News updates from Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 6: Here are all the latest news developments from Jammu and Kashmir.

Heavy shelling in Hiranagar

In the wake of intensive shelling across international border in Hiranagar sector more relief camps have opened and educational institutions of Marheen and Hiranagar sector closed for an indefinite period. Small arms firing was reported in Hiranagar Sub-Division all across IB at 1400 hrs which was followed by intense shelling. Range of shelling also reported to be increased at various places like Chakra, Sherpur and Londi where shells have exploded at a distance of 3.5 to KM from international border.

More than 2500 people have been evacuated to safer places making the number of migrants in relief camps 4300. Due to intense shelling further evacuation process has been witheld to avoid targetting of buses ferrying border residents however three bulletproof vans were pressed into action at Bobiyan, Pahadpur, Manyari and other forward areas. Four more relief camps have been opened making the number of camps 14.

Hina likely to be nominated as MLA / MLC

The BJP candidate from Amirakadal Hina Bhat, who fought election from the area unsuccessfully, may be nominated as a member of legislative assembly or legislative council. If sources are to be believed, Hina, the firebrand BJP leader from Kashmir, remained in news for her bold and outright statement on Article 370 and she may be the first choice of the party from Kashmir to be inducted in assembly or council as she is the voice of BJP from the valley.

She is considered to be the best choice for her nomination to the assembly as she is a woman, a doctor and more importantly the bold voice of BJP.

Aqib Shah likely to merge IPP with BJP

Founding President of Independent People's Party and a firebrand mass-leader of J&K, Aqib Shah is likely to merge his 8 month old party IPP with BJP. Shah, who is also a Columnist, Poet and a multilingual writer besides also being a Law Scholar is expected to revert back to BJP.

It is pertinent to mention here that Aqib Shah is also a former State Working Committee member of BJP which happens to be the party's highest decision making body. Shah also remained BJP Youth incharge for twin border districts of Rajouri-Poonch before leaving the party in 2014 after which he launched IPP.

Sources close to Shah however have said that there is no official statement issued in this regard as yet by the IPP President.

Muthi residents protest against police, block Jammu-Akhnoor highway

Angry over the police inaction against increase in theft cases, residents of Muthi and adjoining areas blocked Jammu-Poonch state highway for one hour today.

Large number of residents assembled under the leadership of BJP Jammu District Rural Secretary Omi Khajuria and started raising slogans against the police. They sat on road and blocked the Jammu-Akhnoor highway for an hour.

The protestors alleged that the Domana police has failed to keep vigil in the area leading to increase in crime. They said four theft cases have been reported in the area. The shops of Parshotam Kumar, Subash Chander, Mukesh Kumar and Buta Ram were burgled and police failed to solve the thefts cases, which forced them to come on roads.

Number of times SHO Domana was informed regarding increasing patrolling in the area to curb the incidents like theft and chain snatching but he did nothing in regard leaving the people to suffer, alleged Omi Khajuria.

Within few minutes hundreds of vehicles got struck and long queue of vehicles was seen on either side of the highway.

After getting the information of road blockade, SP Rural Jammu, SDPO Domana and SHO Domana rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the protesters. SP Rural assured increase petrolling in the area and also arrest the burglars at the earliest, after which the protesters got pacified and vehicular movement was restored on the highway