Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • India crash out after Pakistan beat Bangladesh by three wickets

    Pakistan today pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over hosts Bangladesh to storm into the finals of the Asia Cup cricket tournament, completely knocking India out of the title race.
    Opener Ahmed Shehzad blasted a 123-ball 103 to set the foundation for a record chase but it was Shahid Afridi’s blistering 59 off 25 balls which helped Pakistan set up a summit clash against Sri Lanka.
    With this victory, Pakistan grabbed four points to aggregate 13 with the help of three victories in four matches.
    India, on the other hand, are currently with four points and even a win against Afghanistan tomorrow won’t be enough for Virat Kohli’s men to reach the finals. Mohammad Hafeez (52) and Fawad Alam (74) too blasted scintillating half-centuries to help Pakistan overhaul Bangladesh’s record score of 326 for 3 in their stipulated 50 overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium here.
    For Bangladesh, Mominul Haque (2/37) was the highest wicket taker, while Shakib Al Hasan, Abdur Razzak and Mahmudullah scalped one each.
    Earlier, Bangladesh feasted on a below bowling and fielding effort from Pakistan to pile up their highest-ever ODI total of 326 for three.
    While opener Anamul Haque build the foundation with a patient 100 off 132 balls with six fours and four sixes, it was their senior-most stars Mushfiqur Rahim (51 no, 33 balls) and Shakib al Hasan (44 no, 16 balls), who finished the innings with a smashing 77-run partnership in only 5.3 overs.
    Opener Imrul Kayes (59 from 75 balls; 5×4, 2×6) who added 150 runs for the opening stand with Anamul and Mominul Haque (51 off 47 balls) also made useful contributions to prop up Bangladesh total.

  • Omar will go to jail if impartial inquiry in WAKF board is ordered: Engineer Rashid

    Srinagar: Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) President and MLA Langate has strongly protested  the lodging of FIRs against the youth of Kupwara, Lolab and allegedly harassing the 150 Kashmiri students studying in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
    According to the statement issued to KNS, as the assembly proceedings got underway today, Engineer Rashid stated – “We would like to know what steps government is taking for protection of Kashmiri students studying in outside states and in the latest development the State Government should establish immediate contact with the Uttar Pradesh Government to safeguard the Kashmiri students from further harassment.”
    Rashid registered his strong protest in the well of house after failing to get any satisfactory reply from the state Government in this regard .On this juncture, Engineer Rashid observed that National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP)  are only doing lip-service via statements to achieve power and are not concerned about real issues . “As a result of this dismal attitude of NC & PDP the Jammu & Kashmir state has been converted into a police state,” observed Engineer Rashid.
    Rashid while referring to human rights issue raised by PDP leaders  stated that it is a nice gesture but the PDP Leadership should seek apology from Kashmiri nation for innumerable atrocities against people of Kashmir during PDP tenure. “In 2005 I was tortured in custody and PDP should answer all questions as to why I had to leave Government service and enter politics. In 2006 not only police took a ransom of 1 lac from me but brutally subjected me to third degree torture in Cargo interrogation center and even kept me bare naked,” stated Engineer Rashid.
    Rashid also remarked that parties like National Conference and PDP having nothing to offer to people of Kashmir as they have mortgaged both the autonomy of state and their personal selfesteem with ‘Delhi.
    While referring to the bill related to temples and shrines Engineer Rashid blamed the state government for playing politics over this sensitive issue. “All the holy places should be kept away from politics. It is height of communalism that Amarnath Shrine Board is headed by a Governor and Muslim WAKF Board by Chief Minister in the state. When a Hindu Governor is appointed the head of Amarnath Shrine Board and Muslim Chief Minister appointed head of Muslim WAKF Board the seeds of communalism are sown. The parameters of justice demand that all religious institutions including WAKF Board and Amarnath Shrine Board be kept aloof from political influence and be headed by non-controversial religious figures.”
    Langate legislator alleged that National Conference has looted the properties of Auqaf Islamia and if an impartial inquiry is constituted half the cabinet of Omar Abdullah will go to jail for looting resources of WAKF Board. (KNS)

  • SHO, 2 cops injured after woman’s ‘murder’ sparks protests in Ganderbal

    Srinagar: A senior police officer was among four people injured Tuesday in violent clashes triggered by the death of a woman allegedly at the hands of her in-laws in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
    Reports reaching GNS said that Nilofar Jan, wife of Bashir Ahmad Wani of Kangan died at the SKIMS Soura on Tuesdaymorning due to the alleged poisoning by her in laws at her house on Monday evening. Her death triggered violent protests by her family members and relatives in Garg area of the central Kashmir town of Ganderbal.
    Reports said when the news of Nilofar’s death spread this morning; scores of people, including her relatives took to streets and staged demonstrations. Shouting slogans, the protesters alleged that Nilofar was poisoned by her-in laws at her husband’s house in Kangan on Monday evening. The protesters alleged that the woman was being victimized by her in laws on petty excuses. Angry protesters also tried to block Ganderbal-Ladakh highway causing disruption in traffic. However, cops swung into action and tried to disperse the agitating locals.
    “This led to the outbreak of clashes in the area. Youth hurled stones on the cops causing injuries to SHO, Ganderbal Liyaqat Ahmad and two other cops. The clashes continued for several hours,” reports said.
    Meanwhile, police said that it has started proceedings under section 174 Cr Pc in this regard.
    “We might pick the husband of the deceased woman for questioning. Investigations will be carried to probe the allegations,” he added. (GNS)

  • National Conference root of Kashmiris’ miseries: Shabir Shah

    Calls for complete boycott of elections
    Srinagar: Terming Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir (HCJK) as a means to achieve the goal of freedom, senior leader of the amalgam Shabir Ahmad Shah has said that a organizational shape will be given to the forum after proper consultation with various resistance leaders.
    “The goal of Hurriyat Conference is to achieve freedom from Indian occupational rule, so it should be taken as a means to achieve the goal. Apart from strengthening the Hurriyat Conference, we will also go for its  full-fledged representative character,” Shah while addressing delegations from Srinagar and Islamamad here. The delegations had been called to deliberate on the latest political screnario of the state.
    Addressing the delegations, Shah said there is nothing blessed than freedom and an insult than slavery. “So we should boost our freedom struggle,” he said.
    Urging Hurriyat activists to be in constant touch with the people and to aware them against the exploitation by National Conference and Congress parties, Shabir Ahmad Shah said: “They (NC and Congress) are pushing the Kashmiri nation to cluthches of Indian slavery by showing them fake dreams of peace and progress,” he said.
    “Even though it is impossible for India and its agents to exploit our new generation, we still warn our people of their (Indian) ill machinations so as not to endanger the ongoing freedom movement,” Shah added.
    Terming National Conference (NC) as the root of all miseries of Kashmiri nation, Shah said it is the same party that played a great role in subjugating the Kashmiri nation into the occupational hands of India. “It is very unfortunate that the Indian minister of the sameparty is terming Kashmiris as biggest thieves,” Shah said.
    Commenting on the upcoming state and parliamentary elections, Shah said India failed to suppress the freedom spirit of Kashmiris evenwith the might of force as it gave rise to arms rebellion. “Now, by staging the election drama they want to create a misconception among world bodies that all is well in Kashmir and they are taking part in democratic elections.”
    Paying rich tributes to martyrs, Shah said it is due to their invaluable sacrifices that Kashmir issue rose to international level.
    “We have high regard for our martyrs and have not forgot the Pathribal, Machhil and Lalpora incidents which are the open proof of India’s Nazism.”
    The Hurriyat Conference leader said India should read the writing on the wall and resolve the Kashmir issue as per UN resolutions or throught tripartite dialogue so as to invite peace in the whole subcontinent. (KNS)

  • If Given Oppurtunity I Would Love To Contest Elections : Rasik Bhat

    This is in response to news published on various Online News Websites , Newspapers that Chairman Youth For Peace And  Development , Rasik Bhat to contest Assembly Elections from Baramulla Constituency as Independent Candidate. 
    I want to clear that after a function of my NGO “Youth for Peace and  Development “, I was asked by media persons about my future plans wherein I said that I am planning to Contest Assembly Elections in future. I am currently holding the post of General Secretary , J&K National Conference Students’ Union and therby am a part of J&K National Conference and as such it will be decided by the Party High Command whether they  provide me a ticket and in case I am given an opportunity I would love to contest For the betterment of Society . He added. 

  • With no rise in temperature, parents question decision of school reopening

    Srinagar: With the state weather department predicting more rains and snow in coming days in valley, people across valley Tuesday asked authorities to reconsider the scheduled date of school reopening for kids.
    The reports received by KNS informed that the state metrological department stated that the minimum temperature was 3.3 degree. However, there could be rain or snow in the next 24 hours.
    It also stated that various areas across valley witnessed intense cold conditions with Gulmarg shivering at Minus 5.6 degree.
    People while asking the state government to reconsider the decision of reopening of schools on March 5, stated that the cold conditions will badly affect the health of the school children mostly between the age group of 5 to 10 years.
    Several civil society activists while asserting that the present weather conditions are not suitable for re-opening of schools said that the authorities must not turn blind eye towards the school going kids.  Civil society activist Shakkel Qalandar while slamming the state authorities for failing to provide proper heating system in the schools, stated that keeping in view the present conditions, the government must extend the vacations in valley. “There are other parts of the world where the cold conditions are worst than valley but there is a proper heating facility in the schools. Here we don’t even have the basic school buildings- to think of heating systems is a distant dream.”
    However after the repeated attempts, no one from state education department was available for the comment. (KNS)

  • Peaceful conduct of elections biggest challenge for police this year: DGP

    Jammu: Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad today completed his 2-day tour to border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The tour was aimed to review the security scenario and interact with officers, jawans in these districts.

    According to the statement issued to KNS ,Mr. Prasad, during his tour convened meetings with senior police officers and sought reports about the latest security scenario in the area. District Superintendents of Police, Mr. Mubashir Latifi and Mr. Shamsher Hussain apprised the DGP about the overall situation in their respective districts. He discussed various measures to ensure zero infiltration from across the border, besides maintaining law and order in these districts effectively.

    The DGP accompanied by IGP Jammu Zone, Mr. Rajesh Kumar and DIG, Poonch-Rajouri Range, Mr. A. K. Atri visited police stations including ISO certified police station Sunderbani. He implored upon the Thana Police to provide effective and quick services to the people,  maintaining close rapport with the public.  Discussing the crime rate, he stressed for adopting new innovative and scientific methods for prevention and detection of crime. Such experiences would make police stations “centres of excellence”, the DGP added.
    Mr. Prasad addressed police durbars at District Police Lines at Rajouri and Poonch. A number of jawans and officers, besides SPOs attended these durbars. He highlighted the role of police in the forthcoming elections, saying that peaceful conduct of Parliamentary and Assembly elections are one of the biggest challenges before  JKP this year. He said that we have to remain vigilant to foil the attempts of anti-national elements. He stressed upon the jawans and officers to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and commitment to ensure law and order during elections.
    During these durbars, many participants put forth their problems before the DGP, which he heard patiently. He assured them that all their genuine problems would be resolved by the concerned offices. He also gave on-spot directions to the supervisory officers to look after the welfare of their subordinates regularly.
    Later, the DGP inspected various constructions presently under execution in twin districts and enquired about their pace of work. He asked the executing agencies to complete these constructions within the stipulated time frame, supplementing living and working facilities for the jawans and officers. (KNS)

  • Facebook turns paradise for Paradise Kashmir

    Million likes and counting 
    Srinagar: Paradise Kashmir, a Facebook page aimed to unite Kashmiris across the world, has attracted legions of netizens, with the page making a history of sorts having pocketed One million likes: a first for a social networking page run in Kashmir.
    The page is run by a familiar name on the Facebook: Ali Kak. For Ali Kak, the idea of coming up with Paradise Kashmir was to bring together the Kashmiris world over on a single platform where they can get general information about different areas of divided Jammu Kashmir.
    The information ranges from political discussions to social issues, Kashmiri banters to day to day life discussions and serving the followers-with many of them non-Kashmiris- with description about various tourist spots in the region.
    “We are very happy by the response from our followers. Our followers’ count is swelling by the day and we haven’t disappointed them as we keep them updated with what they want. The discussion and debates that take place don’t get overboard and we don’t let personal liking and disliking, abuses and ill-discipline take over,” Kak told GNS, hoping to add to his follower count in coming days and live up the expectations of his followers.
    Paradise Kashmir facebook page has become the face of Jammu Kashmir on social media; it is also among the fastest growing pages of the Subcontinent. The page has also a website www.ParadiseKashmir.net which holds information about different tourist spots in Jammu Kashmir. The website also holds information about Kashmir culture and recipes of Wazwan
    Kak’s own Facebook profile is a hit with hundreds of friends that are treated with some wit full humour and knowledge about the Kashmiri culture. Kak prefers to pass his message in Kashmiri in his bid to promote the mother tongue with a telling success. Ali Kak says that the administrators of Paradise Kashmir page are all volunteers who want to help develop the tourism section in Jammu Kashmir.
    Paradise Kashmir hasn’t had the rosy ride all along though, with his page being banned by Indian Telecom Authority in February 2013. The page posted news about hanging of Afzal Guru and showed its displeasure about Indian Governments decision. However, Kak and co didn’t stop by the cowing down, and returned back with the page with new resolve everytime. And, it is that resolve and common sense that has made Paradise Kashmir a million like page. URL of page is www.Facebook.com/Paradise.Kashmir.

  • Vested interests oppose revocation of draconian laws: NC

    Azad entitled to his own views on AFSPA
    Srinagar: Reacting to the statement made by Union Health Minister in which he ruled out the possibility of revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference Tuesday said that partial revocation is in the interest of Government of India and if it still does not revoke this draconian act then it will waste the efforts of those institutions and people who played a key role in establishing peace in the State.
    Member Parliament and senior National Conference leader, Dr Mehboob Beigh told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS that there are certain vested interests who oppose the revocation of AFSPA as it suits them. “Government of India should break this nexus and should expose these vested interests. It should follow the policies of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who broke the nexus between vested interests and developed good relations with Pakistan,” he said.
    “Ghulam Nabi Azad is a senior politician and he entitled to his express his own views but I stand for my party and reiterate that time has come for AFSPA to go. Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is of the opinion that partial revocation of this draconian act in certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir has become inevitable and God forbid, if situation worsens in any area, it can be re-imposed,” he said adding that history is witness to the fact that in conflict areas vested interests always want to keep pot boiling.
    Dr Mehboob Beigh told CNS that he fails to understand why Government is India is not serious in revoking AFSPA from the State when situation is peaceful in Valley. “When we compare present situation of Valley to 1990’s, we find hell of difference. There is normalcy everywhere and peace has returned to Valley,” he said adding that there is no justification in keeping AFSPA intact in Valley. (CNS)

  • We all will have to keep away from Indian Elections and Voting’s: Yasin Malik

    The history of Jammu Kashmir bears a witness to the fact that the pro-India elections and assemblies have always been instrumental in snatching our freedom Yasin Malik while addressing a gathering at Soibugh Budgam
    Budgam: The history of Jammu Kashmir bears a witness to the fact that pro- India politicians and parties here have always asked for our votes in the name of electricity, water, jobs and roads etc but have always used this for snatching our freedom, strengthening the clutches of tyranny and oppression on the people of Jammu Kashmir and for legislating and Enactment of black laws here. Therefore taking part in these elections in any name cannot be termed but as worst enmity with Kashmir and Kashmiris.
    This was stated by the chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik while addressing a public gathering at Soibugh Budgam today. Yasin Malik who reached Soibugh with a delegation this afternoon was welcomed by enthusiastic men and women of the area. After Asar prayers Yasin Malik led a procession in which people from every walk of life chanting slogans in favor of freedom, martyrs and leaders took part in large numbers. On reaching the central Chowk of the area this rally turned into a public Jalsa which was addressed by many JKLF leaders including Yasin Malik.
    In his address Yasin Malik thanked people for their passion and love for the freedom movement.  He said that from 1930’s people of Jammu Kashmir have been striving and sacrificing for the freedom of their nation but From time to time leaders turned Robbers betrayed this nation and helped foreign powers to oppress and suppress us and snatch our freedom.
    While deliberating on the history of elections in Jammu Kashmir, Yasin Malik said that although these elections for assembly or parliament are fought in the name of electricity, roads, employments and water etc but the fact is that people after being elected have always used this vote to undermine the freedom movement of Jammu Kashmir and for nourishing the interests of India. He said that the elections held on 15th October 1951 and the assembly that came into existence after these elections served this interest of India as sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who was heading the government through infamous Delhi agreement not only compromised the freedom of Kashmir’s, changed their Nationality from Kashmiri to Indian but also directed the assembly of that time to rectify the accession of Jammu Kashmir with India. This assembly also legislated for the Influence of Indian presidents’ office on Kashmir too. Sheikh Sahib soon got the reward of this betrayal and was removed from office and was succeeded by Bakhshi Ghuiam Mohammad. Bakshi sahib and his assembly took no time in removing the permit system that necessitated every Indian to take a special permission before entering into Jammu Kashmir. It was the assembly of that time that legislated for the merger of Jammu Kashmir with Indian union and hence pushing the people of Jammu Kashmir more and more into the darkness of slavery.
    Yasin Malik said that after Bakhshi sahib it was the turn of Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq.
    Sadiq sahib who had mufti Mohammad Syed also in his cabinet went a step ahead of his predecessors and not only removed the posts of Prime Minister and Sadder I Riyasat but also legislated to make Jammu Kashmir as an ordinary state of Indian union. Yasin Malik said that Kashmir animosity game did not end here. In 1975 Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah signed the Humiliating Indra Abdullah accord for getting a fractured government; he declared the struggle of 22 years as Meandering. It was he who in 1978 slapped the black law PSA on Kashmris under which hundreds of thousands of Kashmiris have been sentenced to imprisonments till date. His son in law Ghulam Mohammad shah complimented this by implementing another black law TADA in Kashmir. It was sheikh Abdullah’s son Farooq Abdullah  and his assembly who in 1984 paved the way for hanging the leader of kashmiri masses father of nation Mohammad Maqbool Butt  and  1n 1996  Farooq Abdullah constituted Police task force and provided them a license to kill Kashmiris at will. It was Farooq who was used by India in Geneva and other forums to cover up the atrocities of Indian army and forces committed against Kashmiris.
    Yasin Malik said that in 2002, Mufti Mohammad Syed came with a slogan of heeling touch and self rule .In his healing touch policy he ordered custodial killings of many commanders and eventually the era of Farooq Abdullah’s catch and kill policy was repeated. It was mufti sahib who in 1990 as India’s home minister sent Jagmohan to Kashmir with a license to kill any one and it was during that period the massacres of Kashmiris started. It was he who implemented black laws like AFSPA, Armed act etc in Kashmir that till date are haunting the people of Jammu Kashmir. Another “feather in his cap” is that he and his assembly handed over the screening committee for release of detunes to Indian state, this committee used to be headed over by deputy commissioner before that.
    Yasin Malik said that after Mufti Syed it was the turn of Ghulam Nabi Azad. From 1947, his party congress has been responsible for every hardship that Kashmiris have and are facing. He declared a bullet for bullet policy. He preached “ democracy and Ghandi Jees philosophy” to betray the youth of Jammu Kashmir  but actually acted as a dictator who banned pro freedom camp from entering Jammu region and that ban is still on.
    Deliberating upon the assembly and the coalition government of NC and congress led by Umer Abdullah, Yasin Malik  said that they have surpassed everyone in betraying and harming Kashmiris. This assembly and government killed hundreds in 2010 and 2011, arrested thousands and injured thousands and despite tall claims till date have not provided justice to any innocent killed by forces. Yasin Malik said that among the most infamous acts of this assembly and government is the hanging of martyr Mohammad Afzal Guru.  Yasin said that when Punjab and Tamil Nadu assemblies can pass resolution to save the killers of Rajiv Ghandi and Baint Singh, what has stopped this assembly and government to do that in case of Shaheed Afzal Guru. Yasin Malik said that after the custodial killing of Shaheed Afzal Guru, all the pro-India parties including national conference, people’s democratic party, congress, communist party ,independents and others who have been serving Indian interest and always acted as Janitors( Shegdar)  for India, started crying for Afzal Guru. Can we ask them a plain question that why could not they act like Punjab and Tamil Nadu assemblies.
    Yasin Malik said that my aim to repeat the history of these elections and g

    overnments formed after these, is to clear the fact that though these elections are fought under the cover of providing basic governance. And though The people who contest these elections ask us to vote in the name of electricity, water, employments and other day to day needs of the life but in fact after the elections are over these very people and their masters in Delhi project the elections and votes as a vote for india and use this to malign and undermine the freedom movement for which our hundreds and thousands have sacrificed their lives till date. Yasin Malik appealed the people of Jammu Kashmir to show resilience and wisdom and not to get deceived by the slogans of electricity, water, employments, Tehsils and Nayabats etc. we as a living nation will have to safeguard the sacrifices rendered by us and our beloved martyrs and for that we all will have to keep away from these Indian elections and voting’s, added Yasin Malik.