Srinagar
A Haji from Jammu region died in a road accident in the holy city of Medina on Wednesday morning, said reports.
The pilgrims was identified as Shamas din Wani (Cover number JKF-13844-2-0) of Bankoot, Banihal was crushed to death by a speeding vehicle near Masjid Nabvi early today morning.
He was shifted to Ansar Hospital Medina where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Srinagar
Traffic was restored on Srinagar-Jammu highway as the people and drivers ended their protest against alleged thrashing of a sumo driver in Harnag area of Islamabad district.
Picture for representational use
Reports said that the locals and drivers called off their protest after top police officials assured an inquiry into the incident. “There is no protest, the road is clear and traffic is plying smoothly,” an eyewitness said.
Earlier, A sumo driver identified as Heemo, from Kulgam district, bearing a vehicle registration number JK03 7476 was on way at Srinagar-Jammu Highway in Hernag, when he was allegedly beaten up by the Ist RR army personnel, resulting into his head injuries.
The injured driver was soon rushed to District Hospital Islamabad for the treatment and is said to be stable now.
Soon after the incident the locals of the area took the streets and protested against the alleged harassment. The youth pelted government forces with stones and forces retaliated by firing tear gas smoke shells to disperse them. The protests led to the closure of traffic movement for hours at Srinagar Jammu. However, the road is clear for the traffic movement now.
Srinagar
Clashes broke out between the locals and government forces after army personnel allegedly thrash a local driver at Srinagar-Jammu highway in Hernag area of south Kashmir’s Islamabad district.
An official said that a sumo driver identified as Heemo, from Kulgam district, bearing a vehicle registration number JK03 7476 was on way at Srinagar-Jammu Highway in Hernag, he was allegedly beaten up by the Ist RR army personnel, resulting into his head injuries.
The injured river was soon rushed to District Hospital Islamabad for the treatment and is said to be stable now.
Soon after the incident the locals of the area took to the streets and protested against the alleged harassment. The youth pelted government forces with stones and forces retaliated by firing tear gas smoke shells to disperse them. The protests led to the closure of traffic movement for hours. However, the road is clear for the traffic movement now.
Srinagar
Hundreds of people participated in funeral prayers of a Barzulla militant whose body was exhumed after more than a month in Kupwara. The militant Mudasir Ahmad Bhat was killed in a gunfight with government forces in Kachama forests on June 29 and buried in Tunga Top forest area after the government failed to establish the identity.
An official said that the permission for exhumation of the body was granted today after DNA samples of the slain militant matched with those claiming to be his kin.
“The body of Mudasir Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Ahmad Bhat of Nasti Mohalla Old Barzulla, Srinagar was exhumed at 04:40 pm Tuesday from the NK Gali Jumgund forests and handed over to his legal heirs,” the official said.
The exhumation of the body followed submission of an application by the family before the District Magistrate Kupwara after they saw pictures of Mudasir through social media and later at the concerned police station.
The family also provided DNA samples as part of the procedure for establishing the identity.
The DNA report was received by the administration on Monday and the family was subsequently informed.
On June 29, the army had claimed to have killed an unidentified militant in an encounter at Tunga Top forest area of Kachama. The slain was buried NK Gali area of Jumgund forests.
As per reports, the family was informed by some anonymous caller that the youth killed in Tunga Top forest area of Kachama in Kupwara was their kin.
The slain Mudasir went missing in 2016 and the family reportedly feigned ignorance about his joining the militant ranks.
The people of Barzulla and its adjoining areas had been holding continuous protests demanding the body of Mudasir.
During the funeral procession, people raised massive pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India protests. Emotional scenes were witnessed before and after the funeral prayers.
Though forces had sealed all the entry and exit points leading towards Old Barzulla but hundreds of people from adjacent areas assembled and participated in the funeral procession.
Srinagar
A batch of 671 pilgrims left Jammu on Wednesday to perform the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
They left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in an escorted convoy of 17 vehicles and included yatris going to the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, an official said.
The 60-day long annual Amarnath Yatra which started on June 28 has been going on smoothly. Till date, 2,64,063 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at Amarnath cave.
More pilgrims have visited the cave shrine so far in 2018, than in each of the last three years.
In 2017, only 2,60,003 pilgrims had performed the Amarnath Yatra during the 40 days that it was officially allowed.
The 60-day Amarnath Yatra will end on August 26, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.
Srinagar
The Government has accepted the resignation of M Y Khan as Chairman, Board of Directors of the Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd (CVPPPL) and has lauded his contribution in CVPPPL.
According to a statement issued by a spokesman of the Power Development Department (PDD), Khan tendered his resignation on July 28 2018 from the Board of Directors of CVPPPL as a nominee of the J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and also from the position of Chairman, Board of Directors of CVPPPL in view of his personal and family commitments.
Pertinently, Khan was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Joint Venture Company, CVPPPL, in 2010, before incorporation of CVPPPL. He continued to be the Chairman of the Board of Directors of CVPPL since then.
Khan has thanked the Government for the support extended to him during his tenure with the CVPPPL.
Srinagar
After a relentless pursuit by the Barzulla family, authorities have handed over the body of slain militant Mudasir Ahmed to his family in Barzulla area of Srinagar city, after 32 days.
An official said that the body of the slain militant has been handed over to his family for last rites.
“We have received the body of Mudasir we are preparing to bury him soon at out ancesteral graveyard at Barzulla,” said a family source.
Earlier, the family of the slain militant had staged many protests seeking mortal remains of their son, however, the family was made to wait until the results of DNA tests come out.
According to the family, the Mudasir was killed by government forces during an encounter in Kachahama area in the frontier district of Kupwara on June 29. The family said that they were informed by “unknown” sources that the militant killed in Kachhama forests is their son Mudasir Ahmad, later the family staged many protests in Press Colony Srinagar demanding the body of their family member.
On June 4, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, father of the slain militant along with other family members had travelled to Kupwara for DNA tests to confirm the identity of the slain.
Meanwhile, restrictions have been imposed in the area to thwart any protests.
Srinagar
Forces on Tuesday launched a cordon and search operation in Khanday Mohalla, Astan Mohalla and Namlabal areas of Pampore town in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Reports said that the Joint team of army, CRPF, and Special Operation Group Pulwama launched a joint search operation after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area.
They added that a large number of troops have been deployed in the area and door to door search operation has started in the area.
A search operation was underway till the filing of this report.
More details are awaited.
Srinagar
Unknown men on Tuesday evening attacked an army camp in south Kashmiri’s Shopian district.
Official sources said that unknown men lobbed a grenade on Army’s 44 RR camp, followed by few fire shots in Chillipora area of Shopian district. However, there were no immediate reports of any loss.
Meanwhile, forces have cordoned off the area and manhunt has been launched to nab the assailants.
Srinagar
Governor N N Vohra reviewed the functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Bank in a meeting held on Tuesday at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting was attended by B.B. Vyas, Advisor to Governor S.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary, Mr. Parvez Ahmed, Chairman, J&K Bank and Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary Finance Department, said an official statement.
Governor reviews J&K Bank functioning.
Parvez Ahmed, Chairman J&K Bank, made a detailed presentation regarding the performance of the Bank in the last four years and apprised Governor about the reasons for the losses incurred in the previous Financial Year and accumulation of Non Performing Assets (NPA) to the tune of Rs.6000 crore.
He informed that the Bank is expecting to recover an amount of Rs.4000 crore from the NPA accounts and all efforts are being made to maximize the recovery and early cleaning up of the balance sheet.
He also explained the reasons of NPA, the bulk of which has been in the Corporate Sector. Chairman informed that adequate provisioning has been made to cover the NPA Accounts as well as the accounts which were restructured and have faced stress due to the restructuring of loans following the 2014 floods and disturbances of 2016.
Governor stressed that the credit appraisal system in the Bank needs to be strengthened and adequate checks and balances must be enforced at all levels to avoid similar situations in future.
While appreciating that the Bank has returned to profit in Financial Year 2018-19, Governor exhorted upon the Board and Management to review the policies, strategies, IT framework and the business procedures from top to bottom to make the Bank competitive vis-Ã -vis the best in the arena.
Governor expressed some anxiety over the Cost to Income Ratio and advised Chairman to bring the same down within an envisaged time frame and expand bank branches to particularly provide banking facilities in the far-flung areas of the State. He also advised constant monitoring of the branch–wise business and the profit per employee.
Governor advised that the recruitment procedures should be transparent and, preferably, recruitments made by an independent agency. Chairman was asked to review the earlier decision to abandon recruiting Probationary Officers in the Bank who would grow to occupy leadership positions in the bank.
Governor advised well-considered steps to raise the credit-deposit ratio and for the J&K Bank to take lead in providing credit to the primary sector, SMEs and place the higher focus on small trade and businesses within the State.
Srinagar
Criticizing authorities for their approach towards detainees, Hurriyat (G) Conference chairman, Syed Ali Geelani said that they are needlessly “harassing and intimidating” prisoners on one pretext or the other.
Ridiculing and referring to the State Administrative Council (SAC) proposal to delete a provision in the PSA that barred state authorities from lodging J&K residents in outside state jails, “Geelani said that “callous” approach reflects the musty mindset and their prejudicial style against prisoners, detained under infamous Public Safety Act.
Condemning the attitude of state authorities, Syed Ali Geelani, cautioned people about future detrimental proposals of New Delhi and asked to conjointly fight against this lawlessness and remain watchful.
They are even denying the directives of their supreme court wherein the court ruling says that a prisoner should be kept in a jail as near as possible to the place of residence of his family, Geelani added.
The families and even their kids are badly suffering as the detainees are lodged in outside state jails and despite court rulings, hundreds of those detained were unnecessarily shifted, thus facing adverse situations and scorning and harsh temperatures.
Lashing at authorities, for their rhetoric for being a great democracy, Syed Ali Geelani said that India is claiming to be a great democracy in the world, however, all its claims are proving hollow and instead they follow their bigoted dogma and their approach is quite barbaric and haughty. Judiciary too in India is biased, said Geelani, saying people don’t trust or believe in Indian judiciary for its prejudicial and bias approach.
Citing the cases wherein judiciary failed to deliver justice, Geelani said that the cases related to Maqbool Bhat, Afzal Guru, rape and murder of Asifa, Asiya, Nilofer double murder and rape case, human shield case (Farooq Ahmad Dar) and added that these are glaring example of bias approach, saying ‘’We have bitter experience that judiciary instead of delivering justice and bringing culprits to book, is providing safe passage to the accused.
Srinagar
Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested two drug peddlers and recovered contraband substance from their possession.
A police spokesperson in a statement said, “Today during naka checking near Security line crossing Police party of Police Station Batamaloo apprehended two drug peddlers namely Mohammad Arif Janjuwa son of Mir Hussain and Mumtaz Ahmad Janjuwa son of Bashir Ahmad Janjuwa, both residents of Manchikrand Uri Baramulla and recovered 480 grams of narcotic drugs apparently brown sugar from their possession.”
“Both the accused persons were arrested and contraband substance seized,” he said.
“In this regard, a case FIR No. 165/2018 under section 8/21, 29 NDPS Act stands registered in Police Station Batamaloo and investigation has taken up,” a police spokesman in a statement said.
Srinagar
The body of a militant from Barzulla was exhumed on Tuesday, after more than a month since he was buried near the Line of Control (LoC) in Tunga Top forest area of Kachama in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The militant Mudasir Ahmad Bhat was killed in a gunfight with government forces in Kachama forests on June 29.
Slain Barzulla militant’s body exhumed in Kupwara..
An official of the administration said that the permission for exhumation of the body was granted today after DNA samples of the slain militant matched with those claiming to be his kin.
“The body of Mudasir Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Ahmad Bhat of Nasti Mohalla Old Barzulla, Srinagar was exhumed at 04:40 pm Tuesday from the NK Gali Jumgund forests and handed over to his legal heirs,” the official said.
The family members of the slain militant who had come to Kupwara included Mudasir’s father, brother and other few persons, he added.
Mudasir’s father Ghulam Ahmad Bhat confirmed to GNS that they have reached Kupwara to take the body.
“We may reach back to Barzullah late tonight and will properly bury the body as soon as possible,” he said.
The exhumation of the body followed submission of an application by the family before the District Magistrate Kupwara after they saw pictures of Mudasir through social media and later at the concerned police station.
The family also provided DNA samples as part of the procedure for establishing the identity.
The DNA report was received by the administration on Monday and the family was subsequently informed.
On June 29, the army had claimed to have killed an unidentified militant in an encounter at Tunga Top forest area of Kachama. The slain was buried NK Gali area of Jumgund forests.
As per reports, the family was informed by some anonymous caller that the youth killed in Tunga Top forest area of Kachama in Kupwara was their kin.
The slain Mudasir went missing in 2016 and the family reportedly feigned ignorance about his joining the militant ranks.
The people of Barzulla and its adjoining areas had been holding continuous protests demanding the body of Mudasir.
Srinagar
National Conference on Tuesday expressed strong resentment against the decision of the State Administrative Council (SAC) to delete a provision in the Public Safety Act (PSA) that barred authorities from lodging J&K residents in jails outside the State.
Addressing a special meeting with party leaders and legislators from Srinagar, NC General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar said this decision would send incarcerated under-trials away from their families and would further add to the sense of isolation when all efforts should be made to build bridges of reconciliation with the people.
“This is an unfortunate and unacceptable decision that National Conference opposes unequivocally and unambiguously. We appeal to the Governor to reconsider this decision of the SAC. The previous Omar Abdullah led government in 2011 made specific amendments to the Public Safety Act (PSA) which redefined the age and scope of the Act’s jurisdiction viz-a-viz minors, reduced the period of incarceration from one year to three months and also reduced the incarceration period in cases related to the State’s security and law and order from two years to six months. The J&K Public Safety Ordinance 2011 maintained that no resident of J&K detained under the PSA could be shifted to a jail outside the State,” the NC General Secretary said.
The NC General Secretary said the SAC should repeal the decision and restore the provision in the Act at the earliest possible instance. The meeting was attended by NC General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Senior Leaders Mubarak Gul, Shamima Firdous, Muhammad Sayeed Akhoon, Irfan Ahmed Shah and Peer Muhammad Afaq.
Addressing the meeting NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said that the Central Government and the powers that be should realise that abrogation and repeal of Article 370 and Article 35-A of the Constitution of India would re-open the question of the State’s accession to the Union of India and invalidate the constitutional bridge that connects the State to the rest of the country.
“After Maharaja Hari Singh’s conditional accession to the Union of India, the representatives of J&K and the central leadership of the country negotiated the terms and conditions of the State’s accession and also defined the scope and nature of its relationship with the Centre. These negotiations resulted in constitutional safeguards in Constitution of India through the Constituent Assembly of the Union – as also validated by the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. The 1952 Delhi Agreement – which is a sovereign agreement – defines the scope and nature of Centre-State relations with respect to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Any attempts to violate these sovereign promises and agreements by assaulting the constitutional safeguards will invalidate the State’s accession to the Union,” the NC Provincial President said.
Launching a scathing attack on the Peoples’ Democratic Party, the NC Provincial President said PDP misled and betrayed the people of the State for their own personal political benefits. “Every single promise that was made by Late Mufti Sahab and then Mehbooba Mufti stands broken without any remorse. While today – after being sacked by her allies – Mehbooba Mufti terms power as a ‘cup of poison’ – she not only enjoyed this ‘cup of poison’ but also ensured that illegal and illegitimate benefits are also reaped by her kith and kin. It was under Mehbooba Mufti’s rule that J&K’s fiscal autonomy was eroded through the extension of the GST Act and various other central acts and provisions. The people of the State will never forgive PDP for acting as a Trojan Horse to weaken the State’s special status,” the NC Provincial President added.
Srinagar
The first batch of 33 aspiring entrepreneurs passed out from JKEDI’s Skill Development Centre at Sultanpora (Kandi) in Baramulla. The aspirants were trained for three weeks to help them establish their own self-employment ventures.
Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) was attended by candidates from different parts of the district and included 15 women participants as well who were trained under Himayat Self Employment Scheme (HSES). The training program was modeled for agri-allied, manufacturing and services sector and the aspiring entrepreneurs have chosen activities like sheep farming, manufacturing and trading as their lines of activity. For candidates who choose agri-allied activities, a special four-day sectoral training was also provided and, they were provided on the job training (OJT) at the successful business ventures sponsored by JKEDI earlier.
The three-week EDP was the maiden training program conducted in the Skill Development Centre after it was established.
For the rest of the candidates, an industrial visit and market survey was part of the training program. 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.
In the next phase, the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of the trained candidates shall be prepared by the Institute for their respective activities, to be followed by preparation of financial appraisals and other related processes for disbursement of funds to enable the trained candidates to establish their business ventures and earn a livelihood.
Srinagar
Secretary Social Welfare Department, Dr Farooq Lone, on Tuesday emphasized on giving due priority to the uncovered areas so that people especially women living there can avail the benefits of various welfare schemes.
The Secretary said this while taking a detailed review of the functioning of the Women Development Corporation, (JKWDC) at a meeting here today.
The meeting was attended by Managing Director, JKWDC, Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Director Finance, Social Welfare, Director Planning Social Welfare Department, Special Secretary Social Welfare and other senior officers of the department.
On the occasion, Dr. Lone stressed that JKWDC should take initiatives of preparing high-end designs to compete at the international market after branding WDC products.
While highlighting the role of JKWDC, he said that the Corporation must become a role model for other agencies dealing with the empowerment of women.
He emphasized on giving due priority to the uncovered areas so that women living there can also be benefited by various schemes of the Corporation.
The Secretary of Social Welfare said that the sole aim of the agency with other concerned departments should be to empower the women folk socially and economically so that they may be able to earn their dignified livelihood.
Managing Director, JKWDC, Naheed Soz, while giving a detailed resume of the activities and achievement by the Corporation said that the corporation “has been awarded at the national level for implementing various schemes and programmes in the state successfully”.
She briefed the Secretary about the present status of various schemes launched by the Corporation for the uplift of the womenfolk.
She said that JKWDC has disbursed Rs 164.09 crore amongst 15134 beneficiaries directly and 75,670 indirectly under various loan schemes.
She further stated that out of Rs. 164.09 crore, 70 crore stand repaid to Government of India which makes 100% recoveries till date. Under the Educational Loan Scheme, so far JKWDC has benefitted 431 girls throughout the country out of which 20 girls are perusing education abroad like China, Bangladesh, Ukraine etc.
The meeting was informed that the State Technical Education Department has imparted training to 6000 women beneficiaries who were linked to Micro Finance Scheme of JKWDC wherein Rs 4.80 crore have been released.
Later, the Secretary of Social Welfare also held a meeting to take stock of the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) activities.
The meeting was attended by Director of Social Welfare Kashmir, Director Finance Social welfare, Director Planning Social Welfare Department, Special Secretary Social Welfare and another concerned.
During the meeting, the Secretary was informed about the functioning of the centre which has been established for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities.
The CRC is providing human resource development by way of training rehabilitation professionals, village level workers, multi-rehabilitation workers and others. (GNS)
Srinagar
Five teachers including headmaster of a government middle school in Kangan tehsil of Ganderbal district were suspended on Tuesday for their unauthorized absence from their school.
During a surprise visit carried out by Cheif Education officer Ganderbal Sheikh Gayas U Din, five teachers including headmaster of Government Boys Middle School Behki Margoona in Kangan were found absent from their duties without any formal permission.
“Five teachers including headmaster have been suspended from their duties till further orders”, the official said.
The suspended teachers are identified as Firdous Ahmad Shah (Headmaster)of the school, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Riyaz Ahmad, Bashir Ahmad and Sheikh Mohammed Ashraf.
Srinagar
Hurriyat (M) Conference under the chairmanship of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday held a meeting at Hurriyat headquarters Rajbagh, in which all members participated to discuss the “serious threat posed to article 35A dealing with the heredity state subject laws of the state since 1927.”
Mirwaiz during a part meet at Rajbagh Srinagar
The spokesman in a statement said that all members expressed grave concern at this onslaught against the people of J&K by New Delhi by allowing and encouraging various PILs, to challenge 35A in the Supreme Court of India.
Hurriyat members said that the motive behind this move is to change the demographic character of J&K by turning its original citizens into a minority through settling outsiders here and hence undo its internationally recognized disputed nature and the need to resolve that dispute.
Hurriyat said that no court whether in India or in Pakistan has any jurisdiction to take decisions that can in any way affect the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir as its original citizens are yet to exercise the right to determine their final dispensation as promised by scores of UN resolutions and backed by India and Pakistan.
The members reiterated that Kashmir was is and will remain an internationally recognized dispute until it is resolved as per the aspirations of its people.
They said that all such ploys will be greatly resisted both by the leadership and people of J&K and there is no way that tinkering with 35A will be taken lying low or tolerated. Leadership and People with defend it with their life if the need arises.
The members fully supported the JRL call for protest strike on August 5 and 6, 2018 and an all-out mass agitation if any mischief is done with 35A. They said that all segments of society are completely one on this.
Srinagar
Accusing central government of turning its own citizens as refugees in their own motherland, AIP President and MLA Langate Er Rasheed on Tuesday have strongly criticized the attack on citizenship rights of nearly forty lac Indians especially Muslims in Assam in the name of updating the national register of citizens.
The spokesman in a statement said that in the name of deporting illegal migrants current government seems to have found a dangerous shortcut formula through the national register of citizens (NRC) to dislodge the Muslim community in Assam. The move is communal and politically motivated and unfortunately aimed at deporting Muslims to Bangladesh and other countries just for being Muslims.
He said that it is disgusting and unacceptable that those living in Assam and adjoining areas are being asked to prove their citizenship after such a long period, even the grandson of India’s former president Fakhur-din Ali Ahmad is not being spared. One has a very genuine question to ask if forty lac Muslims are facing citizenship crises in Assam, why should not the west Pakistani refugees be deported back from Jammu to Pakistan.
The move has exposed the double standards and the communal designs of the state. If the current government sincerely wants foreigners to be identified and deported back to their native places, it must start doing so by deporting west Pakistani Refugees back to Pakistan. However current dispensation will never dare to do so only for the reason that west Pakistani refugees belong to a particular community
Rasheed welcomed amnesty international’s statement over the issue and said that the move will lead to ethnic cleansing of a particular community especially when a BJP MLA has openly asked to shoot those alleged Bangladeshis. He added that it is just propaganda to call the sons of soil intruders as no agency has any evident or authentic proof to prove that these lacs of Muslims are not Indian citizens.
Rasheed further added that if New Delhi believes J&K to be its integral part and treats Kashmiris as its citizens, why doesn’t it allow thousands of those families hailing from Karnah, Karen, Uri, Pir Panchal region, Gurez and other areas to come back to their motherland who were forced to migrate after 1990 mass uprising in the state. Rasheed appealed PM Narinder Modi to rise to the occasion and not dislodge its own citizens only to strengthen a particular vote bank and added that he must rather focus on carrying all communities together.
Srinagar
Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik on Tuesday said that any interference with state subject law of Jammu Kashmir will not be tolerated by the people of Kashmir.
The spokesman in a statement said that this issue is directly related to the right to self-determination and so we all need to fight for it with unity and steadfastness. Terming the state subject law and guarding it as matter of life and death for the people of Jammu Kashmir. Malik said that Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has announced a protest program and called for a complete shutdown on August 5 and 6, 2018 against any move to tinker with the state subject law.
He said that the intended onslaught on hereditary state subject law will face a stiff resistance from every citizen of Jammu Kashmir and Kashmiris will not even shy away from “spilling their blood” to safeguard their unique identity and character.
Malik also condemned the fresh NIA raid on incarcerated Women leader Syeda Asiya Andrabi who along with Fahmida Sofi and Nahida Nasreen is lodged at Mandawali Jail Delhi.
Srinagar
The Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP) chairman, M Y Khan has resigned on Tuesday from his position.
M Y Khan, Chairman CVPP in his Jammu office
The official sources in the department have confirmed the resignation that came on Tuesday afternoon.
M Y Khan was the longest-serving chief executive of J&K Bank who helped in its making of state’s first and the only listed company. Then he stepped into the energy sector and took over as chairman of the CVPP, a joint venture between the state and three central PSUs. He led the company for eight years.
Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPP), was incorporated on June 6, 2011, a Joint Venture Company of NHPC Limited, JKSPDC and PTC (India) Limited for execution of 03 Hydroelectric Projects namely Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar with aggregate capacity of 2164 MW at Chenab River Basin in Distt Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar
State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) workers on Tuesday staged protest demonstrations against the closure of yard in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Scores of the workers affiliated with SRTC which include drivers and other workers gathered at Press Colony, shouting slogans against the closure of SRTC depot yard at Sopore.
The protesting workers said that closure of the yard has caused them an immense inconvenience. The protesters demanded an early release of the Sopore yard.
Srinagar
In the first incident of its kind, unknown persons on Tuesday overpowered a cop and snatched his service rifle from Kandhar area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Reports said that the policeman namely Mohd Ishaq (belt no. 436) of 4th IRP bn who is part of the deployment in wake of former minister and MLA Abdul Haq Khan, was overpowered by some persons and snatched his service rifle near Kandhar area of Maidanpora in Lolab.
The incident is first of its kind in the frontier district. Soon after the incident a joint team of army and SOG launched a hunt to nab the attackers.
Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir will get a new Governor as the Centre has decided not to continue with NN Vohra, NDTV quoted sources as saying.
According to a report published by NDTV, search is on for a new face and one of the contenders is former home secretary and current Comptroller and Auditor General Rajiv Mehrishi.
On June 20, soon after BJP ended its coalition government with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the state of Jammu and Kashmir came under Governor rule. Sources said the Centre and Vohara do not see eye to eye on the formation of a new government in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre is keen on it, but Vohra, who had handled the state four times between governments, is not ready to comply, the report said.
“At this late stage he is not ready to accommodate certain decisions”, NDTV quoted a senior functionary of the home ministry as saying.
The official said Vohra does not want to become another Jagmohan. In 1984, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had asked sitting governor BK Nehru to remove the Farooq Abdullah government. When he resisted, he was replaced by Jagmohan, who made it possible for GM Shah to become the new Chief Minister of the state, NDTV reported.
The trigger for the Centre’s decision, however, was a disagreement over Article 35A of the Constitution. The article which allows the state government to define who is a permanent resident of the state and provide them with special privileges is an extremely sensitive issue for Kashmiris, who see it as a matter of self-determination, the report mentioned.
The Centre also feels a new Governor would be able to handle the situation in a more effective manner as security forces step up the anti-terror operations. The unified command for security forces under former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had virtually collapsed. The new Governor will have a clear mandate from the Centre to revive the command and control structure. The new governor will also have an assurance of a long tenure, sources said, NDTV reported.
Srinagar
Heavy contingents of government forces have been deployed in Barzulla area of Srinagar city ahead of the possible handover of slain militant Mudasir Ahmed’s body to his family on Tuesday.
Picture for representational use
An official said that a mixed contingent of forces have been deployed in the area to avoid any untoward incident. Deployments have been put at sensitive points in the area.
The official added that authorities are likely to impose restrictions after 5 pm, as authorities are going to hand over the body of Mudasir to his family today.
According to the family, Mudasir militant was killed by government forces during an encounter in Kachahama area in the frontier district of Kupwara on June 29.
Srinagar
Bar Association Islamabad on Monday held a protest march in Islamabad township against any efforts to abrogate article 35 A.
Lawyers protest in Islamabad, KL photo by Saqib Mir
Scores of the lawyers associated with Islamabad’s Bar Association assembled outside the district court complex and marched towards the Lal Chowk point in order to register their protest.
The protest march led by Bar President Fayaz Ahmed Saudagar, later assembled holding placards which read “Save Article 35 A, save our identity”, “We are committed to safeguard Article 35 A”. Article 35A of the Indian Constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state’s legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.
Srinagar
Perceived resentment among Jammu’s Hindu voters over spiralling violence in the valley and “favouritism” towards Muslim-majority Kashmir made BJP, in consultation with RSS, break its ruling alliance with PDP, to give itself time to woo Hindu voters across the country, including those in Jammu, before general polls, reported CNN News 18.
The aim was to give “government room to manoeuvre to restore stability and rebuild Hindu confidence as well as burnish the party’s nationalist credentials among Hindu voters in the rest of India,” a book on RSS titled ‘RSS: A View to the Inside’ published by Penguin claims.
“Escalating violence in Kashmir and a perceived favouritism towards the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley were eroding the confidence of Hindus in the Mehbooba Mufti government. The RSS’ information-gathering apparatus would have picked up on the growing restiveness of the Hindu community,” the authors Walter K Anderson and Shridhar Damle claim in the book.
They add, “With the general elections fast approaching, the national leadership, in consultation with the RSS and others, decided to withdraw from the alliance and impose Governor’s rule…The BJP, with support limited to the Jammu region, can only come back to power by working out another alliance with a party that draws much, if not all, of its support from the state’s Muslim majority.”
CNN News 18 quoted Ram Madhav, a key architect of the coalition with PDP, saying that the reasons for doing so were a failure to observe a ceasefire during Ramzan, deteriorating law and order, “discrimination” to Jammu and Ladakh, and the murder of Shujaat Bukhari. The same reasons were given by BJP president Amit Shah in a rally held in Jammu four days later.
The book also provides an explanation on why RSS gave its nod to BJP allying with PDP in the first place.
‘RSS: A View to the Inside’ claims that RSS gave its nod to BJP’s alliance with PDP, its ideological antithesis, only because doing this would draw “India’s only Muslim-majority state more closely into the Indian Union”.
“The decision was part of RSS’s plans to make itself more appealing to members of upwardly mobile social groups, and the fact that Modi seemed to be fond of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed clinched the deal,” CNN News 18 reported.
“A sceptical RSS had gone along with the proposed alliance in 2015 for larger strategic reasons such as strengthening national integration (i.e., drawing India’s only Muslim-majority state more closely into the Indian Union) and making Hindutva more inclusive (i.e., including the state’s Muslim majority — and, by extension, Muslims everywhere in India).”
The book claims even a “sacrosanct Hindu nationalist doctrine — such as the abolition of Article 370” was set aside, in the Common Minimum Programme that BJP and PDP jointly drafted as their mutually agreed to guide document just after announcing their coalition, because “the RSS in Jammu and Kashmir was forced to balance the narrow interests of the state’s Hindu minority with its strategic imperative of integrating Kashmir into the Indian Union”.
Another reason for giving a go-ahead to the BJP to forge an alliance with the PDP was because “RSS also wanted to project a more inclusive image — one that would make the organization appealing to members of upwardly mobile social groups”.
The decision of the RSS to back the alliance with the PDP, CNN News 18 quoted the authors as saying, “was another demonstration of its support for the BJP’s ambitions to represent all parts of the country…and to draw the state’s Muslims more closely into the national mainstream”.
Srinagar
Police on Tuesday sought the help of the general public in tracing a girl missing from her home since July 29.
A spokesperson in a statement said: “As reported by one Ghulam Ahmad Kana R/O Seer Colony that his daughter namely Afroza daughter of Ghulam Ahmad Kana, age 19/20 is missing since July 29, 2018.”
“In this regard, missing report has been diarised in Police station Tarzoo and search to trace the missing girl started,” he said.
“Anybody having any information regarding the missing girl may kindly inform Police Station Tarzoo on 9596773011,9596773040 & 9596773088 or PCR Sopore on 9596773024, 9596773025, or Police Control Room Kashmir on 100,” the police spokesman in a statement said.
Srinagar
Militants on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday barged into the houses of three constables in South Kashmir’s Shopian district and warned them to leave their jobs.
Official sources said that three constables identified as Jahangir Wagay, Faizan Wagay, and Danish Bhat, all residents of Nad pora Shopian during the intervening night. The trio were thrashed and asked to leave their jobs.
The official added that they were warned to face the consequences in case they didn’t adhere to their dictates. These constables were recently promoted from SPO’s to the rank of constables.
Srinagar
Corporations engaged in procuring apples directly from farmers are set to venture into Jammu and Kashmir for the first time this year, reports claimed.
According to a report published in Economic Times, Kolkata-based conglomerate ITC Limited plans to start direct apple procurement for the first time this year. “The company will buy from Himachal Pradesh as well as Jammu and Kashmir,” Economic Times quoted a company official as saying. “We will buy apples directly from farmers in Kashmir for the first time and are already in talks with growers in various districts in the valley,” Kumar Aggarwal, director, marketing, and procurement, at Dev Bhumi Limited told Economic Times.
The company has also plans to purchase 7,000 tonnes of apple primarily for retail chains. Jammu and Kashmir, largest producer of Indian apples, is expected to produce more than 17 lakh tonnes this year. “The crop situation at present is good and it is likely to be normal output,” a senior official of J&K horticulture department said. Apple harvesting in the state begins in September and extends till November, the report said.
Srinagar
Police on Monday claimed to have arrest two bovine smugglers and recovered 55 bovine animals from their possession.
Police said that during intervening night of July 29/30, 2018, Police Party of Sog Post Bhatta and Police Station Dessa laid a naka at Hingin gali Dessa and intercepted bovines smugglers identified as Gulzar Ahmed, son of Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Bartung Ramban and Javed Ahmed, son of Ghulam Mohd, a resident of Dhandal and recovered 55 bovine animals from their possession.
The official said that two were arrested from the spot, and two others identified as Khursheed Ahmed, a resident of Islamabad district and Abdul Lateef, a resident of Gurmal escaped from the Spot.
In this regard, a case under FIR No 13/2018 U/S 188 RPC, 3 PC Act has been registered at P/S Dessa and further investigations are going on.
Srinagar
A new batch of 591 pilgrims left Jammu on Tuesday to perform the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
The pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here in an escorted convoy of 19 vehicles and headed towards the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, an official said.
In 2017, only 2,60,003 pilgrims had performed the Amarnath Yatra during the 40 days that it was officially allowed.
The 60-day long annual Amarnath Yatra which started on June 28 has been going on smoothly. Till date, 2,62,314 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at Amarnath cave.
The 60-day Amarnath Yatra will end on August 26, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.
Srinagar
The interview for contractual lecturers (English) scheduled to be held at Directorate of the Distance Education University of Kashmir on Tuesday (July 31) has been postponed, varsity spokesman said.
“Fresh dates will be announced later,” he added.
Srinagar
Militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has claimed the grenade attack on CRPF party in Sheerbagh area of south Kashmir’s Islamabad district on Monday evening.
LeT spokesperson in a statement issued said that its cadres carried out the attack on the CRPF “in which more than three troopers were injured”. (GNS)
Srinagar
The Crime Branch investigation into gruesome rape and murder of an eight-year-old from a minority nomadic community in Kathua has revealed the complexity of the accused through medical opinion, call records and other expert means.
The Crime Branch has revealed the complexity of the accused in a supplementary charge sheet filed by it before a Pathankot court where the trial of the case is being conducted on the day-to-day basis.
The Crime Branch has already arrested mastermind of the crime Sanji Ram, his son Vishal and his juvenile nephew, two special police officers Deepak Khajuria alias ‘Dipu’ and Surender Verma and friend Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu. All of them were named in the first charge sheet on April 9.
During further investigation detailed call data record analysis in respect of accused namely, Deepak Khajuria, Sanji Ram, Tilak Raj, Anand Dutta, Surinder and Vishal Jangotra was got conducted through Incharge Cyber Cell, the Crime branch has submitted in the supplementary charge sheet.
The analysis indicates communication between some of the accused on important days concerning the crime as well as after January 27, the day when the case was formally handed over to Crime Branch.
“Common location analysis based on the data provided by the cellular companies indicates the presence of some of the accused in and around Rasana, Kootah on crucial dates concerning crime corroborating many instances of the main charge sheet. From the analysis, it is evident that spike in the calls, between some of the accused, is visible immediately around important dates of occurrence of crime, after the recovery of the dead body of the victim as well as when crime scenes were inspected by the investigating agency in this case,” it says, pointing out meeting of minds in furtherance of a conspiracy which resulted in the rape and murder of the victim.
Sources said that CDR analysis also reveals that Vishal Jangotra remained in constant touch with his family whenever he has been in U.P and only in few instances there is no communication with his family for few days. “There are no calls between accused Vishal and his parents from 12.01.2018 to 17.01.2018 which is unusual and vouches for his presence in Rasana on crucial dates concerning crime as well as his subsequent conduct after returning back to Meerut, UP,” The Crime Branch has submitted in the supplementary charge sheet.
Analysis of CDRs of Vishal also revealed that he has a pattern of travelling to UP from Rasana in the late evening hours and reaching UP in the morning and conversely a pattern of travelling from UP to Rasana in the late evening hours and reaching Rasana in the early morning hours.
In the charge sheet, the crime branch has also revealed that bank account of Sanji Ram showed that in the month of December 2017 & January 2018 he has repeatedly withdrawn the substantial amount of money ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 1, 00,000 from his bank account on different dates. During the investigation, it also transpired that Sanji Ram had neither undertaken any constructional activity nor had he acquired any valuable asset nor any social function was solemnised in his family. The Crime Branch has concluded that accused Sanji Ram paid accused police officials as the bribe for ensuring destruction of evidence.
The account maintained and operated by accused police officials Anand Dutta and Tilak Raj also revealed that there was a drop in the withdrawals made during the month of January when compared to preceding month as well the succeeding month.
The Crime Branch has also established that the victim was administered sedatives by accused during her captivity. “Two tablets recovered on the disclosure of Juvenile in conflict with the law from near Devsthan Rasana were sent to the forensic lab for analysis. The chemical analysis report obtained thereof revealed the presence of Clonazepam salt in the tablets.”
The expert opinion coupled with other evidence that has come on record prima-facie establishes that the victim child was continuously administered the overdose of Clonazepam rendering her incapacitated to resist rape and her murder, the crime branch said.
Earlier this month, the Crime Branch informed the Supreme Court that it would be submitting a supplementary charge sheet in the case. The apex court had given them eight weeks to file it.
The district and sessions court in Pathankot framed charges of rape and murder against the seven accused in the case on June 8. (GNS)
Srinagar
A large number of people participated in the congregational prayers held on the Chahrum of the mother in law of Syed Fayaz Ahmad Bukhari, Bureau Chief Daily Excelsior, and wife of Professor Syed Ghulam Jeelani Qadri at their residence, Rehmat Lane Omar Abad, HMT in Srinagar on Monday.
Besides representatives of religious and non-political organisations, scores of Journalists participated in the congregational Fateh-a-khawani.
The leaders of political parties also visited the bereaved family and expressed solidarity with Bukhari.
She was passed away on Friday, July 24, 2018.
Srinagar
The job aspirants who have appeared in physical tests for different posts in the Forest Department in 2010 are awaiting results from the last eight years.
Scores of aspirants said that the department conducted the tests in 2010, but the Service Selection Board did not declare the results even after the expiry of eight years
The aspirants said that thousands of unemployed youth applied for the posts for Forester and Forest Protection Force Inspector that was notified by the Department in 2010.
“We appeared in physical test and yet the results are not declared,” the aspirants said and sought the intervention of Government Administration. (CNS)
Srinagar
Three paramilitary troopers were injured on Monday evening after militants hurled a grenade on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post at Sherbagh in south Kashmir’s Islamabad district.
Official sources said that a grenade was lobbed by the militants at CRPF post-Sherbagh, resulting in injuries to three CRPF men.
Meanwhile, forces have cordoned off the area and manhunt has been launched to nab the assailants.
Details emerging…
Srinagar
Governor N.N. Vohra witnessed the final match in the 16th J&K Police martyr’s memorial football tournament 2018, organized by the armed Police headquarters at tourist reception ground, Srinagar this evening. 34 teams from all over the State participated in this10 day tournament.
J&K Bank wins 16th J&K Police Martyr’s Memorial Football Tournament 2018 Trophy.
Governor witnessed the final match which was played between the J&K State Power Development Corporation and the J&K Bank. In this action-packed final event, the winner was decided through sudden – death penalties.
Dr S.P. Vaid, DGP, and Chairman of the Tournament;. Parvez Ahmed, Chairman of J&K Bank; senior officers of the Police, officers of the J&K Sports Council and members of the J&K Football Association, besides a huge gathering of spectators, were present on the occasion.
On arrival at the Stadium, the Governor visited the J&K Police martyr’s gallery and offered floral tributes to the martyrs.
Complimenting the Winning and the Runner Up Teams, Governor observed that J&K has a very talented pool of players and stressed the crucial importance of the best arrangements and opportunities being provided to the players. He expected the State Sports Department and the Sports Council to join hands in ensuring the establishment of high-class infrastructure, through-out the year tournaments, and making available world-class coaching facilities to all the upcoming players. He noted that if given appropriate facilities, along with a peaceful environment, we would see many national and international sports stars emerging from the State.
Governor complimented J&K Police for organising this successful Tournament and giving the opportunity to the youth to showcase their talent.
The man of the match was awarded to Nirdosh Koul from the winning team.
Srinagar
Following the instructions are given by Governor N N Vohra that the entire process of regularizing the services of casual workers should be speeded up, the Empowered Committee constituted vide SRO–520 had its 4th meeting under the Chairmanship of Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department, and regularized the engagement of 140 persons of various Departments, of whom 10 belong to PWD, 51 to PHE Department, 8 to I&C Department, 7 to Forest Department, 61 to Housing & UDD and 3 to Technical Education Department.
Giving further details, Choudhary informed that till date the Empowered Committee has held 4 meetings and cleared 310 cases of various Departments.
He further explained that in today’s meeting the cases of 45 persons were rejected for want of the requisite documents as specified in the SRO-520.
Choudhary conveyed the Governor’s serious concern and displeasure over the continuing failure of all concerned Departments to promptly submit all required documents, which has caused delay and denial of their due rights to the claimants. Governor has directed Principal Secretary Finance to send him a list of all the defaulting Departments. All Departments have also been issued directions, yet once again, to speed up the submission of cases to the Empowered Committee for urgent disposal.
Srinagar
National Conference President and Member of Parliament for Srinagar, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Monday visited Baba Nagri, Kangan to inquire about the health of Haji Mian Bashir Ahmed. The National Conference President while inquiring about the health and welfare of Haji Mian Bashir Ahmed prayed for his complete recovery and good health.
Dr Farooq Abdullah at Haji Mian Bashir’s residence at Kangan
Haji Mian Bashir Ahmed has been ailing for a while and returned to Kangan from New Delhi on Sunday. Abdullah said Mian Bashir Ahmed is an asset and an inspiration for the people of the State. Senior National Conference Leader, MLA Kangan and son of Haji Mian Bashir Ahmed, Mian Altaf Ahmed was also present on the occasion.
Farooq Abdullah was accompanied by NC General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, Additional General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal and Provincial Vice President Mushtaq Ahmed Guroo.
Srinagar
President Peoples Democratic Party and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said that her party risked everything in an attempt to achieve larger goals beyond power and protocols.
“We took the decision to form a government with Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) despite the political risks involved. The purpose was clear and our agenda was public. We did not form the government for the sake of it. We had very good experience of working with the same party then headed by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and wanted the state out of uncertainty and commotion”, the spokesman quoted Mehbooba as saying.
The spokesman said that Mufti was addressing largely attested public meeting on the eve of party’s 19th foundation day, She said that AB Vajpayee’s assurance of free and fair elections in 2002 was the outcome of his understanding of Kashmir problem.
“When Vajpayee sought a feedback from Mufti Mohammad Syed about the situation in Kashmir prior to elections he was told that Delhi needs to restore the trust of people on democracy. Mufti told them that general perception in Kashmir is that its not the voters but Delhi which decides the fate of political parties in the state”, Mehbooba said.
She said that despite the fact that BJP was in alliance with National Conference the central government not only ensured free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir but Vajpayee personally reached out to the people of Kashmir by taking several measures. “The golden era of Jammu and Kashmir would not have been possible without the understanding Vajpayee ji had. We were able to restore peace with dignity, open borders, hold dialogue internally as well as with neighbouring country, create employment and ensure equitable development because both state and central government were on the same page”, she said.
She said that it was the same objective for which PDP entered into an alliance with BJP after emerging as the largest political party in 2014 assembly elections. “Mufti Mohammad Syed was optimistic and was ready to take all risk in order to bring people out of the bad situation, which has been forced upon the state due to continuous misgovernance. The risk was greater but the objectives were more important”, she said.
Srinagar
Expressing his grave concern over the use of “excessive force” against innocent civilians, All Parties Hurriyat Conference general secretary Gh Nabi Sumji, said that intimidations and resorting to “repressive” measures on innocent people on one pretext or the other, is highly deplorable, saying it won’t force people to submission.
The spokesman in a statement said that Hurriyat leader while referring to “atrocities inflicted by men in uniform”, said that during CASO, youth were thrashed, subjected to worst humiliation, their mobile phones snatched and scrutinized. This is the worst type of arrogance and nowhere on earth, such type bullying ever existed.
Youth are being detained on fake charges, said he and strongly condemned the rampant use of infamous PSA and lodging countless FIR’s against youth to prolong their illegal custody, saying it is the direct assault on civil liberty and fundamental rights of common masses.
Denying liberty, dignity and subjecting to humiliation, tantamount to gross human rights violation, a spokesman said appealing international organizations for human rights for their cognizance asked to check the use of unbridled force and initiate an impartial probe against growing human rights violations in the state.
Strongly criticizing NIA, spokesman blamed the agency for “harassing” the resistance leadership, saying the raids on the residence of incarcerated leader Syeda Asiya is highly deplorable and unfortunate.
Srinagar
A 26-year-old man was killed when his vehicle met with an accident in Danisyeda area of Uri town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.
An official said a van (bearing registration number Jk05B-0346) fell in a deep gorge at Danisyeda village of Uri, resulting into death of a person.
The deceased, identified as Irshad Ahmad Tantray son of Abdul Rahman Tantray a resident of Sharee Baramulla.
His body was taken to Mohra hospital for legal formalities, said the official.
Srinagar
A 45-year old man was Monday electrocuted to death in Hajjin village of Bandipora in north Kashmir.
The deceased has been identified as Mohammad Shafi Lone son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Lone resident of Banger Mohalla of Hajjin.
Reports said that Lone died after he received electric shock while working at live electric cables in his home. He was rushed to the local hospital where he was declared dead.
Meanwhile, police have registered the case and further investigation has been taken up.
Srinagar
Twenty-seven bodies from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday addressed a press conference at Sangarmal complex in Srinagar.
27 Kashmir Trade Bodies while addressing a press conference at Sangarmal complex in Srinagar, KL photo by Bilal Bahadur
The spokesman in a statement said that Press Conference has been necessitated to exhibit our unity in protesting the attempted onslaught on our hereditary state subject law. We are accompanied by the representatives from a cross section of the society comprising the civil society formations including business chambers and federations, transporters, tourism fraternity, horticulturists, industrialists, academia and other social, religious and cultural organizations.
He said that our state subject laws have been under attack ever since a PIL was filed by NGO “We the Citizens” and admitted by the supreme court of India that challenges the validity of Article 35-A of Indian constitution. It needs to be reminded that Article 35-A affords a protective shield to the hereditary state subject law of Jammu and Kashmir that is in existence since 1927. After the admission of this petition, the Supreme Court also took cognizance of 4 other petitions filed by various groups and individuals and clubbed all these with the main petition. History is witness to the fact that Article 35-A was enacted in the constitution of India in the year 1954 and since then several petitions were filed by different groups and individuals to challenge this Act. However, all such petitions would get dismissed before their admission by the Supreme Court only because of the prompt and appropriate defense by successive Governments at New Delhi.
However, this time a situation has arisen when Government of India has bizarrely declined to defend their own provision of the constitution as it has not filed any Counter to the said PIL. This speaks volumes about the complicity of GOI in the attempt of removing or tinkering with the Article 35 A.
We wish to inform the general public that if the said Article is removed or tinkered with, then the rights of original citizens of Jammu and Kashmir on their immovable property and other such rights would be taken away and all Indians would be afforded a right to establish their settlements in length and breadth of the state pushing away the original citizens. It is pertinent to say that the purpose behind this PIL is devious to change the demographic character of Jammu Kashmir and alter the nature of the dispute that is internationally recognized.
The worry among the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to resist against the attempted onslaught is very much justified. Let us make it amply clear that the hereditary state subject law of Jammu and Kashmir shall be protected at any cost even on the lives of the citizens and no tampering with this law would ever be tolerated. The powers that be are hereby put on notice to take all necessary steps to get the PIL filed by NGO dismissed at the earliest in order to save themselves from its political ramifications and consequences. This matter is related to the life and death of the people of Jammu Kashmir and we all are ready to spill our blood to safeguard this law.
As we have already stated that the protest of the people of Jammu Kashmir on this issue is in all purposes legal and necessary. Various organizations mentioned hereunder have unanimously charted out a strategy and program to contest the onslaught that has already been communicated and shall be followed by individual organizations initially till August 6, 2018, the day of the hearing. We also hereby announce our full support to the call of strike given by JRL on August 5, 6, 2018.
Thye organizations who participated in the press conference include
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF Y), Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA Y), Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA F), Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF R), Federation Chamber of Industry of Kashmir (FCIK M), Jammu Kashmir Socio-Economic Coordination committee (JKSECC), Kashmir economic forum (KEF), Jammu and Kashmir contractors’ coordination committee, Kashmir Center for social and development studies (KCSDS), J & K JCCOPS, Kashmir valley fruit growers/ Dealers union, Western bus service, Haji-Pir transport company, Kashmir Motor drivers Association. (KMD), Western motor transport company, New Kashmir Transport Company, Star Transport Company, Tourist Taxi Operators Association, Joint coordination committee of taxi Associations Parimpora, All Kashmir auto Rickshaw drivers Association, Kashmir hotel and restaurant association JK Hoteliers Club, Associated Chamber of commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK), Houseboat Owners Association, Batamaloo Traders Association, All traders joint coordination committee Batamaloo.
Srinagar
Police on Saturday evening arrested dozens of gamblers and recovered stake money of Rs 2,72000 along with the bundle of cards from the gambling spot.
On Saturday evening police raided two hotels in health resort Sonamarg area of Gund of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and arrested dozens of gamblers from the hotels. Police have also recovered stake money of rupees 2, 72000 from their possession.
I this regard, police have registered a case under FIR number 16,17/2018 U/S 2/3 Gambling Act and further investigations have been taken up.
Srinagar
Agha Azhar Ali Qazilbash, son of Late Agha Shaukat Ali passed away on Monday in U.S.A after a prolonged illness.
According to a family source, his Qul fatihah will be observed at Idarah Jaffaria Islamic Centre, Maryland, Washington D C on Friday, August 3, 2018.
Azhar was a nephew of noted academician, Agha Ashraf Ali who expressed grief on Azhar’s death. Azhar’s father Agha Shaukat Ali, former General Secretary of Muslim Conference in Kashmir and a confidant of M A Jinnah, had moved to Pakistan in 1947 where he served in the capacity of Director General Tourism and later Information Secretary during President Ayub Khan’s tenure.
Srinagar
Supreme Court on Monday extended protection granted to Major Aditya in the case till August 21.
Official sources said that while hearing a petition by Aditya’s father Karamveer sing, Supreme Court has extended the protection granted to Major Aditya in the case till August 21.
On February 8, 2018, Lt. Col. Karamveer Singh said his son, a Major in the 10 Garhwal Rifles, has been “wrongly and arbitrarily” named in the FIR.
The father of Army officer Aditya Kumar, named as an accused in an FIR filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for opening fire at protestors in Shopian district and killing three of them, had moved the Supreme Court seeking an order to quash the proceedings.
Srinagar
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, has brought out the ranking of the 63 State Agricultural Universities in the country.
Governor N N Vohra, Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir Universities of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu and Kashmir, has conveyed his greetings to Dr Pradeep Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the Agriculture University of Jammu and to Professor Nazeer Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of the Agriculture University of Kashmir, for their Universities securing the 24th and 27th positions, respectively, among the 63 Universities in the country.
Governor has expressed the hope that, at the next annual ranking, both the State Agriculture Universities shall find their places within the first fifteen Universities, if not ten.
Srinagar
United Jihad Council (UJC) chief Syed Salahuddin has congratulated Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan for his victory in the elections and welcomed his statement on Kashmir in his victory speech.
Salahuddin, according to a statement issued, made these remarks while chairing the conglomerate’s high-level meeting at Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK).
The UJC chief said the way Imran Khan mentioned Kashmir in his victory speech is praiseworthy. He expressed hope that the Prime Minister-elect will intensify the campaign of highlighting Kashmir issue across world forums and seek its resolution.
Syed Salahuddin said Pakistan is the main stakeholder in the Kashmir dispute and expressed hope that the country under the leadership of Imran Khan will adopt a robust policy on political and diplomatic fronts to find a justifiable solution to the long-pending Kashmir dispute. (GNS)
Srinagar
A non-local man was found dead in Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday morning.
The deceased identified as Shiv Charan, a resident of Bihar state was found dead this morning at Checkote, Awantipora, a police official said, adding that police have taken the cognizance of the case.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case and the body has been taken for the medico-legal formalities.
Srinagar
Hundreds of people across Pulwama on Monday attended the last rites of paramilitary trooper at Niara village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Reports said that hundreds of mourners across Pulwama, including men, women and elderly, assembled in Niara village for the funeral procession of the slain CRPF constable, identified as Naseer Ahmad Rather, son of Wali Mohammad, a resident of Naira Pulwama. The slain trooper belonged to 182 Batallion of CRPF.
Rather was killed on July 29, 2018, after militants barged inside his house and fired upon him. He was immediately shifted to district hospital Pulwama in critical conditions where he was declared brought dead.
Srinagar
National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on Monday carried out a search at the residence of DeM chief Asiya Andrabi at Iqbal Colony 90 feet road in Soura Srinagar.
Official sources said that searches are being carried out the residence of DeM chief in connection with a “sedition case” filed against them by the central agency.
Pertinently, Dukhtaran-e-Milat chief Asiya Andrabi, along with her two associates was shifted to Delhi by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 6, 2018. The trio were taken from Central Jail Srinagar to the Srinagar international airport by the agency.
Srinagar
Karvan-e-Aman bus, operating between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-administered-Kashmir (Pak) left here on Monday to cross over to another side of the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector in north Kashmir district of Baramulla, official sources said.
The “peace bus” left Bemina in Srinagar for Kaman Post, the last Indian military post on this side on the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector.
The bus carrying 85 passengers, including two fresh and 83 returnees, has since reached Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Salamabad, Uri, where more passengers could board to cross over to other side of the LoC.
The number of returnees and PaK guests will also be known in the evening, they said.
The cross-LoC bus service which started on April 7, 200,5 has helped thousands of families to meet each other after India and Pakistan agreed to allow travel of state subjects from both sides on travel permits, instead of the international passport.
The travel permit is issued to the state subject from both sides of the LoC, only after their names are cleared by the intelligence agencies from India and Pakistan. However, only state subjects from both sides can avail the cross-LoC bus facility.
Srinagar
A five-year-old boy was crushed to death under the wheel of a school bus in Khanyar area of Srinagar on Monday morning.
The deceased boy identified as Wasif Majeed son of Abdul Majeed Bhat a resident of Natipora area of Srinagar was critically injured after being hit by a school bus in Khanyar. Wasif was immediately shifted to shifted nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.
An official said that the bus carrying school kids belonged to Minto Circle School Allochi Bagh.
Meanwhile, police has registered a case in this regard.
Srinagar
In an overnight massive fire mishap, an Islamic seminary was gutted in north Kashmir’s frontier district Kupwara.
Reports said that fire broke out in Darul-Uloom at Ganapora area of Qaziabad during Sunday night resulting in complete damage to the building.
Reports added the fire was brought under control by fire tenders with the help of police and locals but couldn’t save the building from the massive fire.
No one was, however, injured in the fire incident.
An official said that the cause of the fire was not known immediately while adding that a report has been registered and further investigations has been taken up.
Srinagar
Four persons of a family were injured after being attacked by a mentally challenged person in north Kashmir’s Pattan area Baramulla district.
Reports said that Abdul Majeed Dar, a mentally challenged man attacked a group of people with a sharp knife in Chek Jameel Meer village of Pattan on Sunday evening.
The injured were identified as Ali Mohammad Dar, Nazir Ahmad Dar, Abdul Khaliq Dar and Farooq Ahmad. Farooq and Khaliq were seriously injured in the attack and were shifted to Srinagar hospital for specialised treatment.
Meanwhile, Police has registered a case and launched an investigation, said an official.
Srinagar
A faction of Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) has given Kashmir Bandh and UN Chalo call on August 6 against the hearing on Article 35A.
KEA members during a Article press conference.
KEA chairman Mohammed Yousef Chapri while addressing the media here in Srinagar said they would fight tooth and nail to protect the special status of the J&K.
He said Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) would submit a memorandum in UNMOGIP against proposed abrogation of special status (Article 35A) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) co-chairman Farooq Ahmad Dar said abrogation of special status (Article 35A) is a direct attack on the autonomy of the Jammu and Kashmir.
He blamed that “central government is implementing agenda of the RSS as they are hell-bent to do away with Article 370 which gives J&K special status in the country.” “The wound inflicted on the state’s autonomy through the extension of GST is still fresh as another new machination has been launched to question the validity of Article 35A now,” he said.
Srinagar
A new batch of 724 pilgrims left Jammu on Monday to perform the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
They left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in an escorted convoy of 19 vehicles that included pilgrims going to both Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, an official said.
He said that the pilgrims comprised of 491 male, 186 females, 43 sadhus and four sadhvis left in 14 buses and five light motor vehicles.
The 60-day long annual Amarnath Yatra which started on June 28 has been going on smoothly. Till date, 2, 58,487 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at Amarnath cave.
The 60-day Amarnath Yatra will end on August 26, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.
Srinagar
A Paramilitary CRPF trooper was shot dead by suspected militants this evening in Pulwama village of south Kashmir.
Reports said that militants barged inside the house of local CRPF man identified as Naseer Ahmad Rather at Naira village and fired upon him.
Naseer is posted at CRPF 182 bn in Pulwama and was on leave.
He has been immediately shifted to district hospital Pulwama in critical conditions where he was declared brought dead.
Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Pulwama Dr Abdul Rashid Parra also confirmed about the death of the CRPF man. (GNS)
Srinagar
Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has taken a serious note of what it called as ‘mushrooming of quackery’ in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, said that it is a continuous threat to the human lives in the State.
“The imposters are administering mega doses of steroids and painkillers to suppress the symptoms of illness and are actually playing with the innocent human lives Naik,” a DAK statement said here on Sunday.
“Recent exposé of the imposter, fraudster by a local news agency who was practising at multiple clinics in north Kashmir must be booked under various stringent laws of penal code so that in future a person will think hundred times before indulging in the practice of deception and fraud,” a statement said.
“It is a matter of great concern that these bluff masters are misusing the prefix “Dr” and are deceiving the gullible public. It is the moral and social responsibility of civil societies, media fraternity, religious organisation to keep a continuous vigil on these quacks that play with lives of innocent patients,” President DAK, Dr Suhail Naik said.
While slamming authorities for their complete ‘failure’ to check the menace, Dr Naik said these quacks have damaged the kidneys of a large number of people in Kashmir by administering massive doses of painkillers for a long duration.
“It is painful and heart wrenching that around 420 people in village Vehil just five kilometres away from the main town of Shopian have contracted blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis B & C due to the illegal practice by quacks that act as dentists and don’t know the basics of instrument sterilisation,” the statement while quoting Dr Naik said.
“Unless and until these fraudsters and imposters are not dealt with stringent laws of, these people will continuously indulge in such malpractices,” Dr Naik added
General Secretary DAK Dr Owais H Dar, as per the statement said that “now for last decade many doctors from outside the state routinely visit here for their clinical practices and it is very unfortunate that their credentials are not checked as their practice is not regulated by any local law.”
“It is imperative that all these doctors who are visiting the valley regularly must get a temporary registration from the state Health Department before practising here and also their consultation fee must be regulated by state government,” Dr Owais added.
DAK has demanded that the government should come forward with a comprehensive health policy which should include stringent action against quackery.
by Farooq Tariq
Ali Wazir, a central committee member of The Struggle, has won a seat in the national parliament from NA-50 (Tribal Area – XI) with 23530 votes and his closest rival from a religious parties alliance, MMA got 7515. Thus winning the seat with a majority of 16015.
Pakistani Marxist Ali Wazir, now a member of parliament
Ali Wazir was one the main leader of Pashtun Tahafaz Movement (PTM) and during this year, mass meetings were organised in major cities to raise voices for the fair compensation to the victims of the “war on terror” and to demand the release of all “missing” persons or to bring them to the courts if they are guilty.
Two other leaders of this PTM also contested for the national parliament and another of them, Muhsin Dawer also won the seat after a close competition. Mohsin Javed Dawer got 16526 votes while Aurangzeb of Imran Khan’s PTI got 10422. However, the MMA candidate Mufti Misbahudin got a close 15363 votes.
These two PTM leaders contested from Waziristan, an area dominated by religious fanatics. However, a strong movement for civic rights of Pashtuns had cut across the influence of the fanatics and Pashtuns voted despite all the threats to elect their mass movement leaders.
Two main leaders, of PTM, presence in the parliament has given a hope to many in Pakistan that at least there would be peoples voices in a parliament dominated by feudal lords, corrupt capitalists and stooges of the military and judicial establishment.
Who is Ali Wazir?
Ali Wazir is a very special person. His personal ordeal best illustrates what prompted his demands. Ali Wazir was pursuing a degree in law at the turn of the century when his hometown, Wana, the headquarters of South Waziristan agency, became the epicenter of global terrorism when a host of Taliban-allied groups sought shelter in the communities.
No doubt the terrorists had some individual local facilitators, but ultimately it was the state that failed to prevent them from using the territory. When his father, the chief of the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe, and other local leaders complained of their presence, government officials ignored and silenced them. Instead, Islamabad spent years denying the presence of any Afghan, Arab, or Central Asian militants.
By 2003, the militants had established a foothold in South and North Waziristan tribal agencies and were attempting to build a local emirate. Ali Wazir’s elder brother Farooq Wazir, a local political activist and youth leader, became the first victim of a long campaign in which thousands of Pashtun tribal leaders, activists, politicians, and clerics were killed with near absolute impunity. Their only crime was to question or oppose the presence of dangerous terrorists in their homeland.
In 2005, Ali Wazir was in prison when his father, brothers, cousins, and an uncle were killed in a single ambush. He was behind the bars because of the draconian colonial-era Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) law that holds an entire tribe or region responsible for the crimes of an individual or any alleged crime committed in the territory.
Ali Wazir had committed no crime, never got a fair trial, and was not sentenced, yet he was prevented even from participating in the funerals for his family. In the subsequent years, six more members of his extended family were assassinated. The authorities have not even investigated these crimes let alone held anyone responsible.
Ali Wazir and his family faced economic ruin after all of the notable men in his family were eliminated. The government failed to prevent the militants from demolishing his family owned gas stations. They later used that bricks to build bathrooms, claiming they were munafiqin (hypocrites) so even the inanimate materials from his businesses were not appropriate to build proper buildings.
His family owned apple and peach orchards in Wana were sprayed with poisonous chemicals, and tube wells were filled with dirt to force them to surrender to the forces of darkness.
In 2016, his family owned market in Wana was dynamited after a bomb blast that killed an army officer which was an accident. They nevertheless destroyed their livelihoods under the FCR. After the demolition, the government prevented the local community — mostly members of Ahmadzai Wazir tribe — from collecting donations to help them. They were told, it would set an unacceptable precedent because the government cannot let anyone help those it punishes.
So all together 16 members of his family, including his father, two brothers were killed by Taliban during these years.
He was one of the main leader of Pashtun Tahafaz Movement (PTM), a civic rights movement for the rights of the victims of war on terror. Recently he toured around the country and organised mass rallies in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Swat. Lahore Left Front was the host of Lahore public meeting which was formally not permitted by the authorities, we were not allowed to campaign, no posters stickers were allowed to be spread in the city, Ali Wazir and seven more were arrested a night before the public meeting and after a massive immediate response, they were released before the rally. Yet, over 10,000 participated in this public meeting.
In June this year, dozens of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) supporters were injured and 10 were killed as a result of an attack on PTM leader Ali Wazir by the “pro-government militants”, also known as Peace Committee. However, the PTM sympathisers gathered to welcome Ali retaliated, upon which the militants fled, leaving Ali’s cousin and a Voice of America (VOA) journalist injured among others.
In an interview during April 2018, Ali Wazir said: “The past few months have transformed my life. Amid the agonies I have endured and the threats, suspicion, and accusations I face, the love, support, and respect I receive is overwhelming. Since February, when we began protesting to draw attention to the suffering of ethnic Pashtuns — among the worst victims of terrorism — I have learned a lot about the potential of ordinary Pakistanis. Their thirst for change is inspiring and heralds a peaceful, prosperous future we must build for generations to come”.
During those difficult years, he didn’t lose faith in the mass movement and remained committed to politics of class struggle. He ran in the parliamentary elections in 2008 and 2013.
In 2013 general elections, his victory was changed into a defeat at gunpoint. He lost the election for just over 300 votes after the Taliban intimidated voters and tortured his supporters and campaign volunteers.
Amid the volcano of violence, thousands of civilians have disappeared, and thousands have fallen victim to extrajudicial killings. The leaders of PTM are profiled as suspected terrorists across the country, face humiliation at security check posts, and innocent civilians face violence during security sweeps and operations. As the world’s largest tribal society, the Pashtuns are known for their hospitality, commitment, and valour, yet they were falsely reduced to terrorist sympathizers despite the fact that they are their worst victims.
Pakistani Marxisit Ali Wazir celebrating his victory as a member of Parliament from one of the highly religious belts of Tribal Areas, Wana.
Ali Wazir belongs to The Struggle, Pakistani Marxist organization. That has joined Lahore Left Front, a united platform of several Left groups and parties. However, Lahore Left Front has organised some mass activities where Ali Wazir participated.
The general election of 2018 was the most rigged elections in the history of Pakistan. The society has pushed further to the right with Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) coming to power. Imran Khan called Ali Wazir prior to the elections and offered him PTI nomination from the area which Ali politely refused. However, such a respect for Ali Wazir that Imran Khan told him that in any case, we will not put up our candidate against you.
Prior to the general elections, a whole sale rigging took place on the behest of the Establishment. PMLN candidates were threatened, forced them to change loyalties and so on. PTI had an open support of the most of the state institutions.
In this background when a more right wing party PTI, than the previous ruling party PMLN, has come to power, a Marxist in the parliament would be a wave of fresh air from the stinking parliament.
Although other Left groups also contested including Awami Workers Party (AWP) and had launched a tremendous election campaign, however, the election campaign of Ali Wazir was of some special characteristics. He addressed few public meetings every day, went door to door with his meagre resources. Thousands cheered him all the times. We were all sure that he will win but were afraid of any incident that could cancel the elections from this constituency.
Ali Wazir has opened the gates for the entire Left. He is loved by most of the social activists as well, a sober person who is always down to earth in his presentation in workers meeting but speaks like a lion when he is addressing the ruling class. A fearless class fighter who has emerged as the one of the most respected Left leaders in recent working class history.
(The report appeared in Asian Marxist Review)
