Srinagar Man Dies in Road Accident on Way to Gulmarg

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Tragedy befell Malik family of Lasjan area of summer capital when Mushtaq Ahmad died in a road accident. He was on his way to tourist resort of Gulmarg with his family.

Reports reaching here said that Malik died on the spot while his wife was severely injured in the accident near Dhobiwan area of Tangmarg on Srinagar-Gulmarg highway on Sunday.

The deceased and his way were on board a Swift VDI bearing registration number JK01V-6902 when it met with an accident near Dhobiwan Magam.

Malik was a resident of Lasjan, Srinagar. He was driving the car himself while his wife, identified as Afroza, was severely injured. “Both were removed to the nearby hospital where doctors declared Malik dead on arrival,” reports added.

There Swift car had turned turtle in Dhobiwan.

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Batamaloo’s ‘Dead’ Son Reunites with His Family After 14 Years in Pune

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Adil Rashid in 2016

It is beyond ones emotions especially when one unites with his lost son in Kashmir.

Lost fourteen years ago, Adil Rashid Khan had an emotional reunion with his family in Pune.

A schizophrenia patient, Adil had left his home in 2002 on fourth day of Eid Ul Azha from his Batamaloo home.

In May 2010, he was found in a poor mental state at the Solapur Railway Station. He was then taken to the Pune mental hospital where he was being treated, until his counsellor Mohan Bansode decided to trace his family.

Adil Rashid with his Family in Pune Mental Hospital on April 29, 2016. Counsellor Mohan Bansode on extreme left in the picture. (KL Image courtesy: Mid-Day.com)

“On Friday afternoon, when Khan’s father Rashid Khan (62), mother Hamida (59) and younger sister Nusrat (28) arrived with two police officers from Kashmir, emotions ran high. On seeing his father, Khan broke down. Khan, who was 16 years old when he went missing, was unable to recognise his mother or sister. However, later in the evening, he appeared to be very happy and refused to let go of his parents’ hand. The family left for Mumbai on Saturday afternoon, from where they will be leaving for Srinagar,” Mumbai based Mid-Day reported on Sunday.

“I love different colours. So when I go back and sell fruits. I will give the money I make from this business to my father,” he told Mid-Day. Adil’s father Rashid, a painter by profession, recalled the anxious time the family went through after his son’s disappearance.

Rashid said, “He was the most loved and pampered at home. When he first went missing, I approached the police who abused and manhandled me, and claimed that my son had joined a terror outfit. After all-this stigma, I had completely lost hope of him returning home.”

Then: Adil Rashid in 2002

His mother Hamida said she couldn’t thank God enough for reuniting her with her son. “Despite people claiming that my son had joined a terror outfit, I knew that he would never do such a thing. My upbringing is really good. I am thankful to Allah for having answered my prayers and giving my son back. He still cannot recognise me, but his memory will come back when I feed him his favourite pulav,” said the emotional.

Bansode, who helped bring the family together, said he first met Adil at the hospital. “You need a lot of patience with schizophrenic patients, but I was determined to interact with Adil and get him to speak. While talking to him, I learnt that he was from Batamaloo in Srinagar. With the help of Google, I started searching for colonies and areas in the town, and asked him if he was aware of any of the places I had mentioned. He finally reacted positively when I spoke of the New Colony Society,” Bansode told the newspaper.

The counsellor, with the help of the Maharashtra police, got in touch with the Srinagar control room that finally located Adil’s family.

In a telephonic conversation with The Mid-Day, Adil’s eldest sister Rifat who works for a finance company in Kashmir, said, “God is there. He sent some messengers to help us and bring our brother back to us.”

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Bar Trashes Kamau’s K-Statement, Writing Letter to All UN Member Nations

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Macharia Kamau

Kashmir based lawyers Saturday vowed to use “all possible means” to persuade by “mounting pressure” on the UN Security Council to implement its resolutions on Kashmir.

“In the first instance,” Kashmir Bar Association in a statement said, “we have decided to write letters to all the Heads of the Member Countries of the UN Organizations to fulfil their obligation cast by UN Charter and other International Covenants on them and pressurize India to respect the rights of the people of Kashmir by allowing them to determine their political status through an independent and impartial exercise of right of self-determination.”

The decision, the statement said, was taken by the Executive Committee of the Bar Association held yesterday in District Court complex, Bemina Srinagar.

The Bar members deliberated upon the statement of UN Peace Building Commission Chairman, Macharia Kamau. The statement of the top UN official, the Bar statement added, “came under sharp criticism”.

Kamau in response to a question in the United Nations had said that the “Kashmir issue will be resolved in the context of the local domestic political environment between Pakistan and India”. Kamau is also Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN.

“The members were unanimous in saying that since chapter VII of the UN Charter deals with the situations where International Agencies can resort to intervention and even Article 39 provides that the Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat, to the peace, breach of peace or acts of aggression and shall make recommendations or decide what measures, shall be taken in accordance with Article 41 and 42, to maintain or restore international peace and security, therefore, keeping in view the situation in Kashmir and the plight of the people, who have undergone a hell, during the past 68 years, it is incumbent on the UN Security Council, to take effective steps for the implementation of its resolutions, so that peace and security is established in the sub-continent, which for the non-implementation of those resolutions, is aggravating day by day and so far, has taken the lives of about a million of people, who are fighting for their right of self-determination,” the statement said.

“It was also stated that in terms of Article 42 of UN Charter, the Security Council has the power, after considering that measures taken by it, are inadequate or have proven to be in adequate, that it can take such action which is necessary to enforce its resolutions and maintain international peace and security. Such action even includes demonstrations, blockade and other operation by Air, Sea, or Land forces of members of the UN. Since J&K has been converted into a military garrison by the Indian Forces and the human rights of the people are violated with impunity and besides use of force, there is intimidation, aggression, arrest, torture, humiliation, disappearance after arrest, custodial killings and also interference by the army in all walks of life of the people of J&K, without any accountability or fear of prosecution and punishment, therefore, for protecting the rights of the people, it is but necessary for the security council to intervene immediately, without further loss of time and get its resolutions implemented, as they have done in other places in the World, so that the safety and security of the people, whose rights have been trampled with might and power, is safeguarded without any further bloodshed,” the statement added, “it was also stated that the people of Kashmir under UN Charter, as well as under International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, are entitled to live a peaceful life and have also the right to determine their political status freely, therefore, it is the bounden duty of the Security Council to come forward and save the people of the State, from the onslaught of aggression and tyranny of the Indian might in Kashmir.”

In this backdrop, the Bar members said that the statement of UN Peace Building Commission, Chairman, “being not in accordance with the UN Charter and other International Declaration of the UN, therefore, the UN Security Council should ask these authorities to desist from making any statement, which will have negative effect, on the rights of the people, but in order to uphold the human dignity and respect for human rights, impress upon the member states to concede to the Right of Self Determination of the people without compelling them, as a last resort to rebellion, which in the process, will disturb the peace and tranquillity in the World.”

“Kashmir is internationally recognized dispute and the UN by passing more than 27 Resolutions on Kashmir has acknowledged the right of the people to decide about their future, in a free and fair plebiscite, to be conducted under the UN auspices and thus the statement made by UN Peace Building Commission Chairman cannot be termed to be a realistic one, but a hotchpotch of misunderstanding of Kashmir,” the statement further said.

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Court Directs J&K Govt to Deport Pak Lady, Her Child Within 3 Weeks

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

J&K High Court Srinagar

Arrested four years ago, a woman and her child from Pakistan are languishing in Kotbalwal jail in Jammu.

Last week, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court asked the J&K government to take steps for deportation the duo to their native country.

The court has given three weeks’ time to the government. It has been asked to confirm her nationality with Pakistan High Commission based in New Delhi.

A government statement filed in the court revealed that Rubina, a Pakistani national, was arrested on 6-11-2012 and booked in an FIR under section 14 of Foreigners’ Act by police at Kanachak Jammu.  Convicted, she was lodged under PSA at Kotbalwal along with her minor child.

Hearing the arguments from her lawyer, Mir Shafqat Hussain, a bench of Justice Ali Muhammad Magrey ordered deportation of Rubina and her minor child within three weeks.

The petitioner had detailed about her paternal relations in the court. “Therefore, In view of the particulars furnished in the application (of the petitioner), it would not be difficult for the respondents to confirm the nationality of the petitioner with Pakistan High Commission and in making arrangements for her deportation along her minor child to her native country,” the bench observed.

Notably, a year has passed since the court has directed the state government bout her deportation but nothing was done. In an order dated 15-4-2015, the counsel for the petitioner stated that she is presently lodged at Kotbalwal Central jail along with her minor child in violation of the court order.

However, state government has stated that Rubina was provided consular access with the officials of Pakistan High Commission on 26-2-2013 at central jail Amritsar, Pakistan High Commissioner, but “it did not confirm her nationality so far”.

The statement of facts filed by the state revealed that the matter has been taken up with Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, it, however, added: “They are asking for full particulars details about the petitioner and it is only because of full particulars the case is stuck for final decision.”

“Primarily, it is the responsibility of the state government to seek full details of the petitioner and to ensure deportation/push back of the petitioner along with her child as directed by this court in terms of order dated 12-05-2014 while disposing of the Habeas Corpus Petition,” the court said.

“But the state government,” it said, “has left it to the petitioner who is a lady without any human support.” “It is the counsel of the petitioner who has come forward to help the lady and prosecute this petition,” the court added. “There should be no difficulty for the State respondents to ascertain the full particulars with reference to the nationality of the petitioner,” it further said.

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Away from Home, Kashmiris Recreate IPL, PSL Moments in Dubai

Mohammad Raafi

SRINAGAR

Kashmiri diaspora living in United Arab Emirates have organized a first of its kind cricket tournament in Dubai. The tournament is being sponsored by ‘Dre Homes’ – a real estate company and is named “Dre Homes Kashmir Super League 2016”.

It is for the first time that the cricketers from Kashmir are getting such an exposure at a mass level. The cricket lovers say that organising such a T20 Cricket League is recreating the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) moments by Kashmiri far away from home in Dubai.

Speaking to Kashmir Life, a social media and marketing head, Mirza Taha said that it all started when four Kashmiri teams played some friendly matches among themselves.

“Within no time, due to the overwhelming response that we got from the Kashmiri community here in the UAE, the number of teams increased from 4 to 6 and then to 8,” he said, “We were lucky to have a wonderful sponsor ‘Dre Homes Real Estate’ believing in the idea and immediately extending full support as the main sponsor.”

The league is being co-sponsored by “Stone House Real Estate” and “Ottomans International”.

“The best thing about ‘Dre Homes Kashmir Super League’ is that it started with an aim of bringing the community together and that is actually happening. The culmination of this wonderful vision can be majorly attributed to the selfless efforts and contributions to volunteers, who worked and are still working day in and out to make this event a grand success,” Taha added.

The teams have been named to showcase and include the diversity of Kashmir, and “Insha Allah in the next edition, we will have more teams,” he said.

‘Dre Homes Kashmir’ has eight teams as of now: Khankah Gladiators, Razay Kadal Royals, Safakadal Stars, Khanyar Kings, Sopore Strikers, Rajbagh Floodies, Tral Tigers, Lal Bazar Lions.

The organisers have also created an official page for “Dre Homes Kashmir Super League” through which people can connect to them directly for communication and participation requests.

The League kicked off on the 29th of April 2016 and the response that we saw was overwhelming. People had come from as far as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaima, Sharjah and Dubai to witness the opening ceremony and support their favourite teams in the opening games, Taha informed.

Taha further said that the league is yet in the initial phase of the first edition. “The energy is at an all-time high; the excitement levels are at its peak. It a proud moment for the Kashmiri community here in the UAE for having come together and organize such a huge and complex event with minimal resources,” he said, “We would like to dedicate this cricket Super League to Kashmir, and hope that all Kashmiris, those back home or the ones living in different parts of the world take individual and community pride in calling ‘Dre Homes Kashmir Super League’ their own event.”

A resident of Habba Kadal in Old Srinagar, Mirza Taha represents Khankah Gladiators in the League. He works as a Business Head in an online portal based in Dubai.

Meanwhile, Kashmir’s international cricketer Pervez Rasool congratulated the organisers of the league and prayed for its grand success.

In a video message, Pervez said, “it is really a proud moment for us all that Kashmiris living in Dubai have organized such a grand event. I wish them all the best and pray for its success.” Pervez plays for RCB in the ongoing edition of IPL.

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Government to Give Free Medicines in Public Hospitals from June Ist

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

In view of the huge catchment area and peculiar topography of the district, which is vulnerable for fatal road accidents off and on, the government will soon establish another 100-bedded hospital in Kishtwar town.

Being one of the remotest districts of the State, which remains cut-off frequently during the winter season due to snow-fall, and in view of such circumstances, the healthcare services need to be upgraded in the area, an official spokesperson said late Saturday evening.

This was announced by the Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat while addressing the huge gathering of pubic at Kishtwar today during his maiden visit to the district after formation of new BJP-PDP government.

In his address, the Minister said that new Government headed by Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti was committed to provide improved facilities to the people, especially in the rural and far-flung areas of the State.

He said the Government had formulated a comprehensive programme for up-gradation of essential services across the State during its first stint and all these programmes will be implemented in letter and spirit in a time bound manner.

He said the developmental activities will be visible on ground in near future with the active participation and support of the public. He said the present Government will focus on developing the durable infrastructure in all essential sectors including health, PHE, education, road etc which are key to the growth and prosperity of the society.

Maintaining that accountability, performance and transparency will be the new benchmarks for the administration; the Minister said that every officer will be made fully accountable to ensure time-bound delivery of services on ground.

The slackness on the part of administration and individual shall be viewed seriously, adding that everyone has to be pro-active in ensuring efficient services to the public, for which the present government has been mandated, the Minister asserted.

Giving details about the other development initiatives for the Kishtwar district, Bali said that GNM School will start its functioning from this year and new classes will start from June-July, for which the necessary arrangements are being made. Similarly, to provide succour to the patients suffering with the life consuming disease like cancer, the State has also sent a proposal to the Government of India for setting up a Cancer Institute in the district, which is likely to the sanctioned soon.

He further revealed that the Mother-Child care will be segregated in the old hospital building soon for which the necessary renovation is underway.

He further informed that the Government will implement the policy of providing free medicines in all the State government hospitals from Ist June this year, which was a long pending demand of the people.

Earlier, on way, the Minister inspected accidental hospital at Batote and Trauma Centre at Thathri. He interacted with the doctors and para-medical staff and urged them to work with extra zeal and dedication and serve the patients with missionary spirit which is enshrined in the medical ethics. He also stressed for proper upkeep and cleanliness of health institutions which is a basic step towards healthcare.

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Army JCO Killed in ‘Accidental’ Fire

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Representational Picture

A Junior Commissioned officer (JCO) was killed in an “accidental fire” at Langate area of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday.

Reports said that Jai Prakash Singh of 30 Rashtriya Rifles posted at Langate army camp, received a serious bullet wound in his head while performing his duties.

“After hearing gunshot sound, his colleague rushed towards him where he was found lying in a pool of blood and took him to nearby medical room for treatment”, they said.

The 55-year-old was later airlifted to army’s 92 base hospital here for specialized treatment.

The officer, a resident of Shivpur village in Shambahaganj area of Gorakhpur district of UP later succumbed to injuries.

A spokesperson in Defence Ministry said that the officer died due to accidental fire.

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CM Mehbooba Urges People to Take Ownership of Assets

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Seeking support from people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh in making J&K an abode of peace, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, Saturday described the state as a show-window of plurality and inclusiveness in India.

She said state’s strength lies in mutual coexistence for which the people will have to overcome cultural, religious and regional barriers to emerge as one strong entity. “J&K has gone through very difficult times. We now have to take forward the agenda of Mufti Saab and script a new chapter of peace and amity in the state,” she said, while describing restoration of peace as the biggest challenges in J&K.

The Chief Minister was speaking after laying foundation stone of semi-automatic multi-level car parking facility at Super Bazaar, in Jammu today, an official spokesperson said late this evening.

Addressing a large gathering, the Chief Minister said the present government reflects the aspirations of people who want to see a new era of development unfold in the state. For this, she said she needs support of people in building infrastructure linked to road connectivity, health, education and jobs.

“I need peace so that I am able to repeat what Mufti Mohammad Sayeed did with great success when he was the Chief Minister of the state between 2002-2005,” she added.

The Chief Minister said she saw herself dwarfed in comparison to her father, who worked passionately for bringing equitable development in all the three regions of the state. She said whatever new infrastructure is coming up is an outcome of 10 months of sustained perseverance during his final tenure.

Linking development in J&K with sustained peace, the Chief Minister said opening of Suchetgarh and Baba Chamliyal routes will promote border tourism across the LoC in Jammu. “With banking facilities replacing barter trade, LoC commerce will get further fillip,” she added.

Asking people to take real ownership of their cultural assets, Mehbooba Mufti said with smarter and out-of-box planning, Jammu can emerge as a blend of heritage and modernity. She asked people to partner government’s efforts in creating more green spaces to add to city’s grandeur.

Referring to her meeting with RBI Governor today, Dr Raghuram Rajan, the Chief Minister said she has sought his help in conservation of the historic Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. She said if the complex is restored to its past glory, it has the potential to singlehandedly launch Jammu as a major culture destination.

“I am happy that Dr Rajan went to Mubarak Mandi after he met me and we look forward to his support and cooperation in restoration of the complex,” she said, adding she also discussed investment by industrial bigwigs which will create ample opportunities of employment for our youth.

Fixing responsibility of ERA, the executing agency, to complete the car parking by March next year, the Chief Minister said laying of foundation stones should not be reduced to mere ceremonial exercises. “I will monitor the pace of work personally and see that the projects are completed within the stipulated timelines,” she stressed.

Taking a rewind to her college days at Jammu, Mehbooba Mufti said she became nostalgic by coming to the old city today where she used to travel many a times from Raghunath Bazaar, Purani Mandi up to Kachi Chawni.

In his address, Dr Nirmal Singh credited late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for giving a new direction to infrastructure development in the state. He said the government will continue to work in mission mode to give practical shape to his dreams.

To be constructed at a cost of Rs 50.31 crore, the multi-level car parking facility will accommodate 352 vehicles and 164 two-wheelers in eight modules and is expected to be completed within the next 12 months.

The parking facility will greatly ease traffic congestion on busy sections near Kanak Mandi, Old Hospital Road and Raghunath Bazaar. This is the second big multi-tier parking project which has been launched in the winter capital after Jammu Bus Stand multi-tier car parking.

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All of a Sudden, Kashmir Has a King, Living in Exile!

Saima Rashid

Ankit Love. (Photos courtesy: Ankit Love Blog)

Now, if you think that fleeing Maharaja Hari Singh was the last king of Jammu and Kashmir, then brace yourself for this: Kashmir still has a king! And this king is living in self exile in London. This “Emperor” is one of the twenty in race for the London Mayoral elections to be held on May 5.

Before one could simply dismiss the stunt, assuming—“So much for the poll campaign”—then, here is something one should know. The man is no commoner. He is the son of Prof Bhim Singh, the well known Supreme Court lawyer and patron of panther’s party.

These days as the race for mayor’s post is on in London, the “king” is trending around with his “peaceful message for his subjects”: Old times will be back in Kashmir not for oppression but to disseminate peace.

Ankit Love with his mother.

Named by his mother (Jayamala Devi) as Ankit Love, the “emperor” identifies his paternal ancestry with Dogras and maternal with Priestly Saraswat dynasty of Afghanistan.

That’s not all. One of the bizarre things about the “sovereign” is his ability to share many private things in his blog and Facebook.

“In the early 18th century,” he writes in his blog, “it was Ankit Love’s ancestor Raja (King) Dhruv Dev’s son Prince Mian Dev of Udhampur that defeated the Mughal Imperial army of Muhammad Shah from Delhi to regain their Sovereignty. His ancestor, the royal Wazir of Maharaja Gulab Singh, Zorawar Singh is known as the ‘Napoleon of the East’.” From his mother’s side, he claims to identify himself with Saraswat dynasty of Vedism in Afghanistan, ruling as Shahis (Kings) of Kabul up to the 11th century.

By touting these legacies, Love vows to usher peace, solar power and hydrogen fuel to start his new dynasty, he called the Love Dynasty.

Pop singer, Ankit Love during a function.

“The sovereign royal title had remained vacant for decades after the passing of his predecessor Maharaja Hari, member of the British War Cabinet in World War II,” Love writes. “Ankit Love is all set to fill this long duration of vacancy. He has many plans which sound quite peaceful. While in exile creating polices for the betterment of his subjects and planning his return to Jammu and Kashmir post a popular referendum via online and mobile technologies, Ankit Love looks to continue building upon his successful career in the music, film and fashion industries.” He even claims Dr Karan Singh as his uncle.

In March 2015, informs his blog, Ankit Love gave oath by God and received coronation in a spiritual ceremony at the subterranean Akasha Yoga & Meditation centre at the Cafe Royal Hotel, London. “He officially adopted the titles as His Highness the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir to be the neutral defender of all faiths and became the world’s youngest incumbent head of state.”

He founded the One Love Party in October 2015. One Love is a techno-progressive political party in the United Kingdom and European Union.

Ankit Love is also into filmmaking.

“On April 21, 2016, Ankit Love passed by decree the India-Pakistan Annexation Act 2016 under his Sovereign powers by he became the Emperor of India-Pakistan in exile,” his blogs goes on.

Meanwhile, his father Prof Bhim Singh is all praise for his son. Ankit Love’s decision to contest election for the post of London Mayor itself is historical, Singh said.

The ‘proud’ father is now trying to fly to London to support his son “carry a mission from the East to the West for mutual co-existence, complete disarmament and human love”.

“He (Love) now reigns in exile with the hope to return soon to Jammu and Kashmir. He has a vision of peace and prosperity for his subjects,” continues his blog. “He desires to rebuild his Sovereign State of Jammu and Kashmir as a modern and advanced 21st century nation yet retaining spirituality.”

Ankit Love is leader of One Love party.

Love, who came to London in 1989, told his interviewer of ITV London that he had to raise 10,000 pounds for running the poll campaign. “The only way to get them back is, people should vote for me,” Love, a pop-singer, filmmaker said in an interview

Described as an “unlikely” politician, these days Love is out on streets of London campaigning for his One Love party. “People don’t even believe that One Love exists,” he said.

While asking people to vote for him, he vows to end housing crisis and air pollution pandemic besides legalising cannabis!

Though he claims he has plenty of titles prefixing his name—His Highness the Emperor (Maharaja) of Jammu and Kashmir, Raja (King) of Jammu, King of Kashmir, Gyalpo (King) of Ladakh, Shah (King) of Balawaristan, Sultan of Muzaffarabad, Prince of Khari-Khariyali, Emir of Hunza, Emir of Nagar, Raas of Gilgit, Maqpoon of Skardu, Ra of Astor and Prince of Chenani—but he tells the anchors to address him as “His Highness!”

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Authorities Announce Restrictions Around Counter-Insurgency Sites in Baramulla

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

According to the District Magistrate Baramulla, restrictions on the movement of people within the radius of 3 Kms from counter-insurgency operation sites have been imposed under the section 144 CrPC in the district.

In case of any exigency, the local population can seek the assistance of the district administration or the local police concerned, an official spokesperson said Saturday evening.

“These restrictions shall, however, not apply to the movement of ambulances, medical, para medical staff, government employees,” the spokesperson said.

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KU’s Evening Classes helped Enrol New 1500 Students: Edu Min

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar Saturday called for employing innovative methods of teaching to bring J&K’s education sector at par with global standards.

“The government is focused on improving the quality of education both at school and college levels and various initiatives have already been taken in this regard while many more are in the pipeline,” Akhtar said while addressing the inaugural session of the maiden Educational Conclave-2016 organized by the Directorate of School Education Kashmir at SKICC here today.

Akhtar lauded the pioneering initiatives taken by the education department during the last one year which he said have started yielding results, an official spokesperson said this evening.

The Minister said rationalization has become a highly popular decision and people are now demanding more such schools to be clubbed together. He said employment of improved teaching methods has led to the increase in the enrolment in government schools and the students of these schools can now compete with their counterparts from prestigious private educational institutions.

He said the CM’s Super 50 programme has become a game-changer and around 35 students from this programme have qualified various competitive examinations including JEE.

The Minister said the government is going to establish two Cluster Universities one each in Jammu and Srinagar to open more avenues for higher education in the state.

He said the start of evening classes at Kashmir University has absorbed 1500 new students  who could have otherwise went outside for pursuing the similar degrees.

He said that judicious use of resources in education sector can do wonders. The evening classes are also going to be started in Amar Singh College, SP Colleges, Bemina Degree College and other colleges of the state. He said this will also have spill over effect on local economy.

The minister termed the government teachers as the guardians of students most of whom are less fortunate due to income gap and less educated parents. He asked them to work with dedication and give these children new hope of life and career. He said the department has declared 2016 as the “Year of Expression” and the schools are witnessing the results. When students learn to ask things, it will bring revolution, he said.

The minister said that the biggest change will come when the mind set of people will change from pessimism to optimism. He asked the teachers to leave behind negativity and adopt positivity.

The minister asked the teachers to use innovative methods of teaching freely available on internet and provided by experts employed by the department. He also asked the cluster heads to organize weekly workshops of teachers where teachers can learn from each other.

He said the students have the right to learn in a stress-free atmosphere and there should be extracurricular activities like screening of movies, field trips and frequent use of laboratories and WiFi.

He asked the teachers to make students feel free and bring liberties to them. He stressed the need to give utmost importance on English language as this same will make our students fit for any job in the entire world.

He said that the collaboration with British Council, Pratham NGO, corporate sector and others will certainly help to bridge the gap. He said that with the use of innovative methods, we will be able to produce enabled students instead of disabled certificate holders.

The minister also answered the questions from students and teachers during an interactive session.

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Light Motor Vehicles Allowed to Ply on Srinagar-Leh Highway

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Though the 434-long Srinagar-Leh highway remained closed for more than five months, the highway was Saturday re-opened for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) while the decision on movement of heavy motor vehicles will be taken later, an official said.

According to an official, the Srinagar-Leh highway was re-opened today after five months for light motor vehicles.

KL Images: Bilal Bahadur

“The light motor vehicles were allowed by the officials to ply in two shifts. In first shift, the vehicles were allowed to move from Drass to Sonamarg from the wee hours to afternoon while n second shift, the vehicles were allowed to move from Sonamarg to Drass from 1:30 pm,” an official sad.

An official said that the movement of heavy vehicles will be taken soon.

He said that large number of vehicles today plied from the either side of the highway in which mostly students and patients were allowed on priority.

Meanwhile, the strategic 434 Km long Srinagar – Kargil – Leh National Highway (NH-1D) was thrown open to vehicular traffic on 30 April 2016 in a simple ceremony attended by a large gathering of people.

The function was attended by the Chinar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Satish Dua, senior officials from the civil administration, Police, Army & BRO. Many national and regional media teams also attended the function and provided wide coverage. Last year the highway was opened to traffic on 13 May 2015.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinar Corps Commander complimented the Border Road Personnel from Project BEACON & VIJAYAK on the timely opening of the road, braving adverse weather conditions in extremely difficult & risky terrain.

He lauded their effort and mentioned that it’s the man behind the machinery whose resolve and hard work resulted in early opening of the Pass. The Corps Commander made the special mention of the locals whose valuable support helped immensely in the colossal engineering effort.

Zojila pass was closed last year on 29 December 2015. The road between Gagansir and Mechoi (KM 116) was riddled with mighty avalanches of average height of snow accumulation of approximately 50 feet. Summer snow clearance operation of Zojila pass was started on 24th February 2016. Five snow cutters were collectively deployed in addition to 07 dozers and 04 JCBs. This was followed up by trials to assess suitability for movement of light and heavy vehicles.

Chinar Corps commander reiterated the strategic and economic importance of this road which, besides boosting tourism in Kashmir & Ladakh, also serves as a lifeline to the entire Ladakh Region.

“Its importance to the tourism sector is significant as it provides land connectivity through some of the most challenging stretches in the nation, providing a lifetime experience to all those undertaking the journey,” he said. (Reportage by KNS)

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Rewarded for Honesty, DG Information, Zaffar Ahmad Retires

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Zaffar Ahmad Bhat

The Director General, Information & Public Relations, Zaffar Ahmad Bhat Saturday retired from government service after putting in 32 years of distinguished career.

He headed the Information Department four times.

Respected for his integrity and dedication, Zaffar has been a recipient of Chief Minister’s Gold Medal for honesty and integrity.

He has served the State distinctively as Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Secretary Tourism, Excise Commissioner, Special Secretary in Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Director Handicrafts and Special Secretary in Governor’s Secretariat and.

Earlier, the officers and officials of the Information Department bid an emotional farewell to Zaffar and recalled his contribution in resolving the problems of employees. They hailed his employee friendly attitude and dedication towards work terming it as inspirational, an official spokesperson said this evening.

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Police Hold Public Meeting in Pulwama

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

To strengthen the Police-Public relations and to bring people nearer to the police for better output in prevention, detection of crime and solving the problems of general public, a police-public meeting was held at District Police Lines (DPL) Pulwama.

The meeting was chaired by SP Pulwama and was attended among others by Dy SP Headquarter, Dy SP DAR, Dy SP OPS Pulwama and all SHOs, DO’s of the District, J&K Police spokesperson said on Saturday evening.

“Large number of respectable, Lumberdars and Chowkidars of the Pulwama district participated in the meeting,” the spokesperson said.

“The participants assured their help and assistance to the police in eradication of crime from their areas. They also put forth various public issues and problems faced by the general public. The grievances of all the participants were heard patiently and they were assured that their genuine demands will be communicated to the concerned senior officers for immediate redressal,” the spokesperson added.

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Police Squads Remove Tobacco Advertisements at PoS: Rights Group

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel on Saturday removed numerous tobacco advertisements promoting cigarette and other tobacco products put at display at the point of sale (PoS) in District Budgam.

A police team comprising several police officials removed the advertisements put at display at Sheikhpora, Humhama, Airport, Budgam town and various other places in the district.

“The advertisements were removed by the police personnel as these advertisements had come up at several places clearly violating the Supreme Court order against such ads,” a senior police official told Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI).

He said that all the material is being seized by the police squad and shopkeepers are being warned of repercussions if found offending the law in future.

Importantly, 26.6% of population in the state is using tobacco in one or the other form. There has also been a rampant growth of the violations in display of PoS boards as tobacco companies are clearly violating COTPA act 2003.

Section 5 of India’s tobacco control legislation “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003″comprehensively prohibits all kinds of tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS).

Moreover, research has shown that tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship increase the likelihood that people will start using the product.

“Point of sale advertising is aggressively used by the tobacco industry to promote their products. There is an urgent need of effective implementation of a comprehensive ban on tobacco product advertisement, promotion and sponsorship at point of sale,” said, Afzal Makhdomi, J&K Consultant for Tobacco Control, Voluntary Health Association of India.

He appreciated the role of the police for the promptness and seriousness to curb this menace.

Interestingly, 26.6% population in Jammu & Kashmir is using tobacco product in one or the other of its form. Jammu & Kashmir has 12% cigarette smokers, 3.8% bidi smokers and 8.0% smokeless tobacco users. J&K’s cigarette use prevalence (12%) is almost double the nationwide prevalence of 5.7%. It has come to light that the highest proportion of adults (67.9%) exposed to tobacco smoke in offices are in J&K and the lowest (15.4%) are in Chandigarh.

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J&K Bank Reaches Out to Haridwar Pilgrims, Opens Branch, ATM

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Expanding its footprints at important places outside the state, J&K Bank inaugurated state-of-the-art Business Unit at Haridwar in Uttarakhand. An ATM was also commissioned on the occasion.

Executive President Vagish Chander Sharma inaugurated the bank’s 860th business unit in presence of Zonal Head North (Delhi) Rakesh Gandotra, Vice Presidents Farooq Ahmad Rather, Rajini Saraf in a simple function attended by leading businessmen and along with an impressive gathering of locals, a company statement said Saturday said.

Speaking on the occasion, Executive President said, “Although people of Haridwar wished to have a branch of J&K Bank since long but we feel privileged to be associated with this holy city of Haridwar by commissioning the business unit and ATM here.”

Enunciating the bank’s philosophy of serving-the-people as the greatest individual and institutional virtue he assured the people of Haridwar of better products and services besides best customer service.

Earlier, Zonal Head North (Delhi) during his welcome address apprised the participants about the business operations of the bank and its tailor-made schemes for diverse customer needs.

He urged the people to avail maximum benefit of bank’s customer friendly products especially the latest technology based products like Debit and Credit Cards, e banking, Mobile Banking etc.

Meanwhile, the bank inaugurated two Cash Depositing Machines (CDMs) in Kashmir (North) at Business units T P Baramulla and N C Sopore.

Zonal Head Kashmir (North) Mohammad Younis inaugurated the CDM at T P Baramulla in presence of Cluster Head (I) Altaf Ahmad Wani the CDM at N C Sopore in presence of  Cluster Head (II) Mohammad Sultan Dhobi.

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Police Disregard Order of SCW in Handwara Case: CCS

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

On 28 April 2016, after receiving a second written application from the minor girl and family seeking the immediate end of police custody/police “protection”, Ms Nayeema Mehjoor, State Commission for Women (SCW), ordered the police to end the custody/“protection” of the girl.

“After the SCW order was disregarded by the police, on 29 April 2016 the Chairperson, SCW, and Handwara police asked the girl to submit the same application in writing to the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Handwara. Ms Nayeema Mehjoor initially expressed confidence that her order would help in ending the police custody and also she did inform the JKCCS legal team after examining the documents provided to her by Police that the protection had never been ordered by the CJM in the first place,” a statement issued by JKCCS said Saturday evening.

“On 29 April 2016, the father of the girl submitted an application before CJM, Handwara, explicitly seeking the end of police custody immediately. But, SHO, Handwara Police Station (also a respondent in the High Court petition) submitted a status report before the CJM informing the court of the litigation pending in the High Court and stated that one of the relief sought in the family’s High Court petition was in fact police protection. The SHO Handwara submission is a complete misrepresentation as the entire case before the High Court is that at no point has the minor girl and family voluntarily sought any protection from the police and that they are in fact under police custody against their will. The CJM dismissed the application, as the case was sub-judice before the High Court,” the statement said.

“The Handwara police have consistently from 12 April 2016 itself used misrepresentations and deception, combined with intimidation and harassment, to conceal their criminal conduct in this case. SHO Handwara in the status report before CJM, Handwara has once again used the same tactic to ensure the continued unlawful police custody of the minor girl,” the statement alleged.

“The minor girl and family have now spent 18 days in police custody. As the family struggles in confinement, the minor girl’s expectations from the High Court increase as the matter is to be heard on 2 May,” the statement added.

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JKEDI Approves Rs 66.26 Cr for 2178 unemployed Youth

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

EDI Pampore

The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) has disbursed more than Rs 66 crore to 2178 youth for establishment of micro enterprises in the state.

The money has been disbursed under Term Loan Scheme of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) being implemented by JKEDI since 2011, an Institute statement said Saturday evening.

The youth trained by JKEDI under self-employment component of Himayat scheme form a major number of the cases disbursed so far. After training the youth are provided financial linkage by the institute.

In the first two years of implementation of Himayat, JKEDI has trained 4046 candidates for entrepreneurship under the scheme, out of which 1746 candidates have been provided financial linkage under Term Loan scheme of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), New Delhi.

An amount of Rs 46.26 crore has been sanctioned in favour of 1746 trained candidates (Himayat), out of which Rs 34.12 crore has been disbursed so far in favour of 1073 candidates from all parts of the State, enabling them to earn a dignified livelihood.

The trained candidates have been provided financial networking through Term Loan Scheme of NMDFC being implemented by the institute since 2011.

The remaining amount of more than Rs 32 crore has been disbursed by the institute directly under Term Loan Scheme of NMDFC to 1105 beneficiaries to set up their micro enterprises for dignified livelihood, since 2011.

In addition an amount of Rs 2.70 crore has been disbursed among 86 beneficiaries under Educational Loan scheme of NMDFC also being implemented by JKEDI.

On Saturday the 25th Steering Committee of Term Loan Scheme of NMDFC for candidates trained under Self Employment Component of Himayat was held under the chairmanship of Dr M I Parray, Director, J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute at Jammu.

Dr Majid Manzoor Khan Chief Programme Officer, JKEDI, Zahid Ali Dar, Executive Manager Finance, JKEDI, Jammu Member, Waseem Afzal Naik In-charge Himayat, JKEDI Jammu and sector experts were present in the meeting.

DPRs of 236 enterprises involving 236 entrepreneurs were approved by the Steering Committee. All these cases involved total Project Cost of Rs 713.79 lakh including Term Loan of Rs 263.75 lakh, Working Capital of Rs 527.80 lakh and Beneficiaries’ Contribution of Rs 39.65 lakh.

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NEET: J&K Government Filing Review Petition

Riyaz Ul Khaliq

SRINAGAR

Students writing BOPEE held CET in a Srinagar college in this KL file Image.

J&K government is filing a review petition before the Supreme Court to become party in an ongoing case seeking a single all-India entry test for admission in the medical colleges. Invoking special status, the government will seek exemption from implementing the earlier order.

BOPEE has been asked to continue with the routine yearly process and held the entry test as scheduled. Tests are slated for May 15 and 16.

“We have drafted the petition and we will be filing it within a couple of days,” Commissioner Law and Parliamentary Affairs M Ashraf told Kashmir Life. “We have not been part of this petition.”

Supreme Court has ordered all Medical Colleges in India training MBBS, BDS and Post Graduate Medical education seats to take candidates after National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The All India Pre-Medical and Dental Test (AIPMT) is being conducted on May 1, 2016.

The court has ruled that candidates from all the leftover colleges or states which are not part of the all India test should be examined on July 24. Results of both the examinations would be declared on August 17.

Ashraf said that this is for the first time that the apex court has directed that the test should not have any exemptions. In all earlier orders J&K, Andhra Pradesh, private medical colleges and all minority colleges were exempted from the all India test.

“We are going to the court with our defence,” the Commissioner said. “We are covered by Article 370 that gives us rights to retain lot many things and it was on this basis that earlier similar orders did not touch us.”

The government is not disrupting the BOPEE held CET that is already scheduled. Sources said the government is hopeful that the highest court will not overrule the earlier precedence on record.

Another officer said that even if the state government fails to convince the Supreme Court, it would not mean entry on non-local students getting into the medical colleges in Srinagar and Jammu. “The only thing that will happen is that we will have to get the candidates from the all India list,” the officer said. “It is not going to be NIT-II.”

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Lawmaker Rasheed Records His Statement in Handwara Killings Enquiry

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) chief and MLA Langate Saturday recorded his statement in Handwara killings before ADC Handwara.

ADC Handwara has been appointed as enquiry officer to find facts pertaining to the issue, which resulted in killings of two innocents.

Rasheed, who was part of the protest that took place after the killing, told the commission “how security forces used disproportionate force and other facts as an eye witness to many incidents related to the episode”.

“Later Rasheed visited Nutnussa village and addressed a gathering,” an AIP statement said.

Speaking on the occasion Rasheed said, “government has started forgetting all that what happened at the streets of Handwara, Kupwara and elsewhere. Army camp at Nutnussa has turned life of more than a dozen villages into hell, as not only that a precious life was lost recently as a result of unwanted and unprovoked firing by army near this camp but the functioning of water supply scheme, Primary Health Centre and High School have become defunct due to the fact that one has to cross the premises of the camp to monitor or attend either of the three places. The periodic requests of people of the area have yielded nothing so for.”

Rasheed asked government not to make it a point of ego and remove the camp from the location, or the people of the area will be forced to go to any extend to get the camp removed.

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PDP Elated over Different ‘Path-Breaking Welfare Measures’ by its Government

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Welcoming the decision of various state’s to appoint Nodal Officers for addressing the issues of Kashmiri students studying there, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Saturday said other states, where there is sizeable population of Kashmiri students, must also take a similar initiative.

“It is a welcome step that 13 states and Union Territories including Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chandigarh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli have appointed police nodal officers for Kashmiri students,” PDP Chief Spokesperson, Dr Mehboob Beg said in a statement this evening.

He said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs should ask the states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra and Karnataka, where a sizeable number of Kashmiri students study, to appoint special police nodal officers as has been done by other states to ensure a sense of security for the Kashmiri students in the respective states.

“As the reports of intimidation of Kashmiri students have in recent past mostly poured in from states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh it would be highly appreciable if these states also appoint Nodal Officers for Kashmiri students,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Beg has hailed the State Government’s decision to institutionalize the cross-LoC trade by replacing the existing barter system with proper banking facilities.

“The significant decision of the State Cabinet headed by Ms Mehbooba Mufti to work out modalities for replacing the barter system with banking facilities would go a long way in expanding the ambit and scope of the cross-LoC trade and take it to the next higher level,” he said.

He said unfortunately there was no movement forward on this significant confidence building measure during the past eight years and the credit goes to the present Government for taking a major initiative towards institutionalizing the cross-LoC trade.

“The success of the cross-LoC trade is an indicator of India and Pakistan achieving greater cooperation in Jammu and Kashmir to anchor a new era of peace and stability in the region through economic collaboration,” he said.

Dr Beg also hailed the State Government’s decision to develop tourism infrastructure along the borders for promotion of border tourism in the State. He said the initiative will not only facilitate overall development of the border areas but also give fillip to the local economies through tourism promotion in the area.

“We hope the Government of Pakistan will also reciprocate the initiative by opening up the borders along J&K for tourists as is happening at Wagah in Punjab,” he said.

Dr Beg also hailed the Government’s roadmap for implementation of the interest-subvention scheme for flood-fit traders and substantial increase in the honorarium of the village Lumberdars from Rs 751 to Rs 1501 and Chowkidars from Rs 750 to Rs 1500 and assigning a new job profile to them.

Welcoming the decision of the State Government to take a holistic review of the issues related to Police Gazetted Services, the PDP Chief Spokesperson said the move would go a long way in addressing the cadre issues of this important service.

He also hailed the Government’s decision to constitute a Committee to compile the data and skill profile of all such persons who are working in various departments on temporary basis so that a decision could be taken accordingly.

Dr Beg also hailed the landmark welfare and other initiatives taken by the present government including launch of ‘Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme (MMSFES)’ to be implemented from July 2016, constitution of Groups of Ministers to fast-track infrastructure development in the State, grant of additional pension to elderly pensioners and setting up of exclusive Women Police Stations which will start functioning from May 2016.

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Congress Doesn’t Change Colors: Monga

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

J&K Pradesh Congress Satuday said that it has not changed colours for the sake of power.

Addressing a party gathering in Charar-i-Sharief MLC Gulam Nabi Monga said, “Congress Party has never changed colours for the sake of power and remained dedicated to its cause of  strengthening, serving the people and committed to overall development of the State.”

“Congress feels highly concerned and is duty bound to seek resolution of the issues confronting people of the State. People are facing multiple issues due to the wrong policies of coalition government led by PDP and it has miserably failed to address the issues,” he alleged.

Reacting to the “so-called developmental agenda” of the PDP-BJP coalition, Monga reminded the people of 2 ½ years rule of Congress government under the Chief Ministership of Ghulam Nabi Azad, he said, “state of Jammu and Kashmir has touched new heights in respect of development, education, transparency, corruption free system etc and it was the Congress Party which has whole heartedly supported the then Chief Minister late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in every respect, to run the State.”

On this occasion, Monga sanctioned funds for two transformers for Alamdar Colony Charar-i-Sharief, as the people in this area were without electricity for a long time.

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CM-RBI Gov Meet: RBI to ‘Put Together Stronger Financing Structure’ in JK

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

CM Mehbooba Mufti

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, Saturday urged premier banking institutions to reach out to state’s young and budding entrepreneurs by helping them in establishing viable business units.

She said she expects Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to do more in exerting pressure on banking firms operating in the state so that small and medium enterprises have hassle-free access to loans. “We seek better cooperation of banks in creating ample opportunities of employment for youth in the state,” she observed.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a luncheon meeting today in Jammu with the RBI Governor, Dr Raghuram Rajan, during which several issues relating to banking operations in the state were discussed.

Asking premier financial institutions to broaden the scope of their business operations, Mehbooba Mufti said banks need to focus on priority sector lending in the state, particularly targeting tourism, handicraft, handloom, agriculture and allied segments, which have a huge potential to generate avenues of employment for youth in J&K. She said the state’s economy needs resuscitation as it has gone through very difficult times in the past few years.

“We need to achieve RBI benchmark of 60 per cent CDR for which banking institutions have to scale up lending,” she said, asking RBI to help J&K’s efforts in creating job opportunities for our talented human resource.

Dr Rajan discussed with the Chief Minister a 12-point plan aimed at putting together a stronger financing structure in the state which goes beyond conventional banking. He said the first priority will be to create linkages of finance by overcoming physical barriers which will help in integrating the state with the rest of the country and empowering young local entrepreneurs.

“We are taking measurable short-term initiatives. I think J&K is in a better position in making the state easy for financing, which can be a model for the rest of the country to emulate,” he added.

Favouring uptick vis-à-vis lending in core sectors, Mehbooba Mufti said banks should look at social sector responsibilities as thrust areas and advance hassle-free loans to bright entrepreneurs and agriculturists. This, she observed will come as an elixir to J&K’s economy, which is showing encouraging upward trend. “The banks need to supplement the efforts of the state government in revitalizing industry and agriculture,” she said.

RBI Governor, Dr Raghuram Rajan

The Chief Minister also requested RBI Governor to expedite working out modalities for establishing banking facilities for cross-LoC trade. She said the switch from barter to banking at two trading points of Salamabad and Chakan da Bagh will expand the scope and ambit of cross-LoC commerce.

The Cabinet had recently endorsed RBI’s nod to institutionalize cross-LoC trade through proper banking mechanism by doing away with the present barter system.

The Chief Minister particularly sought RBI Governor’s support in promoting business link-ups between large business houses and local entrepreneurs, keeping in view RBI’s effective collaboration with top banking institutions. She said there is a stream of young entrepreneurs who are doing exceedingly well and need support from banking institutions in further expanding their units.

Dr Rajan stressed on branding of handicraft products by popularizing logos and bringing tour operators, hoteliers and other stakeholders under one platform to aggressively promote J&K as a niche high-end tourist destination.

Mehbooba Mufti also requested Dr. Rajan for facilitating institutional finance for setting up model villages for basmati, apple, mint and milk. On this, the RBI Governor said once government firms up Self Help Groups and milk cooperatives, the banks will be more keen to finance liberally.

Asking banks to take a cue from HDFC’s expansion in remote and far-flung locations, Mehbooba Mufti sought Dr. Rajan’s intervention in improving the visibility of nationalized banks in un-banked areas.

The Regional Director informed the meeting that as per revised RBI guidelines every village having population in excess of 5000 will have a bank branch. He said once 121 uncovered villages which qualify are allocated to various banks by 2017, J&K hinterland will have a healthy network of banks.

To provide a window of opportunity for jobs for local youngsters in the banking sector, the Chief Minister stressed upon wider publicity to vacancies and holding of coaching classes so that more and more aspirants compete for recruitment in the banking sector.

While appreciating the concern of the Chief Minister, Regional Director said a consortium of five banks – JKB, SBI, Canara, ICICI, PNB and HDFC – will conduct coaching classes for job aspirants in Jammu, Srinagar and Ladakh to boost employability of youth in banking sector.

On the issue of 100 per cent financial inclusion by way of opening bank accounts for all citizens, the RBI Regional Director assured the meeting that the figures will be reconciled with State government and the objective of 100 per cent financial inclusion will be achieved over the next three months.

Finance Secretary drew the attention of RBI Governor towards the issue of restoration of refinance facility by SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) to J&K State Financial Corporation (SFC). He said the government has taken some measures to turn around the SFC capital base which had eroded during the turmoil in the state and its net worth had turned negative.

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May Day: Dr Farooq, Omar Advocate Labour Rights

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Meanwhile, elections of J&K National Conference district Shopian were held on April 30, 2016.

Advocating upholding of labour rights, National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that the Labour class should be given all such rights which would help to uplift them not only economically but also collectively.

NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah said that ‘May Day’ gives them an opportunity to remind the government that constitutionally they are protected and their rights be implemented, an NC statement said Saturday afternoon.

The President NC said that even though the labourers have all along been working under tremendous difficult situations it is sad that they have not been rewarded and continue to draw very minimum wages. He said, the labour class has been contributing in the overall development of the county and we should appreciate their efforts. He added that everyone should realize their contribution in restoring all such rights for their safe future.

Dr Farooq Abdullah said that NC leadership has great respect and admiration for the labour class as they played an important role in the movement started by NC leadership against the then tyrants.

“The movement against the tyrant rulers was actually started by labourers of ‘Reshim Khan’, Silk Factory, Zaldagar and artisans from  Srinagar who supported Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in difficult times and supported his programs against the oppression of the oppressor,” he said.

Meanwhile, National Conference Working President Omar Abdullah has also expressed his total support with the labour class with the hope that both state and central governments would work to restore the rights.

The Working President said that the May Day is being observed on May 1st all over the world with the objective that their rights would be restored so that the widening gap between different classes of the society gets reduced.

Omar Abdullah also said the party supports the movement of labour class and demands that their rights should be restored without any further delay.

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Kunan-Poshpora Case: J&K Govt Causes Delay in SC, Alleges Human Rights Group

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

In December 2014, Government of Jammu and Kashmir challenged before the Supreme Court the Srinagar High Court orders to pay compensation to the Kunan-Poshpora mass rape and torture victims of 23/24 February 1991.

These orders were passed by the Srinagar High Court in a petition filed by five survivors of Kunan-Poshpora seeking investigations and justice.

“To date, more than a year later, the case remains with the Supreme Court registry, which is still seeking objections and responses from the parties. Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ensured delay in this matter by the manner in which it has served the other parties in the case,” a statement issued by JKCCS said Saturday afternoon.

“On 29 April, the case was heard by the Supreme Court Registrar who noted that Wajahat Habibullah [then Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir] and then Press Council of India member Vikram Rao have yet to even be served notice of this case by the Government,” the statement said, “meanwhile, the 9 officers of the 4 Rajputana Rifles made parties to the petition have been given four more weeks to file their response. Union of India [Ministry of Defence] has failed to file its response in this case and no further opportunity will be provided to do so as per the Registrar’s earlier orders of 30 September 2015. The case is next listed on 12 August 2016 before the registry.”

“The survivors of Kunan-Poshpora have at every forum – including the Supreme Court – emphasized the urgency for fair and independent investigations. But, Government of J&K has chosen to take the issue of compensation before the Supreme Court in a clear attempt to completely stall investigations in this case that were otherwise being pursued before the Srinagar bench of the High Court. In March 2016, the survivors wrote a letter to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, T S Thakur seeking the urgent attention of the court to the Kunan-Poshpora case. The survivors have received no favorable response to this letter and now face a further three month delay in the case,” the statement added.

“To date, six victims of rape and torture have died but it is clear that Government of J&K and the army have no concern for the victims and are hoping to frustrate them through the legal process itself.”

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A Decade After, YSS Holds Provinciual Level Road Run

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Kashmir on Friday held an inter-district provincial level cross country run for Girls of all age groups.

The race started from Grand Palace and ended at Mughal gardens at Nishat.

Hundreds of students from Kashmir province participated in the run. The event was flagged off by Bashir Ahmad and Muzaffar Ahmad Tramboo. The duo are  officials of District Youth Services and Sports.

Speaking on the occasion, Bashir Ahmad said that the cross country run at Province level has been organised after more than a decade.

The girls who participated in the run were drawn from their respective districts on the basis of their performance exhibited by them at school, zonal and district levels.

Director School Education Kashmir Dr Shah Faesal distributed prizes amongst the winners.

Rukhsana from Budgam district, Rifat Ara and Benazir Fatima of Srinagar emerged winners in under19, 17 and 14 categories respectively.

Dr Shah Faesal on the occasion applauded the efforts of Youth Services and Sports Department Kashmir for organising such event after a long time.

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Govt Not Serious About Education of Gujjar Community, Allege Volunteers

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Scores of Education Voluntary members  Saturday held a protests demonstration in Lal Chowk  demanding regularisation of employment and permanent structures.

The protesters alleged that Government is not taking the programme of teaching children of Gujar Bakarwal community seriously.  “So far, there have been no permanent structures to teach the students,” they claimed.

They also alleged that there were no facilities for teachers to stay in areas which are inaccsessible.

Protesters demanded permanent structures and facilities for students as well as for the teachers, who otherwise stay in odd structures, provided by the locals.

They also demanded the implementation of 6th pay commission.

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Tarigami Demands Special Package for Development of Tral

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Referring to administrative inertia vis-à-vis developmental schemes in South Kashmir particularly in Tral area, Communist lawmaker M Y Tarigami Saturday said there are hardly any visible changes on ground with regard to development and infrastructure building. “The tall promises that have been made often by the successive governments are yet to be fulfilled.”

During his visit to Tral in South Kashmir and interaction with various public delegations he observed that the government apathy has crossed the limits as the area sans infrastructure and other facilities despite being vast in size and population.

“The poor condition of roads and bridges, inadequate road connectivity, absence of proper healthcare facilities, lack of proper educational infrastructure, unemployment of educated youth, frequent breakdown of electricity, lack of safe drinking water facility and non-availability of essential commodities bear witness to the hollowness of claims of development of the area,” a CPI (m) statement quoted Tarigami as having said.

The CPI (m) leader demanded a special package of funds be provided for the development of Tral Area, in order to mitigate the sufferings and hardships of the people.

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Srinagar-Leh Highway Opens

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The highway connecting Ladakh region with Kashmir, reopened Saturday after remaining closed since December last year due to accumulation of snow.

The highway was closed following snowfall and slipper road condition. Though the roads project BEACON had announced to reopen the strategically important road a month earlier, but late snowfall in March delayed the snow clearance operation.

However, the snow has been cleared by the BEACON by pressing into service sophisticated machine and men. People travelling on the highway will have the experience to see huge walls of snow on both sides of the road, including Zojila pass.

The Union Government has already approved construction of a tunnel at the Zojila to make it all weather road as road from Kargil-Leh remain closed for almost entire area.

It is the portion between Sronamarg to Drass, the second coldest place in the world on the 434-km-long highway which remained closed due to snow.

Officials said traffic movement on this road shall be regulated as per instructions of the Transport Department.UNI BAS PR NS1234

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Mirwaiz Barred from Attending Religious Program in Budgam: Hurriyat (m)

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

All Parties Hurriyat Conference (m) chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was early Saturday detained at his Nigeen residence.

Spokesperson of the Hurriyat amalgam said that Mirwaiz was scheduled to attend a program today in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Shahid Ul Islam told Kashmir Life that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was scheduled to address a religious gathering in Nasslahpora area of Budgam.

“It was purely a religious program,” Shahid asserted, “we don’t understand what made authorities to detain Mirwaiz at his home.”

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As Darbar Moves to Summer Capital, Sgr Roads get Facelift in Dead of Night

Ubeer Naqushbandi

SRINAGAR

The painters working on City roads in Lal Chowk @ 11:30 PM on April 29, 2016.

With traditional Darbar Move on way to summer capital, the Kashmir administration is on tenterhooks giving facelift to major Srinagar roads.

The civil secretariat in Jammu closed on April 09 and is scheduled to start functioning from Srinagar from May 09.

Started by autocrat Maharajas in pre-1947 era, the Darbar move refused to stop despite widespread criticism for Crores of Rupees it involves.

Besides other things, this time around, the Darbar move has put stiff challenge to the Traffic department in Srinagar. Of late, severe traffic jams are being witnessed in and outside Srinagar. The closure of Jahangir Chowk-Rambagh road has added to the mess. The authorities had to close the stretch because of the on-going construction of the flyover.

More so, the government closed the Mehjoor Nagar Bridge which helped in easing the traffic jams on Centre-South city routes. The bridge is unsafe, the authorities claimed.

To get the city roads clean and stream lined, the authorities are working 24*7. Last night, around half a dozen painters were seen panting the roads in Lal Chowk which otherwise remains busy in the day.

Notably, this would be for the first time that a woman Chief Minister will be receiving Guard of Honour at Civil Secretariat Srinagar.

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States Appoint Nodal Officers to Address Complaints of Kashmiri Students

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

As many as 13 states and union territories have appointed special nodal police officer each for addressing issues of Kashmiri students studying in their respective territory in the wake of attacks on them in campuses.

The states and UTs which so far have appointed police nodal officer for Kashmiri students are Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chandigarh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

“There have been reports of attacks on and misbehaviour with Kashmiri students studying in different states.

Appointment of nodal officer for Kashmiri students will give a sense of security and comfort to them,” a Home Ministry official was quoted as having told a news gathering agency.

However, a number of states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra and Karnataka, where sizeable number of Kashmiri students study in different institutes, have not responded to the Union Home Ministry’s request for appointing special police nodal officer.

A group of Kashmiri students was assaulted in a dental college in Jodhpur early this month in an alleged backlash after the unrest at National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar.

Several students were injured in the incident.

The Home Ministry made the request to states and UTs in the wake of row at the NIT Srinagar which started after clashes occurred following India’s defeat against West Indies in the World Cup T20 semi-final match last month.

Delhi Police’s Special Commissioner (Crime) Taj Hasan is the special nodal officer for addressing Kashmiri students’ issues in the national capital.

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