Category: General

Guwahati, A new surge of violence in Manipur, India, has resulted in the deaths of two young men, sparking a 24-hour shutdown called by local tribal groups in protest.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident occurred in an area under the jurisdiction of the Maphoudam police station in Imphal East district, which borders Kangpokpi and the Naga-majority district of Ukhrul. The victims, identified as Kamminlal Lupheng, 23, and Kamlengsat Lunkim, 22, both from Kangpokpi, were reportedly caught in gunfire. A senior police officer confirmed the deaths following the gunfire incident.

In response to the killings, the Committee of Tribal Unity, a Kuki-Zomi group, has enforced a 24-hour shutdown across Kangpokpi district. This protest comes at a critical time, as polling for the Inner and Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seats is scheduled to occur in less than a week, in areas recently affected by violence and conflict.

Jammu, Mughal Road, a vital route linking the Kashmir valley’s Shopian district with the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, has been closed to traffic following recent snowfall in the area.

According to Kashmir Media Service, officials reported snow accumulation at several key points along the road, including the high-altitude pass ‘Pir Ki Gali’. The adverse weather conditions prompted authorities to issue a closure of the road to ensure safety and prevent accidents.

The decision to halt traffic movement on Mughal Road will remain in effect until further notice, as local weather conditions continue to be monitored for improvements that would allow safe travel.

Srinagar, The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has stated that lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of its people.

According to Kashmir Media Service, APHC spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s portrayal of the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) during the Lok Sabha elections. Minhas argued that the BJP’s narrative of returning peace to the region contrasts sharply with the increased harassment of Kashmiris by Indian forces and efforts to alter the demographic makeup of the region since August 5, 2019.

Minhas also highlighted the BJP’s policies in Kashmir as a threat to the peace and stability of the entire region, emphasizing the need for a resolution that reflects the wishes of Kashmiri people. He condemned the continued illegal detention of key Kashmiri leaders and activists and criticized the prohibition of Jumatul-Wida and Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Mosque in Srinagar, calling it a severe violation of religious rights.

The APHC’s statement comes at a time of intensified military presence and operations in Kashmir, which Minhas described as turning the valley into a military garrison and significantly impacting the lives of its residents.

Srinagar, Farooq Abdullah, President of the National Conference, has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using falsehoods in its political strategies against his party, asserting that the INDIA alliance will sweep all six seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Kashmir Media Service, during a press conference in Srinagar, Abdullah emphasized the democratic nature of his party’s leadership, contrasting it with hereditary successions in business. He argued that political leaders must earn their positions through elections, reflecting the will of the people. Abdullah also criticized the current Indian Prime Minister’s approach to statehood promises, questioning the delay in granting statehood to regions like Udhampur.

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, another leader from the National Conference and a Lok Sabha candidate from Baramulla, addressed the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the abrogation of Article 370. He expressed disappointment with the ruling but reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the dialogue on the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar argued that no government is permanent and expressed hope that future administrations might be more receptive to their cause.

The statements from the Abdullahs come at a critical time as the region prepares for national elections, with the backdrop of ongoing legal and political debates over the area’s autonomy and governance.