Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • Shah Faisal blames center for “escalation” of violence in the Valley

    SRINAGAR: Shah Faesal, former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from Jammu and Kashmir who recently announced plans to form his own political party and contest elections, blamed the Centre for the “escalation” of violence in the Valley.

    While speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ programme organised by Pune Union of Working Journalists on Thursday, Faesal said that there was definitely an escalation of violence in Kashmir and if somebody was responsible for it, it was the Centre.

    In 2009, Faesal became the first Kashmiri to top the civil services exam and joined the IAS in the Jammu and Kashmir cadre. Recently, he resigned from the civil service and decided to join politics.

    The former bureaucrat said that when India and Pakistan were engaged in talks over the years, the overall situation in the Valley was better. “Whenever the two nations spoke, lives of people on both sides became easy. So both countries should resume talks.”

    He stressed that the people in India have to realise that the problem in Jammu and Kashmir is political and the only way to solve it is through dialogue.

    Faesal said that he was as yet undecided about contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls although plans are on to float a new party. “When I quit the IAS, I had no plans to start a new political outfit. However, given the response I have received from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I have decided to form a party for which I have received thousands of suggestions from the people.”

    On abrogating Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gives autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, a contentious issue for decades, Faesal said, “India cannot afford to do that if it expects better relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. There is a need to address violence first rather than talking about bringing changes in the Constitution.” (PTK)

  • Governor Malik looks like spokesperson of RSS, wants more killing in Kashmir: Akbar Lone

    SRINAGAR: National Conference senior leader and former MLA Sonawari Mohammad Akbar Lone said that Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik seems to be the spokesperson of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

    While speaking to News Agency Press Trust of Kashmir Lone said, “Who is Governor Satya Pal Malik to tell Youth of Kashmir what to do and what not to do. Governor’s work is to look administration not to play politics”.

    Lone further added that the Governor wants more killing in Kashmir that is why he is targeting political parties. He added that in real he don’t want peace in Kashmir. He want to kill youngsters in Kashmir.”

    He further added, “Governor should not play politics in Kashmir. He should focus on your work.”

    “Satya Pal Malik don’t have any idea about the position of Governor that is why he is playing political is Kashmir” Lone added.

    Yesterday Governor Satya Pal Malik said the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not want peace in the state as they were more interested in their “own empowerment”.

    Malik was addressing a gathering in Jammu district, said he requested both former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti to participate in panchayat elections as it would benefit and empower the people of the state.

    “But they decided to boycott the elections because they did not want empowerment of the people. They wanted their own empowerment. They were afraid of the panchayat elections and that is why they decided to boycott the polls. But we decided to hold the elections for the betterment of people,” Malik said while recalling that he broke the protocol and visited both leaders.

    “I here again reiterate 300 boys (militants) cannot break India. They are nothing,” Malik said, adding that “our army and forces are instrumental in eliminating two to three militants after every one to two days. Good things is that people have understood that gun cannot bring us anything”.

    He again urged the gun-wielding youth of Kashmir to shun the path of violence, saying it was no solution to any problem. “Some people have presumed that nothing can happen without the gun. Hurriyat leaders and mainstream parties (referring to NC and PDP) should know that violence won’t change anything. Some politicians in Kashmir want that youngsters should die so that they can blackmail New Delhi,” Malik said. (PTK)

  • Two local JeM militants killed in Pulwama gunfight

    Thousands attend last rites of slain militants.

    Srinagar, Feb 01: Two Jaish-e-Muhammad militants were killed in an encounter that raged between forces and militants in Drabgam area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
    Police said that one among the two slain militants had joined the militant ranks very recently but was active supporter of activities of JeM for a long time.
    According to KNS correspondent, police said that a search operation was launched in Drabgam village in the intervening night of Thursday-Friday following the credible inputs about the presence of militants there.
    Police said as the searches were going on, the search party was fired upon by the militants. “The fire was retaliated, thus leading to a gunfight,” police said, adding that two militants were killed and the bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter.
    Police identified the slain militants as Shahid Mushtaq Baba, son of Mushtaq Ahmed Baba of Drabgam Pulwama and Inayat Abdullah Zigar, son of Mohammad Abdullah Zigar of Arihal Pulwama.
    “Both the militants were affiliated with JeM and Baba was wanted by the law for his complicity in crimes,” police said, adding that as per police records, Shahid Baba was active in Shopian and Pulwama areas and had a long history of crime records for which several cases were registered against him.
    “He was involved in conspiring and executing several attacks on security establishments in the area including grenade attacks,” police said, adding that another militant, Inayat was an active supporter of activities of JeM for a long time though he joined the outfit as active cadre very recently.
    Police said that due to the efforts of security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the encounter. “Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter. All these materials have been taken in case records for further investigation and probe their complicity in other cases,” police said.
    Meanwhile, police urged people not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. “People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any,” police said.
    Moreover, thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers of slain militants at their native villages of Drabgam and Arihal.
    The slain were laid to rest after multiple funeral prayers at their native villages.
    Notably, the mobile internet services in the district continued to remain suspended since Thursday mid-night. (KNS)

  • Jammu Srinagar National Highway Update For Tommorow

    Srinagar: Jammu Srinagar NHW-44 have witnessed fresh snow 1′- 2.5′ feet at Banihal – Qazigund stretch due to which the road has been blocked. Further the rainfall in Banihal- Ramban stretch has also lead to landslide/shooting stones at many places like Anokhi fall, Kela Mode, Panthal etc.

    In view of the inclement weather as well as present road conditions, the stranded passengers are advised not to travel on NHW especially between Ramban to Qazigund. The stranded vehicles would be allowed to proceed towards their destinations once the road is cleared.

    In view of the rain/snow in plains and other towns of the state, due to which the roads have become slippery, the general public is also advised take necessary precautions so as to avoid accidents and unnecessary road congestions.

    People are further advised to start their journey on NHW only after confirming status of the road from below mentioned phone Nos.

    TRAFFIC CONTROL UNITs

    Jammu (0191-2459048, 9419147732)

    Ramban (9419993745)

    Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091)

  • Qayoom Wani submits volunteer retirement from services to join PDP for entering electoral fray

    Will contest parliamentary polls from north Kashmir, joining politics aimed to serve people selflessly: Wani

    Srinagar: Top trade unionist of Jammu and Kashmir and President Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) on Friday submitted volunteer retirement from the government services and resigned from the basic membership of Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), Teachers Joint Action Committee (TJAC) and Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) to join Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to enter the electoral fray as PDP candidate from North Kashmir Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming elections.
    Qayoom Wani while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that he has submitted volunteer retirement from the services and has also resigned from the basic membership of forums he was heading including JKTF, TJAC and EJAC, today to join PDP.
    Wani said that the decision to join politics is aimed to serve people of the society in general. He added that he will contest the upcoming parliamentary elections from north Kashmir. He further said that the deliberation with PDP was going on and they are deciding modalities and there will be a breakthrough over his joining soon, possibly on Saturday.
    Wani who enjoys the support of employees told KNS that to enter into politics was his political belief. “I believe that I can contribute to resolve the chronic issue at parliament to ensure relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Not employees mainly, but I will contribute the whole society selflessly as I have contributed in the past,” he added.
    After recent dissensions in the PDP, Wani’s joining will be a major boost for the party.
    In view of Wani’s joining, PDP Patron and Member of Parliament, Muzaffar Hussain Baigh will hold a press conference in Jammu at 11:30 on Saturday.

  • PSA originated from Omar Abdullah’s home: Sehrai

    Says NC has two languages, one for power, one for opposition

    Srinagar, Feb 01: Reacting on Omar Abdullah’s statement wherein he said, “Will repeal PSA if NC elected with majority” Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Chairman Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai said, “Omar must not forget that what he now calls the Barbaric law (PSA) and the reason of Human tragedies aimed to brutalize every dissent is actually originates from his home decades back. “Why does he remember it as an opposition only,” Sehrai asked.
    He added that “NC has dual languages, one for power and another as opposition party. Their legacy of treason is now carried forward by today’s loyalists of India who are riding our backs at the backing of lakhs armed forces.”
    He said these people are power-hungry and have nothing to do with miseries of common people. “Infact supporters of India’s forced control of Kashmir. They are opportunists who work as New Delhi’s daily-wagers in Kashmir. Their only work is to endorse and shield crimes which India and its forces are committing against people of Jammu & Kashmir.
    Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Chairman Mohd Ashraf Sehrai said, “That the strategies and methods of all these pro-India political parties could be different in different times, but their “ultimate aim and design remains to strengthen India’s military control over Kashmir”. These people (pro-Indian politicians) are responsible for the miseries and bloodshed of the Jammu and Kashmir people and are playing an important role in strengthening the India’s forcible control in the state.”
    Further, he (Sehrai) said, “That the Kashmir dispute pertained to the future of millions of Kashmiris and it could only be resolved by giving inalienable right to self-determination. Unless and until the Kashmir dispute is understood and addressed in its historical context and in the background of international commitments made over it, lasting peace can neither be achieved in J&K nor in the subcontinent.”
    While paying his glorious tributes to the slain Pulwama martyrs, Sehrai said, “The all out war has been launched against the tiny nation with the clear aim of dismantling the rights and to make Kashmiri people to submission. He said that the nation will never budge from its stand and will carry Martyrs Mission till its logical end. He said the “Sacrifices rendered by youths are exemplary” and added that our budding youths proved hollow credentials of Indian so called democracy. Since 70 odd years India tried their best to eradicate the emotions of people but people of Kashmiri are still firm on the way of resistance.” Sehrai reaffirmed that people will continue their struggle against occupation come what may.

  • Denial of admission fee will crush Pvt education sector in Kashmir

    Srinagar, January 31: Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) today termed the government decision to allow a meagre 6% fee hike annually as too late and too little. The Association also expressed its shock at the government decision to stop private schools from charging one time admission fee from students as the same will crush the private sector and hurt the growth of education sector in a big way.

    The Association said that the 6% of fee hike is nothing when compared to the rise of prices in the market. “As per Govt order dated 2006 schools were enhancing fee by 10% annually. However in the backdrop of 2014 floods the then Govt revoked this order and assured us that a comprehensive education policy will be framed,” said G N Var, Chairman PSAJK. “We are still waiting for that policy. In 2017 Govt allowed us 8% fee hike annually however because of an ambiguous order from FFC (Fee Fixation Committee) the Association sought clear directions. Due to fall of Govt. it took time and now the Govt has allowed us 6% hike which is too less as we can’t meet the market inflation and can’t pay 10% salary hike to our staff.”
    The Association said that the FFC should have followed all India model, wherein 8-15 % fee hike is allowed. “We want Govt to allow us charge 10% annually as per Govt order of 2006 and also one time admission fee as is the norm,” said Var.

    The Association said that the education sector has become highly competitive and schools have to compete at global levels. “From smart class rooms to new learning aids and specialised training to teachers, everything happens when schools are assured of finances,” said Var. “We invested all our blood and sweat, our energy and most importantly constructed new infrastructure by investing our hard earned money. We raised finances by selling our ancestral land and other assets. In many cases, we got loan worth crores from JK Bank by mortgaging our residential houses.”

    The coming of outside branded schools has also put heavy pressure on many of our schools as they are forced to invest more to compete with them by investing more. “Branded schools have 3 to 4 times more fee than most of our schools,” said Var. “If 10 % fee hike and the admission fee is denied to us, our students won’t be able to compete with rest of world. It will be a collective loss for society.”

    The Association said that most of the schools are under the financial burden and they have been waiting for education policy and resumption of 2006 government order, in order to gain stability. “During these few years of instability the schools survived only because of admission fee and this admission fee is our backbone. If the government removes it, anybody can guess what will happen next,” said Var. “Maybe schools will have to down shutters as it will become unviable to run a school with so many curbs.”

  • 7-Year-Old Boy from England Memorises the Entire Qur’an

    Yusuf Aslam, a 7-year-old boy from Luton, England has finished memorising the Qur’an aged 7. He follows in the footsteps of his older sister Maariya who also memorised the Qur’an two years ago at the same age.

    It took him just over two years to memorise all 114 chapters of the book of Allah.

    IlmFeed got in touch with his mother who shared a few insights into Yusuf’s journey.

    How did it feel when he completed memorising the Qur’an?

    (It felt) like being in a dream. I never ever dreamt I could achieve this. Allah (swt) has truly blessed us to be able to go through this journey. Allah says I will make it easy for you if you try, and He did. It’s a feeling of contentment knowing you’ve done the best you can for your akhirah – InShaAllah.

    Did Maariya Help?

    Maariya has stepped in at times when I’m busy. Maariya’s hifz ability is exceptional and she has been a constant source of support whenever required. They like to test one another which is always fun to watch. Maariya had many other commitments during Yusuf’s hifz which have only recently diminished, so she hasn’t been heavily involved; but has still assisted along the way. The plan is for them is be ‘revision buddies’. I’m sure I’ll be heavily supervising before they finally grasp the level it needs to get to. Yusuf is very lucky to have Hafiza Maariya as a sister.

    Did you face any difficulties?

    The whole journey wasn’t without it’s challenges. Hifz, in my opinion, is a lifestyle changer. For about 2 years you hardly have a social life. I literally live, breathe, discuss hifz with most people I end up meeting because, quite simply, it’s been my focus for so long now.

    Alhamdulillah, Yusuf transitioned easily into the hifz routine as he had seen his sister follow that path and he always loved listening to Qur’an at bedtime. I knew he was keen to learn it, even though he didn’t know how much commitment it really requires. I’ve given up my career to educate my children; both in the Islamic upbringing and educationally. As a parent I’m blessed to have children who cooperate and have a good work ethic/ free time balance. I found it easier second time around.

    How did you motivate your son to become a hafiz?

    Alhamdulillah, there hasn’t been a day where he has said that he just doesn’t want to do it. He wanted to become a Hafiz. After just knowing a small section of the Qur’an, he wanted to know why he wasn’t called hafiz like his sister. I explained he had to know all of it first.

    Also, he was gifted regular rewards. He has been promised a large party and he knows he can ask for anything and he will be gifted it at some point. His main prize will be a trip to Umrah InShaAllah, in the coming December holidays – hopefully it’s not too late to book!

    Do you have any advice for other parents?

    Lots of parents are worried how their children will cope. Children adapt very easily, so after a month at the most, your child will be used to a hifz routine.

    All parents should learn or know tajweed enough to help their children. This is an absolute must if you want to be involved. There’s a great sense of satisfaction listening to your child recite the words of Allah swt, but the whole learning for your child will take a more positive stance and even though it’s not a race, you will see results a lot quicker, than if you weren’t involved. Qur’an teachers at a mosque/maktab can only give your child about 5 mins in a class, so they can’t move your child forward until they are satisfied with each line and page – practise with them daily at home before they go back the next day.

    Also, I have comfort knowing that if Yusuf can memorise the Qur’an, he will InShaAllah sail through most exams as has been the case with his sister. Parents often worry about the academic effect hifz has. My children were both between the ages of 5 to 7 when they were taught hifz. I took the view that school work wasn’t going to suffer immensely whilst we went on this journey. I’m 100% of the opinion that hifz only improves the child’s ability to learn and recollect facts. Maariya has proven herself academically by being in the ‘highly superior’ IQ group and has gone on to pass grammar school exams. She has gained the highest band possible at England’s number one grammar school. Allah (swt) blesses these children and in return they must maintain and live by the Qur’an. I don’t doubt that Yusuf will excel academically also and he will go on to do public speeches and InShaAllah also be a world-renowned scholar, but with a profession also.

    Finally, make the intention and some changes. I’ll say this again, if I can do this, then anyone can.

    Yusuf’s mother has helped hundreds of parents who message her for advice on her Facebook page. Follow the page here.

    What is demonstrated by these two young children shows the miraculous nature of the Qur’an and how Allah preserves His book in the hearts of His servants. May Allah bless the family.

    “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian” 15:9

  • Body of girl recovered in Shopian, said to be maternal cousin of slain Zeenat ul Islam

    Shopain, February 01: Body of a girl was recovered with bullet marks was recovered on Friday in south Kashmir’s Shopian district’s Dragad area.

    According to reports reaching KNO the girls is said to be the maternal cousin of the slain Al Badr commander Zeenat ul Islam, who was recently killed in a gunfight with governemtn forces.

    The girl has been identified as Ishrat Muneer of Dangerpora pulwama South Kashmir.(KNO)

  • Two JeM militants killed in nocturnal gunfight in Pulwama village

    Srinagar, Feb 1: Two JeM militants were killed in a nocturnal gunfight at Drabgam area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.

    Official sources told GNS that the contingents of army’s 44 RR, CRPF and Special Operation Group (SOG) of police cordoned off Baba Mohalla of Drabgam village today at around 7:30 pm.
    The forces had installed lights so as to prevent the escape of militant owing to darkness, they said.

    As the forces intensified the searches, militants hiding in the area opened fire, leading to a gunfight which was going on when this report was filed, they said.

    The army has already rushed more reinforcements in the area, they said.

    A police officer confirmed the encounter and said that the cordon was launched following specific inputs about the presence of some JeM militants in the village.

    In the ensuing gunfight, two militants were killed and their bodies were recovered along with as many weapons and other warlike stores, he said.

    The officer said that the identity of the duo is being ascertained.
    Sources said that a residential house of Abdul Khaliq Negroo where the militants were hiding was razed to rubble.

    As per the sources both JeM militants killed in Drabgam Encounter has been identified as Shahid Baba, from Drabgam Pulwama and Anayat Ullaha from Arihal Pulwama.

    Earlier, as the cordon was being laid, the youth took to streets and pelted stones on forces which in turn lobbed tear smoke shells to disperse them.

    Meanwhile, the internet has been suspended in Pulwama and neighbouring Shopian district of south Kashmir following the gunfight. (GNS)