IAF has stepped in to ease situation in Jammu and Kashmir
After cancellation of Amarnath Yatra due to terror threats, it has now been decided that stranded yatris will be airlifted to safety by Indian Air Force. The IAF will be pressing CL-17 and IL-76 planes into service for the airlift. Air Force has taken the decision after a request made by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik.
Jammu & Kashmir Government on Friday advised all those on Amarnath Yatra to immediately return citing terror threats. The yatra has since been cancelled. Yartris have started making their way back to their hometowns. Now the Indian Air Force has decided to assist them.
In fact, the IAF has already started making sorties and has airlifted 320 stranded yatris so far, reported PTI.
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has seen a major troop build up in recent days. Regional parties like People's Democratic Party and National Conference have resented the development alleging that this was BJP-led central government's attempt to strike down Article 35A and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir parties should unite to send message to the Centre
On Saturday, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti made an appeal to all political parties of the state asking them to unite.
"Workers of all political parties should come together so that a message can be given to Centre that they can't toy with J&K's special position," She was quoted by ANI as saying.
Everything is fine, political parties are creating unnecessary panic: Governor Satya Pal Malik
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik rubbished claims of regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and accused them of creating unnecessary panic among the people.
State and Central Government have maintained that the troop build-up has been undertaken keeping in mind security threats especially in the wake of Indpendence Day on August 15.
Karan Singh, son of Jammu and Kashmir's last King Hari Singh warns government
"On Article 370 and 35A, I would advise extreme caution: tread carefully for there are legal, political, constitutional and emotional factors involved which should be thoroughly assessed, I think that is fair warning," said Karan Singh as he spoke with news agency IANS.
Karan Singh criticised further criticised PM Narendra Modi-led central government for curtailing Amarnath yatra. He called the step "unprecedented"
Karan Singh has been the Regent of J&K (from June 20, 1949, he acted as Regent), then Sadr e Riyasat (from November 17, 1952 to March 30, 1965, Karan Singh was then elected head of state of Jammu and Kashmir). On 30 March 1965, Karan Singh, who became the first Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (till May 15, 1967) is the last residual link between feudal and monarchial Kashmir and its evolution to a democratic one.
(With inputs from Manish Prasad and IANS)
Also Read | Kashmir turmoil: Workers of all political parties should come together, says Mehbooba Mufti
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