Municipal Polls: Court issues notice to ECI for using outdated EVMs

by Pallavi Sareen

Srinagar

The principal, district and session judge Jammu issued a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a petition filed by a lawyer seeking cancellation of the recent municipal elections.

A huge rush of people in the queue outside the polling booth in Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday during the second phase of Municipal elections. Kl Image by Bilal Bahadur

The petitioner, advocate Sanjeev Kumar Sareen, has alleged that antiquated electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used during the municipal elections despite clear-cut guidelines from the Supreme Court that only those EVMs should be used which include voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT).

Notices were also issued to Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary Jammu and Kashmir and all corporators including Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The court issued the notices objections on the petition to be filed on the date of next hearing, January 8, 2019.

Purnima Shama, Advocate and Deputy Mayor of Jammu Municipal Corporation refused, in writing to accept the summons sent by the Court. The petition was filed on November 13 and admitted by the court on November 28.

The petition demands that the municipal elections held in J&K be declared null and void because of the use of invalidated M1 EVMs. Although the EC has given instructions for the destruction of these M1 EVMs because they are not tamper-proof, they were used in the state municipal elections

Elections to the Municipal bodies of Jammu and Kashmir were held in four phases from October 8, 2018, to 16th October 2018. The results for the same were declared on October 20, 2018.

Earlier, ballot boxes were used for holding urban local body elections in J&K, as mandated by the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act. This Act was amended during the governor’s rule in 2016. According to the new rules, elections were to be held with EVMs instead of ballot boxes. Rules pertaining to the design of the EVMs were also added, making it obligatory to use M3 EVMs or EVMs with a paper trail in the elections.

However, the CEO of J&K used M1 EVMs and breached these new rules. There were several other irregularities in the conduct of the elections, the petitioner has alleged.

The petitioner has said that he gave a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer J&K pleading that they should conduct the elections either through Ballot papers or M3 EVMs (valid EVMs). He even referred to the Supreme Court judgements about the use of EVMs.

The petitioner has said that he gave this representation to all the concerned quarters well before the ULB Elections began in Jammu and Kashmir on October 8th.

Sr Advocate Ved Raj Wazir, Adv Amrit Sarin, Adv Abhishek Wazir besides a battery of lawyers represent the petitioner.

On being asked, Advocate Sanjeev Kumar Sareen said, “We live in a democratic country which is known all over the world for its robust electoral system. Why were discarded and disbanded EVMs used in Jammu and Kashmir in the first place? And if there was no issue with the EVMs, why are the same not being used for the panchayat elections. Why didn’t the governor, who amended the municipal corporation Act, amend the panchayat Act?”

He further said, “The argument that the EVMs which were used for ULB elections were tamper-proof falls flat when one is told that Panchayat Elections are being held with Ballot Boxes. My grievance is the manner in which elections were held. Apart from EVMs there were several other irregularities that I have mentioned in my petition. There was a breach of Model code of conduct, non-videography during scrutiny which is mandatory and no training was provided to Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers either.”

“Results from these machines have shaken the confidence of a common man because these EVMs can be hacked. There is no democracy left in India if elections cannot be conducted in a free and fair manner. The only hope now is with the judiciary to give relief and with media to highlight this issue as one of utmost importance,” said Advocate Sanjeev Sareen, the petitioner.

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Governor Administration Gets Into PRC, SHRC

Srinagar

In order to minimize the difficulties being faced by the “genuine applicants”, the Governor’s Administration is contemplating to simplify the procedure for grant of Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) and Revenue Department has dashed a communication to the Financial Commissioner Revenue, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners seeking their comments and suggestions in shortest possible time, Daily Excelsior reported.

Governor Satya Pal Malik chairing SAC meeting at Jammu on November,282018.

The Daily Excelsior quoted official sources as saying that Governor Satya Pal Malik is receiving numerous complaints regarding undue harassment being meted out to the genuine applicants in getting the Permanent Resident Certificates from the competent authorities in almost all the districts of the State.

“Similar complaints are also being received by Governor’s Advisors during their public grievances redressal camps and finally need to simplify the procedure for grant of Permanent Resident Certificates has been felt by the Governor’s Administration so as to ease out the difficulties being faced by the people,” the report said.

“On the directions of the Governor, Advisor concerned and Chief Secretary, the Revenue Department has dashed a communication to the Financial Commissioner Revenue, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners seeking their inputs, comments and suggestions in the matter,” reported Daily Excelsior.

“You are requested to furnish the suggestions taking into consideration the procedure already defined under the relevant rules viz-a-viz the checklist issued under Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act, 2009 enabling the department to proceed further in the matter,” according to report read the communiqué of the revenue department.

Acting on the letter of the revenue department, the Divisional Commissioners have written to all the Deputy Commissioners giving them a time-frame of two days for furnishing comments and suggestions based on their respective analysis of the difficulties being faced by the people in obtaining PRCs, the report quoted sources.

Stating that checklist is likely to be modified, they said, “at certain level in the Government there is an opinion that if the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents of any applicant have bonafide Permanent Resident Certificates there should not be any unnecessary demand of old record in issuing PRC to such an applicant”.

“Similarly, there is an opinion that in case of change required to be made in the Permanent Resident Certificate of a female after marriage unnecessary documents should not be demanded by the PRC issuing authorities and the bonafide certificates of her husband and in-laws should be relied upon,” Daily Excelsior quoted sources as saying.

“However, at other relevant quarters in the Government there is an opinion that there exists no flaw in the procedure in vogue and proper link is required to be established between the applicant and PRCs of his/her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents through proper documents so as to avoid issuance of PRCs to non-State subjects,” they said.

Moreover, some officers in the administration are of the stand that if a mechanism is evolved for timely issuance of old record to the applicants from the Central Record Rooms and strict adherence is shown to the timeline of 30 days fixed under J&K Public Services Guarantee Act the undue harassment to applicants can be easily avoided, sources told Daily Excelsior.

“All these aspects will be taken into consideration by the Revenue Department while recommending measures for simplification of procedure for grant of Permanent Resident Certificates to the State Administrative Council (SAC) headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik for approval,” Daily Excelsior quoted sources as saying.

Meanwhile, the State Administrative Council has cleared a proposal that renders the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) incapable of probing any complaint of human rights violation submitted one year after the incident.

Greater Kashmir quoted sources as saying that the SAC headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik Wednesday gave its nod for amending “The Jammu & Kashmir Protection of Human Rights Act”, limiting to one year the time in which victims can approach the rights panel.

“There was no such limitation period in the state Act earlier. The victim could approach the rights panel even after 20, 30 years after the incident,” Greater Kashmir quoted official as saying.

The other amendment, he said, makes it mandatory on part of the government to inform the SHRC within three months about the action taken on its recommendations.

“He said the amendments are aimed at bringing the state law at par with National Human Rights Commission Act, which governs NHRC as well as rights panels of states other than J&K,” reported Greater Kashmir.

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Cold wave continues in Kashmir, Leh freezes at minus 9.4

Srinagar

The night temperatures in parts of Kashmir valley remained below the freezing point on Saturday.

Leh in Ladakh was the coldest place in the state where minimum temperature was minus 9.4 degrees followed by Kargil minus 8.5 degrees.

Due to the clear night sky, the minimum temperatures have again dropped below the freezing point at most places in the Valley. The weather is likely to remain mainly dry in the state till December 10,” a Met department official said.

The minimum temperature was  1.4 in Srinagar, while it was minus 5.0 and minus 3.3 in Pahalgam and Gulmarg, respectively.

Jammu city recorded 9.6, Katra 9, Batote 5.9, Bannihal 7.9 and Bhaderwah 2.3 degrees Celsius.

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One-way traffic continues to ply on Srinagar Jammu highway

Srinagar

Keeping in view the overall weather and road conditions, the traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway continues to move from one side. The traffic on Saturday was thrown open from Jammu to Srinagar.

Image for representation

The spokesman said that no movement of any Light Motor Vehicles shall be allowed from Nagrota (Jammu) towards Srinagar after 1200 hours and from Jakheni Udhampur after 1400 hours to avoid congestion. The commuters are requested to avoid travelling during night hours.

Heavy Motor vehicles shall be allowed from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar from1400 hours up to 2400 hours. These vehicles shall not be allowed to halt between Nashree Tunnel to Jawahar Tunnel.

On the historical Mughal road, the traffic movement shall be allowed from Shopian towards Buffliaz. Movement of these vehicles from Herpora (Shopian) shall be allowed from 0900 hours to 1600 hours only and shall be allowed in close coordination with concerned District Police

Meanwhile, on Srinagar-Sonamarg road stranded vehicles from Srinagar side shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil today. People are requested to undertake a journey only after confirming the status of the road.

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Sixth phase of panchayat polls underway in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar

Voting for the sixth phase of the Jammu and Kashmir panchayat elections is underway.

The polling began at 8 am in 3174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division, officials said.

The voting would end at 2 pm, they said.

The officials said 771 polling stations have been categorized as hypersensitive including 410 in Kashmir division and 361 in Jammu division.

They said 7156 candidates in the fray for 406 Sarpanch and 2277 Panch seats in Phase-VI while 111 Sarpanchs and 1048 Panchs have been elected unopposed in this Phase.

They said in the areas going to polls in Phase-VI, the electorate of 597396 electors will be voting for Sarpanch constituencies and 457581for Panch constituencies. “Photo Voter Slips have been distributed among the voters to inform them of their polling station,” he said.

They said all arrangements, including security related, have been put in place for smooth conduct of the polls.

The nine-phased elections, being conducted on the non-party basis, began on November 17.

In the first phase of the polls, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across J-K, including 64.5 per cent in Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in Jammu division.

In the second phase held on November 20, overall 71.1 per cent polling was witnessed across the state with 80.4 per cent in Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in Kashmir division.

The third phase held on November 23 witnessed a polling percentage of 75.2 per cent.

The fourth phase on November 27, 71.3 per cent polling was recorded.

The officials said in Phase-V which went to polls on November 29, the State witnessed a polling percentage of 71.1% including 33.7% in Kashmir division and 85.2% in Jammu division. In Poonch district, he said, repoll for Sarpanch seat in Sanai Panch Halqa of block Surankote witnessed a turnout of 79.78% and deferred polling in Panchayat HalqaNonabandi witnessed a turnout of 92.23%.

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Gen Rawat should do homework before claiming India is a secular country: Er Rasheed

Srinagar

Reacting to General Bipin Rawat’s remarks that Pakistan should become a secular state like India if it wants good relations, Awami Ittehad Party chairperson Er Rasheed has said that while Bipin Rawat or anyone else is free to have his opinion but he must understand that Islam doesn’t allow discriminating people on the basis of religion or nationality.

In a statement, Er Rasheed said, “The true definition of secularism is being misinterpreted and so are anti-Muslim forces trying to prove Muslims as radicals and narrow-minded, which is never the case.

“Let Bipin Rawat not forget that In Pakistan the religious organizations have often failed to make considerable successes in electoral politics, While in India even respecting cows more than humans does become a core election issue. Similarly, construction of Ram temple at the demolished Babri Masjid place is becoming the focus of upcoming elections,” said Er Rasheed.

“While Congress always used the so-called secular card to get votes of Dalits, Muslims and other minorities, BJP and like-minded parties used religion to exploit sentiments of the majority community. The fact is that Muslims in India get befooled, betrayed and stabbed in the name of so-called secularism and Hindus get befooled in the name of religious extremism,” he said.

“Rawat should definitely do a good homework before claiming India to be a secular country or asking Pakistan to follow India’s Principals of pseudo-secularism,” said Er Rasheed.

Er Rasheed added that one cannot deny that Pakistanis should concentrate to overcome ongoing sectarian divide in their country but India is facing worst religious extremism than Pakistan.

Er Rasheed said, “No religion especially Islam teaches hating the masses of other community but it is Individuals who always for their vested interests drag religion in every issue. Islam is a perfect way of living life and if one follows it in letter and spirit he achieves perfect peace of mind and also helps in creating a harmonious society where there is no place of discrimination, violence  or hatred ness.”

Er Rasheed reminded Bipin Rawat that it was none other than India’s father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who supported caliphate movement and if now after so many decades Gandhi’s countrymen try to distort history or create negative propaganda about Islam, there can be nothing more unfortunate than that.

Er Rasheed added that Pakistanis need a serious introspection to fulfill the fundamental purpose of creating an Islamic state in the subcontinent and added that if Pakistanis would sincerely convert Pakistan in accordance with those dreams it would become a role model for the entire region.

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LeT Operational Commander Naveed Jatt buried in Handwara

Srinagar

Naveed Jatt, the operational commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit killed along with his local associate on Wednesday was buried in Rajwar area of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Thursday night.

People assemble near the damaged houses where Top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Naveed Jatt and Mehraj-u-din of Sopore, during an encounter in n Kuthpora village of Chattergam area in Budgam on Wednesday, November 26, 2018. Kl Image by Bilal Bahadur

Official sources said that the body of Naveed Jatt was taken by police to Reshwari area of Waderballa in Rajwar, Handwara late Thursday night and was later handed over to the local Auqaf committee who buried him in the midnight. A police officer confirmed that the foreign militant was taken to Reshwari and was buried there.

People visit the damaged house in which Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Naveed Jatt was killed along with an associate Mehraj-u-din of Sopore on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

Jatt was killed along with his local associate Mehraj-Ud-Din Khan of Sopore in a gunfight at Chittergam, Budgam on November 28 (Wednesday). Three soldiers were also injured during the gunfight.

The encounter broke out Wednesday wee hours after police claimed to have launched a cordon following “credible inputs” about the presence of militants in the area.

After Baramulla’s Boniyar and Gantmullah, now it has been witnessed that the foreign militants have been handed over to the local Auqaf committee in Reshwari area of Waderballa, Handwara for burial. (GNS)

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Panchayat building set ablaze in Baramulla

Srinagar

Unidentified persons set a panchayat building on fire in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday evening.

According to a local source, the building located in Heewan Sheeri Baramulla suffered minor damage, after it was set on fire by unknown men, however, firemen doused the flames in time.

In this regard, a case has been lodged and further investigation has been taken up. An official said that timely action of police and firemen saved the building from further damage.

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On JRL call, JKLF leaders stage protest against ‘ongoing aggression’ in Kashmir

Srinagar

While condemning the ongoing aggression across Kashmir, incarcerated chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik said that all coercion will fail to suppress Kashmiri voices for freedom.

The spokesman said that if killings, gallows, guns, tanks, chemical weapons, jails, drones and other modes of carnage would have proved successful, a number of nations including “India” would not have been able to get freedom from foreign occupation.

Meanwhile scores of JKLF leaders and activists today staged separate protests at Sarai- Bala and Maisuma Srinagar against “ongoing aggression” in nooks and corners of Kashmir valley. Protests were held as per the program of joint resistance leadership (JRL).

Scores of JKLF leaders and activists including Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi, Noor Muhammad Kalwal, and Sheikh Abdul Rashid, Muhammad Sideeq Shah, Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, Professor Javed and others along with people from many walks of life held two separate protest programs at Maisuma Lal Chowk and Sarai-i-Bala and protested against ongoing Indian aggression and carnage in Kashmir valley. JKLF leaders’ Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi and Noor Muhammad Kalwal addressed these protests and condemned the spree of killings.

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Alasteng Grid Station to be commissioned by Dec 31: Advisor Sharma

Srinagar

Advisor to Governor, Kewal Kumar Sharma on Friday directed the PDD officials to ensure completion of vital Alasteng Grid Station by December ending this year which would go a long way in strengthening the power scenario in the Valley.

Advisor Sharma visits Alasteng Grid Station

The Advisor issued these instructions during his visit to the under-construction grid station here at Ganderbal to review the status of ongoing work.

The Grid station is being constructed at the cost of around Rs 109 crore and so far around Rs 81 crore has been spent on its construction.

The Advisor directed the officials to complete the remaining work within the stipulated timeframe so that people in the State could benefit from it.

During the visit, the Advisor also reviewed the progress of 220 KV Zainakote-Alasteng transmission line. He was informed that section-1 of the transmission line would be completed by February 2019. The estimated cost of the entire line is Rs 125 crore.

Commissioner Secretary PDD Hirdesh Kumar, Development Commissioner Power, Chief Engineer EM&RE, Chief Engineer S&O, and Chief Engineer Projects along with other concerned officers were accompanying the Advisor.

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Govt to scale up projection of Mughal Gardens as UNESCO-listed World Heritage site

Srinagar

The Governor’s administration on Friday decided to forcefully take up with UNESCO the issue of designation of Mughal Gardens and Neolithic Site at Burza Hama as World Heritage sites.

Advisor to Governor Khurshid Ganai Chairing meeting regarding the issue of designation of Mughal Gardens and Neolithic Site at Burza Hama as World Heritage sites.

In this regard, Advisor to the Governor, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, on Friday chaired a meeting of senior officers of the concerned departments to discuss and finalize the modalities for moving the proposal.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner/Secretary, Culture Department, Mohammad Saleem Shishgar and Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Muneer-ul-Islam.

The meeting discussed modalities for preparation of the dossier for submission to UNESCO and hiring of an expert through the expression of interest (EoI) for preparation of the dossier. Ganai asked the Culture Department to float EoI for engaging a consultant to prepare the dossier and help in filing the nominations with UNESCO.

Mughal Gardens have retained a high degree of integrity and authenticity and are still thriving and amongst the most favoured site-seeing destinations in Kashmir.

The site of Burzahama is a unique comprehensive story-teller of life between 1500 BC to 1000 BC and provides a detailed insight into the way of life of the Neolithic people when they even had not invented the technique of pottery manufacturing.

Considering the immense historical significance of these sites, their inscription on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites will bring in much-needed international attention and appreciation to the gardens and Neolithic site. It will also increase the footfall of foreign tourists, researchers, students and prove to be an economic driver besides preservation.

The Advisor directed Commissioner/ Secretary Culture Department and Director Archives, Archeology & Museums to survey and bring more unique, heritage assets/ properties of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh in the shape of monuments/ structures within the tentative list, focusing on theme-based approach.

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JRL concerned over army chief’s ‘drone attack’ statement

Srinagar

Joint Resistance Leaders (JRL) comprising of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Dr. Mohammad Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik have expressed their grave concern our the recent statement of army chief about using “drone attacks” in Kashmir and said that such an irresponsible, unfortunate and provocative statement from the highest military leadership has threatened a small population of peace-loving citizens to the maximum.

Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Mohammad Yasin Malik

The spokesman said that this is not only ridiculed but childish as well- that to counter and contain a few freedom fighter youth with no conventional weaponry. 10 lakh army with sophisticated and latest equipment, augmented with a vast and deep informative network has miserably failed for the last 30 years, JRL said.

Army chief’s statement is more than accepting their humiliating defeat at every front, which has unnerved them to the extent of frustration and insanity leading to murmuring this incoherent vocabulary of drones etc.

They said that human history might have hardly witnessed such instances when a baby of just 18 months is showered with pallets, to prove the “pseudo bravery” of men in uniform.

Leadership has once again appealed to the international community, especially the United Nations to take a serious note of the threatening statement of “warmongers”.

Meanwhile JRL once again appealed for complete poll boycott of ongoing panchayat elections in Arin, Sopore, Khaipora, Chandilwanigam, Newa, Dadsara, Devsar, Pahloo, Shaahabad, Hiller, Verinag and appealed people of these areas to observes a complete shutdown on 1 December and cautioned people that voting for anybody amounts to betrayal as these votes are used as affirmative verdict to hoodwink the international community.

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Kashmir’s youngest pellet victim gets Rs 1 lakh relief

Srinagar

Deputy Commissioner Shopian Dr Owais Ahmed today provided a financial assistance of Rs 1lakh to Hiba Nisar D/O Nisar Ahmad resident of Kapran.

Eighteen-month-old Hiba Nisar, the youngest pellet victim in Kashmir. Hiba was hit by pellets on Sunday, November 25, 2018, at her home in Kapran village of Shopian.

According to the District Administration Shopian, the 18-month girl child’s eye got accidentally injured on 25th of November 2018 in a pellet-firing incident.

DC assured Hiba’s parents that Government would provide the baby girl with all kind of support possible for her early recovery.

Hiba is the youngest pellet victim from Kashmir. Hailing from a Shopian village, her mother told reporters that after the tear smoke filled her home, she opened the window to get fresh air and it was at that moment and then there was a sudden bang. My daughter was hit in the eye by a pellet fired towards our home.

Hiba was playing inside her house in Shopian when clashes broke out between protesters and government forces in the wake of an encounter where six militants were killed on Sunday, the infant’s mother Marsala Jan said.

“The encounter site is quite far from our house but clashes broke out in our neighbourhood,” she said.

Doctors at the SMHS Hospital said Hiba underwent surgery as she had suffered corneal perforation, an anomaly in the cornea resulting from damage to the corneal surface, due to the pellets.

“Like most cases, the kid will be able to see but there is no guarantee that her eyesight will be restored completely,” the doctor said.

The doctor said the treatment is a long drawn process and Hiba’s parents will have to take a lot of precautions to ensure that she does not get any complications.

Human rights activists have approached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and asked it to take cognisance of Hiba’s injury and sought an independent investigation into the incident and action against the personnel involved in the firing of pellets.

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Man to undergo three-year rigorous imprisonment for sodomising minor child

Srinagar

A trial court in south Kashmir’s Awantipora has sentenced a man to three years’ rigorous imprisonment for sodomizing a minor boy.

The Court of Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Awantipora convicted Javid Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Gani Dar, a resident of Aghanjipora, for sodomising a four-year-old boy.

A police spokesperson in a statement said that the convict after employing deceitful means had taken the minor boy on bicycle away from his home and committed the gruesome and heinous offence of sodomy.

“He has been sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of three years for the commission of offence punishable U/S 377 RPC   and a fine of rupees five thousand (5000/=)  has also been imposed   upon him for the commission of said offence and in case of  default in payment of fine, trial court has ordered  that he shall undergo   imprisonment for one more year,” said police spokesman.

“The trial court turned down the plea of the convict for release on probation in terms of section 562 Cr P.C after Khursheed Ahmad Senior Prosecuting Officer who represented the state in the case vehemently resisted the same,” he said.

“The trial court while concluding the judgment observed that the commission of offence under section 377 RPC by the convict against the victim must have created a trauma to the victim who was at that time 3-4 years old and said act on the part of convict is very brutal and is to be condemned strongly,” said the spokesman.

“It has also been observed by the trial court that it is very painful even to imagine what kind of agony or trauma a 3 or 4 year child must have gone through while being subjected to such a brutal act of sodomy,” he said.

“The conviction of accused will serve twin objectives of administration of justice as well as sending a signal to such members of society who are subjecting children and members of the weaker sections of the society to such kind of brutal acts,” the spokesman said.

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Hurriyat (G) stages protest against ‘human rights violation’ in Srinagar

Srinagar

Hurriyat (G) Conference on Friday organized protest march at Hyderpora Srinagar against the gross “human rights violation” committed by the government forces in length and breadth of the state.

Hurriyat (G) stages a protest against ‘human rights violation’ in Srinagar on Nov 30, 2018

The protestors displayed the placards and banners to highlight their demands to safeguard their political and civil rights with reference to the movement for the right to self-determination.

Senior members of Majlis Shoora and other representatives who participated in the protest march include Devender Singh Beha, Mohammad Yousuf Naqash, Syed Saleem Zargar, Mohammad Rafiq Uwasi, Molvi Bashir Irfani, Mohammad Yaseen Aataie, Khawaja Firdious, Syed Imtiyaz Haider, Rameez Raja, Imtiyaz Ahmad Shah, Mohammad Maqbool Maghami, Mubashir Iqbal, Arshad Aziz, Shakeel Ahmad Bhat, Arshad Hussain, Riyaz Ahmad and Abdul Rashid in addition to hundreds of youth and other activists.

Addressing the gathering at Hyderpora, Hurriyat leader said that the Indian policy of “suppression and repression” in Jammu and Kashmir has failed to yield any positive results for India.

Meanwhile, Geelani condoled the demise of the mother-in-law of Dr. Mohammad Shafi Khan (Sharyati), who is facing life imprisonment. Geelani said families of prisoners particularly those with life imprisonment have a very tough and painful life and if some dear one departs in between, the pain and agony get multifold for such families.

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Panchayat Polls: Voting to take place at 3174 polling booths in Phase-VI

Srinagar

Polling for Phase-VI of Panchayat Polls-2018 will be held tomorrow at 3174 polling stations including 410 in Kashmir division and 2764 in Jammu division. The timing for polling is from 8 am to 2 pm.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Shaleen Kabra, 771 polling stations have been categorized as hypersensitive including 410 in Kashmir division and 361 in Jammu division.

He said 7156 candidates in the fray for 406 Sarpanch and 2277 Panch seats in Phase-VI while 111 Sarpanchs and 1048 Panchs have been elected unopposed in this Phase.

He said in the areas going to polls in Phase-VI, the electorate of 597396 electors will be voting for Sarpanch constituencies and 457581for Panch constituencies. “Photo Voter Slips have been distributed among the voters to inform them of their polling station,” he said.

Kabra said in Phase-V which went to polls on November 29, the State witnessed a polling percentage of 71.1% including 33.7% in Kashmir division and 85.2% in Jammu division. In Poonch district, he said, repoll for Sarpanch seat in Sanai Panch Halqa of block Surankote witnessed a turnout of 79.78% and deferred polling in Panchayat HalqaNonabandi witnessed a turnout of 92.23%.

He said in Phase-IV, the state witnessed a polling percentage of 71.3%, including 82.4% polling was witnessed in Jammu division and 32.3% in Kashmir division. In Phase-III, the State witnessed a polling percentage of 75.2% which includes 55.7% in Kashmir division and 83.0% in Jammu division.

In the Phase-II of Panchayat Polls held on 20 November 2018, overall 71.1% polling was witnessed across the State with an overwhelming 80.4% polling in Jammu division and 52.2% in Kashmir division.

Similarly, in the Phase-I of Panchayat Polls held on 17 November 2018, 74.1% polling was recorded across J&K including 64.5% in Kashmir division and 79.4% in Jammu division.

He said results have been announced for all these Phases by the respective Returning Officers.

Kabra said the orders have been passed in various complaint cases as well as directions of the Courts and wherever necessary Notifications reappointing the election schedules have been issued. “All such orders/notifications are available at the website of CEO J&K,” he said.

Kabra said Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) have been ensured in all the polling stations across the State for Phase-III.  Photo Voter Slips have been distributed among the voters to inform them of their polling stations.

He said senior government officers have been appointed as General Observers to oversee the smooth, fair and orderly conduct of Panchayat Elections, 2018. Also, Expenditure Observers are keeping a watch on the expenditure by the candidates. In addition, for the poll day, Micro Observers have been placed in polling stations, particularly those considered hypersensitive. Besides, the Zonal and Sector Magistrates too have been deployed.

CEO said Control Rooms have been established in all the districts across the State to respond promptly to any complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct as also to disseminate information to the public. Security arrangements have been made including the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

He said the Government has declared a holiday on the day of poll in the panchayat areas going to polls so as to enable the voters to cast their vote. He said special casual leave shall also be granted to the employees who have to go to other areas to exercise their right to franchise. As per standing guidelines, the Central Government offices shall not be closed but the employees who are electors of the poll going wards and desire to exercise their franchise shall be offered reasonable facility to do so.

The Chief Electoral Officer, J&K appealed the voters to come forward and exercise their right to franchise in order to choose their local self-government to address their local needs.

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Man arrested for sending obscene content to a girl: Police

Srinagar

Police on Friday claimed to have arrested a resident of Rajouri district of Jammu for allegedly threatening and sending obscene content to a Srinagar girl on her phone.

A police spokesperson in a statement said that the father of a girl (name withheld) approached Police Station Nishat with a complaint that one person namely Muzaffar Ahmed Mughal resident of Rajouri is sending obscene content to his daughter on her number.

“The complainant said that the accused person is also threatening her besides demanding money and blackmailing her,” the spokesman said.

“Following the complaint a case was registered in this regard and a team was formed under the supervision of SHO police station Nishat Mohammad Ayoub Rather to nab the accused,” the spokesman said.

“During the course of the investigation, the police team apprehended the accused person from Rajouri area. All the incriminating material has been seized,” he added.

“A case FIR No 70/2018 under section 506 RPC, 66-C, 66-E IT Act has been registered,” said police spokesman.

“General public is urged to approach police if they face any such incident or the social crime so that culprits are brought to justice,” said police spokesman.

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Shifa Hospital organizes blood donation camp

Srinagar

Shifa Hospital at Magarmal Bagh area of Srinagar organised blood donation camp in collaboration with SMHS Blood bank on Friday.

Blood Donation Camp held at Shifa Hospital Srinagar.

The camp was organised inside Shifa medical centre hall. On occasion, 50 points of blood were donated.

“The director of Shifa hospital and staff members participate in the camp,” said the hospital management in a statement.

“People from different walks of life also came for blood donation with great enthusiasm. We thank all the volunteers who donated blood and made the camp successful,” the statement said.

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Bollywood film shot in Kashmir aims to “solve K-issue”

Srinagar

Even as several Bollywood movies dealing with the political issues surrounding the Kashmir valley have been made in the past, makers of an upcoming film on Monday said they would provide the “final resolution” to the Kashmir problem, The Tribune reported.

The Kashmir Resolution film Director and actor Yuvraj Kumar with Bollywood actress Rippy Koul addressing a press Conference in Srinagar.

Shot extensively in Kashmir, The Tribune director of ‘Kashmir: The Final Resolution’ Yuvraj Kumar said the movie “revisits” Kashmir’s history and would also attempt to “solve the problem”.

“The story revolves around a Kashmiri Pandit family that has migrated to Canada. The main lead of the film, who is a Kashmir Pandit, travels to Srinagar to attend her best friend’s wedding. Later, she gets caught in curfew and then a discussion starts. The families make a plan and brainstorm Kashmir resolution. The film revisits Kashmir’s history. Best minds come together and solve the problem,” The Tribune quoted the director at the release of the film teaser here.

According to report published by The Tribune when asked what sort of resolution the film offered, he said it would be revealed in the movie. “We talked to different stakeholders in the state, ranging from the police, Army and professors. We cannot reveal everything. You have to watch the film to see the resolution,” the report quoted director said.

The Tribune quoted actress Rippy Koul as saying that she was glad to be part of the project and wished to see the return of the Hindu-Muslim bonhomie and peace in the Valley.

“I flew from the US for the film. I am a Pandit and had heard stories (of pre-militancy era) from the elders. There was brotherhood and now it is difficult to imagine that this had happened. I am happy to be part of the project. People will know after watching the film what Kashmir is really about. We want peace and brotherhood to return,” Rippy told The Tribune.

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Pak FM invites all political parties to observe next Kashmir solidarity day in London

Srinagar

Speaking during an event in Pakistan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday have invited all the political parties of the country to gather to observe next Kashmir Solidarity Day in London, Pakistan media reported.

Reports said that the day will be observed to express solidarity with Kashmiri people and highlight the violence before the international community. “I want to give a message to Kashmiris that you are not alone, we are with you,” the report by Business Recorder quoted Qureshi as saying.

He said every year, Kashmir Solidarity was observed in Pakistan. However, on upcoming Kashmir Day, he invited all political parties to unite, regardless of political differences and gather in London to observe the Day, the report mentioned.

“There is no difference on Kashmir issue. All parties of Pakistan are one on this issue,” he remarked and referred to the reports of the UN Human Rights Commissioner, House of Commons and upcoming debate to be held in Brussels keeping in view these reports, Business Recorder reported.

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Calling Bhagat Singh a terrorist not intentional, says suspended Jammu university professor

Srinagar

A Jammu university professor on Friday was suspended after he allegedly called a freedom fighter Bhagat Singh a “terrorist”.

A professor identified as Muhammad Tajjudin was suspended on Friday after a video clip showing him calling freedom fighter Bhagat Singh a terrorist went viral on social media. Following the remark, students of the varsity filed the complaint against the professor.

“I was teaching Lenin in the class, whose brother was killed in a terror act and in that context I mentioned Bhagat Singh. Perhaps, it was not right on my part to say so. I am sorry for the remark. I called him a terrorist but those who believed in non-violence, especially Gandhians equated him with terrorism,” Hindustan Times quoted Professor Tajjudin as having said.

The professor told the newspaper that students were not mature enough to grasp the concept. I had no intention to hurt their sentiments. The students could have shared their concern with me rather than making a video and sharing it on social media. However, the professor has apologised for the comment.

Comment over the issue, vice chancellor of the university professor Manoj K Dhar told the newspaper that a six-member committee will look into the entire incident, and based on that further actions will be taken.

Following the incident, protests were reported from the varsity campus between the students in favour of the Professor Tajuddin and the opponents. While the group supporting him said that being a political science professor, he has to be critical while teaching the subject, the opponents accused him of deliberately calling Bhagat Singh a terrorist and demanded that he be sacked, Hindustan Times reported.

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Police admits Anantnag youth died after getting injured in forces action on Eid-ul-Fitr

Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir police has made a candid confession that a youth Sheeraz Ahmed Naikoo of Islamabad was injured in forces action while dealing with the protestors on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, who later succumbed to his injuries at district hospital Anantnag.

Clashes In Islamabad after Eid Prayers, pic: Tawseef Nazir

In a report submitted to SHRC, Police admits that Sheeraz was injured when police and other forces fired pellets and tear gas shells to disperse the mob on June 16, 2018.

The police report comes in response to the petition filed by the chairman International Forum for Justice and Human Rights Muhammad Ahsan Untoo in case SHRC/203/Ang/2018.

The report reads that on June 16, after the culmination of Eid prayers at Eidgah Ahlihadith Ashajipora and Eidgah Hanifa Janglat Mandi Anantnag, an unruly mob resorted to stone pelting upon the police forces deployed around the Hanfia Eidgah and police Janglat Mandi.

The report stated that police and other forces tried to disperse the protestors in a peaceful manner but the mob turned more violent and continuously pelted stones on the forces. “The police and other forces in retaliation fired some tear smoke shells/pellets to disperse the miscreants soon the clashes spread to other parts of the town of Islamabad.

The report said that one youth namely Sheeraz Ahmed Naikoo of Brakpora, Anantnag received injuries during the stone pelting who was shifted to district hospital Islamabad for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.

The petitioner said it was good that at least police has accepted that Sheeraz received grave injuries in forces action but the question needs to be answered when police know how the youth died, it must be knowing the force’s personnel who fired at Sheeraz in violation of the SoP.

“I urge the commission to direct police to fix the responsibility and to identify the police or paramilitary personnel involved in the killing of Sheeraz and to book him as well,” the petitioner says.

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Armies Can’t Conquer Kashmiris’ Passion, Pak Minister Says

Srinagar

Pakistan Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Friday advised the government of India to accept that the Kashmir issue has no military solution, Dawn reported.

Pakistan Minister Fawad Chaudhry

Chaudhry was addressing a seminar of the All Parties Parliamentary Kashmir Group in Islamabad Pakistan.

“Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi just announced that his government will give a package of billions of rupees to Kashmir,” Dawn quoted Chaudhry as saying. “But independence cannot be bought with money. Independence is a sentiment felt in the heart, a narrative of the heart,”Dawn reported.

According to a report published by Dawn newspaper, the information minister said that India’s allegation that Pakistan was instigating unrest in Kashmir had no foundation and the Indian government had only adopted this stance because it was unable to crush the struggle for freedom in the region. He urged Indian authorities to realise that “armies cannot conquer the narrative of the heart”.

The report quoted Chaudhry as saying that Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir was not inspired by the “beauty of Kashmir”.

“We don’t view the Kashmir issue from a territorial point of view. We look at it from a humanitarian angle,” he said, adding that the “pain of Kashmiris is felt by Pakistan”.

The Pakistan information minister further said that pro-Pakistan sentiment in Kashmir was very high and political parties which contested elections in the territory realised this.

“Kashmiri leader Umar Farooq told me that political parties contesting elections in Kashmir knew that if they adopted an anti-Pakistan narrative, their voter base would alienate them,” the report quoted Chaudhry said.

Quoting author Arundhati Roy, Chaudhry said, “The time when India controlled Kashmir is long gone; now the narrative of Kashmir dominates India.”

“He emphasised the importance of peace in the region, saying that friendly relations between India and Pakistan would lead to trade and an improved economy, which would benefit both countries,” the report said.

“As soon as Indian authorities and intellectuals realise that they will have to adopt a realistic approach towards the Kashmir issue and that it needs to be solved, we can move forward,” Dawn reported.

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Omar Abdullah terms decision to concrete Shankaracharya trekking route, ‘a stupid idea’

Srinagar

Reacting to a recent decision to turn famous Shankaracharya trekking route in Srinagar into a concrete path, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and vice president National Conference on Friday called it “a stupid idea”, and said that it already has a motorable road.

Taking to a social networking site twitter Omar wrote: “Whose stupid idea is this? We already have a motorable road that goes all the way up to the base of the stairs. @jandkgovernor should reverse this order, restore the trekking path & find out who was responsible for this”.

Earlier,  reports suggested that the government forest department is turning a Shankaracharya trekking route in Srinagar into a concrete path.

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Awantipora shuts on second day to mourn militant killings

Srinagar

Awantipora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir is observing a complete shutdown on second consecutive day today on Friday to mourn the killing of two Hizb ul-Mujahideen militants.

Local sources said that all the shops and business establishments are shut while traffic is also off the roads.

Notably, two Hizb ul-Mujahideen militants identified as Adnan Ahmad Lone alias Uqaab, of Braw Bandina in Awantipora, and Adil Bilal Bhat alias Umair Al Hizbi of Malangpora in Pulwama were killed in Thursday in a  gunfight with government forces in Shaar Shali area of Khrew in Pampore town of south Kashmir.

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Finance Department clarifies regarding fate of Group Mediclaim Health Insurance Scheme

Srinagar

Responding to various media reports regarding Group Mediclaim Insurance Scheme, the Finance Department today clarified that the notice for foreclosure of the Insurance Agreement has been served to the insurer with effect from December 31, 2018.

“Till the midnight of December 31, 2018, any employee or their family members enrolled in the scheme will continue to receive the benefit of cashless treatment or the reimbursement as the case may be,” said a spokesperson of the Finance Department.

The spokesperson said if any employee or his/her family member have undergone treatment at their own cost, they may claim reimbursement provided they stand enrolled in the scheme.

“There will be no deduction of further premium installment by the DDOs and order for restoration of Medical Allowance will be issued separately,” the spokesperson clarified.

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Train services across Kashmir resume after three consecutive days

Srinagar

Train services across Kashmir resumed on Friday after remaining suspended for two consecutive days in wake of an encounter in south Kashmir.

Kashmir train

An official said that the train services were thrown open and all the trains will run normally on both the Srinagar-Banihal and Srinagar Budgam, tracks. The services were suspended after the authorities received an advisory to suspend the service following a gunfight in south Kashmir.

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Northern Army Commander visits south Kashmir, reviews security situation

Srinagar

To review the prevailing situation in Kashmir, the Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh arrived in the valley on Thursday.

Army’s Northern command chief visits south Kashmir

“Accompanied by the Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen AK Bhatt, the Army Commander visited the units in South Kashmir, and was briefed by the commanders on the ground about the current situation and recent counter-militant operations,” Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said.

“The Army Commander complimented the troops for their successes and also commended them for their dedication to duty and high standards of professionalism and was appreciative of the measures and Standard Operating Procedures instituted by the units and formations to minimise civilian causalities,” the spokesman said.

“The need to be prepared for meeting the security challenges effectively was also reinforced,” he said.

The spokesman said, Singh, while lauding the excellent synergy amongst all the security forces, exhorted upon all ranks to maintain a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the people of the Kashmir.

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Bank employees continue to protest in Srinagar against Govt order on J&K bank

Srinagar

Employees of Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Friday morning staged a protest demonstration outside the Zonal Headquarters of the bank at Maulana Azad road in Srinagar.

Employees of J&K bank protesting against recent SAC decision on J&K bank

Scores of the employees today morning assembled outside the Zonal Headquarters of the bank at M A road, on a second consecutive day to demand a rollback of the recent SAC decision to turn the bank into a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).

Scores of employees carrying placards and banners which read; “’Roll Back SAC decision’ and “J&K Bank is a wonderful institution, let it remain wonderful,” demanded the revocation of the order passed by the State Administrative Council (SAC).

The protesting employees said that they will continue to hit the streets if the decision was not revoked.

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November was Kashmir’s bloodiest month in 2018

Srinagar

November has witnessed the killing of nearly 37 militants across the valley, including nine commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba outfits making it bloodiest month of this year for the militants, reported Hindustan Times.

People during a funeral procession of Hizbul Mujahideen Commander Umar Majid Ganai at his native village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on November 25, 2018.
Kl Image by Bilal Bahadur

“As per official figures, 227 militants have been killed in different parts of Kashmir so far this year. While they belonged to different organisations, the Lashkar and Hizbul Mujahideen suffered major losses this month as both groups lost some of their top commanders, especially in south Kashmir, which has become a hotbed of militancy. Last year, 207 militants were killed in this period,” Hindustan Times reported.

According to a report published by Hindustan Times said this November, nine militant commanders were killed – five affiliated with the Hizbul Mujahideen and four with the Lashkar. Officials say the focus of late has been to target the militant commanders who are pivotal in fresh recruitment to the outfits.

The report quoted director general of police, Dilbag Singh, as saying that the number of militants at present is hovering around 250. “After several successful operations, the graph of militancy, especially in south Kashmir, has come down and fresh recruitment has also declined,’’ report quoted DGP as saying.

A senior police officer who keeps an eye on militancy and fresh recruitment told Hindustan Times that this year more than 15 top militant commanders affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar, Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkat-ul- Mujahideen and Ansar–ul-Gazwat- ul-Hind were killed in different operations launched by the forces. “Even the militant modules who were helping commanders and several hideouts were busted.’’

The report quoted an officer said that now only three to four prominent top commanders are active – Hizbul Mujahideen’s operational commander, Riyaz Naikoo, Al Badr commander, Zeenat-ul Islam who was earlier with Hizbul Mujahideen and now has shifted to Al Badr, Lateef Tiger who was an associate of Burhan Wani and Zakir Musa, the chief of Ansar-ul-Gazwat-ul-Hind. “The killings of several commanders have put the commanders who are at large under tremendous pressure,’’ report quoted an officer as saying.

“The spate of militant killings, officials said, have also led to a decline of the number of Lashkar cadres present in the Valley which was earlier somewhere between 120-150. This year, more than 45 militants, most of them foreigners, were killed on the Line of Control while trying to sneak into Valley,” the report said.

The report said that officials give several reasons for the successful operations in south Kashmir, especially in last three months. “The intelligence network, flow of information from both human and other sources and shifting of the militants from forests to populated areas in the month of November are the reasons for the killing of militants,’’ Hindustan Times quoted an officer posted in south Kashmir.

“The months of October and November usually see a surge in the killing of militants as they shift base during this period due to the onset of winter. These two months last year saw 44 militants being killed while this year, the tally has reached 63 – 26 in October and 37 in November,” Hindustan Times reported.

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Ladakh reels under intense cold wave

Srinagar

Ladakh in Kashmir region of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be gripped in cold wave, while as night temperatures dipped further at most places.

Kargil recorded the night’s lowest temperature at minus 7.6 degrees Celsius while neighbouring Leh recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.5, Met office said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of the state recorded a low of minus 0.9 while the mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.

Kokernag town recorded a low of 0.7 degrees Celsius while Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius last night.

The tourist resort Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.0 and minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Jammu recorded a low of 9.4 degrees Celsius while Batote recorded 4.8, Banihal recorded 3.0, and Bhaderwah recorded  2.4 degree Celsius.

“Weather is likely to remain dry in the state during next five to six days,” an official said.

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Shutdown in Sopore against militant killings

Srinagar

A complete shutdown is being observed on the second consecutive day in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district to mourn the killing of a local militant, on Friday.

Reports said that all the shops and other business establishments are closed in the town while public transport is off the roads. People in hoards from various areas of the town are visiting the residence of slain militant to offer condolences.

Following the gunfight, all the educational institutions across Sopore town have been closed. “Schools and colleges will remain closed today in the subdivision Sopore,” an official said. The move comes in the wake of the killing of local militant.

The two slain militants identified as Mehraj-ud-Din Khan, a local resident of Sopore and top LeT commander Naveed Jatt, from Pakistan were killed during an encounter in Chattergam area of Budgam.

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Schools, colleges to remain closed in Sopore tomorrow

Srinagar

All the schools and colleges will remain closed in north Kashmir’s Sopore town on Friday.

An official said that the schools and colleges will remain closed tomorrow in the sub division Sopore.

The move comes in the wake of killing of a militant in Chattergam area of Budgam.

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IUST suspends class work, postpones exams scheduled tomorrow

Srinagar

Authorities at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have decided to suspend the classwork on Friday.

“It is notified for the information of all that the class work shall remain suspended at Islamic University of Science and Technology IUST Awantipora on Friday,” an official of the varsity said.

He further said that all the exams scheduled to be held on Friday have been postponed.

“New dates shall be notified separately,” he said.

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Official panel to look into JKPCCL affairs

Srinagar

The Governor’s Administration on Thursday accorded sanction to the constitution of a Fact-Finding Committee to look into the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Limited (JKPCCL)

According to the order issued by the GAD, the Committee shall be headed by Principal Secretary Planning, Development & Monitoring Department. Its members are Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Commissioner Secretary Revenue while as Managing Director JKPCCL is its Member Secretary.

“The mandate of the Committee is to look into manner of awarding contracts to contractors, tendering procedures, diversion of funds from one project to another leading to a large number of incomplete projects, irregularities in appointments at various levels, functioning and huge time and cost overruns in project implementation and reasons of estimates for construction being much higher than those of PWD,” the order reads.

The Committee may co-opt any officer/expert in its deliberations. The Committee shall submit its report/recommendations to the Government by December 26, 2018.

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Advisor Vyas to meet public on Nov 30 in Jammu, Dec 3 in Srinagar

Srinagar

Advisor to Governor, BB Vyas will meet public at Jammu on November 30 and at Srinagar on December 03, 2018 to address their demands and issues.

On November 30 the Advisor shall be holding a public grievance camp at Convention Centre, Canal Road Jammu from 3 pm onwards and in Srinagar at Governor’s Grievance Cell at Church Lane from 11 am onwards on December 03.

The deputations and individuals desirous of meeting the Advisor should approach the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar and get their names registered for redressal of their grievances.

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BJP man challenges Governor’s assembly dissolution

Srinagar

More than week after the dissolution of the state assembly by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik, former BJP MLA Dr Gagan Bhagat has filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court to know the “virtue” behind the dissolution of the state assembly, on Thursday.

Official sources said that on November 29, 2018 with Dairy No. 44788 of 2018, Bhagat has challenged the order of Governor, by virtue of which the State Legislative Assembly was dissolved.

The state assembly was dissolved after both Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form government in the state.

The order issued by Governor Malik came after both Mehbooba Mufti staked a claim for the formation of the government in alliance with congress with outside support from National Conference, taking their collective total to 56, followed by people’s Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone’s claim that he has the support of 26 BJP legislators and 18 others, which would cross the majority mark of 44.

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DGP grants scholarship for 63 wards of slain policemen

Srinagar

Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh on Thursday granted scholarship of over Rs. 4.99 lac in  favour of 63 wards of  deceased policemen, said police spokesman.

“The scholarships have been granted out of Central Police Education Fund for the academic year 2017-2018,” he said.

“The wards who have been granted scholarship include 42 students upto higher secondary level, 16 of under graduation classes and 5 students of post graduation/ professional courses,” said police spokesman in a statement.

“Besides, scholarship has been sanctioned in favour of two wards of serving police personnel, who  have secured above eighty per cent marks in annual examination of graduation and post graduation,” he added.

“The  DGP J&K has also sanctioned Special Reward of rupees ten thousand each in favour of nine wards of serving police personnel for qualifying different competitive examination in the year 2018,” said police spokesman.

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Providing better, affordable healthcare facilities Govt’s priority: Vijay Kumar

Srinagar

Advisor to Governor K Vijay Kumar on Thursday asserted that providing better and affordable healthcare facilities to the people is the top priority of Governor led administration.

Advisor Vijay Kumar conducts extensive tour to Pattan, reviews healthcare facilities

He said that various schemes and programmes have been initiated in the health sector so that qualitative healthcare facilities are delivered.

Kumar expressed these views during his extensive tour to Pattan wherein he reviewed the institutional and infrastructural mechanism of the health sector.

He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education Atal Dulloo, District Development Commissioner Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash, Director health services Kashmir,SSP Baramulla, officers of several departments and others concerned.

During his visit, Vijay Kumar said that the recently implemented health care protection scheme – Ayushman Bharat has been launched with the aim to provide health insurance cover to the poor and destitute families for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

The Advisor also visited Trauma hospital here and inspected its various sections. He was briefed by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Bashir Ahmad Chalkoo about various medical facilities provided to the patients.

Meanwhile, the Advisor interacted with the patients and attendants and enquired about the facilities being provided to them. The Advisor was appraised about various issues and demands wherein assured for their early redressal of all genuine problems.

Earlier, the Advisor also visited sub-district hospital to review its functioning. The concerned BMO briefed the Advisor with various facilities available there. On the occasion, Kumar met several deputations who appraised him about issues pertaining to the health sector.

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Mirwaiz pays tribute to slain militants killed in Budgam, Khrew

Srinagar

Hurriyat (M) Conference on Thursday said the bloodbath and rising graph of human rights violations in Kashmir is the part of the New Delhi’s policy of “aggression and military might” being followed by the lakhs of forces deployed on ground.

The Hurriyat spokesman while paying tributes to the two militants Adnan Lone and Adil Ahmed Bhat who were killed in an encounter with government forces at Shaar-Shali Khrew stating that the killing of youth is part of the Delhi’s strategy in Kashmir where in forces are selectively killing the youth. He said while as youth are being killed on daily basis, people of Kashmir are subjected to violence even as an atmosphere of ultimate fear looms large everywhere in Kashmir.

The Hurriyat spokesman strongly condemned the use of force on the funeral procession of slain militant Mehraj ud Din killed in Chattergam gunfight, stating that perhaps Kashmir is the only place in the world where funerals of youth too aren’t spared and instead showered with tear gas shells, pellets and live bullets. He said use of force on the funeral reflects ultimate frustration on part of the authorities.

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Delhi approves rail to Kupwara

Srinagar

In a significant initiative to expand connectivity in J&K, the Government of India has approved extension of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link upto Kupwara in north Kashmir.

“I am glad to inform you that Railways has prioritized the extension of rail link from Baramulla to Kupwara and has sanctioned an updated survey for the new link,” Anil Srivastava, Advisor (Transport) NITI Aayog said in his communication to J&K Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam.

According to the communication, the Baramulla-Kupwara rail link project would be taken up under umbrella work by the Railways.

Pertinently, the demand for extension of rail link from Baramulla to Kupwara was forcefully projected by the Governor’s Administration before NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant during his visit to the Aspirational Districts of Baramulla and Kupwara last month.

Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said the Governor’s Administration has also made a strong case for Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch rail link and is expecting significant forward movement on this important connectivity project soon.

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NC condemns Army Chiefs statement of using strike drones

Srinagar

Jammu & Kashmir National Conference on Thursday condemned and termed the Army Chief’s statement of using strike drones in Kashmir as sad and unwarranted.

In a statement issued from party headquarters Nawa-e-Subah, party’s provincial Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said, “It’s tragic that Army chief had to issue such a statement which tantamount to declaring war against our own people. After what we witnessed during Operation All Out, this new threat of using drone strikes is something that can inflict massive losses, both human as well as economic, on our people.”

“In these three decades, our state has witnessed enough mayhem, bloodshed and chaos. It is in this backdrop that we continue to ask for de-escalation from all sides. Even helicopters were never used in anti-militancy operations but the reference towards using strike drones is not only dangerous and terrifying but can have serious repercussions on the political landscape of the valley,” he said.

Asking the Army chief to review his statement, Imran said, “With such open threats is Army chief trying to reduce situation in J&K to that of Afghanistan and FATA region of Pakistan?”

“It is statements like these which increase the trust deficit among people here. There can be no justification for such use of force in Kashmir considering how civilians have suffered in the last three decades. It is imperative for the powers that be to start building bridges with people and not threaten them with more violent acts. Threats and warnings will only increase hostility,” he said.

“Thankfully the political leadership of the country has always been sensible and its them who have a final say in a thriving democracy. Its therefore incumbent, upon the leadership to openly come out and censure Army chief’s statement of using strike drones in Kashmir,” he said adding, “On the contrary, the government must approach and engage with the youth of the state politically. This is the only way out of the mess we find ourselves in. Using more force was and will never be an answer to a protracted conflict like ours.”

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Kashmir a back bone of contention between two nuclear neighbours: Geelani

Srinagar

Committing on the Pak Premier Kashmir statement, Hurriyat (G) Conference chairman, Syed Ali Geelani said that it is realistic and Kashmir is in fact a bone of contention between two nuclear neighbours. He said that it is the undoubted historic fact that this sore in the shape of Kashmir continues to bleed right from the birth of both sovereign countries.

Terming the statement of Ministry of External Affairs that the “Jammu and Kashmir was integral and inalienable part of India” as brazen lie and cunningly deceitful which India “arrogantly” parrots for the last 71 years, but has not changed the contours and dimensions of this long pending dispute, the spokesman in a statement said.

He said that there are ample proofs and concrete indications that prove beyond doubt that this piece of land is a disputed territory.

Geelani said that death and destruction on both sides, by their armed collusion, unrealistic race of weaponry especially by India, huge and fatty defense budget and the 71 year long struggle of Kashmir is visible to everybody and India too knows it well, but its biased mindset and myopic attitude stops it from making a bold and realistic confession.

Hurriyat chairman said that once again hand of friendship extended by Pakistan has been turned down by rulers of India, which speaks of their euphoric and proudy attitude of power and might.

Huriyat chairman said that statements of Indian leaders regarding Jammu and Kashmir make no difference, because people of Jammu and Kashmir are pursuing their right to self-determination and will continue till the dispute is resolved as per their aspirations.

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Panchayat Polls: Kashmir witnesses 33.7% voting in Phase-V

Srinagar

In the Phase-V of Panchayat Polls held on Thursday, overall poll percentage of 71.1% was witnessed across the State.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer J&K, Shaleen Kabra, an overwhelming 85.2% polling was witnessed in Jammu division and 33.7% in Kashmir division.

Voters waiting for their turn outside polling Station in south Kashmir’s Wantrag Kheribal area of Islamabad district on November 29,2018. Kl Image Shah Hilal

Giving district-wise details, Kabra said that Kupwara witnessed 42.5% polling, Bandipora 34.6%, Baramulla 32.9%, Ganderbal 20.3%, Budgam 34.8%, Pulwama 0.5 %, Anantnag 10.1 %, Doda 83.3%, Ramban 85.2%, Udhampur 82%, Reasi 89.1%, Jammu 88.9 %, Rajouri 82.8% and Poonch 84.5%.

Kabra said in the Phase-I of Panchayat Polls held on 17 November 2018, 74.1% polling was recorded across J&K including 64.5% in Kashmir division and 79.4% in Jammu division. In the Phase-II of Panchayat Polls held on 20 November 2018, overall 71.1% polling was witnessed across the State with an overwhelming 80.4% polling in Jammu division and 52.2% in Kashmir division.

He said in Phase-III, the State witnessed a polling percentage of 75.2% which includes 55.7% in Kashmir division and 83.0% in Jammu division.

In Phase-IV, he said, JK witnessed 71.3% voting in Phase-IV with 82.4% electors exercising their franchise in Jammu division and 32.3% in Kashmir division.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam has conveyed compliments from Governor Satya Pal Malik to the civil and police administration for smooth, free and fair and peaceful conduct of Panchayat Polls amid challenging situation. He said it is heartening to note that the process is half way through and the credit goes to the divisional, district and police administration and all other concerned Departments for ensuring smooth polls.

Pertinently, Chief Secretary was, on the instructions of the Governor, camping in Srinagar to himself monitor the election process.

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Govt announces winter vacations from December 6

Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday announced winter vacations for all schools in Kashmir division and winter zones of Jammu division.

As per the order issued by the school education department, winter vacations from primary to class 8th will start from December 6, 2018 while as for High and Higher Secondary classes winter vacations will start from December 17 to February 23, 2019.

It said the last working day for classes up to class 8th will be December 4 while as last working day for high and higher secondary classes will be December 15.

“The winter vacations for primary to class 8th will end on March 02 2018,” the government order reads.

It further reads that officials associated with conduct of practical examination, if any shall avail winter vacations only after conclusion of practical exams.

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Imran Khan Renews Pandit Hopes For Sharda Peeth Pilgrimage

SRINAGAR: After opening the Kartarpur border crossing for the reunion of the divided Sikh families of Punjab and for the pilgrimage, Pakistan Prime Minister has indicated opening two more route and one is in Kashmir: the route to Sharda Peeth.

“We can consider other proposals including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir, Katasraj and other Hindu shrines too,” The Hindu newspaper tweeted, quoting the Pakistan Prime minister saying.

Ruins of Sharda Peeth shrine in Neelum Valley of PaK.

The tweets are apparently part of an interview with Khan that the newspaper will be publishing.

Khan Sharda Peeth indication came within a day after PDP president and former Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti south its reopening. “It is quite amusing how some tv channels are trying to distort a gesture like Kartarpur into some kind of conspiracy to create Khalistan . One fails to understand why allowing people pilgrimage to Guru Nanak Dev ji’s birth place would assume such undertones,” Ms Mufti had tweeted the other day. Kartarpur can be a new beginning of reconciliation between the two neighbours. We cannot change our borders but let us make them irrelevant by facilitating trade & encouraging people to people contact. This will usher in peace & progress for both India & Pakistan.”

Sharda Peth has been quite a sentimental issue with the Kashmiri Pandits. They have been seeking permission to visit the historic site for decades now. It is located in the Neelum Valley on the other side of the Karnah belt (Kupwara).

With Khan indicating that there is a possibility of reopening this pilgrim trek, the Kashmiri Pandits will be happy. But nobody knows will it happen.

“For #Pakistan, #Kashmir is an issue, especially when we see daily pictures of violence on social media. We want to resolve this, everything can be resolved,” Khan was quoted saying by The Hindu. “PM @narendramodi is the elected leader of India. We had a very constructive conversation on the phone, but with all that has followed, I don’t know what will happen (about future dialogue).” In yet another statement, Khan has said: “In the past there was some solution discussed during Musharraf’s time, I don’t know if that can work. But we will only know if we talk.”

“I tried to reach out to India from the very first day of my term. But I got a bad response when the meeting at the UN was cancelled. We decided that we could wait for a response until elections in India,” the newspaper further quoting Khan saying. “There is a consensus in Pakistan for peace, don’t think of it as desperation for peace.”

Tweets by the newspaper suggest that Khan has said that “grand gestures” are possible but there has to be response from India. “It is not in Pakistan’s interest that our soil be used for terrorism against others. I can’t be held responsible for the past, hold me to account if I break my promises,” Khan was quoted saying in another tweet.

How Some KPs Are Hollowing Kashmir’s Prime Heritage

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Kartarpur corridor will start reconciliation process between India and Pakistan, says Mehbooba

Srinagar

Peoples Democratic Party chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said the Kartarpur corridor will rebuild the relation between Indian and Pakistan.

Taking to social networking site Twitter Mehbooba wrote: “It is quite amusing how some tv channels are trying to distort a gesture like Kartarpur into some kind of conspiracy to create Khalistan . One fails to understand why allowing people pilgrimage to Guru Nanak Dev ji’s birth place would assume such undertones.”

“Kartarpur can be a new beginning of reconciliation between the two neighbours.We cannot change our borders but let us make them irrelevant by facilitating trade & encouraging people to people contact. This will usher in peace & progress for both India & Pakistan,” Mehbooba tweeted.

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation of a Kartarpur corridor project.India’s Ministry of External Affairs had criticised Khan for for raising the Kashmir dispute in his speech at the foundation-laying ceremony.

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Bold political initiatives only answer to prevailing uncertain situation: Tarigami

Srinagar

The new Governor of Jammu and Kashmir after taking reigns of the state had said that corruption, inefficiency and sluggishness within the system will not be tolerated.  However, months down the line, it seems corruption has reached to its peak and delivery on the ground is disappointing, this was stated by the senior CPI (M) Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami.

The spokesman said that situation which was there in the previous PDP-BJP government is still prevalent with people crying for basic amenities like power, potable water and ration. The power scenario in Kashmir has turned from bad to worse as the Power Development Department has failed to ensure power supply as per their curtailment schedule. With harsh winter fast approaching, government must tackle this situation on priority. Though the government claims there is improvement in governance, reality is that the power situation is same as it was during the previous years. There is no improvement.

Unemployment is on rise and no steps are being taken to tackle this menace. As per the Labour Bureau, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, Jammu Kashmir has a very high unemployment rate in entire India and as per a survey conducted by the bureau in 2015-16, Jammu Kashmir has 72 unemployed persons per thousand, which means the number of unemployed youths in the State is over nine lakh based on 2011 Census. Unemployment in the state is a reality and a sole by-product of an incapacitated policymaking. Unemployment plays a role in the frustration and mental stress younger generation.

While calling for an immediate end to killing spree of civilians, they expressed sympathies with the families of the victims. Killing of civilians can never be solution to any problem. Whether a civilian is killed by the bullet from one side or the other side, it is loss of precious human life. Whose cause’ is fulfilled by the killings of civilians? Unfortunately, it is a Kashmiri who is getting killed every day.

Mere death count will not lead to any solution. It is heart-rending to learn about civilian killings, which have become norm of the day. Bold political initiatives and sincere confidence building measures (CBMs) is the real answer to the massive alienation prevalent among the people, especially youth.

During recent unexpected and untimely snowfall, orchardists in Kashmir suffered huge losses. The announced scale of relief under “state-specific special natural calamity” for damaged orchards is insufficient given the quantum of destruction caused due to the heavy snowfall. The early snowfall not only affected the returns this year but is bound to affect the returns from the horticulture crops for the years to come. One-time exemption of KCC loan to the small farmers and fruit growers whose harvest was damaged by the snowfall is need of the hour.

The daily-wages/casual labourers, ASHA and Mid-Day Meal scheme workers have been totally neglected. The long pending demands of regularisation of daily-wages/casual labourers have not been met and even their wages are not being paid for months together. They are awaiting their regularization although government has issued SRO last year which is quite disappointing. The meager incentives of ASHA and Mid-Day Meal scheme workers have not been paid for months, compounding their miseries.

Some of the Anganwadi workers are widows, who are the sole breadwinners of their respective families. How will they manage without if government has stopped their wages? The callous attitude of authorities has created uncertainty among these workers. Although Anganwadi workers and helpers have forced the Union government to announce an increase in their remuneration, the basic issues of recognition, pension and social security has still not been addressed. Meagre hike in wages is not going to address the burning issues of Anganwadi workers & helpers, as their families are dependent on them.

Expressing serious concern over the pathetic condition of widows, orphans, destitute, handicapped, and old-aged people in the State, the leaders sought personal intervention of Honble Governor for release of their long pending pensions.  Their files are pending in District offices since long. Thousands of financial assistance cases of widows, orphans, old aged people and handicapped persons are pending for years before social welfare offices in different districts of the State for want of funds. The condition of these needy people has been worsened by the delay in release of their meagre monetary entitlements.

Bringing the Jammu and Kashmir Bank under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) act, the Chief Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) guidelines and the State Legislature, is a welcome step. There is need for thorough discussion on affairs of the J&K Bank, in the Legislative Assembly.  However the decision of the state administrative council (SAC) to turn the bank into a public sector undertaking (PSU) is unwarranted and must be reconsidered.

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JKLF concerned over worsening health of its incarcerated chairman

Srinagar

The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front spoke man on Thursday said that Frequent and prolonged incarcerations have taken a heavy toll on the health of JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik.

Malik has spent most of his time in jails especially from last four years. This was stated by various Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leaders while speaking at a meeting that was organized to deliberate upon the worsening health of JKLF chairman who is languishing in police custody from November 19, 2018.

Terming the frequent and prolonged incarcerations of JKLF chairman as travesty of justice and democracy, JKLF leaders said that though Malik has been in and out of jails and police stations from a long time and has spent most of his time in incarceration centers but from 2014 arresting and putting him in jails and police stations has become a daily routine of the rulers and these frequent and prolonged incarcerations have actually taken a heavy toll on his health which has deteriorated considerably.

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International community is interested in Kashmir: Norway Ex PM

Srinagar

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik said he told Kashmiri separatist groups who he met during his visit to the Valley last week that he does not share their views and that they must work through peaceful methods to resolve the Kashmir issue, reported The Indian Express .

Joint Resistance Leadership with Former Prime Minister of Norway

In a conversation with The Indian Express over phone from Norway, Bondevik, who heads the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, said his visit to Kashmir and his meetings with various sections of Kashmiris, including the separatists, were “useful” and helped him to “get an overview” of the problem.

Bondevik made a surprise visit to the Valley during which he met Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, two of the three leaders of the Joint Resistance Leadership. He also met members of the chamber of commerce and the Bar Association.

Asked why he had visited Kashmir and what role he saw for himself in the state, The Indian Express quoted Bondevik as saying that he was invited by Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravishankar to visit the Valley.

“If I am asked to play a role by both (governments of India and Pakistan), I am willing to do so,” The Indian Express quoted he said but he also underlined that there was no such invitation at the moment from the Indian side.

“I am not naive, I am aware that India is approaching an election,” The Indian Express quoted Bondevik said adding that this was not the time to talk about an India-Pakistan dialogue on Kashmir. “I respect India’s position that it does not want an outsider (engaging) in Kashmir, and that its issues with Pakistan are bilateral.”

According to report published by The Indian Express, he said, at the same time, “we can’t ignore the fact that the international community is interested in the issue, there have been UN resolutions on Kashmir, and recently, there was a report of the UN Human Right Commission. So there is an international interest”.

If India and Pakistan could solve the matter without help, “it is good, then they must come to the table because the situation in Kashmir is escalating”. He said, “I am convinced there is no military solution to the Kashmir problem”.

He said it was imperative that the Kashmiris on both sides should also be involved in the working out of any solution, “because they are the people most affected”.

Bondevik acknowledged that his visit to the Valley must have been cleared by Delhi as it was the first time a foreign dignitary has visited the Valley and met with Hurriyat leaders but he underlined that he had no contact with anyone in the Indian government. He said as the J&K Assembly had been dissolved, he did not meet any of its former members, nor any government officials.

“I know that it was something new and it was a surprise to many that I was allowed to visit Kashmir. That I was allowed is a fact, but who took that decision in the Indian government, I do not know,” The Indian Express quoted him as saying.

After his return from Srinagar, Bondevik said he stopped over in Delhi, and met MP Maheish Girri who he understood to be “close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

After his visit to Srinagar, Bondevik visited Pakistan Administered Kashmir, where he met President Sardar Masood Khan.

“I was also able to visit the Line of Control. It was very useful to see this with my own eyes, what it is like there for the people who are living there, to understand the problems they face,” the report quoted ex-Norwegian Prime Minister.

He said Pakistan “welcomed my engagement and they received me with full protocol”.

The Indian Express quoted Bondevik as saying that, “I explained to the separatist leadership in Srinagar that they should work by peaceful means. That I have gone to meet them does not mean that I share their views.”

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