed over to parents:SSP Kupwara

3. NDA presidential candidate Ram Nath Kovind met CM Mehbooba Mufti, MPs, MLAs and MLCs of PDP and BJP. Presidential Election

4. Pakistan violated ceasefire along LoC in J&K's Bhimber Gali sector from 14:45 hours; Indian Army retaliating . Earlier today, Pakistan started heavy shelling in Poonch.

5. Himachal Pradesh: Manali-Leh Highway reopened after last night's cloudburst & flood in Lahaul-Spiti district's Bara-lacha La.

6. IGP Muneer Khan chaired a high level security review meeting for Amarnath Yatra at Pahalgam & visited various camps

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7th Pay Commission: Cabinet approves hike in allowances for central govt staff from July 1

The cabinet decision comes more than a year after the pay of central government employees was increased.

In a move that will benefit about 50 lakh central government employees and defence personnel, the Union cabinet on Wednesday approved the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission for higher allowances, including house rent allowance (HRA).

The HRA that has been approved will be 24%, 16% and 8% of the new basic pay, depending on the type of city.

“The HRA will not be less than Rs 5,400, Rs 3,600 and Rs 1,800 depending on the type of city and calculated at 30%, 20% and 10% of minimum pay Rs 18,000,” a government statement said.

The HRA revision will benefit more than 7.5 lakh employees. HRA constitutes 60% of the total allowance of a government employee’s pay.

The move could help revive demand at a time when the economy has sagged after the government’s decision last year to junk 1000-and 500-rupee bank notes that led to a severe cash crunch. A buoyed consumer sentiment could also translate into political goodwill for the ruling BJP as the party heads into another round of state elections, beginning with Gujarat by December.

The financial implication of revised allowances would be around Rs 30,748 crore per annum, the statement said.

The cabinet decision comes more than a year after the pay of central government employees was increased.

Other allowances increased

* Rates of Siachen allowance for soldiers increased from Rs 14,000 to Rs 30,000 per month and from Rs 21,000 to Rs 42,500 for officers per month for extreme risks and hardship.

* Fixed medical allowance for pensioners increased from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per month.

* Constant attendance allowance for those with 100% disability has been increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,750 per month.

* Rate of nursing allowance increased from Rs 4,800 to Rs 7,200 per month.

* Operation theatre allowance increased from Rs 360 to Rs 540 per month.

* Hospital patient care allowance/patient care allowance increased from Rs 2,070 to Rs 4,100 per month and Rs 2,100 to Rs 5,300 per month.

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Pakistan accuses US of speaking India's language and of dual standards on Kashmir issue

PM Modi and President Trump met in Washington on Tuesday. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Pakistan's comments come after two developments put it in an embarrassing spotlight. The US named Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a 'Specially Designated Global Terrorist'. An Indo-US statement urged Islamabad "to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries".

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Three Hurriyat leaders detained by police in Srinagar

Three Hurriyat leaders were detained by police in Srinagar. These leaders were to be questioned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi. (Representative image)

Three Hurriyat leaders were detained by police in Srinagar, according to ANI report. These leaders were to be questioned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi. Police have detained Ayaz Akbar, Altaf Shah and Mehraj ud Din Kalwal, the ANI report says. Earlier on June 3, NIA had carried out searches at 14 places in Kashmir and eight places in the national capital in connection with terror funding received from Pakistan for carrying out subversive activities in the Valley.

The NIA, which had earlier registered a Preliminary Enquiry, converted it into a Regular Case (RC) last evening and began searches in the wee hours at the residences of second-rung separatist leaders in the Valley. Around eight hawala dealers and traders in the national capital were also raided, official sources were quoted as saying by PTI.

Among those raided were close aides and kin of hardline separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani and others in the Hurriyat Conference. Two places in Sonepat were also being searched by the NIA teams in this connection, the PTI reports.

The raids follow questioning of three separatist– Nayeem Khan, who was seen on television during a sting operation purportedly confessing to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias ‘Bitta Karate’ and Gazi Javed Baba of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, in the national capital last month, the report says. The separatists were allegedly receiving funds from the chief of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT), Hafiz Saeed, to carry out subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley, including pelting stones at security forces, damaging public property and burning schools and other government establishments.

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Did you notice your petrol, diesel prices have come down by over Rs 4 in the past 10 days?

Representational Image

Oil companies have started changing price of petrol and diesel every day since June 16, 2017. Did you realise that over the past 11 days, price of petrol and diesel have actually come down by at least Rs 3 and Rs 2.4, respectively?

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7th Pay Commission: Final decision on HRA, allowances for central government employees likely on June 28

Central government employees' wait for a confirmation of allowance structure under the 7th Pay Commission could end on Wednesday if the Cabinet takes up the issue on its agenda tomorrow. The wait has been endless with repeated delays, despite the Empowered Committee of Secretaries submitting its report to the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on June 1.

There is hope for a final decision on Wednesday as it is believed that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley discussed the matter with Prime Minister  Narendra Modi before the PM left for the three-nation tour.

The issue of allowances for central government employees under the 7th Pay Commission has been reeling for over a year with reviews at different levels. However, a definite outcome has eluded adding to the frustration among the central government employees. The Union Cabinet was expected to approve the proposal on allowances last week but it got delayed as the Prime Minister Modi was visiting Washington.

It was reported that the House Rent Allowance or HRA could be approved at 27 per cent of the basic pay. The Pay Panel had brought down, in its recommendation, the HRA to 24 per cent, 16 per cent and 8 per cent of the basic pay, depending upon the city the employee is posted in. 

The sixth pay commission had pegged the HRA at 30 per cent, 20 per cent and 10 per cent.

The Commission not only brought down the HRA but also done away with as many as 52 allowances. It recommended  that out of a total 196 allowances, 52 be discontinued and 36 other allowances should be subsumed under other allowances.

Drastic change in HRA and other allowances did not go well with the central government employees who expressed their opposition and asked the government to take a re-look at the proposed recommendations.

Coming under pressure from nearly 47 lakh central government employees, the Cabinet formed a Committee on Allowances under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa last year in June. The Committee was tasked to look into the extensive changes suggested by the 7th Pay Commission.

The Lavasa Committee handed over its review report to the Finance Minister in April after consulting representations from various government departments. The report, post approval, was forwarded to E-CoS for their consideration and consolidation.

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Train to Leh Soon? 8 Fascinating Facts About India’s Highest-Ever Railway Project

The Indian Railways will kickstart the final location survey for the 498-km route connecting Bilaspur, Manali and Leh in Jammu & Kashmir this week.

You wouldn’t have to wait for the five accessible months in a year to head off to Leh!

The Indian Railways will kick-start the final location survey for the 498-km route connecting Bilaspur, Manali and Leh in Jammu and Kashmir this week.

The survey project will be funded by the Defence Ministry and is all set to be inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today.

Here’s everything you need to know about one of India’s most picturesque rail projects:

Road to Leh.

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Arun Jaitley asks Mehbooba Mufti to implement GST in J&K from July 1

Arun Jaitley said since Integrated GST (IGST) will be levied on all inter-state supplies of goods and services, credit for goods purchased in one state can be claimed in the state where it is sold.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday asked Jammu and Kashmir to roll out GST from July 1 as failure to implement it will lead to “adverse impact” of price rise and put local industry at a disadvantage. In a letter to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Jaitley said that the state has actively participated in the GST deliberations and should join the nation-wide wide roll out of Goods and Services Tax from July 1. All states, except Jammu and Kashmir, have already cleared the State GST (SGST) Bill, and are ready for embracing the new tax regime.

The Union Finance Minister listed out the disadvantages of the state not introducing GST from July 1, saying it may lead to adverse impact like a general increase in prices of all goods being purchased from other states. It could also lead to increase in the price of all goods being sold to other states, which will have an “adverse impact on domestic industry in the state”.

Jaitley said since Integrated GST (IGST) will be levied on all inter-state supplies of goods and services, credit for goods purchased in one state can be claimed in the state where it is sold. “If the state of J&K does not join GST on July 1, 2017, for all purchases made by the state from other states after July 1, the dealer shall not be able to take credit of this IGST which shall get embedded into the price of purchased good or service, leading to cascading of tax and increase in price of the said good or service for the final consumers in J&K,” Jaitley wrote in the letter.

Similarly, in case of goods or services sold from Jammu and Kashmir to other states, the buyer will not be able to take credit of the local taxes paid. “This shall put the trade and industry in the state of J&K a competitive disadvantage,” he said. Jaitley urged the Chief Minister to “take all necessary steps” to introduce GST in the state on July 1, as any delay “would create a disadvantage for both, the consumers and the industry” of the state in the intervening period.

Jammu and Kashmir, he said, had actively participated in the GST Council meetings and had meaningfully contributed to the framing of the various laws and rules for GST. The 14th meeting of the GST Council was held in Srinagar on May 18-19 in which rates of over 1,200 goods and 500 services were decided. In his letter, Jaitley urged the Chief Minister to send the concurrence of the state on the GST Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, for the approval of the President.

As per Article 370 of the Constitution, amendments made in Constitution of India are applicable to Jammu and Kashmir with the concurrence of the state government and approval of the President.

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Srinagar: 2 terrorists killed in DPS school encounter, 3 Army personnel injured

Delhi Public School, Srinagar

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Encounter breaks out at DPS Srinagar, CRPF try to flush out militants holed up inside school building

The militants had entered into the premises of DPS Srinagar last evening after carrying out an attack on the CRPF personnel deployed on road opening duty near the school on Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

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7th Pay Commission: Good news for 47 lakh central government employees; HRA may be hiked

Lavasa committee had submitted its report to the finance minister.

Now, there is some good news for Central government servants and people who are directly or indirectly connected with 7th Pay Commission and hiked salaries. According to a report, the government may finalise 7th pay commission allowances, including HRA (House Rent Allowance), later this month. According to National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) convenor Shiv Gopal Mishra, the 7th Pay Commission may be finalised by the end of this month, as reported by NDTV. National Joint Council of Action (NJCA) is a joint organisation of unions representing central government employees. Moreover, the employee union leader who held discussions with top government officials recently, also says that there is a possibility of central government officials getting higher HRA than that recommended by the 7th pay commission, the media report added.

Earlier, Lavasa committee had submitted its report to the finance minister on April 27. An Empowered Committee of Secretaries was set up to screen the report and firm up proposals for the Cabinet. The Ashok Lavasa committee had examined the 7th pay commission’s recommendations on allowances. There is about 47 lakh central government employees.

In the month of April, the Lavasa Committee had suggested modifications in some allowances applicable universally to all employees and also for those in specific categories, including railways and defence, after examining the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. The Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa-led Committee on Allowances, which was constituted by the government to examine the Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations on allowances, had submitted its report to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

While recommendations of the CPC on pay and pension were implemented with the approval of the Cabinet, allowances continued to be paid at old rates. The Committee was set up in view of significant changes recommended by the CPC in the allowances structure and a large number of representations received in this regard from various staff associations as well as the apprehensions conveyed by various ministries and departments

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Mirwaiz Umar Farooq might lose Z-security

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti lays a wreath on the coffin of police officer Ayub Pandith during a ceremony in Srinagar on Friday 

Hurriyat chairman's Z-security has been under question since cop guarding him was lynched to death

Pressure is mounting on Mehbooba Mufti-led government to give free hand to Jammu and Kashmir police and withdraw security of moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq following the lynching of deputy superintendent of police Mohammed Ayub Pandith outside Jamia Masjid.

"Jammu and Kashmir Police is one of the best police force in the country. They are very brave. They are showing restraint while dealing with the people. The day they will lose their patience it will become very difficult. They are showing maximum restraint because they are dealing with their own people. But how long will it continue?" said Mufti.

The Chief Minister further said that few days ago, the SHO and five other policemen were killed and now the deputy superintendent of police, the ones who were present there to protect the people were lynched.

"He had gone to perform his duty. It is shameful act. God forbid if their patience wears out, those days will return when people will be running away after seeing a gypsy moving on the road. I want to say to the people that we still have time to mend our way," she said.

Mufti's remarks came against the backdrop of mounting anger and growing clamour in the police department for giving free hand to the force to deal with the militants, stone pelters and anti national elements in Kashmir.

"We are asked to exercise restraint in a situation where on one side there is a militant and on the other there is stone pelter. Our political bosses are always concerned about the situation, caring little about our safety," said a police officer.

Meanwhile PDP's alliance partner BJP also condemned that the lynching of the DSP Mohammed Ayub Pandith and said that it is heart rending as he was killed by the same people who he was trying to protect,.

"Henchmen of some people derive sadistic pleasure by lynching and killing others just to appease their bosses sitting across the Line of Control (LoC). The government should reconsider the decision of providing Z-security to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, whom the slain DSP was guarding", said Khalid Jehangir, BJP spokesman.

"His death is a tragedy and the manner of his death a travesty. May the people who lynched DSP Pandith burn in hell for their sins", tweeted Omar Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister..

National Conference spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu went a step further and demanded withdrawing the security of Mirwaiz. "I say this strictly in my personal capacity and J&K police should immediately withdraw the Z security cover for Mirwaiz", he said.

Prominent Shia leader and Jammu and Kashmir Sports Minister Imran Reza Ansari wondered how Mirwaiz could preach on the pulpit when a human is lynched.

"How can one preach on the pulpit while a fellow human is lynched to death in the compound of the same mosque. I wonder what was being preached", he said.

Meanwhile, police is not ruling out questioning Mirwaiz in the lynching case of DSP Mohammed Ayub Pandith.

Suffering continues

Under fire for failing to control the situation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday called for the institutionalized dialogue process to get out of the difficulties and bloodshed.

"People of Jammu and Kashmir have been the worst sufferers of hostility between the two countries and despite four wars contentious issues could not be resolved. Majority of people in the Sub continent want peace and resolution of issues between India and Pakistan and any step in this direction would be a contribution towards this silent majority", Mehbooba said.Pitching for state specific Confidence Building Measures to restore the faith of people, she said time has come to open historic routes across LoC to boost cross border travel and trade. "We should move ahead and take benefit of even the opportunities emerging in our neighbourhood also", she said while suggesting partnership with the upcoming CPEC to exploit the State of its strategic position vis a vis South and Central Asia. Asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the will and determination, Mehbooba said the present government at the Centre has a decisive mandate to take any bold decision. "Stitching the Alliance (with BJP) was a difficult decision but it was done to get the State out of its present difficulties and problems. It's an experiment of different nature. Failure on this count would have far reaching consequences at the national level", she said. Mehbooba regretted that the dialogue and reconciliation in the State lost its momentum after 2005 after late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed demitted office of the Chief Minister. "The present crisis is the result of the same adding the spirit of wide ranging public outreach as adopted by the then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee needs to be restored and carried forward", she said

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“Attackers believed Dy SP was Kashmiri Pandit”

Srinagar: The death of Dy SP MA Pandit, who was stripped and stoned to death outside Jama Masjid in down town Srinagar early Friday morning, has raised many questions. It’s probably the first incident of cop lynched to death in the Jammu and Kashmir.

The relatives of the deceased allege the police officer was targeted by the attackers as they believed he was a Kashmiri Pandit since he was carrying identity card which had his name written as MA Pandit.

Pandit is the caste which many Kashmiri Muslim like Kashmir Pandits still use with their name.

“He had name Pandit written on his card. It’s the fault of police also,” said one of his relatives.

The wailing relatives have questioned the hardline separatists Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani. “ Where is Geelani now”?”said his another relative.

The sisters of the slain police officer have even questioned the Islam practiced by the attackers. They said how could some one be attacked and killed during this holy month

“Was he (Dy SP) an informer? What kind of prayers they had come to offer? Had they come to read this kind of Namaz only?” said his wailing sister.

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Jobs in RMSA, J&K

Applications are invited on prescribed format for jobs in J&K on district and State level which can be downloaded from official website of RMSA along with the self attested copies of documents from the eligible candidates for engagement purely on contractual basis on consolidated wages in the Noor Society (State implementing Society for RMSA, J&K ) as per the following breakup :-

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Police Officer Beaten To Death By Mob Outside Srinagar's Jamia Masjid

As a precautionary measure, the administration has ordered restrictions on movement of people in areas in Jammu and Kashmir capital Srinagar under seven police stations beginning Friday morning.

A policeman was beaten to death outside Jamia Masjid in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar.

Story Highlights

Policeman was reportedly spotted taking photographs outside mosque. When confronted, he fired his gun, injuring three people. People caught and beat him to death, police called in to restore peace

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Jobs in Leh for class-IV posts

Application for District Cadre posts listed below are invited from eligible candidates for jobs in Leh District. Minimum required qualification; reservation quota and other conditions pertaining to each post are given below

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HC stays selection process for Graduate level posts

JAMMU: High Court today stayed the selection process for Graduate level posts advertised in September 2015 by Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board.

While staying the selection process, Justice Janak Raj Kotwal observed, “the contention of the petitioners is that they had been allotted examination center for the written test at Boys Higher Secondary School, Bhaderwah and scheduled date of examination was 27.04.2017 from 2 PM to 4.30 PM. However, a day prior to the scheduled date, a number of candidates from Kishtwar center were transferred to the center allotted to the petitioners”.

“The authorities of the J&K SSB failed to conduct the examination on   27 04-2017   due to mismanagement caused by short notice transfer of the candidates from the Kishtwar center”, High Court further observed, adding “in the result written examination of the petitioners and all the candidates of the center,  namely boys  Secondary School, Bhaderwah was not held and they were assured that their test will be held at later stage”.

“The grievance   of   the   petitioners   is   that   without conducting the written test of the candidates allotted the center at Bhaderwah, the J&K SSB is going ahead with the completion of the selection process in spite of representations in this regard by the petitioners”, High Court said while issuing notice to the respondents.

In the meanwhile, High Court ordered that subject to objections and till next date before the Bench, selection process qua Advertisement Notifications No. 05 of 2015 and 6 of 2015 to the extent of graduate level posts shall remain stayed.

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Jobs in SKIMS, Srinagar

SKIMS invites online applications from the eligible candidates for jobs in J&K. The details about the jobs are given below:

Last Date of application: 24th July, 2017

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Slain cop in Kashmir wrote four-and-a-half years ago on Facebook: ‘What’s going to happen to me the first night in my grave?’

Firoz Dar, one of the six policemen killed in militant ambush in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir

Think about the moment your body is being washed and prepared to your grave. Think about the day people will be carrying you to your grave. And your families crying,” the poem on Feroz Dar’s Facebook wall read.

32-year old slain Sub-Inspector Feroz Ahmed Dar was lowered into his grave Friday night in his family’s ancient graveyard in Dogripora village in Pulwama district with many a tearful farewell from his village and police department. Villagers had queued up in front of the house to pay their condolences as the family struggled to come to terms with their loss

About four and a half years ago on January 18, 2013, a younger Dar had mused in a Facebook post about the final moments in which a body is surrendered to its grave, bereft of everyone and everything, except its own deeds. “Just imagine…yourself in your grave. Down there in that dark hole…Alone”, he had written — haunting words that came true Friday. Dar and five other personnel were killed in Anantnag’s Achabal area on Friday in an ambush by militants suspected to belong to Lakhkar-e-Taiba.

Nicknamed as dabang (daring) and one-man-army by his friends, Dar earnestly cherished the dream of a return to peaceful times that have long eluded Kashmir. On March 8, 2013 he wrote, “Oh! God when will be the day we see normal Kashmir”.

Dar’s batchmate Sunil Sharma posted his picture and recalled the lyrics of a song in memory of those martyred in war:

His batchmates and colleagues also recalled their association with Dar and said he was a god-fearing man and a true Muslim who offered prayers five times a day.

Respects are paid to the six policemen, including Feroz Dar, slain in the ambush with militants in Anantnag on Friday, June 16. Source: Facebook, DIG of Police, South Kashmir

Swayam Prakash Pani, Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir wrote on his official Facebook page, “My sun always sets to rise again…..RIP. The officer whom everybody loved and who could get the support and respect of everybody around will always be in our hearts. This inhuman act will be punished and punished suitably. Condolences for all the men that we lost today”, along with photos of the slain policemen and their biers wrapped in the Tricolor.

Dar is survived by both his parents, wife Mubeena Akhtar, two daughters Addah and Simran, aged 6 and 2 respectively and also by his dream of a peaceful Kashmir.

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Terrorists attack police party in J&K's Anantnag, 6 personnel martyred

HIGHLIGHTS

6 police personnel, including a Sub-Inspector, were killed after terrorists ambushed a police patrol in Anantnag. A counter-operation is currently underway to nab the terrorists. The incident was the latest in a series of attacks by terrorists on security forces across Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Six policemen, including a Sub-Inspector, were martyred after terrorists ambushed a police party in Achabal town in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Friday.

Sub-Inspector Feroz Dar, a resident of Pulwama, fell victim to indiscriminate firing from terrorists, senior police officials said.

They said besides the fatalities, some other policemen sustained serious bullet injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The other martyred include a driver and four other policemen who were on a routine round in their jeep.

A counter-operation is currently underway to nab the terrorists.

Sub-Inspector Feroz Dar was martyred in an ambush by terrorists in Anantnag district.

Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident was the latest in a series of attacks by terrorists on security forces across Kashmir.

On Thursday, a policeman died after being critically wounded in an attack by ultras in Srinagar's Hyderpora area, while another CRPF personnel was martyred by terrorists in Kulgam district's Bogund village.

13 jawans were injured and four service rifles were looted when terrorists carried out six attacks in the span of four hours in various districts of Kashmir on Tuesday.

The escalation in violent attacks on Jammu and Kashmir police personnel is because of the "frustration" of the ultras, Director General of Police S P Vaid said on Friday, asserting that necessary measures would be taken to prevent them from carrying out such acts.

"We will take necessary measures. This is the frustration of the militants. Whether a militant is killed or a civilian or a cop, it is the Kashmiri who dies. The bloodshed will not take us anywhere, it is only the murder of humanity," the DGP said.

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Mobile internet services blocked in Kashmir

Heavy deployment of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel has been made in Srinagar and other sensitive places to prevent post-Friday prayer protests called by the separatists

SRINAGAR: The authorities on Friday again blocked high speed mobile internet facility in the Kashmir Valley following heightened tensions after a youth's death in firing by security forces. 

The internet speed on fixed landline broadband connections was also reduced. 

There was tension after a youth, Naseer Ahmed injured in the firing on Thursday in Srinagar, succumbed to his injuries on Friday. 

Naseer was hit by a bullet in the chest at Rangreth on the city outskirts when a stone pelting mob clashed with Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) troopers. 

He was shifted to super specialty Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) but succumbed to his injuries. 

Authorities said blocking the internet has become necessary to prevent uploading of inflammable pictures and posts on social media sites by anti-social elements. 

Heavy deployment of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel has been made in Srinagar and other sensitive places to prevent post-Friday prayer protests called by the separatists.

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BSNL unveils new Chaukka-444 plan, offers 4GB data per day

BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has rolled out its new Chaukka-444 plan that gives users unlimited data for 90 days

BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has rolled out its new Chaukka-444 plan that gives users unlimited data for 90 days. The STV is a special promotional offer, which can only be availed by prepaid users. BSNL’s STV- 444 is a follow up to previously launched STV 333 aka Triple ACE plan, which the company claims got a ‘successful response’.

STV- 444 offers unlimited data at 4GB per day at a recharge of Rs 444. Validity is 90 days. “We are committeed to provide affordable and efficient services to all segment of our mobile customers. We offer best prices to our customers considering present trend of Indian telecom industry,” R.K.Mittal, Director (CM) BSNL Board said in a press statement.

Telecos in India have resorted to aggressive data pricing thanks to Reliance Jio’s cheap data plans. The newcomer, which rolled out its services on September 1, 2016, has already crossed 108 million user base. Jio’s ‘Dhan Dhana Dhan’ plan for its Prime members give 1GB and 2GB data per day at a recharge of Rs 309 and Rs 509 respectively.

Reliance Jio also unveiled a new plan that offers 20 per cent more 4G data to those users who buy select Lyf-branded smartphones. According to a PTI report, Jio’s data tariffs remain the cheapest in the country in both prepaid and postpaid categories.

Rivals like Idea, Airtel and Vodafone have lowered their data tariffs as well. Idea recently unveiled a new plan that offers 70GB of 3G data at Rs 396. Vodafone, on the other hand, launched its Ramzan special offer that gives users 25GB data along with unlimited calling at Rs 786 to its customers in select circles

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Big discounts on ACs, cars, phones to beat GST deadline

Customers are being given discounts and cashback offers on several product categories such as TVs, laptops, mobile phones, air conditioners and refrigerators.

A number of brands and retailers are offering special discounts to consumers to ensure that their sellers’ stock is cleared before the Goods and Services Tax (GST) comes into play from next month.

These commercial entities want to offload their stocks to minimise complex legal formalities related to carrying over and claiming input credit under the new tax regime.

Paytm is holding a ‘Pre-GST Sale’, hosting over 6,000 retailers across 500 brands. Through this, consumers can get discounts and cashback on a range of product categories, such as TVs, laptops, mobile phones, air conditioners, refrigerators, DSLRs and footwear.

“This sale has come at an opportune time for offline retailers who are looking to offload their entire inventory before the new tax rates become effective,” Paytm said in an emailed response.

Even online drug marketplace 1mg has jumped on the bandwagon. “Due to GST, there may be a shortage of medicines in July. Stock medicines@20 per cent off on 1mg.com to avoid issues,” read a communication sent to customers.

The landmark GST reform kicks in from July 1.

All e-commerce companies have been engaging with the merchants on their platforms to ensure a smooth transition to the new taxation system.

ShopClues – which has about five lakh merchants on its platform – said it is organising seller summits in various cities, sending regular updates to merchants through mails and updating GST-related information on its seller portal.

“Soon, we will organise weekly webinars, where merchants can get their doubts clarified from our internal GST experts,” it added.

Several non-virtual retailers have also slashed prices to dispose of merchandise ahead of the new tax regime’s launch, advancing their end-of-season sales by a month.

Sportswear brand Puma is offering an extra 10% off on the flat 40% discount while outfit-maker Allen Solly is presenting a buy-one-get-one free scheme to its customers. Levi’s is giving away two items free on the purchase of two, while Flying Machine is offering a discount of up to 50%.

Now shop and save on fashion products by clicking here and here

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J&K: latest news and updates

1. After remaining closed for over five months the Leh-Sarchu-Manali National Highway opened for traffic

2. System in place, police deployment adequate. Local intelligence units actively working: IGP Jammu SD Singh Jamwal on Amarnath Yatra security

3. J&K: Search operation in Samba after a civilian reported seeing some suspicious men. (visuals deferred by unspecified time)

4. Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz cheers for Pak after Champions Trophy win over England

5. Petrol pump dealers withdraw strike against daily revision of petrol and diesel prices.

6. Ceasefire violation by Pakistan along LoC in J&K's Naushera sector, from 8:45 pm yesterday. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in fierce retaliation by Indian troops as Pakistan Army on Thursday violated ceasefire thrice along the Line of Control in two sectors in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. 

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Multiple grenade attacks being carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammad, claims J-K DGP Vaid

Jammu and Kashmir's Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid on Wednesday claimed that the multiple grenade attacks taking place in Pulwama district were the handiwork of the Jaish-e-Mohammad as per intelligence reports gathered so far.

"Hizb-ul-Mujahedeen (HM) is a group which has a larger presence, but the Jaish-e-Mohammad was behind yesterday's incidents as per our intelligence report, though the HM has claimed it, but it's not true," Vaid told ANI.

Vaid said that no causalities have been reported so far. Only minor injuries have occurred to two constables and nine Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans.

"Things are under control. Two minor injuries have occurred to two constables and nine CRPF jawans. No casualties have been reported. Ramzan is a time when escalation takes place in terrorist's activities. South Kashmir has presence of more local terrorists," he said.

He also promised that this year's Amarnath Yatra would pass off peacefully.

"We will take care of that," he added.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and 82 mm Mortars in the Bhimber Gali sector along the Line of Control (LoC).

Yesterday, terrorists lobbed grenade at CRPF camp in Pahalgam's Sarnal.

It comes minutes after a grenade attack on a CRPF company in Pulwama.

As many as nine CRPF personnel were injured in a grenade attack on its camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Tral.

Out of the nine personnel, three are in critical condition, while six have suffered minor injuries.

The terrorists lobbed grenade at a camp of the CRPF's 180 Battalion at 6.05 p.m.

Meanwhile, terrorists fired upon an Army camp of 22 Rashtriya Rifles at Pazalpora in North Kashmir and fled after retaliation by the Army.

Also, weapons were snatched at Anantnag's Anchidora at the house of retired Justice Mohammad Athar.

Reportedly, 4 x SLRs rifles were taken and two Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) are injured in the incident.

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7th Pay Commission: Narendra Modi-led cabinet may decide on revised allowances for govt employees soon

The Narendra Modi-led cabinet is likely to meet tomorrow and is expected to take a decision on revised allowances under the Seventh Pay Commission.
According to reports, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to table the proposal for the revised allowance structure at the Cabinet meet--the move will benefit nearly 50 lakh Central government employees.
The Union cabinet could not take the subject of allowances in its last meeting on June 7.
Central government employees, on several occasions, have expressed their disappointment over the long delay in rolling in out revised allowances.

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION REPORT ON ALLOWANCES:
1. If reports are to be believed, Central government employees are likely to start getting revised allowances under the Seventh Pay Commission from July.
2. The Central government, however, may not be keen on giving arrears on allowances, a demand repeatedly raised by employees. According to some reports, employee unions have planned protests if the demand of arrears on allowances is not met.
3. The Seventh Pay Commission recommended axing 53 of the 196 allowances that Central government employees get besides merging 36 smaller allowances into bigger ones.
4. The pay commission also suggested bringing down the House Rent Allowance (HRA) rates for Central government employees by varying degrees depending on the type of city. For instance, the pay commission recommended reducing the HRA for Metros from 30 per cent to 24 per cent.
5. The axing of allowances, and a slash in HRA rates by the Seventh Pay Commission did not go down well with Central government employees.
6. A Committee on Allowances was formed under Finance Secretary Ashok Lavasa to review the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission in July last year. The Lavasa panel submitted its report to Arun Jaitley on April 27 after missing two deadlines.

7. "Modifications have been suggested in some allowances which are applicable universally to all Central government employees as well as certain other allowances which apply to specific employee categories," a Finance Ministry statement said a day after Lavasa panel submitted its report.
8. The Ashok Lavasa report was sent to the Department of Expenditure for a first round of review before being placed before the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) for another round of screening.
9. Representatives of Central government employees wrote to Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and said that employees were clueless about the recommendations of the Ashok Lavasa Committee on Allowances. They also expressed anguish over inordinate delay in implementation of the Lavasa panel's report.
10. After screening the Ashok Lavasa report on allowances, the Empowered Committee of Secretaries (E-CoS) forwarded the report along with its suggestions to the government after a June 1 meeting. Central government employees are now waiting for the good news on allowances

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RBI introduces new Rs 500 currency. Here's what's different in new notes

The Reserve Banks of India (RBI) today announced introduction of new Rs 500 currency notes. 

The new version will have few different aspects. The one noticeable aspect of the new currency notes is the inclusion of an inset letter "A". 

Besides, in the new notes the signature of the RBI Governor will be on the reverse side. 

"In continuation of issuing of Rs 500 denomination banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (new) series from time to time which are currently legal tender, a new batch of banknotes with inset letter "A" in both the number panels bearing the signature of Dr. Urjit R. Patel Governor, Reserve Bank of India; with the year of printing '2017' on the reverse, are being issued," RBI said in a press release. 

The design of these notes is similar in all respects to the Rs 500 banknotes in Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series, RBI added.

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Updates on world's highest bridge in Kashmir

The bridge on the Katra-Banihal railway line at village Kauri in Reasi district is likely to be completed by June, 2019 as more than 66 per cent work has been finished.

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Cross-LoC trade on NIA radar in terror fund probe

The trade is conducted at two points across the Line of Control -- the de facto boundary in Kashmir between India and Pakistan: Chakan-da-bagh-Rawalakote route in Jammu and Salamabad-Chokoti in Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Over a dozen firms engaged in cross-LoC trade since October 2008 are under the National Investigation Agency (NIA) scanner as part of its probe against separatist leaders allegedly receiving terror-funding by Pakistan-based organisations to stoke unrest in the Kashmir Valley. 

Top NIA sources told IANS that "dubious transactions" of several traders, whose names have been withheld considering the gravity of the case, raised suspicions about their close connections with banned Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist organisations. 

NIA investigators also found inputs regarding channelling of money to Kashmiri separatist leaders through these "suspected" traders. The firms run by these traders are engaged in barter trade with some Pakistan-based individuals or companies and were found to be under-invoicing the import of goods, like leather articles, dry fruits -- especially dates and California almonds (badam giri) -- surgical instruments, zinc and oil seeds. 

The NIA suspects that "crores of rupees" had been handed over to separatist leaders by the LeT, Hizb and Pakistan's spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) through these traders and other sources for fuelling the prolonged unrest in the Valley last year after the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. 

The agency has seized several bank accounts and ledgers of these traders who are active in the cross-border trade with Pakistan-administered Kashmir that was allowed in October 2008 as a major confidence-building measure between India and Pakistan. 

The NIA has alleged that since the cross-LoC trade began, some businessmen "under- or over-invoiced" their bills, and the difference in payment was later used for promoting subversive activities in the Valley. 

The counter-terror agency is also investigating the inflow of money routed during the cross-border trade -- which is against the trade rules of the barter system under which only goods can be exchanged, an official told IANS. 

The trade is conducted at two points across the Line of Control -- the de facto boundary in Kashmir between India and Pakistan: Chakan-da-bagh-Rawalakote route in Jammu and Salamabad-Chokoti in Kashmir. 

The NIA's move comes after the agency converted a May 19 preliminary enquiry against Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and his close aide and Hurriyat provincial President Nayeem Khan, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front leader Farooq Ahmed Dar alias "Bitta Karate" and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader Ghazi Javed Baba into a regular case. 

The preliminary enquiry was converted into an FIR against Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed and other Pakistan-based terror agencies last week. 

The FIR, which does not name any of the separatist leaders, was registered under legal provisions dealing with waging war or attempting to wage war against India, criminal conspiracy, and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. 

Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ul Dawah, the front of the banned LeT, has been named in the NIA's FIR. 

The NIA has so far questioned over half a dozen people, including Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Ahmed Shah, in connection with the case. 

Last week, the NIA carried out raids at 26 places and the following day at seven places across Srinagar, Delhi and Haryana in connection with the terror-funding probe. 

This is the first time since the rise of militancy in Kashmir in the early 1990s that a central probe agency has carried out raids in connection with funding of separatists. 

The NIA investigation seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terrorist activities, including those who throw stones at security forces, burn down schools and damage government establishments. 

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Supreme Court Stays Madras High Court Order Over Publishing NEET 2017 Results

Supreme Court Stays Madras High Court Order Over Publishing NEET 2017 Results

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today asked the CBSE to declare the results of the NEET examination for admission to MBBS and BDS courses by putting a stay on the Madras High Court order restraining publication of results. The apex court order comes as a relief for 12 lakh medical aspirants who had given the exam. The apex court directed the authorities concerned to proceed with the process of declaration of results, subsequent counselling and admission as per the schedule fixed by it earlier. However, a vacation bench of Justices P C Pant and Deepak Gupta said the declaration of results as well as the subsequent counselling and admission will be subject to the decision of the apex court in the matter pending before it.

The bench also requested all the high courts not to entertain petitions in the matters relating to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) examination 2017.

The order came on the plea by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and others challenging the May 24 order of the Madras High Court which had restrained the Board from publishing the results of NEET examination 2017 in which around 12 lakh aspirants had appeared.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Maninder Singh, appearing for the CBSE, told the bench that due to high court's order the process of declaration of results and subsequent admission have stalled and the order was in conflict with the schedule fixed by the apex court earlier. 

The bench also observed that the high court's order was "indirectly diluting the schedule" fixed by the apex court.

"On one ground we are inclined to stay the high court's order. What indirectly this order is doing is that it is diluting the schedule fixed by the Supreme Court," the bench said while staying the high court's order.

"In view of the above, the interim order is stayed and it is directed that the authorities concerned will proceed further with declaration of results for the NEET 2017 examination subject to decision of this court," the bench said while listing the matter for further proceedings after summer vacation.

The CBSE had on June 9 moved the Supreme Court seeking an immediate stay on the Madras High Court order.

The high court had on May 24 granted interim stay on the publication of NEET results on a batch of pleas alleging that a uniform question paper was not given in the examination and there was a vast difference between the ones in English and in Tamil.

The CBSE had said that due to the high court's order, the entire schedule of counselling and subsequent admission for medical courses through NEET has gone "haywire". ASG Singh had earlier told the apex court that out of 12 lakh aspirants who appeared in the NEET 2017, around 10.5 lakh students have given the exam in either Hindi or English while around 1.25 lakh to 1.50 lakh students have appeared in eight vernacular languages. He had said that a number of pleas have been filed in various high courts in NEET-related matters and high courts have entertained these petitions despite the apex court's order that no other court shall hear such matters.

He had also sought transfer of petitions from various high courts to the apex court which concerns the NEET for the academic year 2017-18. Singh had said that challenge to different sets of questions in vernacular languages were on wrong assumptions that they were difficult as the experts had examined that they were different from those in English or Hindi medium but the level of difficulty cannot be said to be different.

He had said that questions were different to keep the larger interest protected on the ground that if there was a leakage of a set of paper in a vernacular language, the majority of students would be protected as candidates appearing in any particular language were less than those opting for English or Hindi.

The Madras high court had also directed the Medical Council of India, the director of CBSE and the Union Health Ministry to file counter affidavits on these pleas pending before it.

The petitioners before the high court demanded that the NEET 2017 be cancelled and a fresh exam with a uniform question paper be conducted. They have claimed that different sets of question paper had been used at various places, though a common syllabus had been announced.

In Tamil Nadu, the question papers were different for those who opted English and Tamil and the one in Tamil was easier, they have claimed.

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Kargil to get air connectivity under UDAAN scheme

Minister for Cooperatives and #Ladakh Affairs, Chering Dorjay today said that government is committed to strengthen the land and air connectivity to entire Ladakh region and various steps have already been taken in this regard.While addressing a large gathering, he said it is firm determination of the government to ensure a more accessible, reliable, responsive, transparent manner, in a comfortable environment through committed and streamlined processes. He said that air services to Kargil district will be started with the inclusion of the district under Prime Ministers Udaan scheme for air connectivity to small towns.Highlighting the steps taken by the Government for Ladakh region, Dorjay said development of the region is among the top priorities of the Government, funds to the tune of Rs 21,000 crore has been earmarked out of the 80,000 crore Prime Minister Development Programme (PMDP) Schemes for J&K, which includes, Rs 10,000 crore for construction of Zojila tunnel, Rs 4,200 crore for Kargil-Zanskar Highway, Rs 5,000 crore for the construction of twin tunnels on Leh Manali Road, Rs 230 Crore for tourism promotion in both Districts besides other developmental projects.

Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for the uniform and equitable development of the Ladakh Region, the Minister said Rs 5 crore each has been sanctioned over and above the District Plan Funds of Kargil and Leh. He added that apart from this, Rs 5 crore each has also been sanctioned to carry out blacktopping of the roads and Rs 10 crore each to clear the liabilities.Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Ladakh Autonomous Hill Developmental Council (LAHDC) Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, Executive Councillors, Chief Engineer of NHPC and District officers were also present on the occasion.Earlier the Minister visited district hospital Kargil and took stock of the health care facilities being provided to the patients. He also visited various blocks of the hospital and interacted with the patients besides doctors and the para medical staff. He directed the concerned that every help should be provided to the patients visiting these hospitals.

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Latest updates on Security on LoC

1. Army Major identified as SR Samal killed after gypsy he was travelling in turned turtle at NC Pass, Sadhna Top in Kupwara's Kralpora

2. Pakistani Army initiated indiscriminate firing of small arms, heavy automatics and mortars from 6:40 pm again along LoC in Naushera. Indian Army posts are still retaliating

3.

CM Mehbooba Mufti met Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhavan, held discussions on various issues including security situation of the state.

4.

Five foreign terrorists eliminated & large quantity of warlike stores recovered. Search& sanitation ops on in the area: Brig YS Ahlawat #Uri. It is 5th infiltration bid that has been successfully eliminated by Army in last 3 days: Brig Ahlawat on Uri infiltration bid foiled by Army. So far, in search ops huge quantity of arms&ammunition,explosives,combat dresses, eatables with Pakistan markings recovered: Brig YS Ahlawat

5. J&K: Terrorists fired upon policeman identified as Khurshid Ahmad, outside SOG camp at Shopian's Imam Sahib.

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