News Report: India Deploys Nuclear-Capable Infantry Division Near Pakistan Amid High Tensions

India has deployed an infantry division to a potential flashpoint to guard against any provocation from its neighbor Pakistan and has again warned its ‘adversary’ against aiding terrorists to cross the Line of Control.

New Delhi (Sputnik) – In the midst of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the possibility of India launching a “limited war,” India has revived its decades-old combat division comprising tanks and armored vehicles near the historically significant Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

The division is mandated to counter any action of Pakistani troops in the Chamb-Jaurian sector – the area where the 1971 war between the two countries broke out.

The 10th Infantry Division of the Indian Army, which is now being converted into RAPID (Reorganized Army Plains Infantry Division), will hold around 100 T-72 tanks and the same number of Russian made mechanized armored vehicles.

The RAPID formation has infantry assets to reasonably conduct significant offensive operations and is easily adaptable to nuclear, biological & chemical warfare.

News Story: Indian firing kills 1 Pakistani civilian: Pakistan's army

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistan's army said that at least one civilian was killed and four others injured in Indian firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region on Wednesday.

"Indian troops resorted to unprovoked fire along LoC in Nikiyal Sector targeting civil population with heavy weapons including mortars and anti-tank guided missile (ATGMs)," a statement from the military said.

"Pakistan Army troops responded effectively on posts undertaking firing. Reports of casualties to Indian troops and material," the statement said.

Pakistan and India had declared ceasefire along the LoC in the disputed Kashmir region and the Working Boundary in 2003. Both, however, routinely accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Indian army says militant killed on Kashmir LoC

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Indian army Tuesday claimed it has foiled an infiltration bid along Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir by killing a militant.

The infiltration bid as per Indian army officials was foiled in Uri sector of frontier Baramulla district, about 90 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

According to Indian army spokesman Col. Rajesh Kalia, the militant was trying to infiltrate deep inside Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"An infiltration bid was foiled today in general area Zorawar sector of Uri during which a militant was killed," Kalia said. "A weapon has been recovered and operation is ongoing in the area."

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News Story: 3 militants killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Three militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with Indian army near Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, officials said Monday.

The gunfight according to Indian army officials broke out in forest area at Kalghe village of frontier Uri town, about 117 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Three militants were killed in a fierce gunfight with army at Kalghe of Uri," a police spokesman said. "The gunfight that started early on Sunday morning ended during the night."

The operation in the area was launched following specific information about presence of militants in the area, police said.

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News Story: 7 people wounded in grenade blast in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people including two policemen and a paramilitary trooper were wounded in a grenade blast Sunday in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The grenade blast took place in Sopore town of Baramulla district, about 48 km northwest of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Reports said militants hurled a grenade inside a bullet proof vehicle of police, however a policemen inside the vehicle threw it out immediately, resulting in its blast on road.

"Alert special police officer (SPO) throws away grenade to safer place which was hurled inside security force vehicle thus saving lives of dozen police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel," a police spokesman said. "Two policemen and CRPF man suffered minor wounds."

Meanwhile, civilians wounded in the attack were immediately taken to government medical facility in the town.

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News Story: 2 militants arrested for attack on paramilitary in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Indian police said Friday it had arrested two militants responsible for carrying out attack on paramilitary troopers in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir.

The attack, according to police on Wednesday evening, killed a paramilitary trooper belonging to India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and wounded another in Banihal area of Ramban district, about 107 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Two militants namely Gazanfer and Arif involved in attack at Banihal have been arrested and hunt for third one is on," a police spokesman said. "The two snatched weapons have also been recovered."

Initially police suspected the incident was a case of fratricide.

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News Story: Firing on Kashmir border claims civilian lives on both sides

NEW DELHI, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- With no let up in skirmishes on Line of Control (LoC) and international border (IB) dividing Kashmir, the civilians on both sides of the divide continue to bear the brunt.

On Thursday evening, the two sides exchanged fire in Arnia, Ramgarh and R S Pura sectors along the International Border in Jammu and Samba districts.

According to police, the firing wounded four civilians, besides damaging several houses.

"Four civilians were injured in the firing," a police spokesman said. "The firing also perished cattle besides damaging residential houses."

The spokesman said authorities have evacuated around 800 civilians to safer places.

Meanwhile, four civilians including two women were killed on Pakistani side in Charwah sector on Thursday.

Read the full story at Xinhua

Related Story:

• 6 civilians killed, 26 injured in Indian firing: Pakistani army

News Story: 3 killed, 30 injured in grenade attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least three civilians were killed and 30 others including seven paramilitary troopers wounded Thursday in a grenade attack in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The grenade attack was carried out in Tral town of Pulwama district, about 41 km south of Srinagar city.

"Suspected militants threw a grenade and then resorted to indiscriminate firing in Tral town near bus terminal," a police official said. "The grenade missed the intended target and exploded on road killing and wounding civilians."

Health officials said three civilians were killed and 30 others brought to hospital in wounded condition.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Paramilitary trooper killed, another wounded in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- A paramilitary trooper belonging to India's Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) was killed and another wounded in a firing incident in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Thursday.

While SSB officials say it was a militant attack, the police views the incident as an apparent case of fratricide.

The incident took place Wednesday evening in Banihal area of Ramban district, about 107 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"An SSB head constable was killed and another injured when unidentified militants fired upon SSB troops near Jawahar Tunnel," SSB officials said, adding "the paramilitary troopers were returning from tunnel security duty."

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: India, Pakistan LoC skirmishes kill trooper

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- An Indian army trooper was killed Wednesday during skirmishes between troops of India and Pakistan on Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, police said.

The trooper was killed along LoC in Keran sector of frontier Kupwara district, about 130 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: India, Pakistan troops exchange fire on Kashmir border

by Peerzada Arshad Hamid

NEW DELHI, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- The troops of India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire and shelling on Monday for the fourth-straight day on the International Border (IB) in Kashmir, officials said.

The exchange of fire was reported along the IB in Arnia area of R S Pura sector of Jammu, the winter capital city of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Pakistani troops again violated the cease-fire by firing mortars and resorting to heavy firing in Arnia sector along the IB last night. The shelling targeting Indian positions and civilian areas started around 9:00 p.m. (local time) and was intermittently going on since then," a police official said.

According to Indian officials, the border guards posted in the sector effectively retaliated to the firing and the exchange of fire continued for several hours.

No casualty was reported on the Indian side in the fresh exchange of fire, officials said.

On Saturday night a woman was killed and five others wounded in Arnia sector.

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News Story: India-Pakistan border skirmishes kills border guard on Kashmir border

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- An Indian border guard belonging to Border Security Force (BSF) was killed Friday during skirmishes between troops of India and Pakistan on International Border (IB) in Kashmir, officials said.

The exchange of small arms and artillery was reported along the IB in Arnia area of Ranbir Singh Pura sector of Jammu, the winter capital city of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"The firing is still going on," the officials said.

On Wednesday night, three border guards were wounded in a similar exchange. Indian border guards also claimed killing two Pakistani rangers.

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News Story: Indian troops kill top militant commander, associate in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- A top militant commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit Abu Ismail and his associate were killed Thursday in a brief gunfight with Indian troops in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight between militants and a contingent of police and army broke out at village Aarigam-Nowgam in the outskirts of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"LeT chief commander Abu Ismail along with his accomplice were today killed in brief gunfight here," a police spokesman told Xinhua. "This is a huge achievement for police and troops."

Ismail according to police was among the most wanted militants active in the restive region. Police sources said he was involved in the recent attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims.

According to police, the government forces had prior information about Ismail's movement.

Police claimed recovery of two assault rifles from the spot.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Policeman killed, another injured as militants attack police post in Indian-controlled Kashmir & Indian troops kill militant in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

Policeman killed, another injured as militants attack police post in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was killed and another wounded Saturday after militants attacked a police party in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The attack was carried out in the evening near bus stand in Anantnag town, about 52 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"This evening militants attacked a police party with gunfire which left a policeman dead on spot and his colleague wounded," a police spokesman at police control room, Anantnag told Xinhua. "The wounded policeman has been removed to hospital."

The attack triggered panic in the entire township, as people were seen fleeing from the spot to safer locations and shopkeepers pulling down shutters of their shops.

Read the full story at Xinhua

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Indian troops kill militant in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- A militant of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) was killed Saturday in a fierce gunfight with contingents of police and Indian army in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight between militants and government forces broke out at village Reben-Rafiabad in Baramulla district, about 55 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Today a militant was killed in a gunfight triggered with police and Indian army at Reben-Rafiabad," a senior police official posted in Sopore told Xinhua.

Police said the search and cordon in the area was launched on specific intelligence information suggesting presence of militants.

Reports said Indian army or police have not suffered any damage in the stand-off.

Authorities have snapped internet service in the district, fearing it would mobilize people to stage protests in and around the area.

The slain militant was identified as a local cadre of the HM.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: India's army chief says China 'testing limits' after stand-off

India's army chief has said his country must be prepared for war and accused China of "testing our limits", days after the nuclear-armed neighbours ended one of their worst border stand-offs in decades.

General Bipin Rawat said India could not afford to be complacent and should be prepared for the possibility of an all-out war.

"As far as our northern adversary is concerned, flexing of muscles has started," Rawat said late Wednesday at a Delhi-based think-tank, in reference to China.

"The salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner... testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations which could gradually emerge into conflict."

"Whether these conflicts will be confined or limited in space and time or whether these can expand into an all-out war along the entire front (remains to be seen)," the Army chief said.

Read the full story at SpaceDaily

News Report: Pakistan Says US Can’t Win War on Terror Without It

Ayaz Gul

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has vowed to stay engaged with the United States to help fight terrorism in neighboring Afghanistan, but said the war “cannot be won by excluding or confronting” Islamabad.

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif made the remark Thursday at the end of a three-day conference of Pakistani ambassadors to key world capitals for formulating a comprehensive response to the new U.S. policy on Afghanistan.

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Pakistan when he announced his long-awaited Afghan war policy last month. He accused Islamabad of harboring terrorists linked to the Taliban and Haqqani network, which are undermining U.S.-led efforts to stabilize Afghanistan and staging attacks on American forces.

The charges have strained an already fragile relationship between Islamabad and Washington.

“We want to stay engaged with the United States. There is absolutely no doubt about it ... But this relationship will be driven by the interest of Pakistan. We want to have a relationship based on mutual respect,” Foreign Minister Asif told reporters after the meeting.

News Story: Grenade blast kills 1, wounds 14 in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and 14 others were wounded Thursday in a grenade blast in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The blast took place in the evening at Jehangir Chowk in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"One person was brought dead and over 12 others were brought in wounded condition here this evening," Dr. Nazir Choudhary, superintendent of SMHS hospital told Xinhua. "The wounded are being provided medical aid."

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Story: Indian troops kill 2 militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two militants were killed Monday in a fierce gunfight with contingents of police and Indian army in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The gunfight between militants and government forces broke out at Sopore in Baramulla district, about 52 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"This morning a gunfight triggered in Chak Brath village between militants and joint contingents of police and army. During the fierce exchange of fire two militants were killed," a senior police officer posted in Sopore told Xinhua.

Read the full story at Xinhua

News Report: India Plans to Populate Villages Along 2167-Mile Disputed Chinese Border

India wants to develop its frontier region as a tourist destination so that it can populate remote areas close to the Line of Actual Control (effective border yet to be clearly demarcated). Starting civilian flights to and from frontier areas may have a deeper significance in terms of counterbalancing Chinese aggression in the region.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — In a major strategic push to assert its presence along the 2167-mile-long disputed border with China, India has announced a major plan to attract more settlers in the difficult Himalayan landscape.

Most of the border villages in the sector have been witnessing large-scale migration owing to lack of connectivity with the mainland. The government plans to improve connectivity within the region through helicopter services.

"We have increased the viability gap funding for helicopters. The way their flight time is calculated has also been made more realistic. We expect this to lead to improved connectivity in priority areas of Jammu and Kashmir, northeast India, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep," RN Choubey, aviation secretary said on Thursday.

News Report: India, Pakistan Agree to Exercise Restraint in Kashmir After Frequent Skirmishes

Top level commanders of both the armies participated in a flag meeting held in Poonch sector in Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to keep channels of communication open between local commanders and exercise restraint at the Line of Control (de-facto border).

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Indian and Pakistani armed forces have agreed to institute mechanisms for peace and tranquility at the border amid increased reports of ceasefire violations by both sides.

“Indian and Pakistan armies held a battalion commander-level flag meeting at Chakan-Da-Bagh in Poonch Sector in the backdrop of numerous ceasefire violations and casualties to the civilian population in the past several months,” a statement from the Indian Army said.

Both the sides also discussed the resumption of trade and transit through Chakan-Da-Bagh route. Earlier, India had stopped trade through Chakan-Da-Bagh in July after heavy shelling by the Pakistani army.