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Jammu, November 20 : In the Phase-II of Panchayat Polls held today, overall 71.1% polling was witnessed across the State. According to the Chief Electoral Officer J&K, Shaleen Kabra, an overwhelming 80.4% polling was witnessed in Jammu division and 52.2% in Kashmir division.

Giving district-wise details, Kabra said that Kupwara witnessed 69.7%, Bandipora 66.3%, Baramulla 11.2%, Ganderbal 27.4%, Anantnag 1%, Kargil, 66.5%, Leh 66.3%, Kishtwar 77.8%, Doda 81.7%, Ramban, 72.3%, Udhampur 83.9%, Kathua 78.7%, Rajouri 83.5% and Poonch 81.7%. Pertinently, in the Phase-I of Panchayat Polls held on 17 November 2018, 74.1% polling was recorded across the State with 64.5% in Kashmir division and 79.5% in Jammu division. For Phase-III of Panchayat Polls, voting will take place on 24 November 2018.

Srinagar: Inhuman Killing of senior resistance leader Mir Hafiz-u-Allah in broad day light is most atrocious and naked act of state repression. Through Mir sahibs’ martyrdom today, we have lost a prudent voice, courageous and steadfast human being and a humble personality. This was stated by the incarcerated chairman of Jammu Kashmir liberation front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik in a condolence message sent out from incarceration today.

On the directions of JKLF incarcerated Chairman a high level JKLF delegation comprising of vice chairman Advocate Bashir Ahmad Butt, Zonal president Noor Muhammad Kalwal, Ghulam Muhammad Dar and district president Muhammad Ishaaq Ganie reached Akingam Achabal Islamabad and participated in the funeral prayers and burial of Martyr Mir Hafiz-u-Allah. Advocate Bashir Ahmad Butt also addressed the condolence gathering and paid rich tributes to the great soul. JKLF delegation also expressed solidarity with his bereaved family.

Terming the killing of Mir Hafiz-u-Allah as most atrocious and naked act of state repression and a personal loss, JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik in his sorrowful message from incarceration said that nation of Kashmir has today lost a prudent voice, a humble son of soil and brave resistance leader whose absence will be felt for long. Recalling his personal friendship and association with Martyr Mir Hafiz-u-Allah, JKLF incarcerated chairman said that in 2014, he was lodged in Mattan jail Islamabad where Mir Hafiz-u-Allah was already languishing. His humble attitude, soft approach, upright wisdom, political sensibility and other qualities soon brought us close and we shared our thoughts and ideas for hours. Martyr Mir sahib endured incarcerations, torture, torment and apathy from Indian authorities and forces but never budged before the tyranny and occupation. Terming his demise as a personal loss, JKLF chairman said that only few days back Martyr Mir sahib visited JKLF office at Srinagar and informed me about the threats from Indian forces and police and how suspicious vehicles were roaming around his residence and how he was receiving threatening calls from authorities. His worries came true today and he was gunned down in cold blood in front of his wife, asserted JKLF chairman. JKLF chairman said that Martyr Mir Hafiz-u-Allah was a classic example of Indian oppression and how India treated peaceful political activists, tortured and tormented them, pushed them to the wall and hence forced them to tread the path of ultimate sacrifice. Lately Mir Hafiz-u-Allah faced this Indian wrath in 2016 when his residential house was vandalized and damaged by Indian forces and police and his poor family was tortured and tormented to suppress his peaceful political voice and dissent. JKLF chairman while praying for his heavenly abode also prayed for his bereaved family.

Meanwhile JKLF leaders and activists organized various condolence meetings on the martyrdom day of Shuhadai-e-Alikadal.various functions were held in Europe, UK, Middle East, Rawalpindi and in different districts of AJK wherein rich tributes were paid to the great martyrs of Alikadal, Srinagar. A central function presided over by vice Chairman Saleem Haroon was held in Rawalpindi wherein Dy. Secretary General Sajid Sidiqi, senior leaders Sardar Anwar Adv, Sardar Hanif, Saleem Butt, Aftab Ahmed, Manzoor Khan, Tanveer Aziz and many others spoke about the valor and commitment exhibited by Shaheed-e-Hurriyet Sheikh Abdul Hameed, Shaheed Mushtaq Lone, Shaheed Jameel Choudhry and others. Rasib Kashmiri, a visiting JKLF leader from UK Zone also spoke on the occasion. While speaking to the audience, Saleem Haroon reiterated the pledge to carry on the struggle left half way by these martyrs to its logical conclusion of freedom. He very briefly put light on the way Sheikh Abdul Hameed, Mushtaq Lone and Jameel Choudhry struggled in Kashmir and said that their struggle works as a torch bearer for all party members.To let the dreams of all martyrs of Jammu Kashmir come true, speakers on the occasion pledged to carry on the struggle of freedom under the dynamic leadership of Chairman JKLF, Muhammad Yasin Malik. At the end of the function, special prayer dua’a was held for Shuhadai-e-Kashmir.

Srinagar, Nov 20: Breaking months long silence after the fall of PDP-BJP coalition government, top PDP leader ranked number two of Late mufti Muhammad Sayeed Muzaffar Hussain Beigh Tuesday asked PDP top brass to stop following NC, the way they followed they followed Abdullahs on poll boycott, adding that “Peoples Conference is like a home to me and Sajad Gani Lone like my son.” Alleging that the government in Pakistan is hostage to extremist forces, Beigh said there is no shortcut to dialogue between India and Pakistan on resolution of Kashmir issue.
Addressing a press Conference in Srinagar, Beigh while seeking explanations from NC top brass particularly the two top leaders for boycotting civic polls over an assurance on Article 35-A, regretted that PDP didn’t take him on board on boycott of civic polls, a decision lamely taken by the party the day when he (Beigh) was in Delhi.
Alleging that NC top brass decided to boycott the polls after hostile statements from a party’s senior leader, Beigh as per KNS correspondent said, “Democracy and public connectivity is build up at grass roots and no political party has the right to claim to be a political party if it doesn’t participate in elections.”
About the fall of PDP-BJP government, Beigh said, “I was consulted only for a day when the alliance was to be formed with the BJP in the lifetime of Late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. I told Late Mufti that meeting up minds is very important for making the alliance workable and if the alliance is made workable it could become a model for rest of India.”
About the working of PDP-BJP government, Beigh as per KNS correspondent said PDP failed to deliver on the promises it made to the people during last assembly elections as development deficit was visible on the ground due to non-utilization of funds. The heart goes to unemployed PhD scholars who are unemployed and have become disillusioned. Youth have lost faith in mainstream and as well as Hurriyat as they now speak about Khilafat propagated from Arab and implemented in India and Pakistan.”
Saying that if rigging in 1987 elections won’t have taken place, militancy would not have taken routes in Jammu and Kashmir, Beigh said “Salah-ud-din who contested from Amira Kadal assembly constituency found himself in Shaheed Gunj Police lock-up along with his wife and Yasin Malik his then chief polling agent won’t have been detained along with his sister.”
Alleging that government in Pakistan have not the courage to take hot decisions and reach out to India for a dialogue over Kashmir, Beigh as per KNS correspondent said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached out to former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief and met his family just to request for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue but Pathankote spoiled all the ground work done for the resumption of India Pakistan dialogue.”
Saying that it pains him to see young Kashmiri boys and Indian soldiers dying in Kashmir, Beigh said, “Politicians are responsible for this bloodshed.” Saying that PDP was formed to take a route to middle ground after the 70-year-long failure of NC in the state, Beigh said that “I am sorry to say that PDP has failed to take the middle ground route for which it was formed.”
Alleging that he and Tariq Karra were virtually thrown out of state politics after their fielding for the Lok Sabha elections in the year 2014, Beigh said, “If PDP doesn’t take a decision on following NC over major policy decisions, I would be constrained to be part of third front, the formation of which is very much possible in the current political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Apprehending that the politics being played in Jammu and Kashmir may lead to trifurcation of the state, Beigh said, “Kashmir mainstream parties can’t afford to take part in civic elections in Ladakh and Kargil and boycott in Kashmir Valley.”
Asked if he could be part of a third front, emerging under the leadership of PC chairman, Sajjad Gani Lone, Beigh said, “PC is like a home to me and Sajad Lone just like my son. If they come to me and PDP doesn’t take corrective measures I will have no option but to be part of a third front presently shaped by Peoples Conference.”
In reply to a question on election of PDP president, Beigh said, “Last time, a committee was set up to amend the bylaws but the committee didn’t meet even once. People are looking for a change and if PDP doesn’t mend its ways and continues following NC the change would be visible.”

Says, white collar killers roaming free, society in slumber

Srinagar, Nov 18: Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman and former minister Sajad Gani Lone has said one teenager shot and one knifed shows that Kashmir is passing through a horrific phase but society seeing white collar killers roaming free is in slumber.

Taking to micro blogging social networking site twitter Sajad Gani Lone wrote “Killings recorded on camera. One teenager shot and one knifed. This is a horrific phase and while the society is in a slumber, there r white collar killers roaming freely ready to justify murder. Bestial savagery nothing else.”

Srinagar, Nov 18: Urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against flu, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday said flu vaccine protects expectant mothers and their babies from flu.
“Pregnant women are more vulnerable when it comes to flu due to the way their immune system, heart and lungs change during pregnancy,” said DAK president and flu expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a communiqué.
“Pregnant women who get the flu are at higher risk of hospitalization, and even death,” he said.
Dr Nisar said the risk of premature labor and delivery increases when expectant mothers catch the flu and there is a greater chance of birth defects and even death of a baby in the womb.
“Preventing influenza during pregnancy is an essential element of prenatal care and the most effective strategy for preventing influenza is vaccination,” he said.
Quoting a 2018 study, Dr Nisar said pregnant women who received flu vaccination were 40% less likely to be hospitalized during pregnancy than pregnant women who weren’t vaccinated.
“Flu vaccine in pregnancy saves infants from dying in the womb,” he said.
“Flu vaccination was associated with 51 percent reduction in stillbirths,” Dr Nisar quoted another study.
He added mother’s flu shot protects her baby for up to 6 months after he or she is born, which is important because babies younger than 6 months cannot be vaccinated.
Dr Nisar said flu vaccine is perfectly safe for pregnant women and can be given during any stage of pregnancy. It is the injectable flu vaccine that should be given to pregnant women and not nasal flu vaccine as it is made from live virus that makes it less appropriate during pregnancy.
“Despite life-saving benefits of flu vaccine in pregnancy, majority of the pregnant women in Kashmir are unvaccinated. Last year two expecting mothers lost their lives to flu at SKIMS and both of them had not received the flu vaccine,” he informed.
“The power of vaccination in pregnancy is a message that should be broadcast far and wide. It is imperative that obstetricians should advocate for influenza immunization and provide flu vaccine to their pregnant patients,” said Dr Nisar.

‘False narrative being sold to Kashmiri youth joining militancy which they need to recognise and be wary of’

Jammu and Kashmir is heading towards a spell of president’s rule, the Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Thursday, even as he appealed to all political parties to participate in the upcoming panchayat polls beginning November 17.

In an interview with Greater Kashmir, Malik talked about a host of issues including governance under Governor’s rule, fight against corruption, low voter turnout in the recently-held urban local body elections and Kashmiri youth joining militancy.

‘ASSEMBLY WON’T BE DISSOLVED’

The Governor said the Assembly, which is under suspended animation for the past nearly five months, will not be dissolved.

“There is no issue with the Assembly. I don’t want to unnecessarily tinker with it. There is a reason for it. The elected people are still members of legislative assembly. They have been provided with funds to serve the people. So, even though there is not an elected government in place, the political process is going on, as the process includes political activity as well. Keeping this in mind, the Assembly will not be dissolved,” he said, when asked if any decision is being taken vis-à-vis dissolution of the Assembly.

‘J&K HEADING TOWARDS PRESIDENT’S RULE’

To a query whether J&K is heading towards president’s rule after the six-month Governor’s Rule will ends on December 19, Malik said: “Yes, of course. Jammu and Kashmir is heading towards president’s rule. It is a normal legal procedure according to the constitution.”

ON PANCHAYAT POLLS

About upcoming panchayat polls and the recently-held urban local body elections that were boycotted by the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, Malik said: “NC and PDP did boycott, but a lot of their people did contest the elections. Besides, there is no party system in these local elections. People have been contesting even without symbols. Boycotting elections does not help in solving the Article 35-A issue or Article 370 issue. It does not help in solving any other problem of the state either.”

“Only for your own political posturing, you are boycotting them. How did you participate in the Kargil polls only a couple of months ago? The situation was not any different then. I want to appeal to all the political parties once again to participate in the (panchayat) polls,” he said.

About low voter turnout in the ULB polls and whether he expected the turnout to improve in the panchayat elections, Malik said: “I am 100 percent sure it (voter turnout) will improve. The more localised an election, the more intriguing and interesting it is for the people. I am sure that people in large numbers will cast their vote.”

He said: “As far as security is concerned, I guarantee that all arrangements will be put in place and we will keep people safe and secure. We managed to get through ULB polls without any untoward incident. We tried and succeeded in ensuring that there is no poll related violence across the state.”

‘NOT DEFAMING KASHMIRIS’

About accusations by several mainstream parties that he was defaming Kashmiris, Malik said: “I respect every Kashmiri. Kashmiris are very good people. Very sweet people. Very talented. Wherever they have gone, they have made a name for themselves. Kashmir has produced innumerable honest people. But, it is also true that during the past several years, there has been corruption in the political and bureaucratic system.”

“And it has not only happened in Kashmir, but across the country. Here, in J&K, it has happened little more than rest of the country. When I ask the people who invest money, they tell me that in Kashmir, they are asked to give 10 percent, while in rest of the country it is four percent. They tell me that if one wants to open a coffee shop, it will take the government four years to clear the file,” he said.

Malik said there is a “lot of corruption here.”

“But it is not me who is defaming the Kashmiri people. They are being defamed by the people indulging in corruption. Had there been no corruption, Kashmir would have turned into a city of gold,” the Governor said.

About his roadmap to eradicate corruption, Malik said: “I cancelled two big deals, one pertaining to Reliance mediclaim and the other related to river Jhelum. It was confirmed to me that there is some serious corruption and problems in these things. Many big names—including those related to politics, bureaucracy, business, were part of both the deals. Today, no one tries to pick up a fight with someone as big as Reliance. But I did. I just want to appeal to the people of Kashmir to help me eradicate corruption and fight the people indulging in it.”

He said his administration has decided that the Kashmir Administrative Service officers will declare their properties and assets just like the Indian Administrative Service officers.

“You will be pleased to know that more than 95 percent KAS officers declared their assets and properties within a month. All this will be uploaded on the internet soon,” he said.

He said the government has empowered the anti-corruption bureau. “It has been given the powers to arrest corrupt people and attach their properties as well. This has happened for the first time. People can appeal in the court of law against the arrests or the attachments, but the bureau is empowered. This will result in a sense of fear among the wrongdoers,” he said. “Also, our agencies are keeping a check on corrupt people.”

‘SHUN MILITANCY’

On alleged increase in number of Kashmiri youth joining militancy since the Governor’s rule was imposed in J&K, Malik said: “The perception is wrong that a lot of people have joined militancy since I took over. Since I assumed the charge of Governor—three months as on November 23—only 1 or 2 local youth have picked up arms. Besides, stone-pelting has also lessened to a great extent. I have tried to change the narrative of the people.”

“I am the first politician who has said, yes, New Delhi has been at fault as well. It did not happen during Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji’s time. It happened before that. Due to the faults of New Delhi, which included making the winners lose and the losers win in elections, making a party win unethically and under rigged elections, the people felt alienated. I spoke honestly about this, and even the Hurriyat leaders said that the Governor’s statement is 50 percent right.”

Malik said he had tried to “set a narrative that violence will not yield anything. And I am not the only one who has said this. Even Parvez Musharraf, the former president of Pakistan, had told the Hurriyat leaders and some big local politicians, behind closed doors, during the Agra summit, that India is a superpower. He has said that he would not be able to separate Kashmir from the country and that is why it is better to take whatever concession you get from the Indian government.”

“The worst part is that many local political leaders, after returning from meetings in New Delhi, always sold false dreams to the people. This is what made the situation worse,” he said.

About his message to the Kashmiri youth who have joined militancy, Malik said: “I want to tell them that one day, they must leave their weapons behind and come to the Raj Bhavan to meet me. I guarantee you a safe passage to the Raj Bhavan. Come and have food with me and try to make me understand the logic behind picking up arms and what it will yield. I understand that someone has sold you the idea that you will be a martyr and enter paradise. That is your personal matter. I cannot say anything about whether you will or will not enter the paradise. But what I can say is that you have already been bestowed with paradise, which is Kashmir region.”

“In my native village, there are people who kill themselves, claiming it to be sacrifice for some god/goddess, but in reality they are also just fooled by someone into doing it. Similarly, the Kashmiri youth are being sold a false narrative, which they need to recognise and be wary of. The state has a separate constitution, a separate flag. No one can trouble or touch the local people. You can ask for anything that is permissible under the Indian constitution and I assure you that it will be granted.”

The Governor said that New Delhi was not ruling the people. “We—the central government and me—want the people to know that we are friends. We can help each other out. Let us come to a common platform and hold talks. Talks are the best bet. You will surely get whatever you deserve.”

‘INTERLOCUTOR ON JOB’

Asked if the role of interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma has lessened since he joined as the Governor, Malik said: “No. He met me more than a couple of times in the past few months. He is still visiting places and he is satisfied. But there is one thing, some people meet me. But these are not the people that used to meet him. Political people used to meet him and he still does meet delegations. He is on the job.”

‘RATH’S TRANSFER A ROUTINE THING’

Asked why IPS officer Basant Rath was transferred, he said: “In a government job, transfers are inherent. Transfers are a regular thing. It is not like his transfer happened due to any complaint. He is a good officer. He should utilise his potential. I wish him well.”

“Some officers do have a tendency to be more interested in publicity than work. But they need to remember that you have to come here to serve the people, to ensure discipline, to maintain law and order, and not project yourself. I am saying this to every officer, not only him,” the Governor said.

“Basant Rath’s transfer was a normal transfer. It is not a punishment posting. We will post him somewhere else very soon. No one has any ill-will against him. Neither any officer, nor the department.”

Asked about a strong speculation that Rath was transferred due to his altercation with Srinagar mayor Junaid Mattu on social media, the Governor said: “No. The transfer had nothing to do with the spat. But the spat should never have happened in the first place. Being a good officer, he shouldn’t have called the mayor a cabbage.”

“Basant Rath could have told the mayor that he did not agree with him. If he had only done that, it would have been totally fine. But he went a length too far by calling the mayor a cabbage.”

‘SATISFIED WITH GOVERNANCE’

To a query whether he was satisfied with the present governance of Jammu and Kashmir, he said: “I am satisfied in the sense that I am doing my duty honestly. I do not take orders from anyone, except the President and the Prime Minister, who are my heads as per the constitution. I have two constitutions, one of India and the other of J&K, which I try to follow. This makes me satisfied and it makes me happy that the people across the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir are helping me and showing their love.”

“It will be a fight between me and the political parties after I launch a campaign against corruption. I am ready for that. The support the people have shown and are continuing to show is helping me. I want to appeal to everyone to keep supporting and cooperating with the Governor’s administration,” he said.

Srinagar: According to director school education Kashmir G N Itoo, the news about announcement of winter vacation, circulated in WhatsApp groups and Facebook portals, is totally Fake.

SRINAGAR: Former Pakistan international cricketer Shahid Afridi has asked India and Pakistan to leave Kashmir “for the sake of humanity” and let Kashmiris decide their own future.

“Don’t give Kashmir to Pakistan or India either. Let them be independent. Humanity is big thing. Human are being killed there (Kashmir). It hurts to see humans are being killed whatever religion they may belong,” Afridi said while addressing the students at British Parliament.

“Pakistan doesn’t need Kashmir; it is not able to even handle the four provinces it has,” Afridi can be heard in a video of the press interaction. However, while admitting that Pakistan had failed in its efforts to keep the country united and safe from extremists, the former cricketer ranted that people were dying in Kashmir and it pains to see that happen.

“Say Pakistan doesn’t need Kashmir, don’t give it to India as well, let Kashmir become a country. The people dying there should not die, humanity should stay alive. It pains to see people die there,” he told the press.

It is not the first time that Afridi has commented on the Kashmir issue. Earlier this year too, he had tweeted on the matter in April.

“Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren’t they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?” he had written on the social media platform.