Briefs: Omar: IMF ‘reimbursing’ Pak for devastating border areas

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday hit out at the IMF for granting a billion dollar loan to Pakistan, saying the global financial organisation was “essentially reimbursing” Islamabad for the ammunition used to devastate border areas of the Union territory.

The International Monetary Fund on Friday approved the disbursement of around USD 1 billion to Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

“I’m not sure how the ‘International Community’ thinks the current tension in the subcontinent will be de-escalated when the IMF essentially reimburses Pakistan for all the ordnance it is using to devastate Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Tangdhar & so many other places,” Abdullah said in a post on X.

India abstained from the vote at the IMF, pointing out that rewarding continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism sends a dangerous message to the global community, exposes funding agencies and donors to reputational risks, and makes a mockery of global values.

L-G reviews security situation in border areas

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reviewed the security situation in the border districts that have been badly hit by the cross-border shelling of Pakistani troops.

“Reviewed security situation in the border districts. Anguished by loss of lives due to unprovoked shelling by Pakistan,” the LG said in a post from his X handle.

Sinha also expressed grief over the death of a senior administration officer in Pakistani shelling in Rajouri district.

“We have lost brave citizens including our ADDC Rajouri, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, in the line of duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he said.

Three drones hovering over Kashmir shot down

Srinagar: Three drones were shot down by security forces in Kashmir on Saturday as Pakistan attempted to hit vital installations in the valley, officials said. In the first incident, the air-defence system shot down a drone hovering above the old airfield in Srinagar as the city was rocked by massive blasts, they said.

Two massive explosions were heard near the Srinagar airport around noon. The officials said a drone hovering over the old airfield, also called the “technical” airport, was shot down by the air-defence system. Later, two more drones were shot down in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the officials said.

The drones were shot down while they were hovering near a security installation in the Hyderbeig locality of the Pattan area of the district, the officials added.

J & K