CMB.FLCVLC
PDP was created after NC passed ‘autonomy’ resolution: Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, Sep 14, CNS: National Conference (NC) Working President and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was created to weaken his party after “we passed autonomy resolution in the assembly”.
Abdullah said that the BJP-led government would not have dared to talk about Article 35 A or the Article 370 had the NC been in power.
“We would not even allow them to talk about Article 35A, if we would have been in the power,” he said while addressing workers at Nawa-e-Subh party headquarters.
He said some people don’t want that J&K should have their own flag or constitution. “They don’t like when we take oath on our own constitution. If there is an attack on Article 35 A, it is because NC is out of power,” he said.
Abdullah said that the party passed a resolution seeking Autonomy for the state of J&K. “It created commotion in the corridors of Government of India. They started seeing NC as a threat. This gave birth to the PDP,” Omar said, adding, the autonomy resolution was the reason behind creation of PDP. (CNS)
Ladakh Muslims write to CM about ‘threat’ from Budhists
Kargil, Sep 14, CNS: Anjuman Jamiat-ul- Ulama Asna Asharia Islamia School, Kargil Ladakh has written to the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti alleging imminent threat to local Muslim population from Budhists, sources said.
The alleged threat according to the letter written to Mehbooba has come after a recent conversion of a Buddhist girl to Islam.
The letter has demanded “safety and security of Muslims” living in Leh saying “the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has threatened the Muslims living in Leh particularly the Muslims belonging to Kargil.”
Pertinently, a marriage between a Buddhist woman and Muslim man has stoked tensions in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ladakh, with the region’s apex religious body threatening communal unrest unless the woman is “brought back”.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) had also written to chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, asking for an annulment of the marriage between local-born 30-year-old Shifah, formerly called Stanzin Saldon, and her 32-year-old husband Murtaza Aga of Kargil. The woman converted to Islam in 2015. She married Aga, an engineer, last year.
In an affidavit, Shifah said on July 7, 2016, she got married to Syed Murtaza Aga , out of her “own free will and consent”. She declared that she was not “induced or abducted” by her husband and was not under wrongful confinement. (CNS)
Government to ensure 100 per cent affixation of High Security Registration Plates on new vehicles
Srinagar, Sep 14, CNS: In order to ensure 100 per cent affixation of High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) Plates on new vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir, the vehicle registration certificates will not get printed until and unless HSRP Plates are affixed on the vehicles, Transport Commissioner Saugat Biswas said on Thursday.
He told news agency CNS the system shall be implemented in all the RTO/ARTO offices fromSeptember 18 this month. “Any backlog in this regard must be cleared by all the concerned offices before September 16, 2017,” Biswas said.
Transport Commissioner Saugat Biswas said that it has been observed that despite all efforts many fresh vehicles are registered by RTO/ARTO offices in the State without affixation of HSRP Plates. “This practice is defeating the sole purpose of HSRP affixation in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. (CNS)
LeT Chief along with associate killed in gunfight
Srinagar, Sep 14, CNS: In a major setback to militant organization Lashkar-e-Toiba, its Chief Abu Ismail was killed along with an associate in Aarigam area of Nowgam on the outskirts of Srinagar on Thursday, police said.
A police official said that government forces cordoned off the area after getting inputs about the presence of LeT Chief.
“There was a brief exchange of fire in which Abu Ismail along with his associate was killed. Another slain militant was identified as Chotta Qasim, a resident of Pakistan. (CNS)
Mirwaiz welcomes Amnesty report calling for ban on pellet guns in Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 14, CNS: Senior pro-freedom leader and Chairman All parties Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Thursday welcomed the Amnesty International report calling for immediate ban on shotguns in Kashmir.
In a tweet, Mirwaiz said that Kashmir welcomed the amnesty report released yesterday in Srinagar.
"Kashmir welcomes amnesty report calling for immediate ban on pellet guns, trial of forces (personnel) in civilian courts and rehabilitation and compensation for victims," tweeted Mirwaiz.
Pertinently, Amnesty International India while asking India to immediately ban the use of pellet guns has said that deliberate denial of justice happens only in Jammu and Kashmir. (CNS)
School driver and students thrashed by Army in Kulgam
Kulgam, Sep 14, CNS:A group of Army men allegedly thrashed a school driver and resorted to aerial firing after he entered into an argument with them in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Witnesses said that an army vehicle hit a private school bus at Wanpou village leading to an heated argument.
Shortly after the argument, the army men caught hold of the driver whom locals identified as Nazir Ahmed and assaulted him. The army action sparked protest against them.
Reports said that the driver was admitted in the hospital for treatment.
Shortly after the incidents, the students of the private school hit to roads and raised anti-India and anti-Army slogans.
Witnesses said that in order to disperse the protesting students who demanded action against the soldiers responsible for lawlessness, the government forces resorted to aerial firing and tear-smoking shelling creating panic in the area.
Couple of students have reportedly been wounded. According to reports a Class 10th student, whom school authorities identified as Sheezan Ahmed was injured due to tear-smoke shell and received at least 7 stitches in his head.
The incident disrupted the vehicular movement on the road.
When contacted, Srinagar based Defense Spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that he will check the facts and will react on the matter. (CNS)
Press Council of India issues notice to NIA, JK police over arrest of photojournalist
New Delhi, Sep 14, CNS: Press Council of India (PCI) Thursday issued a notice to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Jammu and Kashmir police, and other state officials over the arrest of freelance Kashmiri photojournalist Kamran Yousuf.
PCI has taken a suo-motu cognizance regarding the arrest of the photo journalist and has given two weeks time to the respondents to reply to the notice.
The letter addressed to the National Investigation Agency officials, officials of Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the matter is prima facie concerned with the freedom of press in the country.
The Press Council of India has “viewed the incident with concern and taken the suo-motu cognizance of the matter under Regulation 13 of Press Council (procedure for inquiry) Regulation, 1979."
“It has been brought to the notice of the Council that Jammu and Kashmir police arrested Pulwama-based freelance photojournalist Shri Kamran Yousuf and handed over to the National Investigation Agency,” the letter said.
"Now therefore, a reply statement to this notice may please be filed within two weeks from the date of receipt of this letter to enable the further processing of the matter," the letter added.
Yousuf was detained by the Jammu and Kashmir Police on September 4. He was handed over to the NIA the next day. (CNS)
Police recovers Codeine syrups from school teacher
Kupwara, Sep 14. CNS: Based on specific input, the special team of District Police Kupwara has recovered huge quantity of Codeine. The arrested accused person has been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Wani S/o Ghulam Rasool Wani R/o Lalpora, a teacher by profession.
While briefing the media persons SSP Kupwara, Shamsheer Hussain said that during the special drive against drug peddlers, the special team has so far recovered 11.6 Kgs of Charas, 2 Kgs of Heroine, 4.5 Kgs of Brown Sugar and huge quantity of codeine. He said that more arrest and recoveries are expected in near future so as to bust the whole racket involved in sale of banned drugs and psychotropic substances which are involving the youth of the area. He also said that so far 31 accused involved in drug peddling/narcotic smugglers including four cross LoC narcotic smugglers have been arrested and investigation of cases registered is in progress. SSP also said J&K Police is committed to eradicate the drug menace from the society which is one of the commandments of J&K Police for the year 2017.
SSP Kupwara also appealed the local population to assist the police in its special drive so as to make the Kupwara drug free. Local people of the area have eulogized the role of Police for launching effective campaign against drug peddlers and sale of psychotropic substances which according to locals are adversely affecting and involving the local youth of the area who are future of region. SSP Kupwara also said that addicted youth should avail the free facilities of de-addiction created by J&K Police at de-Addiction Centre PCR Srinagar. In this regard he appealed the parents of addicted youth to come forward without any social stigma so that their future can be saved.
Tarigami hails Amnesty's report for ban on use of pellet guns in Kashmir
Srinagar, Sept 14, CNS: While hailing the Amnesty International India report calling for immediate ban on the use of pellet guns in Kashmir, CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Thursday said CPI (M) had been continuously campaigning for stopping the use of this deadly weapon which have been responsible for blinding, killing and traumatizing a number of people in the Valley.
In a statement to CNS, he said, "From Parliament to State Assembly and other forums CPI(M) have been raising the issue of ban on pellet guns as it is the cruelest and disastrous weapon. When All Party Parliamentary delegation visited here last year, assurances were given by the Center government that pellet guns will be replaced. But this government has become just the government of assurances. The pellet guns have created a havoc in Kashmir. If ever any barbaric weapon has been used for maintaining law and order, it is this pellet guns."
"The miseries of those have been blinded, maimed or killed by the pellet guns are immense. Government must take immediate steps to rehabilitate those who have lost their eyesight due to pellets or have been maimed. Though the damage done by the pellet guns is irreparable, the Government without wasting any further time must ban this cruel weapon," he demanded.
"Even if Home Minister of India acknowledged last year the fact that pellets have darkened the world of young boys in Kashmir and an alternative would found, the fact remains that the assurances have remained limited to papers only. The pellets have gravely injured the Kashmir psyche and the use of brutal force against protesters on whatever pretext is simply unacceptable. Government of India and Government of Jammu and Kashmir have become just governments of assurances and on ground nothing is being implemented, "he added. (CNS)
Probe Purchase of Excessive Items, NGEWA SKIMS To Government
Srinagar, Sep 14, CNS: A non-gazetted employee’s body of the premier healthcare facility of the valley, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, (SKIMS) in a meeting Thursdaydemanded probe into the purchase of tens of healthcare items purchased in “excess” quantities during the period Dr Showkat Ahmad Zargar was in the chair as director. The items according to the body have expired.
“Dr Showkat ordered the purchase of hundreds of items in excess quantity which have now expired,”
President of the Non Gazetted Employees Welfare Association, Ishtiaq Ahmad Baig, said in a statement to CNS.
He appealed Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti to order a sitting High Court Judge probe into the alleged bungling. (CNS)
Concentrate on studies, let politicians handle political matter: Er Rasheed to students
Handwara, Sep 14, CNS: Independent Kashmir legislator Er Rasheed on Thursday appealed to the students to focus on their studies while maintaining that the political matters should be left for the politicians.
“We need to keep children away from politics and work collectively to ensure that they get best possible education, so that they can compete with rest of the world,” a statement issued here today quoted Rasheed as saying.
Addressing a book release function in Handwara, Rasheed also asked Kashmiris to “show consistency” so that their political aspirations are fulfilled.
“We need to show commitment and consistency in our conviction and all that what we believe [in]. Kashmiris are not against anybody but can never surrender their genuine rights. The sacrifices offered by Kashmiris over three decades need a genuine and sincere response from New Delhi and by listening to voices of Kashmris New Delhi will achieve a lot that can help India to obtain a status of its stature in the world,” he said, according to the statement.
He also paid rich tributes to Kashmiri poet Sayal Pandithpori whose poetry works were included in the book released today.
Rasheed said that Pandithpora stood firm with the then leadership for seeking right to self determination.
“The slogan of right to self determination is as old as the history of India and Pakistan itself,” he said. (CNS)
DC Srinagar reviews process of land acquisition
Srinagar, Sep 14, CNS: District Development Commissioner, Srinagar Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah Thursday convened a meeting of all the Collector of District Srinagar to review the progress of Land Acquisition/Structures coming under the alignments of Syed Meerak Shah Road, Khanyar Zadibal Pandach Road, Intersection Lasjan Road, National High Way Road from Pantha Chowk to Narbal and widening of other projects falling under the Circular Road Project Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by Collector Syed Meerak Shah Road, Khanyar Zadibal Pandach Road, Collector PWD Srinagar, Collector, PDD, ERA and Collector Circular Road Project Srinagar.
He directed the Collector to ensure speedy disposal of all pending land acquisition cases so that development works of prestigious projects may not hamper for want of land acquisition. He further directed the collectors that the progress of each land acquisition case shall be reviewed weekly henceforth. (CNS)
Rana cautions against moves to trifurcate J&K, pitches for regional autonomy
Jammu, Sep 14, CNS: National Conference on Thursday strongly pitched for regional autonomy to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, saying this will be effective counter to elements conspiring trifurcation of the State.
“In the overall ambit of autonomy, the regional autonomy is the only viable solution to assuaging political, economical, developmental and psychological aspirations of the three regions of the State”, Mr Rana said while addressing a press conference at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan this afternoon.
To a question, he said the autonomy resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature is pending with the Centre and since there was no forward movement on that document, the issue of regional autonomy could not be taken to its logical conclusion. He said the doctrine provides a mechanism for empowerment of sub-regions and administrative mechanism at district level to take governance at the grass roots level, on the analogy of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils.
Reiterating the party stand on Article 35A, the Provincial President exuded confidence that the BJP led NDA government will move an effective counter-affidavit, defending this provisio, in the Supreme Court as per commitment made by Home Miniser Mr Rajnath Singh during his recent visit to Srinagar and Jammu. He described the Home Minister’s assurance as manifestation of the strong urge of people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, reflected by National Conference.
Rana said regional autonomy together with well structured district councils will end the sense of deprivation and allegations of discrimination. “This will be in a sense complete involvement of the people in decision making”, he added.
He said preserving Article 35A will be upholding the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, who had enacted visionary state subject laws 90 years ago. This proviso has more relevance now than ever before, especially for the Jammu region.
When asked on the demand of holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji on ensuing September 23, the Provincial President said that he strongly support it and has made this clear on the floor of the Legislative Assembly also. He said that declaring a holiday will be respecting the sentiments of the people of Jammu.
Describing PDP-BJP coalition government as a total failure, the Provincial President retorted back to a question, “Government deficit is too mild a comment on the performance of the coalition as there is no governance across the state”, he said, adding that the development has come to grinding halt with problems of people accumulating each day.
To a question on the observations of Congress Working President Mr Rahul Gandhi about the BJP having committed a strategic mistake by aligning with the PDP thus leading to large space to militants, Mr Rana said he would not like to comment on this but, “Yes, the militancy has gone up and the security situation is quite precarious”. He referred to the deferment of Anantnag bypolls to Lok Sabha and just seven per cent polling in Srinagar parliamentary constituency and said this reflects the security environment. He said the PDP-BJP government has reversed the gains of normality that was witnessed in the state post 2010 unfortunate incidents till 2914 under Mr Omar Abdullah as Chief Minister.
He regretted over the meager and paltry package of Rs 2,000 crore for POJK refugees, saying this is just an eye wash of the recommendations of Rs 2025 crore package formulated by Omar led government. He said the border people were suffering adversely, as commitments made to them were not kept. He said the shelling from across the border and ceasefire violations have created a sense of insecurity and deprived border dwellers of leading normal life. “Economic, farming and other activities in the forward areas have come to grinding halt”, he observed.
When asked about the stand of NC on Rohingyas, Mr Rana said that the party’s position is well known. He said the Centre should take a call on this issue as per Foreign Nationals Act and in pursuance of UN Charter.
At the outset, Mr Rana expressed his solidarity with the media and decried the unfortunate incidents outside the Jammu Press Club. He said the scenario is deplorable, especially as the media has been shouldering its responsibilities objectively in very difficult situation. He cautioned against the attempts of muzzling freedom of press and said that the morning incident was not acceptable at all.
Youth dies after tractor turns turtle
Tral, Sep 14, CNS: In a tragic accident, a 20 years old youth was killed after the tractor he was driving turned turtle at Baygund village of Tral town in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Police identified the deceased as Muzafar Ahmed Bhat son of Abdul Rashid, a resident of Chandrigam Tral. (CNS)