Two militants killed in second fidayeen attack within 24-hours
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Three army men including an officer were injured by two fidayeen attackers who were killed in a second attack in less than 24-hours in Jammu region on Saturday. A civilian was also injured during the course of gunfight that lasted for seven hours. The attack leading the administration to cancel all examinations and close down schools in the district."Militants early this morning attacked the Mesar camp of 82 armoured regiment in Samba district. They used grenades and automatic gunfire to carry out the attack," a senior defence spokesperson Manish Mehta told GNS.Soon after the attack, additional reinforcement of army, CRPF and police were rushed to the site and cordoned off the whole area," he said, adding that the intermittent firing continued for several hours resulting in killing of both attackers.A police official while also confirming the killing of attackers said three army men and a civilian sustained injuries.
The inured army men including a major were immediately shifted to military hospital while as the injured pilgrim, a resident of Uttar Pradesh was rushed to the Samba district hospital where doctors referred him to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu for specialized treatment, he said.In wake of the attack district authorities in Samba postponed all exams and ordered closure of all the schools throughout the district on Saturday, he said, adding that the Jammu-Pathankot Highway was also closed today morning for vehicular traffic for some time as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh told reporters, "The first gunshots were heard at around 5:45 am. One person was injured during the firing. As the state has been put on high alert following yesterday's attack, the militants could not launch a bigger attack on Samba".
"Security forces have been alerted and will prevent such attacks," he said.The attack happened on the Pathankote-Jammu National Highway, around 20 km from the police station in Kathua district where six people, including two militants, were killed and leaving 11 others including Deputy SP wounded before being neutralized.The Mesar camp was also attacked on September 26, 2013 by militants after they had attacked the Hiranagar police station in Kathua district. Twelve people had been killed in that attack. (GNS)
Supplier alleges false case by police officer for seeking payment for goods
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Can a police officer decline payment to a supplier for goods used for construction of his house? Or can the officer book the supplier in a false case for insisting to clear his debt? If your answer in no, you are wrong in view of the claims made by a supplier, Jaffar Hussain Khan, who has alleged that the station house officer (SHO) Kralpora Tanveer Ahmad purchased goods worth Rs 74,390 from him for the construction of his house at Salkote Kupwara.According to Khan, who also owns a petrol pump by name ‘Evergreen’ at Kralpora area in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the SHO first resorted to dilly delaying tactics to clear the debt before issuing threats to him. “On 11 March 2015, SHO along with executive magistrate raided my pump and accused me of overcharging. They also took a fuel sample without following the procedure,” Khan said. Under normal procedure, four samples are to be taken and all are to be sealed in presence of the petrol pump owner and the magistrate.“However, one sample was taken and that too was not sealed as provided under the procedure,” Khan said.Next day, he said, a police team again raided his pump and picked his employee Fayaz Ahmad Peer and put him in “illegal detention” for five days.
While a case FIR No 11/2015 under section 3/7 EC Act was registered for overcharging, the police declined to disclose the same for five days and kept Peer under “illegal” detention for a case which is bailable offence, Khan said.“My employee was bailed out after five days.I also met the brother of MP Fayaz Ahmad Mir, who suggested me to write a letter to the IGP informing him about the harassment by the police officer. Somehow, the SHO came to know about it and offered me a compromise. The officer told me that I will clear my dues in installments after receiving my salary,” Khan said.Taking notice of the allegations, the then IGP is learnt to have issued transfer orders of the SHO who however continues to stay put at Kupwara. Meanwhile, Khan said, police media centre issued a statement to the press, claiming that the petrol pump was selling fuel for Rs.67.12 instead of the market rate of 66.80, thus overcharging by 32 paisa.
“In FIR, police mentions that I was selling fuel for Rs 67.02 instead of approved rate of Rs 63 per litre which is contradiction in itself and a concocted story,” said Khan, while showing a copy of FIR.When contacted Executive Magistrate, Abdur Rehman said that police told him that a raid is to be carried at the Evergreen petrol pump as there are complaints about the adulteration petrol being sold to the consumers? He also confirmed that only one sample was collected during the raid and was sent to forensic science laboratory.
Asked whether the sample was sealed at the petrol pump, he said, “We tried to locate the owner but to no avail and later the sample was sent to forensic laboratory.”When informed about the allegations leveled by Khan against SHO, the magistrate said, “I will investigate into the matter. No lawlessness can be tolerated. If the SHO actually owns money on account of supplies, he has to clear the debt.” When contacted, deputy Inspector General of north Kashmir, Gareeb Das also assured investigation into the matter.“I will look into the matter,” Das told GNS. (GNS)
Strict action will be taken against drug peddlers: SP Anantnag
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Continuing its efforts to further the Public relations, a police public meeting was today organized in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district. The meeting was chaired by SP Anantnag Sh. Abdul Jabbar and among other was attended by SDPO Bijbehara Sh. Amit Verma and SHO Bijbehara Sh. Nissar Ahmad.Large number of persons participated in the meeting. The participants highlighted various grievances including the pathetic conditions of roads, un-scheduled power supply, insufficient water and ration supply in their areas. The participants also highlighted the issue of sale and consumption of drugs in the area, a police spokesman in a statement issued to GNS said.
SP Anantnag speaking on the occasion said that the main aim of the police public meetings is to solicit feedback and suggestions from the people in helping the police attain its mission in providing better policing services to the people, he said.Referring the grievances, SP Anantnag said that with the cooperation of the people strict action will be taken against the drug peddlers. Grievances pertaining to other departments will be taken with the concerned heads for immediate redressal, SP added. (GNS)
02 drug peddlers arrested in Kupwara
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Continuing its drive against drug peddlers, Kupwara Police arrested two peddlers and recovered Sixteen Codeine Phosphate bottles from their possession, besides, produced four peddlers arrested earlier before the Executive Magistrate Kupwara.“On a tip off, Kupwara police during the Naka checking intercepted a car near Jamia Masjid Kupwara. On its search sixteen bottles of codeine phosphate bottles were recovered. Two peddlers Rayees Ahmad resident of Halmatpora and Mohammad Amin Khan resident of Haihama boarding the car were arrested”, a police spokesman in a statement issued to GNS said.Kupwara Police registered a case FIR No 63/2015 under section 8/22 NDPS Act and investigation has been taken up, he said.Meanwhile, four peddlers Zahoor Ahmad Sheikh resident of Bandpora Gulgam, Nazir Ahmad Lone resident of Kanthpora Lolab, Faisal Rashid Lone resident of Gulgam and Ishfaq Ahmad Lone resident of Tujarsharief Sopore who were arrested earlier were produced before the Executive Magistrate Kupwara under section 109 CrPC, he said. (GNS)
02 injured in Kupwara road mishap
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Two persons were injured in a road accident in Kupwara District last evening.A Tavera bearing registration number JK01Q-9568 and Motorcycle bearing registration number JK09-0674 collided at Zangli General road near Gujar Bakerwal Hostel, in the jurisdiction of police station Kupwara, resulting in injuries to two persons identified as Rayees Ahmad Dar resident of Cheerkote and Abdul Qyoom resident of Cheerkote. Both the injured were shifted to Hospital for treatment. Kupwara Police has registered a case in this regard. (GNS)
10 structures damaged in fire
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Ten structures including six shops were damaged in three separate fire incidents across the valley. Fire broke out in a joint residential house belonging to Abdul Gani Mir and Ghulam Hassan Mir son of Sabir Mir resident of Path Hallan- Dooru, Anantnag which engulfed the adjacent cow shed and a shop, resulting in damage to all the structures. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and police.Meanwhile, six shops were gutted when fire erupted at main market Gulmarg, Baramulla. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tender. Baramulla police is ascertaining the cause of the fire. In another incident, Fire broke out in the SDA Shopping Complex at Bus Adda Panthachowk Srinagar, resulting in partial damage to the complex. Fire was brought under control with the help of fire tender. Srinagar police is ascertaining the cause of fire. (GNS)
Militants killed in Kathua attack were non-locals: DGP
Says 170 to 180 militants active in JK
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
The Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajindra Saturday said the militants who attacked the police post in Jammu region yesterday were the non-locals who infiltrated the border to carry out their activities.Talking to KNS, the state Police chief claimed that around 170 to 180 militants were operating in Jammu and Kashmir at present. “Militants are making every attempt to go for the local recruitments. There are making local recruitments in Kashmir valley. They also make attempts to seek local support. Though the number is not large as such, there are the reports of locals joining the militant ranks,” the DGP said, adding that the police is trying to counsel the youth and their parents not to fall in the trap.Commenting over Friday’s militant attack in Kathua in which a civilian and three forces personnel were killed when two heavily-armed militants stormed a police station before being gunned down, the DGP said the bodies of the slain militants have not been identified and it is being presumed that they have come from across the border.
“There are no claimants and the prima facie has also revealed that the duo have crossed the border to carry out their activities in the state,” he said.Rajendra, however, refused to comment over the reports that the militants might have got locals help in the area, saying the investigations of the gun battle are going on and nothing could be said till the process gets completed. “We cannot come out with the certain facts till the inquiry into the incident gets completed. Investigation is a time consuming process and it may take some time to complete,” he said.
The DGP added that the attack carried on Friday was similar to the previous attacks witnessed in the region and that police will take all measures to neutralize any such attempts made in future. “If we go by the records, this is the fifth attack in the region since 2013. We need to anticipate- there is a need to anticipate over the incidents,” he remarked.Claiming that with the melting of snow, the militants would try to infiltrate, the state police chief maintained that the effective and efficient anti infiltration system has neutralized most of the militants before even entering into the state. “We have an effective anti- infiltration system that has neutralized the militants much before they could start their activities,” he said.
Mirwaiz reacts to Akbaruddin’s statement
Says Kashmiris basic party to dispute and not third party
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Reacting to statement of Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin’s statement that there was no scope for involvement of any third party in resolving Kashmir issue, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Saturday termed it far from reality.Talking to KNS Mirwaiz said, “First party is Kashmiris and we aren’t the mediators. Third party means when someone else comes. This statement (of Akbaruddin) is far from reality. Kashmiris are not the third party but the main party.”On reports that Hurriyat Conference leaders were to attend Pakistan Day function in Delhi next week, Akbaruddin had reportedly said in New Delhi on Friday: “There was never, (and) will never be any scope for involvement of any third party.”
However, rejecting his assertions, Mirwaiz said, “Kashmiris are the basic party of the dispute. India and Pakistan can’t sit together and talk about Kashmiris.”“When we talk about Kashmir, it means Kashmir, Jammu, Ladakh, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Whole region is disputed and both Pakistan and India have to take aspirations of people of the state into consideration. That time is over when some one else would take decisions at behalf of Kashmiris. Colonial approach won’t work now. Kashmiris have given lot of scarifies and they are the main stakeholders and both the countries should keep it in mind,” Mirwaiz asserted.On Chief Minister Mufti Mohamamd Sayed’s offer of talks with separatists, he said, “What can I say on it? They (state government) say one thing and New Delhi says other.”
Accessibility catchword for promotion of new tourist destinations: Mufti
Reviews working of Tourism dev authorities
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Describing tourism as one of the most rapidly-growing sectors in the world and backbone of J&K’s economy, the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today called for harnessing the tourism potential of the State by providing greater accessibility to new destinations and creating high-end infrastructure at existing ones so that a new class of visitors is attracted to the State. The Chief Minister said this while taking a detailed review of the functioning of Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) of Kashmir and J&K Cable Car Corporation, at Banquet Hall, here today. MD, J&K SCCC and CEOs of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Aharbal, Verinag, Kokernag and Lolab TDAs gave power-point presentations to the Chief Minister on the functioning of their respective departments.
Unveiling his strategy for the next six years for increasing footfall of visitors to the State from other parts of the country and abroad, the Chief Minister took a series of decisions which include laying of golf courses at Sonamarg and Yusmarg, commencement of work on Ashmuqam Cable Car Project and Jammu Ropeway by removing bottlenecks, preparation of feasibility report of Cable Car Project at Yusmarg and outsourcing accommodation and sanitation in respect of all Tourism Development Authorities of the State. He also issued immediate instructions to CEOs of Gulmarg and Pahalgam TDAs to take over administrative control of their respective golf courses.
Describing accessibility as the catchword for exploiting the rich potential of leisure, adventure, pilgrim and heritage tourism in the State, the Chief Minister said aggressive marketing is the need of the hour at the national and international levels to promote J&K as an ideal tourist destination. “Our economy will improve if we succeed in attracting high-end travellers who have greater spending power which will percolate to the prime stakeholders who are the people of the State,” he said.
Laying great emphasis on keeping the health resorts neat and clean and ensuring regular power and water supply in the jurisdictions of all Development Authorities, the Chief Minister called for adopting the Ring-and-Cluster Approach in construction of tourist accommodation at all the resorts without disturbing the Bowls and the surrounding environment. “We will talk to the Forest Department for a more coordinated effort in increasing the carrying capacity at these resorts,” he said and added that amusement parks, which are a major attraction for children, along with other connected paraphernalia should also be created to increase the flow of tourists.
The Chief Minister issued immediate directions to major Tourism Development Authorities for procuring garbage dumpers to address the issue of piling of waste within the Resort Bowls for its proper scientific disposal. Expressing concern over establishment of TRCs even at places where flow of tourists is very low, the Chief Minister asked all CEOs to concentrate on focusing and developing a “Single Destination Concept” in their Development Authorities.Laying emphasis on making tourism inclusive by involving villagers living within the Notified Areas of TDAs as equal partners in promotion of tourism, the Chief Minister issued directions for engaging a top architect who will give the concept of a Model Guest House across all TDAs for replication. He also directed the CEOs to facilitate those villagers living in the notified areas who apply for permission for construction of their residential houses
The Chief Minister also directed the Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism, to immediately flag the issue of laying of golf courses at Sonamarg and Yusmarg resorts, keeping in view the ideal topography and landscape available at both the resorts.
The Chief Minister asked the Commissioner/Secretary Tourism to provide a dedicated uninterrupted power supply to the Pahalgam resort by de-linking it from the main grid so that people visiting the place are not deprived from this basic necessity. “This will also facilitate the pilgrims who visit the place during the Amarnath Yatra,” he said while calling for immediate outsourcing of Pahalgam Shopping Complex comprising 80 shops.For Verinag, the Chief Minister passed instructions for developing a garden park and identification of land for establishment of an amusement park in the vicinity of the resort.The Chief Minister stated that he will take a review of Jammu-based Tourism Development Authorities later this month.Principal Secretary, Planning & Development, B. R. Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Shailendra Kumar, MD, JKTDC, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioners of Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara and Kulgam, besides the CEOs of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, Aharbal, Kokernag, Verinag and Lolab-Bangus Development Authorities attended the meeting.
Hurriyat (G) challenges Mufti’s statement on political prisoners
‘Govt has ambiguous stand on West Pakistan refugees’
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
While challenging the statement of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syed which he made in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly that “only one political prisoner was in jail”, Hurriyat Conference (G) Saturday said there are presently more than 500 political prisoners languishing in different jails within and outside the state.In a statement to KNS Hurriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said, “Among them are Shakeel Ahmad Yatoo (district president Shopian), Mohammad Shaban Dar (district president Kulgam), Nasir Abdullah (Tehsil president Pattan), Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, Fayaz Ahmad Lone, Mohammad Yaseen Yatoo, Zubair Ahmad Turay, Asif Gul and Sameer Ahmad Gojri like prisoners who are directly related with the Hurriyat.”“Mufti sahib had either deliberately lied to mislead the House or he has been provided wrong information by the police and the related agencies in this regard,” he said.
The Hurriyat (G) reiterated its stand that Kashmir is an internationally accepted political dispute and this region is reckoned as the most volatile conflict zone of the world. “Ao any detainee related to this dispute is a political prisoner according to the international laws and can’t be treated as criminal,” he said.While commenting over the statement of the Mufti in which he talked about the assurance of employment opportunities for the West Pakistan refugees in the private sectors, Ayaz Akbar said, “This is an unreasonable thinking that why would the state bear the burden of those people who are not the citizens of this land and who’s sufferings are not due to our faults. There are 28 states in India and these refugees can be settled anywhere in these states.”“The issue of the refugees is of course a human issue but its solution doesn’t lie in finding job opportunities for them in the disputed region. Jammu & Kashmir is already an economically backward state and there is huge number of educated youths without jobs. Government has ambiguous stand with regarding to the Pakistan refugees and it seems that the government is shying away from expressing their stand,” Akbar added.
“If Mufti Sayed would have been sincere then he should have demanded to the Indian government that they should adjust these refugees in any other state like UP, Haryana, Rajasthan or Gujarat and don’t complicate the disputed nature of the state,” he said.While reacting to the statement of Mufti for creation of separate township for the Kashmiri Pandits, the Hurriyat (G) spokesman said, “Kashmiri Pandits are our brothers and an important part of our society and no Kashmiri is against their return but Hurriyat is totally not in favour of creating separate townships for them. Hurriyat is of the view that this is a wicked attempt of dividing Kashmir on religious lines and this plan will become a reason of harming our century’s old traditional brotherhood.”
He claimed that the separate cities for Pandits is a plan of the RSS and the communal forces want to implement their policies under its grab. In the name of Pandits the Sang Parivar is interested in settling the communal people of the different states of India in the disputed region of Jammu & Kashmir and the separate townships will ease their work.“This is actually an Israeli pattern of plan according to which the Jews from different parts of the world were settled in separate cities created on the land of Palestine and finally the residents of Palestine were kicked out from their own land and they became strangers in their own land. All these serious issues can’t be neglected and the Hurriyat is closely monitoring all these issues and will formulate a strategy in this regard,” he added.
Heightened violence a matter of concern: Azad
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad has condemned the back to back militant attacks that took place in Jammu & Kashmir on two consecutive days.In a statement to KNS Azad expressed concern over the heightened militant activities and said, “The spurt in terrorist violence is a cause of grave concern and this needs to be condemned in no uncertain terms.”He also hailed the role of security forces who displayed exemplary valour and alertness to take on the militants without loss of time and thus kept the loss of human lives at minimum.“Security forces have always fought the terrorist violence sponsored from across the border with utmost resolve and firm determination and that entire nation stands by them in fighting the monster of terror unleashed by Pakistan,” he said and paid tributes to the security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in the twin attacks and prayed for the speedy recovery of all those who have been injured.
“Such cowardly acts will not diminish our resolve to face the challenge posed by the terrorist organizations supported form across the border. Congress has never been in favour of politicization of such acts of terrorism and violence, however, BJP, which used such unfortunate events for reaping political harvest before Lok Sabha elections, needs to be reminded of its lofty promise of handling such acts differently,” he said.
“Where are those lofty promises and loud noises?” Azad asked adding that statecraft and governance are not run on the basis of rhetoric and grandstanding.He said that heightened militants violence is a matter of grave concern and the BJP/NDA Government, taking due note of it, should devise appropriate strategies to deal with it.“Now that the people of the country have seen the hollowness of the promises and mindless rhetoric of the BJP and the NDA Government, it is time to concentrate on devising effective plans to foil the designs of the enemies of peace,” said Azad.He added that issues of national security are be dealt with care and sensitivity, bereft of euphoria or over-enthusiasm.Maintaining that the “misplaced foreign policy priorities and incoherent approach” towards Pakistan of the BJP Government are responsible for unprecedented ceasefire violations and escalated violence during the NDA period, Azad said, “It is time to have a relook into the whole gamut of issues in the interest of security and safety of the nation.”
Mir castigates PDP-BJP govt
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
State Congress chief G A Mir while strongly condemning militant strike in Samba on Saturday morning castigated the BJP-PDP coalition government for its ‘failure’ to contain growing subversive activities by the anti social elements in the state.In a statement to KNS he expressed serious concern over spate of fidayeen attacks since the present dispensation took over. “Repeated militant strikes one after other in various parts of the state since last few weeks speaks volumes about the failure of the present government to secure life and property of the people. Due to the prevailing situation of uncertainty on the security front not only people of the state but whole country are feeling disgusted,” he said. Mir while paying tributes to the slain security and police personnel in these attacks prayed for eternal peace to their souls. He asked the state administration to provide free medicare facilities to the injured persons.
BJP compromising on national interests for power, alleges G A Mir
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Pooh-poohing BJP for its tall claims about making any “sacrifice” for the national security, State Congress president Ghulam Ahmad Mir Saturday lambasted the Saffron Party for ‘compromising’ on national interests for the sake of power sharing in the politically supersensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement to KNS he said, “Continuing with its coalition partner in the state after Prime Minister Narinder Modi himself admitted in the Parliament that BJP has ideological differences with its coalition partner in J&K is a matter of great concern for the whole nation.”“Fallout of the unholy BJP- PDP bonhomie have started casting its shadows as everybody in the country irrespective of party affiliations are concerned about the happenings in the state since last two weeks when the present coalition dispensation took over the reins. BJP especially its State unit owes an explanation to the people of the state and the country as to why national interests were pushed in the back burner for the sake of power,” Mir asked.
Mufti plays footsie with separatist: Jora
‘Modi watches haplessly, militants emboldened’
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Congress Legislative Party leader Nawang Rigzin Jora Saturday alleged said the two consecutive attacks by the militants - first in Kathua yesterday and second in Samba today - is the direct fall out of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayed playing footsie with Pakistan, separatist and militants and the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in reigning in Mufti.
“Emboldened by Mufti Sayed’s statement immediately after the oath ceremony where he thanked Pakistan, separatist and Hurriyat, the militants are now striking at will. The BJP which had all along claimed to be the sole guardian of national interest needing no lessons from anybody as claimed by PM Modi in the Parliament recently, watches haplessly,” Jora said in a statement to KNS.“If this confused policy of the PDP-BJP govt is allowed to be further confounded, the people of the state will have to prepare themselves to witness revival of terrorism in the state once again,” he warned.Jora exhorted that all the gains of the past 12 years where the Congress factor in the government cannot be allowed to go down the drain when people of the state had reached peace dividends in terms of economic prosperity and accelerated development thanks to former PM Manmohan Singh's reconstruction package.
He accused BJP led NDA government at the centre of lacking a coherent policy with regard to Pakistan and handling of separatist and militants in J&K. “NDA stand at best can be described as swinging from one end of the pendulum to the other end. One moment, there is bonhomie with PM Modi inviting Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharief for oath ceremony followed by exchange of gifts of shawl and sari between the two leaders to be followed by suspension of talks between the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries on the lame excuse of Hurriyat leaders meeting Pakistan High Commissioner,” he said.
This was, Jora pointed out, followed again by an unexpected phone call by PM Modi to Nawaz Sharief and sending his Foreign Secretary to Pakistan. “Can somebody explain what is going on? Can the foreign policy of a large democratic country run on impulsive mood swings of the PM? Or should it be run on well thought out, well calibrated policy framework,” he asked.
Jora exhorted “Either you talk or don't talk. If you do talk, do so with some well thought out objective and out comes.”
He expressed doubts if the talks can yield anything substantive especially in the light of the recent assertion by PM in the parliament of implementing the parliamentary resolution “in letter and spirit.”“The chief Minister Mufti Sayeed who as the home minister imposed AFSPA in J&K is now talking of its withdrawal. Does Mufti want our officers and jawans of security forces to be canon fodder for the militants just so that he can please his sympathizer sin Pakistan and the separatist in the state. Politics cannot be allowed to take precedence over national security exhorted Jora,” he said.Blaming Mufti for the dastardly attacks, Jora asked BJP to explain whether they are not compromising national security interest in aligning with PDP. Accusing Mufti of being soft on separatist and militants Jora pointed that he chose to call militants non- state-actors instead of militants, “as if this will lessen their crime.”“Statecraft demands leaders to come up with programmed and policies for the well being of the citizens instead of platitudes of appeasement,” said Jora.
JKNSF leaders hold meeting with Tarigami
‘Freedom under shades of crony capitalism meaningless’
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir National Students Federation President Basharat Ali, Pakistan Peoples Party (Poonch division) general secretary Advocate Zaheer Khan and Pakistan Trade Union Defense Campaign leader Yasir Irshad called on CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in AIWAN-E-IQBAL at LAHORE where 34th Congress of Socialist Revolutionaries was held. The meeting deliberated various issues of mutual interest and concerns vis-à-vis peace prosperity in South Asia.In a statement to KNS a spokesman of state CPI (M) said, during the course of meeting issues pertaining to peasants and the youth were also discussed and it was pledged that an organized campaign will be initiated to address their problems which besides other issues include easing out travel restrictions across the border.“The meeting evolved a consensus that all Kashmiris across the border should be allowed to travel and meet people from either side of the Line of Control (LoC) on exposition of State Subject Certificates.
In pursuit of an ideal civilized society in the region, the two sides avowed for a united struggle and emphasized on the importance of dissemination of knowledge especially in the field of science and technology among the people particularly the youth of Kashmir across the border,” he said.Tarigami said that inflation, poverty, unemployment, exploitation and slavery in all their manifestations are equally eating into vitals of the peasants and the youth of India and Pakistan. He observed that it is impossible for Kashmiris, Indians and Pakistanis to achieve absolute freedom in an atmosphere of crony capitalism prevailing in the region.
In order to address the problem, Tarigami stressed on the youth across the border to adopt new scientific vision, organize their struggle against capitalism and take forward the struggle for socialist movement in the region.In his speech, Basharat Ali, President JKNSF termed Tarigami a source of inspiration and energy for all Kashmiri youth who want to promote socialism while adopting the scientific principles in the region.
He said the question of freedom in Kashmir is correlated with the freedom of peasants and youth in India and Pakistan. Basharat said the aims and objectives for which Shaheed Baghat Singh and his comrades offered their lives are still unfulfilled and it is the responsibility of the youth of the region to take those objectives as the cardinal principle of their struggle and take the same to its logical conclusion.Other leaders also spoke on this occasion and pledged for a united struggle against all kinds of oppression and suppression in the region. The meeting resolved that JKNSF will organize their struggle through use of Internet and will launch and update editions of its website. The JKNSF will also come up with its carter of demands and will put the same on its website very soon.
NC alone can bind Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh together
Inherent contradictions between PDP, BJP impacting governance: Rana
5 Dariya News
Nagrota
Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Saturday said that inherent contradictions between PDP and BJP were impacting governance in a sensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir, which he observed had potential to impede development, disturb peace and retard growth.“It is a unique dispensation which despite being in coalition is playing the role of opposition as well by taking opposite stand on issues concerning the state”, Rana said while addressing several public meetings at Majeen, Dhoke Wazira and Chak in Nagrota constituency this afternoon.He said that ‘false promises’ made during electioneering and heightened pitch raised over various contentious issues were haunting both the coalition partners which force them to play to the galleries. In this context, he referred to the claims being made by PDP over Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the response being given by the BJP while taking to streets.
“What sort of a combination it is”, he asked and said the people were confused over the drama being enacted by the two parties. He said people want development, peace and a conducive atmosphere for smooth economic activities, especially during the ensuing tourism season and instead the coalition partners are feeding them with rhetoric. “Before elections and post elections, the two parties were attempting to polarize the situation, as they had no concrete agenda for steering the state to development and progress”, he maintained.The Provincial President expressed apprehension about present dispensation vitiating the peaceful atmosphere generated by the previous government by braving odds and warned that any such attempt will meet stiff public resistance. He said the people can’t be divided on religious or regional basis anymore, as amity and unity has been the real strength of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Rana said realization was fast dawning on the people about the real agenda of the two parties which played, and are in fact continuing to play, a fixed match, first to usurp the power by deceit and now to carry it on despite contradictions. He said National Conference will fight tooth and nail the negative agenda of the two parties.He said the religion or caste based politics was fraught with the danger of fragmenting society into bits and pieces. “In such a scenario, we are duty bound as committed soldiers of National Conference to sustain and bequeath the treasure of amity and brotherhood to posterity, as they have to face the fast changing world with a sense of confidence”, he said and urged the people to get ready for meeting this challenge with fortitude.. Rana referred to Jammu and Kashmir’s tryst with secular polity and said the state has prospered and progressed as a single entity only because of the tolerance and respect for each others’ identities. This will always remain a guiding philosophy for NC cadre, he said adding that National Conference alone can retain the unique identity of the state and bind divergent regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh together.
Prominent among those present during these public meetings included Sarpanch Raman Wazir, Panchs Kuldeep Singh, Kanta Devi, Jamait Ali, Ravi Kumar, Chairman Abdul Hamid, Naib Sarpanch Shiv Dayal, Suman, Ravi Baru, Raj Baru, Sham Lal, Anayat Ali, Rocky, Babu Ram, Sohan Singh, Zorawar Singh and Mohammed Sultan.
Shah greets Pak on ‘Youm-e-Qarardad-e-Pakistan’
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah while greeting the Pakistani people, its government, Army, social, religious and political organizations on the occasion of Pakistan Resolution Day expressed hope that the nation will continue with the visionary draft passed on March 23, 1940 for the creation of Pakistan.In a statement to KNS, Shah said, “Pakistan being the atomic power is victim of the conspiracies which are hatched against it at both internal and external levels to destabilize it and to undermine its significance among the 57 Muslim countries of the world.”Referring to history and fall of Dhaka, Shah said, “Various elements are still hell bent upon destabilizing the nation and want to prove wrong the idea and resolution of Pakistan. The resolution passed on March 23, 1940 even today acts as voice for oppressed nations. Lakhs of people have sacrificed their precious blood in the struggle for creation of Pakistan and still millions pray for the strong and prosperous Pakistan.”
“Pakistan has to unite in defeating the evil designs of its enemies so as to emerge as the saviour of oppressed Muslim nations of the world. Pakistan’s position in Muslim world is of critical importance and the Pakistan Resolution is the guideline for all the freedom fighting nations of the world. The stability of this nation is vital for the stability of the whole Muslim world,” the DFP chairman said.Shah also remembered the architect of Pakistan Allama Iqbal, the leader and founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Liyaqat Ali Khan and paid tributes to them for leading the Muslims of the subcontinent. He also prayed for the peace, prosperity and stability of the nation and thanked its leadership, Army and people for their unflinching support to Kashmir cause.
Bukhari reviews functioning of R&B Deptt
Stresses for speedy repairs of dilapidated roads in Valley
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Stressing on the need for immediate restoration of work on dilapidated roads across Kashmir valley especially in the flood hit Srinagar city, the Minister for Public Works, Floriculture and Gardens & Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari Saturday chaired a high level meeting attended by all Superintending and Executive Engineers of Public Works to review functioning of the department.The Minister directed the concerned authorities to take speedy measures for face lifting of National Highway and complete the work in a time bound manner. He also directed the Chief Engineer Public Works to start repairs and renovation work on all roads across the Kashmir valley especially in the flood hit district Srinagar without any delay.
Emphasizing on ensuring usage of standard material in all works being undertaken by the Public Works department, Mr. Bukhari said there should be no compromise on quality of work and all the roads should be constructed as per specifications.
The Minister said the department has huge and important responsibility and asked engineers to improve their working to ensure visible change on ground. He said timely completion of projects and using standard material should be benchmark of the department.During the meeting, the Minister was informed that all the roads of the Valley would be renovated and repaired on priority basis and renovation work would be conducted soon after the weather shows signs of improvement.
The Minister was also briefed about the repairs and renovation work on National Highway from Pantha Chowk to Qazigund would be started on war footing basis. Earlier the Chief Engineer apprised the Minister that macadamization work on all roads in the Valley would be started after April 15, 2015. The Minister also enquired about the status of work on flood damaged bridges in Kashmir. Mr Bukhari was informed that an amount of Rs. 32 Crores is being spent for the construction of bridges which have been damaged by the floods in Kashmir.
Bukhari was also apprised that all bottlenecks on the National Highway at Pantha Chowk are being cleared and removal of encroachments has been taken in hand. The Minister said that since the money for the widening of National Highway at Pantha Chowk has been released, the department must resume the work and complete without any further delay.
The Minister directed the R&B authorities to ensure use of quality material in construction works. Bukhari also directed the Chief Engineer ERA to expedite construction work on flyover from Jehangir Chowk to Ram Bagh. He also instructed the authorities for betterment in the drainage system in Srinagar city.The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Rohit Kansal, IGP Kashmir, Syed Javid Mujtaba Geelani, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Chief Engineer R&B Kashmir D K Razdan, Chief Engineer ERA Basharat Ahmad, Director Floriculture Kashmir, officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Superintending and Executive Engineers of R&B Kashmir Valley.
Sajad for adopting modern technology, scientific methods for white revolution
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Minister for Science & Technology and Animal Husbandry, Mr. Sajad Gani Lone said that the government will encourage farmers engaged in cattle rearing for attaining high-quality livestock to fetch attractive returns.This was stated by the Minister while reviewing the overall functioning of Animal Husbandry Department at an officers meeting held here today.
MLA Kupwara Bashir Ahmad Dar was also present in the meeting.Commissioner Secretary, Animal Husbandry Ashok Parmar briefed the Minister about the functioning of the department.The Minister said that cattle farming is the support of the state's economy and all efforts will be made to promote this vital sector. The Minister asserted that in the present era of competition in the market, quality control is must and we have to focus on this vital area to maintain the credibility of state's livestock.The Minister while enquiring from officers about the functioning of their respective wings asked them to furnish the requirements, if any to the ministry so that these requirement are fulfilled to enhance the working capabilities of the organization. The Minister also said that all ranks of the force form the Organization and every member of the Organization has to work with dedication making public service their motive.
The Minister called upon the authorities concerned to come up with the innovative ideas and plans for growth of Animal Husbandry sector in the state.Terming development of livestock sector as priority of the government, the Minister said that various schemes have been introduced to promote the sector and need of the hour is to implement these schemes strictly for the benefit of farmers.Emphasising for strengthening of high breed cattle’s, Sajad asked the officers to work with more dedication and zeal to make department more vibrant. He asked them to adopt modern technology and scientific methods to maximize livestock population for bringing white revolution in the State. The Minister also enjoined upon the officers for making farmers aware about latest techniques and methods of cattle and sheep rearing.Directors of Animal Husbandry Kashmir/Jammu, Director Fisheries, Director Sheep Husbandry Kashmir, MD Sheep and Sheep Products Development Board were among others present in the meeting.
Veeri for massive crackdown against sale of substandard pesticides, fertilizers
Seeks peoples’ cooperation to identify unscrupulous pesticides dealers
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri today called for a massive crackdown against unscrupulous traders indulging in sale and stocking of substandard pesticides and fungicides in various parts of the State.While talking to deputations of fruit growers and traders of Kashmir valley and Jammu division here today, Veeri said that horticulture is the backbone of States’ economy and about 30 lakh people are directly or indirectly associated with this industry, adding that nobody will be allowed to play with their destiny.The Horticulture Minister said that all the field agencies of the Horticulture law enforcement wing have been given directions to take strict instructions against those found dealing in sub-standard pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers.
He said he will personally monitor the manufacturing and inflow of various kinds of pesticides in the Valley and where ever the sale of substandard pesticides is detected stern action will follow not only against the concerned dealers but also the concerned Horticulture officer of the area. He said the action will include imprisonment and cancelation of the dealership licence. He said remarks of inefficiency would be entered into the service records of field officer besides stopping his annual increment.Veeri also sought cooperation of the fruit growers and traders as well as general public to check the menace of substandard pesticides and said immediate intimation should be given to the Director Horticulture and concerned District Horticulture officers about it so that immediate action is initiated against the defaulters.
The Minister said that the fruit of Jammu and Kashmir State is famous all over world and is liked by every one for its taste and good flavour adding that who so ever is indulging in sale and stocking of substandard pesticides is bringing bad name to the shining horticulture industry of the State. “Such unscrupulous traders are doing disservice to the society”, Mr Veeri said while warning them to desist from such unlawful activities forth with.While talking to the fruit growers, Veeri hinted to bring in a stringent law to deal with the traders indulging with the sale and stocking of substandard pesticides and fungicides.Veeri also briefed the fruit growers about the plans of the government to promote fruit industry in the State adding that fruit and vegetable markets at district level would be set up to provide adequate marketing facilities to the fruit growers so that they could get better remuneration of their produce without exploitation of the middle men.