In Mumbai, Mufti Terms Bollywood Integral Part of ‘Kashmir’s Fairy Tale’

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Mufti with Bollywood.

J-K CM currently camped in film city Mumbai termed Bollywood an integral part of Kashmir’s ‘fairy tale’.

Mufti Muhammad Sayeed who was in Mumbai to date who’s who of Bollywood requested them to rediscover the state as a destination for the film shoots.

Those who turned up for the event including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Vishal Bharadwaj, Anupam Kher, Irrfan Khan and others.

“The state is eager to revive its association with the Bollywood,” Sayeed told the biggies of Bollywood by assuring them all the facilities including foolproof security.

Once a favourite Bollywood destination, Kashmir skidded from the preference list of the Hindi Film industry after armed uprising against India rule started in the region in 1989. But from last few years, Bollywood is back in valley. “I never faced any problem while shooting in the state,” said Vishal Bharadwaj, director of film ‘Haider’ — set in Kashmir.

Mufti said his government is mulling to improve tourism in off-season period as well by bringing chartered flights.

Before spending evening with Bollywood, Mufti earlier separately met superstars Shah Rukh Khan and the legendary actor Dilip Kumar.

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Brushing Aside Pak Protest, New Delhi Says, ‘Pandit Resettlement Inevitable’

KL Report

SRINAGAR

A day after Islamabad condemned exclusive townships in Kashmir by terming it a violation of UN resolutions, New Delhi Friday said Pandit resettlement is inevitable.

“Every political party would want to see that uprooted sections should be brought back,” Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitely said. He said KPs, like Muslims and Sikhs, “are an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir”.

Jaitely said the resettlements will include people of all religions, “but it is natural that Kashmiri Pandits will be in greater numbers.” Notably, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Thursday said that India cannot change Kashmir’s demography by settling outsiders.

Already, the union Home Minister Rajnath Singh set the ball rolling in Valley by recounting Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s vow in Parliament to acquire and provide 400 kanals of land for creating “composite townships” for Kashmiri pandits.

The revelation resurged the row, which had swept under the rug after Mufti assured State Legislative Assembly that no exclusive KP was being pursued.

But Rajnath’s latest revelation triggered a fresh spate in valley.

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Certificates on sale, interviewing committee in ‘shock’

KL Report

SRINAGAR

The process of interview to screen the aspirants turned mainly in establishing the authenticity of their certificates. Shocking for the panel, most of them had fake certificates. This is  what happened in recently concluded interviews for various posts vis-à-vis Class-IV in March at Leh and in April at Jammu and for the post of Drivers in April at Leh among others. The interviews was conducted by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development-Subordinate Service Recruitment Board, Leh (LAHD-SSRB)

According to reports during these interviews the interviewing committee was shocked to stumble upon a huge number of fake certificates produced by some of the candidates that were affiliated to various boards/ institutions of different parts of the country.

District Magistrate, Saugat Biswas who is the Chairman of the LAHD-SSRB, during the course of the interviews inspected almost each and every certificate which appeared to be fake through the internet based verification systems of various boards. On questioning various candidates even agreed to have paid agents for obtaining such certificates.

“Prima-facie it appears that many students who drop out of regular studies approach such well established nexus of touts and agents outside the State and obtain fake certificates of State Boards on hefty payments. We have sent the cases detected during the course of these interviews to the district police for further investigation. We shall if needed approach the police department of other states to catch hold of such agents with a view to curbing this heinous practice” said Biswas.

District Magistrate, Leh has alerted the general public to refrain from such practices which would land them in serious trouble of imprisonment under the law. He also expressed the apprehension that such practice must be on with students of other districts of J&K. “The recruitment agencies must be on an alert while appointing candidates. Certificate verification as well as Board verification has taken prime importance in this age of technological development when forgery of documents have become relatively easier and inexpensive” he said during interaction with the media.

According to a report posted on internet on the topic Educational Frauds in India: Fake Universities, the high rate of unemployment in our country and the exorbitant costs of higher education further fuel the educational fraud rackets, selling forged certificates to the students and job seekers, with the right low on morals and the necessary criminal streak to avail a shortcut to success. It has been found that, not only bogus universities, but also the names of reputed institutes and boards are being used by the forged certificates racket.

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Azad writes 3-page letter to PM Modi

Asif Iqbal Naik

JAMMU

Distressed over the pathetic condition of Jammu-Srinagar and Batote-Doda-Kishtwar Highways, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad seeks the immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narindra Modi to safeguard the lives of the thousands of the commuters.

In a three page letter written by Ghulam Nabi Azad to Prime Minister Narindra Modi, the copy of which is available with “Kashmir Life”, senior Congress leader not only highlighted the pathetic condition of the two highways of the state, but also highlighted the strategic importance of the Srinagar-Jammu highway keeping in view troops deployment all along China and Pakistan border in Ladakh and other parts of the Kashmir valley as Jammu-Srinagar highway is the only lifeline and road connectivity to key strategic defense locations of Ladakh.

“I am writing to share with you the profound concern and lurking anxiety of the people of the Jammu and Kashmir that has been sparked by the deteriorating condition of National Highway NH-1A linking Jammu region with Kashmir Valley” read Azad letter to PM Modi, added that “You (PM Modi) are aware that the 300 KM National Highway-IA, passing through rugged and challenging terrain, is the lifeline of Kashmir Valley ensuring continuous flow of supplies and provisions for eighty lakh people living in Kashmir and Ladakh, besides facilitating the
movement of people to and fro Kashmir Valley”.

Azad further stated in his letter that people of three and a half Districts of Chenab Valley, in addition to Udhampur and Reasi Districts are also dependent on this  highway for commuting and transportation of goods and supplies.

“Significantly this is the only route that allows the flow of supplies and provisions for the armed forces and paramilitary forces stationed in the forward areas of Kashmir Valley and the strategically important
region of Ladakh, having borders with both China & Pakistan” stated Azad, added that however, since last year’s floods and unprecedented rains, compounded by the recent unseasonal rains, this road has suffered heavy damages.

In his letter Azad regretted to PM Modi that; due attention to its proper upkeep and maintenance is not being paid which has multiplied the woes and miseries of the people of the State.

“The journey has turned highly risky and the rate of road accidents has soared to unusually higher levels— Traffic jams have becomeorder of the day and travelling time has increased manifold on this road” stated Azad.

He also informed the PM Modi that due to poor condition of the roads, commuters are facing hardships, which was never seen before especially while travelling between Udhampur and Qazigund. He stated that despite
the best efforts by the State administration to regulate traffic on the highway, the enormity of the challenge is making the matters worse as a result of which supplies and provisions also are getting delayed inordinately.

Highlighting the importance of roads for tourism, Azad brought into the notice of PM Modi that tourism and trade are getting badly affected by the ramshackle and rundown condition of the highway. Similar is the condition of Highway NH1B from Batote to District Doda and Kishtwar— what used to be a fascinating experience once has now become no less than an ordeal.

“You (PM Modi) may also be aware that realizing the inadequacy of the existing national highway, manifold increase in the vehicular traffic and the difficulties of the people of the State, UPA Government had approved the four-laning of the existing Jammu-Srinagar National Highway NH-1A—It is gratifying to note that Jammu- Udhampur stretch
is almost complete and is already in use of the commuters. Journey on this portion has become an enjoyable experience” stated Azad’s letter, added that smilarly, the two very long tunnels at Banihal-Qazigund and
Chenani-Nashri are also at advanced stages of construction” and hopefully will be completed in near future which will ultimately shorten the- distance significantly as also avoid accident-prone and inhospitable terrain near Patnitop ridge and Banihal pass respectively.

“Although the upgradation of certain parts of Jammu-Srinagar Highway has progressed at a satisfactory pace, however, there are other stretches where the progress has been sluggish due to variety of reasons. Work on the Srinagar- Qazigund stretch, supposedly the easiest part in comparison to the otherwise rugged terrain of Jammu &
Kashmir, has been progressing very slowly. Probably the contractor has not exhibited desired keenness and interest to execute the work” stated Azad’s letter. He stated that the slide-prone and treacherous portion between Batote to Banihal is yet to be taken up due to reasons like inappropriate alignment, inaccurate estimation, non-awarding of
contract, etc.

Hoping for positive response from Prime Minister Narindra Modi, Azad in his letter stated that “I would like to highlight that this is an accident-prone and difficult stretch of the National Highway which is primarily responsible for the road blocks and traffic jams on Jammu- Srinagar Highway, in addition to loss of precious human lives—As the matter is causing grave annoyance to the commuters, besides severely impacting the credibility of Jammu & Kashmir as a reputed tourist destination, I hope you will lend attention to the matter that it deserves to facilitate smooth and hassle-free journey of the people”.

While suggesting the long-term and permanent solution to the problems faced by commuters as well as the people of the State, Azad urged the Prime Minister for early completion of the ongoing four-laning project, beside short run proper maintenance and upkeep of the existing National Highway can bring huge respite for the commuters/tourists as well as lacs of people living in Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region.

Azad hope that with kind indulgence, Prime Minister will direct the concerned for taking urgent steps to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of the existing National Highway NH1A, as also expedite the pace of execution on all the six packages relating to its four-laning.

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MoS distributes PRC, cabinet minister caught lying: NC

KL Report

SRINAGAR

National Conference on Thursday lashed out at the PDP-BJP Government and PDP spokesperson and Education Minister Naeem Akhtar for “yet again being caught red-handed while pandering a brazen lie on the sensitive issue of the process of issuing Permanent Resident Certificates at the School Level.”

In a statement to KNS NC spokesman said the incident of MoS Revenue Sunil Kumar Sharma distributing PRCs at the School Level at Khattan and Bhatta Villages of Palmar area of Kishtwar yesterday had “exposed the blatant lies of the PDP-BJP Government and especially proven the statement of Education Minister Naeem Akhtar as false and misleading.”

“Sharma personally issued Permanent Resident Certificates at events organized at the School level in Kishtwar yesterday. This is an unambiguous debunking of Mufti Sayeed’s and PDP’s brazen lies on the PRC issue. Just a few days back Naeem Akhtar had the audacity to blame National Conference for raking up this issue. Today, despite widespread outrage by diverse political and social organizations, a Minister in the Mufti Government has himself diluted the sensitive process of issuing State Subject Certificates. This is a shame for Naeem Akhtar and for the State Government as a whole. Mr. Naeem Akhtar has been caught lying as a Cabinet Minister and we leave it to his conscience to render a public apology for his lies,” he said.

“This is a clear indication of Mufti Sayeed’s intention to rule this State into anarchy and chaos by having two sets of different standards when it comes to Jammu and Kashmir. This is a clear proof that Mufti Sayeed has sold out to BJP on BJP’s longstanding plan to dilute the State’s Permanent Resident Laws and in turn change its demographic character – which the erstwhile PRC process through its check and balances aimed to preserve. This is a blatant violation of the trust reposed in a democratically elected Government that tragically came into being after PDP sold its conscience to BJP for the singular aim of making Mufti Sayeed the Chief Minister for six years”, the NC Spokesman said.

He alleged that PDP had issued blank cheques to the BJP selling the State’s interests to get the CM’s chair in return. “This is another blank check being cashed by the BJP. God knows how many compromises PDP has made in order to politically rehabilitate itself and to make Mufti Sahab the Chief Minister for six years. There is the issue of Mufti Sayeed having promised the allocation of 400 Kanals of land for Segregated Composite Townships – as was disclosed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha yesterday. The ‘battle of idea’ farce propagated by PDP before the elections also stands demolished with Masrat Alam being booked under a fresh PSA by Mufti Sayeed”, the NC Spokesman added.

He demanded Akhtar should issue a public apology and the Chief Minister should also explain how his Government has allowed the blatant dilution of the PRC issuance process despite objection from all quarters in the State.

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Hurriyat (G) demands immediate arrest of Rashid Billa

KL Report

SRINAGAR

While demanding immediate arrest of the Rashid Billa, a government gunman allegedly involved in the massacre of seven innocent and unarmed people at Sadrakoot Bala, Bandipora on October 5, 1996, Hurriyat Conference (G) Thursday alleged that the pro-Indian political parties provide shields to these kinds of Ikhwanies by giving them space into their parties.

While commenting over the issuance of notices to Rashid Billa by Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Wednesday, a spokesman of Hurriyat (G) said, “The court should go beyond the notice and direct the police for his arrest and file charge sheet against the accused. All the government gunmen (Ikhwanies) who were active in Sonawari, Hajan and Bandipora areas in 90’s and everyone of whom is involved in numerous innocent killings have been adjusted by the pro-Indian parties like NC, PDP and Congress which is becoming the main hurdle in initiating any legal action against them,” he alleged.

“The people are anger with these killers and murderers but due to their involvement in these pro-Indian parties, they fear to raise their voices. Abdul Rashid Billa is one of them and he is although directly involved in dozens of innocent killings but he is roaming free so far and there is no FIR registered against him in any police station,” the spokesman added.

He appreciated the steps taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) who helped and supported the families of the seven victims in filing writ petition in High Court against the murder of 7 innocent people at Sadrakoot Bala, Bandipora on October 5, 1996. The spokesman, however, expressed apprehension that the pro-Indian party with which the accused is associated may once again try to save him and police will also shy away to take action against him.

While reiterating its demand of impartial investigation by some independent international organization into all these kinds of incidents of bloodshed, he said, “We can’t expect any justice from any institution of the state because all the institutions are parts of a same system which is directly responsible for all those killings and where there is no system of accountability.”

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Mufti meets Bollywood thespian Dalip Kumar

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Thursday met the Bollywood thespian, Dalip Kumar

Saira Banu, the wife of the iconic star, was also present on the occasion.

According to spokesman, during his meeting with Dalip Kumar, Mufti Sayeed enquired about his health and wished him a long life. He also invited Dalip Kumr and Saira Banu to visit Kashmir valley this summer.

Describing him as one of the greatest actors of the Indian film industry, the Chief Minister recalled some of his memorable works in a career spread over six decades.

Minister for Finance, Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu, also accompanied the Chief Minister.

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Roads to be repaired within 10 days: Govt

KL Report

SRINAGAR

With shabby conditions of roads in Kashmir giving tough time to the vehicular and pedestrian movement, the state government has set 10-days of deadline to repair all roads in the valley.

Sources privy to this development told KNS that if the weather conditions improve, the R&B department would work on ‘war-footing’ basis and would repair all the roads which the recent rains have left in shambles.

They said that all the internal branches of the R&B have been asked to remain on tenterhooks and identify the locations wherein immediate restoration of the roads is needed. Also, various vital road links which are at present dominated by the potholes are being repaired.

A senior official told KNS that the government has set a deadline of 10 days to repair all roads across Kashmir valley which have been damaged due to the recent rainfall.

During the repair works, sources said, quality control department is also being taken on board so that the material used in such works passes the high quality tests. “There are the strict directions that no low quality material should be used in repair works and that the restoration done at present must last for at least for the next six months.”

Sources revealed that the concerned department is keeping close eye over the weather conditions so that the restoration measures are initiated in a shortest possible time and in better weather conditions.

Earlier the works minister Altaf Bukhari had stated that there can be no compromise on the quality of roads in the state, the Minister for Public Works stressed on the importance of having best roads in the State. “There are several models across the country for us to look at. Even international best practices can be incorporated. We should become a model state for having the best roads and your sincere cooperation is solicited for this objective,” he emphasized.

Bukhari asked the hot mix plant owners to work in accordance with the methods and follow the designs of the projects of public works while going by the technical standards of good quality.

He said in past Public Works Ministry has received lots of complaints for failing to effectively maintain roads in the State with residents of several towns demonstrating their displeasure. “Some concerns, genuinely so, have been raised regarding the quality of materials used by contractors employed to fix the roads. Let us forget about past and work jointly to make a mark in the history of this department,” Bukhari said.

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Farewell accorded to Rukhsana Jabeen at Radio Kashmir

KL Report

SRINAGAR

A farewell was accorded by Radio Kashmir Srinagar to its Kashmir’s known poet and writer Rukhsana Jabeen who on Thursday was relieved from her services as director Radio Kashmir here.

According to KNS correspondent, Jabeen rendered here services in Radio for more than 32 years and hosted several famous programs during her career. Besides being Kashmir renowned poet and writer, Rukhana raised several issues related to society in her radio programs which found much wider acceptance among the radio listeners.

The employees at Radio Kashmir while hailing the services of Jabeen as Director Radio Kashmir also appreciated her concern for the issues pertaining to the society at large. .

Meanwhile, Director Commercial Broadcasting Services Shamshad Kralwari and Engineering Assistant A.K Handoo also got retired on Thursday with the warm welcome accorded to the duo as well.

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‘Secretariat Gherao’ won’t wash off your crimes: PDP to Congress

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Days after State Congress passed a resolution terming the present dispensation as “unholy” and called for Secretariat gherao on May 5, the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Thursday said that such a move will not wash off “crimes committed by Congress on the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Talking to Kashmir News service (KNS), PDP’s senior leader and Education Minister Naeem Ahktar Wednesday said that though the government is not against the peaceful demonstration activities “the fact is that such activities are not going to wash the crimes which Congress has committed against the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He suggested State Congress Chief G.A Mir to introspect why the people of Jammu and Kashmir threw them out in the elections rather than making false accusations against the government. “It is the time for Mir Sahab to introspect why his party was thrown out by the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

“PDP welcomes the criticism from the opposition but it is too early to do so against the government that is in place only from last two months. We welcome the opposition to point out our deficiencies but the fact is that we are in the stage where we are clearing the mess which NC- Congress has left behind including corruption, miss governance and the liabilities of crores of rupees,” he said.

The Education Minister said the government has to deal also with large number of youth whom NC and Congress promised jobs just for their political means. “It was the previous regime who promised jobs to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for and then failed to do so. We are coming across hundreds of cases where NC and Congress have issued fake orders to the youth who are now searching for their salaries,” he claimed.

Akhtar said that the present government is facing problems of ‘so-called’ administrative units of National Conference for which they have not provided any budget. “There is no readymade solution to solve these problems,” he said.

Asked whether the government will allow the ‘Secretariat Gherao’ programme of Congress scheduled on May 5 he said, “It is the Job of administration to decide and their job to deal with such programs. But we are not against peaceful activities.”.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Congress in its day long convention last week passed a resolution terming the present dispensation as “unholy” and taking a pledge to oppose all its “anti-people” moves.

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Army vehicles overturn, one dies two injured

KL Report

SRINAGAR

An army personnel was killed and two others were injured on Thursday when the vehicle they were travelling in overturned in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said.

One of the vehicles of an army convoy on its way to Srinagar from Uri sector near Line of Control, turned turtle at Hygam in Baramulla this morning, they said.

The deceased has been identified as N. Singh.

Police said that the other two soldiers who sustained injuries have been hospitalized

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New Governor of J&K will be RSS man: Singh

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Panthers Party patron Bhim Singh Thursday claimed that New Delhi plans to install a new Governor for Jammu and Kashmir with RSS background. Singh said that soon the present governor will be removed and the new Governor who will assume charge in Jammu and Kashmir will be an RSS man.

Singh while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar said that two more new Ministers with RSS background will be inducted in Cabinet in Jammu and Kashmir. “PDP failed to live up to the expectations of the people who voted for this party. This party is pursuing anti-youth policies,” he said adding that PDP has been chandging colours like chameleon.

Singh according to CNS demanded the immediate release of youth languishing in jails on the charges of stone-pelting. “PDP should fulfill its promises and should pave the release of the youth who are in jails,” he said.

Responding to a question, Singh said that Public Safety Act is a draconian law and should be repealed from the annals of Jammu and Kashmir history.

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Kashmiri prisoners treated as ‘animals’ in Tihar Jail

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Tamil Nadu Special Police (TSP) have reportedly let loose a reign of terror in India’s Tihar Jail. Kashmiri prisoners there have been facing relentless atrocities. In an open letter to his family from Tihar Jail, a Kashmiri inmate Muzaffar Ahmed Dar of Chichilora Tangmarag in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district has narrated detailed ordeal about Kashmiri prisoners in the jail.

A copy of the letter with CNS reveals that criminals, rapists, dacoits of other states lodged in the jail avail all kinds of facilities while Kashmiri inmates shut up in the jail for alleged anti-India activities are not only harassed but also given a cruel treatment.

Dar who was arrested for his alleged affiliation with militant outfit Hizbul Mujhadeen from Sadrabal Hazratbal area of Srinagar city in April 2009 has written that TSP on the directions of Tihar Jail authorities care a fig of law and Jail rules and these men always force Kashmiri prisoners to lick their boots.

“On 8 April 2015, all the Kashmiri prisoners present in High Risk Ward were forcibly separated from one another and shifted to separate narrow and dark cells. The doors of these cells were locked suddenly and opened only after over a week.”

Dar has written that Kashmiri prisoners are being treated like animals in the jail. “The jail authorities charge money from us to read the newspapers every morning but we are not allowed now to go through any news paper. We are not given any facility now, even ailing Kashmiri inmates are not taken to hospitals.”

“On 10 April Tamil Nadu Special Police suddenly raided our cells, ransacked our items including books and seized everything. Even our medicines and utensils were snatched from us. Some of our items were given back to us, after we went on a hunger strike.”

“On April 11, I was suddenly shifted to Jail number 8 of Tihar against the orders of the doctor. Tamil Nadu Special Police raided my cell again and seized all the items again. Despite suffering from multiple ailments, Jail authorities do not provide me standard medicines. Doctors had advised me take boiled water but instead Kashmiri prisoners are given a mixture of saline and sweetened water. The Jail authorities submitted a false report in the court, claiming that inmates are taken to hospitals on routine basis but the fact is that I was never taken to any hospital,” Dar writes and adds that jail authorities refused to provide him an electric kettle for water boiling purpose. “Here in Tihar Jail criminals, rapists and dacoits are permitted to avail every kind of facility but same is not the case with Kashmiri prisoners.”

Dar who was shifted to Tihar from Srinagar Central Jail in 2014 on the directions of National Investigating Agency (NIA) said that for 20 days at a stretch he was kept in solitary confinement in BSF camp Chawla House where due to consumption of filthy water, he developed several ailments.

The family members of Dar castigated People’s Democratic Party for making false promises to the people of Kashmir. “We voted for the PDP with a hope that it will shift all the Kashmiri prisoners to Srinagar from different Indian jails, but contrary has been happening on the ground now. Instead of acting in the interest of people, it is adding to the woes of the people,” the brother of Dar Irfan Hussain told CNS.

The Tangmarag family also castigated separatist leaders and alleged these Hurriyat leaders have disappointed the people whose loved ones have been languishing in Indian jails as according to the family no Hurriyat organization ever made a serious attempt to bring back the Kashmiri prisoners back to Kashmir. “The politics of these Hurriyat leaders is confined to the press statements but on ground their contribution towards the nation is zero,” the family said adding that they have sold a piece of land to pay to the lawyer in New Delhi.

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Tulip bloom is over

KL Report

SRINAGAR

As Tulip bloom is over, the Tulip garden, Siraj Bagh  Srinagar has been closed for general public from May 01, 2015. This was stated by Director, Floriculture on Thursday.

This season Tulips could not attract visitors like that of previous years due to incessant rainfall.

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Earthquake aftermath: Modi gets a call from Nawaz Sharif

 

KL Report

SRINAGAR

As the death toll from the devastating earthquake in Nepal continues to rise, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to discuss how SAARC nations can work together in times of natural disasters.

“SAARC nations can hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimize damage during natural disasters,” the Indian premier said in a series of tweets.

In his six tweets Indian Prime Minister said that, “SAARC Nations can come together & hold annual exercises of rescue teams, doctors etc on how we can minimise damage during natural disasters. I suggested to PM Sharif that SAARC nations should conduct regular joint exercises on disaster relief & rescue. PM Sharif appreciated this idea & told me that we should take up such an initiative. Got a call from PM Nawaz Sharif. He expressed condolences on the loss of lives in various parts of India due to the Earthquake.

PM Nawaz Sharif appreciated India’s efforts in the rescue operations in Nepal. I thank him for his kind words. PM Sharif & I also discussed the unseasonal rains and its adverse impact on the crops.”

According to Modi, PM Nawaz called to appreciate India’s rescue efforts in the disaster stricken Nepal and also expressed condolences for the numerous lives lost in India due to the earthquake.

Pertinently, the death toll in Nepal has gone up to 6000. Pakistan, India and China have helped the disaster-hit country by sending medical teams comprising doctors and paramedics along with relief goods.

With torrential rains wreaking havoc in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and in some parts of India, the heads of the two neighbouring states also discussed the unseasonal downpour.

PM Nawaz’s call to Modi comes just a day after his interview with the Saudi Gazette where he expressed that there was no sign from India to make amends and resume dialogue.

Premier Nawaz said Pakistan was ready for “constructive dialogue for negotiated settlement of all issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir”.

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Gulmarg’s Davos Idea Excites Khyber Resorts

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Hotel Khyber Himalayan Resorts.
Pic: Bilal Bahadur

Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed’s idea of promoting Gulmarg as ‘India’s Davos’ for economic policy making has excited Khyber group that runs the world class Khyber Resort and Spa in Kashmir’s winter wonderland. They said the idea can change the future of Kashmir as a destination.

“It is a great idea,” Umar Khursheed Tramboo, MD Khyber Hotel Resorts said. “We are more than willing to host it and be associated with the idea.”

Tramboo said the resort has helped become a round the year destination for a section of the visitors who would usually shuttle between Srinagar and Gulmarg for want of adequate staying space. “This Davos idea will actually change the entire socio-economic profile of the place and redefine Kashmir as destination,” Tramboo said.

Located at 8825 ft above sea level, Khyber Resort and Spa is a prized property that was created in three years at an investment of more than Rs 120 crore. In the last two years of its operation, the Resort was reviewed by some of the world’s best media houses and bagged some of the prestigious awards from the hospitality sector. Its 85 rooms have more than eighty percent occupancy round the year.

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Shahrukh Khan Calls on Mufti

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Mufti in talks with Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan in Mumbai.

Film superstar Shahrukh Khan called on Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, in Mumbai on Thursday.

During their meeting, Mufti Sayeed described Shahrukh Khan as a “great and versatile actor who has portrayed wide array of roles in his long and memorable career”.

The Chief Minister took him down the memory lane when the Indian film industry used to shoot their films at popular locations of Kashmir valley.

“CM hoped that the film fraternity of Mumbai will take the initiative and revive their lost bonds with the paradise on earth,” official spokesman said.

Fondly recalling his childhood memories, Shahrukh Khan revealed that his grandmother was of Kashmiri origin.

He said he would love to shoot in Kashmir again, as this way, he will be able to relive the good moments of 2013, when he worked in renowned filmmaker late Yash Chopra’s last directorial venture, Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

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India Will Neither Provoke Border Firing Nor Back Off: Rajnath Singh

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Thursday said that India will never provoke conflict by being the first to open fire across the borders but will never back off.

Inaugurating the Border Security Force Golden Jubilee Seminar on “Border Management in India – Challenges and Options” at New Delhi today, Singh said: “Our forces will give a befitting reply to shelling and gunfire from across the border.”

He said that secured borders are integral to India’s development.

“BSF is doing a wonderful job,” he said, “by not only in guarding the land borders but also taking care of the riverine and coastal borders along Bangladesh and Gujarat.”

Singh said that the Government has sanctioned six Floating Border Out-Posts (BOPs) for Bangladesh border and three for Gujarat.

The daylong seminar is being organized by the BSF as part of the series of events slated to glorious celebrations of its Golden Jubilee year.

The seminar is scheduled in two sessions, the morning session will focus on border management with Pakistan and in the second session the issues on Bangladesh border will be dealt.

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Infant Dies, Girl Missing in Baramulla Blaze

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Police Thursday started searching a pre-teen girl who went missing after fire broke out in a house in Chandoosa Baramulla in which an infant lost his life.

Fire broke out in residential house of Showkat Ahmad son of Shareef-ullah Khan.

In this incident, 1-year-old infant Mansoor Ahmad died on spot.

“A 12-year-old girl Nowsheen is missing after the fire incident,” police spokesman said. “Efforts are on to trace out the girl.”

Fire was brought under control by fire tenders and local Police.

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Mufti Moots ‘Indian Davos’ in Gulmarg

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Mufti in talks with Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan in Mumbai.

Unveiling his plans to reposition J&K as India’s top tourist and all-season destination, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Wednesday said he cherishes to promote Gulmarg as India’s Davos, where country’s top business and policymakers can hold annual summits to frame new strategies in economic development.

He gave this clarion call from Mumbai’s famous Hotel Taj Lands End, where he held detailed interactive session with the country’s prominent tour and travel operators.

The Chief Minister was flanked by the Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh and Minister for Finance and Culture, Dr Haseeb A. Drabu.

Drawing a parallel between Davos in Switzerland, which holds annual summits of World Economic Forum (WEF), and Gulmarg, Mufti Sayeed said the valley’s premier resort has all the required paraphernalia to host the country’s business leaders and policymakers for similar economic summits.

“Gulmarg is a world-famous tourist destination. We have state-of-the-art cable car, high-end hotels, skiing and heli-skiing activities and great road connectivity. I wish we host Indian Davos at Gulmarg,” he said while seeking cooperation from one and all to change the course of J&K and remove the trust deficits.

Describing tour operators as the lifeline of J&K Tourism, the Chief Minister also sought support of all behind-the-scene players to restore it to its original glory of being top tourist destination.

He said the tourism sector had drifted away and with able support from premier tour operators of the country, it will be paddled back to the shores of its brilliant past.

J&K, right through the Sixties to late Eighties, remained country’s premier film shooting and nature tourism destination.

Acknowledging the role of tour and travel players in promoting J&K especially through the recent difficult times, Mufti Sayeed said the State needs to be projected on a much bigger canvas as it offers diversity in culture, rich heritage, range of climates from the sub-tropical terrains of Jammu to the cold deserts of Ladakh, and the stunning locales of Kashmir.

“I thank the tour operators of Maharashtra and Gujarat who reposed faith in us through the hard times of early and mid Nineties,” the Chief Minister said, adding various steps have been taken to go for infrastructure upgrade in the State.

The Chief Minister informed the participants of the Government’s plans to go in for public-private participation through tourism sector by making available public assets for private use.

Promising to end the culture of red-tape and bureaucratic impediments, Mufti Sayeed assured the tour operators of doing business with ease in J&K. “This season, you will definitely find a discernible change in how you are facilitated,” he stated.

Asserting that Kashmir’s enchanting beauty has mesmerised travellers for centuries together, the Chief Minister said the flow of tourists, especially foreigners, to Ladakh, has grown considerably over the last few decades.

He said besides the huge influx of pilgrim tourists to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at Katra, steps have been taken to promote Jammu as an independent tourist destination.

“We can have travel and trade conferences at Patnitop and Bhaderwah. Jammu has a rich cultural history, a piece of which I saw for myself few days back when I visited Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex few days back,” he said and described J&K as a bouquet of three distinct cultures that comes on one platter.

Highlighting the potential of Ranjit Sagar Dam, border tourism of Suchetgarh, Baghliar Dam and upcoming International Yoga Centre at Mantalai in Jammu region, Mufti Sayeed said the tourists will be surprised to find new and equally stunning and unexplored destinations lined up in their itinerary this season.

Describing J&K as an adventurer’s dream destination, the Chief Minister said the State has more than 2100 high-altitude lakes, several unnamed and unclimbed peaks in Karakoram and Kishtwar Himalayas which can be highlighted to attract ardent mountaineers and climbers to the Himalayan state.

He called upon the tour operators to encourage the educational institutions to formulate packages for youth and children. He said the J&K Government will be their partners in this endeavour.

“Please emphasize on adventure tourism. Youth need to be inspired to go to the high mountains. This way they will explore their country better,” he added.

Stating that the real beauty of Kashmir lies in its mountains, Mufti Sayeed said the State will bring to fore the potential for trekking and expeditions to promote adventure tourism in the State.

“The great lake trek from Gangabal to Vishensar and Zanskar in Ladakh to Kishtwar are just two examples of snaking through the great mountain passes to explore the hidden treasures of trekking in Kashmir,” he stated.

The Chief Minister said the Government plans to promote new destinations in J&K which are ideal for bag-packer tourists like Gurez in Bandipora, Warwan-Sinthan in Kishtwar, Gangabal and Daksum in Anantnag, Vishensar and Kishensar in Sonamarg, Naranag in Ganderbal.

Seeking cooperation from tour operators in becoming partners in J&K’s tourism sector, Mufti Sayeed also highlighted the huge potential of J&K in Conference and Golf Tourism, which can be offered to Corporate and business sectors of the country.

“I have told my Secretary Tourism to work out weekend golf packages for high-end sports tourists,” he stated.

The Chief Minister said the world-famous Dal Lake will be promoted as a world heritage site and steps are being taken to realign the houseboats to improve the aesthetics of the lake and ensure proper sewage disposal.

On a specific query from a tour operator, he said the Government will classify the existing boats into different categories so that the visitors are able to enjoy their stay as per the category they have paid for.

The Chief Minister said the new Government would formulate a strategy to motivate overseas tour operators for organizing foreign tourist groups to Kashmir which is as safe as any other destination in the country.

“I have a vision for tapping the tourism potential of J&K and together we will work to realize this dream” he told tour operators.

Mufti Sayeed said he had recently invited all the top tour operators of the country to picturesque Gulmarg to put in place a well-thought out strategy so that they have a bird’s eye view of the State’s enchanting beauty, heritage and culture.

“Now I am here amongst you. I invite all of you again to visit J&K and see the change for yourself,” Chief Minister said while highlighting the potential of tourism industry in creating jobs and improving economy of the people connected to the sector.

On the issue of better chopper sorties to the Holy Amarnath Shrine, the Chief Minister said J&K will strive for smooth helicopter rides this season.

He also thanked the Central Government for allowing LTC on all private airliners which will increase the tourist footfall to J&K. Earlier this facility was only available in Air India carrier.

Mufti Sayeed told the operators that the famed handicrafts sector of J&K will be dovetailed with the tourism industry and genuine branded products with price-tags will be sold to the visitors.

While replying to a question, Minister for Finance & Culture, Dr Haseeb A. Drabu called for conceptualizing a business-cum-pleasure package for country’s 4000 leading companies. He said the State offers the right environs for conference and convention tourism. He said attractive golf packages for high-end tourists will also be framed.

On the issue of high cost of travel to Kashmir, Dr Drabu said the State Government is planning chartered flights in peak season to offer fair rates to the travellers. He said the Government has also taken up the issue of night-landing facility for airline carriers at Srinagar Airport. “Special trains from Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai and several other places are also being planned to increase footfall of domestic tourists,” he added.

One of the tour operators stated that we need to think beyond Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. He said there is an equally enchanting Kashmir at Gurez, Verinag, Jai, Daksum, Sanasar and Kokernag as well.

All leading tour operators from across the country as well as stakeholders from J&K participated in the conclave.

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Mufti’s Mughal Solution to Kashmir Passage

In his first public meeting as chief minister in Pir Panjal, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed Tuesday said ‘all-weather’ Mughal Road is answer to fair-weather Srinagar-Jammu Highway. A day after, Mufti requested Centre to declare Mughal Road as alternate highway. With Mufti’s dispensation rallying behind the new route, Bilal Bahadur offers some shots of the road that is believed to end Kashmir’s long history of single route dependence, but will essentially require a crucial tunnel 

Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed Tuesday said that since the four-lanning of the Jammu- Srinagar Highway will take some time, and his Govt will immediately develop and use Mughal Road as an alternate highway.

A day after, Mufti requested Centre to declare Mughal Road as an alternate Highway. He said post-September floods, when the Srinagar-Jammu Highway broke down, the strategic Mughal Road proved to be the lifeline for supplies to Kashmir valley.

Mughal Road is the road between Bafliaz (Poonch) to Kashmir’s Shopian district. This 84km road stretch passes over Pir Panjal Mountain range.

The road brings the Poonch and Rajouri district closer to Srinagar by reducing distance from 588km to 126km. It makes for alternate road route to Valley, other than over-crowded Jammu-Srinagar Highway through Jawahar Tunnel (Banihal Tunnel) (National Highway 1A).

The road was historically used by Mughal emperors to travel and conquer Kashmir during the sixteenth century. It was the route used by legendary Akbar to conquer Kashmir in 1586, and his son Emperor Jahangir died while returning from Kashmir on this road near Rajouri.

The new road was proposed in the 1950s, with the intention of improving the economy of the valley of Kashmir. Then Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah had taken up this project in 1979 and named it “Mughal Road”, but it came to halt as militancy took over.

The construction of the prestigious project was started in October 2005 with a target of completion in March 2007 with an estimated cost of INR 255 crores. The road cuts through Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Pakistan Condemns Kashmir Exclusive Township

KL Report

SRINAGAR

At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said any effort to establish special towns or zones to change the demographic make up of the territory will be in violation of UN resolutions.

“Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and the United Nations Security Council in its resolutions has clearly pronounced the status of the territory,” she said.

Aslam said the people of Jammu and Kashmir are also resisting the resettlement plans.

Notably, fresh spate broke out in Kashmir after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed has promised him 400 kanals of land for the apparent purpose of three to four composite townships for KPs in Valley.

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Amid Political Row, Govt Distributes 500 Controversial PRCs in Kishtwar

Asif Iqbal Naik

JAMMU

Nearly 500 controversial PRCs (permanent residence certificates) were issued to school childrens in Kishtwar District in last five days and nearly 5000 certificates will be issued soon.

This was revealed by Minister of State for Revenue Sunil Kumar Sharma who said PDP-BJP govt won’t buckle under the political pressure created by Kashmir-based political parties and religious organizations.

Sharma told Kashmir Life that distribution of PRCs, RBAs and Caste Certificates will continue under coalition govt’s project MADAD (Help) “aimed at to provide the doorstep facilities to the people”.

“Distribution of PRCs, RBAs and Caste Certificates to deserving ones is a step forward toward good governance, committed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Sharma said that an unwarranted controversy regarding issuance of PRCs is being created by some Kashmir-based political parties who have been rejected by the people in the recent Assembly elections. “NC is only creating doubts in the minds of the people on flimsy grounds,” he said.

He said that it is proven fact that NC never supports any good initiative which gives benefit to the poor people.

“Yes there are various students studying in our schools, colleges and universities who are not State Subjects,” he said, “but that doesn’t mean we are issuing PRCs to them. Everything is being scrutinized by the certificate issuing authority before issuing any such certificate.”

He said that everything is being done in transparent manner, “and anyone can check and seek the details of beneficiaries under RTI Act”.

This project, Sharma said, which is being implemented at pilot basis in Kishtwar and will be shortly extended to whole state.

“The new initiative of the government will not only revolutionize the whole working of Revenue department, but will also strengthen the faith of people in the state institutions,” he said.

He said that no amendment has been made in existing laws.

Significantly, the decision of distribution of PRCs at school level has drawn flak from Kashmir-based political parties and religious organizations, terming the new policy an attempt to change the population ratio of the state.

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An Evening With Bollywood

KL Report

SRINAGAR

To pan Bollywood’s focus back to valley where shooting is already underway, J-K Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed along with his deputy is flying to Mumbai to spend Thursday evening with who’s who of Bollywood.

As per the official sources, Mufti during the high-profile dinner meet at Hotel Taj will extend an invitation to the Bollywood for putting Kashmir’s scenic sites on its shooting plans.

“During his interaction with the Bollywood producers and directors, the chief minister will apprise them about improved security scenario in the state,” official sources said, adding the state govt will offer best possible facilities to the producers.

Notably, the meeting aimed at wooing Bollywood is taking place at that time when Bollywood star like Salman Khan along with the crew and cast of his new flick Bajrangi Baijaan is already camped in valley. Besides, stars like Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan too visited valley in recent times to shoot their films.

Official sources said Mufti may also extend a formal invitation to the Bollywood celebrities to J-K for doing their own assessment of the situation.

“The State Government is hopeful that rediscovering Kashmir by the Bollywood for their films and attracting more tourists to J&K would contribute towards restoration of peace as well as economic activities in the State,” official sources said.

Besides Mufti and his deputy are also meeting Mumbai and Pune tourist operators in an attempt to boost state’s tourism.

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At KU, SAARC Fraternity Continues Donation Campaign for Nepal

KL Report

SRINAGAR

The students from South Asian Nations Wednesday continued their campaign to help quake hit devastated South Asian member Nepal.

Pertinently, Himalyan land locked nation, Nepal was severely hit by earthquake last Saturday killing ten thousand people (Nepal PM on Tuesday put figures like this) and devastating the heritage rich country.

Pursuing their Post Graduation, along with Kashmiri locals, the SAARC students started a campaign from Kashmir University campus on Monday to help, howsoever little, Nepalese people.

“We have got incredible support from the students and staff at the varsity,” said Zakaria. “Local students have helped us a lot.” Zakaria comes from Bangladesh.

The Kashmir University, since 2013, started MA Program (Kashmir and South Asian Studies) at its UNESCO MS Institute of Kashmir Studies (UMIKS). And two students each from eight South Asian nations forming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperationare selected every year for the program. Besides, 14 local students from Jammu and Kashmir are selected through common entrance test conducted by the varsity authorities.

For Bishnu Pokhrael, who comes from the quake hit Nepal, collecting donations is more personal and emotional.

“The loss, I mean human loss, is irreversible; my heart cries when I read news about the death of people the number of which is still counting,” Pokhrael said. “Anything material, in terms of infrastructure, will be reconstructed again; may be in a better way but who shall return us our own people – human resource!”

The students along with their Kashmiri counterparts went from department to department carrying small boxes – Save Nepal – where from they collected donations. In the evening, they made a chain and stood near two entrances of the varsity holding placards reading “Save Nepal”, “Save Humanity”.

“When devastative floods hit Kashmir last year we were here. We are witness to its fury, since then where ever we went nobody let us down,” Bishnu said. “It is really adorable.”

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Mufti meets Gadkari, raises issue of NH 1-A improvement

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Wednesday met the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and discussed with him the issues relating to the improvement in the condition of National Highways in the State, especially the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which has faced frequent closures due to bad weather in the last couple of months.

According to a statement issued to KNS, the Chief Minister also discussed the matter regarding delay in finalization of contract for four-lanning of National Highway 1A stretch between Ramban to Banihal, which is in an extremely bad shape. He also raised the issue of slow pace of work on Srinagar-Qazigund expressway, which is creating a lot of inconvenience to the people.

Mufti Sayeed emphasized that since the four-lanning of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is bypassing major towns like Nagrota, Udhampur, Batote, Qazigund, Bijbehara and Pampore, arrangements for its regular maintenance have to be ensured.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner / Secretary, Public Works, Rohit Kansal, and Chief Engineers, R&B, Kashmir and Jammu.

From the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Chief Engineer, P-I, A. K. Srivastava, and Chief General Manager (T), B. S. Singla attended the meeting.

It was given out in the meeting that the process of allotment of work will be speeded up. The project is being executed by the National Highway of India (NHAI).

The NHAI assured that arrangement with the contractor will be reviewed and the State Government will be informed about all aspects of maintenance of National Highways within a period of three weeks.

Referring to the pressing need of the State to improve road connectivity, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to declare Mughal Road as an alternate National Highway. He said till the four-lanning of the entire National Highway from Jammu to Srinagar is completed, which is going to take quite some time, the Mughal Road may be declared as an alternate National Highway. “Post-floods of September 2014 when the NHW IA broke down, the strategic Mughal Road proved to be the lifeline for supplies to Kashmir valley,” he added.

The Union Minister assured Mufti Sayeed that the request will be considered after a formal reference is made by the State Government to the Ministry of Road Transport.

The Chief Minister laid stress on construction of Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Khelani-Doda road, bypassing the Kud, Batote stretch, which is snowbound. However, he directed the Commissioner / Secretary to explore the possibility of realignment since some parts of Khelani and Pul Doda are vulnerable to landslides.

Mufti Sayeed also raised the issue of clearance of last year’s pending sanctions as well as sanctions for the current fiscal under CRF (Central Road Fund). It was given out that out of 32 works under CRF, 17 have been authorized till date. Commissioner / Secretary, Public Works, was directed to put Khanabal-Pahalgam Road, which is very important for annual Amarnath Yatra route and flow of tourists, on highest priority under CRF.

It was given out in the meeting that Rs. 480 crore worth projects under CRF have been sanctioned for J&K, out of which Rs.347 crore have been released. The meeting was assured that as soon as the UCs are conveyed to the Union Ministry, the balance amount of last year as well as fresh sanctions for the current year will be released.

The issues relating to maintenance and construction of roads under BRO, including Batote-Kishtwar-Sinthan Road (Old NH 1-B),release of maintenance funds for PMGSY roads and levying of toll tax were also discussed in detail.

To decongest the capital cities, proposal for construction of Circular Roads in Jammu and Srinagar also came up for discussion.

Mufti Sayeed also raised the issue of 6-lannibng of road from Batmaloo to Narbal. The Administrative department was asked to prepare a detailed project report in the matter. Six- lanning from Dalgate to Pantha Chowk also came under discussion for which the concerned department was directed to take up the matter with BRO for the portion under their jurisdiction.

The Chief Minister said the Government has taken several measures to remove the bottlenecks in the acquisition of land so that construction of all roads under Central sector are fast-tracked.

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Attempts being made to make Jammu a separate Hindu state: Geelani

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Reacting to the reports of the union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over separate townships to Pandits, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani Wednesay said his amalgam has already rejected any such proposal and that the move itself is not beneficial for the pundits itself.

“We have already made it clear that no one is opposing the return of the pundits to Kashmir valley. They must be settled in their own native areas and not in the isolated towns. If any such measure is taken, it will have dangerous impact here. Not only the Muslims, the separate townships will not even prove to be a safer factor for the pundits as well,” Geelani said while addressing a seminar here.

According to KNS, while training guns against RSS and BJP, Geelani said the attempts are being made to make Jammu a separate Hindu state. “There are VDCs in the chinab valley to which arms have been provided. They unleash terror in the Chinab valley areas. When a resistance leader tries to visit Jammu- he is disallowed. There are clear indications that some communal forces are trying to carve out a hind state in Jammu and want to fragment Jammu and Kashmir on communal lines,” Geeelani said.

 The senior separatist leader said RSS is a party which has an ideological base and that only ideology can counter its plans and agendas.

The Huriyat (G) chairman termed the arrest and slapping of PSA on Masarat Alam Bhat as condemnable and unlawful, saying such an act merits condemnation at all levels.

Over the unity in the separatist camp in Kashmir, Gelani said that his amalgam has already made it clear that unity of principles will be acceptable and not the unity of heads. “There was already a united resistance camp and it has to be seen how it got fragmented. We have to learn from the mistakes of the past.”

Geelani also urged parents not to send their daughters outside Jammu and Kashmir and that all have to do their bit in putting lid over the immoral activities which are at large here. “Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) has become the hub of immoral activities and there is no one acting on ground to stop such a serious menace.”

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Govt positively pursuing 44,000 relief package with GOI; Drabu

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu Wednesday said the government is pursuing the flood relief package of 44 thousand crore rupees with the Government of India (GOI) and that reports over squeezing it to mere Rs 1500 crores are incorrect.

Talking to KNS, Drabu said that the state dispensation is in the continuous touch with the GOI over the flood rehabilitation package and also the world bank has assessed the damage caused to the private and public infra structure as rupees 21 thousand crores due to ravaging flood of September last year. “How could the package be a mere 1500 crore rupees when even a proper assessment of the losses has been done by the World Bank,” Drabu said.

The finance minister added that the damage has been separated into two parts. “One is private infrastructure which include houses, shops and other properties which were damaged and the second one is the public infrastructure which includes   roads, bridges, hospitals, government infrastructure,” said Drabu adding that the public infrastructure could be rebuild with the assistance from the concerned union ministries while as damage caused to the private infrastructure in the state would be mitigated by the finance ministry, world bank and state government also.

Over the recent statement of the union home minister Rajnath Singh about the 50 acres of land being given to the migrant pundits, Drabu maintained: “All internal discussions have been on rehabilitating the Kashmiri pundits in inclusive mixed habitations and not in isolated pockets.”

Replying to a two-day debate on the demand for grants of his ministry, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh expressed government’s commitment to rehabilitate the exiled Kashmiri pandits in the valley.

He said the chief minister has promised to earmark 50 acres of land as a first instalment for this purpose.

The statement created uproar in valley with several mainstream and separatist parties castigating the move.

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Mixed habitations, not isolated colonies for Pandits: JK Govt.

KL Report

SRINAGAR

A day after union home minister Rajnath Singh made a statement over the townships for pandits in valley; state government on Wednesday said the question is not about the quantity of land but the idea to settle pundits and Mulsims together in mixed habitations.

“It is not the question of 400 or 500 kanals of land. It is an idea of creating a shared space wherein Muslims, Pandits, Sikhs and any permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir who is interested in staying here can live,” Education Minister Naeem Akhtar told KNS.

He added that any space that is created would not be exclusive and can be open Muslims and persons from other religions. “We will welcome migrant pandits who had to leave during the most unfortunate circumstances. We will reintegrate them in the mixed colonies where everybody can live. The idea is to facilitate the return of pundits to Kashmir.”

Akhtar said mixed population habitations are a reversal of the idea that had been pressed by some quarters for long to have exclusive enclaves for returning migrants in the valley. “Infact, such a experiment had been made in the past to create habitations exclusively for migrants but had failed to re-create the traditional ethos of Kashmir.”

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Don’t politicize rehabilitation of Pandits: Tarigami

KL Report

SRINAGAR

CPI (M) senior leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Wednesday asked Central and the State governments to clear confusion created by their contradictory statements on rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir.

Reacting to the latest statement made by the union home minister Rajnath Singh, the CPI (M) leader according to party spokesman has said that “if the Union Home Minister’s statement is true, then the same belies the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s claim made on the floor of Assembly that no land will be made available for creation for separate colonies for migrant Pandits in Kashmir.”

“Both the Union and the State government must clear confusion that has been created by their contradictory claims on this very sensitive issue,” Tarigami said and added that Pandits are the part of composite pluralistic culture of the state and any move aimed at segregating Kashmiri society will prove counter productive.

He said that the issue of rehabilitation of Pandits is purely a humanitarian issue and the same should be resolved through purposeful dialogue between different communities of the valley.

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Rajnath’s Statement Exposed Mufti Sayeed: NC

KL Report

SRINAGAR

National Conference Wednesday said J&K Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and PDP stood completely exposed by the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s Statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday that Mufti Sayeed had promised 400 kanals of land for the apparent purpose of three to four composite townships for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.

“This statement by Singh now in the Lok Sabha has also proven beyond any doubt that J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had lied during his speech in the Legislative Assembly while denying that he had promised to allocate land for segregated, composite townships,” said NC spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu.

“Mufti Sahab went to Modi Ji’s Darbaar in New Delhi while he was lobbying for a Cabinet Berth in the Central Government for Mehbooba Mufti and during that trip promised the Home Minister that he would allocate land for setting up segregated Composite Townships for Kashmiri Pandits.”

This could, said Mattu, have been another blank cheque in a series of blank cheques that Mufti Sayeed has given to BJP and RSS to first make himself the Chief Minister for six years and then to seek Mehbooba Mufti’s political accommodation in New Delhi.

“What does Mufti Mohammad Sayeed want to do now? Is he not satisfied with setting the State on fire in 1989 as the Home Minister of India? Is he not satisfied with setting the State on fire in 2008 by scripting the 800 Kanals Land Transfer to the Amarnath Shrine Board? How much does J&K have to suffer to assuage Mufti Sahab’s appetite for deriving political dividends out of strife and division? When will it be enough for Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to realize that his five decade Machiavellian role in J&K politics has devoured thousands of young men in Kashmir and brought nothing but misery, stagnation and constitutional erosions for J&K and its people? It is high time Mufti Sahab stops playing with the future of our coming generation by yet again going out of his way to force them out on the roads to agitate and protest,” NC Spokesman stated.

The NC Spokesman said that PDP and its Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed would be solely responsible for any strife, agitation or unrest that this devious plan of segregation would result in.

“It has become evident that Mufti Sayeed has thrown his much touted ‘battle of ideas’ farce into the dustbin and that he has accepted that he always lied in the opposition about hundreds and hundreds of political prisoners being in jail – when he says that less than a dozen political prisoners are in jail. Now, it has also become evident that Mufti Sayeed is cornering the youth of this State to resort to agitation and to come out on the roads to protest against various unacceptable transgressions – including PDP’s aim to dilute process of issuing Permanent Resident Certificates, its anti-youth job policy and now its plan to allocate land for separate, composite townships for Kashmiri Pandits.”

“This two-pronged unholy strategy of provocation and suffocation at the same time is a trademark characteristic of Mufti Sayeed’s style of politics and in the past it has always resulted in our innocent youth losing their lives on our streets – be it during 1989 when Mufti Sayeed lorded over the most dreaded massacres in the history of this State or more recently in 2008 when Mufti Sayeed set the State on fire by transferring 800 Kanals of land to the Amarnath Shrine Board,” he said.

The NC Spokesman said National Conference was committed to the dignified return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits and had always endeavoured to facilitate their return to their homes and hearths.

“Our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters are integral parts of our society and they should come back to live among their Muslim neighbours – that would be the greatest sense of security that could be offered and should be offered. Our party has always proven our commitment to their dignified return. However, segregation is not the answer but will compound the problem by isolation and consequently alienation between the two communities. Our party will fight tooth and nail to oppose these dangerous plans that PDP and BJP are harbouring. We won’t allow Mufti Sayeed to divide this State and its people by creating walls of hatred between communities,” Mattu said.

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‘Masrat Alam No Threat to Tourism Season’

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Coming down heavily on PDP president Mehbooba Mufti for terming Masrat Alam as a threat to the current tourist season, Jammu Kashmir Muslim League Wednesday said that PDP is implementing RSS agenda in Kashmir.

Muslim League spokesperson, Muhammad Rafiq Ganaie while terming the PDP and BJP as the two faces of the same coin said that the recent statements made by PDP has made it amply clear that it has occupied power to implement the agenda of RSS in Kashmir.

“The people who voted for PDP are feeling embarrassment now. PDP president should know that during the 2008 and 2010 agitation, people of Kashmir displayed highest degree of hospitality and fed the outsiders especially the tourist in every nook and corner of Kashmir,” he said.

He said that the attempt on part of Mehbooba Mufti to describe Masrat Alam as a threat to tourist season is aimed at to hoodwink people and to cover the failures of the party as this party has failed to live up to the expectations of the people.

“This party had promised a lot in its election manifesto but it failed on every front and now to cover those failures it is accusing Masrat Aalam,” he said and alleged that the negative campaign run by Indian media against Masrat Alam was the brain child of PDP to pave way for the arrest of Alam.

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Maqbool Bhat’s Family Accuses Police of Beating Zahoor in Police Custody

KL Report

SRINAGAR

The family members of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front leader Zahoor Ahmed Bhat Wednesday alleged that Bhat was ruthlessly beaten by policemen while shifting him from Kupwara jail to Sub-Jail Baramulla.

Reports said as the news about the thrashing incident spread in his native place Thregam Kupwara, shopkeepers as a mark of protest downed their shutters and observed a complete shutdown while transport remained off the roads.

Talking to CNS, the sister of Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, Mehmooda Banoo said that police was supposed to present Zahoor in Kupwara court on Wednesday.

“We were excepting his release today. To our surprise, instead of presenting him in the court of law, the police shifted him to Sub-Jail Baramulla. When Zahoor objected, the policemen escorting him took law in their own hands and beat him mercilessly,” she said adding that another Public Safety Act has been invoked on Zahoor Bhat.

She added that her brother was bailed out by the court several times but each time police rearrested him. “In February this year Zahoor Ahmed was re-arrested immediately after he was released on bail by Kupwara court,” she said.

Pertinently, Zahoor, the younger brother of Muhammad Maqbool Bhat was arrested by police on 23 October 2013 and after slapping PSA on him was shifted to Sub-Jail Hira Nager.

Later on he was shifted to Kot Balwal and from there Bhat was lodged in Central Jail Srinagar. Presently, he was behind the bars in Kupwara Jail.

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High Court Issues Notice to ‘Akbar Lone’s Aide’, Rashid Billa

KL Report

SRINAGAR

In a recently filed writ petition by the families of the seven victims, in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Justice Hasnain Masoodi Wednesday issued notice against Rashid Billa, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Army.

“Billa along with other accused personnel of the 13 RR has escaped culpability for last 19 years,” Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) spokesman, Khurram Parvez said in a statement.

“Notably, on October 5, 1996, seven people of Sadrakoot Bala, Bandipora were killed by personnel of 13 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian army, based at Asham camp accompanied by an infamous local government gunman, Rashid Billa (Abdul Rashid Parray).”

According to the police investigation, army has refused to cooperate so far, Khurram said, “as despite having incriminating evidence against Rashid Billa, neither has he been arrested nor has the police filed chargesheet or the final report in the court.”

“Pertinently Rashid Billa happens to be a close aide of National Conference MLA of Sonawari, Akbar Lone,” Khurram said. “It is not for the first time that killers like Billa have found refuge in Pro-India parties such as Umman Majid (Congress), Papa Kishtwari (NC), Farooq Khan (BJP), Ashiq Bukhari (PDP) etc.”

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Yasin Malik Announces Sit-in Against Rajnath’s Statement

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Reacting fiercely to union Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s latest statement, JKLF chairman Yasin Malik Wednesday said Singh’s statement has exposed the double speak of PDP and announced a sit-in against the idea on May 2.

“Mufti Sayeed government is hell bent upon implementing the RSS agenda in Kashmir and it is their hidden motive to harm interests of Kashmiris,” Malik said in a statement.

“Kashmiris cannot remain silent spectators over these conspiracies that are being hatched to divide people in the name of faith.”

Significantly, HM Singh told Lok Sabha Tuesday that Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had promised to give 50 acres of land as first instalment for rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.

Already, the move has triggered fierce reactions from mainstream politicians like Er Rasheed and Hakim Yasin. Both the leaders asked Mufti to come clear on the move.

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Come Clear on Rajnath’s Statement, Hakim asks Mufti

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president and MLA Khansahib Hakim Mohammad Yasin Wednesday asked Jammu and Kashmir government to come clear on the statement of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh wherein he said that Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed has promised to earmark 50 acres of land (400 kanals) as a first instalment for rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

“Recently Mufti sahib on the floor of Assembly categorically stated that there is no question of providing land for separate colonies for Kashmir Pandits,” Yasin said. “He (Mufti) also said that no land has been identified. We welcomed the statement. Nor Rajnath Singh says Mufti has promised to provide land.”

“I want to ask whether Rajnath Singh is right or Mufti sahib. I urge Hon’ble Chief Minister to come clear on the issue so that the confusion which has been created in the minds of people of J&K is cleared,” he added.

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‘Issuing State Subjects At School Level Threat to Majority Identity’

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Announcing a strong resistance against the government decision of issuing State Subject Certificates at the school level, and keeping land for separate clusters for migrant pandits, National Front Chairman, and Hurriyat (JK) leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan Wednesday said that the decision is an open threat to the identity of the majority community of Jammu and Kashmir.

“All the resistance and religious leadership will sit with the civil society and decide about a united resistance against the anti-Muslim and anti movement decision of the so called government which is working on the behest of Hindu fanatics on Zionistic agenda,” Khan said while addressing senior party workers at the party head office.

He added that majority community of the state will not tolerate the decision of issuing the State Subject Certificates at school level because it is aimed at giving citizenship to the West Pakistani refugees and to damage the Muslim majority character of the state.

“The decision will be opposed tooth and nail because exceptional identity is dearer to Kashmiri people more than anything,” he said.

Lashing out at PDP-BJP government’s anti-Muslim ideologies, Khan said that the decision is an attempt to damage the Muslim majority character of the state and integrate it with India taking education route.

He asked PDP to explain its stand about the decision of issuing the State Subject Certificate at the school level.

“We want to know the details of the government decision because it is sure to harm our demography, culture, civilization, ideology and above all the religious character,” Khan said.

“The so called government should come clear about the issue before we take a final call against it taking everybody on board.”

Khan said that Mufti Sayeed is working on the behest of the Hindu fanatics like RSS, Shiv Sena and VHP to protect his chair.

“Mufti and company should know that Kashmiris will not allow them to damage their majority character and every decision in this regard will be resisted come what may,” he said.

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HM Singh’s Land Statement Sparked off Fresh Spate; Er Rasheed in Protest Calls For Secretariat Gherao on May 5

KL Report

SRINAGAR

In this file pic, Er Rasheed during “secretariat gheroa” protest in Srinagar.
Pic: Bilal Bahadur

A day after union Home Minister told Parliament that J-K CM Mufti Muhammad Sayeed has promised to earmark 400 kanals of land as a first installment for rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, lawmaker from Langate fiercely reacted against the move and in protest has called for Secretariat Gherao on May 5—the day when Mufti Govt’s summer durbar will begin in Srinagar.

“Rajnath Singh wants to run the State by bypassing CM,” Er Rasheed said. “Singh by declaring that 400 kanals of land have been earmarked for Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir Valley has proven how hallow the claims of State Government are with reference to the burning issue of separate townships for Kashmiri Pandits.”

Rasheed said State Government has succumbed continuously to the Union Government ventures of turning Kashmir into another Palestine.

“Separate townships and granting separate land for Pandits is a damaging move and Rajnath Singh, Central and State governments should bear in mind that this fascism would not be allowed to be take pragmatic shape,” he said.

Rasheed said Kashmiri Pandits are welcome in their land but not in separate settlements aimed at converting Kashmir a “jungle of hate”.

“Already making the dangerous decision of issuing State Subject to children via schools is aimed at hurting majority character of Kashmir and converting Natives into Refugees,” he said.

Mufti Sb, Rasheed said, had many a times given assurances that there is no such proposal to give land for the proposed townships but “Rajnath Singh has get again proved that nothing lies in the hands of State Govt and is being run like a colony”.

Notably, on Tuesday while expressing government’s commitment to rehabilitate the Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley, Singh told Parliament that CM Mufti has promised to earmark 50 acres of land as a first installment for this purpose.

Earlier, the proposal “composite townships” for pandits backfired in valley in face of stormy reactions.

The issue put both unionists as well as separatists on the same page. The proposal was seen akin to Israeli-type settlements in Palestine.

Meanwhile, Er Rashid said he will hold a Gherao of coalition Ministers in Civil Secretariat for taking “insane and hateful measures” on May 5 on the eve of opening offices.

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‘Wind Up, Your Contract is Over!’

KL Report

SRINAGAR

Ire is rising in Kashmir’s contractual college teaching camp. And the trigger is the latest notice shot by government informing some 1500 of them: “Wind Up, Your Contract is Over!”

Interestingly, in the flood-hit academic session marred with delays, the notice has put the teachers in a tight spot.

“Normally, our contracts get renewed at the end of February every year,” said one teacher, protesting in Srinagar’s Press Enclave along with his ilk. “But this time, the government shot the order two months later, which has badly distressed us.”

On face of the latest notice, many questions have started haunting the ‘hire and fire’ teaching camp. Like, what are they supposed to do at this time, when the session is already running late?

“Instead of renewing our contracts,” said another teacher, “we are now supposed to sit and write exams all over again for securing our places. I mean, this is outrageous! Retaining our jobs now seems highly uncertain in face of the fresh guidelines.”

As per the said guidelines, most of college contractual teachers having M Phil degree won’t be able to continue with teaching.

“Most of us are having M. Phil—the degree, which has been de-recognised as a college teaching criteria,” said a teacher. “Now, only Phd, NET and SLET holders are eligible for the lectureship.”

With authorities adamant to implement the notice, the contractual teachers rue by foreseeing themselves jobless, three days later!

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