Mehbooba meets PM
Apprises him about sensitivities, sentiments on Art 35-A
New Delhi, Aug 11, CNS: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, who is in the national capital, called on the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi here this afternoon.
The meeting assumed significance in view of the raging debate about Article 35-A of the Indian Constitution guaranteeing special position to the residents of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Chief Minister brought to the notice of the Prime Minister the sentiments of the people of the State attached to the special position and also the apprehensions the debate of any abrogation of the same has created in their hearts and minds. She informed the Prime Minister that such debates or demands have a very negative impact on the situational progress in the State which is steadily stabilizing after putting in lot of efforts by the State and Central Governments. “Such debates and demands only vitiate the atmosphere in the State and the country as a result of which people suffer immensely”, the Chief Minister informed Mr Modi.
Terming Article 370 as the basis of constitutional relationship between the State and the Centre, Mehbooba Mufti informed Narendra Modi that the Muslim majority Jammu & Kashmir acceded to the union of India rejecting the two nation theory and consequently due constitutional guarantees were provided to J&K protecting its regional aspirations and character. “The need and urge for protecting and respecting this special status also got amply reflected during my recent interactions with leaders of several political parties in the State”, she informed the Prime Minister.
Responding positively to the concerns and apprehensions raised by the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister that 'Agenda of Alliance' agreed upon between PDP and BJP should form the basis of any discussion on the State. He also reaffirmed the successful implementation of AoA in the State during the tenure of present Government.
Pertinently, regarding the special status of J&K, the Agenda of Alliance between PDP and BJP clearly states; "While recognizing the different positions and appreciating the perceptions BJP and PDP have on the constitutional status of J&K considering the political and legislative realities, the present position will be maintained on all the constitutional provisions pertaining to J&K including the special status in the Constitution of India."
The Chief Minister had also met the union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh yesterday in this regard. (CNS)
Mehbooba's words on Article 35-A don’t matter; What PM Modi said matters most: Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: Former Chief Minister and National Conference Working President Omar Abdullah on Friday said that chief minister Mehbooba Mufti cannot be believed what she said after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the assurances of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Excuse us if we no longer believe what @MehboobaMufti says after she comes out from these meetings. Can @PMOIndia explain 'assurances' pls? (sic)," Omar wrote on his Twitter handle.
In another tweet, Omar said that if Mehbooba had received every assurance, J&K would have been largely trouble free.
"If every assurance @MehboobaMufti claimed to have received had been fulfilled J&K would be largely trouble free today," he wrote.
He said that that it is all immaterial what Mehbooba said after meeting PM Modi and what matters the most is what PM told her in the meeting. (CNS)
"What she said is immaterial. What matters is what the PM said. That's the only part of this meeting that matters at all," Omar said in another tweet.
Parts of Kashmir witnesses protests and clashes on Friday
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: Protests and clashes erupted in different parts of Kashmir Valley on Friday. Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had called for peaceful protests after congregational weekly prayers to protest the killings and excesses.
Clashes erupted in Nowhatta while peaceful protests were held at Maisuma and Hyderpora in Srinagar city.
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation (JKLF) staged a protest to denounce “killing spree” in Kashmir, especially in the southern districts of the Valley. Scores of JKLF leaders and activists took out a protest rally in Maisuma area of Srinagar after Friday prayers against the killings and alleged forces high-handedness.
Clashes erupted in Nowhatta area of Srinagar city where youth pelted stones on Government Forces who retaliated with tear-smoke shells. Friday prayers were allowed at historic Jamia Masjid, however, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continued to remain under house arrest.
Reports from Sopore said that scores of youth took to streets near Markazi Jamia Masjid Sopore and raised pro-freedom slogans as they staged protests against the killing of a teenager in pellet firing by government forces in Tral area of Pulwama district earlier this week.
The protesters pelted forces deployed at Main Bazaar and Main Chowk with stones who responded by firing teargas shells. Shopkeepers lowered their shutters and clashes spread in the area.
Clashes erupted in the Noorpora village of Tral town in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after Government forces launched a cordon-and-search-operation.Reports said that people took to streets and staged protests as forces launched the operation in the native village of Ansar Ghawatul Hind chief Zakir Musa. Clashes also erupted in Batagund and Nowdal villages of Tral after Friday prayers. Government Forces used tear-smoke shells to disperse the protesters.
A police official said that situation remained peaceful across Valley on Friday. (CNS)
Five killed in two separate accidents in Chenab Valley
Doda, Aug 11, CNS: Five people were killed in two separate road accidents in Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
At least four passengers were killed when a cab JK02-AR-8358 met with an accident on Suigwari-Chirala road near Puneja village of Doda district.
The taxi carrying 13 passengers including drivers was on its way from Pul Doda to Chirala when it skidded off the road and fell into a 150-feet deep gorge.
The deceased were identified as Mohd Yousaf Khan (80), son of Wali Khan, resident of Sunar Thawaha; Om Prakash (30), son of Vidya Lal, resident of Bankhan Thawaha; Fazal Din, son of Roshan Din, resident of Jandani and Punjab Singh, son of Khazan Chand, resident of Bonjwah.
In another accident a driver of a Tata Mobile vehicle was killed when he lost the control over it and it felt into a deep gorge.
A police official said that Akhtar Hussain, a resident of Link Road Kishtwar was heading to his home from Paddar when he met with an accident near Kishtwar, resulting in his on spot death.
The Tata Mobile (JK17 2125) according to police was badly damaged in the accident. (CNS)
Truckers forced to pay bribe for unloading trucks at FCI Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 3, CNS: Truckers at FCI Store here in Kashmir capital Srinagar are being forced to pay bribe to get their loaded trucks unloaded.
There are over 60 trucks loaded with rice, flour and sugar parked at Food Corporation of India Store here in Srinagar. The drivers who staged a protest in the FCI premises alleged that only two trucks are being loaded a day.
“We are helpless and pay bribe to the tune of Rs 1800 to 2200 to get our trucks unloaded at an earliest. Those who refuse to grease the palm of the officials get stuck and we are among them,” the protesting drivers told news agency CNS.
“I paid Rs 1800 and got my truck unloaded. This is injustice and action should be initiated against the corrupt officials. I paid money to labourers who told me that this will go into the pockets of some officials,” said Jogi Singh, the driver of the truck bearing registration number PB32P-4171.
Manager FCI, Parvez Bhat denied the allegations of corruption. He said that they are lacking manpower as a result loaded trucks get stuck in the store. (CNS)
Class 11 exams scheduled on Aug 12 postponed: BOSE
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: The State Board of School Education (BOSE) has postponed the Term 1 and 2 examinations of class 11th scheduled tomorrow.
"It is hereby notified for the information of all the heads of institutions/concerned candidates and stake-holders that the examination pertaining to ongoing Higher Secondary Examination Part-I (class 11th) Term-1st and Term-2nd Session July, 2017 scheduled to be held on August 12, 2017(Saturday) has been postponed and now been -rescheduled on August 16 (Wednesday) at the same time and venue," a BOSE spokesperson said in a statement here. (CNS)
Mirwaiz warns of street protests if pro-India parties fail to protect special status of Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: Hurriyat (M) chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday warned of a peoples agitation if the pro-India regional parties failed to protect the special status of the state.
Calling the attempts to abrogate Article 35-A as a “very serious and critical matter”, Mirwaiz said: “Pro-India regional parties are duty bound to the people of JK not to allow it to happen and it is their responsibility to ensure that such designs are thwarted and resisted and the special status of the state protected at all cost.”
In a statement, issued here today, Mirwaiz said “otherwise people will hit the streets as there is no way such measures will be tolerated by them, consequences of which will again be the sole responsibility of these parties.”
Mirwaiz, who continues to be under house arrest and was once again barred from delivering Friday Sermon at Jama Masjid Srinagar, said after the passing of GST that did away with the state’s fiscal autonomy, hectic efforts are underway by the BJP-RSS combine to “altogether do away with the special status of J&K by challenging Article 35A in the Supreme Court.”
“As this article bars non-J&K state subjects to settle and buy property in J&K, the article is being challenged in court with the view to alter the demography of the state by settling people from outside the state, with the right to acquire land and property, and vote in the Assembly elections.”
Mirwaiz said it is basically aimed at reducing the 75% Muslim majority of the state into a minority and change the basic character of the state in order to undermine and deeply affect its disputed nature.
He said it being done under a deliberate plan and is part of the much flaunted "final solution " to the Kashmir dispute by the Indian state led by the RSS.
Mirwaiz said for past 70 years people of JK have been striving and struggling and hugely sacrificing to make GOI accept the reality of the Kashmir dispute and make them fulfill their commitment to the people of Kashmir before the world community.
He said it is the duty of every Kashmiri to safeguard these sacrifices and play their role in resolution of the dispute.
Mirwaiz said since last year, more than 160 civilians have been killed with impunity by the forces while thousands became victim to pellet guns and lost their eyes and limbs.
Mirwaiz said those in power, especially the PDP, should realize that their weaknesses for power is making people of Kashmir pay dearly and history will never forgive them if they continue in this manner. (CNS)
Jail authorities deny medical aid to Shabir Shah, alleges Freedom Party
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: The Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) on Friday expressed serious concern over the ill and inhuman treatment meted out to its chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah at Tihar jail saying he is not allowed taking medicine for the third consecutive day and is abused by notorious criminals of the jail by calling him an “Aatankwadi” (terrorist).
“Shah Shah being a diabetic patient is not even provided the basic diet not to speak of the diabetic diet,” a party spokesperson quoted Shah’s family members, who met him on Friday, as saying.
They said the condition of Shabir Ahmad Shah continues to be severe despite the court order. “Though jail authorities take rupees 6000 per month for every inmate but they refused the same to be deposited for Shah Sahib. This reveals authorities are deliberately playing with the life of Shah,” he said.
The spokesperson reiterated his concern over lodging of Shabir Ahmad Shah among notorious criminals in jail. “Shah Sahib is lodged at Jail number 7 where about 60 to 70 hardcore criminals are placed and they are calling him Aatankwadi (terrorist) and abusing him. This is a serious threat to his life,” he said.
The Freedom Party spokesperson urged the human rights organizations to take serious cognizance of the above mentioned plight of the senior resistance leader of Jammu Kashmir, Shabir Ahmad Shah, who is subjected to worst kind of political vengeance by Indian authorities.
Two days Bangus Awaam Mela organized by Army concludes
Kupwara, Aug 11, CNS: The two day Bangus Awaam Mela organized by Army (Kilo Force) concluded at Bangus Valley.
As per a statement issued by Army, the second day of the Bangas Awaam Mela commenced with the release of pigeons and balloons signifying the peace and tranquility in the Bangas Valley. School children from various schools presented self-made cards through which their young minds creatively expressed the message of peace and brotherhood.
After the enthusiastic response to the Medical & Veterinary Camp and ‘Know Our Army’ functions organised by 21RR (GUARDS) of 7 Sector RR yesterday, the second and the final day was filled with entertainment, fun and frolic. It was dedicated to the celebration of talent of the natives of the Bangas Valley. The highlights were display of martial arts skills by the youth, cultural programme comprising local folk songs and dance by the children and local artists and culminated with the traditional horse race which evoked high passion. The students of Army Goodwill School, Budkot and Monarch High School, Handwara also presented few patriotic songs including Sare Jahah Se Acha Hindustaan Hamara during the programme. Commander 7 Sector RR distributed prizes to the participants to encourage them and to motivate them to hone their talent. The Army distributed 600 solar lights for use by the local inhabitants of the valley. The Army’s initiative saw an overwhelming response from about 1500 people who attended the event.
Yaseer Geelani, Chairman of Bangas valley Youth Devp Forum and Md Yasin Poswal, Gen Secy, J&K Gujjar Bakarwal Conference addressed the gathering mainly comprising Gujjar/ Bakarwals from the area. Defence Labour Officer Mr Mansoor ahmed Mir and Zonal Education Officer, Handwara Mr
Mohammad Syed who attended the mela gave a patient hearing to the requirements projected by the awam.
Commander 7 Sector RR in his address to the people lauded the patriotism of the Gujjar community and said that the Army shares a special affinity towards the community based on mutual respect and understanding. He conveyed the best wishes of GOC Kilo Force to the people of Bangas Valley . He also appreciated the efforts undertaken by 21 RR Bn (Guards) in making the festival a success. Seeing the response of the people to the distribution of solar lights, he said that by next year it will be his endeavour to provide solar light to each bhaik. His promise to provide academic assistance to the children of the community in form of tution classes under Sadbhavna initiative by next year elicited wide appreciation.
The Bangas Awaam Mela witnessed the calm and serene valley reverberate with enthusiasm, energy and bonhomie between the Army and the Awaam sending the message of peace and harmony across Kashmir. The function concluded with slogans of Bharat Mata ki Jai by the attendees. (CNS) (Photograph attached)
Two drug peddlers arrested in Srinagar
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: Srinagar police arrested two drug peddlers and recovered contraband substances from their possession.
During naka checking at Pahroo, a police party of Police Station Nowgam intercepted a Maruti car bearing registration number JK04C-5969. On checking 144 tablets, one bottle of prescription drugs and 20 grams of charas were recovered from the vehicle. Two persons identified as Sheikh Lateef son of Abdul Hamid Sheikh resident of Kenhama and Arsalan Khan resident of Bagi Mehtab travelling the vehicle have been taken into custody.
A case FIR number 91/2017 under section 8/20 NDPS Act was registered and investigation was taken up. (CNS)
Article 35A row:
People need to foil India’s sinister designs, says Aga Hasan
Budgam, Aug 11, CNS: Senior separatist leader and president Anjuman Shari Shian Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi has said that the Indian bid to remove Article 35A and the judicial onslaught of special status has exposed the sinister designs of Government of India.
He was addressing annual Hussain Conference on Friday at Chandpora Budgam that was attended by thousands of devotees. Aga Syed Hasan stressed the need to highlight the glorious sacrifice which Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions offered at Karbala which served as a new lease of life for Islam. He said Imam Hussain (RA) taught the world to sacrifice everything for the crusade against oppression and injustice.
He said that hectic efforts are on to do away with the special status of J&K by challenging Article 35A in the Indian Supreme Court. “India wants to change the Muslim demography of Jammu and Kashmir. This article is being challenged in court with the view to alter the demography of the state by settling people from outside the state here making them residents, he said.
Aga Hsan said that this is a very serious issue with serious ramifications and people should get united to foil Indian designs.
He said that instead of these tactics Government of India should work towards the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and for a peaceful subcontinent.
Aga Syed Hasan also paid rich tributes to Shaheed Sheikh Abdul Aziz on his martyrdom anniversary. He said that Sheikh Abdul Aziz played a key role on political and armed fronts. Aga Hasan also condemned the brutal killings of militants and civilians in Tral. (CNS)
Preserve Environment For Future Generations: Asghar Samoon
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: Stressing for the mass awareness against the large scale environmental degradation in Kashmir, the secretary for higher education, Dr. Asghar Hassan Samoon on Friday said that for the preservation of environment, the society has to come together collectively.
“This is not an individual responsibility; it needs collective efforts to preserve our environment for future generations,” he said during a launch of the special issue on environment by the weekly magazine, The Legitimate.
The function was organized at premier Green Valley Educational Institute Elahi Bagh Srinagar.
While appreciating the news magazine for picking up the crucial and an important issue which is of grave concern, he urged the journalists and media houses to propagate the information on environmental degradation by which the people can be made aware about the prevailing concern.
He quoted the couplet of great saint of Kashmir Noor-ud-Din Reshi (RA) where he had said that Ann Poshe Teli Yeli Poshi Wan, (the food will last as long as forests last).
“Even our prophet has stressed for preserving the environment and said that God reward mankind for planting trees,” he said.
President Private Schools’ Association GN Var appreciated The Legitimate magazine for bringing up the issue and said that they are committed to impart the awareness about the growing concerns of environment in their schools.
He said the private schools have made it mandatory that their students are participating in environment related activates in an order to make them understand the growing concern of environmental degradation.
Asem Mohiuddin, Editor-In-Chief, The Legitimate on the occasion said that the serene and green pastures of Kashmir are facing an illegal intervention of human beings due to which the paradise once called on earth is emerging as a major challenge on the environmental front.
He said the 48 pages special edition was published in which the senior journalists writers, environmentalists, social activists, researchers, scientists and lawyers have focused exclusively on issues in Kashmir which are facing environmental onslaught in Kashmir. (CNS)
Army Officers on Yatra Duty meet Governor
Srinagar, Aug 11, CNS: Col. Gaurav Shukla, C.O. 10 Garwal and Col. M.S. Dixit, C.O. 8 Madras, made farewell calls on Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan on the conclusion of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra related tasks. It would be recalled that the 8 Madras was located at Sheshnag responsible for the security of the Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Holy Cave axis while 10 Garwal was located at Domail and was responsible for the Baltal-Domail-Holy Cave axis.
Governor lauded the high professionalism and the devoted role of the officers and men of the 10 Garwal and 8 Madras Units in safeguarding the routes to the Holy Cave during the entire period of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. He wished the Commanding Officers continuing high success in their future responsibilities and presented mementos to them. (CNS)