Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • Gunmen attack Army camp in Kathua

    Jammu: Suspected militants this morning attacked an army camp at Janglote area of Kathua district. 
    One person identified as Jeet Ram has been killed in the encounter while the injured include Karamjeet Singh son of Prem Nath; Gurpreer Singh son of Satam Singh; Sahib Singh son of Santokh Singh of Guraspur Punjab.
    The militants, reports said, opened fire at Dayalachak on the Jammu-Kathua highway early on Friday.
    The militants then hijacked a vehicle holding the driver hostage and drove towards the international border. The vehicle has since been intercepted by the police and an encounter is on.
    More details are awaited. 

  • England beat Sri Lanka in T20 world cup

    England stay alive at the T20 cricket World Cup in Bangladesh and have handed favourites Sri Lanka their first loss at the tournament after a 6 wicket victory.
    Sri Lanka made 189 for 4 with Mahela Jayawardene scoring 89 and Tillakaratne Dilshan 55.
    England lost 2 wickets in the first over of their run chase, but Alex Hales and Eoin Morgan put on 152 for the third wicket with Hales’ unbeaten 116 guiding them home with 4 balls to spare.
    Meanwhile South Africa survived a major scare as they managed to scramble past rank outsiders the Netherlands by six runs.
    The Dutch, who posted the lowest T20 international score of 39 in Monday’s rout by Sri Lanka, started well in their chase for 146, but lost regular wickets to be bowled out for 139 in the 19th over.
    New Zealand play the Netherlands in their next match tomorrow night.
    Sri Lanka and South Africa top the group with 4 points, New Zealand and England have 2 and the Netherlands none.

  • Kashmiri students allege harassment by Punjab Police

    Ludhiana: Kashmiri students who had gone to Bhopal to appear in M.ed examination in Barkatullah University Thursday alleged that Punjab police harassed them and demanded bribe from them while they were travelling in a train in Ludhiana city of Punjab.
    Number of students told CNS on phone that the Punjab police arrested a Kashmir student namely Syed Irfan Hussain resident of Dooru Sopore on the pretext that he was carrying a cigarette pocket. “They took him along and when other Kashmiri students staged a protest, they demanded Rs 5,000 as bribe in exchange for his release,” a Kashmiri student said.
    He said that all the Kashmiri students contributed from their pocket money to collect Rs 5,000 but only managed to raise Rs 3,000. “Punjab police personnel acted as extortionist and took away all the cash from the apprehended student. They even took his valuables which he was carrying,” the student alleged adding that these ‘goons’ handcuffed him as he was a terrorist.
    Despite repeated attempts, Commissioner Ludhiana, Paramjit Singh Gil could not be contacted, however, a top police official from DG office Punjab told CNS that they would look into the matter.(CNS)

  • 60 residential units coming up at Channi

    DGP lays foundation stone
    Jammu: In order to provide better living facilities to the personnel at their working places, Jammu and Kashmir Police has been enhancing its building infrastructure by constructing residential quarters in all the districts of the State.
    According to an official handout, this was disclosed by the Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad, while laying the foundation stone of Lower Subordinate Residential Quarters at Channi Rama, here today. He said that the Organisation, under its modernization scheme has launched a mega construction programme to strengthen its building infrastructure in the State. Several residential quarters, barracks and alternate accommodations have been constructed at various locations making a considerable improvement in the housing sector, he added.
    Giving details, Mr. Prasad said that the upcoming accommodation, comprising 60 residential units for lower subordinates, would enhance the residential infrastructure and 70 more residential units for upper subordinates would be constructed at Sidhra under Modernization Programme. He lauded the efforts of JK Police Housing Corporation (PHC) for their space and quality in the execution of works, saying that the Corporation is now expanding their scope of work and various works have been allotted to them by other departments also.
    On the occasion, Managing Director, JKPHC, Mr. Dilbag Singh apprised the DGP about the architect plan of the project. He informed that the residential quarters with modern living facilities, will be completed in a record period of time, at an estimated cost of Rs. 20 crores. He also informed that the Corporation has raised a number of buildings at various places to accommodate the personnel, which include multi-storey barrack at Ambgarota, administrative block at Miran Sahib, double storey barrack with mess at Reasi and Poonch, class rooms at SKPA Udhampur, Dining Hall at PTTI Vijaypur, residential quarters at Hiranagar, Bani Kathua and Chanderkote, besides District Administrative Complex at Samba, Ramban and Ganderbal, State Museum building at Srinagar and hospital buildings at various places. Many construction works are presently under execution at various locations which would house the police offices including headquarters of different wings and armed battalions, said Mr. Singh.
     Prasad, while discussing the architect plan, stressed upon the officers and executing agency to adhere all guidelines framed by PHQ and ensures use of quality material in the construction.
    The DGP was accompanied by ADsGP Mr. SP Vaid and Smt. DR Doley, IsGP Dr.B Srinivas, Mr.AK Choudhary, SJM Gillani, M.Sulaiman Salaria, Mr. PR Manhas, Mr. Rajesh Kumar and Mr.AS  Bali, DIsGP S. Parminder Singh, Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Beigh, Mr.Vijay Singh Samyal and Mr. Nissar Ahmed, SE PHC Mr. Sudhir K Shah, Xen PHC Mr. Bashir Ahmad Rather, AIG building (PHQ) Mr.Abdul Rashid Bhat and other police officers. 

  • Mirwaiz stresses upon world community to help Kashmir resolution

    Srinagar: Stressing upon the world community to play its role in solving the pending Kashmir dispute, APHC Chairman, Dr Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Thursday stated that any attempt to put the issue in cold storage or deliberately delay its solution would imperil the peace in the entire region.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing an international conference, “Kashmir: Challenges and Prospects”, organized by a think tank Muslim Institute, in Islamabad, Pakistan by Video link, Mirwaiz said the lasting solution of Kashmir issue was extremely significant as far as the stability of the region was concerned. He stressed that to secure the future of millions of people living in the South Asia, there was a need to solve Kashmir issue on urgent basis.  
    Mirwaiz said that Kashmir was a political issue and hence 1.5 crore inhabitants of the state should be given the right to exercise their political future. In this context, he said the role of International community was quite important since they can remove the obstacles and problems coming in the way of right to self determination.
    Expressing serious concern over the double stands of international community, APHC Chairman said when the world community can play an active role in solving Kosvo, South Sudan and East Timor like issue, why not the same with Kashmir? He said international community should initiate serious steps to solve the dispute for once and all.
    Being a lucrative market for the world business, Mirwaiz said India was emerging as an important destination for many countries who have their economic interests attached to the nation, adding, despite this reality, it should not be ignored that Kashmir issue was the main source of tension between the two nuclear armed countries, India and Pakistan from Past many decades. In the context of NATO led forces withdrawal from Afghanistan and the emergence of subsequent political situation, Mirwaiz said the significance of solution of Kashmir has grown manifold.
    Mirwaiz said that changing global political situation has proved that mass public movements can’t be suppressed by force, adding, the recent political changes in the middle east strengthens the fact that issues cann’t be solved by dint of force and terror.
    Asserting that Hurriyat conference has always considered the role of international community for lasting solution of Kashmir issue as inevitable, APHC Chairman said in the the light of pending UN resolutions over the dispute, the role of world community can’t be ignored and the time has come that they should take serious steps to solve the dispute for once and all.
    Mirwaiz said international community can play an effective role by ensuring a serious meaningful dialogue between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri resistance leadership to solve the dispute. He said the Indian rejection of mediation offer by international community to solve the dispute was contrary to the political realities and to the international law.
    The conference was addressed by numerous Pakistani and international luminaries and experts on issues of global politics and international relations.
    The prominent personalities who addressed the seminar include, Qamar ul Zaman Qaira former Minister of Pakistan for Kashmir Affairs, Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Ms. Victoria Shofield a renowned writer, Akram Zaki Former Chief Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Drs. Marjan Dutch Expert on Conflict Areas, Barrister Sultan Mehmood, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan former Prime Ministers of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Mujeeb ul Rehman Shami Editor daily Pakistan, Lt Gen Aga Umar Farooq Former Defence President University of Islamabad, Shamshad Ahmad Khan Former Secretary Foreign Affairs Pakistan, Lt Gen Hameed Gul (Rtd) Analyst, Dr Parvaiz Iqbal Chema Dean Faculty, Masood Akhtar Defense Analyst, Masood Akhtar Analyst, Usman Abdullah former Defense Minister Sudan, Prof. Dr. Oya Akgonenc Professor in Turkey University,  Raja Zaffar ul Haq and others. (KNS)    

  • 2014 Lok Sabah elections to witness tough fight between NC-PDP in Valley

    Srinagar: Keeping in view the 2009 Lok Sabha results, a tough fight is expected to be witnessed between ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the three seats of Kashmir valley.
    The results that came in 2009 Lok Sabha elections was a result of reciprocity between National Conference and the Congress. While NC benefited by the Congress support in three Lok Sabha seats of the valley, its coalition partner Congress candidates got elected with the active support of the NC voters in Jammu region.
    In Srinagar Parliamentary seat, the difference between NC and PDP was of mere 30242 votes. NC candidate Dr Farooq Abdullah had got 1,47,035 while as PDP candidate Molvi Iftikaar Hussain Ansari bagged 1, 16,793 votes in his favour.
    The figures reveal that in North Kashmir’s Baramulla parliamentary seat, PDP candidate had given a tough fight to NC’s Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, with the later winning by a margin of 64,814 votes.   Shariq had got 2,03,022 votes while as Mohammad Dilawar Mir the then PDP candidate had managed 1,38,208 votes in his favour. Peoples’ Conference lagged behind PDP with 65403 votes in its kitty.
    In South Kashmir’s Anantnag Constituency, the difference of votes between NC and PDP was 5224 votes. The winning candidate Mehboob Beigh had got 148317 votes while as PDP candidate Peer Mohammad Hussain garnered 143093 votes in his favour.
    Commenting over the past poll results, PDP senior leader Muzzafar Hussain Beigh said that PDP will register win with a very good lead in all the three seats of valley.
    Substantiating his claims, Beigh stated that in 2009 parliamentary elections, the people were optimistic about NC and Congress as both had entered into coalition to form a government in the state. “Our supporters were depressed in 2009. Now they are fully enthusiastic as they are aware that the parliament elections will have a direct impact on assembly elections.” Beig added that in 2009, the voter turnout was less and the same always affect the opposition party while as it benefits the ruling one.
    Commenting on North Kashmir’s Baramulla Parliamentary seat, Beig stated that he has been associated with the people of the North Kashmir from the last three decades and his personal public image will benefit the party at large in that constituency.
    On the other, NC’s Additional General Secretary, Mustafa Kamal claimed that NC will sweep all the three seats in valley. According to him the margin with which NC will win, will be higher than the previous one. “Opposition vote has been divided at present and the fact is that our voters never change sides.”  (KNS)

  • Geelani calls for peaceful demonstration against Egypt court’s decision

    Appeals OIC to play its role in stopping ‘state terrorism’
    Srinagar: While appealing for peaceful protest demonstration after the Friday prayers on March 28 against the mass death sentence of 529 persons including the spiritual guide of Muslim Brotherhood Muhammad Badie by an Egyptian court, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani  addressed all Islamic Scholars and Muslim community  that this incident is not of a particular country, sect or party, but it is the matter of all Muslim community and it is a religious duty of every Muslim to raise his voice against these incidents.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, Geelani also said that the ‘General Al-Sisi is a Jewish agent’ and he is helping the international agenda of Zionist movement. He appealed the secretary general and officials of Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) that they should come forward to stop the state terrorism of Egyptian army generals and save the lives of Islamists in Egypt.
    Geelani termed the mass death sentence of 529 persons as judicial murder and said that it is the extraordinary judgment of its kind, which have occurred first time in the history of Judiciary. Geelani said that the persons who are on death row have not committed any crime except that they were desirous to see the Islam as a complete way of life and for this they were supporting the elected government of President Muhammad Mursi.
    “Now it is the duty of every Muslim of the world to protest against this act of judicial terrorism and anti Islamic acts of Egyptian army generals. Geelani appealed Islamic scholar’s especially who led Friday congregational prayers, to shed some light on the present situation of Egypt in their Friday sermons and aware common people to hold peaceful protest demonstration against this act of state terrorism.” (KNS)

  • Kashmir Today grieved over death of Preeti Oberio

    Srinagar: Kashmir Today expresses deep shock and grief over the sad demise of Preeti Oberio, wife of Surinder Singh Oberoi, prominent journalist and Communications head of ICRC. Kashmir Today expresses solidarity with the bereaved family and prays for the eternal peace to the departed soul. (KNS)

  • Will follow separatists call on Poll boycott: Jamaet Al-Hadith

    ‘Shoora to decide about JeAH’s poll boycott campaign’
    Srinagar: Over the issue of Poll boycott campaign, Kashmir’s Jamaet-e-Alhadith (JeH)Thursday passed the buck to pro-freedom camp- stating the organization will follow suits of the separatist leadership in letter and spirit.
    Talking to KNS, JeAH chief Gulam Mohammad Bhat said that the calls issued by Kashmir’s pro-freedom leaders will be followed and that Jamaet has already made its position clear by maintaining that ‘Kashmir is a disputed territory’ that needs to be resolved at the earliest. “Elections cannot resolve the issue; hence it is a futile exercise. People know better what they should do.”
    The JeAH chief stated that his organization has already intimated to its cadres over the issue of poll boycott. “We will follow the call of separatists’ vis-à-vis polls- as they have asked people to stay away from polls, we will follow the same.”
    Bhat maintained that JeAH is a dawah organization and has an important role for the eradication of social evils from the society.
    When asked about Jamaet’s plans about the door to door poll boycott campaign as done by Moulana Showkat Shah- the slain JeAH chief in 2008, Bhat stated that the issue is yet to be finalized and the same shall be discussed threadbare at the Shoora meet- expected to be held in near future. “If the Shoora decides that we must launch a massive poll boycott campaign- we will oblige the orders and it decides to stay away from the exercise, JeH will adhere to that decision.”
    About Jamaet’s equations with Muthadi Majlis-e-Ulma, Bhat said that as long as the guidelines of Quran and Sunnah are followed in letter and spirit- it has no differences with any organization. “If someone overlooks the guidelines of Islam- even if that party would be closer to us- there won’t be any unity.”
    Over the delay in the approval for the establishment of Trans world Muslim University, the JeAH chief remarked that the delay tactics from government’s side is being played for the establishment of Trans-world. He added that so far JeAH has several times written to the authorities over the reason of delay but no concrete reply is being given.  “We will continue to strive for the establishment of the university with the optimistic approach.” (KNS)

  • Vote for Dr Farooq means endorsement of his irresponsible utterances: Karra

    ‘PDP has clear agenda for people, state’
     Srinagar: The senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and the party candidate for Srinagar parliamentary constituency, Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday said that the vote for Dr Farooq Abdullah will mean endorsement of his ideas, style of working and his irresponsible utterances and people need to understand it and vote for PDP which has a clear agenda for Jammu & Kashmir and its people.
    Addressing public meetings at Brenwar, Surasyar, Dadompora and Sogam in the Charar-e-Sharif constituency Karra said that the parliamentary elections will provide people a chance to elect those candidates who will forcefully and responsibly put forward their economic and political issues in the parliament unlike the National Conference which has always been playing a flip-flop role vis-à-vis Kashmir issue. He said NC has always worked against the interests of people and the state through its sell-outs, U-turns and treachery and they are now again asking for votes.
    Karra said instead of salvaging dignity, honor and lost glory of the people, both Dr Farooq Abdullah and chief minister, Omar Abdullah is denigrating Kashmiris every now and then, in the different forums both in and outside the state. He said Omar Abdullah has been calling the youth as drug addicts, criminals, LeT elements, stone-pelters and now Dr Farooq Abdullah has crossed all limits of decency and glory of Kashmiryat by calling all of us ‘Maha Chors’ (Big Thieves), though people know it well who the biggest thieves are.
    He said had not the NC traded the natural resources of J&K for chair, Kashmiris would not have been facing severe power crisis. He said Farooq Abdullah has been keeping mum over the sufferings of people though he has been talking about other states like Andra Pradesh, Assam, Punjab etc., but when it comes to his own state, he would finish it in one liner: ‘Kashmiryon Ko Goli Maro’ (Kill Kashmiris by bullets). He said if the NC leadership is still voted that simply is the endorsement of their acts, ideas and irresponsible utterance.
    Karra said besides being represented by the current finance minister, Abdul Rahim Rather, the Chara-e-Sharif constituency even sans basic facilities which speaks about the seriousness of the NC leadership about the people’s problems.
    He said roads in the whole constituency are in complete shambles and it reminds of the medieval times and same is the situation of power scenario in the whole area. He said besides pitiful power situation people are provided with the hefty power bills. He said one customer, Gh Hassan Hajam of Surasyar was given a power bill amounting 10737 Rs though there is no electricity connection in his home.
    Karra said people in the constituency are keen for change and acknowledge the performance of PDP both in the government and in opposition.
    On the occasion the senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, Saifu Din Bhat, district president Budgam; Dr Nazir Ahmad Lone, district co-coordinator; youth leader, Abdul Rehman Zone president,  Er Nazir Ahmad Yatoo;  Aftab Ahmad Mir, Gh Mohammad Dar; Choudry Zaffar Ahmad, Master Ghulam Mohiudin, Shakeel Ahmad Khateeb, and others also spoke on the occasion.