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  • Pakistan army chief calls Kashmir as ‘jugular vein of Pakistan’

    Islamabad: Terming Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan, the country’s Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif said the issue should be resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and in line with UNSC resolutions for lasting peace in the region.

    Addressing the main ceremony to mark the ‘Youm-e-Shuhada’ (Martyrs’ Day) at GHQ Rawalpindi, Gen Sharif said Kashmir was an internationally recognised dispute. “Matchless sacrifices offered by Kashmiris will not go in vain,” he said.

    Sharif, who just returned from his official trip to Saudi Arabia, termed Kashmir as a “jugular vein” of Pakistan. He called for resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

    The resolution of the Kashmir issue is “indispensable” for lasting peace in the region, he said.

    “Pakistan Army is in favour of peace but is always ready to respond to any aggression in befitting manner,” he said on Wednesday.

    Pakistan has often described Kashmir as the “jugular vein” but this is the first time Gen Sharif has used the term or spoken about Kashmir since taking over late last year.

    Talking about domestic issues, he said that Pakistan Army believes in strengthening of democracy, supremacy of constitution and rule of law.

    The army chief lauded the media and said: “We believe in freedom of media and responsible journalism”.

    His comments came amid a controversy surrounding the attack on leading Geo TV anchor Hamid Mir and subsequent move by the Defence Ministry seeking cancellation of the broadcasting licence of the channel.

    Sharif said Pakistan Army supports every effort for elimination of terrorism and restoration of peace in the country.

    He said armed forces of Pakistan are capable enough to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy and remain alert round the clock for defence of the motherland.

    Nobody should doubt the capabilities of Pakistan Army as it will come to the expectations of the nation, he said.

    Sharif asked anti-state elements to unconditionally accept Pakistan’s Constitution and join the national mainstream otherwise the military “with the support of people will take them to task”.

    The ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and former Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.

     

  • Investment Matters

    SAJJAD BAZAZ

    Dancing stock prices
    Though there are certain economic and financial indicators like inflations, interest rate scenario etc that contribute to the movement of stock prices, a lot remains hidden behind this price movement game.

    All of us know about the unpredictable and ever changing nature of stock market. It’s the market which lives with a life of its own, reacts to situations and leaves investors either reaping profits or with nothing at all..A range of factors affect the market, starting from company related news to macroeconomic trends like inflation, rupee gaining or weakening, oil prices etc.
    One of the most frequent and visible changes taking place in the stock market is the stock price. Market forces lead to fluctuations in the demand and supply of shares, which in turn trigger change in share prices. We hardly see stock price remaining stagnant and it always remains swinging. The prices move up when more people want to buy a stock than to sell it. This situation triggers demand. Prices witness fall when more people resort to selling of a stock than buying it.
    So, the theory of supply and demand leads to swinging of stock prices continuously. While looking closely at the demand and supply theory, it becomes visible that greed and fear among the investors plays a major role in driving the stock prices. Investor psychology is that they buy when they feel the stock is affordable and off-load it when they feel the stock is already over-valued. They resort to selling of stock mostly to buyback when the price drops later.
    One of my acquaintances raised some interesting queries about the stock prices. What ignites change in demand and supply of stocks? Why do stock prices change? When we try to find an accurate answer to these queries we find a section of believers who believe that it isn’t possible to predict how stock prices will change. While others think that by drawing charts and looking at past price movements, we can determine when to buy and sell a stock. Amid this confusing situation, the only thing we know is that stocks are highly volatile and exposed to rapid change in prices. Precisely, there is no consensus as to why stock prices move the way they do. Though there are certain economic and financial indicators like inflations, interest rate scenario etc that contribute to the movement of stock prices, a lot remains hidden behind this price movement game.
    Here let me tell you something about market psychology. There are analysts who link pricing of a stock to the performance of a company. But it is also a fact that stocks of companies with good numbers see their stock price falling. This means, the market psychology has nothing to do with the strong fundamentals of a company. The problem is to know what the market psychology is for a particular stock. Things like the state of affairs of the company & the industry can help you to make an educated guess on market psychology, but it is impossible to know how each and every factor will affect a stock price. Market psychology cannot be read into a chart pattern.
    Meanwhile, one of the most common queries about stock price is regarding its impact on the company. Most of the people get confused when the company shows concern over the performance of its stock in the secondary market. Notably, the company that issues the stock does not participate in any profits or losses resulting from trading of its stock. Then, why companies are so obsessed with their stock prices? After a company has issued shares, why should it care about pricing of its stock in the market?
    After the shares of a company are listed in the stock markets, it’s the buyer and the seller who make profit or loss out of the trading of shares. During the transaction they set the price of the stock. But this pricing has a profound effect on the company and determines health of the company. Stock analysts say that among many factors influencing stock prices, the most important is earnings by the company which has issued the stock.
    Normally a falling price can severely hit morale of a company. There are basically two kinds of falls in shares – general fall and specific fall. If there is a fall in general share prices then the company would not get impacted too much. In a volatile environment, rise and falls in the share prices won’t affect overall business of the company directly. But in a specific fall shares of a particular company witness fall, which may see a sharp fall in share price relative to other companies or rest of the stock market. Why companies witness specific fall of its shares? Of course, the fundamentals of the company may have weakened and investors show their shaky optimism about prospect of the company to perform its businesses in the given situation. In this specific fall in share price scenario, the company becomes vulnerable to a large scale shakeup. Notably, a large fall in share prices could cause wider economic problems.
    (The views are of the author & not the institution he works for)

     

  • Virat Kohli to attend Anushka Sharma’s birthday party?

    Cricketer Virat Kohli may fly to Rajasthan to spend time with alleged girlfriend Anushka Sharma on her special day.

    Actress Anushka Sharma, who turns 26 on May 1, will be shooting in Rajasthan for her home production, ‘NH10′, on her birthday. If sources are to be believed, Virat Kohli might fly down to Rajasthan to catch up with her on special day. That apart, a special video featuring birthday wishes from her celeb friends is going to be presented to her on May 1. Sources say that some of the names who have wished the actress in the video include Ranbir Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap and the actress’ parents.

    Says a source, “It’s not clear if Virat is in this video, but he might surprise Anushka by flying to Rajasthan. The cricketer will be returning to India on April 29, and the IPL matches in India start from May 2 onwards. Besides his team’s first India match is only taking place on May 4. So Virat might go to Rajasthan to spend some time with Anushka.”

    Virat and Anushka have been close friends for eight months now and Virat visited her in Sri Lanka when she was shooting for ‘Bombay Velvet’. They were spotted together in Auckland where she was shooting a commercial while Virat was touring with the Indian cricket team.

  • Curfew in Old City on Thursday: Govt

    Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government will impose curfew in parts of Srinagar city on Thursday after a youth was killed in forces firing in Nawakadal area of Old City.

    A government spokesman told GNS that following the killing of a youth, the authorities have decided to impose curfew in downtown to avoid further law and order problem. “The curfew will be imposed across the downtown Srinagar,” the spokesman said.

    The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailender Kumar confirmed to GNS that curfew will be imposed in downtown on Thursday. (GNS)

     

  • Dr. Farooq, CM cast their votes in Sonawar

    ‘All six NC-Congress candidates will emerge victorious in J&K’

    ‘Have to save J&K from unholy PDP-BJP alliance’

    Srinagar: National Conference Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and NC Working President and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cast their votes in Sonawar, Srinagar this morning. Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were accompanied by their family members as they exercised their franchise.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, while speaking on the occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said “With the grace of God, all six NC-Congress candidates will emerge victorious in Jammu and Kashmir and be at the front-lines of a battle to fight communalism with secularism and peace.” Dr. Farooq said that India had a glorious tradition and history of communal harmony and brotherhood and Narendra Modi will not be allowed to succeed in his design to draw a communal wedge between various religious communities in the country.

    Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that it was the responsibility of both National Conference and Congress to save J&K from the unholy alliance between PDP and BJP that aimed at abrogating the State’s special status as has been recently declared in BJP’s Election Manifesto. “Rather than condemning Modi and issuing a single statement against his anti-Muslim and anti-J&K tirades, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has chosen to remain a mute spectator while Modi termed Kashmiris communal a couple of days back”, Dr. Farooq added. “The same Mufti Sayeed sent Jagmohan to this State when he was the Home Minister in Delhi through an understanding with L. K. Advani. He was taking orders from BJP in 1990 and he is taking orders from BJP in 2014. Nothing has changed apart from the minor detail that he is doing all this under the garb of an apparently regional political party called PDP”, Dr. Farooq said.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had back-stabbed the people of J&K by posturing to heal their wounds and ultimately joining hands with the most anti-J&K and anti-Muslim politician in the entire world. “Was this Mufti’s healing touch that he was talking about – the touch of joining hands with Narendra Modi?”  Dr. Farooq asked. Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that National Conference would continue to strive for the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and would continue to safeguard the State’s interests in the Parliament.

  • Geelani Mirwaiz appreciates people for ‘poll boycott’

    Srinagar: Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani thanked the people for successful and complete election boycott in central Kashmir despite ‘lot of curbs, restrictions and autocracies by the Indian forces and for complete and statewide shutdown in the remembrance of the slain militants’ of Shopian.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, while congratulating the people of central Kashmir for their successful election boycott, Geelani said that the people of central Kashmir showed a lot of courage and boldness and despite tremendous pressure, arrests, autocracies, search and harassment by the Indian forces, they showed mirror to the Indian rulers and their agents in Kashmir that Kashmiris want ‘complete freedom from Indian oppression not election. By rejecting the election drama, people of Central Kashmir have paid their best homage to the martyrs and tremendous sacrifices of the nation.’

    Geelani said that the courage, braveness and boldness shown by the people have made our resolve firmer in the fight against the powerful and wicked oppressor. Geelani said that we are fully aware about the present situation through which our nation is passing. The police stations and jails are filled with pro-freedom leaders, activists and common youths, especially students.

    The family members of the pro-freedom people and the parents of youth are harassed and abused in police stations. “We know that what kind of cruelty and autocracy is lashed out on the common people of Kashmir especially youth. The Indian rulers with state administration have entirely choked the political space of Kashmiris and we are arrested, detained and tortured for raising the peaceful voice against the inhuman and undemocratic policies of the government. It is a worst kind of state-terrorism.”

    “The pro-freedom leader said that though from last many years I am in continuous detention, but my heart is beating in the every youth, who is standing as a wall in the way of Indian rulers and their puppet politicians in Kashmir.” Geelani said that I am every time praying to Almighty Allah for the safety of our youth and for freedom from the cruel clutches of India. He said that the people of Kashmir have once again voted against India and its policies, despite the use of force of entire military might, India can’t stop Kashmiris from boycotting the so-called parliamentary election.

    This show of people have really encouraged us and made our resolve firmer and stronger. Geelani said that the Indian politicians should accept this ground reality that the people of Kashmir are totally against the forced occupation of India and this is the reason that the people stayed away from the election drama despite the use of brutal force. They will not allow anybody to harm the sacred cause. We want to make it clear that the right to self-determination is the only solution of the Kashmir dispute and no other election or selection process is any alternative to that.

    Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has been placed under house arrest since morning, has applauded the people of Central Kashmir and Srinagar for once again rejecting the so-called polls and showing complete commitment towards the freedom struggle. Despite the state sponsored oppression and presence of huge army on the ground, Mirwaiz said the way Kashmiris have shown courage and resolve was a matter of pride.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, while thanking the people for rejecting polls, Hurriyat (M) chairman said the same futile process would once again be repeated in Baramulla on May 7, which will meet the same fate, as people there would also show resolve towards the movement by staying away from polling booths. Mirwaiz said no electoral process in Kashmir can be substitute for the right to self determination, adding, the time has come that Indian leadership should stop staging the election drama in Kashmir and instead accept the reality and take meaningful steps to solve the Kashmir issue.

    Hurriyat (M) Chairman said hundreds of resistance leaders, activists, workers, and youth who have been arrested and thousands of troops who are facilitating the election  drama presented  the actual picture on the ground. He said the way authorities have acted in an undemocratic and authoritarian way with hurriyat leaders and activists under the garb of staged elections proves that they can go to any extent for the sake of power.

    Meanwhile, Hurriyat (M) spokesman has strongly condemned the house arrest of Mirwaiz umar Farooq,senior hurriyat leaders including Moulana Abbas Ansari, Agha Syed Hassan Al Moosvi Al Safvi, and arrest of Er. Hilal Ahmad War with his associates Sajad Noorabadi and Ruman Dar Alis Ashiqui  while leading an anti election rally. He said that such tactics won’t stop the voices of genuine Kashmiri leader instead they would become more firm and stronger.

     

     

  • Omar, Soz addressed a rally at Uri

    Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Prof. Saifuddin Soz President Pradesh Congress Committee addressed a rally organized by Congress Party at Uri, today. According to a statement issued to KNS, those who were present and spoke on the occasion  included Taj Mohi-u-Din Minister of Health and Medical Education, Gulam Nabi Monga MLC, Vice President  JK PCC,  Mir Mushtaq Nowsherry District President, Baramulla, Haji Assadullah, Hamidur Rehman and  Qazi Mohammad Shiekh Block Presidents.

    Addressing the gathering Omar said that Congress Party and NC worked together in J&K most resolutely and he hoped success on all the six seats would be achieved by the Coalition. Omar drew a thunderous applause when he said that these six candidates from J&K State would ensure election of Rahul Gandhi as next Prime Minister of India. He also told the audience that as for the developmental programmes, he would visit again and get to know the demands and will try to fulfill them. Addressing the gathering Prof. Saifuddin Soz said that  this was the time when  the people should think about the  value of their vote at this critical juncture of Indian History, as Narinder Modi had unleashed sectarian and  to damage  the secular fabric of India. Prof. Soz emphasized that some people had fearing  that fascism an impending situation.

    Prof. Soz hoped that Narinder Modi cannot occupy the Prime Minister’s Chair, as Secular India would unite to defeat the fascist designs of  Narinder Modi. He urged the people to vote for coalition candidate Sharief-u-Din Shariq in large numbers, so that Uri gives an unbeatable lead in votes. Prof. Soz reminded the people that Congress party  had already contributed to the developmental needs of Uri during Taj Mohi-u-Din’s tenure and this tempo would be maintained for future. (KNS)

     

  • UJC lauds people, pro freedom camp for making ‘boycott’ a success

    Srinagar: While terming the poll percentage in Srinagar as an ‘eye opener’ for the international community, the UJC chief Syed Sallahudin Wednesday stated that some ‘Mir Jafer and Mir Sadiq’ are hell bent upon changing the direction of the ongoing resistance movement in Kashmir.

    While congratulating the people and the pro-freedom leaders for making the boycott a success, the UJC chief stated that despite the ‘atrocities, arrests and use of force on People, Kashmiris have failed the Election drama on ground.’

    In a statement issued to KNS by UJC spokesman Syed Sadaqat Husain, the Hizb Supremo and UJC chief Syed Sallahuddin while addressing a high level convention of the amalgam stated that the need of the hour is that ‘India must read the writing on the wall and an established fact that the people of Kashmir are fighting for their dignity and honour since 1947.’ He added that unfortunately some people as ‘Mir Sadiq and Mir Jafer’ are hell bent upon changing the discourse of the ongoing movement but they will not succeed in their attempts.  (KNS)

     

  • Voters are ‘bunch of thugs’, says Tufail’s dad

    Srinagar: Father of a slain teenager Tufail Matto Wednesday said that those who cast vote in this ‘fascist system’ are ‘not humans’ and are ‘bunch of thugs’.

    Muhammad Ashraf Matto, who son Tufail was killed after police fired a teargas shell at his head in Rajouri Kadal area of downtown on June 11 2010, slammed the voters and said: “This is a fascist system. The thugs, looters are getting elected. Those who cast vote are electing those whose hands are spilled with the blood of innocents.”

    Matto who has been fighting for the justice of his son said: These rulers have wiped out a whole generation. They have not only killed my son but hundreds of others and most of them were teenagers.” He added: “absolutely those who cast vote are not humans.”

    “Why should I vote? Here we have no democracy. It is a human run fascist system. Those who vote elect murderers and these voters are endorsing these murderers,” he said.

    Raising fingers on the impartiality of lections, he said these elections are being held under ‘heavy military presence’ Matto, a resident of Old City’s Saida Kadal, which sided with the boycott call of pro-freedom leaders, said: “These murderers will get elected even if only one percent voting takes place. Their job is to oppress people. This is not the democracy where a minority rules majority.”

    Referring to 28 per cent turnout in Anantnag constituency, Ashraf said: “72 per cent people rejected elections and didn’t vote. But, they will still get elected because here is no true democracy.”

    While slamming Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he said: “If Omar Abdullah’s son gets killed like my son was killed, tell me will he cast his vote?” “You have killed innocents. You have robbed my son from me,” Ashraf said.

    While blaming CM and ruling National Conference for ‘sufferings of Kashmir people, he said: “I hold Omar and NC responsible for the suffering of Kashmiris. They have committed atrocities on the people of Kashmir.” He said these people should be ‘grilled in the court of law’.

    “CM is responsible for the murder of youth and teenagers. He is after his personal gains and they matter more for him.”

    He added: “My conscious will not allow me to vote. These people are mafias and gangsters.” (GNS)

     

  • 26 percent polling in Srinagar Constituency: Govt

    ‘There are many reasons for low turnout’

    Srinagar: Despite brisk polling in rural parts of Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, the overall turnout remained low and was recorded 26 percent amid protests and clashes.

    Addressing a press conference in Banquet Hall, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Umang Nirula said that the Srinagar constituency which comprises of three districts – Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam – recorded 26 percent pollingWednesday.

    In 2009, the Constituency had recorded 25.55 percent polling, according to officials.

    “Srinagar district recorded 11.46 percent polling, Ganderbal recorded 45.61 percent polling and Budgam recorded 39.50 percent polling,” he said.

    There are 15 segments in Srinagar constituency and the lowest polling was recorded in Habba Kadal segment with 4.3 percent and highest was recorded in Charar-e-Shareef with 65 percent, according to official figures.

    In Srinagar, Hazratbal recorded 17.92 percent polling, Zadibal recorded 5.59 percent polling, Eidgah recorded 10.85 percent polling, Khanyar recorded 10.22 percent polling, Habba Kadal recorded 4.3 percent polling, Amira Kadal recorded 7.73 percent polling, Sonwar recorded 17.14 percent and Batamaloo recorded 12.98 percent.

    Budgam recorded 38.67 percent polling; Chadoora recorded 35.38 percent polling, Beerwah recorded 32.64 percent polling, Khan Sahab recorded 28.83 percent polling and Charar-e-Shareef recorded 65 percent polling.

    The Ganderbal segment recorded 30.5 percent polling and Kangan recorded 60.5 percent polling.

    On being asked why Srinagar constituency recorded low turnout despite large scale detentions and no militant attack, the CEO replied by saying there are reasons. “There are local issues, many issues, bigger issues,” he said.

    The officials also said that there was no bogus voting in any polling station of Srinagar constituency.

    Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Mr. Abdul Gani Mir said that an official has been suspended after two journalists were thrashed by police last week in Kulgam district.

    “We have suspended an official and the investigation is on,” he said.

    The IGP said baring stray incidents of stone-throwing, the polling in Srinagar remained peaceful and day passed off peacefully. (GNS)