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  • Qaisar Sofi’s martyrdom yet another black deed of police: Freedom Party

    Srinagar: Expressing deep grief over the martyrdom of a teenager Qaisar Ahmad Sofi due to torture by police, the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) on Saturdaysaid this is yet another black deed by police authorities.

    In a statement issued to Kashmir Today, DFP general secretary Moulana Abdullah Tari said the state administration and police are responsible for the death of Shaheed Qaisar Sofi. He termed it extremely unfortunate that some police officers for petty material gains are proving themselves as more loyal than king and as such are making their livelihood by committing such heinous crimes.

    He said police must bear in mind that the power of uniform is short-lived and “at the end of the day you have to live and die among your own people whom you are killing, maiming and massacring”.

    Moulana Tari strongly condemned the teargas shelling on the martyr’s funeral saying, “PDP has surpassed all the records of hooliganism and has created a history of inflicting limitless tyranny and brutality on people. The party must bear in mind that it cannot escape the fury of people. Time will provide justice to all.”

    Meanwhile, Freedom Party activists Muhammad Yousuf Mir, Raees Ahmad, Qaisar Ahmad, Owais Muhammad, Rafiq Ahmad, Bilal Ahmad, and Faizaan participated in the funeral prayers of Shaheed Qaisar Ahmad Sofi.

  • Twin exam sessions: Govt politicizing education, says Kashmir Inc

    Srinagar: Stating that government decision on holding board exams for class 10 and 12 has “exposed the plot to politicize education”, the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) Chairman Haji Muhammad Yasin Khan on Saturday said Peoples Democratic Party led coalition is “ruining” the career of Kashmiri students through two exams.

    He said as if the ongoing killings and other atrocities were not enough, the government is now “killing the future of Kashmiri children in the garb of exams.”

    Khan, who also heads the Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation (KTMF) asked Education Minister Naeem Akhter to explain the logic behind holding exams in November and March sessions.

    “If exams are to be held in March again then why exams this time?” he asked.

    “This is being done only out of ego and those who appear in exams this time will enjoy benefits of having upheld Govt ego whereas its quite obvious that those who wait till March will bear the brunt.”

    He said the dilemma of two exams will leave poor students with no options but to appear in exams this time because government is offering “50% rebate on syllabus” as if examination is about online sale of merchandise, where offers keep flickering as per the needs of the sellers.

    “The mood swings of the government have simply exposed that PDP led coalition  is holding exams in November only to give a rosy picture of the worst-ever humanitarian crises in Kashmir through conduction of so called exams which will exploit the future prospects of our children,” Khan said.

    He said students of class 10 and 12th have to appear in exams which will decide their prospects of future education in various streams like medicine, engineering, law, commerce, human sciences and arts. 

    “A marginal change in percentage achieved can leave their career ruined. Moreover the point is that when the situation is just not viable for exams why to enforce it?” he said.

    He appealed people to rise to the occasion and say no to dual exams as it is the future of Kashmiri students, which is at stake.

    Khan asked the civil society in Kashmir and elsewhere New Delhi to play its role in getting the untimely exams postponed so that the future of Kashmiri students is saved.

    Meanwhile, Khan also condemned the use of force on mourners who were carrying body of teenager in Eidgah locality.

  • Militant killed in Shopian had joined Hizb after snatching weapon a month ago: Police

    Srinagar: Police on Saturday identified the militant killed in an encounter with government forces in south Kashmir’s Shopian district as Waseem Ahmad Khanday.

    An official said that Khanday had joined Hizb-ul-Mujahideen over a month ago after snatching a rifle from the residence of Communist party leader Abdul Rehman Tukroo in the district.

    He said that the encounter broke out after forces launched a search operation in Dobjan village – 60 kms from Srinagar – following inputs about presence of four militants there.

    He said as the security forces moved to the target house, hiding militants resorted to firing in an attempt to break the cordon, triggering an encounter. 

    One militant was killed and a soldier injured, the official said, adding that the three militants managed to escape.

    The deceased was a resident of Zarkan Kellar village of Shopian.

    The official said that the weapon he had snatched was recovered from his possession.

  • Rare Viper Creates Panic In Jawahar Nagar

    Srinagar: In a daring rescue operation, a Levantine viper has been rescued by the Wildlife SOS rescue team in Jawahar Nagar are of summer capital on Friday.

    After careful examination, the snake was deemed fit and released back into its natural habitat.

    “An emergency call from the Wildlife Department alerted the Wildlife SOS Rescue team,” according to a statement issued by Wildlife SOS read. The presence of the viper had created panic in the area.

    The statement said that a snake was found in Jawahar Nagar, a residential area located in the heart of Srinagar Town.

    The sight of a snake crawling up into a rain pipe outside their house left the family in a state of shock. Fearing for their safety, they immediately contacted the Wildlife Department, which in turn reported the incident to Wildlife SOS, the statement added.

    A two-member rescue team, led by Aaliya Mir from Wildlife SOS rushed to the spot and after ensuring that the family were at a safe distance from their reptilian visitor the rescue operation was carried out.

    According to SOS wildlife, it took almost 30 minutes for the team to carefully extricate the snake out from the pipe.

    Identified as a Levantine Viper (Micro-viperalebetina), locally known as ‘gunas’, this particular snake is an uncommon venomous viper species found in parts of Kashmir, Pakistan, Middle East and North Africa.

    “It was a dangerous operation as the Levantine viper is highly venomous, requiring us to take precautionary measures,” said Aaliya Mir, Wildlife SOS Manager and Education Officer.

    “As the residents were apprehensive of the possible presence of more snakes in the area, we decided to scan the entire neighbourhood to allay their fears. There is an abandoned factory nearby and it was possible that being a secluded area, it could have become a refuge for more snakes,” she added.

    According to Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder of Wildlife SOS, “this exquisite viper is known to survive in elevations between 900-2100 metres in India. They feed mainly on small mammals, lizards, birds and their eggs. Though slow moving, they are capable of fast strikes when provoked and will give out a warning hiss before striking. Being a venomous snake, we had to be extremely careful while conducting the rescue in order to avoid any unnecessary casualties.”

    The viper has since been released back into its natural habitat, as per Wildlife SOS.

    Wildlife SOS, a non-profit organization and one of the largest rescue & conservation charities in South Asia, operates in ten wildlife rehabilitation facilities across India, including the world’s largest Sloth Bear Rescue Centre and two Elephant Care Centres, with 23 rescued elephants under their care.

  • Youth not involved in serious cases, will be revised: DGP

    Asks militants to shun path of violence

    Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Friday said that cases of local youth not involved in serious cases, will be revised.
    He suggested to youth who have joined militant ranks, to shun the path of violence.
    “Cases registered in different police stations against youth involved in stone pelting and other cases during the unrest, will be revised. However, strict action will be taken under law against those involved in serious criminality or vitiating the atmosphere of peace and instigating public for violence,” DGP told KNS correspondent Tasaduq Rashid, at the sidelines of meeting held in south Kashmir on Friday.
    He said that those youth who have joined militant ranks should shun the path of violence. “They should shun the path of violence and adopt the way of peace. They should take a lesson from the Lashkar-e-Toiba militant who surrendered yesterday in north Kashmir,” he added.
    He appealed public to cooperate with police to unveil the faces behind torching of schools, adding, “Miscreants are targeting educational institutions to continue their nefarious designs.”
    He said that prime responsibility of police is to protect life and property of the people.

    Police Spokesperson adds:
    Director General of Police (DGP), K. Rajendra Kumar on Friday said that dedication and accountability with highest consideration of public service would help in providing effective policing to the people of the state, emphasizing that public cooperation would lead to new successes for the force.
    Rajendra was addressing a meeting with police, para-military and civil officers held at District Police Lines Anantnag today.
    The meeting was convened to discuss security and law & order situation in South Kashmir districts.
    Issues relating to the maintenance of law & order were discussed threadbare with the officers and various decisions were taken to ensure security of the people and government properties.
    Rajendra stressed for coordination and dedication among the forces for better deliverance at different levels. He said that accountability and public cooperation is imperative to get desired results of policing at different fronts.
    DGP disclosed that the efficient initiative taken by the force with other sister agencies have ensured security of the people, besides maintenance of law & order despite various attempts by the miscreants, who disrupt the peaceful scenario of the state. He said that our efforts would continue to gain public confidence and foil the sinister designs of anti-national elements.
    The meeting also discussed security of educational institutions and security arrangements for smooth conduct of examinations announced by the government. It was decided that every step with other stakeholders would be taken to provide security for smooth conduct of examination in the valley.
    Rajendra said miscreants are targeting educational institutions to continue their designs. JKP with other forces will foil their nefarious designs and bring the culprits to justice. He said that effective measures have been taken to curb the weapon snatchers and punish the culprits. He asked the officers to gear up their men and machinery and provide every assistance to the concerned departments for smooth conduct of examinations and ensuring security of government properties.
    Special DGP, Coordination/Law & Order, Dr. S.P.Vaid also addressed the meeting and discussed law and order and security situation in the Range.
    Among others, the meeting was attended by IG, CRPF, DIG, SKR, Nitish Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Sayeed Abid Rasheed, all SSPs/SPs and SDPOs of South Kashmir districts. (KNS)

  • RSS comes up with ‘Nayeem doctrine’ to fight Kashmiri Youth: Congress

    Reducing syllabus aimed to keep local students at bay from Natn’l completions.
    Srinagar: Terming the government refusal to give- in to the demands of students for deferring the annual exams as ‘aristocratic’ and ‘dictatorial’, congress on Friday said that Mehbooba Mufti led government has lost its confidence and waged a direct war with students. 

    In a statement issued to Kashmir Today, Party state vice president Haji Abdul Rashid and General Secretary Usman Majeed said that the RSS has devised a new strategy aiming to not only target Kashmir youth mentally by also leave them ‘incompetent’ to compete the national and international level competitive exams. They claimed that, reducing the syllabus to 50 percent instead of deferring the exams to March was the part of that sinister plan.
    “The duo while expressing strong resentment to the decision said, that the RSS backed PDP government wanted to deprive Kashmiri youth a better future and prosperous life and the 50 percent syllabus discount was part of the ‘conspiracy’ of ‘disabling’ ‘our children’ to exhibit their talent at the national and international fora.”
    They said that Kashmiri Students have been bringing laurels’ at National and international completions be it Shah Faisal or the Udampor Youth who topped the BSF exams, which has put the RSS into tizzy and prompted it to formulate a strategy that can arrest the trend and push the kashmiri youth to distress . They however, expressed shock that the RSS has chosen to use the Kashmiri itself to implement the anti- Kashmir agenda and the latest has come in the form of the ‘Nayeem Doctrine’.
    The Congress leaders Education Minister Nayeem Akhter of going all out to implement the RSS agenda to destroy the Kashmiri youth and said the new ‘Nayeem doctrine’ was to create mayhem in valley and targete the most important education sector here.
    They accused Akhter of playing with the future of Kashmiri Students and said the bureaucrat turned politician was actually the ‘agent’ of RSS in Valley whose only intention and agenda was to collapse the education system and leave the future generation ‘illiterate’ and ‘humiliated’ .
    Haji and Usman however, expressed surprise over the ‘silence’ of the other senior leaders of the ruling PDP and said that all the so called pro-people leaders have fallen silent lacking courage to confront Nayeem who has not only hijacked the party but also emerged as the only ‘unchallenged’ voice in the PDP.
    They blamed Mehbooba Mufti for giving free run to Nayeem Akhetr in putting children under immense stress and warned that Government was treading on a very dangerous path which could have serious ramifications. The congress leaders said that such arrogant approach of Chief Minster and Education Minster to please the Nagpur bosses was akin to backstabbing of our own children and cannot be accepted at any cost.
    They wondered that in a situation where nearly hundred children have been killed, thousands left injured, hundreds blinded and maimed and many thousands put behind the bars, what kind of examination this government wants to hold and who they want to sit in these exams when majority of the students are being chased day and night by police and forces? They said that the prevailing confusion and unrest has put huge stress on the youth and subjecting them to further stress would have serious ramifications.
    They accused the state government of waging a war against almost every section of the society and added that the present dispensation has not even left the labourers and the weaker sections of the society. They alleged that the government has been in confrontation with Employees, traders, labourers, Molvis, Imams, women and now the students and asked it to tell who now they( State Governmnet) represent apart from RSS. They demanded that government should revisit the decision in the larger interest of the students.

  • If elections are substitute to plebiscite, Congress, Muslim League and Hamas would never have participated in elections.

     

    Srinagar: AIP Supremo and MLA Langate Er. Rashid has rejected the Indian version in United Nations with regards to conducting of election in disputed territory of J&K by trying to project these elections as alternative to plebiscite. In a statement issued today Er. Rashid said “let India not mislead the world by claiming that  people in J&K  have shown their faith in India by participating in democratically held elections. The large turnover in these elections by no means should be seen an alternative to plebiscite. Can India deny the fact that all so called main stream political parties contest elections on the slogans of resolving Kashmir but also make it clear that their participation in elections should not be seen as accepting India’s view point on Kashmir. If Indian Govt. has the courage, it must distribute the manifesto of all political parties participating in elections at the UN and world will come to know that even BJP seeks votes for abolishing article 370 and claims complete integration of J&K as a solution to the dispute. If participating into elections means rejection of resolution of Kashmir dispute or independence from India then may India clarify why Congress and Muslim league participate in elections under British Rule and what persuaded Hamas to participate into elections in Palestine. Let Govt. of India answer if J&K was its integral part why it signed Shimla and Tashkand agreements and offered Kashmiris anything within ambits of Indian constitution”. Er. Rashid further added that if India truly claims to be the largest democracy, it must not hesitate from holding plebiscite in J&K, as if 80% people of J&K have accepted these elections as alternative to plebiscite, holding plebiscite may facilitate merger of Pak Administered Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan with India, as not less than a person like PM Modi claimed on 15th August this year that people of Pak and Gilgit Baltistan want to be part of India. However Er. Rashid added that since India knows the possible outcome of plebiscite, so it makes only excuses and arguments only to defend its weak case at local and international forums.    

  • Political and Administrative class Class of India Hell-bent To Wipe out Muslims,’ says Geelani

    Srinagar: Chairman All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Geelani has strongly condemned the “barbaric and extrajudicial, cold blooded murder of 8 Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) activists in Bhopal jail,” labeling it as an incident of jail break, after the victims tried to escape. 

    Geelani said political and administrative class whether in the veil of so-called secularism or openly and outrageous & venomous preachers of Hindutuwa, all are unanimously hell-bent to wipe away the minorities particularly Muslims. Geelani Sahab said that for the last 7 decades reins of power was in the hands of Congress with a deceitful image of secularism and equality. But even they harbored more than 40 thousand anti-Muslim riots killing lakhs of Muslims and destroying their property and worship places, and the cries and yells of sufferings Muslims got embedded and lost in high pitch slogans of democracy and secularism. Now that killer force, in the name of Hindutawa has come barely and brazenly to confront and muzzle every voice raised against their vandalism and with power, police, establishment and even judiciary on their side, they leave no stone unturned to crush and slaughter Muslims, after labeling them terrorists, thereby precipitating the hysteria of super and hyper nationalism. Pro-freedom leader said that as per reports these persons were arrested on fake charges and police was well aware of it, sensing their early acquittal and to shield their own criminal mentality they stage managed this drama and the communal political top brass was quick to glorify their “bravery” and announced a reward of 40 lakh. Geelani Sahab said that shedding blood of innocents in the garb of national security is nothing new for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as we have been witnessing these “bravery” incidents for the last 27 years and such incidents are not surprising for us as we have suffered to the maximum by the arson of army might through fake encounters, judicial and custodial killings. Hurriyat Chairman said that Bhopal jail is a high security and one of the most secure jails in India and escape from there is next to impossible. He said that even the local IG has confirmed that victims were unarmed so the question of firing on the police party doesn’t arise. Hurriyat Chairman said that playing with innocent human lives in such a barbaric and beastly manner authenticates the fact that rulers in India, particularly the present one, have build their “national rescuer” image on the dead bodies of Muslims, only to secure their majority vote bank. Geelani sahab said in case anybody raises voice against these heinous crimes by men in uniform are forced to shut by the ruling mouthpieces as their “brave hearts” have every chance to be demoralized and discouraged and just for the eyewash, such cases are handed over to the dumps of NIA & CBI, only to bury them like these dead bodies, as such crimes are legalized and authenticated under the shield of national security. Geelani sahab said that this looks as a simple and straight case of extra-judicial mass murder as a retired Supreme Court judge has rightly asserted that those involved in this case should be hanged to death, which could be of some solace to the bereaved families and deterrence for future. He further questioned that why it is always Muslims only, who are involved in jailbreak and are then eliminated in fake encounters and why the CCTV of the sophisticated jail was non functional. Geelani Sahab said that criminal minded people when armed with power and authority threaten and terrify the helpless and innocent people. Pro-freedom leader said that local faces of this state terrorism should be ashamed of, siding with these blood thirsty people and praise this country to be the safest place for Muslims. He said that these prudish people are not even feeling embraced by presenting themselves as a tallest human rights activists but for the thousands of traumatized and brutalized Inshas, Ifras and Junaids they have erupted as the most mutilated and disfigured faces of the loyalist hatchery.

  • Chief Minister visits shelling affected areas in Poonch, Rajouri

    Pitches for Indo-Pak thaw for peace stability in the region; Takes stock of relief, rehabilitation measures

    Jammu: Expressing grave concern over the plight of the people living along the borders and LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti Friday said the intermittent shelling along the borders has triggered a distressing situation in the State leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties on both sides.
    The Chief Minister conducted an extensive tour of the areas affected by the shelling along the LoC in Nowshera, Poonch and Rajouri sectors. She interacted with the affected families and took on the spot appraisal of the measures put in place by the administration to provide necessary support and help to them.
    Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Law & Justice, Abdul Haq Khan, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, Legislators, Qamar Hussain, Shah Muhammad Tantray, Anjum Fazili, Surinder Choudhary, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, Jonny William, Deputy Commissioners of Poonch and Rajouri and respective SSPs and other senior officer of district administration accompanied the Chief Minister.
    Reiterating the urgency of deescalating the situation, the Chief Minister said there is no alternative to peace and reconciliation and New Delhi and Islamabad should take immediate and effective measures to revive the process of comprehensive and composite dialogue. She said that instead of squandering their resources on meaningless conflict, the two countries can be of great help to each other in their fight against the common challenges of poverty and economic deprivation in the region.cm1Recalling the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Chief Minister said that due to various internal and external initiatives taken during the period, peace prevailed along the borders and the people living there were happy as the guns remained silent. She added that today again the leadership of our country with a strong support and backing will find a way out as wars do not help address any issue.
    Citing examples of war like situations in various countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, the Chief Minister said that wars have resulted in complete destruction of once most prosperous countries and annihilation of their cultures and civilizations. She said our political leadership did take the initiative to revive the process of reconciliation with Pakistan when Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi visited Lahore but then Pathankote happened and everything came to a standstill. She said it is time for Pakistani political leadership also to reciprocate and consider giving peace a chance in the region.
    Chief Minister said that when the nation was divided on the basis of religion, Jammu & Kashmir rising above religious lines believed in brotherhood and inclusiveness. However, it is since these last 70 years of that division that the State has been facing this issue that has resulted in huge challenges to it, she said.
    While interacting with the affected people at Nowshera, Manjakote, Rajouri and Poonch, the Chief Minister expressed deep grief and pain over the loss of lives and damage to the property in the border shelling. She said the Government is alive to the situation and various measures are being taken for the people affected by the shelling.
    The Chief Minister said that under the new scheme announced by the Government of India next of kin of those who have died in the border firing shall get an ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh. She said the families who lost their cattle will also be compensated under SDRF nor. She also gave away cheques of the initial amount/installment to the NoKs of those who died in the border firing.
    The Chief Minister also visited the make-shift camp where the people from the affected border villages have been shifted and took stock of the arrangements put in place for them. She asked the concerned officers to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made to make their stay comfortable including ration, power, water and bedding.
    Later, the Chief Minister also chaired meetings of district administration separately at Rajouri and Poonch wherein she was briefed by the respective Deputy Commissioners about the measures taken to address the issues arising out of border shelling.
    In Rajouri, the Chief Minister was informed about the arrangements put in place and measures taken with respect to evacuation of people from the worst affected villages to safer areas in make-shift camps. It was further informed that there are four border zones within 0-5 k including Rajouri, Manjakote, Nowshera and Sunderbani, covering 59 villages and 68 locations identified for establishment of camps.
    During the meeting Tehsil wise villages located along the LoC (witin 0-2 K) along with the details of population, which are most vulnerable to shelling, details regarding number of deaths, injured, loss of livestock, damage to property was also given in detail. The steps taken for evacuation of affected people including evacuation plans, establishment of control roo besides healthcare facilities including ambulances and availability of medicines, ration, water and other arrangements were also highlighted.
    A similar meeting was also held at Poonch where in the Deputy Commissioner gave details with respect to Poonch, Mandi, Kirni, and Mendhar sectors. It was informed that at least 60 schools have been identified for establishment of make-shift camps for relocating the people living along the borders. The Chief Minister was also apprised with preparatory arrangements like evacuation plans, medical facilities including emergency healthcare service, availability of ambulances and medicines besides other basic amenities that are required to be provided at such camps. The Chief Minister was also informed with details regarding the relief amount paid to the NoKs of those who have died and those injured in such incidents.
    The Chief Minister also sought details with respect of schools which have been temporarily shut down due to shelling across borders. She was informed that in certain areas students may continue their education in schools in towns where the camps have been established, while as the situation is being continuously monitored. The Chief Minister also asked for details with respect to issues arising out of pending harvest along the border areas. She instructed the district administration to fully support the people and ensure that they are provided with all necessary help during these testing times. She enquired about availability of medicines at dispensaries in the border areas and also said that a critical care ambulance for the district shall be considered to facilitate better handling of medical emergency situations. 

  • ‘Kashmir Resolution Pending Since 1947,’ Hurriyat Mirwaiz tells Def Min

    Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (m) chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq  who continues to be under house arrest strongly condemned the ruling regime for once again imposing strict curfew and sealing the Jamia Masjid for the seventeenth week in a row, disallowing people from offering congregational Friday prayers there.

    Expressing dismay, Mirwaiz said, “the ruling class has reached a point in their indifference to the people their culture and religion that locking Jamia Masjid and preventing people from offering Friday prayers doesn’t seem to register on their hearts and minds any more. They have become stone hearted, irredeemable.” “The total apathy of the rulers towards the ruled reflects a very grim and disturbing situation that people are face to face with.”

    The Hurriyat Conference (m) chief said the ruling regime is duty bound to hold itself accountable for protecting the people and be responsive and respectful of their religious sentiments as it is these very people they claim who have elected them and whom they represent.

    Appealing the Islamic countries, the United Nations, and international human rights bodies to help stop violations of religious rights of the people of Kashmir, the Hurriyat Conference (m) Chairperson urged them to play a role in the resolution of the vexed Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people.

    The statement said that a delegation of Hurriyat Conference (m) leaders including Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi and Hilal Ahmad visited Jenab Sahab Soura shrine and offered Friday congregational prayers there.

    Addressing the public gathering amid pro-Azadi and pro-Islam slogans the leaders denounced the sealing of Jamia Masjid Srinagar, disallowing of Friday congregational prayers at the mosque for 17 consecutive weeks, arrest and house arrest of Mirwaiz and other resistance leaders, desecration of Jenab Sahab shrine, and brutal “state terrorism” unleashed by the forces on the civilian population.

    Meanwhile, dismissing the statement of Indian Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar that Kashmir is an integral part of India, the Hurriyat Conference (m) spokesperson said, “Kashmir is an internationally acknowledged dispute pending resolution since 1947 and history and political situation in Kashmir was witness that Kashmiris have never considered themselves and their territory to be a part of India. The fact that around 7 lakh troops, paramilitary forces and police force are needed on the ground  by India to hold on to the territory amply proves the point. The human rights violations and killings that they indulge in as Kashmiris continue to carry forward their struggle for self-determination offering selfless sacrifices of their lives and livelihood.”

    The spokesperson said, “the on-going resistance movement of Kashmir would continue till people get their right to self-determination and condemned the government for sabotaging the unified resistance leadership’s programs and peaceful protest demonstrations and marches with brutal and oppressive tactics.”

    Expressing concern over the condition of thousands of youth arrested during the past four months in jails, the Hurriyat Conference (m) spokesperson said, “the government was dealing with these political prisoners in violation of all human and legal of Conventions, which was highly deplorable.”