Draft Bill to replace GST ordinances

New Delhi: The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft Bill to replace ordinances that were promulgated to introduce the GST in J&K, a senior government official said. The Central government had earlier this month promulgated ordinances to make the Central GST (CGST) and Integrated GST (IGST), which deals with inter-state commerce, applicable to the state. The Cabinet headed by PM Narendra Modi approved the Bill, which will be introduced in Parliament during the monsoon session. PTI

2.2 lakh pilgrims visit Amarnath shrine 
Srinagar: More than 2.2 lakh pilgrims have so far visited the Amarnath shrine during the first half of the yatra. An equal number of devotees had paid obeisance at the holy cave during the entire duration of the yatra last year. As many 6,064 pilgrims visited the shrine on 21st day of the yatra on Wednesday. An official said a total of 2.22 lakh yatris had performed darshan at the holy cave since the yatra began on June 29. However, despite the terror attack on pilgrims and deaths due to accidents, the yatra is running smoothly. TNS

Mirwaiz urges India, Pak to resolve issues 
Srinagar: Moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed “concern and anguish” over the escalation of violence between India and Pakistan on the LoC. He said the violence along the LoC had resulted in deaths of civilians and soldiers on both sides and has also caused great hardships for those living near the dividing line. In a statement, asked the leadership of both countries to show maturity and peacefully resolve the issue and put an end to the conflict. TNS

CM, Governor discuss law and order 
Srinagar: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti held discussions with Governor NN Vohra on various issues, including maintenance of law and order, internal security and progress of ongoing Amarnath Yatra. An official spokesman said they also discussed timely implementation of important schemes and projects, functioning of the universities and the steps required to be taken to protect the interests of school, college and university students. TNS