Article 370: Landline Services Resumes in Parts of Kashmir Valley

Almost two weeks after clampdown, 2G mobile internet services restored in Jammu, Resi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur areas on Saturday, 17 August. Landline services in 17 exchanges of Kashmir Valley restored, said officials, reported PTI.

Earlier on 16 August, the government said that landlines in the area will be restored in a phased manner.

Addressing the media after the UN Security Council held a closed door meeting to discuss India revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, India's permanent representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin on Friday, 16 August, said, "Our national position was and remains that matters related to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution are entirely an internal matter of India."

• Schools to be opened after the weekend area by area, said J&K chief secretary
• SC on Friday found six petitions posing legal challenges to the abrogation of Article 370 as ‘defective’
• Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, wrote a letter to Amit Shah, saying Kashmiris have been ‘caged like animals and deprived of basic human rights’

Landline Services in Kashmir Valley Restored

Landline services in 17 exchanges of Kashmir Valley restored, said officials on Saturday, 17 August, reported PTI.

Mobile Internet Services Restored in Jammu

Almost two weeks after clampdown, 2G mobile internet services restored in Jammu, Resi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur areas on Saturday, 17 August.

Trump Urges Indo-Pak Dialogue in Call With Imran

US President Donald Trump on Friday conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue on the Kashmir issue during a phone call with Prime Minister Imran Khan, the White House said.

The phone conversation between Trump and Khan took place before the close-door-consultation of the 15 members of the UN Security Council in New York. The White House readout of the call was issued after the meeting concluded at the UN headquarters in New York.

'Internal Matter': India's Representative to UN After UNSC Meet on J&K

Addressing the media after the UN Security Council held a closed door meeting to discuss India revoking the special status of J&K, India's permanent representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin said, "Our national position was and remains that matters related to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution are entirely an internal matter of India."

"“These have no external ramifications, the recent decisions taken by the Government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, socio-economic development is enhanced for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.”" - Syed Akbaruddin, India’s permanent representative to UN

Akbaruddin said that India is committed to gradually removing all restrictions in the region. "India remains committed to ensure that the situation there (J&K) remains calm and peaceful."

"“We took preventive measures in Kashmir to stop terrorists (from) bleeding our people... Some (are) trying to project an alarmist situation in Kashmir to propagate their ideology.”" - Syed Akbaruddin

UNSC Meeting Nullifies India's Claims That J&K is An Internal Matter: Pak Representative

After the UNSC meeting, Pakistan's Reprensentative to the UN Maleeha Lodhi was quoted by the country's daily, The Nation, as saying that the Security Council meeting nullifies India's claims that J&K is an internal matter of India.

Pak PM Imran Khan Discusses Kashmir With Trump Over Phone

Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Friday discussed the Kashmir issue with US President Donald Trump over the phone, as the UN Security Council held a closed door meeting to discuss India revoking the special status of J&K.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Khan took the US President "into confidence" regarding the UNSC meeting at the UN headquarters.

UNSC Members Think India & Pak Should Refrain from Unilateral Action: China's UN Ambassador

China's UN ambassador on Friday said that the UN Security Council members generally think India and Pakistan should refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, reported Reuters.

'Bilateral Issue': Russian Representative Before UNSC Meet

Russia's deputy permanent representative, Dimitry Polyanskiy, said before entering the meeting room for the UNSC discussion on J&K that Moscow's view is that it is a "bilateral issue" between India and Pakistan.

He said the meeting was being held to understand what is happening, reported PTI.

"That's what closed consultations are for. What does Russia think the next step should be – we favour bilateral track between India and Pakistan. You know our position. It hasn't changed. Today, we have closed consultations and we will just exchange opinions and see what we can do and what we cannot do. It is a normal process."

When asked if Russia was concerned over the tense situation between India and Pakistan, Polyanskiy reportedly said, "We are very much concerned. We hope to avoid it.”

UNSC Holds Closed-Door Meet on J&K

The UN Security Council on Friday began a rare closed door meeting to discuss India revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir after Pakistan, backed by China, requested "closed consultations" on the issue.

The outcome of the UNSC meeting will not be a formal pronouncement as the consultations are informal in nature, reported PTI. India and Pakistan are not attending the meeting, which is open only to the five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.

China, a permanent member of the UNSC and close ally of Pakistan, had asked for "closed consultations" in the Council, which began its deliberations at 10 am (7:30pm Indian Standard Time) in the Security Council Consultations Room.

Most Landlines to Be Functional Over the Weekend: J&K Chief Secy

J&K Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, in his address to the media on Friday, said that most landlines will be functional over the weekend, according to an NDTV report.

When questioned about restoration of landline telephones, Subrahmanyam was quoted as saying, "Exchange by exchange, they will be switching it on. Over the weekend, you'll have most of these lines functional."

Amid Indo-Pak Tensions, Thar Link Express Suspended

Amid tensions between India and Pakistan following the effective revocation of Article 370 in J&K, India has suspended the Jodhpur-Munabao Thar Link Express. This train is the Indian part of the international passenger train operating between Jodhpur and Karachi.

Watch: Congress Leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi Addresses Media on Kashmir Issue

'Preventive Detentions Being Reviewed': J&K Chief Secretary

In his address to the media, J&K Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam pointed out that a few preventive detentions of individuals were made in accordance with provisions of law to maintain law and order.

"“Preventive detentions are being reviewed and appropriate decisions will be made based on law and order assessments. The government’s focus is on the earliest return to normalcy while ensuring that terrorist forces are given no opportunity to wreak havoc as in the past.”" - J&K Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam

Schools to be Opened, Govt Offices Functional from Today: J&K Chief Secy

Addressing the media on Friday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said there would be an "easing of restrictions in the next few days in an orderly way", with schools to be opened after the weekend area by area.

"Movement of public transport would be made operational. Government offices are functional from today. Telecom connectivity will be gradually eased and restored in a phased manner," the chief secretary said.

Subrahmanyam further said that 12 out of 22 districts in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are functioning normally, with some limited restrictions in five districts. "The measures put in place has ensured that there has not been a single loss of life."

Pak Escalated Ceasefire Violation, Says Indian Army

The Indian Army on 16 August said that Pakistan has upscaled 'ceasefire violations' both in terms of weapon and area in last few days, reported ANI, quoting sources.

“With United Nations sessions to commence shortly, Pakistan can play victim card and with hope that escalating ceasefire violations may invite due attention,”sources told ANI.

Pakistan Cracks Down on Indian Ads, Movies

Pakistan has banned Indian advertisements and launched a crackdown on CD shops to confiscate Indian movies, news agency ANI quoted Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister on Information, as saying.

Educational Institutions to Reopen in Kashmir from Monday

Quoting government sources, news agency ANI reported that schools and other educational institutions will reopen in Kashmir valley from Monday, 19 August.

‘Caged, Deprived’: Mehbooba Mufti’s Daughter Writes Letter to Shah

In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Iltija Mufti, the daughter of former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written that Kashmiris have been ‘caged like animals and deprived of basic human rights’

Return of Kashmiri Pandits to Valley Possible Only with Support of Stakeholders: Adviser to J&K Guv

dviser to J&K Governor, Farooq Khan, has said the complete return of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) to the Valley is possible only with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.

"The complete return of Kashmiri migrants to the Valley is possible only with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the civil society of Kashmir, who share a social and cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants," Khan said on Thursday.

He said the government was committed to the safe return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.

Pakistan Summons Top Indian Diplomat

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan, Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations.

Restrictions Will Be Lifted in 'Next Few Days': Centre

Representing the Centre during the hearing on a clutch of pleas related to the J&K situation, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the government security agencies were taking stock of the situation and the restrictions will be lifted in the ‘next few days’.

No Restriction on Publication of Kashmir Times: KK Venugopal

During the hearing of plea against restrictions on communication in J&K, Attorney General KK Venugopal said, “There is no restriction on Kashmir Times on publication of newspaper from J&K and its Jammu edition is being published on daily basis. Don't know why they not publishing the paper from Kashmir.”

SC Refuses to Pass Any Order on Plea Against Restrictions on Communication

The Supreme Court has refused to pass any by executive editor of Kashmir Times for lifting of restrictions on telephone, internet and movement of journalists.

The matter has been adjourned without giving a date.

Six petitions Defective: CJI

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed anguish over "defective" petitions challenging scrapping of provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the petition by advocate M L Sharma challenging the scrapping of Article 370 has "no meaning".

"What kind of petition is this? It could have been dismissed but there are 5 other pleas with the registry," the bench also comprising S A Bobde and S A Najeer said.

"You are not praying for setting aside the Presidential order. What is the prayer it is not clear. It can be dismissed on technical grounds," the bench said and added that there were five other petitions in the registry which are defective.

'Would Like to Give It Little Time': CJI to Anuradha Bhasin on Plea Against Communication Clampdown

Hearing the petition filed by Anuradha Bhasin, Executive Editor of Kashmir Times, against communication clampdown in J&K, the CJI said that some more time should be given before lifting the restrictions.

“We would like to give it a little time. I have read in the papers that landlines will be restored by evening,” he said, to which Justice Bobde replied saying the landlines are working.

CJI Slams ML Sharma for Poor Drafting of Petition

CJI Ranjan Gogoi slammed the petition filed by lawyer ML Sharma against the abrogation of Article 370.

“I tried to read the petition for half an hour, I could not understand it. We should dismiss this, but we don't want to because of the effect it will have on others," he said.

Easing of Public Curbs to Be Mulled After Friday's 'Namaaz'

The easing of public curbs in Jammu &Kashmir would depend on the day's development after the namaaz (prayers), news agency PTI reported quoting a Raj Bhawan spokesperson.

The Jammu and Kashmir government secretariat and other offices will also start functioning from Friday.

Governor Malik took the decision after a review of the security scenario in the state that ensured peaceful Independence Day celebrations across the state, including in its various district headquarters and elsewhere, the spokesperson said.

SC to Hear Petitions Against Article 370 on Friday

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Friday, 16 August, the petitions posing legal challenges to the Centre's decision to scrap provisions of Article 370 which abrogated special status to Jammu and Kashmir and subsequent measures putting restrictions on the working of media in the region.

A special bench, comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SA Bobde and SA Nazeer, will hear the petitions filed by advocate ML Sharma and Executive Editor, Kashmir Times Anuradha Bhasin.

While the advocate has challenged the scrapping of provisions of Article 370, which has resulted in the creation of two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the journalist has sought directions for restoring of all modes of communication, including mobile Internet and landline services, throughout the state to provide an enabling environment for the media to practice its profession.

UNSC to Hold 'Closed-Door' Meeting to Discuss Kashmir on Friday

After Pakistan and China urged the UN Security Council to hold meetings to discuss the Kashmir issue, Poland, which currently holds the council's rotating presidency, has listed the matter for discussion at 10:00 am (1400 GMT) on Friday, 16 August, diplomats told AFP.