Category: Union Territory

Srinagar: “Jammu Kashmir issue is a living reality and whether anyone talks about it or not, cannot change this hard reality. All roads to trade and friendships, development and construction, stability, peace and prosperity go through Kashmir and ignoring this issue or putting it on back burner and dreaming of fulfilling these goals is a distant dream,” . This was stated by the chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik while deliberating upon the recently held summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendara Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Shareef.

Malik said that after the establishment of new government of BJP under the prime minister-ship of Narendra Modi, JKLF issued a statement and said that BJP , Narendra Modi and their ideological headquarter RSS after 1947 have been asking Indian public to give them a powerful mandate so that they can implement their 3 point agenda which is eradication of Muslim personal law and enacting a common civil code, construction of Ram temple, and complete Merger of Jammu Kashmir with Indian union against the wishes and aspirations of people of Jammu Kashmir. We had said that if Modi chooses to follow this dangerous agenda which will ignite the whole subcontinent, will prove disastrous and if he refrains from the said agenda and follows the path of peace he may well establish his statesmanship. Yasin Malik said that recent developments clearly show that Modi sahib has chosen the path of RSS agenda and instead of promoting peace has started following and practicing radical agenda.

Malik said that whatever has come out of the recent summit between Nawaz Shareef and Modi Jee proves this very fact. He asked that how can the people who don’t even want to hear word “Kashmir” solve this problem and dispute through peaceful means and negotiations. Yasin said that on one side summit between two prime ministers was going on and on the other side a junior minister in Nerendra Modi cabinet issued a statement in which he said that government of India has started the process of repealing already crippled so called Article 370 .How can one trust a government that acts such callously, asked Yasin Malik.

While addressing Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Yasin Malik said that people of Jammu Kashmir want peace, stability and friendship between India and Pakistan. If Pakistan and India intend to enhance their trade relations how and why will Kashmiri’s oppose this .but at the same time Indian and Pakistan will have to keep in mind that they cannot achieve this goal by keeping millions  of kashmiris as hostages. They cannot achieve this goal by pushing a nation to the wall that has lost many of its generations because of this issue, and has rendered unparallel sacrifices for freedom. He said that these two nations cannot fulfill this agenda by putting the issue under the carpet that caused many wars between these two countries.

Malik said that people of Jammu Kashmir want friendship and peace between India and Pakistan but this is unfortunate that the leaders of these two countries don’t even consider Kashmiris as humans and are so ignorant about the reality of this long pending dangerous dispute that they even don’t want to take the name “Kashmir” on their lips. He questioned that can keeping mum and not talking about this dispute change the reality of this dispute? Will this ignorant behavior and ostrich like approach produce any positives? He said that this ignorant behavior will not and cannot produce any good results and will instead ignite the already volatile situations in the region. He said that without solving this dangerous and core issue Indian and Pakistani dreams of trade, progress and achieving prosperity will never come true.

Malik said that this callous behavior of leaders has shown that they have no sympathy and feelings for millions of those humans who are suffering because of this dispute and are forced to live a life of uncertainty. He said that history of Roman Empire, British Empire and military might of USSR is before us. These nations were strong economies and military powers but indulging in wars and lack of peace and stability made these nations vulnerable and finally they lost their power and might and became a history. Yasin said that it is an internationally known fact that Jammu Kashmir issue is the biggest hurdle in the way of peace and prosperity, stability and development of the sub-continent and without solving this issue, one cannot dream of peace, stability and development.

Meanwhile JKLF chairman has expressed his heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of JKLF veteran and friend of father of Kashmiri nation Shaheed Mohammad Maqbool Butt and JKLF supreme leader Amman ullah Khan, Jenab Mohammad Shafi Qadri who breathed his lost at Rawalpandi Pakistan . A delegation led by Aman Sahib comprising of senior leader Mohammad Rafiq Dar, Salim Haroon ,Manzoor Ahmad and Dr Sultan  Hyder participated in his  funeral Payers while as JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik along with adv. Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Noor Mohammad Kalwal, Showkat Ahmad Bakshi and sheikh Khalid visited Pampore and expressed solidarity with his bereaved family. Malik has also expressed his heart felt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sheikh Mohammad Khalil of Trehgam Kupwara. The deceased was the uncle of JKLF leader Sheikh Mohammad Afzal. Yasin Sahib while expressing condolences to the bereaved family prayed for the heavenly abode of the deceased.

NC Holds Protests Across the Valley. Nasir leads protest march in Srinagar.

Srinagar: National Conference, while taking strong exception to remarks by a BJP Leader and Minister of State in the recently sworn in Government in Delhi as well as RSS-BJP meetings on the Article 370 issue, has said that the party won’t allow anyone to toy around with Article 370 and will continue to defend Article 370 just like the party has safeguarded the State’s Special Status since 1947. According to a statement issued to KNS, NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani has said that the people of J&K should rest assured that National Conference continues to stand strongly in defense of their aspirations and special identity and would not allow vested interests to fiddle with Article 370 for their own ideological and divisive ends.

National Conference today held protests at all District Headquarters across the Valley to protest against the recent provocative statements and posturing on Article 370. NC Provincial President Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani held a protest march in Srinagar against the statements by BJP Leaders on Article 370. Speaking to Party Workers and Activists, Nasir Aslam Wani said that National Conference will not allow any force on earth to harm Article 370 and dilute the State’s Special Status.

Wani lashed out at those entities within the State who are out to barter the dignity and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and said that National Conference would give these internal foes a befitting reply based on the trust and faith of the people of our State. “We have been repeatedly highlighting a nexus between certain quarters within J&K and a lobby in New Delhi and these recent remarks about a lobby in Delhi being in touch with some alleged, self-proclaimed stakeholders in J&K vindicate and validate our apprehensions” Nasir said.

He said that the State’s Special Status is non-negotiable and formed the only constitutional and legal bridge of accession between J&K and the rest of the country. “The remarks made by Dr. Jitendra Singh and Ram Madhav are utterly condemnable and provocative and National Conference demands that these inflammable remarks about Article 370 be checked and clarified to prevent any sort of conflagration in the State. To add to the melee, there have been open and brazen official statements about Article 370 coming from the BJP top-brass. While National Conference is ready to defend Article 370 legally, politically and constitutionally – such statements “, Nasir said.

While having welcomed the initiative of renewed bilateral talks between India and Pakistan, National Conference has said that such positive developments get overshadowed in the hearts and minds of the people of J&K through provocative and confrontational remarks that negate the sentimentality and sensitivities of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The timing of these remarks about Article 370 is extremely unfortunate and counterproductive in the context of bilateral talks between India and Pakistan. Whether these remarks are personal opinions or the official stated positions of the NDA Government is something that needs to be clarified to the Government and people of J&K by the Prime Minister of India in an unambiguous and effective manner. These remarks have created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety within the State and that perception needs to be addressed without any delay”, Nasir said

The National Conference Provincial President has said that NC is not unnerved by such provocations and misleading remarks. “NC has rendered innumerable sacrifices, both in terms of the ultimate sacrifices of lives and in terms of power to safeguard J&K’s special status. NC has been a custodian of the aspirations and identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the party will continue to stand up and oppose all attempts to trivialize and undermine our constitutional special status in the future”, Nasir Wani said.

Asking the Government in Delhi and the BJP to clarify on remarks about an apparent close-contact with alleged “stakeholders” in J&K, NC Spokesman Junaid Mattu said that every single citizen of J&K was a stakeholder when it came to Article 370. “The Working President of National Conference and Chief Minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah has sought a clarification on who these alleged stakeholders are – who are these ever-willing entities in J&K who have no qualms in talking to individuals and lobbies in Delhi who are hatching half-baked plans to harm Article 370. The elected Government of J&K led by National Conference is a democratically elected and strong voice of the people of this State and we find such statements, indications and provocations unacceptable. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are stakeholders in matters of their aspirations, their identity and their future. And the people of J&K will not allow even the minutest dilution in Article 370 and that is a reality that certain individuals, lobbies and political entities should understand and understand once for all without any doubt”, Mattu said.

Mattu said that the people of J&K deserve to know which political parties and individuals within the State are negotiating with a certain lobby in New Delhi about the attempted abrogation of Article 370. “Is there a Trojan Horse within our walls? Who are these alleged stakeholders who are out to barter Article 370 for their insatiable thirst for political power and patronage? These are very important questions that need to answered at the earliest possible instance. While NC has been repeatedly pointing at a possible nexus between a lobby in New Delhi and a political party within the State based on the quid-pro-quo deal of diluting Article 370, we demand that this nexus be openly declared and exposed without any further delay. We have fought such hidden machinations in the past and are fully capable of fighting them now and giving them a befitting reply,” Mattu said. 

Srinagar: The former chairman of National Commission for Minorities Wajahat Habibullah, on Wednesday termed Dr Jatinder Singh, MOS PMO’s remarks on Article 370 a figment of imagination.

Talking to KNS, Habibullah, who was also Chief Information Commissioner of India said: “I don’t know on what basis Mr Singh made such remarks on an Article which legalizes J&K’s accession with India.”

Known for his distinguished services rendered in Jammu and Kashmir in various capacities, Habibullah said  that Article 370 cannot be changed in any circumstances. “It is enshrined in the constitution of India which guarantees special status to Jammu and Kashmir and remarks made on this Article are unfortunate,” he added.

Member of Indian Administrative Service of 1968 batch, Habibullah who is also recipient of a gold medal for his distinguished services in Jammu and Kashmir in 1996, also termed Nawaz-Modi meet a good beginning in normalizing relations between the two countries. “Though it was just a courtesy meeting but I hope the same can pave way for formalized negotiations. The announcement that foreign secretaries is also a good beginning,” he added.

We have started alternative programs: Dir RK

Srinagar: The U-Vani service of Radio Kashmir will not be aired from June 1, this year as the order issued by Director All India Radio intimated Director Radio Kashmir to stop its transmission by the beginning of next month.

U-Vani service of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar that is being transmitted on short wave particularly targets youth community and highlights its issues and problems. The new order issued by the All India Radio has made the budding writers and Radio artists perturbed, accusing they have been left jobless by the authorities.

According to the reports received by KNS, after the order of stoping U-Vani was issued, major reshuffle in the administration within radio Kashmir has started with most of the senior producers being transferred from one section to other.

Reports informed that Talha Jahangeer has been made as the producer and In charge of Urdu/ Kashmiri drama and of the satirical radio programme Zafran Zar. NP Singh has been given the assignment to look after the programs of Punjabi, Balti and Gojri. Sunil Dhar was made producer of Science and Hindi programs. Javed Sofi was made producer for Aj Ki Bat and programs of the senior citizens. Nawaz Ahmad is now a producer of the program about rural areas. Sameena Shah is the producer for Bazm-e-Niswan and law related broadcasts.   Inayatulah Gowhar is the producer for musical programs. Rabia Rasool is now producer and In charge of FM-2. Syed Himayun Qaisar who is working as a senior producer has been given the responsibility of Sports related programs besides being authorized as Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO). Maqsood Ahmad has been retained at his position as Producer Sheharbeen.

Director Radio Kashmir Dr Rukhsana Jabeen when contacted confirmed the reports, stating that RK didn’t argued much about it but asked for the alternatives from All India Radio so that youth related programs would continue to get broadcasted. “We asked for the extension in the transmission from 6 p.m to 10.30 pm but only two hours were approved, one in morning and one in evening. Later we asked for two hours in the evening and the same has been approved.”

She stated that now the youth related programs shall be broadcasted daily on FM 103.5 from 6 p.m to 7 p.m. 7-8 will be the primary relay including Sheharbeen and news and from 8 p.m to 9 p.m, the youth related programs shall be broadcasted.

Over the grievances of youth writers and announcers complaining that they have been left unemployed, Director DDK stated that among the U-Vani writers and announcers also those will be accommodated who could write and speak according to the FM format. “Earlier in U-Vani we could have undermined the mistakes but now, the writers and hosts will have to adopt the FM pattern.” 

Srinagar: Prof. Saifuddin Soz President Pradesh Congress Committee has said that those who seek a debate on the Article 370 of the Constitution of India are making a basic mistake of not appreciating the fact that this Article is an integral Part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India and it can neither be amended nor abrogated by any authority in India, unless the people of Jammu and Kashmir themselves want it.

“Then, this Article is the only mechanism through which Centre Laws get extended to the J&K State, as and when the State wants. This Article has also been devised as a bridge between the State and the Union of India,” said a statement issued to KNS.

The PCC president said that the people of the J&K State should particularly appreciate the fact that for the past 25 years or more, the BJP has been making three issues, their poll plank–Abrogation of Article 370, adoption of Common Civil Code and Construction of Ram Temple; but soon after the elections are over they put these issues on Back Burner.

“If these were really achievable goals, the BJP Government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee would have done it. So, the talk of a debate on Article 370 is illogical. But the fact remains that RSS will be mounting pressure on the Central Government, from time to time; but this agenda will remain always a situation of a dream,” the statement issued to KNS reads.

‘Indo-Pak relations can’t last long unless Kashmir is resolved’

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq today chaired a joint meeting of Hurriyat’s Executive Council, General Council and Working Committee members at Hurriyat Headquarters.

According to a statement issued to KNS, the heads and the representatives of all the constituents of conglomerate participated in the meeting and discussed the ongoing political situation besides taking stock of organizational matters.

While welcoming the recent meeting of Indo-Pak Prime Ministers during which both the sides expressed their desire to take meaningful steps to start the bilateral dialogue, the participants stated that Hurriyat has always supported better relations between India and Pakistan and that even though cordial  relations between these two countries were  essential for the political stability and economic prosperity of the South Asian region, however, it was pointed out that without a just resolution of Kashmir cordiality in the Indo-Pak relationship cannot last long.

It was further stated that putting Kashmir issue on back burner or adopting the tactics of delay can prove detrimental to the whole concept of normalization of relations and the desire of forward movement in economic ties. In the meeting it was stated that Kashmir was not a border or an internal issue of the two countries, adding, it was an internationally recognized dispute.

Hence, the inclusion of Kashmiri leadership in any process regarding the solution of Kashmir issue was imperative so as to make the process meaningful and result oriented. The participants expressed hope that the bilateral dialogue between the two countries will prove to be a positive beginning towards the solution of vexed Kashmir dispute and that Kashmir would be an important issue on the agenda of the bilateral talks between the two countries because in case Kashmir issue is not addressed and the wishes and aspirations of the people are not taken into account no dialogue process is going to prove fruitful and result oriented. The meeting also took view of the various Hurriyat departments and expressed their satisfaction over their working.

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday lambasted the MoS in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh for his comments on Article 370. She said his comments have the potential to divide the state on communal lines.

“We condemn the statement by Singh. His statement has the potential to divide the state,” she said while addressing a press conference.

She expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will intervene in the matter and any such statements in the future will be avoided. “They should try to strengthen Article 370. I hope this minister will not put his foot in his mouth again and he will concentrate on his work,” she said.

She said that even in the past lot of efforts were made by many leaders to abolish the Article 370.

“I hope this is the last time we are hearing about its abolition. With such statements, unfortunately, we are moving towards another partition and division,” Mehbooba said.

The PDP chief noted that in the past many jurists and experts told leaders that Article 370 cannot be touched because it is the basis of the relationship of the state with the rest of the country.

“If you try to fiddle with it, that means you will have to re-negotiate a new relationship with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. You will have to ask the people about their decision then. That means you are giving a choice to the people of J&K that they have to re-negotiate about their future. You are giving them a choice, a chance. Is BJP ready to do that? I do not think so,” she said.

Mehbooba said if Article 370 has to be discussed, the BJP should figure out ways to strengthen it.

“They (BJP) should discuss how to give more administrative powers, more share in the civil services, compensation on water resources, our own elected governor,” she said.

The PDP president expressed hope that the Prime Minister will intervene in the matter and assure the people of the state that no power can play with their dignity and honour.

“If BJP wants to bring the people of the state closer, they should talk about strengthening Article 370 rather than abolishing it.

“I hope the PM intervenes and reassures the people of the state that no power on this Earth is going to play with the dignity and the honour of the people of the state. He should address the internal as well as the external dimensions of the Kashmir issue and the people of the state should be able to live with dignity in the country,” she said.