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Budgam, Mar 27: Amid tears and sobs, the slain Special Police Officer (SPO) and his brother were laid to rest in Chadabugh village of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Sunday.

Emotional scenes were witnessed when the body of SPO Ishfaq Ahmed, 24, and his brother Umer Jan, 23, reached their native village.

Witnesses told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that hundreds of people including women, children, youth and elderly flooded the house of two slain brothers amid wails and shrieks.

Women were seen showering tofees and flowers on the coffins of two siblings.

Ishfaq, an SPO and his brother Umer suffered critical wounds when militants barged into their house on Saturday evening.

Ishfaq was declared brought dead at the hospital while his brother Umer was admitted in JVC hospital Bemina where he breathed his last at 5 am on Sunday.

A pall of gloom decended on the entire Chadabugh village, where women were seen beating chests and wails.

“Every eye was moist here as both siblings were young and were loved by all the villagers for their joly nature,” said a group of mourners.

“We dont know why they were killed and what was their fault.”

Hundreds of people participated in the funeral of Ishfaq and Umer, who were later laid to rest at their ancestral graveyard Chadabugh—(KNO)

Srinagar, Mar 27: National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday raided the residence of jailed Human rights activist in summer capital Srinagar.

Official sources told Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that sleuths of NIA are carrying out searches at the residence of prominent human rights activist Khurram Parvaiz here in Srinagar, in connection with a case already registered at NIA.

They said that the residence of Khurram at Sonawar is being searched by the sleuths of NIA.

The probing agency is being assisted by the local police and paramilitary personnel.

Earlier, in Delhi- special NIA Judge, Praveen Singh sent Khurram Parvez, to judicial custody in an alleged ‘terror’ funding case. (KDC)

Budgam, Mar 27: Brother of slain SPO succumbed this morning in Srinagar hospital.

As reported earlier, militants barged into the house of one Ghulam Muhammad Dar at Chudbugh Budgam on Saturday late evening and fired upon the SPO Ishfaq Ahmed. During the melee, SPO and his brother Umar Jan sustained bullet injuries.

SPO Ishfaq Ahmed died on the spot while Umar was shifted to District Hospital Budgam where doctors referred him to JVC Hospital Bemina.

Hospital sources informed that Umar succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.

In the current month, as per the data available with news agency Kashmir News Trust, 21 persons have been killed so for. These include two Sarpanchs, a Panch, three civilians, two policemen, a soldier, and a trooper. Besides 11 militants have been killed in 9 gunfights.

This month, a Panch Muhammad Yoqoob Dar was killed by suspected militants in Kolipora Sundroo village of Kulgam.

An elderly civilian Muhammad Aslam Makhdoomi, resident of Kailashpora Srinagar and 20-year-old girl Rafia Nazir of Hazratbal were killed while 25 had sustained injuries in a grenade attack at Amirakadal Srinagar.

Militants shot dead a Sarpanch Sameer Ahmed Bhat of Khonmou ward ‘C’ in Khonou Pampore.

Two militants Shahid Ahmed Khan of Batapora Pulwama and Fayaz Ahmed Sheikh of Shahpora Ganderbal were killed in Batapora Naina encounter in Pulwama.

A Pakistani militant Manzoor alias Hyder was killed in a brief shoot out in Hazratbal Srinagar.

Militants also killed a soldier Sameer Malla of Lokipora Khag after abducting him. Militants also shot dead a Sarpanch in Adora village of Kulgam this month.

Two militants Aqib Mushtaq Bhat alias Usman Hyder of Karimabad Pulwama and a Pakistani militant Kamal Bhai alias Jatt were killed in Chewkalan Pulwama encounter.

A militant Adil Ahad Khan of Badarkund Ganderbal was killed in Kawbagh Serch village of Ganderbal encounter.

A militant Suhail Gulzar Ganai of Turigam Kulgam was killed in an encounter at Nechama Rajwara area of Handwara.

Militants shot dead a CRPF man Mukhtar Doshi of Shopian who was on leave at Check Chotipora area of Shopian.

A militant Owais Raja Ramzan Dar of Subhanpora was killed in Charsoo Awantipora area of Pulwama.

Three local militants were killed in Wanbal Nowgam Srinagar encounter. They were later identified as Adil Nabi Teli of Galchibal Chandhara Pampore, Shakir Ahmed Tantray of Ronipora Shopian and Yasir Ahmed Wagay of Kujar Frisal Kulgam.

A non-local carpenter Akram Salam of Bijnore UP was injured after militants fired at him in Arihal Pulwama.

A man Tajamul Mohiuddin Rather was shot dead by militants in Gotapora village of Budgam.

A non-local vendor Bisujeet Kumar of Bihar was injured in a militant attack in Gangoo Pulwama recently.

Selection Grade Constable Amir Hussain Lone of Kupwara was killed in a brief shootout in Soura Srinagar.

And in the fresh incident, SPO Ishfaq Ahmed Dar was killed while his brother Umar Jan was injured after militants fired upon them in their house at Chadbugh Budgam. (KNT)

Srinagar: SKIMS today held the inaugural ceremony of 26th Postgraduate Research Presentation Programme,  mega academic event followed by scientific sessions.

The event is organized by Department of Urology SKIMS. During the two day event 147 research papers are presented on varied topics. Prof. Nazir A. Ganai Vice Chancellor Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences & Technology Kashmir who was the chief guest on the occasion lauded SKIMS for their colossal contribution in both research & patient care. He said SKIMS played a vital role in management of COVID-19 and appreciated warriors for their services. He urged that research should be introduced at graduate level to orient youngsters earlier. He underscored the importance of funding and said the Institutions should create Endowment Fund where medical faculty & philanthropists can contribute and facilitate research at wider level.

Director SKIMS/ Ex-officio Secretary to Govt. Prof. Parvaiz A Koul complimented the organizing department. He said other than quality patient care research is prioritized component at SKIMS and the PGRP offers great learning platform to young researchers to present their research in front of experts.

He said SKIMS has contributed to research at global level and has produced world acclaimed scientists like Prof Khuroo who was also present in the event. “The essence of Medical research is look, seek and find and SKIMS is weaning youngsters with these core values of research”, he added.

He further said SKIMS has many extramural projects and there is need to explore many areas so youngsters get benefitted.

Prof. Saleem A wani  HOD Urology & Organising Chairman of the event said that PGRP is a major annual academic event of the SKIMS where  Post doctoral , Postgraduate and other research scholars present their research papers. This event provides them opportunity to showcase their work before academic luminaries and is vital to promote scientific culture which eventually benefits patient care. Other than extra funding he stressed for publication of research on public health concerns  in high impact journals for wider recognition & to benefit patient care at global level. He stressed the researchers to focus on new emerging Tech-intensive procedures and technologies like Robotics, Nano technology and AI based procedures.

Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS Prof. Tariq Gojwari and Principal SKIMS Medical College Prof. Irfan Rubbani also spoke on the occasion and in their addresses highlighted the academic achievements of the Institution.

Organising Secretary of the event Prof. Arif Hamid welcomed the guests in his address.

Besides, post doctoral students, postgraduate students and other research scholars the  heads of various academic institutions  participated in the event. 

Awantipora, March 26: Despite the challenges posed by Covid -19 Pandemic, at least fourteen students from the Department of Civil Engineering at the Islamic University of Science & Technology, IUST Awantipora have qualified the GATE 2022 (Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering) securing good ranks.

Arif Ahmad, a GATE qualifier, has an All India Rank of under 3000 in the Subject while other outstanding achievers including Saliq Bashir, Syed Roman Naqash, Uhozaifa Gani, Irfan Fayaz, Nadeem Ahmad Mir and Basit Farooq Malik. The achievements of these Civil Engineering students are reflective of their hard work and the exemplary standards of academic teaching displayed by the departmental faculty. Significantly, the qualification percentage of IUST’s Civil Engineering is comparable with the top most performing institutes in the region.

In his congratulatory message, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and an Eminent Scientist himself, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo complimented the students and their mentors at the department for their efforts and consistency and wished the best for their future endeavours so that they would contribute towards the well-being of JKUT and society at large. He also encouraged all the students to work hard and be part of a resourceful national workforce.

Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik and Dean School of Engineering and Technology, Prof. A. H. Moon also congratulated the students and faculty of the Civil Engineering. The Head of the Civil Engineering Department, Dr. Shujaat Hussain felicitated all the students for their exemplary performances and hoped that these students will be the role models for future generations and serve the society with utmost dedication and honesty in every field that they work in.

It is noteworthy that every year number of students from the department qualify the prestigious GATE examination. Presently number of its alumni are pursuing their post‐graduation and PhDs in leading IIT’s, IISC Bangalore and other nationally important institutes, besides, some pursuing their degrees in top ranking foreign Universities.

Srinagar, Mar 25: Vice President and Khateeb & Imam of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar Moulana Ahmad Syed Naqshbandi,
on the occasion of Friday prayers at the historic grand mosque today highlighted the social issues facing people of Jammu & Kashmir especialy the valley and said that  many moral and social depravities have permeated the society that need to be addressed and reformed . He said people should take stock of their lives and actions in the light of quran ice teachings and sunnah of the prophet and see where they stand .
Referring to continued house detention of top-most religious leader of Jammu & Kashmir,  Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq , he said that all sections of people, religious figures, institutions and civil society have been pushing for his release and removing unjustified restrictions imposed on him, yet it continues.
Repeated appeals have also been made to the authorities in this regard, but so far the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir continues to be detained and all his religious and social  obligations as Mirwaiz remain suspended, Ahmad Syed Naqshbandi said.
Maulana Naqshbandi, on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, made a strong appeal to the authorities to immediately end the detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq so that he can resume the centuries-old work of dawah  like his predecessors – the Mirwaizeen-e-Kashmir.

Police say they were looking into it and penal action would be taken against the guilty persons.

New Delhi: A few hours after the alleged controversy erupted on social media that a man was denied a hotel room because he was a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi Police have clarified that there were no directions from their side, and they were mulling penal action against those spreading the fake news.

Delhi Police on Thursday clarified that they had not given any directions to any hotel regarding who could stay or who could not.

“A purported video is viral on social media wherein a person is being denied hotel reservation due to his J&K ID. The reason for cancellation is being given as direction from the police. It is clarified that no such direction has been given by Delhi Police,” said a senior police official.

The official said it had come to their notice that the aggrieved person in the video while posting the same on YouTube had said that he stayed in the same area in another hotel and it was a lame excuse given by the hotel.

“Some netizens are trying to discredit the image of Delhi Police through wilful misrepresentation of the video in circulation which can attract penal action,” the police said.

The matter was posted by Nasir Khuehami, a verified handle on Twitter, which claimed that due to the impact of ‘The Kashmir Files’, the man was denied entry to the hotel. He also posted a video in this respect.

Police said they were also checking the authenticity of the video as it was said that it could be an old video.

Meanwhile, OyoRoom replied on Twitter that their hearts and rooms were open for all.

The matter took a political turn on Thursday after senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh took to Twitter to criticise the Centre.

“Utterly shameful. By such an attitude Amit Shah ji are you not driving Kashmiris more against us itself? What is this?

“Please ask Delhi Commissioner Police to enquire into it and punish who ever has given such an order,” Singh tweeted.

Meanwhile, Rakesh Kumar, the hotel owner, said all the rooms were full and hence they didn’t accept booking. He said it was the guest who was using filthy language.

“Facts have been twisted, things are being highlighted in a different manner. The guests had a booking through OYO; all rooms were occupied except one whose AC wasn’t working,” Kumar said.

Police said they were looking into it and penal action would be taken against the guilty.

IANS

Claim cops miserably failed to do their job

New Delhi, March 24: An organisation representing Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) has moved the Supreme Court seeking a probe by the CBI or the NIA or any other court-appointed agency into the alleged mass murders and genocide of their community members in J&K during 1989-90. It claimed the J&K Police “miserably failed” to make any progress in hundreds of FIRs pending with them.

Cite Delhi court order on ’84 riots

SC had in 2017 rejected plea for a probe into the ‘genocide’
Said crucial evidence may not be available after 27 years
A Delhi court allowed reopening of Sikh riots case in 2018
Petitioner has cited this case to seek probe into killings of KPs
In a curative petition in the top court, Roots in Kashmir has questioned the court’s 2017 order dismissing a petition for a probe into alleged ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits. Curative petitions are generally not taken up in open court and are heard by circulation among the members of the Bench. “The instances referred to in the petition pertain to 1989-90, and more than 27 years have passed by since then. No fruitful purpose would emerge as the evidence is unlikely to be available at this late juncture,” the top court had said in its order on April 27, 2017.

Supported by a certificate issued by senior advocate Vikas Singh, the curative petition cited a 2018 Delhi court order in a case relating to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots against former Delhi Congress leader Sajjan Kumar.

The petitioners demanded an “independent committee or commission to investigate the mass murders and genocide of Kashmiri Pandits during 1989-90 and subsequent years, and also to investigate the reasons for non-prosecution of FIRs of murders of Kashmiri Pandits”.

They also sought a court-monitored probe to ensure that hundreds of FIRs reached their logical conclusion without any further delay. The curative petition also sought a direction to complete the trial and prosecution of Yasin Malik for alleged gruesome murder of four officers of the Indian Air Force on January 25, 1990. The case is currently pending before a CBI court.

Besides Malik, the plea sought prosecution of Farooq Ahmed Daar alias Bitta Karate, Javed Nalka and others for hundreds of FIRs of murders of Kashmiri Pandits during 1989-90, 1997 and 1998, lying un-investigated by the J&K Police even after expiry of over three decades.

The petition, a summary of which was released to the press, demanded transfer of all such FIRs from J&K to some other state, preferably Delhi, so that the witnesses, reluctant to approach police or courts in view of their safety concerns, could freely and fearlessly depose before agencies.