Category: Union Territory

Srinagar: Iqbal Memorial Institute (IMI) Bemina here has landed in trouble after the school authorities allegedly locked up some students in a classroom owing to “unavoidable delay” in depositing fee.

The chairman IMI confirmed that the issue came to his notice following saying he constituted a two-member committee to investigate the “unethical” incident.

A delegation of parents on Monday accused authorities of Iqbal Memorial Institute (IMI) here of allegedly locking up the students from class 9 and class 10 due to unavoidable delay in clearance of fee for past quarter.

A parent said his son, who is studying in class 10 in the school, was locked up in a room along with other students for whole day on Saturday and were not even allowed to have lunch.

“We couldn’t submit the fee of the last quarter of year since the entire Kashmir remained shut and remained locked up since July. The school authorities could have taken up the matter with parents but instead our children were locked for whole day,” alleged a parent requesting anonymity.

The parents’ delegation said following the issue they went to school to take up the issue with the authorities. “But instead of accepting their mistake the Principal of the school justified his unethical act against the students. He didn’t pay any heed to us but defended his action,” the parents said.

The parents said the school authorities instead of locking the students inside classroom should have written a note on school diary and asked parents to clear the dues.

“Locking the students inside classroom has put them in trauma. My son didn’t dare to go school next day saying that teachers lock the students inside the classroom,” said one of the parents.

The parents said the act by the school authorities was not only “unethical but a disgrace for them.” “It is an insult for us. Our kids were subjected to mental torture which is unbecoming on part of the institution,” the parents said.

Chairman IMI Srinagar, Dr Yousuf-ul-Umer confirmed the incident and said he received a report that Principal of the school had locked a group of three to four students for not clearing their fees.

“But I have constituted a committee to investigate the matter. The team will submit its report day after tomorrow,” Umer said.

He regretted the incident and termed the Principal’s action “unethical” and against the moral fabric of the institution.

“Principal has done wrong; it is a very serious thing. Principal should have not done this,” Chairman IMI said.

“The institution was not financially weak that the delay to clear the fee by a group of few students will provoke the administration to lock the students in classroom,” he added.

Srinagar: Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was Monday celebrated across the state with religious fervor.

Thousands of devotees thronged the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar housing the relic of the Prophet of Islam (SAW) to have a glimpse of the holy relic. Thousands of devotes had participated in nightlong prayers preceding night.

Milad processions were taken out from Habba Kadal, Barbar Shah, Bemina, Nowgam, Dalgate, Chanapora, Syed Abad Soiteng, Soibug and other localities of Srinagar.

Special congregational prayers were organized at Jenab Sahab Soura, Asar-e-Sharif Shahri Kalashpora, Lal Bazar, Khanqah-e-Maula, Ziarat Hazrat Dastgeer Sahab (RA), Syed Yaqoob Sahab (RA) Sonwar, Khawaja Naqshband Sahab (RA) and Ziarat Makhdoom Sahib (RA).

Special prayers were held at Masjids and shrines in Anantnag (Islamabad) mainly at Jamia Masjid Reshi Sahab, Khiram Sirhama, Kaba Marg, Dooru and Seer Hamdan.

Mirwaiz South Kashmir and Chairman of Ummat-e-Islami, Qazi Yasir, led a procession in which thousands of devotees participated.

Thousands of devotees thronged Khiram-Hazratbal Shrine in Anantnag district which houses the relics of the Prophet of Islam (SAW).

Similar processions were reported from Bandipora, Pulwama, Shopian, Tangmarg, Beerwah, Kangan, Sumbal, Hajin and other places.

In Budgam, prayers were held throughout the day at Ziayarat of Hazrat Syed Hussain Simnani (RA) and Charar-e-Sharief.

Pro-Islam slogans reverberated the rally attended by hundreds of devotees in Duderhama Ganderbal.

In Baramulla, Eid Milad was celebrated with huge enthusiasm with thousands of people participating in processions. 

CHENAB VALLEY:

In Kishtwar, Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) was celebrated with religious zeal and fervour. Several processions were taken out in the town.

Thousands of people took out Milad procession from Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah. The procession passed through various streets of Bhaderwah town.

At Sartingal Bhaderwah, a procession was taken out by hundreds of Muslims which culminated at Jamia Masjid Sartingal.

Similar programmes were also held at Ramban, Batote, Gool, Sangaldaan, Gandoh, Doda, Assar, Bhalla and other parts of Chenab valley. Reports said that huge gatherings of people participated in the religious processions in their respective areas.

JAMMU:

Anjuman Islah-ul-Muslimeen Jammu in collaboration with Hajj and Auqaf Department organized a day long Seerat Conference in Jammu.

Dr Abdullah visits Hazratbal shrine:

National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Monday visited Dargah Hazratbal on the ocassion of Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) to pay obeisance at the shrine.

PM greets nation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday greeted the nation on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi.

“Greetings on Milad-un-Nabi. May this occasion deepen the spirit of harmony and unity in our society, and may there always be peace and prosperity,” Prime Minister wished in his tweet.

(With inputs from Tahir Nadeem Khan Yusafzai, Irfan Ahmad, Aijaz-ul-Haq)

 

Srinagar: For the third consecutive day, normal life activities continued uninterrupted across Kashmir today. This happened for the first time since the unrest began over five months ago.The full-day relaxation for the third consecutive day in the separatists’ “protest calendar” this week was given in view of the Eid-e-Milad celebrations in the Valley. Two-day relaxation was given in the last two weeks to enable the people to make purchases of essentials and other merchandise ahead of the winter months. Separatists—Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik— have been jointly issuing the weekly “protest calendars” following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district on July 8.With the devotees thronging revered shrines and mosques for the night-long prayers and joining the daily prayers, particularly at the Hazratbal shrine, there was a festive atmosphere leading to a hustle and bustle in the market places. Large numbers of people were also seen shopping in the market places giving a semblance of normalcy in the backdrop of the unrest. There was a heavy rush of pedestrians and vehicular movement in the city markets and other major towns of the Valley. This led to traffic congestions giving tough time to traffic cops in managing the traffic.After the three-day relaxation, the separatists have called for a shutdown tomorrow, followed by 16-hour relaxation from 4 pm each on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Srinagar: The Gulmarg meadow resort of the Valley received the season’s first snowfall overnight while the border towns in Kupwara were blocked by heavy snow.An official of the state Meteorological Department said Gulmarg received 1.5 millimetres of snowfall, covering the meadow resort with a thin layer of snow. The minimum temperature in Gulmarg had dropped to -2.0°Celsius overnight.It is the first snowfall in the region as it heads into a long winter with night temperature already falling below the freezing point during the past weeks.The official said several remote and mountainous parts of the region, including the Sonamarg-Drass road, received snowfall while rainfall was recorded in most parts of the region, including Srinagar city.The season’s first snowfall also blocked roads leading to the Keran and Machil border towns in Kupwara district. “Around eight inches of snow has accumulated at the high altitude Z-Gali on the Kupwara-Machil road, which has been blocked for traffic movement on both sides. Around one-foot snow was also recorded on the high altitude Pherkiyan top on the Keran-Kupwara road,” said Hafiz Shah, Kupwara’s Additional Deputy Commissioner.Shah said there was enough stock of essentials, including ration and kerosene oil, in the Machil and Keran areas. “People need not worry. The roads to the border towns would be cleared for traffic movement in a few days if the weather improves,” he said.Around seven inches of snow had accumulated at Sadhna top on the Karnah-Kupwara road but the traffic movement continues on the road, officials said. The upper reaches of Kupwara district, including Nowgam, Hayhama, Lolab and several other areas, also received season’s first snowfall. (TNS)

Srinagar: Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) is being celebrated with full reverence, devotion and religious fervour in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The day marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Religious processions, special prayer meetings, Seerat Conferences are being organized across the State to celebrate the day. Special functions would be held in the Kashmir at various shrines and Masjids. 

The biggest congregation will be held at Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar where devotees in large numbers would offer special prayers and have glimpses of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In South Kashmir, thousands of people will offer prayers at Masjids and Shrines mainly at Jamia Masjid Reshi Sahab, Khiram Sirhama, Kaba Marg, Dooru and Seer Hamdan while in north Kashmir Milad procession will be taken out at various places. 

Meanwhile, night long prayers were held at various shrines, Masjids and Dargah Hazratbal. Various Masjids and shrines were decorated with lights.

Government asserted that all arrangements have been put in place at Hazratbal and other shrines for the convenience of devotees.

“All departments including Public Health Engineering, Power Development Department and Health Department have made requisite arrangements and SRTC buses have been also kept available for devotees,” Divisional Commissioners Kashmir, Baseer Khan told Greater Kashmir.

He added that sanitation, drinking water, streetlights have been pressed into service while joint control room has been established for devotees. 

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health, Medical Education, and Social Welfare, Asiea Naqash, Sunday visited the Hazratbal shrine and took stock of the arrangements being put in place for Eid-e- Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

She was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone.

Special DGP Coordination/ Law & order, Dr. SP Vaid visited Hazratbal and took stock of the arrangements made by the Police in connection with the celebrations of Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

The SDG directed the officers to ensure proper security, and traffic management in and around the shrine so that the devotees may not face any kind of hardship. He issued specific instructions for traffic management and parking of vehicles at the already identified parking lots.

He emphasized upon the officers to maintain close coordination with the civil authorities and other agencies to ensure smooth conduct of the celebration days.

Earlier, the SDG paid obeisance at the Shrine and prayed for the peace and tranquility and prosperity.

SSP Srinagar, Amit Kumar, SP Hazratbal Peerzada Naveed and other officers accompanied Vaid on his visit and briefed him regarding the arrangements made by the police.

District Development Commissioner, Anantnag (Islamabad), Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Sunday visited Khiram and Kabamarg shrines to review the arrangements being put in place for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

The DDC took on spot review of the arrangements put in place by various departments for the devotees. He directed the officers of PHE and PDD departments to ensure availability of adequate drinking water supply and uninterrupted power supply in and around the holy shrines.

PRESIDENT GREETS PEOPLE:

President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday greeted the nation on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“On the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the Holy Prophet (SAW), I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all my fellow countrymen, in India and abroad,” the President said in a message.

“May the message of the Holy Prophet (SAW) inspire us to work towards universal brotherhood, compassion, tolerance and the well-being of all. Let’s recall the life and ideals of Hazrat Mohammed Saheb (SAW) and re-dedicate ourselves to the service of humanity,” he said.

GOVERNOR 

Governor NN Vohra, has greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and expressed sincere hope that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of harmony, peace, progress and prosperity in the State.

In his message, the Governor said that Islam teaches “us the values of brotherhood, simplicity, compassion and morality, all of which need to be vigorously inculcated in today’s trouble torn world.”

The Governor prayed for the well-being and happiness of the people of the State.

CHIEF MINSTER: 

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has greeted the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Eid-i-Milad, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

In her message, Mehbooba Mufti hoped and prayed that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of harmony, peace, progress and prosperity in the State. “It’s an occasion to pray to Almighty Allah and seek His forgiveness and blessings for the entire mankind”, she said.

The Chief Minister said Islam “teaches us the values of brotherhood, simplicity, compassion and morality, all of which need to be vigorously inculcated in today’s trouble torn world.”

She has prayed for the well-being and happiness of the people of the State.

DY CM 

The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh has greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) and expressed hope that this auspicious day would be the harbinger of harmony and usher peace, progress and prosperity in the State.

In his message of greetings, Dr Singh said that Islam teaches the values of brotherhood, peace, simplicity, and compassion.

NC

National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Working President Omar Abdullah felicitated people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). 

Praying for the restoration of peace and stability in the State, Dr Farooq and Omar Abdullah said Eid-ul-Milad was an occasion to dedicate “ourselves to the teachings of our beloved Prophet (SAW) in letter in spirit and work tirelessly towards helping those in need.” 

In his message, Dr Farooq Abdullah said Islam was the religion of peace and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the perfect embodiment of love, equality and brotherhood. 

He said the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) point “us towards the path of peace, affection and kindness.” 

In a message Omar Abdullah said Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) provides “us an opportunity to pray and seek forgiveness and blessings from the Almighty for the entire mankind. Let the day be harbinger of peace and development for the State and the country.”

Senior party functionaries, legislators, former Ministers, former Members of Parliament and office bearers have also felicitated people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

CONGRESS 

Senior Congress Leader and Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad has extended his warm greetings to Muslim Umma. “Let this auspicious day bring peace and prosperity to all mankind. Let peace prevail”, said Azad.

JKPCC Chief GA Mir has extended greetings to people and hoped that this day will be the harbinger of complete peace, inclusive development of the State and people.

In his message Mir said the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) “are as relevant as it was 1400 years ago and it would continue to lead the whole mankind at the path of justice, righteousness and honesty and it would continue to inspire the generations to come.” 

OTHERS

Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali greeting people of Jammu and Kashmir expressed hope that the occasion would be harbinger of harmony, peace, progress and prosperity in the State.

Minister of State for Hajj & Auqaf, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, today greeted people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

MIRWAIZ GREETS PEOPLE 

Mutiheda Majlis-E-Ulema Head and Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has greeted the Muslim Ummah on the auspicious occasion of Milaad Un Nabi (SAW). 

In his message, Mirwaiz hoped and prayed that this auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of harmony, peace, progress and prosperity for the entire Ummah.

Mirwaiz said that the basic requisite to express love and respect for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is to follow his Sunnah and teachings. “The Prophet (SAW) never commanded about a thing which he did not implement in his own life. The society will grow into an exemplary society right from the day we start practically implementing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in our lives,” he said. 

“Through Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), Allah Almighty guided the humanity towards the path of success and triumph and if we follow his message in letter and spirit we will be victorious (Insha Allah),” he added.

NAYEEM KHAN GREETS PEOPLE 

Senior Hurriyat leader and Chairman National Front Nayeem Ahmad Khan has extended greetings to the Muslim Ummah, particularly the Muslims of Kashmir on the eve of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).

“Muslims Umaah needs to follow the teachings derived from the Seerat-un Nabi (SAW), in letter and spirit to attain the lost glory of Islam. As a suppressed nation, Kashmiris need to follow the teaching of the Prophet (SAW) to attain the courage, dedication and the unity to fight against the oppression,” Khan said in a statement.

Srinagar: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today called upon tourists of the country to visit Kashmir and termed it as the “safest place” in the world, especially for women.Mehbooba’s appeal comes days after separatists, spearheading the current agitation, appealed to the tourists to visit Kashmir.“Kashmir is the safest place not only in the country but also in the whole world for tourists, especially for women. We get to know what happens to women in broad daylight in other places. Compared to that, women can come here either by themselves or in groups. We will take good care of them and would not let them face any hardship,” Mehbooba told reporters in Srinagar after inaugurating a water sports festival in Srinagar.The Chief Minister said the tourists could move around without any fear even during the night and nothing untoward would happen to them.“The place is picturesque and then snowfall is in the offing and I would like to invite all people of the country to visit Kashmir and enjoy our hospitality. Kashmir is calling you all. We will offer exciting packages. We will organise a snow festival at Gulmarg in January, so I request the people of the country to visit Kashmir along with their children,” she said.The over five-month-long unrest hit the tourist industry the worst. When the unrest erupted in July following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, the tourism season was about to peak.According to preliminary estimates, the tourism sector has suffered a loss of over Rs 3,000 crore due to the unrest.The separatists earlier this week appealed to the tourists and pilgrims to visit the Kashmir valley, terming it a “paradise on earth”, and promising to safeguard their rights.Earlier, while speaking during the function, Mehbooba said the J&K Government was taking steps for providing adventure and recreational facilities to children and youth. She also announced setting up of a water sports training school in Srinagar.

Udhampur: A probationary DySP peeled off tinted film from the windows of SUV of Kashmir University (KU) vice-chancellor (VC) after minor altercation with him here today. During checking of vehicles at Jakhani naka, probationary DySP Adil intercepted a SUV which was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. The SUV belonged to KU VC, Prof Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi who himself was travelling in the vehicle, police sources said.
When he noticed black film coating on the SUV’s windows, he himself removed it, following minor altercation with the VC, sources alleged, saying the SUV was later allowed to move towards Srinagar.
Any tinted film on car windows has been held illegal by the Supreme Court which had banned black films of any percentage of tint in vehicles

Early Times Report

Srinagar: Srinagar experienced a freezing night as mercury plunged to – 4.5°C, registering one of the lowest temperatures this winter so far.The overnight low of - 4.5°C in Srinagar was five degrees below the average minimum for this time of the season, the Meteorological Centre said.It is one of the coldest starts to December in recent years that left frosty roads and froze upper layers of the region’s water bodies.The lowest temperature in December in Srinagar has been recorded in 1934 when the mercury had fallen to - 12.8°C. However, in the past decade, the lowest temperature in Srinagar was recorded on December 31 of 2007 when the temperature had dropped to – 7.2°C.The Meteorological Centre said there was a possibility of “light rain and snow” in Srinagar on Sunday and the minimum temperature was likely to hover around – 3°C.Sharad Kumar, Director, Srinagar international airport, said the air traffic was restored today as visibility improved. He said 17 flights arrived at the airport here and later departed.

Srinagar: Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik on Saturday said unification of resistance leadership has emerged as hope for Kashmiris to attain right to self-determination.

“The unity among pro-freedom camp has emerged as a great hope for people of Kashmir to attain their inalienable right to self-determination. Conspiracies are hatched to break it, but we just need to be conscious to defeat any nefarious designs of the enemies,” Malik said addressing a seminar organized by High Bar Association Kashmir here, to mark the International Human Rights Day.

“All rights including political freedom is being denied to the people of Kashmir. India is also showing disrespect to the entire world by being reluctant to our guaranteed right to self determination approved by United Nations,” he said.

“We have sacrificed our lives, livelihood and education for the sacred cause. The eyesight of our youth have been snatched by Indian forces, but world is yet to open its eyes to the brutality,” he said.  

“We sacrificed everything for freedom. True lovers of freedom don’t make compromises,” he said. 

“Our daughters have been blinded by the pellets fired by forces. Hundreds of students have been detained. Political space has been choked. Peaceful protestors have been killed for seeking right to self determination,” he said.

“It is time for the international community to break its silence as more than hundred youth have been blinded, 3000 arrested and around 100 killed in past four months in Kashmir,” he said.

He said that slogans like Beti Bachav Beti Padav (save and educate girl child) fall flat at the residences of pellet victim Insha Mushtaq and dozens of other such girl victims.

He hailed the High Court Bar Association for its contribution in taking the struggle forward.