Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • NC delegation says Kashmiris harassed under fig-leaf of law and order, seeks governor’s intervention

    Apprises him on destruction of paddy harvest, mass scale arrests and sought his intervention in stopping these atrocities
     
    Srinagar: A National Conference delegation today met Governor N N Vohra seeking his immediate intervention in safeguarding the rights of the people across the Valley who are being “harassed and subjected to mass repression under the fig-leaf of law and order measures.”
    The delegation, led by senior NC leader and former Minister Sakina Ittoo, while expressing grave concern and sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, apprised the Governor about the unprecedented mass arrests, slapping of PSAs, destruction of paddy harvest, nocturnal raids and large scale harassment of civilians across the valley, said a statement.
    The delegation also briefed the Governor about the arbitrary closure of the Banihal tunnel and demanded that it should be kept open 24 hours every day – as was the established norm during the tenure of the previous Government.
    Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sakina Ittoo while emphasizing on the need to ensure innocent civilians are not harassed and tormented said: “An atmosphere of fear and repression has been created in South, North and Central Kashmir. Apart from the terrifying and frequent nocturnal raids, a new and inhuman way of punishing people has been initiated which includes targeted burning of paddy crops. This is being done on a daily basis,” adding, “Around 8000 people have been arrested out which 800 have been slapped with PSA.
    There are visible indications that a policy of political victimization is being perpetuated as an unofficial policy with people of a particular political party being targeted without any basis or legal justification. We apprised the Honourable Governor about these issues.”
    The delegation also comprised of senior leaders and legislators including MLA Pahalgam Altaf Kaloo, MLA Homshalibug Abdul Majeed Bhat, MLCs  Ali Mohammad Dar, Dr Bashir Ah Veeri, Showkat Hussain Ganaie, Qaiser Jamshed Lone and Senior leaders Mir Saifullah, Javed Ahmed Dar, Peer Mohammad Afaq and Provincial Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar.
    The Senior NC Leaders said the delegation also highlighted other concerns and problems faced by the people in different parts of the Valley, including the arbitrary announcement for board exams without taking the ground situation into account. “When not even 40% syllabus has been covered in schools, the Government in order to portray a perception of normalcy wants to inflict the students to an unrealistic and unfair challenge that would seriously affect their future,” the delegation said.
    Meanwhile, National Conference leader MLC Qaiser Jamshed Lone as a mark of protest boycotted the District Development Board meeting Kupwara. He said, “Government has misplaced priorities. When it should be working towards bringing the State out of violence and chaos, the State Government is more interested in photo opportunities. Conducting such meetings in present circumstances is useless.”

  • Dukhtaran-e-Millat Chief Asiya Andrabi arrested in Srinagar

    Police on Tuesday arrested Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi from Kral Khud area of downtown Srinagar.

    Andrabi was arrested along with her associates after police received a tip-off about her presence in the area.

    The Chief of the all-women organization had evaded arrest during the ongoing uprising.

  • Women are safest in Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti

    “Of all the places in the country, girls and women are the safest in Kashmir. They cannot be raped in a moving car. They move around in shikaras and houseboats,” Mehbooba Mufti said at a tourism event here.

    New Delhi: Mehbooba Mufti today said that beauty of Kashmir lies in the people, their emotions, bonding and not only in landscape. She said that women in particular and tourists in general have always felt safest in Kashmir.
    Speaking at the Bharat International Tourism Bazaar (BITB) organised at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, she said that Tourism could be the best Confidence Building Measure for people of Kashmir adding that tourism should not only be seen as an aspect of economics but a long term investment in peace, in emotions of people of J&K and establishment of a stronger bonding for lasting peace.
    Lt Governor Delhi Najeeb Jung, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Mahesh Sharma, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, Chairman STIC Subhash Goyal, Director ITB Berlin David Reutz and a number of entrepreneurs were present apart from representatives from across the country and travel associations.
    Mehbooba Mufti reiterating the need for a comprehensive dialogue on Kashmir issued pitched for peace as a conducive atmosphere for dialogue which is also pre-requisite for tourism in state. She asked the media to play a constructive role in showcasing the real beauty and culture of the people of Kashmir and not only specific incidents. She cited the example of a boatman who lost life this summer while saving the tourists during boat capsizing as a real example of the spirit of common Kashmiri, adding that, Kashmiris have been putting in their best for conduct of Amarnath Yatra every year since long which reflects the commitment of average Kashmiri. She also said that no tourist has been hurt or suffered loss even during the protests which also reflects that Kashmir remains a safe place for tourists. She also highlighted the role played by local kashmiri residents in saving lives of tourists and providing them best possible assistance during the floods in 2014.
    Launching a scathing attack on Delhi Government’s Tourism Minister Kapil Sharma, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that there is a need to appreciate that a place like Kashmir is safest for women, be it local residents or visitors and there is no crime against women unlike Delhi where women still feel unsafe. Kapil Mishra has earlier said that people in Kashmir give shelter to militants and terrorism and tourism cannot go together. Pertinently Delhi Government was host of BITB. Ms Mufti further rebutted Mishra saying that it is wrong to blame the people of Kashmir who have always stood by rich values. She said that people in Kashmir have been victims of the situation and not perpetrators of it in response to Mishra’s comment of Kashmiris being supporters of terrorism, adding that Kashmiri’s have been failed by leadership at central and state level at various occasions and for the present dispensation there is a lot to do.
    Pinning hope in the improvement in situation she said that skirmishes at border highlighted frequently lead to casting an impression of violence in Kashmir, however the people of Kashmir remain committed to peace and resolution of issues through dialogue. She said that people in Kashmir have a great trust and faith in countrymen which is testified by thousands of children sent for studies in schools, colleges and universities across country which could also be seen a platform for exchange of ideas and opinions to have stronger bonds.
    Mufti recalled contributions of PDP founder and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syeed in easing security scenario in state, providing conducive atmosphere for democratic dialogue as hallmark of all forms of engagements over a period of time and also providing an avenue for the people to vent their anger. Responding to a question on protests she said that democracy is the best thing about Kashmir as is for India and people should be encouraged to present their point of view or vent their anger in a peaceful manner. Patience and tolerance are the hallmark of the democracy, said the Chief Minister.
    Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir state has been allotted Rs 500 Cr for development of tourism infrastructure in the current financial year, which was informed by Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture Mr Mahesh Sharma. He complimented the state government for coming up with innovative plans for tourism development and promotion.

  • Two girls among Kashmiri students robbed, held hostage at Ghaziabad hostel for hours

    A Kashmiri student from Anantnag who wished not to be named told CNS news agency over phone that masked robbers who were carrying daggers, pistols and iron rods snatched gold earrings and bangles of the two girl students.

    Law students from Kashmir Valley admitted under Prime Ministers Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) in Global College of Law in Dasna Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh were looted by armed robbers on the night of September 30.
    Robbers, according to these students, who hail from different districst of Valley, broke into their hostel and held 12 students, two of them girls, hostage at gunpoint for about three hours, and looted whatever they could lay their hands on – from computers to jewellery.

    A Kashmiri student from Anantnag who wished not to be named told CNS news agency over phone that masked robbers who were carrying daggers, pistols and iron rods snatched gold earrings and bangles of the two girl students.
    “One of our friends who had arrived here to pay admission fee for his brother also became the victim and the robbers looted Rs 40,000 from him,” he said adding that after committing the crime the robbers even took the CCTV cameras with them.
    “I was in the hostel along with a roommate when someone knocked at the door,” said a fourth-year student from Anantnag. “Two men brandishing arms barged in and asked me how many students there were in the hostel and asked about the way to the office. They ordered me to take them to other rooms.”The robbers took away everything. We are scared and for a moment we felt they will kill us,” he said.

    The students were, however, all praises for the local police. “The officials from Musuri police station helped us to come out of the trauma. They even arranged food for us. They are helpful and we are sure they will nab the culprits,” said the students.
    Confirming the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police Ghaziabad, Ashish Srivastava said that the robbers scaled the boundary wall of Global College of Law in Masuri shortly after midnight. They bundled the students, all of them from Kashmir, into a room and ‘cleaned up’ the place. They not only took high-end cellphones and cash, but also inverters, batteries, and even clothes, shoes and chappals. “We have registered a formal case and speedy investigation is going on to nab the culprits,” he said. (CNS)

  • Kashmir police chief takes up issue of harassment of students with Punjab police

    The DGP today contacted Punjab police chief, Suresh Arora and enquired about the alleged harassment of students from Jammu and Kashmir State.

    Taking cognizance of the reports of alleged harassment of some Kashmir students studying in Private College in Ludhina, Punjab, Director General of Police (DGP), K Rajendra Kumar urged his Punjab counterpart to ensure safety of the students.
    The DGP today contacted Punjab police chief, Suresh Arora and enquired about the alleged harassment of students from Jammu and Kashmir State.

    He was told that that the Punjab Police have already issued an advisory to all educational institutions across the Punjab to ensure safety and security of the students. The Punjab DGP said every possible measure would be taken for safety and security of Kashmir students and added that a congenial atmosphere is being created so that the students may not feel insecure.
    Meanwhile, Kumar has appealed to the parents, whose wards are studying outside the state not to pay any heed to the rumours being circulated on the social media by rumour mongers. He urged the people especially the youth to desist from posting any unverified content on the social media.
    DG Coordination/Law and Order, Dr. S. P. Vaid also rang District Superintendent of Police Khana in Punjab, Satinder Singh, who informed that all students of J&K are safe and all measures are being taken for their security.

  • BJP Health minister faces public anger at SMHS hospital, forced to leave

    Bhagat”s visit was the first to the hospital since the ongoing uprising began almost three months ago after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani.

    Scores of patients and their attendants raised pro-freedom slogans as State Health Minister Bali Bhagat visited the SMHS hospital on Wednesday.
    Reports said that pro-freedom protests erupted in the hospital after Bhagat visited the ward in which pellet victims were treated for their eye injuries.

    The minister, they said, had to leave after facing the angry crowd at around 11 am today.
    Bhagat’s visit was the first to the hospital since the ongoing uprising began almost three months ago after the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani.

  • Two auto rickshaws set ablaze in Srinagar

    The auto-rickshaws were set on fire in Saida Kadal and Baba Demb localities of Srinagar.

    Two auto-rickshaws were set ablaze by unidentified persons in Kashmir capital Srinagar on Wednesday.

    The auto-rickshaws were set on fire in Saida Kadal and Baba Demb localities of Srinagar.

  • Mobile Internet Services Restored In Chenab Valley

    Srinagar: Authorities on Tuesday restored the mobile internet services in Chenab valley and Pir Panchal region of the state, sources said.

    The services were restored in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch districts.

    The decision in this effect was taken in a meeting held in Jammu, they said.

    The internet services in the said areas were suspended on August 5, 2016 after widespread protests in the region over the civilian killings in Kashmir.

    Pertinently, Kashmir valley is without mobile internet services since July 8 when militant commander Burhan Wani was killed.

  • 10 times more security men injured in Kashmir than civilians: CRPF

    Jamshedpur: The number of security personnel injured in the stone-pelting and hand grenade hurling incidents during the recent unrest in Kashmir is ten times more than the figure of civilians injured, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General K Durga Prasad said on Tuesday.

    Besides the injured securitymen of Border Security of Force (BSF), Rashtriya Rifle and Jammu and Kashmir police, 3,000 CRPF jawans were wounded in the incidents, Prasad told reporters in Jamshedpur.

    Prasad, who laid the foundation of a barrack and residential quarter for the Rapid Action Force personnel here, said out of the 3,000 injured CRPF jawans, 125 were seriously wounded and many of them were still undergoing treatment in hospitals.

    A combined figure of injured securitymen was ten times more than the number civilians injured in the stone pelting, grenade hurling and mob firing during the unrest in the Valley, he said.

    Stating that the securitymen maintained maximum restrain, he said the forces did not fire even when groups of people hurled grenade and fired at them.

    “We had lost one of our Commanding Officers in Srinagar on the Independence day in the incidents,” Prasad said.

    Asked about the weapons being used by the paramilitary forces, Prasad, flanked by ADG CRPF Sudeep Lakhtakia and IG CRPF, Jharkhand Sanjay Lathkar, said less lethal weapons such as PAVA shells and plastic pellets were used to control mob.

    “We used pellet guns only when the situation was out of control,” he said.

    Referring to barracks and quarters, Prasad said, “We are constructing 10,330 units of quarter and 55 barracks in different locations across the country, which would help reduce the quarter problem from the existing 25 per cent to 16-17 per cent in the next two years. (PTI)

  • 80% bacteria in Kashmir hospitals resistant to last-resort antibiotics: DAK

    Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today said that Kashmir hospitals have turned into breading grounds for deadly bacteria that are resistant to all antibiotics.
    Raising alarm President DAK Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement said that even last-resort antibiotics do not work against these deadly microbes.
    Hospitals in Kashmir have become superbug factories.
    As per 2015 Antibiogram of SKIMS hospital, 80% of bacteria isolated from ICUs were resistant to imipenem which is the last-line antibiotic.
    The most common isolates were E coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter and they were found to have 100% resistance to ceftriaxone, another high-end antibiotic.
    An increasing trend over the years in the antibiotic-resistant strains was observed in a prospective study at SKIMS.
    The situation in SMHS hospital is horrible as it is flooded with dangerous drug-resistant microbes.
    Patients go to hospitals to get well, but instead contract hospital bugs and die.
    These bugs aren’t limited to hospitals, they are out in the community and anyone, even healthy people, can become infected.
    Lack of infection control measures and poor sanitation in hospitals provide favorable conditions for resistant microorganisms to emerge, spread and persist.
    Inappropriate and irrational use of antibiotics has helped the microbes to evolve into resistant strains.
    We are kind of back to the era of not having antibiotics.
    With no antibiotics, cancer chemotherapy and simple surgery will become impossible and we are facing a future where cough or cut could kill once again.
    It is estimated that more than 700,000 people die each year worldwide, and if the trend continues, the figure will go to 10 million by 2015.
    United Nations in its General Assembly last month signed a declaration to fight a war against superbugs that have evaded science’s last remaining defenses.