Friday, 31 March 2017

Day 4: Chadoora areas shut against civilian killings

Srinagar:

A complete shutdown is being observed in Chadoora area of Budgam district in central part of Kashmir on the fourth consecutive day against the civilian killings in forces’ firing on Tuesday.

Clashes between paramilitary personnel’s and civilian protesters during protest in Rawalpora Srinagar on March 31, 2017, against the killing of three civilians. KL Image by BILAL BAHADUR

Reports said that all shops and business establishments are closed in Chadoora, Wathora and Nagam villages while public transport if off the roads.

Three civilians were killed after forces opened fire to disperse civilian protesters near the site of an encounter in Durbugh village on Tuesday.

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12-year-old boy missing from Srinagar

Srinagar:

A 12-year-old boy from the Illahibagh area of Srinagar is missing since Friday afternoon.

The family of the boy, namely Mohammad Aazam Mir son of Mohammad Saleem Mirtold Kashmir Life, they are unable to find their son since Friday afternoon.

“We searched him all around he could have gone but he was found nowhere,” said a worried relative of missing Aazam. “We have also filed a missing complaint with police but he is still untraceable.”

The family has requested for help in finding Aazam.

The family of Aazam could be contacted on following phone numbers: 9906865941, 7006138334

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Mian Altaf terms PDP as executor of Nagpur agenda in Kashmir

 

Srinagar:

Former National Conference minister and MLA Mian Altaf Ahmed on Friday decried the hypocrisy of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, asking her to explain what for five lakh pellets and 6,000 pellet guns had been brought to Kashmir.

“Is this PDP’s version of ‘Goli Se Nahi Boli Se’?”, Mian Altaf Ahmed asked while addressing several elections meetings in Kangan Assembly segment of Srinagar Parliamentary constituency.

Mian Altaf Ahmad

He said Nagpur was highly elated the day PDP came into being as it found a stooge to carry forward anti-Kashmiri agenda. He said the atrocities committed by the PDP partnered BJP government will remain a worst chapter of Kashmir history.

Mian Altaf Ahmed said the peace heralded in Jammu and Kashmir due to sustained efforts of the National Conference led government has been undone and the development pushed back by the insensitive dispensation. He said the coalition government has failed on all fronts, which is why that state is passing through a nightmarish era.

The former minister exhorted the people to come forward in a big way and vote for Dr Farooq Abdullah, saying this will be support to pro-people forces under the banner of National Conference. “Massive victory of Dr Farooq will be a befitting reply to the agents of Nagpur”, he added.

In Ganderbal Assembly segment, MLA Ashfaq Jabbar described PDP as a blot on Kashmir, saying that the atrocities committed during the past two years are unparalleled. He said the people will never forgive it for betrayal that it committed after exploiting their sentiments.

Jabbar urged the people to give a befitting reply to PDP by defeating both its candidates from Srinagar and Anantnag parliamentary constituencies.

National Conference also stepped up its campaign in Beerwah, Charigham, Magam and Mirgund with its leaders describing the PDP candidate as a chameleon who has been changing his colours as per his convenience and comfort. They said the people are poised to show anti-Kashmiri elements their rightful place in the ensuing elections.

The NC leaders exuded confidence that Dr Farooq Abdullah will register a massive victory in the ensuing polls.

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Vehicles with following registration number series banned: RTO Kashmir

Srinagar:

In compliance to the High Court directons, all commercial vehicles having attained 25 years of age are deemed to be condemned.

According to the Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, the commercial vehicles having registration numbers under the series JKA, JKB, JKC, JKD, KMT, JKT and JK01 (up to registration number JK01-8250) manufactured between 1960 and December 1991 shall not be allowed to ply on roads.

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Sec 144 imposed within 3 km radius from encounter sites in Baramulla

Baramulla:

District Magistrate Baramulla, Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash has imposed Section 144 of CrPC within a radius of 3 Km from any counter insurgency operation site, falling within the jurisdiction of the district.

Representational Picture

In case of any exigency, the local population can seek the assistance from the district administration or police. These restrictions shall not apply to the movement of ambulances, medical staff and government employees. This order shall remain in force for a period of 60 days.

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Stop unleashing brute force on civilians: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday warned New Delhi to desist from exposing innocent people of Kashmir to brute force, saying that the insensitive and anti-Kashmiri PDP-BJP duo has given a free hand to unbridled forces as a result of which young people are falling prey to bullets almost every passing day.

Sharing the concern of various delegations that met him after Friday prayers at Dargah Hazratbal, Dr Abdullah said that Kashmir is passing through most difficult times and this can be overcome only when people will demonstrate unity. He lauded peoples’ resilience in meeting the challenges and braving the brunt of excesses being committed by the coalition dispensation.

(KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Dr Abdullah cautioned the government not to test the patience of people and end the spree of arrests that has created fear and uncertainty across the Valley. He assailed the PDP for playing worse role in perpetrating atrocities and becoming party to hidden agenda of Nagpur for trampling Kashmir’s unique identity. He said emergence of communal forces is a blot on the Indian democracy and the idea of a nation that had been conceived by Mahatma Gandhi and Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Calling for unity among Muslims, the National Conference President referred to the hoisting of communal forces in UP because the Muslims could collectively stand against them. “Now that the most populous state is being governed by communal forces, the fear among the minorities is well understood”, he said, adding that the nightmarish era has begun there,

At Dargah Hazratbal, Dr Farooq Abdullah paid obeisance and prayed for universal peace and amity between Muslim nations. He said that the Muslim world was bleeding due to disunity and cited the examples of blood-shed in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Sudan etc, adding that this is happening because Muslims have never got united.

National Conference President also prayed for friendship between India and Pakistan, saying that good neighbourly relations were imperative for lasting peace in the region.

Referring to the upcoming by-polls, Dr Abdullah said that this is a unique opportunity to the people of Kashmir to demonstrate their anger against the dispensation that came into being after exploiting religious and regional sentiments besides joining hands with communal forces. “The agenda of the PDP is exposed now”, he said and urged the people to come forward in a big way and ensure the success of National Conference and Congress candidates from Srinagar and Anantnag Parliamentary Constituencies.

The deputations also apprised National Conference President about atrocities being committed by the coalition government by leaving them at the mercy of brute forces. He said the day is not far when this era of repression will end. Dastarbandi was also performed on Dr Farooq Abdullah on the occasion.

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Top HM commander arrested in Srinagar

Srinagar: Top Hizb ul Mujahideen commander, Amir Nabi Wagay was on Thursday  arrested from a Srinagar hospital, police sources said.

Amir, son of Ghulam Nabi Wagay, a resident of Goriban Bijbehara was apprehended in a raid by CID sleuths.

Amir, according to sources, was district commander of the outfit for Islamabad district.

A top police official said, “The operation was executed on the basis of planned surveillance on the movement of the militant.”

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Residents of Tral accuse forces of vandalism

Srinagar:

Clashes erupted in Tral township of Pulwama district in southern part of Kashmir on Friday after forces allegedly thrashed civilians and ransacked property.

Reports said that soon after the Friday prayers culminated, groups of youths assembled near court road Tral and staged protests on the call of joint resistance leadership against the recent civilian killings in Chadoora.

Heavy deployment of forces at the encounter site in Tral.

Locals accused the forces personnel of beating up youth and ransacking shops and residential houses without provocation.

However, police officials according to reports denied the charges.

Kashmir Life tried to contact SHO Tral about the issue, however, he didn’t respond to our call.

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Sopore: 4 youth, cop injured in clashes

Srinagar:

Four youth and a policeman were injured on Friday during clashes in Sopore town of Baramulla district in northern part of Kashmir.

Witnesses and reports said that clashes erupted in the town after forces attempted to disperse youth who had assembled soon after Friday prayers near Markazi jamia Masjid Sopore to protest against civilian killings in Chadoora.

They said that forces used teargas shells to disperse the protesters who in turn pelted stones on them.

The joint resistance leadership has called for “peaceful protests” after Friday prayers against the Chadoora civilian killings.

Three civilians were killed in forces’ firing near the site of an encounter in Durbugh village of Chadoora.

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Photojournalist injured while covering clashes on city outskirts

Srinagar:

Abid Bhat, a photojournalist working with Kashmir Observer— a Srinagar based newspaper, was Friday injured while covering clashes near railway track in Rangreth area on the outskirts of Srinagar city.

Local sources and eyewitnesses said that Abid was hit by a protective shield of a policeman who tried to pull the shield to protect himself from being hit by a stone, thrown at forces.  Abid was hit while he was standing behind the policemen to capture the clashes.

Photojournalists accompanying Abid to cover the clashes said that Abid was hit on the eye-brow. He was immediately rushed to City hospital in Hyderpora area of civil lines of Srinagar, they said.

He received six stitches in the injured eyebrow.

Earlier, clashes erupted in Rangreth area after Friday prayers between youth and forces, when people took to streets to protest against Chadoora killings.

Pertinently, Abid’s photo of a young boy being subjected to punishment by making him to do UP-Downs on a Street in Habba Kadal area of Srinagar by forces was widely shared on Internet.

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JKEDI trains 58 youth in Kupwara under ‘Himayat’ self-employment scheme

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) Friday completed training of 58 youth including six women in a training program for self-employment in Kupwara district. The three-week Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) was held under Himayat Self Employment scheme for the unemployed youth of the district.

The candidates who successfully completed the training were certified to start their units in services, manufacturing and agro-allied sectors. The training programs were conducted at Community Facilitation Centre (CFC), Gulgam, Kupwara.

The Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) was conducted under Himayat Self Employment scheme being implemented by the Institute for the educated unemployed youth of the state in the age group of 18-35 years so as to enable them earn their livelihood. The candidates have chosen a varied range of activities. The trained candidates shall be provided financial linkage under Term Loan scheme of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).

EDP (training) is part of the Institute’s ongoing process to reach every nook and corner of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and equip the unemployed youth with life sustainable business skills. The EDP is generally aimed at providing lessons on skill development, performance improvement as well as business cum sector specific and self-development training to the participating youth. The trained aspirants hailed the training curriculum.

 

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Clashes erupt across Kashmir after Friday prayers

Srinagar: Clashes erupted in several parts of Kashmir on Friday.

Reports said that clashes between youth and forces took place in Prichoo and Chaatpora areas of Pulwama town. Locals alleged that forces damaged dozens of vehicles in the area.

SP Pulwama told Kashmir Life that minor clashes were reported in Pulwama town after Friday prayers.

Photo by Muhammad Abu Bakar

File Photo for representational purpose

In the restive town of Sopore in northern part of Kashmir, clashes erupted between forces and youth outside Jamia Masjid of old town Sopore.

Local correspondent reports termed the clashes intense and said scores of youths were part of the post Friday prayer protests. Police resorted to shelling to quell the protests.

As Friday prayers ended, scores of youth in Maisuma area assembled at Maisuma Chowk after prayers and started raising pro-freedom slogans. They started marching however were stopped by forces triggering clashes. Forces used tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters.

File photo of Palhallan town

Reports of clashes were also reported from Palhallan area of Pattan after Friday prayers. Reports said that protesters tried to march towards the highway but were stopped by heavily deployed forces. The protesters pelted stones on them triggering intense clashes. However, SSP Baramulla Imtiyaz Hussain told Kashmir Life that no clashes took place in Palhallan. “Palhallan is absolutely fine. Nothing happened.”

Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik had called for protests after prayers against the recent Chadoora killings.

Three civilians were killed by forces on Tuesday in central Kashmir’s Chadoora area after hundreds of people held strong protests to help escape a militant from the force’s cordon. The militant was also killed after a daylong gun battle.

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Airtel launches 4G services in 22 town across Kashmir

Srinagar: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s largest telecommunications services provider, on Friday announced the launch of its 4G services in 22 towns across the Kashmir Valley.

Customers in Kashmir can now enjoy Airtel 4G across a range of smart devices including 4G compatible smartphones and 4G hotspots. Airtel 4G will allow customers to experience uninterrupted HD video streaming, superfast uploading and downloading of movies, music and images Airtel 4G services are available at 3G prices. Customers can upgrade to 4G SIM for free and choose from a range of exciting Prepaid and Postpaid plans that offer generous dollops of high speeds data. For more details visit www.airtel.in/4G.

Commenting on the announcement, Raveendra Desai, COO – J&K, Bharti Airtel said, ““We are pleased to announce the launch of our 4G services in Kashmir that will enable customers in the valley to get on the digital highway. We remain committed to the Government’s digital vision for the State and will continue to invest in expanding our services.”

Airtel 4G is now available in 61 towns across Jammu & Kashmir (22 towns in Kashmir and 39 towns in Jammu). Airtel 4G has been rolled out in Jammu & Kashmir using FD LTE technology in the 1800 MHz band and the company plans to expand its 4G footprint to over 100 towns across the state.

Airtel 4G is now available in following towns across Jammu & Kashmir:

In Kashmir – Srinagar, Pulwama, Islamabad, Achhabal, Badgam, Boniyar, Khansahib, Lar, Lasjan, Lethpora, Mattan, Rafiabad, Shangus, Trehgam, Veesu, Verinag, Pattan, Awantipora, Bijbehara, Sonawari, Chadura and Pampora.

In Jammu – Batote, BhimberGali, Langdale, Manwal, Mendhar, Nowshehra, R.S Pura, Ram Nagar, Surankote, Thathi, Vijay Pur, Doda, Banihal. Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, Kathua, Katra, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Rehambal, Bari Brahamana, Billawar, Ghomanhasan, Miran Sahib, Misriwala, Raipur Domana, Bashohli, Hiranagar, Rajauri, Sunderbani, Thanamandi, Jyotipuram, Talwara, Badlirakh, Garnai and Vaishno Devi.

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Clashes erupt in Bijbehara town

Clashes erupted in main market in Bijbehara town of Islamabad district in southern part of Kashmir after Friday prayers.

Soon after the Friday prayers concluded, scores of youth assembled near main market and chanted slogans in favor of “Azadi”.

KL file image by Muhammad Abu Bakar, used for represenation.

It was followed by clashes between civilian protestors and forces, sources told Kashmir Life.

They said that police swung into action and resorted to teargas shelling on the protesters.

SHO Bijbehara while speaking to Kashmir Life said that minor stone pelting took place in the area. However, he denied reports of clashes.

More details awaited.

 

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Civilians attacking forces at encounter sites misled by Pakistan: Rajnath

Srinagar: Home Minister of India Rajnath Singh on Friday accused Pakistan of destabilizing India and said “cross-border militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir egged youths to stone security forces”.

Policemen duck for cover as protestors pelt stones during clashes in Narbal. (File Photo)

“Not only the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the “militants” are trying to destabilize the whole country through their coward acts,” Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha.

“The whole country is aware of this act of Pakistan. Our security forces are responding to them the way it is needed,” he added.

Singh’s response came after Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy raised the issue during Zero Hour.

Responding, Rajnath Singh said: “A new trend has begun in Kashmir. When our security forces go to villages in search of militants, the youths of the region start pelting stones on security forces.”

“Such stone-pelters are being misled by Pakistan-sponsored forces,” he said and added “Groups operating from Pakistan use Facebook and social media platforms to arrange these crowds,” he said.

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Road accident kills woman in Awantipora

Srinagar: A woman died in a road accident on the Srinagar-Jammu highway near Awantipora on Friday, police said.

An accident took place at Jawbara on the highway between a Scooty bearing Chasis No Kmr-0162 driven by Mohammad Ashraf Andrabi son of Mohammad Akbar resident of Zadoora Pulwama and a Truck.

The accident resulted in the injuries to Scooty pillion Afrooza wife of Mohammad Ashraf Andrabi resident of Zadoora Pulwama.

The Injured lady was shifted to PHC Awantipora where she succumbed to injuries.

The Truck involved in the accident fled from the spot, police added.

A case FIR has been registered in Police Station Awantipora in this regard and investigation taken up.

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GoI pushes for central control of data collection in Kashmir

KL News Network

Srinagar

The Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill 2017 introduced by ‎Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation DV Sadananda Gowda in Lok Sabha on March 20, 2017 seeks to empower the Centre to collect data from Jammu & Kashmir by superceding a state law that has been in force since 1961. At present, data is collected on Kashmir and its residents under the Jammu and Kashmir Collection of Statistics Act, 2010, reported the Business Standard.

Representational Picture

The bill has been introduced despite the fact that the Centre already has the all-important Census data on Kashmir. In addition, various other surveys by the National Sample Survey (NSS), National Health Survey, Socio-Economic Caste Census, Annual Survey of Industries have been regularly conducted in the state. No Census was conducted in 1951 and 1991 in Kashmir owing to internal disturbances in the state. The Bill introduced on March 20, was discussed in Parliament with several opposition MPs raising concern over its contents. It is still pending in Lok Sabha where the BJP led NDA has the numbers to ensure its passage, the report said.

If the bill is passed J&K will join the mainland India where the central government has complete control on data collection pertaining to subjects under the Union and Concurrent lists of the Constitution. The Bill tabled in the current session of Parliament seeks to amend Collection of Statistics Act 2008 enacted by the erstwhile UPA government led by Manmohan Singh. Since J&K was excluded by the UPA legislation, the state government enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Collection of Statistics Act, 2010. The state act replaced an existing act that had been in force since 1961. A separate Act for Jammu & Kashmir was an acknowledgement of the state’s special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, the Business Standard report said.

The 2008 Act was enacted to “to facilitate collection of statistics on economics, demographic, social, scientific and environment aspects by the Ministries or Departments at the Centre or the States or Union territories or by local Governments”.

The government has justified amending the law saying that it doesn’t cover matters listed in the Union and Concurrent list for J&K which has led to a “legislative vacuum in respect of the statistical matters in the Union List or Concurrent List applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.”

The Collection of Statistics Act 2008 states that it would be the responsibility of the head of the family to provide the information sought by the field statistics officer. The Act states that the Central government cannot order the same statistical survey commissioned by a state government. Similarly, a state government can’t order a survey if the Centre has already ordered one which is yet to be completed. With the BJP in power at the centre and in a coalition with Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a lot of data from Kashmir which was unexplored till now could potentially flow to the government.

But more than data collection, the introduction of this bill seems to signal the intent of the Modi administration to accelerate Kashmir’s integration into the Indian mainstream.

“It is a historic bill. No other government in the past has introduced a bill that includes Jammu & Kashmir from legislative matters in the country. Earlier only the state government had the power to commission surveys. Now the Centre will also have the power to commission any survey it wants and ensure that correct data is received from the state,” Jugal Kishor Sharma, BJP MP from Jammu told Business Standard.

The “correctness” of data has been a controversial topic in Kashmir in the past. Especially controversial has been the debate over the religion census data released by the Modi government in 2015. The information was collected during the Census 2011 exercise. A historical look at Census data shows that the proportion of Muslims in J&K’s population increased from 64.19% in 1981 to 68.31% of the population in 2011. The proportion of Hindus meanwhile declined from 32.24% to 28.43%. This had prompted right wing groups to raise alarm bells. One them, Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), a right leaning think-tank that has RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy and BJP vice-president Balbir Punj as trustees did a study on the religious census titled ‘Jammu & Kashmir: Hindus No More Have a Place in the Valley.’

The study notes, “An analysis of religious census data shows that Hindus in the Kashmir Valley are mainly adult males. In their population of 1.68 lakh persons, there are only 15764 women and less than 5000 children, forming 9.34 and 2.95 percent of the population, respectively. The data also shows that in the total Hindu population of 1.68 lakh, 1.48 lakh are workers.”

Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani toed a similar line when the Census exercise was started. In 2010 Geelani is reported to have said, “There are concerted efforts under a pre-planned conspiracy to reduce the Muslim majority status of the state. The Census is being carried out by the employees from outside the state and they have been tasked to erode the Muslim majority status of the state. Muslims were 85% of J&K’s population before 1947 but in the subsequent censuses of 1961 and 1981, the Muslim population was put at 69% and 64.5% respectively. “

With the Modi administration now introducing a bill seeking to empower the central government to supercede the state government, another storm over Article 370 and Kashmir’s special status could be looming on the horizon.

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Canine ‘terror’ in various areas of Ganderbal

Umar Raina

Ganderbal: The Inhabitants Of Gund, Kullan, Gagangeer, Rayil, Kangan, Mamer, Ganiwan and other area’s of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal District have expressed concern over the “canine terror” in their respective localities.

The residents of the area told Kashmir Life that students and infants are the worst sufferers of the dog terror. “The population of the dogs has increased manifold,” they said.

“We cannot venture out of the homes in the mornings and evenings due to

dog scare,” locals added.

They appealed the authorities to look into the matter and give the residents a sigh of relief.

 

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Nocturnal raids continue; 6 arrested in Shopian village

Srinagar: Police has arrested six persons, two of whom have been arrested in place of their sons, during nocturnal raids in Shopian village, reports said on Friday.

The reports added, “Police raided many residential houses in Trenz area of Shopian in southern part of Kashmir during night and arrested six persons.”

Locals according to reports identified the arrested civilians as Shabir Ahmad Bhat son of Basher Ahmad Bhat, Irshad Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Hassan Lone, Bilal Ahmad Teli son of late Abdul Majeed Teli, Mohammad Maqbool Teli 60 and Ghulam Nabi Bhat 50, all residents of Trenz and Bilal Ahmad Sheikh son of Basher Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Babe Khdir.

Locals alleged that Maqbool Teli and Ghulam Nabi Bhat are aged 60 and 50 years respectively and they have been arrested in place of their sons.

“Police were looking for the sons of Maqbool and Ghulam Nabi who were not at their residence so their respective fathers were arrested,” a close relative of the arrested said, according to reports.

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UN chief concerned over ‘developments’ in Kashmir

Srinagar:

The UN has denied that the Indian government was preventing the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan from making reports.

Asked by a reporter on Thursday if the UNMOGIP was not making periodic reports “because the Indian government does not allow them to,” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq denied that there were any constraints imposed by India.

He said the mission had different mandates and was not required to file reports like some of the other missions.

“Different peace-keeping missions have different mandates, and including different reporting mandates,” Haq said.

“The earliest peacekeeping missions that include UN Monitoring Group India Pakistan (UNMOGIP) and the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), come from a different era where they have completely different reporting requirements.”

Some of the recent UN operations submit periodic reports at three to six month intervals, in addition to others dealing with specific developments.

UNMOGIP, originally set up in 1948 as the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), is tasked by the Security Council with monitoring the Line of Control.

While allowing the UNMOGIP to function, India has maintained that it no longer has any relevance because under the 1972 Simla Agreement New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to deal with their differences bilaterally.

UNMOGIP is headed by Swedish Major General Per Gustaf Lodin and has only 38 military personnel.

Haq said that Guterres was monitoring the situation in Kashmir and is concerned about the developments there, but has no plans for a visit.

Asked by a reporter in the context of the current visit by Guterres to Iraq to assess the situation there if he was concerned about the Kashmir situation, Haq said: “He can pay attention without necessarily visiting.”

“Even when he does not visit countries, though, he is aware of the problems there and we have, as you know, many levels of officials, including country level officials who are there to deal with the various problems that arise.”

“The basic point is we have concerns about the situation in Kashmir,” Haq added.

“We do monitor the situation and we have different levels of contacts with governments of India and of Pakistan.”

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Adequate security deployments made across Kashmir to prevent protests

Srinagar:

Government on Friday made heavy deployments of forces to prevent possible protests in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir. Resistance leaders have called for a protest against Chadoora civilian killings.

Protesters clashing with security forces in downtown Srinagar. (KL file image)

“Deployments of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been made in sensitive places to prevent any ‘untoward incidents’,” reports said.

Reports quoting police officials said that no restrictions have been imposed anywhere in the valley. However, adequate security deployments have been made for the day.

Pertinently, three civilians were killed and dozens injured including paramilitary forces on Tuesday when an encounter was going on Chadoora area of Budgam district. Civilian protesters had tried to march towards the encounter site in a bid to help the trapped militants escape. However, police and paramilitary forces used force to stop the protesters that resulted in death to three civilians.

 

 

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Thursday, 30 March 2017

CPRF using drones to locate militants in Kashmir

Srinagar: The Central Reserve Police Forces or CRPF has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for anti-militancy operations in the Valley, reports said on Thursday.

The CRPF will pursuit militants by utilising real-time data generated from the drones on the militants holed up in residential areas, reports said.

“After the recent violence by protestors in the Valley, the CRPF has now deployed UAVs on a trial basis to pinpoint the location of militant before launching the anti-militants operations in Jammu and Kashmir,” reports quoting a senior Union Home Ministry official said.

Bracing up for the long summer in the Valley, security agencies recently decided to make maximum use of UAVs in several sensitive areas in southern parts of Kashmir, reported The New Indian Express.

“The use of remote controlled UAVs is closely monitored by control rooms manned by the Army as well as local police/ CRPF. Both share information with each other on hourly basis,” a CRPF official said.

The UAVs have been procured out of the internal resources of the CRPF and a policy decision at the Force’s headquarter’s level has not been taken. The UAVs have been put to use on a trial basis and the positive feedback will lead eventually to take a policy decision for usage of the drones in a major way to save the lives of the security forces.

“The UAVs will also be used during the bypolls in Srinagar and Islamabad constituencies. The realtime data from the UAVs will be linked to the command centre and monitoring will also be done by the operational companies during any action,” a senior CRPF official said.

This besides, some vehicles have been mounted with cameras for security during movements. Two bullet-proof buses have also been deployed on a trial basis for safety of convoys.

Around 60,000 CRPF personnel are involved in the Valley.

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Examination centres relocated in Srinagar

Srinagar: The candidates appearing in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya screening test are informed that the examination centre for the same stands shifted from Green Valley Educational Institute Illahibagh Buchpora to Girls Higher Secondary School Kothibagh Srinagar.

However, the date of the examination shall remain same i.e April 8, 2017.

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LS by-polls: Polling stations relocated in Srinagar

Srinagar: According to the District Election Officer Srinagar, polling stations within the assembly segments of district Srinagar have been relocated for the convenience of electorates.

The polling stations in Hazratbal Assembly segment 1-Dagapora Anchar has been shifted from Government Middle School Dagapora Anchar to Government High School Dangerpora, 2-Umerhair Pati Anchar from Government Middle School Umerhair Pati Anchar to Government Girls Middle School Umerhair, 4-New Colony Umerhair from Government Middle School Umerhair Ahmad Nagar to Government Girls Middle School Ahmad Nagar, 6-Shadab Colony Umerhair from Bless Experimental School Shah Mohalla to Bless Experimental Middle School Shah Mohalla, 9-Devipora Buchpora from Government Boys Primary School Devipora to Government Boys Middle School Devipora, 11-Hajipora Buchpora-A from Government Girls Middle School Buchpora to Government Girls Model Middle School Buchpora, 12-Hajibagh Buchpora-B from Government Girls Middle School Buchpora to Government Model Middle School Buchpora and 56-Miyan Shah Sahib from Boys Secondary School Rainawari to Government Boys High School Rainawari.

Pic: Bilal Bahadur

Similarly, in Zadibal Assembly segment 50-Pazwalpora polling station has been shifted from Mipple Educational institute High School Galikadal to Four Friends Public School Gilikadal, while in 20-Eidgah Assembly segment, 2-Qalamdanpora-A polling station has been shifted from Girls Islamia School Qalamdanpora to Muslim Boys and Girls High School Qalamdanpora.

In Khanyar assembly segment, 38-Babadam polling station has been shifted from ML Higher Secondary School Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan to MPML Higher Secondary School Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan, 40-Shamswari-B polling station of the assembly segment has been relocated to ML Higher Secondary School Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan to MPML Higher Secondary School Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan, 41-Nowpora-A polling station has been shifted from Girls Secondary School Nowpora to Girls Higher Secondary School Khanyar, 42- Nowpora-B from Girls Secondary School Nowpora to Girls Higher Secondary School Khanyar, 66-Radpora polling station has been shifted from CPM School Aram Masjid to CPM School Hamambal.

Meanwhile, in Sonwar assembly segment, 4-Khonmoh-D polling station has been shifted from Government High School Khonmoh to Government Boys Higher Secondary School Khonmoh and 81-Muftibagh polling Station has been relocated from Government Primary School English Medium, Upper Barjee to Government English Medium School upper Barjee.

The Chief Electoral Officer J&K has approved the relocation of the above mentioned polling stations of Srinagar district.

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PDP-BJP alliance a manifestation of opportunism and convenience: Haq Khan

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party Senior Leader and Minister Adv Ab Haq Khan on Thursday castigated Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference as being the fountain-head of all the miseries that the state is bearing the brunt of.

Attributing chaos, corruption, and confusion as being the only coherent policy of National Conference vis-a-vis the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Khan said that history is witness to the fact that whenever these two opportunistic parties have allied, the culture of violence was legitimized and normalized.

“Power alienation and Politics of Grievance is what brings these parties together. Farooq Sahab and his allies were pivotal to the design of subverting the institution of democracy in our state and the worst victim of their assault was the system of ‘accountability’,” Khan added.

Abdul Haq Khan

Underlining that the state faced political drought after 2008 and no headway was made on any political initiative after that, Khan said the biggest reason for the party to form Government in the State was to get the people of the State out of the uncertainty which was looming large over them.

“Much of the reason for the recent turmoil in the Valley lies in the fact that political engagement was discontinued after 2008 and no specific Confidence Building Measures were taken,” Khan said.

Daring Farooq Abdullah to list important initiatives/ developmental projects that can be attributed to his efforts while he was Chief Minister of the state or as a Central Minister and Member of Parliament, Adv Khan said that the regressive policies of National Conference and their allies have no takers in the polity of the state.

“People have seen through the archaic and divisive policies of National Conference-Congress combine. They have nothing new to offer to the people of this state and do not wish that the state should be back on track of economic and financial progress,” Khan said.

Expressing his surprise over the new found love of Tariq Hamid Karra for his erstwhile arch nemesis Farooq Abdullah, Khan said that until recently they were at daggers drawn against each other and that politics of convenience has brought them together.

“This opportunistic alliance is a constant reminder of the historic betrayals that the people of this state have faced time and again and is a mere manifestation of their power alienation,” he added.

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Recognise Kashmir as a political problem, initiate dialogue: Dr Farooq to Delhi

Srinagar: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday cautioned New Delhi against excessive use of force and repression against the people, saying that unless Kashmir is recognized as a political problem peace will remain elusive.

“For lasting peace and stability, dialogue process is needed to be initiated forthwith”, Dr Farooq Abdullah said while addressing an election meeting at Budgam this afternoon.

(KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

The National Conference chief said that the Kashmir issue has been recognized at the international level and therefore talks should be initiated with Pakistan and the people of Kashmir for a judicious solution. He called for involving all the stakeholders to find out a way forward so that the current spell of bloodshed is stopped.

Dr Farooq said, “Our hearts are bleeding when the blood of young people is spilled during broad daylight with security forces caring too hoot for human rights violations. He said use of disproportionate force will take us nowhere. There is need to understand that young people’s urges and aspirations have to be met, who feel pushed to the wall. But the government at the Centre, in mistaken belief, prefers force over compassion and understanding towards the problems of youth. “If New Delhi thinks that use of pellet guns would help restore peace, they are living in fools world,” he said while holding New Delhi squarely responsible for the current morass.

“If successive governments in New Delhi would not have betrayed the people of Kashmir by not keeping their promise, the situation would not have come to prevailing passé”, he said and expressed dismay over political instability, economic disaster and above ass fear among the people.

Lashing out at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, the National Conference President wondered over her hypocrisy saying that when out of power she used to shed crocodile tears while visiting the slain militant’s houses but now she underplays and unfortunately mocks the peaceful protests by the people. He said Valley is passing through most difficult phase and unless immediate measures are not taken to assuage the political aspirations of the people, Kashmir will continue to bleed.

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Mehbooba’s report-card anti-people, anti-Kashmir: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: National Conference working President Omar Abdullah on Thursday said Mehbooba Mufti’s report card reflected her “anti-people and anti-Kashmir policies” and had completely exposed her rhetoric while she was in the opposition.

Addressing a workers’ convention in Khanyar, Srinagar on Thursday, Omar Abdullah said the PDP-BJP Alliance that was forged solely for the goal of power had proved to be a disaster for the people of Kashmir.

“Mehbooba Mufti’s report – even in the brief time that she has been the Chief Minister – has broken all records of atrocities, treachery and ruthlessness. With nearly a hundred youth having been mowed down in the recent unrest and hundreds more blinded and handicapped, the same Mehbooba Mufti who sat on Dharnas against arrests in the opposition ended up imposing almost nine-hundred cases of Public Safety Acts (PSAs) on the youth. Nearly eleven thousand youth were arrested and night-raids were carried out to harass and intimidate the people”, Omar said while addressing a workers’ convention in Khanyar.

The NC working President said that besides the unprecedented scale and measure of atrocities committed against civilians in 2016, the PDP-BJP Government also launched an all out attack on Article 370 through the judicial route and left no stone unturned to give West Pakistan Refugees domicile certificates as an attempt to alter the demography of the State. “Ever since the PDP-BJP Alliance was forged, this State has been enveloped in an air of uncertainty and hopelessness. The PDP-BJP Alliance hasn’t been able to deliver on one single promise that it had made in the ‘Agenda of Alliance’. Development has come to a grinding halt and corruption has become a norm. This Government has failed to dispense even its most basic responsibilities”, the NC working president said.

“Mehbooba Mufti says she is seeking votes on the basis of her report-card and performance. One wonders if she is asking for votes for getting nearly a hundred youth killed or for blinding hundreds more. Is she asking for votes for arresting nearly eleven thousand youth or is she seeking votes for her attempts to create Sainik Colonies and Segregated Townships in Kashmir,” Omar questioned?

“Her alliance hasn’t left a single stone unturned in achieving its goal of abrogating Article 370 and robbing the State of Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status. Are these Mehbooba Mufti’s achievements or the fact that she didn’t allow the people of Kashmir to offer Nimaz on Eid?”, Omar asked Mehbooba Mufti to answer.

Omar said PDP has not only “humiliated, persecuted and killed” the youth of Kashmir but has also mocked their pain and misery. “This is the same party that openly blamed the victims for getting killed and Mehbooba Mufti’s ‘tofees and milk’ taunt went on to rub salt on the wounds of grieving, mourning families. We clearly remember how in the All Parties Meeting in New Delhi, PDP Senior Leader and MP Muzaffar Baigh accused the youth of Kashmir for selling their conscience and lives for a pair of ‘shalwar kameez’ and asked the Central Government to desists from talking to the alienated youth”, he added.

Omar asked people to come out and vote in large numbers against the PDP-BJP-RSS alliance and send a strong message of resilience to those who were out to rob us of our rights and sense of dignity. “Not voting in these elections would amount to helping the PDP-BJP-RSS combine and would be a great disservice to our people. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the PDP-BJP-RSS alliance is defeated and the State’s interests and rights safeguarded”, Omar further stated.

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Stone pelting a tool of resistance: Geelani

Srinagar:

Terming stone pelting as a tool in the hands of deprived people, Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani in its statement has said that stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir has since long been used as a tool of resistance.

“It is ridiculous to blame Pakistan for instigating stone pelting. Indian authorities are suffering from phobia and instead of realizing the ground realities, they unnecessarily imprecate Pakistan,” the statement said.

Accusing India of taking people of J&K for ride, a spokesman of the amalgam said that the ill treatment meted out to Kashmiris confirms this perception that Indian authorities take them for ride and hence the people are right when they show their resentment and anger.

Refuting the accusation against Pakistan and history of stone pelting, he said that Kashmiri people resisted & pelted stones even against Mughal armies & Pakistan was still a dream and no more existing on map.

Referring to Quit Kashmir movement against Dogra autocracy, he said that people expressed their resentment & resorted to stone pelting as they were resisting tyrannical attitude of Dogra rulers.

“Stone as a tool of resentment remained there even after Dogra regime was overthrown & when Indian forces occupied our state,” he said.

The spokesperson said that stone pelting was a measure and characteristic tool for 22 years during right to self-determination movement.

Referring to authorities in Delhi, the spokesperson said that they are fully aware about the modus operandi adopted during “resistance movement” in Jammu and Kashmir and despite all this their accusation against Pakistan depicts New Delhi’s “frustration”. “Their egoistic approach is a big hurdle and they are turning blind eyes to hard realities,” he added.

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2 day seminar on Hindu Language and Literature concludes at KU

Srinagar:

A two-day seminar ‘Global Perspectives of Hindi: Language and Literature’ concluded at University of Kashmir on Thursday.

Organised by the Department of Hindi, the national-level seminar was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Prof Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi who stressed on promotion of Hindi language in J&K. He assured the Department of all help and support in this regard.

HoD Hindi, Prof Zohra Afzal, spoke on the seminar theme and asserted that Hindi is getting “due place the international level.” “It is the second largest speaking language in the world,” she said, informing the participants that most of students from the Hindi Department have already got jobs in various government departments.

Prof Vinod Kumar Taneja, former Dean and Head of Hindi Department at GNDU Amritsar said Hindi language has the capacity to adopt words from other languages as well.

Dr Rafiq Masoodi, former Director Doordarshan Kendra and Prof M Zaman Azurdah also spoke on the occasion, while the participants included Prof Neelam Saraf, Prof Parmeshwari Sharma, Prof Parvinder Kour from Jammu University, Prof Anil Rai from Delhi University, Prof Meena Koul from Rohilkhand University and Prof Hardeep Singh from Ludhiana.

Dr Mehraj Ahmad, Dr Jahangir Iqbal from University of Kashmir and Dr Sakina from Central University presented their papers and a poetry book “Swarg Virag” by researcher Muddasir Ahmad Bhat was also released.

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HC directs SP Bandipora to file status report in Preng rape and murder case: JKCCS

Srinagar:

Justice Wali of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Thursday directed SP Bandipora to file a status report in the case of rape and murder of a girl in Preng area of Bandipora by “Ikhwani” Rashid Pahloo and his aide Bashir Ahmad Rather in 1993, a statement of JKCCS said this afternoon.

J&K High Court Srinagar.

J&K High Court Srinagar.

“The 22 year old victim was abducted and raped for months by Rashid Pahloo and Bashir Ahmad Rather in 1993. Because of the rape, the victim had become pregnant and developed medical complications leading to her death in the same year. Mysteriously, the FIR number 139/1995 was filed two years after the incident in police station Sumbal under section 376 and 302 RPC for torture, rape and murder. No investigations were conducted in the case and statements of the witnesses were not recorded. The brother of the victim, who was a minor then, finally filed a petition in the High Court in 2015 demanding the constitution of a special investigation team for credible investigations in the case. In 1999, Rashid Pahloo killed the victim’s brother, Bilal Ahmad in an apparent attempt to clear away witnesses from his crime,” the statement said.

The statement added that the family was unable to pursue the case after the killing of the victim’s brother Bilal Ahmad, fearing reprisal from the Ikhwanis who have been always “supported and sponsored” by the armed forces in the area. “The accused Rashid Pahloo is also actively engaged with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

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Joint resistance leaders call for shutdown on April 2

Srinagar:

The joint resistance leadership comprising of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhamamd Yasin Malik have called for a state-wide shutdown on April 2, the day PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Chenani-Nashri tunnel.

The said leaders issued a statement and urged people to observe protest shutdown against Modi’s visit.

Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir for inaugurating Chenani-Nashri tunnel.

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Pakistan instigating Kashmiris through social media: Dr Jitendra

Srinagar:

Pakistan’s agencies are instigating youths in Kashmir through false propaganda on social media, Jitendra Singh, MoS im Pm Modi’s office has said on Thursday.

Asking the civil society and government to make the youths understand the reality, instead of getting instigated by “false propaganda” Jitendra said, “Pakistani agencies are using social media to instigate youths of Kashmir Valley through false propaganda in social media. I would appeal the youths there not to get carried away by such propaganda,” the Minister told reporters in New Delhi.

Dr Jitendra Singh Rana

Singh said separatists are doing the politics of convenience. “There are leaders who want to instigate the youths of Kashmir Valley to indulge in activities like stone pelting and violence. But these very leaders want their own children to become IAS and IPS officers. They want their children to study in good schools. I feel that these leaders are doing the politics of convenience,” he said.

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Saddened, shocked by continued ‘bloodshed’ in Kashmir: Pakistan

Srinagar:

Pakistan foreign office spokesperson, Nafees Zakaria on Thursday said that Pakistan is deeply saddened, shocked and condemned the continued “bloodshed of innocent and defenceless Kashmiris in Jammu and Kashmir”.

“To suppress the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, India is using brute force and has embarked on a killing spree of Kashmiris,” he said during weekly press briefing.

Nafees Zakaria

Nafees Zakaria

Referring to the Wednesday’s civilian killing near the encounter site in Chadoora, he said, “They martyred 4 Kashmiris, including 3 teenagers and injured scores. In a most despicable act, the Indian forces even opened live ammunition fire on those offering funeral prayers of the martyred.”

“This all happened at a time when the OIC’s Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) was visiting AJK to gather personal account of those Kashmiris who suffered from Indian brutalities in IOK. Members of IPHRC have taken note of the grave situation of human rights violations in IOK,” Zakaria said.

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Day after shutdown, Kashmir returns to routine

Srinagar:

Life returned to routine here and in other places in Kashmir on Thursday after a day’s shutdown.

Shops, public transport, educational institutions and other businesses opened normally here as less security men were seen around.

Banks, post offices and government offices started functioning normally.

Clashes had erupted on Wednesday at some places including Kulgam, Baramulla and Budgam between the forces and the protesters in the aftermath of deaths of three civilians during a gunfight in Budgam district on Tuesday.

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NIA conducts raids in Kashmir in connection with Bhopal-Ujjain train blast case

Srinagar:

India’s National Investigation Agency has conducted raids at some places in Kashmir to locate a suspect in connection with March 7 Bhopal- Ujjain train blast, The Indian Express reported.

The report said, “NIA sources said teams had raided some places in Kashmir in an attempt to trace a person, but had so far not located him.”

The raids have come following the interrogation of three men arrested in connection with the blast. NIA said that the arrested men have had alleged contacts with an “18 year old” youth who works for ISIS.

The report reveals the names of two men as Atif Muzzafar and Syed Mir Hussain.

NIA sources revealed that in February 2016, when Atif was exploring possibilities to cross into Pakistan, he had gone to Srinagar and stayed in Hotel Manora Palace near the Dal Lake. “He used a copy of his passport as ID proof for staying in the hotel. He stayed there for five days and visited Gulmarg, exploring possibilities to cross into Pakistan. It was during this visit that he met this 18-year-old Kashmiri youth who subsequently remained in touch with Atif over the messaging service Telegram,” the report quoting NIA source said.

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India using Kashmir to resist Silk Road project: Chinese Media

Srinagar:

India sees China’s Silk Road initiative as a geopolitical competition and is using the Kashmir issue as an ‘unfounded excuse’ to oppose the ambitious project, Chinese state media on Thursday alleged and asked New Delhi to ‘abandon’ its ‘cliche mentality’.

“The official reason the Indian government rejected the offer to join the initiative (Silk Road) is that it is designed to pass through Kashmir. However, it is just an unfounded excuse as Beijing has been maintaining a consistent position on the Kashmir issue, which has never changed,” one of the two articles on India by state-run Global Times said.

“India sees the Belt and Road initiative as a geopolitical competition,” the article said, criticising India for hindering Beijing’s push into South Asia and the world with multi-billion Silk Road project which is also known as the ‘Belt and Road’ (BR).

“Whether to continue to boycott or join the Belt and Road remains a conundrum for New Delhi,” it said adding that, India is the only one which can help itself.

The article said that India should give up its ‘biased’ view on the BR initiative.

The article referred to a comment by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar during his visit here last month to co-chair the upgraded India-China strategic dialogue, saying India is examining China’s invitation to attend the summit and “how a country whose sovereignty has been violated can come on an invitation”.

Another article in the same daily said a “benign” competition between India and China may help development in South Asia but they should avoid “cut-throat” rivalry.

“The so-called dragon-elephant contention is perhaps a blow against strategic mutual trust between Beijing and New Delhi, but may be conducive to development in South Asia,” it said.

Accusing India of not being “generous” to its neighbours, it said “a yawning infrastructure funding gap in South Asian countries creates space for China and those nations to strengthen economic cooperation”.

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DGP Vaid appeals youth to stay away from encounter sites

The Kashmir Police chief SP Vaid, in the aftermath of the Budgam encounter which resulted in the death of three civilians and injuries to other locals, has warned that youth should not come to encounter sites.

“A lot of provocation is there from the other side, instigating young boys and misleading them to pelt stones and reach the encounter site,” DGP Vaid said.

DGP Dr SP Vaid

“Even security forces in an encounter take cover of a vehicle or house. Youths coming to an encounter site are committing suicide. Bullets do not see who is coming or who it will hit. Young boys should stay at homes and not come to encounter sites. This is my appeal,” he said.

The DGP added, “In spite of great provocation, we have been able to minimise collateral damage and civilian casualties.”

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Waiting for Papa

As their father languishes in Delhi’s Tihar jail for last 21 years, four daughters are doing their bit to keep the family together. Heena Muzzafar meets the siblings who are eagerly waiting for their father’s return 

Surrounded by her four daughters, Fatima Bano, who is in her late forties, almost gasps with surprise when told that it has been more than two decades since she first arrived in Kashmir. “Time flies,” thinks Fatima.

In 1988, Fatima, a native of Muradabad, Uttar Pradesh was married to Mehmood Ayub Khan, a Kashmiri moazin at Delhi’s Jamia Masjid.

Khan is in Delhi’s Tihar jail for his alleged involvement in 1994 kidnapping of foreigners in Delhi. He was arrested in 1997 from his home in Kangan, Ganderbal.

Ever since Fatima came to Kashmir, a small stitching machine has been her companion as it helped her feed her family of five. “It has affected my eyesight badly,” said Fatima.

Fatima, who single handedly brought up her daughters often finds it hard to make sure that her four daughters’ do not go to bed on empty stomach.

“It was not an easy task. But, neighbours were generous, who helped me in bringing up my daughters,” said Fatima, trying hard to get thread through the needle of the stitching machine.

Fatima initially learned to make pherans (traditional cloaks). “It was suggested by the women from the neighbourhood that I learned to stitch clothes,” recalls Fatima. “Later I started stitching curtains, pillow cover etc.”

It was Fatima’s neighbours, who admitted her daughter in a local school. “I asked my neighbours to help me get my daughters admitted in a Government school, instead they admitted them in a local private school for free,” said Fatima.

Fatima vividly remembers the day when she made uniform for her daughter out of her burqa (veil). “I made it within an hour,” said Fatima.

With the passage of time Fatima’s little daughters grew into young girls, and like their mother, they too started working to meet their day-to-day expenses.

The eldest one, Nazima Parveen, now 23, while studying, knew that a huge list of responsibilities waits her.

After completing her graduation from Women’s College Nawakadal, Nazima learned how to become a beautician. “Since, I already knew a lot about beauty techniques, so it did not take me much effort to learn,” said Nazima.

Although Nazima wanted to continue her studies, but that was not possible. “Choice was quite open; either to help my mother in feeding five mouths or to study,” said Fatima while attending one of the customers.

Nazima’s talent was recognised by one of her client’s relative, who later offered her a space in downtown’s Nawakadal area, to run a parlour.

“He was generous and did not ask for any rent, until I get a regular footfall of customers,” said Nazima.’

Nazima then started attending clients at her residence in Zaina Kadal during 2016 uprising.  Since, the house is modest and does not have more than three rooms, she felt short of space. Besides, because of curfew and restrictions, not much customers turned up. “It was difficult to manage in such a short space, but I also knew that I do not have any choice,” said Nazima. “It was once in a blue that a customer would turn up.”

While Nazima attends clients, her younger sister Razia Parveen, 22, waits patiently, practising mehandi designs to draw them on a bride’s hands, if anyone happen to visit Nazima.

“Every day I train myself with new designs with a hope that a client might turn up,” shares Razia.

Once, Razia became aware of her talent, she thought why not to make it a means of earning.

“I apply mehandi on bride’s arms as well, but, only to those who come to my home,” said Razia. “Although it does not fetch much, but then I remember the saying, something is better than nothing.”

Razia completed her graduation and is looking forward to go for higher studies. “Nazima sacrificed her studies, so that we can continue,” said Razia.

Nazima and Razia, once had relatively comfortable life, while in Delhi that they even do not remember. Now, they strive every day to keep the wheel of their home moving. “We cannot stop working,” says Nazima.

The third sister, Sana Parveen, 20, who was born and brought up in Kashmir, is a B.Com student and a tailor by profession. Sana, since childhood, has watched her mother stitch clothes and hence has imbibed the skill. “My mother is my mentor,” said Sana. “I know how to turn an old designed outfit into a trendy one,”

Sana, take orders at home and sometimes help her mother as well. “Mother has been doing this work for more than 22 years, and she now finds it difficult to work consistently, due to various health issues,” said Sana, who herself is struggling with health issues.

However, their younger sister, Iram Parveen, 19, concentrates on her study and is currently taking coaching for her competitive exam.

Despite the fact that Nazima works to bring change in the financial conditions of her family, she is looked down by some of the people. “We meet both good and bad people. Some really appreciate my efforts and some try to knock me down,” shares Nazima. “There are taboos attached to the kind of work I do.”

Nazima and her sisters not only manage their expenses out of what they earn, but also try to save a little for their father’s bail. They need Rs 2,50,000.

In 1988, Fatima was married to Khan. “It was Jamia Masjid’s head moulvi, Ahmad Bukhari, who introduced Moulvi sahib to my family,” said Fatima. “Actually we had friendly terms with Bukhari Sahib’s wife, who too is from Muradabad, Uttar Pradesh.”

Fatima, like any other bride had dreamt of a beautiful married life and luckily her dreams came true. She lived happily with her husband in Delhi’ Usmanpur Jamuna Par, in a rented room.

“But, nothing lasts forever,” said Fatima with moist eyes.

Khan being moazinn of Jamia Masjid was given a shop by the masjid authorities in nearby Urdu Bazaar.

He used to sell prayer mat (jai-namaz), rosary (tasbih), prayer caps (topi), which made him famous as “Mehmood topiwala” in the area.

Fatima would weave “darya”, a kind of mat used in winters for keeping a house warm.

“Moulvi sahib used to earn good but I still would do it,” said Fatima. “Just to kill time.”

In 1994, almost 6-years after their marriage, Khan as usual left for his shop, but never came back.

Fatima waited for him to come back along with her two daughters, Nazima, then 2, and Razia, who was just one-year-old.

Fatima waited for two consecutive days, with a thought that Khan might have gone to the mosque. She was calm as Khan had stayed away like this earlier too.

“He would stay in the mosque overnight sometimes,” said Fatima. “Besides he had a habit of helping poor both in terms of cash and kind. He would also spend time to solve the problems of others.”

However, after two days, Fatima was informed by one of the salesman working at Khan’s shop that he had gone to Kashmir on emergency basis to see his ailing mother. The salesman also gave her some money that Khan had left for her, before leaving.

After five days, at around 4 in the morning, Fatima heard a loud knock at the door. “It woke up my daughters too,” recalls Fatima.

Without comforting her daughters, Fatima went straight to open the door. The moment she opened the door, 12 men in civvies appeared in front of her.

They told Fatima to come with them as they want to ask her a few questions. “They did not say much, except that I was being taken for some enquiry.”

Fatima, along with her two daughters, was taken to Lodhi Road police station. Fatima’s landlord was already in their custody. “They did not even let me dress my children,” said Fatima.

At the police station Fatima was relieved to see a few lady police personnels. But what followed is nothing less than a nightmare for Fatima.

Fatima was told that she would have been approached four days back, but as it was Holi, they waited.

“They asked me about my husband’s whereabouts,” said Fatima. “I told them whatever I knew.”

Then Fatima was told why she was bought to the police station. “The lady police officers encircled me and said that my husband is a militant,” said Fatima.

Before Fatima could understand the whole matter, her daughters were taken away from her, making her more anxious. Landlord too was taken to another room.

Now, it was one of the lady police officer and Fatima alone in the room, who asked her in a soft tone about her husband’s engagements.

“I told them he leaves early in the morning for shop and comes back at night. Besides, he keeps busy in activities related to masjid,” said Fatima. “The lady officer said that they already know that part.”

Fatima told them if they already know then why she is brought here like this.

“She tortured me mentally and repeatedly told me that you are concealing the details of a militant. It can land you behind the bars,” said Fatima. “It seemed as if she wanted me to confess that moulvi sahib is a militant, forcefully.”

The lady police officer then left the room and sent another officer, the one with fierce looks.

This officer repeatedly asked Fatima to admit that her husband is a militant. But, when Fatima replied that it could be a lie or a misunderstanding, she was assaulted.

“The lady police officer took off my dupata, got hold of my collar and tore it apart,” recalls Fatima with eyes full of tears. “My mind went blank; sense of security that I felt on seeing lady police around was gone in a minute.”

Before the lady officer could harm Fatima anymore, she was summoned outside. In the meantime three hours had passed and after a while, Fatima’s daughters and landlord were sent in.

“My heart hammered against my chest, when I saw my girls crying and famishing,” recalls Fatima.

Before Fatima comfort her daughters, a police officer came in and asked Fatima to give Khan’s address.

“After my marriage I had been to Kashmir only once. So I told them I just recall a place called, Kangan,” said Fatima.

Later, Fatima came to know that forces had interrogated the owner and tried to confirm from Fatima’s eldest daughter about her father’s friends, who would visit their place.

It was after spending three hours in the jail, Fatima was told about her husband’s alleged involvement in kidnapping of foreign tourists from New Delhi.

Later newspaper reports confirmed kidnapping of four foreigners: one American and three British (1994).

Before, Fatima could actually reach her home; forces again barraged into landlord’s house and connected his phone line to a tracker for 22 days so that they could trace Khan’s location, if he happens to call me.

Besides, two security personals were deployed to stay there, for the first 15 days. “Forces were kept there to keep watch on us,” said Fatima. “They used to follow me everywhere.”

Even after forces left the house, they did not stop surveillance on Fatima. “It was at least for eight months that the forces followed me everywhere,” recalls Fatima. “Even they would get into the same auto I would hire to move around.”

After eight months, when the dust settled, Fatima sold some of her household assets to manage the money as income from shop had already stopped.

One night, Fatima picked up some essentials and took her two daughters along and came to Kashmir in search of her husband. “All the sources of income had exhausted, Jamia Masjid authorities had taken back their shop,” said Fatima.

Once, Fatima reached Kangan, she met her husband only after confirming address from people.

Khan along with his family had shifted to Srinagar’s downtown area. He was working as imam in Sheikh ul alam Masjid, Bohri Kadal. He was given a room by the masjid authorities. He was there for three years.

“It was during these days that Sana was born,” recalls Fatima.

Before, Khan could buy a house in the same locality; he was arrested along with his wife and three daughters from his ancestral residence at Kangan for his involvement in kidnapping.

“We were taken to Kangan Police Station and kept there for twenty days,” recalls Fatima.

Later Fatima along with her three daughters was released. She went back to Srinagar. “I was pregnant at that time,” says Fatima.

“A few months after Iram’s birth I came to know that Moulvi Sahib is in Tihar Jail.”

Iram has no memory of her father. However, her siblings recall their father vaguely.

The family now lives in a house bought with the financial assistance by their neighbours, in 2003.

Fatima and her four daughters are waiting for the day when their father will be home. Khan has already completed 20 years of his imprisonment, as given by the Supreme Court.

But he still remains in jail because his family is not able to manage Rs 2,50,000.

“He has to pay a fine of Rs 1,75,000 and Rs 25,000 as other charges, and Rs 50,000 as lawyer’s fees,” said Fatima.

“It is his twenty first year in jail. He was supposed to serve only twenty years,” Razia. “I wish we had money to get him out.”

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Nocturnal raids continue, 12 more arrested in Pulwama village

The nocturnal raids continue in southern parts of Kashmir with at least 12 youth being arrested during a night raid in Arihal village of Pulwamafor alleged involvement in stone-throwing protests.

Reports revealed that that police raided the village during the night and arrested at least a dozen youth.

In this file photo people protesting against nocturnal raids in Pulwama.

Last week police arrested more than 5 dozen youth from several villages of the district. Nocturnal raids were also conducted in Kulgam also last week.

The joint resistance leadership has come down heavily on the administration for arresting youth during nocturnal raids. The trio consisting of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik have termed it as “State terrorism”.

Meanwhile, life returned to normal in the Pulwama district on Thursday after three days of consecutive shutdown over the killing of two militants in Padgampora village last weekend.

All shops and other business establishments opened early Thursday. Public transport was seen plying after three days.

Two militants – Rayees Kachroo of Belov Pulwama and Farooq Hurra of Shopian were killed in an ambush in Padgampora on Sunday.

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Symptoms for a Healthy Heart

By: Zeenat Farooq

Heart, the centre of circulation, is one of the vital organs in our body. From Bollywood to health journals, and further to clinical outcomes, this organ has always occupied a central position.

It is often said that a healthy heart can ensure a healthy mind and body, but, what should we do in our day to day life to ensure proper heart health? In other words, how would we know if our heart is healthy?

Heart trouble does not always come with clear signs like sharp chest pain. In fact, some of the heart problems do not cause chest pain at all. Therefore it is not always easy to tell if a person has a heart trouble. However there are a number of signs and symptoms that we should keep in mind for a healthy heart.

Chest Discomfort: It is the most common sign of heart trouble. If you have a blocked artery or even a minor chest problem, you may feel pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest. The intensity and nature of the tightness or pain can be different, depending upon the severity of the issue. For some people, it might be as if an elephant is sitting over them but for some others, it might be a pinching or burning sensation. This feeling could last for a few minutes and can happen when somebody is at rest or when he is doing some physical activity. If the feeling wards off after a few minutes, there is certainly nothing serious but one should consult a doctor if it persists or repeats itself with similar or higher intensity and at the same position. Also, keep in mind you can have heart problems, even a heart attack, without chest pain. This is particularly common among women.

Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain. Some people may have these symptoms during a heart attack. These symptoms are more common in women. Although one can have an upset stomach for many reasons that have nothing to do with your heart but be careful that it can also happen during a heart attack. If a person feels such symptoms without having some actual stomach disorder, he should immediately consult a specialist, especially when the person is at a risk for heart diseases.

Pain that Spreads to the Arm. Another classic heart attack symptom is pain that radiates down the left side of the body. It almost always starts from the chest and moves outwards but in some cases, it could be primarily arm pain that might turn out to be a heart attack.

Irregular Heart Beat. Racing of heart beat is normal upon excitement, nervousness, fear or physical exertion but if one suffers unexplained or frequent irregularity in heart beat, the person should consult a doctor. In extreme cases, this could happen as a result of atrial fibrillation.

Getting exhausted easily. Feeling fatigued after doing normal routine activities like climbing stairs might be a significant symptom in case of heart trouble than even aches or pain. Extreme exhaustion or unexplained weakness, sometimes for days at a time, can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially for women.

Feeling Dizzy or Lightheaded. A lot of things can make a person lose his balance or feel faint for a moment like starvation, fasting or continued heavy physical exertion but a feeling of sudden unsteadiness that might be coupled with chest discomfort or shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart trouble. This condition might result from decrease in pulse rate or blood pressure due to slow functioning of heart.

Sweating. Breaking out in a cold sweat for no obvious reasons could signal a heart attack. If this happens along with any other symptoms, one should seek immediate medical attention.

Snoring. Unusually loud snoring, that sounds like gasping or choking, can be a sign of sleep apnea. This is a medical condition when a person stops breathing for brief moments several times at night while still sleeping. This puts extra stress on the heart and can lead to trouble if the condition is not addressed properly.

Throat or Jaw Pain.  By itself, throat or jaw pain probably is not heart related. More likely, it is caused by a muscular issue, cold or a sinus problem. But if a person has pain or pressure in the center of his chest that spreads up into throat or jaw, it could be a sign of a heart attack. Seeking medical advice is the best possible option to rule out any issues.

Long lasting cough. In most cases, this is also not a sign of heart trouble but again, if a person is at a risk for heart disease, pay special attention to the symptom. In such cases, long-lasting cough that produces white or pink mucus could be a sign of heart trouble.

Swelling of Legs, Feet, and Ankles.  This could be a sign that heart does not pump blood as effectively as it should which results in blood backing up in the veins and causing bloating. Heart failure can also make it harder for the kidneys to remove extra water and sodium from the body, which can lead to bloating. This however, like other symptoms, can have reasons other than heart trouble hence screening is very critical for effective treatment.

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

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Teing’s Last Secret

Does regular discoveries of artefacts and coins in Dalwan village point to a larger secret? Saima Bhat visits the place to unravel the mysteries of Buddhism’s greatest treasures

Some fifty years back Kashmir witnessed rainfall for almost a month. Rains for more than ten days usually trigger landslides in the hilly terrains. But that day it was different. In Dalwan village, of Chrar-i-Sharief constituency, darkness had covered the sky. And with the rocks, the villagers witness the ‘rainfall of earthen-ware utensils’. Villagers called it God’s wrath and in their hearts they buried the incident as if they were ‘culprits’. Nor they discussed the incident with each other.

 Abdul Gani Rather, a local resident who is in his mid eighties now, is the only surviving witness of that incident. Just a thought of that day still gives him goosebumps. “It was a secret. May be we had done something wrong and Allah was punishing us,” said Gani. “Everybody thought at their individual levels, whosoever witnessed the incident they were the culprits. So everybody preferred to remain silent.”

But on the other side of same mountain, in Pulwama district, late Muhammad Amin Mehjoor, locally known as Ibn-e-Mehjoor (son of poet Mehjoor), collected same ‘secret’ and gave a press conference, where he claimed to have traced the missing link to Kashmir’s history.

Late Amin, an employee of archeology department then, had managed to get hold of some earthen wares along with a few broken idols. In the press conference Amin declared he is in possession of some artefacts that are 2000 years old and belong to the Buddhist era. He also claimed to have discovered a terracotta statue of Gautam Buddha.

Amin revealed that he had successfully located Kundalwan village – a historic place where fourth Buddhist conference was held during the reign of Kushan King, Kanishka (75 AD-150 AD). The said conference was attended by around 700 monks who visited the place from across the world. However Amin didn’t tell anybody about the location of this place.

The conference which is of considerable significance in the history of Buddhist era, continued for six months and after a comprehensive debate and discussion Buddhist lore and revealed texts were formulated. This text, compendium was inscribed on copper plates and named as Tri Patrika.

After the Kundalwan Conference, Buddhism saw its fall and Shivaism became common. Historians believe Shivaists destroyed all Buddhist sacred places, so to keep the Tri Patrika safe, Buddhist monks buried it somewhere in the forests and nobody had its information where it was buried.

Back in the Dalwan village, Gani claims his village is known with same name from more than 200 years now, what he has heard from his father. Dalwan village is situated at a height surrounded by mountains from all the four sides.

The entrance to this village starts from district Chadoora and the same road connects it to Chrar-i-sharief shrine from a link road.

The Dalwan village has two parts separated by a stream, one on the mountainous side and another, which is on the low lying area, is connected to southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Another mountain surrounds the village as if protecting it from all sides.

Gani says their village was never connected to district quarters directly, which is otherwise just 15 kilometers away.

As the village has rough terrains they have to trek down to the city in case of emergencies. “I still remember how we used to take patients to Chrar hospital on a handmade bed. It used to take us more than an hour to reach the hospital. I have seen many patients dying on way.”

Ghulam Rasool Hajam, 70, was quick to add that some parts of village are still not motorable like Proengam village.

Almost every villager has an anecdote to tell where he has found some artefact, earthen pots and bigger defined stones along the river beds. Presently same area is under cultivation for apple and pear trees, which is main economy of this village.

“I have heard from my grandfather that there was a civilisation living along this river and then one day they were out of sight abruptly. In my childhood it sounded like a fairy tale, but it is true how that area got its name Proengam,” recalls Hajam.

He says same artefacts can be seen even today, along the mountain range surrounding the village.

Under one such mountain, on way to Dalwan, near Hayatpora village, Indian soldiers have hanged portraits of men they ‘hate’ for shooting practice. It is hard to figure out whose faces are these from the distance.

But one has to cross the mountain to reach Dalwan village.

Hajam and Rather recall how one day they even found a big earthen pot, may be used to store rice, when they dug the land some three feet below.

They say every now and then the farmers in that area find such artefacts. Such discoveries are common in the village, but nobody from government has come to study so far.

Interestingly, this report couldn’t find a single male who has studied beyond Class 8. However, there was a woman named Naseema Yaseen, who said she had done graduation in 1995.

Addressed as Ma’im Sahab by the villagers, Naseema recalls how her house got damaged in an ‘accidental’ fire.

While constructing a new house for Naseema’s family labourers dug a twenty feet pit for sewage tank. Suddenly labourers got hold of two intact earthen pots with their lids on. Without telling anybody, the labourers left the spot, thinking they will come back in the dark to collect the treasure.

“However when they removed the lids both pots were empty,” Naseema was told later by one of them. “On the second day they returned to work and handed over those pots to me. They were of same size that we use today for making pickles.”

Naseema took both pots home thinking they might have some historical value. “That night, all of a sudden, our house caught fire. I felt the pots were cursed. Or maybe there was some secret hidden in them,” said Naseema who lives in Lawaypora, an area of Dalwan on the lower side of mountain, separated from the main village by another stream.

Last time when villagers started digging land for borewell, as the village doesn’t have proper water supply, they found well defined bigger and smaller flat stone slabs in order and pattern.

As per the revenue records, since 1916 this village was named Dalwan, because the low lying areas were under water for a long time giving it a shape of a lake.

This village comprises of three areas: Hardu, Dalwan and Futlipora. Out of the total 505 households, 217 fall under below poverty line category.

Shameem Ahmad, the revenue officer of this village, draws an imaginary circular pattern on his table to give idea of its geography. “You will be surprised to know some of our areas fall under Chrar-e-sharief and some are under Pulwama district,” said Shameem.

It is the same area where Yousuf Teing, writer and poet, claims the Buddhist Kundalwan is. “You see Kundal (earthen pot used in kangri and wan (forest) are both Kashmiri words. I am saying it with authority that Kundalwan is here in Kashmir and it exists in Southern Kashmir from Shopian to Dalwan area and this forest is in circular shape.”

Giving the leads from the route Nag Arjun, the person behind Kashmir’s own love story of ‘Heemal-Nag Arjun’, who was a member of that Buddhist conference, Teing draws the route used by Buddhists in Kashmir from Kokernag, Bijbehara, Tral, Shopian, and Dalwan. He also claims that Kashmir’s own love story is much older than Arabian love story of Shireen-Farhat.

Just 2 kilometres away from Dalwan, another village Fultipora is also rich in artefacts. Locals claim every now and then they do find something. The economy of this village is also dependant on horticulture.

Ahmad Lone, who claims to be 100 years old, is living in Futlipora since his birth. Out of his experience, he recalls how his place was historically important. His village has been a centre of various Dogra and Sikh rulers who used to collect their share of grains from villagers residing in this area of central Kashmir.

Ahmad Lone remembers at least four other forts were located in the Mohnu, Shamsh, Tilsaer and Hapru, which are of historical importance. Besides that there was a fort build by one maharaja in Dalwan as well but now no signs of these forts are visible. “When rulers changed they demolished the inheritance of earlier rulers. That was a norm,” said Lone.

Recalling his old days Lone, who had two wives, says his village was rich in Sarai’s, resting places meant for visitors, at various places. He was probably the only survivor who was witness to a major fire in Chrar-e-Sharief.

“I am not talking of 1995 fire, it was much before that. I was a kid then but I am sorry I can’t recall the exact year. Locals had to get ember from Tilsaer,” said Lone.

In his life time, Lone has witnessed recovery of a number of defined stone slabs, stone used by Kashmiri chefs, pickle pots, other storage pots and the circular stones used by porters.

Walking on criss-cross mounts inside this area, all houses in the vicinity follow a single pattern with just one floor and the roof. No house is demarcated with walls but with sticks of Russian poplars. Only old houses are three storied with ancient architecture. Among these, a concrete single story house belongs to Abdul Hameed Lone, 56, who is the numberdaar of Futlipora.

Interestingly Hameed is not aware about historic significance of his village. However, Hameed is in possession of an ancient coin which is dated circa: 999, of Hindu era.

Hameed said his agriculture land in Manzim Marg is rich in archeology artefacts. He found this coin while tilling the orchard. “We cannot afford to dig the land deeper because that will uproot our trees.”

His wife, a resident of Pakherpora, was quick to share her finding in childhood when her family came in possession of a treasure pot which contained silver coins. “Almost every family in Pakherpora has found these treasures,” she said.

She is also witness to naturally shifting of springs in her village.

M S Zahid, head of directorate of archives, archeology and museum, had no idea of any such discovery. “Entire Kashmir is archeologically rich. Everybody claims to discover something but it is not possible to dig each and every space.”

When Zahid was deputy director in his department, two students Malik Tariq Rasool and Abdur Rauf came up with artefacts from Kokernag’s Zalangam village in 2010. Both students wrote a monogram of their findings in 12 pages and later handed over the pottery, tiles and the bricks to the Archeology department.

“But during same night our residences were raided by government forces,” said Abdur Rauf.

Rauf, who is an engineer, said he visited late historian Fida Mohammad Hasnain who told him that the artefacts belong to Buddhist Era (pre-5th Century A.D). “He was of opinion that the Buddhist monks who participated in the fourth Buddhist Council may have visited this place and these things belonged to that era.”

Fida Hasnain had also claimed that the fourth Buddhist Conference was held in Kashmir. “To know where exactly the place is a matter of research. Earlier we did extractions in Harwan, Ushkar and Ahan, if not the copper plates but we found Buddhist relics at these places. We must research because Buddhists were in dominance in Kashmir till 5th century,” he had told this reporter. “But the irony is Kashmir University doesn’t have a specific section dedicated to Buddhism when it has its root in Kashmir.”

Fida Hasnain, who has served in the department of archeology in Kashmir told, “Whatever we found here in Kashmir was taken away to either Chandigarh or to Kolkata. The Gilgit manuscripts were taken away and kept in the National Archeology of India. And now they are not giving them back when they belong to us, to our history.”

However, Zahid, after the discovery of these artefacts visited Zalangam in 2010. But the search was abandoned mid-way because of summer unrest and later for lack of manpower.

Zahid claims to be the most versatile director of his department for presiding over the discoveries like Lethpora civilization, treasure of Kushan period including an underground museum in Islamabad district. He says the site was closed for fear of theft by the smugglers.

“I am keenly looking for imprints of 4th Buddhist conference. First Ibn-Mehjoor and now Teing Sahib are playing with us. Both of them are not revealing where Kundalwan Vihar is, when both claimed they know the place,” said Zahid.  “I am hopeful Teing Sahib will reveal the secret otherwise it will be buried with him like it happened with Ibn-Mehjoor.”

But Teing says the place is in the forests between Shopian and Dalwan village. “I am in the last phase of my life. I don’t want to die with this secret in my heart. And I am not like my friend Ibn-Mehjoor who died with this secret only because he had bargained for some minimal amount. But I just want them to respect the Buddhist monks of 4th conference who wished to keep those Tri Patrikas in Kashmir only,” said Teing.

 

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