Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • Friday prayer disallowed at Jama Masjid for 7th consecutive week

    Anjuman questions administration over undue restrictions on Jamia , Mirwaiz

    Srinagar, Nov 24: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has expressed strong resentment against the administration for disallowing Friday prayers at the historic grand mosque for the seventh consecutive Friday today and placing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq under house arrest, restricting him from carrying out his religious duties, terming it extremely unfortunate and reprehensible.

    The Anjuman in a statement said, “On one hand, the government claims everyday that the situation in Kashmir is normal , but it is a pity that contrary to these claims, even on the seventh Friday, Jama Masjid was forcibly closed and the top religious leader of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq kept under house detention. This way, the centuries-old minbar and mihrab of Jama Masjid – the great place of worship in Kashmir – were again silent.”

    Such hostile behaviour of the administration towards Jama Masjid and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir is incomprehensible, the Auqaf said.

    According to the administration, if Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir has been released from detention, then why is Jama Masjid being targeted and Mirwaiz Sahib not allowed to perform his religious responsibilities, the Anjuman asked.

    Such actions hurt the religious sentiments of the people and tantamount to interfering in religious matters, the Auqaf said. It urged the administration to change its policy towards Jama Masjid and Mirwaiz and do away with undue restrictions.

  • Seems slain Militants in Rajouri encounter have been trained in Afghanistan, other countries: Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi

    Says supreme sacrifices offered by soldiers has raised morale of troops to fight terror more effectively; 20 to 25 terrorists still operating in Poonch-Rajouri areas; LG Manoj Sinha, DGP Swain pay floral tributes to fallen soldiers

    Jammu, Nov 24: The northern army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi Friday said that slain terrorists in Rajouri encounter seems have been trained in Afghanistan and other countries and their killing was a major setback to “terrorism and its eco-system” in Rajouri-Poonch area.

    Talking to reporters on the side-lines of a wreath laying ceremony of fallen soldiers including two captains in Jammu, the northern army commander Lt General Upendra Dwivedi said that the two slain terrorists were highly trained. “It seems that they were trained in Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries,” he said as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

    He said that the supreme sacrifices made by five army soldiers including two captains has raised the morale of troops and all are committed to eliminate the terrorists from the J&K soil.

    Asked about the number of terrorists active in Peer Panjal range, the army officer said that killing of two highly trained terrorists in Rajouri gunfight has resulted in a major setback to terror and its ecosystem in the region. “The number of terrorists operating in the area may vary as Poonch and Rajouri are connected with the highway. At least 20 to 25 terrorists are still operating in the area and with the help of active support of police and human intelligence, we will be able to root out the terrorism within a year from the region,” he said. On Thursday, the army killed two terrorists in the Rajouri encounter and identified one of the slain as the top Lashkar-e-Toiba commander Qari of Pakistan. The army said slain Qari was an IED expert anda sniper trained to hide in caves and forests.

    Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha and DGP RR Swain paid floral tributes to the fallen soldiers—(KNO)

  • Kashmiri journalist Fahad Shah released

    Srinagar, Nov 23: Kashmiri journalist and editor of The Kashmir Walla magazine Fahad Shah, who was granted bail by Jammu and Kashmir high court last week, has been released from jail after 21 months.

    Shah was released from Kot Balwal jail in Jammu on Wednesday and has reached home in Kashmir, his legal team said on Thursday.

    “He was released yesterday after the high court granted him bail in a case filed by the state investigation agency(SIA),” said a member of his legal team.

    The SIA of J&K Police had taken custody of Shah in May 2022 into the investigation of the FIR number 01/2022 registered at the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC), in Jammu, in connection with the publication of an alleged seditious article in now defunct The Kashmir Walla in 2011, allegedly written by a Kashmiri scholar Abdul Aala Fazili. Shah was booked under UAPA.

    Shah, 34, was arrested on February 4, 2022 by Pulwama police under the charges of allegedly glorifying militancy and sedition after running a story on an encounter. Besides the SIA case, the police had filed three separate first information reports (FIRs) against Shah in four years – one each in Srinagar, Pulwama and Shopian. The police accused him of glorifying terrorism, spreading fake news and inciting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

    On November 17, the Jammu wing of the high court, comprising justices Anil Sreedharan and ML Manhas, granted him bail in the alleged seditious article case.

    In the case, the court quashed charges such as terror conspiracy (Section 18) and waging war against the country (Section 121) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration (Section 153-B) of the Indian Penal Code.

    Shah will, however, face trial under Section 13 (abetting unlawful activities) of the UA(P)A. He will also undergo trial for allegedly receiving foreign funds illegally.

    The judgment, while noting the appellant’s assertion that despite being granted bail in Pulwama and Shopian cases, Shah was not released but the alleged article case was dug out from the past.

    “However, the appellant was still not released, and his custody was shifted to Safa Kadal police station (in Srinagar) in another case registered at that police station. It is also averred that before the court of competent jurisdiction at Srinagar could decide his bail application, the appellant was taken into preventive detention under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978. It was in this backdrop that the current case against the appellant was dug out by the Respondent with the registration of the aforementioned FIR,” the court said.

    The court said the act (of publication of the article) was allegedly done 11 years ago. “From then till date, no evidence has been brought on record that the offending article was responsible in provoking persons to take to militancy. Not a single witness says this,” it said.

    While also putting the side of the state on record, the court said that the prosecution alleged that the appellant is part of an “operation to build and propagate the false narrative that is essential to sustain the secessionist cum terrorist campaign, the aim of which is to break the Indian union, secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India and accession to Pakistan”.–(Hindustan Times)

  • Lt Governor reviews Power supply situation in Jammu Kashmir

    JAMMU, NOVEMBER 23: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a review meeting on the overall Power supply situation in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.

    The meeting was attended by Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department; Sh Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Finance Department; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor and other senior officials.

    Detailed discussions took place on various aspects to meet the high electricity demand in both Kashmir and Jammu Division.

    During the meeting, the Lt Governor asked the Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, H. Rajesh Prasad for strict compliance of curtailment plans, uninterrupted and quality power in 100% smart metered feeders and timely replacement of damaged transformers to avoid any inconvenience to the people. He said the team on the ground must closely monitor the situation and take proactive actions to meet the peak electricity demand.

    The Lt Governor also took appraisal of the status of the installation of smart meters, manpower and power infrastructure.

  • Rajouri Gunfight: One More Soldier Succumbs, Toll 5

    Rajouri, Nov 23: One more soldier has succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, taking the toll to five, including two officers, in the ongoing encounter in Rajouri.

    Reliable sources told Kashmir Scroll that one more soldier succumbed this morning taking the toll to 5 including two officers in an ongoing encounter with militants in the Rajouri area of Jammu and Kashmir.

    They said troops, including special forces, are deployed in the area after inputs were received about the movement of a group of militants in the area.

    The 16 Corps Commander and Rashtriya Rifles commander are monitoring the operations closely, they added.

    Pertinently, the encounter entered into the second day on Thursday in the woods of Rajouri where two militants are believed to be trapped. (KS)

  • IMD Predicts Snowfall, Rains in Jammu and Kashmir

    SRINAGAR: In a recent forecast, the IMD anticipates light snowfall and rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, courtesy of a western disturbance at 55 degrees. Additionally, central India is bracing for thunderstorms and hailstorms until November 26-27, all attributed to an oncoming western disturbance.

    Understanding the role of western disturbances, which are extratropical storms originating from the Mediterranean or Caspian Sea, is crucial. These disturbances bring non-monsoonal rainfall to northwest India and usher in sudden winter rain in the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, often accompanied by snow and fog.

    Looking ahead to November 24-25, dark clouds are expected to gather over Northwest India, indicating a dynamic weather scenario in the region.

  • Dip in student admissions at KU triggers alarm, academicians urge LG to intervene

    Srinagar: With PG admissions at the Kashmir University witnessing a sharp decline for the first time in its history, academicians have voiced concern over failure of the Varsity authorities to address the burgeoning issue.

    The Varsity authorities are themselves struggling to find ways and means to fill up the vacant seats in various PG courses at the main and satellite campuses.

    Sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that almost all seats in self-finance category at the main campus are vacant, while scores of seats in General (Open) category are also vacant in the Main Campus at Hazratbal, as also at the satellite campuses in Baramulla, Anantnag and Kupwara.

    “Nearly 100 seats in main campus are vacant in various PG courses in General category, while over 200 seats are vacant in self-finance category,” the sources added.

    The situation with Institute of Technology, Zakura Campus, is worst with 80 to 90 percent seats in its various branches vacant. Some seats are vacant in computer engineering course at North Campus as well. Even newly introduced courses at North Campus and Kupwara Campus have found very little takers, reflecting the University’s failure to do proper homework before launching these courses.

    Academicians have voiced concern and requested LG Manoj Sinha, who is the KU’s Chancellor, to discuss the matter in the J&K Higher Education Council (JKHEC) headed by him.

    “This situation is unprecedented. VC KU should have apprised the Chancellor about the declining admissions so that JKHEC could discuss ways and means to address this critical issue,” said a KU teacher, wishing not to be named.

    He said the University authorities seem to be unmoved by the declining admissions which is tarnishing the perception and reputation of the institution in the eyes of the public.

    “If admissions have dipped so much this year, there are fears that the situation could be worse next year. It is high time for the University to stop granting extension after extension for admissions and seriously find out reasons for steep dip in admissions,” said a teacher at South Campus.

    He said the University’s decision to call for ‘open and spot admissions’ in bid to fill vacant seats is fraught with potential consequences. “Giving open admissions means compromising with merit and quality of candidates,” the teacher said.

    “Five months have passed since the entrance test was held, but admissions are still open. How long will this work?” Another academician suggested that JKHEC should order an academic audit of various courses being offered by the University to assess their viability and future prospects.

    “If some courses need to be closed, it must be done. But new courses should be introduced strictly after assessing their viability,” he said.

    A KU official said recently the Vice Chancellor chaired a meeting of officials to discuss the issue of declining admissions, but couldn’t reach a consensus on the way forward.

    “Once upon a time KU was the most sought-after institution where students would be more than willing to pay for payment seats. There was no question of any vacant seat in any department,” said a former KU Dean.

    “Today, there is a huge question mark on the academic and research activities of the University despite its claims of NIRF and NAAC rankings”—(KNO)

  • Man Slaughters Mother, His Minor Daughter With Sharp-edged Weapon in Jammu

    Srinagar, Oct 31: A man slaughtered his mother and a minor daughter with a sharp-edged weapon in Bishnah area in Jammu district, officials said.

    They told GNS that the culprit identified as one Jagdev Singh alias Micheal, son of Kura Ram Parbana, resident of Morchapur Bishnah fled from the scene, using his motorcycle, soon after committing the act.

    The officials have asked public to come up with any information regarding the culprit, who they said has used his motorcycle Pulsar (Red-black) bearing registration number JK02CN 0372 to flee after committing the heinous act. (GNS)

  • Poor air quality heightens stroke risk: DAK on world stroke day

    Srinagar, Oct 29: On world stroke day, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday said exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke.

    “Poor air quality heightens your chances of getting a stroke,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

    Dr Hassan said according to a new study published in Journal Neurology short exposure of just 5 days to air pollutants could increase a person’s risk of stroke.

    Previous studies have established a link between long term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of stroke. But the new study shows that even short term exposure poses heightened risk

    The study analysed more than 18 million cases of ischemic stroke – which is the most common type of stroke caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain.

    Researchers looked at different pollutants and different sizes of particulate matter.

    The analysis found that stroke risk rose 28% when people had been exposed to nitrogen dioxide, 26% when exposed to carbon monoxide, 15% when exposed to sulphur dioxide and 5% when exposed to ozone.

    Higher concentration of PM2.5 was linked to a 15% increased risk of stroke with PM10 at 14% and PM1 at 9%.

    “Higher levels of air pollution were also linked to higher risk of death from stroke,” he said.

    The DAK President said air quality in Kashmir has been constantly deteriorating for the past few years due to increasing number of vehicles, constructions, brick kilns, cement and other factories which emit pollutants and significantly pollute the air.

    “The pollution hits dangerous levels during winter months due to elevated level of biofuel emission from domestic sector,” he said.

    Dr Nisar said over the years stroke cases are on the rise in Kashmir valley. Not only elderly, we are seeing increase in number of strokes among younger people.

    “While smoking, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol remain important risk factors for stroke, in Kashmir many people with none of these risk factors come to hospitals with strokes and air pollution could be a factor,” he said.

    “There is an urgent need to create policies that reduce air pollution. That would reduce the number of strokes which is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the valley,” he added.

  • Mirwaiz not allowed to address faithful at Aastaan Aaliya Dastgeer sahib Khanyar

    Srinagar, Oct 25: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has expressed deep regret over the restrictions imposed by the administration on the religious activities of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq.

    The Anjuman in a statement said that apart from disallowing Mirwaiz from addressing the Friday prayer at Jama Masjid Srinagar, he is also not allowed to perform his religious duties, which is unfortunate on the part of the administration.

    According to the statement, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, was supposed to deliver a sermon today at Aastaan Aaliya Peer Dastgir Sahib Khanyar in connection with the Urs of Hazrat Peeran-e-Peer Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), was not allowed to go there. Even earlier, Mirwaiz was not allowed to attend the Seerat Majlis at Peer Dastgir Sahib Sarai Bala Srinagar.

    This is the fifth year in a row that Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir has been detained in his residence and not allowed to carry out his religious responsibilities, the Auqaf said, adding that the authorities are not giving any reasonable reason for their arbitrary actions.

    The Anjuman said that a large number of people had gathered in Aastaan Aaliya Peer Dastgir Sahib Khanyar to listen to the sermons of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, but due to his detention, they returned deeply disappointed.

    Such actions of the administration are totally unjustified, and exposes their tall claims of normalcy,the Anjuman said