Chief Minister launches citizen’s portal of Crime Branch
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti launched the citizen’s portal of the Crime Branch of J&K Police here today.
Congratulating the J&K Police for launching the portal, the Chief Minister hoped that it would bring in lot of ease to people in their relations with the Police in terms of lodging a complaint, seeking employee verification or tracking the status of a case.
Mehbooba Mufti hoped that other Departments would also follow the suit and incorporate these citizen friendly interventions in their services. She said recently she also launched a similar portal of State Pollution Control Board which would also help in minimising delays and corruption in rendering their services.
Earlier briefing the Chief Minister, Director General of Police, Dr. S. P. Vaid said the launch of the portal would facilitate citizen interface with the Police. He hoped the launch of the portal would help in crime detection, busting interstate gangs and provide people requisite information for which they would not have to travel down to Police Stations. (CNS)
Four die in Samba road accident
Legislator assaulted by enraged mob
Samba, Aug 16, CNS: A student was among three people killed in a road accident in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
The accident took place when a mini bus they were travelling in rolled down on the road in Samba district, said an official.
He said the bus was on way to Samba from a border village when the driver lost control over the vehicle due to brake failure.
Four people, including two students, were killed and 23 others injured after a speedy minibus skidded off the road and crashed into a tree in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning.
Eyewitnesses said that the minibus was driven by the driver recklessly and it skidded off the road before crashing into the trunk of a roadside tree.
As per eyewitnesses, the impact of the crash was such that the heads of three dead passengers were badly mutilated.
Ironically, the driver managed to escape from the spot unhurt. The incident occurred near gate of an Indian Army unit.
SP Samba Anil Magotra told news agency CNS that injured were shifted to Government Medical College in Jammu for specialized treatment. He identified some of the deceased as
Mehak, daughter of Kali Singh of Chalyari, 15-year-old Janu, son of Balbir Singh of Khanpur, and Prem Jeet of Sarti.
Enraged over the accident, angry locals blocked the Chachwal-Samba road. Reports said that protesters attacked the MLA Samba Davinder Kumar Manyal when one of the deceased was being cremated. The angry mob not only assaulted him but also pelted stones on him. Sources said that he suffered injuries and was shifted to hospital.
Sources said that angry mob pelted stones on the vehicle (JK02B-02228) of legislator and broke its windshields as well.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has expressed grief over the death of three persons in a road accident in Samba district today.
The Chief Minister has directed the Samba district administration to undertake immediate rescue operations at the spot and shift the injured for more specialised treatment.
Mehbooba Mufti has conveyed her sympathies to the families who lost their members in the accident. (CNS)
LeT militant killed in Pulwama
Pulwama, Aug 16, CNS: Top militant of Lashkar-i-Toiba Ayub Lalhari was killed in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Reports said that Army party from 55 RR had laid an ambush in Bandarpora area and as soon as a vehicle passed through the road, they fired upon it killing LeT commander Muhammad Ayoub Lone alias Ayoub Lelhari.
Reports said that a Tavera vehicle that was moving around Banderpora in Pulwama was fired upon and it led to a killing.
State Police Chief confirmed the killing, on the twitter. He said Lelhari was district commander of Lashkar.A resident of Lelhar, the slain’s name was Mohammad Ayoub Lone.
Local residents said the vehicle was intercepted and it led to a very brief encounter. A policeman was also injured in the firefight, said DIG South Kashmir.
Police sources said the militant was tracked in a vehicle and it led to an exchange in an encounter in the apple orchards of this village. CNS)
Security agencies formulating strategy to counter stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir, says DG CRPF
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) RR Bhatnagar Wednesday said that an effective strategy has been formulated to deal with the stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir Valley. He said that all the security agencies have been working in coordination to deal with the law and order situation.
He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar city, held for widows of paramilitary personnel killed in the line of duty.
Responding to a question, Director General CRPF said that the situation in Kashmir is “definitely under control”.
He said, police and paramilitary CRPF personnel are being trained in standard operating procedures (SOPs) to help them deal with stone pelting incidents in Kashmir. He said the strategy, training and new SOPs had been formulated.
“Using non-lethal ammunition mostly, we along with JK police have devised a strategy to put to work during strikes and stone pelting and you will see its effect soon,” he said.
Talking on the counter-insurgency operations, Bhatnagar said the forces were succeeding.
“There is good coordination between police, Army and CRPF. All are working as one unit,” he said.
Referring to the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen operational commander Muhammad Yasin Itoo, the DG CRPF said 132 militants had been killed this year including seven commanders.
“In the coming time, we will have more successes,” he concluded. (CNS)
Mehbooba, Drabu welcome extension of tax exemption for JK's industries
Tax exemption to continue till March 2027
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the extension in tax exemption announced today by the Centre for the industries in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister said the extension in tax exemption would go a long way in promoting industrial growth and economic development in the State.
The extension in tax exemption for industries in J&K and other hilly states till March 2027 was announced by the Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley today after the decision was approved by the Union Cabinet which met in New Delhi this morning under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mehbooba specially thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley for having taken personal and keen interest in ensuring continuation of tax exemption to the industries in Jammu and Kashmir for another 10 years.
Meanwhile, Minister for Finance Dr Haseeb Drabu has also welcomed the extension in tax exemption for the industries in Jammu and Kashmir, which he said would be paid as a refund under the present Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
Hailing the Centre's decision, Dr Drabu said the State Government would within the next fortnight work out the exact modalities and incentive structure that will benefit local industry, investors and consumers. "The new incentive structure will protect the local industry and benefit local customers," he said.
He said the State Government, under Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, is committed to incentivize the industries but the tax and fiscal incentives should be given in such a manner that it promotes greater employment and higher value addition.
Pertinently, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today announced in New Delhi that the industries in J&K, the north eastern states and other Himalayan states will continue to get tax exemption till March 2027, albeit as refund, under the current Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime which was rolled out on July 1.
"Within the framework of the GST Act each industry will be entitled to its own refund mechanism during this particular period (March 31, 2027)," Jaitley said after the Union Cabinet meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Industries in the north eastern and Himalayan states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand under the previous excise regime used to get 10-year exemption, he said.
Under the new GST regime, there is no provision for exemption but there is one section under the Act which permits refunds.
"Therefore, refund would be permitted through DBT. The sunset clause of these exemption has been extended to 2027. 4,284 industrial establishment will entitled to this benefit. Budgetary provision for this Rs 27413 crore," he said. (CNS)
Wounded trooper succumbs in hospital
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: A CRPF trooper, who was injured in a grenade attack by militants in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, succumbed to injuries today, officials said.
Constable Reyaz Ahmad died at SKIMS hospital in Soura this afternoon, they said.
He was among the five government forces' personnel injured in the attack on August 14.
The militants had hurled a grenade at a road opening party of CRPF and police at Batpora, Kanihama area of Budgam district on Monday.
Urdu not only associated with Muslims only: says Kashmiri renowned writer and novelist
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Renowned writer, novelist and trader Muhammad Sayeed Trambo who is known to people by his pen name Wahshi Sayeed has said that Urdu language was politicized and to make it obsolete an impression was given that it belongs to Muslims only, while the fact is that it is being spoken not only in South Asia but in different countries of the world.
“One language that we can all agree is beautiful is that of Urdu. Urdu, as a language, just rolls of your tongue smoothly and touches your heart with its beautiful words and pronunciations. Many people switch languages and use Urdu words to express how they feel because feelings can be best expressed in Urdu.”
Talking to CNS over the revival and impact of Urdu language, Wahshi said that this language in Kashmir became popular during the rule of Maharaja Hari Singh while it got the official status in 1889 when Maharaja Pratap Singh rule the State.e
“Urdu is a very eloquent language. The words are mesmerizingly pleasing and because of that, they seem to touch your heart and express exactly what you are feeling. Hindi speakers are sometime shocked to learn that some of the words that they use daily are actually Urdu words and not Hindi words. Many Hindi and Urdu words have crossed over in each other’s languages. Sometimes, a Hindi speaker will express her/himself in Urdu without even realizing because we are so used to them and because these words are truly more beautiful than their Hindi counter parts. The Urdu language has become an important part of life for the Hindi speakers too,” he said.
While talking about the sweetness of this language, Wahshi Sayeed, who is Chief Editor Nageena International, said that most Urdu words are very sweet to hear. They fall lightly on your ears and you actually feel calmed by the language. Undoubtedly, it is a pleasant language. “Urdu is a language that we cannot even think of forgoing at all. The beauty of Urdu is truly captivating and mesmerizing,” he said.
While talking about the difficulties faced by the language, Wahshi said that Urdu language faces lots of difficulties and challenges from two sides: from the government and from the speakers of the language. Today a big problem is that the Urdu speakers have thrown out Urdu language from their houses as the trend is towards English. Though the seminars and conferences in cities are organized and conducted in English and the people are not giving attention to the basic education of Urdu language. So, when the basic education of the language will stop what to say about its higher education. There is a need for Urdu speakers to be aware of the problems and interests of the language. And they should think to solve its problems and protect its interests. (CNS)
‘NIA raids a move to pressurize leaders and lawyers to stop supporting Kashmir Freedom Struggle, alleges Bar Assoicaiton
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Kashmir Bar Association Wednesday expressed concern over the raid conducted by NIA at the house of senior Advocate Muhammad Shafi Reshi.
The Bar Association said that Muhammad Shafi Reshi, is an Executive Member of the Bar and a pro-freedom activist, who has all along pleaded the cause of the people, both inside and outside the court and it is only because of the said reason that the NIA has raided his house to torture, humiliate and pressurize him and to force him to give up his support to the freedom struggle.
The Bar Association stated that earlier the NIA officials had conducted a similar kind of raid on the house of another member of the Bar Association, Shahid-ul-Islam where after he was firstly called to Delhi and tortured and humiliated there and thereafter was arrested at Srinagar and was taken to Delhi where he was kept in police custody for quite some time and was later sent to judicial lockup and presently he is lodged in Tihar Jail.
It was also stated that though TADA/POTA Court located at Jammu and Srinagar have both been designated as NIA Courts, but despite the availability of an NIA Court at Srinagar, Shahid-ul-Islam and many other pro-freedom activists whose houses were also raided by NIA, were taken to Delhi and produced before an NIA Court over there, only to tease, torture and harass them, physically and mentally and bring them as well as their family members under pressure so that they give up their support to the cause of freedom of people of Kashmir.
It was also stated that on 4th of August, 2017, Zahid Ali Lone, another advocate and member of the Bar Association was arrested when he was coming back after offering his condolence to the family members of a youth, who was killed by the Indian forces. It was also stated that Zahid Ali Lone, had filed a bail application before a court at Kulgam, but because of the Presiding Officer having gone on leave, his application was not decided and he, therefore, continues to be in unlawful detention in a police station at Damalhanjipora, Kulgam. It was also stated that raiding the houses of lawyers and putting them behind the bars, the Govt. of India and its stooges in Kashmir are following a policy of ‘Witch Hunting’ and ‘Victimization’, which is aimed at to threaten and intimidate the lawyers community, so that they backtrack from the demand of right of self-determination and stop giving their support to the freedom struggle, which, besides being politically motivated is against all cannons of law and is also violation of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by domestic as well as International Law to every human being. It was also stated that the police have also arrested Nahida Nasreen during the dead of the night, a day before, which too is not permissible under law. She after interrogation, has however been lodged in Womens police station Rambagh, Srinagar, where no one is allowed to meet her. It was also stated that under law no women can be arrested before sunrise or after sunset, but in the case of Nahida Nasreen, the said cardinal principle of law has not been complied with.
After debating the issue for about an hour, the members, in order to show their solidarity with Mohammad Shafi Reshi, Advocate and also register their protest against the raiding of his house, unanimously decided, not only to abstain from court work for the day, but also staged a protest demonstration outside the High Court premises and demanded that in order to bring an end to the grave human rights violations, being committed in Kashmir, the International Community should play its role and ask India to give up the policy of harassment, intimidation, torture, humiliation, arresting, blinding and killing of innocent Kashmiris and to fulfil the commitments, promises and pledges made by its leaders to the people of Kashmir which are also embodied in the 28 Security Council Resolutions, by acceding to their right of self-determination, so that the people of Kashmir, also live a life in peace and tranquility. (CNS)
Aripanthan shuts in memory of 4 youth killed in Forces firing in 2016
Budgam, Aug 16, CNS: In memory of the four innocent youth killed last year on this day by Government Forces, the Aripanthan village in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district observed a complete shutdown.
Muhammad Ashraf Wani, a businessman; Manzoor Ahmad Lone, a farmer; Javid Ahmad Najar, a carpenter and Javid Ahmad Sheikh, a hairdresser were shot dead by forces on August 16 as peoples agitation was going on in Kashmir following the July 8 killing of Burhan Wani.
All shops and other commercial establishments are closed while public transport is off the roads in the area.
No separatist organization had called for the strike in the area. (CNS)
DAK urges use of HPV vaccine to prevent cancers
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today urged parents to get their children vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) that would prevent several types of cancers.
With cancer cases on rise in Jammu and Kashmir, President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said we have an amazing opportunity to prevent certain types of cancers in future generations through HPV vaccination.
HPV infection is known to cause almost all cases of cervical cancer and is also related to several other anogenital cancers.
About 70 to 80 percent of oropharyngeal cancers, which mostly occur in men, are linked to HPV infection.
In a study published in “JAMA Oncology”, it was found that people who were detected to have oral HPV had a sevenfold increase in the risk of subsequent head and neck cancers.
Use of HPV vaccine would prevent a lot of these cancers and save lives.
In Australia, where the vaccine is mandatory there is a huge drop in cancer cases.
CDC recommends that both boys and girls should get two doses of vaccine, at least six months apart, when they are 11 or 12 years of age.
For adults who have not been vaccinated, they can still be given the vaccine up until age 26.
You need to get the vaccine, before you are exposed to the virus.
WHO recommends that routine HPV vaccination should be included in national immunization programmes.
Despite recommendations, HPV vaccine is not offered to children putting them at risk of preventable cancers.
There is an urgent necessity to educate people and make healthcare providers aware about the importance of vaccine.
Around 630 million people worldwide are infected with HPV and approximately 6 million people being infected each year.
Of the 12.7 million new cancer cases in 2008 worldwide, 610,000 were attributed to HPV infection. (CNS)
Soldier injured in border firing on Aug 7 succumbs, army pays homage
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Army on Wednesday paid homage to a soldier who succumbed to injuries sustained during cross-border firing in Uri area of North Kashmir's Baramulla district on August 7.
Havaldar Narendra Singh breathed his last at 92 Base hospital in Srinagar today.
“He was provided immediate first aid and evacuated to 92 Base Hospital where he fought against death before succumbing to the injuries,” said a spokesman.
Lt Gen JS Sandhu, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks, paid homage to the soldier in a ceremony at B B Cant.
In a show of solidarity, the Revenue Minister of J&K Abdul Rehmaan Veeri and officials of other security agencies also joined in paying their last respects to the soldier, said the spokesman. (CNS)
Army goes on ‘rampage’ in twin villages of Hajin town
Bandipora, Aug 16, CNS: In response to a stone-pelting incident, Army personnel from India’s 13 Rashtriya Rifles Wednesday thrashed pedestrians, damaged property and ransacked houses in twin villages of Vijpara and Shahgund in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Locals informed news agency CNS that an army patrolling party was passing through Shahgund village of Hajin town when some youth hurled stones on them. According to locals, the army patrolling party sought reinforcement and as soon as they were joined by another party, they went on rampage in the village.
The army personnel targeted the adjoining Vijpara village as well. Locals said that no pedestrian was spared and beaten to pulp. “They (Army) barged into houses and ransacked them. The army men damaged the parked vehicles and broke the window panes of the houses. They unleashed a reign of terror in our villages and even didn’t spare elderly people and female folk,” said locals.
Refuting the allegations, Srinagar based Defense spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that Army didn’t indulge in ransacking of house. “No civilian was manhandled and no vehicle or property was damaged,” he said. (CNS)
JRL reacts to Abdullah’s statement: ‘Article 35-A abrogation will affect Right to Self Determination of Kashmiris’
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) on Wednesday said that the abrogation of Article 35-A will “severely affect and dilute the case of Right to self determination of the people of Kashmir.”
JRL comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik said this, in a statement today, while reacting to the statement of Omar Abdullah in which he had said that Hurriyat had no business in the matter of article 35A.
JRL said that Omar Abdullah should understand that abrogation of article 35A by the Indian state in order to “change the demography of disputed J&K where the UN is yet to hold the promised plebiscite”, is a matter of serious concern for all Kashmiris.
“As the outcome of abrogation of 35A will severely affect and dilute the case of Right to self determination of the people of Kashmir, for which people of Kashmir have been struggling and sacrificing for the past 70 years,” said the JRL.
Since its existence, they said, National Conference has been constantly changing its goal post from autonomy to pre-1953 to self determination and so on, as suits its [NC’s] only aim that is how to get to the chair. And for that purpose it [NC] can go to any extent. It has excelled [in] the art of changing colors like a chameleon, as its history of past 70 years bears testimony.”
“It was in 1938 which changed the course of Kashmir history when late sheikh Mohammad Abdullah converted the Muslim Conference into National Conference. The conversion was an act of treason with blood of martyrs of 13th July 1931,” they said.
“Its purpose was to forge an alliance with the Indian National Congress in order to attain power. It was a decision the repercussions of which people of Kashmir are facing for the past 85 years, especially our generation next who are being mercilessly and systematically wiped out.”
JRL claimed that Sheikh Abdullah, despite being a peoples representative, coerced the Maharaja to hand over Kashmir to India.
“He himself mentioned in his biography Aatash e Chinar that Gandhiji was not ready to send Indian army to Kashmir but he [Sheikh Sb] convinced him to do so in order to safeguard the "secularism of India".”
When Pandit Nehru promised before the world community that a plebiscite will be held in J&K to decide its future and the world community pressurized India and Pakistan to do so through various resolutions on it, it was Abdullah who in 1948 at UN Security Council opposed this demand, said the JRL.
“When the UN nominated Sir Owen Dixon as a representative to assess the holding of RSD, it was late Sheikh Abdullah who on 27th Oct 1950 decided to establish a constitutional assembly to legitimize Kashmiris accession to India,” said the leadership.
JRL reminded Omar Abdullah that the Indira Abdullah accord of 1975 was another blow to the people's resistance movement when late Sheikh Abdullah again let the nation down after decimating the Plebiscite Front and the efforts and sacrifices of those who stood by him when he was leading them in that direction.
JRL said instead of sermonizing Omar Abdullah and NC should fulfill their moral duty and responsibility to the people of Kashmir as pro India parties and get people of Kashmir out of the situation in which they are in because of them. (CNS)
Modi’s remarks on Kashmir an act of hypocrisy: LeT
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: Militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba has rejected what it said the fake sympathies of Narendra Modi with Kashmiris by tagging this attitude as an act of hypocrisy. “It is a long followed tradition by Chankyaee puppets as a saying goes, 'Malice concealed behind sweet talk', the outfit chief said in a statement to news agency CNS.
LeT Chief Mehmood Shah said that If Modi is concerned about the Kashmir issue then why it is that the youth of Kashmir are being martyred on a daily basis?! Why it is that each passing day leaves behind tales of sorrow and grievance?! Why the graveyards of Kashmir are being populated with the people who once cherished the freedom?! Why it is that Kashmiris are being put behind bars under the fake laws including PSA?
“The narrative of Modi is denied by the ground realities. The minorities are being tortured to death. Muslims are being selectively targeted. Freedom of religion is scarce in Occupied Kashmir. It is the same ill-fated sick agenda upon which Modi was appointed to as Indian Prime Minister.”
“If Modi is concerned about the solution to the Kashmir dispute, then he must vacate Kashmir of Indian Forces and let the UN resolutions for Kashmir be implemented without any exposure to any kind of rigging. The UN resolutions have been signed with written consent of both the stakeholders; Pakistan and India.”
Mahmood Shah appreciated and congratulated the Kashmiri nation for celebrating 15th of August as Black Day. Such an act is evident for the world to see that India is not a Democratic state but a terrorist one. (CNS)
J&K Bank rehabilitates family of deceased Ratnipora girl
Srinagar, Aug 16, CNS: J& K Bank today followed the earlier exemplary action of terminating its employee found involved in the unfortunate incident at B.U. Ratnipora on July 28th with fulfilment of commitment to rehabilitate the deceased girl’s family by extending a financial assistance of Rs 25 lacs. The move is aimed at providing a respectable livelihood to them and also ensures quality education to her two minor siblings.
The amount contributed by the Bank (under CSR) and its staff jointly and invested in the joint names of family members under Banks Monthly Yield Program, was presented to the family by Chairman and CEO, Parvez Ahmed at Bank’s Corporate Headquarters in presence of Executive President Vagish Chander, President P K Tickoo, Vice President M A Wanchoo, Zonal Head South-I Tasaduq Ahmed Dar, Cluster Head Muzafar Qadri and other Senior Officers of the Bank. The Investments hence made shall ensure a reasonable and regular monthly pay outs amounting to Rs.13500/- to the family apart from keeping a safe capital cushion for future contingency.
Hailing employees of the Bank for their spirit and sensitivity to social concerns at the occasion, Chairman highlighted their inherent willingness to walk extra mile at every occasion when it came to taking up issues of critical social importance. He thanked the employees of the Bank for voluntarily responding to the message for supporting the distressed family and appreciated the willingness expressed by many of the employees to contribute even higher than the desired amount.
Chairman while recollecting the developments post the unfortunate incident informed that the decision of terminating the accused employee immediately on hearing about the tragic news was taken by the Bank’s Management to send a strong message of intolerance towards the unethical conduct at its work places. He remarked that the faith and trust reposed by the people of the State on the Bank and its employees must be protected at all costs.
Chairman while interacting with the deceased girl’s parents suggested them in an appealing tone to explore all possible means for educating their two minor children in the best possible mode and medium with the extended financial support and assured them of Bank’s endeavor to facilitate fulfilling their cherished dreams on the path of educating their children. The scene turned emotional when the two minor siblings (A Boy and a Girl) of the deceased while interacting with the Chairman expressed their career desires of becoming a doctor and a teacher respectively. Visibly Emotional Chairman prayed for fulfillment of their career wishes and wished all humans a life without distress.
On the sidelines at the occasion, Chairman while addressing the members of the Bank management present there advised them to build highest standards of Corporate Governance and professionalism in the Bank. He emphasized on introducing such deterrents which ensure zero recurrence of such incidents in future. He also directed them to highlight to the staff, the resultant outcome of the collective effort by way of their joint contribution which is bound to change the destiny of a destitute family and inspires us all to undertake such initiatives with consistence in future.(CNS)