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  • Amarnath Yatra-2014: Rajendra visits Baltal, Pahalgam

    Finalises security arrangements

    Srinagar: Finalizing the security arrangements made for Amarnath Yatra, the Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. K. Rajendra Kumar has emphasised upon police and other security agencies to work with greater synergy and ensure a smooth, secure Yatra.

    Rajendra was chairing meetings of police  officers at Baltal and Pahalgam, after taking the aerial survey of the deployment on routes leading to Holy Cave. He visited various destinations along the routes, interacted with the personnel deployed and took on spot review of the security arrangements.

    The DGP while addressing the officers, discussed deployment and security arrangements with the participants including police bandubast, security of pilgrims, traffic and frisking of yatris. Different officers who are on job, apprised the DGP about the arrangement put in place for conduct of the Yatra in a peaceful and smooth manner. He stressed for better synergy among the stakeholders, saying that joint efforts by the agencies would ensure the Yatra in a desired manner.

    The DGP emphasised for strengthening security grid, bring all important locations under continuous surveillance round the clock. He said that all busy places including the langars should be brought under security cover. Intelligence gathering should be accelerated and the inputs shared for among the agencies for preventive measures. CCTVs installed at different places should be utilised to monitor the activities at busiest places, said the DGP.

    Rajendra reviewed the working of joint control rooms established at different locations and asked for ensuring better liaison and communication about the safe passage of yatries. At various camps he inspected communication equipment and security gadgets installed at different places. He was told that efficient communication network has been pressed into service to maintain a strong communication all along the yatra routes in the state.

    DGP was accompanied by IGP, Mr. A. G. Mir, DIG, SKR, Mr. Vijay Kumar and Superintendents of Police, Sheikh Junaid and Shahid Miraj apprised that security personnel have been deployed at the entry points for the frisking of vehicles to ensure safety of the pilgrims. The DGP enquired about the arrangements made to ensure smooth regulation of traffic and he was told that parking slots have been identified at various locations on both the routes of Baltal and Phalgam.

  • Hurriyat (M) convenes executive council meet

    Srinagar: A meeting of Hurriyat Executive Council Members was today convened by Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at conglomerate’s headquarters located in Rajbagh, Srinagar. According to a statement issued to KNS, the meeting took detailed view of the ongoing political situation besides discussing the organizational matters. The participants stated that the claims of democracy have been proved to be hollow and fake since forces and state rulers are being continuously using force upon people to repress the popular sentiments, adding, they are also using force to restrict the religious and political activities of the genuine leadership of Kashmir, besides usurping the rights of free speech. The meeting stated that even if the Hurriyat believes in peaceful struggle, restrictions are being put on the religious and political activities of resistance leadership while the innocent people are being made victims of violence and threat, adding, it only shows the anti-Kashmir policy pursed by the state rulers. Condemning the continuous clamp down of curfew in Sopore, the participants stated that after the cold blooded murder of Arshid Ahmad Shah, the Apple Town has been left on the mercy of gun wielding troops and police. They further stated that the township was suffering and facing immense problems due to persistent curfew. The spokesman has strongly castigated the beating of senior party leader GN Zaki at Sopore. He stated that the state police severely flogged the leader and inflicted physical injuries, adding, it seems police instead of bringing the so called peace was indulging in hooliganism. He further said that police action against the leader was an open example of state sponsored terrorism. The spokesman has also condemned the house arrest of two senior Hurriyat leaders including Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam and Zaffar Akbar Bhat from past three days. He said the sole agenda of government was to put ban on the political activities of Hurriyat. Meanwhile, a joint Fateh Khwani was held for the daughter of senior Awami Action Committee leader, Abdul Rashid Tanki who passed away recently. Hundreds of people participated in the Fath e Khwani. APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq visited the bereaved house and offered Fath-e-Khwani for the deceased.

  • Sopore firing incident: Enquiry officer to record statements from June 26 to June 30

    Baramulla: The District Magistrate, Baramulla, Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone, who has been appointed as enquiry officer into the killing of a civilian at Sopore on June 23, 2014, has notified that any person having any knowledge about the said firing incident can depose before him June 26 to June 30, 2014 from 2 pm onwards in his office at Baramulla. According to a notice, issued today, the depositions can be made orally or in the form of written affidavits. It may be recalled the Government constituted an enquiry committee comprising District Magistrate Baramulla to ascertain the factual position with respect to the causes and circumstances of the firing incident that took place in Krankshivan, Sopore on June 23, 2014 leading to the death of one civilian, Arshad Ahmad Shah S/O Abdul Aziz Shah R/O Naseem Bagh, Sopore and injuries to four other persons.

  • Corruption brings Mir, Kamal together in North Kashmir

    Srinagar: Expressing serious concern over the rising menace of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir, agriculture minister Ghulam Hassan Mir and senior NC leader Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal Wednesday stated that serious efforts must be initiated to put an end to the crises that could damage the foundations of the society.

    According to the reports received by KNS, the seminar was organized by Al-Huda college of education in association with the media association Pattan.

    Addressing the seminar, Ghulam Hassan Mir, the minister for agriculture said that the society needs to go for self introspection and    also the media has a pivotal role to play in curbing the corruption menace in the state. Mir said that both people and the government have an equal role in to play to put an end to the corruption. The seminar titled Corruption and the role of citizens in eradicating the menace witnessed the participation of agriculture minister Ghulam Hassan Mir and senior NC leader Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal besides various police and civil authorities.

    Besides Islamic scholar Dr Nazir the PDP chief coordinator Shahzad Asim was also present during the occasion. Others who spoke during the occasion include DIG North Ghulam Hassan Bhat who gave patient hearing to the questions posed to him by the students. He stated that there must be the serious efforts from the youth so that corruption could be eradicated. He stated that there are formal laws against the corruption in the state and that people must raise voice wherever if one is found nourishing the menace.  SSP Baramulla Suhail Mir, senior Journalist Qaramat Qayoom, KNS Baramulla bureau chief Lateef Ahmad Bhat, KMN  bureau chief  Rahi Nissar.

  • Separatist leaders continue to remain under house arrest

    Will assess the situation accordingly: Police

    Srinagar: Two days after a youth in North Kashmir’s Sopore area was killed in a firing incident, the separatist leadership here continues to remain under house arrest on the second consecutive day.

    According to the reports received by KNS, most of the separatist leaders continue to remain under house confinement days after they issued a strike call against the killing of a 28 year youth Arshad Ahmad Shah.

    The reports maintained that as the situation in the summer capital turned normal after three days, the authorities here didn’t lift the restrictions imposed earlier on the pro-freedom camp.

    The senior Huriyat Conference (G) leaders including Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Altaf Ahmad Shah, Ayaz Akbar and Peer Saifulllah remained under house arrest. Also the deployment continues to remain in force outside the residence of the senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani. The police sources told KNS that the separatist leaders will continue to remain under house arrest till the charum of the slain youth of Sopore is observed.

  • Weather to remain pleasant in coming days

    Srinagar: The weather in state’s summer capital is expected to remain pleasant in coming days as the weathermen Wednesday predicted partly cloudy sky with the maximum and minimum temperatures will be round 29°C and 15°C respectively.

    According to the reports received by KNS, the maximum temperature recorded in Srinagar on Wednesday was 29.5°C with the minimum temperatures at 14.9 °C.

    Reports also stated that light rain and thundershowers in the evening will be witnessed in Jammu region with maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 36°C & 26°C respectively. In Ladakh area, it will be partly cloudy sky. Maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 23°C & 09°C respectively.

    Interestingly, the valley is witnessing huge chunk of tourists visiting the place as the weather turns pleasant with the people feeling much respite from the scorching heat.

  • Majlis members taken into police custody

    Arguments over their bail applications to be held tomorrow

    Srinagar: Police on Wednesday took four members of ‘Majlis-e-Mashawrat’ Shopian in custody, after they surrendered before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Shopian.

    According to the reports received by KNS, four members of the ‘Majlis-e-Mashawrat’ Shopian on Wednesdayforenoon surrendered before the court in connection with the case registered against them in February last year.

    The members taken into police custody include Abdul Rashid Dalal, president, Fayaz Ahmad, Nisar Ahmad Sofi  and Mohammad Iqbal Zargar. Reports informed that the case of Unlawful Activities was registered against them after Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru was hanged in the Tihar jail, Delhi.

    The public prosecutor told KNS over phone that the members surrendered before CJM through advocate Habeel.  The Court sent them to police custody and that the bail matter has been posted for June 26 for arguments. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Showkat Shah told KNS over phone that the four men surrendered before the court and requested for the bail. The court has sent them to police custody for the overnight stay as the arguments over the bail application has been scheduled for June 26.  “The reports are baseless that the police has arrested them. In fact the court has sent them to the police custody.”

  • PDP’s model of governance is best suited for J&K: Mufti

    Kotranka-Chasana: Patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that PDP’s model of governance is best suited for the state of Jammu and Kashmir. He reminded that PDP, during its tenure of just three years, had proved how to provide corruption free governance to the people by bringing total transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing impressive public meetings at Kotranka in Darhal assembly segment and Chasana in Gulabgarh segment, Mufti said that policies and programmes of PDP were formulated by incorporating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society. “Those who are talking, these days, about model of governance should keep in mind that PDP, during its short span of just three years, had set an example of good governance wherein every individual were provided with the equal opportunity of growth and development”, he said, adding, “during its tenure PDP had carved out a path of peace and equitable development and model of governance implemented by the party is best in all aspects”

    Recalling the pre-2002 situation, Mufti reminded that gathering that there was total chaos, anarchy, and rampant corruption and the atmosphere of uncertainty and insecurity had gripped the State when PDP led coalition government was formed. “Through its conviction and vision, PDP led government had created sense of security among residents of Jammu and Kashmir”, Mufti recalled and mentioned that PDP led regime had simultaneously pursued the agenda of development, peace and reconciliation in the State and restored dignity and honour of the people. “We, through our convictions, had changed mindset of the  BJP leadership and convinced the then NDA government  at the Centre to take concrete steps to restore peace in J&K and to normalize relations with Pakistan”, he said. Mufti, however, regretted that present regime headed by National Conference has derailed the process of peace and development in the State. “It is very unfortunate that the present regime has failed to carry forward the agenda of peace initiated by the previous PDP led regime”, he said Mufti further pointed out that that PDP led coalition regime had laid a foundation of mutual trust and confidence among inhabitants of different regions and sub-regions of the State.

    PDP patron further observed that present regime has also failed to carry forward the agenda of development initiated by the previous PDP led regime. He said that on the one hand  corruption has been crossed all limits in the state while on the other hand system has completely been collapsed in the State.

    Reiterating his resolve to pursue the agenda of  peace and development, he said,“in the state of Jammu and Kashmir PDP’s model of governance is best suited to address aspirations of all regions and sub-regions”. PDP patron, while assuring to formulate a comprehensive policy for the development of backward areas, said that this region has huge potential of horticulture. “There is a need to give special focus to this region to exploit horticulture potential”, he said and assured that PDP would utilize services of experts to develop this region as hub of horticultural activities especially in growing walnuts and related products.  Yash Pal Sharma, MLC, Choudhary Zulfikar, MLA Budhal, Basharat Bukhari, MLA, Sangrama, Qayoom Dar, district president, Ashad Bari Shah, candidate Kalakote, Shafiq Choudhary, Ch Ali Mohammad, Shamima Akthar, Abdul Rashid Trabi, Mushi Alam Din, Sardar Chouhan, Mohammad Shafi, Arshad Malik, Adv Sarwar Mir, Mohammad Isreal, A R Wani, Farooq Inqulabi, Mushtaq, Sheikh Altaf, Aijaz Magrey, Abdul Rashid, Haji Mohammad Sharief, Haji Mohammad Gani Shah, Haji Mohammad Gani Sheikh, Abdul Rashid and others also spoke on the occasions. During the public meeting at Kotranka Kabir Malik, retired ADC, Naseem Malik, retired DC and Aijaz Mirza joined PDP. At Chasana, prominent Congress leader advocate Shafiq ur Rehman along with hundreds of his supporters joined PDP. Prominent among those who joined PDP along with Shafiq ur Rehman included Haji Abdul Rashid Khan, Kapoor Singh, Ali Mohammad Malik, Sheikh Mohammad, Bashir Ahmed Bhat, Tanyat Singh, Nazir Ahmed, Abdul Rashid Khan, Nazir Ahmed Bhat, Qamir Din, Farooq Ahmed and others.

  • IMFUAR meets Shah at his residence

    Srinagar: At his Sanat Nagar residence, the Associate-Director of the ‘International Movement for Fraternal Union Among Races Mr Pal Beersmans and consultant Mulder today held a detailed meeting with Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir leader Shabir Ahmad Shah.

    Shabir Ahmad Shah deliberated the delegation about the ongoing freedom struggle and the excessive use of force and oppression by the government to curb the movement by citing the fresh example of killing of a youth Arshad Aziz Shah in Sopore by forces. He said thousands of people including resistance leaders continue to languish in jails naming fewincluding Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Masarat Alam Bhat, Dr Muhammad Qasim Faktoo, Muhammad Shafi Shariati, Ghulam Quadir, Nazir Ahmad Sheikh and Muhammad Ayoub Dar. He said the local collaborators of tyrant Indian rulers are surpassing the records of Halaku Khan and Czengiz Khan in inflicting atrocities upon the people. When asked about the solution to the long pending dispute of Kashmir, Shabir Ahmad Shah said the issue is lingered due to the non-serious approach adopted by the United Nations and European Union.

    “Had UN and EU expressed seriousness, the Kashmir issue would have been resolved long ago. But they didn’t show any interest in resolving this issue,” Shah said.

    Regarding the expectations from Modi-Nawaz meet, Shah said we are in favor of Indo-Pak friendship and believe that until or unless there is a friendship between the two, the issue of Kashmir is almost impossible to get resolved but Shah was quick to add that it is Kashmir dispute which is the bone of contention between the two nations and this issue really needs to get addressed for the betterment of the people of both nations.

    Shah also made it clear that Kashmir issue can be resolved only through two means, by implementing the UN resolutions or through the tripartite dialogue. Asked about the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Shah said their claim to this land is same as that of a Kashmiri Muslim but rejected the plans of providing separate settlements to the Pandit community. “This will only create barrier between the two communities. This is a well-planned conspiracy to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri Pandits should return back to their respective areas and live with peace with their Muslim brethren as they used to live in past,” he said.

    Asked about the ties of Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir with Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Ahmad Shah said we both are against the forcible occupation of India; both demand the implementation of UN resolution for resolving the Kashmir issue and are in favor of tripartite dialogue. “We both will work in collaboration on mutually concerned issues,” Shah added. 

  • Protest rally in solidarity with “Quit Kashmir movement” in Pakistan: JKLF

    Khan hands over memorandum to UN observers

    Srinagar: “A protest rally in solidarity with “quit Kashmir movement” was taken out today in Islamabad Pakistan. The rally led by supreme leader Amanullah Khan and senior vice chairman Abdul Hamid Butt was attended by various JKLF leaders and activists which include vice chairman Salim Haroon, chief spokesman Rafiq Ahmad Dar, deputy secretary general Sajid Sideeqi, zonal general secretary  Salim Butt, Raja Ghulam Mujtaba, Manzoor Ahmad Khan, Tawseef Jaral (chairman SLF) and many others,” said a statement issued to KNS.

    The statement added that a memorandum to UN secretary general was handed over to the officials of UN observer’s office in Islamabad Pakistan on the occasion. Providing details of this sit-in and rally JKLF spokesman Rafiq Ahmad Dar said that supreme leader on the occasion thanked the people of Kashmir for making “quit Kashmir” program on 23rd june 2014 a success.

    JKLF supreme leader while strongly condemning the arrests said that these arrests, oppressive measures against peaceful political programs, restrictions, barricades and tyrannical acts of India and its forces have once again proved that India which claims to be the biggest democracy of the world is not even familiar with the norms of this virtue in Jammu Kashmir. India and its forces have in fact used every un-democratic means to crush peaceful democratic struggle of Kashmiris and today’s acts are also a part of this Indian anti peace and anti democratic doctrine. Aman sahib while paying tributes to chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik sahib’s courage and passion said that jails and incarcerations have and will not succeed in breaking our will and our struggle for freedom will continue till the achievement of desired goal.

    Meanwhile JKLF supreme council members and zonal and district bodies body meeting was today held under the chairmanship of vice chairman Jenab sheikh Mohammad Afzal( Master) at Maqbool Manzil today. Meeting strongly condemned the continues detention of chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik and said that these undemocratic oppressive measures will not succeed in breaking the will of Kashmiri people and our march towards freedom will continue. Meanwhile JKLF vice chairman Showkat A Bakhshi along with vice president zone Mohammad Sideeq Shah district president Rafiq Ahmad War, Mushtaq Ahmad, Abdul Majeed, Sanaullah, Mohammad Haneef Dar, Imtiyaz Ahmad, and Mohammad Hussein have been shifted to central jail Srinagar while as Javed Ahmad Butt (district president), Tariq Ahmad, Fayaz A Khan, Mohammad Altaf Raina (Pulwama) have been shifted to Islamabad jail. Senior leader advocate Basher Ahmad Butt along with vice chairman Mushtaq Ajmal, district president Syed Nisar Jeelani, Molvi Rashid, Nazir A Hajam are still in P/S Batamaloo. It is worth to mention that JKLF chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik, zonal president Noor Mohammad Kalwal along with dozens of other detained JKLF leaders and activists who were arrested day before while marching towards Lal Chowk have been shifted to central jail Srinagar today. Among those who have been shifted include zonal organizer Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, district president Ganderbal Bashir Ahmad Rather (Boya), Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Nazir Ahmad Rather,Habibullah Dar,Basharat Ahmad Imtiyaz Ahmad Ganai and Mohammad Shafi Lone have already been shifted to central jail Srinagar.

    Meanwhile JKLF delegation led by deputy chief organizer Mir Siraj Ud din today visited Sopore and met with the family of martyred youth Arshid Aziz. The delegation included zonal deputy general secretary Farooq Ahmad Dar, deputy district president Altaf Ahmad Gujri , Ghulam  Qadir khan and  Molvi Reyaz. The leaders while paying tributes to the martyred youth expressed their heartfelt condolences and solidarity with his bereaved family. Delegation also conveyed the condolence message of jailed JKLF chairman to the family.