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  • APSCC pins hope on BJP Govt to address pending issues of Sikh community

    Srinagar: All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has expressed hope that the Bharatiya Janta Party led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre would solve the pending issues of Sikh community of Jammu & Kashmir and grant minority status to the community.

    In a statement issued to KNS, APSCC Chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina welcomed the new central’s government plan to solve the problems being faced by various communities of the country. Raina said that members of Sikh community in the state are up against many odds and need immediate attention from the people at helm so that the problems are solved.

    “It is good that the new central government has started taking steps to solve the problems of various communities living in the country. It must be kept in mind by decision takers that members of Sikh community have been fighting hard for their rights and their problems too need to be addressed at the earliest,” said Raina.

    Raina said the Sikh community in the state should be granted the status of a minority community since they very much fall under the provisions set out in this regard. He said the Minority Act as framed by the National Commission for Minorities should be extended to the state without any dilution whatsoever.

    “In case there is any dilution to the Minority Act then the members of Sikh community would come out and lodge strong protests in support of their genuine demands. We have been pressing hard to get this genuine demand conceded by the state government over the past few years. In case the Minority Act is altered then we will not desist from carrying out a full-fledged agitation,” said Raina.

    Raina said that the recent Lok Sabha elections proved that Sikhs constitute an important component of the franchise in the state. He said that political parties should be aware that they would be forced to bite the dust in the assembly elections in case they speak or act against the Sikh community with respect to the implementation of National Minority Act in state in letter and spirit.

  • ‘J&K is special, not like any other state’

    GoI should give assurance not to tamper with Article 370: Ratanpuri

    Srinagar: The Member of Parliament, G.N. Ratanpuri has demanded that the Government of India should initiate a process to address the larger political issue of Kashmir & talk to all stake holders.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, while welcoming the commitment to return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes he said that thousands of Muslim families who migrated to different parts of the country and many thousand who crossed over  to the other side of LOC should be included in the rehabilitation package.  Participating in the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha he said that the address reads like a wish-list, too good to be true. But, its most positive aspect is the absence of all those contentious issues which were raised by the ruling party during election campaign to garner the votes.

    He highlighted the fact that the ruling party has almost absolutely polarised the society to get this mandate. This is a very heavy price and to bring back the society  on rails of mutual trust may take much longer time. Ratanpuri said that as a result of this polarisation the Muslims feel extremely insecure and to quote Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, they can not even muster the courage to express their fears.

    Terming the UP State government’s decision of granting relief to Muzzaffar Nagar riot victims only in lieu of their right to return to their home and hearth, as shameful, he hoped that the Ratnakar in the  ruling party has really had an encounter with Narad Muni and its change of heart is genuine.  He expected that the government will really be inclusive in its approach and able to carry along all the communities.

    He demanded an unequivocal commitment from the government that no change will be sort unilaterally in Article 370.  The MP informed the House that the MOS in PMO by his irresponsible statement on application of article 370 has generated a lot of mistrust.  Perhaps, he was oblivious of its dangerous repercussions and the clarification thereafter should have been more assuring.  He said that the Minister’s statement generated interest in many quarters about the land prices around the lake.  But, the non-state subjects keen to own a house near Dal Lake can own the House Boat only. House they cannot own they will have to continue with hiring one.  Terming the argument of Article 370 being any impediment in the development and progress of J&K as preposterous, he said that provision is for land grants for industry exist in the  prevailing system.  He  said that while many of those on Treasury Benches today, have advocated the change in demographic character of J&K in the past, many today appear keen to  gain the trust of Kashmiri people.  He hoped that  those who wanted to solve the Kashmir problem by driving out Muslims and bringing in non-muslims have genuinely understood that coercion will not work and peace will come only through re-conciliation.  The Member argued that re-conciliation is not possible without justice and  justice will be ensured only if we speak truth, we support truth, we appreciate truth and we follow truth.  Addressing those who question the special status of J&K in the Indian union he said that J&K definitely is not like any other state.  The state was  overwhelmingly Muslim majority area and when the sub-continent was divided on the basis of two- nation theory, the Muslims of J&K decided to join India and not Pakistan.  Castigating those who tried to  give the credit of accession to Maharaja alone,  he said if so was the case then Hyderabad and Junagarh would have been parts of Pakistan and not India. The accession of J&K to India could be realised only due to support of the National Conference under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.  The MP reminded the House that in 1947 when the whole of sub-continent was burning in the fires of communal hatred, Muslims in J&K protected their Hindu brethren at the cost of their lives. The sad aspect of this story is that thousands of Muslims were slaughtered by mobs in Jammu at that time.

    He said that the Central government has, right from 1947, unilaterally tried to alter the relationship between state and centre  on the strength of it being a powerful partner to agreement.  It altered  the terms of accession and eroded the autonomy of the state.  Today, if the new government is keen to gain the trust of  the people of J&K it can pick up the threads from where they were left by Vajpayee ji.  He said a beginning should immediately be made by addressing the economic issues.  The state should be compensated for the losses of Indus water Treaty, The NHPC Hydel Projects in J&K, where from profits many times more than investment have been earned, should be transferred to J&K government, action should be taken on the recommendations of working groups constituted by the former Prime Minister and a package for up-gradation and modernisation of road network in J&K should be announced immediately.

  • President’s address talks of growth without any commitment from Modi Govt: Soz

    Srinagar: Prof. Saifuddin Soz President Pradesh Congress Committee  today on the resolution presented by the Treasury Benches for the President’s  Address to the Joint session of Parliament, said there is a situation of relief in my mind that India has become strong democracy, institutions have also become strong. Otherwise  any other country would have collapsed under the burden of an onslaught of propaganda towards the Sectarian Polarization through an unprecedented level of  Paid News. “Having said this I would like to  say that  the President’s address is a disjointed document of assertions.”

    According to a statement issued to KNS, Soz said; “I welcome the assertion related to generation of hopes, improvement of  public distribution System and giving  the Agriculture production a fillip. We shall see how Mr. Modi will do it differently. But,  there are many broader questions in my mind.”

    The address talks of growth  without any commitment from Modi government  taking the growth to a higher level. Gujrat Model has also not been explained, infact it has all been a propaganda. The Address has not even mentioned  inclusive growth how can there be growth without including weaker Sections, Muslims and other Minorities. Modi Government has asserted that  It will show zero tolerance for Extremism  and Terrorism. The UPA  first and Second were committed to this already, I think Modi Government’s intention are not clear. I regret that the BJP did not utter a word on the assassination  of an innocent youth belonging to  a Minority Community in Pune,  recently.”

    “I regret that Modi Ji talks of modernization of Madrassas, it is an ongoing Scheme, What about  the implementation of recommendations of Sacher Committee which had rightly been accepted by the Manmohan Singh Government.. Modi Government  does not  say how it will give space to Muslims in the developmental process and in the political power. It is a major question   to how many Muslims Modi Ji got  into  Parliament of India and how  many Muslims had Modi Ji got elected to Gujrat Assembly.”

    Soz said that the Major question before  the country is  how Modi Ji can built a strong  and modern India without including Muslims , other minorities and weaker sections of society. I remind Modi  Ji and ask him to see a Roll of Honour in the Port-Blair Jail indicating the names of Muslims who suffered incarceration  in that Jail alongwith their brethren.

    “I lament that J&K State had been left out from the address. The address does not  say a word on rebuilding infrastructure  in J&K State and its’ overall Development. It does not say a word on completion of Zoji-LA Tunnel which can connect backward Ladakh region with  the main Stream. I regret  that the BJP does not  want to say anything on the one-time package for the Refugees from  Pakistan and PoK settled in Jammu.”

    He said that the only thing the address indicated was that  Kashmir Pandits should go back to  their homes in Kashmir. I regret that the Address does not indicate what the Government  was doing for Kashmiri Pandits. “I urge Modi  Government to accept the rehabilitation package for Kashmir Pandits that had already been recommended by the J&K Government.”

  • HCJK condemns police action of foiling Tehreek-e-Hurriyat seminar

    Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir (HCJK) spokesperson has condemned the police action of preventing the participants to attend the seminar organized by Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu Kashmir at their Hyderpora residence. The seminar was organized to pay tributes to martyrs, particularly of 2010.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, as soon as HCJK leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Shabir Ahmad Dar, Muhammad Yusuf Naqash, Muhammad Yasin Ataai, Bilal Ahmad Shah, Ajaz Ahmad Mir reached the venue, a large contingent of police force stopped them and did not allow the leaders to march ahead to attend the seminar.

    Lashing out at the so-called administration for foiling the peaceful seminar, the spokesperson strongly condemned the act and termed the continuous house detention of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani as unjustified. “Due to continuous house arrest since 2010, Geelani Sahib’s health has also deteriorated which is extremely condemnable,” he said.

    Paying glowing tributes to martyrs particularly of 2010, the spokesperson said our struggle for freedom is replete with the blood of our martyrs and God willing we will succeed in our mission. “Our struggle for freedom from the forcible occupations of India will reap fruit very soon,” the spokesperson added.

  • Govt constitutes committee to review stone pelting cases

    Will take a decision on amnesty after committee submits its report: Kichloo  

    Srinagar: State government has appointed a committee headed by IGP Kashmir to review the cases of around 50 youth detained under the charges of stone pelting.

    Talking to KNS, Sajad Kichloo, Minister of State for Home Affairs said: ‘We have constituted a committee headed by IGP Kashmir to review cases of youth involved in stone pelting.   Many of these cases are presently being heard by the court and we will try to take a lenient view in cases where the youth are found involved in minor offences.”

    Kichloo said that a decision will be taken only after the committee submits its recommendations.  “We do not want our youth to go astray and we want to facilitate their bright careers. We want to help our youth to come out of depression and anxiety and channelize their potential in the best possible manner for their empowerment,” Kichloo told KNS.  

    Reliable sources told KNS the committee will review cases of 50 youth in the first phase. The sources in police told KNS that 56 youth are presently booked under stone pelting charges which include one from Anantnag who is under police custody, one from Kulgam presently under judicial custody, eight from Shopian presently under police remand, four from Pulwama presently under police remand, 21 from Sopore presently under police remand, 21 from Baramulla out of which 17 are presently under police remand and four are under judicial custody. Out of these 56 youth, 51 are under police remand and five are under judicial custody.

    There is no youth booked under stone pelting charges from Awantipore, Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal and Bandipora among these 56 youths booked under stone pelting charges.

    The minister of state for home affairs told KNS that the government will review all the cases against youth who have been booked for stone pelting at various places in valley and may release the accused in phased manner who are found to have been booked in minor offences under general amnesty plan.

    Kichloo said: “The government has taken a call on the issue after National Conference President  Dr Farooq Abdullah said that youth booked under stone pelting charges deserve a hassle free life.” The amnesty plan is seen as one of the initiatives of party’s course correction plans that have been chalked out after facing a drubbing in the recently held Lok Sabha elections in the state. Unconfirmed reports say that around 600 youth were rounded up in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. But most of them were released after the elections were over.

    More than 1,300 youth in the Valley face charges of rioting and stone pelting since 2010. Pertinently, Dr Farooq had on May 29, said the youth booked for stone pelting since 2010 need amnesty. The NC president had opined about amnesty after a group of young boys met appealed him to get police cases against them withdrawn. A group of youth in a party youth convention held in Srinagar had expressed serious concern about their ‘miserable life’ caused by the police cases against them.  After meeting addressing the youth convention, while talking to reporters, Dr Farooq had observed “Today, I met youth who,  were involved in stone pelting. They told me there are FIRs against them which should be withdrawn. They need to be given some sort of general amnesty,” Abdullah, who met a delegation of stone-throwers at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subah here, said.

  • Azad still indecisive about returning to state politics

    Said Guru’s hanging didn’t affect JK polling results

    ‘Coalition Govt failed on development, anti corruption measures’

    Srinagar: As the speculations galore over his re-entry into the state politics former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad remarked that he is still indecisive about it and has taken any decision in this regard sofar.

    Talking to KNS, Rajya Sabha member and former MP Ghulam Nabi Azad stated that he will take the decision of joining the state politics in the coming months and that he has no taken any final call on the issue yet. “I have neither discussed nor decided on this issue sofar. Probably after the month of Ramadan, I will decide whether to join the state politics or not,” Azad said in an interaction with KNS.

    Contradicting the claim of chief minister Omar Abdullah that the execution of the parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru was one of the major reason for the debacle of the coalition during the Lok Sabha polls in the state, Azad stated that Guru in no way affected the coalition votes and that the main reason behind the debacle was the ‘wave’ that went against the Congress across India. “If Guru would have been the reason for our defeat than how come we lost even in the Jammu, Kathua, Sambha, Leh Ladakh where there was no Afzal guru issue. It was the issuance of the statements by both NC and Congress against each other that shook the very foundations and became the major reason for the loss in the polls. I am very upset with the way both Congress and NC leaders in the past used to target each other through the press statements. We must put a lid over it so that further damage could be stopped.”

    State’s former chief minister maintained that the state Congress had very good relations with the PDP and that the coalition at that time was ‘healthy’ and ‘cordial’. He added that PDP in the end withdrew the support to get political mileage out of that. “Such things do take place in politics but I can only say that we had a good coalition. Now we have the coalition with the national conference. It is good too but the blame and credit game must come to an end. Credit must go to the government and to the ones who are at the helm of affairs.”

    When asked whether the coalition will complete its full term, Azad told KNS that only four to five months are left with the coalition government to complete its term and that if the both sides are aghast with each other they must part ways and if they feel to have the cordial relationship- the government must continue till its last day. “Either they should part way at the time when the statements against each other are being issued in the public domain or else if both the parities are comfortable in running the state of affairs, then let the coalition continue.”

    Commenting over his recent statement wherein he was quoted that NC and Congress will contest the forthcoming polls separately, Azad stated that since 2002, the experiment of not forging any alliance with the parties ahead of the polls worked on ground and that all the parties went to the people with own agenda and emerged victorious. “Now both Congress and NC have decided to go for the forthcoming polls separately and let us see what happens later.”

    Maintaining that that present coalition government has failed to implement his agenda of development and anti corruption measures in the state, Azad said that if merely these two programmes would have been taken into account by the NC-Congress coalition, the situation on the ground today would have been different with the poll results entirely in government’s favor. “But they (present dispensation) undermined the route that I had followed the half way. These are the two basic issues that need to be looked into by the state government.”

    Commenting over the recent rout of the Congress across India, Azad stated that this is not the first time when the Congress has witnessed such a debacle and that history stands witness to the fact that at the time of Indira Gandhi, Congress suffered a huge defeat but it managed a comeback merely after two and a half years. “Winning and losing elections is natural in democracy. I have myself been the witness to all these episodes of history. I believe that Congress will manage a comeback after five years.”

    Maintaining that his popularity graph in the state has reached at a very high level after his loss from Udhampur constituency during LS polls, Azad stated that as he lost the political battle but he has won over the hearts of the people more than he could during his tenure as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. “Mainstream and non- mainstream parties have expressed grief over my loss in polls- I have came to know about this from my men . I am thankful to the people of the state for that.”

    He stated that RSS is running the government at New Delhi and the policies of the ruling party must be countered with a unified approach of all the secular parties of India. “We had no information that nearly 70 lakh workers of RSS were holding door to door campaign from the last two years- spitting venom against the Congress. Earlier BJP used to be the part of RSS, now it is RSS that is running the government. All the secular parties must unite for the common cause.”

  • Mirwaiz chairs Hurriyat Executive Council members meet

    Troopers accused of murders are roaming free

    Srinagar: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) heded by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Wednesday convened a meeting of Hurriyat Executive council members at the Hurriyat headquarters Rajbagh Srinagar.

    In a statement issued to GNS, a Hurriyat spokesman said the members took stock of the current political situation besides discussing the party matters.

    “Paying rich tributes to the martyrs of 2008, 2009, and 2010, the participants stated the accused troopers who committed the murders of youth were still roaming free and have not been indicted in the courts,” the spokesman said, adding the members demanded an impartial probe into the killings of youth during these years.

    He said the participants stated that ‘it seems human rights violations are part of the duty of forces deployed in Kashmir’. “They also called the international rights organizations to take notice of rights violation in Kashmir committed by the Indian forces,” the spokesman said.

     

  • B A Runyal joins PDP

    PDP pursuing progressive agenda to setup new system of justice, equality: Mufti

    Srinagar: Seeking mandate of the people to pursue progressive agenda of his party, patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said his party is moving on the path of peace, reconciliation and good governance to establish a new system of justice and equality in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a function to welcome B A Runyal, a former bureaucrat and popular figure of Chenab Valley, who joined PDP, Mufti called upon the people to rise above the narrow consideration and support the progressive and visionary agenda of PDP for the inclusive growth and equitable development of the State. B A Runyal, who recently retired from the rank of Commissioner/Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, today joined PDP along with his supporters. Mr Runyal has strong social base in the Chenab Valley in general and Banihal area in particular.

    Reiterating resolve of his party to establish accountable, transparent and corruption free system in the State to provide equal opportunity of growth to every individual, Mufti reminded that that PDP led coalition regime, from 2002 to 2005, had carved out a path of peace and equitable development in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that PDP led coalition regime had revived peoples’ faith in the democracy and democratic institutions by involving common masses in the process of governance. He said that removing regional imbalance and creating atmosphere for initiating peace process was the remarkable achievement of PDP led coalition.

    “Resorting peace and accelerating equitable development is the one and only agenda of PDP”, he said and asserted that during PDP led coalition regional imbalances were removed and equal treatment was given to all regions and sub-regions of the State. Highlighted achievements of PDP coalition in the State, he said that it was only during PDP-Congress regime that comprehensive plans were formulated for the  development of backward and neglected areas.

    “Our regime had not only removed regional imbalances but also had empowered all regions and sub-regions of the State”, he said and added that PDP had carved out a new path of peace and progress in this region. He said that that party had laid a strong foundation of mutual trust and confidence among all regions and sub-regions of J&K. Welcoming Runyal in the PDP, Mufti said that aim of his party was to change the present corrupt system to provide justice and equality to all sections of the society. “Let us work together to take process of change to its logical conclusion”, he said and added that PDP is committed to change destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that PDP has emerged as a strong, trustworthy and credible voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Pointing towards important issues raised by the representatives of PDP in the on-going session of the Lok Sabha, Mufti said that PDP members have raised the issue of political resolution of Kashmir problem besides issues of ration and railways were also vociferously taken up in the highest institution of the democracy. He said that first time in the Parliament issues related to the people of Jammu and Kashmir were strongly taken up. Moulvi Iftkar Hussain Ansari, Altaf Bukhari, Arshad Malik, Imran Ansari, Bahar Runyal and others were also present on the occasion.

  • Geelani says Pandits welcome to valley without separate land concept

    Huriyat (G)’s seminar on 2010 killings foiled

    Srinagar: Huriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani while welcoming the return of the Kashmiri Pandits to valley, Wednesday cautioned that the issuance of the separate lands to the community is fraught with the dangerous consequences and the same shall be opposed at large.

    According to the KNS correspondent, Geelani while addressing people at Airport road of the summer capital here stated that deliberate attempts are being made to disintegrate Kashmir’s ongoing resistance movement by launching the hidden attacks on Kashmir’s tradition, culture and history. He stated that Pandits are the part of Kashmir’s society and that they will always be welcomed in their homeland. “But here I want to clarify that once they are being offered separate homes at separate places, the same will be unacceptable and shall be opposed at large by the resistance leadership.”

    He also launched a scathing attack against GOI over the reports that the PaK refugees in Jammu shall be permanently settled in Jammu. The Huriyat (G) chairman stated that such moves will be countered by the Huriyat leadership and that his amalgam will come up with the detailed stand before the masses in the near future. He also termed the decision of the state government over the enhancement in retirement age as an ‘election gimmick’, stating that the damage control exercise is now a futile thing for the present dispensation. “Also I want to clear that PDP is another face of the Congress and their slogan of change I nothing sans a deception.”

    Earlier in the day Huriyat G chief spokesman told KNS that heavy deployment of police was put in place not only on the main gate of Geelani’s residence but on the Airport road as well and the men in uniform did not allow anybody to move towards the venue.

    As police did not allow the participants including Shabir Shah and Nayeem Khan to enter the venue of the seminar, dozens of Hurriyat (G) activists protested by raising slogans against the police action.

    Later  Geelani also defied  the house arrest  and came out of his residence and lead a sit in on the Airport road along with other leaders. Pertinently, Hurriyat (G) had announced that it will organize a daylong seminar Wednesday, at Hyderpora with its chairman Syed Ali Geelani in chair in memory of 128 innocents who were killed in 2010. The seminar was scheduled to start at 10.30 a.m. A book written on 2010 killings was also to be released on the occasion.

  • Beg slams Rather for ‘economic disparity, backdoor employment’

    Omar will have to address sense of neglect, or face drubbing in Assembly

    Srinagar: Launching a scathing attack against the policies of his own party National Conference, senior NC leader and a former Member Parliament from South Kashmir Dr Mehboob Beigon Monday accused finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather for economic disparity and backdoor appointment in Jammu and Kashmir Bank.

    According to the KNS correspondent, Beg while addressing a gathering on the anniversary of his father Mirza Afzal Beigh at South Kashmir warned his party to mend its policies or be ready to face drubbing in the upcoming assembly elections. “The May 16 results reflect that NC has lost in 39 out of 44 assembly seats. The PDP that was born in   South Kashmir is now accepted in Srinagar and Baramulla also. I agree that people of South Kashmir have been neglected to the hilt and Omar Sahib should address this sense of neglect or otherwise be ready for May 16 results again,” beg remarked, according to KNS correspondent.

    Criticizing the role of senior National Conference leader and finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather, the former MP said that majority of the employees of Jammu and Kashmir Bank hail from Charer-e-Shareef. “Rather has employed most of the people from Charar-e-Shareef in JK Bank and don’t the people of Anantnag deserve to be adjusted in that bank. Despite these appointments, Rather Sahib has failed in his constituency to garner support as is reflected in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections,” Beg stressed.

    He also censured Rather  for his role as the chairman of District Development Board saying that the finance minister would disallow the party MLA from speaking while as he would always allow PDP MLAs to put forth their point of view. He also remarked that Rahim Rather as the chairman of the district board failed to discharge his duties. He said such action of NC senior leaders are the major reason for the debacle of NC in the recently held Lok Sabha polls. Pertinently, no NC flag was hoisted during the function.

    “If you don’t learn from the mistakes that you commit in the past, then your rout is inevitable. You ignored south Kashmir and its people and that is the reason that you faced this huge defeat in the recent elections. You have yourself facilitated PDP’s win through your wrong policies.”

    Beg maintained that he had at several times informed the party about the wrong policies and steps being taken by government but according to Beg, the party didn’t pay any heed to his repeated suggestions. He admitted that as compared to PDP, his government did little for the people of south Kashmir that resulted in party’s erosion from the region.