Srinagar: On the 91st day of uprising in the Valley, the authorities imposed curfew in seven police station areas of the city on Friday to thwart the UN chalo march after mandatory Friday prayers called by the separatist leadership.
According to a top police official, “Curfew has been imposed in seven police station areas of Srinagar city to thwart the march called by the separatist leadership.”
Meanwhile, reports of clashes and protests were received from difference areas in Kashmir during which scores of people sustained injuries.
Central Kashmir
Curfew was imposed by the authorities in the police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Maisuma and Batamaloo.
The decision to impose curfew was taken to foil the UN chalo march called by the separatist leadership including Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chief, Muhammad Yasin Malik through a joint statement issued to media organizations.
Meanwhile, on the 13th consecutive Friday today, the authorities continue to bar people from offering mandatory Fridaycongregational prayers in the historical Jamia Masjid in Old city here.
Residents of Nowhatta said that the authorities imposed curfew on the 13th Friday to disallow people from offering congregational prayers in Jamia Masjid.
However, after considerable movement of private vehicles from past couple of day, the roads across Srinagar city especially in the commercial hub Lal Chowk wore a deserted look.
Witnesses said that large contingent of forces were deployed on roads and streets in Srinagar while all the roads leading towards Sonwar were sealed by the authorities. “Forces had erected concertina wires on roads and were not restricting the movement of commuters” witnesses told KNS.
Meanwhile, according to KNS correspondent, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Barzulla area of Srinagar during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth.
As soon as the Friday congregational prayers ended in the area, protesters mostly youth took top streets and raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.
The youth later pelted stones on forces who in return used tear smoke shells to disperse them.
Meanwhile, reports said that clashes erupted in Srinagar’s Chanapora area.
Reports said that as soon as the congregational Friday prayers ended, people came out on roads in Lone Mohalla area and raised pro-freedom slogans.
“Forces fired tear gas shells and pellets to disperse off the protestors,” reports quoting local sources said, adding that one youth was hit by a tear gas shell in his hand following which he was shifted to the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, reports said that a 12-year-old boy was critically injured in Srinagar’s Eidgah area today when he was hit by pellets during the clashes in the locality that erupted between youth and forces after mandatory Friday congregational prayers.
“The youth identified as Junaid was hit by pellets in chest and head,” reports quoting sources in SKIMS Soura said, “He is unconscious and is being treated in operation theatre.”
Meanwhile, clashes also erupted between youth and forces in Soura area here during which forces used tear smokes hells to disperse the agitating youth.
“People wanted to take out pro-freedom rally but forces fired tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters triggering clashes in the area,” reports said.
Meanwhile, scores of people sustained injuries during the clashes between youth and forces in Batapora, Kanihama area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Forces used tear gas shells and pellets to disperse the youth who were throwing stones on them during which scores of people sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, clashes and protests were reported from several other localities across central Kashmir including district Srinagar.
North Kashmir
According to KNS correspondent, Bhat Zahoor, forces foiled the peaceful protests in Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora district by resorting to tear gas canisters triggering clashes in the area.
After mandatory Friday congregational prayers, people assembled outside the Masjid and staged peaceful protest. “As soon as the protesters tried to march towards main road, forces used tear gas canisters to disperse them which led to the intense clashes in the area,” witnesses said.
Clashes also erupted in Hajin area during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth during which three youth as per reports sustained injuries.
Reports said that clashes broke out in Hajin town after Friday prayers near Jamia Masjid and main Chowk after the protesters chanting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans took to streets.
Forces fired several rounds of teargas shells to disperse the protesters, triggering clashes.
Meanwhile, in Ajas and Sadarkoot Bala areas of Bandipora, peaceful protests were held by the people after Fridayprayers. The protesters raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans during the protests.
The protesters later dispersed peacefully.
Meanwhile, reports said that following the Friday congregational prayers, forces in Sopore town of Baramulla district foiled the protests by resorting to tear smoke shells triggering clashes in the area.
Reports said that hundreds of people tried to march from Jamia Masjid Sopore after prayers amid pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.
However, forces deployed in huge numbers swung into action and used tear gas canisters to disperse them near main bazaar triggering clashes.
Reports of clashes between protesters and forces were also received from Jamia Qadeem.
Meanwhile, reports of clashes and protests were reported from several other areas during the day.
South Kashmir
A complete shutdown was observed in South Kashmir districts today.
All the shops, educational institutes, business establishments, petrol pumps and other establishments remained closed throughout the day.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Goriwan area of Bijbehara town during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse them.
“As soon as the Friday prayers ended in the area, clashes erupted between youth and forces during which forces tried to disperse off the youth by using tear gas canisters,” local sources said, adding that the clashes were ongoing till late evening areas.
Meanwhile, reports of clashes and protests were also reported from several other districts of South Kashmir.
Police Version
According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, in view of the UN Chalo call given by some separatist organizations and also the violence resorted to by miscreants on last few Fridays, curfew was imposed in few Police Stations of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure, today.
The statement said that during the day eleven incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore. The situation remained under control and there was no report of any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, continuing with its efforts to neutralize the activities of the miscreants and hooligans, 56 persons found involved in different crimes of creating public disorder have been arrested during the last 24 hours the statement said. (KNS)
Category: Union Territory
-
Day 91; curfew imposed in Srinagar areas to foil UN chalo march
-
Eleven Incidents of Stone Pelting Reported On Friday, say Police, 56 Persons Arrested
SRINAGAR: According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, in view of the UN Chalo call given by some separatist organizations and also the violence resorted to by miscreants on last few Fridays, curfew was imposed in few Police Stations of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure, today. The statement said that during the day eleven incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore. The situation remained under control and there was no report of any untoward incident. Meanwhile, continuing with its efforts to neutralize the activities of the miscreants and hooligans, 56 persons found involved in different crimes of creating public disorder have been arrested during the last 24 hours the statement said.
-
CM chairs meeting to appoint Chairperson, Members of SHRC
Srinagar: The Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, Friday chaired the meeting of the Committee constituted to recommend eligible persons for appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (SHRC).The Selection Committee comprises Chairman Legislative Council, Speaker Legislative Assembly, Leaders of the single largest party in opposition to the Government in Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
-
Students threatens protests against KU diktat
Our object to act in students interest: Exam ControllerSrinagar: Amid the ongoing continues protests by students of class 10 and class 12, College and University students Friday threatened to join them in case Kashmir University “tried to put our careers at stake.”
“Kashmir University is going to upload study material on its official website for the students. It is then going to diktat students to download this study material and appear in exams. It has been decided by the KU authorities,” a group of KU students told KNS.
They added that students cannot make any preparations just going through by a study material. “What is need of study material when we have text books also? Academic studies are more important. It is not mere just book reading. KU want to put our educational careers at stake,” they said.
Another group of science students said that they have not conducted any laboratory tests. “Practicals are soul of our studies. Without practicals, our education is incomplete and unsatisfactory,” they said.
“In case KU issues any diktat wherein we are forced to use study material and appear in exams, we have no option but to oppose the move and hit streets. Our protests will be more intensified than the school students,” they threatened.
They further said that presently students have no access to internet as the services remain snapped from July 8, this year, adding, “No information uploaded by authorities would reach out to students.”
“How do KU authorities expect us to access internet. Most of the KU students belong to villages where even newspapers have not reached from past 90 days,” they argued.
Prof. A.S. Bhat, KU Examination Controller told KNS that it is only guidelines that would be uploaded.
“The students have lost more than three months. We are only preparing the guidelines as how to compensate this time,” he said.
“These guidelines are prepared by academicians. Our object is to act in the interest of students,” he said while replying to a query. (KNS) -
Authorities to book 130 Govt employees for taking part in pro-freedom protests
“Will terminate their services, book under PSA”Srinagar: Government is mulling to book around 130 government employees under the controversial public safety act, for taking part in pro-freedom protests.
Authorities have identified around 130 government employees for ‘taking part in pro-freedom protests’ and they can be arrested or detained anytime, informed sources told KNS.
They said that government has prepared the list of more than 130 government employees. “These employees have been directly or indirectly taking part in the anti-government and pro-freedom protests,” they said.
“Some of the employees have been also instigating public for protests. Some of them have been witnessed addressing anti-government public rallies,” they added.
One of the officials, wished not to be named, told KNS that first these employees would be arrested against the cases already registered against them in concerned police stations.
“Under rules, they will be put under suspension after being arrested and being remaining for behind the bars for twenty four hours. Subsequently, their services may be terminated as well,” he added.
Sources said that government is also mulling to book several of them under Public safety Act.
In past twenty days, authorities have arrested or detained around 1200 separatist and religious leaders.
Pertinently, police have so far arrested around 6000 persons who have been allegedly taking part in pro-freedom and anti-government protests.
Large number of youth have also been detained under public safety act for allegedly being the part of stone pelting incidents. (KNS) -
Dreams of Stability, Peace, Prosperity, Democracy and Brotherhood Cannot Come True Without Resolving issues and Disputes Confronting Humans in Various Regions Of The World: Yasin Malik
Srinagar: Dreams of stability, lasting peace, prosperity, democracy and brotherhood cannot come true without resolving issues and disputes confronting humans in various regions of the world . The way people of Jammu Kashmir are being subjected to worst kind of oppression just because they are asking for fulfilment of pledges made to them by international community and Indian leaders is horrible and silence of international community on these human sufferings obnoxious. Arresting of ailing women leader Mtr Aasiya Andrabi and her associate Fahmeeda Sofi and booking them under black Law PSA glaring example of hypocritical politics of PDP led ruling coalition.
This was stated by the ailing incarcerated chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik who is still languishing in solitary confinement at JIC Budgam. Yasin Malik said that peace, stability. Prosperity, democracy and brotherhood are all desirable things which no sane human can ignore but these dreams cannot be fulfilled by employing ‘might is right ‘and ‘crush the weaker’ like approaches. He said that if international community wants to see this world free from violence and killings it will have to shun its capitalist and trader like attitude and strive for resolution of human issues and disputes like that of Palestine and Kashmir. Yasin Malik said that dreaming of lasting peace and prosperity without resolving issues and disputes confronting humans is a distant dream that will never come true. He said that international community has no choice but to sit together and address these issues and disputes so that human kind is saved from future catastrophe and disaster. Yasin Malik said that Jammu Kashmir is such an issue that has every potential to jeopardize the already fragile peace of south Asia and international community should immediately shun its businessman like approach visa vise the resolution of this human issue and strive to resolve this issue according to the aspirations, sacrifices and wishes of the people of Jammu Kashmir.
While strongly condemning the arrest of women leader Mtr Aasiya Andrabi and her associate Fahmeeda Sofi and booking them under black law PSA and also the arrest of JKLF tehsil president Kokernagh Muhammad Ishaaq Malik, JKLF chairman said that these arrests and PSA’s have exposed the hypocritical politics of PDP led coalition in Jammu Kashmir. He said that arresting an ailing lady and booking her under black law and sending her to a jail far from her residence has also exposed the so-called minister’s claims of morality and democracy. He said that to suppress peoples demand for freedom so far more than ten thousand people including resistance leaders, activists, young boys, students and even children have been put behind bars. Yasin Malik said that the way people of Jammu Kashmir are being subjected to worst kind of oppression just because they are asking for fulfilment of pledges made to them by international community and Indian leaders is horrible and silence of international community on these human sufferings obnoxious While strongly condemning the arrest of another JKLF tehsil president Kokernagah Muhammad Ishaaq Malik who was arrested by police last night, JKLF chairman said that if rulers and their masters in Delhi and Nagpur think that by these oppressive measures they can defeat the will of Kashmiri people they are living in a fool’s paradise because history bears a witness to the fact that oppression can never defeat the collective will and passion of a people. CNS
-
‘Lost in Terror’ Nayeema Mehjoor’s book to be released in Delhi, London, New York
Srinagar: Nayeema Ahmed Mehjoor’s latest book ‘Lost in Terror’ will be released in New Delhi, London and New York in coming days. “The book was scheduled to be released at Kashmir University on Friday but to present unrest, the releasing ceremony was abandoned and it will be simultaneously released from New Delhi, UK and United States,” Mehjoor told news agency CNS adding that the book is available in the markets now.
‘Lost in Terror’ has been published by Penguin Random House India that cast in the background of the uprising against the Indian armed forces in Kashmir in the late1980s.
“Lost in Terror is the tale of a young, educated, career conscious woman who finds herself sucked into a maelstrom of death and destruction. She also cherishes the dream of Azadi and plays strong to face the wrath of Indian soldiers. But when she finds her husband’s discreet links with gunmen obsessed with the dream of Azadi, she becomes fragile and begins to lose her hold on her home, her relationships and Azadi itself. When her dreams for a perfect family and a thriving career are turned upside down and her life comes to a standstill due to the turmoil around her, fate offers her a leap of faith—but will she take it?”
Nayeema Mahjoor is a leading journalist and fiction writer of Kashmir. She has previously worked as news editor (Urdu) atBBC World Service in London for two decades, and travelled from South Asia to the Middle East to Europe in search ofbig issues facing people, particularly women. Her unique style of short-story-writing has earned her fame in literary circles and been translated in other languages. Her novel ‘Dahshatzadi’ was published in India and Pakistan a few years ago. (CNS)
-
Denying Friday prayers for 13th consecutive occasion unacceptable: Er Rasheed
Asks Mehbooba to explain whether Aasia Andrabi had gun or a stone in her hands
Srinagar: AIP President and MLA Langate Er Rasheed has condemned state government for not allowing Friday prayers for the 13th consecutive occasion in main Jamia Masjid Srinagar. In a statement issued today Er Rasheed said, “Jamia Masjid is not only a spiritual and religious place but every Kashmiri has his deep affiliation, love and respect with Jamia Masjid. Giving excuses to stop people from offering Friday prayers in the said mosque is worst example of religious interference. In the name of maintaining so called law and order, current government has no moral or legal authority to seal the mosque. The move clearly shows frustration and designs of the government and when people take to roads to protest such barbaric acts, Indian media wastes not even a second to label them as pro-Pak elements.” Er Rasheed condemned continuous arrest of Mirwaiz Molvi Omar Farooq and said that he is not only the political figure but the religious leader of state and is being respected by masses everywhere. Government must release him and other political prisoners including Yasin Malik, Shabir Shah, Aasia Andrabi and Masrat Alam without any delay. Er Rasheed also condemned government for slapping PSA on Aasia Andrabi and Fahmeeda Sofi and said that while Mehbooba is often talking about honour and dignity of women, would she mind to say whether these two daughters of the soil were holding guns or stones in their hands. Er Rasheed asked CM that if she could propagate her views what is the logic to stop Aasia Andrabi and other women activists from carrying out peaceful political activities.
-
Kashmir remains an oldest internationally acknowledged dispute Hurriyat Asks UN To Intervene
APHC darts letter to UN mission in Kashmir: Read it here
Memorandum
Srinagar: With profound hope, we appeal to Your Excellency, on behalf of the besieged people of Jammu Kashmir, who are facing an unprecedented wave of repression at the hands of Indian occupation forces particularly during the last three months.
We firmly believe that the United Nations Military Observer’s Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), through its internal information systems, must be reporting truthfully to Your Excellency on the brutal state violence that India continues to perpetrate for last 69 years.
During the last three months, in response to the peaceful calls for resolution of Kashmir dispute, Indian state forces have deliberately killed more than 90 civilians including children, women and old. They have blinded around 900, maimed and injured more than 15000, ransacked thousands of homes, burnt tons of rice grains across the valley and even killed livestock of people. Indian forces have arrested more than 8000 people besides juveniles including 7 years old children. Even human rights defenders have been detained under state’s draconian law and an English local daily has been banned for reporting the truth as it is.
Yet we, the worst victims of violence and state terror for seven decades, believe in peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute based on the universal values of freedom and justice through the internationally acknowledged and promised principle of self-determination.
We remain open to any effort aimed at achieving the same. However, it’s the Indian state that stonewalls every effort at peacebuilding through its arrogant and indifferent intransigence.
Indian arrogance reached its zenith when it rejecting the request of UNHRC for access to this part of Kashmir. Adding insult to the injury, its foreign minister claimed Kashmir to be integral part of India, from the podium of UN General Assembly; wherein Kashmir remains an oldest internationally acknowledged dispute. Even though India’s false assertion didn’t raise many hackles at UN General Assembly, putting a question mark on the forum’s credibility; the truth of Kashmir echoed in the global conversations and attracted sympathies and support from far and wide.
Returning disappointed from the global forum and buckling under the pressure of its ferocious collective Hindu consciousness that continues to devour humans and societies for its satisfaction, India started beating the war drums harder only to deflect the growing global attention on Kashmir. Going further ahead, they have created a war hysteria after claiming ‘surgical strikes’ in Azad Kashmir. Spiralling out of control, this state of affairs can trigger a lethal confrontation in the region, resulting in further destruction of life, resources and property which, we understand, needs to be avoided.
Since we believe and understand that Kashmir dispute remains at the centre of the regional conflict, we appeal you to challenge the behaviour of Indian State in Jammu Kashmir and urge it to stop this reign of terror. In the interests of regional peace and global justice we once again implore you to intervene and prevail upon the Indian state to shun violence and initiate processes for granting universally recognised Right to Self Determination to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Waiting for your intervention,
People of Jammu & Kashmir
-
Day 91: Shutdown across Kashmir; restrictions in Srinagar to halt UN march
Srinagar: Authorities imposed restrictions in Srinagar city of Kashmir Valley on Friday morning to prevent a protest march to the UN observer’s office called by resistance leaders.
District Magistrate Farooq Ahmad Lone said: “Restrictions will remain in force here to maintain law and order today (Friday).”The resistance leaders had urged people to march to the UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarter office in Sonawar area.Forces sealed all roads to Sonawar’s high security zone and disallowed any vehicular or pedestrian movement towards the UNMOGIP office.The valley has remained paralyzed for the last 91 days because of the separatist called protest shutdowns and rallies issued through weekly calendars.The authorities have responded by imposing curfew and restrictions.All educational institutions, public transport and businesses have remained closed during the ongoing unrest that started on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani, was killed in a gunfight with the forces.Over 90 people died and over 12,000 were injured in the ongoing unrest. IANS