Category: Union Territory

Srinagar: Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan could seek India’s help if it “cannot handle the fight against terrorism alone”.
Addressing a press conference here, he said that Jammu and Kashmir was not an issue as it was an integral part of the country. “The issue is of terrorism, and Pakistan can discuss it,” Singh said.

“I want to ask the Pakistani prime minister that if in Afghanistan, a fight can be carried out against terror and Taliban with the help of the US, then, Pakistan can seek help against terrorism from India if it feels that it cannot handle it alone,” he said. He also accused the Congress of creating a crisis of distrust in politics and claimed there was a difference in their words and deeds.

Srinagar, Dec 02 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday warned Governor Administration of 2008 like uprising if it does not withdraw orders on Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) rules and Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mehbooba said, “An unwanted order for land transfer was also issued in 2008 and a public uprising across Kashmir forced then government to withdraw the order immediately and this time when Governor has issued similar unwanted orders on Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) rules and J&K Bank, and I warn Governor’s administration of 2008 like public uprising if it does not withdraw both the orders immediately and forthwith.”
Saying that all the political parties PDP, NC and others are on the same page as far as the rules governing Permanent resident Certificates and Jammu and Kashmir Bank are concerned, Mehbooba expressed his surprise over the Governor’s nonstop tendencies of issuing unwanted controversial orders like Amendment in J&K Municipal act, J&K Bank, PRC rules.
Saying that her party (PDP) particularly the patron late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had also warned then government over the land transfer for Amarnath Yatra in 2008, Mehbooba told KNS, “Government withdrew the order but it was too late. We along with NC are on the same page as far as the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is concerned and urge the government to immediately withdraw the orders on PRC and J&K Bank or be prepared to face a 2008 like stir. I as chief minister also resisted such moves and during my address to August 15 day parade at Bakhshi stadium Srinagar, I declared that PDP, NC and other likeminded parties are on the same page as far as the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is concerned. We planned to form a government with the support of NC and Congress only to protect special status of the state but Governor foiled this attempt.”

Srinagar: Addressing a press conference here, he said that Jammu and Kashmir was not an issue as it was an integral part of the country. “The issue is of terrorism, and Pakistan can discuss it,” Singh said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan could seek India’s help if it cannot handle the fight against terrorism alone.
Addressing a press conference here, he said that Jammu and Kashmir was not an issue as it was an integral part of the country. “The issue is of terrorism, and Pakistan can discuss it,” Singh said.

“I want to ask the Pakistani prime minister that if in Aghanistan, a fight can be carried out against terror and Taliban with the help of the US, then, Pakistan can seek help against terrorism from India if it feels that it cannot handle it alone,” he said.
He also accused the Congress of creating a crisis of distrust in politics and claimed there was a difference in their words and deeds.

Srinagar, Dec 02: With drop in mercury to sub-freezing temperatures in Kashmir valley, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday warned that chill of winter increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
“You are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke during winter months,” cautioned DAK president Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a communiqué.
“Research shows that there are up to 53 percent more heart attacks in winter than in summer,” he said.
Quoting a study published in European Journal of Epidemiology, Dr Nisar said for every 2.9 degree centigrade decline in temperature, the number of strokes in general population goes up by 11 percent. But among those already at high risk due to raised blood pressure, smoking or being overweight the increase is 30 percent.
“Frigid temperatures constrict blood vessels that increase blood pressure which makes heart attack or stroke more likely,” he said adding “the blood tends to be thicker and stickier during extreme cold which makes it easier to clot.”
Dr Nisar said flu of winter heightens the risk of these cases. Flu causes acute and severe inflammation that builds up fat deposits in the inner walls of the blood vessels. These fat deposits dislodge and get stuck in heart or brain, where they block the blood flow.
He added lack of sunlight during winter leaves people vitamin D deficient which is associated with increased risk of dying from heart attack or stroke.
“While we can’t change the weather, we can take precautions to protect ourselves from heath risks of cold weather. Keep yourself warm to prevent from cold temperature. If you move out, dress in layers, wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Avoid going out in chill for walk and move your workout inside. Get your annual flu shot and don’t forget to take your vitamin D,” suggested Dr Nisar.

New Delhi: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, has won the award for the Favourite Boutique Hotel at the eighth edition of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards.

Hosted in New Delhi on Thursday, the ceremony saw the attendance of select invitees comprising industry leaders, influencers and marquee names from travel, tourism and government bodies.

The evening was a glorious occasion for The Khyber as readers of Condé Nast Traveller, the last word in Travel, honoured it for the sixth year running.

“It is a privilege to be selected once again as Favourite Boutique Hotel –India [2018] by Condé Nast Traveller India readers as it reaffirms the traveller’s belief in The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa as an exclusive resort in Gulmarg; offering services, comforts and facilities on a par with international standards,” said Umar Tramboo, MD, Pinnacle Resorts Pvt. Ltd, promoter of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg.

He added that it was a heartwarming moment for The Khyber team which constantly strives to exceed the expectations of the guests and makes every visit a memorable experience for them.

“Of course, the legendary beauty of Gulmarg, its salubrious climate and year round appeal as a destination also augments its charm and we hope it will beckon more travellers to come and experience the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality,” Readers of Condé Nast Traveller India voted for their preferred Destinations, Airlines, Hotels, Spas, Airports and more, across several categories, based on their personal experiences.

Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards are globally renowned and considered the most prestigious in the industry. They honour the best in travel, tourism and hospitality, as chosen by the discerning and influential readers of Condé Nast Traveller.

The awards are closely watched, as they are a barometer of the market’s changing tastes and preferences. With no nominations for the award categories and voting left open to readers, Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards are considered indicative of what discerning travellers really want and enjoy.

Among dead include 227 militants, 94 civilians, 86 force personnel

Srinagar: With the killing of 48 persons in militancy-related incidents in November, at least 407 persons including militants, civilians and force personnel have been killed in militancy-related violence in strife torn Kashmir this year so far.
Of the 407 casualties recorded till November-end in different militancy-related incidents in Kashmir, 227 were militants, 94 civilians, 50 policemen and paramilitary personnel and 36 Army men.
The deceased militants mainly belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen—the largest militant group operating in Valley—and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). The Jaish-e-Mohammad, Al Badar, Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen and Ansar Gazwat-ul-Hind also suffered damage.
The militants—both local and Pakistani—were killed in gunfights with forces both in the hinterland and along the Line of Control in Kashmir.
According to statistics, more militants were killed this year as compared to last year when 209 militants were killed.
Four south Kashmir districts comprising Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam and Anantnag, which have emerged as hotbed of militancy, witnessed 110 militant killings out of total 227 militant casualties.
The north Kashmir districts of Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla recorded around 88 militant killings while the remaining militants were killed in central Kashmir’s Budgam and Srinagar districts.
Of 227 militants killed this year, 36 died in encounters in November followed by 33 in September , 28 in October, 24 each in August and June, 19 in April, 18 in May, 17 in March, 11 in July, 10 in January and seven in February.
Civilian causalities
Of the 94 civilian causalities this year, highest 17 were witnessed in April followed by 14 each in October and May, eight each in November and July, seven each in January and June, five each in September, February and March and six in August.
Most of the civilians were killed in forces’ firing during on protestors during clashes near the encounter sites.
Police said some of the civilians were killed in cross firing incidents at gunfight sites while others were killed by militants after being abducted.
Month-wise causalities
Of 48 causalities recorded in Kashmir in November, 36 were militants, 8 civilians, three Army men and a paramilitary CRPF man.
The militant groups lost many top commanders including LeT commander Naveed Jhatt, who was killed along with his aide in a gunfight at Kuthpora village of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
The month also witnessed a series of kidnapping of alleged informers in south Kashmir’s Shopian district. Among those abducted by militants, three were killed for allegedly tipping off forces about militants and their confessional videos were circulated on social media by militants.
October was bloodiest month this year with 52 causalities. Of 52 dead, 28 were militants, 14 civilians including seven killed in a blast at a gunfight site at Laroo in Kulgam. Three policemen, a paramilitary SSB man and an ASI of CISF and five Army men were also killed in the month.
September and August were also violent with 45 causalities in each month followed by 42 killings in June, 41 in April, 36 in May, 29 in March, 27 in July, 23 in February and 21 in January.
Of 45 causalities reported in September, 33 were militants, five civilians, four policemen and three army men while of 45 killings in August, 24 were militants, eight policemen, seven army men and six civilians.
In July, eight civilians, 11 militants, three policemen, four paramilitary CRPF personnel, and an army man were killed.
In June, 24 militants, six civilians, eight policemen and three army men were killed, as per the data.
In May, 18 militants, 14 civilians, three cops and an army man were killed in different militancy-related incidents in Kashmir.
In April, 17 civilians, 19 militants, four army troopers

Reported The Rising Kashmir

Srinagar: Venturing into uncharted waters, the army chief, general Bipin Rawat, Friday said Pakistan should “turn into a secular state from an Islamic nation if the neighbouring country has to stay together with India”.

“If they (Pakistan) have to stay together with India, then they have to develop as a secular state,” Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defence Academy here.

“See this staying together, staying separate, ispe Pakistan ko apni andruni halat dekhni hogi. Pakistan ne apne state ko Islamic state bana diya hai. Hum log secular state hai (Pakistan has to look at its internal situation. They are an Islamic state, we (India) are a secular state),” he said.

Gen Rawat said, “How can we stay together if you say I am an Islamic state and there is no role for anybody else,” he said, adding: “If they are willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity. Pehle dekhe karte hai ki nahi karte (Let us see if they do so or not).”

The Army chief also asked Pakistan to “curtail militant activities”.

Asked about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement that Islamabad would move two steps forward if New Delhi took one step, Gen Rawat said the neighbouring nation “should first take steps to curtail militant activities on its soil”.

“I would like to tell Pakistan to initiate that first step (curtailing militancy). In the past, India has taken several steps. When we say militancy is being harboured in your country, show some action by curtailing militant activities which are used against India,” Rawat said.

On Khan’s statement as to why India and Pakistan could not be friends when Germany and France could be good neighbours, he said the neighbouring nation “first needs to see its internal condition”.

‘Kashmiri Muslims will live and die for India’

New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah Friday said “Kashmir was a part of India and would always remain a part of it” and claimed that Kashmiri Muslims would live and die for India.
The National Conference president and three-time J&K chief minister joined several leaders from the opposition parties at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi where thousands of farmers from across the country have gathered to press for their demands, including debt relief and remunerative prices for their produce.
Abdullah in his address to the farmers, said, “Kashmir was a part of India and would always remain a part of it”.
“Kashmiris are standing with farmers and support them in their rights,” he said.
“We all know your plight. We know how you spend everything on your farms and when you do not get the right produce you have to starve. The farmers’ movement to Delhi is a wake up call for the government,” he said.
Abdullah also claimed that Muslims were not against the Ram temple.
“Muslims are not against the temple. The hatred that is being spread by the government that Muslims are against the Ram Mandir is not true. Whenever elections come, these people remember Ram,” he said.
Abdullah said BJP want to divide India on communal lines.
“We are 70 per cent Muslims (in Kashmir) and we will live and die for India. Your worries are our worries and we are standing with you. Elections are coming, let us stand together and not let them divide us and let us overthrow them,” he added.

Srinagar: Controversial businessman and deputy mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Sheikh Imran, said he was instrumental in organising the meetings of former Norwegian PM Kjell Magne Bondevik with separatists and others in Srinagar last week on behalf of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and that many more diplomats and politicians might visit the state soon.

“I along with a representative of (Sri Sri’s foundation) Art of Living coordinated the meetings with the Hurriyat, Bar Association, business chambers, Gujjar Bakerwal delegation and others. I want peace but not at the cost of aspirations and sacrifices of the people of the state,” Imran told ET.

He said that Bondevik had arrived at the Art of Living centre in Bengaluru and then flown to Srinagar. “There are many more to come. We shall not disclose it right now. I have to be tight-lipped right now,” he said.
Imran, who is embroiled in a loan default case with the J&K Bank through his business enterprise Kehwa Group, recently won the urban local bodies’ election as an independent councillor and was elected as deputy mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation with the help of the Congress. In March, he had conducted a programme, Paigham-e-Mohabbat, where he had invited Sri Sri to address a gathering of a few thousand people. However, the spiritual leader had to cut short his speech within a few minutes as some youngsters raised pro-freedom slogans alleging that they were bullied to attend the programme.
On Thursday, Imran said that he was hopeful that the latest initiative would gather mass as both Bondevik and Sri Sri were striving for a breakthrough. Bondevik also met some elected municipal councillors on his recent visit.
“I accompanied Sri Sri on his last visit to the UAE. The emirs welcomed us. They wanted him to create some happiness ministry there.
If he can work in Dubai, why not in Kashmir? Let the UAE also get involved in this initiative to make Kashmir liveable,” he said.

Economic Times Reported

Srinagar: Former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik and President of the Oslo Centre for Peace and Human Rights called on Mushaal Hussein Mullick Chairperson Peace and Culture Organization and Wife of detained Kashmiri Hurriyat Leader Muhammad Yasin Malik (Chairman Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front) at her residence in Islamabad. An important meeting was held where Mr Aamir Shiekh Leader Norway,Rehana Hussein Mullick,Vice Chairperson Peace and Culture Organisation, Sabien Hussein Mullick ,Sec General Peace and Culture Organisation and Mr Faisal Babri were also present. They discussed the regional as well as global upshots of the longstanding dispute of Jammu and Kashmir and the unending upsurge of violence and human rights violations in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. After the meeting a joint press talk was held with Former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik on concluding his five-day trip to India, Srinagar, Azad Kashmir and Islamabad. Mr Kjell Magne discussed ways in promoting a peaceful settlement of Kashmir Conflict in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue through dialogues and other means is imperative for lasting peace and stability in the region. He expressed his wish that all parties must be allowed to participate in finding a permanent solution to the Kashmir dispute including the principal party, the representatives of Kashmiri people, in an amicable and peaceful manner. Mr Kjell Magne expressed grave concern over the continuous arrests of Mohammad Yasin Malik and his fast deteriorating health. He called him the beacon of peaceful struggle for Kashmiris. He appreciated the tireless efforts of the entire family towards long lasting solution of Kashmir cause. Mushaal Hussein Mullick welcomed the former Prime Minister of Norway, Honourable Kjell Magne Bondevik and appreciated his efforts in promoting a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. The world leaders should acknowledge the sufferings of Kashmiri people and put some substantial effort into liberating Kashmir from India’s tyranny and oppression, and to treat Kashmiris as equals rather than as disposable humans. Speaking on the occasion, Mushaal while referring to the report of the United Nations’ Human Rights Commission, expressed grave concern over growing incidents of human rights violations in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and expressed her desire that Peace in the region is crucial for longterm proserity and The Kashmiri people must be given the right to self-determination according the United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Mushaal Hussein Mullick presented her painting titled ‘Screams of Silence’ depicting the miseries of women and children of Kashmir to former Prime Minister of Norway Kjell Magne Bondevik. Norway has mediated in a number of conflicts including Israel-Palestine, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Colombia, the Philippines, Guatemala, Nepal, Afghanistan and Sudan.