The tense situation in the Kashmir valley has been widely reported in todays newspapers. “Clashes as youth run over by CRPF jeep dies : Stone pelters, driver booked; restrictions in Valley, mobile net suspended” reports the Tribune. Citing a number of official reports by the Jammu and Kashmir police, the Hindu reports ” Kin, neighbours spur youth to join militancy; Rather than IS or religious ideology, friends and social media play crucial role in Kashmir, say reports”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis is also prominently noticed on the front pages. The DNA reports “US Defence Secretary meets Modi in Singapore : Talks security and regional interests for an hour”. On the Prime Minister’s Singapore visit, the Pioneer makes an interesting observation as it writes “Orchid named after Modi in Singapore”.
All the papers also take note of the tension in Shillong. The Indian Express reports “Shillong stays tense, night curfew in place; Khasi outfits call for ‘eviction’ of trouble makers, illegal settlers; residents of ‘Punjabi Lane’ say we belong here”.
The death of an 18 year old youth found hanging from an electric pole in West Bengal’s Purulia district is widely covered in the press. The Tribune writes “Another BJP man found hanging in West Bengal; Second killing in 3 days ; BJP seeks CBI probe into ‘political murders’ ; Purulia SP shifted”.
On the ongoing 10-day farmers agitation, The Asian Age reports “Farmers stir enters second day, vegetable prices soar”.