Kashmir.Watch

Author: hamid

  • Missing girl found dead in south Kashmir

    Srinagar: Police recovered the body of a missing girl near a stream at Kulgam, in south Kashmir and started investigation to ascertain the cause of her death, police said on Wednesday.
    Police was informed by some locals that a body of a girl is lying near a stream in D H Pora Kulgam. Police party rushed to the spot and recovered the body of the girl. The body was later identified as Rohi Jan daughter of Bashir Ahmad Palla resident of Sail Kanan, D H Pora. The girl was reported to be missing since March 31, 2014.
    Police have started the investigation proceedings under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of the death. The body was sent for post mortem and after the completion of all medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to her next of kin for last rites.

  • Gindbassh : Redefining Kashmir

    By  » [Rameez Makhdoomi]

    Recently, Kashmir witnessed a glorious cultural event that showcased the rich legacy of Kashmiri culture , the event ‘Gindbaash’ was held on Saturday , 29th March 2014 and celebrated with great zeal and zest in the convocation complex of Kashmir University. 
    The function which was organized by Markus Kraft in collaboration with K virus Group of artists to provide a platform to young artists of the valley saw impressive participation from people besides a few foreigners audience as well . DC Srinagar Farooq Shah was the chief guest on the occasion. Pertinently, the glorious event attracted one and all. Arshad Mushtaq, a famous theatre artist of the valley was also present. The event featured multiple cultural events viz… skits, dance and singing performances by Valley’s young artists. According to the organizer Aabid Khan the main motive behind holding of the event was to give youth a platform to present their talent before people and after the event rave reviews proved organizers right. The event began with heart touching Sufi song by ‘Firdous and Group’. A local Shikara in the Backdrop of stage enthralled one and all. Via this song audience got greatly excited and offered loud cheers, the group was able to mesmerize them through their soothing voice. This was followed by a satirical poetry recited by GR Raina, a local volunteer participant. His comical poetry made audience hoot and cheer for him even after he left the stage. People were rejuvenated with cheerful looks . The other main highlights of the events were the skits performed by the well-known artists of the valley, Bashir Kotur and Rafiq Sethi. Both the artists with their commendable acting skills sustained the audiences’ interest till the end. Among the audience, foreigners were also seen clapping the performances who were having a leisure time all through the event. Dressed in traditional Kashmiri attire, the anchors of the event Arshad Dar and Irtika were able to interrelate with the audience throughout the event. In addition, prizes were distributed amongst the winners of ‘Kashmiri Proverb Quiz’. The audience was also enthralled by the dance performance of K virus group. The audience offered standing ovation while the group was dancing on famous Kashmiri songs, ‘Rind Posh Mall and ‘Bombro Bombro’. Their dance performance received a thunderous applaud from the audience. In all the performances, the hall echoed with the clapping of the viewers. The event also featured trailers of ‘Kashmir daily’ a film by Hussian khan.
    Aabid Q Khan, Head of the MARKUS KRAFT and leading event management in or part of the world and a regular participant in famous TV Programme youth forum, and one of the important brains behind the Gindbaash concept undoubtedly proved his mettle and talent via successful conduct of Gindbassh . People are hoping that such events that give exposure to our youth to expose their talent are frequently conducted.

  • Police distributed sports kits in Downtown Srinagar

    Srinagar: Under civic action programme, Srinagar Police distributed sports kits to various schools of Shahri Khas.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, Srinagar police distributed sports kit including crickets kit sets consists of cricket Bats, cricket Ball, Kit bag large size, Badminton racket, shatter cock, Chess board, Football, Volley ball and Carom board to various schools in old city. The beneficiary schools include  Govt. Middle School Nowhatta Srinagar; Govt. High School Malkhah Srinagar; Govt. Middle School Dana Mazar Srinagar; Govt. Middle School Sangam.
    The sports items were distributed with an objective that the students in such schools shall have greater participation in sports activities, which is indispensable for the overall personality development of the students. The school administrations of these schools thanked police for such initiative. (KNS)

  • West Indies beat Pakistan by 84 runs

    Mirpur: West Indies have won the toss and are batting first in this do-or-die battle against Pakistan in the final group league encounter of the ICC World Twenty20 in Mirpur Tuesday.
    Pakistan lost two early wickets as Ahmed Shehzad was ousted in the first ball courtesy Santokie. In the next over, Badree packed off Kamran Akmal who was caught out by Bravo. Pakistan made 3 runs in two overs, losing two wickets.
    Badree took another big wicket as he sent back Umar Akmal with just one run. Pakistan made 11 for 3 in 5 overs.
    Pakistan have a tough task ahead as they lose another wicket in the 6th over. Shoaib Malik was out at 2 while Badree pocketed three wickets. Pakistan were at 35 for 4 in 10 overs.
    Earlier, a late blitz from all-rounder DwayneBravo and skipper Darren Sammy helped defending champions West Indies put up a fighting 166 for six against Pakistan in a do-or-die Group 2 league match of the World T20 here on Tuesday.
    Bravo smashed 46 off only 26 balls as he took the attack back to the Pakistan camp with his imperious hitting. He struck two fours and four huge sixes. He was well-supported by skipper Darren Sammy whose entertaining cameo of 42 was equally important as it helped West Indies reach a decent total after they were tottering at 81 for five.
    Sammy struck five fours and two sixes in only 20 balls as the last three overs produced an unbelievable 59 runs.
    The turning point in the West Indies innings was the 18th and 19th over bowled by the seasoned duo of Umar Gul (0/29) and Saeed Ajmal (0/41) that produced 45 runs in all.
    Till 17 overs, Pakistan bowlers looked in complete control before the carnage from Bravo and Sammy happened at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.
    Chris Gayle (5) did not fire today as the first delivery he faced from Paksitan skipper Mohammed Hafeez brought about his downfall. Hafeez bowled one wide off-stump which Gayle tried to play with minimal footwork and Kamran Akmal effected a good stumping.
    Gayle’s partner Dwayne Smith struck two boundaries off Hafeez but was uncomfortable against left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir’s awkwardly angled deliveries. He edged one to Akmal behind stumps as the ball moved away after pitching on the off-middle line.
    Lendl Simons (31) struck a few meaty blows but was not able to get the momentum going as he and out-of-form Marlon Samuels could add only 39 in 6.2 overs. Simons struck two sixes before he was unfortunately run-out.
    Samuels was once again bogged down but he gave Afridi the charge to hit him down the ground for a straight six. But the veteran leg-spinner had his revenge of his very next delivery.
    Afridi bowled a faster one and Samuels, who had very little room to play the cut shot, chopped one back on to the stumps.
    Reeling at 67 for four in the 11 the over, it soon became 81 for five as Denesh Ramdin (5) tried to slog Babar and was caught at deep mid-wicket by Umar Akmal.
    It was then left to Bravo to give the charge and he started by lifting Gul for a big six and followed it up with a pull-shot over deep mid-wicket.
    Brief scores: West Indies: 166 for six in 20 overs (Dwayne Bravo 46, Lendl Simmons 31; Mohammad Hafeez 1/15) vs Pakistan.
    Both teams are on four points each and this is a virtual quarter-final clash to decide on the second semi-finalist from Group 2 after India emerged group champions with an all-win record.
    The match is being billed as a battle between the mystery spinners with West Indies banking heavily on Sunil Narine while Pakistan’s hopes will be pinned on Saeed Ajmal.
    “The team that plays spinners well will win the match. We know that it is a match where we can’t make a mistake,” Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez said on the eve of their clash against Darren Sammy’s West Indies.
    While West Indies’ inspirational win against Australia has given the team much-needed boost, Pakistan also had two convincing victories against Australia and hosts Bangladesh. Both teams are on even keel as far as their strengths are concerned and it will be interesting to see how the rival batsmen tackle the spinners. To complement Narine, West Indies also have leg-spinner Samuel Badree, who is second in the ICC’s list of T20 bowlers after teammate Sunil Narine.
    While Narine has bowled with a superb economy rate of 4.66 runs per over in the three matches, Badree has compensated for his 6.66 economy rate with seven scalps to his credit.    

  • Modi is not threat to Congress but to his own party: Azad

    Banihal: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is Congress candidate for Udhampur-Doda-Kathua Lok Sabha seat, today said that BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is not a threat to the Congress but he is a real threat to the BJP as he has gradually and systemically dislodged all established leaders of the party.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing series of public meetings in Banihal and Ramban  areas of Ramban district, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad said that “Narinder Modi has not challenged Congress but he has challenged the BJP”. Without mentioning names of veteran BJP leader Lal Krishan Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Jaswant Singh who were humiliated by Narinder Modi, Mr Azad said that treatment meted out the veteran leaders was an indication that Mr Modi is real threat to his party himself and he is going to bulldoze the BJP to establish his own hegemony in the organisation.
    Unlike BJP which is fighting elections on rhetoric of Modi , Congress is contesting elections on historical back ground in freedom struggle, its’ tireless and continues efforts to develop infrastructure in the country, which includes roads, airports, railway lines, hospitals, Schools, Colleges, Universities and number of people oriented policies and programmes like NRHM and MNREGA schemes which have benefited the people of the country.
    “BJP is solely dependent upon artificially managed leader who is trying to get votes of the people on myth and dream but the Congress is seeking mandate of the people on the basis of substantiated work it has done for nation building”, Mr Azad said and said that BJP candidate Narendra Modi has not done any substantiated work in his own state of Gujarat. He termed Narendra Modi as super imposed leader who himself is much against wishes of his own party leaders.
    Highlighting achievements of UPA Government, he said that under Congress led UPA regime, India has achieved “near universal education” at the primary school level due to Right to Education and the dropout rates have also decreased. The outlay for education has been constantly increased. Central universities increased from 17 to 44 during 2004-13.
    “There has been a three-fold increase in food subsidy during UPA tenure. The Food Security Act will entitles 35 kg of food-grains per month and other families for 5 kg per person at subsidized rates has been passed during UPA regime”, he said.
    Lambasting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for misleading the people by spreading false propaganda against Congress, Mr Azad said, “In comparison to the hard work and tireless efforts made by Congress for the people of nation, the track record of BJP in general and Narendera Modi in particular is mostly based on rhetoric rather than substantiating work done by them”. Mr Azad further sought to know from Narendera Modi about his contribution so far in nation building.
    While cautioning the people not to fall in the nefarious designs of divisive forces, Mr Azad said, “Congress and its leadership is a fact and truth, whereas so-called artificially managed leadership of BJP is simply myth and dream. People should vote to Congress on the basis of its work done in both pre and post independence era”.   
    Attacking on the incompetency of BJP leadership, Mr Azad, “He (Modi) has political career of thirteen years only, whereas the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir have given more time in rendering the services to the people of the state” and criticized his approach for dishonoring the wish of his own mentor (LK Advani) who placed him on the chair of Gujarat chief minister. Mr Azad said, “Earlier the BJP-Congress used to contest elections on the basis of ideology and now an artificially managed face has been projected on a hoax to come in power”.  
    Earlier, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president, Prof. Saifuddin Soz described Narendera Modi as Hitler perceiving the false propagandas to rule.
    Among others who accompanied Mr Azad included Congress Minister for Technical Education, Vikar Rasool, Congress MLA, Ashok Kumar, Former Minister and sitting MLA, Abdul Gani Malik, Congress MLC, Sham Lal Bhagat, former NC MLA from Ramban, Dr Chaman Lal besides other senior leaders. (KNS)

  • ZEO MISBEHAVES AND ABUSES SCRIBE IN NORTH KASHMIR

    Srinagar: Kashmir scenario reporter Mir Arif today had to face unruly behavior of Zonal educational officer Rohama Rafiabad when he went to his office to seek information about issuing fake order in favour of one teacher namely Nazir Ahmad. The incident happened when kashmir scenario reporter Mir Arif was questioning ZEO Rohama Mr.Gh Mohammad Batkaloo to seek information regarding that how one teacher was deputed as ZRP when his original place of posting is Government high school sarpara Rafiabad and order was issued by Gh Mohammed Batkaloo but at the time of issuing of order Mr Batkaloo was working as Principal Government higher secondary school Rohama and even he was not in charge ZEO on that date because the teacher namely Nazir Ahmad joined government high school sarpara on 28-2-2014 and served there up to 8-3-2014 and the order through which he was transferred from his original place of posting is dated 8-2-2014 which is signed and issued by Gh Mohammad Batkaloo who was working as Principal on that date because he joined as in charge ZEO Rohama on 11-3-2014. “”I was questioning Mr Gh Mohammed Batkaloo regarding the issue suddenly he tried to snatch my camera and tried to thrash me and abused me and also told me that who are journalists to question us and seek information from us regarding any of our scandals and abused the whole media fraternity of kashmir”” Later Kashmir scenario Reporter lodged a complaint in Additional deputy commissioner Baramulla’ office who immediately directed Chief education officer to enquire from ZEO Rohama and take immediate action and Chief education officer Baramulla Mr syed Abdul Rouf assured the journalists that he will look into the matter and take immediate action.

  • Many districts in Valley face scarcity of ration

    Srinagar: Inhabitants of several places in districts Budgam, Kupwara and Baramulla have complained about non availability of essential commodities like rice, flour, kerosene oil and LPG.
    A number of people from these districts who contacted KNS on phone complained about scarcity ration and other edible items in government run depots. The places which are the worst hit include Makhama, Main Town in Budgam, Nambla, Gharkote, Barnade in Uri  tehsil of Baramulla district and Kachiwara of Handwara in Kupwara district.
    According to the complainants the authorities are yet to provide ration for the month of March and where the ration has been distributed, people have got 10 kilograms less the allotted weight of 35 kilograms.
    Official sources in CAPD maintain that due to the curtailment made by Food Corporation of India (FCI) some places of valley are facing scarcity. Despite repeated attempts, the minister concerned was not available to comment. (KNS)

  • J&K Bank share price on all-time high

    Srinagar: J&K Bank share Tuesday jumped to its highest ever price of Rs 1635 on NSE and Rs 1629 on BSE as the bank was among top gainers in Group A companies. The stock recorded an appreciation of 5.56 pc and 5.04 pc at NSE and BSE respectively.
    As per a statement from the J&K Bank, the share surged remarkably by around Rs 80 on both stock exchanges and stood at Rs 1623.45 on NSE and Rs 1614.45 on BSE when the markets closed. More than 1.62 lac shares were traded during.
    “During the bank’s Platinum Jubilee Year, the bank’s share has leaped by around Rs 400 displaying an unshakable market trust in growth and capacities of the bank,” the statement said.
    Notably, Credit Suisse Group, a leading global financial services company, recently cherry-picked J&K Bank among top five organisations in Asia as an interesting investment opportunity. The selection was made on the basis of business outlook, financial strength, valuation, market cap and trading liquidity. The share of the bank for 2014 has been targeted by the group at Rs 1700 from Rs 1226.95 with potential upside of 38.6 percent.

  • Treason charges against Musharaf, insulting: Inqilabi

    Srinagar: Chief patron Jammu Kashmir Mahaz-e-Azadi (MeA) Muhammad Azam InqilabiTuesday termed indicting former President Gen. Musharraf with treason charges by a Pakistani court as “insulting”.  
    In a statement issued to KNS, Inqilabi said, “The judges of this so-called court are actually Qazi-like butchers. These hatchet wielding butchers are chasing Gen. Musharraf for no fault of this committed Pak soldier except that he played a heroic role in the defensive wars of Pakistan. Especially the Kargil war which he initiated, in league with Mujahedeen against India just to keep lakhs of Indian soldiers engaged in a protracted localized war to eventually ensure the safety of the innocent Kashmiris.
     “People here were on the receiving end due to the sustained anti-Kashmir campaign of the Indian army; when Kashmiri youth were slaughtered and elderly people and self-respecting women were facing an outrage of the ferocious force personnel,” he said.
    “So, we Kashmiris recognize Gen. Pervez Musharraf as the hero of Kargil war. Thus he is an ideal well wisher and friend of Kashmiris in the backdrop of this historic Kargil war,” he added. MeA patron said charging Musharraf with treason is an “affront and insult to Pak-army in itself. Musharraf after 9/11 dealt with the Afghan situation with fortitude, prudence and political acumen. He successfully averted the direct war with the western powers which got involuntarily engaged and embedded in the marsh and mesh of Afghanistan,” he opined.
    He said Indian deployed 10-lakh troops on border with Pakistan “but Musharraf as an adept strategist kept India engaged in a standoff for eight months in a way that no war took place and both countries had to disengage their troops.”
    Inqilabi said as US led NATO forces are preparing withdrawal from Afghanistan but drone strikes haven’t stopped. He said in Pakistan’s 67 year-old history army generals have ruled for 30 years.
    “In 1965 Indo-Pak war, Pakistan army under the command of Ayub Khan showed parity with the Indian military might. In 1979, a dangerous situation evolved due to Red army’s invasion of Afghanistan. General Zia as an adept strategist supervised Afghan guerilla war for 10 years which resulted in disintegration of Soviet Union,” he said. He said if Pakistan has to open cases against all these “courageous generals” then they should open trial posthumously against Ayub Khan and Gen. Zia-ul-Haq as well.
    “Pakistan constitution isn’t any holy book that any blasphemy has been done. We Kashmiris don’t accept either Indian constitution or Pakistani constitution,” he added.
    MeA patron said India has “occupied Kashmir as an imperialist power.” “For the last 67 years six-lakh Kashmiris were killed. A guerrilla campaign under the command of UJC Supremo Syed Salah-ud-din is going on,” he said.
    “It is true Mahaz-e-Azadi, Liberation Front, Jammat-e-Islami, People’s League, Awami Majlisi Amal and People’s Conference like pro-freedom organizations created space for peaceful resistance to push for Kashmir resolution.”
    “But now time has come when resistance leadership of Srinagar and Muzaffarabad need to tell India and Pakistan to withdraw their troops on either side of ceasefire line, he said. He said after demilitarization “united-Kashmir democratic parliament will decide through self-determination the political future of Kashmir.” (KNS)

  • Meerut Cricket Controversy

    University asks students, parents to give undertaking
    Srinagar: The expelled students from Meerut University along with their parents have been called to the varsity asking them to submit an undertaking assuring ‘no action that violates varsity norms is repeated in future’.
    Some Kashmiri students were recently expelled from Swami Viveknanda University Meerut after they reportedly cheered for Pakistan team during the Asia cup cricket series.
    Strong resentment was shown by Kashmir’s political leadership after the 70 expelled Kashmiri students accused ‘step motherly’ treatment by the varsity officials.
    The reports received by KNS, informed that the University officials Tuesday have asked the expelled students that they must report to the university campus in person along with their parents and must give the undertaking that no such incident that violates the varsity norms be repeated.
    The reports added that the University administration has directed the 70 expelled students that if they want to resume their classes in the university, they must get their parents along so that the undertaking is sought from them that varsity codes will not be violated.
    Meanwhile, the in-charge of All India Centre for Urban and Rural development, a Non- Government Organization (NGO)- that earlier had facilitated the admissions of the Kashmiri students in Meerut told KNS that the office held a detailed meet with the varsity authorities, asking them to end the crises in an amicable manner.
    The in-charge of the NGO Ms Rabia added that she had requested the university administration that for the undertaking- the parents of the students may not be called to the varsity campus as the economic conditions of several parents is much weaker that they cannot afford to travel from Kashmir to Meerut. He claimed that the varsity officials had assured her that the undertaking from the parents will be taken in the valley only and that a copy of the same shall be mailed to the NGO’s office for the purpose.
    “Till date, no such document has been mailed to me. I am hopeful that till April 10, the document will be mailed so that the same could be duly signed by the parents of the expelled students and students (expelled) would resume their studies,” Rabia said.
     She however maintained that if the undertaking is being sought from the parents of the expelled students- the university officials must also give the assurance in writing that the students who would return to Meerut shall be provided the security and no maltreatment is meted out to them in future.  (KNS)