Three militants and a civilain killed in Tral
Authorities shut internet and cellular services
Pulwama, Aug 9, CNS: Three militants were killed after a gunfight raged in Gulab Bagh(Wani Bout) village of Tral in Pulwama district.
Reports said that a joint team of Army's 42 RR unit and Jammu Kashmir Police launched a search operation in the village after they heard some gunshots.
Three militants got trapped while during the gunfight that raged between government forces and the militants resulted in the killing of three militants, sources said.
Sources added that after the killing of two militants, third militant tried to break the cordon, however, government forces cordoned him and shot him dead.
An official identified these slain militants as Zahid Ahmed Bhat from Nawdal Tral, Ishfaq Ahmed from Batgund Tral and Muhammad Ashraf Dar from Trich Pulwama. He said that the slain militants were part of Zakir Musa group. Two AK 47 rifles and a pistol were recovered from them.
All shops and business establishments got shut shortly after the news about the death of two militants spread in the town.
As usual cellular and mobile Internet services were snapped in south Kashmir's Pulwama district shortly after the gunfight. However, the facility was not suspended on state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
Clashes erupted in Pulwama after news spread that one of the slain militants is from the town. Youth hit to roads and pelted stones on the government forces who in retaliation fired tear-smoke shells to disperse them.
Clashes also erupted in Khrew area of saffron town Pampore where locals resorted to intense stone-pelting amid pro-freedom slogans.
Reports said that Government Forces resorted to aerial firing to disperse protesters.
Reports added that youth took to streets and staged clashes after news of killing of three militants in an encounter with forces spread in the area. They said forces fired in air to disperse the protesters.
A civilian was killed in clashes between protesters and government forces near the site of gunfight.
Reports said that Muhammad Younis Sheikh, 16, was critically injured after clashes erupted between forces and protesters near the site of gunfight in Gulab Bagh village.
He was shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar where doctors declared him dead on arrival. (CNS)
Delhi court sends Shabir Shah to 2 weeks judicial custody
New Delhi, Aug 9, CNS: A Delhi court on Wednesday sent senior Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah to judicial custody for two weeks.
Shah was in the custody of Enforcement Directorate in a case pertaining to alleged money laundering.
A party spokesperson told CNS that Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma sent him to jail after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) submitted that he was not required for further custodial interrogation.
Shah was arrested by the ED a day after several Hurriyat leaders were taken into custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a case of alleged funding in the Valley to fuel unrest. (CNS)
Northern Army Commander reviews security in Valley
Srinagar, Aug 9, CNS: The Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D Anbu visited South Kashmir alongwith Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen JS Sandhu today and was briefed on all aspects of security and operational preparedness in the Valley. The Army Commander was appreciative of the measures put in place to meet any challenge and complimented the troops for the recent successful counter militant operations.
The Army Commander exhorted the commanders and troops to keep up the pressure on the terrorists in the Valley and appreciated the synergy being shown amongst all security agencies and complimented the troops for undertaking operations with firmness and resolve. He also encouraged the soldiers deployed in the Valley to continue utmost vigil and operational focus and assured full support for their endeavours. (CNS)
Traders protest against shifting of Batamaloo Bus Stand to Parimpora
Srinagar, Aug 9, CNS: Traders who operate their shops from General Bus Stand Batamaloo Wednesday staged a protest against the government’s proposed move to shift General Bus Stand to Parimpora.
The protest was organized by All Traders Joint Coordination Committee. Scores of traders assembled at Press Enclave Srinagar to lodge their protest against government’s move.
President All Traders Joint Coordination Committee said “government is jeopardizing the livelihood of thousands of families who earn their bread from the bus stand at Batamaloo.”
“We will oppose the shifting of bus stand tooth and nail and warning to the government that they could not force their illogical decisions on us. In case the Bus Stand is shifted, the general public will have to spend more charges to reach their destination as well as have to travel long distances,” he said.
The protesters said that not only unemployment will increase but Srinagar city which is a business hub will lose its sheen.
“If the Government didn’t take necessary action, it will be held responsible for the consequences,” they said. (CNS)
Indian rulers want to put Kashmir on fire: Hashim Qureshi
Srinagar, Aug 9, CNS: Democratic Liberation Party Chairman, Hashim Qureshi Wednesday accused the Hindu extremists for working towards a “nefarious agenda” of diluting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said some elements are hell-bent to put an end to fiscal and political autonomy of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Raising the issue of Article 35A and Article 370, the government of India intentionally wants to put Kashmir on fire. “If such laws are present in states like Jharkhand and Himachal as well, then why only Jammu and Kashmir is being targeted,” he questioned.
He said that mainstream parties of Jammu and Kashmir have always strengthened the occupation of India and have acted as stooges of New Delhi. “These mainstream parties have given a blow to the special status enjoyed by the state,” he said.
He said both India and Pakistan have occupied parts of Kashmir and both the countries should restore the territorial position that existed in 1947. (CNS)
Nine killed in Mahore road accident
Mahore, Aug 9, CNS: In a deadly road accident, at least 9 persons were killed and 11 others injured when a passenger tempo rolled down into a deep gorge near Shishi Nallah in Mahore tehsil of Reasi district.
The tempo was on way to Mahore from Buddan when the mishap took place around 8:45 am.
A Police official told CNS that a tempo (JK02 AG-0730) carrying over 20 passengers met with an accident, when the driver lost control over it. It felt into a deep gorge resulting in the death of 9 persons.
At least 11 persons have been wounded who have been rushed to Sub-district hospital Mahore where from critically injured persons were airlifted to Jammu for specialised treatment.
The official said that seven persons died on spot, while two wounded passengers succumbed in the hospital.
Some of the deceased have been identified as Javed Ahmed, Muhammad Asif, Jamat Ali and Wazira Begum all residents of Jamslan Mahore, Charan Singh, Muhammad Ashraf, Liquat Ali residents of Buddan and Mubbashar Ahmed of Sildhar area of Mahore.
Meanwhile, Governor N.N. Vohra has expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives in an unfortunate road accident at Mahore area of the Reasi district.
In a message the Governor has prayed for peace to the departed souls and wished the bereaved families the strength to bear this sad loss. He has wished speedy recovery to those injured in this accident.
The Governor has expressed deep concern over recurring road accidents and re-iterated that every concerned agency should be held accountable for strictly enforcing regulations regarding the age and worthiness of the passenger carrying vehicles, condemnation of unfit vehicles, overloading, over-speeding, fitness and past record of drivers to ply passenger vehicles on notified hill roads, and punitive summary fines to be paid by the offenders. He noted that no unqualified/ unlicensed person must be allowed to drive any personal, transport or commercial vehicle.
Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti also expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives.
On the directions of the Chief Minister, severely injured passengers were airlifted to Jammu for specialized treatment.
She has also asked the Divisional administration Jammu and the District Administration Reasi to intensify the rescue operations at the spot and ensure best possible treatment to the other injured. (CNS)
Article 35-A row:
Rasheed to hold roundtable discussion in Srinagar on August 13
Srinagar, Aug 9, CNS: Welcoming the meeting between NC Patron Dr Farooq Abdullah and CM Mehbooba Mufti over Article 35-A, incumbent Langate lawmaker Er Rasheed has appealed both the leaders to rise to the occasion so that the efforts taken by people of different quarters become result oriented.
Rasheed said that the meeting between Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti in an atmosphere of distrust and conspiracies could become a good beginning for a larger reconciliation and unanimity among political class to fulfil the genuine aspirations and sentiments of people.
Rasheed, however, said that such efforts may yield nothing unless resistance leadership, civil society, traders and people of Jammu & Ladakh region are not involved in a common minimum programme.
He said, “To develop a broader consensus on the issue, Awami Ittihad Party, headed by Rasheed, will try to facilitate in getting all the stake holders together for discussing the strategy.
“In this regard party will host a round table discussion in Srinagar on Sunday, August 13, 2017. All the major political parties including leaders from resistance camp will be invited to put forward their views,” Rasheed said. (CNS)
Mehbooba lays foundation of Rs 27 cr maiden Skill Development, Incubation Centre at EDI
Pampore, Aug 9, CNS: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today laid the foundation of Centre for Training & Skill Development and Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) here.
These Centres, first of its kind in the State, would augment the training activities for young entrepreneurs at the EDI. The need for an Incubation Centre was felt for long to guide the freshly trained youth in arranging capital, material and market support for their projects. The project is expected to cost Rs. 27 crore and is expected to build the training capacity at the EDI by a great measure.
Addressing a large number of young entrepreneurs on the occasion, the Chief Minister said her Government would do all what it takes see that enterprise takes full roots in the State. She said today she laid the foundation stone of an Industrial Estate at Wyun with the objective of providing unit holding facilities to young entrepreneurs.
Mehbooba Mufti said she was happy to see many young boys and girls standing up on their feet confidently and providing livelihood to many others. This confidence, she said, needs to be built and multiplied to create a generation of young, successful and enterprising entrepreneurs in the State who would not be dependent on the Government but contributing significantly to the State’s economy and society.
The Chief Minister appreciated the role of EDI and its management in churning out professional and successful breed of young entrepreneurs who have started carving out their niche on the business canvas of the State. She said today’s addition of Incubation and Training Centres would greatly enhance the quality of training at the Institute.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated many young achievers from the EDI and also handed over letters among the 110 entrepreneurs whose credit facilitation cases were cleared by the steering committee of the EDI. She also launched the electronic transfer of seed capital into the accounts of the eligible entrepreneurs.
Director, EDI, Dr. M. I. Parray in his address welcomed the Chief Minister for her keen interest in the welfare and progress of these young entrepreneurs.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a business unit of JK Bank within the premises of EDI. This was a major demand of the young entrepreneurs when they met the Chief Minister in May.
Mehbooba Mufti also visited the stalls put up by the trained and successful entrepreneurs of the EDI. She enquired from them about their businesses, difficulties and future plans.
Minister for Industries & Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga; Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Syed Farooq Andrabi; Minister of State for Forests, Mir Zahoor Ahmad; Chairman, JK Bank, Parvez Ahmad; Vice Chairman, JK Industries, Gulzar Ahmad; Commissioner-Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Shailendra Kumar; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Khan; heads of several Departments and Corporations; officers of district administration were present on these occasions. (CNS)
Youth can be key agents of social change: Lal Singh
Minister addressees gathering at Cheshmashahi, Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 9, CNS: Minister for Forest, Ecology, Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today said that youth can act as vital agents of change and play their role in the welfare and prosperity of the State.
Speaking at an impressive gathering at Cheshmashahi here, the Minister said that in order to witness the dawn of development and peaceful atmosphere across the State, the government was talking all possible measures to be inclusive in all the youth related programmes.
The Minister said that youth should come forward and participate in developmental activities, launched by the government. He said that youth can also play their role in changing the story of forests by planting more and more trees in their respective areas. The Minister on the occasion informed the gathering that Forest Department has initiated massive plantation drives across the State as part of 67th Van Mahotsav. He said that the ongoing rainy season is best time for plantation and Forest Department has taken it on mission mode to cover maximum suitable areas under plantation. He said thousands of plant of fruit and ornamental and other species are being planted in identified forest locations keeping in mind local weather conditions. He directed the forest officers to ensure plantation of ornamental plants along roads of villages.
He said that contribution of youth will be decisive in safeguarding the environment and ecology for which Forest and Environment Department has initiated a mission to make youth instruments of change.
The Minister said the aim of organizing such public meetings was to make people aware about the necessity of conserving environment, rich flora and fauna of the area.
The Minister sought cooperation of the people, asking all stakeholders to be part of plantation drive so that ecology can be maintained properly. He said that Government is contemplating to update the forest policy with the aim to increase the forest wealth of the State.
The Minister appealed people of all the regions to help build peaceful environment across the State.
“Government doesn’t exist without people,” he said. “People, especially youth can play vital role in Sate’s socio-economic prosperity,” he said. He urged people for the preservation of environmental, ecology and natural resources. “Every person must contribute for the preservation of these natural resources,” he said.
Among others, the public meeting was also attended by GM Mir , Durakshan Andrabi, Dr Hina Bhat.
Hakeem Yaseen cautions against fiddling with Article 370 /35-A
Kick starts construction on NTPHCs at Ringzabal, Talpora.
Budgam, Aug 9, CNS: The Chairman Peoples Democratic Front and MLA, Khansaheb, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has cautioned that fiddling with Article 370 and 35-A will have serious repercussions and could further flare up violence and public uprising in the socio politically fragile Jammu and Kashmir state.
Speaking to Public gatherings , after kick starting construction of two New Type Primary Health Centers ( NTPHC ) at Ringzabzl Kharian and Talpora villages in Khansaheb ,Budgam this morning, Hakeem Yaseen said that the people of the state are ready to give any sacrifice to protect Articl 370 and 35-A , which guarantees for special status to j&K in the Indian union.He cautioned against any misadventure to fiddle with the special status of the state.
Hakeem said that each NTPHC building, being constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police Housing Corporation, will cost Rs.1.85 cr adding that funds for these hospital buildings have already been sanctioned by the concerned administrative department . He said foundation for construction of similar NTPHC buildings will be laid in Jawalapora and Hariwanan villages of the Khansaheb Constituency shortly.
Hakeem Yaseen was accompanied by the Chief Medical Office, Budgam, BMO, khansaheb and engineers of various departments.
He asked the engineers to prepare DPRs for RINGZABZL-Chalbrass- Shalla Kanen to connect with Tossamaidan tourist destination. This road circuit would give boost to tourism activities in the area. (CNS)
BJP hatching conspiracies to influence referendum process, says Geelani
Srinagar, Aug 9, CNS: APHC Chairman Syed Ali Geelani on Wednesday said, that authorities in New Delhi are hellbent to tamper with the Muslim majority character of Jammu and Kashmir.
Cautioning people against the nefarious designs of Delhi and its henchmen in state, Geelani said that people in state won’t allow anyone to alter or interfere with the integrity and special status of the state and will safeguard it at all costs.
Syed Ali Geelani said that from day first BJP regime is working to sabotage the referendum process in Jammu Kashmir and are hatching conspiracies to achieve desired results to influence the process of referendum.
Syed Ali Geelani asked Pro-Indian politicians to join pro-freedom ranks and play their role in resolving this long-pending issue.
Blaming New Delhi for playing folly’s and while commenting over proposed tinkering in article 35 A, Syed Ali Geelani said that it is a well thought out ploy to tamper with the special status of Muslim majority character of Jammu and Kashmir and added that while carrying brutal bloodshed, authorities are creating Palestine like situtaions in state.
Lamenting at pro-Indian parties, Geelani said that their rhetoric about prevailing situation is just a political gimmick and added that they are responsible for tampering and fiddling with article 370.
Strongly criticizing RSS and their alias for their unholy nexus, Geelani said that however the move to abrogate this article is a preplanned game and reports of leaving coalition is just, a mockery and political gimmick.
Geelani expressed his deep concern over the proposed tinkering in state subject law and said that it is conspiracy to alter demography and Muslim majority status of Jammu Kashmir and added that if any such move is undertaken, the people from outside states will purchase land in JK and a situation like that of Palestine will arise.
It is conspiracy to alter demography and Muslim majority status of Jammu Kashmir and will be resisted tooth and nail, said Geelani.
Appealing writers, scholars and respected members of society to aware mases about the consequences of proposed repealing of state subject law and asked to make every possible effort to reach to international community about prevailing horrifying situtaions and disputed status of Jammu & Kashmir. (CNS)
Altaf Bukhari visits Baba Demb, reviews restoration of Brari Nambal
Srinagar, Aug 9, CNS: The Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, today conducted an extensive tour of Baba Demb and its adjoining areas to oversee the restoration works of Brari Nambal Lagoon.
The Minister was accompanied by MLC Mohammad Khursheed Aalam, Commissioner Secretary Housing, Hirdesh Kumar; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone; Commissioner SMC, Dr Shafqat Khan; VC LWDA, Dr Abdul Hafiz Shah; ADCs Poornima Mital, Collector Sajad Qadri and SEs of R&B and Drainage, Executive Engineer PHE and other concerned officials.
It was informed that the conservation and beautification of Brari Nambal Lagoon has been approved in State Annual Action Plan for Srinagar city under AMRUT at an estimated cost of Rs 16.91 crore.
While directing the officials to expedite the speed of work, the Minister said that the restoration of Brari Nambal Lagoon is the priority of the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, which needs to be completed at the earliest possible timeframe.
On the occasion, the Minister directed the VC LAWDA to place indent of 60 Kanals of land in presence of Collector who will issue notice under Section 4 for acquisition of propriety land for the development. He asked the Commissioner Sectary Housing to expedite the release of funds once the acquisition formalities are completed.
Bukhari directed the officials to start the beautification works of walkways around the Lagoon. He asked the officials to speed up the pace of removing weeds and to maintain cleanliness of embankments of the Lagoon on the daily basis.
On the occasion, various local residents met Bukhari and appraised him about their issues in the area. He was informed that the land for the community hall was identified but due to encroachment nothing was done afterwards. On visiting the identified land for Community Hall, Bukhari gave on spot directions to Deputy Commissioner to remove the encroachmentwithin 15 days and assured people of the area that the Community Hall shall come at identified place.
Later, the Minister visited the area near Sangarmal City Centre where residents appraised him about the drainage issues in the area wherein the Minister directed the concerned officials to resolve the issue at the earliest. (CNS)