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‘People won’t give up on their just right of right to self determination’

Srinagar: Hurriyat (M) Friday expressed strong resentment over prohibiting people from offering Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar for the 13th consecutive week by imposing curfew, restrictions and curbs on their movement and stopping the Hurriyat (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq from performing his religious obligations with his continued incarceration.
Hurriyat (M) said massive protest demonstrations were staged across Kashmir against the government for disallowing Friday congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar and other major Masjids for the past 13 weeks and continued house detention and arrest of the Hurriyat (M) Chairman for the past three months.
Meanwhile, a Hurriyat member and senior leader of Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee, Muhammad Shafi Khan while addressing a large Friday gathering at a Masjid in Nawab Bazaar said the killings and injuries, oppression and suppression, human rights violations and interference in religious rights of the people and prohibiting Friday congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar and other major Masjids and continued incarceration of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir were unacceptable and condemnable.
Expressing shock and resentment over the fact that whichever so-called government assumes power in Jammu Kashmir, it first targets Kashmir’s historic and religious centre of Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, the Hurriyat (M) said this was done to weaken its religious, social and political importance.
The conglomerate said by doing so, the government would neither be able to force the people or the Hurriyat (M) Chairman to give up on their just right of right to self determination nor reduce the historic, religious, social and political importance of the pulpit of Jamia Masjid Srinagar wherefrom Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir highlights the voices of the voiceless people of Kashmir and trampling of their social, religious and political rights.
After the Friday prayers, a massive protest march was staged from the Nawab Bazaar Masjid in which people raised slogans calling for the immediate release of the Mirwaiz, other resistance leaders and thousands of other youth.
Condemning the government for yet again sabotaging the ‘UN March’ call given by the unified resistance leadership, Hurriyat (M) said the idea behind calling repeated marches to the UN office was to make the world body realize its legal and moral responsibility to help resolve Kashmir issue as per the resolutions passed by it keeping the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris in mind and take meaningful steps to stop the bloodshed of Kashmiris as the UN had remained silent over it since 1947.
Meanwhile, an Hurriyat (M) spokesman expressed gratitude to the people of Kashmir for taking the ongoing uprising into the fourth month, and said consistency, resolve, and connect of the resistance leadership with the people was a guarantee for taking the resistance struggle to its logical conclusion.

Srinagar: Lift ban on Kashmir Reader sooner the better, Journalists based in Kashmir asked J&K Government on Friday.

An English newspaper published from summer capital of J&K, Kashmir Readerwas asked to cease publication on Oct 2^nd 2016 by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar. Government has said that “publication of Kashmir Reader can disturb peace”.

It is fourth consecutive day today that Kashmir Reader did not publish, however, Journalist fraternity working for Kashmir and outside media continued their protest against “undemocratic” ban.

Unlike past three days, Journalists holding placards held a silent sit-in protest in Mushtaq Ali Enclave (Press Colony) in Lal Chowk. For last three days, scribes also took out solidarity marches in summer capital. The placards and banners sought lifting on ban on publication of the English newspaper which first hit Kashmir markets in May 2013.

It is first in Kashmir media history that such a step was taken by any government.

Speaking to reporters after the protest demonstration, senior Journalist Riyaz Masroor said, “press is an important pillar in a democracy and if rights of such an important institution are taken away, it means the democracy is demeaned.”

Masroor asserted that the way Kashmir media has safeguarded the democracy no one else has did. “We see in Legislative assemblies when members have difference of opinion (in passing or opposing a bill), they resort to violence, break benches and micro-phones and then these actions are justified in guise of strengthening the democracy and they have a constitutional provision.”

He said, “banning the newspaper and saying it is not popular itself means that the voice of Kashmir Reader has not gone well with those at the helm of affairs.”

Referring to silent sit-in protests against the ban on Kashmir Reader by scribes for last four days, he said that Kashmiri Journalists are putting forth their demands in a disciplined way. “If such ban was imposed anywhere else, media personnel would have come out on roads raising slogans.”

The senior Journalist suggested lifting the ban sooner the better. “Keeping in view the silent protests, government should lift the ban as soon as possible,” he said, “lest the silent protests will emerge as a big voice (against the ban).”

Meanwhile, speaking for the first time on the ban on the publication of Kashmir Reader, J&K Government spokesperson, Naeem Akhtar, said, “only one newspaper has been banned out of 500 hundred newspapers (published from Kashmir).”

Without naming the newspaper, he told BBC, “there were evidences and complaints against the particular newspaper being received for some time now.” “Not being so popular, the paper would publish only two-three thousand copies and the decision (to ban) was taken by District Commissioner,” he added.

Responding to the question from BBC, Akhtar said that there was “no ban at all” on publication of newspapers in Kashmir in recent times.

Srinagar: The construction on the holy shrine of Hazrat Peer Dastgeer Sahib (RA) at Khanyar in Srinagar will be completed by coming January.

Minister for Public Works and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri fixed the deadline during a review meeting of the status of construction works going on in different shrines across Kashmir valley, an official spokesperson said this evening.

The joint meeting of officials of Waqaf Board, J&K Housing Board and JKPCC was attended by Commissioner Secretary Public works, Rohit Kansal, JKPCC Managing Director Er Daleep Thusu and other officers.

Veeri directed the officers to meet the deadlines of the undergoing projects and avoid cost escalation.

The officers informed the Minister that all the resources are being employed to complete the projects within stipulated time.

Reviewing the status of works on the shrine of Hazrat Peer Dastgeer Sahib (RA), the Minister was informed that the expansion on the southern side of shrine would accommodate more women devotees.

In order to save the shrine from any future eventuality, the Minister directed the officers to use fire resistant material in the shrine.

Veeri also took a detailed review of on-going construction at revered shrine of Sheikh Noor-u-din Noorani (RA) in Chrar-i-Sharief and asked the officers to chalk out a time bound plan to complete it.

The Minister impressed upon the officers of J&K Housing Board to explore ways of auction of shops in shopping complex overlooking the Chrar-i-Sharief shrine which is presently under construction.

The Minister also took stock of the construction works of historical shrine of Hazrat Zanu-din Wali (RA) at Aishmuqam Islamabad.

Regarding the Dargah Hazratbal shrine, Veeri impressed upon the Waqaf Board authorities to accelerate the release of funds to JKPCC for speedy completion of construction by December this year.

The Minister lauded the efforts of officers for work on Naqashbandh Sahab shrine within the stipulated time.

‘If detention of separatists is required to maintain law and order, we will do that’

Srinagar: Rejecting the reports of any alarming increase in the militant numbers in Kashmir Valley, police chief on Friday said there have been some cases of infiltration this year however reports of locals joint militant ranks are wrong.
Taking to KNS, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani while reacting to the reports of locals at alarming numbers in South Kashmir joining militancy said that there have been no such inputs available. “No, there aren’t any such reports. It would be wrong to say that locals have joined the militant ranks at alarming pace,” IGP said.
He however added that this year there were cases reported of increase in the infiltration along the LoC but here too the numbers haven’t gone up. “Police is capable of containing the situation. The situation indeed isn’t alarming at all,” Gilani told KNS.
Commenting over the present situation in Kashmir Valley that has been reeling under constant strikes for past 90 days, Gilani said that the police have succeeded in pacifying the situation on ground and restored law and order. He added that the Police have a detailed list of ‘trouble mongers’ who have been vitiating the atmosphere in Valley and “we will go after them wherever they escape.” “Police have detained the involved and wherever we find anyone disturbing the law and order- we will act,” he said.
Over the detention and house arrests of the separatist leaders including Hurriyat Hawk Syed Ali Geelani, IGP said that the utmost priority for the police is to restore law and order in Kashmir valley and whatever steps are required to be taken in this regard shall be taken at an earliest. “As I told you, we will do everything that can restore peace in Valley and provide sigh of relief to the people. If it requires the arrest of the separatist elements, we will do that,” Gilani said. (KNS)

“Prerogative of Mehbooba to decide time, selection”

Srinagar: On the 91st day of uprising in the Valley, the authorities imposed curfew in seven police station areas of the city on Friday to thwart the UN chalo march after mandatory Friday prayers called by the separatist leadership.
According to a top police official, “Curfew has been imposed in seven police station areas of Srinagar city to thwart the march called by the separatist leadership.”
Meanwhile, reports of clashes and protests were received from difference areas in Kashmir during which scores of people sustained injuries.
Central Kashmir
Curfew was imposed by the authorities in the police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Maisuma and Batamaloo.
The decision to impose curfew was taken to foil the UN chalo march called by the separatist leadership including Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chief, Muhammad Yasin Malik through a joint statement issued to media organizations.
Meanwhile, on the 13th consecutive Friday today, the authorities continue to bar people from offering mandatory Fridaycongregational prayers in the historical Jamia Masjid in Old city here.
Residents of Nowhatta said that the authorities imposed curfew on the 13th Friday to disallow people from offering congregational prayers in Jamia Masjid.
However, after considerable movement of private vehicles from past couple of day, the roads across Srinagar city especially in the commercial hub Lal Chowk wore a deserted look.
Witnesses said that large contingent of forces were deployed on roads and streets in Srinagar while all the roads leading towards Sonwar were sealed by the authorities. “Forces had erected concertina wires on roads and were not restricting the movement of commuters” witnesses told KNS.
Meanwhile, according to KNS correspondent, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Barzulla area of Srinagar during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth.
As soon as the Friday congregational prayers ended in the area, protesters mostly youth took top streets and raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.
The youth later pelted stones on forces who in return used tear smoke shells to disperse them.
Meanwhile, reports said that clashes erupted in Srinagar’s Chanapora area.
Reports said that as soon as the congregational Friday prayers ended, people came out on roads in Lone Mohalla area and raised pro-freedom slogans.
“Forces fired tear gas shells and pellets to disperse off the protestors,” reports quoting local sources said, adding that one youth was hit by a tear gas shell in his hand following which he was shifted to the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, reports said that a 12-year-old boy was critically injured in Srinagar’s Eidgah area today when he was hit by pellets during the clashes in the locality that erupted between youth and forces after mandatory Friday congregational prayers.
“The youth identified as Junaid was hit by pellets in chest and head,” reports quoting sources in SKIMS Soura said, “He is unconscious and is being treated in operation theatre.”
Meanwhile, clashes also erupted between youth and forces in Soura area here during which forces used tear smokes hells to disperse the agitating youth.
“People wanted to take out pro-freedom rally but forces fired tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters triggering clashes in the area,” reports said.
Meanwhile, scores of people sustained injuries during the clashes between youth and forces in Batapora, Kanihama area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Forces used tear gas shells and pellets to disperse the youth who were throwing stones on them during which scores of people sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, clashes and protests were reported from several other localities across central Kashmir including district Srinagar.
North Kashmir
According to KNS correspondent, Bhat Zahoor, forces foiled the peaceful protests in Gulshan Chowk area of Bandipora district by resorting to tear gas canisters triggering clashes in the area.
After mandatory Friday congregational prayers, people assembled outside the Masjid and staged peaceful protest. “As soon as the protesters tried to march towards main road, forces used tear gas canisters to disperse them which led to the intense clashes in the area,” witnesses said.
Clashes also erupted in Hajin area during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the youth during which three youth as per reports sustained injuries.
Reports said that clashes broke out in Hajin town after Friday prayers near Jamia Masjid and main Chowk after the protesters chanting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans took to streets.
Forces fired several rounds of teargas shells to disperse the protesters, triggering clashes.
Meanwhile, in Ajas and Sadarkoot Bala areas of Bandipora, peaceful protests were held by the people after Fridayprayers. The protesters raised anti-India and pro-freedom slogans during the protests.
The protesters later dispersed peacefully.
Meanwhile, reports said that following the Friday congregational prayers, forces in Sopore town of Baramulla district foiled the protests by resorting to tear smoke shells triggering clashes in the area.
Reports said that hundreds of people tried to march from Jamia Masjid Sopore after prayers amid pro-freedom and anti-India slogans.
However, forces deployed in huge numbers swung into action and used tear gas canisters to disperse them near main bazaar triggering clashes.
Reports of clashes between protesters and forces were also received from Jamia Qadeem.
Meanwhile, reports of clashes and protests were reported from several other areas during the day.
South Kashmir
A complete shutdown was observed in South Kashmir districts today.
All the shops, educational institutes, business establishments, petrol pumps and other establishments remained closed throughout the day.
Meanwhile, clashes erupted between youth and forces in Goriwan area of Bijbehara town during which forces used tear gas canisters to disperse them.
“As soon as the Friday prayers ended in the area, clashes erupted between youth and forces during which forces tried to disperse off the youth by using tear gas canisters,” local sources said, adding that the clashes were ongoing till late evening areas.
Meanwhile, reports of clashes and protests were also reported from several other districts of South Kashmir.
Police Version
According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, in view of the UN Chalo call given by some separatist organizations and also the violence resorted to by miscreants on last few Fridays, curfew was imposed in few Police Stations of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure, today.
The statement said that during the day eleven incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore. The situation remained under control and there was no report of any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, continuing with its efforts to neutralize the activities of the miscreants and hooligans, 56 persons found involved in different crimes of creating public disorder have been arrested during the last 24 hours the statement said. (KNS)

SRINAGAR: According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, in view of the UN Chalo call given by some separatist organizations and also the violence resorted to by miscreants on last few Fridays, curfew was imposed in few Police Stations of Srinagar city as a precautionary measure, today. The statement said that during the day eleven incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Baramulla and Sopore. The situation remained under control and there was no report of any untoward incident. Meanwhile, continuing with its efforts to neutralize the activities of the miscreants and hooligans, 56 persons found involved in different crimes of creating public disorder have been arrested during the last 24 hours the statement said.