Eight civilians injured in clashes during ongoing J&K gunfight
Srinagar, June 29: Eight civilian protesters were injured on Friday in clashes with the security forces during an ongoing gunfight between holed-up militants and the security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, police said.
A mob of stone-pelting protesters clashed with the security forces as they tried to disrupt the security operations in Thamuna village of Pulwama, leading to eight civilians getting injured, one of them by a gunshot, a police officer said.
A civilian, identified as Rouf Ahmad, sustained the gunshot injury and has been brought to a hospital here, sources said.
Security forces had surrounded Thamuna village following intelligence inputs about the presence of a group of militants there, and as the cordon was tightened, the hiding militants opened fired, sparking of the gunfight.
As a precautionary measure, authorities suspended mobile Internet services in Pulwama to check spread of rumours.
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Protests erupt in Karnataka over 15% bus fare hike
Bengaluru: Protests broke out across Karnataka following the state cabinet's decision to increase bus fares by 15% for all state-owned transport corporations, effective from January 5, 2025. The hike aims to address financial strains on transport corporations due to rising fuel prices and operational costs.
The decision has sparked criticism, particularly from opposition parties, who argue that the fare increase places an unfair burden on men, while the state’s 'Shakti' scheme continues to provide free rides for women. Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil defended the hike, stating that it would generate approximately Rs 74.85 crore monthly and Rs 784 crore annually, helping offset deficits faced by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and other transport bodies.
Patil explained that the last fare revision was made a decade ago, and with significant increases in diesel prices and operational expenses, the hike was necessary. He assured that the 'Shakti' scheme would continue, with the state government releasing Rs 417 crore monthly to support it.
The fare increase has been met with sharp opposition from the BJP. Party leaders, including R. Ashoka, criticized the Congress government for its financial mismanagement, while BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju accused the government of "looting" the public by raising fares for men while providing free rides for women. A state-wide protest against the hike is scheduled for January 4, 2025.
