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  • Celebrated Kashmiri singer Raja Begum dies at 89

    Srinagar: Celebrated Kashmiri folk singer Raja Begum breathed her last on Wednesday morning, reports said.

    Begum, 89, passed away after a protracted illness during early hours today.

    She was awarded Padma Shri in 2002.

  • At least I will go down as president: Obama tells Trump

    Washington: Appearing on a popular late night TV show, US President Barack Obama read out nasty tweets from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump who is aspiring to succeed him at the White House next January.

    “President Obama will go down as perhaps the worst president in the history of the United States!” Obama read appearing on the ABC’s ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’.

    The president said his morning wakeup time is 7 am. He was responding to a question about when somebody has to call him in the middle of the night to tell him about an emergency.
    He was asked why people don’t trust his former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
    “A lot of this just has to do with the fact that she has been in the trenches, in the arena for 30 years, and when you have been in the public eye for that long, and in politics, folks go after you and they’re trying to find a weak spot, and any mistake that you make ends up being magnified a narrative begins to build,” he said.
    “The brand of politics that Hillary represents, which is pragmatic and says that you don’t get everything done at once, you make progress and move pieces at a time, that may not attract as much attention, it’s not something that goes into 140 characters…but I think she will be an outstanding president,” Obama said.
    Later, when asked if he wishes he were the one campaigning against Trump, Obama said, “I think Hillary’s doing just fine”.
    Obama said he does have an iPhone but he can only access emails on it.
    “I now have an iPhone, but it is, you know, like, the phone you give your 2-year-old, where they can pretend to press things, but nothing actually happens? So my phone has no phone, no camera, no music all it has is the Internet, and I can send e-mails,” he said.

  • Terrorists storm police training college in Pakistan; 51 cadets killed, 97 injured

    Quetta: At least 51 police recruits were killed and 97 injured as terrorists attacked a police academy in the province of Balochistan in Pakistan, media reports said.

    Talking to the media, Balochistan Home Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that the operation against the terrorists has been completed by security forces who fought valiantly against the terrorists, Geo Tv reported.
    Bugti said that nearly 700 police recruits were present at the time of the attack.
    “There were three terrorists and all of them were wearing suicide vests,” Dawn news quoted Major General Sher Afgan.
    “Two suicide attackers blew themselves up, which resulted in casualties, while the third one was shot dead by our troops,” he added.
    He also informed the press that the attackers were getting directions from Afghanistan and the initial investigation suggests that the terrorists were affiliated with Lashkar-e- Jhangvi Al Almi.
    The attack began around 9.30 p.m. on Monday, as two attackers reportedly entered the complex through the front gate after shooting the guard, while others climbed the rear wall of the training centre.
    Three loud explosions were also heard, which occurred inside the training centre.
    Police and army personnel have surrounded the vicinity in large numbers as the operation is continuing inside the premises.
    An emergency had been declared at hospitals around the provincial capital.
    The training centre is situated on Sariab Road, which is one of the most sensitive areas of Quetta. Militants have been targeting security forces in the area for almost a decade.
    The training college has come under attack in the past in 2008 and 2006, with terrorists firing rockets into the college playground.
    In August, a suicide bombing at a Quetta hospital killed 73 persons. The attack was later claimed by the Islamic State group and the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.

  • Triple talaq is unconstitutional, should end: Naidu

    New Delhi: Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday advocated the abolition of ‘triple talaq’, saying it was a form of gender discrimination and against constitutional principles.

    “Gender discrimination must come to an end. We are a civilised society, we are a democratic country; why should there be gender discrimination? Triple talaq is a gender discrimination and against the principles of Constitution,” the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister told the media here.

    “Why should those helpless women be penalised for somebody else’s fault. That is why the BJP, the government, is strongly in favour of ending the practice of triple talaq,” said Naidu.
    His comments came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first comments on the
    controversial issue, said the government and society should ensure justice to Muslim women and not let their lives be destroyed by triple talaq.
    Naidu avoided a direct comment on the rift within Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Samajwadi Party but said “dynasty politics was nasty for democracy”.
    “Dynasty in democracy is nasty but it is tasty to some people and we are seeing the results also,” he said, adding the BJP doesn’t want to “fish in their troubled waters”.
    “It is their internal matter, but people are seeing what is happening and they will decide what should be done,” added Naidu. IANS

  • As separatist leaders open doors for delegation Mainstream parties exude confidence for serious, sincere efforts to resolve issues

    Srinagar: State opposition mainstream parties Monday welcomed arrival of delegation led by former union Minister for External Affairs Yashwant Singh and said exuded confidence that it could be major breakthrough if process carried process seriously and sincerely.
    National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar told KNS that his party has always advocated resolution of issues through dialogue.
    “The arrival of delegation and their meeting with various separatist leaders is a welcome step. We want that this initiate must go on seriously and sincerely so that issues are resolved amicably,” Sagar told KNS.
    He added that National Conference has been demanding release of all political leaders from jails, withdrawal of cases against youth and end to the use of pellets and crackdowns. “We will not hesitate to reiterate our viewpoints and demands before anyone,” he said while replying to a query.
    State Congress Chief, GA Mir said that the process of dialogue has to be carried forward. “Dialogue is the only way out. There is no any other option to resolve issues. Congress welcomes the initiatives taken by the Sinha led delegation. We also encourage the step separatist leaders for opening doors for the delegation,” he said.
    Chairman Peoples Democratic Front, Hakim Muhammad Yasin said that people of Kashmir wants resolution of Kashmir issue whether it is through track two or track three. “People of Kashmir have been worst suffers of the issue. Only they know the pain they are suffering from. The initiative by the delegation led by Mr Sinha is a welcome step. The process must go ahead and carried forward through sincerity,” he told KNS.
    He said that it is also encouraging that unlike for members of Parliamentarian delegation, separatist leaders opened doors for talks this time. (KNS)

  • ‘Lift Ban on Kashmir Reader, Sooner The Better,’ Kashmir Scribes say

    Srinagar: A silent protest by scribes on Tuesday at Press Enclave marked the 23rd day of ban on publication of daily the Kashmir Reader newspaper.

    Journalists working in Kashmir, most of them wearing black masks over their faces as a mark of protest, demanded immediate revocation of the ban on the daily.

    On October 3, 2016, the publication of Kashmir Reader newspaper was suspended after a government order banned the owner from publishing citing, “its publication disturbs peace in the region” – the charge denied by its editor.

    The ban order was issued by the district magistrate, Srinagar, invoking Section 3 of Newspapers Incitement of Offences Act, 1971 and Section 10 of Press and Publication Act, 1989, on grounds that the publication of the daily can “easily incite acts of violence and disturb peace and tranquillity”. The order was served to the owner, printer and publisher of the newspaper on Oct 2nd late evening.

    Speaking to reporters on the occasion, senior Journalist Zahir-ud-din said, “it is highly unfortunate that government has not lifted the ban (on Kashmir Reader).”

    “This (ban) speaks of their indifference and apathy but we assure our people that we will not succumb,” he said, adding, “we will continue to report the truth. We will continue to report the situation in its right perspective.”

    “We will not succumb to these cheap machinations,” he said. “It is in the interest of the government to lift the ban; better understand it sooner the better,” he said, “otherwise it is just exposing their tall claims of democracy and human rights.”

    The ban evoked widespread condemnation.

    Apart from making it to global publications, the ban was condemned by global watchdog bodies like Amnesty International.

    The reputed journalist body like Editors Guild of India also condemned the ban, asking CM Mufti to “review the ban”.

    Kashmir Editors Guild termed the government order, banning the newspaper, as “vague and unclear about the charges for which such a harsh step has been taken”.

    “Without taking recourse to any other institution in place like court, Information department, they (government) straight away banned the newspaper on a flimsy charge like inciting violence,” Hilal Mir, the editor of Kashmir Reader, has said.

    Mir said that government has not specified “like which report they are referring. It is amply clear from ban on a small newspaper that the so-called democratic institutions are in a crisis in Kashmir”.

    Many global Journalist bodies termed the ban on Kashmir Reader as “censorship” and “against” the principles of democracy.

    The South Asia Media Solidarity Network standing in solidarity with the working journalists and editors of Kashmir condemned the “attempt to silence” Kashmir Reader, saying, “the ban must be immediately revoked and the Kashmir Reader be allowed to publish unhindered.”

    Earlier, the working journalists of Kashmir observed silent sit-ins and took out solidarity marches against the ban. They also held a peaceful protest outside director information’s office in Srinagar urging him to revoke the ban.

    “Dear friends,” a mail sent by Kashmir Reader management earlier this morning said, “as you are aware, Kashmir Reader was banned on October 2. Since then, thanks to the efforts of the Kashmir Editors’ Guild, we have been in touch with the government regarding the revocation of the ban. During its meeting with the CM, the Guild emphatically pressed for immediate revocation of the ban. Subsequently, the Guild met (and also remained in touch) with some senior officials.”

    Besides, the mail added, many of our working colleagues stood by us by participating in protests and through other means also.

    “Despite all these efforts, the government is not forthcoming on when the ban would be lifted. Kashmir Reader is therefore holding a protest in this regard on Tuesday (October 25, 2016) at press enclave at 4pm.  We request you to participate in the protest so as to press the government to revoke the ban.”

  • Have come here to understand Kashmir situation: Sinha

    End hostilities, accept realities: Separatist tells delegation

    Srinagar: Clarifying that the delegation headed by him has come to Kashmir to understand the pain and agony of Kashmir the BJP veteran and former foreign minister Yashwant Sinha Tuesday expressed optimism on the talks the delegation headed by him had with top separatist leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq.
    However the delegation due its hectic political engagement could not meet JKLF Chairman Yaseen Malik today and is expected to meet him tomorrow. The delegation among other leaders called on Muslim Conference Chairman Prof Ab Gani Bhat and DFP Chairman Shabir Ahmed Shah.
    While Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani said that consultation over the future course of action can only begin after the release of all the detunes, the Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq said “the issue of Kashmir needs to be understood in its real perspective and addressed. India has to accept Kashmir a dispute which is an undisputed fact”. Muslim Conference (M) Chairman Prof Ab Gani Bhat when contacted told KNS “ the Kashmir has to understood in right perspective and addressed with a new initiative” .DFP Chairman Shabir Ahmed Shah told the KNS “ I asked to delegation to stop genocide and open all communication channel with the Government of Pakistan and the separatist leadership”. (KNS)

  • Yasin Malik refused to meet Track II diplomats

    Srinagar: The JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik refused to meet Track II diplomats on Tuesday who arrived in Kashmir for three days. The ailing Malik who is presently admitted in SKIMs Soura, refused to meet them.’ Pertinently the diplomats reached in Kashmir on tuesday for three days where they were supposed to meet all separatist leaders like Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. After meeting Geelani and Mirwaiz the unionists in Delhi informed media the diplomats in valley are not there for any formal meeting.

  • Naeem Akhtar ‘Lauds’ Ganderbal for ‘Maintaining Peace’

    Srinagar: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali Tuesday rolled out Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) scheme for Districts Ganderbal and Bandipora by symbolic distribution of gas coupons among Below Poverty Line (BPL) women here at Ganderbal.

    Zulfkar Ali highlighting the aim of the scheme said it will save the women from chronic diseases that they incur by using unclean fuel during cooking, an official spokesperson said this evening.

    He said under the scheme women living under BPL category would use gas instead of firewood for cooking. Giving reference from health report published by World Health Organization (WHO), the Minister said that more than five lakh women die annually by using unclean fuel for cooking. Therefore, the Minister said it was imperative that the issue be addressed.

    PMUY, the Minister said initially J&K was not included in the list of the States that were entitled to get benefit of the scheme.

    However, he said it was after the intervention of Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti that Centre extended the scheme to our State also.

    The Minister said that being connected with the people at the grass root level, the CM fully understands the problems women face in our State.

    The scheme was officially launched by the Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti on September 28th at SKICC.

    The Minister informed the gathering that in comparison to the 16 lakh gas connections that were provided to the State beneficiaries in last 70 years, so far around one lakh women falling under BPL category have received their gas connections under PMUY from its launch.

    The Minister said that the Government is also planning to start new gas agencies that will be within the radius of 15-20 KM so that the inconvenience people face while fetching their refill gas cylinders is resolved.

    Appreciating peoples support, the Minister said that while he appreciated the phenomenal role his departmental employees played in doing their duties in last few months, he is also great-full to people in general who ensured that our distribution process goes on without any disruption.

    The Minister added that the department in future would also continue to work with the same zeal to ensure people receive the essential commodities on time.

    Minister for Education Naeem Akhtar congratulating Zulfkar Ali for launching the scheme in Ganderbal said that the district deserves all the praise for not only getting the scheme, “but for also maintaining the peace”.

    He said, “District Ganderbal remained the most peaceful area despite unrest in the Valley.” He appreciated the people for ensuring the smooth completion of Amarnath Yatra, the spokesperson added.

    The Minister “questioned the wisdom in not allowing schools to open when all the businesses go on”. “If we have a political conflict, we should all irrespective of our backgrounds make a resolution that our educational institutions remain open so that our children do not remain aloof from their education.”

    Appreciating FCS&CA, the Minister said that despite the tough times the two departments that delivered their duties without any failure were FCS&CA, and Power Development Department.

    Earlier legislators Usman Majeed, and Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar lauded Zulfkar Ali and his department for ensuring continuous supply of essential supplies despite unrest.

    Later, the Minister also held a review meeting with the district administration, and departmental officers where he issued various directions to them for ensuring that people do not face any kind of difficulty in receiving essential items.

  • Delegation faces protest after meeting Geelani, Mirwaiz ‘Anti-India slogans raised’

    Srinagar: After holding separate talks with the chairmen of both the Hurriyat factions including Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq, the activists of the amalgams staged protests outside the residences of separatist leadership.
    The protesters raised slogans like ‘Go India Go Back’ and other pro-freedom slogans outside the residences of Geelani and Mirwaiz respectively.
    The team comprising of six members lead by former Union Minister for External Affairs Yashwant Sinha, reached Valley today.
    Others who are part of the delegation include: member of parliament Jai Ram Ramesh, Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka and former Union Minister for Rural Development, Former Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities and Chief Information Commissioner of India Wajahat Habibullah, Former Air Vice Marshal, Bharat Bhushan, Journalist (Editor of Catch News) Kapil Kak, and Executive Director, Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation Sushoba Barve.
    Sources had informed KNS that the team is assigned to see and try ways for initiation of fresh rapprochement and re-conciliation process.
    The team held separate talks with Hurriyat (G) and Hurriyat (M) Chairman.
    Sources had informed KNS that the team will call on Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and other ministers.
    It will likely meet various mainstream opposition leaders as well. (KNS)