Kashmir.Watch

Author: hamid

  • Tip (Chai) culture sparks protest in Lal Ded hospital

    Srinagar: The ‘tip (Chai) culture’ prevalent in Valleys biggest Lal Ded Maternity Hospital sparked massive protest on Friday while protestors not only blamed nursing staff and maids for looting attendants whenever a female patient attains motherhood but they also alleged that private security guards deployed on gates also demand bribe from them for making an entry into the hospital.
    Hospital sources told CNS that scores of attendants assembled outside Lal Ded hospital and amid slogans staged a massive protest against hospital administration for failing to curb the menace of corruption in the hospital. The protestors said that the hospital has become the hub of corruption and on the name of ‘tip’ maids and nursing staff are looting the poor attendants and patients who arrive in the hospital from far flung areas.
    This hospital is in complete mess and has become a junkyard and hub of malpractices. The maids and nurses attending patients hold your collar if you refuse to pay them bribe. They dare to yell at you in front of senior doctors in case you fail to grease their palms,” one of the protestors Muhammad Yousuf told CNS.
    The protestors said that Hospital administration is well aware of this fact but they don’t take any action or initiative to stop this menace. “For every newborn baby, you have to pay Rs 500 as tip. CCTV cameras show everything and the higher ups in the hospital watch everything but act as mute spectators,” another protestor said adding that private security present on gate too demand bribe from the attendants and it is happening under the nose of hospital administration.

    When contacted, Medical Superintendent Lal Ded Hospital, Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Rather told CNS the attendants must approach him immediately if anyone demands bribe from them so that he can stern action against the guilty. (CNS)

  • Semi-decomposed body of an unidentified woman recovered in Hyderpora

    Srinagar: Semi-decomposed body of an unidentified woman was recovered from Hyderpora area of uptown Srinagar on Friday, a police spokesperson said.He said that the deceased was perhaps a non-state subject. Local residents claimed that the woman was a beggar and had been living along on the road side. Reports also suggest that the woman was of unsound mind.The locals initially spotted the dead body. They later informed police about the same.Police have appealed people to inform them if they know about the identity of the woman. They may be contacted at mobile number 9419001083 or toll free number 100 that is of police control room, Srinagar.

  • BOPEE SCAM: CB launches hunt to nab the ‘tainted’ students

    Srinagar: Crime Branch Kashmir has set up 8 teams to nab the students and their parents and other accused allegedly involved in the Common Entrance Test paper leak and selling scam. Reliable sources told CNS that the fugitives may likely be declared proclaimed offenders in case they did not surrender before the Crime Branch.
    After presenting challan against 12 students, the Crime Branch in its second challan has indicted at least 9 students and their parents and the challan was presented before the court of anti-corruption judge M.L.Manhas wherein the CB informed the court that the notices has already been sent to accused to present themselves before the CB. However, ‘not satisfied with the arguments of CB, the Court directed the officials of the Crime Branch to conduct raids and take all measures to get the accused involved in Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) scam arrested at an earliest,’ sources said.
    Reliable sources told CNS that out of nine absconding students the Crime Branch has arrested the father of the one student while the hunt for other accused has been launched in a massive way.
    “We had sent notices to the accused 9 students and their parents directing them to present themselves before the CB, however, due to reasons better known to them nobody showed up. Now we have started a hunt to nab them,” a CB official on condition of anonymity told CNS.
    Sources said that after a high-level meeting, the CB has set up 8 different teams which have been conducting raids at different places of South Kashmir. Sources said that the CB teams raided several palces at Wandevalgam Kokernag, KP Road, Chee and Mattan Chowk Anantnag however did not get any success.
    Meanwhile, with reference to investigation of case vide FIR number 24/2013 under section 420, 120 B of RPC 5 (2) PC Act of Crime Branch, Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) has issued a show cause notice asking these students, ‘why action including cancellation of their admission for undertaking MBBS course in Government Medical College Srinagar may not be taken.’
    The nine student against whom BOPEE has issued the show cause notice are the CET topper Mir Wajid Majeed, Meen-Hai-Mehran Dar, Obaid Yousuf Lone, Ruhail Ahmed Mir, Imtiyaz Hussain Shah, Arh Musadiq, Aieena Hial, Danish Majeed, Mir Danish Majeed and Yasmeen Jan.

    BOPEE while citing the cognizance taken by CB and Court in its show cause notice has asked all these students to explain their position in writing otherwise it shall be presumed that they have nothing to say in this matter. (CNS)

  • Rajendra takes over as Special DGP

    Jammu: K. Rajendra Kumar took over the charge of Special Director General of Police (Coordination), Police Headquarters (PHQ) here today.
    K. Rajendra, 1984 batch IPS officer will hold the charge of Special Director General of Police, which has recently been created by the government.
    K. Rejendra, who was presently posted as D.G. Prisons (J&K), has served the State in various capacities including SP Doda, SSP Srinagar, DIG Srinagar, IGP Kashmir, IGP Headquarters (PHQ), IGP CID, IGP Jammu, ADGP CID and ADGP Armed/Law & Order.
    K. Rajendra, during his service, has been awarded prestigious President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services, President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Meritorious Services and President’s Police Medal for distinguished Services.
    (CNS)

  • Jammu Kashmir a Police State Governed by Indian Army Security Forces: Yasin Malik

    People of Jammu Kashmir will not and cannot keep silent on the tyrannical state terrorism of India. Yasin Malik. Yasin Malik, others arrested at Lal Chowk

    SRINAGAR: Chairman Jammu Kashmir liberation front (JKLF) was arrested along with many others today when he was leading a protest rally towards Lal Chowk. Yasin sahib along with JKLF leaders Noor Mohammad Kalwal, Mohammad Yasin Butt, Sheikh Khalid, Mohammad Sideeq Shah, Prof Javed, Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, Mohammad Afzal Sheikh,Ishfaq Hussain , Mehraj ud Din Bhat and Shahid Makaya was arrested by police and forces  it is worth to mention that senior JKLF leader Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi was arrested last night by police from his residence . Police to disrupt JKLF protest rally had laid siege around all roads leading towards Lal Chowk. Hundreds of police personal had cordoned the area and many vehicles had been placed at the openings to stop the protest march. As soon as the protest rally reached Budshah Chowk, police and forces in large numbers stopped it. Hundreds of enthusiastic participants who despite restrictions and strike had reached Maqbool Manzil to participate in the protest rally ,chanting slogans in favor of Azadi, leaders and martyrs and against giving clean chit to pathribal killers, atrocities by forces in Lolab and entire Kupwara etc resisted the police action and broke the siege. After reaching near Taj Hotel police and forces again cordoned the rally and arrested Yasin sahib and others.
    Before the arrests, Yasin sahib while talking to media said that Pathribal killings and clean chit to killers by Indian army has proved the fact that Jammu Kashmir is actually a police state run by army and forces. Yasin sahib said that Pathribal massacre in which Indian army killed 7 innocent Kashmiris in cold blood is a symbol of Indian oppressive attitude against the people of Jammu Kashmir. He said that People of Kashmir will not and cannot keep silent on the issue of Pathribal and our protest to bring the killers to justice will continue. Yasin sahib said that Pathribal is not the only case and massacre committed by Indian forces and army. It was Indian forces who massacred Kashmiri’s at Batamaloo by Pass, Zakura, Gawkadal, Bijbihara, Handwara, Hawal Islamia College, Sopore, Kupwara,Sailan Poonch, Baderwah, Dargah Hazrat Bal and at many other places. Every time these killers got clean chit and no one till date has been penalized or brought to justice. Yasin Malik said that custodial killings, attacks on the chastity of women, burning down entire localities and custodial disappearances have been the order of the day. He said that only some days ago we witnessed beatings and burnings in Pulwama and even from last 4 days people of Kupwara and Lolab are facing the wrath of Indian forces and police. Malik said that what is wrong in asking for disclosure of the identity of those martyred in Lolab and why are people of Lolab and Kupwara being targeted on protesting for this genuine cause. He said that today we are protesting against these Indian atrocities and oppressive measures. We are here protesting against providing clean chit to killers who massacred Kashmiris at Pathribal. We are here protesting against atrocities being committed against Kashmiris in every nook and corner of the valley. We are here to stress the need of bringing the killers of innocent Kashmiris to justice.
    Condemning the drama played by pro India rulers, politicians, assembly and parliament members on the occasions of oppressive acts and crimes committed by Indian army and forces, Yasin Malik said that after army’s clean chit to killers of Pathribal these pro- India politicians started their theater once again. He said that if the slogans and statements issued by these pro India politicians are real, why any one of them doesn’t resign from the assembly, parliament and pro India politics. Yasin Malik said that these politicians are playing drama and their ugly hypocritical politics stands exposed before the people of Jammu Kashmir. It is proved behind doubt that they portray these dramas under a well planned program to diffuse the tension and befool common people.

  • Kashmir Today extends Heireth (Shivratri) greetings

    Srinagar: The Kashmir Today felicitates people of Jammu and Kashmir in particular and the country in general on the auspicious occasion of  Maha Shivratri.
    The occasion we believe is the reflection of  cultural binding, communal harmony and brotherhood  between  the Pandit and Muslim brethren. We hope the festivity will harbinger peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Maha Shivratri:Pandits held special prayers for early Kashmir resolution.

    Srinagar: On the eve of Maha Shivratri, the pandit community living in valley held special prayers for the Kashmir resolution at various places on Thursday.
    The reports received by Kashmir News service (KNS) informed that the special prayers were held at various temples across valley wherein the pundit community prayed for peace and tranquility of Kashmir.
    Rakeesh Thusoo, a pandit residing in old city told KNS that on the eve of Maha Shivratri pundits held prayers at their homes for three continuous days and place walnuts in various utensils during the three days of Watuk Puja. “We are have prayed for the betterment of our land,” he said, adding that the growing problem of unemployment must end in Kashmir.
    S.K.Razdan stated that the people of Kashmir including the pandit community have suffered a lot and that the sufferings must end so that the dawn of peace could arrive. “We are holding special prayers for the Kashmir resolution this evening. The issue has crossed 65 years.”
    He added that the Kashmir is going through the turbulent time and it is only God that could get its people out of these crises. ”The Muslims and Pandits used to live like one family in the past and now there are only few hindu families left in valley. We are missing those good old days when it Shivratri used to be the festival of all.”
    Vineeta Koul stated that everyone in Kashmir is crying within over its crises and that it is not the issue of one particular community. “Kashmir belongs to all and we as its inhabitants pray for the everlasting peace in the region.”
    See how many have lost their precious lives and how much damaged is Kashmir’s unique identity at present. We have organized special prayers for the resolution of Kashmir issue so that we could live in harmony once again,” said Rajendar Dhar. Political leader Sanjay Saraf stated that the Maha Shivratri is the day on which the pandit community is praying for the peace and development of Kashmir. “We have the growing drug menace here, we have more than six lakh youth unemployed,” he said adding that he prays for the well being of Kashmir’s society at large. Maha Shivratri is a festival celebrated every year in reverence of Lord Shiva. Also much popular as ‘Shivratri’ or ‘Great Night of Lord Shiva’, is observed on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Maagh according to the Hindu calendar. (KNS)

  • Hurriyat (G) reiterates strike call for Feb 28

    Invites attention of world community to Kashmir

    Srinagar: While repeating his call for complete shutdown on February 28 and peaceful demonstration after Friday prayers for the ‘mysterious killings’ of seven youths in Kupwara and to condemn the use of brutal force on common people who were demanding their bodies and to press for the demand for an independent investigation into the incident, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani said that until  the world community will not come forward to play their role in Jammu and Kashmir, ‘the unabated massacres of common people and mysterious killing will continue’.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, he said that the strike calls are not given out of any pleasure or any hobby, moreover, we have no option except to protest when people are sliced like vegetables and then they are not allowed to even mourn on these dead bodies. He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are fighting for their libration from Indian occupation and youths are spilling their hot blood to nourish this freedom movement, so we as a nation are duty bound not to forget these sacrifices and continue over struggle at any cost till the goal of freedom is achieved. He said that the strike programs are the part and parcel of resistance movement and the people who get disturbed by these programs are actually the real enemies of national cause and they support the forcible occupation of India merely for the power.
    Meanwhile, expressing his distress and dismay over deteriorating health of Mohammad Amin Dar Banihal, who is serving life imprisonment in Amphala Jail Jammu from last 18 years whereas expressing his happiness and satisfaction over the cancelation of capital punishment of  three Kashmiri youths Raj Din, Bashir Ahmad and Nazir Ahmad by Srinagar High Court, Geelani appealed to the officials of international Red Cross Committee in Srinagar to take immediate notice of the deteriorating condition of Mohammad Amin and help him in his adequate treatment.
    “Though Jammu High Court has issued an order on 26 February to admit Mohammad Amin in SKIMS Soura, but he is still in jail and his condition is getting worse day by day.” While thanking the legal cell of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Advocate Nasir Qaudri, Advocate Danish Mufti and Advocate Devinder Singh for helping Mohammad Amin Dar in obtaining orders from Jammu High Court to get him admitted for treatment in SKIMS and appreciating the role advocate Mian Abdul Qyoom and his team in getting the capital punishment of three Kashmiri prisoners cancelled, Geelani said that the Kashmiri prisoners are subjected to ‘political vengeance’ in Indian jails. (KNS)

  • Day 3: Restrictions, protests continue in Kupwara over ‘militant’ killings

    Srinagar: Protests continued for the third straight day Thursday in Kupwara town of north Kashmir where the killing of seven alleged militants by army had sparked off violent clashes leading injuries to at least a dozen people, including troopers and policemen, prompting administration to impose curfew like restrictions.
    Eyewitnesses told GNS that the curfew like restrictions continued in Kupwara town and Lalpora Lolab, while other areas including Trehgam, Dardpora, Khurhama observed a complete shutdown against the killing of the alleged militants. The town presented a deserted look as all the shops and other business establishments were closed, while the traffic was also off the roads. Police and paramilitary CRPF were deployed in huge numbers to thwart further escalation in protests.
    However, despite restrictions, scores of people, mostly youth took to streets and held pro-freedom protests at Lalpora and Kupwara town. “There were minor clashes between youth and government forces at Kupwara town,” eyewitnesses said.
    However, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kupwara, Abdul Jabbar told GNS that the situation across the Kupwara remained peaceful today.
    On Monday, army and police claimed to have killed seven unidentified ‘militants’ in Dardpora area of Lolab valley. A day later, the locals staged strong protests against the killings and demanded authorities to handover the bodies of seven alleged militants to people as they had apprehensions that the slain might be civilians. Later, clashes had broken out in Lalpora causing injuries to CRPF and police officers and several media men. To bring situation under control, authorities had imposed curfew like restrictions. (GNS)

  • Elderly woman battling for life after botched surgeries at SKIMS

    Srinagar: An elderly woman is battling for her life after she was forcibly discharged from SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) following four botched surgeries, her family says.
    72-year old Qureshi Zainab was admitted to the Valley’s premier tertiary care hospital on January 21 for femoral artery thrombosis, Zainab’s son Nazir Qureshi told GNS. Over the next month, doctors at the hospital including Dr Akbar and Dr Mohammad Amin performed four operations— angiography to remove clots from her legs and axillary femoral PTFE graft onJanuary 22, 24, 31 and February 5— upon her, he said.
    “However, when my mother showed no signs of improvement and her condition worsened we informed the Control Room about the same on February 22.  We were told that Dr Akbar, who had performed the main surgery, had gone on leave and that we should go to SKIMS Bemina for further treatment. Then, on February 24,   Director SKIMS Dr Showkat Zargar, came to the ward where my mother was admitted and asked us to leave the hospital.”
    “When I refused, he threatened to lodge an FIR against me and directed the security guards to throw me out,” he alleged.
    “The operations cost us around nearly 3 lakh rupees and then my mother was forcibly discharged from the hospital,” Qureshi said.
    “Instead of taking the doctors to task for the botched operations, Dr Zargar intimidated us and literally threw us out of the hospital,” Qureshi alleged.
    “My mother’s condition is worsening with each passing day. She was able to walk on her own before the surgeries but now she’s permanently bed-ridden, all because of the negligence and highhandedness of the SKIMS doctors,” he said.
    Director SKIMS, Dr Showkat Zargar was not available for a comment.  (GNS)