CIC refuses to allow disclosure of records over NHPC projects to J&K

Srinagar

The CIC has rejected an RTI plea seeking disclosure of records related to the discussions on the demand for handing over by the Centre seven NHPC projects in Jammu and Kashmir to the state government, citing exemption clauses of “commercial confidence” and “third party”.

The case pertains to an RTI application filed by activist Venkatesh Nayak seeking communication exchanged between the Centre and the state regarding the buyback of hydro power projects, feasibility of the proposal and file notings.

“The Jammu and Kashmir government had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre in the year 2000. It states that seven hydro electric projects in the state would be transferred to NHPC Limited for a period of 10 years for funding, execution and operation,” Nayak said.

Giving details of the case, he said both the Centre and the state agreed in the MoU that they would work out a mutually acceptable methodology for handing over these projects back to the state.

Nayak’s application filed with the Union power ministry was transferred to NHPC limited, a mini-ratna public sector undertaking, which refused to disclose the information, saying it is a listed company and “disclosure would lead to unwanted speculations and confusion among shareholders and “affect the commercial confidence” of the NHPC.

“…the Commission (Central Information Commission) discerns that the information sought by the appellant is in the nature of commercially sensitive information, the disclosure of which would not serve any public interest and would lead to unwarranted speculations amongst the shareholders of the respondent PSU and shall affect the commercial confidence of the NHPC Limited,” Information Commissioner Sudhir Bhargava said.

He said the information sought is, therefore exempted from disclosure under sections of the RTI Act pertaining to ‘commercial confidence’ and ‘third party’.
Questioning the decision, Nayak said the clause of third party does not apply as the public authority which receives the information request and makes a decision on it through its Central Public Information Officer (CPIO), is the ‘second party’.
He said it cannot also be a third party in its own case.

“It may be noted here that NHPC generates more than 40 per cent of the hydel power from plants situated in Jammu and Kashmir,” Naik said.

He said 12 per cent of the power generated is supplied to Jammu and Kashmir free of cost and the state government is required to buy at commercial rates, between 19-20 per cent of the power so generated by NHPC, to meet local demands.

“…Treating one public authority as both ‘respondent’ and ‘third party’ in relation to one RTI application leads to an absurdity in law. If this becomes a popular trend, any senior officer in a public authority can claim to be a ‘third party’ to every RTI application and frustrate every information request by objecting to disclosure,” Naik said.

According to Section 11 of the RTI Act, if an applicant seeks information from a public authority about a third party, the concerned official must take views of that party before disclosure.

However, final decision rests with the concerned official who may overrule objections raised by the third party.

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Dr Farooq Abdullah pays obeisance at the shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi (RA)

Srinagar

National Conference President and Member Parliament of Srinagar Dr. Farooq Abdullah Tuesday visited the shrine of Sultan-ul-Aarifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoomi (RA) and prayed for peace in the state.

Paying obeisance at the shrine, Dr. Farooq Abdullah prayed for stability and development of the State and well being of its people. He was accompanied by Party General Secretary Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar.

While interacting with the devotees at the shrine of the revered saint, Dr Farooq said, “Muslims of the world were prosperous when they were united but the current situation is very disturbing. The need of the hour therefore is to establish unity among ranks of Muslims around the world,” adding, “Conspiracies are being hatched to weaken the Muslim world but we need to be vigilant. Islam has given the world a lesson in humanity and universal brotherhood. It’s this essence of Islam which needs to be revived among all of us.”

On the occasion Khudamman Ziarat performed Dastar Bandi on both the leaders.

Later General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar impressed upon the District administration to make sure that all the adequate arrangements are in place for the upcoming Urs days at the shrine. He asked the administration to ensure adequate supply of drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, cleanliness around the shrine and transport facilities for the devotees. DC Srinagar Syed Abid Shah and other district officials were also present.

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Portraits by JK Police Constable Ishfar Ali showcased at Australian High Commissioner’s residence

Srinagar

Portraits of prominent Australian Prime Ministers Alfred Deakin, Robert Menzies, Harold Holt, John Mcewen, John Gorton, William Mcmahon, Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser, and Donald Bradman (sportsman) through the 20th century were showcased at a function held here at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner.

The portraits have been made by Kashmiri artist Ishfar Ali. Born in the Zadibal region of Srinagar in 1984, he joined the J&K Police as a Constable in 2011 after obtaining a bachelor in Fine Arts at Kashmir University. He was deeply influenced by renowned artist Masood Hussain. His work has begun to draw the attention of art enthusiasts across India and internationally as well.

His art was widely appreciated and commended at the function held in honour of the visiting Australian Parliamentary Delegates in New Delhi.

The Australian High Commissioner Ms. Harinder Sidhu and Advisor to the J&K Chief Minister, Amitabh Mattoo, who is also Honorary Director of the Australia India Institute Delhi appreciated his work which highlighted broad sources of inspiration and an appreciation of the power of art to build bridges between communities.

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J&K Congress unit pays tribute to Indira Gandhi

Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Congress unit on Tuesday paid tributes to former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi on her 33rd death anniversary.

Various leaders paid floral tributes to the late Prime Minister at Congress headquarters in Srinagar. “We pay tribute to a dynamic leader; India’s first and only female PM and 1999’s ‘Woman of the Millennium’, Indira Gandhi,” the J&K Congress president Ghulam Ahmed Mir said.

“Remembering Indiraji and her immense passion for India and its people. She was a leader whose conviction remains unparalleled,” he said.

Besides, Mir, several other leaders including Usman Majid, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Muhammad Sultan Mandoo and other were present on the occasion.

She was the daughter of the first Prime Minister late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Born on November 19, 1917, Indira Gandhi was assassinated on October 31, 1984, by her bodyguards.

The assassination came a few months after she ordered the storming of the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar in the “Operation Blue Star” to counter the Punjab insurgency.

She held office from January 1966 to March 1977, and again from January 14, 1980 till her death. (CNS)

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Dr Drabu for making JK trade corridor to Central Asia

Srinagar

JK’s Finance Minister, Dr Haseeb Drabu on Tuesday called for making Jammu & Kashmir a transit and trade corridor for arching out to Central Asia.

“Given its geographical location, Jammu and Kashmir could become a nucleus towards forging a new economic alliance in the region between the South and the Central Asia,” Dr Drabu said while speaking at the concluding session of the India-UAE Partnership Summit (IUPS) here this afternoon.

Dr Drabu addressed the special session at the Summit on investment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir titled “J&K: Investing in Peace, Prosperity and Development”.

He said India and Central Asia have shared a geo-cultural affinity and a long tradition of historical contacts that dates back to antiquity. “There is convergence of views on varied issues and interests between the Central Asian Republics and India, including promoting economic, scientific and cultural cooperation in the region,” Dr Drabu said adding that given its historic links with Central Asia, J&K can become a surface transport passage for reviving traditional economic linkages in the region.

Referring to foreign direct investment opportunities in J&K, Dr Drabu said there is huge potential for investment in tourism, energy, education, healthcare, Information Technology and agriculture sectors including setting up of a Dry Port, Cold Chain, Education Zone for foreign universities and Special Economic Zones for handicrafts and Sports Goods including Cricket bats.

Dr Drabu said it was heartening to note that one of the biggest business groups of UAE, Emaar Group and Dubai Ports have expressed their willingness to explore the possibility of investing in J&K.

The two-day India-UAE Partnership Summit (IUPS) was jointly organized by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, Consulate General of India, Dubai and UAE-based premium business body Business Leaders’ Forum (BLF) on 30/31 October.

 

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Casual labourers accuse officials of appointing relatives illegally

Srinagar

A couple of days after Government framed the policy for regularization of Casual Labourers in different government departments, some officials in Power Development Department at Sub-Division Pattan in North Kashmir have illegally appointed their relatives as daily wagers.

A group of Casual Labourers working in Power Development Department at Sub-Division Pattan assembled here in Press Enclave on Tuesday and alleged that a couple of officials want to deprive them from their jobs and has adjusted their relatives illegally.

“We have been working in the department from past 14 years. The recent Cabinet decision raised some hopes but at the same time, few officials in our Sub-Division have adjusted their own men after the recent cabinet announcement,” they told news agency CNS and appealed authorities to get the records verified before proceeding ahead.

“When we raised hue and cry, the officials stopped our salaries. We appeal PDD authorities to look into the matter,” they said. (CNS)

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SMC in slumber: Vendors block roads, shopkeepers display merchandize on footpaths

Srinagar

The Ward Officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation have been giving an open field to shopkeepers across Srinagar, who occupy footpaths at will to the much discomfiture of commuters.

The shopkeepers in every nook and corner of city display most of their merchandise on front portion of the shops occupying the footpath. Neither police nor SMC officials take cognizance of such illegal practices.

The situation is really horrible at prime locations including Batamallo, Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Maharaja Bazar, Gonikhan and Kokar Bazaar, Qamarwari Chowk and other areas hindering the movement of pedestrians and also causing frequent traffic jams.

Amira Kadal Bridge has been completely occupied by vendors while a stretch of road at the extreme end of Gonikhan has become virtual property of some vendors. The situation is grimmer at Maharaja Bazar. Recently, Divisional Commissioner had placed two Ward Officer under suspension for not initiating any action against violators.

“These consciousless shopkeepers and vendors choke the movement of traffic, causing inconvenience to common people. SMC is blamed for all this mess. I myself witnessed today a police party removed some vendors near LD Hospital, but as soon as the party disappeared, the vendors re-occupied the foothpath,” a local, Farooq Ahmed  told news agency CNS.

Pertinently, from past couple of days, Srinagar city has been witnessing frequent traffic jams.

“It’s not only shopkeepers that have occupied footpaths, but armed forces have also blocked foothpaths at different places. The footpath leading to Polo-View from Residency Road has been blocked by CRPF stationed at State Bank of India. It’s a complete mess here,” said a renowned trader.

At Regal Chowk, some of the top businessmen have also started displaying their goods on footpaths. The foothpath is close to Kothibagh Police Station.

Qamarwari Chowk also witnesses gridlock for long time due to large number of vendors. The situation is same in Karan Nagar.

“SMC boosts of making Srinagar encroachment free only in statements but in reality the situation is totally different. The occupation of roads at Hari Singh High Street and Amira Kadal is a big slap on the Corporation and it amply shows the rotten system prevalent here.”

Government is not even honouring the court orders that had strictly directed it to stop vendors from occupying footpaths.

There are 35 Wards starting from Nagabal to Narbal and Khunmou to Sheikhpora but not a single Ward Officer cares to visit the markets. “I am from Mehjoor Nagar which is barely two kilometers away from Civil Secretariat. If you visit there, you will find all the shopkeepers have occupied the road. Some shopkeepers have even erected iron rods on roads to display their merchandize,” said Nazir Ahmed.

When contacted, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Reyaz Ahmed Wani said that they called representatives of vendors and shopkeepers associations and threatened them of legal action in case they continue to block roads and foothpaths. “Things will change now. We will not allow anyone to resort to illegal means,” Wani said. (CNS)

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CM in Gurez: Pitches for tunnel construction on Razdan Pass, opening of Gurez-Astoor road

Srinagar

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday laid stress on opening up of areas and improving communication between people to minimise their difficulties and improve their economies.

Interacting with people in Gurez during her public outreach programme, the Chief Minister stressed the need for construction of tunnel on Razdan Pass on the Bandipore-Gurez road to make the area accessible to rest of the Valley throughout the year. She also underscored the need for opening of Gurez-Astoor road on the LoC which she said would help a great deal in soaring up the local economies and minimising the difficulties of people living in these areas.

Mehbooba Mufti also underscored the need for improving road network for and within Gurez Valley to let people connect with each other. She also directed administration to expedite the process of extending mobile connectivity to the area to remove the communication gap between people here and rest of the State.

Responding to the local demands, the Chief Minister said that she would send a consultancy group to Gurez to assess the development needs and economic potential of the area. She said the staff in health and educational institutes would be strengthened and facilities improved. Also allied facilities like accommodation, recreation facilities etc would also be raised in Gurez to incentivize the stay of staff, particularly during winters, she added.

Mehbooba Mufti said her Government has increased the compensation for affected families of Kishen Ganga project considerably and the Government would pursue with Centre for the engagement of local youth with NHPC on the said project. She said Gurez valley has immense potential for tourism and her Government would take steps for tapping this potential which would rejuvenate local economy.

The Chief Minister, on the occasion distributed cash relief among the fire sufferers of the area whose houses were gutted in fire incidents. She directed proper rehabilitation of these fire sufferers and directed the district administration to put them in rented accommodation for winter months for which the Government would pay. Also she asked the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipore to identify land in the town for the proper rehabilitation of these fire victims.

During her stay at Gurez a number of deputations from Tulail, Chakwali, Achoora, Abdullian, Kanzalwan etc met the Chief Minister and apprised her of their difficulties. The Chief Minister assured them to look into their difficulties on priority.

The deputations sought special recruitment drive for the area, augmentation of health facilities, market support to local produce, bus service from Dawar to Tulail, construction of helipad at Neru and Chakwali, upgradation of various schools, extension of scooty scheme for girls, sports infrastructure, introduction of new trades at the local ITI, setting up of handicraft centres, availability of solar lights and construction of several link roads.

The deputations thanked the Chief Minister for introducing air service to Gurez which they said has come as a great relief to people of the area. They demanded extension of more such facilities particularly in communication sector.

Minister for R&B, Naeem Akhtar; Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Nazir Ahmad Khan(Gurezi); former MLA, Faqir Muhammad Khan; officers of district administration and a large number of people were present on the occasion.

 

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Sec 144 imposed around Srinagar exam centres in Srinagar

Srinagar

District Administration Srinagar on Tuesday issued magisterial orders imposing prohibitory restrictions under Section 144 CrPc within a radius of 200 meters around examination centres of the district for smooth conduct of annual regular secondary and higher secondary school examinations.

It was said that the move is aimed at to ensure free and fair conduct of the exams and shall remain in force till the examination is over. However, examinees, supervisory staff, and security personnel deployed for conducting the examinations shall be exempted from the operation of the orders.

Tehsildars North, South, Shalteng, Khanyar and Eidgah and concerned Naib Tehsildars have been designated as magistrates and checking squads respectively to ensure smooth conduct of the exams in their respective jurisdictions.

 

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Two Pulwama boys trying to ex-filtrate to PaK for arms training arrested in Kupwara: Police

Srinagar

Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested two militants in Kupwara district in northern part of Kashmir.

While briefing the media persons, the SSP said that based on specific information police party of SOG Kupwara had laid cordon and search operation in Manigah Hyhama area.

During search of the area, two youth were found moving suspiciously and were nabbed. They identified themselves as Danish Ghulam Lone son of Ghulam Mohd Lone, a resident of Brah Badna Pulwama, age about 20 yrs and Suhail Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Mohi u din Bhat, a resident of Dogripora Pulwama, age about 21yrs.

Some incriminating documents including the map of areas adjoining to LoC and some posters of HM outfit were also recovered from the possession of the arrested youth, he said.

During preliminary interrogation, they disclosed that they were motivated by one active HM militant namely Adnan operating in Pulwama/Awantipora area for joining the militant ranks and ex-filtration to PaK for obtaining arms training. “They further disclosed that said HM militant Adnan had also asked them to visit the Central Jail Srinagar and meet one HM cadre Ishaq Paul resident of Shopian, a militant under detention

 

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Traditional Fish Markets to be developed under Smart City Proposal: Govt

Srinagar

Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development, Social Welfare, Asiea Naqash today said that the traditional Fish Markets would be developed in the Srinagar under Smart City Proposal.

The Minister said this during the distribution of Bicycles to the 50 Fishermen of Dal Lake under Blue Revolution Scheme at Nigeen Club. The function was organized by J&K Fisheries Department.

Addressing the gathering, Asiea said that Fish Markets are the part of our tradition and names of different places are given on the Fish culture like Gada Kocha,  Gadihainzpora , Gadi Bazar  etc. “Fishermen played an important role in our culture and government will develop traditional Fish Markets in the Srinagar under Smart City proposal so that tourists are attracted towards different varieties of fishes especially Trout and also know the life style of fishermen residing in Dal Lake & Anchar Lake,” she said.

J&K Fisheries Department were directed to identify the appropriate places in the city for the development of traditional fish markets under Smart City Proposal.

The Minister said that Government is committed to distribute every welfare scheme to the downtrodden people especially Fishermen. She said affordable houses were already provided to 119 Fishermen of Dal Lake.

For the rehabilitation of Fishermen, Minister disbursed Rs 25 lacs under SADP to the JKLAWDA to develop new Fish Market at Hazratbal with the expert guidance from J&K Fisheries Department.

Later, Asiea visited Trout Fish Farm Dachigam and took the stock of Rainbow & Brown Trout Fish rearing on Scientific Lines.

Minister was informed that during current year 5 lac seeds of Carp variety were dropped in the Dal Lake at different locations which will boost the fish production in the lake.

Minister directed Fisheries Department to provide each and every logistic support and welfare schemes to the fishermen so that their livelihood will be enhanced.

Director J&K Fisheries Department R. N. Pandita, Joint Director Kashmir Mohammad Amin Wani, Joint Director (Projects) Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Deputy Director M. M. Bazaz and other concerned officers accompanied the Minister.

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BJP organises ‘Run for Unity’ in Srinagar on Sardar Patel’s 142nd birth anniversary

Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh on Tuesday termed “Jammu and Kashmir as the crown of India” and said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had played the biggest role in ensuring the accession of J&K to mainland India.

“Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India and this is the message we are giving by participating in the Run for Unity in the state,” Singh told reporters in Srinagar after flagging off the ‘Run for Unity’ on the 142nd birth anniversary of the first deputy prime minister of India.

“Sardar Patel has biggest role in ensuring accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India as well as forcing out raiders from territory and ensuring peace here,” Singh said.

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Second edition of ‘Kashmir World Film Festival’ to be held in Srinagar from Nov 1

Srinagar

Actors Creative Theatre (ACT) is holding the second edition of Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) in collaboration with J&K Govt on Wednesday.

The Five day film festival will be held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar from November 1 and will conclude on November 5. Minister for Public Works Naeem Akhtar will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the festival, the organisers said at a press conference in Srinagar.

Kashmir Life Image by Bilal Bhadur

The festival Director Mustaaque Ali Ahmad khan said that the motive of organizing the festival is to restore the film culture in Kashmir. “It seems that the habit of watching films in the valley is lost. So, we have taken the initiative to set the things back on the track,” he said.

“During the festival, the films from different categories will be screened for the audience that include feature fiction film, short documentary films, short animation films and experimental films,” he said.

The organizers of the festival said that around thirty films in different languages will be screened during the five day festival.

“The Films like Citizen Kane, Angry Men (English) Bicycle Thieves (Italian), Life Is Beautiful (Italian), The Queen Of Silence (Polish), Seven Samurai (Japenese), Children Of Heaven (Persian), Where Are My Shoes (Persian), Andaz (Hindi), Pyasa (Hindi), Reet (Dogri), Lzadol (Ladakhi), Mainz Raat (First Kashmiri feature film) and many others will be screened on the occasion,” he said.

He said that the first edition of festival witnessed a huge success that prompted him to hold its second edition.

“We received so much love, warm wishes and standing ovations from our audience during the first film festival,” Mustaaque said.

When asked about the idea of starting the film festival, he said, “I felt that the cinema related activities were missing from this part of the world at a time when all forms of media arts were available to us, so I decided to go ahead with the idea.”

He further said that besides the film festival, five day workshop will be also held during the first half of the day and the workshop will be for the media students and the film lovers who want to learn about the film making.

“We have chosen the topic as ‘introduction to cinema’ where many Bollywood filmmakers will be interacting with its audience and will be seeking the feedback as well,” he added.

Saeed Mirza, a famous bollywood director and filmmaker said, “I felt very happy when I got a call from “Act and Know” about the festival. It is great opportunity for the people who were born after 90’s to know about the cinema. Bollywood and Kashmir share a very old relationship. They cannot be separated. Kashmir is known as photographer’s paradise and in the past both Bollywood and International film makers have shot their movies in Kashmir.”

Noted Writer and Bollywood Director Anwar Jamal felt that “by such initiatives, the youth of Kashmir will get a platform to go out and work in the field.”

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‘Kashmir dispute needs to be addressed in historical context’; Resistance leaders reject GoI interlocutor

Srinagar

The resistance leaders on Tuesday said that the “much hyped” about appointment of Dineshwar Sharma by Govt of India as its interlocutor for J&K is nothing more than a tactic to buy time adopted under international pressures and regional compulsions and due to the abysmal failure of the state policy of “military repression” upon the people of Kashmir.

Octogenarian Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani

The resistance leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik who met at the residence of senior resistance leader Syed Ali Geelani at Hyderpora, later in a joint statement said that while in principle the pro-freedom leadership has always advocated and supported sincere and productive dialogue as a means of conflict resolution over Jammu and Kashmir, what it inherently entails from all participants to dialogue is the basic acknowledgment that there is a dispute that has to be resolved. But Govt of India continuously refuses to accept this basic premise and the reality on the ground.

Referring to PM Narendra Modi’s outright dismissal of former Home Minister of India P Chidambaram’s suggestion of restoration of autonomy for J&K, the leaders said that if Govt of India even rejects the demand of its co-political party for restoration of autonomy guaranteed by its own constitution, calling it a betrayal with soldiers and hence unacceptable, how will such a dispensation in New Delhi address or engage with the Kashmiri people’s political will and aspiration of self-determination for which people have been relentlessly struggling and sacrificing for the past 70 years.

File Image of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (KL Image)

The leaders said that Sharma’s recent comment that he will come to Kashmir to dissuade the youth from Islam and pursuing their legitimate political aspirations so that Kashmir does not become Syria is misleading. To compare the internationally recognized 70-year-old political and humanitarian issue of Kashmir to that of the sectarian war and power struggle in Syria is deception and propaganda as there is no relation between the two situations.

They further said that Sharma’s assertion that he is coming to the valley with the directive from Government of India to “restore peace” rather than addressing the dispute or its resolution in keeping with the overwhelming majority sentiment of people of J&K limits the scope of any engagement with him and makes it an exercise in futility.

“Unless the Kashmir dispute is understood and addressed in its historical context and in the background of international commitments made over it, lasting peace can neither be achieved in J&K nor in the subcontinent. While the repressive state militaristic approach continues in dealing with Kashmir, to talk of peace and dialogue is also a ploy by the GoI to strike a hard bargain which people of Kashmir and leadership will never succumb to.”

Muhammad Yaseen Malik

The leaders observed that for any Kashmiri to be part of this futile exercise will only undermine our internationally acknowledged legitimate and just struggle, nourished by the blood of our martyrs and great sacrifices and hardships rendered daily by the Masses.

The leaders reiterated that use of unlimited force on common people killings torture of youth, imprisonment, intimidation, propaganda media trials, harassment of women and all such inhuman measures will not deter people or leadership to give up pursuing their legitimate demand for resolution of Kashmir issue as per our will and aspirations.

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Rasheed pays Rs 2.5 lacs to fire victims of Haril Langate; Supervises rescue ops

Srinagar

The chief of Awami Ittehad Party and sitting Langate lawmaker Er Rasheed on Tuesday paid Rs 2 lacs and 5 thousand to those whose property was damaged in a devastating fire in Haril village of Handwara.

In the tragic and devastating incident nearly twelve structures including residential houses were destroyed in Haril Langate.

While half a dozen fire extinguishers were on the job to doused the flames, Rasheed supervised the operations. “Hundreds of locals did commendable job in controlling the fire. In the incident more than twenty thousand fruit boxes also got badly damaged. Er Rasheed announced an immediate relief of 2.5 Lacs from Joint Effort Trust (JET) in favour of victims and also promised to do whatever possible to rehabilitate the families,” a statement of AIP said.

Rasheed also talked to Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and other senior officials of the administration over phone and sought immediate package for the victims.

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J&K dialogue: Hakim Yasin expresses concern over statements of BJP leadership

Srinagar

Expressing concern over the statements made by BJP leadership after the appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as an interlocutor to resume political engagement in Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) president and MLA Khansahib, Hakim Mohammad Yasin on Tuesday said if the offer of dialogue is sincere then what is the need to make “controversial statements” regarding Article 370 and Article 35A.

“If New Delhi is sincere in its offer of dialogue through its interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, then what is the reason for BJP leadership making contrary statements regarding Article 370 and Article 35-A. Such statements create doubts about the sincerity of dialogue offer and has the potential to keep several stakeholders groups away from the dialogue,” Yasin said in a statement.

He said: “When Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced a special representative has been appointed to talk to different groups in the state and the government’s doors were always open for the groups which want to talk. But afterwards instead of issuing controversial statements, the BJP-led government should have tried to make conducive atmosphere for talks so that all the groups, including Hurriyat, could be part of the dialogue process. Otherwise, the dialogue process would fail before it takes off. The past experiences have to be kept in mind before moving forward,” he said.

The PDF chief said the previous such exercises lacked sincerity and Congress party can’t be absolved of its mistakes. “If former Home Minister P Chidamabaram issued statement favouring autonomy to J&K, the Congress party distanced itself from his views. What is the fun of sending its (Congress) core group to J&K, when they are not even ready to give autonomy to the state?,” he asked.

The MLA Khasahib made it clear that Kashmir was not a law and order issue but a political issue which needs political settlement. “Real issue is to settle Kashmir politically. And both the BJP and the Congress must think with sincerity and solve the issue politically. Making only statements and announcements won’t help,” he vowed.

“I am hopeful that after Home Minister’s announcement, New Delhi will initiate a time bound and meaningful dialogue not only with separatist leaders but with Pakistan also. There is no other way than holding a meaningful and time bound dialogue to resolve all the issues including Kashmir. When China and India can resolve its issues peacefully, why not India and Pakistan?” Hakim Yasin asked.

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Raised in 1992, CRPF demolishes bunker in Soura, another in Eidgah

Srinagar

The Central Reserve Police Force on Tuesday removed two bunkers on Ali Jan road leading to the S-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Soura.

The bunkers were erected in Bahulachpora area of Soura and Saidapora area of Eidgah locality.

The Bahulachipora banker was erected in 1992, and was presently housed by CRPF’s 161 BN. The Saidapora bunker was also housed by the same battalion of CRPF.

CRPF officials said that it is a routine matter of personnel ‘rationalisation’ and nothing ‘serious’.

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Manzoor Khan case: High Court issues notice to J&K govt, Army major

Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to J&K government and a major of Indian army’s 27 RR “Trehmukh Top post” in a petition filed by Manzoor Ahmad Khan through his brother Mohammad Aslam Khan.

Manzoor was taken into custody by 27 RR camp on May 31, 2017. Since then he was not released. Police station Lalpora had filed a case under FIR No 63/2017 in this regard under section 364, 343 RPC.

Manzoor was represented by his counsel Adv Nasir Qadri. The case has been listed for November 7.

Manzoor Ahmad Khan

Manzoor Ahmad, a labourer in his early twenties, disappeared from an army camp at Trehmokh Top in the remote Lolab area of Kupwara district in northern Kashmir. Manzoor and another local, Nasrullah Khan, were detained for ‘some questioning’ while they were on their way to Trehmokh Top from their village, Kakar Devar Patti.

Protests erupted on 31 August near the Top – a tri-junction mountain pasture connecting Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara – after locals accused the army of arresting the two men. Manzoor is also a close relative of J&K law minister and senior PDP leader Abdul Haq Khan.

The army camp is situated near the Top where people from surrounding villages live during summer in small wood and mud structures called dokhas. The villagers have to pass through the camp and sign in to enter it, producing their identity cards before moving towards the Top or returning to the villages.

Nasrullah was found near the dokhas by the evening of 31 August. He was ‘half-dead’ due to severe torture, villagers said. Locals also said the army assured them that “both will be released”.

Khan was taken to the local health centre from where doctors referred him to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, in critical condition. Later he was shifted to SKIMS, Soura, for better treatment as he was suffering from severe kidney damage.

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Inam felicitates Sameer for prestigious ‘Rhodes Scholarship’

Srinagar

Inam-un-Nabi, a well known political analyst, commentator and orator has felicitated Sameer Rashid Bhat for being awarded the Prestigious Rhodes Scholarship 2018 by world renowned Law Department of Oxford University UK.

Inam in a statement said that Sameer Bhat’s achievement proves that Kashmiris have tremendous potential to make it big on global radar in the important fields of study.

Inam observed that Sameer Rashid Bhat is a shinning example of “how despite painful situations the youth of Kashmir are scaling toughest peaks of excellence with flying colours. Courage, hard work, determination should be followed by all our youngsters to shine on global level”.

He hoped the success of Sameer would prove good omen and motivate other youth to make Kashmir proud on global stage.

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Israeli Defence delegation visits Indian army base in Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar

An Israeli defence delegation visited the Indian Army’s Northern Command headquarters at Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, an army statement said.

It said that the Israeli delegation was led by Major General Yakov Barak.

“An Israeli delegation led by Major General Yakov (Kobi) Barak called on the Northern Command’s General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen Devraj Anbu to discuss matters of mutual interest,” an Army statement said.

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Massive fire engulfs Handwara village

Srinagar

Massive fire on Tuesday afternoon engulfed dozens of residential houses in Haril village of Handwara district in northern part of Kashmir.

Nazir Ahmad, A local informed Kashmir Life that more than two dozen houses were destroyed in the fire.

He said that the cause of fire was not known yet however it very rapidly spread to a the whole village mohalla and danaged dozens of houses and other structures.

He said that fire services personnel have reached the spot and are trying to douse the flames.

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Armies of India, Pakistan exchange fire along LoC in Poonch

Srinagar

The armies of India and Pakistan exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Reports said that Pakistani army resorted to firing in Karmara sector of Poonch, resulting into injuries to a minor girl.

The injured girl was identified as Gulnaz Akhtar, daughter of Muhammad Nazir, a resident of Karmara.

She was shifted to a hospital for treatment, said the official.

Reports said that Indian army retaliated effectively and strongly.

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Suspension of Cross LoC trade through Poonch results in loss of 81 Crores

Srinagar

Suspension of cross-LoC trade between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK) for the last 17 weeks has resulted in a loss of over Rs 81 crore, an official said Tuesday.

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have sought a meeting with officials of PaK on Thursday to discuss resumption of cross-LoC travel and trade via the Poonch-Rawalkote road.

Trade across the Line of Control (LoC) was suspended on July 11 after heavy cross border firing and shelling caused damage to trade facilitation centres and police barracks.

“Due to suspension of trade along the LoC, there was a loss of over Rs 81 crore during the period,” custodian of LoC trade (Poonch), Mohammad Tanveer told PTI.

“We have requested PaK officials — via the government — for a meeting on November 2 to decide on resumption of the cross-LoC travel and trade via the Poonch-Rawalkote road,” he said, adding a response from PaK authorities was awaited.

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Kathua Court sentences 10 yr imprisonment, fine to drug peddler

Srinagar

A local Court on Monday sentenced 10 years imprisonment and a fine to a drug peddler in NDPS Case.

Principal District and Session Judge Kathua with special power of Special Judge under NDPS Act M A Choudhary convicted Sudagar Mal alias Rodu of tehsil Hiranagar, district Kathua for 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 1 lakhs for possession of Cannabis for commercial use to be sold among the vulnerable section of the society.

As per the case, the drug peddler was arrested from Lakhanpur on August 8, 2016 from New Ravi Bridge Lakhanpur while he was found roaming on the bridge.

He was intercepted and during search, one-kg of Charas was recovered from his possession and he was taken into custody.

The accused was lodged in District Jail Kathua in pursuance to the Judgement passed by the Principal District and Session Judge Kathua with special power of Special Judge under NDPS Act.

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Kashmiri law student gets Rhodes scholarship

Srinagar

Making the Valley proud, Sameer Rashid Bhat, 25, has become the first Kashmiri to get Rhodes scholarship in law. Sameer, who hails from a village in southern part of Kashmir’s Islamabad district is currently enrolled as a final year student at Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, where he is pursuing BA LLB (Hons). He has been awarded the Rhodes Scholarship-2018 and will be pursing a postgraduate course in law for a year at Oxford University.

The Rhodes scholars are chosen after a rigorous three-step process. By qualifying all three stages, Sameer has not only brought laurels for Kashmir, but also became the first student from Gujarat National Law University to get the prestigious scholarship. Sameer plans to study Comparative Human Rights Law, Criminal Justice, Security and Constitutional Theory during his stay at Oxford. The scholarship entitles him to study a subject of his choice at the university for at least one year.

“It is indeed a proud moment. The credit goes to the efforts and prayers of my parents and friends,” Sameer said.

Sameer, who hails from Pushroo, Nowgam, Anantnag district, did his initial schooling at Modern Public School, Nowgam, from where he moved on to Iqbal Memorial Institute, Srinagar, completing Classes X and XII before enrolling at Gujarat National Law University for BA LLB course.

Though Sameer was a science student up to Class XII, he says he took to creative writing and was driven to social issues. His school teacher, Majid Jahangir, at Iqbal Memorial Institute helped him develop interest in law.

He said diversity at Gujarat National Law University also helped him in shaping his personality, which also contributed in award of Rhodes scholarship to him.

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Police organises ‘sports festival’ in Ganderbal

Ishtiyak Magray
Ganderbal

A Week long JK Police sports festival was on Monday organised by District Police Ganderbal at Sainik School Manasbal.

The festival was inaugurated by DIG Central Kashmir Gh Hassan Bhat, DC Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal, besides other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

DIG Central Kashmir, lauded the role of J&K Police in organizing such types of sports activities that provide platform to the youth to excel in various sports activities.

Speaking on the occasion SSP Ganderbal Fayaz Ahmad Lone thanked the participants and requested them to join hands with police in order to create peaceful atmosphere in the district. “The main aim to organize such programs is to provide a platform to the talented youth to advocate sports curriculum in the district and to outreach the areas where avenues are not available but talent is visible,” he said.

During the sports event, around 400 boys and girls from different schools will take part in various games and sports activities viz football,Volley ball,kho kho, kabadi, Martial Arts- Wushu,Tug of War,Taekwondo other athletic events.

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Pellets, bullets and tortures won’t stop us to take movement to its logical conclusion, affirms Geelani

Srinagar

Octogenarian Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani on Monday said that history stands witness that in contrast to every freedom movement, “occupational and tyrant forces” have suffered a defeat.

Refferring to the prevailing “gloomy situation” and commenting over unabated “brutalities” inflicted by government the ailing leader said that authorities in Delhi through its military might seem desperate to cow down our spirits, however all the follies played by them will culminate at their defeat.

“Representing the sentiments and aspirations of people, it has remained our stance and we have been saying that we will never succumb to any pressure and will take movement to its logical end,” he said in a statement.

Geelani while referring to “coercive measures and atrocities perpetrated by Indian forces during last seventy years”, said that despite unabated killings, plunder, arson, showering bullets and pellets on public gatherings, maiming and blinding innocent children, brute torture of youth, braid chopping and sexual assault on women, they failed to break the resolve and commitment of people with freedom movement.

Lashing at authorities in New Delhi for their deception, Geelani said that they are following their particular sectarian dogma and propagating fabricated stories and framing fake allegations against pro-freedom leadership.

Appealing people Geelani called for unity, dedication and sincerity and asked to stand against communal regime in Delhi, their stooges, local pro- Indian political parties and make their follies a failure.

Hurriyat Chairman expressed deep concern over the biased approach of Indian judiciary against Kashmiri prisoners and said that although an Impartial judiciary is considered as a main pillar of democracy, however while dealing with Kashmiri prisoners their partial approach has put question mark on its credibility.

“In hundreds of cases the judiciary while setting aside their cases and bailing them out, police contrary to the release orders re-arrest them even in court premises against fake charges as administration don’t honour these court rulings,” he said.

 

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Akhtar reviews winter arrangements; Directs for immediate steps to address traffic, power issues

Srinagar

Minister for Public Works, Naeem Akhtar today chaired a high level meeting to review the arrangements made for winter season in Kashmir Division.

The meeting was also attended by Minster for Education, Syed Altaf Bukhari.

Akhtar took strong notice of complaints regarding traffic scenario and unscheduled power cuts. He directed the officials to take immediate remedial measures so that all bottlenecks are removed and smooth flow of traffic is ensured in city centre and other areas.

The IG Kashmir assured the additional police personnel will be provided to traffic department for addressing shortage of manpower. The Minister directed the officials to immediately finish the coulour coding scheme of passenger vehicles and resolve the traffic problems that arose due to shifting of Bus Stand from Batmalloo to Parimpora.

To preserve the heritage of The Bund, the Minister directed that all vehicles would be banned from plying on historic road. “The Bund has a historic legacy and it should be exclusively kept for pedestrians,” said Naeem Akhter. “In no way vehicles should ply on the Bund.”

The Minister was informed about the power situation in the valley. He directed Chief Engineer PDD to immediately publish the curtailment schedule and stick to it in all areas.

The Minister expressed concern over the drought like situation in Kashmir due to which there is imminent threat of water shortage. He asked the PHE to start an awareness drive for starting austerity to save water.

The meeting was informed that there is sufficient stock of essential commodities in the division. It was revealed that there is sufficient stock of LPG, diesel and petrol. The Minister directed the officials to allocate the ration at the earliest in Srinagar and other districts. He appreciated the department for speedily completing the dumping of ration in Ladakh, Gurez, Tanghdar and other snow bound areas.

The Minister directed the CE R&B to start patching work on all roads which have developed minor potholes so that further damage is prevented. He also directed the officials to upgrade the road from B&J Hospitals to Tengpora bridge underpass.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IG Kashmir, IG Traffic, Chief Engineer R&B, PDD, and other officials were also present

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Naeem Akhtar participates in BJP’s National Executive Meet; NC expresses shock, says BJP, PDP have same agenda

Srinagar

National Conference on Monday expressed shock over the participation of PDP Spokesperson and Minister Nayeem Akhtar’s participation in the BJP’s National Executive meet at SKICC Srinagar and demanded that the party come out with an explanation.

Reacting over the presence of senior Cabinet Minister and PDP senior member Nayeem Akhtar, in the executive meeting of BJP held at Srinagar on Sunday, Party Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said that the inclusion of PDP in a high level BJP meet was a clear sign that PDP and BJP had the same agenda in Jammu and Kashmir. “Executive body meetings are not part of governance decision making. These are policy making occasions for the party,” Nasir said. He added that the news of Akhtar being part of this meeting was “not just shocking, but questionable too”.

He alleged that PDP had “merged” with BJP. “Looking at the way two parties are now having a joint executive body meeting in Kashmir, the north pole and south pole have not just met, but undoubtedly merged,” Nasir said.

He said that people of Kashmir deserve an explanation about what the senior PDP leader was doing at the BJP policy meeting. “Are they (PDP) taking dictations from BJP? Or are they helping the saffron brigade to spread its tentacles better over J&K?” the Provincial President said.

Terming the alliance of PDP-BJP a result “well devised strategy” to change the political discourse and expression of the state, Nasir said that in the past three years, state has seen how the ruling alliance had made dilution of state’s special status its one point agenda. “Article 35A, Article 370, Beef Ban, GST… the list goes on. The ruling alliance was forged to make us surrender to the vehemently aggressive saffronisation of India,”

He said that the fact that Akhtar not only showed his presence at the meeting, but also addressed the party workers of BJP needed no explanation vis-à-vis the significance of the attendance. “We need an answer from PDP. People of Kashmir, who the party claims to represent, need an explanation,” the Provincial President said.

 

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J&K Bank Chairman moots idea of education and health care for staff

Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Chairman Pervez Ahmad on Monday said that the employees are the spine and backbone of the bank.

“It is their sweat and services that have gone into making this bank as the flagship institution of Jammu and Kashmir,” Parvez Ahmed made these remarks on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony at the newly built Zonal Office Complex Sopore during an interactive session with the bank’s entire management and the officers heading the business units across the north zone.

On the occasion, he congratulated the staff for quick turnaround the bank has made in its recent performance, which he said was commendable.

“Therefore, as leaders of this institution, it is our responsibility to work for the welfare of staff and make them feel comfortable, valuable besides upgrading their capacities to face upcoming challenges with same determination and commitment exhibited time and again by us and our predecessors” he said.

The chairman pointed out that the trust and confidence of the people of the state in ‘J&K Bank Brand’ coupled with the employees’ comfort will ultimately translate into the prosperity of the state

Proposing the idea of having institutions of health and education for staff to a resounding applause, he asserted, “Often, I come to know that our staff doesn’t find time to attend social and various personal needs like attending near and dear ones to hospitals or arranging for the admissions of their kids and have to look for acquaintances in this regard. Don’t you think we need to have our own health institutions and schools for our kids?”
Linking the staff welfare directly to the bank’s progress, Chairman urged the audience to gear up for a challenging task of achieving 90 percent market share in the state within next few years.

“We must know that our well-being is linked to the welfare of this great institution. The more this institution grows, the better and secure our future becomes. Therefore, I urge you all to gear up to achieve the challenging goal of 90 percent market share in J&K”, he added.

He stressed upon the need to strike balance between maintaining discipline of the organisation and dignity of the individuals working for it. Sounding positive for everyone working in the interests of the organisation, he said, “I assure everyone who takes decisions including the difficult ones in the interest of organisation and with good intent that we are here to defend every decision of theirs. And we will not allow any kind of victimization at any level.”

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Mehbooba announces Rs. 20 lakh for illumination, Rs. 45 lakh for developing other civic amenities in Baramulla town

Srinagar

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, who was in Baramulla on her public outreach programme, on Monday announced release of Rs. 20 lakh for installing high mast lights and better illumination in the streets of the town.

Mehbooba Mufti also announced release of Rs. 20 lakh for construction of a drain from Boys Degree College to Kralhar and Rs. 10 lakh for developing a children’s park in the town. She also announced release of Rs. 15 lakh for improving facilities at Jhelum Sports Stadium, Janbazpora.

The Chief Minister also directed cleaning of flood channels in the town and announced release of Rs. 50 lakh for the purpose. She also directed modernization of two madrassas at Sheeri with computerization and other accessories.

A large section of people from the town, who met the Chief Minister during her day long public interface yesterday, had demanded improvement in the civic facilities in the town.

Asking the administration to pace up work on the developmental projects in the district, Mehbooba Mufti said her Government is keen on developing Baramulla on modern lines and for this many projects like widening of national highway from Narbal downwards, construction of alternative highway from Baramulla to Uri and two bridges-Fish market and Jetty bridge-over Jhelum in the town are in various stages of completion.

The Chief Minister appreciated the communal harmony of the people of the town and their peace loving nature and assured them that the assets would be created to match with the past reputation of the town.

During the public outreach programme, people hailed the Chief Minister for taking governance apparatus to their doorstep adding that it has helped them to project their demands directly without any disruption.

 

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Release our salaries or we will close down all water supply schemes: PHE employees to Govt

Srinagar

For the past two months, the PHE employees at Mechanical Division South Awantipora have not received their earned salaries-courtesy, the tussle between a contractor and the department.

These workers who had arrived here in Press Enclave Srinagar under the banner of J&K PHE Employees and Workers Association led by Mir Tariq Pampori said that on some payment issue, a tussle between a contractor and the Divisional office has been going on from past few months. “The Contractor has approached court and managed to seize all the accounts of employees working in the Division. It was a matter between the contractor and the Divisional office while we have been facing the brunt,” they told news agency CNS.

Mir Tariq Pampori said over 2000 employees have been deprived of their salaries from past two months. “We have been facing hardships while the department is showing no interest to get the issue settled,” he said.

The employees threatened to close down all the water supply schemes from Nov 7, if their issue is not addressed. (CNS)

 

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Praveen Togadia to visit Jammu on Nov 3, will launch ‘Hindu Helpline’

Srinagar

Vishwa Hindu Parishad “International Working President” Praveen Togadia will begin his three-day Jammu visit from November 3.

“Togadia will visit Jammu from November 3 on a three-day visit,’’ party sources said.

They said the firebrand leader of the VHP will also launch ‘Hindu Helpline’ during his visit, adding, ‘’the launch of helpline is a part of its ongoing service across the country and the worldwide.

‘Hindu Helpline’ is functional across the world and is an initiative of VHP for the welfare of the Hindus living across the globe.

“The VHP leader will hold meetings with civil society and intellectuals to get feedback on prevailing situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir,” sources added.

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PM Modi aware that Autonomy has no takers in Jammu & Kashmir: Rasheed

Srinagar

Sitting Langate lawmaker Er Rasheed has termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah’s remarks about the “Autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir” as “unfortunate”.

In a statement issued here on Monday afternoon, Rasheed said that Prime Minister’s response to P Chidambaram shows that Congress and BJP are just using Kashmir issue for their vote bank politics and are least bothered about resolving the 70 year long dispute.

“When Prime Minister said that resolution lies in embracing Kashmiris, a certain section in Kashmir had started believing that Modi has some out of box solution to offer but now even rejecting the idea of Autonomy is disappointing and disturbing for all those who were expecting BJP to chose a different line than congress.”

Narendra Modi during a rally in Jammu (File Image)

Though Kashmiris, he said, are least interested in what P Chidambaram has said, PM Modi is aware of the fact that restoration of Autonomy has no takers in Jammu & Kashmir, but labelling those seeking Autonomy as anti-nationals is very unfortunate.

“The way BJP leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Arun Jaitly, Smriti Irani and others made much hue and cry over Autonomy, the task for interlocutor has become more difficult.

Rasheed said that it is painful that congress and BJP are just exposing their non-seriousness and when Prime Minister makes much hue and cry over Autonomy demand, the hardcore elements within Kashmir have a logic and a reason to call talks a futile exercise, as such it is mandatory for the Prime Minister to give a second thought to all that what he should realize that the question is much bigger than vote bank politics.

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Supreme Court defers hearing on Article 35-A by three months

Srinagar

A three judge division bench led by Justice Deepak Mishra on Monday adjourned the petition challenging Article 35-A of the constitution of India by 12 weeks.

Sources said the petition was taken at 16:10 by the bench and was immediately adjourned. “Court has directed its listing after 12 weeks,” sources said.

Sources told Kashmir Life that Attorney General of India K K Venogopal  pleaded before the bench that the since Government of India has appointed an interlocutor to talk to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the case has the potential of hampering the process. He said the case can hamper the dialogue process and the Court should grant at least four months to respond to the petition.

The state in this case was represented by a battery of four senior lawyers. These included Fali S Narain, Rakesh Dewedi, KV Vishwanathan and Shekhar Nafdey. All the four lawyers, sources said, are leading constitutional experts in India.

Sources said that the law ministry of Jammu and Kashmir had taken the case very seriously. The law minister Abdul Haq Khan and senior officers of the law department were camping in New Delhi for last few days.

The attorney for the central government had sought four months adjournment in the case earlier.

J&K government and government of India are respondents in the case . Kashmir High Court Bar Association is attending the case as “observer” and is scheduled to move an application before the SC to become a party in the case.

 

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CM Mehbooba inaugurates J&K Bank’s zonal office in Sopore

Srinagar

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday inaugurated the Jammu and Kashmir bank’s Zonal Office Complex at Amargrah in Sopore.

The CM also inaugurated the Business Unit in the same building. The chairman of the bank Pervez Ahmad was also present on the occasion. He said, “I hope commissioning of this office besides a business unit would lead to marked improvement in our services and access in the zone.”

Notably, the zone comprises of Baramulla,Bandipora and Kupwara districts of Kashmir.

Besides, Chairman Executive President provided a brief overview of the bank’s recent progress in business and infra-structure.

“Our expansion within the state aims at taking all the unbanked areas into the financial fold besides leveraging the under-banked areas through better and more accessible banking services,” he added.

The representatives of trade bodies had a healthy interaction with the management after the inaugural ceremony, wherein they extended gratitude for creation of the zone and the subsequent inauguration of the business unit.

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New school timings in Kashmir from Nov 1

Srinagar

The Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, on Monday issued orders of new school timings for Government as well as recognized private schools within the limits of Srinagar city.

The schools shall work from 10 am to 3 pm in Srinagar Municipal limits while they shall work from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm in the areas falling outside Srinagar Municipal limits from from Nov 1, 2017.

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RSS taking groups of Kashmiris from far flung areas to train them as their agents: Dr Farooq

Srinagar

The National Conference parliamentarian Farooq Abdullah, who was reelected as party president accused RSS of taking groups of youngsters from far flung villages of Valley to Nagpur and brainwash and train them as their agents.

Abdullah was addressing a delegate conference of the party here in Srinagar in which he was reelected as party president.

“Youth are being taken to New Delhi from villages like Kupwara, and then sent to Nagpur and brainwashed and trained to become the agents of RSS. Beware of that and keep a check on any such activity in your area,” said Abdullah, in a gathering of thousands of NC delegates.

“Now orders are passed from Nagpur and not from our state assembly.” The NC parliamentarian stated that people of the state especially in Jammu have to fight against ‘Sanghi and RSS ideology.’

“That RSS spokesperson Ram Madhav tries to be the point man on Kashmir. Mama Bana Hai Woh Kashmir Ka. Who is he? What does he know about Kashmir? Let him travel without a bulletproof vehicle here and then talk. What is his position? We are secular and will be so and your force cannot suppress us,” said Abdullah.

He continued saying, “How many will you imprison? You think we will get scared. You cannot scare me. You can only kill me, but you can never suppress our principles. We won’t get scared.”

The former J&K chief minister lashed out at New Delhi for never respecting the sentiments and love of the people of the state and accused them of repeatedly trying to sabotage NC and its genuine demands. “Some people have been arrested for taking money from Pakistan or other parts. Nothing has been made public yet. Let me ask what about the money that has come from New Delhi to wipe out NC. Who received this money?” Abdullah asked.

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Kashmir University students march through varsity campus to observe ‘Oct 27 Black Day’

Srinagar

The students of University of Kashmir on Monday held a massive protest demonstration in the varsity campus to observe “October 27 black day” today.

Pertinently, the University had shut on Oct 27 since the resistance leaders had called for a shutdown to observe “black day” against the landing of Indian forces in Kashmir on the same day in 1947.

A varsity student said, “We could not protest on October 27 since we couldn’t make it to the varsity that day due to shutdown call by our leaders.”

He said the students of various departments today assembled in the varsity and marched through the campus rising “anti-India and pro-freedom” slogans demanding an end to the “military occupation” of Kashmir.

“We want reiterate upon the leadership that Jammu and Kashmir is being militarily occupied by India and the people of Jammu and Kashmir want the occupation to end.”

The protests were organised by Kashmir University Students Union which termed October 27,1947 “A day of invasion occupation and aggression of Jammu and Kashmir by India.”

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J&K Dialogue: Appointment of interlocutor is a non-starter, says Pak diplomat Basit

Srinagar

Former Pak high commissioner to India, Abdul Basit has said that there can be no peace if Hurriyat Conference is not taken onboard.

In an interview to Pakistan Today Basit said that since the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Omer Farooq and Yasin Malik have joined hands under the joint resistance leadership. “Whenever they announce a schedule of strikes and protests that is strictly followed by all Kashmiris. So to say that Hurriyat has become irrelevant is slightly out of place for me.”

According to Abdul Basit Hurriyat represents the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I don’t think, given my own experience, that you can achieve peace or resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute without taking the Hurriyat onboard,” Basit said.

Talking about the appointment of former director IB as an interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir, Basit said “It is a non-starter already”.

“I have already tweeted that he is to work within the Indian Constitutional framework, it would remain a non-starter. We are already hearing from different sources that he would not engage different groups,” Basit said.

 

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Train services suspended on Srinagar-Banihal track on Monday

Srinagar

Train services between Srinagar and Banihal were suspended on Monday.

Officials said that the railway authorities have suspended train services between Srinagar and Banihal section “as a precautionary measure” after two minor cousins were crushed to death last evening at Puchal area of Pulwama, district.

Two minors were crushed under the train which was on its way from Srinagar to Banihal at Puchal village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday evening.

They were identified as Muntazir Ahmad (10) son of Nasir Ahmad Shah and Faizan Ahmad (9) son of Raj Mohammad Shah, both residents of Puchal.

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New interlocutor talks in Delhi

SRINAGAR: Even before he had his first visit to Srinagar, Delhi’s new point man Disneshwar Sharma has remained busy in talking to newspapers for all these days. Many in Srinagar think that he has talked so much on Kashmir that nothing much is left to be talked in Srinagar now.

Initial reaction to his appointment was very supportive from the BJP and PDP even as the opposition in Srinagar and Delhi questioned the idea to the extent that UPA’s erstwhile hawk P Chidambaram sees it a “diversionary” tactic. The verbal duels that followed Chidambaram’s assertions have added to the crisis that Sharma would face in Srinagar in coming days. As for as Kashmir’s separatist camp is concerned, they have kept their cards to the chest and have not bothered to react at all.

Chidambaram has talked about granting the state autonomy, something that the state had and was gradually eroded. “The demand in the Kashmir Valley is to respect the letter and spirit of Article 370, that means they want greater autonomy,” Chidambaram had told reporters in Rajkot (Gujarat). “My interactions in J&K led me to the conclusion that when they ask for azadi, mostly, I am not saying all… the overwhelming majority, they want autonomy.”

A man who claims to be “emotionally” attached to Kashmir, has said he will talk to “every Indian” in Kashmir and will intervene to “stop radicalisation” of the Kashmiri youth. Then he talks about his top priority: “countering false sloganeering and propaganda available online will top his agenda. Keen to develop “dams of peace”, Sharma is talking about preventing Kashmir from getting Syria way!

This has triggered fierce reaction. “They (Congress) are lending their voice to those demanding azadi. I want to ask the residents of Bengaluru, can such people, who play politics on the sacrifices of the brave soldiers, do good for the country… And they are not feeling ashamed in saying this. Congress party will have to give an answer for this remark,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi sad in his Bangaluru speech.

Minutes later, Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said in Himachal Pradesh: “Does he mean that inadequacy of rights is the cause of the Kashmir problem? And what more rights he wants when all the rights and powers except defence, external affairs, telecommunication and currency are with the state?”

Though the National Conference (NC) in Srinagar supported Chidambaram’s assertion and passed a resolution in a well attended convention of its party, the debate on autonomy has put a long shadow over Sharma’s ‘autonomous mandate’. In Srinagar, the debate is being seen as Delhi’s reluctance to talk. “If they cannot talk autonomy, what they can do with Hurriyat, if at all they agree to meet him,” one reporter, covering the NC public gathering, said.

The point man and the representative has added to this crisis. After his appointment, Sharma has been using every single opening in the media to list his priorities. A man who claims to be “emotionally” attached to Kashmir, has said he will talk to “every Indian” in Kashmir and will intervene to “stop radicalisation” of the Kashmiri youth. Then he talks about his top priority: “countering false sloganeering and propaganda available online will top his agenda. Keen to develop “dams of peace”, Sharma is talking about preventing Kashmir from getting Syria way!

Delhi’s new interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma meeting J&K governor N N Vohra in Delhi

“I am going to the Valley with no blinkers on. I am willing to meet every common person who has a genuine grievance,” the 1979 IPS officer from Kerala carder was quoted saying. “My mandate is to ensure peace for my people. Issues beyond this are out of my syllabus.”

On streets of Srinagar, Sharma’s assertions are being seen ‘non-interlocutory’. Coukdhv he waited for his maiden visit to Srinagar before listing his “priorities”? Though he has handled Kashmir as the top man in Inteligence Bureau in Srinagar in 1992 – almost 25 years ago – lot of water has flown down Jhelum since. His recent intercations with Kashmir have been his meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and later with governor N N Vohra, his predecesor.

“Is he coming to identify a problem or solve the one he knows?” one shopkeeper in Lal Chowk, who has witnessed most of the events since Nehru days said. “His interviews suggest that he knows the problems and he will solve it.”

This situation pushes Kashmir to take Chidambaram’s comments seriously. “The appointment of the interlocutor should not lead us to think that there is a change of heart of the government,” the former Home Minister was quoted saying. “I don’t believe that there is a change of heart or change of approach. I still believe that they will continue to hold on to the muscular policy and military solution.”

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Rajouri Press Club being inaugurated next week

Srinagar

Rajouri by next week would have its own press club, besides a women centre buildings, deputy commissioner Rajouri Shahid Iqbal Choudhary was told on Sunday when he inspected the twin buildings.

Ready to use by next week, the two prestigious projects were initiated by district administration in collaboration with various departments. The DDC reviewed the preparedness for commissioning of the twin institutions next week.

Dr Shahid said that the Press Club building is being developed as an Institute for Developmental Studies and provide a platform for all the stakeholders for knowledge-exchange, holding workshops, interaction sessions and for holding press conferences. “The press club having a Conference Hall, Office, Interaction Room, Library, Gymnasium, Pantry and outdoor sports is expected to be inaugurated by next week,” said spokesman.

File image of Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary

First of its kind project at District Headquarters, Press Club Rajouri, would also provide insurance cover to working journalists and will function on self-financing mode.

“Development departments have pooled their resources to develop it as a centre of excellence in Information, Education and Communication. It will be managed independently by a body of working journalists,” officilasa said.

Members from print and electronic media were also present during the inspection.

Later the DDC inspected the Universal One-Stop Centre for Women which has been established in record time and is also being launched next week. This centre will provide solution to all women related issues under one roof. The Centre having accommodation for women in district, legal aid cell, health care centre, video-conference facility, police assistance, grievance redressal cell, counselling centre, skill-development cell, library, gymnasium, in-house facilities and other components, will have professional management team to deal with women-related issues and providing all kind of assistance.

Pertinent to mention, Jammu is the only place in the state that has a vibrant press club. The one announced for Srinagar during budget session is caught in the unknown hassle.
Interestingly when press club was announced for Srinagar, Dr Shahid was holding the charge of director information.

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NC shows strength in Srinagar, unfurls party flag after 15 years

Tahir Bhat

Srinagar

After a gap of over 15 years, state’s oldest political party, National Conference (NC) Sunday showed its might by holding first major political rally of its delegates at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Srinagar where Dr Farooq Abdullah was again elected as party president.

National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah arriving to attend the delegates session (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

The session attended by delegates from across the state started with Kashmiri tarana “lehra Kashmir ke jande” by Waheed Jeelani. During the course, Dr Abdullah and Omar Abdullah unfurled the party flag, while other senior leaders were seen waving the flag.

The entry to the session was through invitation only. Attended by thousands of delegates, the session passed political resolution, economic resolution and raised concern over the present situation and governance of the state and vowed to continue its struggle for restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir as enshrined in the Constitution of India.

“We continue to strive for the restoration of autonomy and restoration of Article 370 to its original, pristine form, while condemning those divisive voices who are opposed to the sovereign constitutional guarantees extended to the people of the state,” the session passed the resolution.

Dr Farooq Abdullah along with his son and former chief minister Omar Abdullah and other senior leaders (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Emphasizing that the dialogue is the only way out, the party said the Kashmir issue should be solved through a sustained dialogue with both internal and external stakeholders, an apparent reference to separatists and Pakistan.

While talking about the recent appointment of interlocutor by the central government, the resolution mentioned that “the recently announced initiative through a representative of the Government of India should have clarity and seriousness of purpose to ensure the sanctity of the institution of dialogue is restored and upheld.”

“We urge both India and Pakistan to initiate a sustained, sustainable and comprehensive dialogue process to resolve all outstanding issues,” it said.

Dr Farooq Abdullah along with his son and former chief minister Omar Abdullah in presence of senior party leaders unfurling the party flag (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is the “worst victim of animosity” between the two neighboring countries and has the most to benefit from mutual cooperation and peace between the two countries, the party said.

“It is for this purpose that our party wishes to see the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration to be rejuvenated to usher the entire subcontinent, especially Jammu and Kashmir, into an era of peace and stability,” it added.

The earlier reports about elevation of Omar Abdullah as party president as proposed did not happen. The decision of Dr Abdullah continuing as party president was welcomed by intense sloganeering by the participants.

Dr Farooq Abdullah who was again elected as the NC president speaking on the occasion (KL image: Bilal Bahadur)

While speaking on the occasion, Dr Farooq Abdullah NC President and former four times chief minister Union Minister on Sunday while referring to New Delhi said “people of Jammu, Kashmir and ladakh will never raise your slogans till you will not win their hearts,” and cautioned that “voice of people will not be suppressed by the gun.”

Isn’t it true that official vehicles were pressed into service to evacuate Pandits from the Valley and escort them to Jammu and other parts of the state. I will tell you that Jagmohan did it so that he has a free hand in dealing with Muslim majority in Valley,”

“Kashmir dispute is a political issue and the people of Kashmir will never find peace till this dispute is not politically resolved,” he said.

Blaming former governor of state Jagmohan for the migration of Pandits, Dr Abdullah said “people in the valley are not responsible for this” and appealed the Pandits to return their homes with dignity and without any fear ensuring them that all Kashmiris will give you security.

“NC will never allow government to make separate colonies for Pandits,” he warned.

“Isn’t it true that official vehicles were pressed into service to evacuate Pandits from the Valley and escort them to Jammu and other parts of the state. I will tell you that Jagmohan did it so that he has a free hand in dealing with Muslim majority in Valley,” he confessed.

Former chief minister and NC working president Omar Abdullah addressing the delegates (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

In his speech, former Chief Minister and NC working president Omar Abdullah, expressed his grave concern over the distressing situation all around the state. “The system of governance has gone out of gear. There is no accountability. The administrative and developmental process has come to a grinding halt. The heaven on earth has turned into a hell. The work culture has been thrown to Curfews, Hartals and security crackdowns have become the order of the day. There is more uncertainty now than even before,” Omar said.

Who is responsible for educated youth like Zakir Musa becoming a militant and even security personnel joining the ranks

Angry Omar lashed out at Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for her statement in which she has blamed Omar for making Burhan Wani , a militant.

“Who is responsible for educated youth like Zakir Musa becoming a militant and even security personnel joining the ranks?”

Emphasizing on dialogue, Omar said “New Delhi needs to realise that it has to talk to various stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir and resume the dialogue process with Pakistan if it wants to see normalcy and peace in Kashmir.”

Raising hands in unison, NC leadership during the delegates session (KL image: Bilal Bahadur)

Terming PDP as party of U-turns, former finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather said every single promise made in Agenda of Alliance between ruling PDP-BJP has been broken without any explanations for such U-turns.

Accusing PDP of deceit, Rather said, “introducing GST in the state inflicted the biggest ever blow to fiscal autonomy of the state. The ruling PDP has once again cheated the people to save their already crumbling chair.”

“The government ignored the apprehensions and concerns expressed by the main opposition parties and all other stake holders. The entire job was done in an unprecedented haste. This is not surprising at all as they had to prove their loyalty not only to Dehli but also to Nagpur,” he said and added that “GST was introduced in the state with undue haste and in most unwise manner, which added fuel to the fire and in depressing atmosphere the economy of the state is bound to take a nose dive.”

Omar Abdullah wishing his father Dr Farooq Abdullah on veing elected as party president, again (KL image: Bilal Bahadur)

While speaking during the session NC’s additional general secretary and former minister Dr Mustafa Kamal said, “the PDP-BJP has completely failed and the situation in the state has completely deteriorated in every aspect. The most worrying aspect remains the unprecedented increase in the number of young, local youth joining militant ranks.”

Jammu and Kashmir is not a law and order or security problem,” he said and asked GoI to rectify its past mistakes and fulfill the promises made with Kashmiris at the time of accession.

Participants in the delegate session of National Conference (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Castigating government on the issues of development as well, Dr Kamal said “the government is busy in inaugurating projects launched by previous government.”

He laid stress on dialogue with all stakeholders and also with Pakistan to solve the Kashmir issue.

“Jammu and Kashmir is not a law and order or security problem,” he said and asked GoI to rectify its past mistakes and fulfill the promises made with Kashmiris at the time of accession.

Raising concern over the dignity of women, former minister Sakina Itoo while addressing the delegate session said “the honour and dignity of our mothers and sisters is matter of great sensitivity and the current atmosphere of harassment and assaults on them is a matter of shame and deep concern.”

“The present government has failed to apprehend the culprits behind the current incidents of braid chopping in valley, Fear is everywhere on roads, colleges and even in homes,” she added.

The leaders remembered former general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad and prayed for his departed soul.

Omar Abdullah during the session serves tea to his father Dr Farooq Abdullah. (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

The session by the NC in the heart of Srinagar, observers believe was held at the time when ruling PDP is facing the heat. “As killings and pellet victims of 2016 continue to haunt the ruling PDP and the troubled alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making things difficult for the party, NC’s show may have its own effect,” said Abdul Samad, a resident of uptown Srinagar.

The general perception is that once known for its soft-separatist credentials, the NC sees a chance to cash in on the PDP’s popularity deficit.

During the session, the speakers urged workers to strengthen party at grass root level and asked them to be prepared for future challenges.

 

 

 

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Art 35-A hearing: KCSDS asks people to remain cautious, cautions govt

Srinagar

Asking people to remain cautious, Kashmir center for social and development studies (KCSDS) Sunday appealed people to rise against any such move that is designed to rob us of our identity.

File image of KCSDS members

In a statement, spokesman said that KCSDS is greatly intrigued by the sudden listing of 35-A case for hearing by the Supreme Court “when the political masters wrongly think that Kashmiris have forgotten the issue.”

“Before the case could have been listed, the individual applications for pleading the case which are many should have first come up for hearing and only then the case could be listed for hearing the counter arguments,” spokesman saod and added that “people need to remain cautious about conspiracies hatched to take away their exclusive ethnic rights by the dominant fascist state.”

“We caution the govt against any unconstitutional step that could take away our exclusive rights protected by Art 35-A,” said.

Terming the latest ordinance as an attempt to muzzle the voices, spokesman said “bringing in the latest Ordinance in the state to book organisers of protests seems to be linked with the case so that rising voices against this onslaught could be suppressed before they rise.”

“We appeal all the natives of the state to rise against any such move that is designed to rob us of our identity.”

 

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Ahead of 35-A hearing on Monday, Karra reaches Delhi

Srinagar

Senior Congress Leader and former Member Parliament Tariq Hameed Karra has reached in New Delhi to appear in Supreme Court in connection with petition challenging 35-A of Jammu and Kashmir constitution.

Traiq Hameed Karra (KL Image: Bilal Bahadur)

Karra, spokesman said had approached Supreme Court and requested the Apex court to be heard in defence of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The hearing was deferred earlier and is now slated on Monday.

Spokesman said Karra will be there as amicus curie and will be represented by his legal counsel, however senior congress leader himself will be present in the court.

 

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Dr Drabu leaves to attend India-UAE Partnership Summit in Dubai

Srinagar

Minister for Finance, Labour & Employment Dr Haseeb A Drabu Sunday left for UAE to attend the India-UAE Partnership Summit (IUPS) to be held in Dubai on October 30 & 31, 2017.

The Summit is being jointly organized by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, Consulate General of India, Dubai and UAE-based premium business body Business Leaders’ Forum (BLF).

File image of Dr Haseeb A Drabu

According to officials, around 800 top businessmen, Ministers, officials, investors and academics from both India and UAE are attending the summit with the objective of significantly enhancing investments from UAE to India.
The summit will focus on key areas of strategic partnership, investments-implementation and travel and tourism sector.

Dr Drabu is scheduled to speak on investment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir in the session on “J&K: Investing in Peace, Prosperity and Development”.

“Among the main opportunities, I will showcase and discuss with potential investors the projects including Dry Port, Medi-City, Entertainment Theme Park, Cold Chain, Agricultural Infrastructure, Sports City and Educational City in J&K,” Dr Drabu said.

 

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Launch mass agitation if the Supreme Court delivers verdict against the aspiration of people of J&K: JRL

Srinagar

Joint resistance leadership comprising of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Molvi Omer Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik asked people to launch mass agitation if the Supreme Court delivers verdict against the interests and aspiration of people of state, saying that any move to tinker with state subject law will create Palestine like situation.

According to spokesman, the leaders in a joint statement asked people to be ready for protest against any amendment or change in the State Subject laws.

Joint resistance leaders comprising of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik

They said the plan to tinker with the Article 35 A, which gives special rights and privileges to the natives of Jammu and Kashmir, is a conspiracy to create a Palestine like situation in the state.

JRL said the conspiracy has been hatched to change the demography of the Muslim majority state and added if the state-subject law is removed or any amendment introduced, people from other states of India will purchase land in Jammu and Kashmir and a Palestine like situation will arise and added that the people in the state would resist the “conspiracy” tooth and nail.

Joint leadership appealed the lawyers, writers, scholars and other respected members of society to make people aware of the consequences of proposed repealing of state-subject law, and urged them to make every possible effort to reach out to the international community to apprise them about the horrifying situations in the state and its disputed status.

”We will safeguard the integrity and special status of the state at any cost,” JRL stated, saying the BJP regime is working to sabotage the referendum process in the state. They also urged the pro-India politicians to join the pro-freedom ranks and play their role in resolving this long-pending issue.

In their statement the JRL said the plan to tinker with Article 35A was a well thought out ploy to end the special status of the state. The concern over Article 35A shown by pro- Indian parties was mere rhetoric and gimmick, they added.

Attacking the PDP for its “failure” over Article 35A, JRL called the party an ally of the RSS and the PDP-BJP alliance as an unholy nexus.

The trio, spokesman said reiterated that if any attempt was made to change, alter or modify this law people from all corners of state will come on roads and resist such move.

JRL said that we are in close contact with religious leaders, civil societies, transporters, businessmen, students, lawyers and other groups, saying they will be taken on board and a special delegation has been formulated to make a consensus after seeking their suggestions in this regard.
They reiterated their appeal asking people to be ready and added we are watching the developments and soon a line of action and programme will be announced for people.

 

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