Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Reposing full faith in the Indian Supreme Court, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said that she hoped that Supreme Court will strike down the petition that is challenging our special status.
“I have full faith in the Supreme Court. I have conviction that like in the past, this time as well, the Supreme Court will strike down (the petition challenging 35A),” she said and urged upon India to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.
She said that cutting across party lines, we all stand together to save the identity of the state whenever it is challenged. “Nobody can separate us when our identity and culture is at stake. We are united to save our special status,” she said.
In her address at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar on the eve of India’s 70th Independence Day, Mehbooba Mufti lamented that youth in Kashmir instead of having pens in their hands have guns on their shoulders. “Kashmiryat is not seen anywhere in Kashmir but it is now seen in Jammu and Ladakh where people from all faiths walk shoulder to shoulder,” she said.
“Kashmir issue is a human issue that needs to be resolved within the framework of humanity.
I hope that the Central Government will bring Vajpayee Ji’s promise into practice and take the people of Jammu and Kashmir out of this whirlpool through dialogue. Dialogue is also in our Agenda of Alliance,” she said.
She also appealed to Pakistan not play “negative” role in Kashmir.
Appealing Pakistan to stop its ‘negative’ role in Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti said that Pakistan should engage India into a dialogue and help in the resolution of Kashmir issue.
Terming dialogue as the only way ahead to sort out issues, the Chief Minister said if peaceful negotiations can resolve all other issues in the country why can’t these help in redressing issues in Jammu & Kashmir. She said she was pleased to see Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj saying that dialogue is the only way ahead in resolving border disputes with China. She hoped Pakistan would also understand the need for peaceful engagement with India and the central Government would also undertake a broad based outreach treating the issues within the ambit of humanity as initiated by former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee. She said the Agenda of Alliance of present Government has also declared that dialogue with all stakeholders in the State is the way forward.
Mehbooba Mufti said good neighborly relations between India and Pakistan are very crucial for the people of the State who bear the brunt of any bitterness in relations between the two countries. She said due to the recent tension along the LoC, hundreds of people living close to the borders in the State had to migrate to safer places. Many of them, she said, lost their lives, schools in these areas got closed and a lot of them were rendered homeless. For how long it would continue, she asked.
Describing Jammu & Kashmir as the land of saints and sages, the Chief Minister said it was Hazrat Shah-e-Hamdan (R.A.) who brought along hundreds of artisans who trained the people here in skill development in various fields. Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Wali (R.A.) taught and practiced brotherhood, amity and harmony to our people, she added. She said Nature has bestowed the State with huge natural resources in the form of water, forests and scenic beauty which once harnessed optimally would not only usher in a developmental revolution in the State but also suffice the needs of country in terms of power, irrigation and other sectors.
The Chief Minister had a word of advice for the parents as well. She appealed them to guide their wards to take up pens instead of stones and guns. “Let us ponder, how is it that the guns manufactured somewhere far off find their use in every Muslim society. Why should it happen? Why can’t our youngsters be put in productive, creative streams rather than in this confusion”, she said in her address.
Later, the Chief Minister took salute on the march past by contingents of various wings of J&K Police, Home Guards and other wings besides students from various schools.
Students from various educational institutions presented a variety of cultural items which were liked by the audience. Members of J&K Police also presented some breathtaking daredevil items which received applause from the dignitaries.
Former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah; Chairman, Legislative Council; Haji Anayat Ali; Ministers; Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof Amitabh Mattoo; Judges of the High Court; MPs; Vice President, PDP, Muhammad Sartaj Madni; Legislators; Chief Secretary, B. B. Vyas; Director General of Police, Dr S P Vaid; Chief Information Commissioner, Khursheed Ahmad Ganai; Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of Police, Army and other Central services; heads of several Departments and a large number of people were present on the occasion. (CNS)
Ram Jethmalani asserts Article-35A can’t be taken away: Soz
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: “One of the most prominent jurists of India, Ram Jathemalani is clear on the effect of Article-35A as enshrined in the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir State for full protection of various rights such as employment, improvable property etc. of permanent residents of the entire state,” said former Union Minister Saif-ud-Soz in a statement to CNS on Tuesday.
Soz said that he spoke to Mr. Ram Jethmalani on phone in Mumbai, today, and reminded him on his assertion in response to my question, in presence of Mani Shankar Aiyar and Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri at his residence in April this year that the Constitution of J&K State was a sacrosanct situation and its provisions could not be taken away by anybody. I asked him as to why, then, there was an organized effort to seek revocation of Article-35A. Ram reassured me that the said effort would not yield the desirable effect for those who seek its revocation.
Ram also stressed the fact that he firmly stands on whatever he wrote about the permanence of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir State for the protection of its state-subjects, in his book ‘Ram Jethmalani - Maverick, Unchanged, Unrepentant’ .
I further reminded Ram of his another assertion in the same book, “the Kashmir problem is not insurmountable and could have been resolved long ago, but the political will and adroitness to do so, has been lacking.” He said, he stood by every word that he wrote.
I share with my fellow Kashmiris that Ram Jethmalani continues to be an epitome of strength in his idea that all that is enshrined in the Constitution of J&K State can’t be taken away by anybody against the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir State.
All that I consider to be necessary, at this critical juncture, is that we must stay united for a noble cause like the protection of Article 35-A and the Article 370 of the Constitution of India.” (CNS)
August 15:
Strike affects normal life
State level functions held peacefully
Srinagar, Aug 15 CNS: Amid a complete shutdown called by Joint Resistance leadership, August 15 functions across Kashmir passed off peacefully while Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was used for surveillance in and around Bakshi Stadium.
Shops and business establishments in Srinagar remained closed while vehicular traffic was off the roads. Only police, paramilitary and Army vehicles were plying on the deserted roads of Kashmir.
Reports said that a complete shutdown was observed in all the districts of Central, South and North Kashmir.
To ensure the peaceful function at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar, Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras were used to monitor the movement of people and sleuths of Special Security Guards (SSGs) monitored the activities of the participants with binoculars on high rise buildings around the stadium.
During the August 15 function at Bakshi Stadium, UAV hovered over the area and its movement was being controlled from Police Control Room (PCR) Srinagar.
Heavy contingents of police and paramilitary forces were deployed outside the stadium and were witnessed carrying out patrolling of the deserted streets around the stadium and of other roads of Srinagar.
In old Srinagar, armored vehicles were on standby at most road junctions and large number of forces were deployed to thwart any protest demonstration.
Police said that they had laid additional nakas to thwart ‘any effort to disrupt peace’ at scores of places in Srinagar and other towns of Kashmir. Heavy deployment of forces was witnessed at scores of places in Srinagar that included Khanyar, Nowhatta, Bohri Kadal, Hawal, Rajouri Kadal, and Eidgah. The deployement of forces was also witnessed in sensitive areas of civil lines.
Commercial hub Lal Chowk was put out of limits for public since early Tuesday morning and the roads leading to the area were sealed at many places with razor wire and armored vehicles. However, a non-local woman managed to breech the security and chanted pro-India slogans near Clock KMD bus stand.
The situation in South Kashmir remained peaceful.In Anantnag, Pulwama and Shopian August 15 celebrations culminated on a peaceful note.
In North Kashmir’s Bandipora, Baramulla, Sopore, Kupwara and Handwara towns, situation also remained peaceful.
Almost all the separatist leaders were either placed under house arrest or detained in different police stations across Kashmir.
A police officer told CNS that the day passed off peacefully across Kashmir. (CNS)
China will bite the dust if it attacks India: Nirmal Singh
Jammu, Aug 15, CNS: Jammu Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh Tuesday said that China will bite the dust if it will attack India.
He was speaking at Jammu on the eve of India’s 70th Independence Day.
Pertinently, there is a standoff between India and China at Doklam.
“China should realize that it is not 1962 but it is India in 2017. They will bite the dust if they will look at India with nefarious designs,” he said. (CNS)
‘Resolution to become reality if insaniyat & insaaf replaces goli and gaali’
Umar Farooq welcomes Modi’s statement
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Hurriyat (M) chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday welcomed the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he said that love, not bullets will resolve Kashmir issue.
“Welcome @narendramodi also believes "Goli & gaali will not help resolve Kashmir" if insaniyat & insaaf replace them resolution can become a reality,” tweeted Mirwaiz.
Modi had, in his Independence Day speech, on Tuesday said that “only love and not bullets or abuse can help resolve the dragging problem in Jammu and Kashmir”.
"We are committed for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and this is also the resolve of every Indian," the Prime Minister said in his speech from the Red Fort in Delhi.
Modi said the separatist campaign in the state cannot be resolved by "gaali se" (abuse) or "goli se" (bullet) but by embracing every Kashmiri. (CNS)
August 15:
Mobile, internet services suspended temporarily
‘Ban still in vogue in Pulwama and Shopian’
Srinagar, Aug 15 CNS: As usual authorities Tuesday suspended mobile phone services temporarily across Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure to prevent militants from using these devices to carry out any subversive activities.
Cell phones and mobile Internet services were snapped on Tueday morning in wake of the Aug 15 celebrations but the services were restored soon after the culmination of official functions.
However, the internet service continues to be shut in South Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts and parts of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Three militants including the Hizb commander hailing from Nagam Chadoora area of Budgam were killed in a gunfight at Awneera Shopian on Sunday. (CNS)
People protest against painting tricolours on Masjid walls
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Protests erupted in saffron town Pampore of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district after people found Indian tricolour painted on the wall of a Jamia Masjid at Wuyen Bala area.
The Imam of the Jamia Masjid, Maulana Muhammad Ajaz Noori told news agency CNS that as they went to mosque to offer morning prayers, they found Indian tricolour painted on the wall of the mosque.
“This infuriated people, who staged a massive protest and demanded action against the agency involved in the act,” he said.
“We have informed the police and hope they will take the cognizance and probe the matter,” he added.
One of the protesters said that this action of the unknown agency is aimed at to provoke the people.
When contacted a police official said that they will visit the spot to ascertain the facts.(CNS)
Mehbooba welcomes PM’s Kashmir remark
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the remark of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi about Kashmir during his Independence Day address today.
The Prime Minister had said that not with bullets and abuse (goli aur gaali) can the issues of Kashmir be resolved but by embracing the people with love.
In a statement, the Chief Minister said she has all along believed that dialogue and peaceful means only can help in resolving issues as the futility of violence has been established all around.
Mehbooba Mufti said the slogan-Bandook say na goli say/Baat banay gi boli say coined by her Party some 15 years ago is as relevant today as it was then. (CNS)
I- Day celebrated at Raj Bhavan
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Governor N. N. Vohra hoisted the National Flag at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan here today morning, as part of the Independence Day celebrations.
On this joyous occasion the Governor and the First Lady greeted the assembled officers and staff of the Raj Bhavan Secretariat, Household, Gardens and Security Forces personnel and distributed sweets to all those present.
Police foil Rasheed’s Black Day march
‘Modi playing with words while NC mother of all evils’
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Amid restrictions, a large number of AIP volunteers carried out a march with black flags in their hands and chanting pro-plebiscite slogans, from Er. Rasheed’s residence at Jawahar Nagar to mark the black day on eve of India’s Independence Day.
Protestors managed to open the main gate of Er. Rasheed’s residence and started marching towards Bhakshi Stadium, however, according to party statement, a huge contingent of police used force to disperse the mob and arrested Rasheed along with two dozen protestors and lodged them in police station Rajbagh.
During the scuffle three protestors sustained injuries two of whom were hospitalized. Before being arrested Er. Rasheed while talking to media persons accused Narinder Modi of just playing with the words like his predecessors.
He said that like successive Indian Prime Ministers Narinder Modi has yet again tried to misled world community by claiming to throw his arms open for Kashmiris and embracing them.
Er. Rasheed said “All what Narinder Modi wanted to convey in his Independence speech has nothing to offer but just means few traditional words like what Narsima Rao, Atal Bihari Wajpayee, Manmohan Singh and others have told from time to time. By saying that there are just few people seeking separation from India, Narinder Modi has distorted the facts. He should recall his previous independence day speech in which he had revealed that people of Gilgit Baltistan and PaK also want to be part of India. If he really believes in all what he said this year and last year he must never hesitate from offering Kashmiris a plebiscite, which is the most democratic, universally agreed and workable solution by all standards”.
Er Rasheed also lashed out at Omer Abdulah for his inconsistency and Hippocratic attitude asking him to explain what forced him to boycott last year’s independence day celebrations and what was special in this year’s celebrations that he with his entire team were seen in Bhakshi Stadium even before the function has started.
Er. Rasheed said “The fact is that last year NC leadership tried to affiliate itself with the popular sentiment and this year citing pro-resistance leadership hardships, he took a different line. At a stage when Kashmiris are at the verge of losing their rights within Indian constitution, Omer Abdullah is adamant to sabotage the moves for unity within various political thoughts and parties. By revealing that he doesn’t need Huriyat’s cooperation in protecting 35-A Mr. Omar Abdullah has proved his arrogance, opportunism, lust for power and nefarious intentions. He should not be under any misperception that Article-35-A debate will help his party in exploiting Kashmris or making pro-resistance leadership irrelevant. Omer Abdullah must be told louder and clear that NC is mother of major evils Kashmiris are facing. Without going into past let Omar Abdullah not forget that participation of NC in 1996 fraud and military sponsored elections changed the political discourse and gave New Delhi an upper hand. NC’s response to the fate of autonomy resolution passed by its Govt. and its surrender to NDA after rejection of autonomy resolution, its criminal consent and silence in hanging Afzal Guru and not even asking for his mortal remains are the main huge mistakes that gave New Delhi and its proxies courage to drag everything to Supreme Court and negate the facts. Should NC leadership also answer what happened to the agreement made during Indra Abdullah accord about revisiting all the central laws imposed on state illegally”.
Er. Rasheed also questioned Mehbooba Mufti’s talking about 35-A and special status of the state and reminded her of the fact that it is she who facilitated the entry of Sang Parivar in the state to bulldoze the rights of people including the special status. (CNS)
Muslims in Chenab Valley observe Aug 15 as Black Day
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Major Towns of Chenab Valley and Pir Panchal regions in Jammu province on Tuesday observed August 15 as ‘Black Day’ against civilian killings in Kashmir by government forces.
Members of Muslim community neither participated in I-Day celebrations nor opened up their shops in Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Doda, Thathri, Gath and Gandoh areas, in response to the shutdown call given by Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik while supported by different locals Muslim organizations including Anjuman Islamia Bhaderwah, Seerat Committee Doda, Anjuman Islamia Gandoh, Markazi Majlis-e-Shoura Kishtwar and Masjid Committee Thathri.
Eyewitnesses told news agency CNS that all the shops and business establishments belonging to Muslim community remained shut while transport was off the roads. Locals said that Muslim community stayed away from Independence Day celebrations in every part of the Chenab Valley. They said that shutdown was observed to express solidarity with the Kashmiri brethren. (CNS)
RSS divided people even during Indian Freedom Movement: G.A. Mir
Congress celebrates 70th Year of Independence
Srinagar Aug 15, CNS: Congress on Tuesday celebrated the 70th year of Independence at Congress Party Headquarters Srinagar. The Party leaders and workers celebrated the Independence Day with great enthusiasm.
On this occasion J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President G.A. Mir unfurled the tri-colour and greeted the party cadres on 70th Independence. The jubilant party workers sang the National Anthem and also greeted the president on this occasion
The Party held an extraordinary function of Senior Party Functionaries, Legislators, District Presidents, Contesting Candidates and other senior leaders to celebrate the movement and highlighted the importance of the Day (15th August).
The President after unfurling the Tricolour addressed the party workers and apprised them about the importance of 15th August (Independence Day) and the role played by Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and other top freedom fighters, who fought the battle of prestige and honour and achieved freedom from the British Colonial rule.
He also apprised the workers of the sacrifices given by the Leaders for achieving freedom by braving the brunt of suppression and continued to fight against the British colonial rule.
He told the gathering that India Achieved Freedom because of the sacrifices of Leaders like Mahatama Gandhi, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and hundreds of the Freedom Fighters who participated in the movement irrespective of their religion, caste colour or creed, displaying the unity and togetherness and harmony among every religion or section of the Country.
Taking the opportunity of this important event G.A. Mir lashed out at RSS BJP for trying to create an atmosphere of uncertainty under the garb of Nationalism for power, the RSS is trying to depict that they were also part of Freedom Movement for achieving freedom, but I want to tell you that even during Freedom Movement RSS played the role of dividing communities on religious and caste lines, when the entire Nation was struggling to get rid of the suppression and tyrannical British colonial rule, G.A. Mir said.
Today the RSS and BJP claims to be the only Nationalist in the country and have started polluting and harming the communal harmony and unity in the Country for the sake of power, but the India being the multi cultured and multi-religious country will never allow communal forces to flourish, for the fact, people have realized that BJP RSS menace hell bent upon to divide people on religious and caste lines, which will be defeated tooth and nail.
Speaking to Media on the sidelines of the function, G.A. Mir expressed surprise over the outcome of the Mehbooba Modi meet on Art 35-A saying that nothing positive has come out of the meeting, as that the Prime Minister, as reported, assured the Chief Minister only on AoA, which is very confusing and misleading on the part of both State & Centre Govt.
He reminded that Chief Minister that AoA is not the Constitutional document and as per the Chief Minister she had gone to meet PM to seek his assurance to safeguard the Art 35-A of the Constitution of J&K, if the PM was sincere, then the Centre should defend the Art 35-A in the Supreme Court, where the RSS backed NGO have challenged it. He asked the Chief Minister to respond to the apprehensions of the people and apprise them about the safeguards of the Art-A 35.
DeM condemns nocturnal arrest of party general secretary
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Dukhtaran-e-Millat on Tuesday said that police raided the house of its party general secretary, Nahida Nasreen in the middle of the night and took her in custody.
In a statement to news agency CNS, a DeM spokesperson said that a large contingent of police raided the residence of the party general secretary during the intervening night of Monday-Tuesday. “After a brief questioning, the police party took away Nahida Nasreen with them and lodged her in the Rambagh Women’s Police Station,” she said. (CNS)
Separatists are subjected to psychological torture by NIA
JRL condemns their solitary confinement
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Dr Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik on Tuesday said that those arrested by NIA are subjected to psychological torture. While strongly condemning their solitary confinement, the leadership said that Shabir Ahmed Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Shahid-ul-Islam and Farooq Ahmed Dar (Bita Karete) are continuously being harassed during investigations and criticized NIA authorities for sending Altaf Shah, Meraj u Din Kalwal, Peer Saif ullah and Naeem Ahmed Khan, to 14 days judicial custody and added that they are being subjected to inhuman treatment by jail and NIA authorities.
They expressed serious concern over the ill and inhuman treatment meted out to Shabir Ahmad Shah at Tihar jail, saying he is not allowed taking medicine and reiterated their concern over lodging of Shabir Ahmad Shah among notorious criminals in Tihar jail.
JRL expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of political prisoners lodged outside state and said that they are denied the facilities as per jail manual.
Expressing serious concern over the ill treatment meted out to Syeda Aasiya Andrabi, Fahmeeda Sufi, Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Masarat Alam Bhat, Amir Hamza Shah, Molana Sarjan Barkati ,Mir Hafeez ullah, Mohammad Yousaf Falahi, Mohammad Yousuf Lone, Rayees Ahmad Mir, Abdul Gani Bhat, Mohammad Rafiq Ganai, Abdul Rahman Tantrey , Tahir Ahmed Mir, Farooq Ahmad Tawheedi, Tanvir Ahmad War, Fayaz Ahmed Das, Atif Hussein Sheikh, Waqar Ahmed and Haji Mohammad Rustam Bhat and scores of others, said that even in extreme temperatures and in sever heat of summer season ,they are being deprived of basic facilities in prison .
The leadership in their statement appealed to organization for human rights to take serious cognizance of the plight of prisoners lodged in different jails and use their influence for their unconditional and immediate release. (CNS)
Chief Minister hosts At Home
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti this afternoon hosted ‘At Home’ in connection with the celebrations of 71st Independence Day.
Chairman, Legislative Council; Haji Anayat Ali; Council of Ministers; judges of the High Court; MPs; Chief Secretary, B. B. Vyas; Director General of Police, Dr. S. P. Vaid; Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of Police, Army and other Central services; Vice President, PDP, Muhammad Sartaj Madni; legislators; political leaders, mediapersons; heads of several Departments and a large number of people from all walks of life were present on the occasion.
Colourful functions across Kashmir mark 71st Independence Day
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: The 71st Independence Day was celebrated with fervor across the Kashmir today with colourful functions held at the district and tehsil headquarters across the Valley.
At Anantnag, Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, Home Guard, CRPF and school children at Government Degree College (Boys), Anantnag.
The function was attended by MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani, MLA Shangus, Mr Gulzar Ahmad Wani, MLC Sofi Yousuf, Vice Chairman, Gujjar and Bakerwal Board, Zafar Chowdary, DIG (SKR), S.P Pani, Deputy Commissioner, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, SSP Altaf Ahmad Khan, COs of CRPF & Army; IRP, ADDC, ADC, other officers of civil, police and security administration, leaders of political parties and a large gathering of people and school children.
In his speech, the Minister recorded the sacrifices of freedom fighters in attaining the freedom and pledged to uphold the spirit behind these sacrifices. He said mere political emancipation does not entail freedom; it is the economic self-sufficiency that completes the concept of freedom.
He said the State Government is making every effort to uplift the economic standards of the people by focusing on employment generation, poverty mitigation and development of tangible assets for the benefit of the people.
The Minister highlighted the achievements recorded in district Anantnag during the past two years. In particular, he made a mention of Government Medical College, District Hospital, Circular road and tourism sector.
Later colourful cultural programmes were presented by school children, other artists and CRPF.
The function concluded with the presentation of awards and mementos by the chief guest to the best performing officers, cultural troupes and march past contingents.
Similar functions were also organized at sub-divisional and Tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the march past.
At Baramulla:
Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari unfurled the tricolor at a grand function held at District Police Headquarters to mark the day. He inspected the parade, took salute on the march past presented by contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, Fire & Emergency and NCC.
Legislators, Javaid Hassan Beigh and G N Monga, besides DIG Baramulla, DDC Baramulla, SSP, SEs of PHE, PDD, R&B, district and sectoral officers and civil citizens and a large gathering attended the function.
Addressing the function, the Minister for Education stressed the need for promoting communal harmony, peace and prosperity. He said these are the prime values and basic blocks needed for making the nation strong.
He said the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ laid-out by the present government will be implemented in letter and spirit. Bukhari also highlighted the fact that Baramulla has shown tremendous growth in education, health and rural development sectors and various schemes like PMGSY, SBM and NHM have been successfully implemented in the district.
He said connectivity and upgradation of power infrastructure has been ensured in all the habitations of the district. He said four-lane road from Narbal to Uri will be completed soon and Greater Baramulla will be priority in developmental agenda of the Government.
A colorful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Meanwhile, functions in connection with the Independence Day were also held across the district at Sub-Divisional and Tehsil levels where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars hoisted the tricolor and took salute at the march past.
At Pulwama:
Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment, Dr Haseeb Drabu hoisted the national flag at District Police Lines, Pulwama inspected parade and took salute of the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, Forest Protection Force and Fire and Emergency Services.
The Minister expressed satisfaction over the way the present government is implementing its developmental agenda which he said will usher a new and refreshing era of prosperity in the State.
He threw light on various developmental activities undergoing in the district and appreciated the district administration for achieving set targets on the development front.
He said during the past 2 years, the Government’s focus has been on upgrading infrastructure in road communication, health and drinking water sectors. “While around Rs 200 crore are being spent on upgradation of road connectivity in the district, a sub-district hospital has been established at Rajpora while major infrastructure upgradation has been made at District Hospital Pulwama and other hospitals of the district,” he said and added that during the next three years focus will be on other key sectors including horticulture, agriculture and employment generation.
Dr Drabu prayed for the peace and harmony of the State and said that it is our collective duty and responsibility to carry forward the development and progress of the nation and live a dignified life where the future of the state’s youth is secure.
A colorful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, SSP Pulwama, ADC, ACR, Officers from Police, Army besides prominent citizens, school children and a large gathering were present on the occasion.
At Kupwara:
Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq hoisted the National Flag at District Police Lines, inspected the parade and took salute at combined march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards and FPF.
On the occasion, the Minister referring to the development scenario of the State reiterated the commitment of present government to provide basic amenities to the people of all the regions and sections of the society.
He said the developmental scenario in the district is at par with other districts and in this connection the developmental progress like streamlining of road connectivity, healthcare, Drinking Water and Power supply, transportation, Irrigation facilities saw a lot of transformation.
The Minister said that under Rural Developmental sector, Rs 300 crore are being spent to improve road connectivity, under which 34 bridges worth Rs 133 core are under construction.
He added that 11 Model villages are being developed on Modern lines in the district for which Rs 204 crore have been earmarked under BADP. He said many developmental works are underway which will boost development scenario in the district.
The Minister said that Rs 1600 crore have been earmarked under skill development component where-under 1.25 lakh youth from J&K are being trained.
Abdul Haq sought cooperation and support from the public and executing agencies for timely completion of the developmental works in the district and said that peace is pivotal for the overall development of the state.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, SSP Kupwara, Officers of district administration, civil and security agencies, representatives of different political parties, and a good number of citizens attended the function.
Similar function was also organized at Mini Secretariat Tangdhar where SDM Karnah unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the march past.
At Budgam:
Minister for Agriculture Production, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past presented by JKP, JKAP, Home Guard , CRPF and contingents of school children at Sports Stadium Budgam.
District Development Commissioner Budgam, SSP Budgam, Commanding Officer 53RR, Vice Chairperson SIDCO, political leaders, and officers/officials from civil administration, police, CRPF were also present on the occasion.
In his address, the Minister extended warm greetings to the people and offered tributes to those who laid down their lives to secure the freedom for the country. The Minister paid rich tributes to former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and underscored his vision for the State. He said that it is the endeavor of the present dispensation to ensure all round development of the State.
The Minister said that in order to execute the various developmental initiatives of the Government, peace has to prevail. He urged the citizens especially the youth and parents to counsel their wards and not to resort to violence as it doesn’t solve any issue and dialogue is the only way forward. The function closed with prize distribution ceremony.
Similar functions were also organized at sub-divisional and Tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past.
At Bandipora:
Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute on the March Past presented by the contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, Fire & Emergency Services, Home guard, NCC cadets and school children at Sher-e-Kashmir Sports Stadium, Bandipora.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister extended Independence Day greetings to the people and highlighted the historical background of freedom movement and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs.
Saying that peace is imperative and prerequisite for development, the Minister urged people, especially youth to cooperate with the Government and avail benefits from various development and welfare schemes launched by Central and State Governments.
He mentioned about various schemes which include Prime Minister's Package for over all development of the state, MMSFES, Laadli Beti and Marriage Assistance Scheme for poor girls.
Referring to the development scenario, Kohli said the developmental programmes initiated by the present Government headed by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has started percolating it's benefits on ground level across the State including district Bandipora. He said various new initiatives are in the pipeline to devise new policies for Poultry and Fisheries so that more and more youth are engaged in these sectors.
Later, cultural programmes were held by students, representing different schools of the district, besides Martial Arts demonstration.
District Development Commissioner Bandipora Sajjad Hussain, SSP, Additional Deputy Commissioner, CPO, Officers from District Administration, police, Security Forces, Senior Citizens were present on the occasion.
Similar functions were held at Sonawari and Gurez subdivisions where National Flag was hoisted to mark the Independence Day.
At Kulgam:
A colourful function was held at District Police Lines to commemorate the 71st Independence Day during which Minister of State for Hajj & Auqaf, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march pastpresented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF and other wings of paramilitary forces participated in the parade.
Member of Parliament, Nazir Ahmad Laway, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, CO 18 BN CRPF, ADDC, ADC, other officers of civil, police and security administration, leaders of political parties and a large gathering of people and school children were present on the occasion.
The Minister said the Government is committed to fulfil all the promises made in the Agenda of Alliance. He said no stone will be left unturned to uplift the economic standards of the people and making the State economically vibrant and self-resilient.
He made a specific mention of construction of Mughal Road, Sinthan Tunnel and 4-laning of the National Way which would in long-term benefit the people of the State by improving connectivity with rest of the country.
Andrabi also highlighted the performance of the district during the last year. Besides others, he said that under PMGSY, 80 kms of new road length will be constructed to connect the unconnected habitations. Besides, Rs 9.5 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of Ashthal Bridge. Whereas, Rs 14 crore has been made available to the PHE Department for 13 water supply schemes, which will benefit 55 habitations.
Similar functions were also organised at sub-division DH Pora and tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDM and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past.
At Ganderbal:
Minister of State for Health, Medical Education, Asiea Naqash hoisted the national flag at Madre-Meharban Stadiumand took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, IRP, CRPF, J&K Fire and Emergency Services.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the occasion provides an opportunity to boost development scenario launched by the coalition Government and to introspect for better tomorrow.
She said that work is apace on Gagangeer to Sonamarg 6.5 km long tunnel at an estimated cost of Rs 2700 crore. On completion, the tunnel will provide road connectivity to Sonamarg health resort throughout the year. Besides construction of Zojila tunnel restoring all weather road connectivity to frontier Ladakh province would be undertaken shortly, Asiea added.
She said that many major developmental projects under core sectors are at various stages of completion in the district which will change the landscape of the district.
The Minister said that the present dispensation is determined to protect, safeguard life and property of all communities living in the state. She said maintaining peace brotherhood and strengthening of mutual bounds is must for the development and progress of the State.
Legislator Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal, Army Officers, District Officers and a large number of citizens participated in the function.
At Shopian:
Minister of State for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative & Fisheries, Zahoor Ahmad Mir unfurled the national flag and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of CRPF, various wings of J&K Police, Fire & Emergency Services and students from various institutions at Police Lines Shopian.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that Independence Day is a moment to remember the freedom fighters who gave supreme sacrifices to free the country. He said this occasion is a day to make commitment to serve our motherland and contribute our part for the development and progress of the nation.
Reiterating commitment for equitable development, the Minister said that Government has initiated various welfare initiatives with the aim to change the socio-economic condition of the district. He said that opening of Mughal Road was the historical decision which serves as an alternative connectivity between Poonch, Rajouri and Shopian.
Later, the function concluded with distribution of prizes and mementoes by the chief guest among the parade contingents and students who secured the first, second and third in their performance.
MLA Shopian, Advocate Mohammad Yusuf Bhat, MLA Wachi, Aijaz Ahmad Mir, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Senior Superintendent of Police Shopian besides prominent citizens, school children and large number of gathering were also present on the occasion.
Similar functions were also organized at sub-divisional and tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past.
At Kargil:
Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan unfurled the national tricolor at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium and took salute at an impressive march past comprising of the contingents of JKP, NCC, Civil and Army band parties besides a number of contingents of Government and private educational institutions.
Kacho Ahmad Ali while congratulating the people on the 71st Independence Day recalled the contributions and supreme sacrifices of the national heroes who laid down their lives for the freedom.
While highlighting the achievements and developmental activities undertaken by the present council in Kargil District, the CEC said that the council is fully committed towards the wholesome development of the district and several important initiatives are presently underway in this regard.
Reiterating the commitment of the Council in taking concrete steps to ensure round the year connectivity of the district with the outside world, the CEC expressed satisfaction over the decision of the Central Government to start work on the construction of Zojila Tunnel in near future.
Colorful cultural programmes were also presented on the occasion by the artists of Cultural Academy and the children of government and private schools which mesmerized the public gathering and won huge rounds of applause.
Later the chief guest also gave away prizes to the contingents, artists and school children who participated in the parade and cultural programmes. Mementos and citations were also given to several government employees for exemplary and meritorious public services.
Among others who were present on the occasion included Executive Councilor for Education Advocate Muhammad Amir, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil Tsering Gyalpo, councilors, senior civil, police and army officers, representatives of religious, social and political organizations and a large number of general public.
Independence Day was also celebrated at Sub Division Drass, Sankoo, Zanskar and Shakar Chikten besides Tehsil Tai Suru and Shargole. SDM Drass Ghulam Ahmad Khan hoisted the national flag at Higher Secondary School Drass, SDM Sankoo Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani at Aga Syed Haider Razvi Memorial Higher Secondary School Sankoo, SDM Shakar Chiktan Ghulam Mehdi at Chiktan Shagaran, In Charge SDM Zanskar Tundup Namgyal Lonpo at Civil Helipad Padum, Tehsildar Tai Suru Sonam Dorjay at Tai Suru and Tehsildar Shargole Ghulam Mehdi at Higher Secondary School Shargole respectively.
Peace, harmony imperative for socio-economic development: Zulfkar
Srinagar, Aug 15, CNS: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Information, Chowdhary Zulfkar today underlined the need for peace and amity among the people of different regions, religions and castes to achieve new heights of socio-economic development in the state.
The Minister was addressing people after unfurling national flag and taking salute at the march past comprising contingents of JKAP, JK Executive Police, CRPF, JK Lady Police, JK FPF, Home Guard, NCC cadets and students at an impressive function here organized by the district administration to celebrate the 71st Independence Day.
The day was celebrated across this border district with national spirit and enthusiasm.
The main function was organized at District Police Lines Rajouri.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minister said, “We are breathing in free India only because of the sacrifices that the leaders and people of our country made during the freedom struggle.”
The Minister, while elaborating on the developmental works in the State in general and Rajouri in particular, said that provision of basic amenities for all especially in far flung and remote areas is the topmost priority of the state government headed by CM Mehbooba Mufti. He said that the road connectivity under PMGSY and other schemes has pushed inter-district and intra region trade and benefited areas which remained untouched over the years.
“In Health Sector the government has made steady progress. The construction of 2 AIIMS at Srinagar and Jammu and 5 medical colleges will greatly improve the health facilities in the state,” he said adding in coming days people will get specialized healthcare facilities at their doorstep.
Zulfkar further elaborated on the scope of employment under MGNREGA and benefits being provided under PMAY, PMUY, SSA, SKEWPY, Seed Capital Scheme, Youth Startup Scheme and other State and centrally sponsored flagship programmes.
“The government has successfully implemented NFSA and MMSFES and as a result the ration quota of the state has increased to 11.81 lakh metric tons. The State has achieved 100% digitization of records, end to end computerization, online supply chain management and online grievance redressal to ensure public friendly and pilferage proof PDS,” he said adding “The Ration Policy for nomadic Gujjar & Bakerwals has already been notified and now they are being provided ration at their place of migration.”
He lauded enthusiasm and whole hearted participation of the people of Rajouri in the Independence Day celebrations and said the unity and integrity among the people of different regions, religions and castes is indispensible for the socio-economic development of the district.
A colorful cultural programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of the district and state was also presented by the school children on the occasion which mesmerized the audience. The main attraction of the programme were Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, Kashmiri and Dogri songs based on patriotic and pluralistic themes. Marshal art show, skits and folk dances also won huge public applaud.
Later the chief guest presented prizes, commendation certificates and mementoes to the students and officers for their excellent achievements.
Also present on the occasion were MLA Rajouri Advocate Qamar Chowdhary, MLC Vibodh Gupta, Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Kuldeep Raj Gupta, Ex-MP Chowdhary Talib Hussain and Mirza Abdul Rashid, Senior officers of Civil and Police Administration, Army and CRPF, other district officers besides a huge public gathering.
Similar celebrations were also held at all tehsil headquarters of the district where flags were hoisted by the concerned sub-divisional magistrates and tehsildars. The celebrations witnessed huge public participation, while school children presented scintillating cultural programmes. (CNS)