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  • Rumours about Yasin Malik’s health baseless: JKLF

    Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) on Sunday termed as false the rumours doing rounds about ill- health of its chairman Yasin Malik.

    A spokesperson of the outfit said that the rumours about Malik, who is lodged in central jail, are “unfounded and mischievous.”

    The rumours that life of Malik is in danger are totally baseless. People need not to worry about the health condition of Malik at all’. However spokesman appealed people to pray for speedy recovery of Malik from the current ailment and not to pay any heed to any rumours.

  • No plans to postpone 10th, 12th exams: Naeem Akhtar

    “There is no plan to postpone 10th and 12th exams any further. I have been receiving countless calls from worried parents and children since yesterday after a baseless report was circulated by a news gathering agency and unfortunately picked up by many newspapers,” Akhtar wrote on his Facebook page.

    Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Naeem Akhtar on Sunday refuted the media reports about postponing of 10th and 12th class examinations.
    “There is no plan to postpone 10th and 12th exams any further. I have been receiving countless calls from worried parents and children since yesterday after a baseless report was circulated by a news gathering agency and unfortunately picked up by many newspapers,” Akhtar wrote on his Facebook page.

    He said that all the students and parents who called him insisted that exams must go on in accordance with the published date sheet.
    “That is the decision of the government as well. Let the students remain focused on studies and prepare vigorously for exams on the due date. Best wishes to them,” said Akhtar.
    Earlier, reports had suggested that the government was planning to postpone the exams until March next year.

  • Russia-Pakistan military exercise: India says fully trusts Moscow

    Benaulim (Goa): In the wake of the Russian-Pakistan military exercise, India’s Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on Saturday said New Delhi fully trusts Moscow and expressed the confidence that it will never undermine Indian interests.

    “I am talking about the important relationship of India (and) Russia; this is not a question which I should be answering,” Jaishankar said while responding to a query on a Russia-Pakistan joint military exercise in the future.
    “We trust Russia fully. When we speak of friendship, the assumption is that Russia will never do anything which is not in our interest. After our discussions, we are satisfied that Russia understands India’s interest, will never do anything which is contrary to India’s interests,” Jaishankar said.
    The Foreign Secretary was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the India-Russia bilateral summit in south Goa’s Benaulim village, 60 km from state capital Panaji.
    Indian Ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran on Friday expressed concern over Moscow’s decision to participate in the joint military exercise in Pakistan last month.
    “We are confident Russia will reflect on our concerns; that is where we stand right now,” Saran told the media in Benaulim.

  • India, Russia sign big defence deals

    Benaulim (Goa): India and Russia on Saturday sealed a number of big ticket defence deals including purchase of missile systems, frigates and joint production of helicopters besides deciding to deepen cooperation in a range of crucial sectors even as the two close allies resolved to fight the menace of terrorism jointly.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral engagement following which the two sides signed a total of 16 MoUs and made three announcements to boost ties in sectors like trade and investment, hydrocarbons, space and smart cities.

    The two leaders also dedicated the unit two of Kudankulum nuclear power plant and witnessed foundation laying of its Unit 3 and 4.

    The defence deals included India buying the ‘gamechanger’ S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia at a cost of over USD 5 billion. The two countries will also collaborate in making four state of art frigates besides setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters.

    Reading out a statement to the media in the presence of Putin, the Prime Minister appreciated Russia’s understanding and support of India’s actions to fight cross-border terrorism, an oblique reference to India’s surgical strike across the LoC.

    “Russia’s clear stand on the need to combat terrorism mirrors our own. We deeply appreciate Russia’s understanding and support of our actions to fight cross-border terrorism,that threatens our entire region.

    “We both affirmed the need for zero tolerance in dealing with terrorists and their supporters,” Modi said.

    Putin, on his part, said both countries have close cooperation in fighting terrorism.
    Modi said the “highly productive” outcomes of the meeting clearly establish the special and privileged nature of strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The two sides signed an Inter Governmental Agreement for the purchase of S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defence missile system which has the capability to destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km.

    Another important deal is for four Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356) guided-missile stealth frigates.

  • Ranji Trophy: Parvez 5-for scripts J&K win over Goa

    Srinagar: The first five-wicket haul by star cricketer, Parvez Rasool scripted the first Ranji trophy tournament win of the season for J&K as they beat Goa by 116 runs at Lalbhai Contractor stadium, Surat on Saturday.

    Amir Aziz took the last wicket of Goa inning completing the dominating victory over Goa after stand between Samar Dubashi and Felix Alemano had frustrated J&K bowlers.

    Dubashi remained unbeaten on fighting 79 run knock as Amir Aziz clean bowled Felix who made 22. Last wicket stand for Goa was off 63 runs as they were nine down after 230 runs. In second inning Goa got allout for 293 runs suffering 116 run defeat. The win got J&K six crucial points taking them to number two spot in points table with seven points. Himachal Pradesh is at top of the table in Group-C with similar points but have better run rate.
    The hero of the inning for J&K was star cricketer Parvez Rasool who took his first five wicket haul of the season with his off spinners and was also involved in one run out.

    Goa started day on 22 without fall of any wicket. The opening duo of S Asnodkar and D Misal took Goa total to 87 runs when Samiullah gave much needed opening wicket to J&K. He took the wicket of Misal who scored 42 runs. The next batsman Kamal was first wicket of the day for Parvez getting out for six runs. Amir Aziz joined the act taking wicket of A Desai who scored only one run. Asnodkar who was batting strong at the other end got run out on 47 runs leaving Goa tattering on 116 for four. Parvez was the player who did the run out. After Asnodkar, Parvez Rasool scalped wicket of S Bandekar who scored only five runs leaving Goa for 136 runs at lunch break.

    After lunch Umer Nazir joined the act taking 6th Goa wicket that of Kauthankar. Parvez then trapped Jakati and Yadav LBW. It was his 3rd and 4th wicket of the inning. Amulya Panderkar became fifth victim of Parvez Rasool, caught by Samiullah. Amir Aziz completed the victory by taking last wicket of Felix who scored 22. Goa got all-out for 293 runs suffering 116 run defeat.

    Earlier J&K in its first inning had posted 227 runs thanks to brilliant knock of 82 run played by Parvez Rasool. The knock was special in a manner in which Parvez scored the runs at crucial time. Team was under pressure, he came into the middle and started attacking opposition, hammering two sixes and 13 boundaries. Ian Dev was rock solid at other end scoring 67 runs. Puneet Bisht scored 40. In reply Goa were bundled out for 77 runs in its first inning suffering first inning deficit of 150 runs. Ram Dayal had taken four while as Umer Nazir took three. Parvez Rasool chipped in with two crucial wickets and Samiullah one.

    In second inning J&K posted 261 runs thanks to defying inning played by Puneet who scored 87 while as Ian Dev again did what he has been doing over the years. He scored crucial 64 while as Shubam scored 48. Goa needed 411 runs to win which they were not able achieve.
    For his all-round performance of seven wickets and 82 run knock Parvez was adjudged man of the match.

  • RSS playing dangerous sectarian game in Jammu: Soz

    Urges mainstream parties to respond RSS’s ‘nefarious parochial’

    Srinagar: Former Union Minister and Senior Congress Leader, Prof. Saifuddin Soz on Saturday said that RSS is playing a dangerous sectarian game in Jammu.
    In a statement issued to KNS, Soz said, “My more than three decades in Delhi, in and out of Parliament, watching political scene closely and also participating in it, have yielded sufficient experience to me to understand the format of political nuances.”
    He said that “Now, I can imagine in my hindsight that both Atal Behari Bajpai and L.K. Advani, the BJP Stalwarts, wanted to contribute to building India into a vibrant ‘Nation State’. It was a close association and comraderie between the two. Then, both wanted to work with the opposition in a democratic way, inspite of political differences.”
    He said that while he heard them in Parliament and outside it, he could imagine that both leaders manoeuvred to stay two steps away from the RSS, subtely, although in public, they would always express that they drew inspiration from it (the RSS)!
    “In PM Modi’s dispensation, Modi (not necessarily the BJP as a unified situation) and the RSS want to maintain the ‘Similarity in Steps’. This stance has already produced strain and stress on thepolitical surface, which is not a good message for ‘India’s Nationhood’!”
    He said that “The RSS cannot, under any circumstances, change its mentality!”
    He said that the Chenab Valley in Jammu has organized a Bandh today (15th October, 2016) that has been described for the press as a reaction to RSS’s communal activities in the Jammu region. “This does notaugur well for political health of the State,” he said.
    “I would like to earnestly urge the Mainstream Parties in J&K – the NC, the Pradesh Congress, PDP, CPM, CPI, DNP, and PDF to respond to the RSS’s nefarious parochial and sectarian activities in Jammu and keep, in particular, India’s vast segment of Civil Society fully informed,” he added.

  • Dr. Farooq pays tribute to Late Mohammad Shafi Bhat

    Srinagar: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday visited the residence of Former Member of Parliament Late Mohammad Shafi Bhat on his Chaharum and paid glowing tributes to the veteran leader. Expressing grief and sorrow over Late Bhat’s demise, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said Mohammad Shafi Bhat devoted his life to the welfare of the common masses and served the State with utmost dedication and sincerity.
    Dr. Farooq Abdullah said Mohammad Shafi Bhat’s contributions to Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and the people of the State could not be forgotten and that his demise has created a political vacuum that would be hard to fill. The National Conference President prayed for peace to the departed soul and expressed his solidarity with the bereaved family.
    Various party functionaries, legislators and former legislators visited the residence of Late Mohammad Shafi Bhat to express their solidarity with the family and participated in the Rasam-e-Chaharum of the deceased leader.
    Dr. Farooq Abdullah has also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of noted businessman Khwaja Ghulam Rasool Simon of Srinagar and Veteran Political Activist Khwaja Abdul Rehman Khanday or Anchidora, Anantnag. Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, Dr. Farooq Abdullah prayed for peace to the departed souls and expressed his solidarity with their families. (KNS)

  • Hurriyat (G) slams pro-Indian politicians

    Says they provided covering face to Indian armed occupation

    Commenting on the recent statements of pro-Indian politicians especially those in opposition, Hurriyat (G) said that these are the people who collectively have provided a covering face to the Indian armed occupation, subjugating the whole nation into the grim and gloomy haze of unending atrocities and inhumanity at the hands of oppressor.
    Referring to yesterday’s statement from one of these pro-Indian parties, Hurriyat (G) said that if one goes back to turn the pages of Kashmir history, there is a long list of traitors with their horrifying and flagitious crimes against their own people. The black and sinister might of our slavery has started with the unnatural and unjust accession with India by none other than the tallest leader of this very party.
    Hurriyat Conference (G) said that upholding the slogan of self-determination for 22 long years, these people while humiliating and disgracing the movement and its activists, labeled it as political wandering, paving way and begging for power from those they once called them dirty and filthy creatures “Gutter Worms”. This treason and betrayal gave birth to a long list of traitors, ready for offering their services to strengthen and dipping deep the bloody nails of the Indian occupation.
    Hurriyat said that in 90’s when armed struggle started, this pro-Indian hatchery of politicians vanished from valley. But just after a few years when government sponsored gunmen slaughtered a fleet of freedom lovers and Islamists, paving way for return of these treasonists. In mid 90’s when India, with its full military might and unparalleled atrocities, had failed to hire and rent a face, to make the world agree to their rhetoric of “Atoot Aung”; these hereditacie and familial traitors came to their rescue and the statement that “if only 2% people vote I will form the government” stand testimony to it. Hurriyat said that it was he, who roared that our jails and interrogation centers are jam packed and these pro-freedom people should be sent across the border or killed. Advising Indian rulers to talk to Pak for solution of Kashmir, it was he who threatened to bomb Pakistan when he was relishing the power bestowed by his masters. Hurriyat said we often say that whenever these turn-coats and ratters are out of power, they curse and beat their chests for what, they themselves have done while in power obeying and heeding the dictates of their mentors. All of these henchmen, in and out of power, are in league with each other to stage-manage these dramas of cursing the government just to confirm their ministerial berths in next elections.
    Hurriyat said that bloodshed for the last 7 decades and death & devastations is because of these collaborators and now our fourth generation is out on streets to get slaughtered and maimed and crippled for their basic rights. They fill the jails and interrogations centers in and outside the valley sacrificing their prime youth. Our elders have their backs bent while shouldering the coffins of their loved ones, our half-widows have their eyes dry and sunken, while gazing for their husbands.
    Hurriyat said that 2008 and 2010 uprising stands testimony to the fact that those in opposition at that time were hypocritically and plan-fully crying and shouting in the streets for blood bath of innocents, but today it has been proved beyond an iota of doubt that their chest beating and roar was nothing but to cement their power in near future. Today’s opposition is following the same footsteps, being in league with them, otherwise 99 days of complete siege, more than 90 deaths, 400 blinds, 14000 injured and more than 10000 arrests—any sane person can guess and conceive that this blood thirsty regime has lost every moral, ethical, legal and even democratic ethos to be in the chair. Hurriyat further said that all these happenings since that unholy accession to India are credited to none other than those responsible for it and today’s fraudulent efforts are nothing, but to gain access to the power, otherwise the present scenario of Jammu and Kashmir demands sincere, truthful, bold and concrete steps to salvage this wrecked ship.

  • Govt likely to hold class 10, 12 exams in March

    Decision will be made public shortly

    Srinagar: Government has changed its mode and is mulling to hold annual examinations of class 10 and class 12 in March-2017.
    Sources said that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is personally looking into the matter after the grievance and demands of students were brought into her notice.
    The decision to hold examinations in March is under active consideration of authorities.
    “The final decision in this regard will be announced shortly,” sources told KNS.
    An official said that authorities are aware about the grievances of students of both classes and “will not do any injustice to them.”
    The issuance of date sheet for class 10 and class 12 come under severe criticism by both students and their parents. They have been accusing government of politicizing the education for ‘political gains.’
    Main opposition party leaders including National Conference and Congress has also asked the government to defer planned exams.
    “Earlier, the government was ready to give concessions to the students in terms of syllabus. However, Chief Minister is keenly looking into the developments,” said sources.
    “Some student and parents delegations had also called on concerned authorities. The officials gave them patient hearing and assured that their grievances and demands would be given due consideration,” said an official of Board of School Education. (KNS)

  • Pakistan ready for talks if India serious about Kashmir: Sharif

    Srinagar: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Saturday that his country was ready to hold dialogue with India if New Delhi was serious about resolving the Kashmir issue.
    According to Dawn.com, the Pakistan premier said Kashmir was main cause of unrest in the region and India must show seriousness for resolution of the issue and honour its commitment under United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

    Pakistan had offered holding of talks on outstanding issues several times but India did not reciprocate, he said while talking to reporters in Baku before wrapping up a three-day visit to Azerbaijan, it said.

    Pakistan was committed to peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, he added.
    The premier regretted Indian allegations that blamed Pakistan for the attack on an Indian army base camp in Uri.

    He said India levelled allegations against Pakistan within six hours of the Uri incident, and reiterated that no infiltration took place across the Line of Control (LoC).