Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • Rajendra takes over as Special DGP

    Jammu: K. Rajendra Kumar took over the charge of Special Director General of Police (Coordination), Police Headquarters (PHQ) here today.
    K. Rajendra, 1984 batch IPS officer will hold the charge of Special Director General of Police, which has recently been created by the government.
    K. Rejendra, who was presently posted as D.G. Prisons (J&K), has served the State in various capacities including SP Doda, SSP Srinagar, DIG Srinagar, IGP Kashmir, IGP Headquarters (PHQ), IGP CID, IGP Jammu, ADGP CID and ADGP Armed/Law & Order.
    K. Rajendra, during his service, has been awarded prestigious President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services, President’s Police Medal for Gallantry, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Meritorious Services and President’s Police Medal for distinguished Services.
    (CNS)

  • Jammu Kashmir a Police State Governed by Indian Army Security Forces: Yasin Malik

    People of Jammu Kashmir will not and cannot keep silent on the tyrannical state terrorism of India. Yasin Malik. Yasin Malik, others arrested at Lal Chowk

    SRINAGAR: Chairman Jammu Kashmir liberation front (JKLF) was arrested along with many others today when he was leading a protest rally towards Lal Chowk. Yasin sahib along with JKLF leaders Noor Mohammad Kalwal, Mohammad Yasin Butt, Sheikh Khalid, Mohammad Sideeq Shah, Prof Javed, Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, Mohammad Afzal Sheikh,Ishfaq Hussain , Mehraj ud Din Bhat and Shahid Makaya was arrested by police and forces  it is worth to mention that senior JKLF leader Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi was arrested last night by police from his residence . Police to disrupt JKLF protest rally had laid siege around all roads leading towards Lal Chowk. Hundreds of police personal had cordoned the area and many vehicles had been placed at the openings to stop the protest march. As soon as the protest rally reached Budshah Chowk, police and forces in large numbers stopped it. Hundreds of enthusiastic participants who despite restrictions and strike had reached Maqbool Manzil to participate in the protest rally ,chanting slogans in favor of Azadi, leaders and martyrs and against giving clean chit to pathribal killers, atrocities by forces in Lolab and entire Kupwara etc resisted the police action and broke the siege. After reaching near Taj Hotel police and forces again cordoned the rally and arrested Yasin sahib and others.
    Before the arrests, Yasin sahib while talking to media said that Pathribal killings and clean chit to killers by Indian army has proved the fact that Jammu Kashmir is actually a police state run by army and forces. Yasin sahib said that Pathribal massacre in which Indian army killed 7 innocent Kashmiris in cold blood is a symbol of Indian oppressive attitude against the people of Jammu Kashmir. He said that People of Kashmir will not and cannot keep silent on the issue of Pathribal and our protest to bring the killers to justice will continue. Yasin sahib said that Pathribal is not the only case and massacre committed by Indian forces and army. It was Indian forces who massacred Kashmiri’s at Batamaloo by Pass, Zakura, Gawkadal, Bijbihara, Handwara, Hawal Islamia College, Sopore, Kupwara,Sailan Poonch, Baderwah, Dargah Hazrat Bal and at many other places. Every time these killers got clean chit and no one till date has been penalized or brought to justice. Yasin Malik said that custodial killings, attacks on the chastity of women, burning down entire localities and custodial disappearances have been the order of the day. He said that only some days ago we witnessed beatings and burnings in Pulwama and even from last 4 days people of Kupwara and Lolab are facing the wrath of Indian forces and police. Malik said that what is wrong in asking for disclosure of the identity of those martyred in Lolab and why are people of Lolab and Kupwara being targeted on protesting for this genuine cause. He said that today we are protesting against these Indian atrocities and oppressive measures. We are here protesting against providing clean chit to killers who massacred Kashmiris at Pathribal. We are here protesting against atrocities being committed against Kashmiris in every nook and corner of the valley. We are here to stress the need of bringing the killers of innocent Kashmiris to justice.
    Condemning the drama played by pro India rulers, politicians, assembly and parliament members on the occasions of oppressive acts and crimes committed by Indian army and forces, Yasin Malik said that after army’s clean chit to killers of Pathribal these pro- India politicians started their theater once again. He said that if the slogans and statements issued by these pro India politicians are real, why any one of them doesn’t resign from the assembly, parliament and pro India politics. Yasin Malik said that these politicians are playing drama and their ugly hypocritical politics stands exposed before the people of Jammu Kashmir. It is proved behind doubt that they portray these dramas under a well planned program to diffuse the tension and befool common people.

  • Kashmir Today extends Heireth (Shivratri) greetings

    Srinagar: The Kashmir Today felicitates people of Jammu and Kashmir in particular and the country in general on the auspicious occasion of  Maha Shivratri.
    The occasion we believe is the reflection of  cultural binding, communal harmony and brotherhood  between  the Pandit and Muslim brethren. We hope the festivity will harbinger peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Maha Shivratri:Pandits held special prayers for early Kashmir resolution.

    Srinagar: On the eve of Maha Shivratri, the pandit community living in valley held special prayers for the Kashmir resolution at various places on Thursday.
    The reports received by Kashmir News service (KNS) informed that the special prayers were held at various temples across valley wherein the pundit community prayed for peace and tranquility of Kashmir.
    Rakeesh Thusoo, a pandit residing in old city told KNS that on the eve of Maha Shivratri pundits held prayers at their homes for three continuous days and place walnuts in various utensils during the three days of Watuk Puja. “We are have prayed for the betterment of our land,” he said, adding that the growing problem of unemployment must end in Kashmir.
    S.K.Razdan stated that the people of Kashmir including the pandit community have suffered a lot and that the sufferings must end so that the dawn of peace could arrive. “We are holding special prayers for the Kashmir resolution this evening. The issue has crossed 65 years.”
    He added that the Kashmir is going through the turbulent time and it is only God that could get its people out of these crises. ”The Muslims and Pandits used to live like one family in the past and now there are only few hindu families left in valley. We are missing those good old days when it Shivratri used to be the festival of all.”
    Vineeta Koul stated that everyone in Kashmir is crying within over its crises and that it is not the issue of one particular community. “Kashmir belongs to all and we as its inhabitants pray for the everlasting peace in the region.”
    See how many have lost their precious lives and how much damaged is Kashmir’s unique identity at present. We have organized special prayers for the resolution of Kashmir issue so that we could live in harmony once again,” said Rajendar Dhar. Political leader Sanjay Saraf stated that the Maha Shivratri is the day on which the pandit community is praying for the peace and development of Kashmir. “We have the growing drug menace here, we have more than six lakh youth unemployed,” he said adding that he prays for the well being of Kashmir’s society at large. Maha Shivratri is a festival celebrated every year in reverence of Lord Shiva. Also much popular as ‘Shivratri’ or ‘Great Night of Lord Shiva’, is observed on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha every year on the month of Maagh according to the Hindu calendar. (KNS)

  • Hurriyat (G) reiterates strike call for Feb 28

    Invites attention of world community to Kashmir

    Srinagar: While repeating his call for complete shutdown on February 28 and peaceful demonstration after Friday prayers for the ‘mysterious killings’ of seven youths in Kupwara and to condemn the use of brutal force on common people who were demanding their bodies and to press for the demand for an independent investigation into the incident, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani said that until  the world community will not come forward to play their role in Jammu and Kashmir, ‘the unabated massacres of common people and mysterious killing will continue’.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, he said that the strike calls are not given out of any pleasure or any hobby, moreover, we have no option except to protest when people are sliced like vegetables and then they are not allowed to even mourn on these dead bodies. He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are fighting for their libration from Indian occupation and youths are spilling their hot blood to nourish this freedom movement, so we as a nation are duty bound not to forget these sacrifices and continue over struggle at any cost till the goal of freedom is achieved. He said that the strike programs are the part and parcel of resistance movement and the people who get disturbed by these programs are actually the real enemies of national cause and they support the forcible occupation of India merely for the power.
    Meanwhile, expressing his distress and dismay over deteriorating health of Mohammad Amin Dar Banihal, who is serving life imprisonment in Amphala Jail Jammu from last 18 years whereas expressing his happiness and satisfaction over the cancelation of capital punishment of  three Kashmiri youths Raj Din, Bashir Ahmad and Nazir Ahmad by Srinagar High Court, Geelani appealed to the officials of international Red Cross Committee in Srinagar to take immediate notice of the deteriorating condition of Mohammad Amin and help him in his adequate treatment.
    “Though Jammu High Court has issued an order on 26 February to admit Mohammad Amin in SKIMS Soura, but he is still in jail and his condition is getting worse day by day.” While thanking the legal cell of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Advocate Nasir Qaudri, Advocate Danish Mufti and Advocate Devinder Singh for helping Mohammad Amin Dar in obtaining orders from Jammu High Court to get him admitted for treatment in SKIMS and appreciating the role advocate Mian Abdul Qyoom and his team in getting the capital punishment of three Kashmiri prisoners cancelled, Geelani said that the Kashmiri prisoners are subjected to ‘political vengeance’ in Indian jails. (KNS)

  • Day 3: Restrictions, protests continue in Kupwara over ‘militant’ killings

    Srinagar: Protests continued for the third straight day Thursday in Kupwara town of north Kashmir where the killing of seven alleged militants by army had sparked off violent clashes leading injuries to at least a dozen people, including troopers and policemen, prompting administration to impose curfew like restrictions.
    Eyewitnesses told GNS that the curfew like restrictions continued in Kupwara town and Lalpora Lolab, while other areas including Trehgam, Dardpora, Khurhama observed a complete shutdown against the killing of the alleged militants. The town presented a deserted look as all the shops and other business establishments were closed, while the traffic was also off the roads. Police and paramilitary CRPF were deployed in huge numbers to thwart further escalation in protests.
    However, despite restrictions, scores of people, mostly youth took to streets and held pro-freedom protests at Lalpora and Kupwara town. “There were minor clashes between youth and government forces at Kupwara town,” eyewitnesses said.
    However, Superintendent of Police (SP) Kupwara, Abdul Jabbar told GNS that the situation across the Kupwara remained peaceful today.
    On Monday, army and police claimed to have killed seven unidentified ‘militants’ in Dardpora area of Lolab valley. A day later, the locals staged strong protests against the killings and demanded authorities to handover the bodies of seven alleged militants to people as they had apprehensions that the slain might be civilians. Later, clashes had broken out in Lalpora causing injuries to CRPF and police officers and several media men. To bring situation under control, authorities had imposed curfew like restrictions. (GNS)

  • Elderly woman battling for life after botched surgeries at SKIMS

    Srinagar: An elderly woman is battling for her life after she was forcibly discharged from SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) following four botched surgeries, her family says.
    72-year old Qureshi Zainab was admitted to the Valley’s premier tertiary care hospital on January 21 for femoral artery thrombosis, Zainab’s son Nazir Qureshi told GNS. Over the next month, doctors at the hospital including Dr Akbar and Dr Mohammad Amin performed four operations— angiography to remove clots from her legs and axillary femoral PTFE graft onJanuary 22, 24, 31 and February 5— upon her, he said.
    “However, when my mother showed no signs of improvement and her condition worsened we informed the Control Room about the same on February 22.  We were told that Dr Akbar, who had performed the main surgery, had gone on leave and that we should go to SKIMS Bemina for further treatment. Then, on February 24,   Director SKIMS Dr Showkat Zargar, came to the ward where my mother was admitted and asked us to leave the hospital.”
    “When I refused, he threatened to lodge an FIR against me and directed the security guards to throw me out,” he alleged.
    “The operations cost us around nearly 3 lakh rupees and then my mother was forcibly discharged from the hospital,” Qureshi said.
    “Instead of taking the doctors to task for the botched operations, Dr Zargar intimidated us and literally threw us out of the hospital,” Qureshi alleged.
    “My mother’s condition is worsening with each passing day. She was able to walk on her own before the surgeries but now she’s permanently bed-ridden, all because of the negligence and highhandedness of the SKIMS doctors,” he said.
    Director SKIMS, Dr Showkat Zargar was not available for a comment.  (GNS)

  • Dr Muzaffar Bhat nominated AAP Candidate from Srinagar

    AAP announces candidates for Lok Sabha polls

    Srinagar: The Aam Admi Party (AAP) has announced a list of its candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections and Dr. Muzaffar Bhatt, an eminent Right to Information activist, who’s been fighting for the information rights of the people of J&K has been nominated for the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency.
    Pertinently, Dr Bhat will have to contest against Dr Farooq Abdullah National Conference patron and Tariq Hamid Karra, Peoples Democratic Party senior leader and former state finance minister.
    The other nominations made by AAP included: Rajmohan Gandhi – AAP candidate from East Delhi, Delhi. Rajmohan Gandhi is an eminent scholar and journalist. Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and C. Rajgopalachari.
    Shekhada Atulbhai Govindbhai – AAP candidate from Junagrah, GujaratShekhada Atulbhai Govindbhai is an engineer by training. He is an active Janlokpal campaigner and leader of Farmers’ Land Acquisition Andolan in Junagarh.
    Naveen Jaihind – AAP candidate from Rohtak, Haryana. An eminent social worker, Naveen led the movement for Right to Information Act in Haryana and campaigned for Swaraj in the state.
    Balwinder Kaur – AAP candidate form Kurukshetra, Haryana. She is a member of Bhartiya Kisan Union. She was lodged in jail for eight days for her struggle for farmers rights.
    Poonam Chand Ratti – AAP candidate form Sirsa, Haryana. Shri Ratti retired from fire brigade department in 2013. He’s a well known social worker.
    Yudhbir singh Khyalia – AAP candidate from Hisar, Haryana. A retired IAS officer, Sh Khyalia, has done his PhD on “Management of safe blood transfusion” and MA in public administration His name was listed in Limca Book of Records, 1998 edition for organizing “Rakt Daan Jaagran Mela”.  
    Jaisingh Thekedar – AAP candidate from Sonipat, Haryana. He is an advocate by profession and president of BAR association for last two years. He is an active social worker for last 8 years. He was secretary of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha.
    Dr. Rajan Sushant – AAP candidate from Kangra, Himachal Prasad. He is ex MP from kangra. He  played an active role in Jaypee Pond Dam rehablitation, farmer and worker movements and has been jailed many times during public movements. He was youngest legislature in 1982.  He was elected as MP for four times from Himachal Pradesh.
    Bhawna Bhavesh Vasnik. He is a professor of home economics in Amravati  and soon this young mother of two will  be an inspiration to women in this country, as she takes on  the challenge of contesting against established names in the Shiv Sena bastion. Bhavna has worked towards creating awareness about AIDS and conducted programmes for special children.
    Sameena Abdulmajid Khan. Raising pertinent questions about the abysmal performance of public representatives is a young lady in black robes, Sameena Khan. A lawyer who represents labour unions and others in the labour and industrial courts of Sangli, Sameena is exposed to many of the crucial issues in the area and articulates them vociferously.
    Maruti Sahebraw Bhapkar. A lone crusader who has long protested against the inability of the government to provide housing for slum dwellers, Maruti Bhapkar is one of the strongest voices against corruption in Maharashtra.
    Wamanrao Sudaishirao. All are equal but some are more equal observes Wamanrao. A lawyer and relentless crusader against the inequalities of the system and lack of focus on alleviation of inequities, Wamanrao is in the forefront of grass roots movements in Maharashtra.
    Lalit Babar. A strong and resilient figure espousing the socialist cause in Maharashtra is Lalit Babar. Born to agricultural workers in Sangola village of Sholapur, Lalit has a degree in political science and a diploma in journalism.
    Subahsh Lomte. The unorganized sector in India continues to be the most vulnerable, devoid of any social security or benefit . Spearheading the movement for rethink and focus on the issues concerning this sector is Subhas Lomte.
    Sanjeev Sane. Long associated with veteran socialist leader Bhai Vaidya and the Samajvadi Janparishad , Sanjeev Sane is a popular and respected mass leader of Maharashtra.
    Nandu Madhav. An acclaimed theatre and film artiste, Nandu Madhav is known for his well defined views on governance and policy. Nandu recently donned the lead role in ‘Harishachandrachi factory’, India’s official entry to the Osacrs in 2010.
    Deelip Mhaske. A resident of Kandivali in Mumbai, Dilip lost his home, a 10 x 10 tenement in a slum demolition drive several years ago. Since then, this industrious young man has acquired degrees in law, social work and a doctorate from the USA.
    Prashant Mishra. Long troubled by the state of the nation, Prashant is a software professional who has charted a career in software services  and management and is now set to apply his skill sets in public representation.
    Aneeta Hindoliya. Anita is a dynamic lady in Ujjain. She has a sound family background. She also runs a pertol pump. She has been fighting for poors and women related issues.
    Kailash Awasya. Local, well educated aadiwaasi community leader; did an MA, tought in a government school and left his job in a couple of years to get involved in anti displacement movement(Narmada Bachao Aandolan). Very highly regraded in his community.
    Capt. Abdul Nasir Hanfee. He is a retd. Vir Chakra Prapt Wing Commander. He is originally from Mhow (Indore). He has good management capabilities
    Paras Saklecha. Paras is a Ex-MLA (Independent). He has raised maximum questions in MP assembly. He has raised VYAPAM issue and malnutrition issue in MP. Has an extremely clean image.
    Khuman Singh Armo. He is a retd. DSP belonging to Mandla, Who is willingly working as a farmer. He has been very sympathatic to the plight and concerned of his fellow farmers, tribal children and women. He has traveled extensively in rural Mandla district.
    Bhagawat Singh Rajput. B S Rajput has been associated with Party/IAC since beginning. He has a good network with many veteran politicians of MP. He is politically mature and has been working in Vidisha constituency from very long time.
    Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi. He is a famous cardiologist in punjab and much appreciated in rural areas. He has been a student activist and been jailed for opposing emergency.
    Major Surendra Kumar Punia. The youngest recipient of the President’s award – Vishist Seva Medal in 2013 and a qualified doctor, he will contest from Sikar constituency in Rajasthan.
    Ashok kumar Jain. Ashok Kumar Jain is AAP Convener in Rajasthan and is a founder member of the party. He is the first person to implement the Right to Recall in India (in a municipal body in Rajasthan)
    Raj Kadyan. Retired as Lt General (deputy chief of Army staff) from Indian army. Worked for welfare of Ex servicemen. Formed an organization ISEM for ex servicemen. Fought a battle for one rank one pension for ex servicesmen. Stays in Gurgaon. (KNS)

  • Schools to reopen tomorrow after winter break

    Srinagar: According to Director School Education Kashmir, all the High and Higher Secondary Schools in Kashmir will reopen tomorrow on March 1 after winter vacations. However, students upto middle standard will have to attend their schools from 5 March after the winter break. 

  • Mufti welcomes resumption of cross-LoC trade

    Baig cautions people against NC’s gimmicks
    Jammu: Welcoming resumption of cross-LoC trade on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route, Patron Peoples Democratic Party Mufti Muhammad Sayeed Thursday once again batted for opening of all the traditional routes through Kashmir, Jammu, Ladakh and Kargil regions so as to facilitate strengthening of ties between the two neighbouring countries.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, addressing a public meeting here organised by Party leader Rashid Malik at Sunjwan, on the outskirts of winter capital of state, the former Chief Minister said that healthy, cordial and peaceful relations between Indian and Pakistan were always in the interest of the two nations and every effort should have been made to carry forward the efforts undertaken by the previous government in state.
    Reiterating that the cross-LoC trade and travel are the only achievements for the people of Jammu and Kashmir since independence in their effort to end the siege around the state, Sayeed said that time has come to take these relations to next level. “The trade and travel across the Line of Control shall not only be strengthen but a more effective mechanism should be established to curb any attempt to cause a setback to the process of reconciliation started in 2003”, he said.
    He said that the process, which was historic in its very character, has been threatened on many occasions. It is the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which have always been at the receiving end of the hostilities between India and Pakistan and the recent ceasefire violations stands testimony to the fact, he said adding, “Unfortunately the ruling dispensation in the state, over the last five years, has been a mute spectator every time attempts to cause a dent to the process of reconciliation were made”.
    The PDP patron said it is unfortunate that the trade and travel between the two sides has not developed to the level, as it should have been this time, but expressed hope that the “two countries will read the writing on the wall and do away with the past baggage of hatred and animosity.”
    PDP, he said, will continue to struggle for opening up of all traditional routes through Kashmir, Jammu, Ladakh and Kargil regions and lifting curbs on travel and trade to create an Economic Free Zone (EFC) across the state that has tremendous natural resources and could become one of the most affluent regions of the country.
    Spokesperson S Rangil Singh, Senior Leader Ved Mahajan, Yashpal Sharma, Hussain Ali Waffa, Ch Hamid, MLA Ch Zulfikar, Abdul Gaffar Sofi, Deepender Kour, Surjeet Kour, Amreek Singh Reen, Haji Taj Khan, Surender Choudhary, Sukhdev Sharma, Balbir Singh, Haji Shaq Mohd, Khadim Choudhary, Showkat Malik, Zaffar Choudhary and others were also present on the occasion.
    Speaking on the occasion, senior leader and party candidate for Baramullah Lok Sabha constituency Muzaffar Hussain Baig said Peoples Democratic Party is a mission to bridge gap created by some people in the state by some vested interest. “The attempts to create linguistic and regional divide started in 1931. Every efforts has been made to create a wedge between Dogras and Kashmiries, Gujjars and Paharies, Gujjars and Kashmiries, Rajputs and Brahmans”, he said adding, “It is the characteristic of state that despite all odds the state remained united and all such attempts were thwarted”.
    Baig said that the upcoming general elections were a unique opportunity for the people as this time they will have to chose between the political parties on the basis of their performance and capacity of govern. “During a short period of three years, we have achieved what other parties could not in decades. We established a transparent and accountable system and took the administration to next level of governance”, he said while regretting that during the last more than five years the state has once again been plunged into administrative and economic morass. 
    He asked the people to remain vigilant against the gimmicks of National Conference, which has taken the state on ride by its hollow slogans and false promises. “With elections round the corner they (NC leaders) will come to you again with same promises and vows. They will again project themselves as champions of Jammu and Kashmir and core loyalists to people”, he asked the people adding, “This time you have the opportunity to judge and decide on the basis of performance and report card. Keep their performance, misdeeds and scams in mind and exercise your franchise as per your conscious”. (KNS)