Kashmir.Watch

Category: Union Territory

  • Killing of man eater at Dardpora –kupwara by wildlife sharp shooters.

    Kupwara (CNS): In its drive to provide relief to the affected people of kupwara District by eliminating Common leopard turned man eater/s, Department of Wildlife Protection, J&K-Kashmir today morning i,e 11th of Febuary 2014 silenced one more man eater in village Dardpora ( South Lolab) of kupwara District. The man- eater leopard was responsible to kill eight year old boy Zahid Ahmad Khan S/O Mukhtar Ahmad Khan R/O Dilbagh-Dewar ,South Lolab of Kupwara District.
    Same animal besides killing live stock of the villagers let a region of terror in the adjacent villages of Dardpora. Dewar. Lalpora, Thandoosa, Hyatpora, Krusun, and Darapora and on dated 07-10-2013, killed another six year old boy namely Sh.Zakair Ahmad Awan S/O Bashir Ahmad Awan R/O Dardpora, Lolab, Kupwara. Wildlife Department with all its required men and machinery was camping at village Dardpora of Lolab –Kupwara to kill the leopard turned man eater.
    Regular search and combing operations were conducted in nearby forests with hired sharp shooters and local people to liquidate the common leopard turned man eater. Today on Monday 11th of Febuary 2014 at 7:00 A:M one Habib-ur-Rehman Khan , a (Sharp shooter) hired by the Department killed the man eater near forest areas of Compartment No: 42/SL of Kamraj Forest Division-Kupwara near Patthan Mohalla of Dardpora-Kupwara.
    The animal was almost more than seven years old and the biggest one (Eight feet) so far reported from the North Kashmir or killed among man eaters , claws were torn –off and one of the canine on the lower jaw was completely broken way back, right pug was showing deep cracks because of frost, forcing him to become man- eater.
    Proper permission for killing this leopard turned man eater at Dard pora –Lolab –Kupwara was already issued by the department.

  • Strike on 9 to 11 shows peoples commitment to freedom struggle: Mirwaiz

    Srinagar, Feb 11 (KNS): Stressing that Kashmiris by observing complete shutdown on the martyrdom anniversaries of Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru have shown their strong resolve and commitment to the great mission of martyrs and freedom struggle, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that people have once again proved that liberation struggle was sacred and was above everything. He further said that Kashmiris have also proved that they can’t overlook their cherished freedom struggle just for the sake of some petty economic or some individual benefits.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, Mirwaiz said that authorities left no stone unturned to prevent people from observing the commemoration of the two martyrs. He said just for demanding the mortals of two martyrs and paying homage to them, authorities resorted to all the tyrannical measures by arresting and house arresting hurriyat leaders, activists, workers, arresting youths, and imposing undeclared curfews across villages and towns in entire Kashmir since past three days.
    Mirwaiz said such suppressive tactics openly display the anti-people policy pursued by the state against Kashmiris, adding, it also deflated their claims that Kashmir was peaceful.
    Mirwaiz said force and terror, economic grants and personal benefits, would in no way crush the spirit of freedom among the Kashmiri people, neither can it buy their loyalty.
    He said that three day shut down to remember martyrs should once again serve an eye opener for the world community and Indian leadership that Kashmir issue can’t be solved by unleashing terror and force or by economic grants. He said Kashmir issue can only be solved through political means in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of people.
    Meanwhile, hurriyat spokesman has sternly condemned the arrest of senior leaders including Mukhtar Ahamd Waza, Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Javed Ahmad Mir, Hakim Abdul Rashid, Hilal Ahmad War, Mushtaq Ahamd Sofi, adding, the conglomerate also condemnes the house arrest and arrests of hurriyat activists, workers and raids on their houses. Terming such tactics as dictatorial, spokesman said such undemocratic measures would not stop them from not pursuing the sacred cause of freedom.
    Spokesman also condemned the arrest of senior hurriyat leader Syed Bashir Andrabi and other activist including hamim Mir and Afroz Iqbal from Pulwama chowk when they were staging a protest. Spokesman said despite restrictions and curfew, Andrabi and others were able to protest and demand the mortal remains of Maqbool bhat and Afzal Guru. (KNS)

  • Road communication receiving focused attention: Omar

    Kathua: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that construction of bridges and roads received a considerable fillip during the last five years of his government to provide better road communication and link up rural and remote areas with main highways. “This was also aimed at ameliorating the lot of people living in backward areas by helping in the generation of economic activities of wide-range”, he added.

    Inaugurating Rs. 17.18 crore, 310 metres span double lane pre-stressed concrete Bridge over Tarnah Nallah at Magloor in Kathua District of Jammu Division this afternoon, the Chief Minister said that about 265 major bridges were completed in the State during the last five years besides 500 road construction projects.
    The Chief Minister said that road communication sector being essentially important for inclusive socio-economic growth received priority attention and about 10,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed and upgraded besides macadamizing 15,000 kilometres in the State during the last five years.
    The Chief Minister said that two flyovers one each at Jammu and Srinagar have been launched to provide better road communication in the twin cities and give relief to the commuters from frequent traffic jams. He said under the PMGSY over 1150 road projects were launched in the rural areas and 713 have been completed so far.
    Omar Abdullah said that the State Government got 650 road schemes costing Rs. 1774 crore aimed at constructing about 3500 kilometres, cleared from the Union Government under Phase VIII and IX under PMGSY. He said a massive roads and bridges construction programme is in full swing in the State adding that the current year will witness completion a lot of more roads and bridge scheme.
    The Magloor Bridge inaugurated today by the Chief Minister will benefit villages of Magloor, Torsi, Rehni, Malani, Gurah Panditan, Satt, Bakhta, Forelain, Dhani, Baria and adjacent areas. It will benefit about 25000 people and generate economic activities in these areas.
    The area being remote and people largely dependent on agriculture and allied activities were facing difficulties in transporting their produce to markets as also tranship fertilizers, seeds and domestic goods from towns and cities to their areas. The lack of connectivity was also hindering the development process. The education and medicare sectors were also under pressure. The construction of this bridge has opened a new era of economic welfare and development in the area.
    The executing agency of the bridge was J&K Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC). The JKPCC completed the bridge about one year ahead of the schedule date of completion.
    Present on the occasion were Minister for R&B, Abdul Majid Wani, Minister of State for Cooperatives, Dr. Manohar Lal, Minister of State for R&B, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Parliament Member, Ch. Lal Singh, various Sarpanches, Panches, Managing Director, JKPCC, P. R. Bhagat, Chief Engineer R&B, Jammu, Abdul Hamid, various officers and a large number of locals. (KNS)

  • PDP disrupts proceedings of both Houses Demands more new administrative units

    Jammu: Legislators Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today disrupted both houses to demand more new administrative units in the areas which have been neglected in the recently announced new administrative units.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, as the House assembled this morning for proceeding, PDP legislators under the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti resorted to shouting slogans against discriminatory distribution of administrative units. They alleged that many deserving areas have been ignored in allotting new administrative units.
    Speaking on the floor of the House, Ms Mehbooba Mufti said that during PDP-Congress a Committee headed by S S Beloria was constituted to identify deserving areas for the allotment of new administrative. “As recommendations of that Committee were incomplete, another Committee headed by Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai was constituted”, she pointed out and recalled that Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai Committee had submitted its report in the year 2011 but that report was never tabled in the House for discussion. “A number of times assurances were given that report would be tabled in the House but no action was taken. Instead of tabling the Ganai Report for the last 3 years, the Government abruptly made announcements in a hurried manner”, she observed and a number of deserving areas were ignored by this Committee.
    Today people in every nook and corner of the State have been agitating as they feel discriminated, many deserving areas being left out, she said and narrated a number of examples where deserving areas were ignored.  “At the fag-end of its tenure this regime has created chaos in the state by pitching one area against the other”, she said.
    PDP president handed over a list of areas, which deserve administrative units, to the Speaker and pressed for granting the status of Sub Division, CD Blocks, Tehsils and Niabats to the deserving areas. She demanded a time frame assurance from the Government but there was no response from Treasury benches. As Government failed to give any assurance on the list provided to the Speaker, PDP legislators again resorted to shouting slogans.   
    Following direction of the Speaker to forcibly take PDP legislators out of the House, party MLA from Tral, Mustaq Ahmed Shah received severe injuries when he was dragged by the watch and ward staff of the Assembly.
    PDP members also vociferously take up this issue in the Legislative Council also. Party members staged a walkout from the Upper House as mark of protest as govt has not adopted a uniform approach while announcing administrative units.
    Later talking to the media persons outside the Assembly, Ms Mehbooba Mufti regretted that entire opposition was protesting in the House and people all over the State were agitating but Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was busy on tweeting. “This is contempt of the House. Instead of facing the House, the Chief Minister is tweeting on this crucial issue”, she said.
    Ms Mufti said that braving severe cold, people all over the State have protesting against discrimination in distribution of administrative units but government has failed to give any assurance on this issue. She said that in Legislative Assembly PDP has submitted a list to the Speaker while as in Legislative Council list has been submitted to the Chairman.
    Joining the issue with Chief Minister, she said that if Chief Minister thinks that by announcing 759 administrative units alongwith 2000 Patwar halqas with issuance of Cabinet decision, he can hide mis-deeds and mis-governance of his five and half year tenure he should announce 700 more administrative units to get more political mileage. She pointed out that Ganai Committee had recommended 222 administrative units so what is  wrong if 700 or more units would be announced to give so that people agitating since the announcement of New Administrative Units, would give them an honourable way-out.
    She said that Omar Abdullah government has miserable failed to fulfil its promises so the government has brazenly been indulged into such deceitful tactics to befool the people. “In its five and half year tenure this government has nothing to show so this regime has been trying to divert attention of people towards its failure by politicizing the issue of administrative units”, she maintained and asserted that PDP would continue their struggle to get justice for the deserving areas. (KNS)

  • Inaction against accused Congress politician Medical fraternity mulling to shutting hospitals

    Srinagar: The amalgam of associations of doctors and paramedics Tuesday expressed their resentment against callous approach of the government in arresting the culprit Shabir Khan allegedly involved in molestation case. The amalgam in a statement to CNS said that it is a mockery of system that after having so much of outrage on this grave issue a guarded minister goes into hiding and till now hasn’t been arrested. “We feel that the system is applying different yardsticks when it comes to deal with a high profile culprit and a common citizen,” the statement reads.
    The amalgam namely Field Doctors Welfare Association Kashmir, Society of Consultant Doctors, , Health and Family Welfare Employees Confederation, JK Dental Surgeons Society, JK State Contractual Doctors Association, NRHM Doctors Association, Doctors and Patient Welfare Association
    has devised an agitation strategy which will be implemented from Wednesday onwards with the onset of wearing black bands and finally will lead to shutting of offices, hospitals including casualties if Government fails to deliver already delayed justice.
    The amalgam has appealed to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to put the culprit behind the bars immediately as it seems that the system has been lax in enforcing the verdict as too much of time has elapsed till now.
    “This time delaying tactics is just acting as a catalyst to our already deep rooted wounds and in turn is widening the trust deficit between the system of delivering justice and the turmoil torn valley. Delaying of bringing the accused to where he should be is paining us and our sister female colleagues in particular to the highest ebb. They feel if the step taken by the brave lady doesn’t bring the culprit to be punished now then it is nothing but an act of demoralizing the herculean efforts of the victim and her state of mind in person. Non deliverance or absence of speedy justice in cases like these will stop other brave hearts to come infront to raise their voice against these gory acts.”
    The amalgam warned the government that if such incidents are not being delivered in judicious way then it will have an irreparable loss to the institute of society and women in particular. (CNS)

  • NC’s power greed is exploited by Congress: Rashid

    Jammu: Amid pandemonium and chaos in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday over the new administrative units, there were heated exchanges between Independent lawmaker Er Rashid and Minister for Higher Education and National Conference leader, Muhammad Akbar Lone.

    “People of Kashmir voted for you but your party National Conference is stabbing Kashmiri’s in their back and providing all benefits to Jammu,” Rashid said pointing his finger towards Lone who was opposing the move of Peoples Democratic Party legislators over the creation of administrative units.
    Lone shot back at Rashid saying that it is none of his business to criticize the policies of National Conference. “You take care of your Constituency where people are satisfied with the decision of the government,” Lone told Rashid.
    Rashid shot back and said that “Congress party is using you as you are power hungry. You are diverting all the funds allocated for Kashmir to Jammu. You are power mongers and Congress party is exploiting you as a result Kashmiri people are facing discrimination.”

  • Mohammad Maqbool Butt is Our National Hero Whose Struggle And Sacrifices Will Be Written in Golden Words: Yasin Malik

    Maqbool Day Observed Across The Globe Today. Protests Sit in Outside United Nations office Islamabad and Indian high commission London Held. Rally held at Trehgam. Many Arrested from Maisuma During a Protest Rally

    Srinagar: Father of Kashmiri nation Martyr Mohammad Maqbool Butt is our national hero whose struggle and sacrifices will be written in golden words. Maqbool’s passion, zeal, struggle and sacrifice for the freedom of Jammu Kashmir is unparallel. This was stated by the chairman JKLF Muhammad Yasin Malik in his message on the day of martyrdom (Youm I Maqbool) of legend Muhammad Maqbool Bhat.  
    Yasin sahib who is in police custody from 9th February 2014 said that today the great leader martyr is being remembered across the cease fire line in Jammu Kashmir, in all major cities of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, UK, and Europe  and the rest of the world. Today we all Kashmiri’s thinking and acting above their political, religion, cast, creed, regional l and linguistic considerations are recalling the legend of this great soul who laid down his life for the freedom of our land and has become an inspiration for all of us. Yasin sahib congratulated the nation of Jammu Kashmir for this unified approach and oneness.
    Meanwhile Fahter of Kashmiri nation martyr Muhammad Maqbool butt was remembered across the globe on his martyrdom anniversary today. Programs were held in USA, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Germany and other parts of Europe.
    A public program was held at Trehgam Kupwara (the birth place of Shaheed Maqbool). Presided over by JKLF senior leader Master Muhammad Afzal, the program was attended by local traders, students, elders and people from all walks of life in big numbers. Master Mohammad Afzal and others addressed people on the occasion and paid rich tributes to the great leader.  Maqbool sahib’s nephew and niece recited poems about the great Shaheed.
    At Srinagar a protest march led by JKLF zonal organizer Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri started from Maisuma despite a strict curfew. As soon as the participants of the rally started their march towards Lal Chowk, police and other forces in large numbers cordoned them from all sides .Bashir Kashmiri along with Ghulam Rasool Hazari, Mohammed Haneef, Muhammad Afzal Sheikh, Imtiyaz Ahmad and Shahid Makaya were arrested on the occasion.
     In Islamabad Pakistan a protest rally was held outside the United Nations office and press club in which demand for the return of mortal remains of Maqbool butt was reiterated. The sit in was led by front leaders M. Rafiq Dar, M Salim Bhat, Raja Ghulam Mujtaba,M Rashid Mirza, Manzoor Ahmad Khan,Mazhar Kazmi,Qari Sami ud din, Noman Kkashmiri, etc. besides these Syed Yousuf Naseen  convener of APHC  also addressed people. A memorandum was presented to United Nations on the occasion.  In London also JKLF leaders, workers and Kashmiris living in London in large numbers participated in a protest outside the Indian high commission. Displaying placards and photographs of Martyr Maqbool butt, the participants demanded for the return of mortal remains of Maqbool sahib and Afzal sahib. A memorandum was also handed over to the high commission on the occasion. In cities of Azad Kashmir similar programs were held. In Mir Pur advocate Sabir Ansari and Khawaja Pervaiz Iqbal, in Rawalakot Doctor Toqeer Geelani,At Bagh Abdul Hameed Bhat and Jehangir Mirza, at Muzafarabad Kh. Saif uddin and Abdul Gafoor Dar, while as in Karachi Pakistan Adv. Khawja Abdullah and Sardar Javed and in Lahore Sardar Anwar led these programs.
    Similar kind of protest and public meetings are being reported from many more countries of the world. It may be recalled that on 16th and 26th February 2014 public rallies will be held in Belgium and Nottingham UK in connection with the Maqbool day. These programs will be organized by JKLF UK and Europe zone.
     It is worth to mention here that Yasin Malik was arrested on 9th February 2014 while leading a protest march towards Lal Chowk others who are still in police custody along with Yasin Malik are advocate Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Noor Mohammad Kalwal, Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi, Mushtaq Ajmal, Sheikh Khalid, Ashraf bin Salam, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, Dist. presidents Bashir Ahmad Boya, Abdul Sattar, Activists Giyas ud Din, Abdul Aziz, Fayaz Lone and Imtiyaz Bhat .

  • Third day of curfew like restrictions in Kashmir

    Srinagar: Strict restrictions are in place on Tuesday, for the third consecutive day in Srinagar and other large towns of Kashmir.

    The restrictions are continuing from Sunday, February, 9.
    Separatist groups have called for a 3 day strike in Kashmir from February 9.
    The call has been given to commemorate the 30th and the first death anniversaries of JKLF founder, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru.
    Guru and Bhat were hanged and buried in Tihar jail in 1984 and 2013 respectively.
    Sources said that Divisional Commissioner Kashmir is himself looking into the matter relating to law and order and he had given instructions to the police administration to impose restrictions days before.
    “There will be restrictions on Tuesday as well,” Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar had a day earlier told, a local daily adding “Government won’t take any chance to allow anybody to disrupt peace.”
    Hundreds of men in uniform have been deployed on every crossing and street of the city who have erected concertina barricades to confine the civilian movement.
    No vehicle is being allowed to move towards civil lines or old city areas resulting in the confinement of the people.
    “It is strange to see why police is not allowing even patients to get medical aid,” Abdul Razaq, of Samanderbagh, Srinagar told Kashmir Life over phone adding “It is the worst curfew after 2010.”
    Meanwhile, all the shops, business establishments and government offices are closed in all the district and tehsil headquarters of Kashmir and every kind of traffic is off the roads.
    Strict Curfew like restrictions are in place in Srinagar, and sensitive towns of Kashmir valley from Sunday.
    Separatists are demanding the mortal remains of both Guru and Bhat.
    Authorities have arrested almost 600 people prior to February 9, “to maintain law and order”. Sources said that these include separatist leaders and their followers especially youngsters.

  • Khan On The Run, Has Abandoned Security, Says Police

    Srinagar: Congress’s erstwhile minister Shabir Khan wanted for a doctor’s molestation in Srinagar is on the run. Most of the raids that were carried out in last 24 hours have failed to yield anything.

    A police officer who is associated with the exercise said Khan has deserted his security and switched off his all cell phones. “He is on the run and we are doing everything that is possible,” a police official said from Jammu.
    Kashmir police has sent a team under a DySP rank officer. After carrying out raids, they had sent an SOS for reinforcements saying they are carrying many more simultaneous raids. Given the fact that it would take a long time for more nafri to reach Jammu, the team has been asked to seek additional requirements from Jammu police.
    Sources said the police is under pressure to show results after the opposition cornered the government on the first day of the budget session. Principal opposition PDP alleged the government is deliberately not arresting the accused minister because he is being given time to settle the case with the victim. Government denied the allegation.
    But it has surprised people that a person who was supposed to take care of the state’s health till the weekend is being reported missing. Khan, as a minister was enjoying top security and it has not been withdrawn after he put in his papers. If that is case, the government may have to explain many things.

  • Lady Doctor files complaint against MP, media for disclosing her name

    Srinagar, Feb 10: (GNS) For what she termed as “rubbing salt to her injuries”, the lady doctor who complained of sexual assault by former Minister of State for Health has also lodged complaints against a Member Parliament, few journalists and some media organizations for revealing her identity before public.
    According to reports reaching GNS, the lady doctor has filed complaints against Member Parliament from Udhampur constituency, Chaudhary Lal Singh and some media houses for disclosing her name before public.
    In a statement issued to GNS, the doctor said she has lodged a complaint with SDPO Shaheed Gunj on February 8 requesting him to take appropriate action in accordance with law against some editors, publishers, printers, authors and Member of Parliament for defaming her character. “The assault was being discussed negatively which amounts to rubbing salt on my wounds,” she said in a statement, adding that such utterances pained her.
    “It is very unfortunate that many newspapers and some persons are commenting on the event in a way which is very painful and far from norms. Such incidents (sexual assault) already torment the woman in our social setup and it needs enormous courage to raise voice against such crimes,” the lady doctor added. The doctor said that she has stood up for the safety of all the women at their workplace in Kashmir and has appealed to all concerned to repose trust in the institution of justice and refrain from politicizing the sensitive issue.
    It is worth mentioning here that the disclosure of victim’s identity is prohibited under Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 as well as the Norms of Journalistic Conduct (2010) issued by the Press Council of India. A journalist cannot publish the name of the rape/assault victim in the report. If he does so he will violate the Norms of Journalist Conduct released by the Press Council of India. He will also be prosecuted under Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code and maybe punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to pay fine. (GNS)