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  • Curfew lifted from Bandipora after five days

    Srinagar: Five-day long curfew clamped to curb protests after the killing of a teen was lifted from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
    However, a complete shutdown was observed in Hajan and Naidkhai towns of the district against alleged police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) excesses.
    Reports reaching GNS said that all shops, offices, business establishments and banks opened in the district’s main town, while private and public transport was also plying normally.
    “Everything is normal here since morning. People are busy in their routine activities,” Mir Tariq, a local, told GNS over phone.
    The markets were abuzz with people and no protest was reported from the area.
    In neigbouring Hajan and Naidkhai towns a complete shutdown was observed amid minor clashes between youth and government forces.
    “Hajan was completely shut against the police and CRPF atrocities on locals. In the afternoon, youth clashed with forces, who in return lobbed nearly half-a-dozen tear-smoke shells,” an eyewitness told GNS.
    However, no one was injured in the clashes. Similar situation was reported from Naidkhai town of the district.
    Last week on Friday evening, 18-year-old Farhat Ahmad Dar was killed in police action following violent clashes in the area. Police claimed that they “fired in air” but locals say the police directly targeted the protesters. The authorities have already ordered a magisterial enquiry in the incident.
    A delegation of Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir (HCJK) led by Mushtaq-ul-Islam managed to reach Naidkhai where they addressed a large gathering. Mushtaq condemned the killing and hailed people for raising their voice against the “forces’ atrocities”. (GNS)

  • Brawl between suspended Kashmir students and NGO staff

    Srinagar: A scuffle broke out between a group of ousted students and staff members of a nongovernmental organization, which had facilitated their admissions under the prime minister’s scholarship scheme in an Indian varsity.
    The brawl broke out during a parent meet held at the NGOs office in Jawahar Nagar area of uptown Srinagar.
    Rabia Baaji, who heads the All India Centre for Urban and Rural Development, had organized a meeting of parents of Kashmir students, who were thrown out after they cheered for Pakistan during a cricket match against India earlier this month.
    The meet was attained by at least 40 parents.  At least 67 Kashmir students were suspended by Meerut’s Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU) over cheering for Pakistan cricket team after they defeated India in a league match of previously held Asia cup in Bangladesh and were charged with sedition. However, after a public outcry, the sedition charges were revoked, but the students have been booked for creating communal hatred and ruckus.
    “I had organized the meet of parents of suspended students so that their career and time could be saved. We were discussing the ways forward. Everything was going well. Besides parents, there were students also,” Rabia – who is also facilitator between varsity and students – told GNS.
    She said: “Some parents are of the view that till safety of their wards in the SVSU is not guaranteed, they won’t their wards to the varsity while some students demand migration certificate. “We had also prepared two separate lists,” she added.
    “Suddenly a group of around 10 students started ransacking in my office. They thrashed my staff and created mayhem,” Rabia alleged. “These hypocrites can kill me too,” she said.
    “These are those students who want migration from the SVSU. They don’t want this issue to get settled,” she said.
    The students, who allegedly ransacked Rabia’s office, told GNS that the scuffle broke after her staff ‘thrashed’ them.
    “Her staff thrashed us. They beat us and during the scuffle, the furniture and other things in her office got damaged. A member of her staff provoked me. He dragged me and started to ask where is your father,” Aijaz Ahamd, one of the students, told GNS.
    While quoting Rabia’s staff member, Aijaz said: “Are you any Don from downtown?”
    In the allegations and counter-allegations, Rabia has lodged a complaint in Raj Bagh police station. “I need security and that is why I called police,” she said.
    Meanwhile, a parent, who attended the meet, told GNS that until and unless their wards aren’t guaranteed safety, they won’t send them to SVSU.
    “I will send my son to SVSU only if his security is guaranteed. So far, nothing has been done in this regard,” Abdul Aziz of Pattan told GNS.
    Meanwhile, a senior police official confirmed to GNS that they Rajbagh police received a complaint about the scuffle.
    “An official was sent to the NGO office. We are looking into the matter and the details will be shared soon,” he said.(GNS)

  • Salman Nizami calls on Rahul, Soni

    Factionalism in JK Cong merely farce; Joint Secretary tells high command
    New Delhi: State Joint Secretary Pradesh Congress Committee Salman Nizami called upon Congress high command to appraise the ground situation of J&K in the backdrop of ensuing general elections.Giving details Nizami informed AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi and Incharge J&K Mrs Ambika Soni that workers are fully involved in campaigning in favor of party candidates.
    Nizami urged upon the party leadership that no pay any heed towards the propaganda of factionalism rumors being spread by opposition political parties to defame party cadre across the state. He, however, suggested that large number of youth in state is of view that Ghulam Nabi Azad should be considered for the post of prime minister ship whereas Saif-U-Din Soz should be given the task of chief ministership to end the rumors of factionalism once far all. Rahul Gandi after listening Nizami patiently praised his work and entrusted him more credible task of the party along J&K state. Nizami has been instrumental in bringing more than two thousand young stone pelters in main stream by motivating them after through and repeated counseling. He has been reportedly found working at grass root for more than twelve hours in a day. It was told the youth who were part of meeting by Congress Vice President, Rahul Gandhi. It is important to mention here that Salman was offered post of Joint Secretary in state cadre only after his dedication towards the party policies and agenda was judged by Rahul Gandhi and Ambika Soni. Meanwhile, Nizami was entrusted to work in double shifts to ensure the success of Congress candidates in state in the general elections. He assured party high command that he would work dawn to dusk to make sure the success of Congress candidates.

  • Rain washes away railway track in Kashmir

    Srinagar: Rail service between Qazigund and Banihal in Kashmir region was suspended Tuesday after a portion of track remained under water due to heavy rain since Monday.
    Railway sources said that four feet of track was washed away due to heavy rains since Monday and work to rebuild the track was started at the crack of dawn on Tuesday so that the service is not affected.
    Railway officials said a portion of track between Qazigund to Banihal was under water and it was decided to suspend the rail for two hours to clear the track. “The service will be resumed soon,” he said.
    The rail service which runs from Baramulla in north Kashmir to Qazigund in south Kashmir via Srinagar, Badgam, Pulwama, Anantnag and Kulgam was going on smoothly till last night when Kashmir Valley witnessed a heavy downpour.

  • JKP prepared to ensure free, fair elections: Rajendra

    Jammu: In order to review as well as discuss the security arrangements and other connected issues related to smooth conduct of ensuing Lok Sabha elections in the State, Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Home Department today chaired a high level meeting here today.
    The meeting was attended by Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar, Special Director General Police, (Coordination), Mr S. P. Vaid, ADGP (Hqrs), Mr. R.S. Sodhi, Secretary, Technical, Home Department, Mr. Deepak Kumar, IGP (Hqrs), Mr. Yoginder Kaul, Commissioner Civil Military Liaison Mr. Rajesh Kumar,  IGP Jammu, Mr. S.S. Tomar, IG BSF, Mr. Kuldeep Dhar, IG CRPF and other officers of Home Department. Mr. Shailendra Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Mr. A .G. Mir, IGP Kashmir, participated in the meeting through video-conferencing.
    At the outset, Mr. Suresh Kumar, sought reports from different security agencies and State Police with regard to the preparedness and the arrangements put in place for smooth conduct of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. He stressed for greater synergy and coordination among the different agencies and police for maintenance of law and order and conduct of free and fair elections in the State. He exhorted for creating a congenial atmosphere enabling the people to exercise their franchise without any fear and coercion.
    It was also decided that IGP Kashmir and IGP Jammu will work out the requirement of forces and deployment plans at micro level in their respective divisions. They will exchange the required number of companies of security forces as worked out by the Police Headquarters. The Principal Secretary Home directed for early execution of pending warrants and confiscation of unlicensed arms and deposition of licensed weapons.
    Special Director General of Police, Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar, briefed the meeting about the deployment plan chalked out for smooth conduct of the upcoming elections. He informed that Jammu and Kashmir Police shall utilize all its sources in all the six constituencies of the State for smooth conduct of the elections. He also stated that State Police and other Para-military forces deployed in the State are mobilizing their entire manpower and machinery to ensure free and fair elections in the State.
    While giving the details about the election preparedness, Mr. Rajendra Kumar, stated that State Police has sensitized all its wings ahead of elections and increased coordination among different agencies is being forged to strengthen intelligence gathering and its sharing, so as to thwart the sinister designs of anti-national elements. He said that joint meetings of different agencies are being convened regularly to share the inputs and deal with the situation accordingly.
    Rajendra also informed that the communication network available with all the agencies including State Police and Central Forces will be used during the elections. He said that joint control rooms are being established to ensure coordination among different agencies involved in the process of elections. ADGP, Headquarters informed that BP vehicles are available for deployment with the candidates contesting the elections. (KNS)

  • Govt letting off spurious drug perpetrators: DAK

    Independent inquiry will role many heads
    Srinagar: President Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) Dr Nisar ul Hassan has said that it is shocking that government is shielding spurious drug perpetrators.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, Dr Hassan has said: “We are anguished to know that crime branch in its supplementary charge sheet has let off Lotika Khajuria the then deputy drug controller. Earlier she was indicted as there was substantial evidence to prove her complicity in the purchase and supply of spurious drugs for government hospitals .She along with other members of purchase committee (PC) had deliberately overlooked the fake and fraudulent tendering documents and had facilitated the commission of crime.”
    The DAK president has alleged that the government has already given a clean chit to the then Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma whose involvement in spurious drug scam is proved by a letter from Anees Choudry wherein he mentions that Minister directed chairperson of PC to go ahead with rate contract without checking the potency of the drug and credentials of the firm.
    “The members of verification board of Directorate of Health services Kashmir under the administrative control of Director Dr Salem u Rehman, who have deliberately overlooked the credentials of supplier / manufacturer, have also been left out by investigating authority,” he added.
    Dr Hassan has said that the DAK exposed the spurious drug scam last year and since then hundreds of drugs have been declared spurious/substandard killing children and adults. “Drug department is hand in glove with spurious drug mafia and are in league with shoddy pharmaceutical companies. The department has shown utter disregard to their duties by not taking samples for analysis.”
    He said that if this scandal had come to fore in any other state, government would have been sued for inaction, but here victims are disempowered Kashmiris and comfort level for government is secure.
    “Kashmir is a den of spurious drugs and this deadly business has political patronage. DAK demands independent inquiry in spurious drug scam so that many heads will roll as the culprits are being shielded by investigating authority. Fake drug scam is an unforgivable commission of crime as precious human lives are lost and perpetrators should face public trial.” (KNS)

  • Report about attack on FM’s cavalcade totally baseless: NC

    Jammu: The spokesman has strongly rebutted the news report circulated by local news agency that the cavalcade of the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs,   Abdul Rahim Rather was attacked by the people at Chana Mohalla, Watakaloo of Charar-i-Sharief in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, the spokesman also rebutted alleged reports that the Minister’s Security Personnel had to fire tear gas shells to disperse the mob. In fact, the spokesman said, that the Minister conducted a three days whirl wind tour of various areas including some inaccessible and hilly  villages of District Budgam very smoothly to take stocks of restoration works under taken by the District administration post snowfall. He said during the tour of the Minister, they locals in thousands thronged to greet him and also apprised him about their problems created due to unexpected heavy snowfall. They demanded early redressal of their grievances
    The spokesman said circulation of the news report without ascertaining its authenticity  was against ethics of journalism which can be a mischief engineered by some disgruntled political elements who are unnerved with the ever  growing popularity of the Minister among the masses. Even as per the report of the news agency, the concerned Station House Officer, Charar-i-sharief, when immediately contacted by it in this regard, had totally denied the report of any attack on the Minister’s Cavalcade. (KNS)

  • CRPF on ‘vandalizing spree’ in Bandipora towns

    Srinagar: Residents of Hajan and Naidkhai in Bandipora district Tuesday alleged that paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has created ‘mayhem’ in their areas.
    Hajin residents told GNS over phone that the CRPF men went berserk in the area and spared none. “The CRPF men broke glasses of the houses, broke window panes and ransacked vehicles,” said a local, adding: “They have created a reign in the localities.”
    Hajan witnessed violent protests after a youth was killed in police action on Friday evening at Naidkhai.
    “I was serving tea to my eight and ten year old sons at my home. Suddenly, CRPF men entered our house and broke window-panes and glasses of our house. In order to save my family, we hid in the bathroom,” Shameema, a resident of Syed Mohalla, told GNS.
    Another lady, who wished not to be named, alleged: “CRPF men even beat women after entering houses. They dragged three women and tried to arrest them but later left them away.”
    Sources in the town told GNS that the forces went berserk in Parray Mohalla, Mir Mohalla, Danger Mohalla, Syed Mohalla and Kochak Mohalla.
    “CRPF, without looking right or left, are on vandalizing spree. Since past two days, they have brutalized the population,” another local told GNS.
    Naidkhai town residents leveled similar allegation. “They have been beating people, breaking glasses and window-panes of houses since past three days,” a resident told GNS.
    But CRPF have rejected the allegations. “These are baseless allegations. We have ordered our men not to indulge in these kinds of activities,” Public Relations Officer of CRPF, Kishore Prasad, told GNS.
    “If locals can prove allegations against any of our men, we will take action against him,” he added. (GNS)

  • HCJK protests ‘ill treatment’ of inmates

    Srinagar: The spokesperson of Hurriyat Conference-JK (HCJK) has strongly condemned the administration for its ill treatment of freedom lovers in the jails of state and outside state.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, the jail inmates are not provided medical care effectively neither they are brought to courts for attending their cases so to prolong their detention. Particularly Abdul Waheed Zakir of Banhial, Zakir Ahmed of Kathua, Atta Muhammad  are  particularly harassed as they are serving life sentences. Kathua and Mubarak Ahmed of Kulgam .talking to some recently released boys from Kot Bilwal jail Jammu who narrated their woeful stories of the administration of the said jail.
    They have made the meeting of inmates to their relatives very difficult they have made a habit of insulting the visiting  relatives and also made the checking of inmates  who come out to meet their relatives very harsh. Taking strong notice of these inhuman activities, Hurriyat Conference-JK warns the state administration to desist from these activities or they may have to face consequences for which the responsibility lies with them.  The spokesman also condemned the continued house arrest of its leaders Shabir Ahmed shah & Nayeem Ahmed Khan. (KNS)

  • Omar expresses grief over demise of Ganai

    Participates in Nimaz-e-Jenaza, expresses solidarity with bereaved family
    Srinagar: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who is also Working President of National Conference has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of the senior National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Ganai who passed away yesterday in his South Kashmir residence.
    According to a statement issued to KNS, the Working President National Conference alongwith Provincial President Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister of State for Information Technology, Feroz Ahmad Khan and other senior National Conference leaders visited the residence of late Mohammad Akbar Ganai and participated in the Nimaz-e-Jenaza. Omar Abdullah stayed with the bereaved family, consoled it, expressed his solidarity and sympathy and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
    Omar Abdullah on the occasion highlighted the contributions of late Mohammad Akbar Ganai for strengthening the National Conference and seeking upliftment of the people particularly belonging to poorer sections of the society. The Working President National Conference said that in the demise of Mohammad Akbar Ganai while people have lost their great friend, the National Conference has been deprived of a stalwart and senior leader. (KNS)