Author: hamid

Addresses NC Workers Conventions at Neel, Ukral, Kastigarh, Razgarh

Ramban: Sidelining the false campaign of propagandists, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who is also Working President National Conference Tuesday said that the opponents will not be able to erase the historic role National Conference (NC) has played all along even during challenging times to uphold the people’s cause and seek political and economic stability for Jammu and Kashmir.

“It was the National Conference in the past and it is the National Conference at present which is lucidly and confidently clear about the political addressing of Kashmir imbroglio, creating necessary thaw in Indo-Pak relations and making the ‘table’ only means to settle all issues”, he said adding that friendly Indo-Pak relations has been the benchmark of the National Conference’s political discourse and it will continue to be the centre pillar in NC’s political viewpoint.

According to a statement issued to KNS, addressing Party Workers’ conventions at Neel, Kastigarh, Razgarh and Ukral in Banihal and Ramban Assembly Constituencies today, Omar Abdullah asserted that NC will continue its march to achieving the goal of political and economic stability in the State.

The National Conference Working President said that it was he who as the Chief Minister of the State highlighted the importance of resolution of political issues of Jammu and Kashmir politically and told the Prime Minister and Union Government that Kashmir issue cannot be settled by economic measures. He said it was also he who repeatedly and vehemently highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir cannot be equated with other States of India like those of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, etc. “I told at all forums that the relation between the State and the Country is unique and special and we have to strengthen this bond by strengthening the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted by the Constitution of India”, he added.

Omar Abdullah said that National Conference is not mere a party formulated to rule the State but it is a “programme”, a “campaign” and a “movement” to seek peace and political stability in the State and to strive for empowerment, economic welfare and prosperity of the common people irrespective of any consideration.

“NC has witnessed many vicissitudes in its over 80 years of political struggle, our workers and leadership have suffered a lot and faced different challenges and difficulties in different periods, but our motto has never changed and will never change”, he said adding that outcomes of elections have never derailed this party from its basic agenda of building ‘Naya Kashmir’ based on justice and equality. “Our struggle in this regard will continue whether in power or outside”, he said and added that present conversion of anti-NC elements in an amalgamation, is yet another attempt of disgruntled elements to keep NC away from power and fish in the troubled waters.

Omar Abdullah said that NC is not the creation of any ‘Agency’ its dictation, its command and its strength is the common people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Our Headquarter is the people of the State and we take only their dictation and command”, he said maintaining that power has never been the goal of National Conference. He said NC  is not like other parties who change their minds and views with the changing winds to grab power.

The Working President National Conference said that NC is the fortress of common people of all shades and its strength lies in the faith and support of people from grass roots. While referring to the induction of some elements with charges of corruption in the PDP party fold and allotting them tickets to contest forthcoming Assembly Elections, he said that this clearly explains volumes about the agenda and approach of PDP vis-a-vis governance. He asked the people to seek information about conducts of these persons under Right to Information Act, it will be amply known to you how much charges of corruption and misconduct are pending against them. “If such persons God forbid, come to power what would be the condition of the State”, he asked.

“We cannot be browbeaten by money and mussel power. We have withstood successfully all such challenges in the past and will do it again in future”, he said and referred to the conspiracy under which the elected Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1953 and elected Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah in 1984 were removed. He also referred to the sacrifices and hardships faced by thousands of National Conference workers during the militancy and said that like in past the National Conference will again surpass the difficulties and onslaughts and emerge as victorious as ever. He expressed confidence that the people across the State would read between the lines and scuttle the conspiracy being hatched against them and the State.

“You have to rise to the occasion and teach a befitting lesson to the power hungry politicians who have sold the honour and rights of the people in the past and are out to do so now to satisfy their lust to be in power”, he told the National Conference workers asking them to remind the people of the sincere service NC and its leadership has always rendered to them all across the State equating it with the worship.

Referring to the historic and path braking decisions taken by his government during the last over five years on peace and development fronts, to empower people, bring transparency and make public service delivery a time bound duty of the administration, Omar Abdullah said that these glaring achievements cannot be played down by the propaganda of power greedy elements as these are documented and historic memorabilia.

“You cannot belittle the stupendous achievements of the government made to give common masses the power to scan every function of the government and be legally empowered to receive public services in a time bound manner”, he told to the detractors of National Conference adding that his government has transformed the governance concept by making common man master of the situation.

Omar Abdullah said that people are witness to the holding of Panchayat Elections in the State by the coalition government after a long period of over 30 years despite the apprehensions and fears speculated by those who are now attempting to hoodwink people and divert their attention from the services rendered by the government to them on all fronts. He also mentioned the historic decision of his government with regard to establishment of hundreds of new Administrative Units all across the State to enhance the access of people to the administration for redressal of grievances and implementation of development schemes.

“It were we, who enacted Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) making as many as 80 services legally bound to be delivered in fixed time limits as also making provision in the Act to impose fine of Rs. 5000 on the official who delays or fails in giving the particular services to the person seeking that service”, he said adding that various leaders in the Country are still struggling to have a similar kind of Act at the Central level. He said that his government also constituted State Right to Information Commission, State Vigilance Commission, Re-constituted Accountability Commission, introduced Third Party Independent Monitoring of development projects, e-tendering of works and e-procurement of material for government projects giving a new meaning to the transparency and monitoring systems.

“We have strengthened institutions and empowered the people to catch hold the corrupt elements, unearth misconduct and expose financial and other irregularities bringing the culprits before the law without any involvement of government machinery”, he said and added that people will remember my government for this innovation for a very long time when they will be harvesting the fruits of these decisions.

Omar Abdullah also referred to the new direction given to power sector by his government and said that the initiatives taken to make the State self-reliance in power generation is yet another historic gift given by the coalition government to the people of the State. “This measure will not only help to provide 24×7 power supply to the people in the State but make Jammu and Kashmir financial so healthy that it would fund its developmental projects from its own kitty. He said as against setting up of 750 MW capacity power projects in the State from 1947 to 2008 including that of 450 MW Baglihar-I, launched in Dr. Farooq’s regime, his government has started power projects with a capacity of about 1600 MWs in just five years.

Provincial President Jammu National Conference, Davender Singh Rana, Former Legislator Dr. Chaman Lal and NC local leader Sajjad Shaheen also addressed the conventions. During the conventions scores of workers and prominent people of these areas joined the National Conference reposing full faith in the party and its leadership.

Srinagar: Revealing that dozens of Kashmiri prisoner’s health has deteriorated badly due to burning heat in different jails of India, senior separatist leader Nayeem Ahmad Khan has demanded the immediate shifting of all Kashmiri prisoners to the valley.

“The Kashmiri prisoners languishing in jails like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jodhpur, Madras, Delhi, Kuthua, Jammu, Hiranagar etc, are not familiar with the scorching heat there, I have information that many Kashmiri prisoners have gone seriously ill and went unconscious many times a day, so all these prisoners should be shifted to the valley as soon as possible,” Khan said in a statement.

Pertinently, there are a number of people languishing in different jails outside the state. Many among them have been convicted in different cases.

“All Kashmiri convicts who are languishing in different jails were not provided ample opportunity to defend themselves so their conviction is not based on justice,” Khan said adding “We demand their immediate shifting to the valley.”

Khan also demanded the release of prisoners languishing in Srinagar and other jails of the valley.

Srinagar: Three bodies were recovered at different places in the valley. Police has started the investigations to ascertain the causes of the deaths. Anantnag police recovered a male body from river Lidder at Peth Nambal in the jurisdiction of Police Station Mattan. The body was later identified as Nanak Singh son of Gareeb Singh resident of Mattan.

The body was handed over to his legal heirs for last rites. Police has started investigation to ascertain the cause of the death. An un-identified male body age about 43 years was recovered from Nalla Zojilla. The body was brought to Sonamarg Hospital for identification. Police has started investigation in this regard. Shopian police recovered the body of 30 years old mentally unsound person Mushtaq Ahmad Wani son of Ghulam Hassan Wani resident of Nadigam, Shopain from a Filtration plant at Habdipora. After completion of legal formalities the body handed over to legal heirs for last rites.

Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir  peoples league chairman   Mukhtar Ahmad Waza  today expressed sympathy and solidarity with the family Hizb-ul-Mujahdeen Supremo Syed Sallah-u-Deen over the sad demise of his wife Tajeh Aapa.

On the occasion,  A delegation of peoples league visited the bereaved family delegation was comperomised with Gulam Qadir Rah, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, Jaffer Kashmiri and Gulam Mohmmad Mir  who paid a glowing tribute to buried soul   speaking on this occasion Imtiyaz Reshi said that deceased lady has played a great role in the ongoing freedom  movement. “It is because of her contribution that Syed Sallah-u-Deen shab is fighting and rasing voice against the India’s illegal occupation over the state besides heading a forum because which Kashmir conflict got recognized at international level,” he said.

Srinagar: Director General of Police, Mr K Rajendra Kumar has wished all the personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the people of the State on the eve of Holy month of Ramzan.

Mr Rajendra in his message said that the Holy Month brings with it the message of peace and brotherhood and caring for the needy persons of the society. He said the holy month of Ramzan is a period of self-restraint, tolerance and prayer and wished that holy month brings with it peace and harmony to the people of the State.

Doda: The Deputy Commissioner Doda Mr Mubarak Singh today flagged off a group of twenty two   children of the district for cleft surgery at Amandeep Hospital Amritsar.

While flagging off the children group, the DDC revealed that under this scheme, in first instance, the children with special need (CWSN) are identified through Zonal Resource Persons /Cluster Resource Persons, followed by organisation of health assessment camps in collaboration with Health department and a team from ALIMCO Kanpur UP.

He added that the deserving children are prescribed assistive devices by special doctors which are being arranged by Education department from Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Co-operation of Indian (ALMCO), a government undertaking organisation and under this scheme minor operations, physiotherapy, home based education is also being provided to Children With Special Need (CWSN).

It was also revealed that, during the last two years, 49 cleft surgeries have been successfully conducted at Amandeep Hospital Amritsar and the cured children are now leading a normal life and pursuing studies efficiently.

The main organiser of the schemes Mr Kismat Singh, District coordinator IED said that this scheme has provided benefits to thousands of CWSN across the district.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Doda, Mr. Imam Din, Chief Education Officer Doda, Mr. Mohd Ayaz Mughal among others were present on the occasion.

Srinagar: At a high level meeting, chaired by Hon’ble Governor, Shri N.N. Vohra, held today at Raj Bhavan, it was decided that the Pahalgam-Chandanwari route shall be opened for the Amarnathji Yatra from Wednesday the 2nd July 2014.

The meeting was attended by Shri K. Rajendra, DGP; Shri R.K. Gupta, CEO, Shrine Board; Shri Shailendra Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shri A. G. Mir, IGP, Kashmir; and Shri Preet Pal Singh, Additional CEO, Shrine Board.

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, was briefed by the CEO about each of the Yatra related arrangements along the Pahalgam route, track condition from Sheshnag to Panjtarni, and status of snow clearance at the site of the Sheshnag Camp. In view of the snow melt levels in the past four days, it was decided to open the Pahalgam route for the pilgrims from 2nd July 2014.

For the convenience of pilgrims, it was decided that all Yatris who have already obtained registration to travel on the Pahalgam route till 5th of July, 2014, shall, if they so wish, have the option of travelling via the Baltal route on the date for which they possess valid registration. Thereafter, from 6th July 2014 onwards, the Yatris will be allowed to embark on their pilgrimages only as per the specific date and route for which they possess valid Yatra Permits.

The Governor asked the CEO and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to personally monitor and ensure that all required arrangements are in place for the Yatra to commence from the Pahalgam route from2nd July 2014 morning.

The CEO was asked to forthwith commence the facility of On-spot Registration of pilgrims who wish to travel by the Pahalgam route. Such registration will be open for the plilgrims to embark on their yatra via the Pahalgam route only with effect from 6th July 2014 morning. This registration would be done at the Registration Counters which have already been set-up by the Shrine Board at Jammu and Srinagar. It may be recalled that the facility for On-spot Registration via the Baltal route has already been opened with effect from 28th June, 2014.

The Shrine Board has provided the facility of On-spot Registration through Registration Counters in Jammu at Vaishnavi Dham, Saraswati Dham, Jammu-Haat and Gita Bhawan and in Srinagar at TRC Nowgam. At Gita Bhawan, Jammu, only Sadhus are being registered. Till date, 2141 pilgrims and Sadhus have registered themselves at these counters to travel to Holy Cave via the Baltal route.

Srinagar: Senior National Conference leaders Devidner Singh Rana and Ajay Sadhotra have lauded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for giving new dimension to development and setting a positive political discourse to steer the sensitive state of Jammu and Kashmir to a new era of peace, progress and prosperity.

“At a time when the state was grappling with a horrendous situation hoisted by communal and divisive political entities, National Conference plunged into action with a reconciliatory approach which got positive response from the people of Kashmir and Jammu who helped decisively in restoring peace and order”, Provincial President said while referring to the situation created by Bharatiya Janata Party and Peoples Democratic party in 2008.

According to the statement issued to KNS, Rana and Sadhotra were addressing party workers and functionaries at Kalakote while winding up their four-day tour of the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

He urged the people to maintain vigil against attempts of polarizing the situation ahead of ensuing assembly elections, saying BJP and PDP had nothing to except inciting passions by exploiting communal and regional sentiments. He said the recent parliamentary elections have proved this beyond any doubt while expressing satisfaction that majority of people refused to toe their line. “These elections exposed those pretending to be adversaries on ideological plank but actually worked together under a clandestine strategy to weaken secular forces”, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Planning, Ajay Sadhotra exposed PDP-BJP nexus, saying these parties worked in tandem to create wedge between the people on communal and regional lines. “Their modus operandi has been the same which they put into practice during 2008 Amarnath land row agitation”, he said and warned that National Conference will stand like a rock against the machinations of these parties in the ensuing assembly elections.

“Ours is not just a political party; it is a great resurgence movement that brought about a political revolution in Jammu and Kashmir by making people masters of their destiny”, Sadhotra said while vowing that National Conference cadre will foil any attempt of sowing seeds of disaffection and mistrust in the society. He said the long drawn battle to maintain the glorious ethos of pluralistic character of Jammu and Kashmir will not be allowed to be trampled by elements inimical to peace.

Sadhotra called upon the people, especially youth to come forward and fight negative forces whose main aim is to grab power by whatever means they can. “It is incumbent upon us all to send a terse message to all those believing in myopic politics, based on regional and sectarian agenda, and foil their attempts of dividing the society.

Rana and Sadhotra asked the party workers to rejuvenate grass roots level units and gear up for the assembly elections in a big way. They said the report card of Omar led government during the past over five and half years is replete of achievements registered in different sectors of development and economy. They said focused attention has been laid on upgrading infrastructure, improving utility services and ensure implementation of various welfare schemes for overall benefit of the people, especially those living in remote and far off areas.

MLA Kalakote, Kr Rachpal Singh, while speaking on the occasion said the people of this constituency braved all odds and faced the malicious propaganda unleashed by dubious political entities with courage and fortitude. He said the people of Kalakote have all along remained foot-soldiers of National Conference which believes in a progressive society based on equality and social justice. “Secularism has been the corner stone of Sher-e-Kashmir’s glorious movement”, he said.

Kr Rachpal Singh listed various problems confronted to the people of this far off constituency and hoped that Omar led government will give priority attention to solving these on immediate basis. 

Baramulla: The District Magistrate, Baramulla, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone, who has been appointed as enquiry officer into the killing of a civilian at Sopore on June 23, 2014, has extended the last date of deposition before him till July 03, 2014. The last date was expiring today.

Anyone having any knowledge about the said firing incident can now depose before him till July 03, 2014 from 2 pm onwards in his office at Baramulla. The depositions can be made orally or in the form of written affidavits.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Government constituted an enquiry committee comprising District Magistrate Baramulla to ascertain the factual position with respect to the causes and circumstances of the firing incident that took place in Krankshivan, Sopore on June 23, 2014 leading to the death of one civilian, Arshad Ahmad Shah S/O Abdul Aziz Shah R/O Naseem Bagh, Sopore and injuries to four other persons.

Srinagar: Huriyat Conference (M) Chairman and Ameer of Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday stated that Masjids and religious institutions should act as centers for carrying out socio-economic reforms besides spreading religious and Tableeghi education.

According to the statement issued to KNS, taking forward his scocial reform campaign, Mirwaiz appealed people that Masjids schools and religious institutions should be encouraged to speak about the socio-political and socio-economic issues faced by the people apart from being used for religious purposes,. He said there was a need to use Masjids as major centers for carrying out social reforms.

While inaugurating the a newly constructed Masjid  at Goripora, Noorbagh, APHC Chairman stated that Kashmir was standing at the threshold of social and moral degradation, adding, there was an impending need that Kashmiris should know their responsibilities towards reforming the society and not act as mute spectators. He said if people would turn a blind eye towards the deterioration of society, the situation would to take an ugly turn.

Despite hardships and day to day restrictions on the political, social and religious activities of resistance leadership by the government, Mirwaiz stated that Hurriyat was committed to take the freedom struggle forward to its logical conclusion and urged the people to be also steadfast viz a viz their commitment with the freedom movement.people on this occasion responded to the call of the Mirwaiz with pro freedom and pro Islam slogans.

He stated that it was highly regrettable that Kashmiris who suffered immensely during the past 25 years were hesitating from shouldering their social and national responsibilities. Expressing concern over the worsening social fabric, Mirwaiz stated that drug and liquor addiction, moral degradation, gambling and other evils were plaguing the Kashmiri society. He stated that in Kashmir, around 4 lakh people were addicted to drugs, adding, in Srinagar, situation was going bad to worse. He stated that to end such ills in the society, there was a need for a strategy and continuous struggle. Mirwaiz stressed that the initiative started under the banner of youth for Kashmir is aimed at inviting Kashmiri youth to come forward and volunteer themselves for initiating a vigorous social reform campaign.

Meanwhile Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has extended his greeting to the people of Kashmir on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan. He said that this month is full of blessings and people should pray for the well being of Kashmiris.  Mirwaiz said that during this sacred month people should devote their major time in offering prayers and reciting the holy Quran and beseech Allah for forgiveness and pity. He said that rewards of fasting are many, but in this month they are multiplied. Mirwaiz said that people should show magnanimity in this holy month and help the poor and needful besides contributing in charitable activities.