Srinagar: A day after Prime Minister, Narendra Modi announced demonetization of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes, the valley traders on Wednesdayopposed the move saying those having no bank accounts have been left to lurch at large.
Chairman of Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), Muhammad Yasin Khan said that the decision taken by PM Modi will affect the business here. “Besides traders, a common man has also been pushed towards walls. I believe the time limit set by PM Modi is insufficient,” he said.
He said that it stands the responsibility of state government now to approach GoI for the extension of time limit set by GoI.
Talking to KNS, president of Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation (KTMF), Bashir Ahmad Rather said that the people who no bank accounts have been left to lurch.
He said that most of the people in Kashmir especially in far flung areas are having no bank accounts and making such announcement hastily can leave them to suffer.
He said that people must be given more time to exchange their money.
Rather added, “At the same time ATM withdrawals has been restricted to Rs 2,000 per day, which needs to be extended upto more than Rs 20,000 per day.”
Hilal Ahmad Mando, Chairman Traders Federation Parimpora Fruit Mandi, said that the Kashmir has already suffered a tremendous loss in the ongoing movement and the decision taken by PM can add further hardships to the people here.
While appreciating the step taken by PM to check black money in the country, Mando said that GoI should feel the sufferings of people and must amend the decision so that the people could feel a sigh of relief.
“The time announced by the GoI is insufficient which must be extended upto six months,” he demanded.
He said that such steps during turmoil in Kashmir can leave Kashmiris to face immense hardships. (KNS)
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Valley traders oppose demonetization of Rs 500, 1000 notes
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Education a great leveller, Islam has laid stress on seeking knowledge: Mehbooba
Asks charitable organizations to emulate Islamia Faridia, BGSBS, MVDSB model using offerings for spread of education
KISHTWAR: Underscoring the importance of education in the socio-economic empowerment, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today said Islam has laid ample stress on seeking knowledge, making it a compulsory obligation.
Addressing the annual day function of Islamia Faridia Educational & Research Institute here, the Chief Minister said education is a great leveler to bridge any social and economic gap in society and reminded the students how much stress Islam has laid on seeking knowledge.
Mehbooba Mufti reminded the students that Iqra (learn) was the first verse to have been revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and seeking knowledge was made Farz (compulsory) for every Muslim. Importance of education has been stressed in Islam time and again and preventing or disrupting education is a disservice to Islam, she said.
The Chief Minister complimented the Islamia Faridia Educational & Research Institute for its efforts in spreading education in Chenab valley region during 111 years of its existence since 1905. She announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for the school for its further development and infrastructure upgradation while assuring all possible help to the institute.
Mehbooba Mufti asked the charitable institutes like Auqafs and trusts in the State to emulate successful models like Islamia Faridia Trust, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah, Mata Vaishno Devi University etc. where the offerings and other donations were gainfully used to spread education, make colleges, universities and hospitals. This is the best use of these offerings and real tribute to these saints and deities, she said.
Felicitating people on the Urs of Hazrat Shah Asrar ud Din (RA), the Chief Minister said development of the region has always remained close to her heart. She said she is fully aware of the problems and aspirations of the people of the area. She said immediately after taking over she had decided to undertake a detailed visit of the area to further assess the development needs but couldn’t due to the situation in Kashmir Valley.
Responding to the demands put forth, Mehbooba Mufti said there is a need to construct tunnels like Vailoo-Singhpora and on Mughal road. She said the bed strength of Kishtwar hospital would be increased from 100 beds to 200 and possibility of setting up a cancer hospital would also be explored. She said one nursing college has been started in the town and another college would also be set up soon.
The Chief Minister described Kishtwar as hub of generating hydel power and assured people that money under Corporate Social Responsibility of the companies operating in the area would be spent on the welfare of its people.
Earlier on her arrival, the Chief Minister was given a warm reception by the students of the institute. She was taken by a contingent of students of the institute to the podium.
The Chief Minister, on the occasion, distributed Faridia Gold medals among the dedicated teachers of the institute.
Minister of State for Hajj & Auqaf, Syed Farooq Andrabi in his address also appreciated the contribution of the school in the spread of education in the area and hoped one day the institute would become a good university in the region. He said the nursing college started by Wakf Council has started admissions and efforts would be made to upgrade its infrastructure.
MLC, Firdous Tak also addressed the gathering and thanked the Chief Minister for starting a nursing college in the town. He said it was the dream of late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed to see Kishtwar develop as any other modern town of the State.
MLA, G M Saroori, members of the management of the Islamia Faridia Educational & Research Institute, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, G N Balwan and other officers of district administration were present on the occasion.
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Joint Resistance Leadership Issues Fresh Protest Program
Srinagar: Joint Resistance Issues Protest calendar (From November 11, 2016 to November 17, 2016)
Friday, November 11
(No Relaxation)
Youm-e-Istiqlal at Jamia Masjid Srinagar
After Maghrib Prayer (Thursday, Nov 10), March one & all form entire Jammu & Kashmir towards Jamia Masjid Srinagar to observe Youm-e-Istiqlal;
Post Friday prayer, Freedom Congregation will be held in Shehar-i-Khas, where Joint Resistance Leadership will address the nation;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of Srinagar (especially Shehar-i-Khas) coordinate & ensure the arrangementsSaturday, November 12
(Relaxation from 4 pm to 7 am)
Assessment Drive
Auqaf/Bait-ul-Maal/Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers throughout Jammu & Kashmir visit each and every household in their area and prepare the list of people in need of financial and/0r any other kind of support;
Also visit the families of martyrs, injured especially those who’s vision has been impaired or blinded by pallets and the arrested ones during the present Peoples’ uprising against Indian Military Occupation and prepare a detailed list of their needs;
Make the arrangements for their supportSunday, November 13
(Relaxation from 4 pm to 7 am)
Community Schools Day
Resistance/Masjid Committees, Community Elders and Teacher Volunteers organize a Community School Day and assess the needs and requirements of these community schools;
These schools have played a pivotal role in providing education to the students during the on-going Peoples’ uprising against Indian Military Occupation and have become an alternative institutionalised mode of education;
Forward the suggestions, if any, in this regard to the Joint Resistance LeadershipMonday, November 14
(No Relaxation)
Lalchowk March
After Maghrib Prayer (Sunday, Nov 13), March one & all form entire Jammu & Kashmir towards Lalchowk, Srinagar;
Park vehicles at Pantha Chowk, Nowgam, Sanat Nagar, Hyderpora, Bemina, Parimpora, Soura & Hazratbal and march onwards by foot;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of Srinagar and all other districts coordinate & ensure the arrangementsTuesday, November 15
(Relaxation from 4 pm to 7 am)
Women’s Day Assemble & Occupy local chowks and centres from Zuhr to Asr in the vicinity of your mohallas, villages and localities;
Protest with Flags, Placards and Banners with Freedom messages and slogansWednesday, November 16
(Relaxation from 4 pm to 7 am)
Rajwar Zachaldara, Tujjar Sharief, Ganastan, Pakherpora, Phag (HQ at Shuhama), Srinagar to Soura(including 90 feet stretch up to Pandach), Keller, Ramnagri, Bugam, Sagam Freedom March
From 7 am,March one& all from Kupwara to RajwarZachaldara, Baramulla to Tujjar Sharief, Bandipora to Ganastan, Budgam to Pakherpora, Ganderbal to Phag (HQ at Shuhama), Srinagar to Soura (including 90 feet stretch upto Pandach), Pulwama to Keller, Shopian to Ramnagri, Kulgam to Bugam and Islamabad to Sagam;
Post Zuhr prayer, hold Freedom Congregation at the place identified and agreed upon locally and mutually;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these Blocks coordinate and ensure the arrangementsThursday, November 17
(No Relaxation)
One Day Azadi Convention
Neighbouring villages and localities organize one day Azadi convention from 11 am to 4 pm in respective areas;
Deliberate and discuss ways and means to strengthen the ongoing People’s uprising for freedom from Indian occupation;
Resistance/Masjid Committees/Youth Volunteers of these areas coordinate and ensure the arrangementsDirections For All Days
1. Protests be held across Jammu & Kashmir.
2. Shutdown across Jammu & Kashmir on all days except for the relaxation mentioned in the program.
3. Relaxation period is forall including Public and private transportas well as factories and other industrial unit holders.
4. Public & private vehicular movement not to be stopped after 10 pm to 7 am on all nights.
5. Lockdown all the routes entering your Mohallas, Villages and Localities by every means during night to protect people in general and youth in particular from the raids and arrests by Indian forces and J&K Police.
6. Play Islamic and Azadi Taranas from Maghrib to Isha on all days.
7. Paste this Protest Program Poster on the entrance of every mosque and in Market places, Mohallas & Local Chowks. -
Joint Resistance Asks JK Bank to reschedule the payment of loans
No interest must be charged and threats of harassment or any coercive action against the guarantors of the loan should be stopped
Srinagar: Joint resistance leadership Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik has strongly reacted to the repeated harassment by the authorities of various banks, especially Jammu & Kashmir Bank for the payment of loan installments along with the interest. They said that banks including J&K bank are meant for the welfare of the masses and are run by the support and financial partnership between them and the client. Terming the J&K bank as a premier financial backbone of the state’s economy, leadership said that this institution has come up as the major welfare and corporate hub not only in providing state’s youth opportunities to prove their talent and worth but is seen as a major partner in various social and developmental ventures. This bank is nourished by the hard earnings of the common populace and we believe it stands tall and distinguished amongst our so many glorious institutions. Pro-freedom leadership said big names need to have big heart as well and who else that the bank itself is witness to the turbulent and chaotic situation and shattered economy of the valley for the last 4 months where everything including the bread and the butter of a common man particularly transporters has come to a grinding halt. They said that we have been forced by our brute oppressor in such a bloodshed that, shouldering the coffins of our loved ones, attending to our injured countrymen, crying for our visually impaired kids and worrying about over incarcerated youth, we could hardly care about our economy for the last 124 days, where each person from every walk of life has contributed positively and encouragingly. Seriously concerned about the threats of account seizer of the “defaulters” and their guarantors, joint leadership made it clear that loan agreements between clients and bank is a contract impliedly subject to “force-majoure” clause, according to which no party can be held responsible for the non-performance due to the reasons beyond its control. Joint leadership has appealed to bank authorities particularly J&K bank to reschedule the payment of loans so that the clients need not to pay installments till the situation is normal and conducive of a meaningful economic activity. They further said that no interest must be charged and threats of harassment or any coercive action against the guarantors of the loan should be stopped as there is no willful default for making the payment. They said that unavoidable circumstances some time demand bold, courageous and pro-people steps from the public enterprises as they have done after the 2014 devastating floods. Resistance leadership has said that instead of using the basic necessities as the tools of exploitation (like puppet government) bank should extend their helping hand and try to sooth the wounds of the people. They further said that threatening and harassment are totally unwanted & illegal and bank authorities will be solely responsible for the repercussions and these unpopular and anti-people actions will tarnish image of this glorious economic and financial asset and it will lose its sheen just because of political misuse, ego and arrogance.
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Soldier killed in sniper fire in Kupwara
Srinagar: A soldier was killed in a sniper fire from Pakistan in Machil sector of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Wednesday.
In a tweet, Northern Command said that a soldier was killed in Pakistan sniper attack in Machil sector.
“In retaliation fire assault with heavy weapons being directed on many Pak posts,” it said.
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‘Students supposed to appear in exams will be released’
Srinagar: A large number of people from different areas of Pattan town Wednesday participated in a Public Darbar held at ITI Building by Police and Civil administration.
The Darbar was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Naqash and SSP Baramulla Mir Imtiyaz Hussain.
Public related issues particularly burning of schools were seriously discussed for which district administration sought cooperation and help from people, an official said.
The locals attending the Darbar demanded that students who are supposed to appear in the examinations should be released. The officials assured them that students will be released and will be allowed to appear in the examinations. (CNS)
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Burglars Decamp with Masjid loudspeakers in Hajin
Srinagar: Burglars on Tuesday night struck in several Masjid’s in Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district and decamped with several belongings.
According to KNS correspondent, Bhat Zahoor, the burglars in the intervening night ofTuesday-Wednesday struck in three Masjid’s including two Jamia Masjid’s. “They decamped with several belongings including loud speakers, inverters, batteries and other things,” locals alleged.
They said that the burglars have broken the windowpanes of Masjid through which they entered and decamped with several electronic as well as other things.
The locals informed KNS that they went to nearby Police Station and filed complaint in this regard.
Meanwhile, Station House Officer (SHO) Hajin, Parvaiz Ahmad said, “The locals have filed the complaint and the investigation has been started in this regard.” (KNS) -
JK Govt hails PM’s currency scrap decision
‘Major blow to Pakistan’s fake currency export’: Deputy CM
Srinagar: Stating that Pakistan which has been pumping fake currency to India through various channels will be receiving set back with the scarping of the currency of 500 and 1000 notes, the Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh Wednesday said that Narender Modi led government have taken a historical decision of scraping the currency.“This historical decision will definitely yield the results by a strong check on the black money and the elements in Jammu and Kashmir will stop getting money from Pakistan, which would not be able to pump the fake money,” Nirmal Singh told KNS over phone from Jammu.
He further said that Pakistan was in a habit of printing Indian currency much more than the Pakistan currency to facilitate the elements responsible for the turmoil and other untoward incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. “The fake currency inventory with the elements will get neutralized and they must be worried at this point of time,” the Deputy CM maintained.
He further elaborated on the issue by saying that the decision would come much handy for economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir and the real estate prices would be stable. “The banks in Jammu and Kashmir would start operations in a day or two and the clients would get the new currency notes. People should cooperate on the decision and should not get worried. As in overall scenario this is for the benefit of the general masses for economic growth,” Singh maintained.
He said that the Jammu and Kashmir government welcomed the bold step taken by the Prime Minister which will help unearth unaccounted money as well as counterfeit currency. “We feel proud of PM Narendra Modiji’s strike against black money and corruption. His decision to discontinue Rs 500 and Rs 1000 rupee note will immensely help in eliminating corruption. On behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir government, I compliment the Central government and the PM for taking tough but timely and path-breaking measures,” he said.
It is to mention here that Prime Minister NarendraModi Tuesday announced demonetization of Rs 500 and 1000 currency notes.
In his televised address, Modi has said people holding notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 can deposit the same in their bank and post office accounts from November 10 till December 30.
Modi has further said the notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 “will not be legal tender from midnighttonight” and these will be “just worthless piece of paper.” However, he said that all notes in lower denomination of Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20, Rs 10, Rs 5, Rs 2 and Re 1 and all coins will continue to be valid.
He also announced that new notes of Rs 2000 and Rs 500 will be introduced. (KNS) -
Four involved in torching school in Ganderbal arrested: Police
Srinagar: Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested four persons involved in torching of a government school in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
“We have arrested four persons who are involved in setting ablaze Govt Middle School Duderhama and a makeshift shop of a vendor few days ago,” said Dy SP HQ Ganderbal Rameez Ahmad.
He said this while addressing media in the district.
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‘Western Disturbance approaching Kashmir to give first snowfall’
‘Srinagar, Banihal, Kokernag may record scattered rains, thundershowers’
Srinagar: With winter all set to make onset, Kashmir valley may witness the first snowfall of the season with an approaching Western Disturbance to give rain and snow likely by November 12.
“Snowfall will be confined to the upper reaches of Jammu and Kashmir the middle and lower levels will record scattered rains and thundershowers. Places such as Srinagar, Banihal, Kokernag, may witness rains and thundershowers,” according to Skymet Weather.
Reportedly, the Western Disturbance is presently seen over Afghanistan and is moving gradually in the northeast direction. “It is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir by November 12,” it said.
However, in the wake of this approaching system, the minimum temperatures will increase in states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The maximum temperatures will drop significantly by the weekend, making the weather cold and chilly.
“These disturbances after approaching the region usually remain for 1-2 days and give spells of rain and snow of varying intensity. We call this system, Western Disturbance due to its movement from west to east,” said a local official on the weather department. (PTK)