Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • ED confiscates Pir’s property worth Rs 60 Lakhs

    CET Paper Leak Scam—2012  
    Srinagar: Enforcement Directorate (ED) has confiscated Rs 60 lakh properties of Mushtaq Pir, former Chairman Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) and the main accused in Common Entrance Test (CET)—Paper Leak Scam of 2012.  
    KNS was the first to break the story on confiscation of Pir’s property on March 20. Sources revealed to KNS that three properties including two flats and one structure in five marlas of land at Sidhra Jammu. The two flats seized are situated in New Delhi and Wazarat Road Jammu. Besides the immovable property, the  ED has seized two accounts with Rs 10 lakhs deposits in HDFC bank.
    The ED has confiscated the property under Report Number ECIR/01/SRZO/2013 against Pir and his two close associates under money laundering Act. Sources in ED said that Pir’s wife was also questioned but she owned only a small property. “Interrogation of Farooq Itoo, however, revealed that he had benefited from the proceeds of crime to the tune of Rs 73 lakhs. Itoo had also paid Rs 60,000 to the Pir. So we have attached Pir’s property worth Rs 60 lakhs,” sources in ED said. Earlier ED had interrogated Pir  and his two associates, accused CET—paper leak scam to establish that they received proceeds of the crime, a pre requisite before confiscating the ill gotten property. (KNS)

  • BOSE keeps students results in limbo

    Srinagar: The board of School Education Kashmir has again given tough time to the students of 10+2 level-keeping results of 50 students in limbo.
    The reports received by KNS stated that the BOSE has deliberately playing with the careers of students by delaying their +2 regular results. They stated that in January 3rd week, the results of class 12th was declared by BOSE in valley but the same of 53 students was kept awaited. The reason given by the BOSE officials was that the practical sheets of the students have not been received. The students said that since two months, their results have not been declared due which their entry in higher colleges and other professional institutes is impossible.
    When KNS contacted secretary BOSE Renu Goswami over the issue, she passed the buck to the examination centers stating that the respective centers have not provided the details of practical results to the board. She added that the BOSE is in no way responsible for the result delay and that within two days, the results of the students will be declared.
    Pertinently, various parents also expressed serious concerns over the functioning of of the BOSE at present. Parents informed that in the recent past, BOSE declared some  students repair in +2 exams and later when the students applied for the rechecking- some 54 students had distinction and 1st division. “If this is the condition of BOSE- may God save our kids from this office. The mismanagement has become order of the day in the state,” said one of the disgruntled parent.  (KNS)

  • Pathribal an illustration of “Indian State’s record in J&K’: CCS

    Srinagar: The Coalition of Civil Societies (CCS) has said that the Pathribal case serves as an illustration of the ‘Indian State’s record in Jammu and Kashmir’. “This case illustrates that questions of impunity in Jammu and Kashmir are beyond mere legal reform or demands for revocation of AFSPA. The Indian State, as a part of a policy, and through the executive, legislature and judiciary, has carried out violations and ensured impunity for the perpetrators,” said a CCS statement issued to KNS.
    “Any prospect of fair proceedings are obviously eliminated considering that it is the same army trying its soldiers that carry out crimes that are part of the institutional and State policies. The proceedings are closed to the public despite for example Rule 80-A of the Army Rules 1954 that mandates open courts in general,” the statement added.
    Advocate Parvez Imroz, of CCS said that the mockery of the process is brought out clearly by the following lines in the 13 March 2014 Indian army submission in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate [CJM], Srinagar, where a Pathribal victims family is seeking information: “That the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command having analysed the Summary of Evidence agreed with the views of the Commanding Officer of the accused persons that the evidence on record did not in any way establish a prima-facie case…” [Emphasis added]. Absurdly, the Indian army’s idea of justice is a Commanding Officer judging his own men.”
    “Therefore, once again, after 14 years, the case, if not shut down by the CJM, would return to the executive. The same executive, who as a part of the Indian State has carried out the crimes, and then ensured impunity,” the statement added.
    The statement reads that no progress has been made in the linked case of the massacre of 36 Sikhs in Chittisinghpora on 20 March 2000. “Here too, the Indian State, despite evidence that the Indian army was involved, has chosen to prosecute two Pakistani nationals: Mohammad Suhail Malik and Wasim Ahmad. But, in 2011 the lower court acquitted them and in 2012 the High Court upheld the acquittal. Therefore, whether in the cases of Chittisinghpora, Pathribal or the  April 3, 2000 killing of eight persons in Brakpora protesting the Pathribal killings, the Indian State, in one way or the other, and using all necessary functionaries, has taken no action against anyone, and has ensured impunity for the perpetrators. The Pathribal case sends a clear message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, including family members and victims of human rights violations, that there can be no justice from the Indian State.” (KNS)

  • Muzafar Hussain Beigh’s poem attracts netizens

    Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party senior leader Muzafar Hussain Beigh is turning out to be a top poet with his versatile and painful poetry regarding agonizing incidents that have occurred in Kashmir Valley since the inception of militancy.
    Social networking sites are abuzz with the comments netizens are posting and expressing their opinion about Muzaffar Beigh’s poetry. “You can call it a poetic uprising of PDP, probably unparalleled in Kashmir history,” one of the netizens had written.

    His supporters proclaims him a “new age poet, credited with reviving Urdu poetry among young generation”. “But why only poet-politicians, and not novelists or story writers, questions a netizen adding that first, since poetry can be performed, staged and sung, the form comes handy for politicians, the great performers. A poem is accomplished by pressing just a few keys of the mobile phone,” comments another netizen.

    According to CNS, another netizen claimed that Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, a luminary has established what a lethal weapon poetry could be with a politician.

    “Not to write great poetry, but to achieve the poetic effect, and to be called a poet. He establishes what a lethal weapon poetry could be with a politician. Few leaders are content to be mere politicians. Many have felt a compelling need to break out into verse. Beigh is one such politician-cum-poet,” reads another comment on face book.

    The long poem of former Deputy Chief Minister Muzafar Hussain Beigh titled, ‘Heartrending tale’ has appeared in a section of press as well as on social networking sites and since then it has become a centre of attraction for the people. Beigh in his poem has expressed the pain that parents of ‘disappeared persons’ are feeling and he has even drawn an agonizing sketch of two females who were allegedly raped and murdered in Shopian.

    While addressing towards the ‘disappeared young men’ Beigh writes, “Meray Navjawan Dosto, Tum Kahan Chaley Gayey, Tumharey Ghar Ka Her Farad, Humasar aur Humdarad, Gee Raha Hai Is Liye, Umeed Ka Charag Liye (O’ my young friends, where you have gone, every member of your family and friend is living with a hope that you will come back)

    While blaming leaders of Kashmir, Beigh writes that those who were our leaders turned out to be traitors and the only fault of the people is that they are born in this part of the world which is called Kashmir Valley.(CNS)

  • Three bodies recovered in Valley

    Srinagar: Police on Tuesday recovered three bodies at separate places from Kupwara and Ganderbal districts in Kashmir Valley, an official said.
    “Almas Bhat, 28, son of Ghulam Hassan Bhat, resident of Bumhama was found unconscious inside an Alto Car bearing registration number JK01A 1139 at Wayen area in Kupwara,” the official told GNS, adding Almas was immediately shifted to district hospital Kupwara where doctors declared him brought dead.
    He said the initial investigations revealed that Almas died due to intake of drugs.
    Similarly, police recovered body of Muhammad Iqbal Mir, son of Abdul Jabbar Mir resident of Tikker from Juktiyal forests in Kupwara.
    In another incident, police recovered a body near Power canal Kawcharawan late Monday evening. He was later identified as Abdul Rashid Gagi son of Abdul Rehman resident of Hayan Palpora who was reported to be missing since 23-03-2014, the official said.
    Police after conducting all legal formalities in all the incidents handed over the bodies of deceased to their families for last rites, the official said.
    He said that police have registered cases under section 174 CrPc in all the incidents and have started further investigations, the official added. (GNS)

  • Mission of martyrs a precious treasure of Kashmiris: Yasin Malik

    This nation cannot forget the sacrifices rendered by martyrs
    Srinagar: The sacred mission of martyrs is a precious treasure of Kashmiris’ and no Kashmiri can forget the sacrifices rendered by these martyrs. This was stated by the Chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik in a statement issued for press today. while remembering the great martyr’s Shaheed i Kashmir Ishfaq Majeed Wani, Shaheed I Hikmat Doctor Abdul Ahad Guru,Shaheed i Insaaf Advocate Jalil ul Qadr Indrabi , Shaheed I Sadaqat Syed Shabir Ahmad Sidiqi and Shuhada I Dardah, Yasin Sahib said that these martyrs sacrificed their today for the betterment of our  tomorrow and no Kashmiri can ever forget their struggle and sacrifices. Yasin Malik said that kashmiris’ will keep the flame of freedom struggle Brighter and will not shy away from any kind of sacrifices in this way. While announcing the programs on the martyrdom anniversary of these martyrs Yasin Malik said that in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed I insaaf advocate Jalil ul Qadr Indrabi onThursday 27th march 2014, Quran Khwani will be held at JKLF head office Maqbool Manzil and at all other district offices. On Sunday 30th march 2014, in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed I Kashmir Ishfaq Majeed Wani, Shaheed I Sadaqat Shabir Ahmad Sidiqi and other martyrs who laid down their lives at Dargah Hazratbal, a condolence meeting will be held at Mazar I Shuhada Eid Gah. The admirers and well wishers of martyrs will participate in the meeting. The meeting will start at 10: 00 A.M. sharp. On Tuesday 1st April 2014, in connection with the martyrdom anniversary of  Shaheed I Hikmat  Doctor Abdul Ahad Guru, a blood donation camp will be held at Abi Guzar Srinagar. Hameed blood bank will organize the blood camp in which JKLF leaders’ and well wishers will donate blood. The blood donation camp will start at 10: 30 A.M. (KNS)

  • KU misplaces probe report of Controller’s death

    Fresh committee is constituted to trace out the missing report
    Srinagar: Investigation report over the mysterious death of Prof Abrar Hasan Khan the then controller examination in the Kashmir University is missing with the University officials stating that a fresh committee has been constituted to trace out the missing report.
    The reports maintained that the KU had ordered the probe over the death of Prof Abrar Hassan who died in 2005 while inspecting the construction of a university block. Since the last nine years, the findings of the investigation are missing with the university officials stating that they have no knowledge where the report is.
    The RTI application filed by the Khan’s son over the details of the probe ordered into the death of his father. The reply Faizan, Prof Abrar’s son, got was shocking. The university in its reply stated that they have no such report in their possession. Till date the report is untraceable.
    Faizan says for the continues two years, no concrete answer was given and after he approached the State Information Commission (SIC), the KU in its reply stated that ,‘The investigation report is   untraceable and ‘misplaced’ and University has placed a fresh Committee to look and find the said report’. (KNS)

  • No Modi wave Just a media hype: Azad

    Party which gives tears to its old hands, cannot handle the country: Omar

    Srinagar: Senior Congress leader and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday filed his nomination papers for the Udhampur parliamentary seat.

    This is Azad’s maiden attempt in his political career to contest Lok Sabah elections from Jammu and Kashmir. Reports reaching KNS said Azad arrived at election office in Kathua in a procession. He was accompanied by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Pradesh Congress chief Saif-ud-din Soz and other Congress and National Conference leaders when he filed the papers.
    Shouting slogans in his support, people were waving Congress party flags to greet Azad, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member, and the Union minister for health. However, KNS Kathua correspondent said that before Azad could file his nomination papers, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Arshad Malik filed his nomination before the Returning Officer and Azad had to wait for half an hour in a side room.  
    Addressing his supporters, Azad has said that there is no Modi wave and the same is a creation of media hype. The union health minister has said that everything will come to its true colours only after the Congress will start its campaigning activities. He said that people are politically mature and know the nefarious designs of the communal and divisive forces in the country.  
    On this occasion, the chief minister Omar Abdullah also addressed the people saying that the party which does not know how to respect its old hands cannot rule  the country. Referring to the BJP leader Jaswant Singh  who was denied mandate for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Rajesthan, Omar said that BJP has given tears to its veterans and does not know how to respect its senior leadership. Omar asked that how can the party which gives tears to its senior leadership be expected to run this country of values smoothly.  
    PDP candidate Arshad Malik, who also addressed his supporters on the occasion, said that his party is contesting Parliamentary elections with an aim to change destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.  He said that PDP has carved out a path of development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir so it is need of hour to strengthen his party for establishing lasting peace and accelerating developmental activities in the State.
    Pertinently, the BJP candidate Dr Jitender Singh, Nation anal Panthers Party candidate Bhim Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Party candidate Anu Gupta have already filed their nomination papers for Udhampur Lok Sabha seat.
    Prem Nath as substitute candidate of BJP’s Jitender Singh, Shyam Lal (All J&K Kissan Mazdoor Party) and Ranjit Singh (Independent), Amrit Barsha of Samajwadi Party (SP), Dharma Paul Balgotra of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Madhu Bala Balgotra as Substitute Candidate of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had also filed nominations.
    According to an election commission official, the scrutiny of nomination papers for Udhampur parliamentary seat will be held on March 27 while the date for withdrawal of nominations is March 29.(KNS)

  • Scuffle between students, 3 Kashmir students rusticated

    Srinagar: Three students were rusticated from Institute of Hotel Management on Monday after a scuffle between two groups of students.
    Reports said that some outside state students had a brawl with Kashmiri students over a matter after which the Principal of the Institute rusticated the three Kashmiri students. The rusticated students alleged that no action was taken against the out-side state students who according to them were responsible for the mess. Principal Institute of Hotel Management Srinagar, Nisheeth Srivastava told CNS that an inquiry has been ordered to probe the matter and till it submit its report, they have suspended three students from the Institute. He further said that the fault lies with the both groups of students and the students from both groups are involved in the mess. “Strict action will be taken against guilty students,” he said. (CNS)

  • NC’s dual policy caused many generations to suffer: Baig

    Srinagar: The senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former deputy chief minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig Monday said that a wise and well thought out use of ballot alone can take the struggle forward for their rights by the people of the state.

    Addressing party workers from Sopore Assembly segment of Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency at Baramulla Monday, he said lack of alternative to NC had in the past resulted in its monopoly which led in degeneration of that party into a B-team of either BJP or congress depending on who rules Delhi.

    Baig said places like Sopore had suffered the most because of the instability in Kashmir brought about by unprincipled politics of NC and its U-turns. He said many generations in the state lost meaning of their life as NC pursued one policy in the state and followed another in Delhi. “In Delhi they struck close relationships to seek favours and enjoy personal luxury while in the state they at one time led the plebiscite front for 22 years and after surrendering that assumed power to punish the people who still continued to be influenced by its earlier ideology,” Baig said pointing out that honest politicians like Sofi Mohammad Akber represented a tragic example of NC’s frequent volte-face.

    Baig said it will be the effort of the PDP in the parliament to remove misconceptions about the people of Jammu & Kashmir and also forcefully place their point of view before the country. “We will strongly raise our voice for your rights and not make compromise for positions in the government,” Baig told the workers.

    Baig said NC’s undemocratic conduct in the formative years of democracy in the country led to the disempowerment of people and it was only with the emergence of PDP that a real democratic competition was established in which people can make a choice and fight for their rights within the system, “NC is always comfortable and promotes alienation and instability to keep people away from electoral exercise so that it remains in power by any means.” Within the state, he said, NC seeks votes on emotional issues and makes worst compromises with anyone in Delhi who can help it to regain power and in the process it has made serious compromises on the interests of the state by selling its water resources, giving up political authority and making Kashmirs suspects all over the country.

    Baig said the NC is now shamelessly asking the people to vote for it even after working against the people of Kashmir and calling them as ‘big thieves,’ as Farooq Abdullah recently did to entertain his friends in New Delhi. He said on the one hand, NC sold out major power projects which could generate electricity worth crores every year and on the other hand it is calling the people as ‘MahaChors’. He said though there is no electricity available to people but the tariff has been increased five folds in years by the ruling party.

    Urging the party cadres to take the message of peace, dignity and development to people at large, Baig said there is a yearning for change all across the state. He said the people are the supreme source of power and it is in their hands to determine who ruled the state and country.

    Condemning the registration of FIR against Farhat Ahmad Dar, the boy killed in Naidkhai recently, Baig said such atrocities are unknown even in worst dictatorships. He said Omar government has earlier also registered FIR’s against the victims of its own atrocities but people must rise against it to dislodge the coalitions from the state. “For that the PDP victory in Lok Sabha election would be in first crucial requirement,” said Baig.