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  • Thousands attend militants’ funeral

    Srinagar: Thousands of people Saturday participated in the funeral prayers of two militants killed during a gunfight with government forces in an encounter in South Kashmir’s Shupian.

    The funeral procession was held in the Shupian district and later the bodies of the two militants were taken in a procession to their respective areas.

    Amid tears and sobs, the, two slain were laid to rest at Drubgam and Kellar ‘Martyr’s graveyard’.

    Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani addressed protesters over phone from his Hyderpora residence. “The struggle would continue till last Indian solider leaves Kashmir,” he told the mourners.

    In his address, Geelani “urged the people to safeguard the sacrifices offered by the martyrs”.

    “We need to take care of these sacrifices and refrain from activities that are detrimental for the interest of ongoing movement,” he said, adding the youth of Kashmir would continue to resist the control of New Delhi.

    “People who cast their votes and support the pro-India elements are committing the act of treason. Whenever we cast votes for these elements actually we enslave ourselves and the next generations,” Geelani added.

    Meanwhile, a complete shutdown was observed in Drubgam, Kellar and other areas parts of the Shupian and Pulwom districts in South Kashmir to mourn the death of militants. All shops and business establishments

     

  • 3 JeM militants killed in Shopian

    Srinagar: Three Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) militants were killed and a trooper sustained injuries in an encounter at Qazipathri in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Friday.

    Army’s Srinagar based defence spokesperson told GNS that acting on a specific information about the presence of some militants at village Karew, Malnoo, the joint team of army’s 44 RR and SOG cordoned off the whole area at around 2:00 pm.

    As such the joint team of forces intensified the combing operation the militants hiding inside a residential house opened heavy fire ensuing fierce gunfight, he said.

    “During the gunfight all the three militants were killed and a soldier of 44 RR identified as Rakesh injured”, he said.

    He identified the two among 3 slain militants as Mohammad Asif and Shabir Gorsi. (GNS)

     

  • 28% percent polling in Anantnag constituency: CEO

    Srinagar: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir has said that 28 percent polling has been recorded so far in Anantnag constituency of Lok Sabha in south Kashmir.Addressing a press conference at Banquet Hall, the CEO Mr. Umang Narula said the polling in Anantnag constituency remained ‘by and large peaceful’ barring few minor incidents, the situation was under control. There were total of 1301109 voters in Anantnag constituency.He said Pulwama district recorded 6.32% polling, Shopian recorded 20.43% polling, Kulgam district recorded 36.68% and Anantnag recorded 37.76% polling. The CEO said migrant voters recorded 40% turnout. He said that the percentage may go up.In 2009 parliamentary polls, the Anantnag constituency had recorded 27 percent polling.The CEO, while answering a question over low turnout in Pulwama, said: There were few incidents before the elections which eventually declined the turnout.”On Monday evening, militants attacked village representatives in Tral villages of Pulwama district in which a Numberdar, a Sarpanch and his son were killed. In other attack, a Sarpanch managed to escape unhurt.The CEO said that the deployment of huge forces is done in order to facilitate the voting. (GNS)

  • Defeat falsehood, defeat PDP: Omar

    Omar Addresses election rallies at Dooru, Kokernag ‘Rahul tested friend of J&K’

    Kokernag: Addressing election rallies at Dooru and Kokernag in South Kashmir on Monday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also Working President of the National Conference, said that by defeating PDP in the current Lok Sabha Elections people would be ensuring the defeat of communal forces spearheaded by Narendra Modi.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, he added that defeating PDP would also amount to a defeat of falsehood and deceptive politics.

    “Both PDP and BJP are skilled at flaring up emotions, dividing various sections of the society, polarizing the atmosphere and making false promises which they have conveniently shelved whenever they came to power”, he said while stating that BJP pledge in its manifesto about abrogation of Article 370, enactment of the Uniform Civil Code and constructing a Temple at the site of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya were all indication of the communal mindset of Narendra Modi. He said PDP is an active accomplice and partner of BJP’s conspiracy to divide the people on communal lines and is working day and night to help Narendra Modi in his pursuit to be the Prime Minister of India.

    Omar Abdullah said that bartering the interests of Jammu and Kashmir for Chief Ministership has been the handiwork of PDP in the past. He said PDP’s interests in trading innocent lives and emotions of the people became amply clear when this party came to power in the State. “The hidden face of PDP got revealed before the masses through their anti-people agenda and behavior during its tenure in the power”, Omar Abdullah said and maintained that PDP cannot fool the people again and again by their tactical and deceitful political characteristics.

    The Working President National Conference said that the father-daughter Mufti duo can to any extent for the temptation of self-seeking power even if that meant selling the interests of Jammu and Kashmir as has been vindicated time and again even since Mufti Sahab’s entry into politics. He said yet another proof in this regard is PDP’s tactful support to Modi to become Prime Minister of India despite his known animosity against Jammu and Kashmir and its people.

    Omar Abdullah said that fielding of candidates in the current Lok Sabha Elections particularly in Jammu-Poonch and Undhampur-Doda Parliamentary Constituencies by the PDP to benefit BJP has unearthed the hidden alliance between the two parties.

    Omar cautioned the people against going astray because of PDP’s deceptive and fake sloganeering, falsehood and propaganda. “This has been the habit of PDP all along. You should beware of falling prey in their trap”, he added elaborating that NC-Congress coalition in the State and at the Centre is only capable of ameliorating the lot of people of the State and in ensuring peace, progress and political stability.

    The Working President National Conference said that Rahul Gandhi is a time tested friend of Jammu and Kashmir and his intention to seek all round welfare and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir is clear and demonstrated. He said Rahul Gandhi symbolizes the secular and democratic ethos of the country and deserves to be the Prime Minister and lead the country towards new heights, ensuring inclusive and equitable development.

    Omar asked the people to vote in large numbers in favour of NC-Congress joint candidate Dr. Mehboob Beg and help democracy and secularism to get strengthened in the country as well as the State. He said National Conference MPs have always highlighted Jammu and Kashmir centric issues in the Parliament positively and will continue to do so in the future while the then PDP Parliament Member Mehbooba Mufti’s track record in this regard has been shockingly dismal and disappointing.

    Taking a dig on the performance of Mehbooba Mufti in the Lok Sabha as then Parliament Member, Omar referred to the historic occasion when she was asked to speak in the Parliament on Amarnath Land Row and she insulted every single citizen of this State by laughing and saying “Mei Kya Boloun Yaar”.

    The election rallies were also addressed by Union Minister for Health and Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, President Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz,  National Conference Provincial President Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, NC-Congress joint candidate, Dr. Mehboob Baig and various other leaders of National Conference and Congress. (KNS)

     

     

  • Dr Farooq will keep quiet on Afzal’s hanging if he talks to his son: R K Singh  

    Srinagar: Reacting sharply to Dr Farooq Abdullah remarks that he will file charge sheet against him for plotting secret execution of Mohammad Afzal Guru, R K Singh, former Union Home Secretary and BJP leader on Monday said that Dr Farooq will ‘keep quite on the issue’ if he talks to his son and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

    Talking to KNS on phone from Delhi, Mr Singh said: “Dr Farooq is advised to talk to his son Omar Abdullah, home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and he will auto automatically remain keep quiet.”

    Pertinently, Dr Farooq had on Sunday accused the former Union Home Secretary of plotting Guru’s execution without informing the union cabinet ministers from the state.

    Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an election rally at Palpora, Eidgah in old city here on Sunday the NC president had said that he didn’t know anything about Guru’s hanging. “Neither Ghulam Nabi Azad nor me knew anything about Guru’s hanging. It was all done by the then Home Secretary (R K Singh), who at present is sitting in BJP’s lap. I will file a charge-sheet against him,” Dr Farooq had told reporters. (KNS)

     

  • Rulers, their forces always use force, illegal arrests for oppression: Malik   

    JKLF leaders continue their boycott campaign in Habakadal area

    Srinagar: JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik along with senior front leaders advocate Bashir Ahmad Bhat, leaders Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri  and Mohammad Azeem Zargar continued to remain in police custody today, said a statement issued to KNS. According to this statement, nocturnal raids, searches and creating fear by police and other forces is continuing and police have arrested JKLF activists Arshid Ahmad Bhat (Jan Kachroo), Fayaz  Ahmad and Imtiyaz Ahmad from their houses. Arshid Ahmad has been shifted to Islamabad district jail while as Fayaz Ahmad and Imtiyaz Ahmad have been lodged at central jail Srinagar. Police also raided the house of senior JKLF leader Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi and people related to JKLF in Padsahahi Bagh, Siotaing and Lasjan areas and harassed their kith and kin. Police also raided front activist Shahid Ahmad and is in search of many other JKLF leaders and activists throughout valley.

    Terming this crack down on peaceful political workers and activists as state sponsored violence, JKLF chief who is himself in police custody said that this police crackdown is most undemocratic unilateral state sponsored violence against a democratically legitimated and peaceful boycott campaign of JKLF. Yasin Malik said that this crackdown ,arrests and raids have once again proved that rulers and their forces are not able to fight resistance camp politically and they always use force and illegal arrests’ to oppress and suppress the voices of dissent .He said that these rulers and their forces must bear in mind that these kind of atrocities, arrests and oppressive measures cannot deter freedom lovers from pursuing the path of struggle and that  history bears a witness to the fact that the last victory belongs to the oppressed not oppressors.

    Malik also condemned the ill treatment meted out to Kashmiri inmates at Tihar jail Delhi and said that Kashmiri prisoners including lifer Javed Ahmad Khan have been shifted from their barracks and their clothes and other necessary things have been snatched and these prisoners are compelled to live without any clothes from last many days.

    Despite the arrests and other oppressive measures by police and forces, JKLF leaders continued their election boycott campaign and visited many areas in Haba Kadal constituency in Srinagar today. JKLF leaders Noor Mohammad Kalwal, Showkat Ahmad Bakhshi ,Ghulam Rasool Hazari, Imtiyaz Ahmad ,Molvi Abdul Rashid and others visited Purshyaar, Drubyaar, Dal Hasan Yaar Karfali Mohalla, Sona Masjid, Qazi Masjid and Syed Ali Akbar Feteh Kadal areas and apprised people about the importance of boycotting Indian elections. Leader’s appealed people to safeguard the sacrifices rendered by great martyrs and boycott these farce elections .Leaders also distributed boycott related pamphlets among the people. Leaders said that Indian elections are meant to defeat our movement and we are duty to boycott these and honor the sacred blood of martyrs.

    Meanwhile JKLF has expressed heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Ghulam Mohammad Wani. The deceased was brother in law of JKLF well wisher Farooq Ahmad Gilkar (Bahaw ud din sahib Nawhatta). JKLF while expressing solidarity with the bereaved family prayed for the heavenly abode for the departed soul. (KNS)

     

  • Wrong Idea sir ji! Shahtoosh passes ring test, not Pashmina

    Kashmir Inc threatens legal action against cellular company

    MUKEET AKMALI

    Srinagar:  In a classic case of ignorance and misinformation, Idea Cellular is misleading people in India about Pashmina. Though its ad the company suggests that pure Pashmina should pass ring test. The ad has came in for severe criticism in Kashmir particularly in the traders/artisan community. Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has threatened legal action against the Idea cellular accusing the latter of defaming Pashmina in its advertisement.  The Idea cellular ad on TV shows two women asking for a Pashmina shawl to a dealer, who passes on a shawl to them claiming it to be made of Pashmina. The women reject the shawl complaining that it did not pass the ring test.  The ad has not gone down well with the local handicraft dealers here who have taken strong exception to it reasoning that it is the Shahtoosh that should pass the ring and not the Pashmina shawl. The KCCI to discuss this issue convened a meeting of a sub-committee looking to the handicraft sector.The meeting discussed the problems being faced by the handicraft dealers outside state since the ad went on air. “We have received representations from various Kashmir-based dealers from various parts of the country urging us to take action against the company,” the meeting was informed. The meeting was informed that customers outside were demanding the Pashmina shawl should pass the ring test. The meeting said it is only the Shahtoosh shawl that passes the ring test and not the Pashmina shawl. “The ad by sending a message that Pashmina shawl should pass the ring test is in fact misinforming the people,” the meeting said. “Government of India and JK government should act against the company for spreading false information about Pashmina which affects the business of Pashmina dealers,” the meeting said. President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Ashiq told Greater Kashmir that the chamber would soon send a legal notice to Idea and has already intimated the state government and handicraft department about this false information being propagated by the Idea. “I think it is a ploy to derail the Pashmina trade which was already marginalized by the traders of other states by using machine made fibers and selling them to customers as Kashmiri handmade Pashmina,” he said. “We have already written to Financial Commissioner Handicrafts and Directorate of Handicraft about the false information being propagated through this advertisement,” he said, adding that the ad was showing Kashmiri traders in bad taste. Ashiq said the company without doing any research “has been showing the advertisement without verifying the facts which is extremely unprofessional and highly deplorable act.” To mention, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Saturday came out in support of traders associated with traditional handicraft blaming private cellular service provider for the wrong portrayal of salesmen in their popular advertisement. Tweeting on the much-hyped advertisement campaign aired by the Idea cellular mobile company, Omar Saturday wrote,” Dear @ideacellular your ad is wrong & totally misleading. Pashmina shawls aren’t supposed to pass a ring test, that’s a Shahtosh shawl”. Responding to the popular sentiment on the micro blogging site Omar tweeted, “It’s also insulting to the hundreds of honest Kashmiri handicraft salesmen when the image projected is that of crooks”