‘Srinagar Million March’: Police Detain Hurriyat (g) Leaders in Mid-Night Raids

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Continuing the raids on separatists ahead of Syed Ali Geelani proposed ‘Srinagar Million March’, police detained around a dozen Hurriyat (g) leaders.

Geelani called for ‘Srinagar Million March’ on the day PM Narendra Modi will be visiting valley on November 07. He shall be addressing a rally in Srinagar that day.

Hurriyat sources said that deputy of Geelani, Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai has been placed under house detention along with Altaf Shah.

Hurriyat (g) spokesperson, Ayaz Akbar, was arrested from his home last late night, his family said while Imtiyaz Hyder was detained by police from his residence in Budgam early today.

“Muhammad Lone (Kupwara), Saif Ud Din, Habib Ullah, Gh Hassan Malik, Haji Gh Mohammad Mir, Ali Muhammad, all from Kupwara, have been detained in different police stations,” sources said, “Engineer Farooq from Islamabad was arrested last late evening.”

The sources added that police have also raided residences of Muhammad Ashraf Laya, Hafizullah Mir (Islamabad), Gh Mohi Ud Din Andrabi (Pulwama) but they were not present.

Hurriyat (m) leader, Javaid Mir, has been placed under house arrest last evening, Hurriyat (m) spokesperson told Kashmir Life.

JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik and Shabir Shah were arrested Saturday late evening.

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Ahead of ‘Srinagar Million March’, Police Launch Crackdown on Separatists; Malik, Shah Detained

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SRINAGAR

Ahead of octogenarian Syed Ali Geelani’s proposed ‘Srinagar Million March’, JKLF chief and senior Hurriyat (g) leader, Shabir Ahmad Shah, have been detained late Saturday evening.

Geelani had announced ‘Srinagar Million March’ on the day when Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Shall be visiting Jammu and Kashmir on November 07. He is expected to announce a special huge economic package for the flood devastated state.

Reports reaching here said that police detained several leaders of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), including Yasin Malik.

Malik was lodged at police station Kothi Bagh after the detention along with Showkat Bakhshi, Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri and Mohammad Amin Magloo.

According to Shabir Shah led Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), a large contingent of police force this late evening laid a siege on party’s Sanat Nagar office and arrested Shabir Ahmad Shah who was taken to some undisclosed location.

The DFP spokesperson the said, “administration is so scared of pro-freedom leadership that without arresting them, they can’t have a sound sleep.”

While Geelani is under continuous house detention since he returned from New Delhi early this spring, Hurriyat (g) chairperson early today had asked people to make November 07 program “a success”.

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‘Some Greedy Medicos use Hospitals as Poaching Centres,’ says Health Min

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SRINAGAR

Minister for Health and Medical Education, ARI and Trainings, Choudhary Lal Singh Saturday said the government was going to act tough against the officials found indulging in corrupt practices in heath sector.

“Government won’t tolerate corrupt practices in health sector,” Singh said while speaking at the Annual Day function, of Government Medical College Srinagar at SKICC here, an official statement said this evening.

“I have experienced that earlier hospital buildings were created for contractors, equipment used to be bought on commission basis and no one is bothered about the common masses,” he said.

Taking a dig at a minuscule of administrators and doctors in health sector, who Minister referred as “black sheep”, Lal Singh said that revamping health sector needs commitment from the medical fraternity.

“Hospitals have become poaching centres for some medicos. They come, register their attendance and leave for their private clinics and also divert patients to their clinics irrespective of economic status,” he said.

Urging doctors to work for the benevolence of the people, Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir undoubtedly produced some of the genius doctors. However, he urged the new generation of medicos to be pragmatic in their field and contribute for the best of the society.

“We need to see some genius doctors among you,” Singh, while pointing towards the audience said.

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Asiya, Shah Appeal People to Make ‘Srinagar Million March a Success’

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Supporting the ‘Million March’ program given Syed Ali Geelani, Dukhtaran-e-Millat president Asiya Andrabi Saturday appealed people to make the proposed program a “big success”.

She said, “Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally should be boycotted and all the people should march towards TRC ground to make Syed Ali Geelani’s program a success.”

In a statement issued to KNS, Asiya Andrabi said, “the puppet chief Minister Mufti Sayeed and his RSS bosses should not give an impression as if Kashmiri’s were dying for economic packages.”

“Let Mufti and his Hindutva masters not take Kashmiris as a nation of beggars, we have not been giving sacrifices for any packages but we have rejected India and our only demand is that the Indian occupation should end,” she said

Meanwhile, Hurriyat (g) senior leader and Democratic Freedom Chief, Shabir Shah said, “Kashmiris won’t welcome Modi whose hands are smeared with Muslim blood.” “Packages can’t compensate our sacrifices.”

Appealing people to participate in “Million March” program called by Ahmad Shah said, “Kashmiris must send a clear message to world that they don’t need packages but their Right to Self Determination as promised by the international community in the United Nations.”

“We didn’t offer sacrifices of five lakh people for economic packages but for that right to self-determination which has been usurped by India and these sacrifices continue,” Shah said.

“The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to state cannot, in any way, change the geographical or political status of Jammu and Kashmir.”

“Even if India announces billions of rupees as package, it can’t lure the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are loyal to their nation. No nation of the world ever achieved freedom without offering sacrifices. Instead of eyeing on economic package by Indian Prime Minster, Kashmiris should think whether this package will compensate the sacrifices they have rendered for the greater cause,” he said.

“The pro-India parties are responsible for every mess in Kashmir – arrests, detentions, killings, tortures, rapes, abductions, disappearances, the recent killing of Zahid Rasool Bhat and present anti-Muslim wave in the state,” Shah added.

The DFP chairperson said, “the so-called state administration always exploited Kashmiris and are experts in shedding crocodile tears over the killing of our youth.”

Shah reiterated his appeal to people of Jammu and Kashmir to make “Million March” a “success to inform the whole world that Kashmiris will not accept anything less than freedom”.

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‘Anti-Youth Policies Hallmark of Last Government,’ says PDP’s Para

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Waheed Ur Rehman Para

In a bid to reach out to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, ruling Peoples Democratic Party’ youth wing held a day long youth convention in Pulwama and discussed the strategy for empowerment of youth of the state.

“Besides the youth leaders of the youth wing along other core members of all constituencies of the state actively joined and discussed the prevailing situation of the valley,” a statement from PDP youth wing said Saturday evening.

Speaking on the occasion PDP’s State Youth President Waheed Ur Rehman Para said, “the main agenda is to empower the youth and their ideas be taken seriously.”

Emphasizing the need of involving the youth in building a modern and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir, Para said, “the state can come out of its problems of uncertainty and development, only if the younger population is engaged creatively and their talent and energy given a positive direction.”

Shuja Sarwar, who participated in the discussions held during the convention, said, “this is a big achievement to know the different persons coming from different areas with different thoughts and opinions. Such interactions also provide space to issues, grievances and many other things.”

Javaid Trali, a PDP activist who participated in the interaction, said, “youth can be an inspiration to full the lacunae. Government is connecting with youth seriously and the change will be visible.”

“The other youth wing activists including Jehangir, Irshad Ahmad, Advocate Abdul Rashid Dar, Tahir Syeed, Dr Harbaksh Singh, Mir Anayatullah and many others were actively discussing the administrative and political reality of state,” the statement said, “they were discussing that the agenda of the present government is and will remain transparent.”

“The PDP is the party of all and though it has in its people friendly agenda and promotion of interests of all sections of the society but youth constitutes the core of the PDP’s program,” the statement added.

Calling upon the youth to ensure “change on ground”, the youth leaders said, “the youth have an important role to play to transform the structure and ensure an accountable, transparent system on the ground and added PDP is the only party having a youth related policy and the party will carry it forward and implement it.”

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

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Use Internet, Paintings to Publicize ‘Challo, Challo TRC Challo’: Geelani tells Youth

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SRINAGAR

For making the proposed “Million March” a successful program, Chairperson  Hurriyat (g) Syed Ali Geelani called an Advisory Council meeting (Majlis-e-Shura) Saturday at Hyderpora in which the heads or representatives of Democratic Freedom Party, Anjuman Share-i-Shia, Jammu Kashmir Employees Movement, National Front, Tehreek-e-Khawateen Kashmir, Insaaf Party, Democratic Political Movement, Mass Movement, People’s Political League, People’s Freedom League, People’s League, Tehreek-e-Wahadat-i-Islami, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Tehreek-e-Mazahamat, Muslim League, Kashmir Freedom Front and Islamic Political Party participated.

The meeting took stock of the preparations of the scheduled “Million March” and “all the Hurriyat constituents were directed to suspend their respective party engagements and work for the success of the Million March”, a Hurriyat (g) statement said.

“All the members of the Majlis-e-Shura praised the Million March announcement of Syed Ali Geelani and assured full cooperation in making the march as success event,” the statement said.

Terming the “Million March” a historic event, Syed Ali Geelani in his presidential address said, “the BJP-PDP coalition government wants to change the discourse of the Kashmir issue and they want to mislead the whole world that the situation in Kashmir has changed now.” “In a run to become more loyal than the king, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is extending his every possible help to the communal and fascist forces of India.”

The statement quoting Geelani said, “the proposed Million March will be a strong and befitting reply to the evil and wicked designs of Mufti Sayeed and the Sangh Parivar and at the same time it will also be a message to the world that Kashmiri people have not given up their age old demand for plebiscite which NC tried to bury in 1975. The scheduled Million March will make history and will also refresh the memories of the mass gatherings of 2008.”

The statement added that Geelani appealed all the Kashmiris who are living in foreign countries to organize small gatherings at their respective places in support of the said march on that day to express their solidarity with freedom movement.

“Geelani also appealed the Muslims of the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal region to send their representatives to Srinagar to participate in the proposed Million March,” the statement said.

“To aware the general public about the importance and significance of the Million March, they have to run door to door campaign to explain them that it is the day of referendum,” Geelani told the meeting.

“The Ulema and Islamic scholars should also play their role in making the march a success,” he said.

The Hurriyat (g) chairperson appealed the youth “to publicize the ‘Challo, Challo TRC Challo’ slogan from now in the form of wall paintings, posters, internet and social networking sites”.

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Corpus Fund to be Silver Lining for Poor Patients: CM Mufti, Hails GMC

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Showering huge accolades upon those eminent doctors who stayed back and did not opt for greener pastures in the most trying and difficult circumstances, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Saturday urged them to take another lead in creating a corpus of fund for those poor people who cannot afford expensive medical treatment.

He also stressed upon involvement of faculty and students in building institutions so that patients do not have to travel outside and are provided the best healthcare within the state. “I promise you that GMC Srinagar, which has done such a commendable job in the past, will remain the centre of my attention,” he assured.

The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering here at SKICC during the Annual Day function of GMC Srinagar, where he was the chief guest.

Due to unprecedented floods of September 2014, the Annual Day of GMC could not be held last year as the medical college and its associated hospitals remained largely inundated.

Minister for Health & Medical Education, Ch Lal Singh, Principal, GMC, Srinagar, Dr Rafiq Ahmad Pampori, the entire faculty of the medical college as well as former principals and galaxy of renowned doctors were also present on the occasion.

Drawing the attention of the doctors present in the audience towards the plight of the poor people who cannot afford best medical investigation and treatment, Mufti Sayeed made a fervent appeal to the non-resident doctors of the state working in different parts of the world to contribute liberally to the fund corpus. “I have also taken up the matter with the Union Government at the highest level so that transfer of donations by J&K doctors for this noble cause is facilitated,” he added.

Handing out an assurance to the medical fraternity in providing conducive atmosphere for healthcare sector, the Chief Minister said the poor desperately need a level-playing field in quality treatment. He said a large number of poor people approach him for medical aid under CM’s Relief Fund and he is not able to provide the required assistance to all in view of limited resources. “Poor people who are required to undergo kidney transplant, open heart surgeries and procedures for management and treatment of terminal illness like cancer have no access to expensive medical treatment,” he said, while pointing out the significance of creating a corpus fund for such patients.

Crediting GMC Srinagar for producing eminent doctors who have distinguished themselves in the field of medicine here and abroad, the Chief Minister reminded the premier health institution of the monumental task ahead of them in closing wide gaps, especially in rural health and advanced medical-care sectors.

He said the transition of GMC from a modest beginning, when it started functioning in a few rooms in 1959, to a proud institution of eight associated and one super speciality hospital today has been astounding. “I hope GMC Srinagar will continue to serve people and set new standards in quality healthcare,” he stated.

Referring to the fillip the healthcare sector is receiving, the Chief Minister said the state is going to become a hub of tertiary medical care facility in near future with 2 AIIMS, 5 new Medical Colleges and two Cancer Centres being established. “I hope the Health Department continues its endeavour to extend quality healthcare facilities to the remotest and far-flung areas of the state,” he said and stressed upon upgrading the district health institutions as Model Hospitals on a pilot basis to avoid unnecessary referrals.

Expressing hope that J&K will become hub of knowledge and excellence in not too distant a future, Mufti Sayeed referred to the major strides made in health infrastructure for which the state would require services of highly-trained and experienced doctors. “I want some of our eminent doctors who have made a mark internationally to consider returning to their roots,” he exhorted.

Asking the faculty members to brace up for stiffer challenges ahead, Mufti Sayeed said he was sure that with determination and resolve the state will be able to improve existing healthcare facilities. He also emphasised upon nourishing the healthcare sector by creating effective linkages between the primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions. “GMC Srinagar shall continue to be the mother health institution and occupy prominence as a prestigious medical training institute and hospital,” he stated.

Ever since its inception in 1959, GMC Srinagar has churned out more than 5000 doctors with MBBS degrees and 1400 postgraduates. It also has produced 6000 paramedics and continues to be the backbone for providing human resource, particularly in Rural Health Services.

Some of the doctors produced by GMC Srinagar have carved out a niche for themselves abroad, especially in UK, US and the Gulf.

Laying emphasis on strengthening the academics, Ch. Lal Singh, in his address, said post unprecedented floods of 2014, most of the old and damaged equipment has been replaced by modern machinery with liberal funding from the Centre. He credited the doctors for bringing down the mortality rate, which is now far lower as compared to the national average. “We will ensure that all medical colleges in the state are run professionally so that the best possible patient-care is provided to the people,” he added.

Dr Pampori, in his address, said GMC is one of the largest tertiary care institutions in the state which has set high standards in research. He said as many as 50,000 surgeries are also being performed every year. “We treat nearly 17 lakh patients yearly and our mortality rate is as low as 2.09 per cent,” he said, while thanking his staff in making the college functional only after a month of last year’s colossal floods.

He also made comprehensive presentation giving the status of each department of the medical college and the latest equipment available in the medical college and associated hospitals.

During the inaugural function, Dr Kaiser Ahmad and Dr Pervez Shah also spoke on the occasion. They listed some of the achievements of the college in academic and co-curricular activities and suggested various measures to the Chief Minister for improving the profile of healthcare sector. Some of these include creation of a corpus fund for carrying out research, enhancing standard of human resource by improving patient-doctor ratio, engaging bio-medical technologists for operating state-of-the-art medical equipment and timely career progression of the faculty members.

Earlier, the entire faculty of GMC Srinagar was introduced to the Chief Minister and Minister for Health & Medical Education. The Chief Minister also released the annual college magazine, highlighting the achievements and activities of the institution.

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‘Ensure Youth Participation in PM’s Rally,’ Madhav tells Nirmal Singh

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SRINAGAR

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir, BJP’s National General Secretary Ram Madhav who arrived here Saturday afternoon, held an important meeting with Chief Minster Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at his Gupkar residence.

Sources told KNS that Ram Madhav, who is close confidante of Modi, arrived here at 12.30 PM from Delhi.

“Soon after Madhav reached Airport he drove towards the CM’s Gupkar Residence and held detailed meeting with him. The focus of the meeting was to ensure the success of Modi’s rally in Srinagar on November 7 as it will be the Prime Minister’s first rally in the Valley after the PDP and the BJP formed the coalition government in the state,” one of the BJP leaders said.

Madhav stressed on the BJP leaders to ensure that Prime Minister’s rally in Srinagar turns out to be a “grand success and they should ensure participation of youth in the rally”.

Madhav told the BJP leaders that it’s their duty to “make people aware about the Prime Minister’s initiatives and his message of peace, prosperity and development should reach everywhere”.

Meanwhile, sources said that Ram Madhav also chaired a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh and top state BJP leadership at Deputy CM’s official residence.

“At around 4:30 PM, Madhav chaired a meeting with BJP leaders. The meeting was attended by the State BJP Chief Jugal Kishore, Industries and commerce minister Chander Prakash Ganga, BJP leader Ashok Koul and other leaders. He stressed BJP leaders to make people aware about the Prime Minister’s initiatives and his message of peace, prosperity and development,” one of the leaders who was part of the meeting said.

Sources added that the BJP leader also held a meeting with Peoples Conference Chairman and Science and Technology minister, Sajad Lone, at his home here.

Modi’s last Kashmir rally was held at the city’s Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in December last year.

Modi is likely to announce a major development package for the state as CM Mufti has stated that the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit would be “path-breaking” and provide the “much-needed impetus” to the “development agenda of the coalition government”.

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PM’s Visit: ‘Put Separatists under Surveillance,’ MHA tells JK Govt

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SRINAGAR

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked Jammu and Kashmir government to keep a “close watch on activities of separatist leaders”, including Syed Ali Geelani.

A MHA top official, who did not want to be named, told KNS over phone from New Delhi that on the directions of the Home Minister Rajnath Singh the MHA has directed the Jammu and Kashmir government to keep close eye on the activities of separatist leaders.

“MHA feels that separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani are detrimental to disturb the peace in Jammu and Kashmir and the unity and integrity of the country. The MHA has asked the JK Home department to put activities of Hurriyat leaders under surveillance and take legal action against them in case of any adverse activities,” he said.

The directive from MHA came ahead of PM’s visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting state on November 7 and is likely to announce a massive development package for Jammu and Kashmir during his public rally in Srinagar.

The official said the MHA has also told the state government to put in place a proper system of surveillance on their activities. “As and when anything adverse surfaces, appropriate action as envisaged by law should be taken,” the MHA has said.

Citing a fresh report submitted by the JK government to the Union government, he said, “the state government has assured that intelligence apparatus and the local police were working in tandem.”

“This will facilitate the planning of advance and adequate deployment of law and order components for the maintenance of peace in areas likely to be visited by separatist elements,” he added.

He said that GoI is also keeping a “close watch on militancy in Jammu and Kashmir”.

“The Union government is keeping a close watch on the situation in J&K. Union Home Ministry is keeping itself abreast with all the sequence of the events from time to time. They are also giving most valuable guidance to the state of J&K,” he said.

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Simplify Cross-LoC Travel, Trade Procedures: Dr Farooq Abdullah

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SRINAGAR

National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday demanded that cross-LoC travel procedures be simplified so that people can travel across the Line of Control with ease to meet their relatives and kin.

Dr Farooq Abdullah was talking to a delegation of 50 visitors from Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and Baltistan who called on the NC President at his residence in Srinagar on Saturday. The delegation was headed by Dr Mohsin Shakeel from Muzaffarabad, an NC statement said.

“During Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s tenure, the Government of the day had authorized Police Stations and Station House Officers (SHOs) to issue travel permits for people to travel across the Line of Control to meet their families. I’m saddened to hear the travel procedure has been made more and more complex than it was a year or so ago. Divided families are the worst victims of animosity between India and Pakistan and I appeal to the Governments of both countries to increase people-to-people contact to usher the region into an era of peace and prosperity,” Dr Farooq Abdullah said.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said the people of Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and Baltistan shared a unique bond of emotions and aspirations with all the people of the State and it was imperative that trade and travel be encouraged across the LoC.

The visiting delegation spoke to the NC President about prospects of peace and cooperation across the LoC and said the interests of the people were best served if both Governments worked with each other to improve the lives of their peoples.

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J&K Bank to Upgrade Flood Devastated Kashmir Golf Course to ‘International Standard’

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SRINAGAR

Continuing to fulfill its social commitments, J&K bank has initiated the process of re-development of the Kashmir Golf Course (KGC) – an oldest golf course in the state to retain its lost glory.

The Bank has tapped the best expertise in the field of golf industry for designing and delivering practical solutions with sustainable results to meet international golfing standards, a company statement said Saturday evening.

Commenting on the initiative, Mushtaq Ahmad, Chairman & CEO, J&K Bank, said, “The initiative reflects our comprehensive and diverse approach to Corporate Social Responsibility. The decision to redevelop the prestigious KGC stems from our commitment to promote sports and tourism with an innovative idea to gel the activity with obligation to greenery & environmental health”.

Notably the turf and infrastructure of KGC suffered huge damage due to the September 2014 deluge and Hon’ble Chief Minister, who is also President KGC, during his recent visit to  the Golf Course had desired that the Kashmir Golf Course be taken up by J&K Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme  to save its heritage status.

Spanning over 500 Kanals of land, KGC is the second oldest golfing club in the country after the Royal Golf Course of Talay Gunj in Kolkatta. It was developed in 19th century by the then Maharaja and British Residency.

For rebuilding the KGC on international standards, Bank has tapped the best expertise in the field of golf industry for designing and delivering practical solutions with sustainable results and has hired the service of internationally renowned designer Phil Ryan, founding director of Pacific Coast Design (PCD) & Vincent Pinto –Director (India) PCD.

Pertinently, Phil Ryan is well versed with redesigning and upgradation of Golf Courses and has a huge experience in the field. He is also credited with designing and upgrading of more than 15 Golf Courses across Asia. Some of his works in India include designing and development of famous golf courses like Oxford Golf & Country Club Pune, Banglore Golf Club Karnataka and Delhi Golf Club, New Delhi.

The Bank also collaborated with Alert Golf Management Services, one of the pioneers in the field of golf industry in India, for providing Management Consultation Services for the Project. Rakesh Sharma, MD of the company is allied with several golf bodies across the globe and associated with more than 30 Golf projects in India.

The Consultants made a presentation on redesigning of the project at Corporate Headquarters of the Bank before the Executive Committee of Kashmir Golf Club and Senior Executive Committee of the Bank constituted in this regard.

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7 Wounded in Islamabad Grenade Attack

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SRINAGAR

At least seven persons were wounded after suspected militants lobbed a grenade on an Army vehicle in South Kashmir’s Islamabad district.

Eyewitnesses told CNS that unknown person hurled a grenade towards one of the army’s armoured vehicles near Ganjiwada Islamabad that missed the target and exploded with a bang, resulting in the injuries of at least seven persons.

The forces did not retaliate, however, police, CRPF and Army personnel rushed to spot while locals immediately rushed the wounded to the hospital.

Medical Superintendent Islamabad hospital said that one among the seven persons has received wounds in head, however, all the injured are stable and safe.

A police official said that search operation was launched soon after the attack to nab the attackers.

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SC Turns PIL Against 370 Down, says, ‘only Indian Parliament can scrap Article 370’

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Days after State High Court observed that Article 370 is a permanent provision of the Constitution and it cannot be abrogated, repealed or even amended as mechanism provided under Clause (3) of Article 370 is no more available, the Supreme Court of India Friday maintained that only the Parliament of India can take a call on scrapping Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Supreme Court observed that Article 370 of the Constitution can be scrapped only by the Parliament.

Article 370 provides “special status” to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

The double bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy responded to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by B P Yadav who is a lawyer as well as a BJP activist from Andhra Pradesh. He submitted that the matter of Article 370 is to be decided by Supreme Court. But the Court rejected the plea on the ground that the power on said issue vests with the Parliament. The petitioner also contended before the Court to validate and extend all the Indian laws to Jammu and Kashmir as well.

The Supreme Court gave its decision few days after the observation made by the High Court of J & K where it stated that Article 370 is considered to be a permanent provision giving special status to J & K. The Apex Court, therefore, refused to scrap Article 370 from the Constitution and held that this Court cannot issue such an order. The Court also said that it cannot issue a directive even to the Parliament to remove the provision from the statute book.

The petitioner further made the argument that to reach a final decision, the Supreme Court should interfere in the mater. The Court in reply said that the Court can struck down a provision as ultra vires the Constitution but cannot insist the Parliament to remove a provision from the Constitution. (CNS)

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PM’s Visit will Give Fresh Impetus to ‘Agenda of Alliance’: FinMin Drabu

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SRINAGAR

Minister for Finance, Labour, Employment and Culture, Dr Haseeb Drabu Saturday said that the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to Jammu and Kashmir will give a “fresh impetus” to implementation of PDP-BJP “Agenda of Alliance” in the State.

Interacting with people during his visit to Pampore, Pulwama and Rajpora constituencies today, Dr Drabu said people in the State are expecting the Prime Minister to make tangible confidence building measures aimed at addressing the political and economic challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Drabu said the priority of the State Government right now is to address the alienation especially among the youth and kick-start a developmental process to not only rebuild the flood-hit public and private infrastructure, but also ensure long-term economic prosperity of the people in all the regions and sub-regions of the State, an official statement said this evening.

He said, “resources are not a problem, the only thing that needs immediate attention is to build the capacity for spending the available funds so that durable assets are created in key sectors.”

“Unfortunately, due to the slip-shod functioning of the previous regime, not only have thousands of Crores gone down the drain, but the present Government inherited a liability of around Rs 9000 crore from the previous regime with nothing substantial having been done on the ground,” he said and added that it is for the first time that almost 70% of the district plan allocations were released in the second quarter of the year to complete the ongoing works and start ones.

Dr Drabu said the Government has identified power, agriculture, tourism, horticulture, handicrafts as thrust areas which have not only the potential to boost the State economy but create huge employment avenues for the local youth. He said there will be adequate flow of funds for these sectors to create a vibrant economy.

People at various places informed the Minister about the problems being faced by them and sought immediate mitigation of the same. The issues raised by locals included macdamization of roads, augmentation of drinking and irrigation water supply, adequate power supply and up-gradation of healthcare and educational facilities.

The Minister assured the locals that the issues raised by them would be flagged at the concerned quarters for immediate redress.

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Mirwaiz Umar Invited For 61st Pugwash Conference In Japan

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SRINAGAR

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Hurriyat (m) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been invited to attend the 61stPugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs to be held in the Ioujima Island of Japan’s Nagasaki city from November 1 to 5.

The Mirwaiz has received the formal invite of attending the conference from Pugwash Secretary General, Paolo Cotta Ramusino, said Hurriyat (m) spokesperson.

“This year’s Pugwash conference is being held to commemorate the 70 years of Nagasaki bombing of 1945, which is being attended by the prominent politicians of the world, representatives of noted Human Rights organizations, intellectuals, scientists and subject experts,” he said.

“However, the Government of India has for the past three years stopped the Hurriyat (m) Chairman from proceeding to any destination abroad by denying him travel documents as a result of which he would not be able to attend Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) or any other international conferences and seminars.”

He said this way New Delhi, in utter violation of norms laid down by its own constitution, had been denying Mirwaiz the right to Travel.

Demanding the passport and travel documents of the Hurriyat (m) Chairman, the spokesperson said, the government should not create hurdles in the way of Mirwaiz from attending the Conferences and Seminars on Religious, Political and Human Rights.

“Pugwash, international human rights organizations and other world bodies that care for the betterment of humanity and world peace need to play a positive role to avoid another nuclear war in South Asia due to the pending Kashmir dispute,” the spokesperson quoted Mirwaiz as having said.

“Mirwaiz said the international community needed to understand that the only way to end the nuclear arms race in the region was by resolving Kashmir issue in its historic context and as per the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.”

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CBI Seeks To Close Investigations In Sailan Massacre, Says JKCCS

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Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) Saturday said CBI has sought to shut down investigations in the Sailan massacre.

“By closure report dated 25 August 2015 filed before the CBI court in Jammu, DSP Ashok Kalra of the CBI has sought to shut down investigations in the Sailan massacre,” said JKCCS convener, Khurram Parvez in a statement.

“On the night of 3-4 August 1998, 19 people, including 11, were shot to death at point blank range in their homes in Sailan, in the Surankote Tehsil, of Poonch District. A total of 13 females and 6 male members of three closely related families were killed by 4 Special Police Officers (SPOs), personnel from 9 Paras led by Major Gaurav Rishi, an elite commando unit of the Indian Army, and then Superintendent of Police (Poonch), J.P Singh, is also implicated in the case. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered fresh investigations by the CBI in this case in November 2012 which has now resulted in the CBI seeking to close the case.”

DSP Ashok Kalra has found the accused SPO’s reliable, Khurram said, and has recorded false evidence that discredits the testimonies of the eye-witnesses of the massacre by stating that they were not present at the scene of the crime.

“On 30 October 2015, three survivors [who are also eye-witnesses of the massacre] filed a protest petition before the CBI court, Jammu. The false evidence produced by the CBI has been countered, the mala fide investigations of DSP Ashok Kalra have been brought to the attention of the court, and further investigations have been sought. The survivors contend that there is enough evidence on record against the four accused SPO working for the 9 Paras, and Major Gaurav Rishi who was the team leader of the 9 Paras. In addition, available evidence that has not been recorded by the CBI against other accused including from the 9 Paras has been produced in affidavit form and further investigations have been sought.”

The survivors of the massacre, he said, have filed the protest petition to ensure that the truth of the Sailan massacre is brought on record.

“The attempt of DSP Ashok Kalra to protect the perpetrators is consistent with the past role of the CBI including in the case of the Sopore massacre and the 2009 Shopian rape and murder case where every attempt continues to be made to shut down investigations. The role of the accused directly involved in the crime and all those involved in the cover up [including DSP Ashok Kalra] will be brought out through the protest petition and subsequent proceedings in the CBI court.”

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02 Die, 03 Injured in Road Mishaps

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Two persons including a policeman died while three others were injured in three different road accidents.

In Budgam, an unknown vehicle hit and injured two pedestrians identified as Kaiser Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad yousuf resident of Kanloo Pattan and Akbar Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Rashid resident of Narbal at Narbal, Magam. Both the injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment.

In Bandipora, a police person identified as Farooq Ahmad posted in DPL Bandipora son of Ghulam Rasool Ganaie resident of Bagtoor Gurez (at present Mantrigam Bandipora) died when a  tipper (909) bearing registration number JK15-2135 he was boarding, met with an accident at Serc Top TBM Tragba, Pethkote. The driver of the tipper was also injured in the accident. The injured was shifted to hospital and body of the deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites after conducted the legal formalities.

In Islamabad, a Scorpio vehicle bearing registration number JK03E-3441 hit and injured a person Mohammad Ibrahim Khan son of Ghulam Ahmad resident of Sarnal K.P road at Sarnal. The injured was shifted to District Hospital Islamabad where he succumbed to his injuries.

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Suspected Militants Lob Grenade in Islamabad

 

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Suspected militants lobbed a hand grenade at Ganjiwara, Islamabad on Saturday afternoon, injuring at least five persons.

Eye-witnesses said many vehicles were damaged in the attack.

Police have rushed to the spot.

Further details awaited.

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Supreme Court Turns Down Petition To Scrap 370

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Supreme Court of India has ruled that only Parliament can take a call on scrapping Article 370, thus turning down a plea challenging the provision giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir, reports said.

A bench led by Chief Justice HL Dattu refused to entertain a PIL filed by the petitioner BP Yadav in this regard.

“Will it be done by the court or by Parliament? Can we ask Parliament to delete a provision from the Constitution? It is not for this court to do so,” the bench is reported to have observed.

 “We can strike down a provision if it is unconstitutional but we cannot be asking Parliament to remove a provision. It has to be done by them (Parliament),” it said.

Earlier, the J&K High Court had observed that Article 370 is a permanent provision of the Constitution. “It cannot be abrogated, repealed or even amended as mechanism provided under Clause (3) of Article 370 is no more available,” the court observed in its judgment on a case challenging the reservation benefit in promotions to the employees.

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Be Ready for ‘Srinagar Million March’: Geelani tells People

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While terming the proposed ‘Srinagar Million March’ as a “historic” occasion, Chairperson Hurriyat Conference (g) Syed Ali Geelani appealed “all the pro-freedom people to start preparations from now for making it a success program and come out in large numbers from every village, town and city to send a clear message to the world that the Kashmiri people are still firm on their demand for plebiscite and they want to decide their future through the Scotland type of referendum process”.

He said, “the prime minister of India Narendra Modi can’t buy the freedom demand of the Kashmiri people even if he will announce ten Lakh Crore, instead of one Lakh Crore and Kashmiri people will eat nothing but they will never bow before the atrocities and brutalities of India.”

Geelani, who is under house detention, Friday sent invitation letters to all the top separatist leadership in which they have been invited to take part in the scheduled march.

He said, “New Delhi had come up with many packages for the Jammu & Kashmir till date but all those packages has proven to be lolly-pop and the India had not only did nothing for the people of Kashmir till date but they have instead looted the natural resources of the Jammu & Kashmir with both the hands. Water and electricity is ours but it is used and enjoyed by India.”

He said, “if India will have to pay only for electricity of Kashmir, it will rise trillion dollar bills annually and in comparison to that one lakh crore rupees package is nothing and by this they can’t even pay a one percent of their debt which has accumulated with them and which they are bound to return.” “If India will give us our right to self determination, we will donate 10 lakh crore instead of one lakh crore for its poor and needy people and we will feel pleasure in doing that.”

The octogenarian Hurriyat leader said, “we had not taken any harsh step by announcing the proposed million march but we had adopted purely a democratic way with which we want to show to the world that what the Kashmiris really want and to whom they actually support?”

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Jama’at-e-Islami Pays Tributes to Kareemabad Slain Militants

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SRINAGAR

A high level delegation of Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) J&K Friday visited Kareemabad Pulwama and expressed solidarity with the family of Afaq Ullah Pandit and paid glorious tributes to “martyrs”.

According to a statement issued to KNS, the JeI spokesperson while speaking on the occasion threw brief light on the “philosophy of Martyrdom and urged Muslims to unite for the cause of Islam which is the need of hour”. He said, “the inner difference within the Ummah is the basic cause of our downfall.”

He urged youth to achieve knowledge of Quran deeply in which lies the solution of all human problems. “He described the non-resolution of the long pending human issue of Kashmir the basic factor for bloodshed in the region and urged international community and other human rights organizations to come forward for the resolution of Kashmir issue according to the wishes of the people of J&K,” the statement said.

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Ahead of PM Modi Visit, Mirwaiz says, ‘No Economic Package can Resolve K-Issue’

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SRINAGAR

Terming Kashmir a political issue that needs a political solution as per the aspirations of Kashmiris, Hurriyat (m) Chairperson, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday said New Delhi cannot woo people to give up their fight for Self-Determination by extending doles and announcing economic packages.

In a statement issued to KNS, Mirwaiz while addressing a people at Kangan’s Central Chowk after offering Friday congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid Kangan, said, “Indian leadership needed to understand that only a political resolution and not only economic packages could resolve the vexed Kashmir issue.”

Asking New Delhi to give up using military might, he said, “Government of India (GoI) needed to understand that the struggle for the Right to Self-Determination of Kashmiris was a just one and its age-old tactics of pressurizing people of Kashmir by aggression and suppression would bear no fruit for it.”

“People of all the regions on both sides of the divide including Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Jammu Kashmir should be allowed to decide their fate and choose their destiny,” he demanded.”Jammu Kashmir is a united entity and the fanatics and extremist elements in order to spread their divisive and Hindutva agenda were trying to flare up passions in Jammu and Ladakh regions.”

He said, “this was being done to harm the Muslim-majority character of Jammu Kashmir which the resistance leadership would not allow at any cost.”

The Hurriyat (m) Chairman said besides the people of Kashmir valley, the people of Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Chenab Valley had all offered sacrifices for the resolution of Kashmir dispute and the “people of Kashmir and Hurriyat was duty bound constitutionally as well as morally to ensure that these sacrifices do not go waste”.

“For past 68 years, people of Kashmir were at the receiving end of the gravest of human rights violations at the hands of Indian forces and offered sacrifices from time to time,” he said.

“The recent sacrifices of the Kashmiri youth in south Kashmir’s Shopian, Pulwama and Kulgam areas were the real treasures of the Kashmir’s resistance movement and Hurriyat would not let these sacrifices go waste and fight until Kashmiris get their right to self-determination,” he added.

“More than half a million troops were placed in Kashmir who had been given protection under the black laws to unleash terror and get away with it in order to cow Kashmiris down but added that they would continue to carry forward the resistance movement until they achieve their right to self-determination,” he further said.

“Kashmiris were determined to carry forward their struggle until it reaches its logical conclusion and the note taken by the OIC and different international organizations regarding the resolution of Kashmir issue was a proof that their struggle and sacrifices are being realised,” he concluded.

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South Kashmir Shuts Against ‘Abu Qasim’s’ Killing

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SRINAGAR

Clashes between protesting youth and forces erupted in few places Tral on Friday amid a shutdown in many of South Kashmir areas against the killing of Let commander Abu Qasim.

Reports said that normal activities remained paralyzed in Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama districts of South Kashmir on Friday as people observed a complete shutdown to “mourn” the death of LeT commander. Shops and other business establishments remained closed while government offices witnessed thin attendance with roads wearing a deserted look in these areas, reports added.

Meanwhile, police have arrested many youth in Kulgam and other places who as per DIG South Kashmir Nitish Kumar have “taken law in their hand by attacking a CRPF camp in Kulgam, and raised provocative slogans” during the funeral procession.

Abu Qasim’s funeral prayers were participated by thousands of people at Bugam village in Kulgam district on Thursday.  Qasim, according to police, was killed in a brief shootout at Khanday pora village in the district.

Reports from Tral said that youth pelted stones on police and paramilitary forces who retaliated with tear smoke shells. The pitched battles continued for many hours, however, reports about injury to anyone have not been received.

Locals of Kulgam town, meanwhile, told KNS that men in uniform went berserk during last night and broke windowpanes of dozens of houses. They also claimed that many youth by police in nocturnal raids following the huge funeral of LeT commander.

DIG Nitish Kumar said that situation in all districts of South Kashmir remained “by and large peaceful”. He meanwhile said, “youth were arrested in many south Kashmir areas for creating law and order situation yesterday by attacking a CRPF camp and raising slogans which were provocative and anti-national.” He, however, did not provide the figure of the arrested youth.

Kumar added, “ the participation of large number of people in funeral of the slain LeT commander is reflection of the confusion among people in Kashmir.” “People should worry in which direction they are going,” he said in reply to a query whether the participation of thousands of youth in Abu Qasim’s funeral was worrisome for police.

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Pro-Pak Slogans May Land Eight School Children in Jail

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SRINAGAR

Police on Friday said that eight school students were booked under section under 153 (A) of Ranbir Penal Code for allegedly shouting pro-Pakistan slogans in Jammu and Kashmir.

If an accused is convicted, under the act, for “promoting enmity” between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, he can be jailed for four to ten years.

“A case has been registered on the complaint of Principal and several persons have been booked for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans,” said SSP Rajouri, Rajeshwar Singh.

He, however, said no arrests have been made, so far.

A case was registered under FIR number 57/2015 under section 153 (A) after the principal of the school lodged a formal complaint.

Earlier, several residents of the area locked the Government Higher Secondary School at Sialsui village of Kalakote alleging that some students raised “Pro-Pakistan slogans”.

The school was opened only when SHO Kalakote Parmod Singh, Tehsildar Kalakote and other officers pacified the protesters.

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Police Foil People’s Bid to ‘Exhume’ Abu Qasim’s Body

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Panic gripped Bugam area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday after forces allegedly resorted to tear-smoke shelling to prevent people from exhuming the body of slain militant killed in Khandypora village on Thursday morning whom police later identified as high profile LeT commander Abdul Rehman alias Abu Qasim, a resident of Bahawalpur Pakistan.

Eyewitnesses told CNS as the people were busy in offering Friday prayers in Bugam area of Kulgam district, scores of people from Khandeypora village including the Hajam family that yesterday laid claim over the body of Abu Qasim appeared in the area in vehicles and tried to exhume the body of the militant. “Some locals objected to the act and within no time people assembled at the grave yard and stopped the Khandeypora’s Hajam family from exhuming the dead body of the militant.”

Eyewitnesses added that there was a scuffle between the two groups on the issue while the Hajam family continuously claimed that the slain militant lying in the grave was their son Muhammad Yaqoob. “After deliberations, the two bodies of local Auqaf Committees namely Auqaf Khankah and Auqaf Masjid Noor headed by Fayaz Ahmed and Gowhar Ahmed finally decided in favour of Hajam family,” said an eyewitness adding that as the people from Khandeypora started digging the grave, forces personnel appeared on spot and prevented them from doing so. They said that police resorted to tear-smoking shelling forcing the people of Khandeypora to flee the spot. Reports said that scores of youth pelted stones on the government forces.

When contacted Superintendent of Police Kulgam Mumtaz Ahmed said that people of Khandeypora and Bugam twice locked horns over the issue on Friday. Refuting the allegations that police resorted to tear-gas shelling, SP Kulgam said that there are some miscreants who want to mislead the people over the issue. “Even militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba owned Abu Qasim and confirmed his death,” he said.

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High Court Direction Flood Relief an Indictment of Govt’s Failure: NC

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SRINAGAR

National Conference Friday welcomed the observations and directions of the Honourable High Court on the abject and continued failures of both the State and the Union Governments over the crucial issue of flood victims’ relief and rehabilitation.

“This is yet another condemnation of both the State Government and the Union Governments by the judiciary and rightfully calls into question their intentions when it comes to the flood victims – many of whom are still shelter-less and are looking at facing another harsh winter in make-shift accommodations. The complacency and insensitivity of both the Central and the State Governments is shocking. The continued denial of justice and relief to the flood victims has pushed thousands of people into the throes of deprivation and destitution,” NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said in a statement.

The NC Provincial President said, “PDP had tried to market its sell-out to the BJP by claiming an alliance with the BJP would aide in time-bound and effective relief and rehabilitation of flood victims. “Today, the State has not even received peanuts – as rightly pointed out by the Honourable High Court. It was none other than the Mufti Government which went out of its way to oppose RS 44,000 Crore flood relief package. They played the role of sabotage to perfection on the directions of their handlers and ended up depriving thousands of flood victims of compensation and rehabilitation. Even after more than a year has passed, the State Government continues to be unapologetic and brazen about its cruelty with the flood victims,” he stated.

“There is no talk of flood victims by the State Government. Such treachery with a devastated people in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in our history is extremely tragic and disappointing. What are Mufti Sahab’s compulsions? It appears PDP has signed on a dotted line of barter to give away all the rights of our people in lieu of BJP’s support to keep Mufti Sahab in the Chief Minister’s chair. The flood victims were first the victims of a natural disaster and then a PDP-made disaster in terms of the Government’s refusal to fight for their rehabilitation,” Nasir stated.

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Beef Ban: Stand of Kerela, Karnataka and West Bengal CMs Vindicates My Stand: Er Rashid

KL NEWS NETWOPRK

SRINAGAR

MLA Langate and AIP chief Er Rashid Friday welcomed the stand taken by Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal Chief Ministers over beef issue and termed it as a “slap on the face of Mufti led PDP government”.

Addressing a gathering at Dangiwacha Rafiabad today, Rashid said, “though we need no permission from anyone what to eat and what not, but the stand taken by three chief ministers justifying beef parties and sale of beef have endorsed that we have done nothing wrong or illegal while holding beef party in MLA Hostel in Srinagar.”

“Despite heading the Hindu dominated states, the stand taken by these chief ministers is encouraging and Mufti needs to learn a lesson from his counter parts and understand that Sangh Parivar is firing the bullets from his shoulders. Mufti Sayeed is playing time and again in the hands of these anti-Muslim forces that is why he compels police officers to cross all limits of brutality while dealing with peaceful protests in Kashmir,” he said.

He added, “may Mufti explain if RSS goons led by Speaker and other MLAs are at liberty to display guns and swords in Jammu during unlawful processions, just to harass Muslims in Jammu, why can’t Kashmiris participate in last rites of a militant.”

Rashid further said, “Mufti Sayeed has to be responsible for every atrocity on Kashmiri youth and needs to understand that he cannot justify the atrocities by police and paramilitary forces in Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Islamabad. Mufti and Delhi are ruling through barrel of the gun but not hearts and minds of Kashmiris. It would have been appropriate for him and his masters in New Delhi to coolly introspect that while all his cabinet colleagues are begging door to door and pressuring government employees to ensure participation in Modi’s proposed public meet in Srinagar. What forces thousands to pay homage to Abu Qasim whom state calls a terrorist and why do masses of three districts claim vigorously for the body of slain militant, despite the fact that he was a non-Kashmiri?”

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JKLF ‘Joins Geelani’s Srinagar Million March’, Appeals People to Participate in ‘TRC Jalsa’

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SRINAGAR

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Friday supported Hurriyat (g) program for the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits valley.

Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani has announced ‘Srinagar Million March’ against what they called the rally of PM Modi.

“India and its puppets in Jammu Kashmir have always used government sponsored rallies and public meetings for legitimizing Indian occupation on Jammu Kashmir. As program for parallel Jalsa has been announced by Hurriyat (g) and its chairperson Syed Ali Geelani, JKLF has decided to appeal people to make TRC Jalsa a success,” JKLF chief, M Yasin Malik, said in a statement, “and in case this Jalsa is not allowed by the so-called rulers, people should observe a civil curfew and total shutdown on Saturday, 7th November 2015.”

PM Modi shall be addressing a rally in Srinagar on November 07.

Addressing a JKLF meeting, Yasin Malik said, “history bears a witness to the fact that Indian rulers, their Kashmiri puppets and biased Indian media always projects Indian prime minister’s or other dignitaries visits, their public meetings organized after using government machinery and other programs like these as a support for India, and for legitimizing its illegal occupation on Jammu Kashmir. These people also use these occasions for defaming freedom movement of Kashmiris and also for concealing the criminal activities of Indian forces in Jammu Kashmir.”

Malik said, “Indian puppets in Jammu Kashmir have always deceived people in the name of government jobs, roads, electricity, water, relief and packages. Even freedom, autonomy and Self Rule like sugar courted pills are used to deceive people and bring them to Jalsas and other government sponsored programs. But as soon these programs are over, Indian rulers, their Kashmiri puppets and biased Indian media starts propaganda against Kashmiri freedom movement and uses these Jalsas and other programs for legitimizing illegal occupation of India on Jammu Kashmir.”

The statement said, “the installation of present regime in Jammu Kashmir, Kashmir has been turned into a prison where all peaceful political activities have been banned, political space has been choked and even a blanket ban has been imposed on condolence meetings.” “All these illegal and undemocratic acts, present rulers crossing all the limits of shame, day in and day out proclaim their so-called transparency and battle of ideas theory.”

Malik added, “in order to make proposed public program of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a success, Kashmiri puppet rulers have started mobilizing their machinery, government departments and employees, and other means. This is being done to please RSS and implement its communal agenda on Kashmir.”

Xxx

NC welcomes HC’s observation of Govt’s abject failure on flood relief

‘High Court directions an indictment of Govt’s failure’ – NC Provincial President

Srinagar | Friday, October 30, 2015: National Conference on Friday welcomed the observations and directions of the Honorable High Court on the abject and continued failures of both the State and the Central Governments over the crucial issue of flood victims’ relief and rehabilitation. National Conference Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani also welcomed the Honorable High Court’s direction to the Secretary, Union Finance Ministry, to appear before it in person on November 3 to explain his conduct if the Central Government fails to divulge the status of the relief package.

“This is yet another condemnation of both the State Government and the Central Government by the judiciary and rightfully calls into question their intentions when it comes to the flood victims – many of whom are still shelter-less and are looking at facing another harsh winter in make-shift accommodations. The complacency and insensitivity of both the Central and the State Governments is shocking. The continued denial of justice and relief to the flood victims has pushed thousands of people into the throes of deprivation and destitution” NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said.

The NC Provincial President said PDP had tried to market its sell-out to the BJP by claiming an alliance with the BJP would aide in time-bound and effective relief and rehabilitation of flood victims. “Today, the State has not even received peanuts – as rightly pointed out by the Honorable High Court. It was none other than the Mufti Government which went out of its way to oppose the 44,000 crore flood relief package. They played the role of sabotage to perfection on the directions of their handlers and ended up depriving thousands of flood victims of compensation and rehabilitation. Even after more than a year has passed, the State Government continues to be unapologetic and brazen about its cruelty with the flood victims”, the NC Provincial President further stated.

“There is no talk of flood victims by the State Government. Such treachery with a devastated people in the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters in our history is extremely tragic and disappointing. What are Mufti Sahab’s compulsions? It appears PDP has signed on a dotted line of barter to give away all the rights of our people in lieu of BJP’s support to keep Mufti Sahab in the Chief Minister’s chair. The flood victims were first the victims of a natural disaster and then a PDP-made disaster in terms of the Government’s refusal to fight for their rehabilitation”, Nasir stated.

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Both Baglihar-I and II Added by NC Regimes: NC

KL NEWS NETWOPRK

SRINAGAR

National Conference Friday congratulated all those involved with the execution of the 450 MW Baglihar-II Hydel Power Project on the successful synchronization and effective completion of the project.

In a statement, NC Spokesperson while welcoming the addition to the State’s power generation portfolio said, “the first phase of the Baglihar project (450 MW) was commissioned in 2008 and the work for second phase started in 2012. With the commissioning of the Baglihar-II Power Project, J&K has crossed the generation mark of 1100 MW of our own generation. What makes this feat even better is the fact that this project was commissioned within time and below the originally approved cost.”

“Both Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah have now successfully and effectively added 900 MWs of power to the State’s own generation portfolio while others have had nothing to offer beyond rhetoric and inaction on this crucial front. The most laudable part of this success is that 900 MWs were added without a spec of an allegation of wrongdoing and the whole process – from conception to commissioning has been transparent. The commissioning of Baglihar-II is the fruit of Omar Abdullah’s efforts and this achievement is a product of his passion and vision to not only make J&K self-reliant in power but to reach a stage where J&K can be a power-surplus State,” the NC Spokesperson said.

The NC Spokesperson said, “it was during the tenure of the Omar Abdullah-led Government that work was started on indigenous projects with an aggregate generation capacity of over 1,400 MWs while edifice was laid for the construction of projects with a further 9,000 MWs of power in the coming seven years.”

“The State witnessed significant strides in the power sector during Omar Abdullah’s tenure as the Chief Minister based on his vision to utilize our water resources to make J&K a power-surplus State – a requirement for the State’s overall economic self-reliance and prosperity. Work was started on projects of over 1,400 MW in capacity as compared to 750 MWs launched in the last six decades. This is an unambiguous vindication. The commissioning of Baglihar-II on time and at costs lesser than those originally approved is an achievement that highlights Omar Abdullah’s commitment to the cause of transparency, to the goal of the State’s development and economic self-reliance,” the statement said.

Reiterating the party’s demand for the return of power projects to J&K, NC said that the Rangarajan Committee had recommended certain hydroelectric power-projects be returned to the State free of cost. “While the PDP-BJP Government has made a spectacular U-turn on their CMP demand on the return of power-projects, we demand the Central Government starts an effective and time-bound process of transferring the power projects to J&K without any further delay. It’s also amusing and painful that the present PDP-BJP Government is completely silent on the losses to the State due to the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) which restricts J&K from exploiting its hydel power and irrigation potential in full measure. This silence on such a crucial issue in addition to the PDP-BJP Government’s u-turn on the return of the power projects  is unfortunate and a very stark contrast in comparison to PDP’s pre-election rhetoric,” the NC Spokesperson added.

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Need to Turn Resorts into Smart Tourist Destinations, says CM Mufti

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SRINAGAR

With an objective to give travel industry a complete image makeover, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Friday emphasized upon exploring how smartness can improve competitiveness in the context of state’s tourism destinations.

To begin with, he desired that Tourism Department conceive a plan for Smart Tourist Destination for Pahalgam and Patnitop resorts. “Small is beautiful. Time has come for our tourist destinations to offer smart solutions in leisure, transport, hospitality and businesses for comfort of our visitors,” he stated.

The Chief Minister made these observations while interacting with business heads of various companies that offer smart solutions in healthcare, sports, communications, constructions, heritage and hospitality sectors, an official statement said this evening.

Stressing upon collection and analysis of data at such destinations that receive relatively large number of tourist footfall, Mufti Sayeed said this will help in making these more sustainable and adaptable to the needs and tastes of our tourists. “As a result, visitors obtain a more satisfying stay, besides improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the tourist destinations,” he observed.

The Chief Minister also stressed upon Tourism Department to integrate villages falling within the jurisdiction of various leisure destinations into the concept plan.

The plan for creating Smart Tourist Destinations must envisage creation of high-end accommodation, availability of quality public transportation and high-tech communication, collection of tourism data, diversification in tourism-related activities, emphasis on eco-tourism and maintenance of green spaces, proper traveller handholding and scientific disposal of waste.

During the meeting, various business heads briefed the Chief Minister about smart navigation which efficiently connects city operations with user and infrastructure procedures.

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27 New Heritage Sites Taken Up for Preservation In JK, Govt

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Government Friday announced that it has identified twenty seven new heritage sites in JK for preservation.

Terming the development as the Mufti-led coalition government’s earnest effort to safeguard the heritage, state cultural ministry Priya Sethi said the govt has listed these structures under J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act 2010.

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Man Found Dead in Srinagar

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Representational photo.

Police Friday claimed to have found a dead body near Islamia College Srinagar.

The body of an unidentified man who police say was in his mid-thirties had been left abandoned near the graveyard in the area.

“As of now, nothing can be said about the cause of his death,” said a police official from concerned Nowhatta Police Station. “We have send the body for post-mortem, registered a case, and taken up investigations.”

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Qasim Killing: Kulgam Observes Shutdown

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Abu Qasim

Parts of Kulgam area observed complete shutdown Friday amid sporadic incidents of clashes in the aftermath of what police calls a “triumphant breakthrough” in which a prized Laskhar commander was shot dead.

On Thursday, forces launched massive operation near Kulgam area where Abu Qasim, the most-wanted Lashkar militant was believed to be hiding, officials said. A fierce encounter ensued before forces shot Qasim dead. As the word about his death spread, thousands of People from Shopian, Pulwama, Islamabad, Tral and Padgampora rushed to Kulgam to participate in the funeral.

Early Friday morning, sources said, parts of Kulgam district woke up to fierce clashes between protesters and forces in villages of Khudwani, Redwani and Arwani. However, sources added that clashes subsided after large contingents of police and paramilitary forces were deployed in the area.

Locals in the Kulgam town alleged that forces went berserk during night and mounted nocturnal raids during which they allegedly damaged as many as 50 vehicles and barged in houses, beating up inmates. Locals condemned the “reign of terror” unleashed by forces.  Shutdown was also observed in Kakapora and Pampore area which are near to the encounter site.

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Power Controversy: Is He The Same Adil Khan?

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The controversy raging over the handing over the solar power project to a Chennai based company Wednesday saw one Adil Mustafa Khan claiming to be one of the shareholders of the project. He claimed that he has provided land for the project.

Khan, who claims that he is director of one of the companies having shares in the to-be-installed solar projects in Kathua, has been involved in a “job racket case” and a FIR stand registered against him and two others in Jammu police station.

Reports suggest that Adil, impersonating as KAS officer, was self-styled director of “J&K Rural Development Co-ordination Society” – an “NGO giving jobs”.

In November 2013, Jammu police unearthed the major job racket which was run in the name of Government of India. The racketeers had allotted fake job letters to 40 youth. However, they were not paid any salary.

Police also freezed their account in Jammu and Kashmir Bank carrying Rs 30 lakh worth cash.

The office of J&K Rural Development Co-ordination Society located at Gole Puli, Talab Tillo which ws later sealed by the police. The accused had put a sign board mentioning that their NGO was registered by GoI.

The three accused were identified as Adil Mustafa Khan son of Ghulam Mustafa Khan, a resident of Awantipora, then putting up at Janipura Colony, who claimed himself as Director of the Society, Jatinder Kumar son of Daya Ram  of Miran Sahib and Iftiar Ahmad Peerzada son of Ghulam Ahmad R/o Rawalpora, Srinagar both of whom had styled themselves as Members.

The police from Nowabad police station were approached by some youth who had been cheated on the name of unemployment.

When SHO Nowabad Jaipal Sharma raided the office of the Society at Gole Puli, Talab Till, he arrested three persons including Adil Mustafa.

The trio would issue advertisements in the newspapers announcing 1500 jobs with pay ranging from Rs 3500 to Rs 45,000.

Every applicant would pay an amount of Rs 2000 for the application form Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s Talab Tillo branch against a receipt. Then the accused would issue fake appointment letters on behalf of the Society.

At least 40 such youth were appointed on different posts, however, none of them had been paid any salary.

Police, after investigation, had said that a total of 14 persons had formed the Society, however, their claim of being GoI registered was false. “The accused were running a big racket to mint the money by cheating the unemployed youth,” the police had said.

A case against the accused had been registered under FIR No. 179 and Sections 419, 420 and 120-B RPC at Nowabad police station.

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Abu Qasim Bid Adieu with ‘21-Gun Salute’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

‘Abu Qasim’

In a recap of 1990s situation, slain militant commander, ‘Abu Qasim’, was given a ’21-Gun salute’ by fellow militants at his funeral in South Kashmir early today.

Reports and local witnesses said that when Abu Qasim, who died in a gun fight with forces early Thursday morning, was being bid final adieu by people from South Kashmir parts in Bugam village of Kulgam, militants – four in number – appeared and fired few gun shots in  air.

“Militants participated in the Nimaz-e-Jinaza and honoured their commander while firing bullets shots in air,” locals said.

Such incidents were reported in early 1990s when a militant died in fight with forces.

Heavy pro-freedom sloganeering and intense clashes were reported from Kulgam while people from three major districts, have reportedly, fought over the burial of Abu Qasim. They had been demanding that Abu Qasim be buried in their areas as “he had spent more time there”.

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Snow Avalanche hits Gurez, Army Porter Killed

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

An army porter was killed after he came under an avalanche in Gurez sector of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Thursday.

A police official told GNS that Ghulam Qadir Toruk (50) son of Habibullah of Kudara village in Gurez was buried alive after snow avalanche hit the Chakwali Tulial area.

Soon after the incident, locals and army immediately launched the operation and after several hours the body was retrieved from the site, he said.

In the incident, slain porter’s son Farooq Ahmad Toruk also sustained injuries and has been hospitalized, he said.

The slain porter was working for army’s 16 Dogra Regiment was along with his son performing their duties when the incident occurred, he said.

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Abu Qasim’s Death: ‘67 Persons held for Enforcing Shutdown in Shopian’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Amid spontaneous shutdown and clashes, thousands of people, including women, today turned up for the funeral of slain Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) Kashmir chief, Abu Qasim in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Eyewitnesses told Srinagar-based news agency that soon after the news about the death of Abu Qasim spread, thousands of people from Kulgam and other districts of south Kashmir including Pulwama and Shopian rushed towards Bogam so that they could have a glimpse of the slain commander and can participate in it.

Within no time, the Bugam village – where Qasim’s funeral was supposed to take place – was jam-packed with people including kids and woman. The body of Qasim was taken in a procession initially to Bogam Chowk amid pro-freedom, pro-Islam and anti-India slogans.

The eyewitnesses said that the funeral of Qasim was offered twice: first at Bogam Chowk and then in the ground of Bogam Higher Secondary School. Reports said soon after the funeral, the people of three districts laid claim over the body of slain Commander and wanted him to bury at their home-districts.

However after deliberations, reports said, Abu Qasim was buried at martyrs’ graveyard Bogam. Thousands of emotionally charged funeral participants raised massive anti-India and pro-militant slogans, the witnesses said.

Prior and after the funeral, hundreds of youth at multiple places Kulgam clashed with government forces. The forces resorted to aerial firing at Khandaypora near encounter site and elsewhere lobbed scores of teargas shells. There was a complete shutdown in the district.

A youth identified as Faizan Khan of Qaimoh Kulgam was critically injured after he was hit by a teargas shell in his head during clashes. He was rushed to hospital in Kulgam where doctors referred him to SKIMS Soura in Srinagar.

The shutdown was also observed in Pulwama district against the killing of two militants this week and also against the death of Qasim. During the shutdown, the youths clashed with government forces at various places.

Meanwhile, police said it have arrested 67 youths for enforcing shutdown in Shopian district against the killing of Abu Qasim and seized five vehicles they were boarding.

A senior police official said that today after the news about the Qasim’s death spread, the 67 youths from Pulwama district who were boarding sumo vehicles, “started to disrupt normal life in Shopian district”.

“They tried to enforce their unlawful writ by way of pelting stones and raising ‘anti-national slogans’ and they also tried to close the market forcefully.” The police acted swiftly and during the course of action, around 67 boys were arrested and case and investigation has been taken up,” the official said.

He said the five vehicles bearing registration numbers JK03D -9516, JK03B -6660, JK03C – 2159, JKI3A – 6353 and JK13C -5270 were also seized.

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‘Not Abu Qasim, He is My Son’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Refuting police claims that the militant killed in Khandeypora Kulgam was LeT commander Abu Qasim, Hajam family from Khandeypora Thursday said that the deceased youth is Muhammad Yaqoob who according to them had “gone to Pakistan for arms training when he was just 15”.

Eyewitnesses told CNS that the body of slain militant was taken to Bugam for last rites but soon after performing his funeral procession a lady appeared there who claimed that the slain militant is her brother and he should be buried in his native Khandeypora village. After watching the body of ‘Abu Qasim’ the lady who identified herself as Naseema Banoo claimed that it is his brother Yaqoob who according to her was only 15 when he crossed Line of Control.

Instead of burying ‘Abu Qasim’ in Bugam, the mourners on the request of Naseema Bano marched towards Khandeypora village where the villagers claimed that the slain militant is Yaqoob Hajam son of Muhammad Ismayil. “I may be wrong but my two daughters Naseema Banoo and Mubeena Banoo and two sons Mushtaq Ahmed and Ghulam Mohiuddin will not be wrong who identified their brother Yaqoob. We had lost hope about him but thank God he died in his own village,” Khatoon Banoo the mother of slain youth said.

His brother Mushtaq Ahmed said that his brother Yaqoob had “a rare identification mark on his ear”. “My brother Yaqoob had two ears one big and one small to his right. I identified him and he is Yaqoob,” he said.

When contacted Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani said, “this is all non-sense and these claims made by the family have no weight.”

Despite the claims made by the family, thousands of people from Bugam area took the body of the slain militant along with him and buried the body there.

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PDD Review: CM Appeals People to Make Judicious Use of Electricity

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

To minimize inconvenience to people during hostile wintry conditions, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Thursday directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to work out an institutional mechanism that will ensure availability of power, strictly in accordance with the schedule notified by it.

He also issued instructions to fast-track metering and gearing up inspections to check the pilferage of power. “With onset of winter, it has become imperative to educate people to make judicious use of power, enabling the department to deliver better services and reduce damage to transformers,” he observed.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting to review the functioning of PDD, in the Civil Secretariat, here today, which was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, who also holds the charge of Power portfolio.

Pointing out the difficulties countenanced by people in winter when peak demand for electricity goes up manifolds, Mufti Sayeed stressed upon creation of an institutional grid that monitors curtailment schedules and power pilferage. “It is the duty of the department to religiously adhere to curtailment schedules so that people do not face any hardships,” he said.

During harsh winters in the past, the people have faced difficulties due to regular power outages and breakdown of transformers.

Mufti Sayeed was also apprised about the expected improvement in power generation by 450 MW Baghliar-II, which is being commissioned next month. He was also informed that some deficit can be overcome by banking in additional power in view of the generation available from Baghliar-II during summers.

While reviewing demand and availability scenario, the Chief Minister also directed the Chief Secretary to fast-track 100 per cent metering to ensure prudent use of electricity. He noted with concern the slow pace of metering in uncovered areas. “A transformer bank should also be created so that people do not suffer in case of breakdowns,” he added.

It was given out in the meeting that out of 16.50 lakh power connections, 53 per cent have been metered so far. As many as 20,000 meters have been procured under RAPDRP through turn-key contract and their installation initiated.

Due to contractual issues, no procurement of digital meters could be done for the last three years.

Briefing the Chief Minister about various steps taken by PDD to ensure dedicated power supply in winter, the Power Secretary said an adequate buffer stock of 450 new and 900 reclaimed transformers has been established to meet the demand. “In view of transmission constraints, we will also focus on fast-tracking system improvement schemes at distribution level and set up regional workshops to repair transformers in the shortest possible time,” he added.

The Chief Minister also directed the Chief Secretary to obtain details of present status of private power projects in the state, adding the government should provide the required facilitation for private players to operate in a hassle-free manner.

He also directed Chief Engineer M&RE to delink the power supply at Pahalgam and Gulmarg so that dedicated electricity is made available to these resorts in winter.

On the issue of yawning gap of Rs 3500 Crore between power purchased and actual revenue realized, the Finance Minister apprised the Chief Minister about raising bonds of Rs 7000 Crore to liquidate the power purchase liabilities. “Our gap is in fact only Rs 2500 Crore as we extend approximately Rs 1000 Crore power subsidy to the state’s industrial sector,” he added.

The PDD has framed a Committee under Development Commissioner Power and a note is being finalized for approval of the State Cabinet in this regard.

In the first six months this fiscal, a total of Rs 802.29 Crore revenue has been realized. The meeting was informed that the department expects to realize revenue of Rs 2000 Crore this year. Last year, the total revenue realized was to the tune of Rs 1736.27 Crore.

To close gaps in power purchases, the Chief Minister was also briefed about the Committee framed for preparing a Draft Power Purchase Policy which will submit its recommendation on surrender of costly power allocations, possible tariff intervention, power swapping and banking arrangements and reduction of wheeling costs.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the measures taken by the department in reducing transmission and distribution losses in the power sector. He said the government is fast-tracking installation of meters in uncovered areas so that the misuse of electricity is prevented.

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