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Shah addresses members, urges them to speed up activities

Srinagar: A high level meeting of Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party was held at its Sanat Nagar headquarters in which Hurriyat Conference Jammu Kashmir leader Shabir Ahmad Shah presided over. The meeting was attended by all members and decision making committee of Freedom Party.

According to a statement issued to KNS, in the meeting, the members deliberated on the political situation of Jammu and Kashmir in the backdrop of changing political scenario of the subcontinent and also paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Kashmir. The members also pledged to continue the political struggle until the Kashmir dispute is resolved as per the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.

Addressing the members, Shabir Ahmad Shah reiterated that Kashmir is a political issuewhich needs to be resolved as per its political and historical background. He said Kashmir is an issue of the right of self-determination of about 1.5 crore populace for which our more than 5 lac people have laid down their lives and in this connection more than 600 graveyards have come to fore. “The Kashmir issue should neither be viewed as a border dispute between India and Pakistan nor any law and order problem under Indian rule. But the reality is that there is a forcible and undemocratic occupation of India over Kashmir against which the people of Kashmir are struggling. The issue should be resolved either though the implementation of UN resolutions or through dialogue between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri pro-freedom leadership,” Shah said.

Terming the boycotting of elections by people during recently concluded parliamentary elections as “political maturity” and said the boycott in parliamentary polls was a rehearsal for assembly polls. He said we are proud that Kashmiris did not vote for those who killed their children, razed their houses and molested their daughters. “These local collaborators of India like National Conference, Congress ,PDP and others  will once again try to hoodwink you for votes during assembly polls in order to safeguard their chairs but I hope that nation will give them same befitting reply as they did in parliamentary polls.”

Shah urged all Freedom Party members and decision makers to speed up the activities of spreading the programs of party across the people and endeavor in taking the mission of freedom to its logical end. “We have to analyze the policy of these pro-India parties with regards to upcoming assembly elections and devise proper strategies accordingly.”

Commenting on the formation of Modi led government in India and political uncertainty in Pakistan, Shah said the Kashmir is the basis of conflict between both the neighboring nations. He said India should initiate steps towards resolving Kashmir issue as Pakistan, in order to create friendly mutual relations.“The peaceful solution of Kashmir is vital for the peace and prosperity of both the nations. We wish better relations between both. Our fight is not against the people of India but against the rulers who have usurped our right of self-determination.”

Shabir Ahmad Shah said there is dire need for the solution of this long pending dispute of Kashmir which should be according to the wishes and aspirations of its people. He said that India by suppressing the people by the might of force is inviting militancy. “We hope that India will realize the changing world scenario and the aftermath effects of American policies in Afghanistan over the subcontinent,” Shah added.

Jammu: Underlining commitment of the government  for socio-economic development of rural pockets, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand on Saturday said remote and border belts are getting focused attention and work on the roadmap to upgrade infrastructure in these belts is going on at fast pace.

According to a statement issued to KNS, the Deputy Chief Minister said this while addressing the largely attended monthly public meeting at Khour. The meeting was attended by a large number of people and panchayati raj functionaries besides senior officers of various concerned departments.

Giving detail of various projects launched for development of the area on modern lines, Tara Chand said that three mega rural developmental projects have already been started in the area besides special cluster model village projects at Pargwal, Pallanwala and Sainth have been undertaken for over all development of the villages falling under them, he added.

He congratulated the people especially government employees for recent cabinet decision to enhance the age of retirement from 58 to 60.

He said that due consideration is being given to open new schools in Khour block so that every child gets an opportunity to study near his home.  He said projects for up gradation of power infrastructure by way of new transformers, poles, cable is already underway.

Stressing on availing benefits through schemes like SKEWPY, the Deputy Chief Minister said that need of the hour is to look beyond government sector for employment and develop those skills which have good market potential, adding that an entrepreneur not only becomes a role model for the society but also contributes in strengthening economy of the state besides providing employment opportunities to many others.

He called upon Panchayati Raj functionaries to ensure maximum participation in the series of registration cum awareness camps organised , adding that aim of such camps is to make people aware of different initiatives of the government so that benefit reaches to all.

Underscoring on the need to develop Khour town at par with other major towns, Tara Chand said that under urban development sector drainage system, street lights, house to homeless and other projects have been undertaken in the town.

He said under IAY scheme houses to homeless of the area have been sanctioned and instructions have also been issued to the authorities to work out details of left over cases for consideration on priority basis.

Srinagar: The Vigilance Organization Kashmir, Srinagar  has lodged an FIR bearing No. 22/2014 under section 5(1) d, r/w 5(2) P. C. Act. Svt 2006 and section 120-B RPC into the illegal appointments made by then Custodian  Evacuee Property namely Abdul Majid Wani in connivance with Custodian General, Evacuee Property, J&K.

According to a statement issued to KNS, it was alleged that the duo had appointed two relatives   of then Custodian namely (1) Khurshid Ahmad Khanday R/o Pushwan  Tral (Brother in law of Custodian) and (2) Javid Ahmad Bhat R/o Hariparigam Tehsil Awantipora ( Cousin of the then Custodian) in the department initially on Consolidated basis on 12-11-2003 and 15-07-2005 on monthly wages and thereafter with in a short span  of time regularized these relative beneficiaries as Orderlies in a graded pay scale on 16-08-2004 and 26-10-2005 respectively. These beneficiaries were later promoted in violation of all codal formalities as Junior Assistants during the year 2004-05 on pick and choose basis. It is further alleged that these engagements  and their subsequent regularization and promotions were thus based on back door entry, nepotism and favouritism whereas  the genuine and deserving candidates were not given the chance to compete in the process of engagement or proper recruitment in utter violation of rules and regulations. The investigation has been taken up.

Srinagar: In an attempt to end her life, a 22 year old girl (name with held) and resident of Abiguzar, Srinagar allegedly set herself ablaze at her home. She was shifted to SMHS hospital Srinagar where she succumbed to her burn injuries.

According to a statement issued to KNS,  Srinagar Police has registered a case FIR number 42/2014 under section 309 RPC and investigation is on. The body of deceased girl was hand over to her relatives for last rites.

“PL will not participate in elections even after freedom”

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (M) leader and the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL), Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, while appealing the United Nations to implement its resolutions on Kashmir, said that India-Pakistan involved in the conflict have no option left other than resolving the dispute through UN resolutions and according to aspirations and wishes of Kashmiri people.

According to a statement issued to KNS, on the occasion he announced that People’s League will not participate in elections even not after the nation will get freedom from Indian bondage but will work for the betterment of the society.

Accompanied by Party senior leaders including, Ghulam Qadir Rah, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Jaffer Kashmiri and Fayaz Ahmad, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza addressing a public gathering after Fridayprayers in Yaripora Kulgam said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had great expectations from the UN and the international community but unfortunately they disappointed them.

Waza said that Pakistan and India were signatories to the January 5, 1949, resolution introduced by the United Nations that acknowledged the right to self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.He said that this resolution formed legal bedrock for the Kashmir conflict. He reaffirmed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who had rendered uncounted sacrifices for the resolution of Kashmir dispute, would continue their liberation struggle till complete success. Appealing South Asian countries  and world community to pressurize India and Pakistan for resolving the Kashmir conflict, Waza said that peaceful resolution of the dispute will guarantee peace and stability in whole south Asian region.

Waza condemned the oppression of Indian armed forces and said that policy and oppression and suppression can’t deter the Kashmiri nation in securing their birth right ‘right to self determination’.

He also expressed solidarity with the Baramullah Youth namely Mohmmad Afsar Khan who was tortured by Indian armed forces. He appealed international human rights organizations take a strong note of the incident and report of state human rights defender group   according which 471 torture centers were still functioning in the state. Waza appealed people to show steadfastness towards the movement and maintain distance form anti-movement polices and elements.on this occasion besides waza imtiyaz reshi also speaks

Srinagar: Prof. Saifuddin Soz President Pradesh Congress Committee addressed a day  long, very largely attended, youth convention of Baramulla today. Salman Anees Soz, Spokes Person All India Congress Committee  also addressed the convention. Prof. Soz was accompanied by Shoiab Nabi Lone Ex. MLA, General Secretary,  Senior Youth Leaders Sheikh Amir, Mohammad Iqbal Mir, Junaid Ahmad and others.

Prof. Soz responded positively  to the urgent demands highlighted in youth Convention which including the following. JK PCC Should take notice of the fact that  the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes including NAREGA, UMEED, UDAAN etc in the J&K State  was faulty and  the benefits did not reach the common man.

JK PCC should also take notice of the fact that  corruption had become  a practice in  all public institutions which had caused great frustration in the minds of the youth. That it was urgently needed that the J&K Government should offer an employment Package to solve the growing problem  of unemployment  to educated youth.

The J&K Govt should approach the Central government  for proper implementation  of the Prime Minister’s Special Scholar Scheme for J&K state. it should also  be noted that in the absence of the  Scholarship many students were returning  home with frustration.

It was also urgently required that there should be effective liaison  with the youth so that Congress can serve the  interests of the people better.

Prof. Soz was lustily cheered by the largely attended Youth Convention on his positive response  to the demands of the youth that JK PCC would take serious notice  to the  demands of the Youth Convention. Prof. Soz also announced that two control rooms would be set up both at Srinagar and Jammu, by June 15th and effective  contact would be established  with the youth. The telephone Numbers of the Control Rooms would be conveyed  and these Control Rooms would remain  open from 9 to AM to  8 PM.

Later  Prof. Soz  met senior  leaders of the Baramulla Constituency and heard Party Functionaries. There,   he was accompanied by Gulam Nabi Monga MLC, Vice President JK PCC, Mir Mushtaq Nowsherry District President Baramulla, Shri G. M. Sherwani  District General Secretary, Bashir Ahmad Shah Org. Secretary JKPCC, Gulam Hassan Rather Secretary JKPCC and Block Presidents Abdul Hamid Dar, Mohd Sultan Wani,  Bashir A. Shiekh and others.

‘Social reform campaign has become more challenging’

Srinagar: Expressing concern over the rapidly degrading moral values in the society, Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman and Ameer of Mutehda-Majlis-e-Ulema, Mirwaiz Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq Saturday said that when the people placed at responsible positions in the government system and social order indulge in acts of moral turpitude it becomes all the more difficult for a campaign of social reform to bear fruit.

Terming the recent newspaper reports regarding the molestation of a nurse by the head of Health department and other officers as an extreme case of moral bankruptcy and a cause of serious concern, Mirwaiz stated that it was unfortunate and disturbing that officials of government departments were found indulging in acts of immoral behavior with their female sub-ordinates. He stated that people feel extremely disgusted after learning about this incident, in which all moral and human values were transgressed. He said earlier a Cabinet Minister was found involved in assaulting the chastity of a woman doctor of Health Department and now the Director of the Department is alleged to have molested a nurse of the department.

Mirwaiz stated that it was unfortunate that the police and administration instead of arresting and punishing the guilty involved in such acts were actually protecting them and providing them security. Mirwaiz stated that thousands of Kashmiri women were working in government departments and such incidents have rendered them vulnerable regarding the safety and security of their dignity, and honor.

Demanding a transparent inquiry into the incident, Mirwaiz stated that the social reform campaign has become more challenging because the government missionary which is supposed to protect the society from criminal and inhuman activities was itself indulging in violence and immoral acts against the people epically the weaker and vulnerable sections like women. Earlier, while laying the foundation stone of a Masjid at Mashali Mohalla Hawal, Mirwaiz called for a vigorous social campaign to get rid of the social evils plaguing the society at large.  He stated that immorality, drug addiction, anti-social activities were being promoted in the society by some vested interest elements adding, it was important that people from all walks of life join hands to get the society rid of these evils. 

Terms situation as alarming, worrisome

Srinagar: In a press statement issued from Maqbool Manzil Sgr, spokesman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) has strongly condemned the attacks on women folk especially female employees by some officers and higher officials. According to a statement issued to KNS, a JKLF spokesman said that this phenomenon is increasing day by day and the situation is very alarming and worrisome. Referring to the alleged molestation of a female nurse by director heath and some other officers, spokesman said that if this kind of brazenness is not stopped immediately the situation of anarchy will increase in the society and the chastity and honor of every mother, sister and daughter will be at stake. Spokesman said that people are watching these condemnable acts with keenness and are looking whether the culprits who belong to high society get punishment or not. If rulers and their police are not able to bring these culprits to justice, people will have every right to think that police as in other cases has and is siding with the influential not the poor and un-influential victims. Spokesman said that this may also confirm that our society as a whole has lost every moral and human instinct and un-influential have only to suffer without any remedy.

Srinagar: National Conference has taken strong note of the allegations leveled against some senior officers of the Health Department against whom a complaint of harassment and sexual assault was made by a Staff Nurse posted in Primary Health Center at Pahalgam and asked the government to ensure a free and fair investigation into the matter.

According to a statement issued to KNS, while welcoming the timely and swift registration of a case against the accused, NC Spokesman Junaid Azim Mattu has said that there was absolutely no doubt that the State Government would ensure a time-bound probe and initiate strict disciplinary action against those found guilty. The NC Spokesman also welcomed the strong notice taken by the Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission about this incident.

Mattu said the State Government had demonstrated its commitment to the safety of women employees in both public and private sectors by ensuring adherence to the Vishaka Guidelines that lay down guidelines to be followed by establishments in dealing with complaints about sexual harassment at the workplace. “While the State Government has ensured compliance to a significant extent, we are sure that more systems will be put in place to deal with such complaints effectively and fairly”, Mattu added.

Mattu said that the National Conference constitution includes as its integral part, the non-negotiable right of women to dignity, respect and honor and the party continues to hold these values supreme without any exceptions or compromises.

Reiterating that there could be no tolerance for incidents of this nature, the NC Spokesman said that no civilized society could tolerate the harassment of women and that the State Government should ensure speedy trial and a transparent probe into this incident. “We demand that the trial be transparent and time-bound and free of any pressures or influences so that justice could not only be done but also seen to be done so that the faith of the people in the integrity of the justice system is upheld”, Mattu said.

Happenings unfortunate, indicators of societal rot: Naeem Akhtar

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has voiced serious concern over the increase in crime against women in the workplace and around in the society and called for serious societal and the government intervention to counter the disturbing situation.

In a statement issued to KNS, the party Chief Spokesperson, Naeem Akhtar, said the reports in media about the women being getting harassed has become a common thing now in a society which has always held its women folk in high esteem. “The reports are highly disturbing and these not only call for serious intervention at the societal level but stringent action by the government,” he added.

Naeem said the happenings are very serious and indicators of deep societal rot and the government apathy in stopping the crime has further added to the vulnerability of women folk. Referring to the last year’s high profile molestation case involving Shabir Khan, former health minister, he said by showing a clear bias in the case the government has encouraged others to follow the trend. “Had government acted seriously in Shabir Khan Case a clear message would had gone to the people which would have surely helped to minimize such offences at workplaces,” said Naeem and added the government effort in the case was to shield the accused instead of ensuring justice.

He said whether in workplaces, educational institutions, public transport system or other places our women are feeling deeply insecure and vulnerable and there are no preventive measures in place to ensure their security. Citing examples of the newly married girl who was found killed in South Kashmir last month and chopping off the ear of an unfortunate girl by stalkers in the same area few days back, Naeem said such incidents have given rise to crisis like situation in the society. “Molestation of the student by her school teacher in Yaripora area of Kulgam district is the latest addition into the crisis.”

He said the government must take serious note of the complaint about an alleged assault on a lady employee in Health Department and the matter must be probed in transparent and fair-manner. He said our women have suffered immensely for the last more than 20 years and now and the unfortunate incidents taking place almost every day have become a source of constant worry and shame.