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Srinagar: Blaming Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the violence in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said Kashmiris were being killed and branded as Pakistanis and traitors.
“Look at Jammu and Kashmir. At what state has it been left in? People are being killed everywhere. And it is said that they are Pakistanis, they are traitors,” Abdullah said at Trinamool Congress’ ‘United India’ rally in Kolkata, according to news agency ANI.

Addressing a huge gathering at the opposition rally led by TMC chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata, Abdullah said there was a need to “finish BJP and for that it is important to fight the elections together.”
Abdullah, a member of Parliament from Kashmir in Lok Sabha, said people were being divided, on basis of where they come from and their religion.
“After 70 years, India has yet another challenge. That people are being divided on religious lines. Fire is being spread in the northeast (a reference to Citizenship Amendment Bill). If you want to save this country, everyone has to sacrifice something. We will have to unite to save the country. I am a Muslim, but a part of Hindustan, and every Kashmiri, be it from Jammu and Ladakh, wants to stay with India. In the last four years, the current government has given us problems from all sides,” he said, according to the report.
The three-time J&K chief minister also called Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) as ‘chor’ machines and said opposition leaders must urge the poll panel to do away with them.
“We should approach the Election Commission, meet the President and say we want ballot papers,” he said.
Abdullah said this year ‘we want a new government at center that plays fair with institutions, in which we can all co-exist.
“India can be strengthened not by the Air Force or Army but only if our hearts are strong,” the NC president added.
More than 20 top leaders, including three present chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu and HD Kumaraswamy; and former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Akhilesh Yadav and Gegong Apang attended the rally.
The event’s aim was to unite various political parties against the Narendra Modi-led BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Will boost annual production from 500 to 5000 tonnes in next five years: Samoon

Budgam, January 19: In a first in India, J&K state imported genetically modified Rainbow Trout Seed from Denmark after 119 years to boost annual production from 500 to 5000 tonnes over next five years.

Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep and Fisheries Department Dr Asghar Hassan Samoon shared the information after inaugurating the hatchery meant for rearing of genetically improved Rainbow Trout Fish today here at Beerwah Budgam.

On the occasion, Dr Samoon said that the seed will be reared up to brood in the facility and then it will be distributed among fish farmers and other hatcheries of the department.

“We can now produce table size fishes of this variety within 12 to 14 months in comparison to 24 months earlier. It will boost the production and revenue of farmers. J&K state is blessed with abundant fresh water resources which is favorable for rainbow trout fish.

It is our endeavor to tap the local potential for lessening the import bill of state on food products,” he said. He added that genetically modified rainbow trout will have more muscle mass and will increase efficiency of aquaculture in the state.

A consignment of 2.25 lakh Eyed Ova Rainbow Trout imported from Billud in Denmark Rever Roheamger were successfully put in for production of brood stock in the state, he said. He also said that he is hopeful that with the introduction of Rainbow Trout fish, more and more entrepreneurs will get attracted towards the fish farming due to its high returns.

Dr Samoon also directed the officials to create awareness regarding the high returns of fish farming among the youth. “We will provide the marketing support to the aspiring entrepreneurs, besides providing them subsidy on seed and feed so that they can successfully run fish rearing ventures,” he said.

He also called for proper maintenance of the hatchery which gets constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 42 lakh. Meanwhile on the occasion, Dr Samoon also distributed three auto rickshaws for fishermen of District Srinagar and Ganderbal for efficient marketing of their fish produce. He also gave Rs one lakh cheque each to two beneficiaries as accidental insurance.

Dr Samoon also laid foundation stone of District Laboratory, Operation Theater cum indoor facility complex at Budgam which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 95 lakh. The facility will cater to existing cattle population of 1, 42000 of the district.

Later in the day, the Principal Secretary also distributed Broiler Day Old Chicks (DOCs) and feed among the beneficiaries of district Bandipora, under Innovative Poultry Productivity Project (IPPP-Broilers), National Livestock Mission 2018-19 here at Directorate of Animal Husbandry Kashmir, Gaw Kadal Srinagar. Director Animal Husbandry Department Kashmir Dr. M. Y. Chaproo was also present on the occasion.

Under IPPP-Broilers, 600 Broiler DOCs per beneficiary along with requisite feed was distributed among the beneficiaries. On the occasion, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon also released a manual, written in Urdu language, for prevention of scheduled diseases in livestock.

Tribute To the Youngest Pellet Victim in the world Hiba

My most painful tribute to the youngest pellets victim in the world Hiba Baby in #Kashmir

By: Mushaal Mullick

There is always a threat on important occasions, ready to deal with all challenges, says IG CRPF

Srinagar, January 19: Intelligence agencies have cautioned the police and other security agencies in Kashmir about the possible threats by militants to disrupt the upcoming Republic Day function prompting the police and the paramilitary forces to test drones to keep militants at bay.

Road stretch towards Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium has already been sealed and no vehicular traffic will be allowed to ply from Zero Bridge and to Ram Munshi bagh.

An intelligence officer disclosed to KNO, that there are “credible inputs” followed by the intercepts suggest that militant outfit Jaish-e-Muhammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba may disrupt the upcoming R-day function in Srinagar or in South Kashmir.

“A militant movement has also been noticed in Srinagar and at various entry and exit points. Concerned security agencies have been told to take appropriate measures,” the officer, who is not authorized to speak to media, told KNO on the condition of anonymity.

Amid high alert, a mock drill in the city centres Lal Chowk on Saturday in run-up to the January 26 in a bid to ensure area domination. A senior police officer said that the exercise was a “routine one” aimed at area domination since the R-day venue is nearby. “Such exercises are part of the preparations ahead of the R-day,” he said. “People need not to panic.”

Inspector general of CRPF for Srinagar sector, Ravideep Singh Sahi said that police and the CRPF men conducted a joint area domination exercise ahead of the January 26 function.

Replying to a query whether drones were pressed into service, he said given the recent grenade attacks, drones were tested for area mapping to keep a vigil on Lal Chowk and its surrounding areas.

“Situation is under control and there is no need to panic. We have taken elaborate measures to foil all the designs of militants that are aimed at disrupting the R-day function in Srinagar,” he said.

To a query whether there was any input about the threat by militants, the IG CRPF said: “There is no specific threat but a general threat and all measures have been taken to keep the militants at the bay.”(KNO)

Srinagar: The IAS topper, Shah Faesal on Saturday termed the events that led to exodus of Kashmiri Pandits as unfortunate, saying that it is a blot on the history.

According to KNO, Faesal in a tweet prayed that Kashmir gets to welcome back its lost tribe soon.

“The unfortunate events that led to exodus of Kashmiri Pandits are a blot on our history. I pray that Kashmir gets to welcome back its lost tribe soon,” Shah Faesal tweeted.(KNO)

‘To be in party was against my conscience’

Srinagar, Jan 19: Former finance minister, Syed Altaf Bukhari on Saturday welcomed the decision taken by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that he feels that has been freed from the confinement.
Soon after being expelled, Bukhari while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that “I am happy that the party has taken a decision to expel me. I feel that I have been relieved from a huge burden and I am freed from the imprisonment.”
He added that to be in the party was against his voice of conscience. “I am happy that the party has taken this decision. I welcome the party’s decision and I feel I have been freed me from a confinement,” he said.
Altaf was considered as the top leaders of PDP ever since he joined the party. He was inducted in the cabinet twice and served at different portfolios. He was also the Chief Minister candidate from the party after the death of former Chief Minister and PDP patron Late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.
Notably, the political maneuvering in Jammu and Kashmir is getting momentum as various political leaders are shifting to other political parties ahead of the parliamentary and assembly elections here.
The decision of expelling him from the party would likely strengthen the third front that is currently being revived in the State. Several leaders including Altaf Bukhari, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, Ghulam Hassan Mir and Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen are among the leaders who are in talks to revive the third front.
The leaders had told KNS that the third front will be reemerged in the state likely ahead of the elections. (KNS)

SRINAGAR, JAN 19 : For anti-party activities , Altaf Bukhari expelled from PDP Party has been watching with concern the activities of one of its leaders Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari for quite some time. Ever since the passing away of our founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed he has been perusing his personal political ambition at the cost of the Party and state interest.

Mr Bukhari inspired and led dissent in the Party at its most crucial stage which resulted in serious damage to our efforts at implementing the agenda of Alliance of our coalition government. While the Party leadership was engaged in negotiations with its partner and the GOI insisting on implementing some agreed points before forming the new government, the dissension weakened its bargaining position forcing subsequent events against its will.

In spite of this obvious backstabbing and subversion of people’s interest the Party leadership believed in subsequent explanations and assurances of Mr Bukhari and reposed complete trust in him by reinducting him in cabinet .

Unfortunately ever after the end of coalition, Mr Bukhari instead of pursuing party interest in accordance with the expectations of our voters and workers started open attempts at breaking the Party by hobnobbing with its rivals.

Newspapers have been running stories almost on daily basis to create impression of Bukhari being at the centre of a ‘rebellion’ brewing in the Party. The leadership waited in the hope of Bukhari rejecting these reports to clear the air. But unfortunately he did nothing to remove this impression.

It was therefore decided to expel Bukhari from party’s basic membership with immediate effect.

Srinagar, Jan 19: Deputy Mayor SMC, Shiekh Mohammad Imran on Saturday termed the serious concern over LD Hospital incident after a woman forced was forced to deliver on the open road and demanded impartial probe in the incident.

Imran expressed deep shock against the negligent approach of LD Hospital administration which denied admission of a poor patient despite of her intense labour pain.

He expressed his sympathy with the bereaved family and urged Governor administration to take serious note of the incident and take strict action against the culprits involved in this shameful incident.

“When I visited the hospitals in Srinagar including CD hospital, some people criticized me for the move but I knew that poor people are suffering by these dictators,” he said adding that where are now the defenders of doctors who treat patients as cattle’s.

“Where are contractors of Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) and Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) who are busy in issuing statements. My work is to expose those who are exploited by traditional politics,” Imran questioned.

“I will always raise voice against oppression and dictatorship; he said adding that these incidents should not repeat again in the valley,” he said. Imran said State Administration especially Health Department will take strong notice of this shameful incident.

NEW DELHI 19 JAN: Senior INC Leader, Salman Nizami while reacting on Shah Faesal’s resignation and his entering the mainstream politics has tweeted that With all the bouquets & brickbats that Shah Faesal sahib has got on his quitting IAS, he is a national asset. We welcome this upright youngster in mainstream politics & hope that he will serve the public with dedication in the days ahead. In another tweet, Nizami wrote even when Shah faesal whose dad was killed by militants couldn’t face the brunt of the illiterate ruler’s policies, how do you expect a young common Kashmiri to ballyhoo for you? Do these Sanghis expect him to take up GUN too? Appreciate his move of choosing Mainstream to fight back.

Nizami said, said the regional politics will confine Faesal to the prisms of few Districts whereas he should come forward and actively participate in National Politics. His saying to bring in the change will be possible only if comes to the Center and be the Voice of the Kashmiri People. Young people need to come up who truly represent the aspirations of politics and have seen the things in Kashmir very closely. While commenting on Regional Players, Nizami said that the Leaders of the Regional parties have always misguided and exploited the people both in New Delhi as well as Kashmir for Power and Votes.

Doctor who was on duty attached pending enquiry

Srinagar, Jan 19: The government has directed Principal Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar to probe incident involving delivery of a woman on the roadside near Lal Ded hospital leading to the death of her baby.

The woman from the far-flung area of Moori, Kalaroose, Kupwara was reportedly refused entry by doctors late Thursday night after which she gave birth to a baby on the roadside near Lal Ded, Kashmir’s premier maternity hospital here.

The normal delivery by the woman also puts a question mark on the functioning of peripheral hospitals especially in Kupwara from where she was referred late in the evening to Srinagar.

Talking to GNS, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Khan said that a formal order has been issued to Principal/Dean GMC requiring him to look into the factual position as regards denial of entry of the woman into the hospital leading her delivering on the roadside as a consequence of which baby born to her died.

“This incident needs a thorough inquiry to find out the factual position, so that appropriate action is taken against the concerned if found liable for such negligence/ act,” reads the order issued by the Divisional Commissioner to the principal GMC.

You are accordingly directed to enquire into the matter and furnish the inquiry report along with your explicit comments within two days, treating the matter most urgent, the order added.

Talking to GNS, Medical Superintendent of Lal Ded hospital, Dr Shabir Sidiqui said that the matter has been already taken up with the head of the Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Farhhat Jabeen.

Pending inquiry, the doctor who was on duty on Thursday has been attached to Principal GMC, Srinagar,” the Superintendent said.

Meanwhile, the family said that had the woman not been referred to Srinagar, the baby would have survived.

Action should also be taken against those who referred us to Srinagar from Kupwara hospital and also those who asked us to wait and bring the woman on Friday in the LD hospital, the family added. (GNS)