Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • AFSPA an enabling Act; will never misuse it: Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh

    “We are committed to zero tolerance for human rights violations’

    Srinagar: Stating that recommendations on revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) have been forwarded to army headquarters in Delhi, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Chinar Corps on Wednesday said that army will ensure and maintain zero tolerance for human rights violations in Kashmir.

    “We in the Chinar Corps have given our recommendations/perspectives on AFSPA to our higher headquarters. The prerogative to take a decision thereafter rests with the Government,” Lt Gen Gurmit Singh told in an exclusive interview with the Kashmir Magazine.

    He however, added that there is definitely a requirement of legal provisions and immunity for a person who is operating out in Jammu and Kashmir. “But more than this aspect, it is our responsibility, and whatever powers are given within the AFSPA, it will be ensured that we do not overstep our authority, even by an iota more than what is required. It is an enabling Act for our soldiers, as they need to have legal provisions.  In the same context, it is also a commitment of the Chinar Corps that we will never misuse this law,” he added.

    The GoC Chinar Corps said that it is an absolute commitment of the army that they will ensure and maintain zero tolerance for human rights violations.  “No soldier or commander on ground, who commits any act of indiscipline wherein he has trampled on the dignity of people, will be spared. All troops have been sensitized that the Awaam is one of our Centres of Gravity. They are and always will remain a part of our extended family,” he told Kashmir Magazine.

    Commenting on overall security situation in Kashmir, Lt Gen Singh said the security situation on both the LoC and in the hinterland is well under control.  “You are aware that in June 2013 when I took over as the GOC of Chinar Corps, we had the Hyderpora incident in which we lost eight brave soldiers. Thereafter, we carried out an in-depth and holistic review of our procedures and set our targets on certain key aspects. The first aspect that we focused on was our professionalism. And we knew that we had to introspect from the angle of basic and professional training, to focus on two ‘Centers of Gravity’–one, the Soldier and second, the Awaam (People).”

    He said the army has instilled a sense of fire discipline into soldiers, that unless and until a militant fires at them, they will not return the fire. “We cannot afford to make a mistake of wrong identification. Secondly, we have explained to them that the local militants are a misguided lot, having been abetted and exploited by propaganda. They will always be given a chance to be apprehended and not eliminated,” the GoC Chinar Corps added.

    When asked about his opinion about the year 2014 and the two elections this year, the GoC Chinar Corps said the level of militant activity has been more as compared to last year. “2014 is definitely going to be a challenging year. There will be an increase in infiltration bids as also militant activities, keeping in mind the heightened electoral pitch.”

    Asked about the recent controversy over Lolab encounter in which seven militants were killed in one go, Lt gen Singh said: “It was one of the finest examples of professionally executed military operations. We were aware, based on our intelligence network, that there was movement of militants in the area. In the present operation, a small operative party had gone on a speculative patrol in the area and observed movement there.  Contact was established with the militants and they were effectively eliminated. The uniqueness of this operation was that all seven militants were Pakistani and they were killed without any casualty to our troops.  To the general unsuspecting mind, it was something unique and was unbelievable.  As such, the inimical elements launched a black propaganda campaign on the operation.”

    He said that it is firm belief of army that all operations have to be professional, truthful and ethical. “We in the Chinar Corps diligently believe and maintain that anything which is untruthful, unethical in a multi agency scenario can never be swept under the carpet. The life span of an untruthful and unethical operation in this environment is between 18 to 24 hours. We are working under the constant glare of media, as part of a multi agency syndrome.  It is our resolve to enable and ensure completely truthful, ethical and professional operations by soldiers of the Chinar Corps.” (KNS)

     

     

  • JKLF continues its election boycott campaign in Srinagar

    Malik expresses condolences to some bereaved families

    Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front leaders and activists continued their election boycott campaign in Srinagar and today visited various colonies and localities in Bemina area.

    The JKLF leaders apprised people about the importance of election boycott. Leaders distributed written material about the elections and met people individually and collectively. On the occasions JKLF leaders asked people to keep vigil and understand the ill consequences of the elections held under Indian constitution. Leaders told people that these elections are harmful for Jammu Kashmir and against their interests.

    While speaking to the people JKLF leaders said that the main aim and objective of elections organized by India and held under Indian constitution is to prolong the slavery of Kashmiris, to legislate new tyrannical and oppressive laws against people of Jammu Kashmir and to subject Kashmiris to torture and repression.

    Therefore participation in these election on any name and pretext cannot be termed but as enmity with Kashmir and Kashmiris. Leaders said that every nation safeguards its own interests and it is the duty of every Kashmiri to recognize and safeguard the interest of Kashmir .leaders while deliberating upon the bad consequences of these elections said that participating in these is actually undermining the interests of our oppressed nation and every honorable Kashmiri should therefore refrain from such practice. People assured JKLF leaders that they will boycott these farce elections and will show their love for the martyrs

    The JKLF boycott campaign was led by zonal president Noor Mohammad Kalwal, JKLF leaders Siraj ud Din Mir, Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, Javed Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Haneef, Showkat Ahmad Dar, Mushtaq Ahmad Dar and Fayaz Ahmad.

    Meanwhile JKLF chairman expressed his heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise Haji Abdul Aziz Shalla father of great freedom fighter Javed Ahmad Shalla who is missing in custody since 1992, and known trader Farooq Ahmad Quraishi of Ahmad Nagar Srinager. Soon after receiving the news of the demise of Haji Abdul Aziz Shala ,Yasin Malik along with a team went to his residence and and expressed condolences ti the bereaved family. Yasin sahib also visited the Quraishi family in Ahmad Nagar and expressed condolences to them ion the sad demise of Farooq Ahmad Quraishi. Yasin sahib prayed for the departed souls. (KNS)

     

  • Civil society groups hold protest against Tosamaidan lease

    Srinagar: Scores of people under the banner of Toasmaidan Bachao front (TBF),  Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) movement Rural Voice and Kashmir  Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) held a strong protest in Srinagar’s Press Enclave against further extension of Tosa Maidan firing range to army in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

    Earlier the groups – who are leading the agitation against lease – had proposed to held protest in Muncipal Park but authorities denied permission to them. The infuriated groups then had decided to protest in Press Enclave in Lal Chowk.

    As planned, the groups along with scores of people from Tosamaidan appeared in Press Enclave and held strong protests. Many persons – who have been victims of artillery firing – were also part of the protest. The protesters chanted slogans in favour of vacating the Tosamaidan by army.

    Several KCSDS leaders including Hameeda Nayeem, Dr Mubeen Shah, Anwar Ashai, Yasin Khan and Shakeel Qalander addressed the protesters and demanded vacation of Tosamaidan meadow by army.

    The KCSDS member Prof Hameeda Nayeem told GNS that if government extends lease we will intensify protests across valley in cooperation with TBF. “We will launch valley-wide agitation against the extension of lease. We will oppose the extension of lease tooth and nail. The people there are in crisis. When we went to Tosamaidan, we found as if people there are living in Middle Ages,” she said.

    She said people of Tosamaidan need security and dignity. “They lack dignity. There are humanitarian crisis in Tosamaidan. It is a shame for government,” she alleged.

    She extended support to the people of Tosamaidan on the behalf of civil society including trade bodies, employees and tourism stake holders.

    In a statement, the RTI movement chairman Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, said: “We have given a deadline to Government for making the order public i.e. 18th of April, 2014. Till then protests will continue.”

    He requested people to observe 18th April as ‘Black day’ as the lease agreement is expiring on 18th of April.

    “This year which is black day for all Kashmiris particularly the people who live around Toasmaidan firing range and who have gone through intimidation and terror in the past years at the hands of army,” he said.

    On the occasion, dozens of protestors including Chairman RTI Movement Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, its spokesperson, Farooq Kuthoo, Sajad Hussain, M.Akram Shaikh were detained by police after they tried to march towards Residency Road. However, they were freed later.

    Welcoming the statement of Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather in which he had claimed that current Government will not extend lease agreement in favor of Army and an alternate place will be provid ed to conduct artillery drills to Army., the RTI movement’s spokesperson, Farooq Kuthoo added: “But at the same time we will not accept anything until a formal order is passed by the Government in this regard and the protests will continue,”

    He alleged: “We smell that National Conference has started playing politics over this issue for its vote bank, which is totally unacceptable to the people who have gone through terrible times during last 50 years. If there is sincerity what Government says then they must issue an order in black and white and that shall be made public immediately by 18th of this month.”

    On the occasion, dozens of protestors including Chairman RTI Movement Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, its spokesperson, Farooq Kuthoo, Sajad Hussain, Akram Shaikh were detained by police after they tried to march towards Residency Road. However, they were freed later. (GNS)

     

  • NC desperate to create fear, insecurity in Kashmir: Mehbooba

    Srinagar: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti Thursday said the National Conference is desperate to create fear, insecurity and disturb peace in Kashmir as a last bid to keep voters away from polling stations.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing various roadside meetings in Shopian and Wachi segments of Anantanag parliamentary constituency Mehbooba said the ruling party which is sensing its rout could go to any extent and might even target its own workers in order to create panic and fear among political parties.

    “They have always thrived in insecurity and at this crucial juncture when the NC feels its very existence as a political party is threatened it might target anyone while it has launched a wild and baseless propaganda against PDP to create a camouflage for its desperate action,” she said.

    She said after having lost its credibility among the people and without any solid performance report card in its hands, the NC is now looking for cheap ways to create instability in Kashmir so that people will not come out to exercise their franchise.  The NC considers thin voter turnout as its only poll strategy but it is sure to fail, said Mehbooba.

    She said the ‘Qurbani’ that NC always quotes as having offered for Kashmir is actually the blood of those thousands of people whom it misled into losing their life and pushing them into sufferings under the banner of ‘Raishumari’ and later secure power for itself.

    She said till 1975 innocent people of Kashmir  were  made to contribute sacrificial hide skins and jewelry for the plebiscite movement but it all ended up in setting up a new Maharaja family in the state, which inflicted worse atrocities on the people than even by the feudal rulers.

    Mehbooba said it is true that the followers of NC like everybody else in the state have suffered a great deal on account of the ruling party’s wrong and selfish policies but its only beneficiary has been the Abdullah family and a coterie of their close politicians.

    She said truth is that NC has always made merry over the sufferings of the people from whom it has been taking votes since decades and that is the reason it let them go into troubles and hardships instead of making efforts to provide them any relief.

    Mehbooba said the NC and Congress have actually given up the fight after finding it difficult to even muster audiences for their public meetings and that is why it is leveling false accusations against the PDP of having alliance with different political forces.

    “It is heartening if people having different ideologies have liking for the PDP but stating that we have alliance BJP and Hizbul Mujahidin at the same time shows nothing but NC’s frustration and bankruptcy,” she said.

    She said both the NC and Congress have gone bankrupt and they have lost argument to take on theirs opponents which is quite understandable because they have nothing to show to the people except scams, frauds, atrocities, killings, corruption and other nasty acts.

    She said Omar Abdullah now actually wants to convey that vote against NC is vote for Modi. She said in Kashmir the issue basically is who can represent J&K efficiently and sincerely in the parliament and present the case of state, people boldly in the highest seat of democracy in the country.

    NC, she said has established its inability to do so by its failure to raise its voice on important issues like the out of turn hanging of Afzal Guru. She said instead of seeking something for the state, NC has only been giving away what we had like the power projects and the J&K Bank.

    Mehbooba said Shopian has suffered immensely during the last more than five years and the ruling party destabilized the whole situation in the area few months after it took over the reins of the state with the rape and murder of two innocent women- Asiya and Neelofar- and latter hushing that case in the most bizarre way.

    “Shopian had to pay heavy price latter just to seek justice for those unfortunate women. People of the area had to agitate for months amid curfews for countless days,” said Mehbooba and added the brave fight put up by the people of the area to seek justice is highly commendable no matter if the institutions denied them what they wanted to achieve.

    She said NC-Congress government’s atrocities continued to be directed to this area when its forces killed four innocent youth in Gagrin last year to make it possible for chief minister and his elite company to enjoy western music on the lawns of Shalimar Garden. (KNS)

     

  • Geelani arrives in Srinagar

    Hails people for protesting against mainstream politicians

    Srinagar: While congratulating the people who are resisting and protesting against the election rallies of the pro-Indian politicians, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani said that the people who are taking part in the Indian sponsored election drama are endorsing the Indian oppression and these people are the enemies of the oppressed Kashmiris.

    “While thanking all the pro-freedom parties who are running the election boycott campaign, Geelani said that the election boycott is an priority of this time and all the pro-freedom leadership should focus on this,” said a statement issued to KNS.

    Meanwhile, Geelani reached Srinagar from Delhi after a gap of one month and a huge crowd of people were waiting at the entrance of Srinagar Airport, who led Geelani vehicle in procession to the Hyderpora aimed pro-freedom and anti election slogans.

    While addressing the large gathering of youth in the heavy rains at his Hyderpora residence, Geelani clearly stated that all the pro-Indian parties are equal and similar in front of Kashmiri people and it matters hardly for the Kashmiri Nation that who will occupy the power in Delhi.

    He said that we have given enough time to the Congress party but they have always deceived the Kashmiri people and have never fulfilled their broken promises and we do not have the much expectation with the BJOP also who are following a criminal and communal mindset. While mentioning the five points which were floated in 2010, Geelani said that whoever will come into power in New Delhi, we want them to adopt a realistic approach on Kashmir and help in solving this long pending dispute of South Asia.

    He said that the disputes are at last solved through dialogues but until India will not accept the disputed nature of Kashmir, India will not start the demilitarization of Kashmir, abrogation of black laws, political prisoners are not freed and the killers of innocent youth in 2010 are not punished, till than we can’t held any type of dialogue with New Delhi because the India-Srinagar dialogue are always meaningless. (KNS)

     

  • Says Mufti duo Amit Shahs of Modi in J&K: Omar

    Devsar-Kulgam: Taking on PDP heavily for its deceptive and opportunistic politics, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who is also Working President of National Conference Wednesday said that Mufti duo are acting as ‘Amit Shahs’ of Narendra Modi in Jammu and Kashmir adding that PDP and BJP have entered into a clandestine alliance to supplement and compliment each other. He said that voting in favour of PDP will amount to voting for BJP.

    Addressing election rallies at Homeshalibug, Kulgam and Devsar in favour of NC-Congress joint candidate from Anantnag-Pulwama Parliamentary Constituency, Dr. Mehboob Baig, Omar Abdullah said that the only aim of PDP to fight Lok Sabha Elections is to provide tactical support to Narendra Modi and BJP by dividing voters on communal and regional lines in Jammu and Kashmir.

    The Working President of National Conference said that fielding of candidates by PDP in Jammu-Poonch and Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary Constituencies of Jammu Division speaks loud and clear of the understanding between BJP and PDP to wedge apart the society on communal lines and derive benefits out of it. He said the friendship between Pen and Inkpot Party (PDP) and BJP is now an open secret and all are well-versed with the fact that PDP wants Narendra Modi to be at the helm of affairs to receive his blessings.

    “But PDP and its leadership should know that people of Jammu and Kashmir are wiser enough to understand PDP’s vested interests and they will foil its conspiracy against Jammu and Kashmir it is hatching with BJP for the greed of chair”, he said and maintained that people will make the PDP to bite the dust in the elections for its deceptive and divisive politics.

    The Chief Minister said that Narendra Modi carries stigma of Gujarat riots on him and has not been exonerated by the public for innocent killings. “Narendra Modi has also not even expressed regrets for the unfortunate massacre in Gujarat, instead exhibited his particular ideology by rejecting the offer to wear a cap presented to him by the minority community”, Omar Abdullah said elaborating that BJP has categorically stated in its manifesto about the abrogation of Article 370, Uniform Civil Code and construction of Temple in Ayodhiya.

    He said BJP’s ‘divide and rule’ policy and communal based ideology is well known to all. He said Narendra Modi’s action in Gujarat to stop the scholarship benefits to minorities granted by the Centre Government and taking the issue to the High Court and the Supreme Court unveils his attitude towards the minorities.

    Omar said despite these facts Mufti duo are out to support BJP and help Narendra Modi to be the Prime Minister of the Country.

    Omar said that National Conference and Congress are before the people with a clear agenda of defeating communal forces in the Lok Sabha Elections paving the way for a young and dynamic person Rahul Gandhi who is honest, without any blemish, with secular democratic characteristic and a friend of Jammu and Kashmir, to be the Prime Minister of India.

    The Working President of National Conference said that Parliament Election is meant for electing the Prime Minister through Parliament Members and it has nothing to do with the elections of MLAs and Chief Minister. “We have to ensure that the Prime Minister of India be such a person who would carry all sections of the society alongwith him and have secular democratic ideology besides having inclusiveness and equitable development benchmark of his political agenda”, he said adding that this quality is possessed by the young leader Rahul Gandhi, as such, all having faith in secular democratic India should vote to reject communal and divisive forces represented by PDP and BJP.

    Omar Abdullah said that Mehbooba Mufti’s track record in the Parliament has been very much disappointing and dismal. He referred to the bad performance by the PDP President as the then Parliament Member adding that she has never spoken on the important issues in Lok Sabha in the past and is not expected this from her in future.

    “When the eyes of the entire world were on Indian Parliament to watch and see what the representative of Kashmir will speak on the important Kashmir related issue on an historic opportunity, alas! Mehbooba Mufti could utter only four words – Main Kya Boloun Yar (What shall I speak Oh my friend), the Working President National Conference said and added that this is a clear proof of the fact that Mehbooba Mufti cannot be the true representative of the people in the Parliament. “As such, voting in her favour is equal to wasting the votes”, he maintained.

    “Instead of this Dr. Mehboob Baig as the Parliament Member from South Kashmir has not only made scores of captivating speeches in the Parliament over Jammu and Kashmir Centric matters but also asked about hundred different questions about the development of Jammu and Kashmir to various Union Ministries for replying in the Lok Sabha”, Omar Abdullah said while drawing parallels between the work done by Dr. Mehboob Baig as Parliament Member and that of Mehbooba Mufti in the same capacity.

    Omar asked the people to vote in great numbers in favour of NC-Congress candidate Dr. Mehboob Baig and help to bring UPA-III in power which is in the best interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir. He cautioned the people about being astrayed by the PDP on different counts. He said sloganeering and emotional blackmailing of this party has remained its trait.

    The Working President of National Conference also asked the people to help in maintaining peace and tranquility and rejecting the attempts of anti-peace forces to disturb the atmosphere for their vested interests.

    On reaching the venues, Omar was accorded warm welcome by the people, showering flowers over him and raising slogans in his and in favour of NC-Congress joint candidate. The people heard the Chief Minister patiently despite rain. The meetings were also addressed by Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo and NC-Congress joint candidate, Dr. Mehboob Baig while various senior leaders of National Conference and Congress were present on the occasion.  (KNS)

     

  • Kulgam shuts on CMs visit, stone pelting in Qaimoh

    Srinagar: South town of Kulgam witnessed a complete shutdown on Wednesday when the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah visited the town to campaign for the coalition candidate Mehboob Baig.

    Sources said that the Chief Minister reached the town and addressed his party workers in the local town hall. Earlier, before the arrival of the Chief Minister, some angry youth pelted stones and raised anti-India slogans. Police sources however said, “It was an insignificant incident.”

    Earlier, the Chief Minister addressed his party workers in Qaimoh. But before the arrival of the CM, some youth appeared and pelted stones resulting in the tension and chaos. However, the stone pelters were chased away by Police.

    Pertinently, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, is on a day long visit to South Kashmir to campaign for the coalition candidate.

     

  • More than 67 lakh mobile connections operational in JK

    Landline services witnessing serious fall
    Srinagar: As the valley is proving to be an attraction for various cellular operators of India–with more than 67 lakh mobile connections operational, the trend has badly affected the landline service, making it less appealing and less in number.
    According to the details received by KNS, the cellular companies operating in the state are recording surprised annual growth with the number of cell phone users increasing manifold every day.  The annual growth of the cellular companies here is being recorded as 11.47 percent. In October 2012, BSNL alone had 1055386 subscribers while as after one year, November 2013, the connections reached 107109.
    Bharti Airtel at present has 25, 62,850 connections operational in Jammu and Kashmir. The company witnessed the annual growth of 12.22 percent. Vodafone has more than seven lakh connections while as IDEA has 2, 71840 subscribers in the state.
    Moreover, the dish wireless networks are also recording high growth with more than 20 lakh subscribers paying monthly dues to watch the TV channels offered by the wireless dish facility.
    The flourishing and successful implementation of private sector services registered increased tele-density in the state as in October 2012 it was 46.48 percent and it rose up by 4.10 percent  and reached to 50.58 percent as on October 2013. As on November 2013, state’s tele-density was 50.83 percent. However, with the success of wireless networks, the traditional landline connections in the state are witnessing the huge decline.
    According to the details available with Kashmir News Service, in 2012-13, the landline connections have witnessed the decrease of 14021 connections with the number of 7158 landline connections and 6863 WLL connections registering a fall of -5.00 percent.
     Last year the number of landline and WLL connections operational in Srinagar were 119591 and at present the number has decreased to 116471- witnessing the fall of -2.61 percent annually.  Similarly the Jammu had a fall of -6.72 percent, Udhampur with -4.95 percent. Rajouri and Leh had -12.31 and -6.12 fall respectively. (KNS)

     

  • Aamir’s World Cup dreams over

    Karachi: Banned Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir will not be eligible for next year’s World Cup even if he returns early to domestic cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi told a news conference in Lahore that under the amended anti-corruption laws of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Aamir’s five-year ban could be reduced by 12 months. Aamir, 21, was banned for a minimum five years in 2011 for spot-fixing during Pakistan’s fourth test against England at Lord’s in 2010.

    His captain Salman Butt and fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif were also banned for the same offence and the three players served jail terms in Britain in 2011-12. Sethi said Pakistan had pushed for a reduction in Aamir’s suspension because of his age.”The message we got from the ICC committee at this week’s meeting in Dubai was that Amir could get a one-year relaxation under the amended anti-corruption laws,” he added. The amended ICC anti-corruption code should ensure quicker returns to international cricket for players serving long-term bans. PCB chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed said that although Amir could play first-class cricket he will not be eligible for next year’s World Cup.”They are no indications even if the ICC reduces the ban it will allow him back to international cricket before the five- year ban period ends,” Ahmad told Reuters.

  • Did NC ditch Congress in Jammu?

    Srinagar: State Congress leaders have formally informed party vice president Rahul Gandhi, about the alleged betrayal of its coalition partner, National Conference (NC) during the recently held election in the Jammu-Poonch parliamentary seat.
    The election on the said seat was held on April 10, and some local Congress leaders are alleging that NC voters did not use their right to franchise in favour of the coalition candidate, Madan Lal Sharma.
    Sources in the Congress party told Kashmir Life that after receiving the complaint from many quarters, the state congress leaders on Friday formally informed Rahul about the development.
    “Rahul was also informed how the valley based congress workers are now asking about the NC betrayal in Jammu-Poonch constituency,” they said, adding, “Congress High Command has also been informed in writing.”
    Meanwhile, the allegation of the Congress leaders and workers particularly from Rajouri and Poonch districts has crossed over to valley and the coalition partners are apparently in a fresh controversy.
    “This was evident during an election committee meeting held in Srinagar on Friday,” sources said, adding, “almost all the members of the NC were present in the meeting but there was only one Muzaffar Parray, district president Srinagar and a couple of workers from Congress to represent the coalition the party.”
    Pertinently, Nasir Aslam Wani, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mustafa Kamal, Ab Rahim Rather, Mubarak Gul and almost all the district presidents of NC were present in the meeting.
    Denying any controversy within the coalition, a National Conference leader on the condition of anonymity told Kashmir Life that almost all the Congress leaders were busy in Jammu so they could not come to attend the meeting. “The Congress leaders were in Jammu, busy in connection with the Rahul Gandhi’s visit so they could not come to attend the meeting,” NC leader said and added, “There is nothing like what is being circulated in the media.”
    According to sources in the Congress, local NC leaders and workers in the Rajouri and Poonch districts did not put in their ‘sincere efforts’ to garner support for the coalition candidate, Madan Lal Sharma and a major chunk of the NC votes went in favour of the other parties.
    Nothing is being said officially from NC or Congress about the latest development within the coalition, however, sources informed that both the sides do not want the issue to be raised to such a level where it can affect the valley based cadres of the coalition partners.
    Meanwhile the ‘battle’ has set its foot in social media, particularly facebook, where Congress and National Conference workers and supporters are accusing and alleging each other of the latest events in Jammu parts.