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  • CM chairs Unified Headquarters meeting

    Mehbooba anguished over loss of lives in cross-border shelling, condemns Quetta terror attack

    Calls for immediate de-escalation of situation; Says revival of peace, reconciliation process only way forward; Asks security forces to exercise restraint while dealing with law & order situation

    Srinagar: Expressing grief and anguish over the loss of precious human lives in fresh spate of cross-border shelling in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today called for immediate de-escalation of the situation along the borders to put an end to the miseries of the people. The Chief Minister also condemned the killing of scores of police cadets in a terror attack on a Police Training Academy in Quetta, Pakistan.
    “Ways and means shall have to be explored immediately to bring an end to the sufferings of the hapless people subjected to immense miseries over the past few months because of the continuous cross-border shelling and escalation of violence in the State and the region,” the Chief Minister while presiding over a meeting of the Unified Headquarters (UHQ) at SKICC here today.
    Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh and top brass of Civil administration, Army, Police, BSF, CRPF, Central and State Intelligence Agencies were present at the meeting.
    During the meeting, the Chief Minister was briefed about wide-ranging issues including the emerging security scenario in Kashmir valley, situation along the borders and steps taken to address issues arising out of cross-border shelling.
    The Chief Minister said the vicious cycle of death and destruction confronting the region must end at the earliest and serious efforts should be made at the political and civil society levels to revive the peace and reconciliation process for the larger good of the people sandwiched in a gory situation.
    Expressing her heartfelt condolences at the killing of a 6-year old boy in cross-border firing in R S Pura sector of Jammu, the Chief Minister said; “My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in the fresh violence, both along the borders and at the Police Academy in Quetta, in which they had no role to play.” Extending heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in these acts of violence, she said the senseless violence is the common enemy of the people in both the countries as the scourge of bloodshed has devoured their lives. She reiterated her government’s stand that only coordinated political effort at the highest levels in New Delhi and Islamabad will eliminate the menace of violence and usher the region into an era of peace and prosperity.
    Making a fervent appeal for maintaining peace on the borders, Mehbooba said the cross-border shelling has seen a humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region with people fleeing their homes and scurrying for safety of their lives. “This disquieting scenario has to end to facilitate the people live peacefully in their homes and hearths,” she said and added that people in Jammu and Kashmir have always been the worst sufferers in such hostile situations. She said the hostile and alarming situation along the borders and LoC should keep reminding the two countries of the inevitability of sitting across the table to find a just and pragmatic solution of all the contentious issues.
    The Chief Minister recalled Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi’s recent statement wherein he called on Pakistan to jointly wage a war against poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and infant mortality. She said it is high time that both the countries come together without any further delay and start a final war against violence, terrorism and the social and economic deprivation plaguing the region.
    The Chief Minister said whatever the reasons for hardening of stances and attempts by the vested interests to subvert the peace process, there is, however, no substitute to the reconciliatory policy as was done in 2003. “With a decisive mandate at his back Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi has the opportunity to revive the process of reconciliation in the sub-continent and emerge as a man of peace in the region,” she said and added that the prevailing challenging situation along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir necessitates the urgency of reviving the composite dialogue process, sooner the better.
    Mehbooba said the significant reconciliatory measures taken between 2002 and 2005 in and around Jammu and Kashmir, both on internal and external fronts, had not only helped improve the security scenario in the region, but within the State as well. “The ceasefire of 2003, had not only given the much-needed relief to the people living along the borders, but it had, as well, provided the broader umbrella for the peace process to flourish,” she said and added that the ceasefire brought, after decades of tension and destruction, relief and normalcy into the lives of people residing in the State’s forward areas from Kathua to Kargil and “at the same time it also made historic initiatives like opening up of LoC for bus service possible in J&K.”
    “After over decades of agony, we had started seeing a ray of hope in the peace process between 2002 and 2005, which, unfortunately, is under severe threat today,” she said and expressed the hope that the dark shadows of pessimism cast over the peace process will not jeopardize the region’s security and stability as any such scenario would have disastrous and colossal consequences for the people living in the region.
    “We in Jammu & Kashmir understand better what the ordeal of violence is, as it has been our fate to live through and survive its frightening hazards,” Mehbooba said and added that for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, suffering more than two decades of turmoil, has been a long, dark experience, bloody at times and frustrating at almost every step. “For the people of Jammu & Kashmir peace along the borders and within the mainland is of immense significance and I hope the political leadership of the two countries treats it with the same spirit,” she said and called for political dialogue within the State for the resolution of the internal dimensions of the problem.
    Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister urged upon the security agencies to conduct their operations keeping in view the safety of the people. She stressed the need for following a humane approach while dealing with law-and-order situations on ground.
    While asking the security agencies to exercise maximum restraint, the Chief Minister asked them to avoid any civilian casualties and damage to private and public property.
    Expressing shock over recent reports of various school buildings being gutted in mysterious fire incidents, the Chief Minister said that it is a loss to the entire society. She asked the police to investigate these fire incidents and maintain vigil to prevent such unfortunate events.
    The Chief Minister instructed the security forces that rather than static deployment, focus should be on area security. She urged the police and security forces to hand-hold the misadvised youth who have joined militancy or are indulging in violence, with compassion, and help them bring back to the mainstream through persuasive influence. She also directed that training and skill development programmes should be organized for such youth by way of sustainable livelihood support.
    With regard to situation along the borders, the Chief Minister directed Divisional Commissioner and IGP Jammu to ensure safety and security of the life and property of the border residents. The Chief Minister called for enhanced vigil and asked the administration to provide shelter and all basic facilities to the people displaced at the time
    Underlining the need for ameliorating the sufferings of the people, Mehbooba said that the civil administration, with active support of police and other agencies, should try to resolve proble of common masses. She also asked them that in view of the fruit harvesting season, the concerned authorities should ensure safe transportation arrangements for the horticulture produce to markets in and outside the state.
    Underlining the need for ameliorating the sufferings of the people, Mehbooba said that the civil administration should try to resolve proble of common masses. She also asked them that in view of the fruit harvesting season, the concerned authorities should ensure safe transportation arrangements for the horticulture produce to markets in and outside the state.
    The Chief Minister directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to restart work on important developmental projects like National Highway, fly-over, repairing and maintenance of roads and other projects which were affected due to the turmoil.
    Chief Secretary, B R Sharma, Financial Commissioner Planning and Principal Secretary to CM, B B Vyas, GoC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda, Director General of Police, K Rajendra Kumar, Spl DGP Law & Order, Dr S P Vaid, GoC XV Corps, Lt Gen S K Dua, Corps Commanders, Principal Secretary, Home, R K Goyal, Joint Director, IB, Divisional Commissioners, Jammu /Kashmir, IGsP, Kashmir/Jammu Zone, IGP CID and other senior officers of CRPF, BSF and police also attended the meeting.

  • Open doors to dialogue, political engagement: Dr. Farooq

    ‘Gujjar Bakerwals, Minorities in Jammu being systematically persecuted’

    Srinagar: National Conference President and Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday called on Governor N. N. Vohra in Srinagar and asked the Governor to impress upon relevant quarters to open doors to dialogue and political engagement to end the political stalemate in the State. Dr. Farooq Abdullah said there can be no alternative to a political initiative and New Delhi should not waste any further time and engage with stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir.
    The National Conference President also apprised the Governor of systematic and planned efforts to persecute and disempower the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities as well as minorities in Jammu Province and said divisive forces were making concerted attempts to disturb communal harmony in the State. Dr. Farooq Abdullah also highlighted the apathy and indifference of the administration towards victims of cross-border shelling and firing along the international border and LoC especially in frontier areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Hira Nagar, R. S. Pura, Kana Chak, Kathua, Suchetgarh, Abdulllian, Kupwara and Uri.
    Dr. Farooq Abdullah said Gujjar and Bakerwal communities form an integral part of the State’s diverse and harmonious demography and their rights cannot be violated under the fig-leaf of reclaiming forest land. “Gujjars and Bakerwals are a part and parcel of our society and form a positive part of the ecosystem in areas where these communities have been traditional nomadic dwellers. The Administration cannot dislodge and selectively target Gujjars and Bakerwals by uprooting them and launching an assault on their right to live a life of dignity. Members of the nomadic communities are being persecuted and harassed under an elaborate plan to sow seeds of fragmentation and communal animosity within the State. Our social fabric is our most vital asset and any nefarious plan to target a particular community is an assault on the State as a whole”, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said in the meeting.
    “Victims of cross-LOC and cross-border shelling have not been compensated and what’s even worse – the administration has not even made an attempt to assess losses and damages suffered by the residents. Shopkeepers have been robbed of their livelihood and private property has suffered the brunt. While promises were made to construct bunkers that would be used as safe shelters during shelling, nothing has been done on the ground. Promises to allot plots to residents living close to the LoC and IB have also not been converted into visible action on the ground. People living in these areas are suffering and living in constant fear and anxiety and the Government isn’t paying heed to their misery”, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said in his meeting with the Governor apprising him of feedback received from inhabitations of frontier areas during his extensive visit to Rajouri, Poonch and Mendhar.
    Dr. Farooq Abdullah expressed serious concern over continued political uncertainty and stalemate in the State and said the Central Government should take concrete, visible and meaningful measures to engage with stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the political issue. The National Conference President said an absence of a political outreach from the highest levels in New Delhi had sent out a negative message of confrontation and hostility when reconciliation and engagement was required to douse the fire in the Valley. Dr. Farooq Abdullah requested the Governor to impress upon New Delhi to initiative a political process as dealing with the unrest only through administrative measures was an exercise in futility.
    Dr. Farooq Abdullah also conveyed his apprehensions and serious concerns to the Governor over conspicuous and concerted attempts to vitiate communal and regional harmony in the State and said the State Government’s brazen patronage to certain overtly communal organizations was a dangerous approach and could wreak havoc in the State. “Armed marches by certain known communal organizations in various areas of Jammu are being carried out with the motive of intimidating and harassing minorities and people belonging to a particular community. This is a very dangerous trend and should be nipped in the bud. Our legacy of brotherhood and amity is invaluable and needs to be protected at all costs”, Dr. Farooq Abdullah noted.
    The National Conference President said the party was alarmed at the State Government’s approach of politicizing education and examinations and said this was tantamount to gambling with the future of our children. “This issue is far more important than egos in the current dispensation and should not be made a point of prestige. The students have not been able to complete their curriculum and have been victims of an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety that has persisted over the last more than three months. Rather than tormenting them and politicizing their education, the State Government should postpone their examinations and give them ample time to complete their established syllabi so that they are prepared for not only their board examinations but also entrance examinations to professional courses. The students deserve every bit of our empathy, affection and understanding and the State Government should deal with this issue with utmost care and sensitivity”, Dr. Farooq Abdullah added in the meeting.
    Dr. Farooq Abdullah also highlighted attempts being made by a few overtly communal organizations to interfere into the functioning and operation of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and said the State Government should ensure these nefarious motives are defeated and nipped in the bud. Dr. Farooq Abdullah said attempts to politicize the Shrine Board would be contemptuous to the faith and devotion of devotees and would create a potentially dangerous situation that should be avoided at all costs.
    Dr. Farooq Abdullah was accompanied by National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, Former Minister Mian Altaf Ahmed, Provincial President Jammu Devender Singh Rana and State Spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu. (KNS)

  • I met Sinha led delegation: Geelani

    ‘Will move forward, but release all political prisoners, withdraw cases’

    Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (G) today said that a high level delegation headed by former External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha dropped at the residence and office of its chairman Syed Ali Geelani today at about 11:30 am. According to Hurriyat spokesman, the delegation included Rtd. Air Vice Marchal Kapil Kak, Wajahat Habibullah, Senior Journalist Bharat Bhushan and Executive Director of the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation Shashooba Barway.

    The Hurriyat said that conversation took place in a cordial atmosphere, wherein Geelani reminded them the historical perspective of the Kashmir issue, pending for its final resolution since 1947.

    The Hurriyat said that people have rendered huge sacrifices for settlement of this long standing dispute.

    “Referring to the present uprising, delegation was told that for the last 107 days 94 people have been killed with 15,000 people injured and an equal number, especially youth are arrested. About 100 people are arrested daily and draconian laws like PSA are slapped on them and they are shifted to jails outside valley,” Hurriyat (G) quoted Geelani conveying to the delegation.

    Commenting on the prevailing situation it was said that onus of peace in the region particularly in Jammu and Kashmir lies with those holding power, military might and other resources.

    “All the people and leaders should be released and the cases against them should be withdrawn so that after consultation a common and collective point of view can be put forward,” Geelani told the visiting delegation. (PTK)

  • Private schools will provide free admission to kins of 2016 unrest victims: Var

    Srinagar: The four months long unrest that has taken a heavy toll on the lives of people killing as many as 93 people and over 15,000 injured, the private schools have been asked to provide free admission to the kins and other close relatives of the victims of the 2016 unrest.

    Kashmir Private Schools Association President Er G N Var told Press Trust of Kashmir that they understand the problems of the people.

    “We have decided to provide free admission for those who lost their near and dear ones in the 2016 unrest. “We will provide every facility to these students. Our students, teachers and parents are part of the same society and we like others are also suffering.”

    Var said the parents need now to pay only 50 per cent of transport fee of the last four months since July 8. The drivers and others working in private schools also need salary,” he said.

    Var said some top private school like DPS, Tyndale Biscoe and Presentation Convent are missionary school. “They have everything free even the land. So they should not take fee from students and not even the transport fee,” he said. (PTK)

  • Will defy curfew on Friday to lead prayers: Mirwaiz Umar

    Srinagar: Senior resistance leader and Hurriyat Conference (m) chairperson, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday announced that he will break curfew and restrictions on Friday and offer mandatory congregationalFriday prayers Namaz at Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

    Mirwaiz was addressing a press conference soon after meeting former foreign minister Yashwant Sinha led delegation at his Nigeen residence.

    He was shifted from sub-jail Chashma Shahi to his residence where he was placed under house arrest last evening. He was shifted to Chasma Shahi on August 26, 2016.

    “We will anyhow reach Jamia Masjid on Friday defying curfew and restrictions,” Mirwaiz asserted.

    The J&K Government has banned mandatory Friday prayers in Jamia Masjid Srinagar since Kashmir erupt in a massive anti-establishment civil uprising.

    A five-member delegation led by former external affairs minister, Yashwant Sinha Tuesday called on Hurriyat patriarch Syed Ali Geelani this morning at his Hyderpora residence. The delegation is on a three-day visit to the valley.

    Sources said that the meeting started at 11:40 AM and lasted for one hour and fifteen minutes. “They were offered water and then Kehwa,” sources said.

    Speaking to reporters after coming out of Geelani’s besieged residence, Sinha said, “we don’t represent government of India.” However, he added, “the meeting was held in cordial atmosphere.”

    Geelani continues to remain under house since 2010. However, he was let go to New Delhi for intermittent medical check-ups. Two police and CRPF vans have been placed outside his residence to prevent him from leaving his residence.

    Later, the delegation met Hurriyat Conference (m) chairperson, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his Nigeen residence.

    The delegation is scheduled to meet separatist leaders, traders and civil society members to break the ice between separatist groups and New Delhi and pave way for dialogue, sources said.

    The delegation led by Sinha comprises former Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities and the first Chief Information Commissioner of India, Wajahat Habibullah, former Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak, veteran journalist Bharat Bhushan and Executive Director of the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation Sushobha Barve. 

     

  • Gunmen loot JK Bank Branch in South Kashmir Flee with Rs 3 lakh

    Kulgam: Armed gunmen raided Jammu Kashmir Bank, ransacked cash counters and looted cash before fleeing in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Tusday. Later senior police officers reached the spot and supervised investigations by despatching teams to work out the case.

    The Bank employees told news CNS that over two armed men on a motorcycle reached Kadar branch of JK Bank on Tuesday morning. “Two of the gunmen managed their entry into the Bank while one stood guard outside. They barged inside, took everyone at gun point and stashed Rs three lakh from the cash counter. They also assaulted a Bank employee Tanvir Ahmed and snatched his cell phone when the later tried to call the police,” they said adding that the incident occurred shortly after Bank was thrown open for the customers.

       As soon as the gunmen left, the bank manager informed the police after which senior officers rushed to the spot. Army men from 62 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group of Jammu Kashmir Police cordoned off the area but failed to get the desired result.

       Confirming the incident, Cluster Head Jammu Kashmir Bank Shabir Ahmed said that unknown gunmen looted the bank when employees had started normal business inside the bank. “They thrashed some of the employees before fleeing from the spot with the loot cash (Rs 2,96433 lakh),” he said.

        “We have registered a formal case and investigation has been taken up,” said a police official. (CNS)

     

  • Five member delegation meets Separatist leaders

    BJP distances itself from delegation

    Srinagar: A five-member delegation led by former external affairs minister, Yashwant Sinha Tuesday called on Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani at his residence in Hyderpora locality in Srinagar.

      The delegation drove to the octogenarian leader’s house where he is placed under house detention.

       Geelani had earlier refused to meet parliamentarians who were part of an all-party delegation to Kashmir.

    Former external affairs minister Yashwant Sinha, who led a five-member delegation to Geelani’s residence in Srinagar on Wednesday, said that talks with the Hurriyat (G) leader were held in a cordial atmosphere.

    After landing in Srinagar, the delegation straightaway drove to the octogenarian leader’s house where he is placed under house arrest.

    After holding talks for over an hour, Sinha told journalists outside the Geelani’s residence: “We had come here with the aim of holding talks. The talks were held in cordial atmosphere.”

    The delegation also called on Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and senior separatist leader Professor Abdul Gani Bhat as well. Mirwaiz was released from jail on Monday night.

    He remains under house arrest at his Nigeen residence.

        Besides Yaswant Sinha the other members of the delegation are Wajahat Habibullah, the former chairman of National Commission for Minorities, Kapil Kak, former Air Vice-Marshal, journalist Bharat Bhushan and Sushoba Barve of Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation.

        All Parties Hurriyat Conference, while issuing a statement to press said that a high level delegation headed by former External Affairs Minister Mr. Yashwant Sinha dropped at the residence cum office of its chairman Syed Ali Geelani today at about 11:30 am. Delegation included Rtd. Air Vice Marchal Mr. Kapil Kak, Mr. Wajahat Habibullah, Senior Journalist Mr. Bharat Booshan and Executive Director of the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation Mrs. Shashooba Barway.

       Hurriyat said that conversation took place in a cordial atmosphere, wherein Geelani Sahab reminded them the historical perspective of the Kashmir issue, pending for its final resolution since 1947.

       Hurriyat said that people have rendered huge sacrifices for settlement of this long standing dispute. Referring to the present uprising, delegation was told that for the last 107 days 94 people have been killed with 15,000 people injured and an equal number, especially youth are arrested. About 100 people are arrested daily and draconian laws like PSA are slapped on them and they are shifted to jails outside valley. It was conveyed to the delegation, with all the updated data, which arrested people include old as well as juvenile.

       Commenting on the prevailing situation it was said that onus of peace in the region particularly in Jammu and Kashmir lies with those holding power, military might and other resources. It was further said that along with people resistance activists and leaders have been put behind bars and Geelani Sahab himself is under house arrest for last 6 years. All the people and leaders should be released and the cases against them should be withdrawn so that after consultation a common and collective point of view can be put forward.

        Meanwhile Right wing Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) distanced itself from the meeting between Kashmiri resistance leader Syed Ali Geelani and a delegation led by its leader Yashwant Sinha, saying the party has “nothing to do with it”.

      “It is not a BJP delegation. BJP has nothing to do with this,” its National Secretary Shrikant Sharma told reporters in Indian capital New Delhi.

       “Some media outlets have said that it is a BJP delegation which is absolutely wrong,” Sharma said, adding Sinha too maintained that he took up the enterprise in his personal capacity. (CNS)

  • After remaining suspended for over 3 months Authorities likely to restore mobile internet services

    Srinagar: Authorities are likely to restore mobile internet services in Kashmir within next two days, said sources. The services were snapped on July 8, evening, soon after the killing of young militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with government forces in South Kashmir’s Kokernag area.“With the improvement of situation across the Kashmir, the mobile internet services would be restored in Kashmir on October 25 or October 26,” sources told KNS.

    They said that the authorities are taking assessment of the situation. “The situation across the Kashmir is by and large peaceful. The final call to restore services will be taken on shortly,” they said.
    On October 14, prepaid mobile phone services were restored across Kashmir after remaining suspended for 98 days. However, mobile Internet services continued to remain suspended.
    Sources said that orders to restore mobile internet services will be communicated to all service providers in evening with the directions to resume this service from mid-night.

    The prepaid mobile services were snapped across Kashmir on July 8 evening

    soon after the killing of young militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with government forces.
    Mobile Internet services were snapped the same evening across the valley. However, services were not suspended on State-run BSNL phones.

    Same evening, postpaid mobile services were also snapped in south Kashmir.
    Similarly, postpaid services were snapped in north Kashmir on July 11 and central Kashmir on July 15.
    On July 16, landline services were suspended in Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara in north Kashmir.
    While postpaid mobile services were restored on July 26, the prepaid were restored a day after but outgoing call facility continued to remain barred.

    On August 11, again, mobile services were snapped across Kashmir, except BSNL postpaid.On August 13, postpaid services were restored but broadband services were snapped. A day after, postpaid services, except BSNL, were again snapped.
    On September 14, broadband services were snapped again. They were resumed after four days, on September 19.
    On October 14, in an official statement, police said: “With the improvement in the situation prepaid mobile services are being restored from tonight.” (KNS)

  • Govt Announces Rs 25 Lakh Compensation For Sopore’s Fire Damaged Shrine & Masjid

    Srinagar: J&K Government on Wednesday announced Rs 25 lakh compensation to a Shrine and a Masjid damaged in mysterious fire during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Abdul Haq Khan, PDP Minister and District Commissioner Baramulla today visited Armapora in Sopore to take stock of the situation that resulted after Lalbab Sahab shrine and a Masjid were gutted down the mid-night blaze fire.

    Local sources said that fire damaged two-storey Masjid and Ziyarat Sharief, however, the cause of the fire is yet to be known.

    As the news of fire incident spread in the area, hundreds of people gathered at the site and started dousing the flames following which the Fire Service unit at Sopore rushed to the spot.

    The minister announced a relief of Rs 25 lakh for the reconstruction and refurbishment of the gutted shrine and Masjid.

    As per local sources, the minister on the occasions said that he sent to the village by Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti. “CM was deeply hurt to learn about the tragic fire incident,” the minister told the local populace, “she has a deep reverence for shrines.”

    The minister promised that the government will bear all the expenses that will be required in reconstruction of the gutted Masjid and Shrine.

    Police have already registered a case in to the fire incident and investigations are going on.

  • Rights body urges UN body to seek release of ailing Yasin Malik

    Dr Reshi has recommended that “Mr. Malik should be at a medical facility under constant observation.”

    Srinagar: A human rights organisation has sought the “urgent” intervention of the UN for the release of Yasin Malik, saying that the Jammu and Kashmir liberation Front (JKLF) Chief should be removed to a medical facility in view of his deteriorating health.

    In a communication, Ravi Nair of SOUTH ASIA HUMAN RIGHTS DOCUMENTATION CENTRE (SAHRDC) has asked Dainius Pūras, UN Special Rapporteur ‘on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health’, to see “your urgent intervention with the government of India and the state government of Jammu and Kashmir about the delicate health condition of Mr. Yasin Malik, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation front (JKLF).”

    It said that the health of Malik was at stake as revealed by his medical tests conducted at the Khyber hospital in Srinagar on September 27.

    “His personal doctor Dr. Sajjad Reshi examined him and advised further medical examinations related to his heart, kidney and other ailments.”

    “Mr. Malik is known to have recurrent nephrolithiasis bilaterally for which in the past he has undergone multiple PCNL and lithotripsy. Currently he has a 7.7 mm stone obstructing the left upper ureter with resultant hydronephrosis which must be evaluated after one week presently he is on medical expulsion therapy.”

    The communication said that Malik might require an operative intervention in the form of a urinary stenting/ ESWL or URS if the medical therapy fails.
    Dr Reshi has recommended that “Mr. Malik should be at a medical facility under constant observation.”

    After medical examinations, the communication added, he was sent back to the Humhama Joint Interrogation Centre.

    “Mr. Tapan Bose, from the South Asia Forum for Human Rights took up the matter with the Indian Foreign Secretary, the Indian Union Home Secretary and the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir to no avail on 6 October 2016. Earlier, on 5 October 2016, he communicated his concerns to the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The Governor, Mr. NN Vohra in a communication to Mr. Bose stated that he had asked the state government to look into the matter.”

    JKLF, Nair said, is a non- violent organisation committed to peaceful struggle to achieve its aims. It formally gave up armed struggle against the Indian state in 1995.

    Malik was arrested on 8 July 2016, the day, a militant commander Burhan Wani was killed.
    He was first lodged in the police station at Kothibagh in Srinagar city for over three weeks. He was then shifted to Central Jail, Srinagar and then from there, taken to Humhama Mess on 4 September 2016, the day an all-party delegation from New Delhi visited Kashmir.
    “The Humhama Police Mess is a Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC). JICs are known for being illegal detention centres where torture and worse was and is routinely practiced.”

    “Yasin Malik was kept in solitary confinement in a small room which was filthy at the Joint Interrogation Centre in Humhama. He is presently being held under sections 107 and 151 of the Ranbir Penal Code.”

    Seeking the help of the UN Special Rapporteur to “urgently take up the matter of medical assistance to Mr. Malik with the Government of India and the Government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir”, Nair said that the “only alleged crime [of Yasin Malik] has been his organising peaceful protests against atrocities by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the J & K police.”