Friday 31 July 2015

Army Constructing New LoC Fence Equipped with Sensors, Night-Vision Cameras, Alarms

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

kashmir_loc

As per the report, army is constructing a new fence on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, equipped with sensors, night-vision cameras, alarms, besides having weather-proof system.

“We have arrived at this new design after winter trials, and are going to put it in place in the Kashmir region,” Northern Army Commander Lt General D S Hooda was quoted having said. “The new fence will be of great help in improving our counter-infiltration posture and minimise infiltration from across the LoC.”

It is said that the step was taken after nearly 350km of the 400 km-long fence along LoC in Kashmir gets damaged every winter and has to be fixed in the summer.

As of now, the army hopes to finish fence construction in the next three years.

“The new design will have night-vision cameras, alarms and visual map displays integrated with the fence,” the report says. “All these will be linked to the nearby monitor room, giving the local military commanders real-time data so they can react promptly if an attempt is made to tamper with the fence.”

The army has also decided to light up the new fence in Kashmir using LEDs, the report says. “But the new fence will not lead to zero infiltration. This new design will definitely bring the numbers substantially down.”

Notably, army says, 2005 LoC fence—known as the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS)—has proved reasonably successful in checking infiltration into J&K.

Before zeroing in on the new fence design, report says, army tested three designs by constructing one-km long sample fences in Kupwara sector.



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Militants Fire Upon Cops, Three Injured

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Suspected militants fired at Security Check Post in Kashmir injuring three police men.

Reports said that three policemen have been injured after suspected militants opened fire at them at a security check point on the Baramulla-Srinagar highway.

“The suspected militants were travelling in a passenger vehicle. They opened fire when their vehicle was stopped at the check point,” reports added. They managed to flee from the spot.

The injured cops, including a Station House Office (SHO), “have been shifted to a hospital where the condition of the SHO is said to be critical”.



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Cloudburst Hits Doodpathri, One Killed

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One person was killed in a sudden rainstorm in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Friday evening, reports said.

“The cloudburst has occurred in Chanz area near Doodhpatri tourist place in Budgam this evening. One person has been killed,” Deputy Commissioner of Budgam Altaf Ahmad Mir was quoted as having said.

He was yet to be identified. “Our teams have reached the area and are monitoring the situation. We are still awaiting details,” he adde.



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Geelani, Sehrai Again Barred from Friday Prayers

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Tehreek i HurriyatChairman Hurriyat (g) Syed Ali Geelani continues to remain under house arrest on 31 July and it was today 15th time that he was “forcibly stopped from participating in the Friday congregational prayers” while Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Secretary General Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, was put under house arrest and not allowed to offer Friday prayer.

According to a statement issued to KNS, while terming the government action as hooliganism and state terrorism, a Hurriyat (g) spokesperson condemned it in strong words and said that since the Mufti Sayeed came into power, the restrictions on the movement of the pro-freedom people have been tightened and the graph of human rights violation has shown an alarming trend.

The statement said that all the “beautiful pre-election slogans” of Mufti Sahab and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti have proven just mirage and they now stands helpless before the BJP.



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Hurriyat (g) Calls for Shutdown in Pattan on Saturday

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Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, a constituent of Hurriyat (g), has appealed people of Pattan in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district to observe a complete shutdown on Saturday in memory of the 12 innocent people including two cops who were allegedly murdered by Indian Army in 1990 August 1.

At least 12 persons including 2 cops were gunned down and 82 persons received bullet injuries when a unit of Indian Army part of convoy fired indiscriminately upon people present in busy Pattan market on that fateful day.

Narrating the incident, the survivors told CNS that on August 1, 1990 an Army Convoy was on way to Srinagar from Baramulla. “Some private trucks were also part of the long Army convoy. Pattan road was in shambles and there were potholes. The tyre of one of the Army vehicle suddenly bursted and Army personnel with their finger on triggers mistook it as a militant attack and they continuously resorted to firing that lasted up to five to eight minutes. It was a hell like situation. People ran for cover while the vendors and shopkeepers received serious injuries during the stampede. Army directly targeted civilians. Over hundred civilians received bullets among which 12 lost their lives,” they said.

One of the survivors Ghulam Hassan Bhat from main town Pattan said that he received all but 16 bullets and yet Almighty saved his life. “What I witnessed is inexpressible. After receiving bullets in arms, legs and lower party of belly, I lied in a gutter. I saw unbridled Army personnel directly targeting people. The dead bodies and injured were lying in a pool of blood. I lost conscience after I watched an army man pumping bullets into the body of a fruit seller from Shoch hamlet,” he said.

Another survivor from Poshwani who wished not to be named said that on that fateful day an Assistant Sub Inspector Abdul Rouf and another police personnel Dilip Singh were present in the market. Rouf received at least 32 bullets and died on spot and same was the fate of cop Dilip Singh,” he said.

Another eyewitness Ghulam Mohiuddin alias Mohda Kak from Pattan town said that after killing spree the army men entered into Mian Mohalla Pattan and set various residential houses on fire. “The house of my friend Muhammad Akram was also set on fire by unbridled army men. Those days, Army were the virtual rulers in Kashmir and they were free to kill anyone. It sends chill down my spine whenever I remember this bloody incident,” he said adding that army snatched the life of his close friend, a barber by forte from Tangmarg area.

According to eyewitnesses Pattan town mourned the deaths for over a week. “Not a single shop opened up for two weeks in the town after the fateful incident. Some of the deceased who were killed in Army firing were identified as Assistant Sub Inspector Abdul Rouf, Constable Dilip Singh, Businessman Ghulam Hasan Zargar, Wali Muhammd Itoo, Abdul Rehman of Gohbugh, Habibullah Darzi, mentally disable Abdul Khaliq of Palhalan, and Nayeem Ahmed Sheikh from Buran Pattan.”

A police official on condition of anonymity said that Army claimed that the civilians were killed in cross firing as militants attacked on their convoy. “An FIR vide number 124/1990 under section 307, 3/25 still stands registered in police station Pattan,” he said.



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In Solidarity with Jammu Muslims, Separatists Organize Protest in Valley

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Hurriyat g Protest

To express solidarity with the Muslims of Jammu, separatist organizations including Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Freedom League and Dukhtaran-e-Millat here in Kashmir staged protests on Friday and reiterated that Muslims of Jammu and are not alone but Kashmir’s have stood for them in past and will stand for them in future as well. The call for expressing solidarity with the Muslims of Jammu was given by Hurriyat octogenarian Syed Ali Geelani.

Eyewitnesses told CNS that Dukhtaran-e-Millat and Muslim Khawateen Markaz took out a procession from Jamia Masjid Srinagar. The participants were shouting slogans in support of Jammu Muslims and were denouncing the wickedness of Hindutva forces going on in Jammu and its adjacent districts.

Speaking on the occasion Aasiya Andrabi said that Jammu Kashmir is a single entity and the Muslims of valley will in no circumstances leave their Jammu brethren alone. DeM president repeated, the already expressed concern that since the present government has taken over, Hindutva forces have started treating Jammu to be their conquered area. She said that Hindutva forces are making Jammu Muslims feel as second class citizens despite of the fact that the state primarily belongs to Muslims. Assuring every possible support to the Jammu Muslims she said, “You are not alone and let all the communal forces note this thing, Kashmiri’s will in no circumstances leave you alone but you need to understand your duties towards the movement”.

Hurriyat (g) activists including Imtiyaz Shah, Altaf Ahmed Shah and Imtiyaz Hyder led a protest march to express solidarity with Jammu Muslim at Saraibala soon after Friday prayers. The march was taken out from Iqra Masjid that culminated peacefully. The activists of Hurriyat (g) carrying placards and banners denounced the present government policies towards Jammu Muslims. They alleged that Muslims in Jammu are being harassed on the one or the other pretext.

To express solidarity with Jammu Muslims, the constituent of Hurriyat (g), Jammu Kashmir Freedom League activists also staged protest in different towns of Kashmir Valley. Freedom League leaders led protest marches in Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal, and Baramulla districts.



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Mufti Approves State’s First-ever Disaster Management Plan

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CM-31

In a significant decision aimed at building capacities to effectively meet furies of nature, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Friday granted approval to the first-ever State Disaster Management Plan to reduce the vulnerability to hazards and enhance human and institutional capability to cope with disasters and natural calamities in a more effective manner.

Mufti Sayeed, who also heads the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), said the Plan was long overdue as there were lessons to be learnt from the devastating floods of 2014 in terms of real-time rescue missions for timely evacuation of people.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority, here this afternoon.

SDMA members, including Minister for Revenue, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Minister for Relief & Rehabilitation, LJ&PA, Syed Basharat Bukhari, Minister for CA&PD, Ch. Zulfkar, Minister for Transport. A. G. Kohli and Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey, who is also the CEO of SDMA, attended the meeting.

Laying stress on well-laid down Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) while dealing with calamities, the Chief Minister exuded confidence that the new Disaster Management Plan, prepared by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, will work to identify and anticipate potential risks and ensure continuity in critical operations post-incident.

Mufti Sayeed issued directions for incorporating a Divisional-level Authority in the State’s Disaster Management Framework for better coordination between districts in case of calamities and emergencies. He also placed high-priority on forging alliance between the Government and public for better disaster management, especially in a state like J&K which is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and off late cloudbursts.

While briefing the Chief Minister about the broad contours of the State Disaster Management Plan, Commissioner / Secretary, Relief & Rehabilitation, Dheeraj Gupta, said the Plan comprehensively covers the entire gamut of operations related to disaster risk reduction activities at the level of the entire state. “It envisages setting up of Emergency Operations’ Centres (EOCs) at divisional and district levels and ensuring adequate framework for Disaster Governance, including funds generation mechanism, by taking on board all stakeholders in a structured and time-bound manner,” he said and added that a special provision has been kept in the Plan for developing human resources and their capacities by utilizing expertise of professional agencies like NDMA and NDRF.

A team of TISS experts also made a detailed presentation to highlight the objectives of the State Disaster Management Plan, in particular related to risk and vulnerability profile, preventive and preparedness measures, disaster response, besides rehabilitation and reconstruction issues. The State Disaster Management Plan approved today has the flexibility to undergo change by way of updating on a periodic basis. The backbone of maintaining the Plan remains carrying out of mock drills and regular risk assessment. To begin with, it envisages immediately setting up of EOCs at Jammu and Srinagar by positioning a core team in preparedness for meeting any eventuality related to vagaries of nature and man-made disasters.

The SOPs enlisted in the Plan cover entire range of disasters including earthquakes, floods, landslides, avalanches, windstorms, cloudbursts, drought, fires and biological and human-induced disasters.



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For Profiling Kashmiris, New Delhi Enacting Central Act Illegally, says KCSDS

Riyaz Ul Khaliq

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KCDCS members addressing a press conference in Srinagar.

KCDCS members addressing a press conference in Srinagar.

The Kashmir Civil Society group, Kashmir Centre for Social & Developmental Studies (KCSDS), Friday alleged that the Union government is extending a central act to state of Jammu and Kashmir, illegally. However, it maintained, “the stoic silence of CM Mufti Muhammad Sayeed is unwanted.”

Addressing a press conference here, KCSDS chairperson Prof Hameedah Nayeem said, “the latest discourse that has been floated is the settlement of retired army personnel in our state by allotting them land and bestowing other economic benefits as a reward for serving Kashmiris for the past 25 years.”

“Another reports proposal of New Delhi to amend Central Statistics Act 2008 to bring the state of Jammu and Kashmir within its ambit is illegal and deplorable,” Prof Hameedah said. “The issue of settlement of former army personnel and granting them economic packages too is a disastrous move.”

Referring to recently announced new eight road projects in J&K by Government of India (GoI), Prof Hameedah said, “the GoI announced road projects are harmful to our pristine nature; our forests cover is under threat.” She also claimed that although the projects have been announced, no permission or ‘No Objection Certificate’ has been asked from the forest department of our own state.

“The silence of PDP in such things is deplorable and it tantamount to partnering in loot and plunder of our resources,” she alleged. “Since PDP-BJP government assumed in J&K, the communal, fascist and divisive forces have become bolder and louder and have launched a multi-pronged assault on the special status of our state.” The KCSDS chairperson alleged, “these are starting steps to change the Muslim majority status of J&K.”

Taking a dig at PDP led government, Prof Hameedah said, “providing succour to flood victims of 2014 is a far cry even after passing of one year.”

The KCSDS detailed, what it said, “illegal and unconstitutional actions demanded by communal forces on which the government has not made its position clear”—the issue of PRCs being issued in schools against norms; construction of exclusive townships for Kashmir Pandits; settlement of West Pakistani refugees; challenging Article 35 (A) of Indian constitution; eviction of Jammu Muslims and appointment and placement of communal officers.

Noted columnist and Chartered Accountant, Abdul Majid Zargar, while briefing about the expansion of Central Collection of statistics Act 2008 to state of Jammu and Kashmir said, “If this happens, the J&K state’s own Collection of Statistics Act 2010 will cease to exist. The GoI shall be holding and profiling Kashmiris and we shall not be able to know what for and how we are being counted.”

“The GoI wants to bereft J&K government of its powers on subjects mentioned in Union List,” he said, “Defence, Communication and Foreign Affairs.”

“If tomorrow, we need any information related to border areas, we shall not able to get it as it shall fall under the purview of central Statistics Act 2008,” he said adding, “the vices which are being raised over settlement of retired army personnel in valley is a point in that direction. For extension of any union law, it needs sanction of state legislature, but the state government if maintaining stoic silence on such an important issue.”



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Javaid Mir Bleeds During Srinagar Protest  

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Javaid Mir

Javaid Mir.

Senior Hurriyat (M) leader and chairman of his JKLF faction Javaid Ahmad Mir Friday received major injuries on his left hand thumb, after police tried to arrest him at Press colony Srinagar for protesting against the continuous detention of Kashmiri political prisoners.

“Despite high bleeding he was arrested and lodged in Police station Kothibagh,” Mir’s close aide said. “Later he was transferred to Police control room Hospital by a police team where doctors referred him to Srinagar’s Bone and Joint Hospital wherein he went an emergency operation. As such three pins were installed to his left hand thumb during the 2 hour long surgery.”



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CRDP to Reward ‘Brave Hearts’; Hold Conclave on Impact of Floods on Kashmir

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The Centre for Research and Development Policy (CRDP) will distribute awards among many Kashmiri youth for their outstanding rescue and relief work during the devastative 2014 September floods.

The award distribution ceremony will be a part of a seminar to be held in Srinagar on 6 and 7 September, 2015 to commemorate the first anniversary of September deluge.

Director CRDP, Dr Peer GN Suhail, said, “award-giving ceremony will acknowledge the outstanding rescue and relief work done by people from all walks of life especially the local youth referred to as ‘Brave Hearts’.”

“The seminar will look at the critical assessment of the impact of floods on Kashmir economy, tourism, agriculture and the challenges and opportunities for its revival, and, more importantly, the role of different stakeholders in sustainable development of the state,” Dr Suhail said.

While deliberating about the procedure of selections for awards, Dr Suhail informed, “the nominations for awards will come directly from the people through e-mail and regular mail, including courier, after which a panel of credible judges shall make a selection of the people to be honoured.”

“People interested in sending in their nominations are requested to describe in around 400 words (maximum one page) why a particular person is being nominated for the award.”

The last date for sending in nominations has been fixed as August 15, 2015.



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Ichigam: Pandit Marriage, Muslim Baraatis

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Kashmiri Pandit Marriage 1

On Thursday, Muslims neighbours over saw a marriage ceremony of a Pandit family in central Kashmir.

Housed in about 1400 Muslim households, Ichigam locality in Budgam district of valley has seven Pandit families. They did not leave Kashmir in early 1990s.

Neighbouring Muslim men and women assembled near the house Pyaray Lal Bhat where Kashmiri welcome songs were being sung. Bhat is the father of bride, Preeti Bhat, who is a private school teacher. The courtyard and rooms were filled with Muslim women who were busy singing welcome songs fro the bride groom who had to come from nearby Sheikhpora area.

As the days of marriage of Bhat’s daughter neared, neighbouring Muslims visited Bhat and offered help in kind and cash. They also helped Bhat in preparation for the marriage ceremony.

“These heart-warming scenes of communal harmony took the groom, his family and friends by surprise as the wedding procession rolled into Ichigam village in central Kashmir,” reports said.

Emotionally excited Pyaray Lal Bhat said, “it (the scene at the village) was a pleasant surprise for all of us but more so for the groom and the guests accompanying him.” Preeti married Ashu Krishen who is a migrant Kashmiri Pandit. After his return, Krishen lives at Sheikhpora village in Budgam.

Kashmiri Pandit Marriage

“For all these days, our Muslim women neighbours were here singing the marriage songs on my daughter’s wedding. All these days, the entire village was here participating in our happy moments,” Bhat said.

Ichigam village has a history; history of communal harmony.

When militancy erupted in early 1990s, a Hindu temple was damaged due to bad weather in the village. “The Muslim brethren rebuilt it from the donations collected to build a mosque in the village,” he informed.

A locally managed Imam Zaman Trust, the villagers said that stands for brotherhood and communal harmony which always maintained calm and led people to such an atmosphere.



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KU Students Offer Funeral Prayers in Absentia for Yakub Menon

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KU University

Kashmir University students offering Nimaz-i-Jinazah in absentia on Friday.

Kashmir University students Friday post prayers offered Nimaz-i-Jinazah in absentia for Yakub Menon who was hanged on early Thursday morning in Nagpur jail of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Witnesses said that hundreds of students and other employees who had gathered for Friday prayers offered funeral prayers for Yakub Menon and former Taliban Chief, late Mullah Omar.

“Students also showed solidarity with the Muslims of Jammu,” a student caller said. Octogenarian Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani had appealed people to observe this Friday as ‘Day of Unity’ with Muslims of Jammu.

“The students left the place peacefully later on,” one of the witnesses informed.



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Soldier Shot Himself with Service Rifle at Jammu

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Police Friday informed that a soldier shot himself with his service rifle late Thursday inside a barrack in Jammu.

Identified as Gokula Kumar of Kollam (Kerala), the soldier shot himself with his service rifle inside the Chatha camp in Jammu city.

Police said inquest proceedings have started and the body has been shifted to government medical college for post-mortem examination.



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Thursday 30 July 2015

Jaish Poster Surfaces in Pakherpora; Warns to ‘Teach a Lesson to Informers’

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JeM poster spotted pasted in Pakherpora bus stand.

JeM poster spotted pasted in Pakherpora bus stand.

A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant outfit poster has surfaced in Pakherpora area of Central Kashmir Friday morning warning people from becoming “informers of security agencies”.

Bearing a JeM signature, the poster spotted pasted at Pakharpora bus stand warned: “Only last year, four of our Mujahid brothers were martyred. Some locals conspired with the security agencies and got them martyred. We are spotted those people and once the investigations are completed we will teach them a lesson.”

The poster termed a “prank” by police has been removed, but the locals say it has alarmed the area.



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Maisuma Boy’s Death: Story So Far

Tasavur Mushtaq 

SRINAGAR

Maisuma 1

On July 26, 2015, protests rocked Maisuma locality of Srinagar after body of a missing local was fished out from river Jhelum in Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Identified as Owais Ahmad Fafoo, resident of Madir Bagh Srinagar, Owais alias Patel was missing since Eid-Ul-Fitr (July 18, 2015).

Maisuma 2

The youth fought pitched battles while family alleged that Owais had ‘torture marks’ on his body. Police swung into action, both to deal with protesters and investigate the “mysterious death”.

Assisted by city police, Sumbal police officials are following the case and have got the clue. Much to the surprise this time locals were instrumental in police arriving near to the conclusion. The smart phones did the trick as they clicked the movement across the river. The police version of investigation as of now quoting eye witness is that the ‘youth died under the influence of liquor.’

According to police sources, the sequence goes like this: “on Eid, July 18, two friends Owais Ahmad (the deceased) and Amir Ahmad around 1 pm had beer in Shivpora area from some bar. After having beer, the duo than had plan to go Sagam and get charas. Suggested by Owais, Amir denied this option. They together went to bund side of Shivpora area where they extracted etir, locally grown and used form of drugs.  They had it. In between the duo also had barbeques. After this the duo lost consciousness.” Police quotes Amir.

Maisuma 3

What happened after and how police came to know is, “on other end of bund from Jawahar Nagar side children were taking pictures of birds. When they saw some ‘mysterious’ movement, they raised alarm which made two youth from same area (where owais and Amir were present) to go and see. According to statement of these two persons, one of them went to rescue a youth who was laid down and was ‘under the influence of liquor’.  The youth (later identified as Amir) had scuffle with the rescuer to the extent that he tried to drag him to the river. On this, another youth who came to his rescue and went to inform police. The policemen say that they were also manhandled by Amir. “After overpowering him, he was taken to police station.”

This was the detail with police till Amir regained consciousness. He was looking for his friend Owais and also Rs 9500 which he claimed were in his pocket. The brother of Owais was called, but police officials said that family did not allow him fearing he may be arrested.

What happened after led to protests as body of Owais was fished out from Jehlum. Contradicting the claim of Amir, the family say that Owais had money in his pocket.

The youth who had scuffle with Amir after trying to rescue him say that they only saw Amir. Owais was not there. Their account is being authenticated by the pictures taken from other side of the bund.

Police officials, however, said, “it is not clear what had happened between Owais and Amir as there is no evidence at this point.” They further say, “we know only when two rescuers reached to the spot.”

Owais is no more, Amir is shuttling between Srinagar and Sumbal with police investigating the matter. The family mourns the death of the teenager son. Police add, “if at all Amir had committed the crime, he may have done it under the influence of liquor.”



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‘Don’t Recommend India for a Permanent Seat in UN Security Council’

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The Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) Thursday asked the United Nation member states not to recommend India for a permanent seat in the Security Council for its human rights record in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement , an APDP (Bund) spokesperson said that the Indian State has no moral right to claim any credibility internationally after abusing human rights that include, enforced disappearance of more than 8000 people, existence of 7000 plus unknown, unmarked and mass graves, extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual assault and numerous other human rights violations.
“The Indian States record in Jammu and Kashmir must not be rewarded. On the contrary, international pressure and condemnation must be immediately brought to bear on a State that has no regard for the rule of law, or human life in Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesperson said.
Referring to the State Human Rights Commission’s verdict of October 2011 on the presence of unmarked and massed graves and seeking among others, Forensic Examination of the remains interred in the graves along with DNA, the spokesman said that none of the recommendations of the commission have been implemented by the government and no investigation has been initiated so far.
“The member states of the UN must be guided in their relations with the Indian State by a sense of responsibility and sensitivity to the realities of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the spokesperson said, adding “The international community cannot escape their responsibility to the victims of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir,”
The APDP statement asked the Member states of UN to question, and exerts pressure upon India to uphold the internationally recognized human rights principles and standards before recommending the country for a Permanent Seat in the SC.
“As the struggle for truth, justice, dignity and honor continues, the international community must be aware that their actions today form a part of the historical record and there will be accountability,” the statement added.
APDP, the statement said stands and will always stand against the India states claim for the permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for its record of human rights violations in the conflict ridden state.
“As part of persistent campaign APDP today amassed to question such an entitlement to a country like India that has worst human rights record and sponsors impunity and injustice to victims without any accountability,” the spokesman added.
The spokesperson also asked the government of Pakistan to divulge the details of hundreds of people including the husband of Amina Masood Janjua, a prominent human rights activist of Pakistan.



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Crime Branch Jammu Arrests Notorious Cheat from Banglore

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The Crime Branch Jammu on Thursday said that it has arrested a notorious cheater from Banglore accused of duping with 84 lakhs.
The accused has been identified as Jami Bala Ji, son of Late Ganaya, resident of Sosahandi Orissa at present Bangalore. A case under FIR number 26/2015 under section 420, 406–RPC was registered against him in Crime Branch, Jammu on 28 July.
Briefing facts of the case, a spokesman of the Crime Branch said that one Shravan Singh of Katra lodged a written complaint with Crime Branch Jammu alleging therein that he along with his family members came into contact with above named accused person for seeking admission in R.V College of Engineering Bangalore and for investing in some property at Bangalore. “The accused person promised to secure a seat under management quota in the said college for elder sister of complainant and accused person was accordingly paid more than `20.00 lacs through Bank and in cash. However, accused person did not fulfill his promise and duped the complainant of his hard earned money amounting to `84.00 lacs which the complainant deposited in the account of the accused person on different occasions,” the spokesman said.
SSP Crime Branch Mubassir Latifi said that during the course of investigation bank records were scanned, evidences were collected and after making hectic efforts the accused person was apprehended at Bangalore by Inspector Parvez Sajad and his team. It has also been found that the accused person had cheated various persons throughout the country on the pretext of arranging admissions in Engineering / Medical Colleges and had befooled the innocent and gullible people of their hard earned money. (GNS)



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Pregnant Lady Dies due to Road Block by Anti-PDD Protesters in Kupwara

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A 26 year old pregnant woman died in Kupwara district of north Kashmir as she could not reach hospital due to road block by protesters demanding electricity.
According to GNS, Lali Jan, wife of Abdul Majeed Badana of Danji Kalaroos, was pregnant from last seven months. The lady had suffered excessive bleeding and was on her way to Chogal hospital in Handwara.
“Her doctor concerned has a clinic at Chogal but when she reached Kawari Bridge in Kupwara, the protesters protesting against scarcity of electricity had blocked the road and she could not reach her destination leading to her death,” her family members alleged.
The seven month baby in her womb also died along with the mother. The deceased was already mother of a 4 year old child.
Meanwhile, the Superintendent of Police Kupwara, Aijaz Ahmad said that strict action against the persons involved in road block would be taken.
At least they should have allowed safe passage to the lady as her family had pleaded them for the same, he said.



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Scared Villagers of Teetwal Stage Protests After 5 Die of Typhoid

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The outbreak of typhoid causing death of five people, including two women have triggered off strong anti-government demonstrations in the remote village of Teetwal in Tanghdar sector of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Locals told Srinagar based Global News Service that the villagers today hit the streets in Tad village of Teetwal here and staged protests against the alleged callous attitude of the government, especially the health department. The protesters said that five people including two women have died due to a disease but the government does not bother to send a medical team to the area to contain the situation.
“Five people have died so far but the government seems unmoved. We have been left by the government to die,” Sarpanch Tad, Mohammad Yaqoob Mughal said.
He said despite repeated assurances, even the health officials didn’t turn up in the panic hit village to examine the people.
Taja begum (55) wife of Abdul Hamid Mughal, Zohra Begum (50), wife of Muhammad Ismail, Ghulam Mustafa (50), son of Muhammad Aalam, Qazi Khushal (40), son of Abdul Rouf and Abdul Hamid (50) son of Firdous Qureshi, all residents of Tad, according to the locals have died since July 10.
“Besides, five more persons have fallen ill and are currently admitted in hospitals. They include Bilquessa, wife of Shabir Ahmad Mughal, Khadija, wife of Mumtaz, Muhammad Rafiq, son of Darya Muhammad, Safoora Begum, wife of Muhammad Aarif Mughal and Ruksa Begum, wife of Imtiyaz Ahmad Mughal,” locals said.
Dr Naseer Awan, HoD Medicine at the SMHS said that the enteric fever, a potentially fatal multisystemic illness, has broken out in the village due to the consumption of contaminated water.
“The officials must collect the water samples and get it tested at a laboratory in Srinagar. Besides, medical camps should also be held in the village to examine people,” said Awan, who is also an inhabitant of the affected village.
He said there was also a need to create awareness among the people about the consumption of clean drinking water. He said the people need to be informed that the water should be consumed after boiling it for over 10 minutes.
“Even chlorine tablets should be distributed among the masses. This will surely help to contain the water borne diseases to a greater extent,” he said.
Awan said that the people should visit the doctors instead of compounders if they develop the fever. He said the compounders don’t know the regime of treating the disease and mere injections won’t cure the patient.
“The compounders don’t know which injections are required, the dosage and other things. They don’t even know about the course of medication. So, the locals should report to the doctors instead of them,” Awan said.
He said the disease can only get cured after persistent treatment and regular examinations.



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Yakoob Memon’s Execution Sparks Protest in Kashmir

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Late Yaqoob Menon

Late Yaqoob Menon

The execution of Mumbai serial blast accused in Nagpur Jail Thursday sparked protest in Kashmir while police detained local legislator after he along with his supporters staged a protest in city centre Lal Chowk in Srinagar.

Eyewitnesses said that scores of people led by MLA Langate Engineer Abdul Rashid assembled near Clock Tower Lal Chowk in Summer Capital Srinagar and amid anti-Indian Government slogans staged a massive protest against the hanging of Yakoob Menon.

The protesters carrying banners and placards reading, “Who Among Muslims Is To Be Hanged Next” with the pictures of Yakoob Menon and Muhammad Afzal Guroo while denounced the execution of Menon said that it was a cold blooded murder and the execution was unwarranted and unjustified.

The protesters shouted high pitched slogans like “Gali Gali Main Shor Hain, Delhi Aadam Khor Hain”. Talking to reporters Engineer Rashid said that the Yaqub’s hanging is travesty of justice. “Yaqub is another victim of Indian government’s inhumane justice delivery system. Indian Justice System has witnessed another big dent. First they executed Muhammad Afzal Guroo and now a person who happened to be a Muslim after spending twenty years in prison,” Rashid said.

Rashid said that the killers of Muslims are roaming free and no action has been initiating against them just because they belong to majority community. “Why Indian Prime Minister is roaming free when he is behind the killing of innocent Muslims in Gujrat. Why Meca Masjid and Malagoan blast accused are not hanged,” he questioned.

During the protest, Rashid also demanded the return of mortal remains of Mohammad Afzal Guru, who was hanged and secretly buried in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail on February 9, 2013 on charges of attacking Indian parliament. Witnesses said that while the MLA was staging a protest, a police team detained him along with some of his supporters.

The lawyers at Srinagar lower court also staged a peaceful protest against the hanging of Yakoob Menon. Scores of lawyers staged a sit-in and termed the execution ‘travesty of justice’. Talking to reporters the protesting lawyers said that, “If innocents are killed, the guilty should not be spared. But over 2,000 innocent lives were also lost in the Mumbai riots. The perpetrators are still free. Justice can’t have two faces. It needs to be same for everyone and for that reason, we are seeking stringent punishment for those responsible for the killing of innocent Muslims in India especially in Gujrat,” they said.

The lawyers at Court Complex Pulwama in South Kashmir also staged a silent protest against the ‘unwarranted’ execution of Yakoob Menon. The protesting lawyers marched from Court complex to DC Office Pulwama. They told CNS that instead of Court it was Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh who ordered the hanging of yakub Menon. “The government has hanged Yakoob to appease Hindu voters of Bihar and West Bengal. It is a cold blooded murder and we condemn it,” they said.

Meanwhile, in Doda district of Jammu Division, hundreds of people offered funeral prayers for Yakoob Menon in absentia. The participants later on staged a peaceful protest against the hanging of Menon and termed it as a ‘grave blunder and grave injustice’ on part of Government of India.



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‘Ex Dy CM Involved in Rape, Murder, Corruption,’ Reveals Tara Chand’s Ex-PRO

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

In the much publicized writ petition filed by social activist Professor SK Bhalla seeking initiating of disciplinary proceedings and withdrawal of security cover from Kewal Krishan Sharma, the then Additional PRO to then Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and also highlighting accumulation of assets disproportionate to the known sources of income, Thursday took a new turn when Kewal Krishan Sharma after appearing in person in the court of Justice Tashi Rabstan backtracked from his early statement and alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand is involved in rape, murder and corruption and he is feeling threat for his life from the goons of Tara Chand.

When the petition came up for hearing Prof SK Bhalla appearing in person drew the attention of the court to the fresh application moved by him to place on record a copy of the communication number 101/Misc-J/1604-06 dated October 1, 2014 whereby the then Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Shantmanu had written to the Commissioner Secretary Administration Department for taking stringent action against the Forest Guard turned PRP for acting in violation of CCA Rules and had also referred in his communication the enquiry conducted by the then Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ajeet Kumar Sahu recommending strict action against KK Sharma then Additional PRO for his act of distributing cheques in Sub-Division Khour.

Justice Tashi Rabstan after hearing the petitioner and the respondent allowed the fresh application and took on record the communication dated October 1, 2014 and directed the Registry to list the instant petition as per previous order in the week commencing 3rd of August next month.

KK Sharma, according to CNS, created sensation in the open court when he levelled serious allegations against the then Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and two senior cops and said that his life is in danger. He openly stated that he along with his son started from his residence for High Court at 3 AM and reached the Court at 6 AM. He said that only reason why he reached the court so early was the threats which he is feeling form the ‘goons’ of former Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand. He requested court to restore his security. KK Sharma further said that the High Court did not pass any order regarding the withdrawal of his security but the police on its own withdrew his security cover. He further submitted that he stands by his allegations of murder, rape and corruption levelled against the then Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and denied the reply filed by him wherein he had said that he has no threat form Tara Chand but from militants and criminals. “Earlier, I tried to save Tara Chand as I was feeling pressure from him and police,” he informed court.

After hearing Sharma in person, Justice Tashi Rabstan directed him to file his allegations in black and white before or by the next date of hearing as today’s utterances are contrary to the reply filed by him previously.

Before the close of the proceedings Sharma again requested the court for security cover which was not extended as the court again observed that he needs to file his allegations in black and white and only after that his request will be taken into consideration.



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Mufti Orders Khidmat Centres’ Overhaul to Improve Govt-Citizen Interface

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Highlighting the urgent need to bridge the digital divide by using IT services, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today called for broadening the scope of functions at existing Khidmat Centres so that they become rich databank of information and provide dependable community-based services to the people.

He also sanctioned Rs 2 Crore for improving internet connectivity in the Civil Secretariat as well as Khidmat Centres for firmly embedding an effective e-governance mechanism between the people and online service providers. “Use of technology in delivery of public services is the need of the hour,” he emphasized.

The Chief Minister gave these directions while chairing a high-level meeting of the Information Technology (IT) Department here Thursday.

Describing people as the principal beneficiaries of e-governance, the Chief Minister directed the IT department to provide them online services, particularly related to police recruitment, information on vacancies in J&K PSC and SSB, as well as obtaining copies of ration cards and power bills, et al, in a hassle-free manner. “Necessary budgetary support will be provided for upgrading the IT infrastructure in Khidmat Centres to make them effective bridges of Government-Citizen interface,” he assured.

The Chief Minister said he will take up the issue of improving bandwidth speed with the Union Telecom Minister, Ravi Shanker Prasad, for enabling the State to provide e-services to the people without any bottlenecks. “The State Government will be transformed into a Smart Government so that it becomes transparent and accountable, thus bringing efficiency in public delivery mechanism,” he said and added that IT-enabled services form an important component of the model of good governance conceived by the coalition Government.

Secretary IT, Hridesh Kumar, informed the Chief Minister that 52 online services have been identified in various departments for rolling out from Khidmat Centres, out of which 25 will be extended this year. Presently, the IT Department is only providing five online services for the benefit of the people which include old-age pension, age and physically-handicapped certificates and information on National Family Benefit Scheme.

Khidmat Centres are Service Delivery Points for all e-services in the State. Presently, 1109 such Centres, with J&K Bank as Service Centre Agency, are functional and 1500 more are planned to be opened during the current financial year.

While directing the IT Department to provide wide publicity to the services being offered through print and electronic media, Mufti Sayeed also asked the Chief Secretary to monitor the implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting to provide e-services to the people so that they don’t have to struggle and go from pillar-to-post in search of information and facilitation. “People need to be made aware as they are generally unaccustomed to use of IT and IT-enabled services as well as working of the Khidmat Centres,” he stressed.

The Chief Minister also issued instructions for completing required back-end preparations by holding discussions with the connected departments for improving the efficiency of Khidmat Centres as e-service providers in an effective and coordinated manner.

In an earlier meeting held in April this year, the Chief Minister had designated the IT Department as the Servicing Agency for rolling out online services in Housing, Power, Revenue, PHE and Transport Departments for the benefit of the people in a time-bound and hassle-free manner.

Placing high priority on use of IT services in improving administrative efficiency, the Chief Minister also issued directions for implementing Biometric Attendance in Government Departments all over the State. For this, the IT Department will prepare a comprehensive proposal for funding by the State Finance Department so that necessary equipment related to recording of biometric attendance is installed in the departments.

The Biometric Attendance will ensure presence of employees in Government departments, especially in remote and far-flung areas of the State, thus bringing succour to the people.



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Planning Secy to Recommend Effective Utilization of Estates Land Sites Soon

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

In order to overcome acute shortage of accommodation for Government employees and lay base for creation of productive assets, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Thursday ordered constitution of a high-level Committee which will examine and submit recommendations for effective utilization of land sites presently available with the Government for building infrastructure.

The Committee shall be headed by the Principal Secretary, Planning & Development Department and will have Administrative Secretaries of Estates, Finance, Home, R&B and Revenue Departments as its Members. It will submit its recommendations on September 01, later this year for consideration and approval of the Government, an official statement said.

The Chief Minister gave these directions here today while chairing a high-level review meeting on the future projects for creation of accommodation by the Estates Department.

Highlighting the need to build durable assets to overcome shortage of accommodation, the Chief Minister said optimal use of available sites for construction of quarters and flats needs to be ensured. “The Committee will have to suggest how best we can use the land at various sites so that productive assets which are self-sustained by the Estates Department are created on ground,” he added.

The Committee, which will submit report within four weeks, will work on broad contours by ensuring that ownership of properties remain with the State Government and bids will be entertained only from local players. Lease periods, both for commercial and non-commercial purposes, will be clearly spelt out, keeping in mind the legal prerequisites. Type designs of the proposed buildings will be conceived after taking into consideration the suitability and availability of land / sites.

The Revenue Minister briefed the Chief Minister about its evacuee property sites available at Gupkar, Indra Nagar, Zewan and Hyderpora on which adequate infrastructure shall be raised by the Custodian Department out of its own resources for renting these out to the Estates Department so that it is able to overcome the shortage of accommodation.

The site at Gupkar envisages construction of a cluster of bungalows with uniform facade and common facilities while the land at Indra Nagar is proposed for construction of flatted accommodation. The creation of additional infrastructure will improve intake capacity for visiting tourists, especially during peak season in the summer capital, where Estates Department has hired assets of J&K Tourism Development Corporation.

Earlier, the Chief Minister was informed about the acute shortage of government accommodation, both at Jammu and Srinagar, compelling the Estates Department to book hotels and private residential houses. The Estates Department is able to provide official accommodation to only 2600 employees while as there is a shortfall of 6000 to meet its immediate requirement, the Chief Minister was informed.

The Estates Department is presently constructing 400 flats at Pampore over 100 kanals of land transferred from JKSRTC at a revised cost of Rs.155 crore. In the first phase, 48 flats are nearing completion and are expected to be handed over to the department by Public Works Department before August 15.

The Chief Minister was also briefed about the projects the Estates Department has conceived that envisage going vertical by constructing multi-storied structures at Jawahar Nagar in Srinagar and Gandhi Nagar at Jammu, for which concept plans are at various stages of formulation.



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Pakistan Sikh Body asks India to ‘Free Punjab, Kashmir’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) General Secretary, Gopal Singh Chawla has threatened India with dire consequences if it doesn’t ‘leave’ Punjab and Kashmir.

Chawla, in his post on social media, expressed regret for the terror attack in Gurdaspur, while terming the attack a conspiracy by India to defame Pakistan. “Insaan bano, Kashmir aur Punjab ko izzat se chhod do (Be a human. Leave Kashmir and Punjab with dignity),” he wrote on his social media page.

In the recent past, Chawla, who is also chairman of Punjabi Sikh Sangat in Pakistan, has been vocal against India and had also staged demonstrations before Punjab assembly in Lahore against India on Blue Star anniversary along with fugitive Ranjit Singh alias Pinka, who is a pro-Khalistani militant.



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Mukherjee Expresses Grief over Loss of Lives in Baltal Flash Floods

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, in a letter to Governor NN Vohra, has expressed sadness on learning about the loss of lives and injuries caused by the flash floods triggered by the cloudburst on the 24th July near the Baltal Base Camp.

An official statement said Thursday evening that the President has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their near and dear ones and called upon the State Government and other agencies to provide all possible aid to the bereaved families and medical assistance to the injured.  He has wished speedy recovery to the injured persons and hoped for sooner location of missing persons.



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Kashmir Being Promoted in Oman, says Ambassador

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Ambassador of India to Oman, Indra Mani Pandey, called on the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, here Thursday morning.

During the meeting, the envoy briefed the Chief Minister about the Ministry of External Affairs’ new initiative of assigning Indian ambassadors two individual states to be promoted in the country of their posting, an official statement said this evening.

The Indian Ambassador has chosen J&K for promotion in the Gulf state of Oman. He is expected to meet Chief Secretary later to frame modalities for increasing footfall of tourists from Oman to J&K and promoting export of famed handicraft products to the Gulf nation.

The Chief Minister observed that Middle East countries hold great potential for export of handicraft products as well as flow of tourists to J&K for which the State Government will extend all facilities to strengthen the linkage.

The MEA has created a separate wing headed by a Joint Secretary that will work to promote different states of the country through its consulates all over the world.



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Police Arrest TA Man, VDC Man in Rajouri

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Police arrested an Army personnel and a Village Defence Committee (VDC) member for allegedly firing shots and triggering panic among the people in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The duo was arrested Targie area of Kotranka belt of the district last night, Darhal police station SHO Kuldeep Raj said.

The duo – Territorial Army man, Liyaqat Ali and VDC member Tariq – told police that they fired in view of suspicious movement of two armed persons, but when Army and Police conducted search operation in the entire area, they found nothing as much.

The weapons of the duo have been seized and a case registered against them, the SHO said.



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‘Furnish Proper Lease Cancellation Order to De-notify Tosamaidan as Firing Range’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The workers of Tosamaidan Bachav Front (TBF) organized a protest rally Thursday at Srinagar’s press enclave requesting the government to furnish a proper lease cancellation order de-notifying the area as a firing range.

“Two years ago we launched this campaign and government agreed to our demands on 18th April 2014 but today we want government to furnish a proper lease cancellation order so that we are convinced that the area has officially been de-notified,” said Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, President, TBF.

He said that the people of Tosamaidan has suffered on several fronts like environment, economy and healthcare and demanded adequate compensation to be given.

The protesters demanded to declare Tosamaidan as tourist destination to alleviate the rural tourism in the area. They also demanded that government to constitute a separate development authority for Tosamaidan and initiate the construction of roads leading to the area on war-footing.

The protesters termed the proposed move by the government to declare Tosamaidan as annexe of Yousmarg as “unacceptable.”



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Delhi Starts Hunt for a Political Governor in Kashmir

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

As NN Vohra has completed his tenure as JK Governor, the government of India has started hunt for his replacement, essentially the man from the political backgrounds, top sources in government of India said.

“We are looking for a political face, the one who could fit in the role of JK Governor,” top GoI sources told Kashmir Life. “As of now, there is no plan to install any former cops or army generals as JK Governor.”

Pertinently, there are various former cops and army generals claiming they are in the race to occupy Srinagar’s picturesque Raj Bhavan.



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Amid ‘Delayed’ Police Response, Pesky Telecom Operators Ask DoT to Relax Norms

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

mobile-towersThe delayed police response in granting new mobile connections in Jammu and Kashmir has forced telecom operators to take up the matter with Department of Telecom (DoT), asking it to relax the existing norms.

“The service providers are doing the necessary verification as recommended by reporting it to the local police,” the telecom body said in a letter to DoT. “But invariably, the service providers are not getting any communication from the local police and connections are not getting activated despite positive verification for 10 days.”

In case police clearance is not received within 10 days, service provider is required to do a tele-verification of the customer in case of second connection and a physical verification for third and up to sixth connection.

“This is causing lots of pain for the customers and also forcing them to give false declarations to avoid declaring the multiple connections,” the body said.

Notably, mobile subscribers from J&K and North East face stringent police verifications for “security reasons”.



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Wednesday 29 July 2015

Kashmir Has Become Visibly Anti-Indian, says Kuldip Nayar

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Kuldip Nayar

Kuldip Nayar

A noted Indian journalist, columnist and commentator, Kuldip Nayar, who was recently in Kashmir to attend Kashmir’s ‘first media summit’ said Kashmir has changed beyond recognition, becoming visibly “anti-Indian”.

Nayar, who stirred up a hornet’s nest with his Kashmir views in the summit, has expressed his views in an article titled “The Change in Kashmir”.

“In less than five years since my previous visit to Srinagar, the valley has become visibly anti-Indian,” Nayar wrote. “This does not mean that it has become pro-Pakistan, although some green flags fly in the interiors of Srinagar. What it really means is that the alienation which was perceptible even earlier has changed into resentment.”

Tourists drive straight from the airport to the sites and are oblivious to the fact that the interior is the arena of militants who still lob grenades, he wrote. “I was in Srinagar when violence took place and some grenades were thrown in the interior of the town.”

Nayar recently blamed by JKLF’s former commander Javaid Mir for “exploiting innocence of Kashmiris” summarised his latest Kashmir experience as: “The Kashmiris’ protest, more or less peaceful, is Islamic in tone and tenor. But it seems as if it is a way of expression, not the content. The content is that the Kashmiris want a country of their own. Most people in India suspect that an independent Kashmir is only a bogey. The real intention of the Kashmiris is to join Pakistan.”

But I do not agree with this hypothesis, he said. The very idea of independence looks more like a dream and it has swept the Kashmiris off their feet. If it ever becomes a reality, which is impossible, even the staunch supporters of integration with Pakistan will jettison their agenda and join the ranks of independence-seekers, he further said.

“The sequence of events reminds me of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s way of thinking. He raised the demand for Pakistan as a bargaining counter to get the maximum concessions for Muslims in a country where the Hindus were bound to be in a preponderant majority. However, when he found a resounding response among the Muslims he came to own the demand for Pakistan, a homeland for the Muslims. Shaky in his belief in the beginning, he came to be its sole spokesman.”

Therefore, he said, there should be no doubt about the real desire of Kashmiris. “I could see angry faces when I said in my speech that the Muslims in India would have a hard time if the demand for an independent Kashmir was ever acceded. The Hindus would argue that if even after 70 years of being part of India the Kashmiri Muslims wanted independence, what is the guarantee about the loyalty of some 16 crores Muslims in India?”

The argument that India could not jeopardize its secular system by making Kashmir a separate country, which would be 98 per cent Muslim, was not even entertained at the conference. “Your Muslims are your problem,” was more or less the counter argument, he wrote.

“What has disappointed me the most was the disappearance of a grey area in Kashmir, which was visible till a couple of years ago. The stances have hardened so much so that even social contacts between Muslims and Hindus have got snapped. I am sorry to bring in a personal example. In the past, Yasin Malik would invite me to his house for dinner and conduct me to his house through the labyrinth of lanes.”

True, he (Malik) has turned into what is called a ‘separatist’, Nayar wrote. “But I vainly waited for word from him. I do not believe that he did not know about my presence in Srinagar. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front he heads has posted men at the airport to know who comes from India and when. Yasin Malik gets the separatists’ feedback.”

“I had Yasin’s fast-unto-death broken on the condition that I would personally conduct a probe into human rights violations by the Indian security forces. He agreed to my supervision instead of the Amnesty International probe. We produced a report and found Yasin’s allegations mostly correct. The report was quoted widely by Pakistan to the embarrassment of the Indian government.”

True, Yasin says that he is not an Indian, Nayar wrote. “But our relationship was not on the basis of nationality. Can bitterness snap even personal bonds? Did I wrongly assume certain things and is it that personal relations have no meaning in the face of political exigencies?”

Nayar called Shabir Shah his one-time chela (disciple) in the article. “He (Shabir) was then pro-India. He has changed into a staunch opponent. Yet, I do not know why personal relations should die. Is it the price that I have to pay for a change in Shabir’s ideas?”

“Kashmir, no doubt, requires attention, especially for those who believe in a secular and democratic India. No amount of opposition should swerve them from their commitment. If they change, it means that their earlier stance was only a façade.”

“It pains me to see that some voices have begun to appreciate the ideas of Naturam Godse, who killed the Mahatma. Were India to question its ethos, Muslim-dominated Kashmir would feel insecure. A Kashmiri Muslim engineer, who dropped me at the airport, told how he was suspect even in a liberal place like Bangalore and harassed by the police.”

“If the nation fails, Kashmir and many other parts of India may flounder in the muddy waters of religion. The country is on trial,” he wrote.



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Kashmir Has Become Visibly Anti-Indian, says Kuldip Nayar

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Kuldip Nayar

Kuldip Nayar

A noted Indian journalist, columnist and commentator, Kuldip Nayar, who was recently in Kashmir to attend Kashmir’s ‘first media summit’ said Kashmir has changed beyond recognition, becoming visibly “anti-Indian”.

Nayar, who stirred a hornet’s nest with his Kashmir views in the summit, has expressed his views in an article titled “The Change in Kashmir”.

“In less than five years since my previous visit to Srinagar, the valley has become visibly anti-Indian,” Nayar wrote. “This does not mean that it has become pro-Pakistan, although some green flags fly in the interiors of Srinagar. What it really means is that the alienation which was perceptible even earlier has changed into resentment.”

Tourists drive straight from the airport to the sites and are oblivious to the fact that the interior is the arena of militants who still lob grenades, he wrote. “I was in Srinagar when violence took place and some grenades were thrown in the interior of the town.”

Nayar recently blamed by JKLF’s former commander Javaid Mir for “exploiting innocence of Kashmiris” summarised his latest Kashmir experience as: “The Kashmiris’ protest, more or less peaceful, is Islamic in tone and tenor. But it seems as if it is a way of expression, not the content. The content is that the Kashmiris want a country of their own. Most people in India suspect that an independent Kashmir is only a bogey. The real intention of the Kashmiris is to join Pakistan.”

But I do not agree with this hypothesis, he said. The very idea of independence looks more like a dream and it has swept the Kashmiris off their feet. If it ever becomes a reality, which is impossible, even the staunch supporters of integration with Pakistan will jettison their agenda and join the ranks of independence-seekers, he further said.

“The sequence of events reminds me of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s way of thinking. He raised the demand for Pakistan as a bargaining counter to get the maximum concessions for Muslims in a country where the Hindus were bound to be in a preponderant majority. However, when he found a resounding response among the Muslims he came to own the demand for Pakistan, a homeland for the Muslims. Shaky in his belief in the beginning, he came to be its sole spokesman.”

Therefore, he said, there should be no doubt about the real desire of Kashmiris. “I could see angry faces when I said in my speech that the Muslims in India would have a hard time if the demand for an independent Kashmir was ever acceded. The Hindus would argue that if even after 70 years of being part of India the Kashmiri Muslims wanted independence, what is the guarantee about the loyalty of some 16 crores Muslims in India?”

The argument that India could not jeopardize its secular system by making Kashmir a separate country, which would be 98 per cent Muslim, was not even entertained at the conference. “Your Muslims are your problem,” was more or less the counter argument, he wrote.

“What has disappointed me the most was the disappearance of a grey area in Kashmir, which was visible till a couple of years ago. The stances have hardened so much so that even social contacts between Muslims and Hindus have got snapped. I am sorry to bring in a personal example. In the past, Yasin Malik would invite me to his house for dinner and conduct me to his house through the labyrinth of lanes.”

True, he (Malik) has turned into what is called a ‘separatist’, Nayar wrote. “But I vainly waited for word from him. I do not believe that he did not know about my presence in Srinagar. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front he heads has posted men at the airport to know who comes from India and when. Yasin Malik gets the separatists’ feedback.”

“I had Yasin’s fast-unto-death broken on the condition that I would personally conduct a probe into human rights violations by the Indian security forces. He agreed to my supervision instead of the Amnesty International probe. We produced a report and found Yasin’s allegations mostly correct. The report was quoted widely by Pakistan to the embarrassment of the Indian government.”

True, Yasin says that he is not an Indian, Nayar wrote. “But our relationship was not on the basis of nationality. Can bitterness snap even personal bonds? Did I wrongly assume certain things and is it that personal relations have no meaning in the face of political exigencies?”

Nayar called Shabir Shah his one-time chela (disciple) in the article. “He (Shabir) was then pro-India. He has changed into a staunch opponent. Yet, I do not know why personal relations should die. Is it the price that I have to pay for a change in Shabir’s ideas?”

“Kashmir, no doubt, requires attention, especially for those who believe in a secular and democratic India. No amount of opposition should swerve them from their commitment. If they change, it means that their earlier stance was only a façade.”

“It pains me to see that some voices have begun to appreciate the ideas of Naturam Godse, who killed the Mahatma. Were India to question its ethos, Muslim-dominated Kashmir would feel insecure. A Kashmiri Muslim engineer, who dropped me at the airport, told how he was suspect even in a liberal place like Bangalore and harassed by the police.”

“If the nation fails, Kashmir and many other parts of India may flounder in the muddy waters of religion. The country is on trial,” he wrote.



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23 Hizb Email Accounts Active in Kashmir, US tells India

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Representational Pic.

Representational Pic.

In Kashmir, the United States has reportedly confirmed to India, 23 most active “Hizb” emails accounts are being operated from different locations.

The ‘revelation of sorts’ was made in a 78-page response by the US Department of Justice to a detailed request that home ministry had made to them under the Indo-US Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.

Of the 23 email accounts operating in the Kashmir, the report says, 11 are active from Pakistan and rest in US.

“All these operatives are suspected Hizbul Mujahideen cadre and much of this information was collected during the probe of suspected HM front, the J&K Affectees Relief Trust,” the report says. “India has already taken up case of HM head Syed Salahuddin with the United Nations.”

At the Indian end, the report says, the National Investigation Agency is carrying out the probe.

The use of same Pakistani mobile numbers in the contact information is one aspect highlighted in the US report.

“April 15, 2014: abdul1452 @gmail.com, belonging to one Abdul Rahim in Pakistan, sent an email to multiple recipients with the title “confidential army report on LET April 2014′. It attached a report with the message, Yeh Indian Army ki confidential report hai hamare lashkar-e-toiba aur Mujahideen par. Jarur Dekhe aur Satark rahe (This is the confidential report of army on LeT. Do see and be alert),” the report said.

The US report details 139 such conversations, including of some email accounts that have been active since 2007. Some mails have also got Indian agencies worried like the one sent by HM militant mzafarkhan08 @ yahoo.com on December 26, 2013 with an attachment of a list of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.



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‘Amy Man Killed in Jammu Border Firing’

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Early Thursday reports claimed that an army personnel was killed in Jammu region.

Reports said that in Poonch town of Jammu, an army man was killed in firing across the border.

Further details awaited.



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LeT Militant Apprehended in Sopore: Police

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Police and army on Wednesday claimed to have arrested a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant in Sopore Town of Baramulla district.

A police official said that militant namely Ubaid Untoo alias Faris who is accused in Hygam grenade blast in which an under trial militant Wahid Noor Khan and a policeman was killed was apprehended in a jointly along with army’s 22 Rashtriya Rifles at a checkpoint in Chanakan area of the Town today.

Police said that the Naka was laid out after concrete information about the movement of the militant.  A case under FIR number 77/15 under sections 302, 307 RPC ¾ has been registered against him.

Police claim that Ubaid had handed over two grenades to the slain militant at Sopore Court. Besides the killing of the under trial Pakistan militant and a policeman, four other cops were injured in Hygam blast.



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KCCI Concerned about Flood Occurrences and Flood Victims

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The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Wednesday said that it is deeply concerned about the relief and rehabilitation of people of all hues who suffered the 2014 flood deluge in Kashmir.

In a statement, the Chamber said that it has in its Executive Committee Meeting decided to make a comprehensive document pin pointing the lapses on the part of the State administration which led to the devastating flooding of Srinagar city and a vast area contiguous to other towns in the Valley and suggest preventive immediate and long term measures based on research, and expert professional advice for the State/ Central Government to act upon to help save the people from the dreads and devastation caused of floods in future.

Accordingly a meeting of experts, intellectuals including senior engineers with specialization in River basin studies and Hydro Engineering and Structural Engineering was convened under the chairmanship of the President KCC&I Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad on at  SKICC, Srinagar. The retired Chief Engineers Superintending Engineers of Irrigation and Flood Control and other experts and researchers on the subject namely  Syed Maqbool Hussain, Er SRS Madni, Er Mohammad Ashraf Fazili, Er Hakim Showkat Ahmad,  Er Ajaz Rasool, Arjumind Hussain Talib, Er Najeeb Tramboo, Tarique Bhat participated in the  deliberation.

In  the meeting a broad road map has been framed  marking  the relevant areas of study  viz strengthen of river bands, dredging strategy  for  downstream Jhelum and  Wular lake to  make way for  flood waters run  down without causing  damage to  the city and towns  that need to be concentrated up on immediately to prevent future flooding. The group of technical experts/ researchers in the relevant field in collaboration with The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) are accordingly in the process of collecting necessary data to finalize the document, suggesting various required preventive and remedial measures for the State Government to implement to avert the threat of floods in future.



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Hurriyat (m) Appeals International HR Organizations to See Plight of Kashmiri Prisoners

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Hurriyat (m) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Wednesday convened a joint meeting of Hurriyat amalgam’s Executive Council, general council and working committee members at Hurriyat headquarters.

All the heads and representatives of the Hurriyat constituents participated in the meeting during which they discussed the on-going political situation and took stock of organizational matters.

While stressing upon them to adopt ideological unity on political and organizational fronts, the participants stated that the situation in the south Asia including Kashmir emerging out of the sectarian and communal thinking is an extreme cause of concern since it is influencing the thinking of people to great extent and subsequently their actions as well.

The participants expressed concern over the aggressive posturing of communal forces in India and the way they were pursuing their communal agendas. As such, the participants stated that it has become imperative on the leadership to take people in confidence and formulate a comprehensive strategy to counter such threats posed by the communal forces and their agendas.

Stressing that Kashmiris have always rejected politics based on communalism, the participants stated that Kashmiris who had not accepted subjugation would never accept communalism.

The participated denounced the continuous detention of Kashmiri prisoners lodged in local and Indian jails, adding, these prisoners are being treated with aggressive communal approach which is highly condemnable.

Appealing International Human Rights organizations to look into the condition of Kashmiri prisoners who are being denied even basic amenities, the participants stated that a letter would be addressed to UN general secretary to apprise him about the miserable condition of Kashmiri prisoners lodged in Kashmir and outside jails.

The participants stated that Hurriyat Conference (m) was steadfast on its stand regarding Kashmir dispute, adding, those people who directly or indirectly are subjecting APHC (m) to constant criticism for no reason are cautioned to shun such negativism in the broader interest of Kashmiris so that evil designs of communal forces can be effectively countered. (KNS)



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Drabu for Promoting Non-Conventional Modes of Education to Stir Curiosity

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Minister for Finance, Labour, Employment and Culture, Dr Haseeb A Drabu Wednesday underscored the need for imparting education through non-conventional modes like performing arts, fine arts as is being done in other countries and states. He said such an initiative will stir curiosity among the children.

The Minister was speaking at a children’s theatre festival organized by CRY in association with MetLife and Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd, highlighting the importance of education for children.

Dr Drabu said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed turbulent times and children were worst sufferers of the conflict and now the onus lies on the Government and the corporate sector to contribute their bit in providing all the requisite facilities to them for their intellectual and overall growth. He said the Government has already initiated several schemes for the children and is also contemplating to launch new ones as well.

Referring to the importance of imparting education related to culture and other facets, the Minister said it should be imparted at the school level so that the younger generation gets connected to its roots as well as moors. He said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities so that the same is fast-paced.

“The Book of Child Verses would also be compiled so that this rich treasure gets documented in a proper manner and also serves as a referral point to the posterity,” he added.

Dr Drabu also complimented the organizers for holding of these types of activities maintaining that same would go a long way in ensuring holistic development of the children as well as creating awareness about the importance of educating the child. He said such festivals should also be held in rural and far-flung areas of the State.

Minister of State for Social Welfare, Asiya Naqash also spoke on the occasion and said the government is committed to bring a change in the education sector so that it is properly augmented both human resource- wise as well as infrastructural-wise.

She said that focused attention is being paid to various schemes meant for children and they have been fast paced as well.

Mission Director, ICDS, Mukhtar-ul-Aziz also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the activities being undertaken by the department.



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CEO Srinagar, Principal HSS Kothibagh Attached

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SRINAGAR

Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar Wednesday ordered attachment of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Srinagar, with the office of the Directorate of School Education Kashmir.

The Minister also ordered attachment of Principal HSS, Kothibagh with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, an official statement said.

The Minister further ordered transfer and posting of Ms Romana Qazi, Principal HSS, Amirakadal as Principal HSS, Kothibagh. However, she shall also hold the additional charge of Principal HSS Amirakadal till further orders.



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Cloud Burst Damages 20 Houses in Kargil

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SRINAGAR

At least 20 residential houses were damaged after a cloud burst struck Choskore Wakha village in Kargil district on Tuesday night.

Official sources told CNS that a cloud burst sparked flash floods in Choskore Wakha village, some 42 Kilometers from main town Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir. “The cloud burst and the subsequent flash floods damaged all but 20 residential houses. The district administration shifted the victims to safer places,” officials said.

Officials said that people living in hilly areas of the district have been advised to move to plain areas as there are apprehensions more cloud bursts may occur during inclement weather.



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Police Seize 1952, Challan 13472 Vehicles

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SRINAGAR

To ensure the safety of people state Police in its drive against the traffic violators, challaned 13472 vehicles and seized 1952 vehicles in last two weeks  of this month across the valley.

According to a police statement, the vehicles, which were challanend during this period included 3501 two wheelers and 8019 four wheelers. “During the drive, action was taken against 3060 people for not wearing crash helmets and 5481 people who were found not wearing the seat belts,” the statement said.



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Police Apprehend Kidnapper of a Minor in 3 Hours in South Kashmir

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SRINAGAR

The police party of police station Ashmuqam led by SHO Inam Asad recovered the kidnapped child from the kidnapper Nazir Ahmad Walo son of Abdul Khaliq Walo Resident of Bijbehara within three hours, a police statement said Wednesday.

“The accused has been taken into custody and a case FIR number FIR number 48/2015 under section 363 RPC  has been registered against him. Further investigation in this regard is going on,” it informed.

Police handed over the kidnapped child to his relatives. “The people of the area appreciated the swift action of police for arresting the kidnapper and recovering the kidnapped child from him in short time.”



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Hurriyat (g) Seminar: ‘We need to Strengthen our Political, Armed Fronts,’ says Nayeem Khan

Riyaz Ul Khaliq

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Octogenarian Syed Ali Geelani addressing seminar at his office-cum residence in uptown Hyderpora on Wednesday.

Octogenarian Syed Ali Geelani addressing seminar at his office-cum residence in uptown Hyderpora on Wednesday.

Relating ‘elimination’ of Jammu Muslims from their respective areas with the silence of CM Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and MP Mehbooba Mufti, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (g) Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Sumji Wednesday said that all those who have issues with Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir should be invited to listen to their viewpoint.

Speaking at a seminar organized by the Hurriyat amalgam at Syed Ali Geelani’s residence-cum-office in uptown Hyderpora, Sumji said, “the seminar should have been held in Jammu itself which has been made target by Hindu right wing nationalists.” The seminar was titled: Jammu and Kashmir – A Single Geographical Entity.

Sumji detailed what he termed as demographic change in the state. “These agendas of RSS and BJP are actually to divert our attention from the basic demand of Right to Self Determination,” he said adding, “the Hindu right wing parties are strengthening their base in Jammu and the silence of our own Muslims bureaucrats is criminal.”

He said that the decrease in Muslim population is alarming and is happening since 1947. “Long back ago, I met Muhammad Shafi Pandit who was Chief Secretary then and told him that why is he and his colleagues are maintaining criminal silence on such an  grave issue,” he said implying that the Muslim bureaucrats have to speak against such nefarious designs.

Taking a dig at PDP led government in Jammu and Kashmir, Sumji asked, “what is the purpose of issuing Public Resident Certificates (PRCs) in Schools; these two things have no connection.”

“The BJP and RSS are doing such things to implement their designs,” he said.

He said, “BJP has got impetus due to PDP support in J&K to implement their designs.” “By doing this Mufti will not get an inch of land for his grave in his own Bijbehara.” “He did the century’s wrong,” Sumji said, “PDP’s support is helping RSS to expand here.”

Representing Democratic Freedom Party Chairperson Shabir Ahmad Shah in the seminar, Muhammad Abdullah Tari said that oppressed nations should not expect any good from an occupied nation. “Demographic changes and destruction is part of occupier’s agenda and that is what is happening in J&K,” he said. “However,” he said, “we are lacking confidence in fighting the oppressor.”

A Muslim representative from Jammu, Sartaj Sharief while detailing the recent developments in Jammu region alleged that the administration of Jammu has been ‘saffronised’.

“When we recently approached court of justice in Dangal case,” Sartaj said, “the court prolonged the case.” “There is a visible change in behaviour of judiciary.”

Sharief said that in a village in Bishna tehsil, Muslims have a graveyard measuring 25 Kanals and 13 Marlas. “The graveyard is older than partition of India itself but still Hindu right wingers came and started preparations for Dangal event to which we objected,” he said.

He said that when administration and court sensed that the event may trigger crisis, they did not allow the event and Deputy Commissioner remained in the area for whole day. “And when  in the evening DC left the place, DIG concerned came allowed some people to hold Dangal which was later stopped,” he said.

Further he alleged that the medical services too are biased towards Muslims. “Whenever doctors and paramedical staff in Jammu hospitals see a man with beard and Topi, they turn blind eye towards them,” he said.

Narrating his own experience, he said, “When I attacked and I was rushed to hospital, I was left high and dry when CMO came to know about me; while blood was oozing out of my wound, the CMO neglected it and was busy reading papers and when I reacted he put a bandage on my injury and was sent back.”

“The blood was not stopping and I consulted a Muslim doctor, he referred me for operation and the doctor who operated upon me said, ‘it was matter of ten or fifteen more minutes as you had suffered huge loss of blood’,” Sharief said.

He said that whenever Muslims in the area face problem “police asks them not to call any community leader or they will face PSA”. “In Kishtwar, eight youth are behind bars; everything is happening on BJP directions.”

Referring to LK Advani’s trifurcation of J&K as its solution”, Sharief said, “some time back few Hurriyat leaders too were saying that they will think on Muslim majority areas but we will not let that happen.” He said, “in Jammu, our biggest sacrifice is being Hurriyat pasand.”

Senior Hurriyat leader and National Front head, Nayeem Ahmad Khan while speaking on the occasion said, “we shall not be free unless and until we strengthen our political and armed fronts.”

“Nobody would dare to touch Muslims in Rajouri, Poonch, Baderwah, Doda or Jammu when they had support of armed struggle,” he said.

He said that when Kashmiris talk of J&K it means “J&K of pre-1947”.

“But India has been brutal and divisive; they empowered Buddhists of Leh; they don’t respect constitution of J&K and they have their own constitution,” he said. “Separate budget is allotted to them.”

He said that only Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir is oppressed lot. “The demographic change is a well design plan of India,” he said. “We will have to be strong on three fronts: Political, armed and foreign levels.”

He said that India was pressurised to send its delegation of parliamentarians at “our door steps because of 2010”. “They tried to meet detained leadership as well,” he said.

“We are one Millat; whenever we say that we are one and we are Muslims, nobody will dare to touch us,” he said.

He further said that Pakistan has been the moral support of Kashmiris. “People on the other part sent their children here; they have been our support but we sold our conscience for petty interests,” he said adding, “I have not come here for photo options but to make my view point understand.”

“Pakistani people have shed their blood on this part of land,” he said. “We should not compare India and Pakistan and see them through same prism.”

“We have committed to mistakes in past but we should learn from them; we should work altogether and unity efforts should be taken forward fast,” he added.

Representing JKLF chief, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Noor Muhammad Kalwal suggested that the separatist camp should have institutions working to foresee evil designs. “We should be able to know these designs so as to stop them,” he said adding, “we are reminded of such issues only when we experience them.”

“Without Unity among separatists,” Kalwal said, “we can’t move forward to stop India.” “However,” he asserted, “we have to respect each other’s stature and position; we have to listen to different view-points.”

Raising a slogan, “Jis Azaadi mein Jammu nahi  —  who Azaadi manzoor nahi,” Kalwal said, “we are one; J&K is a single entity and we are always with Muslims of Jammu.”

Senior separatist leader, Agha Hassan Al Moosvi said, “we will not let down Muslims of Jammu.” “But,” he said, “unity amongst separatists will help Jammu Muslims in true sense.”

Senior woman separatist leader and DeM chief, Aasiya Andrabi speaking on the occasion said that it was first Britain which stabbed Muslims in 1947.

She said that geographical unity is meaningless until and unless people have ideological unity. She said that many attempts were tried to trifurcate J&K unsuccessfully but since 2002 RSS is trying to divide state and now they have got the opportunity.

Asking Muslims of Jammu to stand on their own feet, Andrabi said, “since 1947 there has been systematic decrease in percentage of Muslims.”

Andrabi said, “Muslims of Jammu should relate with Kashmiri Muslims.” “Being in majority in valley, we too are not spared,” she said.

Expressing her reservation on unity, she said, “when everybody is talking about unity why do separatist groups have different flags and structures?” “When we don’t have ideological unity, geographical unity is meaningless.”

While referring to Muslims of Jammu, she said, “we are not allowed to cross tunnel; Hurriyat leaders are detained and Geelani Sahab is not allowed to move out of his courtyard.” “Stand on your legs and show your unity with your valley counterparts and the Hindu nationalists will fear you.”

While leaving the dais, Andrabi suggested Geelani, who chaired the seminar, that coming Friday should be observed as “Day of Unity” with Muslims of Jammu.

Noted Columnist and Chartered accountant, Abdul Majid Zargar said, “separatists need to be cautious about supporting trifurcation narrative of state.” “UN resolutions relate to whole of J&K including Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir and if trifurcation narrative is followed or strengthened then UN resolutions lose their relevance.” “If it happens, the problem will remain because then minorities in majority regions will ask for freedom.”

He added, “if we ask for division of J&K then we are actually supporting and accepting the plan of RSS who have been since its birth working on such a plan.”

Taking exception to Pakistan’s move to merge Gilgit-Baltistan as fifth province, he said, “it shall weaken our stand in UN; it would be disastrous as UN resolutions relate to whole of J&K.”

Tehreek-i-Hurriyat Secretary General and lifetime associate of octogenarian Geelani, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai in his address to the seminar took exception to title of the seminar.

“I have reservations with ‘single geographical entity’,” he said in his opening remarks. “RSS has been claiming whole of South Asia, parts of South Africa, Afghanistan and Iran as its parts,” he said. “And its political wing BJP has now got an opportunity to implement its agenda in J&K.” He added, “PDP has put a challenge to unity of J&K by siding with RSS.”

While detailing the history of J&K of Muslims of Jammu, Sehrai said, “credit goes to Jammu Muslim leadership who never deceived its people against the leaders in Kashmir who kept its people in abeyance.”

Sehrai said, “geographical entities can change but ideological unity remains same.” “What happened to Indian South Asian sub-continent in 1947 and 1971,” he asked. “Ideologies are must and it helps in unity not geography.”

Taking a dig at Pakistan, Sehrai said, “it is Pakistan’s top priority to safeguard Muslims in J&K but it is not doing so; same applies to Afghanistan and Iran.”

In his presidential address, ailing Geelani said that coming Friday should be observed as ‘Day of Unity’ with Muslims of Jammu. “Friday sermons should mention Muslims of Jammu and they should get a feel that we have not left them.”

While justifying the title of the seminar Geelani said, “we want to tell India that J&K is a single entity and they can’t change it.” “We won’t let anyone divide it.”

He also said that Hurriyat has been always maintaining that Jammu means people across ideological divide. “We don’t mean only Muslims but Hindus, Sikhs and Christians as well.”

He said that the situation in Jammu is happening since 1947. “Jammuites have huge sacrifices than Kashmiris; they have more than five Lakh martyrs,” he said.

Taking a dig at National Conference, Geelani said, “its leader used to recite holy Qur’an at the stage but later deceived people.” “This party along with Congress has been most oppressive and they are the reason for our slavery.”

Referring to membership drive launched by NC in Srinagar a few days ago, Geelani said, “see their arrogance; they are the reason for our miseries and I wish people understand it.”

Asking Muslims of Jammu to protest excesses, he said, “you (Jammu Muslims) should have uniformity with valleyites.” “Media has to play its part in safeguarding interests of Muslims of state.”

Giving break up of administrative posts of state on religion basis, Geelani further said, “it is our tragedy that well off people are not taking serious things in to consideration; they should invest in Technical education so that our daughter don’t go outside state for such needs.”

Taking a dig at PDP led government, he said, “there have been 24 civilians killings and 130 third degree torture cases in its rule, so far.”



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