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  • Jawahar tunnel to remain open 24 hours a day: Div Com

    ‘Decision was taken in view of transportation of fruits, Ladakh Supplies’

    Srinagar: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, today said Jawahar tunnel would remain open round the clock to facilitate hassle free movement on the National Highway.
    He said the decision was taken in view of transportation of fruits, Ladakh Supplies, winter stocking and to make travel of passengers on Srinagar-Jammu road easy and to avoid unnecessary traffic jams.
    The Div Com also said winter supplies have to be carried out in a time bound manner because of impending winter and it was deemed necessary to keep both tubes of the Jawahar tunnel open 24 hours a day for the same. (KNS)

  • Mirwaiz once again listed among 500 most influential Muslims in World

    ‘Matter of honor for me to be part of the list’

    Srinagar: Hurriyat (M) founder chairman, Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq has once again been listed among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world and among the only four Muslims from South Asia, while the other three are from Pakistan, for the third consecutive time since 2015.
    The Mirwaiz figures in 2017 annual issue of ‘The Muslim 500’, a yearly publication of The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Jordan, which ranks the most influential Muslims internationally.
    The report mentions that “Kashmir’s topmost religious leader is known as the Mirwaiz and Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq is the 14th Mirwaiz of Kashmir, who took over as the Mirwaiz as a 17-year old after his father, Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Farooq was martyred in 1990.”It further mentions that APHC, an amalgam of various resistance groups that represents the sentiments of the people of Jammu Kashmir, was founded in 1993 by the Mirwaiz at the age of 20 when and he was elected as its founding chairman.”
    The report refers to the Mirwaiz as the representative of the people of J&K Who highlighted the Kashmir dispute at various international fora including the United Nations Organisation (UNO), European Union (EU), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and others, advocating its peaceful resolution as per the wishes and aspiration of People of J&K through unconditional and meaningful dialogue among the stakeholders, India Pakistan and the people of J&K. On this occasion the incarcerated APHC Chairman, who has been kept in solitary confinement for the past month-and-a-half said it was a matter of honor for him to be part of the list and thanked the the people of J&K for their support and trust which gives him the strength and confidence to take the peoples just cause forward, to the best of his ability. Mirwaiz said equally inspiring for him is the unflinching resolve and commitment of the people towards their freedom struggle in the face of such extreme oppression.
    Meanwhile Hurriyat (M) said that while the sacred blood of martyrs continues to infuse life in the struggle for the right to self determination, the recognition given to its chairman for his efforts to bring focus on the Kashmir dispute at international fora, shows that international community admits the reality of the dispute and the urgent need to resolve it.
    Hurriyat (M) statement said Kashmiri people have a strong case and the international community cannot ignore the reality of an unresolved Kashmir for long as this has kept the two nuclear neighbours in a confrontation mode for the past seven decades and pose threat not only to South Asia but entire world .
    The statement said despite the oppression, killings, injuries, arbitrary arrests and gravest of human rights violations, people continue to strive for self determination. It urged upon the international community not to overlook the barbarism at display in Kashmir that has resulted in the killings of over 90 civilians, injuries to over 12,000 persons and arrests of more than 7000 people, many of who have been slapped with the infamous Public Safety Act (PSA).
    Hurriyat (M) once again called upon IC to pressurize New Delhi to scrap the draconian laws and end its military concentration in Kashmir and help resolve the dispute in accordance with the sentiments of the people.
    Hurriyat (M) spokesman condemned the use of excessive force on the Ashoora procession on the occasion of 10th Muharam-ul-Haram at Lal Chowk where the government forces fired dozens of tear gas shells on the mourners and arrested them and sabotaged the ‘Aloosa Chalo’ call by joint resistance by harassing the entire locality.
    The spokesman also condemned the continued arrest of the Hurriyat (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, house arrest of senior resistance leader, Syed Ali Geelani, detention of JKLF Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik and other resistance leaders arrest including Hurriyat leader Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Ghulam Nabi Zaki, Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam and thousands of other youth and demanded their immediate release.

  • Karalgund Killing: Any killing on basis political affiliation is inhuman, un-Islamic: Geelani

    Srinagar: Chairman Hurriyat (G), Syed Ali Geelani has express his deep anguish over the killing of a political worker Khawaja Ghulam Nabi by some unidentified gunmen.
    In a statement issued to KNS, Syed Ali Geelani said that any killing on the basis political affiliation is inhuman and un-Islamic. (KNS)

  • Dr. Farooq invites mainstream Opposition parties for meeting tomorrow

    Current unrest on top of the agenda of the meeting

    Srinagar: In a surprise move National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has convened a meeting of all the opposition mainstream political parties as his Gupkar residence Srinagar at 11am in tomorrow. Top sources while disclosing this to KNS revealed that those invited for the meeting include Pradesh Congress President Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Secretary CPI(M) M.Y Tarigami, Peoples Democratic Front chairman Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Democratic Party Nationalist Ghulam Hassan Mir and Awami Itihad Party Chief Er Rasheed. If sources are to be believed all the invitees are expected to attend the meeting the meeting is to discuss the current unrest in Kashmir, the continuing stand of in India Pakistan relations situation in border areas on both the sides of Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

    The meeting is likely to discuss all other issues particularly the State Government’s decision to hold examinations on schedule and resumption of regular class work in Schools colleges and University. (KNS)

  • Day 97: Valley continues to witness protests and clashes

    Srinagar: Curfew and curbs remained in force in old Srinagar city as a precautionary measure even as normal life remained affected in the Valley for the 97th day.

    A police official said curfew remains in force in five police station areas of downtown Srinagar. Curbs on the movement of people in the police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal and Maharaj Gunj have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. The official said while there were no curbs on the movement of people anywhere else in Kashmir, restrictions on the assembly of people under Section 144 CrPc were in force throughout the Valley.

    As usual heavy deployed of government forces was made across Kashmir to maintain law and order while in restive parts mobile bunkers were created. Some parts of Civil Lines including Lal Chowk, Dalgate, Sonwar, Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar witnessed heavy movement of private vehicles while vendors had erected stalls in large numbers from Polo View to TRC chowk. Roadside vendors were also seen doing business in other parts of city including Hari Singh High Street, Batamaloo and Jawahar Nagar. Some shops were seen open in Jawahar Nagar, Batamaloo and Raj Bagh. 

    However, normal life elsewhere in the Valley remained affected for the 97th consecutive day in the aftermath of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani’s killing in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir on July 8. Shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained closed, while public transport continued to be off the roads. The shops and other business establishments open during the periodic relaxation announced by the separatists on certain days of the week.

    Scores of men, women and children took to streets in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district against the youth arrests.Witnesses said that the protesters, chanting pro-freedom slogans, staged a protest in Rahmoo village to demand the release of youths arrested during a forces’ raid. They said that during the raid two youth Bilal Ahmed Dar and Hilal Ahmed Itoo were picked up and lodged in police station Pulwama. The protesters said that both the youth are innocent.

    A massive protest was also staged in Pulwama against the arrest of a cleric Maulana Sajad Hashmi and his two brothers Shabir Ahmed and Shahnawz Ahmed. Hashmi is a preacher at Central Jamia Masjid Nagabal Shopian who along with his two brothers was arrested during a nocturnal raid at Rajpora Pulwama.

    Witnesses told news agency CNS a large number of people took to roads and demanded the immediate release of Maulana Hashmi and his two brothers. The protest was organized by Sunni Jamiat Taliba. “We all know Maulana Hashmi and his brothers are innocent. The detention of Hashmi and his brothers is sheer harassment. Mehbooba Mufti led government has crossed all the limits in repressing and suppressing people of Kashmir,” the protesters said.

    Government Forces meanwhile resorted to tear-gas shelling and pellet firing to disperse agitated protesters who were protesting against the raid on Tehreek-e-Hurriyat activist Muhammad Yousuf Falai at Chitragam village of Shopian district. Reports said that Government Forces raided the house of Falai that sparked protest. The protesters hit to roads while Forces fired pellets and tear-smoke shells to disperse them. The clashes that continued for hours left all but 9 persons wounded.

    Meanwhile, a Hurriyat leader from southern Pulwama district was booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) on Thursday. Baghat was arrested few days back near District Hospital Pulwama.

    Reports said that Tehreek-e-Hurriyat activist Manzoor Ahmad Baghat of Ruhmoo village of the district was booked under the stringent act. He is likely to be shifted to a jail in Kathua in Jammu region today, they said.

    Clashes erupted in Tahab village of Pulwama also after government forces arrested three people, including two minors.

    Reports and witnesses said that people took to streets in Tahab to protest against the arrests. They said that forces resorted to teargas shelling on the protesters, triggering massive clashes. (CNS)

  • Banning Ashoora processions, Eid & Friday Prayers speak volumes about anti-Kashmiri, anti-Muslim Agenda Of PDP: Yasin Malik

    Srinagar: Chairman of Jammu Kashmir liberation front (JKLF) Muhammad Yasin Malik said banning and stopping Ashoora processions, Eid and Friday prayers in Kashmir and facilitating RSS (Armed) Latheebardaar Rally in Doda and other Muslim dominated areas of Jammu region speak volumes about the anti-Kashmiri and anti-Muslim dubious agenda of PDP led coalition in Jammu Kashmir.
    In a statement issued to KNS, he said so called rulers and occupational authorities have surpassed every tyrant and oppressive regime that have ruled Jammu Kashmir from last 70 years.
    Terming the ban on Aashoora Majalis and procession that are only meant to mourn for Karbala martyrs as direct interference in religious affairs of Muslims in Jammu Kashmir, JKLF chairman said that present regime led by PDP has surpassed every previous oppressive ruler and have turned Kashmir into a worst nightmare.
    He said that after dividing Muslims of Jammu region and marginalizing their strength, so called rulers have now started intimidating them by allowing armed rallies of chauvinist forces like RSS.
    He said that in Kashmir these so-called rulers use military and police might to ban Eid and Friday prayers and even stop Ashoora processions by teargas shelling, cane charging and pellet firings but when it comes to chauvinist anti-Kashmiri and anti-Muslim forces like RSS, these rulers shamelessly allow and even facilitate armed rallies that too in Muslim majority areas like Doda to terrorize Muslim populations living there.
    He said that one wonders on the mentality of these power hungry pro-India politicians who for fulfilling their desires and lust of power have come down to new lows of wickedness and are hell bent upon terrorizing Muslims in Jammu Kashmir. He said that by this anti-Muslim and anti-Kashmiri politics PDP led ruling regime is actually playing with fire and this fire may engulf not only entire Jammu Kashmir but can jeopardize the peace and stability of whole south Asia.
    JKLF chairman said that Kashmiris are at the back of their Jammu brethren and will left no stone unturned to safeguard them against the evil designs of so-called rulers and their masters in Delhi and Nagpur.
    While strongly condemning the spree of nocturnal raids, arrests and other oppressive measures unleashed in Jammu Kashmir, Yasin Malik said that more than 12000 innocents, elders, young students, resistance activists and leaders have been arrested and this ugly phase of state sponsored terrorism is going on unrelentingly.
    He said that so-called rulers who in past used to play politics on human rights violations in Kashmir are today arresting and injuring hundreds on daily basis and instead of having some shame are swaggering on these anti-Kashmiri and undemocratic measures.
    While condemning reign of terror in Chanapora and Rambagh areas and arrest of many innocents including Abdul Qayoom Lone, Molvi Ali Muhammad Lone along with his two sons Reyaz Ahmad Lone and Ishfaq Ahmad Lone, two brothers namely Gulzar Ahmad Butt, Hilal Ahamd Butt and Muhammad Maqbool sheikh and many others, Yasin Malik said that ruthlessness of state sponsored violence is such that police and forces have started vandalizing the residences of person in peaceful resistance and terrorizing their families.
    Condemning the raid on JKLF activist Altaf Ahmad Raina’s house at Aarihal Pulwama and vandalizing and terrorizing his family by breaking down windows of his house, JKLF chairman said that terrorizing peaceful political workers and activists along with their families is the new avatar of PDP politics in Kashmir. He said that after these gruesome acts of violence against Kashmiris the hypocritical politics of these pro-India politicians stand fully exposed.

  • In times of valley unrest, FCS&CA store keepers selling subsidized rice in black

    Will look into the matter: Minister

    Srinagar: Taking undue advantage of current unrest, the store keepers of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs department, are busy in black marketing of subsidized ration.
    Scores of people from different areas of Srinagar and other parts of the valley informed KNS on Thursday that since the unrest began in the valley, most of the store keepers have adopted a different methodology to swindle subsidized ration meant for public consumption.
    They said that they are being denied ration by the storekeepers on the plea that they are not in a position to provide ration to all rationees because of the current unrest. “On one hand government is claiming that there is no scarcity of ration, but on the other hand we are repeatedly told that the supply has not been received due to current unrest. It appears that a well-knit nexus is operating within the FCS&CA department where these officials swindle subsidized ration and sell it to shopkeepers on exorbitant rates,” said Mohmmad Aslam a resident of Mehjoor Nagar.
    He alleged that these store keepers not only indulge in black-marketing of ration, being supplied to the ration depot, but also provide the ration to genuine ration card holders at higher rates.
    Habibullah a resident of Bemina, alleged, “Most of the consumers seldom purchase rice from FCS&CA ration depots being run by the government. The moot question arises as to where does the rice supplied from ration depots go. The FCS&CA Department has become a den of corruption. Though the the store keepers resort to black marketing, the authorities never bothered to take corrective measures” he said.
    He said he visited the ration depot for ‘atta’ (wheat flour) many a time, but got the same response that the department was yet to supply adequate supply of ration. “There is a need for an immediate probe into pilferage and malpractices being followed by these FCS&CA officials so that consumers get the real benefit,” he said.
    A resident of a village Ashipora area of Kupwara district, who declined to be named, said: “From unloading of ration supply, the practice of swindling of food grain and ration meant for people begins. Consumers are shown scarcity of ration, be it rice, sugar or flour, every month. If the government provides fixed supply of ration, why does it not reach consumers? The government should fix both accountability and responsibility.”
    Recently, the government had claimed to provide subsidized ration to 24.72 lakh families, a number up by 6.7 lakh after the government conducted a fresh survey to cover left-out families during Census 2011. It had said the decision would put an additional burden of Rs 701.82 crore on the state exchequer annually.
    The total requirement of food grain in the state was 7.56 lakh metric tons in 2000, but on account of an increase of 6.7 lakh families, there had been an additional requirement of food grain of 2.81 lakh metric tons per month.
    One of the former top officials of the FCS&CA said that the government should investigate the activities of their staff posted at ration depots, who have stolen rice meant for public and are selling it to exorbitant rates. “ it is true that the real beneficiaries (poor public) are not getting their share under BPL, APL and AAY etc, simply because the said rice secretly goes to illegal stores under the patrons of some selfish staffs of the department,”.
    When contacted FCS&CA minister, Chowdary Zulfikar Ali he assured that he will look into the matter. (KNS)

  • Authorities ‘divided’ over class 10, 12 exams

    “Some officials for deferment of tests till March”

    Srinagar: Amid the controversy over the decision to hold annual exams, authorities are divided over the matter as some of the officials suggest planned exams of class 10 and class 12 should be deferred till March 2017.
    The officials are also divided on the opinion about the percentage to be given to the students of class 10 and class 12 as concessation for annual exams.
    Reliable sources told KNS, that some of the officials are of opinion to announce thirty percent syllabus to the students of both classes.
    “Some officials are in favour of forty percent syllabus. They argument is that during the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, the students had no access to school classes or tuition points,” they said.
    They informed that some of the officials suggested deferring exams till March 2017.
    “Some of the officials are of the opinion that students should be given time to study and prepare for exams rather than merely asking students to pass the exams on concessations,” they said.
    “There is no clarity on the matter as officials are themselves divided in opinions. The authorities are yet to select a question paper. Director Education has also written a letter to higher ups, seeking a joint meeting of officials, for the discussion on the matter,” said sources.
    No official was ready to come on record on the matter.
    Pertinently, amidst student protest against the J&K government’s controversial decision to hold Class 10th and Class 12th examinations in November, teachers in J&K have now come out to accuse the government of “employing pressure tactics” to hold the key examinations under the prevailing unfavorable circumstances.
    Students across the Kashmir have been protesting, demanding deferment of exams.
    Despite repeated attempts, Chairman Board f school Education didn’t pick the call for comments. (KNS)

  • 200 officials under scanner for corruption

    ‘Govt likely to sent their files to SVO’

    Srinagar: As many as 200 government employees, majority of them from public sector undertakings have come under scanner of government for their alleged involvement in corruption, KNS has learnt.
    Highly placed administrative sources said that the government was likely to take action against such officers in coming days.
    Sources disclosed to KNS that the process for initiating action against these tainted officers has already been started.
    “The Chief Minister’s office is monitoring the activities of these officials on day-to-day basis and action against some is expected soon,” sources said.
    Sources added that most of these tainted officers (about 70 in number) are working in different Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
    Sources said that government will sent their files to State Vigilance Organization (SVO) and other agencies for making fool-proof cases against them. “To make the case fool-proof, the Government will backup these with documentary evidence from anti-corruption bodies and other agencies including the Criminal Investigation Department of the police before further action,” sources maintained.
    One of the top officials of the government said that action against tainted and corrupt officers would continue and nobody would be spared.
    Sources also said that vigilance has already registered corruption cases against some of the, Managing Directors, General Managers of the PSU’s. “There has been increase in cases of corruption involving PSU’s officials. Government has the names of tainted officers who were found involved in scams and misappropriation of funds in these PSU’s,” sources said.
    Sources further said that government has been informed that tainted officers in the state have been from time to time saved by the respective heads. “Cases are hushed up at the instance of seniors and are not taken to their logical ends. The officers, who should have landed in jails for their wrongdoings and unlawful acts, have risen to the higher ranks,” according to sources, government was informed.
    One of the top officials of the government said that the corruption was a major challenge in the state with various anti-graft agencies receiving complaints on routine bases. “It is true that corruption is a major challenge for the government and its adverse effects on the society cannot be underestimated,” the official said.
    Sources said that the list of the officers under scanner may enlarge for which the preliminary inquiry was underway. (KNS)

  • Geelani terms Mohan Baghoot’s statement as political gimmick

    ‘Design, ambition of Sang Parivaar is to change demography of JK’

    Srinagar: While terming the RSS president Mohan Baghoot’s statement about the West Pakistan Refuges as not only mental and psychological bankruptcy but a political gimmick as well, chairman Hurriyat (G), Syed Ali Geelani said that these refugees are in no case the state subjects of the Jammu and Kashmir. They are Indian citizens and government willing they could have been rehabilitated long back. But Indian polite particularly saffron brigade use them for their petty political gains.
    In a statement issued to KNS, Syed Ali Geelani said that repeated drum beating about these refugees to settle them in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is nothing but deceitful and misguiding propaganda, otherwise Indian leaders themselves know very well that an Indian even its President and Prime Minister can’t get permanent resident status in Jammu and Kashmir.
    Syed Ali Geelani said that we too wish them to be rehabilitated and settled on humanitarian grounds, but Indian politicians under the influence of anti-Muslim mindset, want just to play politics as they have been doing on the exile of Kashmiri Pandiths and other such issues.
    He further said that these fascist forces are in power at Delhi and are strong partners in the state government. They are all set to inch towards their long cherished goal of demographic turbulence in Jammu and Kashmir. The rhetoric of “Atoot Ang” may sooth their voters and hyper-nationalist boggy of supporters, but world at large cannot shy away the historical and legal reality of the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir, and India is forcibly holding it by mere military might and the shameless support provided by their paid stooges.
    Syed Ali Geelani, while commenting on some pro-Indian political statements regarding 1947 massacre in Jammu, said that whenever they are out of power, the pain and agony of the people and their bloodshed makes them the strongest champions of human rights and they present themselves as their only savior. 5 lakh Muslims were slaughtered under the watchful eyes of then tall politician, but he preferred to seal his lips lest he would have been labeled as anti-Indian.
    Geelani said that the statement “not compromising on dignity and siding with their people for political rights” is just misleading, otherwise they are themselves the main culprits to snatch every fabric of our identity.
    He said in case they are true and sincere in their assertions then this is high time to rise above all political or personnel egos and collectively sail the wrecked ship of our distressed and devastated nation.
    He said that once this traumatized and bruised populace is safely rescued and the dark clouds of political uncertainty and forced oppressive environ ends, they can still have the privilege of cherishing the glossy and lustrous sheen of power, but that time our generation at least will be breathing easy.
    Syed Ali Geelani said that these collaborators, responsible of our bloodbath for the last 70 years, will have to pay for every single drop of blood of innocents, if not here, hereafter definitely.
    He said that the design and ambition of Sang Parivaar is nothing but to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir and safronise the whole populace so that it is easily engulfed and disintegrated in rest of India, and at that time they will make these stooges just political beggars. That is the reason we time and again appeal this pro-Indian class of politicians that they have already sold their mind and soul, but if they continue to be hypnotized and mesmerized in the glow of power, they are sure to lose this timely and temporary luxury as well. That time they may recall our saying, but by then it will be too late to mend as time and tide wait for none.