Category: Union Territory

‘Violence has no place in any civilised society’

Srinagar: Declaring its unflinching commitment to bring out Jammu and Kashmir from un-certainties and sufferings, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said with the efforts of people particularly youth of Jammu and Kashmir it can take the critical debate on socio-economic and political issues to its logical conclusion.
Addressing a day long convention of youth and women’s wing here, the party General secretary Mohammed Sartaj Madni said the party realises that the people have to understand the urgency to restore the ethos and the possible narrative on political problem as well as the state`s economic resources.
He urged upon the youth to reach out to their associates in the society for a meaningful process which holds the promise for a liberal initiative, pragmatism and all possible help in the rebuilding of the agenda of development and dialogue. He made a fervent appeal to the younger generation to join hands for a new beginning away from dismay and distrust.
“PDP has not slackened its efforts to provide a congenial atmosphere for youth for a harmonious growth and will not shun its responsibility to assist them in this noble task,” Madni said, adding the PDP government well understands the potential of this important generation and government`s every effort is devoted to the utilisation of the potentialities of youth and power to give state its deserved place.
Speaking on the occasion, senior party leader Nizammuddin Bhat said the party owns the responsibility for striking a common ground with all stakeholders at the local level to address the issues facing the state and its people.
He called for initiatives from New Delhi to help in reaching out a final reconciliation, political stability and peace in the state.
Stating that violence has no place in any civilised society, Bhat said the disturbances eventually spoil the prospects of any speedy process for growth and prospective future.
“Yet it is humane to be consistent and committed to all noble ideals that ensure such a future and the PDP reiterates its promise to do that much,” Bhat added.
Addressing the meeting party`s youth President, Waheed ur Rehman Parra said youth has rewritten a new chapter in the contemporary history of J&K with their dynamism, knowledge and commitment for a peaceful and a developed state.
“Youth is hope for future and PDP realises that they have to be shown a new way so that they could explore the new horizons and newer possibilities for the collective growth and prosperity of the society at large,” Parra added.
He said PDP is against exploitative politics and we owe it to our society that we deliver on the promise of securing a congenial, prosperous and a vibrant future for our youth.
Incharge of the party`s Women`s wing Anjum Fazili said women have suffered immensely due to the on-going turmoil and have borne the brunt of all the repercussions of the conflict.
“Our government has initiated path breaking and historic initiatives for the empowerment of the women of Jammu and Kashmir and it is the resolve of Mehbooba Ji to see to the up-liftment and the emancipation of the womenfolk,” she added.
Senior party leaders Mohammed Khursheed Alam; MLC, Aijaz Ah Mir; MLA, Bashir Ah Mir also addressed the meet. (KNS)

Srinagar: The Joint Committee of University Teachers Associations-Kashmir on Thursday condemned the arrest spree and nocturnal raids carried out by the armed forces in Kashmir and Chenab Valleys.

“As per reports 300 juveniles have been locked up in jails and police stations and more than 6000 have been arbitrarily slapped with the PSA,” said a statement issued after a meeting of Joint Committee of University Teachers Associations-Kashmir was held today where representatives of the five constituent Associations of the committee comprising KUTA, SSTA, IUFA, CUKTA and SVSA were present.

Reiterating the need for holding of meaningful dialogue with the stakeholders for permanent and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, the statement said, “the committee demanded immediate end to the arrest spree and nocturnal raids. It also desired the release of all political prisoners.”

The statement said that the issue of examination of students of Kashmir also came under discussion and it was opined that holding of examinations for the students of 10^th and 12th classes is “not feasible” in the present unfavourable circumstances.

Expressing its concern over the harassment of Kashmiri students studying in educational institution outside the state, the Committee said, “these students have to face insults and intimidation and in many cases rustication over petty social media posts.”

The statement added that the members of the Committee also expressed their concern over the occupation of educational institutions by armed forces.

“Two research centres of SKUAST (K) namely Ambri Research Centre at Pohnu, Shopian and Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani, Kulgam have been recently occupied by the forces. Both centres have Germplasm Banks that have been created by the scientists in collaboration with international research institutes,” the statement informed.

Asks administration to answer why were locals in Nowgam asked to prepare graves but nobody was buried in them

Srinagar: Asking Indian State , Media and mainstream politicians to stop seeking political dividends from every tragic incident , AIP Supremo and MLA Langate Er Rasheed has said that all these warriors of Kashmiris should answer that had militants attacked Taj Mahal, would they have destroyed it same way, as they did to EDI Institute.

In a Statement Er Rasheed said “If Indian parliament could be saved from getting damaged in the militant attack, security agencies could have shown restrain and dealt with two alleged militants in a manner that could have caused minimum damage to the building.  A common Kashmiri gets hurt when he has to listen sermons about significance of EDI and education as if he has chosen to live in a stone age.  If militants would have entered Taj Mahal or any other prestigious institution, the security forces would have not only shown utmost restraint but would have made it sure that the building and other infrastructures receives minimum damage. But in a desperate attempt to strengthen India’s view point , security forces very often destroy the buildings and assets with an objective that it would create bad will about militants”. Er Rashid also asked police administration to tell people in Nowgam Langate that why their religious sentiments were hurt, as they were asked to prepare four graves for deceased militants but later the militants were buried in a forest. He said that once someone dies or looses his life, who so ever he may be , the whole animosity ends, but not allowing funeral of these slain militants and leaving graves without burying bodies in them is an act that deserves condemnation.

Srinagar: Unidentified gunmen on Wednesday killed a worker of a pro-India political party in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Reports said that gunmen barged into the home of Peoples Conference worker Ghulam Nabi Khwaja and fired at him from a very close range, leaving him in a pool of blood.

He was shifted to a local hospital where from he was referred to District hospital Baramulla.
Doctors at the District Hospital, however, declared him dead on arrival.
Hospital authorities said that the deceased had received four bullets.

A class fourth employee in education department, Khwaja, according to reports, was closely associated with the Peoples Conference.

‘His Nagpur speech aimed at dividing people on communal lines’

Srinagar: Mohan Bhagwat’s rhetoric (as usual) while delivering his annual speech at Nagpur on Tuesday is essentially aimed at dividing the people on communal lines.
Since RSS leaders are prisoners of their regressive ideology, they cannot appreciate the ground realities of J&K and cannot, as such be expected to have an impartial, balanced and not to speak of ‘sympathetic’ approach towards the ongoing unfortunate developments in J&K, said Tarigami.
He said despite this mindset one could have expected from Bhagwat a little concern for the killing, blinding and maiming of number of unarmed people including school going children in Kashmir.
Tarigami said the total disruption of normal life and the ensuring suffering of the masses have completely escaped his sight and mind. He has talked about the cross border refuges and pleaded for the redressal of their grievances.
He, however, does not know that the POK refugees enjoy all the rights at par with other permanent residents of J&K. It is the refugees of Pakistan mainland who face problems. It is surely a humanitarian issue but there are constitutional constraints in conferring the “state citizenship” on these refugees, he said.
Tarigami said he has also talked about the continuing discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh regions of J&K. Ironically, he has forgotten that it is the RSS lead BJP which rules at the center and is part of the coalition government in the state. One fails to understand who is discriminating whom?

Srinagar: The annual Urs of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah at Shahadra Sharif Thanamandi started on Tuesday.

Special prayers were held Wednesday before Nimaz-i- Fajr.

Minister of State for Hajj and Aquaf, Syed Farooq Ahmed Andrabi was also present on this occasion, an official spokesperson said this evening.

It was for the first time that Naat and Qir’at competitions was organized on the occasion and first, second and third adjudged in the competition were rewarded.

Large number of devotees from across the state and outside state reached theZiyarat to offer prayers.

It is pertinent to mention here that shrine of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah located in Shahdra Shrief village of Thanamandi tehsil of Rajouri is known for its secular fabric where people from all walks and sections of society pay obeisance.

Earlier, Minister of State for Hajj and Aquaf, Farooq Ahmed Andrabi along with Administrator, Aquaf  Islamia Rajouri, Haji Abdul Qayoom Dar offered Chaddar  on the Sufi saint’s mausoleum .

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Peer Panjal range is the land of Sufis where great saints spread the message of peace, love and brotherhood through their teachings and poetry.

Influenced by their deeds and teaching millions of people around the world transformed their lifestyles over the centuries, he said.

He pledged that the government would continue to make every effort to promote the philosophies of the great saints.

In his address, Administrator Aquaf Islamia Rajouri said that thousands of devotees had regularly been visiting Shahdra Sharif to take part in the Urs and their number had constantly been rising.

He said the teachings based on mystic philosophy of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah were as relevant today as they were some 200 years ago.

“It was because of Sufi saints’ great teachings in the region that the people largely disapprove of religious extremism and believe in communal harmony and brotherhood,” he said.

Srinagar: Amid curfew and curbs in different parts of Valley, Youm-e-Ashura was observed on Wednesday with reverence and religious fervor throughout Jammu & Kashmir to pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and His companions for their supreme sacrifice in Karbala.Police detained scores of mourners from different parts of Srinagar city when they tried to take out Ashura procession while restrictions and curfew were imposed on the movement of people in most areas of old Srinagar city. “Restrictions had been imposed in seven police station areas of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safakadal, Lal Bazaar and Maisuma,” a senior police officer said here.

The 10th of Muharram is observed across the globe as the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Rolls of razor-fitted concertina wire were placed on street crossings to block passage of traffic and pedestrian movement. Ashura processions are banned in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar since 1989Eyewitnesses told news agency CNS that Alam and Zuljanah processions were taken out in all districts across Kashmir. Thousands of Azadars participated in a procession in downtown Srinagar which passed through Mohalla Syed Afzal, Alamgari Bazar and culminated at Zadibal Imambargah.

Ashura processions were also taken out in Baarji Harwan, Bemina, Gund Khwaja Qasim, Mirgund, Hanjiveera, Balhama, Panear, Tral, Divsar Kulgam, Sofipora Pahalgam, Chattergul, Achabal, Dangerpora, Sonawari and scores of other places.

In central Kashmir’s Budgam district Ashura processions was taken out from Jamia Babul Alim to Imambara Yousufabad, Magam, Iskinderpora Beerwah and Sonpah. The biggest procession was taken out from Mirgund to Imambargah Budgam. The procession was led by senior separatist leader and president Anjuman Shari Shain Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi. Witnesses added that mourners forcibly entered into the house of Aga Syed Hasan and forced police to retreat from the spot. Pertinently, Aga Syed Hasan has been under house arrest from past three months. Aga Syed Hasan said that Imam Hussain (AS) symbolizes firm faith in Almighty, high principals of righteousness, purity of thought and highest degree of sacrifice to uphold truth and human dignity. He said that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions exhibited unparalleled courage and patience, and made historic sacrifices at Karbala which would enlighten and guide the mankind forever. Taking a dig at the government for not allowing the Ashura procession from Abi Guzar, he said that he wonders why government cites the reason of security for not allowing the Ashura procession. 

Ashura processions were also taken out in Ladakh’s remote Turtuk, Partappora and Chushut. In Kargil, Ashura was observed under the banner of Anjuman-e-Jamiyat Ullama (Islamia School Kargil). The mourning processions were taken out from different villages of Kargil. The processions passed through Main Bazar, Lal Chowk, Khomeni Chowk, Islamia School Chowk and concluded at Qatilgaha-e-Hussaini (Inqillab Manzil). Thousands of mourners participated in these processions. In Ganderbal district, Ashura processions were taken out at Bot Kullan and Dub.

Thousands of mourners were part of an Ashura procession taken out from Peer Mitha Jammu amid tight security arrangements. The procession commenced from Imam Bargah Peermitha under the banner of Anjuman-e-lmamia, Jammu. Thousands of mourners from across the region mourned the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). A brief Majlis (congregation) was also held before the start of the procession where scholars delivered lectures narrating the tragedy of Karbala.

After passing through the traditional route, the procession culminated at Karbala complex Wazarat road.

Similar procession was also taken out from New Plots Jammu by Anjuman-e-Haidery that culminated and merged with the main procession at Imam Bargah Sofi Shah Peermitha. (CNS)

Srinagar: The joint resistance leadership on Wednesday issued a new protest calendar.

Friday, October 14
(No Relaxation)
Indian Governor’s Office (Raj Bhawan) March
From 7 am, March one & all from the entire Jammu & Kashmir towards the occupational Indian Government’s Governor’s office, Srinagar and handover a letter, asking him to vacate Jammu & Kashmir;
Offer Friday prayer along Dalgate-Boulevord- Shalimar roadway;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of Srinagar coordinate&ensure the arrangements

Saturday, October 15
(Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
Kargil, Peer Panchal Range & Chenab Valley Day
From 7 am, March one & all from Kargil, Peer Panchal Range and Chenab Valley to places identified and agreed upon locally and mutually;
Post Zuhr prayer, hold Freedom Congregations;
Also organise support and solidarity rallies across Kashmir valley for the people of these regions;
During relaxation period, put Black Flags on shops and vehicles, as a protest against continued oppression on Muslims by Hindutva forces in these regions;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these areas coordinate and ensure the arrangements

Sunday, October 16
(Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
Transporters Support Day
All the socio-religious organisations like Jamat-i-Islami, Jamiat-i-Ahlihadees, Tehreek-e-Sawtul Awliya, Karwaan-i-Islami, Ummat-i-Islami, Anjuman-i-Tableeghul Islamand others start a door to door campaign to raise funds for the support of transporters;
Identify and prepare a list at Mohalla levelof all drivers, conductors, auto rickshaw owners, sumo owners, cab owners, matador owners, bus owners, etc. and extend help to the in all possible ways

Monday, October 17
(Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
District Headquarters Azadi Road Shows
From 7 am, join Azadi Road Shows and march towards District Headquarters. March on two wheelers (Motorcycles & Bicycles) and march by foot;
If and wherever stopped, assemble, occupy and protest at that place till 4 pm;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these areas coordinate and ensure the arrangements

Tuesday, October 18
(Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
Women’s Day
Assemble & Occupy local chowks and centres from Zuhr to Asr in the vicinity of your mohallas, villages and localities;
Protest with Flags, Placards and Banners with Freedom messages and slogans

Wednesday, October 19
(Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
Sogam, Kreeri, Naidkhai, Soibugh, Manigam, Khonmoh, Newa, Zainpora, Pahloo, Achabal Freedom March
From 7 am,March one & all from Kupwara to Sogam, Baramulla to Kreeri, Bandipora to Naidkhai, Budgam to Soibugh, Ganderbal to Manigam, Srinagar to Khonmoh, Pulwama to Newa, Shopian to Zainpora, Kulgam to Pahloo and Islamabad to Achabal;
Post Zuhr prayer, hold Freedom Congregation at the place identified and agreed upon locally and mutually;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these Blocks coordinate and ensure the arrangements

Thursday, October 20
(Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
One Day Azadi Convention
Neighbouring villages and localities organize one day Azadi conventionfrom 11 am to 4 pm in respective areas;
Deliberate and discuss ways and means to strengthen the ongoing People’s uprising for freedom from Indian occupation;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these areas coordinate and ensure the arrangements

Directions For All Days
1.      Protests be held across Jammu & Kashmir.
2.     Shutdown across Jammu & Kashmir on all days except for the relaxation mentioned in the program.
3.     Public vehicular movement not to be stopped after 10 pm to 6 am on all nights.
4.     Lockdown all the routes entering your Mohallas, Villages and Localities by every means during night to protect people in general and youth in particular from the raids and arrests by Indian forces and J&K Police.
5.     Play Islamic and Azadi Taranas from Maghrib to Isha on all days.
6.     Paste this Protest Program Poster on the entrance of every mosque and in Market places, Mohallas & Local Chowks.