Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A policeman was killed in a terror attack in Anantnag, Kashmir, prompting a high-level security review and renewed focus on counter-terrorism operations.
Key points
- Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi was killed in a terror attack in Anantnag while on Amarnath yatra duty.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K LG Manoj Sinha met the slain policeman's family and assured government support.
- J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat directed intensification of area domination, night domination, and intelligence-led operations to counter terrorism.
- Focus on strengthening the security grid around critical infrastructure and enhancing coordination among security agencies.
- Directions issued to identify, track, and neutralize residual terror networks.
Background & context
Kashmir has been a region with a long history of militancy and cross-border terrorism, leading to frequent security operations and challenges.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The attack occurred on Amarnath yatra duty in Anantnag market.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Security challenges and their management in India; Role of central agencies in internal security.
Why in news?
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah urged the Centre to introduce and pass a bill for the restoration of J&K's statehood during the ongoing Parliament session.
Key points
- Farooq Abdullah called for fulfilling the Centre's repeated commitments on restoring J&K's statehood.
- He termed statehood restoration as a constitutional and democratic imperative.
- The demand comes after NC leaders protested at Jantar Mantar over statehood and constitutional guarantees.
- Abdullah also commended the J&K administration's response to recent inclement weather challenges.
Background & context
Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in August 2019, there have been consistent demands for the restoration of its full statehood.
★ Prelims fact capsule
J&K was reorganised into two Union Territories in August 2019.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Federalism, Centre-State relations, Governance; GS Paper III: Internal security challenges.
Why in news?
Regional party leaders have raised concerns over alleged mass arrests of youth and demolition of houses following the Anantnag terror attack, questioning the collective punishment.
Key points
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, MP Engineer Rashid, and MP Aga Syed Ruhullah have voiced concerns over actions post-Anantnag attack.
- Allegations of large-scale detentions (over 2000 youth) and harassment of young men on suspicion of being 'over-ground workers' (OGWs).
- Criticism of home demolitions of suspected militants' families as 'extrajudicial and unjust'.
- Concerns that such measures deepen resentment and are counterproductive.
- Welcomed the release on bail of human rights activist Khurram Parvez and journalist Irfan Mehraj.
Background & context
Human rights groups and regional political parties have often raised concerns about security operations in Kashmir and their impact on the local population, including allegations of rights violations.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Over 2000 young men were allegedly picked up on allegations of being 'over-ground workers' (OGWs).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Human Rights; GS Paper III: Internal security challenges.