Friday, 30 September 2016

#Day85: Pak PM’s Kashmir Envoys Urge France To Play Its Role In Implementing UNSC Resolutions

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

In its efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue, Pakistan has reached out to France in its latest diplomatic parleys.

A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office said that the two of twenty two special envoys appointed by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif have briefed French Parliamentarians and senior officials on “human rights violations by India in Kashmir”.

The statement said that Special Envoys of the Prime Minister on Jammu & Kashmir, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq and Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Member National Assembly, met with the members of French National Assembly, French Senate, senior officials of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local think tanks in Paris and briefed them about the “Indian atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IoK) on defenceless Kashmiris”.

The President of France-Pakistan Friendship Group in the Senate of France, Senator Pascal Allizard, was also apprised of “blatant human rights violations being committed by the Indian occupation forces in Kashmir”, the statement added.

“The Envoys particularly highlighted the use of live ammunition and pellet guns against unarmed protesters, who are demanding their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions,” it said.

Being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the Envoys urged France to play its role towards implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions, which recognize people of Jammu & Kashmir’s Right to Self Determination through a free and fair plebiscite under the UN supervision.

“They stressed that the international community should pressurize India to stop the bloodshed of Kashmiris in Kashmir,” the Foreign Office statement said adding, “the envoys emphasized that Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in the region and desires amicable resolution of all issues with India, particularly, the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.”

The statement further said that the Envoys had a detailed interaction with the Pakistani and the Kashmiri community and lauded their role in highlighting the cause of Kashmir in France effectively.

The envoys also met with the representatives of International Federation of Human Rights and Medicines du Monde and requested them to immediately extend humanitarian and medical aid to the injured Kashmiris.



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#Day85: Army Chief In Jammu; ‘Western Command Told Be Ready’, Report

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Indian Army Chief, Gen Dilbagh Singh Suhag, in Kashmir on Sep 09, 2016.

Indian Army Chief, Gen Dilbagh Singh Suhag, in Kashmir on Sep 09, 2016.

The Army units under Western Command have been directed to maintain a high level of preparedness within their respective locations in order to respond quickly to any order to be deployed in their respective operational areas.

The Chief of Army Staff, General Dalbir Singh, is in Jammu visiting Northern Command on Saturday to review the operational situation.

Reports said that Army has issued orders to the formations under Western Command that all deficiencies of war-like stores must be immediately completed and the units should be ready to prepare for any contingency.

The leaves of all essential personnel have already been curtailed.

The Western Army Commander, Lt Gen Surinder Singh, is reported to have been in close touch with his Corps Commanders over the levels of preparedness and has called a meeting of the senior Commanders to review the situation, The Indian Express reported.

Sources informed that the Army divisions based in Ferozepur and Amritsar, which fall under the Jalandhar Corps, the Patiala-based armoured division as well as the subsidiary units of the Meerut-based infantry division located in Punjab have been in a state of alert well before the operation on Line of Control (LoC) took place.

“The Pakistan Army has been observed to have moved its regular units close to the border in the past few days and hence we are well prepared. A Pakistani brigade had been observed to have moved to forward locations in the Sialkot sector,” reports quoting sources said.

The Western Command units in the Pathankot-Kathua-Samba-Jammu-Akhnoor stretch have already a higher state of alert due to the insurgency in J&K.

The senior Army officer disclosed that while the actual deployment of troops will depend upon the politico-military situation as it develops, the review of operational plans of the Command is being undertaken in order to meet any directions from the higher headquarters.

Incidentally, it was only two weeks back that the Western Command got a permanent GOC-in-C after the appointment remained vacant for a month and a half as senior Army officers’ postings were put on hold.



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#Day85: United Nations Sec gen Issues Statement on Kashmir, Offers ‘Good Offices’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

UN Sec Gen, Ban ki Moon

UN Sec Gen, Ban Ki-Moon

The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is deeply concerned over the significant increase in tensions between India and Pakistan.

Moon expressed concern in the wake of the recent developments, in particular the reported cease-fire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) following an attack on an Indian army base in Uri on 18 September, said a statement issued by spokesperson of UN Sec Gen posted on its website.

India and Pakistan are engaged in continuous exchange of gunfire along LoC and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has said that two of army rangers were killed in cross border firing while as Indian army has said that it carried out “surgical strikes” across LoC.

“The Secretary-General urges both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation,” the spokesperson said.

Moon called on the Governments of Pakistan and India to address their outstanding issues, including regarding Kashmir, peacefully through diplomacy and dialogue.

“His good offices are available, if accepted by both sides,” the spokesperson added.



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#Day85: ‘12th Brigade Commander Shifted Out of Uri’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Members of NIA team leave Army's 12 Brigade headquarters in Uri where at least 18 army soldiers were killed in one of the deadliest attacks on army on September 18, 2016. NIA has officially taken over the investigation of the Uri Attack and they reached the spot on Monday morning and completed their primary data collection including DNA of the suspected four armed attackers. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Members of NIA team leave Army’s 12 Brigade headquarters in Uri. NIA has officially taken over the investigation of the Uri Attack . (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

The Indian Army has shifted the Brigade commander of the 12 Brigade stationed at Uri in Northern Kashmir.

The orders were issued on Friday night and a Brigadier already posted in Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir has been moved to Uri, located along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.

The 12 Brigade was attacked during the wee hours on September 18, 2016 in which at least nineteen Indian Army soldiers were killed and four suspected militants also died.

The Tribune reported that the orders in this regard were issued pending an inquiry into the occurrence of September 18 when suspected militants attacked the military camp.

“The Brigadier could not have continued at his position and hence it should be seen in that context. The shifting does not indict him as such,” the report, however, added.

Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on September 21 had admitted to the lapses.



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#Day85: Guns Continue To Roar Along IB In Jammu; Army Chief Lands in Winter Capital

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

India and Pakistan on Saturday exchanged gunfire in the Akhnoor sector of the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Pakistan Rangers targeted Border Security Force BSF positions on the International Border in Akhnoor sector of Jammu district today (Saturday) morning. Rangers used small arms and automatics,” reports said.

However, Pakistani media quoting its army said, “Indian army troops stationed along Line of Control and IB violated the ceasefire which was duly retaliated by our men.”

“BSF has retaliated Pakistan firing using same calibre weapons. Intermittent firing exchanges are still going on in the area,” reports added.

The firing, which started at 4 am, is still underway. “This is the third ceasefire violation in Akhnoor sector in last 36 hours.”

Meanwhile, Indian army chief General Dalbir Singh arrived in winter capital this morning to review border security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

“He will take stock of the prevailing situation on the borders in the state,” reports said.  “He will receive a briefing at the Udhampur headquarters of the Northern Command.”

“GOC-in-C of Northern Command and the three corps commanders of 14, 15 and 16 will be present during the briefing session,” the reported added.

“It is likely the Army Chief might visit some forward positions on the Line of Control (LoC),” they said.



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#Day85: UNMOGIP Unable To Function In Kashmir, Report

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A view of UNO Office Srinagar on wednesday 17 August 2016. Separatists have called for a 72 hour march to United Nations Office in srinagar PHOTO BY BILAL BAHADUR

UNMOGIP Office in Srinagar. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday reportedly has told Pakistan that United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was “unable to fully function in Kashmir”.

Ban has cited “non-cooperation of India”.

“The UN’s military mission is only able to operate on the Pakistani controlled side of the LoC, as India refuses to accept its functioning on the other side and opposes its expansion,” The Dawn newspaper quoted the UN Secretary General as having said.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN Dr Maleeha Lodhi on Friday met the United Nations Secretary General in New York to inform him about the latest skirmishes on Line of Control and about Kashmir happenings, reports said.

The top Pakistan diplomat asked the UN Secretary General to ensure that UNMOGIP is able to report facts independently “regarding the situation in Kashmir to the UN Security Council”.

maleeha-lodhi-with-ban-ki-moon

Screenshot of https://twitter.com/LodhiMaleeha downloaded on October Ist, 2016 @ 10:24 AM.

Lodhi told Moon in the meeting that Pakistan has “exercised maximum restraint but would respond forcefully to any acts of aggression and provocation”. “The responsibility for the escalating crisis rests entirely with India,” she added.

The news report said that the UN Secretary General urged both Pakistan and India to de-escalate tensions and offered the organisation’s assistance in the matter.

He also conveyed condolences on the deaths of two Pakistan Army soldiers.

Ambassador Lodhi said, “India has, by its declarations and actions, created conditions that pose an imminent threat to regional and International peace and security.”

“While India’s claim of carrying out a surgical strike across the Line of Control (LoC) was false, India had by its own admission, committed open aggression against Pakistan. The international community, and especially the United Nations, should not ignore this grave threat to international peace and security with possibly catastrophic consequences for the entire region,” said Lodhi.

She urged the world’s top diplomat to intervene “boldly and unequivocally by calling on India to halt its aggressive actions and provocations, lest these lead to an even more dangerous situation”.

“India has provoked this crisis to divert international attention away from the indigenous Kashmiri uprising against Indian occupation,” she said.

Lodhi also asked Moon to play a role in bringing “an end to the human rights violations committed by Indian security forces in held Kashmir”.

“If India did not heed this call, the UN’s relevant mechanisms, including the Security Council, must be advised of this imminent threat to international peace and security, as required under the UN Charter,” said Pakistan’s permanent representative during the meeting.

Moon also conveyed his dismay at the postponement of the Saarc summit, and said “it could have been a good opportunity for dialogue”.

Earlier, Lodhi met president of the UN Security Council, Gerard van Bohemen of New Zealand, and urged him to informally brief the 15-member body on her country’s dangerous escalation in tensions resulting from “unprovoked firing by Indian troops” across the LoC.

Urgent steps were needed to avert a full-blown crisis, she said.



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#Day84: Islamabad District Admin Slaps PSA on 27 Persons, So Far

Aakash Hassan

ISLAMABAD

Concerns-Over-Kashmir-Public-Safety-ActThe district Islamabad administration has slapped notorious Public Safety (PSA) on at least twenty seven persons, so far, since July 09, 2016 when the mass uprising was triggered by the death of popular militant commander Burhan Wani.

Islamabad is home district of Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti and Burhan was killed by forces on July 08, 2016 in Bemdoora village of same district.

At least 90 civilians have been killed while over 14500 others have been injured in forces actions in last 84 days of mass movement.

Under PSA – the ‘lawless’ law declared by Amnesty International – a person is detained for at least six months without trial and detention extends up to two months, Deputy Commissioner concerned signs the PSA order after police authorities concerned produce the dossier.

Police sources said that more than 250 people have been charged with “instigating violence, mobilizing people” and other charges.

Home town of Ms Mufti, Bijbehara, tops the list in the district with twelve persons slapped with PSA.

Records at Islamabad police station show at least five persons slapped with PSA, four such persons have been booked in Dooru, two persons have been slapped with PSA in police station Mattan, two others in Kokernag and one person each in Ashmuqam and Srigufwara.

Police raids are taking place regularly in the district to get hold of remaining “wanted” people, to “stabilize the situation”.

“We have arrested wanted miscreants and more are to be held,” one of the top cops in Islamabad district said.

Those arrested have been sent to different jails and most of them to jails in Jammu.



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#Day84: Shimla Agreement Hurt Kashmir Struggle, Was A Mistake, says Shahbaz Sharif

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif

Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday termed the Shimla Agreement signed by India and Pakistan after the 1971 war as a “big mistake” as it hurt the Kashmiri “freedom struggle”.

“The Shimla Agreement was a big mistake (on the part of Islamabad) as it dampened the spirit of the Kashmiris fighting for their freedom and hurt their movement,” he told a conference in Lahore.

Shahbaz Sharif is the brother of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Sharif’s statement evoked sharp criticism from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), whose then Chairman and Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his Indian counterpart Indira Gandhi signed the pact in 1972.

“Someone should teach the CM Punjab what foreign policy is. He can’t possibly think mimicking SZAB (Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto) makes him a statesman,” tweeted PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The agreement resulted in the release of some 90,000 Pakistani soldiers imprisoned by India following the 1971 war that led to East Pakistan breaking away and emerging as an independent Bangladesh.

Sharif also hit out at cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and said that instead of heading towards the Indian border, they were indulging in protests that were dividing the nation.

He offered to hold a joint rally with Khan on the Indian border against what he said were “atrocities” in Jammu and Kashmir.



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#Day84: Police Issue Statement on Setting Ablaze of Harvest, Destruction of Apple Boxes

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The heaps of rice and grass were burnt down in Kanelwan area of Islamabad district on September 27, 2016. The locals alleged that men in uniform lobbed tear gas shells which fell in to paddy fields destroying the rice and grass. (KL Image)

The heaps of rice and grass were burnt down in Kanelwan area of Islamabad district on September 27, 2016. The locals alleged that men in uniform lobbed tear gas shells which fell in to paddy fields destroying the rice and grass. (KL file Image)

J&K Police on Friday evening issued statement with regard to setting ablaze harvest and destruction of packed apple boxes.

The statement – Rebuttal – is being reproduced here verbatim

Apropos to the news item published by a section of press under the heading, ‘Forces set ablaze rice crop in Budgam.

In this regard district police administration Budgam have clarified that the incident has been maliciously linked with forces.

However, some anti-social elements set on fire two haycocks at village Adina, Magam.

On the receipt of the complaint, police took cognizance and lodged an FIR no 159/16 in police station Magam and investigation has been taken up.

The allegation is as such rebutted.

Rebuttal-2

A section of press has carried a new story today alleging that forces had damaged some apple boxes in Karimabad, Pulwama.

In this regard the district authorities Pulwama have clarified that yesterday an army domination patrol was moving in the area where some miscreants had placed obstacles as well as apple boxes on the road.

The miscreants pelted stones on the forces who showed maximum restraint.

To report that apple boxes have been damaged by the force is far from the truth and malicious in the intent.

The miscreants had damaged the boxes. As such the report is rebutted.



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#Day84: Intense Tear Gas Shelling In Nowshehra Creates Panic, Suffocation

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Forces lobbed tear gas shells on unarmed civilians in Srinagar near UN Office on Friday. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Forces lobbed tear gas shells on unarmed civilians in Srinagar near UN Office. (KL file Image: Bilal Bahadur)

As the CRPF and police deployment was leaving, the vehicles carrying the came under severe stone pelting attacks in Srinagar’s Nowshehra area.

Local reports said that forces came down from the vehicles and fired scores of tear gas shells which created panic and suffocation in the area.

“People were still in Masjid for Maghrib Namaz when tear gas shelling started,” a local said, “the tear gas smoke engulfed the whole area creating problems for children and elderly residents.”

Local reports suggest that such developments are a routine now. Forces face stiff opposition every day they leave the area,” a resident said, “but tear gas canister shelling has created huge respiratory problems especially in elder population.”

Meanwhile, reports coming from uptown Rambagh, Alochibagh and nearby areas said that some “unknown unruly persons” are enforcing “black out” in these areas.

“We are being forces to switch off the lights without any reason,” a resident of Alochibagh said, “the person enforcing such a black out are unknown as they seem to be outsiders and not local residents.”

It may be noted that resistance leadership has not called for any “black out” in the current protest calendar.



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#Day84: Kashmir An Unfinished Agenda of Partition, says Sharif, Calls APC

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, has convened an All Parties Conference as well as meetings for the inter-provincial National Action Plan and National Security to discuss the events surrounding India’s firing at the Line of Control.

Dawn.com reported Premier Sharif has called a meeting of heads of parliamentary parties on Monday to discuss the Kashmir issue, the situation along the LoC and regional developments.

The prime minister stated during a Federal Cabinet meeting held on Friday that Pakistan will take all necessary steps to protect its people and territorial integrity in case of any aggression or violation of the Line of Control.

“We will defend our homeland against any aggression. The entire nation is standing shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces,” the premier said.

“Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of Partition, which cannot be wished away. The Indian atrocities cannot suppress the passions of the Kashmiri people,” Nawaz said.

The Federal Cabinet met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and discussed the deteriorating situation in Kashmir and the “ceasefire violations by India” along the LoC.

On Thursday, Pakistan said that two of its army rangers were killed in cross border firing while as Indian army said that it carried out a “surgical strike,” during the intervening night of Sep 28 and 29.

“It was concluded that India has acted in complete violation of her commitments under bilateral arrangements as well as international law,” the federal cabinet meet of Pakistan observed.

He said, “Indian aggression poses a serious threat to regional peace and security, adding that the leadership and people of Pakistan are united in their resolve to counter any aggressive Indian designs.”

“The Cabinet deplored the allegations levelled against Pakistan by India regarding the Uri attack and stated that Indian statements and actions are a strategy to redirect attention away from Indian atrocities in Kashmir,” the news report said.

During the meeting, the Cabinet called upon the international community to take notice of the massive human rights violations “being perpetrated by the Indian occupation forces in Kashmir”, expressing concern over the killings of civilians there.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif said, “any misadventure by India will meet the most befitting response from Pakistan.”

Talking to troops at a newly developed Combat Reaction Training facility near Lahore Garrison on Friday, he said the highest state of vigil is being maintained along Line of Control and Working Boundary.

He said, “Pakistan cannot be coerced through any amount of malicious propaganda.”

The Army Chief expressed his complete satisfaction over operational preparedness of the Army.

He was given detailed briefing on the purpose built environment and obstacles meant to impart module based all arms training to troops.

Earlier, Gen Raheel Sharif also inaugurated the newly established Junior Campus of Garrison Academy, Lahore.



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#Day84: PSA Slapped on Awami Action Committee Sec Gen, Shifted To Kotbalwal

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Masroor Abbas Ansari led and addressed a unity-cum-pro-freedom rally in Old Srinagar on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: APHC-m)

Masroor Abbas Ansari led and addressed a unity-cum-pro-freedom rally in Old Srinagar on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: APHC-m)

Incarcerated APHC-m chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday strongly condemned the government for not allowing congregational Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar, and across many Khanqahs , shrines, Imambarahs and other main Masjids of the valley for the 12th consecutive Friday by imposing curfew, restrictions and curbs.

Mirwaiz expressed strong resentment over the interference and apathy towards the religious rights of the Muslims in a Muslim majority region by “the anti-Muslim ruling regime”.

Stating that while basic human rights of Kashmiri people were brazenly trampled upon through “brute force and military might”, “by curbing our religious rights the point is being driven home that as subjects of an Indian colony this is how we will be treated”.

“The PDP/BJP government is on a course to break all records of repression and tyranny against the people of the region in order to teach them the lesson of submission,” he said.

Senior Hurriyat Conference leader, Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari led a pro-freedom march from Sazgaripora to Alamgari Bazaar.

The participants also protested against not allowing of congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid, Srinagar for the 12th consecutive Friday and the continued arrest of the APHC-m Chairperson who has been kept in solitary confinement and is banned from discharging his religious, social and political activities, continuous arrest and house arrest of resistance leadership, and “state terrorism”.

Referring to Moharram-ul-Haram program, Ansari said, “the program that the unified resistance leadership would give would be followed in letter and spirit.”

Meanwhile APHC-m condemned the government for slapping the infamous Public Safety Act (PSA) on senior Hurriyat Conference leader and Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (AAC) General Secretary, Ghulam Nabi Zaki, who was already in police custody and was transferred to the notorious Kot Bhalwal Jail early morning today.

“75-year-old Zaki suffers from various ailments due to repeated arrests and interrogations, and is a cardiac patient under treatment at SKIMS,” Hurriyat Conference (m) spokesperson said adding that the responsibility of his well-being and health solely rests with the government.

The spokesperson also condemned the imposition of curfew curbs and restrictions by the government to foil the resistance program of Lal chowk march.



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#Day84: Burning of Harvest, Damages to Orchards, Killings of Horses are War Crimes, says KCSDS

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A nomad lady breaks down on the dead body of one of the horses killed by army casper in the intervening night of 24 and 25 Sep. (KL Image: Shah Hilal)

A nomad lady breaks down on the dead body of one of the horses killed by army casper in the intervening night of 24 and 25 Sep. (KL Image: Shah Hilal)

Kashmir Civil Society for Developmental Studies (KCSDS)  on Friday condemned the  forces’ barbarity let loose against people, animals and the agricultural and horticulture products.

“People have tendered with their sweat and blood and is the only resource for their sustenance be they Bakarwals whose thirteen horses have been trampled over allegedly by army vehicles as per reports or the standing paddy fields and haystacks collected with  intense hard work that have been set on fire  or the packets of apples delicately assembled and patterned by deft hands to earn their livelihood that have been trampled over in Karimabad by army trucks to break peoples’ will and resistance against the authoritarian state,” KCSDS said in a statement issued this evening.

“These are unprecedented war crimes committed by those who claim these as their own people. Yet the worst came yesterday when all the volunteers have been arrested and their ambulances seized and stalls have been forcibly closed down who stood like a rock these three months of bloodbath and horrors of pellets and bullets in terms of blindings and firearm injuries when government had completely disappeared from the scene,” the civil society group said.

“The crimes are such that have exceeded all savageries. The poor Bakarwals and those whose produce has been destroyed have been devastated. The volunteers who have rendered enormous service to the injured and the blinded, human rights activists and employees must be released without any delay and allowed to serve. The ambulances should be returned immediately. Such tactics only compound hatred and fury and do not break anybody’s will,” the KCSDS maintained.



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#Day84: Police Arrest 49 Persons More, say, ‘Situation Under Control’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Kashmir is witnessing a mass uprising since July 09 2016. Curfew was imposed in several area of Srinagar on Sep 30, 2016. CRPF men stand alert in Downtown in view of Lal Chowk 'Chalo' call by pro-freedom leaders. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Kashmir is witnessing a mass uprising since July 09 2016. Curfew was imposed in several area of Srinagar on Sep 30, 2016. CRPF men stand alert in Downtown in view of Lal Chowk ‘Chalo’ call by pro-freedom leaders. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, situation across the valley remained “under control” on Friday although stray incidents of stone pelting were reported.

“As a precautionary measure curfew was imposed in few police stations of Srinagar today while all other areas of the valley remained curfew free,” the statement issued through J&K Information department said this evening.

According to the statement, after Friday prayers stray stone pelting incidents were reported from Sopore, Bandipora and Srinagar.

A government official seeking permission from a CRPF man in Old Srinagar to pass through a check point, on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

A government official seeking permission from a CRPF man in Old Srinagar to pass through a check point, on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

“Miscreants in their attempt to disturb the situation assembled on roads and pelted stones on police and security force deployments,” it said adding, “they were chased away by security forces using some force.”

“Barring these incidents situation remained under control,” the statement said adding, “the police in its continuous and sustained drive against miscreants arrested 49 such individuals involved in different offences of disturbing the situation in different parts of the valley.”



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#Day84: Pakistan In 2016 Is Different From 65 & 71, says Aga Hasan

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi

Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi

Senior Hurriyat Conference (g) leader and president Anjuman-e-Shar-i-Shian president Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi Friday said that Indian “propaganda of surgical strikes” is an attempt to divert the attention of world community from Kashmir situation.

He said, “today’s Pakistan is completely different from what it was in 1965 and 1971.”

“Any misadventure from India will have serious consequences as Pakistan is capable of giving befitting reply to India. Pakistani nation and armed forces are united and ready to face the enemy at any front. Pakistan wants peace in the region but their wishes for peace should not be taken for granted,” he said.

Aga Syed Hasan said that Pakistan has always been ready for the talks but with the Kashmir issue on the table.

“Kashmir as a nation condemns the Indian violation of cease fire on Line of Control (LoC) and it might be heading towards warfare situation if India would keep on provoking the situation,” he said adding, “Indian claims of surgical strikes at LoC is a malicious attempt to divert world community’s attention from her atrocities in Kashmir.”

Anjuman-e-Shar-i-Shian condemned the continuous house detention of Aga Syed Hasan and said that he was stopped from leading the mandatory Friday congregational prayers for the consecutive 12th week today.

Meanwhile, a pro-freedom protest march was held by people that culminated peacefully at District Court Complex Budgam.

The participants while seeking resolution to Kashmir problem reiterated that the people will continue to fight till the issue is not resolved.  (CNS)



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#Day84: Vaid visits Kupwara, Handwara; Takes Stock of Law & Order Situation

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

dr-s-p-vaid-in-kupwara-on-sep-30-2016

Stressing the need for close coordination among all security forces and agencies to maintain peace and order in the State, Special DG Coordination/ Law & Order, Dr S P Vaid said that “peace is imperative for eradicating miseries and problems of general public and social evils from society”.

Chairing meetings of Police, CFPF, Army and Civil officers at Kupwara and Handwara, Dr Vaid deliberated on various important issues relating to law and order situation in North Kashmir districts, an official spokesperson said Friday evening.

The meetings were attended by Special DG CRPF, S N Srivastav; GOC 28th Division, Maj Gen Harrinder Singh; IG (Ops) CRPF, Zulfikar Hassan and DIG NKR Baramulla, Uttam Chand.

Officers representing various security agencies briefed the meetings about the measures taken on different fronts to safeguard public properties and maintain internal order.

Addressing the meetings, Dr Vaid expressed satisfaction with regard to security management, despite continuing challenges on many fronts.

He stressed for achieving high level of convergence and observed that joint efforts of the security agencies would result in curbing the inimical elements and enable conducive atmosphere.

While reviewing law and order situation in the border areas and analysing issues relating to attempts of trouble makers to disturb day-to-day activities of the people, Dr Vaid called upon the officers for continued close coordination and ensure timely measures for the security of civil population in the districts.

He stressed the vital importance of restraint, while dealing with the situation and emphasised on use of minimum force.

Dr Vaid also interacted with the senior citizens at Kupwara and emphasised for police-public cooperation to keep peace and order maintained in the districts.

He listened to the problems of the people and gave on the spot instructions to redress their grievances.

The meetings were also attended by DC Kupwara, Rajiv Ranjan, SSP Kupwara, Shamsher Hussain, SP Sopore, Harmeet Singh, SP Handwara, Ghulam Jeelani Wani and other officers.



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#Day84: JHC Constituted To Look Into ‘Misplacing’ of Toshkhana Items

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Chairman, J&K Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali constituted a Joint House Committee (JHC) to inquire into the misplacing of items from Toshkhana, Jammu.

The Joint House Committee will be headed by MLC Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo. The members of the Committee include legislators Rani Gargi Blowria, G N Monga, Surinder Kumar Chowdhary, Vikramaditya, Sofi Yousuf, S Charanjeet Singh, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Rajesh Gupta, Choudhary Qamar Hussain, Kamal Verma and Pawan Kumar Gupta, an official spokesperson said Friday evening.

The Committee will submit its report before the next session of the legislature.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the Chairman constituted a Joint House Committee after the Member Rani Gargi Blowria not satisfied with the reply furnished by the Government in the House with regard to fire incidents occurred in Mubarak Mandi Historical Complex, Jammu and the reasons of demolishing the park and historical Chabutra there.

The members pressed for constitution of House Committee to enquire into the misplacing of the items from Toshkhana and Minister for Technical Education on behalf of Minister concerned agreed to constitute a Joint House Committee in this regard.



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#Day84: Mysterious Disappearance of Imam Sparks Protest In Kulgam

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

The mysterious disappearance of an Imam sparked protest in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday.

An Imam whom locals identified as Shakoor Ahmed Dar, son of Muhammad Munawar of Soput Tangapora village of Kulgam district according to them is “missing” since September 23, 2016.

“Imam Shakoor Ahmed who is Hafiz as well left his house on 23 September to look after his apple orchard. Since then his whereabouts are unknown and all attempts to trace him has failed,” family members told news agency CNS.

The locals staged protest and demanded his whereabouts. The locals lodged a missing report in Police Station while officials their assured them that every possible thing will be done to trace him.

“According to his family he is missing from past week, but they lodged the missing report only today. We will use all our resources to trace the missing Imam,” said a police official.



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#Day84: Since July 09, 68 Illegal Structures Demolished In & Around Dal, 115 FIRs Registered

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

demolition-drive-in-gulmarg

Taking “undue advantage” of prevailing situation, the “miscreants” are leaving no stone unturned to construct illegal structures and encroach portions of Dal Lake.

Unabated construction of illegal structures is “going and miscreants” are also encroaching portions of Dal Lake, said eye witnesses.

The unlawful activities in and around this world famous water body has pained all and one, who said that authorities must take cognizance of matter and put all possible efforts to stop it.

“Illegal structures are coming up at Saida Kadal, Nishat, Shalimar, Hazratbal, Dalgate and its adjacent areas. The illegal structures are also coming up in the interiors of Dal,” said eye witnesses.

They added that at Saida Kadal some influential persons are also using political pressure on concerned authorities to not take any action under law against them.

lawda-demolition-in-sgr-on-sep-27-2016

“At Saida Kadal, some illegal structures, both residential and commercial are coming up. Authorities are under pressure to not take any action against them. The violators are using political pressure on officials,” said locals.

The added that construction material to those places is ferried in trucks and load carriers during night.

“Most of the constructions are undertaken during night. The illegal structures don’t only come up on private property, but the vested interests are encroaching portions of Dal Lake. When the locals resist the moves of encroachers, they threaten them,” they said.

In interior localities of Dal Lake, some miscreants have start filling up the portion of lake to encroach it.

“They do it to add that portion to their plots. It is very unfortunate that at time when entire Kashmir is burning, these miscreants are damaging our heritage,” said locals.

LAWDA demolition

Meanwhile, unchecked growth of weeds and Azolla in Dal Lake is taking heavy toll on its ecosystem and diminished its beauty.

The portions of Dal Lake at Hazratbal, Nishat, Dalgate, Saida Kadal, Rainawari and its adjacent areas present an ugly look due to presence of weeds.

“De-weeding has not been carried in this portion of Dal since long. In case, de-weeding is delayed more, it will have adverse effect on the eco-system of this water body,” said locals.

“It is disappointing to see world famous Dal Lake filled with weeds these days. State government must take measures on priority to maintain natural beauty of this lake,” they added.

LAWDA Demolition

The presence of Azolla on the surface of water has defaced the lake.

“Authorities must take necessary measures to lift the Azolla. It defaces the beauty of lake,” said Numan, a local.

“During prevailing the situation, we have filed 115 FIRs against violators and demolished 68 structures,” a senior official of LAWDA told KNS.

He added that de-weeding is also taking place. “However, the manual de-weeding was affected as labourers who carry it are unable to reach at sites,” he added.

He said that large portion of Dal has been cleaned and the process to clear entire water body is going on.



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#Day84: DPS To Conduct Examination In Indoor Stadium

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A KL file Image showing a game being played inside Indoor Stadium Srinagar.

A KL file Image showing a game being played inside Indoor Stadium Srinagar.

Delhi Public School’s decision to hold examination for Class 9th and 10th in Indoor Stadium from October 1st has irked parents who are concerned about the safety and security of their children.

They urged the school management to defer these term exams.

A group of parents told news agency CNS that Delhi Public School management has issued date sheet for term examination for class 9th and 10th and the exams will commence from October 1st.

“The irony is that the venue for these exams is the ‘military garrison’ Indoor Stadium,” they said adding that the students have been directed to come in casuals and not in uniform.

“If the school goes ahead with the exams, this will put our children at risk. We urge the school management to defer the term exams and hold it after some time in the school,” the parents said.

An official from Delhi Public School said that it is a four day affair only and the exams will be conducted from 7 to 10 in the morning “so parents should not worry about the safety and security of their children”.



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#Day84: Police, CRPF Party Attacked In Kulgam

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Suspected militants attacked a joint patrolling party o police and para-military CRPF in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday evening.

Reports said that the militants fired upon joint patrolling party of Police and CRPF in Behi-Bagh area of Kulgam district.

“We heard indiscriminate firing,” a local resident of the area said.

Reports said that no one was injured in the action. “Forces had laid cordon in the area,” an official said. “Reinforcements were rushed to the area following the attack.”



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#Day84: Clashes Erupt In Rainawari, Five Civilians Injured

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Police and CRPF men clashed with dozens of protesting youths in Jogi Lanker area in Rainawari Srinagar on Friday.

Reports said that the police and CRPF men resorted to teargas shelling following protests by locals. “The infuriated forces entered into the houses and ransacked the valuables in the Jogi Lanker area,” they said.

The reports said that policemen entered one of the homes and harassed and beat up the inmates there.

“After the incident, men and women took to streets and shouted slogans against police and CRPF men,” the reports added.

“They entered into the homes and also injured a woman when she was sitting in her room,” locals alleged.

Local sources said that at least five civilians were injured when they were hit by pellets. One of the injured was shifted to Rainawari hospital and others were treated locally.

Reports added that the clashes spread to Kralyar and Mughal Mohalla in Rainawari area and they are going on at this time.



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Over 26,000 Border Residents Migrate to Safety in JK

KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR

File Photo of LoC

File Photo of LoC

Over 26,000 residents of border villages in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts Friday migrated to safer places as the authorities declared areas close to the international border “out of bounds for all civilian movement”.

Media reports quoting officials of the JK government said villagers living close to the borders in these districts of the Jammu region were migrating from their homes to safer places away from the range of Pakistani shelling since Thursday night.

Pakistan stepped up firing across the LoC and the international border on Thursday night in what is seen as retaliation after Indian claimed that it carried attacks in Pakistani territory.

“Over 26,000 residents of border villages in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts have migrated from their homes till Friday morning,” reports quoted provincial administration officials.

“These families have been lodged in temporary accommodations including school buildings, community halls and religious places,” an official said.

“Some of these families having relatives living at places away from the border have shifted in with them,” he said.

Educational institutions in these areas also remained closed on Friday as a precautionary measure.

Critical care ambulances, disaster rescue and relief teams of the Jammu and Kashmir government have also been placed on high alert and deployed in the border areas in the Jammu region.



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#Day84: Who Is Parvez Ahmad, The New J&K Bank Chairman

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Parvez Ahmad

Parvez Ahmad

On Friday, Reserve Bank of India, approved that Parvez Ahmad is new J&K Bank Ltd. J&K Government had recently cleared his name from a panel of three members which was forwarded to RBI for mandatory approval.

Parvez Ahmad, the incumbent Executive President of J&K Bank, will be first in-service and second in-house Chairman and CEO of the bank. Incumbent Chairman and CEO, Mushtaq Ahmad, will demit the top office on October 05. He was serving his second term as J&K Bank CEO.

Here is a brief profile of the new chairman who assumes charge of the J&K Bank, the only listed company of state, on October 06, 2016.

Parvez Ahmad is the senior most Executive President of J&K Bank with 18 years of experience in banking and Financial Services.

He has held various senior important positions in the bank as a part of Corporate Management team. He has gained expertise in areas which inter alia include Corporate and Retail Credit, Treasury Operations, Bancassurance, Corporate and Legal Affairs, Finance and Taxation, Corporate Governance, Investor relations, Business Administration, Merchant banking, Financial services, Business Support, Credit Card, Corporate Communication, Supervision and Control, CSR initiatives and Social Banking.

Parvez Ahmed, BSc, ACS, is a Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

ICSI, a premier statutory body created under the Act of Parliament for developing and regulating the profession of Company Secretaries, who are considered to be corporate governance professionals on issue which is of prime relevance in today’s economy.

Parvez Ahmad joined the J&K Bank in the year 1998 as a first qualified Company Secretary during its maiden public issue and is credited with successfully managing the same.

The IPO received an overwhelming response across the country despite difficult market conditions prevailing at that time. Consequently, bank became first listed company of J&K State on both BSE & NSE.

The said public issue besides up surging the financial strength of the Bank, has changed its ownership structure and increased its visibility which enjoined upon the management to conduct its business in line with the best industrial standards.

This initiative also integrated the people of J&K State with capital market of the country besides creating awareness about capital market products resulting in wealth creation opportunities for the people of the state.

He has also steered the Merchant Banking business of the Bank and established Depository, Stock Broking, Debenture Trustee and Bankers to issue services for the bank. The Board of the bank has appreciated the successful implementation of Depository services which enabled the shareholders in J&K State to held their shares in electronic form (DEMAT) and deal in a transparent way through an institutional mechanism.

He has also been instrumental in incorporating a subsidiary for the Bank- JKB Financial Services Limited for business relating to Para banking products.

Parvez has been instrumental in bringing FII’s Investment in the Bank which at one point of time touched to 34.92% and prominent FII’s who invested in the Bank include Aberdeen, Wellington Management Company, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, Fidelity, Credit Suisse etc.

He is objectively managing the Investor Relations Department since 1998 and has regularly interacted with prominent FII’s through Road Shows, Conference Calls and Meetings across the globe. He has also managed successfully Redeemable Bonds Issue (subordinate Debt for Tier-II Capital) of the Bank.

Parvez Ahmad of J&K Bank inaugurating a computer lab that the bank donated to a junior college in south Kashmir.

Parvez Ahmad inaugurating a computer lab that the J&K Bank donated to a junior college in South Kashmir. (A KL file Image)

He has also brought professionalism in Board functioning by bringing qualitative improvement in the overall functioning of Board Secretariat and in the presentation of Agenda/Minutes of the Board/Committee Meetings. As Compliance Officer from bank, he ensured compliance of various statutes viz Companies Act, 1956 and Rules framed thereunder, Banking Regulation Act, 1949, RBI, Stock Exchanges guidelines- pursuant to Listing Agreement, SEBI, NSDL and CDSL guidelines as part of complying with good governance norms, which have been well appreciated by the Board of Directors and reflected in Investors perception.

Parvez had an opportunity to work with eminent members on the Board of the Bank which include M S Verma, G P Gupta, Vipin Malik, Late Professor A M Khusro, and Naseer Munje, to name a few.

He has also worked closely with all the Chairmen of the Bank since 1998- M Y Khan, Dr Haseeb A Drabu and Mushtaq Ahmad and has been associated with various projects.

Parvez Ahmad has been Project Coordinator for various strategic Projects of the Bank and implementation there of viz;

  1. a) Price Waterhouse Coopers – Business Planning, organizational restructuring, Financial and capital restructuring and Asset liability management
  2. b) KPMG- US GAAP
  3. c) Ernst & Young- Accounting Manual for Bank
  4. d) Dr Sanjiv Aggarwal- Audit Manual for Bank
  5. e) Ray & Keshavan – Logo redesigning of Bank
  6. f) Momentum Strategy Consultants Private limited- J&K Bank Corporate Brand Strategy Project

He has enriched the contents of Bank’s Annual Report on Corporate Governance by providing various voluntary information/meeting disclosures to stake holders over and above statutory requirements which were well acclaimed by investors and other institutions.

Further, he soon initiated to streamline the Taxation Department of the Bank by imparting Skill Advancement Trainings for employees across all levels.

Parvez Ahmad has also a rich exposure of operational level Banking as he has headed the Bank’s largest and sensitive Zone i.e., Kashmir Central of J & K state.

As Zonal Head (Kashmir Central), he  brought significant growth in business and profitability, toned up the administration of the zone, gave impetus to customer services and introduced various new initiatives viz Centralization of ATM Network for Cash Management, Creation of documentation Centre for the Zone to facilitate the preparation and processing of Legal documents relating to Credit Proposals, expeditious roll over to Finacle in all branches, promotional schemes for broadening Debit/Credit Card base etc. across levels for accomplishment of corporate goals.

He has been instrumental in bringing about qualitative improvement in the overall functioning of S&C Division of the Bank. He is also a member on Apex Committee of Bank for ALCO, IRMC and ORMC.

Parvez Ahmad also possesses significant experience and expertise in managing professionally the portfolio of management of JK Grameen Bank as Controller from sponsor Bank.

He is accredited with successfully managing of Apple Finance project which brought qualitative improvement in horticulture sector and helped to rescue growers from exploitative noose of money lenders and empowered them sufficiently in terms of finance and guidance to realize the true potential of the apple industry in J&K state.

Under the project 1.42 Lakh growers were provided Financial Assistance to the extent of Rs 2500 Crores. The said initiative has been well appreciated by Harvard Business School.

He has also successfully managed the centrally sponsored project of PMJDY by accomplishing targets despite difficult conditions caused by devastating floods in the J&K State which covered 4763 villages and 13.31 Lakh accounts were opened.

Parvez Ahmad has attended all Bank Economists Conferences(BANCON) held since 1998 as active participant from Bank involving participation of top executives from Banks and  leading world economists to discuss issues affecting banking.

He has also attended various Global Financial Analyst Conferences as a part of Knowledge Management exercise such as:

  1. a) Bear Stearns/Motilal Oswal India Conference at New York
  2. b) Motilal Oswal Investor Conference 2010 at New York
  3. c) CLSA India Forum Conferences at Singapore
  4. d) CLSA India Forum Conferences at United States
  5. e) Credit Suisse Investors Meet at Hong Kong
  6. f) Global Investor Conference at New York
  7. g) Deutsche Equities India- Investor Meet at Hong Kong
  8. h) Deutsche Equities India- Investor Meet at Singapore

Parvez Ahmad is serving as a Director on the Board of JKB Financial Services Limited. He has also served as Director on Board of MetLife Insurance India for two years and received appreciation for valuable contribution from Chairman of the Board (copy enclosed).

He has also served in honorary capacity for 8 years as Chairman of the Srinagar Satellite Chapter of NIRC of Institute of Companies Secretaries of India.



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#Day84: ‘Geelani Isolated from His People,’ says Hurriyat, Asks ‘People To Be Sincere’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani

Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani

Criticizing and condemning the “unethical and undemocratic” actions, especially cordoning off the office-cum-residence of Hurriyat Conference chairperson Syed Ali Geelani, ransacking and destroying fruits in orchards, burning of heaps of paddy and widespread arrests, All Parties Hurriyat Conference on Friday said that the balloon of ‘battle of Ideas’ by “puppet government” has been punctured since long.

“Escalating to the higher podium of power on the eyewash of stooges like ‘healing touch’, present government has stooped down further in besieging the people especially leaders, molesting their own rhetoric of so-called democracy,” APHC said in a statement issued this afternoon.

The Hurriyat Conference said, “Geelani sahab has been confined in the four walls of his house since 2010 and all his social and political activities have been curbed and he has not been allowed to participate in the functions of any of his family members especially marriage ceremony of his four grandchildren recently and even on Fridays and Eid occasion he is not allowed to offer prayers.”

“Hyderpora residence (of Syed Ali Geelani) has already been converted into a sub-jail, but since 21 September 2016, the cordon and restrictions have been reinforced by deploying a contingent of CRPF in a mobile bunker fitted with an automatic snipers and cameras, which keeps the record of everybody coming and visiting him,” the APHC said.

“By snapping the communication, not permitting any visitors, even the family members and their kids have to ask higher authorities to go inside their own house, round the clock vigil by armed police and CRPF has created a fearful and terrifying environment,” the Hurriyat Conference said.

It further said, “whole nation is on protest for the last 3 months, with 8500 people already arrested and 500 slapped with PSA and shifted outside (Kashmir). Killings and oppression is seen everywhere and any sign of amelioration are far from the sight. In this grim and gloomy situation, isolating Geelani Sahab from its people is a well-thought design by the imperialistic, cunning and dodgy mind set.”

The Hurriyat Conference said, “these cowardice actions have not yielded anything in the past and will not do any better today as well, and they can never be able to suppress the zeal and fervour of freedom from masses.”

Police van stationed outside residence of Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani on Friday. He is under house detention since he returned from New Delhi.

Police van stationed outside residence of Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani on Friday. He is under house detention since he returned from New Delhi.

Geelani led Hurriyat Conference appealed to people that in view of the gag on the communication and sealing of the office/residence, “it is very hard for us to get to anybody”.

“Therefore people should continue the struggle with courage, steadfastness, unity and sincerity. The oppressor has left us with no choice but to fight for our basic rights that too by harming only ourselves, as its military might, aggression and arrogance with the shameless, wicked and disgusting shield by the local perpetrators and culprits have camouflaged themselves as the statues with no emotions left in them,” the Hurriyat Conference maintained.

“Geelani sahab is aware of the hardships people are facing as we have everything at stake, especially future of our next generation and we need to stay united and by commitment and determination we have to safeguard our sacrifices and those defying and weakening our resolve are willing or unwillingly helping our killers. Armed occupying forces are gate crashing the residences, destroying everything coming their way, burning the paddy fields and snatching away the fruit from growers. These are yet another ‘blessings’ from disciplined army of a country where we are ‘secure and protected’ than any other place,” it said.

“This reminds of a historical act of revenge from the Italian army when they razed to ground the stores of food grains of Libyan people in their freedom struggle in 1916, as the oppressors share same similarities as their operative mechanics by depriving the people of their food, as they want to starve those to death who escaped their bullets and pallets,” the APHC said. “Puppet CM is all set to glorify her ‘security forces’ for such brave acts, as all the bond-aged and occupied brains think likewise.”



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#Day84: RBI Approves Parvez Ahmad As J&K Bank Chairman & CEO

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Parvez Ahmad

Parvez Ahmad

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Friday approved the appointment of Parvez Ahmad as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the J&K Bank for a period of three years w.e.f. October 6, 2016.

State government received the RBI affirmation in this regard today, a statement issued by J&K Bank said this afternoon.

Parvez Ahmad will be the first in-service and second in-house Chairman and CEO of the bank.

Having rich experience of almost two decades in banking and financial services, Parvez Ahmad is currently the senior most Executive President of the bank. Well-known in the banking circles, he commands respect both within the bank and outside, the statement informed.

Notably, J&K Bank Board of Directors had forwarded a panel of three candidates topped by Parvez Ahmad for chairmanship to the RBI for approval.



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#Day84: Forces Fire Shells, Pellets In Nadihal Injuring Scores of Civilians; Clashes In Hajin

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Father of slain youth Waseem Nazeer Lone leading his son's funeral prayers. (Photos: Mohammad Abu Bakar/KL)

Father of slain youth Waseem Nazeer Lone leading his son’s funeral prayers on September 24, 2016 in Nadihal. (Photo: Mohammad Abu Bakar/KL)

Following the call for joint congregational Friday prayers in Nadihal village, police and CRPF raided the area and fired tear gas canisters and pellets injuring dozens of people.

Reports said that people were readying for the mandatory Friday prayers when forces reached the area and fired pellets and teargas shells to disallow the joint congregational at a school ground in Nadihal around 12:30 pm. today

On September 23, a youth, Waseem Nazir Lone, was shot dead by Rashtriya Rifles men while the slain youth was in his fields. Next day, when he was laid to rest, a Tehreek-e-Hurriyat leader had called for joint congregational Friday prayers in Nadihal today.

“Dozens of people were injured in the forces’ action, with at least two youths being hit by pellets in their eyes,” reports said adding that the duo was rushed the District Hospital Baramulla where from one was referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment.

Locals said that forces damaged residential houses and two electricity transformers by firing bullets on them. “The Friday prayers were held in same ground but there was disturbance,” an eye witness said.

“The injured included two siblings of slain Waseem Nazir,” a resident of Nadihal said.

He said that clashes are still going on in the area.

Meanwhile, slashes erupted between youth and forces in Hajin area of Bandipora district after Friday prayers today.

After congregational prayers were over, people came out of the Jamia Masjid in Hajan Bus stand raising pro-freedom slogans.

“The people tried to march out of the town but police and CRPF men fired shells triggering clashes,” report said.



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#Day84: Police say, ‘Islamabad’s Sara Begum was A Known Heart Patient’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Aadhaar Card of deceased Sara Begum

Aadhaar Card of deceased Sara Begum

Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday afternoon issued a statement reading the death of a 65-year-old lady in Islamabad’s Chee Village during the intervening night of September 29 and 30.

The statement – Rebuttal – is being reproduced verbatim for larger public interest

Apropos to the news item circulated by some news agencies and newspaper portals under the  heading woman suffers cardiac arrest during forces raid in Islamabad.

District police administration Islamabad has clarified that Mst Sara Begum, wife of Ghulam Hassan Teli, resident of Chee was a known heart patient and died of heart attack last night.

Some people are trying to mislead by alleging that she died because of banging of  door of her house by security  forces  is far from the truth.

The allegation is totally baseless and is therefore rebutted.

Meanwhile, the police said that a man was injured in a road in Lalpora area of Kupwara District.

A motorcycle bearing registration number JK09/2344 hit and injured a pedestrian identified as Sajad Lateef, resident of Darpora near Darpora Lalpora Kupwara.

The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment.



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#Day84: Rajnath Reviews Security; Security Forces Out on High Alert

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the security situation, particularly along the border with Pakistan in states like Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, and directed central security organisations to be on high alert.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and top officials of security and intelligence agencies attended the review meeting in New Delhi.

During the hour-long meeting, Doval and others briefed the Home Minister about the situation along the border and steps taken to foil any Pakistani design.

“The Border Security Force (BSF) and other central police organisations functioning under the Home Ministry have been put on high alert along the India-Pakistan border,” an official source later said.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) top brass have been asked to intensify security at all industrial units, airports and other locations wherever they are deployed, the source said.

All BSF units deployed along the international border in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat have been directed to step up vigil.

The BSF has been ordered to increase the number of personnel deployed at sensitive posts, the sources said.

Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh held separate meetings with the chiefs of important central security forces, including National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and CISF.

According to an official source here, these were routine meetings but were significant in the wake of the army’s surgical strikes across the LoC.

Rajnath Singh met CISF Director General O P Singh, NDRF Director General R K Pachnanda and NSG chief Sudhir Pratap Singh and discussed the general preparedness, sources said.



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#Day84: DAK Donates ‘Costly’ Drugs worth Rs 15 Lakh To Injured At SKIMS, SMHS Hospitals

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

DAK

Feeling the need to supplement the resources of the hospitals especially with respect in arranging costly medical supplies for the injured civilians during the current uprising, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has been able to raise an amount of Rs 16.7 Lakh from donations received from doctor fraternity and other valued donors in and out of Jammu and Kashmir.

“After going through an assessment as to the real needs of our hospitals with the onset of crisis a list of costly drugs was prepared in which it was felt that various costly medications and surgical devices which required expenditure on part of the injured need to be addressed as in most cases they were financially draining the already agonized families of the injured,” DAK said in a statement on Friday afternoon.

“To fill this gap,” the DAK said, “the association has been able to augment medications and devices to the tune of Rs 15 lakh to SMHS and SKIMS hospitals.”

“Financial assistance to injured patients was also done,” the statement added.

President, Doctors Association Kashmir, Dr G M Mir expressed his gratitude to all the members of the association and donors who have contributed to this effort.

He also appreciated the efforts of all medical staff who have been working with dedication since the onset of crisis against all odds in serving the community and stressed to continue with same zeal.

The DAK members who coordinated the donations from its members and other people and later donated medicine to injured civilians at SKIMS and SMHS Hospitals.

The DAK members who coordinated the donations from its members and other people and later donated medicine to injured civilians at SKIMS and SMHS Hospitals.

Dr Mir Mushtaq, Spokesperson of the DAK, hailed the positive approach of Hospital Administrators in coordinating with Doctors Association Kashmir so that “the objectives of the collection were achieved”.

He has assured that DAK will always be at the forefront in reaching out to serve the community, the statement said. “The DAK is in the process of auditing the expenditures and the details will be made public soon.”



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#Day84: Protests In Hyderpora, Barzulla, Sopore; People Hold Funeral for Slain Pak Soldiers

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

People hold funeral prayers in absentia for slain Pakistan soldiers in Barzulla on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

People hold funeral prayers in absentia for slain Pakistan soldiers in Barzulla on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Following the resistance leadership program, hundreds of people held freedom rallies in Hyderpora and Barzulla areas of Srinagar on Friday after the mandatory congregational prayers.

Reports reaching here said that as soon as congregational Friday prayers, people came out on Srinagar Airport road and held freedom protests.

“We tried to march towards Lal Chowk but hundreds of cops foiled our march,” a participant said.

He added that people held protests before men in uniform fired shells to disperse off the people. However, there are no reports of any injury.

People held pro-freedom protests in Hyderpora on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Mehraj Bhat)

People held pro-freedom protests in Hyderpora on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Mehraj Bhat)

In adjoining Pirbagh area, scores of people came out on Airport road raising pro-freedom and pro-Pakistan slogans. They later dispersed off peacefully.

In Barzulla area, reports said that hundreds of people held pro-freedom protests after Friday prayers. However, there was not any stone pelting incident today.

“Funeral prayers in absentia were also held for slain Pakistan soldiers in a local ground,” an eye witness said.

Pakistan on Thursday said that two of its army rangers were killed in cross Line of Control (LoC) firing, however, Delhi said that its soldiers carried out “surgical strikes along LoC killing suspected militants”.

Pro-freedom protests erupted in Barzulla soon after congregational Friday prayers ended on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Pro-freedom protests erupted in Barzulla soon after congregational Friday prayers ended on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

On Thursday evening, hundreds of people held Namaz-i-Jinazah for the slain Pakistan soldiers before forces fired tear gas shells to disperse them off.

In Hazratbal, reports said that police tried to stop media personnel from covering Friday congregational prayers in the Dargah. However, the photo-journalists entered the Dargah premises after some top cops asked men in uniform to not stop them.

“The number of people offering Friday prayers in Dargah was less,” an eye witness said, “however, women raised pro-freedom slogans after the Namaz.”

Reports coming from North Kashmir’s Sopore said that people held pro-freedom protests at Jamia Masjid Sopore, New Colony, Warpora, Botengo and other adjoining areas of Sopore town.

Meanwhile, clashes broke out between forces and protestors at main Chowk Sopore.



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#Day84: ‘Shias & Sunnis’ Hold Unity-Cum-Freedom Rally In Old Srinagar

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Kashmir is witnessing a mass uprising since July 09 2016. Curfew was imposed in several area of Srinagar on Sep 30, 2016. CRPF men stand alert in Downtown in view of Lal Chowk 'Chalo' call by pro-freedom leaders. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Kashmir is witnessing a mass uprising since July 09 2016. Curfew was imposed in several area of Srinagar on Sep 30, 2016. CRPF men stand alert in Downtown in view of Lal Chowk ‘Chalo’ call by pro-freedom leaders. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Muslims in summer capital on Friday are holding a unity-cum-freedom rally.

Reports said that hundreds of members of Sunnis and Shias marched through interiors of Zadibal in Old Srinagar.

Hurriyat Conference (m) leader Masroor Abbas Ansari is leading the rally while many other respected personalities of both the sects are expected to address it.

Reports said that the rally started soon after congregational Friday prayers ended in Zadibal and adjoining areas.

“The rally hold significance in view of the current uprising,” a participant of the rally said. “Many such rallies were held in last 84 days.”

The rally started from Sazgari Pora while as Masroor Abbas is addressing it this time at Baba Mazaar, reports informed.

Notably, government disallowed mandatory congregational Friday prayers in historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar today for twelfth consecutive Friday today as curfew has been imposed in several areas of the summer capital in view of the Lal Chowk ‘Chalo’ call by the resistance leadership.



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#Day84: Uri, IWT, and Now ‘Surgical Strikes’ Attempts To Divert Attention from Kashmir, says Lodhi

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Ambassador Dr Maleeha Lodhi

Ambassador Dr Maleeha Lodhi

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi on Friday said that Pakistan was exercising restraint but if India continues the “provocations” that it has been engaged in then the country was ready to respond with “all the capabilities in its command”.

Maleeha Lodhi met with New Zealand’s UN Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen on Thursday, who is president of the 15-member Security Council for September.

The envoy asked the president of the United Nations Security Council to informally brief the body on the country’s escalating tension with neighbouring India and said she will discuss it with UN chief Ban Ki-moon.

“I brought to his attention the dangerous situation that is building up in our region as a result of Indian provocation,” Lodhi said. “Our call to the international community is avert a crisis before there is one.”

“In the early hours of Thursday, what we saw was cross-border shelling, mortar fire as well as small arms fire. We have captured an Indian soldier who was trying to cross, and two of our soldiers have been killed and martyred in this kind of cross-border shelling. But there was no surgical strike inside territory controlled by Pakistan, Maleeha categorically stated.

Dr Maleeha Lodhi in an interview to an Arab TV said, “India was trying to provoke crisis with Pakistan in an attempt to divert attention from the Kashmir issue.”

“Indian forces have killed more than 100 Kashmiris while over 150 lost their eye sight due to use of pellet guns by the Indian army,” she said.

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) threat and boycott of SAARC is all “aimed at deflecting attention from India’s grave violation of human rights in the Held Kashmir”, Maleeha Lodhi said.

“We think India’s action is hugely irresponsible and we think the international community should urge restraint upon India. Pakistan is showing maximum restraint but there are limits to our restraint if India continues with provocations,” Lodhi said. “Right now our effort is just to tell everyone this is what’s happened so far, watch this space because it is a very dangerous space.”



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#Day84: ‘War Hysteria Desperate Attempt To Divert Attention Kashmir Uprising,’ says Rashid

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Er Rashid was arrested on Sep 26, 2016 as he demanded implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions in Kashmir during a protest demonstration.

Er Rashid was arrested on Sep 26, 2016 as he demanded implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions in Kashmir during a protest demonstration.

Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) President and MLA Langate Er Rashid Friday while reacting to “Indian claims” having carrying out “surgical strikes” in “Azad” Kashmir said that all being said and done is a “desperate attempt to divert attention from the mass uprising in J&K”.

“Whether India and Pakistan indulge into a war makes very little difference to Kashmiris, as we have been the worst victims of state oppression in every nook and corner of state. There is a war every day in each locality of Kashmir and the only difference is that atrocities on Kashmiris go unheard and loss to lives and property in Kashmir gets buried under the cover of India’s nationalism,” the MLA Langate said, “however, despite media gag and shameful propaganda India couldn’t stop people from discussing Kashmir from New York to Geneva and OIC to China.”

He said, “the information whatsoever reached world community has shaken the conscience of right thinking people and human rights organizations and India has been rendered without an answer. The only purpose to create war hysteria is to divert attention from huge embarrassments India is facing in Kashmir.”

The firebrand lawmaker said, “In fact, India has lost its control on J&K and its presence is visible only in form of lakhs of armed soldiers in every nook and corner of state. The threats and deadlines given by Rajnath Singh and others for restoration of normalcy had no takers and as a last option to ease out pressure over Kashmir form world community, India diverted attention towards borders. However, Indian policy makers need to understand that confrontation and hostility will take them nowhere and sooner they agree to holding plebiscite in J&K better it would be in their own interests.”

Rashid condemned Congress for its dubious character and said that while from Sonia Gandhi to Ghulam Nabi Azad, everyone appreciated army for the alleged covert operation and assured Narendra Modi of full support but their state chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir said in Srinagar that “war is no solution and we don’t support it”.

“Similarly in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti appealed for restrain but her spokesman in Jammu not only praised army but also showered his blessings on Narendra Modi for the alleged strikes,” Rashid observed.

“The Indian politicians cutting across party lines and ideologies got exposed as each of them praised Narendra Modi in one tune. Those including Assad-din-Owaisi, Nitish Kumar, Sitaram Yechuri, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal and others didn’t waste even a second to say welcome to alleged strikes, thus proving that talking sense and saner on casual occasions doesn’t make these so called secular and tolerant soft spoken politicians, pro-peace and they are worst than Narendra Modi when it comes to Pakistan and Kashmir,” he added.

Rashid appealed all political forces of Kashmir to understand the gravity of issues and formulate a joint strategy to “stop India from making J&K an experimental laboratory for its political battle fields”.



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#Day84: Forces Raid Rally In Sopore, Fire Shells, Disallow Friday Prayers In Open

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Hundreds of people were attending a locally called pro-freedom rally in North Kashmir’s Sopore area.

Reports and eye witnesses said that a local unit of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat had called for Seer Jageer ‘Chalo’ today.

“Hundreds of people had reached and others were on way to the rally venue,” reports said. The venue of the freedom rally was a public ground in Seer Jageer where tents had been installed and public addressing (PA) systems set up.

“People marched from Amargah, By-pass, Seer, Delina, Darpora, Sangrama and other adjoining areas towards the venue,” the local reports said.

“However, police and CRPF men raided the venue around 2 PM and fired tear gas shells dispersing off the people,” reports added. “They brought down tents and took away the PA System and forcing faithful to offer prayers inside Masjids.”

Reports suggest that at least three civilians were injured in the tear gas shelling by forces. “Protest erupted in the area following the raid,” reports added.



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#Day84: UNMOGIP Collecting Details of Ceasefire Violations, says UN

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A view of UNO Office Srinagar on wednesday 17 August 2016. Separatists have called for a 72 hour march to United Nations Office in srinagar PHOTO BY BILAL BAHADUR

A view of UNO Office Srinagar on Wednesday 17 August 2016. Resistance leadership had called for a 72-hour march to United Nations Office in Srinagar. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Concerned over the tensions across the LoC, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s top aide has asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully.

In the wake of the surgical strikes conducted by India targeting seven terror launch pads across the LoC, Ban’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN is “obviously following this situation with great concern” relating to the increase of tensions across the Line of Control.

“The UN Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan, UNMOGIP, is aware of the ceasefire violations and right now is liaising with the concerned authorities to obtain further information,” he told reporters on Thursday.

He said the United Nations calls on the governments of India and Pakistan to “exercise restraint and encourages them to continue their effort to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue”.

When asked about the SAARC summit, which was slated to be held in Islamabad in November, Dujarric said he “had not seen the reports of the cancellation of the SAARC summit”.

India has said it will not participate in the summit citing the continuous “cross-border terrorism” by Pakistan.

After India’s announcement, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan too decided not to participate in the summit, citing “incitement of terror” in the region.

The UN has long maintained an institutional presence in the contested area between India and Pakistan.

According to the Security Council mandate given in resolution 307 of 1971, the UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the LoC and the working boundary between the two neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.

Internationalizing the Kashmir issue, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif raised the matter in 71st session of the UN General Assembly and almost every world leader he held bilateral talks with on the side lines of the UNGA session.



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#Day84: Pakistan Chief Justice To Skip Global Conference In Delhi

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali

Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali

The tensions between nuclear armed neighbours, Indian and Pakistan in South Asia, seem to be escalating day after day.

In the latest case, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, has refused to fly to Delhi to attend a global conference which India is hosting from Oct 21-23.

The step by a top Pakistan official comes after Delhi said it carried out “surgical strikes along Line of Control” in Pakistan administered Kashmir.

The CJP was invited by Chief Justice of India to attend the conference on a national initiative towards strengthening arbitration and enforcement in India. No official statement or reason behind the refusal was given, however.

The Indian High Commissioner, Gautam Bambawale had personally extended the invitation to Justice Jamali.

Tow Pakistan army rangers died in LoC exchange of firing while an Indian soldier was captured by the Pakistan Army. Pakistan media also claimed that at least fourteen Indian soldiers were killed in the episode of firing across.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been simmering since popular militant commander Burhan Wani was killed on July 08, 2016 which triggered a massive public uprising in which at least 90 civilians were killed and other 14500 were injured in forces action.

India also pulled out of the Pakistan-hosted 19th Saarc summit scheduled to be held in November. Following suit, several members of Saarc, including Bangladesh and Bhutan, pulled out of the summit leading to its postponement.



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#Day84: Mandatory Friday Prayers In Historic Jamia Masjid Sgr Disallowed Once Again

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Jamia Masjid Srinagar closed for 12 consecutive Fridays in 2016 on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Jamia Masjid Srinagar closed for 12 consecutive Fridays in 2016 on Sep 30, 2016. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

There seems no end to “official” ban on mandatory Friday congregational prayers in historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

On twelfth consecutive Friday, government clamped down on Nowhatta areas disallowing faithful to offer the mandatory congregational prayers in the historic Masjid.

It was on July 08, 2016 – the day popular Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in Bemdoora Islamabad – that last congregational prayers were offered in the Masjid.

On Thursday after Pakistan said that two of its army Rangers were killed on Line of Control in firing by soldiers on this side, hundreds of people gathered in the premises of the Masjid and offered funeral in absentia for the slain duo. Later, forces deployed outside fired tear gas canisters to disperse the people who raised pro-freedom and pro-Pakistan slogans.

“There is curfew in the area,” a resident of Nowhatta area said, “CRF and police men are deployed in huge numbers and we are not being allowed to come out of our homes.”

Kashmir is witnessing public uprising triggered by the death of Burhan and at least 90 civilians were killed and other 14500 were injured in forces actions. Besides Jamia Masjid Srinagar, government disallowed Friday congregational prayers in major Masjids across Kashmir in last two 84 days.

“We offer congregational prayers in smaller Masjids now,” a local of Nowhatta said.

Incarcerated Hurriyat Conference (m) chief leads congregational Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid. He is under arrest since July 08, 2016 evening – the day Muslims were celebrating third Eid-ul-Fitr in Kashmir and world over.

Governments in Kashmir have been closing Jamia Masjid Srinagar off and on whenever public uprisings are triggered in Kashmir. Be it 2008 or 2010, Jamia Masjid was shut for many consecutive Fridays for the mandatory prayers which Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani and other resistance leadership have termed as “interference in religious affairs”.



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#Day84: ‘65-yr-Old Lady Dies After Forces Raid Islamabad Hamlet’

Aakash Hassan

ISLAMABAD

Aadhaar Card of deceased Sara Begum

Aadhaar Card of deceased Sara Begum

A 55-year-old lady identified as Sara Begum, w/o Gulam Hassan Teli died of heart attack when forces allegedly pelted stones and attacked entrance gates made of iron, in Chee village of South Kashmir’s Islamabad.

“At around 11:15 PM, my eyes opened when we heard some loud bangs around us and it seemed something is being showered on the tin roofs of residential houses all around in the village,” said Gh Hassan Teli, husband of the deceased.

“My wife, Sara Begum, began trembling as we thought war has begun and then our gate and roof was also showered with, what we later found, bricks and stones,” Teli added.

Daughter of Teli, Arshi accompanied her mother to kitchen.

“I took her to kitchen and as I was pouring water into glass someone started beating our gate violently following which my mother collapsed,” Arshi said.

“We rushed her to District hospital Islamabad where doctors declared her brought dead,” she informed.

“This is purely case of heart attack and her pulse was ceased when she was brought here,” said a doctor at Islamabad hospital.

Teli, father of three daughters, one of whom is unmarried, is partially paralysed and terms the action of forces as “new form of terrorism”.

People of the nearby locality said that forces had parked their vehicle one Kilometre away and entered into village by foot.

Deceased Begum was laid to rest this morning.



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Thursday, 29 September 2016

#Day84: Forces Raid Saderkoot Chiselling Workshops, Inflict Damages Worth Lakhs, says Association

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

KL file Image of Athwajan Stone Quarry by Bilal Bahadur

KL file Image of Athwajan Stone Quarry by Bilal Bahadur

With unionist politicians coming in open against “Operation ransacking”, however, there is no end to this “form of actions”.

Office bearers of Stone Workers Association Saderkoot in Bandipora district said that police and CRPF men raided the village around 12:30 AM during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.

“The men in uniform started damaging Hamams, which were ready to be installed in houses and Masjids,” said Bashir Ahmad Khan, president of Stone Workers Association, Saderkoot.

“People were awoken when forces raided,” Bashir said, “but people could not come out of their homes because of fear.”

He said that at least ten chiselling workshops. “Each workshop had readied at least two Hamams which cost around Rs 3 lakh each,” he said, “forces have inflicted damages worth lakhs of rupees.”

Saderkoot, a rural area, lies on the left side of Srinagar-Bandipora with Harmukh mountains on the right side of the road. The people are essentially associated with chiselling.

In Saderkoot, 13 regiment of Rashtriya Rifles of Indian army has its base. The residents first suspected that the soldiers of the same camp had raided the village and inflicted damages.

“When met some army men including a Subedar, who categorically said that none of their men was involved in the action,” Bashir said. “They told us that it were police and CRPF men who came and carried out the operation ransacking.”

Bashir added that some civilians received minor pellet injuries on Thursday afternoon during some stone pelting incident.



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