Indian-administered Kashmir remains locked down a day after it was stripped of a status that gave it significant autonomy from the rest of India. Telephone networks and the internet, which were cut off on Sunday evening, are yet to be restored and tens of thousands of troops are patrolling the streets. Instances of protest and stone-throwing have been reported despite the communications blackout and a curfew. Local leaders have also been detained. The Himalayan region of Kashmir is claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan, but they each control only parts of it.
Pakistan has intensified its efforts at increasing the strength of terrorists in launch pads along the Line of Control over the past few days and pushing infiltrators into Jammu and Kashmir, a top Army officer said on Tuesday. General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh added that Pakistan is also initiating ceasefire violations. If the Pakistan Army continues with its disruptive course, the Indian Army will respond with resolve and the costs will be prohibitive for them, he said.
This week marks 12 months since publication of the civil society strategy, committing the government among other things to work "alongside" charities to build a future in which they could thrive. But even the kindest observer would struggle to point to any significant progress. The strategy promised charities "effective involvement" in policy-making and a reaffirmation of their right to campaign. There would be a revival of grant funding, as opposed to contracts for service delivery, and increased distribution of dormant assets to help sustain local initiatives.
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