Category: Union Territory

O Mehbooba was responding to reports about the forces’ firing at mourners during the funeral of slain Al Badr Commander Zeenat-ul-Islam at a village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said the incident of ‘aerial firing’ on mourners in Shopian might lead to ‘further anger and alienation’ in Kashmir.
Mehbooba was responding to reports about the forces’ firing at mourners during the funeral of slain Al Badr Commander Zeenat-ul-Islam at a village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

She said the aerial firing at Sugan Shopian to stop the people from participating in the slain militant’s funeral is very ‘unfortunate and disturbing.’
“Reports of aerial firing at Sugan Shopian to stop the crowd from participating in the funeral prayers of a local militant, are very unfortunate and disturbing . Such interference in the religious affairs is undesirable and may backfire leading to further anger and alienation,” she tweeted.

Mehbooba Mufti
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@MehboobaMufti
Reports of aerial firing at Sugan Shopian to stop the crowd from participating in the funeral prayers of a local militant , are very unfortunate and disturbing . Such interference in the religious affairs is undesirable and may backfire leading to further anger and alienation.

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2:18 PM – Jan 13, 2019
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Earlier today, at least eleven civilians were injured after the forces fired live ammunition and pellets at the protesters in the village.
Reports said that the forces had blocked all roads leading to Sugan village to limit the number of mourners gathering for funeral of Islam who was killed by the forces yesterday evening in Yaripora area of Kulgam.
Witnesses said that clashes erupted soon after the forces resorted to aerial firing to chase away the people assembling in the village.
They said that forces fired live ammunition and pellets at the protesters, resulting in injuries to at least eleven civilians.

ISLAMABAD: The Chairperson Peace and Culture organisation and wife of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman Yasin Malik – Mushaal Hussein Mullick has commended Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg for raising the long-pending Kashmir issue during her recent official visit to India.

In her statement issued here on saturday, she eulogized the Norwegian Prime Minister for showing her interest in providing help to find out solution to the Kashmir issue. Thanks

Mushaal said that Norway has long history and experience of playing active mediatory role in settling the bloody and intractable conflicts such as in Colombia, Sri Lanka and Palestine.

Hence, she said that since being a neutral country, Norway can play a vital role in easing the rising tensions between India and Pakistan that could eventually lead to resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

She said that I was warmly welcomed on the formal invitation by Former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik President Oslo Centre and Aamir Shiekh Senior Leader Conservative Party to Oslo in April 2018.

“I was given a very warm and memorable welcome in Oslo, where a series of meetings were conducted by Kjell Magne Bondevik and Aamir Shiekh with various think tank heads, Professors, Experts, Intellectuals, Peace and Human rights organization Heads, Members of Foreign Affairs Committee of Norway’s Parliament, Leaders of Political parties in Norway’s Parliament etc,” she added.

Mullick said that a talk was organized at the Literature House by the Oslo Centre to discuss the sufferings of Kashmiri People under Occupation and the way forward towards a Peaceful Settlement. The Lecture was well attended with people from all walks of life, varying from government level officials to politicians, diplomats, intellectuals, writers, poets, experts in peace building and human rights, students, women, children etc.

“I presented a painting (drawn by me) titled “Voices of Freedom, voices of Peace” to Her Highness the Queen of Norway, Her Majesty Queen Sonja from the oppressed women and children of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” Malik added.

She sent me a reply on email in which she wrote that she greatly appreciated my painting and also thanked me for the message I wrote to her to listen to the voice of our voiceless nation.

Moreover, Mullick said that Norwegian Premier’s stance for mediation showed that Norway government has great concern over the unabated atrocities committed by Indian Occupied Forces in Kashmir.

She stressed the need to involve all the stakeholders to find out negotiated resolution to the issue, as Indian occupied forces did not resolve the issue through use of force.

She said that Norwegian Prime Minister Kashmir’s remark is a clear reflection of the official stance of the government of Norway, as Norway has always raised voice in support of Kashmiris and conflicts around the world at every fora.

She recalled that on 19th August 2016, while speaking at a joint press conference along with the Advisor to the then Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz after holding a meeting Norwegian foreign minister, Borge Brende had offered the mediation on Kashmir by saying, “We’re available as a friend of Pakistan as well as India to play the role of a mediator. On May 23, 2017, during a debate on Kashmir situation in Norwegian Parliaments Borge Brende called for a dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue amicably.

Besides, she also applauded former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Mangne Bondevik’s recent visit to Indian Occupied Kashmir where he held important meeting with the pro-freedom Kashmiri leadership headed by Syed Ali Shah Gilani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Srinagar: Paying glorious tributes to the prominent commander Zeenat-ul-Islam and his associate Shakeel Ahmad martyred at Kulgam encounter, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani said that the youth are sacrificing their precious lives to end the forcible occupation of their nation and we are duty bound to carry their mission to its logical conclusion.

Since past three decades, our youth are nourishing the movement for right to self-determination with their precious blood, but New Delhi with its military might always responds brutally and beastly.

Blaming India’s haughty and stubborn approach for continuous bloodshed in state, Hurriyat chairman said that we are a peaceful nation, but our youth are forced to adopt the extreme path as the peaceful voices are not responded.

In a statement, Geelani said that for the last 71 years we have seen only the brutal face of India, lived a life of uncertainty, chaos and harassment, shouldered the coffins of our dear ones, witnessed only death and destruction all around. This gloomy situation has forced our highly educated youth to take the extreme steps. They prefer to be a rebellion than to live a life of slavery.

He said that we are unfortunate that we lose our heroes so early as their un-dented commitment and visionary intellect would help to smoothen this struggle.

Hurriyat chairman said that use of force on the mourners, is nothing but vengeance and cowardice and can only be done by a biased and arrogant power, no matter how big it is.

He said that every nation are proud of their youth and we too are indebted to our brave, conscious and freedom living young generation and this oppressed nation look forward for their commitment and uncompromising dedication to the sacred mission.

Meanwhile Hurriyat Chairman was seriously concerned about the deteriorating health of Gh. Mohammad Khan Sopori, who was recently released after about 2 years.

He said that first his residence was seized by police and he along with his family was rendered shelter less and then he was arrested and shifted to Haryana jail putting extra financial burden on this poor family.

He said instead of treating the ailing pro-freedom leader, he was handed over to his family just to avoid the blame of his ill-treatment in jail, which shows callousness and inhuman attitude of the oppressor.

Jammu, Jan 13: Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Gani Lone and senior leader Imran Raza Ansari met Governor Satya Pal Malik and sought his assent to the bills cleared by J&K Assembly for giving reservation to the poorest of poor and Paharis. Cutting across party lines, the J&K Assembly had last year cleared the bills proposed by Sajad Gani Lone when he was heading social welfare ministry.
Discussing various developmental issues of their respective areas, they projected demands including sanctioning of Water Supply Scheme for Parihaspora, expansion of Imambara, Zaidibal, compensation to the fire victims of Handwara whose property gutted into fire incident recently, a spokesman of Peoples Conference said.
They also discussed the issue of Fruit Mandi Association, Sopore and sought its early redressal.
Discussing the issue of reservation to Pahari and Economically Weaker sections of the society, they sought assent of the Governor to ‘J&K Reservation Amendment Bill’ which has already been passed in the Legislature during their Ministership.
Governor urged Sajjad Lone and Imran Raza Ansari to continue their endeavors for promoting public welfare and development of their respective areas.

Muslims across World must unite against divisive forces: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar: Jammu and National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday urged the Muslims to forge unity and give befitting retort to “forces contriving to divide the community”.
Dr Farooq while addressing various gatherings at Syed Hamid Pura Nawabazar and Boulevard said, “Islam is all about love, peace, and compassion. The name of Islam is enough to impress upon us the importance of peace as the word denotes same,” adding that Holy Prophet (SAW) is the prophet of mercy for all the worlds and that the blessed life of Holy Messenger of Islam (SAW) is characterized by fortitude, patience, empathy, forgiveness and moderation.
Dr Farooq who represents the Srinagar parliamentary constituency said that it was high time for Muslims to imbue the teachings of Islam in their daily lives. “It is high time that Muslims across the World realize that getting swayed by sectarian strife will only ruin them,” he said.
Dr Farooq while recounting the achievements of Islamic civilization and culture said, “The Islamic achievements in medieval medicine were ground breaking, the advent of Islam gave impetus to many discoveries in many fields ranging from architecture to geography,” he said adding that the need of the hour is to draw inspiration from the achievements of Islam of which peace and brotherhood has always been an essential ingredient.
He said the rise of intolerance in the country has severely affected religious minorities especially Muslims Taking a jibe at BJP led government, he said, “The current dispensation in Delhi is hell bent on destroying the secular and liberal visage of India.” He urged that people of the country showed BJP its right place by voting their governments out in the recently concluded elections.
He visited the family of late Ghulam Ahmad Jan and expressed condolences with the bereaved. He also visited the residence of Haji Ghulam Muhammad Dug and condoled him on the demise of his wife. Dr Farooq prayed for the departed souls and strength to the bereaved.

Says holding Lok Sabha, Assembly polls separately will be a big blunder

Srinagar: Former RAW chief and expert on Kashmir affairs, A S Dulat Sunday said holding Assembly and parliament polls separately can be a big blunder. He said Kashmir at this crucial point of junction needs democracy and not Governors or Presidents rule.
“These elections should be held together and not separately. This is my opinion,” Dulat told Kashmir News Service (KNS) over phone from New Delhi.
He said until today we could not hold Anantnag by-polls.
“Iss Duran aap elections karwadey tou karwadey. Also Governor’s rule should never extend beyond six months in any case. If you can’t hold polls together, it will then take you two more years to conduct Assembly polls,” he added.
“Kashmir at this moment needs democracy more than anything else. Moderates, mainstream people to take things in right direction,” he said.
“We had Governor’s rule for six years once upon a time. What did that yield us. Nothing!” he said. (KNS)

Owais Bhat

Jama Masjid (The grand mosque) of Kashmir at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city has been built by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri in 1394 CE, under the order of Mir Mohmmad Hamadani, son of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani. Sultan Sikhandar’s son Zain-ul-Abidin extended the Jama Masjid by including turret. It has similarities to Buddhist pagodas and is constructed in Persian style.

After Shahi Hamdan Mir Syed Ali Hamadani Rahimullah, the Mirwiazeen from the pious pulpit of Jama Masjid spread the teachings of Islam and Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. The pious Pulpit of Jamia Masjid from the past 700 years has spreads the true message of Islam, Tawheed & teachings of Prophet PBUH. They have always played a crucial role in maintaining social, religious and political consciousness among people of Kashmir through the forum of Jamia Masjid. Apart form this, the pulpit is also one of the most powerful Symbol of Kashmirs Resistance movement & always stood against the oppression from the year 1931.

Jama Masjid being the fountainhead of both the religious identity & the political aspirations of the people of J&K, engaged in the struggle for Right to Self-Determination, inspired by Islamic values of seeking justice & resistance to oppression.
From the pulpit, voice for justice and fulfillment of peoples political will and aspirations has always been raised even in the harshest of circumstances and that is why it is most targeted by the authorities every time.
Since 1931 there was every attempt by many people at different times backed by agencies to week the centrality of Jama Masjid but have failed in their designs.

Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers. The Jama Masjid of Kashmir has seen a number of disasters. It got wrecked thrice in fire and was reconstructed every time.

But at then end of year 2018 it was heart wrenching to see that the same pious pulpit of historical Jamia Masjid was desecrated by some vested interest miscreants who don’t even know about the etiquette of Masjid. .

As quoted by Allama Iqbal (RA) in one of the couplet,
“Na-haq k lye uthay to shamsheer bhi fitna,
Shamsheer he kya Nara-e-Takbeer bhi fitna.”

If taken on Unjust, then even the sword is a sedition,
Not just the sword even Nara-e-Takbeer (shouting aloud the phrase “Allahu Akbar”) is a sedition.”
The intention behind the pre-planned shameless incident was not only to desecrate the sanctity of Jama Masjid but also was to divide on the basis of sectarian lines among the masses which by the grace of Almighty Allah has failed.
They must understand that people will foil there very attempt to undermine the sanctity of the pulpit of Jama Masjid. The desecration of Membar Rasool S.A.W is totally unacceptable and those miscreants will be held accountable for the shameless act they have done on the day of judgement.

Pursuing Masters in Commerce from Ignou [email protected]

Srinagar, Jan 13: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday urged health authorities in Kashmir to provide free swine flu vaccine to high risk groups like elderly, children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women and persons with medical conditions.
“Free vaccination will increase vaccine uptake that would protect these vulnerable individuals from dying” said DAK President and flu expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a communiqué.
He said 120 people have come down with flu so far this season in Kashmir valley with eleven deaths and most of these deaths were unvaccinated.
DAK President said while flu vaccination is recommended for all, it is especially important for high risk groups who are prone to complications, hospitalization and even death.
He said most of our population is unvaccinated and cost is the barrier. One flu vaccine costs Rs 1400. High cost of vaccine keeps them out of reach for people.
Dr Nisar said unprotected individuals not only risk themselves, but they put the health of whole community at risk
He cautioned swine flu virus has undergone a change and it is likely to infect more people.
“We can’t predict how it will behave and what will happen in coming days,” he added.
Dr Nisar said this year’s vaccine has been updated to protect against the mutated swine flu strain.
“For this flu season, quadrivalent vaccine containing four flu virus strains (two A subtypes and two B subtypes – H1N1 and H3N2, and Victoria and Yamagata respectively) is recommended,” he informed.
Dr Nisar said vaccination is the best way to protect you and people around you from getting flu.
“Ideally, people should get vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season even into January or later,” he advised.
Sd/

Srinagar, Jan 13: Meteorological Department on Sunday predicted another spell of wet weather in Jammu and Kashmir state from next week even as the authorities has issued fresh avalanche warning in ten districts of the state.

“A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the state from 18th January, resulting in fairly widespread rain/snow, in Jammu and Kashmir,” an official of the MeT department told GNS.

The officer said that a medium and low danger avalanche warning has been issued in the ten districts of the state.

“Medium danger avalanche warning has been issued for higher reaches of Baramulla, Kupwara Bandipora and Ganderbal while as a low danger for Poonch, Ramban, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Kargil and Leh districts, for the next 24 hours,” the official said.

Shopian: Massive clashes erupted in Kulgam after Army blocked all the entry points for people trying to have last glimpse and participate in the funeral prayers of top militant commander Zeenat ul Islam.

Locals told KNO that the government forces have laid barricades on roads and even movement through orchards is halted.”Clashes erupted between people and government forces as the latter did not allow people to go to zeenat’s funeral, ” they said.

Reports reaching KNO that forces opened aerial gunfire to disperse marching people. “Injuries are being reported from various places were clashes were happening,” they said.A Bachelor in Science, Zeenat-ul-Islam had joined militant ranks in 2008 and was associated with Al-Badr.

On Saturday, Zeenat-ul-Islam alias Dr Usman and his associate were killed in a shootout in the Kathpora village in Yaripora. Zeenat-ul-Islam (30), listed in police records as category A++ militant and carried a bounty of Rs 12.5 lakh on his head.(KNO)