Civil Society members aks government to stop harassing Salahuddin’s family
Budgam, Oct 28 : Civil Society members from Central Kashmir’s Budgam district threatened to stir an agitation in case National Investigating Agency continues to harass the family members of Hizbul Mujhadeen Chief Syed Salahuddin.
Reliable sources told news agency CNS that people from cross section of society including the members from civil society Budgam met Deputy Commissioner and SSP Budgam on Saturday. The civil society members included Advocate Hafizullah Mir, Retired Chief Audit Officer Abdul Rahim Malik, Retired bureaucrat Ghulam Rasool Malik, renowned columnist M J Lone and former General Manager JK Bank Syed Abdul Hamid.
Sources said that during the meeting the civil society members alleged that NIA has been harassing family members of Syed Salahuddin who according to them are innocent. The members during the meeting with the civil administration and police officials said that the family members of Syed Salahuddin have been living in peace since 1990 when Salahuddin crossed the border and settled in Pakistan administered Kashmir.
Demanding the immediate release of Salahuddins son Shahid Yousuf and cancellation of NIA summon to grandson of Salahuddin, the civil society members said that if harassment persists, it will have serious ramifications. They threatened to launch an agitation in case NIA doesn’t stop harassing the Salahuddin’s family. They also demanded that NIA should handover all the cell phones and lap tops of family that it seized during a raid at Soibugh Budgam.
“We will court arrest and the responsibility of any untoward happening will lie with the state government,” they said.
Pertinently, one of Salahuddin’s son was arrested earlier this week by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after he was summoned by the central probe agency to its Delhi headquarter.
A Delhi court sent Syed Shahid Yousuf to seven days NIA custody in connection with a 2011 funding case for allegedly receiving money from his father.
Yousuf, who was arrested on October 24 by National Investigation Agency (NIA), was produced before District and Sessions Judge Poonam A Bamba, who allowed the probe agency's plea for his custody.
42-year-old Shahid works in the agricultural department of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The NIA alleged that Shahid used to receive funds through a US-based international wire transfer company from Aijaz Ahmed Bhat, another accused in the case who is absconding and is reported to be based in Saudi Arabia.
After his arrest, the family had issued a statement, claiming that Shahid was arrested to “pressurize Salahuddin to submission”.
In the statement, the family while maintaining that Shahid was innocent, said his arrest was an “age-old tactic by the Delhi government to harass the family and to defame our father.”
On Friday, Salahuddin’s grandson was also summoned by the probe agency for “questioning” at their Delhi headquarters.
Muzammil Ahmad Khan, only son of Salahuddin’s daughter, has done his B.Tech from Pakistan and puts up at Daharmuna, two kilometers from Salahuddin’s ancestral home.
Quarry holders stage protest in Srinagar
‘Resolve our issue amicably’
Srinagar, Oct 28 : The ban of quarrying operations at Athwajan, Alfatah and Panthachowk Srinagar a protest while quarry holders blocked the road asking government to resolve their issue without any delay.
The protest was organized by United Quarry Association and Himalayan Quarry and Tipper Association.
The protesters said that they should be allowed to work in their respective quarries at Athwajan and Panthachowk while ban imposed by the government should be revoked.
“Government had initiated a process to shift us to Zewan and Shaleguph but there people raise objections and don’t allow us to work. We don’t know what has been happening. The government has snatched our livelihood,” the protesting quarry holders told news agency CNS.
They said before issuing ban order, the government didn’t take quarry holders into confidence given the fact they pay taxes in the form of Royalty towards Geology and Mining Department and in return get permission for extraction of stones for sale.
“We urge upon to government to resolve our issue amicably. We have been facing hardships while the government’s attitude has rendered us jobless,” the quarry holders said.
Chief Minister condoles Moulvi Rashid’s demise
Srinagar, Oct 28 : Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has condoled the demise of former Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly and former MLA, Banihal, Moulvi Abdur Rashid who passed away early today at Pogal in Banihal.
In her condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled the contribution of the late leader in bringing Banihal area on the path of development and growth. “In his demise, the State has lost a selfless political leader who all his life fought for the people of far flung areas”, she said in her statement.
Mehbooba Mufti has prayed for eternal solace to the departed soul and sympathized with the bereaved family.
Municipal employees strike enters third day:
Heaps of garbage littered on Pattan roads
Pattan, Oct 28 : The residents of Pattan town in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district woke up to a harrowing situation after they found stinking garbage and filth littered on roads and lanes as the Municipality workers have on strike from past three days against an assault on some of their colleagues by land brokers.
Heaps of garbage and filth was seen littered on the town roads everywhere. The sanitation situation in the town is likely to deteriorate further as the protesting workers said that they have decided to stop garbage collection operation till action is not taken against those violators who thrashed their colleagues when they tried to dismantle their illegally raised structures.
The locals have appealed Chief Executive Officer Municipal Committee Pattan to look into the matter and get the town cleared from garbage.
News Agencies owners call on Chief Minister
‘Problems faced by journalists will be resolved’
Srinagar, Oct 28 : Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has assured the local news agencies and the editors and owners of newspapers that Department of Information and Public Relations will do justice towards them when it will come to the distribution of advertisements and other perquisites.
The Chief Minister directed Director Information and Public Relations to address the problems faced by journalist fraternity on priority basis.
Chief Minister’s assurances and directions came after her meeting at Gupkar residence with the representatives of Jammu and Kashmir News Agencies Association including Muhammad Aslam Bhat, Rasheed Rahi, Sabir Ayoub and Arshid Rasool. Director DIPR, Muneer-ul-Islam was also present during the meeting.
The Association raised many issues related to the profession including the monthly subscription to news agencies accreditation and smooth flow of advertisement distribution while Chief Minister assured them that their problems will be addressed without any delay. The Chief Minister while hailing the role of media houses and news agencies said that they act as bridge between government and the public.
JRL ridicules ‘outrageous and dictatorial’ ordinance passed by the State Government
Srinagar, Oct 28 : Joint Resistance Leadership of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik has condemned and ridiculed the outrageous and dictatorial ordinance passed by the State Government which calls for imprisonment for those who call and observe shutdown as a form of protest .Joint Resistance Leadership stated that observing shutdown is a universally accepted democratic and peaceful right of protest and resistance and fixing a punishment for it reflects the totalitarian and repressive mindset of the anti-people ruling regime.
The leadership said that tall claims of "healing touch" and "battle of ideas" by Mehbooba Mufti and her party before coming to power, have all come to naught and instead she with her partners BJP have broken all records of committing atrocities and inflicting misiries upon the people of Kashmir. They said that during her regime killing , blinding of people , arrests,imprisonment and detention of masses and leadership,arson, vandalization of peoples properties, harrasment ,propoganda onslaught and other forms of repression have touched a new low.On the other hand she along with her coterie of opportunists have further eroded whatever was left of the safeguards of the people of the state by eroding the economic autonomy of the state through implementation of GST. As her tenure progresses so do her compromises with regard to the interests of the people of kashmir who are under assaults from all fronts.The situation has come to such a pass now that even the basic right to protest through shutdowns against these moves and constant assaults is now being denied and made punishable.
JRL said issuing ordinance calling for imprisionment for shutdowns is with a view to instil fear of retribution and punishment among the resistance leadership and people of Kashmir in order to discourage them them from raising their voice against opression and for demanding their right to self-determination. But like all such previous repressive measures it is bound to fail.
The JRL said that shutdown is an accepted and acknowledged way of resisting oppression and injustice across the world and that it should stand clear that resistance leadership will continue with this right no matter how much government would try to choke our voice.
Birth anniversary of Imam Musa Kazim observed
Budgam, Oct 28 : The birth anniversary of Hazrat Imam Musa Kazim (RA) was observed on Saturday. Several programmes were organized to mark the occasion.
Various functions were organized by Jammu & Kashmir Anjuman-e-Shar-e-Shiaan.
A daylong Majlis was organized by Anjuman-e-Shar-e-Shiaan led by its president and senior Hurriyat leader Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi at Budgam. He threw light on the life and teachings of Imam.
He paid glowing tributes to the services rendered by Hazrat Imam Musa Kazim (RA) for the cause of Islam and Ummah.
He highlighted the sacrifices of the Imam for Islam "which will remain in the hearts of Muslims."
“Imam Musa Kazim (AS) served Muslims and rendered sacrifices for preserving the true spirit of Islam and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)” Aga Syed Hasan said.
Reacting over the present political scenario, Aga Syed Hasan said that:“The Zionist regime (Israel) and the American government are the main enemies of Iran, and hatred for America is deepening every day around the globe,”
“The United States, and behind them Israel, are the source of all plots and they set the Middle East on fire to protect Israel,” he said and added that they are anti-Islamic and hatch conspiracies to defame and Islam.
CITU holds day-long State Conference
Pledges to intensify struggles to fight anti working class policies of the government
Srinagar, Oct 28 : The 5th State Conference of J&K, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) was held today in Srinagar. The conference deliberated upon various issues and problems confronting working class, with the determination to intensify struggles to fight anti-working class and anti-people policies of the government.
The conference started with flag hoisting ceremony by Comrade Mohammad Subhan, senior trade union leader. The conference was inaugurated by K. Hemlata, National President CITU and Abdul Gani Bhat presented the welcome address. 200 delegates representing different affiliated unions participated in the day-long conference. Condolence resolution was presented by CITU State President Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in memory of former Cuba President, Fidel Castro, CPI (M) leader Samar Mukherjee, CITU leader Uma Nath, J&K CITU leader Ghulam Mohiuddin, senior Kissan leader Ghulam Rasool Sheikh and all others who were victims of violence, particularly in Kashmir.
Inaugurating the conference, K. Hemlata said that the continuation of neo-liberal economic policies of the Modi government coupled with demonetization and implementation of GST have serious ramifications on the lives and livelihood of the working class people. The onslaught of the BJP-led government on working class has to be fought unitedly and vigorously. She asserted that only unity of the working class and democratic forces can fight back the repression of the present dispensation.
Underlining the necessity for wider unity among the working people for resisting the anti working class policies of the government, she said that there was no room for any illusion, and only united struggles of the toilers can force the government and employers to concede their genuine demands. The focus of the communal politics in the name ‘Gaw Rakhsa and Love Jihad’ is aimed to divide people on communal and religious lines. Working class has to be vigilant enough against this mechanisation and greater unity of Dalits, OBCs, minorities and working class people is bound to face the challenge firmly. K. Hemlata emphasised the working class people to participate wholeheartedly in ‘Maha Padaw’ joint call by National Trader Unions, near Parliament from November 9 to November 11, 2017.
Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in his address said the social security benefits like pension, provident fund, health insurance etc. are hard won rights of the working class secured through decades of struggle. These gains are now being reversed through privatization of pension funds, provident funds and cuts in subsidies and welfare benefits and such measures being implemented across the world today specifically target the social security benefits in order to pass on the burden to the working people. Stressing for implementation of the basic labour laws in the State, Tarigami demanded amendment in the Minimum Wages Act and fixation of statutory minimum wage of not less than Rs 18,000 per month.
Despair among the young generation entering the employment market is increasing rapidly. The utter collapse of public distribution system, commercialisation of education system has made life miserable for common people. The prices of essential commodities have gone up sky high hitting hard below the belt the poorer strata of the society. It is but natural that the discontent among the working class is increasing rapidly. The present situation demands that the working class must champion the vital interests of all the toiling sections of the society, so that it can play a leading role in the struggles to oppose the policies of the government, Tarigami stressed.
He stated that the social security benefits like pension, provident fund, health insurance etc. are hard won rights of the working class secured through decades of struggle. These gains are now being reversed through privatization of pension funds, provident funds and cuts in subsidies and welfare benefits and such measures being implemented across the world today specifically target the social security benefits in order to pass on the burden to the working people. Stressing for implementation of the basic labour laws in the State, Tarigami demanded amendment in the Minimum Wages Act and fixation of statutory minimum wage of not less than Rs 18,000 per month.
While referring to the passing of Jammu and Kashmir Public Property (Prevention of Damage) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, Tarigami said, it will trample the legitimate democratic rights of people, especially working class. Our past experience tells us that such laws have always been misused and administration, including police, always sides with employers during the genuine protests of working class. Labor laws are not implemented and whenever working class protests against the employers, they become victims of police lathis. BJP led government is taking care of policies which only benefit corporate sector.
Om Prakash presented the General Secretary’s Report for discussion. It was discussed thoroughly and certain useful suggestions were made by the delegates to update this report. Later on the report was adopted unanimously.
The conference adopted important resolutions including the resolution on ‘Trade Union Rights, Working Women, Food Security, Price Rise, Unemployment, against Privatization of Centuar Hotel Srinagar, against rising communalism, early regularisation of Contractual, Daily Wager, casual/need based, Adhoc Employees, demanded Class III and Class IV grades for Anganwari Workers and Helpers respectively, minimum wages of Rs 18,000 to all employees, pension, gratuity and implementation of 45th Indian Labour Conference recommendations. A resolution was also adopted on ASHA Workers. Constitution of Welfare Board on the pattern of construction workers for handicraft sector workers.
Besides, the conference also passed on a resolution on Human Rights violations saying the delegates were of opinion that arrests under black laws, killings, custodial deaths, fake encounters, enforces disappearances, rape and third degree torture used on detainees has alienated the people and there is deep anger and resentment. This conference demands that no innocent person should be subjected to violence, oppression and human rights violations. This conference also urges the Government to punish the people involved in killings, custodial deaths, fake encounters, enforced disappearances and rape incidents since 1990.
Others who spoke on the occasion include Sham Prasad Kesar, Mohd Afzal Parry, Ab. Rashid Najar senior CITU leaders.
The conference concluded with thunderous slogans which reflected the enthusiasm and determination of the delegates to carry forward the message of unity.
Karra arrives in Delhi for 35-A hearing on Monday
Srinagar, Oct 28 : Senior Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra has arrived in New Delhi to appear in Supreme Court in connection with petition challenging 35-A of Jammu and Kashmir constitution.
Karra had approached Supreme Court and requested the Apex court to be heard in defence of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The hearing was deferred earlier and is now slated on Monday. Mr Karra will be there as amicus curie and will be represented by his legal counsel, however senior congress leader himself will be present in the court.
Altaf Bukhari stresses on smooth conduct of upcoming board exams
Srinagar, Oct 28 : The Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today convened a meeting to discuss the modalities for hassle-free conduct of upcoming board examinations for the students of Kashmir and winter zone of Jammu Division.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan, Secretary School Education, Farooq Ahmad Shah, DC Srinagar Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Director School Education, Kashmir, Dr. G.N Itoo, Chairperson JK Board of School Education (BOSE), Veena Pandita, police officials and other concerned officials attended the meeting.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Mandeep K Bhandar and District Development Commissioners from winter zone districts of Jammu division attended the meeting through video conferencing.
The Minister directed the officials to ensure the hassle free examinations in a disciplined manner and asked the police officials to deploy adequate police personnel around examination centres during the examination period.
Stressing upon the proper handling of the question papers, Bukhari directed that the senior BOSE officials should be deployed for the lifting and delivery of examination material to the concerned police stations from where they would be taken to exam centres. He said that strict action will be initiated against any official found involved in unfair means.
He also called for setting up control rooms at all district headquarters for better coordination and taking immediate action any complaint of unfair means.
Bukhari directed the District Development Commissioners to constitute the monitoring teams for smooth conduct of examinations in their respective jurisdictions and asked them to impose section 144 around all examination centres on examination days.
He also asked BOSE authorities to allot the roll number slips to the students at an earliest and also asked them to look into the issues and queries regarding the conduct of examinations.
The meeting was informed that BOSE has setup centralized helpline centre for the redressed of grievances which can be reached at 0194-2494965, 0194-2494985, 0194-2495310 and 2491179 for examination-related information.
Chief Education Officers were directed to ensure arrangement of supervisory staff and were instructed to ensure proper heating arrangements at all the examination centres.
ransport Minister Sunil Sharma inaugurates e-Challaning system at Srinagar
Transport Minister Sunil Sharma inaugurates e-Challaning system at Srinagar
New schemes will enhance capacity of Transport department, Traffic police
Srinagar, Oct 28 : The Hon'ble Minister of State for Transport (Independent charge) Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma inaugurated the e-challaning facility at Traffic Police City Srinagar at Sriangar today.
On the occasion, Director General of Police Dr S.P. Vaid, Inspector General of Police Kashmir SMunir Ahmad Khan, IGP Traffic Kashmir Jagjit Kumar, IGP Headquarters Surinder Kumar Gupta, DIG CKR/Traffic Shri Ghulam Hassan Bhat, DC Srinagar Syed Abid Rashid were present.
Speaking on the occasion, i Sunil Kumar Sharma complimented the J&K Police for launching e-challenging and termed it a big achievement in shortest possible time. Hailing the role of Traffic Police in managing high traffic despite manpower constraints in the state in general and in the capital cities in particular, the Minister said that he has himself seen the IGP Traffic Police and other senior officers on roads managing the traffic and added that there is perfect coordination between the Traffic Police and the Traffic Department.. He said that Centre Govt approved projects such as intergrated Traffic Management System, Driving Institutes and Integrated Certificate Centres for Jammu as well as Srinagar will go a long way in enhancing the capacity of Department of Transport and Traffic police.
Earlier in his welcome address, SSP Traffic City Srinagar Shri Tahir Saleem Khan highlighted features of e-Challaning devices like Offline Challaning and e-Payment. He said that 20 such devices are being distributed.
Shri Vishal Mahajan from IT wing of SICOP gave resume of technicalties and integrating features of e-Challaning devices.
Among others, SSP Srinagar City Imtiaz Ismail Parray, AIG Provision Shri Junaid Mehmood, AIG Personnel Shri Mubassir Latifi, SSP Security Shri Maqsood-ul-Zaman, SSP Traffic Rural Shri Aijaz Bhat, RTO Kashmir Shri Farooq Ahmad Rather, SP City East Shri Dawood and GOs, NGOs of traffic police were present.
FROM : (CNS)