Tensions are escalating in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) following violent clashes between Pakistani security forces and protestors, resulting in civilian deaths and a communications blackout. The situation has drawn international condemnation, with over 50 British Parliament members expressing concern and a former Indian police chief criticising Pakistan's actions.
Director general of police Swain commended the security forces for their efforts in monitoring potential threats from external elements particularly "proxies of Pakistan" who intended to disrupt the democratic process.
Since LeT is involved and the outfit is run from Pakistan, so in a way Pakistan's involvement cannot be ruled out, the police chief told reporters.
The clarification follows a hard-hitting statement by the sitting ruling National Conference MP Sharief-ud-Din Shariq that 'the three had been murdered in cold blood'.
He said 100 youths joined terrorism in J-K this year, which is also the lowest in many years.
Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT) terrorist Talib Hussain Shah was briefly associated with a political party and also posed himself as a media-person, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on Monday.
Yasir Lohar's arrest followed a major all-night manhunt, police said in a statement, adding that his interrogation had begun.
Palli panchayat, 17 km from Jammu city, was virtually sealed with local police and paramilitary personnel including Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force deployed in strength to keep a strict vigil.
Days after it sparred with the Delhi Police over the arrest of Liyaqat Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday said he cannot be labelled as a "terrorist or innocent" until the investigation is complete. "This is to be decided in the investigation. You cannot label a person a terrorist or innocent until the investigation process is complete," Director General of Police Ashok Prasad said in response to a question on Liyaqat.
The J-K top cops also said less than 200 militants are currently active in Jammu and Kashmir.
'It is an unfortunate incident, in which we have lost a brave officer. He was a fighter and he led Sunday's operation himself.'
Vaid, a 1986-batch IPS officer, was unceremoniously removed as police chief late on Thursday night.
Police have filed a case against the army personnel, an official said, adding that records kept at a police station were also damaged.
The home minister said Indian youth should stand up to face forces which want to destabilise the country.
