Pak Needs to De-territorize Kashmir: India

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

India Thursday reacted to the statement by Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif where he urged for an immediate withdrawal of Indian forces from Kashmir. Posting on Twitter, India’s spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup accused Pakistan of being a prime sponsor of terrorism and called on Islamabad to de-territorize the Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

“Pakistan is not primary victim of terrorism but of its own policies. It is in fact the prime sponsor of terrorism,” he wrote on the popular micro-blogging site. “To de-militarize Kashmir is not the answer, to de-terrorize Pakistan is.”

Swarup said that Pakistan rightly acknowledged the issue of occupation viz a viz Kashmir but has gotten a “wrong occupier,” implicitly referring to Islamabad under whose control is PaK.

Pertinently, during his annual address at the 70th session of the UN General Assembly Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has stated that steps should be taken to demilitarise Kashmir. He also proposed that Pakistan and India should agree to an unconditional mutual withdrawal from Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battleground.

Sharif had proposed a four-point agenda to diffuse tensions between his country and India with regard to the Kashmir issue as well as the frequent reported incidents of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Working Boundary (IWB) that separates the two nations in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Cooperation, not confrontation, should define our relationship with India. Yet today ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary are intensifying, causing civilian deaths including women and children. I want to use the opportunity today to propose a new peace initiative with India, starting with measures that are the simplest to implement,” he said.

He had suggested that Pakistan and India formalize and respect the November 26, 2003 understanding for a complete ceasefire on the Line of Control in Kashmir. For this purpose, he had called for the UNMOGIP’s expansion to monitor the observance of the ceasefire.

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Beacon Driver Killed as Vehicle Falls in Gorge at Sadna Top

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SRINAGAR

A beacon driver was killed today in a mishap near Sadna Top in Tanghdar area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

A police official told GNS that the vehicle (Bulldozer) of beacon’s 109 RCC skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge near Sadna Top in Tanghdar.

In the mishap, the driver of the vehicle P Ishaq of Kerala died on spot, the official said.

In another incident, a 10-year-old girl student Ulfat Mushtaq daughter of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan of Cheepora was injured today after being hit by a speedy sumo at Krusun, Lolab in Kupwara district, the official said.

Ulfat, a class UKG student of “Army Goodwill” School (AGS) Krusan was immediately shifted to Kupwara hospital for treatment. The incident occurred today in the afternoon when the student was returning home from school, the official said.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case in both the incidents and starts further investigations, the official added.

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Beef Ban: ‘SC’s Consent to hear Govt Plea No Legal Bar on Legislature’

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SRINAGAR

As Supreme Court today agreed to hear on Monday a plea by J&K government against High Court orders pertaining to beef ban in the state, legal experts said that the sub-judice nature of the case now can’t be an excuse with the government for not allowing a debate in Legislative Assembly on bills seeking scrapping of the Dogra-era law banning consumption and sale of beef in the state.

The opposition NC, CPM and independent legislator Engineer Rasheed have moved private member bills seeking scrapping of the beef ban.

Senior advocate and constitutional expert Zaffar Shah told KNS that if government wants to amend the law that criminalises sale and consumption of beef; they are at liberty to do so. He also added that the SC’s consent to hear plea by government against HC order regarding the beef ban can’t affect the business of Legislative Assembly in this regard. “Assembly is at liberty to amend the law and pass the bill. The bill can be tabled, discussed, put to vote and passed also,” he said.

He added: “SC’s consent to hear plea by state government against HC order on beef ban will have no constitutional or legal bar on Legislative Assembly.”

The Supreme Court today agreed to hear on Monday a plea by Jammu and Kashmir government against two “conflicting” orders of the High Court pertaining to the slaughter of bovine animals and ban on beef sale in the state, claiming these were being “misused” to disturb peace.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court, in two separate orders, had banned the sale of beef in the state and simultaneously scrapped the law that barred slaughter of bovine animals.

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Police Arrest 3 Youth ‘for waving Pak Flag, Stone Pelting’ on Eid

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SRINAGAR

Police on Wednesday arrested three youths for their alleged role in waving of Pakistani flags and stone pelting incidents on Eid-ul-Azha day in Old city of Srinagar.

A police official told GNS that so far three youth have been arrested over creating “trouble” by means of “pelting stones and waving of Pakistani flags”.

The official identified the arrested persons as Ishfaq Ahmad Najar son of Manzoor Ahmad of Iqbal Colony Eidgah, Hilal Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Ashraf Bhat of Narwara and Faizan Shah son of Farooq Ahmad Shah of Dangerpora, Narwara.

Several cases stand registered in different police stations of Old City; however, the trio was arrested in connection with the FIR 165/2015 u/s 147 and 148 RPC stands registered against them in police station Safakadal.

The official further said that they have launched massive investigations regarding the waving of Pakistani flags, Pro-Burhan graffiti and many stone pelting incidents in Old city.

“Police are monitoring the recent stone pelting incidents and waving of flags through CCTV footage,” he said, adding that whosoever is found indulging in “anti-national” activities will be booked under relevant sections of law.

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4313 Vacancies Referred to SSB, 3735 Advertised under Fast Track Policy

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The J&K Government has so far referred 4313 Non-Gazetted vacancies to &K Services Selection Board and out of these 3735 posts have so far been advertised.

The J&K Services Selection Board has decided that after processing the application forms received by it from the aspiring candidates, it shall conduct written examination for all the posts, an official statement said Wednesday late evening.

“There are over 6000 non-gazetted vacancies available in various departments at present. All these vacancies, as per the Jammu and Kashmir Special Recruitment Rules, 2015, have been ordered to be filled up under Fast Track Recruitment process,” the statement said.

It may be recalled that the present Government Vide Government Order No. 912-GAD of 2015 dated 30.06.2015 accorded sanction to the adoption of Fast Track Recruitment Policy for making recruitments in the Government departments. As per the rules, all the non-gazetted posts shall be filled up on a fast track basis. “The government is in the process of initiating fast track recruitment against the lowest level gazetted posts in the School Education and Higher Education Departments.”

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Kashmir Dispute Concerns 13 Million People, Not any Bilateral Issue: Geelani

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Syed Ali Geelani

Commenting on the statement of the Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup that “Barack Hussain Obama has agreed with Narendra Modi that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan”, Chairperson of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (g) Syed Ali Geelani Wednesday said that Kashmir is not any bilateral issue between India and Pakistan but it is an issue of the future of thirteen (13) million Kashmiri people who are principal party to this dispute and “whom India has enslaved with the help of its military power”.

“The world bodies including the UNO has accepted the Right to Self Determination of the Kashmiri people and had many times advocated for referendum in this disputed region so that the people will themselves decide their future,” Geelani said in his party statement.

He said that though the American President had not issued any such statement but whatever Indian spokesperson said in the media about the Kashmir, “is very far from the truth and justice and it is also contrary to the historical facts of the Kashmir issue”.

Geelani appealed to the world powers that they should address the Kashmir dispute in its real perspective and don’t see this dispute through the bilateral prism of India and Pakistan. “This is a serious human issue due to which not only the millions of humans of Kashmir are suffering but it is the basic cause of prevailing tension, disorder, instability and political uncertainty in the entire South Asian region,” Geelani said.

“Both India and Pakistan are atomic power nations and the armies of the two nations are permanently living in the atmosphere of tension and hostilities due to the lingering of Kashmir issue. These two nations have fought three full-fledged wars in the past which consumed thousands of human lives and this situation can prove very dangerous for the whole world in future too,” he added. “Whatever India said with regarding to the Modi-Obama meeting, if it is true then it is totally against the 18 resolutions passed by UNO in which the world body has advocated Right to Self Determination for the Kashmiri people and on which India has given its consent.”

He said, “the presence of UNO office in Kashmir also point out this fact that the future of this disputed region is still to be decided.”

While appealing the world community particularly the US president Obama to revisit its duel standard policies regarding on the Kashmir dispute, Geelani said, “if the process of referendum can be held in Scotland, East Timor and South Sudan (despite the fact that all these issues were not on the disputed list of the UN charter) then what is the hurdle and problem for the same process in Kashmir. The world leaders must play their role in removing this impression and tag that the majority population of Jammu & Kashmir is Muslims that is why they are not given the chance to decide their future and the world powers are following double standards in this regard. It is also said that if the population of this state would have been of Christians or Jews, the America could had shown keen interest in its solution and this issue would have been solved a long time ago. Kashmiri leader said that this impression is a big reason behind the prevailing disorder and disharmony in the world and until this impression is cleared, the peace will be a distant dream till then.”

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Mufti Pays Homage to Late Ansari, Visits Imam Bara

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SRINAGAR

Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Wednesday attended a congregation at Imam Bara, here at Zadibal in memory of Maulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari on his first death anniversary.

He was received by Minister for IT, YS&S and Technical Education, Imran Raza Ansari, who is also the son of the late leader, and the other members of his family, an official statement said this evening.

Addressing the congregation, Mufti Sayeed said he cherished his friendship with late Maulana Ansari. “Ansari Sahib was indeed a true companion who stood with me shoulder-to-shoulder in difficult times,” he said, while praising his political acumen that distinguished him from other leaders.

Describing Maulana Ansari as a great religious scholar and statesman, the Chief Minister urged the people to fulfil his dream to stay united against forces which divide people in the name of religion. He also highlighted the contribution of the late leader in the expansion of People’s Democratic Party in its formative years and its emergence as a regional force to reckon with.

Mufti Sayeed also assured that his government will fulfil the wish of late Ansari Sahib to carry out the expansion of Imam Bara Zadibal.

Also present were Chairman, J&K Legislative Council, Haji Inayat, Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Syed Altaf Bukhari, Minister for Rural Development, Abdul Haq Khan, Minister of State for Power, H&UDD and I&C, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Legislators, Abid Ansari and Abbas Wani and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Peerzada Mushtaq Ahmad.

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Hideout Busted in North Kashmir: Army

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Army Wednesday said that it along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police busted a hideout in North Kashmir’s Handwara town and recovered huge cache of arms, ammunition and war like stores.

In a statement to CNS, Army spokesperson said that based on a specific input, a joint search operation of Army and JKP was launched in the forest area near village Boban Watsar of Handwara. “A hideout was busted during the search operation and a large cache of war like stores including two Sniper Rifle, one UBGL, one Pistol and assorted grenades and ammunition was recovered.”

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Killers of Burhan Identified: Police

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Police Wednesday said that their investigation with regard to Pattan and Tangmarg killings has revealed that all the four militants whose bullet ridden bodies were found in North Kashmir earlier this month have become the prey of ‘group rivalry.’

Pertinently, three bullet ridden bodies were found in an orchard at Dangarpora Pattan on September 14 whom police later identified as “Lashkar-e-Islam” (LeI) militants Amir Reshi of Sheva Sopore, Ashiq Hussain Wani of Lolipora Pattan and Naveed Ahmed of Batapora Sopore. Barely four days after the incident, body of a Hizbul Mujahideen militant Fayaz Ahmed Bhat of Wayil Pattan was recovered from Devbugh paddy fields in Kunzar Tangmarg.

Deputy Inspector General of Police for North Kashmir, Gareeb Das told CNS that during the investigation, it has come to fore that it were Hizbul Mujahideen militants who gunned down three youth namely Amir Reshi Ashiq Hussain Wani and Naveed Ahmed. “The trio was affiliated with expelled group of Hizb led by Qayoom Najar. Our investigation has revealed that a group of Hizb militants first tortured these youth and then killed them just because they were part of LeI led by Qayoom Najar and were responsible for multiple attacks on mobile towers in North Kashmir,” Das said.

He added that to ‘avenge’ the killing of his comrades, Qayoom Najar led LeI group shot dead one of the top ranked Hizb militant in Tangmarg area. “These killings were the fall out of group rivalry and it was an open and shut case but, the biggest challenge for us was to identify the killers of innocent child Burhan and his father who were mercilessly killed by the killers in Sopore town and investigation in this regard is going on in full swing,” DIG North Kashmir said.

Das said that that police have identified the militants from both Hizb and LeI who are responsible for the Pattan and Tangmarg killings. “We have registered two separate FIRs into these killings and after apprehending the killers police will file a charge sheet in the court of law,” he said.

Das claimed that the killers of little kid Burhan and his father have been identified by police and soon they will be arrested. “Soon after the unfortunate killing of Burhan and his father Bashir Ahmed Bhat in Sopore, police constituted a special team headed by SP Sopore Abdul Qayoom to investigate the matter. Investigation is almost complete and the killers, two in number have been identified. Both the killers are Over Ground Workers (OGW) of militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba. We have identified the motorbike which they used for the crime. Our first priority is to arrest them. Soon we will address a press conference and will expose the killers before the public,” Das said.

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Prof Ajaz Hussain Rabbani to head S P College Alumni Association

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SRINAGAR

The interim body of S P College Alumni Association that met on 30th September, unanimously elected Prof Ajaz Hussain Rabbani as president of the association.

In view of September floods that destroyed records of the Association, it was resolved that fresh registration/ renewal of registration by Alumni members shall be initiated. Accordingly all previous and present students of S P College, Srinagar have been invited to register themselves as members of the Alumni Association, an official statement said Wednesday evening.

“In this connection registration forms can be obtained against nominal fee of Rs 200 from the college or downloaded from college website www.spcollege.co.in. Filled forms shall have to be submitted in the office of the General Secretary of the association by or before 20th October, 2015. The General council of the Association has been scheduled for 29th, October 2015 to chalk out further programme of action of the association,” the statement said.

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My Village My World: ‘New Zealand to Adopt Three Villages of J&K’

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SRINAGAR

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Wednesday directed officers of the department to utilize allocated budget under different schemes by December this year.

While taking a micro level review of developmental works in districts including Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal, the Minister said that actual working season in the valley is up to December, since last quarter of year in the valley witnessed harsh winter due to which works remain suspended, an official statement said this evening.

He asked the concerned officers to ensure completion of targeted works of the year by December. He said that if any funds lapse, the officers concerned will have to take the responsibility and face action. “I will reward officers and every employee’s performance will be reviewed,” he said.

The Minister asked officers to prioritize works that are related to floods. He also asked them to create assets under MGNREGA. “Create some useful sustainable assets in villages under MGNREGA,” Khan added.

The Minister informed that three villages of the State shall be adopted by New Zealand. “The New Zealand Government has appreciated the concept of ‘My Village My World’ and have shown interest in facilitating development of the said villages on international standards,” he said. “The three villages shall be a model of development for other villages on similar lines”.

Earlier, while reviewing developmental works in the three districts, the Minister was informed that 60% of funds have been utilized under MGNREGA   in three districts including Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal.

It was given out in the meeting that 1363 works have been completed out of total 3479 works taken up this year. Besides 96234 job cards have been issued in the said districts.

Under IAY, 62% of the allocated budget has been utilized. Out of total budget of Rs 1.53 Crore, Rs 0.95 Crore have been spent. The Minister was informed that 642 houses have been completed out of total 1086 houses taken up for construction this year.

During the meeting officers also told the Minister that 101 Panchayat Ghars have been taken up for construction this year out of which 54 Panchayat Ghars have been constructed while as 47 are under process.

The Minister also interacted with technical experts of agriculture, horticulture, and experts in integrated watershed management working on ground. Khan sought suggestions from them pertaining to development of rural areas and agricultural production.

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673 Hajj Pilgrims reach Srinagar in 2 Flights

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SRINAGAR

Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri received the first batch of Hajjis at Srinagar International Airport who returned here Wednesday after performing Hajj.

The Director General of Police, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretary Revenue, Inspector General Police Kashmir, IG Traffic, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Director Airports Authority of India, and other Civil and Police officers were also present on the occasion, an official statement said this evening.

While interacting with the returning pilgrims, Veeri felicitated them for performing Hajj. He said all the requisite arrangements have been put in place to facilitate hassle-free return of the pilgrims to their respective destinations.

The Hajjis expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the Government for their smooth travel and stay at the Holy places in Saudi Arabia.

As many as 336 Hajjis arrived at the Srinagar Airport in the first Indian Airlines flight this morning while 337 pilgrims arrived in the second flight.

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Dr Bilquees is Wakaf Board Member

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SRINAGAR

The Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who is also the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Wakaf Board Wednesday nominated Dr Bilquees Jameela as Wakaf Board member.

Dr Bilquees Jameela is from Magarmal Bagh, Srinagar.

She was chosen against the vacancy caused due to the demise of Mufti Bashir Ahmad Farooqui, Imam Dargah Hazratbal.

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Legislative Speaker Murderer of Democracy: Er Rasheed

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Terming speaker’s ‘decision not to allow’ “resolution seeking consensus on strengthening and protecting Article 35 A of Constitution” as unfortunate and unconstitutional, independent  lawmaker Er Rasheed Wednesday alleged that Speaker is acting like a mouth piece of RSS and other anti-Kashmiri forces who are keen bent to snatch even the mortal remains of autonomy and special status of J&K.

“The decision of the speaker to disallow the resolution is murder of democracy and he has no right to disallow a resolution which had not any objectionable contents. Speaker seems to have forgotten that he is custodian of the rights of people of State and not only that of radical elements from Jammu,” Rasheed said in a party statement.

“Speaker has proved himself to be an agent and proxy of New Delhi and anti-Kashmiri forces. If he has any moral courage he must not disgrace the credibility of the institution of the Assembly and if he cannot maintain the dignity of the house and discharge his duties is accordance with the constitution he must resign and join RSS or VHP,” he said.

Rasheed also lashed out at PDP for misleading the people over every issue and added that when Article 35 A was dragged to the Supreme court by Narendra Modi’s close associates PDP had claimed to do everything to protect it but has become “a part of conspiracy as speaker hailing from the ruling coalition has sabotage the resolution”.

He said, “let PDP, NC and others understand that if the  Assembly cannot pass or debate a resolution  seeking protection of Article 35 A then what is the job of legislatures and how can they  help in resolving  the basic dispute of J&K.”

He added that by disallowing this very important resolution and by hesitating in debating serious political issues, the State Assembly as usual “is leaving field open for those who often discredit the credibility of State Legislature”.

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Man, Boy Found Hanging in Leh and Bandipora

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SRINAGAR

A male body was found hanged at Choglamsar area of Leh while Boy found hanging from tree in Bandipora, police said Wednesday afternoon.

“Parvez Ahmad reported in Police Post New Colony Leh that his roommate Ali Hussain son of Ghulam Qadir resident of Drass was found hanging at his Choglamsar residence where they are staying. After completing legal formalities, the body of the deceased was handed over to his legal heirs for last rites. Police have initiated proceedings under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of death,” the police statement said.

Meanwhile, a boy was found hanged from a tree outside his home in district Bandipora.

“A body of one 20 years old Aijaz Ahmed Ganaie son of Mohammad Rajab Ganaie resident of Goiwara Sonawari Bandipora was found hanging from a tree outside his home. After completing legal formalities, the body of the deceased was handed over to his next of kins for last rites. Police have initiated proceedings under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of death,” the statement added.

The statement further said that four persons were injured in road accidents.

An unknown motorcycle rolled down at Seer Tral, resulting in injuries to motorcyclist and two pillion mates. All the injured were shifted to Sub District Hospital Tral for treatment.

In Srinagar, an unknown vehicle hit and injured a traffic officer ASI Tej Nath No. 38/Tfc (SO Traffic) at City Gate Panthachowk.

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Man Commits Suicide; Lady Attempts in South Kashmir

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SRINAGAR

A 50 year old man set himself ablaze in Shopian while a lady attempted to commit suicide by consuming some poisonous substance in Islamabad, police said Wednesday afternoon.

“A 50 year old man Bashir Ahmad Reshi son of Ghulam Ahmad Reshi resident of Zainapora, Shopian set himself ablaze. He was shifted to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar for treatment where doctors declared him brought dead,” the police statement said.

Police have registered a case FIR number 70/15 under section 309 RPC in this regard. After completing medico-legal formalities, the body of the deceased was handed over to his legal heirs for last rites.

The statement further said that in an attempt to end her life, a lady (name withheld) resident of Manzigam, Ashmuqam consumed some poisonous substance at her home. She was shifted to District Hospital Islamabad for treatment wherefrom she was referred to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for further treatment.

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Government Details Hajj 2015 Happenings

Riyaz Ul Khaliq

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Abdul Rehman Veeri

For the first time since the tragedies which befell Muslim world during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, the Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday confirmed that at least three Kashmiri pilgrims died in the Mina stampede while one died in crane crash incident. Four Hajjis are still missing while four others died of natural deaths. Government is yet ascertaining the cause of deaths of two other Hajjis.

The first flight carrying Kashmiri Hajjis landed at Srinagar International Airport today which ferried 336 pilgrims.

Addressing media in civil secretariat here, Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, A R Veeri said, “the government was getting details from all corners as it was very difficult to know where and when Kashmiris were staying at the time of tragedies.”

Veeri while detailing the identification of the dead and injured pilgrims said that the government shall be convening a meeting to discuss about the compensation, if any, to be given to such pilgrims. “CM Mufti is in New Delhi; let him come back first and then we will hold a meeting with CM Mufti and will discuss whether government shall compensate the families of dead pilgrims or not,” Veeri said in reply to a question.

When asked why PDP president and MP Mehbooba Mufti, who is heading an Indian Hajj delegation to Saudi Arabia, is yet to speak on the issue, Veeri replied, “Mehbooba Ji and our officers went to meet and see every injured Hajji. She visited hospitals and hotels to enquire about their health” However, he asserted, “we were in process of getting details. It is difficult amongst three million Muslims to identify Kashmiris.”

The news of death and injured Kashmiri pilgrims was broke by Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson from the United States, a day after on last Friday (Sep 25.)

Veeri further informed that the state government shall be holding a meeting with Hajj Committee of India (HCI) so that Kashmiris get same quarters or single clusters for boarding during Hajj. “We will be requesting chairperson of Hajj Committee of India to allot single clusters to Kashmiri pilgrims during Hajj; it will be easy then for our officials to take care and keep close contact with our people,” he said.

Veeri also said that no family wants that body of their dead relative (Hajj pilgrim) be flown back. “It is a holy land so people want their burial there.”

About the injured Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims, Veeri said, “they are being treated in Saudi hospitals and once they are fine, they will be flown back or if they are able to come, they can come on scheduled time.

Gh Hassan Kharadi from Doulat Abad Khayar died in crane crash while Abdul Salam from Mustafa Abad HMT; Mohammad Ami from Bilal Colony Bemina; Mehraj Ud Din from Patlipora Chattabal died in Mina stamepede.

The injured in Mina stampede were identified as: Abdul Hamid Khan from Hapatnar Seer Hamadan, Islamabad; Gh Mohammad Shiekh from Sultanpora Chandoosa, Baramulla; Hajra Begum from Baramullah and Sara Begum from Zainakote HMT near SICOP.

The missing there Kashmiri Hajjis were identified as: Gh Nabi Hajam from Andergam Patta; Zamruda Ganaie from Chraloo; Abdul Khaliq Naikoo from Pinjoora Shopian and Shijahat Hussain Malik from Gurdal Aloosa, Bandipora.

Gh Nabi from Syedpora Hamchi, Srinagar; Siraj Ud Din (JK-195-02-0); Syed Mohi ud Din Shah (JK-10196-02-0) and Parveen Akhtar (JKR-3196-2-0) died of natural deaths while the cause of deaths of Mukta Banoo (JK-254-02-0) and Abdul Wahid Malik from Gulabad Arampora, Sopore is yet to be ascertained.

The state government has, Veeri added, got the information of such Hajjis from Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia and J&K State Hajj Committee.

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Kashmiri Pilgrims Start Returning Home after Performing Hajj

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The first flight carrying Hajj pilgrims landed at Srinagar International Airport at 12:45 pm.

Sources said that around 340 Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims were expected on Wednesday (Sep 30) but “only 336 Kashmiri Hajj pilgrims” returned home.

Kashmiri Hajjis had started their holy journey since August 17.

Minister for Hajj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri received the Hajjis at the airport.

Officials said that the Hajjis shall be driven to their respective homes directly, now.

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Again, Pak says, ‘Steadfast in Support to Just Struggle of Kashmiris’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Sartaj Aziz

Once again, Pakistan has reiterated that it is committed to find a “just and peaceful resolution to Kashmir dispute”.

“Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute is based on the UN Security Council resolutions,” Radio Pakistan quoted Pakistan’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, as having said in a meeting on Kashmir issue on Tuesday.

Reports reaching here said, “Pakistan is steadfast in extending political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir in their just struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination.”

Aziz further said, “Pakistan is ready to hold talks with India at any level without any preconditions.”

Meanwhile, the ‘Contact Group’ of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Jammu and Kashmir has expressed solidarity with Kashmir and extended full support to their cause.

The meeting attended by the OIC’s foreign ministers was held in New York on the fringes of the UN General Assembly.

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Fire Engulfs Chattergam Hospital

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Fire engulfed the sub-district hospital located at Chattergam in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Reports reaching here said that fir damaged the hospital building Tuesday evening. However, there are no reports of any injury or casualty.

Further details awaited.

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4200 More Khidmat Centers to be Established in JK

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A file photo of an existing Khidmat Center in Kashmir.

Chief Secretary, B R Sharma Tuesday chaired the 10th meeting of the Board of Governors of Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency (JaKeGa) to review the progress of implementation of various e-governance initiatives in the State.

The Information Technology Department through its e-Governance agency (JaKeGa) is implementing various IT related projects, an official statement said this evening.

The Board of Governance (BoG) reviewed the progress of IT projects including establishment of Common Service Centers (CSCs)/Khidmat Centers, State Data Center, State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG), e-Assembly, e-Prisons, e-Districts, Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), JK State Wide Area Network (SWAN) and other programs.

Secretary, IT briefed the meeting about the status of various IT projects in the State. He said that 1109 Common Service Centers also called as Khidmat centers have already been established and over 4200 more such centers are being established in coming three years covering all Gram-Panchayats. He said 1069 such Centers shall be established during 2015-16.

He said under ESDM 15000 students shall be trained in Telecom, Electronics and IT sectors besides 1400 students are being trained under the scheme-IT for masses. Similarly, he said under the Specialized Training in e-Governance Program (STEP) as many as 150 middle level KAS officers have been nominated to undergo project management training programme through IMPA under capacity building scheme of DEITY, Government of India.

The BoG approved the proposal for rolling out e-District initiative.    Under the e-District initiative, IT department has chosen 25 services across eight departments for service delivery to the citizens at their door steps. The implementation of the project will provide support to the district administration to enable content development of G2C (Government to Citizens) Services with Khidmat Centers as the primary front ends for service delivery to the citizens.

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Maqbool Bhat’s Graffiti Appears on The Bund

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A graffiti of JKLF founder Muhammad Maqbool Bhat has appeared on The Bund in Lal Chowk.

An artistic graffiti, a caption “KASHMIRI” has been added to the written on a wall.

The graffiti appears a day after when unknown artists had made one another graffiti of Burhan Wani – Hizb militant commander from South Kashmir. The graffiti had appeared in Nowhatta area.

Maqbool Bhat was hanged in Tihar Jail in 1983 and his mortal remains are still buried in the jail.

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Medicine Prepared of Cow Urine Supplied to Valley: Hurriyat (g)

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Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani Tuesday alleged that a medicine prepared of “Cow Urine” is supplied to Kashmir valley.

A Hurriyat (g) statement issued this evening said, “it is a plot of the communal forces who want to hurt the sentiments of Muslim majority population by making them to eat a Haraam substance.”

It said, “prepared by Indian System of Medicine (ISM), a medicine ‘Sanjeewani Vati’ is prepared of ‘Cow Urine’.”

Demanding “complete ban over the supply of this Haraam substance in Kashmir and removal of this drug from the government counters”, the Hurriyat amalgam said, “it is not any life-saving drug or any essential medicine which could affect the health care in the Valley.”

“Our sources told us that how on the directions of the government minister Chaudhary Lal Singh was this medicine supplied to the Valley and how was its free distribution arranged on the government drug counters,” the Hurriyat (g) spokesperson said. “The communal forces had once in 1983 made same attempt but that triggered wide spread protests which forced the government to stop the supply.”

The statement further said that the Hurriyat amalgam held a detailed meeting with the prominent doctors and specialists of the Valley who also agreed that it is not any necessary medicine. “Its supply is just a mischievous act of the communal elements to hurt the Muslims of the state.”

“The PDP-BJP coalition government had started a process of playing with the religious sentiments of the Muslims. They are being stopped from eating Halaal things and are deceitfully made to eat Haraam substances. It is an intolerable situation which will trigger a very strong reaction and it can create a very dangerous situation in the state,” the Hurriyat (g) statement said.

Demanding immediate halt to the supply of “this Haraam substance” ‘Sanjeewani Vati’ in Kashmir and removal of this drug from the government drug counters, the Hurriyat Conference (g) appealed the people not to consume this “Haraam medicine”.

It also demanded impartial investigation in this scandal and said, “the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his party PDP has handed the complete control of this state in the hands of the communal forces and they are helping their plans with closed eyes. Whether it is the issue of construction of Sainik colony in the Valley, permanent settlement of West Pakistan refugees or the recent cow slaughter controversy, Mufti Sayeed every time preferred to remain mum and compromised over the national interest by obeying every dictation of the communal forces. All his slogans have proven a hoax and he has no other interest than his chair.”

“Hurriyat Conference appeals the Ulama and Islamic scholars to highlight the issue of this Haraam medicine made with the ‘Cow Urine’ and ask people not to consume it.”

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Introspect Yourself Before Giving Lesson to Us: PDP’s Para tells NC

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Waheed Ur Rehman Para

PDP State youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra Tuesday asked Congress and National Conference (NC) to go for a serious introspection before giving sermons on good governance and the development.

Addressing a day-long youth convention of young and new faces from Pahalgam constituency, Para said it is the previous Government headed by National Conference that is responsible for liability to the tune of Rs 10,000 Crore which has rendered treasuries dry thus affecting serving and retired employees as well as the contractors who are presently facing a tough time.

“PDP-BJP coalition came into existence only after hectic deliberations which are aimed at major transformation within the system of governance by weeding out rusty work culture, corruption and maladministration,” he said.

Para further added, “the only thing NC-Congress did in their tenure was promoting corruption, mis-governance and financial mess.” “PDP led Government has put all its efforts to take Jammu and Kashmir out of the precarious financial situation inherited from the previous Government.”

Para also said that PDP is committed to work for political and economic stability of the State it is the matter of time when the new culture of probity would percolate down to the grassroots level and the people will feel a difference.

The responsibilities of the present Government led by PDP are much higher as the previous dispensation led by NC has done tremendous damages to State’s economy which was coupled by the last year’s devastating deluge. Para assured the new faces who were eager to work and delegates that people will surely feel a change on the ground with the initiatives being taken by the PDP Government.

While concluding the convention, Parra said that the youth has been the worst victim of Kashmir conflict and National Conference has not only been responsible for their plight but its anti-youth policies had become a hallmark of its governance during last six years. He said that it was heartening to see youth of the State are impressed with the PDP agenda and are now aligning with it.

Later on in the afternoon, Para visited Handwara area of district Kupwara wherein team Baramulla boys clinched the football Championship after beating Handwara 11 by 3-0.

A District Football tournament organized by the District Youth Services and Sports, in which the players of many districts of the State participated. Para was chief guest on the occasion.

Para stressed upon the students to take keen interest in participating in tournaments.

In Today’s tournament the teams of Baramulla and Handwara took part and Baramulla team won the football match.

Besides a huge gathering of youth, other top police officials and Administrative officials of the area were also present during the occasion. (KNS)

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CRPF Trooper Arrested with 50 Codeine Bottles

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Police Tuesday claimed to have arrested a CRPF trooper along with 50 bottles of codeine at Charligund Lalpora in Kupwara.

Zahoor Ahmad Khan son of Zareef Khan a constable of CRPF’s 81 Bn was arrested by police along with 50 bottles of codeine and lodged in police station. An FIR under 59/ 2015 under section 8/21 NDPS was registered in this regard.

Meanwhile, police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested two forest officials and a driver and seized a tractor laden with illicit timber at Gagal Lolab in Kupwara.

Police said that in a joint action of police and forest protection force the trio including two forest officials, were detained when they were smuggling timber. Police said that the timber was laden in tractor bearing number JK09A- 2239 which was intercepted and seized for ferrying timber illegally at Gagal Lolab.

Police said that on investigation two officials from the forest department were found involved in the smuggling of the timber, who have been detained.

“A FIR 61/ 2015 under section 779/ 6 of Forest Act has been registered in this regard and investigations were going on to see if there were more people involved in the smuggling,” SHO Kulingam said.

Meanwhile, in smuggling case a Tata mobile bearing number HP- 650982 was seized for ferrying illicit timber at Babaya Top in Chowkibal area in Kupwara. Three smugglers were arrested and case has been registered in Kralpora police station. (KNS)

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Police Recover 2448 Tablets of Spasmoproxyvon, Arrest Three Persons

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Police arrested three peddlers and recovered 2448 tablets of Spasmoproxyvon from their possession.

Acting on specific information, a police party of Police Station Sumbal headed by SHO Sumbal Mehboob Hussain Banday under the supervision of SDPO Sumbal Rashid Akbar laid a naka at Rakh Asham, a police statement said Tuesday evening.

“During Naka, a Santro vehicle bearing registration number JKO5A-4248 was intercepted. On search 2448 tablets of Spasmoproxyvon were recovered from the vehicle and arrested three peddlers namely Ashiq Hussain Lone son of Reyaz Ahmad Lone, Alamgeer Ashraf Lone son of Muhammad Rafiq and Ahsan-ul-Haq Lone son of Mohammad Rafiq residents of village Wagub, Sopore who were boarding the vehicle,” the statement said.

Police have registered a case FIR number 169/2015 under section 8/21 NDPS Act and investigation was taken up.

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Four Kashmiri Pilgrims Die in Mina Stampede: Hajj Committee of India

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Hajj Committee of India Tuesday said that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has so for confirmed the death of four pilgrims hailing from Kashmir Valley. Kashmir Life had already reported that atleast four Kashmiri pilgrims were dead in the Mina tragedy.

At least 769 people were killed in a stampede at the annual Hajj pilgrimage on 24 September this month. A Mumbai based official from Hajj Committee of India told CNS that till date as per information received from Consul General of India (CGI) in Jeddah Saudi Arabia, the death of four Kashmiri pilgrims including a woman has been ascertained and confirmed so far.

The official from Hajj Committee of India identified the slain Kashmiri pilgrims as Mehrajuddin Ganai (JKF6955-2-0), Abdul Salam Dar (JKR-9416-2-0) , Ghulam Muhammad Sargaro (JKR2532-2) and Sarah Begum (JKR2585-2).

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Liquor Ban: Court seeks Response from Government on a PIL

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The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has issued notice to the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government on the liquor ban in the state. The court was hearing a writ petition challenging the free sale and consumption of liquor in Muslim majority state and asked the state to file its response within one week.

The division bench comprising of Justice Ali Muhammad Magray and chief Justice Kumar Vassanta Patil while seeking response from the State Government has also directed the state to clarify its stand on why the liquor business is being allowed to flourish outside the religious places, educational institutions and on Highways. The petition was filed by socio-religious leader Maulana Ghulam Rasool Hami.

“The government has to file its reply within one week. The case has been listed for next hearing on October 6 next month,” Advocate Mudasir Naqashbandhi, lawyer of the petitioner, told CNS.

Religious organization Karwan-i-Islami has filed a Public Interest Litigation in Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking ban on sale and consumption of liquor in the state.

The organisation has submitted that the state government has failed to take necessary steps for prohibition of sale and consumption of liquor.

The petitioner submitted that section 24 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir provides that the state shall make every effort to safeguard and promote the health of the people. “This section imposes obligation on the state to curb sale and consumption of liquor, which is responsible for deterioration of public health,” he pleads.

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Mufti For Greater Synergy Between Army, Civil Admn to Resolve Issues

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Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Tuesday called for greater synergy between Army and the Civil Administration in addressing issues of mutual concern, stressing upon regular meetings to forge a way ahead in finding a common ground.

He said this while chairing Civil-Military Liaison (CML) Conference, at Srinagar’s SKICC today. The last CML Conference was held in November 2013.

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh, was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said the CML Conference has been organized to evolve consensus, particularly on core issues. He said such conferences forge better coordination between the Army and the Civil Administration in the larger interests of the state.

Mufti Sayeed complimented the Army for its role in securing borders and safeguarding the lives of the people. He referred to the Agenda of the Alliance of the PDP-BJP government, an important component of which is resolution of issues regarding vacation/regularization of land and payment of rentals amicably between the Army and the Civil Administration in a time-bound manner.

The Chief Minister observed that there is a perceptible change for the good in the overall situation on the ground, further adding that the logistic requirement of the Army to deal with internal strife has considerably reduced.

On the issue of transfer of state land held by the Army adjoining the campus of Jammu University, the Army agreed in principle to provide the land, north of road adjoining the campus, for expansion of Jammu University precincts. It was decided that a high-level Committee will be constituted to work out the modalities for transfer of the said land.

The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, was tasked to identify an alternate patch of land for the Army in lieu for the land it was parting from, for expansion of Jammu University within the next three months.

Regarding the issue of expansion of Jammu Airport, the Chief Minister was informed that the impediments had been removed for its much-needed extension. The Divisional Commissioner informed the Chief Minister that the Army is on board to vacate the land in proximity to Jammu Airport, for which sanction of MoD is awaited.

While deliberating upon the issue of vacation of Tattoo Ground, Batmaloo, in the heart of the summer capital, Mufti Sayeed indicated delinking it from all other issues and stressed upon expediting vacation of Tatoo Ground. This, he said, will enable the Government to develop basic facilities at Tatoo Ground in the interest of general public.

The meeting also took a decision to expedite the issue pertaining to land at High Ground, Islamabad, which is held by the Army, for which a timeline of three months has been fixed.

The Chief Minister observed that the land at High Ground is required for expansion of University of Kashmir’s South Campus as well as developing a new housing colony to de-congest the town.

On the issue of land held by the Army at Gulmarg, it was decided that the high-level Committee constituted in the matter will expedite modalities to settle the issue.

The meeting also deliberated upon the issue of vacation of Lower Khurbathong by the Army in Kargil. It was decided that a high-level Committee of Army, Air Force and the Ladakh Hill Development Council, Kargil, will be constituted to hold deliberations with the stakeholders and give final recommendations to the State Government within the shortest possible time.

With a view to de-congesting Kargil town, LAHDC Kargil has planned development of a new housing colony in Lower Khurbathang, which is currently held by the Army.

Regarding the issue of 1,82,865 kanals of land with the Army in Ladakh, it was decided that the Army and the Civil Administration will reconcile figures so that further course of action could be initiated in the matter.

Regarding de-mining of areas along the IB (International Border) and the LoC (Line of Control) in Samba, Jammu and Rajouri districts, the Army was requested to secure areas, in particular those which are adjacent to the farm/fields of the local inhabitants. It was also decided that a joint survey of the cultivable areas, which have been rendered uncultivable, shall be conducted to work out quantum of compensation to be paid to the affected farmers by the MoD.

On construction of various roads in Budgam, Kupwara, Poonch and other districts, it was mutually decided to expedite work so that connectivity to far-flung habitations is provided on priority. These roads include Shunglipora to Sochalpathri and Srinagar Airfield to Gudsathoo in Budgam district, Thajal to Churanda, in Baramulla, Parrah to Amrohi in Kupwara, Sonamarg Bypass in Ganderbal and Kulali to Hill Kaka in Poonch.

The Chief Minister was informed that Army is also examining the 91-kanal land referenced for re-alignment to pave way for providing connectivity between SIDCO Phase I & II of its Industrial Growth Centre.

Keeping in view the significance of Batote-Kishtwar-Sinthan Road, the Chief Minister called upon Border Road Organization (BRO) to maintain the vital stretch for improved connectivity.

The issue of notification and re-notification of field firing ranges were also discussed threadbare in the meeting.

The Conference was also attended by Chief Secretary, B. R. Sharma, Director General of Police, K. Rajendra, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary, Home, R. K. Goyal, Principal Secretary Forest, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary Power, Sandeep Nayak, Commissioner / Secretary R&B, Rohit Kansal, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Samoon, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Commissioner / Secretary, Relief & Rehabilitation, Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Revenue, Mohammad Afzal Bhat, Director General, Information and PR, Zaffar Ahmad, Secretary Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah and Secretary Transport, Kifayat Rizvi.

From the Army side, the Conference was attended by GoC-in-C Northern Command, Lt. Gen D. S. Hooda, Chief of Staff, Northern Command, N. P. S. Hira, GoC 9 Corps, Lt. Gen Rajeev Tiwari, GoC 14 Corps, Lt. Gen. Shravan Kumar Patyal, GoC 16 Corps, Lt. Gen. R. R. Nimbhorkar, GoC 15 Corps, Lt. Gen. S. K. Dua, Major General of Operational Logistics, Headquarters, Northern Command, Maj. Gen. V. K. Yadav, Major General in-Charge Administration, Headquarters, Northern Command, Maj. Gen J. S. Sandhu, Major General, General Staff (Staff Duty & War Establishment), Headquarters, Northern Command, Maj. Gen. Sanjay Verma, Air Officer Commanding, J&K, Upkarjit Singh, GoC, 31 Sub Area, Maj. Gen. A. K. Das, Brigadier Combatant Engineer, Headquarters Northern Command, Brig. G.K Swamy, besides other senior officers.

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AIP Signature Campaign: Govt Deports Er Rashid ‘Forcibly’ Back to Kashmir

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People of Pir Panchal during AIP signature campaign

Awami Itihad Party (AIP) Tuesday strongly condemned the “brutal police action” against its leader Er Rashid at Surenkoot Tuesday morning, terming the incident as moral defeat of “RSS run police and civil administration”.

Er Rashid was scheduled to continue his signature campaign in Poonch and Rajouri towns after getting “overwhelming response” in Mendhar and other places in Pir Panchal region.

“A heavy contingent of police accompanied by Sub-divisional Magistrate and other officials entered the guest house at Surenkoot early this morning and asked Er Rashid and his colleagues to leave the place,” AIP spokesperson said in a statement. “Police also seized the banners carrying thousands of signatures signed in support of the campaign since yesterday. However when Er Rashid accompanied by prominent citizens and civil society members of the province insisted on visiting Poonch and Rajouri, cops tried to manhandle and physically assault him and he was forced to leave the place.”

Er Rashid was scheduled to start signature campaign seeking revocation on beef ban from Surenkoot town this morning, where people in large numbers had assembled to listen him, despite strict police restrictions, the spokesperson said. “All the routes leading to Rajouri and Poonch were sealed with barbed wire and Er Rashid was deported through Mughal Road back to Kashmir Valley.”

Police taking Er Rashid into custody

“Police action was an act of frustration and done at the behest of state government and hindu fundamental organizations in reaction to overwhelming response from the people got on Monday,” the spokesman said. “AIP promises and pledges to fight for the rights of Muslims of Jammu province whose voice is being curbed by the biased and puppet state administration. It is BJP and its allies who are forcing Muslims to take a communal line only for the reason that they want to implement Hindutwa agenda in the Muslim dominated state of J&K.”

The party spokesman thanked the people of Jammu region for offering their “full moral and logistic support” to campaign despite “pulls and pressures” from the state administration.

“Er Rashid also visited Prashana where many Kashmiri trucks and load carriers were seized by the police carrying bovine animals few days back but he was not allowed to meet those 11 traders who are in police custody since last six days.”

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A Treasure Within the Treasure

By: Dr Syed Riyaz-Ul-Hassan

Khuda agar dil-e fitrat shinas de tujh ko
Sukoot-e lala’o gul se kalam pyda kar      -ALLAMA IQBAL

The diversity of plants in Kashmir Himalayas is enormous, although challenged by several man-made factors, especially political. Unfortunately, we have been harsh towards our natural resources, not realizing the enormity of the damage caused. The role of plants in the sustenance and, in fact, existence of man needs no deliberations.

However, there are aspects which, until recently, were unknown or least appreciated. Plants, like humans, are not individual organisms but, to put it simply, these are higher organisms harbouring a large community of microorganisms within themselves. For example, the number of microorganisms, in the human gut alone, is ten times the total number of cells in the human body.

Thus, on a lighter note, every human being has the right to use the royal plural “We” instead of using the scientifically incorrect terminology “I”. Interestingly, these tiny creatures are not sitting idle within our bodies; rather they play indispensable roles to maintain human health and well being. Likewise, plants recruit specific microbes, inside their tissues, that help them in their growth and development, adaptation to environmental stress, and fighting against disease causing microbes.

These benign microorganisms are known as endophytes, and include mainly bacteria and fungi. In addition to the functions that they perform in the environment, to benefit the plants, endophytes represent a huge natural resource awaiting exploration for human welfare. In the last two decades, numerous chemical entities have been obtained from such microorganisms that are potential leads for pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural applications.

The search for novel endophytes from natural environments, with least human intervention, has inspired several rewarding scientific expeditions to the world’s major forests. However, endophytes from Kashmir Himalayas are almost unexplored, though the prospects of finding potential isolates are enormous. It is worth mentioning here that the sampling done for such work does not harm the wild plants as only small twigs or leaves are collected for the experimental work. Further, isolated microbes are preserved in the laboratory, and are thus conserved for use by the future generations.

In an effort to find out what lies hidden within the plants of the Kashmir valley, we undertook a study a few years back, and obtained remarkable scientific data. Interestingly, the Coniferous trees were found to possess highly diverse microbial wealth which led us to conduct a detailed study on the Himalayan blue pine (known as kayur in Kashmiri) at a particular site in the Kashmir valley.

From the samples, collected from ten trees, we obtained 38 different major types (Genera) of endophytes. Several of these were found to produce novel chemical entities with drug like properties, and are being explored in detail. Without going much into the scientific details, I want to emphasize here how valuable are the plants that decorate the landscape of our valley. If the magnitude of microbial diversity obtained from small twigs of ten trees is so high, how much microbial wealth may be concealed within the tissues of the plants growing in the valley, keeping in mind that many of them are endemic only to the Kashmir region.

These microbes may be holding the key for the cure of many fatal human diseases. Thus, with the felling of each tree, numerous microbes with enormous potential for human welfare are lost as well. Hence, harming our forests is a much expensive bargain than what meets the eye.

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Man Ends Life in Srinagar

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Representational Image.

A 50-year-old man jumped into river Jehlum in Srinagar Tuesday, police said.

“A man jumped into river Jehlum from Safakadal Bridge,” police said. “Police and locals fished out the body from the river near Chattabal. The body was later identified as of Abdul Hamid Bhat son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Latter Masjid Safakadal.”

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Two Women Consume Poison in Islamabad

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In an attempt to end their lives, two women consumed some poisonous substance at their respective homes in district Islamabad, police said.

“A lady (name with held) resident of Srigufwara, Islamabad consumed some poisonous substance at her home. She was shifted to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar for treatment,” the police spokesperson said in a statement.

In another incident a lady (name with held) resident of Watnard, Kokernag consumed some poisonous substance at her home. “The lady was shifted to hospital for treatment.”

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Mina Stampede: Kashmir May Have More Causalities Than Expected

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Mehrajuddin.

As many as four Kashmiris have reportedly died and many more causalities are expected even as secrecy shrouds the number of locals killed at the deadly stampede in Mina claiming over a thousand Hajjis last week.

Mukhta Bano

Though the officials at Hajj Committee had no word on the killings, unofficially, sources told Kashmir Life that death of four Kashmiris has been confirmed so far.

Malik Abdul Wahid

Abdul Wahid Malik of Sopore, Mehrajuddin Ganai from Chattabal, Srinagar, Abdul Salam Dar of Zainakot, HMT and Mukta Bano from Tral were trampled to death, sources said.

The families are reportedly desperate to hear a word or two about their slain kith but the silence on the part of government have accentuated their worries.

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Dead Body Retrieved in Bandipora

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Police retrieved dead body of a 22-year-old youth in Goiwara, Somarwani village in district Bandipora Monday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Aijaz Ahmad Ganaie son of Mohammad Rajab Ganaie outside his home. Officials suspected that the deceased might have hanged himself to death as his neck bore marks implying suicide.

Sources said the body has been sent for post mortem while police has registered a case in this regard.

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Kashmir a Bilateral Indo-Pak Issue, Obama says

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President Barack Obama Monday stated that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and must be resolved by the two countries only, reiterating US’s long time stand of non-interventionist policy.

“There was a broad acknowledgement that this is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and people were happy for India and Pakistan to resolve it among themselves,” external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said, while briefing media on talks between Obama and Modi in US.

He said that Pakistan also came up in the context of “terrorism during the talks”.

“There was a discussion on Pakistan in one of the meetings in the context of terrorism, broadly the idea was if terrorism has to be fought then all countries have to be on the same page. You can’t have some countries talking of good and bad terrorists,” he said.

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Beef Ban: Legislator Rashid Reaches Mendhar to Carry on his Signature Campaign

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While managing to give slip to place, Independent legislator Engineer Rashid on Monday appeared at Mendhar Town of Poonch to carry on his signature campaign over ban on beef in the state.

According to GNS, people in the Town were surprised to see the Rashid and within no time he managed to gather a large crowd. Witnesses said hundreds of people signed on the banners seeking scrapping of laws prohibiting beef ban.

While addressing people, Rashid targeted the ruling coalition in state and said the diktats of RSS and other Hindutva parties will not be allowed to get implemented in the Muslim majority state.

Sources said the Rashid was earlier in Surankote area of the Poonch district and from there he came to Mendhar.

During Rashid’s stay in Mendhar Town, the police authorities were on toes and were seen asking him to leave the place. However, Rashid didn’t pay any heed to their repeated requests and visited several places in Mendhar area and its adjoining villages.

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As Internet Resumes, Police warn Action Against Misusing SMS, Internet

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The internet services were restored at 10 am on Monday across state after it remained suspended for nearly 80 hours since Friday morning on the Eid-ul- Azha.

Meanwhile, with resumption of internet services, Police have warned of action under law against those who ‘misuse’ mobile phone SMS and internet messages intended to stoke communal tension.

“Misuse of  mobile phone SMS and Internet messaging  service  to spread malicious rumours with an intention to  stoke communal tension and  violent activity constitutes commission of offences  under the various provisions of  Unlawful Activities (Prev) Act, the Information Technology Act and Ranbir Penal Code,” said a police spokesperson adding, “anyone  who  forwards such messages (including  audio,  photos or videos) to other individuals or groups  shall be liable for  legal  action under law.”

The internet clampdown was widely criticised by people terming the move was ‘illegal and unethical.’

The ban on broadband, mobile data and GPRS was put in place at 5 AM on Friday, which was to remain effective till 10 PM on Saturday but authorities extended it and broadband services was restored at 8 PM on Sunday while as mobile internet was restored at 10 AM on Monday.

Taking precautionary measures, authorities suspended internet services across state to stop elements from sharing bovine slaughtering photos and videos on Facebook and other social networking sites on Eid.

The decision was taken in the backdrop of the Jammu High Court ruling criminalising bovine slaughtering in the state, which was protested widely by Muslims. Terming it as ‘interference in religious affairs’, many Muslim religious scholars had condemned the move and had asked people to make preferably cow slaughter on the EID.

Besides ban on internet, police has also warned of legal action under the various provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prev) Act 1967, the Information Technology Act and Ranbir Penal Code against the person for sharing or uploading “malicious rumours” with an intention to spark communal tension in the state.

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Ruling PDP says, ‘Decision to Clampdown on Internet Painful, Unfortunate’

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SRINAGAR

Terming the three-day clampdown on internet in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of Eid-ul- Azha as “painful”, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday said that decision was taken by the administration to restrain “mischievous elements to create communal divide” in the state.

“This was a painful decision taken by the administration, but it was taken while keeping various factors into consideration as anything worst could have happened if mischievous elements would have used internet as a tool to sow seeds of discord on this Eid occasion,” PDP chief spokesperson, Dr Mehboob Beig told KNS.

While justifying the ban on internet, PDP spokesperson said although the decision was “painful and unfortunate but was taken to avoid anything worst to happen”.

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Beef Ban: Law Minister under Pressure to Reinstate Sacked Lawyers

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SRINAGAR

The controversy around beef ban seems to be growing with every passing day despite PDP-BJP coalition government trying every effort to contain the situation in the bud.

Sources privy to KNS said that Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Syed Basharat Bukhari, whose department in a fire-fighting exercise disengaged two government lawyers after beef ban issue snowballed into major controversy, is now being pressurised by both BJP and RSS to reinstate the services of these lawyers.

Bukhari, however, said that he will prefer to resign than to succumb to any pressure on the issue of reinstating the services of two sacked lawyers.  “I don’t succumb to pressure. If so happens, I will not undo what I have done. Rather I will prefer to resign straightaway,” he said. This is for the first time that the Law Minister spoke about the issue.

On September 9, the High Court passed direction to police to ensure strict ban on sale and consumption of beef in the state. The direction was passed in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Parimoksh Seth seeking slaughter or killing of bovine animals an offence punishable under Section 298-A and possession of such slaughtered animal an act punishable under Section 298-B of the RPC. Interestingly, Seth was state’s Deputy Advocate General, while as Vishal Sharma who was appearing as counsel for the State was Additional Advocate General. The court verdict stoked passions in Kashmir with people calling the ban on the beef as a “direct interference” in their religious affairs.

To do a fire fighting in the raging controversy on the beef ban, Government on September 22 sacked both Seth and Sharma. But the decision of lawyers sacking by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry led by Bukhari, who belongs to PDP, has not gone down well with BJP and their RSS bosses.

Sources said that BJP is under strong public pressure in Jammu on the issue and RSS is not happy with the BJP ministers in the state government “for not being assertive and dominant over the ally PDP”. Sources added that both BJP and RSS have conveyed their resentment over sacking of Additional and Deputy Advocate General to the Law Minister. “Both BJP and RSS are pressurising Law Minister to reinstate the sacked AAG and DAG,” said sources.

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Not Only Our Lives, Our Culture and Religion too Under Threat: Geelani

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SRINAGAR

Terming the detention of most of the separatist leaders in their houses and police stations and blanket ban on internet as “state terrorism, interference in the religious affairs and banning of freedom of expression”, Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference (g) Syed Ali Geelani Monday condemned it in strong words.

He said that the coalition government of PDP-BJP has converted the state into a “major jail and has left the whole Kashmiri nation on the mercy of the communal and fascist forces”.

Addressing different delegations at his Hyderpora residence, a Hurriyat (g) statement said, “Geelani congratulated the Kashmiri nation for following the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) on Eid and spoiled the evil plans of the communal forces.”

“The communal elements in Jammu region were conspiring for Hindu-Muslim communal riots on the Eid and were trying to divert the attention from our freedom struggle but the Kashmiri Muslims showed extreme maturity and farsightedness in this matter and avoided every that act which could have helped the execution of the wicked plans of the communal people and which could have led to chaos and communal tension,” the statement quoted Geelani as having said.

Strongly condemning the detention of Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Mir Hafizullah Islamabad, Abdul Gani Bhat Baramullah, Rayees Ahmad Mir Bandipora, Mohammad Ashraf Laya, Bilal Ahmad Rouhama, Mohammad Shaban Khan Sopore, Danish Ahmad Mir Bandipora, Shakeel Ahmad Yatoo Shopian, Hakeem Abdul Rasheed, Yaseen Attayee, Basheer Ahmad Bhat Budgam, Mohammad Amin Parray Shopian, Mohammad Ayoub Khan Pulwama, Nazir Ahmad Khawja Selu, Manzoor Ahmad Kollu Sopore And Qazi Yasir Islamabad in different police stations and houses and police raids on the residences of dozens of Hurriyat leaders and activists including Abdul Hameed Margay, Mohammad Yousuf Falahi, Mohammad Yousuf Lone, Mohammad Amin Ahangar, Javaid Ahmad Mir And Farooq Ahmad Bhat, the statement quoted Geelani as having said, “the state of Jammu & Kashmir is practically ruled by the martial law and the state law and constitution has been deliberately suspended. Hundreds of people were arrested and detained in police stations even on the Eid. The complete ban on internet isolated the state of Jammu & Kashmir from the rest of the world and it was purposely done to hide the actual situation and condition of this troubled state.”

“India has colonized the Jammu & Kashmir and by using its entire state power, this country is trying hard to continue its forced and illegal control here. The state government and the so-called chief minister are just for show and this state is directly ruled by the Indian home ministry. The Indian policies with regarding to the Kashmir has become more harsher and brutal since the BJP government assumed power in the New Delhi and they are openly following the guidelines of RSS in this matter. There is no other option left for Kashmiris other than to resist the forced occupation. Not only the lives and property of the common Kashmiris are in danger due to the Indian illegal occupation but their religion and their culture is also facing an acute threat,” Geelani said.

He said, “according to the Islamic Shariah, we have either to migrate to any safe place or we have to fight and resist this forced occupation. Though the mass migration is not possible today, so we are struggling against the Indian imperialism.”

He further said, “in this situation, the Kashmiri nation should resolve that our freedom struggle will remain continue in any way and at any cost till the presence of a single Indian trooper on the soil of Jammu & Kashmir.”

Meanwhile, expressing his deep sorrow and grief over the killing of hundreds of Hajjis and injuring of many hundreds in a stampede on last Thursday during the on-going Hajj pilgrimage in the Saudi Arabian holy city of Mina, Geelani prayed for peace to the departed souls and early recovery for the injured persons.

Terming the Mina incident as a big tragedy for the whole Millat-i-Islami, Geelani expressed his heartfelt condolence and sympathy with the families and countries of the deceased persons and prayed to Almighty Allah for patience to the affected families. He also expressed his sympathy with the injured persons and prayed for their speedy recovery, the statement said.

“We equally share the grief and pain of the families of the martyred persons in the Mina incident,” he said.

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Lady Dies in Road Accident

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A lady died in a road accident in Srinagar, police said Monday evening.

“An unknown vehicle hit and injured a 40 years old lady Dilshada resident of Chakipora Kanihama near Kanipora, Srinagar. The injured lady succumbed to her injuries on way to hospital,” a police statement said this evening.

Police have registered a case in this regard.

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CM Condoles Demise of Er M Sharief Khan

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has expressed grief over the sad demise of former Chief Engineer and ex-Member of J&K Public Service Commission, Mohammad Sharief Khan, who passed away on Sunday.

The deceased was the brother of former Chairman of J&K Bank, Mohammad Yusuf Khan.

In his condolence message, Mufti Sayeed paid rich tributes to the deceased and expressed solidarity with the members of the bereaved family in their hour of grief. He also prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

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Burhan Wani’s Graffiti Appears in Nowhatta

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SRINAGAR

Burhan Wani’s Graffiti

Unidentified youth have scribbled graffiti eulogizing the Hizb militant Burhan Wani near restive Nowhatta Chowk.

A masked boy standing against the background painted with “Burhan Our Hizb Hero” has appeared at one spot in old City’s Nowhatta.

Wani has become a poster boy of New Age militancy in the valley. Wani, who hails from Tral’s Shariefabad was drawn into militancy after he and his brother faced harassment at the hands of security forces few years ago.

Lately, Wani hogged headlines after releasing images and videos on social networking sites.

The growing popularity of Wani in restive places like old city is seen as the big challenge for the security forces. “To downplay Wani’s growing popularity in the area will certainly not help,” said a police official. “But, the situation is not as such alarming. These signs of support are confined to emotional level only.”

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Residential House Damaged in Fire

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Representational image.

A residential was damaged in a fire incident in Srinagar, police said on Monday.

“Fire broke out in the residential house of Ali Muhammad Sofi son of Muhammad Sultan at Chana Mohalla Chatabal, Srinagar, resulting in partial damage to the structure,” police said in a statement. “Fire tenders and Police brought fire under control.”

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Residential House Damaged in Fire

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Representational image.

A residential was damaged in a fire incident in Srinagar, police said on Monday.

“Fire broke out in the residential house of Ali Muhammad Sofi son of Muhammad Sultan at Chana Mohalla Chatabal, Srinagar, resulting in partial damage to the structure,” police said in a statement. “Fire tenders and Police brought fire under control.”

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01 Dies, 07 Injured in Road Accidents

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

One person died while seven others were injured in different road accidents across the valley, police said Monday.

“In Ganderbal, a Scorpio bearing registration number JK05C/0688 and a motorcycle bearing registration number JK16/7160 collided at Haknar Gund, resulting in on spot death of motorcyclist namely Ajaz Ahmad son of Abdul Hai resident of Sumbal Gund and injuries to pillion mate Mushtaq Ahmad resident of Sumbal Gund,” the police spokesperson said in a statement. “The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for treatment. After completing medico legal formalities, the body of the deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites. Ganderbal police has registered a case in this regard.”

In Sopore, a Tavera vehicle bearing registration number JK05C/8270 driven by Javid Ahmad Wani resident of Shalina Budgam and a Truck bearing registration number JK13B/2319 collided near Hygam Crossing, Sopore, resulting in injuries to the Tavera driver. The injured was shifted to District Hospital Baramulla for treatment, the spokesperson said.

“Meanwhile, a Xylo vehicle bearing registration number JK01Q/5927 hit and injured a pedestrian Mohammad Altaf Ganaie resident of Amargarh, Sopore at Amargarh. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Sopore police has registered cases in both the incidents.”

In Budgam, an Alto-800 bearing registration number JK05D/7124 and a Polo Tempo bearing temporary number BF/1500 collided near Kawoosa Point, Gulmarg, resulting in injuries to both the drivers. Both the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. Budgam police has registered a case in this regard, police said.

“In Shopian, a Scooty bearing registration number JK22/8715 driven by Mohammad Asif Shah resident of Poterwal hit and injured a person Abdul Rashid Bhat resident of Tukroo, Shopian near Trukroo Bridge. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Shopian police has registered case in this regard.”

In Islamabad, a Maruti car bearing registration number JK02Q/9198 hit and injured a 06 year old boy namely Mohammad Saqib Raza resident of UP Lakhnow at present Shamsipora. “The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for treatment.”

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