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  • Peoples Conference activist shot at in Kashmir

    Srinagar: Suspected rebels shot at and injured an activist of Peoples Conference in north Kashmir on Wednesday evening, official sources said. They said gunmen fired upon the PC activist Ghulam Nabi Khawaja at Kralgund this evening. He was rushed to nearby hospital where from he was referred to Srinagar hospital for specialized treatment. Soon after the attack, government forces reached the spot and launched a hunt to nab the assailants.(GNS)

  • Ya Hussain, Ya Hussain (AS) Thousands commemorate Ashoora across JK

    Srinagar: Amid curfew and curbs in different parts of Valley, Youm-e-Ashura was observed on Wednesday with reverence and religious fervor throughout Jammu & Kashmir to pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and His companions for their supreme sacrifice in Karbala.Police detained scores of mourners from different parts of Srinagar city when they tried to take out Ashura procession while restrictions and curfew were imposed on the movement of people in most areas of old Srinagar city. “Restrictions had been imposed in seven police station areas of Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safakadal, Lal Bazaar and Maisuma,” a senior police officer said here.

    The 10th of Muharram is observed across the globe as the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

    Rolls of razor-fitted concertina wire were placed on street crossings to block passage of traffic and pedestrian movement. Ashura processions are banned in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar since 1989Eyewitnesses told news agency CNS that Alam and Zuljanah processions were taken out in all districts across Kashmir. Thousands of Azadars participated in a procession in downtown Srinagar which passed through Mohalla Syed Afzal, Alamgari Bazar and culminated at Zadibal Imambargah.

    Ashura processions were also taken out in Baarji Harwan, Bemina, Gund Khwaja Qasim, Mirgund, Hanjiveera, Balhama, Panear, Tral, Divsar Kulgam, Sofipora Pahalgam, Chattergul, Achabal, Dangerpora, Sonawari and scores of other places.

    In central Kashmir’s Budgam district Ashura processions was taken out from Jamia Babul Alim to Imambara Yousufabad, Magam, Iskinderpora Beerwah and Sonpah. The biggest procession was taken out from Mirgund to Imambargah Budgam. The procession was led by senior separatist leader and president Anjuman Shari Shain Aga Syed Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi. Witnesses added that mourners forcibly entered into the house of Aga Syed Hasan and forced police to retreat from the spot. Pertinently, Aga Syed Hasan has been under house arrest from past three months. Aga Syed Hasan said that Imam Hussain (AS) symbolizes firm faith in Almighty, high principals of righteousness, purity of thought and highest degree of sacrifice to uphold truth and human dignity. He said that Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions exhibited unparalleled courage and patience, and made historic sacrifices at Karbala which would enlighten and guide the mankind forever. Taking a dig at the government for not allowing the Ashura procession from Abi Guzar, he said that he wonders why government cites the reason of security for not allowing the Ashura procession. 

    Ashura processions were also taken out in Ladakh’s remote Turtuk, Partappora and Chushut. In Kargil, Ashura was observed under the banner of Anjuman-e-Jamiyat Ullama (Islamia School Kargil). The mourning processions were taken out from different villages of Kargil. The processions passed through Main Bazar, Lal Chowk, Khomeni Chowk, Islamia School Chowk and concluded at Qatilgaha-e-Hussaini (Inqillab Manzil). Thousands of mourners participated in these processions. In Ganderbal district, Ashura processions were taken out at Bot Kullan and Dub.

    Thousands of mourners were part of an Ashura procession taken out from Peer Mitha Jammu amid tight security arrangements. The procession commenced from Imam Bargah Peermitha under the banner of Anjuman-e-lmamia, Jammu. Thousands of mourners from across the region mourned the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS). A brief Majlis (congregation) was also held before the start of the procession where scholars delivered lectures narrating the tragedy of Karbala.

    After passing through the traditional route, the procession culminated at Karbala complex Wazarat road.

    Similar procession was also taken out from New Plots Jammu by Anjuman-e-Haidery that culminated and merged with the main procession at Imam Bargah Sofi Shah Peermitha. (CNS)

  • Joint Resistance Leadership Issues Fresh Protest Calendar

    Srinagar: The joint resistance leadership on Wednesday issued a new protest calendar.

    Friday, October 14
    (No Relaxation)
    Indian Governor’s Office (Raj Bhawan) March
    From 7 am, March one & all from the entire Jammu & Kashmir towards the occupational Indian Government’s Governor’s office, Srinagar and handover a letter, asking him to vacate Jammu & Kashmir;
    Offer Friday prayer along Dalgate-Boulevord- Shalimar roadway;
    Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of Srinagar coordinate&ensure the arrangements

    Saturday, October 15
    (Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
    Kargil, Peer Panchal Range & Chenab Valley Day
    From 7 am, March one & all from Kargil, Peer Panchal Range and Chenab Valley to places identified and agreed upon locally and mutually;
    Post Zuhr prayer, hold Freedom Congregations;
    Also organise support and solidarity rallies across Kashmir valley for the people of these regions;
    During relaxation period, put Black Flags on shops and vehicles, as a protest against continued oppression on Muslims by Hindutva forces in these regions;
    Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these areas coordinate and ensure the arrangements

    Sunday, October 16
    (Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
    Transporters Support Day
    All the socio-religious organisations like Jamat-i-Islami, Jamiat-i-Ahlihadees, Tehreek-e-Sawtul Awliya, Karwaan-i-Islami, Ummat-i-Islami, Anjuman-i-Tableeghul Islamand others start a door to door campaign to raise funds for the support of transporters;
    Identify and prepare a list at Mohalla levelof all drivers, conductors, auto rickshaw owners, sumo owners, cab owners, matador owners, bus owners, etc. and extend help to the in all possible ways

    Monday, October 17
    (Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
    District Headquarters Azadi Road Shows
    From 7 am, join Azadi Road Shows and march towards District Headquarters. March on two wheelers (Motorcycles & Bicycles) and march by foot;
    If and wherever stopped, assemble, occupy and protest at that place till 4 pm;
    Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these areas coordinate and ensure the arrangements

    Tuesday, October 18
    (Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
    Women’s Day
    Assemble & Occupy local chowks and centres from Zuhr to Asr in the vicinity of your mohallas, villages and localities;
    Protest with Flags, Placards and Banners with Freedom messages and slogans

    Wednesday, October 19
    (Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
    Sogam, Kreeri, Naidkhai, Soibugh, Manigam, Khonmoh, Newa, Zainpora, Pahloo, Achabal Freedom March
    From 7 am,March one & all from Kupwara to Sogam, Baramulla to Kreeri, Bandipora to Naidkhai, Budgam to Soibugh, Ganderbal to Manigam, Srinagar to Khonmoh, Pulwama to Newa, Shopian to Zainpora, Kulgam to Pahloo and Islamabad to Achabal;
    Post Zuhr prayer, hold Freedom Congregation at the place identified and agreed upon locally and mutually;
    Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these Blocks coordinate and ensure the arrangements

    Thursday, October 20
    (Relaxation from 5 pm to 7 am)
    One Day Azadi Convention
    Neighbouring villages and localities organize one day Azadi conventionfrom 11 am to 4 pm in respective areas;
    Deliberate and discuss ways and means to strengthen the ongoing People’s uprising for freedom from Indian occupation;
    Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these areas coordinate and ensure the arrangements

    Directions For All Days
    1.      Protests be held across Jammu & Kashmir.
    2.     Shutdown across Jammu & Kashmir on all days except for the relaxation mentioned in the program.
    3.     Public vehicular movement not to be stopped after 10 pm to 6 am on all nights.
    4.     Lockdown all the routes entering your Mohallas, Villages and Localities by every means during night to protect people in general and youth in particular from the raids and arrests by Indian forces and J&K Police.
    5.     Play Islamic and Azadi Taranas from Maghrib to Isha on all days.
    6.     Paste this Protest Program Poster on the entrance of every mosque and in Market places, Mohallas & Local Chowks.

  • No surgical strikes were held in previous years: Parrikar

    Mumbai: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday rejected claims that surgical strikes were undertaken during the UPA regime and asserted that a “major” share of credit for the army action last month goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Speaking at two different events, he said all the 127 crore people of India, including “doubting Thomases”, and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party.
    At the same time, he said that “major share” of credit does go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for decision-making and planning
    He also made it clear that claims of having carried out such strikes earlier were wrong as such actions were undertaken by border action teams at local level “without the knowledge” of the government.
    “I don’t mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting Thomases, can share the credit,” he said at a function here, adding it will settle the nerves of many
    The Minister said he understands the sentiments of the people who are satisfied after the strikes
    Several political leaders and parties have raised questions on the surgical strike and some have sought proof
    The Congress, while officially supporting the government over the strike, has also said that similar operations were undertaken during its tenure also
    “I have been the Defence Minister for two years. From whatever I have known, there is no surgical strike from previous years. What they are quoting are actions taken by border action teams. These are common actions across the globe and by the Indian army,” he said
    Explaining the concept, the Minister said such operations are carried out without official order or prior sanction of the government
    “It is done without the knowledge of anyone. Report is subsequently given,” he said underlining the action is taken by the local commander for settling scores
    Parrikar made it clear that unlike earlier, this time it was a surgical strike because “decision was taken and conveyed” and the army did the job well
    “This was an operation which clearly indicates the intent of the government and the nation,” he said
    Parrikar said that if the government wanted to take political mileage out of this, then he would have announced it rather than the Director General of Military Operations.

  • Father and his two sons arrested in nocturnal raid

    Srinagar: Besides two teenagers, Police arrested father and his two sons during a nocturnal raid in Chanapora in the outskirts of Srinagar city, prompting the populace to hit to roads during the dead of night raising pro-freedom slogans.

    Locals told news agency CNS that government armed forces in five to six vehicles raided few houses at Lone Mohalla Chanapora during the dead of the night. The police barged into the house on one Ali Muhammad Lone and bundled him into police vehicle along with his two sons Ishtyaq Ahmed Lone and Reyaz Ahmed Lone. Police also picked up two youth whom locals identified as Muhammad Maqbool and Abdul Qayoom.

    Locals added that as the police started raiding the houses, announcements were made on loudspeakers asking people to hit to roads. Police faced stiff resistance from agitated locals. The locals in hundreds took to roads and staged massive anti-India protest. Reports said that locals even staged protest on Wednesday afternoon and didn’t allow any private vehicle to pass through the road.

    Confirming the arrests, a police official said that ‘accused are not only involved in stone-pelting but they also incited people for trouble.’ “All the accused have been lodged in police station Rajbagh,” he said. (CNS)

  • Chairman JK Bank assures complete safety of investor funds

    Thanks for felicitations

    Srinagar: Chairman and CEO J&K Bank, Parvez Ahmed has thanked people from different walks of life especially business community for extending felicitations through various channels of communication including media on his appointment as Chairman and CEO of the Bank. While reciprocating with warmth and affection to all of them he hoped that bank will come to their expectations in terms of service delivery and merit based financial support wherever required.
    The Chairman and CEO while expressing his gratitude to media fraternity for their encouraging response in large numbers for his maiden Press Conference as Chairman& CEO, Parvez Ahmed acknowledged the great support media has always extended to the Bank and its leadership for the successful implementation of its policies as major state lender and second largest employer of the state.
    Dispelling the fears of the public on the unprecedented levels of NPA and stressed assets that the Bank is lately facing, Parvez assured all stakeholders that such situation shall soon come under control supporting his belief by citing similar situations during past two and a half decades in which the bank’s staff showed tremendous skills and commitment to help the Bank sail through turbulent times successfully.
    He further reassured all stakeholders that “their investments are completely safe with the Bank and times of decent returns coupled with festive dividends are returning soon”. For this, he showed his complete confidence and trust on the capabilities of employees of the bank and strategies adopted for consolidation and clean up of the balance sheet.
    However, reiterating his commitment of restoring the glory of the bank, the Chairman made a humble request to all stakeholders for their continued unrelenting support.

    Chairman JK Bank calls on Governor

    Mr. Parvez Ahmed, who took over as Chairman of the J&K Bank last week, called on Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here today and informed the latter about the plans to take J&K Bank to the fore front in the banking sector.

    Governor urged Chairman Ahmed to suitably re-orient the Bank’s current policies to ensure that targeted support is provided to identified segments of the economy and pointed to the Bank’s responsibility of playing a rapidly larger role in speeding up the growth and development of the State.  In this context he referred to the need for priority attention being provided to meet the needs of weavers and craftsmen and the available central schemes being fully exploited to assist the growers. He lauded Mr. Ahmed’s commitment to nurture transparency and accountability and wished him a successful tenure ahead.

  • RSS rallies no threat to anyone: BJP

    “Such rallies are carried across the country”

    Srinagar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ashok Koul on Wednesday said that RSS rally in J&K is no threat to anyone.
    He said that the rally was held in a simple manner as it is being held in any part of the country.
    “RSS rally is no threat to anyone. RSS carries such rallies across the country. There is no need to politicize the matter,” he said.
    Pertinently, opposition parties have termed holding of RSS rallies in Jammu as “provocative” while former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has described it as unconstitutional, saying “such provocative rallies would only increase communal tension in the state.”
    “To grant permission for holding of rallies is the job of authorities. We have no role in that,” he said while replying to a query.
    Ashura procession was not allowed in the Srinagar as authorities had placed curfew and restrictions to prevent these processions.
    However, in Jammu, RSS was granted permission to hold rallies. (KNS)

  • Sajad Lone meets PM Modi

    Situation, other issues discussed

    Srinagar: Peoples Conference Chairman and Minister for Social welfare Sajad Gani Lone Wednesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time after formation of PDP-BJP coalition government at his official residence at 7 race course road New Delhi.
    Sources told KNS, meeting which started at about 5pm lasted for about 40 minutes during which the prevailing situation in Kashmir and issues related to Socio Economic development were discussed at length.
    Interestingly Sajad Gani Lone is the only ally of BJP in the PDP-BJP Coalition ministry.
    Sajad Lone could not be contacted over phone despite repeated attempts. (KNS)

  • Resistance of the People of Jammu Kashmir is Also a Continuation of Karbala: Yasin Malik

    Ultimate sacrifice of Imam I Hussain (RA) and his family at desolated land of Karbala is a glorious page of Islamic history that will always remain a source of inspiration for all those who stand against tyranny and oppression.

    Srinagar: Ultimate sacrifice of Imam I Hussain (RA) and his family at desolated land of Karbala is a glorious page of Islamic history that will always remain a source of inspiration for all those who stand against tyranny and oppression. The resistance of the people of Jammu Kashmir is also a continuation of Karbala whose main lesson to humanity is to stand firm before tyranny and instead of bowing one’s head sacrifice it in the way of truth. In battle between oppressors and the oppressed, Last victory always belongs to the oppressed people. This was stated by the chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik in his message from incarceration on the occasion of Youm I Ashoora today. Ailing JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik who was arrested by police on 8th July 2016 and is now lodged at central jail Srinagar in his message said that Youm I Ashoora is a historical day which marks a distinction between truth and falsehood and this day makes us to recall and remember that in the continuing struggle between truth and false, oppressor and the oppressed, the last victory belongs to the oppressed and truth. He said that in desolated desert of Karbala nephew of sacred prophet (peace be upon him) Imam I Hussain (RA) and his companions, despite severe thirst, hunger and tiredness resisted the forces of tyranny and oppression and refused to bow before them. This is the main lesson from Karbala that despite all hardships true follower of Imam I Hussain (RA) should never bow before tyrants and should never ever side with those who are oppressors or support oppression, asserted Yasin Malik. He said, that imam I Hussain and his companions nor complained of being lesser in numbers neither of the hardships inflicted upon them by the oppressors but instead without compromising remained steadfast and sacrificed their lives in the way of truth and honesty. He said that Imam I Aali Muqam had two roads ahead of him. One was to compromise and accept the hegemony of falsehood and save his life and the other way was to remain steadfast, challenge the untruth and sacrifice his head and the heads of his sacred family. Imam (RA) chose the way of resistance, sacrificed his life and his family and thus became a symbol of resistance and truth for all times and generations to come. Yasin Malik said that the ultimate sacrifice of Imam I Hussain (RA) and his family at desolated land of Karbala is a glorious page of Islamic history that will always remain as a source of inspiration for all those who stand against tyranny and oppression. Yasin Malik said that Karbala is the continuation of Battle between truth and falsehood and this battle will continue till hereafter in one form or the other.

    Malik said that the resistance in Jammu Kashmir and Palestine are also continuation of Karbala as oppressed people of both these regions are resisting the forces of evil, tyranny and oppression from a long time. He said that Shumar and Ibn Ziyad like forces are even now operating with impunity and these forces are killing, caging and humiliating humans shamelessly and main objective of these forces is to suppress freedom of humans, suppress their democratic voices and even ban mourning’s. Terming the ban on Aashoora Majalis and processions in Kashmir as undemocratic and tyrannical, Yasin Malik said that last 70 years of illegal occupation have turned heaven of Jammu Kashmir into a hell. More than one lakh humans have been killed here, lakhs have been injured, property worth hundreds of crores has been destroyed, thousands have been killed in custody and thousands are absconding and thousands of unmarked graves and other signs of inhumanity are glaring examples of this aggression. Terming last about 100 days of resistance as other sign of ongoing Karbala, Yasin Malik said that during last three months more than 100 innocents have been martyred, 18000 people among whom many lost their eye sights have been injured, properties worth crores stand destroyed, more than ten thousand people have been arrested and spree of arrests and injuries continues unabated. He said that history bears a witness to the fact that tyranny and oppression tastes defeat at the end and it is the oppressed that stand victorious in the war between oppressors and the oppressed. He said that Ashoora and Karbala teach us the lesson of steadfastness and siding with the oppressed and if today we in reality want to follow Imam I Aali Muqam (RA) we all will have to adhere to these principles and lessons. While strongly condemning the ongoing spree of arrests and nocturnal raids, Yasin Malik said that last night police and forces unleashed a reign of terror in Chanpora and Rambagh areas and arrested many innocents including Abdul Qayoom Lone who is the brother of JKLF martyr Mushtaq Ahmad lone and also the only bread earner of his innocent family, Molvi Ali Muhammad Lone along with his two sons Reyaz Ahmad Lone and Ishfaq Ahmad Lone, two brothers namely Gulzar Ahmad Butt , Hilal Ahamd Butt and Muhammad Maqbool sheikh and many others.  While condemning these arrests, Yasin Malik termed these as undemocratic and anti-Kashmiri acts of so-called rulers and appealed to international community and international human rights organizations to take a note of these human rights violations. He said that if international community fails to defend oppressed Kashmiris, common people will lose remaining faith in them and they will also be seen as the helpers of tyrants and oppressors.

  • State Govt’s ‘open patronage’ to RSS armed marches a matter of grave concern: NC

    ‘J&K doesn’t need lectures from those responsible for 1947 Jammu genocide’

    Srinagar: National Conference on Wednesday lashed out at RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat for his “uninformed rhetoric” on J&K and said his designs were “communal and divisive aimed at creating religious and regional animosity” within the State.

    In a statement, National Conference State Spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu said Bhagwat was clearly unacquainted with the State’s deep and glorious history of secularism and brotherhood and that any nefarious attempts by the RSS and BJP to spread communal and regional strife in the State would be defeated and exposed.
    “We don’t need lectures about equity and equality in J&K from those who planned, patronized and lead the communal genocide of Muslims in Jammu in 1947 at a time when the State was seen as the only ray of hope in the subcontinent by virtue of its secular ethos and values. All three regions of the State have the same constitutional rights and political representation and people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have always worked together for the welfare and prosperity of the entire State. Mr. Bhagwat should introspect about the role of his organization in persecuting Muslims and other minorities in the rest of the country instead of maligning the people of J&K”, the NC Spokesperson said.
    He expressed disappointment at ruling PDP’s “apologetic” servitude of the RSS and said this was a major factor why the communal right-wing organization had been emboldened to make such statements about J&K and its people.
    “While PDP may have sold its soul to the RSS to remain in power, the RSS Chief would be well-advised to know that the resilient and proud people of J&K will never compromise on their dignity and will never allow the integrity and unity of J&K to be toyed with. Jammu Kashmir National Conference will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of the State in defending the State’s honour and political status”, the NC Spokesperson added.
    “The RSS Chief – as is the case with BJP and all allied right-wing organizations – is clueless about the State’s constitutional history, the legalities of the Special Status and the constitutional provisions that make the State unique. While PDP has allied with the RSS it has decided to turn a blind-eye towards their bellicose and communal rhetoric against the State and that’s where the problem lies. The RSS is standing on the trampled conscience of the PDP to point fingers at the people of J&K and for that both Late Mufti Sahab and Mehbooba Mufti are responsible”, the NC Spokesperson further said.
    The NC Spokesperson lashed out at the State Government for their unquestionable political and administrative patronage to armed marches being carried out by RSS in various areas of the State and said this was an alarming trend.
    “These marches are getting Police Protection at a time when Muharram processions are being showered with teargas shells in Kashmir. There is a clear attempt to harass and intimidate Muslims in various areas of Jammu Province and its tragic that the Chief Minister is a part and parcel of this intimidation exercise. The administration should not violate its constitutional duties and responsibilities and ensure people are not intimidated by the RSS under their protection and patronage”, the NC Spokesperson added.
    “We are also disappointed at the brute use of force against those few Muharraum processions which managed to march a few paces while unprecedented curbs were put in place in the Valley.  Most Muharraum processions and gatherings were disallowed despite assurances by religious groups and elders that these were purely religious gatherings that would remain peaceful. This is another instance where the Mehbooba Mufti Government has exhibited its tyrannical and despotic mindset”, the NC Spokesperson said.