Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • Will watch Modi’s conduct, if he becomes PM: Mirwaiz

    Some of the members who are now with Shah’s Huriyat wanted executive membership in Huriyat (M)
    Srinagar: Stating that it would be important to watch Narendra Modi’s conduct in case he assumes the office of the Prime Minister, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said for the overall socio- political and economic development of South Asia the leadership of the region has to look beyond the narrow, communal and parochial boundaries.
    Talking to KNS, Mirwaiz said, “During Vajpayee’s tenure things moved ahead as far as the Indo-Pak relations and the Kashmir issue is concerned. We hope in case Mr. Modi becomes the Prime Minister, Vajpayee approach will not be forgotten altogether.”
    Commenting over the present political situation, Huriyat (M) Chairman maintained that the resistance movement has entered into a mature ‘phase’ now that people of Kashmir are now giving preference to the non-violent movement. “They utilize their resources whatever they have in hand.  Earlier there used to be street pretests but now we have seen that the younger generation is taking on social networking sites and is informing the world about Kashmir’s real problem.” Mirwaiz added that world has acknowledged the sensitivity of Kashmir dispute through the cyber world as the youth now are raising concerns in blogs and other web tools.
    Commenting over the recent Huriyat split, Mirwaiz stated that some of the members who are now with Shah’s Huriyat wanted executive membership in Huriyat (M).” There is a procedure of everything. We must follow the rules in letter and spirit to uphold the values of our amalgam.”
    Mirwaiz added that if Shabir Shah had any issues, he should have discussed the same within the forum and not outside the forum. “He made the issues public. Also they didn’t attend the Huriyat meets for more than one year.As far as the constitution is concerned- it is open to all- I must say that if we talk about the implementation of UN resolutions, we must talk about the Indo-Pak dialogue.”
    He added further that unity is important and we feel that all pro movement leaders are one in striving for the resolution of the Kashmir Issue. We have a common cause and at critical movements we have raised our voice in unison. However, this needs to be understood that APHC being a forum rather than a single party we believe in democratic norms and try to work democratically, he said while adding that sometimes differences in the methods of working arise which is sometimes unfortunately blown out of proportions.
    Commenting over the policy of Huriyat vis-à-vis forthcoming polls, Huriyat (M) Chairman stated that Huriyat has already rejected all elections processes. “We don’t accept elections as means for the resolution of Kashmir issue. Elections for local bodies or legislations are in no way connected with the future dispensation of Kashmir, that is, what is laid down in UN resolutions.” He added that it is also for Kashmir’s leadership to see that it doesn’t not fall in the trap of making it a referendum for or against the Indian presence in Kashmir. “Elections in Kashmir, as has been provided in UN resolutions also, or anybody elected through these elections has no authority to decide upon the future dispensation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. That is why for us Elections is a Non Isuue and we ask people to reject these sham elections.”
    When asked about the alternate solutions his amalgam is talking for the Kashmir resolution Mirwaiz maintained that Huriyat constitution has laid down way back in 1993 the basic approach towards the resolution of this issue. It lays down that a resolution can be achieved at through a peaceful struggle by securing the right of self determination in accordance with the U.N character and the resolution adopted by U.N Security council. “As an alternative it has also laid down to make endeavors for a settlement through negotiations involving all the three parties to the dispute i.e. People of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India and Pakistan.” Mirwaiz added that to strive for a negotiated settlement is a constitutional responsibility of Huriyat and if serious negotiations start all the formulas that have come forward from various quarters can be discussed.
    Kashmir’s chief religious cleric however stated that without a congenial atmosphere dialogue cannot be result oriented. “The government is using all possible methods of coercion and suppression to   bring the people down to their knees. Flagrant violations of human rights of people are going on day in and day out. Injustice and peace building cannot go together.”
    Commenting over the Nawaz Sharief’s recent offer to India for the dialogue on Kashmir resolution, Mirwaiz said that that Nawaz Sharief’s offer is a right decision taken at the right time. “Being two nuclear powers Pakistan and India cannot afford perpetual confrontation or state of tension between them. There are economic reasons as well. Both these countries cannot utilize their full potential of economic growth and prosperity in the absence of cooperation with each other. Therefore dialogue is essential and resolution of all pending issues between the two is a must.”
    Mirwaiz added that since Kashmir being at the root of confrontation, assumes priority and that by inviting India for a dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir would be like catching the bull by its horns and if it is done a strong possibility of a way forward could be expected. “ It is, however, important that any process in this regard needs Kashmiris to be taken on board because without involvement and without their satisfaction desired results cannot be achieved.” (KNS)

  • Some people within Hurriyat want to damage Mirwaiz family: Shabir Shah

    We will have strong relation with Geelani in future
    Srinagar: Stating that he has no personal rivalry with Huriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Senior Huriyat Conference JK leader Shabir Shah said  that some people seem ‘hell-bent’ upon damaging the very foundations of Mirwaiz family.
    Shah while talking to KNS stated that the cause on the ongoing resistance is supreme that any person and that no party shall be allowed to breach people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We have no personal rivalry with any party. The issue is about the constitution. We have the constitution and we have to follow that in letter and spirit to achieve our objective. We cannot undermine the importance of the constitution. We want the same to be restored.”
    He stated further that HCJK will have a strong coordination with Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani. “At present there is no contact with Geelani sahib but in future there will be a strong coordination.” Shah stated further that people of valley must go for a complete poll boycott of the forth coming polls and that terming polls a non- issue means supporting pro-India parties. “It will be tantamount to supporting India once we term polls a non-issue.”
    The senior leader of the newly formed amalgam added that he rejects the bilateral system of talks and that the negotiations for Kashmir resolution must be between the three main stake holders of the dispute. “Never on earth shall we support the bilateral talks. It has not yielded anything for us. We have seen that in past the dialogue processes failed because the people of Kashmir were not taken into confidence. Also we demand that the third country must mediate to resolve the decades old conflict.”
    Maintaining that unity is only possible among the likeminded people and the the unity of minds must be preferred over the unity of heads.   “Hope sustains life. I still hope that the pro-freedom camp must be unified for the larger interests of the people of Kashmir but at the same time we want to clear that unity is only possible among the likeminded people and the unity must be on principles.”(KNS)

  • NC representatives responsible for deliberate denial of democracy : PDP

    Change in Srinagar is now or never
    Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth wing in charge, Waheed-ur- Rehman Parra has said youth of Srinagar has suffered a systematic exploitation over the last sixty years at the hands of those who have represented it the most that is why the city is facing huge development crisis, growth stagnation and economic backwardness and the present election is the ‘Now or Never’ opportunity for the youth to get rid of this. Addressing a youth gathering from Srinagar on the party’s ‘Youth For Change’ campaign at Lala Rukh Lal chock, Waheed termed Srinagar as crown of J&K, which has, unfortunately, remained misrepresented for youth and the ruling party has always taken the city dwellers for granted for its political benefits. He said if developed and projected properly, the summer capital can compete with the best developed cities in the world given its historic, aesthetic and cultural value.
    Waheed said the people in Srinagar are facing tremendous problems on multiple fronts and its youth are not getting due share in the government and other public sector jobs. Srinagar youth has been facing bullets, killings, torture and state repression.  He said unemployment ratio in Srinagar is high and the ruling party can’t go unscathed for the deceit, tricks it played with the youth of the city over the years now. He said it was the denial of democracy and the subsequent betrayals which have pushed the youth to the wall and the PDP will involve them in the governance system so that they could realise their dreams and will help the party in its unfinished agenda of J&K resolution and good governance. He said the youth are looking for quality education, respectful job avenues and have nothing to do with the politics of polarization and deceit practiced by the National Conference from time to time. He said no serious efforts were taken to address the grievances and anger of the youth, who are going through huge depression, resulted out of resultant betrayals at the hands of National Conference.  He said the maximum youth who got martyred in 2010 at the hands of security forces and majority of whom against FIRs have been lodged are from Srinagar. He said by calling Srinagar their bastion, the ruling party politicians are simply adding insult to the injury of youth who have faced maximum brunt of their cruelty and callousness.
    He said the PDP envisions making the youth powerful and wants to bring back the scholarly status the state used to enjoy in the past. He said it is the policy of PDP to establish more quality schools,   world class universities, research institutions in J&K that not only will help in stopping the money drain but will encourage people from other parts of the country, South and Central Asia to come over here for study purposes. He said next elections will be books versus ballot and merit versus money.
    Waheed said the trend has to be changed now, and the youth of Srinagar must come forward and help PDP to see an end of the NC’s exploitive politics which they have been playing with the state in general and the city in particular for a long time now. He said it is now up to people to think what is good for them, and PDP will ensure a transparent and accountable governance system that will respect the their aspirations. He said 2014 will be the turning point in the history of J&K and youth will be the agents of change.
    Speaking on occasion PDP Dist. Vice President Srinagar Ab Rouf said Srinagar needs a planned development keeping in view its rich history, culture and ambiance and the PDP during its brief tenure in the government not only tried to change the development discourse in the city but ushered in a new era of change in its entire outlook. The four laning of by pass, beautification of Jhelum bunds, development of historic Eid Gah, Jamia Masjid, Aali Masjid, construction of Veer Chattabal, reforms in power, mega drainage system, construction of first flyover etc. were some important projects which PDP could take up in the brief tenure. He said it is the PDP vision to take the development to next level and not to confine it to just lanes and drains only as is done by NC. He said change in the governance system is must to provide people relief and the youth of Srinagar have an important role to play in establishing an honest, accountable and transparent system in the state, so that the growth stagnation , economic deprivation which the city is facing will end. Hundreds of youth who interacted with youth leader highlighted the gripping insecurity among the youth and condemned the unfortunate remarks by Farooq Abdullah against Kashmiris. They appreciated the PDP roadmap of Self rule which was shown to them through Power point presentation. The youngsters pledged to participate in elections wholeheartedly and send the best people to parliament as their representative.
    On this occasion Youth Leaders Dr Shanti singh,  Mohd Lateef Mir and others were also present and spoke to the gathering.

  • Inter-district burglary case cracked: SP Hazratbal

    Says 3 held, goods worth 25 lakhs recovered
    Srinagar: Police on Saturday claimed to have cracked the inter-district burglary case by arresting three of its members in Srinagar city.
    Taking a serious note of incident of theft, Superintendent of Police Rayees Bhat said that a special investigation team of police was constituted to keep a vigil on the sensitive areas. The SIT worked very hard and busted a three member inter-district gang.
    During the course of action, a group of suspicious youth were arrested who had been visiting the area suspiciously, he said.
    “During interrogation they revealed that they were part of a gang of thieves”
    Those arrested were identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Qadir Dar resident of Narain Bagh, Ganderbal, Ghulam Ahmad Dar @ Amma Dar son of Mohammad Subhan Dar resident of Gund Roshan, Ganderbal and Ghulam Hassan Bhat @ Hannas Bengali son of Mohammad Sultan Bhat resident of Saidpora Eidgah.
    According to GNS, SP Hazratbal while interacting with the respectable of Hazratbal area including the people whose house were burgled said that Srinagar police recovered stolen valuables including jewelry, Pashmina shawls and electronic goods worth about 25 lacs after busting an inter-District burglary gang. More than 15 theft cases in Srinagar District alone have been solved with the arrest of the three member gang. He said that besides these recoveries police has also recovered valuables worth 11 lacs that were stolen from by the gang from Nowgam area of the city suburbs.
    Handing over the recovered Jewelry, Pashmina shawls and electronic to their lawful owners, SP Hazratbal said that it gives him immense pleasure to return back the stolen valuables to their owners.
    While appreciating the members of the SIT especially ASI Abdul Majid for doing a commendable job, SP said these achievements imbue a sense of security among the people. He further stated that police needs cooperation of public to keep a check on criminal elements in our society and requested that they should inform the police if they find any suspicious movements in their areas. He said some recoveries from the gang like Pashmina Shawls, electronic items and gas cylinders etc are still lying with the police as no claims for them have been received by his office. He requested the public that if any person knows the lawful owner of these items may please contact Hazratbal police for authentication of the claims.
    Giving further details SP Hazratbal said that a Special Investigation Tem (SIT) headed by SDPO Hazratbal was constituted by SSP Srinagar after a series of theft cases were reported in Hazratbal area.
    The burglars revealed that they would carefully recced the target houses during day time and observe movement of inmates for two or three days before striking the house for committing thefts. In some of the cases, the kingpin of the gang revealed that they would hire a rented accommodation close to the target house a month prior to commission of offence. Bases on the inputs gathered, they used to decide the time of theft, whether to strike during day or night.
    SP Hazratbal impressed upon the public that they should inform the police if they find any suspicious movements in their areas. (GNS)

  • Police on alert after carjackers strike twice

    Srinagar: Police have sounded alert after carjackers struck twice at different locations in Kashmir. In one of the robbery attempts, the carjackers also managed to flee with a licensed gun in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
    Official sources told GNS that security was beefed up and check posts were established at many entry and exit points in the town after unknown persons stole a car along with a licensed 12 bore rifle outside Jamia Masjid near the government college.
    Station House Officer, Ganderbal, Liyaqet Ahmad told GNS that a Govt Degree College Lecturer, Tariq Ahmad Magray filed a complaint that his car bearing registration number JK04A- 5025 along with a 12 bore rifle was stolen from outside the mosque while he was offering prayers on Friday. “A case has been registered in this regard and further investigation has been taken up”, he said.
    Magray who hails from Sumbal was scheduled to submit the rifle to the Deputy Commissioner office in the district. After the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct the government had as licensed gun holders to submit the weapons.
    Carjacker also struck on Saturday evening and beat a man before fleeing with his car from Lawaypoira area of Srinagar city, a police official told GNS.
    He said Khursheed Ahmad Dar of Sopore, late evening approached police stating he was manhandled by a group of men and they later ran away with his newly car. “A case under FIR no. 35 /2014 under section 392, 341 RPC has been registered and further investigation taken up”, he said. (GNS)

  • Yasin Malik visits Geelani

    Srinagar: Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Mohammad Yasin Malik Saturday visited Syed Ali Geelani‘s residence to inquire about his health.  
    According to KNS inputs, Malik accompanied by senior front leaders Noor Mohamad Kalwal and Mohammad Hussain Altaf visited Geelani’s hyderpora residence and inquired about the health status of the octogenarian leader, whjo recently complained about severe chest infection.  Malik expressed hope for the early recovery of the senior separatist.
    Geelani who was kept under house arrest after returning from New Delhi recently, had complained about the Chest infection and breathing problems. The Huriyat amalgam led by him had appealed people to hold special prayers for Geelani’s health. (KNS)

  • 100 encroachments removed from Brari Namabal: SMC

    ‘50 truckloads of garbage lifted’
    Srinagar: In a major drive to clean up Brari Nambal lagoon, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation today removed 100 encroachments/shanties and evacuated 500 rag-pickers illegally occupying a huge patch of the lagoon land. These illegal encroachments and the occupants were posing a grave threat to the lagoon.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, a spokesman of the SMC has said that the drive, which started since last evening, involved around 250 SMC workers, including sweepers and other officials, to not only destroy the illegal constructions but also clear up the debris to restore the land to its old glory. At least fifty truckloads of garbage was lifted from in and around lagoon area.
    The daylong drive was overseen by SMC commissioner Dr G N Qasba and LAWWDA vice chairman Irfan Yasin. Both the SMC and the LAWWA are charting joint plans to evict the illegal occupants and maintain sanitation in and around the Brari Nambal lagoon. Several dozers and JCB were put into action to remove the encroachments. Later, water sprinklers were pressed into service. “We had forewarned people that no encroachment on the lagoon will be tolerated. The exercise is an ongoing operation. No one would be allowed to set up any kind of structure in and around Brari Nambal,” said Dr Qasba.
    The commissioner reiterated the pledge that the SMC will put all efforts to ensure a clean and sanitised lagoon. He once again appealed to people, who have appreciated the efforts of the SMC to clean up the lagoon, to ensure to one comes up with any structure at the lagoon. The SMC operation was also monitored by Chief Encroachment Officer Nissar Ahmad Shah and Chief Sanitation Officer Manzoor Ahmad Tarray including all the sanitation and enforcement officers. (KNS)

  • Hizb paid glorious tributes to martyr commanders

    Srinagar: Hizbul Mujahideen has paid glorious tributes to martyr commanders including Gazi Naseeb-ud-Din on their martyrdom anniversary. In a statement issued CNS, Hizb spokesman Saleem Hashmi said, “A meeting of Hizb Command Council was held in Muzaffarabad under the chairmanship of   Deputy Chief, Saifullah Khalid where rich tributes were paid to Gazi Naseeb-ud-Din, Engineer Firdous Kirmani, Commander Manzoor Khan and Abdul Majeed Wani alias Gazi Illyas on their 17th anniversary.
    Saifullah Khalid while addressing the meeting, said that these commanders had offered the supreme sacrifice of their precious lives for the cause of freedom of their homeland and till this time our Mujahideen are nurturing it with their blood and  no stone would be left unturned to take the mission of martyrs to its logical conclusion. At the end of the meeting prayers were offered for the quick recovery of Qaed-e-tehreek Syed Ali Geelani. (CNS)

  • Vacate Tosamaidan or face agitation

    Massive protest staged in Srinagar
    Srinagar: Various social organizations Saturday staged a massive protest demonstrations in Press Enclave Srinagar, threatening of mass agitation if Jammu and Kashmir government extends lease over Tosmaidan meadow to the Indian Army.
    Hundreds of protestors carrying banners and placards amid slogans threatened to come on streets if the government failed to come clean on the issue.
    The protestors including RTI activists, Sarpanchas and Panchas and people from different walks of life said that the local population has been adversely affected by explosions with effect on their socio-economic activities like education, health and environment. They demanded that the area be opened as a health resort.
    “The field is not only used for artillery exercises and training by Army, the Indian Air Force also utilizes the range for practicing air-to-ground bombing,” Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, President RTI Movement told CNS.
    He said that that around 70 deaths have occurred in the area due to littered ordnance till date. “Since 1965 till date, around 70 persons have lost their lives and 41 received injuries due to littered shells in Tosa Maidan. We strongly oppose extension of lease and demand the dance of death should be stopped.” He said that under Supreme Court directions the area falling within 10 kilometers of wild life sanctuary has been declared sensitive while the Tosa Maidan is just 3 kilometers away from local sanctuary.
    “If the lease is extended one again, it will give birth to Amarnath-like agitation. We request people from all walks of life to support our cause, which is purely humanitarian,” said protestors adding that all the panchayat members of this area will resign if lease agreement is extended in favour of Army.
    They said that if the lease agreement is extended to the army for firing purposes the people from 52 villages of this area will have a sit in at the place of shelling. “We demand complete shifting of this firing range from the government and we will continue our fight till Tosamaidan is vacated,” they said. (CNS)

  • Lanka beats Pakistan to win Asia Cup 2014 title

    Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 5 wickets to win the final of the Asia Cup one-day cricket tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. 
    In-form Sri Lankan opener Lahiru Thirimanne hit an 101 and Mahela Jayawardene scored 75 to guide their team to a comfortable win over defending champions Pakistan. Sri Lanka reached the target of 261 in 46.2 overs.


    Earlier in the day, Fawad Alam’s maiden ODI century enabled Pakistan reach a respectable 260 for five against Sri Lanka after Lasith Malinga made early inroads in the Asia Cup final being played here today.

    Opting to bat, Pakistan were tottering for 18 for three as Malinga (5/56) ripped apart the top order but Alam shared two century-plus partnerships with skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and Umar Akmal respectively to prop up their total.