Clarify on Govt Formation by Tomorrow Evening, Governor to Mehbooba Mufti

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

 

NN Vohra

Amid political uncertainty prevailing in J&K, Governor NN Vohra has sent a fax to Fairview, directing PDP president to clarify about government formation by tomorrow evening, reports said.

Vohra has reportedly faxed a letter to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti asking her to call on him at the Raj-Bhawan by Tuesday to discuss the political situation in the aftermath of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s death.

The new government is yet to be formed even three weeks after the demise of former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7.

However, in Sunday’s meeting—the second round of meeting which PDP president held with her party members—Mehbooba clearly distanced herself from government formation, saying: “why should I burn my fingers for nothing.”

Meanwhile, the core group of state BJP met in Jammu on Monday morning to discuss the political situation in J&K. The meeting held in Gandhi Nagar area saw participation of core group members, including former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, former Ministers, MPs and BJP state president.

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Benazir Bhutto in Mehbooba Mufti

By Nayeem Showkat Khan

On the other side of the border, General Zia-ul-Haq hanged Quaid-i-Awam, Zulifakar Ali Bhutto on 4th April, 1979. This news spread like wild fire across the globe. The assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan had opened the door to the succession of military leaders that followed. This was again one of deadliest coups d’état, Pakistan had witnessed.

Already facing the growing unrest due to the military rule, this incident increased a sense of fear among the political leaders across the country. The tall politicians like, next to Bhutto, Mustafa Khar, the uncle of Hina Rabbani Khar, had already vamoosed Pakistan. Tens of thousands of other leaders were already thrown behind bars. One of the most talked leaders of Pakistan after Quaid-i-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Bhutto was no more. The little, Benazir Bhutto was under house arrest. Pakistan was badly struck.

With no other alternative, Benazir Bhutto took the Pakistan’s baton in her hands to fight. She inherited her father’s leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party. Benazir organised rallies, mobilised and openly challenged Zia’s military rule to move quickly to hold “free and fair elections”. She took her father’s legacy and emerged as one of the most prominent figures of Pakistan.

After the death of military dictator, Benazir Bhutto won Pakistani General elections of 1988 and became the first democratically-elected woman to lead any Muslim nation.

One of the world’s renowned feminist and intelligent leader, Benazir proved to be a good daughter fulfilling the father’s legacy. Known as the architect of Pakistan, Bhutto’s legacy was to give a chance to the people of Pakistan to decide their fate. They wanted to fight the military rule. Benazir Bhutto did what the people of Pakistan wanted. She fought for the people.

Kashmir now, along similar lines, needs a Benazir Bhutto in Mehbooba Mufti. Last chief minister of the state, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death has resulted in a political uncertainty in the state. Mufti died after inviting yesterday’s ‘alien’ party to the valley in power. His ‘surrender’ to the ‘agenda of alliance’ seems to have worked the other way around.

Kashmiris, who voted in a record number to ‘stop BJP from obtaining a ticket to the valley’ seems feeling betrayed. Mufti Sayeed left his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti at the centre of power with authority to decide. This very crucial decision may change the whole fate of the People’s Democratic Party in the state.

Mehbooba Mufti also has two main alternatives to go for. She may also follow her father’s legacy which in no way seems the will of people of Kashmir. The other one takes in the opposite direction as of her father’s legacy. By ending this much ‘misused’ agenda of alliances in the valley, Mehbooba Mufti may change the whole scene on the set.

Her future in Jammu and Kashmir will be decided by the people not legacies. She may not be called as a good daughter but she may be remembered as a ‘true’ leader of the people.

(The author is pursuing Ph.D. at Department of Mass Communication, Aligarh Muslim University)

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Traders’ Body Threatens Agitation—If, Denied Adequate Flood Compensation

Ubeer Naqushbandi

SRINAGAR

The traders’ body Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) headed by Sadiq Bakal Monday launched a scathing attack on state administration saying that they are being meted with ‘step-motherly’ treatment.

The protestors raising slogans, “Drama Baazi Band Karo”, “Dokha Baazi Band Karo” said that after the devastating 2014 deluge, huge promises of rehabilitation were assured to them but on ground situation is different.

“Government of India doesn’t take any time in the rehabilitation of Uttarakhand and Nepal victims but when it comes to Kashmir, different approach is followed,” Sadiq Bakal, KTMF president told Kashmir Life.

Bakal while terming eighty thousand crore package as ‘lollipop’, said that government’s move of depositing money directly into the accounts of traders would result into the source deduction.

He also cautioned government that if their demands of adequate compensation aren’t met, more intensity will be launched in the protests. “Today it was just a demonstration and tomorrow’s strike will be the part of the first phase agitation.”

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Pampore Road Mishap: One Dies, Seven Injured

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Police Monday said that in a late Sunday night road mishap, one person died while seven others got injured in south Kashmir’s Pampore.

Among the injured, police said, two are women.

The accident took place after a truck (JK02U 3725) collided with a Tata Sumo (JK03D 9174).

The slain civilian was identified as Ghulam Ahmad Wani, s/o Ghulam Mohammad Wani of Nagnaran Achabal, Islamabad.

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Mehbooba speaks, ‘Will Start Afresh, Alone but Won’t Barter Peoples’ Interests’

Riyaz Ul Khaliq

SRINAGAR

PDP held a party meeting on Sunday at Muftis’ Fairview residence. KL Image: Mehbooba Mufti

Clearing air as why Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not ready to form government in coalition with right wing Hindu Nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), Ms Mehbooba Mufti Sunday made it clear that she will prefer start afresh than “barter interests of the people of J&K”.

Winning the highest number of 28 seats, in its history, in state legislature in 2014 Assembly elections in 2014, PDP found itself in tight spot when BJP emerged with 25 seats from Jammu region.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

The government formation witnessed two months of logjam before the PDP and BJP came up with Agenda of Alliance which was prepared by Economist turned lawmaker, Dr Haseeb A Drabu and BJP’s Ram Madhav.

Going against the wind, PDP patron and from CM late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed declared it “history in making” as secularist PDP joined hands with right wing BJP.

Zahid Rasool Bhat who was killed by a communal mob in Udhampur.

However, with the demise of Mufti Sayeed, the cabinet was dissolved and governor rule followed within two days as PDP and BJP failed to stake claims of the government.

A month is about to pass when and Jammu and Kashmir is running without a public government. All eyes were on Fairview as Ms Mehbooba kept silence.

Finally she called meeting of PDP’s core group on January 17 which lasted for over five hours. However, nothing could come out.

Since day one, PDP has been maintaining that Agenda of Alliance is “sacred book” for them. And the party wants implementation on it.

As pressure mounted on PDP to form government, its spokesperson came out with a statement saying that the party is examining as “how much visions of its founder was realised” and “how is it possible to do it in future”. As the statement was public so came the criticism from its arch rival National Conference which lashed out it for “enjoying power in last ten months in government”. The NC asked PDP as what “was it doing when nothing concrete happened in its tenure in government”.

PDP’s coming in to power had many expectations in view of the September 2014 deluge which devastated Kashmir particularly Srinagar. It promised of reviving the business, rehabilitation of the flood affected and reconstruction of the public infrastructure.

Despite ten months in power, nothing concrete happened even though Rs 80000 Crore package was announced by PM Modi in Srinagar.

More so, the working document between the two coalition partners, Agenda of Alliance, promised many things including return of Hydro power projects which PDP insiders feel was dealt a blow by the union government when the economic package was announced.

Rethinking of controversial AFSPA, engagement with Pakistan and separatists, retrieving of land which has been occupied by the armed forces in J&K. Besides, the coalition partners will not raise or touch “controversial” issues. For PDP, J&K has a special status which BJP thinks is a hindrance for complete merger with union of India. Likewise, the beef ban issue witnessed blanket ban internet in J&K last Eid Ul Azha.

The coming into power of the PDP-BJP combine apparently witnessed communal elements “being empowered”. South Kashmir’s Zahid Rasool was the victim of an attack by a communal mob in Udhampur when they set on fire the truck he was in.

Mehbooba Mufti

When Ms Mehbooba rose to speak in Sunday’s meet at her Fairview residence here, she was eloquent, insiders said. “We all know what happened in last ten months when our government ruled J&K,” she is quoted to having said in the meeting, “we will have to reassess whether we can absorb the shocks which Mufti Sahab had to do so frequently in his effort to forge reconciliation between the regions and the people of the State.”

Seeking complete assurance on the implementation of Agenda of Alliance, she has said, “even though me and my party are finished after we form the government but people are benefitted, I will have no regrets.”

The sources said that Ms Mehbooba asserted that her father formed the coalition “only to work for people and Agenda of Alliance was the best tool in such a situation which the 2014 mandate demanded”. “But, if I am not convinced that Agenda of Alliance won’t be implemented I will better start afresh, alone,” she told her party men, “I will have no regrets if I am alone to work for my people”.

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2nd Year Result Announcement in 3 Days: University of Kashmir

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The private candidates of BA, BSc, B Com 2nd year who appeared in examination in October previous year are up in arms against the Kashmir University for delaying in announcing results.

The students while talking to KNS said that the authorities are wasting our precious time by delaying in announcing the results.

“Despite passing three months since the examination is over, the authorities has failed to declare their results till yet,” Aadil Hameed, a student from Bandipora said.

He said that thousands of aspirants appeared in examination and are eagerly waiting for the results. “From the examination date, we are eagerly waiting for the results and are very curious to see the results but the authorities has failed to pay heed over the thing as after passing three months, they are yet to declare result,” he said.

Controller Examination of Kashmir University said that they are currently busy with making the results of the students appeared in the examination. “The results will be declared in the coming two or three days,” he said.

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Explain Purpose of ‘Police, Army’ Survey: Hurriyat (g) asks Authorities

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

All Parties Hurriyat Conference (g) expressed its deep concern and anguish over the mysterious and strange survey which is being conducted by the J&K Police and Indian army in the Kashmir and in which besides other credentials, the people are asked for their religious sect to which they belong.

Hurriyat Conference (g) appealed people to write just “Muslim” in the column provided for “Sect” and “send a message to the Indian government that gone are the days when you were dividing the Kashmiris in the name of sects and groups and now this entire nation is opposing the forced occupation of India in one voice”.

In a statement to KNS, Hurriyat Conference (g) impressed upon the administrative departments to immediately explain the purpose of this strange survey and why is government interested in knowing the sect of the people?

Hurriyat Conference (g) cautioned that the people will “otherwise boycott the said survey and no one will cooperate in fill up this kind of form”.

According to the reports received by the Hurriyat Conference (g) head office, “the police in cities and towns have although been allotted to conduct this survey but in villages and the far flung areas of the state, this survey is being formally monitored by the Indian army and the army personals visit every house and they not only fill up the said form there but they also harass the people by asking them strange and unwanted questions”.

“The said survey is not less than a terrible lesson for those short sighted and immature Molvies who are fuelling the sectarian differences among the people and who are actually running their respective shops in the name of religion,” Hurriyat Conference (g) statement said. “The enemy also has identified that the Kashmiri nation can be divided in the name of sects and their attention can be diverted from the freedom struggle by engaging them within.”

“The groups or the persons who are calling people towards the Deobandi, Barelavi or Salafi are actually intentionally or unintentionally helping the enemies and the people promoting Shia and Sunni differences are implementing their plans. It is a very sorrowful that the one Ummah follower of one Prophet and one Allah are divided into small groups and the Masjids has also been established separately,” the statement said.

Hurriyat Conference (g) said, “India have although miserably failed in killing the freedom sentiments of the Kashmiri people but now she want to divide Kashmiris by fuelling sectarian hatred among them.” “The Molvies having little knowledge and immature mentality are either being watched directly or they are being directly contacted. The survey conducted by the army and police is adding fuel to this fire.”

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Govt Formation: PDP Clears the Clouds, wants Time-Bound Implementation of ‘Agenda of Alliance’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

PDP held a party meeting on Sunday at Muftis’ Fairview residence. KL Image: Mehbooba Mufti

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sunday clearly said that it wants “effective and time-bound” implementation of Agenda of Alliance.

Agenda of Alliance is a working document between PDP and right wing BJP which ruled J&K since March Ist 105 up to January 07.

“Party will take a call on government formation in Jammu and Kashmir as and when it is confident that the vision and mission of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will be carried forward and implemented in letter and spirit,” a statement issued by PDP said after its party meeting here this evening.

“Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took a courageous, although unpopular, decision of aligning with BJP with the hope that the Union Government headed by Narendra Modi will take decisive measures to address the core political and economic issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir and its people,” PDP President Ms Mehbooba Mufti said while addressing a meeting of the party leaders, legislators and office-bearers convened here today.

“Unfortunately, instead of partnering with and implementing Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision of bringing peace, stability and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir, certain quarters, both within J&K and in New Delhi, started overtly and covertly triggering frequent controversies over avoidable contentious issues resulting in wastage of the State Government’s energies in fire-fighting and propitiation,” she said.

“In such violative circumstances around, we will have to reassess whether we can absorb the shocks which Mufti Sahab had to do so frequently in his effort to forge reconciliation between the regions and the people of the State,” she said and added PDP “can’t form a government just for the sake of power” but, if it does, it will be, as envisioned by late Mufti, with the objective of addressing the core political and economic issues confronting J&K as was done by the PDP-led Government between 2002 and 2005.

Mehbooba said the Government of India shall have to take substantive measures towards implementation of the PDP-BJP Agenda of Alliance in the interest of peace and stability in J&K and for this PDP needs a set timeframe to be worked out.

“The PDP will have to reassess whether the Central Government is ready to trust the people of Jammu and Kashmir and carry out implementation of Agenda of Alliance with sincerity of purpose,” she said and added it has been made clear in the very preamble of the Agenda of Alliance that the document is an effort to seek national reconciliation on J&K and facilitate formation of a coalition government in the State that will be empowered to catalyse reconciliation and confidence building process and create conditions to facilitate resolution of all issues of J&K.

Ms Mehbooba said as has been made clear in the Agenda of Alliance, it is aimed at sequencing the political process and the economic development and striking the right balance between the two to create a virtuous cycle of peace and prosperity that will accord normal life to the coming generations, “especially those regions who have lived in perpetual strife and conflict.”

“It has been further made clear in the Agenda of Alliance that the present position will be maintained on all the constitutional provisions pertaining to J&K including the special status in the Constitution of India,” she said and added that it has been further made clear that the coalition government in the State will seek to support and strengthen the approach and initiatives taken by the government to create a reconciliatory environment and build stakes for all in the peace and development within the sub-continent including normalization of relations with Pakistan.

Ms Mehbooba said while real progress was made during the past 10 months towards the implementation of good-governance practices listed in the Agenda of Alliance, there was little movement forward on implementation of political and economic initiatives. “Instead there were some recurrent unsettling developments which led to lack of congenial atmosphere and had a negative impact even on the good work done on the governance front,” she said and added that even though the PDP-BJP Government, under the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, performed extraordinarily and took some pioneering developmental and welfare initiatives, these could not make a mark among the people because of some unsettling issues being raised by certain quarters repeatedly.

Mehbooba said amid recurring contestations and controversies, Mufti Sahab worked tirelessly and tried his best to carry everybody along and bring some relief to the people on the governance front and unfortunately, this taxing overdoing ultimately took a heavy toll on his health. “He (Mufti Sahab) tried his best to do something for the people and we will have to reassess whether we can make some real difference on the ground by carrying forward his mission, which needs a congenial political atmosphere,” she said.

“PDP is expecting tangible measures from the present Government at the Centre to carry forward and take to the logical conclusion, the reconciliation process which was initiated and worked effectively between 2002 and 2005,” she said and added that all these measures have already been enumerated in detail in the Agenda of Alliance and the only thing needed is its implementation with sincerity of purpose.

“We hope the Government of India will take concrete measures towards the implementation of Agenda of Alliance in the interest of peace and stability of the State and the region,” she said and added that more than a government J&K today needs the political will and statesmanship to pull the State out of the morass, which no government in the State could do amid recurrent rumblings over the issues that have already been settled in the constitution. “We can’t form a government just for the sake of power,” she said and added that if a Government is to be formed it will have to address the core political and economic issues confronting J&K to ensure lasting peace and prosperity of the State and its people.

Senior PDP leader and Member Parliament, Muzaffar Hussain Baig also addressed the meeting and spoke in detail about the vision of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for resolving the issues confronting J&K.

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PDP-BJP Alliance late Mufti’s Final Legacy; Own It or Disown It: NC tells Mehbooba

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

PDP held a party meeting on Sunday at Muftis’ Fairview residence. KL Image: Mehbooba Mufti

National Conference on Sunday termed PDP’s statement following a party meeting in Srinagar as yet another “contemptuous attempt” to test the patience of the people and the continued and liberal indulgence of the Honourable Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

“A continued delay in Government formation has put J&K in a precarious constitutional situation where two legislative parties continue to be in an alliance with adequate numbers but are still adamant to rob the people of their constitutional right to a have an elected government. If PDP wants assurances from the BJP about the ‘Agenda of the Alliance’ now, what was Mufti Sahab doing for the last ten months while every single political and developmental promise in the CMP was flouted and broken by both parties in carefully cinematographed fixed matches? PDP’s alliance with the BJP is Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s final and definitive political legacy – PDP should either own it or disown it without any further delay. There is no third, middle-path,” NC Spokesperson said in a party statement this evening.

“It will soon be a month since the State has been put under Governor’s rule despite two legislative parties with more than adequate numbers in the Legislative Assembly continuing in an alliance. While one empathized with Mehbooba Mufti for her grief that prevented her from taking over after Late Mufti Sahab’s demise, she and her party have now made it evident that they will test the patience of the people and the indulgence of the Honourable Governor to the hilt in an attempt to placate its own disgruntled supporters and also try and create a perception of conscience – one that has never existed. Such disdainful disrespect for institutional democracy and such effortless flouting of the constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is not only astounding but unprecedented,” NC Spokesperson said.

The NC Spokesperson said if Mehbooba Mufti and her party “want to disown the final political legacy of their founder, they should do so and allow the people” of the State to exercise their democratic right to choose a new representative Government that not only resumes the responsibilities of governance but also safeguards the sensitive strategic and political interests of the State. “This continued theatre of absurdity by the PDP is not an alternative to the constitutional and political responsibilities of the largest political party in the Legislative Assembly and calls into question PDP’s seriousness in governing the State beyond its own partisan rhetoric and interests. The people of J&K did not participate in elections in such large numbers so that the PDP would first betray their mandate by aligning with the BJP and then for the PDP Spokesperson to come out week after week asking the people to continue living in endless political instability,” the NC Spokesperson added.

“Any further delay in Government formation while PDP and BJP continue to be in an alliance would not only be unconstitutional but would also discredit the neutrality and objectivity of political institutions in the State – and for a State like Jammu and Kashmir, this comes with grave risks. We hope the constitution is respected and its principles upheld to safeguard the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the NC Spokesperson stated.

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‘Govt Formation Only When Rights of People Honoured,’ says Mehbooba

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

KL Image: Bilal Bahadur

PDP president Ms Mehbooba Mufti Sunday is believed to have told her party members that she “will not sacrifice the interests of the state for power”. “Government can be in place in 24 hours if rights of people were respected,” Mehbooba, according to party insiders, said.

Mufti strongly supported her father Mufti Sayeed’s decision to ally with the BJP saying “verdict offered only this option”. “He was used to taking unpopular decisions and sticking to them and eventually history would prove him correct,” a party leader quoted her saying.

PDP held its second meeting since demise of its patron and former CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 07. Since January 09, J&K is under governor’s rule.

In the last nine months of the alliance, Ms Mufti said many things happened across various social and economic sectors. “But it was not seen because of the atmospherics around.”

Mehbooba, the sources said, asserted, “the atmosphere of trust is somehow missing.”

Insisting that she will not “sacrifice the interests of the state and the dignity of people for power”, a party leader quoted Mehbooba saying, “but once I see that interests of the people and the state are safeguarded, it will take only 24 hours for the government to takeover.”

All the top leaders of the party including lawmakers were present except MP Tariq Hameed Karra. Sources close to Karra said he had flown to Dubai to see his son and had informed the party in anticipation.

Party leaders generally took the line that while “power is all right, the party must see if it can deliver on the promises that had been made to the people”.

Sources said that PDP members decided that they should not “end up compromising the dignity of the people”. “There was only one former cabinet minister who was supportive of immediate government formation,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, the PDP president has called meeting of legislature party on Monday at 2 Pm  at her residence here.

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Changing Newspaper Reading Culture in Kupwara

Zafar Aafaq

KUPWARA

At Shah News Agency in Kupwara Town, a few men have gathered around the newspaper stall scanning the news headlines of the day’s newspapers. The significant portion of the news stall is covered with Urdu newspapers which lie on the front side of the stall.

The agency is the sole newspaper distributing agency and a leading newspaper retailer in frontier Kupwara district.

The manager of the agency Nisar Hussain says that most of the costumers who come here for newspapers pick mostly Urdu newspaper.

Of English dailies, though the titles outnumber their Urdu counterparts, the later wins in terms of number of copies sold a day.

The people get leading English newspapers through subscriptions mostly from the agency.

Shah News agency has a number of newspapers distributing points and a group of hawkers.

“One of the significant reason people buying dailies is to look for job notifications,” Nisar informs.

Some copies of different New Delhi based newspapers are also lying on the stall. “These newspapers come a day late,” Nisar sayd, “sometimes even after two-three days late.”

A student of a local college said that he has stopped the subscription; “there is no point in reading news two days later when you have access to internet,” he says.

The increasing penetration of internet is another reason behind decrease in subscriptions. Besides internet, “the lack of home delivery facility is the reason I don’t read newspaper regularly,” says Imtiyaz Shah, a local teacher.

The students who aspire for civil services seek essentially outside J&K newspapers. “When one sets goal for civil services, it is inevitable to read Chennai based The Hindu and other publications,” aspirant Taha Yaseen sai, “the newspapers contain the quality content which adds to the knowledge and information required for such exams.”

For Irshad Ahmad, who is a regular customer of New Delhi based Indian Express these local news agencies charge higher rates, “unreasonably”.

More so, the district is seeing an evolving magazine reading culture. “The students and educated class come here and buy news magazines,” says Nisar. “This trend shows that people do not only want to update themselves with latest happenings but also analyse the issues of political, social and economic importance.”

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Hurriyat Conference (g) Leader Questions Lolab Encounter

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Paying tributes to the three unidentified slain militants who were killed in a gunfight with forces in Lolab, Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir National Front chairperson and All Parties Hurriyat Conference (g) leader, Nayeem Ahmad Khan Sunday said that “nothing can be said about the encounters taking place in far flung areas”.

“How do these encounters happen and who are martyred in them? Nothing can be said,” Khan said while addressing a party meeting in Rafiabad.

He demanded that such encounters should be probed by some neutral international institution. “Martyrs of such encounters are not identified so they should be probed and facts about them should be brought before the world.”

Khan, however, said, “it is certain that the three unknown persons were martyred by Indian occupied forces in Lolab. Days are not far when the blood of innocent persons would show its colour in the form of complete freedom from India.”

Khan also paid rich tributes to Shaheed Wamiq Farooq on his 6th martyrdom anniversary.  Wamiq Farooq, a class 7th student, was killed on January 31, 2010, by the men in uniform at Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar.

Nayeem Ahmad Khan, who is Hurriyat Conference (g) Jammu province head said, “the killing of innocent students like Wamiq Farooq in 2008 and 2010 at the hands of the men in uniform is unforgettable. We have no hope of any justice within the Indian system however we are hopeful that blood of our martyrs will speak up one day.”

Meanwhile a National Front delegation comprised of Abdul Lateef, Ajaz Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad went to Mazar-e-Shohada, Srinagar and participated in the joint prayers of Shaheed Wamiq Farooq.

Khan strongly condemned the arrest spree especially in Pulwama. “Arresting and creating fabricated cases against pro-freedom people can bear no fruits as the freedom struggle is deeply rooted in the minds and hearts of the Kashmiri people.” He alos strongly condemned the slapping of PSA on Tehreek-e-Hurriyat district president Islamabad, Mir Hafizullah.

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Vohra for Implementing Power Projects under PM’s Package in ‘Mission Mode’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Governor N N Vohra Sunday directed the Power Development Department to take all necessary steps to ensure timely implementation of various projects included under PM’s Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan 2015 in Mission mode.

Governor was informed that Rs 2000 crore have been provided for preparation of DPRs and commissioning of small hydro projects. Governor directed that Commissioner, PDD should urgently finalise an Action Plan for executing these projects, an official spokespersons said this evening.

It was also informed that about Rs 4000 crore have been provided for augmentation of the Distribution System in the State, including special assistance to Capital Cities and 4 Industrial Estates namely Khanmoh, Lassipora, Samba and Kathua. Special Assistance has also been earmarked for Tourist Destinations, Heritage Sites and important places of pilgrimage at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Katra and upgradation of power infrastructure and illumination of Shrines and also for construction of 5 Smart Grids at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Katra, Bari Brahmana, Rangret and Leh.

Governor was also informed that PM’s Package also includes provision of Rs 4153 for Pakal Dul Project, Rs 1400 crore for Intra-State Transmission system to be executed by JKPDD, Rs 714 crore Special Assistance for Augmentation of Infrastructure for Distribution system, Rs 250 crore for Smart meters for 2,50,000 consumers in Phase-I @Rs 10,000 per meter, Rs 195 crore for PMRP (2004) T&D cost escalation and Rs. 1115 crore for 220 KV, Srinagar-Leh Transmission line.

The Governor directed the Chief Secretary to urgently take necessary steps in a Mission mode to ensure timely utilisation of Rs 11,358 crore which has been allocated for power generation, transmission, distribution and advanced technology intervention for smart grids and smart metering under the PM’s Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan 2015.

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Governor Reviews Power Sector

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Governor N N Vohra Sunday reviewed the issues relating to power sector in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan Jammu.

The Governor was informed that the peak deficit is about 22% of the peak demand of 2740 MW while Energy deficit has come down to about 21% of 18560 million units. However, in the first nine months of 2015-16, the Power Development Department has been able to realise revenue of Rs. 1294.36 crore only, an official spokesperson said this evening.

The projected cumulative liability on account of power purchased is expected to go up to about Rs 7000 crore by 31st March this year as against Rs 5037.49 crore on 31st March, 2015. The Governor expressed serious concern over the huge gap in the cost of power purchased from various sources and the amount of power dues recovered from the consumers.

The Governor was informed that the State Government’s ‘in principle’ consent for participating in the Ujjwal DISCOM Assistance Yojna (UDAY), launched by the Union Ministry of Power, was conveyed on 9th December, 2015. Under this scheme, the State Government is likely to be given a special dispensation to borrow Rs. 2140 crore to clear some of the provisional liabilities ending September, 2015. The State will also get additional / priority funding under various schemes of the Union Ministry of Power, subject to compliance of certain operational milestones.

Commissioner, PDD informed the Governor that after accounting for the permissible T&D losses, the extent of subsidy enjoyed by the various categories of consumers is: Domestic (70%), Agriculture (64%), LT Industrial supply (56%), HT Industrial Supply (51%) un-domestic/commercial (49%) etc. The Governor directed that all the un-metered connections should be metered on a time bound basis to minimise power thefts and ensure proper billing of the power consumed. The Governor also stressed promotion of energy conservation measures by undertaking energy audit and reduction of transmission and distribution losses alongside progressive improvement of sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure.

The Governor was informed that a number of projects have been undertaken to augment the limited capacity of the transmission system to enable supply of additional power during peak load, especially during winters. These include two 630 MVA, 400/220 KV Grid substations at New Wanpoh in Kashmir and another at Samba. The Inter-state transmission system is also being strengthened by Jallandhar-Samba-Amargarh (Sopore) 400 KV Double Circuit Line along Mughal Road. With the implementation of the project, 400 KV state ring will become a reality and improve reliability of supply in both Jammu and Kashmir Regions. Further, 220 KV transmission line between Alusteng and Leh will provide grid connectivity to Ladakh Region at a cost of Rs. 1788.41 crores.

It was decided that the creation of separate, dedicated project wings for implementing various flagship schemes such as RAPDRP, IPDS, DDUJY RGGVY and PMRP, creation of two dedicated separate Project Wings should be expedited. It was also decided that Chenab Valley Power Management and Training Institute at Baglihar, for capacity building within PDD and for skill development of unemployed youth, shall be operationalised on priority basis.

The Governor also directed Secretary PDD to ensure proper maintenance of distribution system to ensure stable power supply keeping in view the present harsh weather conditions.

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PDP Meets in Srinagar, Discussing ‘How to Strengthen Party’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Meeting second time after the death of its patron and former CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Peoples Democratic Party is holding a closed door meeting at Muftis’ Fairview residence Sunday afternoon.

Mufti Sayeed breathed his last on January 07 in AIIMS at New Delhi, since then there has no public government in office as PDP is yet to take call on whether it shall continue its alliance with Hindu nationalist BJP.

PDP president and daughter of late Mufti Sayeed, Ms Mehbooba is chairing the meeting while senior members and former PDP-BJP cabinet ministers besides party functionaries are attending the meet.

PDP held its first core group meet on January 17 at Fairview which lasted for over five hours. Late Mufti’s only son, Tasaduq Mufti has been attending party meetings since then.

Amid speculations that PDP has put some “strong” conditions before its former ally, BJP, today’s meet in unlikely to decide about the government formation.

Reports said that PDP is waiting for the “action” from BJP side, BJP leads Union government from New Delhi, on Agenda of Alliance. Agenda of Alliance is a working document between the two former coalition partners.

PDP has been maintaining that Agenda of Alliance is their “sacred document”, however, BJP has not said anything on it yet.

MP Tariq Hameed Karra, who represents central Kashmir in Lok Sabha, is the only prominent figure who is not attending the meeting. This time in Union capital, Karra has been publicly speaking against the “unholy” alliance and asking its party functionaries not side with right wing BJP.

When asked whether today’s meeting may decide the forming of government in J&K, a PDP insider said, “absolutely no” adding, “the meeting agenda is purely on how to strengthen the party”.

Jammu and Kashmir is under governor’s rule since January 09 as PDP-BJP could not claim forming the government in state.

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Panch Body Opposes Elections to Panchayats sans Amend in the Act

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, a body of Panchs and Sarpanchs Sunday categorically rejected the move of the State government to hold elections of the Panchayat without making “necessary amendments” in the J & K Panchayati Raj Act.

In its reaction to official announcement that governor NN Vohra has asked the state administrative machinery headed by Chief Secretary and State Chief Electoral Officer to gear up for holding Panchayat elections somewhere in between the month of April this year, the Panchayat representatives’ body has objected to it and called it as “unacceptable”.

Anil Sharma, President of the organization in a statement said, “We Panchayat members appreciate the vision of Governor NN Vohra for up keeping the process of democratization and decentralization of powers at grass root level but can’t accept any elections without making necessary amendments in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act.”

“Everyone (be it popular government or honourable governor) is aware that 33,000 Panchayat members in the state have been struggling for last half decade for implementation of 73rd amendment of Indian constitution here in the state act and nothing short of that is acceptable to them,” he said.

The Panchayat leader said that before finalising anything related to Panchayati Raj Institutions, the Raj Bhavan must take the incumbent Panchayat members and their organization into confidence.

“We have highest regards and respect for the office of honourable governor but we shall not compromise on the question of seeking constitutional status for over 4000 Panchayats across the state,” Anil stated.

The body also urged the governor to either postpone the decision of holding local bodies elections in the state till a popular government is formed or bring an ordinance to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act; Ordinance is the only way to amend the law under present circumstances since the State assembly is in suspended animation.

He also reminded the “sacrifices” made by over a dozen Panchs and Sarpanchs (Since 2011) in Valley “who had not bowed before the cowardice attacks by the terror outfits on them and who did not resigned from their posts but continued strengthening the democracy in Jammu and Kashmir and ultimately even gave up their lives and cautioned that holding Urban and Rural Local bodies elections should not be just to get central funds which are otherwise denied to state”.

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Global Environmental Changes: Can We Afford To Be Indifferent?

By: Zeenat Farooq

“If all the ants in this world were to disappear, the world would collapse into chaos and if all the humans in this world were to disappear, the world would return to its initial state of equilibrium.”

These lines written by a famous environmental scientist clearly confirm the “bad role” played by humans in destroying the equilibrium of our natural ecosystems.

This world had started somewhere in the remote past as a natural living niche for all the organisms thriving in it, starting right from the tiniest bacteria to humans, of course at the apex. Human beings have a natural tendency to evolve and develop and in the process, they make the best use of their available resources to accomplish this task but over the years, human race has increased its demands for natural resources to such an extent that it simply sucks the available resources and leaves all other species dry.

This is evident from the simple examples of increased human out reach into forest areas which has led to extinction and endangering of several species because of human interference in their habitat. Also, deforestation, killing and poaching of animals, pollution of water bodies, air pollution etc are some of the major examples as known to all as the bad impact of humans on ecological system.

Our Indifference

These are clear indications that we are somehow being indifferent towards our environment, but where does this indifference come from? Two of the most important reasons of our indifference towards environment arise from the following statements:

Firstly, we, as a human community, are not at times well aware of the extent of destruction that our simple activities may entail. For example, wasting one litre of water by a single person on his domestic needs like washing, drinking can account for an annual waste of several thousand million gallons of fresh water and the areas where we are very well aware of the consequences, we simply turn our back to the problem and live in a constant denial mode towards it, as if we may remain unaffected by the consequences of this issue forever.

Take for instance, the flood of September 2014 in our valley. Even when the flood waters reached south Kashmir, people from Srinagar and other adjoining areas somehow considered that the same will not reach Srinagar and were consequently under-prepared when it finally reached our homes. One of the biggest reasons for this flood fury was our use of river Jhelum as nothing more than a big drain which leads to siltation at the floor of the river and consequently decreases its carrying capacity.

Encroachment on the banks of Jehlum and other water bodies like Dal-Lake also adds further to this problem. This indifference is not only observed at a personal level but also at the state level as can be exemplified by an act of our state government which has either constructed or shifted almost every important official building to SDA land, Bemina which was otherwise meant to act as a flood channel and would have neutralized some of the effects of the worst flood in the history of Kashmir, had the buildings not been there. These are only a couple of examples to illustrate our indifference and there could be hundreds and thousands more if we closely introspect.

Secondly, the other important reason which leads to such indifference is that we somehow are in a state of mind where we tend to believe that natural resources are infinite and that these would last forever. This belief might have come from the easy access to these resources by our community but one should understand that these are available in limited supply and cannot be used indiscriminately for longer.

Manifestations of Our Indifference

This indifference of human race towards nature manifests itself in different forms

1. A person living in America consumes nearly 70% more resources per day for his daily activities than a person living in our part of the world. Therefore, these countries constitute a drain on our already meagre supply of resources. Bio-piracy and Bioterrorism are other bad faces of indiscriminate and un-ethical use of bio-resources.
2. By continuing such environment non-friendly lifestyle, we ensure that our generations to come will not enjoy the benefits of natural resources. What we are giving them is merely “non-sustainable, hollow, pseudo development”.
3. More than 60% of the world’s population now lives within 10 km from the coastline which increases the burden on water resources on one hand in the form of availability of water and on the other hand in the form of pollution of water bodies.
4. We indiscriminately destroy the vegetation of ecosystems like deserts since we consider that there is hardly and vegetation in it. This belief is in fact absolutely untrue as desert ecosystems have their own vegetation and even our mildest exploitation can entail permanent damage to them as the vegetation cover is very thin and hence fragile.
5. One of the commonest beliefs among common people is that if water cycle exists, there is still as much water in the world as we had when the earth originated, hence we should not fear the threat of water scarcity. Water certainly recycles but then amount of fresh, drinkable water is declining with every passing day which is an indication of collapse and if we continue to life our life with the same kind of approach, the day is not far when another world war would be fought for water.
6. All the organisms which are present on earth have their own importance. Some of them might contribute to the prosperity of human race while others have a role in sustaining the environment. From decades and centuries of intensive research, we have realized the roles of a very few species like rhizobium Bacteria which help in nitrogen fixation for plants, lactobacilli which help in curdling of milk but each one of them has its own significance. In fact, it is not impossible to believe that some of the organisms which have gone extinct because of human activities might have been beneficial in curing deadly diseases like cancer and unfortunately, we can never have them back.

Tail Piece

The need of the hour certainly is to stop, take a look back and see where we are heading in the name of development. We have gone out of our way to destroy everything to serve our Interests.

We wish to take a headlong leap into future by increasing our so called developmental activities even in areas of fragile ecological composition like in the case of our valley, the beautiful tourist places like Gulmarg, which have been converted into concrete jungles where our non-existent authorities have played a huge role but we must realize that everything development stage comes in due course of time and if we continue our exploitation in a similar manner, the day will not be far where human race would collapse altogether due to non-availability of resources and we may experience this condition as soon as one century from now according to a famous theory if we move on in a manner we are moving today.

(Author is a Research Scholar at Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir.)

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Attention! University of Kashmir Announces Admissions to 2016-17 Session

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

University of Kashmir Saturday late evening issued a notification for the fresh admission to its various ‘Post Graduation’ degrees.

The University has asked students to submit online forms from 04 of February and it will end on February 12.

The entrance tests shall commence from 20 of February.

Notably, University if Kashmir pre-poned entrance tests to save time for academic sessions. The final year (Graduation) result is awaited, however, students shall be given provisional admission in their MA/MSC/MBA/M Com and other programs till the declaration of their results.

All the details of the admission formalities are available on varsity website.

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Jama’at-e-Islami J&K Demands Unconditional Release of Suspected Kashmiri ‘IS’ Sympathizer

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) Jammu and Kashmir Sunday strongly denounced the “unjustified arrest” of Muslim youth on the concocted and fabricated allegation of being supporters of the “ISIS” under a “well-thought plan of the Hindutva brigade to create a sense of fear amongst the Muslim community and as such ruin their future”.

“The BJP government led by a notorious enemy of Islam and Muslims has been falsely involving the Muslim youth in baseless cases of terrorism and now for supporting the Daesh throughout India and by these tactics wants to make the life of Muslim community in India a hell but these atrocities cannot force Muslims to this community to surrender their belief in Islam which is more precious and dearer to them than anything else,” JeI J&K spokesperson, Adv Zahid Ali said in a statement issued this afternoon. “They have faced so many tribulations in the past for the safety of their faith and are well prepared to bear these in the future too but cannot give up it at any cost.”

The JeI spokesperson said, “as Mr Modi is losing his political ground in India and in order to hide his failures is cooking up the false story of the Indian Muslims supporting the Daesh which is far from the reality and has no substance on the ground.” “The Modi government is also falsely involving the Muslim youth belonging to Kashmir in baseless allegations of supporting Daesh in order to tarnish their image in the world fraternity and give a bad colour to their rightful struggle for achievement of their inherent Right of Self Determination but the communalist government of BJP is destined to fail in its nefarious and vicious designs against the Muslims in general and the Kashmiri people in particular.”

“Jama’at-e-Islami vehemently denounces the illegal and unjustified arrest of the innocent Muslim youth by the notorious politically managed notorious agency of NIA created only for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the Muslims residing in India,” the spokesperson said, “Jama’at also denounces the anti-Muslim role of NIA which has so far arrested a number of innocent Muslim youth from Kashmir and other areas of India falsely involving them in concocted cases of terrorism.”

Jama’at demanded unconditional release of Sheikh Azhar ul Islam of Prang Kangan arrested on “false charges of supporting ISIS and other innocent youth”.

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Who is late K V Krishna Rao?

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Former Army Chief, Kotikalapudi Venkata Krishna Rao, better known as K V Krishna Rao, died on Saturday. He was 92.

He served Jammu and Kashmir as two-time Governor.

Rao was the 14th Chief of the Army Staff and had an illustrious career spanning over four decades in the force. He retired in 1983.

He was commissioned into the Army on August 9, 1942. As a young officer, he served in Burma, North West Frontier and Baluchistan during the Second World War.

During extensive Punjab disturbances in the run up to partition in 1947, he served both in East and West Punjab. He also participated in the 1947- 48 war against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. He was a founder Instructor of the National Defence Academy during 1949- 51.

He was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal for displaying outstanding leadership, courage, determination and drive during this war.

The JK government has announced three-day mourning beginning January 31. During this period, the national and state flags will fly half- mast and no official entertainment function will be held.

General Rao was the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during 1989- 90.

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Suspected Kashmiri ‘ISIS’ Sympathizer sent to 10 Days NIA Custody

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Three alleged ISIS sympathisers, who were deported from UAE for purportedly being on a “mission to carry out terror attacks in India and some other countries”, were remanded to 10 days NIA custody by a court in New Delhi on Saturday.

Adnan Hussain, who hails from Karnataka, Mohammad Farhan from Maharashtra and Sheikh Azhar Al Islam from Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, who were arrested on Friday by the NIA after being deported from the UAE, were produced before the court in muffled faces amid tight security.

The trio were detained by the NIA on arrival from the UAE at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Friday night.

Media reports said , during in-camera proceedings, the NIA sought custodial interrogation of the three accused saying they were required to be interrogated to unearth the entire conspiracy to carry out terror strikes.

The sources said District Judge Amar Nath allowed the NIA’s plea and remanded them to its custody till February 9.

The three suspects, along with other unknown associates, were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to identify, motivate, radicalise, recruit and train Indian citizens, located in India and abroad, for planning and executing terror attacks in India and other countries, the sources claimed.

But family of Azhar-ul-Islam have been maintaining that their son was innocent and had travelled to the Gulf nation ‘to earn money as the family was under huge debt’.

“Azhar-ul-Islam, who was handed over with two others to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), belongs to Preng village of Ganderbal district, and his father is Abdul Satar Sheikh,” police have been quoted as having said.

His father said that his son was a graduate and was pursuing a Bachelors of Education. “I am a poor man and have debt on me. He went abroad to relieve us of the debt. We are poor people,” he said.

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‘Kahan Gaav Yaad Thaw’ Play Staged at Tagore Hall

Saima Bashir

SRINAGAR

A Kashmiri play, Kahan Gaav Yaad Thaw, was presented at Tagore Hall here on Saturday.

Written by Kashmiri writer late Gh Ali Majboor, the play has been directed by Shah-e Jehan Ahmad Bhagat.

Producer Gh Mohi ud Din Aijaz organized the playunder the banner of National band theatre.

The organizers said that the play was conducted to promote Kashmiri culture and save brotherhood among Kashmiris. “It will also put light on the historical background of Kashmir. It focuses on how to tackle the present problem arising in Kashmir,” they said.

The play started with a combination of Mousiqi and folk song with little scenes of satire on the hatred for each other, how it has divided and harmed the brotherhood in Kashmir.

The play presented “Kashmir as cow” which is “very useful to humankind, but the man for his selfish needs makes its wrong use due to he ultimately lost the cow”.

“We should remove the stigma attached to the Band Paether and should not look it down as it is our own culture,” one of the organizers said on the occasion.

SSP Budgam Fayaz Ahmad Lone who was guest of honour at the function, said, “we have to show respect to our culture and language to promote it.  And should include our youngsters to take part in our culture activities like Band Paether.”

On this occasion the artists including Himayun Qaiser and Talat Jahangir were awarded with Karam Buland Award and Khilate Gh Ali Mahjoor Award.

Gulshan Badrini, who moderated the event, announced that from now onwards 15 May will be celebrated as the anniversary of late Gh Ali Majroor.

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Pulwama: Farmer Attempts Suicide to ‘Protest Land Acquisition for Road’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Father of six children consumed poison Saturday at Boonera village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district to protest against acquisition of his orchard land by Revenue department for road construction.

Munwar Ahmad Bhat, 60, was hospitalized after consuming poison at his native village when officials were marking his already notified orchard for opening of Gangoo– Boonera circular road.

The residents accused Revenue and R&B officials for acquiring the land of Munwar Ahmad Bhat to give advantage to another farmer whose land was actually notified by officials for circular road.

Mohammad Shafi Bhat son of Munwar Ahmad Bhat claimed that in 2005, officials notified land of Javid Ahmad Mir’s barren land for circular road.

“He has influence and has bribed officials to change the demarcation,” Shafi alleged, adding, that authorities were snatching their orchid, the family’s only land.

“The authorities of R and B have surveyed one Khasra and revenue authorities notified other patch of land in the same Khasra to give advantage to Javid,” said Mohammad Khalil Wani, a farmer of Boonera, adding that the officials are deviating to make a curve in the road under the influence.

Assistant Executive Engineer R&B, Pulwama, Zahoor Ahmad said that the circular road gets connected with Shopian– Pampore road and they have to achieve a right angle.

“The road shouldn’t be bending,” he said.

Assistant Revenue Commissioner Pulwama, Syed Sajad Qadri said that they never changed the original demarcation done by R&B.

“We are exactly following the demarcation map prepared by R& B,” he said, adding that the circular road is almost near to completion but a few farmers were creating hindrance.

“They have been misled by some people that their land was not demarcated in 2005,” he said, adding that they strictly stick to the instructions of R&B engineers.

“We can’t change the demarcation because that would be deemed as dereliction of technical opinion,” he said, adding that they were trying their best benefit the farmer.

He said that he had a narrow escape when agitated farmers in Boonera attacked them with stones and sticks.

“We were busy in demarcation when people started throwing stones on us and we have to flee from the scene to save ourselves,” he told KNS.

The authorities have instructed police to lodge FIR against eight people for hatching a conspiracy and assaulting the authorities.

Authorities said the condition of Munwar Ahmad Bhat is stable and out of danger.

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‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’: Geelani Appeals Nawaz on Rehab of Kashmiri Migrants

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Ailing Syed Ali Geelani

As the government of Pakistan is observing “Kashmir Solidarity Day” on 5 February, Chairperson All Parties Hurriyat Conference (g) Syed Ali Geelani Saturday appealed Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to pay his kind attention towards the miseries and rehabilitation of those Kashmiri people who were “forced by the Indian oppression” to migrate towards the freed territory and whose ways of return to their native places have been blocked by India at present.

He said that the migrants of Kashmir and Palestine deserve the sympathy of the justice loving people of the world especially the Muslim counties and till the foreign occupation of these occupied territories does not end and the peace and stability does not return to these regions, the return of these migrants is impossible.

In a statement to KNS, Syed Ali Geelani said, “the lakhs of heavily armed militaries of India are at war with the entire population Kashmir and at the one hand, this army has killed thousands of innocent Kashmiris and has rendered thousands disabled for life by subjecting them to worst kind of physical torture and on the other hand, during last 25 years about 50 thousand people have been forced to migrate to the liberated side of Jammu & Kashmir.”

“There are about 15 lakh Kashmiri people who left their homes and moved to Pakistan and the Azad Kashmir and most of them are from the Jammu region. Their properties and their lands have been illegally occupied by the communal forces here and this sensitive issue is being ignored from the long time,” Geelani said in the statement.

The octogenarian Hurriyat chairperson said that the condition of the Kashmiri migrants of 47, 65 and 1971 is although stable and satisfactory now but the families who crossed over since last 25 years are in a very bad condition and they are living a miserable life there.

According to the reports, the number of these families is 7 thousand who have migrated from the border areas of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir to the Azad Kashmir due to the oppression and atrocities of the Indian army.

“Most of them are living in rented accommodations and their financial position is very weak,” he said.

While appealing the Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to pay his special and kind attention towards the rehabilitation of the Kashmiri migrant families, Geelani said, “Kashmir is reckoned as the most sensitive conflict zone in the world and the people of this region who are left homeless due to the prevailing political uncertainty and the instability in the region deserve the special attention of the whole world particularly the Muslim countries.”

“Although Pakistan is an important party to this dispute so this country has prime responsibility to pay its special attention towards those displaced people and rehabilitate them on priority bases,” Geelani maintained.

Geelani said, “as the ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ is being celebrated in Pakistan, I humbly appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister, Pakistan President, Pakistan Army and the people of this country to take serious notice of the conditions of more than 40 thousand Kashmiri migrants and take actions in addressing their issues.” “Pakistan is not only the name of a geographical territory but the existence of this nation was on ideological bases.”

Geelani, who continues to remain under house detention, said that Islam is the religion of peace which teaches justice and equality among the people of the world. “In Islam, the protection of the minorities is first priority and they have been termed as a trust deposit with the majority population.”

“If Islam as a system of life would have been given a chance in Pakistan, this country would have been the model nation for the world and it would have shown the true image of Islam,” he added.

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Attention! Avalanche Warning Issued Afresh

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

According to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, medium danger avalanche warning exists for snowbound areas in Chowkibal-Tangdar, Taya, Ragini, Puttakhan, Zunegund, Malai, Pharkiyan, Keran Sector, Bandipora Rajdhan, Gulmarg, Neeru, Burab, Chakwali, Naugaon, Kaiyan, Radha TMG, Padam, Zebra, Patlala, Z-Gali, Macchal, Dhudi, Tsuntwarl, Drass Sector and Kargil Sector in Kashmir Division.

In this regard people are advised not to venture in steep avalanche prone slope during next 24 hours from January 30 to January 31, 2016), an official spokesperson said Saturday evening.

“People are also advised to keep cleaning the snow from roof top of their houses to avoid any causality due to roof collapse,” the spokesperson asserted.

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Governor Reviews Budget 2016-17

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Governor N N Vohra held a meeting at Raj Bhavan, Jammu on Saturday to review the to-date status of preparation of Budget for Financial Year 2016-17. The meeting was attended by B R Sharma, Chief Secretary, P K Tripathi, Principal Secretary to Governor, Navin K Choudhary, Commissioner, Finance Department.

The Governor was informed that the Financial Commissioner, Planning and Development and Commissioner, Finance Department have held extensive discussions with all the Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments regarding the preparation of the Revised Estimates (2015-16) and Budget Estimates (2016-17), an official spokesperson said this evening.

Also they have held joint reviews to complete the exercise for segregating the Revenue and Capital components of the Budget Estimates (2016-17), which requirement has arisen with the inception of the new regime after the Planning Commission was replaced by the NITI Aayog.

After discussions the Governor asked the Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary to expedite the process of finalising the Budget (2016-17) for its timely approval and also keep the papers ready for securing a Vote on Account in case such contingency arises. The Governor directed that the Budget (2016-17) be brought up on 1st March, 2016, for a final decision.

The Governor directed that Revised Estimates (2015-16) for Capital expenditure be submitted for his immediate approval so that the balance funds could be released to various identified Departments for utilizing the available resources in the remaining two months of Financial Year 2015-16.

Raj Bhavan spokesperson recalled that on the Governor’s earlier direction, the balance required funds for meeting the salaries and other revenue components have already been released by the Finance Department.

The Governor also directed the Chief Secretary that the process of regularization of eligible daily wagers and those engaged on contractual basis be also expedited for completion by 1-3-16. He directed that no fresh casual/seasonal labourer shall be allowed to be engaged by any Department/State owned PSUs etc.

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Empowered Committee Established to Harness Small Hydro, Solar Power Potential

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Governor N N Vohra Saturday directed that all existing impediments in effectively harnessing the small hydro, wind energy and solar power potential in the State should be removed immediately.

The Governor reviewed all issues relating to the harnessing of new and renewable energy resources in the State in a meeting, held at the Raj Bhavan, Jammu today.

Among the issues discussed were: the enhancement of JAKEDA’s mandate to execute small hydro projects beyond the present 2 MW; strengthening JAKEDA’s institutional frame work and capacity; urgent finalization of roof top solar policy; development of Solar Power Parks; signing of Power Purchase Agreements for the power produced by the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) etc, an official spokesperson said this evening.

The Governor established an empowered  High Level Committee (HLC), headed by the Financial Commissioner, Planning and Development Department, and Principal Secretary, Forests; Commissioner, Finance; Commissioner, Power Development Department; and Secretary, Science and Technology Department as members. This HLC will be empowered to examine and resolve all pending issues and remove all impediments to ensure maximum possible harnessing of the small hydro potential in the State. The HLC will also revisit the existing institutional framework, including the feasibility of improving institutional interface with J&K SPDC and identify steps for capacity building in the JAKEDA, to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate. It will also extend requisite hand holding support to JAKEDA for accord of single window clearance for the IPP projects bid out from time to time, till the award of contracts. The HLC will also examine various policy issues relating to fixation of tariff and signing of PPAs by JAKEDA, and all other related issues, and closely monitor and review progress. The HLC shall send monthly progress reports to the Governor.

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Kashmiri Dermatologists’ Authored Book Released in South India

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A book on psoriasis titled ‘A Comprehensive textbook of Psoriasis’ was released at the 44th National Conference of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists held between 21- 24th of January at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

The book has been authored by Dr Peerzada Sajad (Registrar Dermatology GMC Srinagar) and Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah (Head of Department of Dermatology, GMC Srinagar).

According to authors, psoriasis is a genetically mediated disease which is characterised by well-defined red coloured scaly plaques especially over extensor aspects of the body.

It is pertinent to mention here that it is the second book which has been authored by the same authors.

The book has been written in a simple and lucid language which is expected to benefit undergraduate and postgraduate students and teachers.

The recent burning issues in psoriasis such as metabolic syndrome, childhood psoriasis and psychosocial aspects of psoriasis are a special feature of the book.

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Kupwara Encounter: Two More LeT Militants Killed, says DIG Das

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Two more militants were killed in an encounter with forces in Lolab area in Kupwara district on Saturday, taking toll to three, police said.

Deputy Inspector General, North Kashmir Range, Gareeb Das told KNS that the operation in Lolab area was concluded this afternoon by killing two more militants.

“Two more militants were killed today, taking the total number of militants killed to three. All the militants belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba group,” Das said.

He said that ammunition and weapons were recovered from the militants.

Yesterday, LeT Commander Abu Usama alias Zarar was killed in the same encounter with police and army.

The killing of the militants sparked protests by the people in nearby villages.

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Now, DSEK seeks Teachers Cooperation for ‘Reforming’ Education System

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Seeking cooperation from the teachers and Teachers Forum for the reform of the education sector for building future of the state, Director School Education Kashmir Shah Faesal said that the issues of protesting teachers can be discussed within the walls of the department not in public.

“We should discuss departmental matters within the walls of the department. The issues and grievances can be addressed in the department not on streets,” Shah Faesal told KNS.

Faesal said that the government has taken decisions for the reform of the education and in favour of the teachers.

Saying that the doors of the teachers are open in the directorate for the genuine demands, he said that he is meeting teachers every day for listening to and addressing their issues.

Faesal said that almost all the teachers are supporting the recent decisions taken by the department. “The decisions taken by the higher authorities are fully justified and are in favour of the teachers,” he said.

He said that government is ready to fulfil the genuine demands of the teachers. “I am not against the unionism and I personally appreciate the good unions as I believe a good union can contribute a lot to any department,” Faisal said.

The director said that teachers taking to streets do not create a good impression about them among students as teachers are known as builders of any society.

He said government is ready to fulfil all the genuine demands of government.

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Naina Encounter Aftermath: Action Initiated Against Stone Pelters

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Police have arrested scores of youth all across Pulwama district sending shock waves among parents who have been mulling to stage massive protests in coming days.

“What is the fault of our children? We get phone calls from different police stations of Pulwama who direct us to present their sons before police officials and when we do the same, they detain them,” a group of parents told CNS adding that government armed men have let loose a reign of terror across district.

Reliable sources said that police have started initiating action against those youth who allegedly are responsible for setting a police vehicle on fire in Nayen Batapora area of district Pulwama.

Shortly after the culmination of Nayen Batapora encounter in which a militant and a civilian was killed, agitated protestors had set ablaze an armoured vehicle and had indulged in massive stone-pelting resulting in the injuries of scores of policemen. “We had lodged an FIR vide number 20 and 21/2016 in this regard and after watching the video clips we identified the stone pelters and started arresting them,” said a police official.

“They (police) simply call us and direct us to present our wards in police station and when we do the same they arrest them on charges of stone-pelting. This is injustice and they simply try to prove that they are the rulers of the district,” a group of parents said alleging that police are responsible for turning a stone-pelter into a militant.

Reports said that scores of youth from Naina, Batapora, Kulpora, Khalin, Dogripora have been picked up by police on charges of stone-pelting. “We will stage massive protests in coming days and will highlight the atrocities committed by police in the district,” said a father of an arrested youth.

As usual SSP Pulwama Tajinder Singh said that he is busy in a meeting and can’t comment on the issue.

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Lady, Youth Attempt Suicide in Islamabad, Six Gamblers Arrested

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

In an attempt to end their lives, two persons consumed poisonous substance at their home in South Kashmir.

A lady (name withheld) resident of Shalgam, Sirgufwara consumed some poisonous substance at her home. She was shifted to Srinagar hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, a 25 year old youth resident of Chenigund, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Sirgufwara consumed some poisonous substance at his home. He was shifted to Sub District Hospital Bijbehara for treatment wherefrom he was referred to Srinagar hospital for further treatment, police said on Saturday.

Meanwhile, police arrested six gamblers and recovered stake money of Rs 6035/= along with the bundle of cards from the gambling spot.

Acting on a tip off police raided a gambling site in the house of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Sheikh resident of Bonpora Akingam and arrested six gamblers who were identified as Ghulam Mohi-ud-din, Reyaz Ahmad Khanday son of Ghulam Hassan resident of Aanchidoora, Ghulam Hassan Naikoo son of Abdul Salam resident of Hangalgund, Kokernag, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Satar resident of Nunwani, Mohammad Yousuf Mir son of Ghulam Hassan resident of Sherpora and Mudasir Ahmad Malik son of Abdul Rashid resident of Arwani. Stake money of Rs 6035/= and 02 bundles of playing cards were recovered from the gambling site. A case FIR number 19/16 under section 13 gambling act was registered in Police Station Achabal and investigation was taken up.

The police said that five persons were injured in different road accidents in the valley.

In Islamabad, an unknown vehicle hit and injured a BEACON employee Kuna Dass resident of Ganapur Bihar at present Khanabal on Srinagar-Jammu Highway Khanabal. He was shifted to hospital for treatment.

In Kulgam, a Truck bearing registration number JK01G-7639 skidded off the road near Titanic Mode Jawahir Tunnel, Qazigund, resulting in injuries to the truck driver Kuldeep Singh resident of Jammu. The injured was shifted to Qazigund hospital for treatment.

In Srinagar, a Sumo bearing registration number JK05-9110 skidded off the road at Pinch Mandi near Bemina Crossing Safakadal, resulting in injuries to a pedestrian Hamza Malik resident of Uri and two passengers Freechi Bano resident of Pattan and Shameema resident of Baramulla boarding the vehicle. All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.

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Police Detain Juvenile in Leh for Burglary Attempt, Apprehends Gang of Thieves in Handwara

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Jammu and Kashmir Police solved a burglary attempt case within 24 hours by detaining a juvenile in Leh district.

Police Station Nobra received information that an attempt of burglary was made near J&K Bank Branch Bogdang Nobra, Leh. “On receipt of this information, Police visited the scene of crime and collected evidences including some blood stains. Some suspects were detained and questioned,” police spokesperson said Saturday evening.

“During the investigation it came to fore that a juvenile (name withheld) has committed the crime with the help of a steel rod, entered into the bank from rear side. However, as the cash was in a strong safe he could not succeed in taking the cash out. During the breaking of door his left hand got injured and blood started oozing out of his injured hand. He wrapped the injured hand with a scarf which he was wearing at the time occurrence and later on threw the weapon of offense (steel rod) and the blood stained scarf on the rear side of the bank building,” the spokesperson said, “a case FIR number 03/2016 under section 457, 380, 511 RPC was registered at Police Station Nobra and investigation is going on.”

Meanwhile, police busted a gang of thieves in Handwara who were attempting theft in the area.

“On intervening night of 28/29-01-2016, a patrolling party from Police Station Handwara while patrolling in the main market of Handwara busted the plan of theft when a 19 years old Ubaid Ahmad Pir son of Bashir Ahmad resident of Warsun Kupwara was apprehended by patrolling party while he was attempting to steal things/merchandise from a shop and it was found that locks of various shops were broken open and had broken open the locks of various shops in Handwara market. He was apprehended with a bunch of fake keys used by him for opening the locks of these shops,” the police spokesperson informed. “The timely action of Handwara police has saved the property worth lacks that belonged to shopkeepers of Handwara.”

A case FIR number 25/2016 under section 457, 380, 34 RPC was registered in Police Station Handwara and investigation was taken up under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Handwara Gh Jeelani Wani and SDPO Handwara Mir Ifrooz.

“During the course of investigation two more accomplices of accused Ubaid Peer identified as Khurshid Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat resident of Wooder Rajwara and Mohammad Ashraf War son of Mohammad Sabir War resident of Sheikhpora Heril were arrested. Stolen property along with weapon of offense was also recovered from their possession,” the spokesperson added.

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Kashmir Bar Association Visits Jammu Jails, The Report

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

J&K High Court Bar Association, Srinagar conducted its annual jail visit of various jails in Jammu province. Various teams of Bar members visited Central Jail Kotbalwal Jammu, District Jail Ambphalla Jammu, District Jail Udhampur, Kathua and Hira Nagar on 27th and 28th of January, 2016.

“The jail visits were conducted in pursuance of orders of the Hon’ble High Court passed in CMP No. 01/2015 in OWP No. 767/2006, case titled J&K High Court Bar Association versus State of J&K and others. Specific orders were issued and jail authorities to allow the Bar members to have interaction with detainees, under-trials and convicts,” a statement issued by Bar said.

The team observed that the detainees booked under various criminal cases are in a “highly depressed mental condition and feel frustrated” due to lack of adequate legal aid, facilities for arranging escort to attend the courts on due dates, proper medical facilities, food and lodgement problems. “Various detainees narrated their case histories indicating that they have been booked in criminal cases under NIA Act, when a number of witnesses are declared ‘protected witnesses’, their names are not disclosed to them for ‘security reasons’ and the statements are recorded in chambers which are not made available to them. The number of witnesses is so large that it may take decades to complete their trials. The detainees have been detained under NIA Act, which is a Central Act, succeeding draconian laws like TADA, POTA and ULA(P) Act, which contains provisions with sweeping powers to police,” the statement said.

“The State of J&K having under Governor Rule advocated extension of jurisdiction of NIA to State in cases booked under Ranbir Penal Code also, which provides jurisdiction to J&K Police only. The application of NIA is a matter of legal controversy as a communication of J&K State Law Department indicates that no notification has been issued so for extending jurisdiction of NIA Act for J&K. The committee observed that the detainees in various jails are facing protracted trials in various trial courts with no adequate legal aid and support. Most of the detainees booked under Safety Act are booked for political considerations and according to them they are innocent. Some of the detainees have been booked under PSA orders issued concurrently to defeat the judicial process,” the statement said.

“It was observed that the committee appointed under the orders of J&K High Court headed by District Sessions Judges are not visiting the jails regularly and co-opted members of these committees do not accompany the District Judges. The orders of the Hon’ble High Court providing for creation of posts of Medical Affairs in every jail have not been implemented so far in all jails,” the statement observed.

“The quality of food and other facilities need improvement, besides there is an urgent need to provide telephone facility to detainees to have a frequent interaction with their family members, whereas, the said facility is already available in Tihar Jail,” it added.

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