Kashmir.Watch

Blog

  • Taliban Primarily Rely on Financing from China: Spokesperson Says

    With the help of China, the Taliban will fight for an economic comeback in Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid tells Italian newspaper.

    Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has told an Italian newspaper that the group will rely primarily on financing from China following the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan and its takeover of the country.

    In his interview published by La Repubblica on Thursday, Mujahid said the Taliban will fight for an economic comeback with the help of China.

    The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, on August 15 as the country’s Western-backed government melted away, bringing an end to 20 years of war amid fears of an economic collapse and widespread hunger.

    Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, centre, said the New Silk Road - a Chinese infrastructure initiative - was held in high regard by the Taliban [File: Wakil Kohsar/AFP]
    Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, centre, said the New Silk Road – a Chinese infrastructure initiative – was held in high regard by the Taliban [File: Wakil Kohsar/AFP

    Following the chaotic departure of foreign troops from Kabul airport in recent weeks, Western states have severely restricted their aid payments to Afghanistan.

    “China is our most important partner and represents a fundamental and extraordinary opportunity for us, because it is ready to invest and rebuild our country,” the Taliban spokesperson was quoted as saying in the interview.

    He said the New Silk Road – an infrastructure initiative with which China wants to increase its global influence by opening up trade routes – was held in high regard by the Taliban.

    There are “rich copper mines in the country, which, thanks to the Chinese, can be put back into operation and modernised. In addition, China is our pass to markets all over the world.”

    Mujahid also confirmed that women would be allowed to continue studying at universities in future. He said women would be able to work as nurses, in the police or as assistants in ministries, but ruled out that there would be female ministers.

    Andrew Small, senior transatlantic fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States Asia programme, said China’s engagement in Afghanistan would be dependent on political stability.

    “China doesn’t do large scale aid; it will provide aid in modest terms, it will provide humanitarian assistance and it’s not going to bail out a new government,” he told Al Jazeera.

    “It might do some smaller scale investments but those longer term investments will depend on there being enough stability in the country and enough security in the country for these to turn into something that’s economically viable,” he added.

    “So there’s still some limitations to what Cina’s going to be willing to do economically, even if it continues to be happy and the Taliban are keen to be able to send these signals that China’s willing to swing in on scale.”

    Afghanistan desperately needs money, and the Taliban is unlikely to get swift access to the roughly $10bn in assets here mostly held abroad by the Afghan central bank.

    Earlier this week, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned of a looming “humanitarian catastrophe” in Afghanistan and urged countries to provide emergency funding as severe drought and war have forced thousands of families to flee their homes.

    Guterres expressed his “grave concern at the deepening humanitarian and economic crisis in the country”, adding that basic services threatened to collapse “completely”.

    “Now more than ever, Afghan children, women and men need the support and solidarity of the international community,” he said in a statement on Tuesday as he pleaded for financial support from nations.

    “I urge all member states to dig deep for the people of Afghanistan in their darkest hour of need. I urge them to provide timely, flexible and comprehensive funding,” the UN secretary-general said.

    UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the current $1.3bn UN humanitarian appeal for Afghanistan is only 39 percent funded.

    SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

    (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

    Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, centre, said the New Silk Road – a Chinese infrastructure initiative – was held in high regard by the Taliban [File: Wakil Kohsar/AFP

  • Mobile phone connectivity, broadband services to be restored at 10 pm: IGP Kashmir

    Srinagar, Sep 03 : Inspector General of Police Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar Friday said that situation remained peaceful and under control across the Valley and that the mobile voice-calling service and broadband services on all platforms will be restored at 10 pm tonight.

    “So far situation remained peaceful & under control. Thanks for public’s cooperation in maintaining law & order. Mobile service (voice call) and broadband of all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) shall open from today evening at 10 pm,” IGP Kashmir told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)
    Mobile phone connectivity and internet services were snapped on Thursday early morning in the wake of death of senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani as a “precautionary measure.”—(KNO)

  • Geelani’s Death: Restrictions to continue tomorrow across Kashmir, say officials

    Will take call on restoration of mobile phone connectivity after security review tomorrow afternoon: IGP Kashmir

    Srinagar: Strict curbs will remain in place in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir on Friday in the wake of death of senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, officials said Thursday.
    An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that restrictions will continue to remain in place in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir on Friday as well as a “precautionary measure.”
    “Since its Friday, there are apprehensions that some vested interests may disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. So restrictions will remain in force tomorrow (Friday),” the official said. On restoring the mobile phone connectivity, he said decision to restore mobile communications in Kashmir will be taken in a review meeting scheduled to be held Friday evening.
    Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir said that today the situation across the valley remained peaceful and no any untoward incident was reported. “Pertinently, some vested interests tried to spread baseless rumours about forcible burial of SAS Geelani by Police. Such baseless reports which are as a part of false propaganda to incite violence are totally refuted by the police. As a matter of fact, Police instead facilitated in bringing the dead-body from house to graveyard as there were apprehensions of miscreants taking undue advantage of the situation. The relatives of the deceased participated in the burial,” he said.
    IGP Kashmir thanked and appreciated the co-operation of the general public in maintaining the peaceful situation throughout the valley which defeated the ill designs of inimical elements who are hell-bent to disturb the otherwise peaceful atmosphere in the valley. “It is also pertinent to mention that similar restrictions and internet shutdown will continue tomorrow. We shall review the situation tomorrow afternoon and take further course of action,” he said.
    He said general public is requested not to pay heed to the rumors being spread by the anti-national elements especially across the border who are trying to take undue advantage of the situation and to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in valley—(KNO)

  • Altaf Bukhari condoles demise of Syed Ali Shah Geelani

    SRINAGAR, September 2: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday expressed deep shock and grief over the demise of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a veteran politician who passed away yesterday evening.

    In a condolence message issued here, Bukhari said: “Really saddened with the departure of Geelani Saheb. Most sincere condolences to his loved ones and the family.”

    Bukhari Prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

  • Following SAS Geelani’s Demise, An alert has been sounded across Kashmir Valley

    “Restrictions imposed including suspension of internet services in the Valley,” IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said.

    Syed Ali Geelani Passes Away Restrictions Imposed, Internet Suspended; Mehbooba, Sajad Condole Demise

    Srinagar, Sept 1: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani passed away at his residence in Hyderpora here on Wednesday.

    The 92-year-old veteran Hurriyat Conference leader was no keeping well for a long time. He passed away this evening, officials confirmed to GNS.

    Geelani was previously a key member of Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir but later on founded his own party by the name of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. He served as the Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a conglomerate of various separatist parties, formed on July 31, 1993.

    In September 2003, the Hurriyat Conference split on the questions of its future strategies, the role of militancy, and dialogue. Subsequently, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat came into existence.

    Before becoming staunch separatist figure, Geelani was an MLA from Sopore constituency and had won in 1972. He won in the Assembly polls from the same constituency in 1977 and 1987.
    Meanwhile, sources said that security establishment has decided to make elaborate arrangements in wake of the Geelani’s demise.

    Meanwhile, mainstream leaders including Mehbooba Mufti and Sajd Lone expressed condolence.

    “Saddened by the news of Geelani sahab’s passing away. We may not have agreed on most things but I respect him for his steadfastness & standing by his beliefs. May Allah Ta’aala grant him jannat & condolences to his family & well wishers,”, Mehbooba, former Chief Minister of erstwhile J&K state and PDP chief said.

    Sajad Lone, chairman of Peoples Conference and former minister in a tweet said: “Heartfelt condolences to the family of Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sahib. Was an esteemed colleague of my late father. May Allah grant him Jannat.” (GNS)

  • Sajad Lone Tweets

  • Mehbooba Mufti Tweets

  • Syed Ali Shah Geelani Passes Away

    A top separatist leader and former Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani breathed his last at his Srinagar residence on Wednesday evening, sources said.

    Sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Geelani, 92, developed serious complications on Wednesday afternoon and breathed his last in this evening.

    “He had chest congestion and breathing problems. He passed away at 10:30 PM,” they said.

    Geelani was ailing for a long time and was under house detention since 2008 at his Hyderpora residence.

    Last year, he announced his resignation as Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman.

    Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was born on 29 September 1929, was a Kashmiri separatist leader in Jammu and Kashmir.

    He was previously a member of Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir but later on founded Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. He has served as the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), a conglomerate of pro-separatist parties in Jammu and Kashmir.

    He was an MLA from Sopore constituency of Jammu and Kashmir in 1972, 1977 and in 1987. He stepped down as the Hurriyat Conference Chief in June 2020.

    KNO

    Former Hurriyat (G) chairman and Leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani passes away at the age of 92. The leader had resigned from politics and Hurriyat last year.

    “Saddened by the news of Geelani sahab’s passing away. We may not have agreed on most things but I respect him for his steadfastness & standing by his beliefs. May Allah Ta’aala grant him jannat & condolences to his family & well wishers,” former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti has tweeted.

  • Kashmer Group adds one more free critical care ambulance service in Valley

    Launches free service in Anantnag, Baramulla as well

    After the launch of free Emergency Medical Services (EMS) project in July 2019, the Kashmiri American Society of Healthcare, Medical Education and Research, (KASHMER) in collaboration with the Help Foundation has started one more critical care ambulance service, equipped with ventilators, E.C.G and other advanced health monitoring devices along with trained paramedics and EMT personnel.

    A senior and a founding member of the group while speaking to the news agency— Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the group initiated its program in the valley in July 2019 with two critical care ambulances, equipped with paramedics and EMT personnel.

    “The purpose of this free service is to reach out to the people during health emergencies, as our critical care ambulances are equipped with ventilators and other monitoring devices,” he said.

    He, however, added that the services are available during the emergencies only, not for the daily routine mobilisation of patients or shifting of parents from hospital to home.

    He further said that in the initial phase of the project two critical care ambulances manned with paramedics/EMT personnel were introduced. The control room or the central hub is staffed by junior doctors to provide acute care en-route with triage to the closest available emergency room.

    While highlighting the services of the project he said that the critical ambulances are equipped with well-trained medical and paramedical staff which also includes the BLS (Basic Life Support), and ACLS (Advanced Life Support).

    He further said An EMS phone number (9484100200) is already available for access to the general public.

    “However people need to be educated about using this number for emergencies only and not regular healthcare advice,” he added.

    One of the incharges in the valley, Dr Mudasir said that with the operational base in Srinagar, the group has started the critical care ambulance services in district Baramulla and district Anantnag as well.

    “With the addition of one more critical care ambulance, the services have been started in Baramulla and district Anantnag and addition of one more critical care ambulance is on cards,” Mudasir said.

    Pertinently, the services were inaugurated at SKICC in Srinagar on July 18, 2019 and launched by Atal Dulloo, then Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department, along with Dr Omar Javed Shah, Director SKIMS and other invites.

  • Is Taliban a ‘terror organisation’? Omar Abdullah asks Centre

    Jammu September 1: A day after India initiated talks with the Taliban, Jammu And Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday sought clarification from the Centre whether or not the group is a “terror organisation”.
    Taking a dig at the Central government, Abdullah said: “Either Taliban are a terror organisation or not, please clarify to us how you see them. If they are not a terror group, then will you (Centre) move to United Nations and have it delisted as a terror organisation? Let their bank accounts start functioning then.”
    “If they are a terror group, why are you talking to them? How do you distinguish between the Taliban and other terror organisations?” he added.
    India on Tuesday held a meeting with a Taliban leader in Doha at the latter’s request. Ambassador of India to Qatar, Deepak Mittal, met Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the head of the Taliban’s Political Office. The meeting took place at the Embassy of India, Doha.
    The discussions focused on safety, security and early return of Indian nationals stranded in Afghanistan. The travel of Afghan nationals, especially minorities, who wish to visit India also came up, a statement by the external affairs ministry read.
    Talking about Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said that it would be best if the Centre restores the complete statehood of J-K before moving ahead with elections. “We are ready for elections since 2019. Our only demand is that the Centre returns complete statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before moving ahead with the elections. Our other fights in Supreme Court, be it regarding Article 370 or August 5, will continue. But when everyone including the Home Minister of the state has promised to restore the statehood, then why delay?” he said
    Dr Farooq Abdullah too had voiced his concern on the impact of the Taliban’s arrival in Afghanistan on Kashmir. He said, “Taliban’s influence will be felt. Where it will fall, how much will fall on America, how much will fall on Russia, how much will fall on China, I do not know. And we have to see how much impact it will have.”
    Talking of the issue of security in the valley, Farooq added, “The issue of security needs attention. If Panchayat, DDC members want to work and progress, then their security is extremely important. Five workers from BJP were killed; one from the Apna Party was killed. God knows what will happen later.” (SOURCE ANI)