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The chief minister said, “If Ayodhya dispute is resolved, triple talaq ban is implemented, politics of appeasement in India will end forever.”

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has said people’s “patience” on the issue of Ram temple is “fast running out” and if the Supreme Court is unable to give an early verdict on the dispute, it should “hand it over to us” and it will be resolved within 24 hours.

The chief minister also claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win more seats in Uttar Pradesh in the coming Lok Sabha elections than it did in 2014.

Asked by India TV whether he would resolve the Ayodhya issue through negotiations or by wielding the stick, Adityanath smiled and replied: “First let the court hand over the issue to us.

“I will still appeal to the court to dispose of the dispute soon. On September 30, 2010, the Allahabad High Court division bench gave its verdict not on the issue of division of land but upheld the view that the Babri structure was built by demolishing a Hindu temple or memorial. The Archaeological Survey of India, on the High Court’s orders, carried out excavations and in its report admitted that the Babri structure was built by demolishing a Hindu temple or a memorial,” he said.

“By adding the title dispute unnecessarily, the Ayodhya dispute is being prolonged. We appeal to the Supreme Court to give us justice at the earliest, to the satisfaction of millions of people, so that it can become a symbol of people’s faith. But if there is unnecessary delay, institutions may lose people’s trust,” he added.

The chief minister said “the unnecessary delay … is causing a crisis so far as people’s patience and trust are concerned.”

“I want to say that the court should give its verdict soon, and if it is unable to do so, it should hand over the issue to us. We will resolve the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute within 24 hours. We won’t take 25 hours,” he said.

Asked why the Centre had not brought an ordinance, Adityanath said the matter was sub judice. “Parliament cannot discuss matters that are sub judice. We are leaving it to the court. Had the court given justice based on the 1994 affidavit filed by the then central government, a good message could have gone to the country. It would have been a nice example. But this unnecessary delay is causing a situation where people’s patience is fast running out.”

He said the question was not of gain or loss in elections but the faith of countrymen.

Adityanath said the Congress was at the root of this problem and it did not want it to be solved.

“If Ayodhya dispute is resolved, triple talaq ban is implemented, politics of appeasement in India will end forever.”

On the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the chief minister said that even if they take “the caste-based fight to the lowest levels, it will be a 70-30 fight. Seventy per cent voters are with BJP while the remaining 30 per cent are with the gatbandhan (alliance)”.

On Priyanka Gandhi’s entry in politics, Adityanath said: “Congress has again proved that for them the family is the party. They cannot look beyond the family.”

On Rahul Gandhi visiting temples, Adityanath said: “This is a victory for our ideology. Rahul has now realised that if he has to live in Hindustan, he will have to show his ‘janeu’ and ‘tilak’ in public. To me, Rahul has proved that Nehru was wrong.”

Jammu: The militancy-hit Kashmir valley would once again become “the paradise on earth” as was once described by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said Saturday, greeting the people on 70th Republic Day after unfurling the tricolour here.

“I have no doubt that a day will come once again when Kashmir will be the same as what Emperor Jahangir had praised – a paradise on earth,” said the governor.

Emperor Jehangir had once said about Kashmir, “Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o, hameen ast-o, hameen ast! (If there is a paradise on earth; it is this, it is this, it is this).”

And to restore the lost glory of the valley, Malik pinned his hopes on the support and contribution of people from all walks of life in making the state prosperous.

While seeking the people’s support in turning the state’s fortune, Malik promised that his administration would continue to work on its “mission good governance” and “mission delivering development” till the state gets back a democratically-elected government.

“I appeal to the members of civil society, political parties, leaders of all social, cultural, religious and other organisations in the state to come forward and lend their hands in building a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir which will be a role model for other states,” the governor said.

The governor unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past at Jammu University stadium, marking the 70th Republic day celebrations, which were observed across the state with pomp and gaiety amid tight security arrangements.

Conveying warm greetings to the people on the occasion, Malik also complimented the team of his advisors, chief secretary and the officers of civil and police administration for ensuring a discernible change on development and governance scenario in the state.

“I assure you all that this process will continue till a democratically-elected government is back in the state. I will reassure you that the government will continue to work on its Mission Good Governance and Mission Delivering Development,” he said.

An Indian Air Force chopper showered rose petals over the venue as the governor unfurled the tricolour amid cheers from the gathering at well-attended function. The people also enjoyed the skill of the dare-devil team of the state police.

Listing various steps taken by his administration to ensure “good governance”, the governor said tourism is an important part of overall development and employment strategy and the government is committed to “unlock” the vast potential of the sector. “We have launched a sustained campaign to address the challenges posed to the sector by the negative perception of the situation in the valley.

“Our efforts have begun to pay dividends, which is evident from the fact that hotels in Pahalgam and Gulmarg (hill resorts in the valley) have been registering almost 100 percent occupancy for the past couple of months,” he said.

He said the state tourism department is making concerted efforts to attract pilgrims and tourists to the state.

As against arrival of 81.78 lakh pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during 2017, pilgrim arrivals stood at 85.87 lakh during 2018, he said adding similarly, the number of pilgrims to Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra rose from 2.60 lakh (in 2017) to 2.85 lakh (in 2018).

To promote tourism in the Ladakh region, the Centre has approved the proposal of the state to open up more tourist and trekking routes.

“An additional investment of Rs 2,000 crore has been approved by the Centre for development of new tourism infrastructure projects in the state under PMDP. The investment will increase the tourist flow to the state by way of providing them better amenities and accommodation across the state,” he said. (PTI)

One slain militant identified as Saqib of Pulwama, another remains unidentified, 6 forces personnel injured, residential house damaged in gunfight.

Srinagar, January 26: Two Jaish-e-Muhammad militants were killed in a clean operation at Khonmoh area of Srinagar outskirts on Saturday even as six forces personnel sustained injuries in the gunfight.

Police said that the two slain militants planning a big strike in city on the eve of Republic Day and that with their killing a “a major plot was foiled.”

A joint team of forces launched Cordon and Search Operation in Khanmoh area after getting a pre-dawn input about the presence of militants in a residential house.

“As the forces zeroed in on the house, the hiding militants opened fire triggering off a gunfight. In the retaliatory action by the forces, two militants were killed,” he said.

Talking to KNO, IGP Kashmir S P Pani said that the slain militants belonged to Jaish given the incriminating material recovered from their possession.

“Large quantity of ammunition was also recovered from their possession. As far as the reports whether they were planning a big strike, that is subject to investigations,” he said.

However, a police officer said that a major plot to disrupt theR-day function in Srinagar was foiled as the two slain militants were assigned the task of carrying out a big strike.

“Alert forces got the input and eliminated the Jaish militants well before they could target any security installation,” he told KNO, wishing not to be named. He said that six forces personnel were also injured that include a Sub Inspector of Jammu and Kashmir Police, three CRPF men and two soldiers.

A police source said that the house were the militants were hiding suffered partial damage while the bodies of two militants retrieved were being identified.

“The faces of two slain were damaged and that’s why it took so much of time to identify them,” he said. However, one of the slain militant was identified as Saqib Shafi Dar of Arihal, Pulwama. Thousands of people gathered at Arihal to participate in the funeral prayers of the slain Saqib.

Chanting pro-freedom slogans, women beating their chests, thousands of people attended the funeral of Saqib at his native village. The identity of the second militant was yet to ascertained.

KNO had recently reported that in the month of January that 16 militants were killed in different encounters. With the killing of two militants at Khonmoh, the number of militants killed has reached 18. (KNO)

70th R-day functions conclude peacefully

Srinagar, Jan 26 : A complete shutdown was on Saturday observed across the Valley following a call given by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) while as barricades were erected on roads in Srinagar areas.
The JRL comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik had appealed people to observe this day as ‘black day’.
All the shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and others remained closed while as the traffic was also off the roads throughout the day.
The commercial hub Lal Chowk and others roads in Srinagar and other districts wore a deserted look today as both private as well passenger vehicular movement remained off the roads throughout the day.
Witnesses said roads leading to the venue where Republic Day function was held were sealed with large contingent of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed on the roads to ensure smooth celebrations today.
Earlier, the traffic police City Srinagar had informed that general public that traffic movement will remain suspended on several road stretches as security reasons.
All the entry and exit points were under close security vigil while some important roads are also suspended for vehicular movement from Saturday morning till afternoon.
The City Traffic Police had said that due to security reasons the traffic movement from Sonawar upto Ram Munshi Bagh Road stretch including Dalgate-Ram Munshi Bagh, Radio Kashmir-Ram Munshi Bagh & Gupkar-Ram Munshi Bagh will remain suspended on 24th and 26th of January-2019 from early morning hours upto 1400 hours.
The motorists intending to travel from South Kashmir-Pantha Chowk towards City Centre shall adopt Bypass road stretch and vice versa. Similarly the motorists intending to travel South Kashmir from City Centre and Down Town areas shall adopt Batamaloo-Tengpora-Bypass or Rambagh-Natipora road stretch to reach Pantha Chowk. Any inconvenience caused is highly regretted.
A top police official had told KNS that adequate security arrangements were made to ensure peaceful celebrations today.
However, unlike previous years, the mobile connectivity was not suspended today while as the mobile internet facility was barred today.
Authorities suspended the mobile Internet service in Kashmir. Mobile Internet service of all cellular companies, including BSNL, was suspended in Kashmir in this afternoon as security reasons.
The broadband service, however, was working though with low speed.
Meanwhile, the R-Day celebrations passed off peacefully with top police officials saying that no untoward incident took place throughout the day.

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (M) chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Saturday launched a social media campaign highlighting the ‘plight’ of Kashmiri prisoners lodged in different jails of Jammu and Kashmir and in mainland India.

Mirwaiz said that while India is celebrating its Republic Day, its autocratic rule in Kashmir is going on. He said that Thosands of Kashmirs continue to languish in various jails under draconian black laws.

While launching the campaign on Twitter, Mirwaiz wrote: “As India celebrates becoming a Republic, its autocratic rule over #Kashmir goes on! Thousands of Kashmiris continue to languish in its various jails under its draconian black laws and new ones are added each day ! A brief glimpse into the life of some of our prisoners of conscience, a reality check of the republic, as leadership launches the #FreeKashmirPrisoners campaign.”

‘Criticizes administration over sitting arrangement for PDP ministers’

Srinagar, Jan 21: Deputy Mayor Srinagar Sheikh Mohammad Imran Saturday condemned the action of the security grid for not allowing journalists to cover the Republic Day parade, stating that targeting journalist unfortunate.

Imran said media is the fourth pillar of democracy, but senior journalists were stopped at the venue by security personnel. He said in a democracy these things are unacceptable and Governor should take this issue seriously.

“Threatening media and not allowing them to carry professional duties is a violation of their basic rights. If media fraternity is harassed in this way, then there is no space left for common man,” he said.

In many countries of world, there is a conflict but journalists are treated as ambassadors of peace but in Kashmir, they are being harassed on daily basis.

Imran said it is an alarming issue and we need to see it from all angles. In last week they (journalists) were attacked by pellets by security forces, these things should not be repeated in the future.

He said 26 Jan has become monster for Kashmiris as authorities are frisking pedestrians, students, searching belongings of commuters and people are being harassed, Imran said.

“We need to create a friendly atmosphere and change our attitude towards our own people. Authorities should issues advisories in future so that people should not suffer,” Imran said.

Over internet shutdown, he said it has become routine in Kashmir to suspend internet services. Authorities are claiming normalcy but resulting inconvenience to people, Imran said.

“You cannot hijack people and do whatever you want, but these things will not be accepted in future. The government should come out with more alternatives to prevent frequent internet shutdowns,” he said.

Deputy Mayor also criticized authorities for sitting arrangement in R-day functions. Imran said we should have some respect for them as they have served J&K state.

Both PDP leaders including former minister Naeem Akhtar and MLC Khurshid Alam were compelled to sit with junior level employees. He said Governor should also intervene in this matter.

Directions to disrespect Democratic Institutions in JK coming from Raj Bhavan: Akhtar

Srinagar, Jan 26: The arrangements put in place by the government for Republic Day parade in Srinagar came under cloud as former minister and MLC Naeem Akhtar along with another Upper House member Khurshid Alam had to leave the venue due to not being provided right place to sit as per the protocol.
When contacted, senior PDP leader Naeem Akhar confirmed the breach of protocol and said he left the venue quietly in midway. “First there were too many hassles in reaching the venue. We were re-directed, redirected and re-directed and finally we reached there and I was shown a place that I thought was for Officials. It is not a matter of personal ego or prestige but it is the prestige of the institution that I thought was diluted deliberately so I quietly left,” Akhtar told KNS, adding that at the venue he along with his other colleagues represented the only democratic institution which according to Akhtar is still alive.
When asked whether any Officer is to be blamed for such mis-management, Akhtar said he doesn’t blame any Officer but the mindset which is being systematically created in the state unfortunately from the Raj Bhavan which is the protector of constitution. “Ever since the present honourable Governor has come, he has always targeted the political class in the state and I think that message has gone down to the lowest level of bureaucracy who have now found it very routine to disrespect the institutions and even go to the extent of insulting them,” Akhtar told KNS.
According to the former Minister, it was unfortunate that on one hand constitution was being celebrated and on the other, leader of the largest legislative party in the council was ignored the right place which he deserves in the protocol.
When contacted, MLC Mohammad Khurshid Alam echoed what Akhtar said and added that he will ensure action is initiated against the divisional administration over such a breach of protocol.
Meanwhile, Akhtar has condemned the ill-treatment given to media persons during at etc SK Stadium. PDP leader said that there were too many hassles on security account which led even the media persons to boycott the event and such an incident has happened for the first time in the state. “I condemn that and it is unfortunate that every Kashmiri is now seen as holding a gun or a bomb in his hand or pocket. Is it not enough for anybody entering the venue to be frisked once? And If at one place, somebody has been cleared, how he acquire a weapon till he reaches the next check post. I think the Security Officials needs to review how this arrangement of frisking and checking so that dignity of people attending such functions is not compromised beyond the required level,” Akhtar said.

‘Div com says will seek report from IGP Kashmir over the issue’

Srinagar, January 26 : Media fraternity today boycotted the main republic day function at SK Stadium Sonwar after a few senior journalists were barred entry on the pretext that their verification report was adverse.

“We were surprised to see that despite having security passes issued by the police through information department, the security men having a list of journalists in hand barred my entry saying I have adverse verification report.

I am in this field since past 28 years and this has happened for the first time with me,” said Tawseef Mustafa, senior photojournalist with the Agence France-Presse (AFP).

He said senior photojournalist Habib Naqash wasn’t provided with the security card the reasons best known to the security agencies.

Angry over barring the senior journalists to cover R-day function, entire media fraternity boycotted the function.”The journalists should have informed me about the issue.

They didn’t,” Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Syed Abid Rashid told KNO. He said he would have sorted out the issue on the spot. Meanwhile, all the media fraternity have assembled at the press club to chalk out the future course of action.

“It has been decided that a protest will be staged at 1 pm against the inhuman treatment to journalists,” said a senior journalist.

Meanwhile, divisional commissioner Kashmir Baseer Khan asked media fraternity to submit the memorandum to him. “I will seek a detailed report from IGP Kashmir SP Pani over the issue,” he told KNO.

Naeem says protocol not followed, Aalam says will boycott At home function

Srinagar, January 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders were Saturday ‘humiliated’ after being made to sit with sit with junior level employees during Republic day ceremony at SK stadium in Srinagar.

Sources said that two PDP leaders including former minister Naeem Akhtar and MLC Khurshid Alam were made to sit with junior level employees at SK Stadium Srinagar during Republic Day Parade today.

“Both the legislators left the venue in protest, “Sources said. Meanwhile talking to KNO, Naeem admitted that they were made to sit with junior level employees.

”I belong to Legislative council, which is only Democratic institution which is currently functioning. “I think I was number one there in the protocol but we were made to sit with Tehsildar’s,” Naeem said.

Angered Khurshid Alam said that he has boycotted the Republic Day function over the despicable behaviour of the administration.“I have boycotted on my personal level and I will also boycott the function at Governors place as well, “Alam said.

“I will make sure that action is initiated against the divisional administration over this behaviour,” Alam said. (KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 24: Asking authorities not to muzzle political dissent, pro-freedom leader turned politician and People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone Thursday said that there is a dire need to start a political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the sidelines of a press conference, Sajad Lone said that separatist with a different political ideology should be given space and like mainstream politicians they should also be allowed to organize rallies and conference. “Provide them space and allow them to speak up. Political discourse should be started and political dissent should not be muzzled. This will keep people away from violence,” Lone told news agency CNS.

He said gun and violence can’t solve any problem. “People won’t involve themselves in violence if they will be allowed to express themselves freely. Allow separatist leaders to organize rallies if they wish to do so,” he said.

In response to a question, he said that we should treat others in the same way we treat our own children. “We shouldn’t allow others to indulge in violence. What we think of our own children should be thought about the children of others,” Lone said in an apparent reference to Hurriyat leaders asking them to keep young boys away from violence. (CNS)