Kashmir employees caught between the devil and the deep sea

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 28: Amidst the deepening crisis in strife-torn valley of Kashmir, employees from different government departments are virtually finding themselves caught between the devil and the deep sea.

Even as state government has asked its employees to report to their duties, it has, ironically, continued to impose tough restrictions to restrict public movement.

After failing to successfully implement contingency plan to ensure employees’ attendance, the government constituted special teams to monitor employees’ attendance in different government offices.

However, in wake of growing protests and clashes, a major chunk of government employees are finding it difficult to reach their offices.

Pertinently, the valley has been reeling under restrictions and curfews, often undeclared, for the last four weeks. There has been apparently no let up in protests and clashes, which have taken alarming proportions.

Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference has so far issued four week-long protest calendars as part of the conglomerate’s “Quit Jammu Kashmir campaign” in protest over a spate of civilians killings in the valley.

Significantly, chief minister, Omar Abdullah, today warned the employees to report to their duties or face the music.

“Those who take part in separatists sponsored strike calls should quit their jobs.” The chief minister said, “We will not allow absent employees to become a burden on state exchequer.”

The employees are torn between adhering to the government diktat and in the bargain putting their lives at risk or stay back home and, as the CM said, “face the music”.

Pertinently, the state government on Monday booked four doctors against charges of “rioting” and “disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servants.”

The employees have accused government of forcing them to put their lives at risk.

“How is it possible for us to report to our duties when the public transport is off the roads and most of us have no other means to reach our offices,” said a government employee. “Not all employees own vehicles. Even that is risky at times.”

He asked the government to start its own bus service to ferry the employees.

The functioning of schools, colleges, and universities has been deeply hampered in wake of the ongoing unrest. Teachers are not able to make it to their schools, or even if they some how make it, the students do not turn up.

Some of the teachers KTNS talked to seemed aghast over the government’s “irrational” decision.

“We put our lives at risk and reach our schools, but students don’t show up,” said a senior teacher. “With only police and CRPF personnel patrolling the streets, female teachers feel more vulnerable.”

Pertinently, minister for education, Peerzada Mohamamd Sayeed, had directed for constituting special squads to check attendance of teachers in all the educational institutions in the valley.

Significantly, some private schools in the valley have adopted e-studies method to prepare students for exams. Valley’s premier Delhi Public School has uploaded lessons and assignments on the school website.

Meanwhile, High Court Bar Association Kashmir, has castigated the state government for threatening government employees.

In a statement issued to the press, the association said that it would provide legal help to all those employees against whom the government takes action.

Meanwhile, the chief minister called on governor, NN Vohra, at Raj Bhavan here this evening. During half-an-hour meeting, the duo discussed various issues ranging from implementation of various development and welfare schemes to the ongoing crisis.

Earlier, both the governor and the chief minister urged the vice chancellors of Valley-based universities to ensure that the “educational system and the careers of the students are not affected”.

Addressing a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Vohra and Omar asked the VCs “to take all required measures to ensure that there is no gap whatsoever in the envisaged schedules of teaching, examinations, declaration of results, counselling, admissions”.

Stressing the need for “innovative measures” to make good use of academic loss, the governor said that effective measures should be taken to ensure that education of students is not allowed to be affected under any circumstances.

Asserting that career of students is of “paramount importance”, the chief minister asked the civil society, teachers, students and parents to come forward to ensure that education and healthcare do not suffer.

Minister for higher education, Abdul Gani Malik, vice chancellor, university of Kashmir (KU), Prof Riyaz Punjabi, newly-appointed vice chancellor, SKUAST-K, Dr. Tej Partap, and vice chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Prof. Siddiq Wahid, were also present in the meeting.

Govt preparations of setting free detained leaders fails to impress separatists, opposition

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 26: The “preparations” by the state government to release some of the detained separatist leaders and the recent demand of ruling National Conference (NC) for setting free political detenues have failed to impress separatist camp, and opposition.

The leaders in the separatist camp feel that government is not doing any favour to these detained leaders with the release as their arrest was unjustified and political victimization.

Even the opposition parties within the mainstream camp describe as ridiculous the demand by NC working committee to release the separatist. “Instead of making a demand , the ruling parties should have set them free without wasting any time,”said the opposition leaders.

Taking a dig at NC, both factions of Hurriyat Conference castigated the party and accused it of “using the mischievous tactics to further its political agenda”.

Terming the NC’s plea as “ironic”, Hurriyat Conference (M) said that innocent civilians were arrested on the instruction of the NC lead government.

Senior leader of state’s principle opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said that it was an irony of things.

“I wonder whom they (NC leaders) are asking,” he said. “Either they (political detenues) do not have been arrested by them or they don’t know they have arrested people whom they should not have arrested.”

Pertinently, the crucial working committee meeting, which lasted for seven hours, of the ruling NC had demanded release of political detenues and also reiterated its demand for restoration of complete internal autonomy to the state.

Assailing the NC leadership, Hurriyat Conference (G) said that they had always used harmful tactics to achieve political mileage.

“Lakhs of Kashmiris have not sacrificed their lives for restoration of internal autonomy,” said acting general secretary of Hurriyat Conference (G), Masarat Alam in a statement issued to the press. “We ask United Nations Organisation (UNO) why India has given the liberty to strangulate the voices of dissent in the state,” he added.

Terming Track II diplomacy a “devil’s tactic”, he said that New Delhi was trying to “prolong its occupation” of Kashmir by employing such tactics.

Meanwhile, expressing discontent, mainstream political parties have accused the state government of failing to implement resolutions passed during all-party meeting here on July 12.

Talking to Kashmir Times, former minister and MLA Khansahib, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, said that government’s “callous approach” vis-à-vis implementation of the resolutions had added to the woes of people.

“Leave all resolutions aside, government has even failed to constitute an independent commission to probe the civilian killings.

Significantly, the all-party meet, convened by the chief minister, Omar Abdullah, to find a way out of the deepening political crisis in the valley, had decided to send an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, for initiating a political process in Kashmir. Moreover, the parties had also stressed the need for taking separatists on board by resuming the internal and external dialogue, besides calling for an independent inquiry into the killings of the civilians. The inquiry proposal was opposed by BJP delegation, but after much hue and cry, the state government had finally given its nod to the proposal.

PDP and JK National Panthers Party (JKNPP) had skipped the meeting. The PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti had termed the meeting as "futile exercise" and had even rejected an appeal by the prime minister and the chief minister to attend the meeting.

Yaseen said that there were also talks of carrying the peace process forward, but nothing was being done on ground.

“This goes to show that the government is not serious. If it (govt) continues with its callous approach I am afraid situation is going to get bad to worse,” he said.

He also criticized the government’s decision to impose Public Safety Act (PSA) on youth, stating that it could prove “counterproductive”.

Cabinet meeting tomorrow; Decision on separatists’ freedom likely

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 25: After failing to curb the growing unrest that has assumed alarming proportions in the valley, state government has finally decided to release incarcerated political leaders to put brakes on frequent protests and clashes, which have been hogging the headlines for the last more than a month.

If sources are to be believed, the state cabinet, which is meeting here on July 27, 2010, is likely to announce the release of some of the incarcerated leaders, who have been languishing in several J&K jails. A list of political detenues is being prepared by the government, the sources added.

Moreover, the state government has reportedly asked New Delhi to immediately give its nod for special employment scheme meant for the rehabilitation of surrendered militants.

According to the reliable sources, the state government, in a bid to restore normalcy in Kashmir, has decided to revoke Public Safety Act (PSA) against Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani and over 35 other detained separatist leaders.

“He (Geelani) is likely to be released this week only,” the sources added.

The authorities had slapped PSA against Geelani on June 24. The septuagenarian leader, along with secretary general Tehreek-e-Hurriyet, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, were detained on June 20 by the state police in Kupwara and were shifted to Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) at Humhama in Budgam. Later, after being booked under PSA, Geelani was shifted to Chashma Shahi jail.

The police have also arrested hundreds of youths and subsequently booked them under PSA in the last two months.

In the last month alone, at least a dozen separatist leaders and activists were booked under PSA. Moreover, the police also invoked PSA against Kashmir Bar Association president, Advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom and general G N Shaheen.

Pertinently, senior separatist leaders, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Akhtar have been languishing in different jails in J&K for the last several months. Shah, who is presently detained in Kot Bhalwal jail, has been booked four times this year under the draconian law.

The government employed all the tactics to put brakes on growing protests and clashes, but all proved ineffective. From giving lucrative job offers, to adopting contingency plans, to launching crackdown on youth, the government tried it all, but of no avail.

Now, it has decided to try its luck again with an all-new strategy.

The sources said after failing to quell the protests, the state police have advised the government to release Syed Ali Geelani and other senior separatists so that the front line leaders, after keenly observing the ground situation, could call off the strikes.

Significantly, many political parties had asked the government to release the detained separatist leaders.

The crucial working committee meeting of the ruling National Conference (NC), had also demanded release of political detenues in a resolution passed a few days back.

Pertinently, the two-member Amnesty Internal (AI) team, which had come here on a six-day visit on May 17, 2010 had, after investigating the cases of public safety act (PSA) and other draconian laws, urged the state government to release all separatist leaders who were detained under PSA.

Meanwhile, according to the reports, the state government has also urged New Delhi to give its consent to the special employment scheme meant for the rehabilitation of about 20,000 surrendered militants.

Stating that unemployment is a major challenge in the present crisis, the state government asked the Central government to provide employment to those militants, who had laid down their arms, so that they do not resort to protests.

The cabinet meeting is also likely to undertake reshuffle in police and civil administration.

Farooq not stepping down as NC prez

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 21: Putting all speculations to rest, union minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today made it clear that he would not quit as National Conference (NC) president. He made the announcement a day ahead of crucial working committee meeting of the party.

Moreover, the senior Abdullah also brushed aside the speculations about the possible cabinet reshuffle.

“Time will come when I have to leave the post of party president, but as of now I am not going to leave the post come what may,” he said during an interview with Radio Kashmir Srinagar.

Significantly, the ruling National Conference had reportedly decided to undertake first-of-its-kind overhaul in the party, which included removal of the party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, and general secretary, Sheikh Nazir, from their respective posts.

Terming the reports as “baseless”, Farooq said that these were the rumours being spread by the media.

“All this is being done by the media. Perhaps newspapers are fed by some persons,” he said.

Asked about the possibility of new faces being inducted in the state cabinet, Farooq feigned ignorance, asserting that it was in the hands of chief minister, Omar Abdullah.

“The chief minister can ask the president of both the coalition partners (NC and Congress) before taking any decision on cabinet reshuffle,” he said. “I don’t think it (reshuffle) is possible in the near future.”

Asked why the government was not taking the opposition into confidence and that why he himself does not talk to state’s principle opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Farooq said, “It’s true I don’t talk to them, neither have I ever tried for it, but then I think if I take the initiative they (PDP leadership) will consider that I have knelt before them.”

He said he was not the one who would kneel before any one.

“When Mufti (Mohammad) Sayeed’s daughter was kidnapped, I told him that she was not only his daughter, but my daughter also,” he said. “But Mufti told me that late Sheikh (Mohammad Abdullah) sahib had damaged his self esteem.”

Stating that he did not harbour any grudge against Mufti and PDP leadership, Farooq advised the PDP to play the role of a constructive opposition.

“Though I can not suggest them, but they need to introspect where the future of our children is heading towards,” he said.

Farooq said that if the PDP believed that the future of children lies in transferring the power back to them then they need to wait for a few more years.

Welcoming the state government’s decision to constitute an independent commission to probe into civilian killings in Kashmir, Farooq said that the government should put up a true picture before the public.

“A relief of even Rs 10 lakh can not bring solace to the families of victims,” he said. “Time is the best healer.

Pertinently, the working committee of ruling National Conference is meeting tomorrow discuss various issues ranging from the party structure to present political crisis in the state.

There were reports that the president and general secretary of the party would be removed from their places. Speculations were rife that minister for finance, Abdul Rahim Rather and minister for law, Ali Mohammad Sagar would be given prime party posts to strengthen the party at grass root level.

After then president NC, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the chief minister in January 2009, his father Farooq took over as the party president. However, after the senior Abdullah was inducted into the union cabinet, it had a telling effect on working of the party. Moreover, the general secretary of NC, Sheikh Nazir, has not been keeping well for the last two-three months. He had suffered mild cardiac attack in March this year and was rushed to New Delhi for treatment.

A sections of media reported that the National Conference, for the first time since its inception, may be headed by a non-Sheikh family member.

Farooq not stepping down as NC prez

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 21: Putting all speculations to rest, union minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah today made it clear that he would not quit as National Conference (NC) president. He made the announcement a day ahead of crucial working committee meeting of the party.

Moreover, the senior Abdullah also brushed aside the speculations about the possible cabinet reshuffle.

“Time will come when I have to leave the post of party president, but as of now I am not going to leave the post come what may,” he said during an interview with Radio Kashmir Srinagar.

Significantly, the ruling National Conference had reportedly decided to undertake first-of-its-kind overhaul in the party, which included removal of the party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, and general secretary, Sheikh Nazir, from their respective posts.

Terming the reports as “baseless”, Farooq said that these were the rumours being spread by the media.

“All this is being done by the media. Perhaps newspapers are fed by some persons,” he said.

Asked about the possibility of new faces being inducted in the state cabinet, Farooq feigned ignorance, asserting that it was in the hands of chief minister, Omar Abdullah.

“The chief minister can ask the president of both the coalition partners (NC and Congress) before taking any decision on cabinet reshuffle,” he said. “I don’t think it (reshuffle) is possible in the near future.”

Asked why the government was not taking the opposition into confidence and that why he himself does not talk to state’s principle opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Farooq said, “It’s true I don’t talk to them, neither have I ever tried for it, but then I think if I take the initiative they (PDP leadership) will consider that I have knelt before them.”

He said he was not the one who would kneel before any one.

“When Mufti (Mohammad) Sayeed’s daughter was kidnapped, I told him that she was not only his daughter, but my daughter also,” he said. “But Mufti told me that late Sheikh (Mohammad Abdullah) sahib had damaged his self esteem.”

Stating that he did not harbour any grudge against Mufti and PDP leadership, Farooq advised the PDP to play the role of a constructive opposition.

“Though I can not suggest them, but they need to introspect where the future of our children is heading towards,” he said.

Farooq said that if the PDP believed that the future of children lies in transferring the power back to them then they need to wait for a few more years.

Welcoming the state government’s decision to constitute an independent commission to probe into civilian killings in Kashmir, Farooq said that the government should put up a true picture before the public.

“A relief of even Rs 10 lakh can not bring solace to the families of victims,” he said. “Time is the best healer.

Pertinently, the working committee of ruling National Conference is meeting tomorrow discuss various issues ranging from the party structure to present political crisis in the state.

There were reports that the president and general secretary of the party would be removed from their places. Speculations were rife that minister for finance, Abdul Rahim Rather and minister for law, Ali Mohammad Sagar would be given prime party posts to strengthen the party at grass root level.

After then president NC, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the chief minister in January 2009, his father Farooq took over as the party president. However, after the senior Abdullah was inducted into the union cabinet, it had a telling effect on working of the party. Moreover, the general secretary of NC, Sheikh Nazir, has not been keeping well for the last two-three months. He had suffered mild cardiac attack in March this year and was rushed to New Delhi for treatment.

A sections of media reported that the National Conference, for the first time since its inception, may be headed by a non-Sheikh family member.

Omar plans cabinet reshuffle shortly

SVO asked to probe corruption charges against ministers

Syed Ali Safvi

SRINAGAR, July 18: As the state government today asked state vigilance commission to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the varied allegations against some senior ministers, chief minister Omar Abdullah, is planning to carry out a major cabinet reshuffle that would include key ministers being sacked.

The chief minister, according to sources in New Delhi, had got the cabinet reshuffle proposal okayed by Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, during his three-day visit to New Delhi.

According to sources, the cabinet reshuffle, which is likely to take place in a week or two, is expected to see three senior ministers from Congress and two senior ministers from National Conference (NC) dropped from the state cabinet. All this, the sources said, was being done in the name of saving the chief minister’s ever-losing image.

“The ministers have been accused of corruption, and by removing them the state government wants to regain its lost confidence,” they said.

Pertinently, a local daily had carried a report today, accusing a senior minister of Omar Abdullah’s cabinet of having purchased a villa in the famed The Palm Tree Villas in Dubai. The daily had also accused some of the ministers of having amassed crores of rupees against the transfer of employees.

Taking cognizance of the report, the state government today asked the vigilance commissioner to conduct a preliminary enquiry to ascertain the veracity of these allegations and submit a report.

Meanwhile, the ruling National Conference has also decided to undertake first-of-its-kind overhaul in the party, which includes removal of the party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, and general secretary, Sheiklh Nazir, from their respective posts.

Interestingly, minister for finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, was recently in Dubai to receive Life Time Achievement award for his “outstanding contribution in the fields of economy, politics and social service” by the NRI Institute.

Pertinently, the chief minister, who met Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, Home minister, P Chidambaram, and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi during his three-day visit to New Delhi, reached back Srinagar this evening. According to the sources, just after his arrival from New Delhi, the chief minister immediately started preparations for cabinet reshuffle and brining in new faces into his cabinet.

According to sources, the central government had also received numerous complaints of corruption against the five ministers.

“By dropping the ministers the state government is trying to regain the lost trust of the state populace that corruption will not be tolerated at any level,” sources added.

The decision is also been seen as a “timely” step taken by the Congress high command to end the internal bickerings in its state unit, and, moreover, strengthening the position of JKPCC chief, Saif-ud-Din Soz. Significantly, all the three ministers are considered very close to union minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The sources told this paper that the three Congress ministers had wanted Azad back as chief minister of J&K after the eruption of recent political crisis in the valley. Significantly, Rather and minister for rural development, Ali Mohammad Sagar wanted their godfather, Farooq Abdullah, back as the chief minister.

“The Congress high command has thrown its weight behind Soz and after remaining silent for long it has finally decided to send a strong message to the divisive elements within the party,” sources added.

According to the reliable sources, the chief minister had expressed dissatisfaction over the working of some Congress ministers. Omar had proposed to the Congress high command about their removal from the state cabinet, and the party was likely to give green signal in a day or two.

Dismissing the reports of cabinet reshuffle as “bull-shit”, minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din told Kashmir times that “all this is being done by some elements having vested interests”.

Meanwhile, the working committee of ruling National Conference is meeting on July 22 to undertake first-of-its-kind overhaul in the party. According to the party sources, president and general secretary of the party would be removed from their places. There are speculations that Rather and Sagar would be given prime party posts to strengthen the party at grass root level.

After then president NC, Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the chief minister inJanuary 2009, his father Farooq Abdullah took over as the party president. However, after the senior Abdullah was inducted into the union cabinet, it had a telling effect on working of the party. Now, the party high command has decided to undertake a major reshuffle in the party to strengthen it.

Significantly, the general secretary of NC, Sheikh Nazir, has not been keeping well for the last two-three months. He had suffered mild cardiac attack in March this year and was rushed to New Delhi for treatment.

Political crisis fails to end internal bickerings in J&K Cong

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 13: As the political crisis deepens in the conflict-ridden state of J&K, it has failed to reduce the internal bickering within the ranks of state unit of Congress party.
The two factions of the state Congress unit, one owing allegiance to JKPCC chief, Saif-ud-Din Soz and the other to union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, are again at loggerhead with Azad's loyalists blaming the state unit chief for not having convened a meeting of JKPCC cadre prior to the all-party meet.

"Unfortunate attitude of leadership of Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir, which preferred not to call meeting of both Congress executive and legislature party (CLP) prior to participating in all-party meeting called by chief minister, Omar Abdullah, is against democratic values of the party," said a statement issued to the press by some disgruntled JKPCC members, including few ex-ministers.

Talking to Kashmir Times, senior JKPCC leader, Abdul Gani Vakil said that it was imperative for the unit president to have convened the party meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis.
"Congress party represents democracy in its real sense, but what the state Congress unit did is against the spirit of democracy," he said.

However, refuting the allegations of Vakil, JKPCC president said that he had directed his party whips to inform every Congress legislator to attend the meeting of coordination committee.

"I had directed the two party whips, Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Bashir Ahmad Mir to inform all MLAs and MLCs to be present in the coordination committee meet, but Choudhary (Mohammad Aslam) sahib and Vakil sahib opted out," Soz told Kashmir Times. "Yes, we wanted to call executive and legislators meet, but due to time constraints we were unable to do that."
Soz said that he had tried to persuade CLP leader, Choudhary Mohammad Aslam through Ghulam Ahmad Mir.

"I also talked to Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand on phone and requested him to attend the legislators' meet," he said.

Senior Congress leader and former minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, said that there was hardly any time to have summoned the party legislators and executive members for holding deliberations.

"Before coordination committee meet, deputy chief minister directly called up Vakil and asked him to attend the meeting," he said. "Vakil, who was in Delhi, was also told by the deputy chief minister that the party would arrange for his air ticket so that he is able to make it to the meeting."

Mir said that Vakil was also told that he would be air dashed to Kashmir in the state aircraft.

"Chowdhary Aslam, who was in Poonch, told me on phone that he would try to make it to the meeting, but he couldn't," he said.

Launching counter-offensive, Vakil belied the assertion of Congress unit chief and Mir that there was almost no time for having convened the party meeting. He said that the decision to hold the all-party meeting was announced a week before.

"There was ample time, but I fail to understand why they wished not to convene the party meeting," he said.

Referring to the three-member delegation of JKPCC which attended the all-party meet, Vakil said that it was very strange that the party chief did not bother to take along the representative of Kargil and Ladakh to the all-party meet.

Castigating the JKPCC office bearers, Vakil said that it has been over two-and-a-half year since executive committee meeting of the state Congress unit was convened.

"The fact is that JKPCC has never bothered to convene a meeting to discuss the important and sometimes controversial issues," he said. "Be it the issue of inter-district recruitment, controversy over the setting up of Central University, or controversial women disqualification bill, the state Congress unit has never bothered to seek the opinion of the party members."

Taking a dig at Vakil, a senior JKPCC leader said that Vakil had developed a dangerous habit of criticizing the party top brass for the heck of it.

"He (Vakil) never comes to office. He does not attend meetings even if he is invited," he said. "He and some of his other like-minded colleagues only go to the press and try to create dissention among Congress workers."

Dissidence and infighting within the ranks of JKPCC has been going on for long time now. The JKPCC office bearers have tried their best to brush aside the reports of internal bickering among rival groups in the party, but the animosity brewing in the party ranks has manifested itself in several forms.

Significantly, Azad has also distanced himself from the JKPCC chief, Saif-ud-Din Soz. Both the leaders had come face to face at Royal Spring Golf Course here in April this year, but they did not even greet each other or exchange a single word.

The months-long bitterness among rival groups in the party had got augmented after Soz decided to welcome elder son of commander of government-backed gunmen and one time legislator, Kuka Parray, into the party fold.

Vakil, who is considered very close to Azad, has been spewing venom against the JKPCC top brass, particularly against the state Congress chief.

The rivalry between Soz and Vakil is not something new. Vakil has often been at loggerheads with Soz on different issues. When Soz was catapulted to the helm of affairs of J&K-PCC, Vakil was not happy with the decision, and on more than one occasion he also publicly showed his displeasure.

Meanwhile, the statement issued by Vakil to the press was endorsed by several Congress leaders including, CLP leader and MLA (Surankote) Choudhary Mohammed Aslam, former MLC P. Namgyal (Leh), Haji Nisar (ex-minister), Gulchain Singh Charak (ex-minister), Suman Bhagat (ex-minister), Gharu Ram(ex-minister), Janak Raj Gupta (ex-Advisor to former CM), MLC Haji Ali Mohammed Bhat, MLC Jehangir Mir, MLC Subhash Gupta, MLA (Banihal) Viqar Rasool, MLA (Ramban) Ashok Kumar, MLC Naresh Gupta and ex-Mayor JMC Narinder Singh.

They said, in the statement, that height of autocracy can be gauged from the fact that neither the CLP leader nor Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand were taken into confidence before the crucial all-party meeting.

The leaders urged Congress president and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi to take note of happenings in the Congress' state unit, and appealed Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and Congress General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi, to help the Congress party in J&K to come out of this "undemocratic and unconstitutional era".

All-party meet calls for independent probe into civilian killings

PDP, Panthers stay away from conclave

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 12: All-party meeting, convened by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to find a way out of the deepening political crisis in the valley, has decided to send an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, for initiating a political process in Kashmir. Moreover, the parties also stressed the need for taking separatists on board by resuming the internal and external dialogue.

Pertinently, the meeting turned out to be a damp squib in the absence of the second largest party, People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP).

The four-hour long conference dominated by the presence of the ruling coalition ended without spelling out any specific concrete measure in relation to the present security situation in the valley, belying all expectations.

Condemning the firing and use of force by police and CRPF against the protestors, the parties called for an independent inquiry into the killings of the civilians. The proposal was mooted by CPI (M), but BJP delegation opposed it tooth and nail. However, after much hue and cry, the state government finally gave its nod to the proposal.

Expressing deep regret over the recent spate of civilian killings across the valley, the parties also asked the state government to consider adequate ex-gratia relief to the victims' families.
According to the insiders, the political parties also castigated the government for deploying the army in the valley.

"We told the chief minister that there was no need to bring the army here as it had done its job long time back," said a senior mainstream leader and former minister. "On the one hand the government talks about empowering the state police and on the other hand it takes a drastic step like this," he adds.

The meeting also expressed its disappointment over the economic losses suffered by the people, notably traders, daily wagers and vendors during the ongoing unrest. The high-level meeting also expressed concern over the adverse impact the ongoing unrest has had on the education of children in the valley.

The parties appealed the people to come forward and help in bringing back peace to the besieged vale of Kashmir.

The meeting decided that an all-party delegation would be sent to meet the prime minister and invite his attention to various problems faced by the state.

The delegation, which is likely to leave for New Delhi next week, would urge the Prime Minister to launch a political initiative in Kashmir.

"The delegation will discuss problems of unemployment with the prime minister, besides it will urge him to involve different shades of political opinions in Kashmir to work out a peaceful and permanent solution for Kashmir," sources said.

The meeting also urged the Government of India (GoI) to strengthen the dialogue process and stressed the need for concrete talks with Pakistan and separatist leaders.

The CPI (M) state secretary, MY Tarigami, asked the chief minister to directly talk to state journalist fraternity to restore its confidence.

Pertinently, the state's principal opposition, PDP and JJKNPP did not attend the meeting. PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti had termed the meeting as "futile exercise" and had even rejected an appeal by the prime minister and the chief minister to attend the meeting.

The parties represented in the meeting included National Conference (NC), Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), Democratic Party Nationalist (DPN) besides independent legislators including MLA, Langate, Er. Abdul Rashid, MLA, Kathua, Charanjeet Singh and MLA, Leh, Tsetan Namgyal.

Union minister and president NC, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, president PCC, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz, minister for finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, minister for education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, minister for rural development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, minister for forests, Mian Altaf Ahmed, minister for social welfare, Sakina Itoo, minister of state for Haj and Auquaf, Aijaz Ahmad Khan, state secretary CPI (M), M Y Tarigami, DPN president, Ghulam Hassan Mir, PDF president, Hakeem Mohammed Yaseen, BJP president Shamsher Singh Manhas and CPI state secretary, Abdul Rehman Tukroo and state president Nationalist Congress Party Thakur Randhir Singh were also present in the meeting.

Ahead of all-party meet, NC-Cong legislators throw weight behind Omar

PDP's refusal 'very unfortunate for J&K': Govt

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 11: Legislators of ruling NC-Congress coalition partners today threw their full weight behind chief minister, Omar Abdullah, asserting that they support all the decisions taken by the beleaguered chief minister.

Expressing full confidence and faith in Omar Abdullah, the members, who met here today under the chairmanship of the chief minister, unanimously passed various resolutions aimed at bringing back peace to the besieged valley.

Flanked by his father and union minister, Farooq Abdullah, and J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief, Saif-ud-Din Soz, the chief minister, who was dressed up very casually in white kurta pajama, expressed deep regret over a spate of civilian killings in the past few weeks.

Senior Congress leader and minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, told Kashmir Times that the meeting reviewed the prevailing volatile situation in most parts of the valley.

"It is a sensitive issue, and a group of ministers has been keeping a close watch on the happenings," he said.

Asked about state's principal opposition People's Democratic Party's refusal to attend all-party meet convened by the chief minister, scheduled to be held tomorrow, Taj said that the PDP had always stayed back whenever the state faced crisis.

"It is in their (PDP leadership) wisdom. We can not force anyone," he said. "No less a person than the PM had invited them. We can't do anything, but lament."

He said that by extending invitation to the PDP leadership the state government had done its job.

"It would have been good on their part had they accepted the invite," he said. "They should come forward and give suggestions and show us the way."

Terming PDP's decision to turn down PM's suggestion vis-…-vis attending the high-level all-party meet as "unfortunate for J&K state", Taj said that it was now left for the people to decide which party was right.

"People are the best judges," he said, brushing aside the speculation that the PDP's move would cause serious setback to government's efforts of building a political consensus to tackle the prevailing volatile situation in the valley.

He said that PDP had also skipped the all-party meet convened by the chief minister in March this year, to discuss employees' demands.

"It is the duty of the opposition to oppose, and that's what PDP is doing, criticizing the government for the heck of it," he said.

Giving details about today's high-level meeting, Taj said the meeting expressed sympathies with the bereaved families of all those who were killed in different incidents in the valley. He said that the government would provide help and relief to the victims' families.

The meeting appealed to the denizens of the state, particularly of the valley, irrespective of the political shade they belong to, to extend their cooperation in bringing back peace and normalcy to the valley.

Appreciating the steps taken by the state government "in its sincere desire of restoring peace", the legislators urged the people to extend their support, asserting that the public support would go a long way in protecting the life and property and restoring peace in the valley.

The meeting also resolved that the government would put in place an appropriate mechanism to address the "grievances and problems of the people in a more vibrant systematic, regular and time bound manner, which will be viewed and reviewed from time to time by the government".

Ongoing unrest personal, political setback for me : CM

Army to stand by till next week

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 10: In a candid confession of his own failure to deal with the recent spurt in mass protests in the wake of civilian killings that have rocked the valley for the last couple of weeks, chief minister, Omar Abdullah, today said that the ongoing political unrest was not only giving him sleepless nights, but had also caused huge setback to him both personally and politically.

"I have got to re-build it brick by brick," Omar said.

The beleaguered chief minister also brushed aside speculations that he would step aside to make way for his father and union minister, Farooq Abdullah, to take reins of the state.

In different interviews with selective media organizations here today, the chief minister said that he was not the one who would shy away from his responsibilities.

"Even if my finger is not on the trigger, the butt of the rifle is on my shoulder," he said.
Stating that the decision to call in the army was taken under extremely difficult circumstances, Omar said that the army would not be withdrawn from the valley at least till July 13, Kashmir's Martyrs' day.

He said that he had a tough time to convince himself before taking the decision.

"I had lengthy discussions with my ministerial colleagues about the appropriateness of it. I spent a lot of time on self introspection," he said.

Admitting that he knew practically it would not be a wise decision, Omar rued he had no other option under the circumstances.

Giving the reason for deploying the army, Omar said, "we needed a breathing space to give tempers a chance to cool."

"It was to send out a message that the curfew was in place and it had to be respected," he said. "The decision was also aimed at moving required battalions of CRPF and state police from peripherals to interiors where we feared trouble."

Stating that killing of a 25-year-old woman, Fancy, on July 6, 2010 added fuel to the fire and further fanned the anger.

"When Fancy died the mood changed completely and we didn't want to take chances. The mood was such that no political reaching out could have worked," he said.

Maintaining that the decision of deploying the army should be seen in the light of its consequences, the chief minister said that so far we had not had a "serious incident of trouble".

"The decision (of brining the army) was the right one. It's not the decision that was taken lightly. Nor do I hope to ever have to take a decision like this for the duration that I am chief minister," he said.

Maintaining that the army was not used since yesterday, Omar said that the state government would consider the option of withdrawing the army only after July 13.

"We have not cancelled our request given the problems we were facing," he said. The situation is being monitored on a daily basis. I think we might wish to have that option available to us till the 13th (of July) and then take a call on it."

The chief minister also expressed his desire to meet the family members of all those civilians who were killed in police or CRPF action.

"That's something I would need to do. Not politically. So don't be surprised if you don't see it on any channel or read about it in any newspaper," he said. "But just for my own personal atonement for the way that I feel that would be something I would like to do".

Referring to the accusation of opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), Omar said, "Well the facts and figures speak otherwise. There were disturbances and civilian causalities were more during their regime. The PDP rule came when New Delhi and Islamabad were getting close. Roads were opened, talks were held with Pakistan and Hurriyat. Guess (the then chief minister Mufti Sayeed) he had no complaints but still the causalities happened."

Aga threatens to pull out of Hurriyat Conference (M)

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, June 12: In a move that could further split the already divided separatist constituency in Kashmir, one of the major constituents of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference, has threatened to pull out of the conglomerate if Mirwaiz failed to come openly in support of its leader.

Aga Syed Hassan Budgami, president of his faction of J&K Anjuman-e Sharie Shiaan, a major Shia organization which holds considerable sway over politico-religious life of a major chunk of Shia community particularly in Srinagar, Budgam and Baramulla districts, has decided to boycott executive council meetings of Hurriyat Conference (G) until the Mirwaiz clears his stand vis-à-vis the allegations of Dukhtaran-e Millat (DeM) chief, Asiya Andrai.

Pertinently, the DeM chief had reportedly castigated Aga Hassan and three other senior separatist leaders – Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Moulvi Abbas Ansari, and Bilal Gani Lone, accusing them of being "black sheep". Asia said that she had also told Mirwaiz almost a year back to remove them from the conglomerate".

Taking a dig at Moulvi Abbas Ansari, Asia had also labeled the former Hurriyat Conference chairman as "Indian agent".

Abbas had accused People's Democratic Party (PDP) of inciting stone-pelting and violence in the Valley.

"Why is stone-pelting and mob violence happening in areas where Umar sahib [Mirwaiz] and I have considerable influence? The opposition is the one inciting trouble because they want governor's rule. They are even triggering clashes between shias and sunnis," he had said.

Ansari's remarks led senior PDP leader, and his cousin Moulvi Iftikhar Ansari to call him a "paid agent" of National Conference.

In December last year, Asia had also asked senior separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani to retire from active politics. Without naming any leader, she had also said that a cleansing process should be started to clean the separatist camp from all "deadwood and liabilities".

Talking to Kashmir Times, Aga Hassan maintained that his organization would continue supporting Hurriyat Conference (M)'s programmes, however, it would not take part in the conglomerate's executive meetings.

“Serious allegations have been leveled against me. I want Mirwaiz to speak out so that people would come to know about the truth," he said. "If they (Mirwaiz group) don't want us to be in the Hurriyat fold, let they make it clear."

He said that those who point fingers at them and their commitment to Kashmir cause must not forget the "sacrifices made by the community for the cause". Pertinently, in 1991 Shias of Kashmir had set up their own militant outfit, J&K Hizul Momineen.

The Anjuman Sharie was among the primary constituents of Hurriyat Conference (M) after it was founded in 1990.

Earlier, the Anjuman had remained aloof from active politics ever since its inception in 1958. However, soon after the death of its founder, Ayatollah Aga Syed Yousuf, who was the last undisputed patriarch of the popular Aga family of Budgam, two members of the family jumped into mainstream politics; one chose Congress and another National Conference (NC). After the death of Aga Yousuf, the Anjuman also got split into two factions, one headed by Yousuf's son, Aga Syed Fazlullah, and the other headed by his nephew and son-in-law, Aga Syed Mustafa.

In 1990, Aga Hassan, then vice-president of Anjuman-e Sharie Shiaan made the Anjuman a constituent of Hurriyat Conference (M). However, it was given the executive status only in 2005-06.

After the erstwhile All-Party Hurriyat Conference broke into two in 2003, Aga Hassan joined Syed Ali Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference. However, after some time the two leaders developed differences and Aga Hassan pulled out of the Geelani faction, and joined the Mirwaiz faction.

Pertinently, Aga Hassan had also unsuccessfully contested assembly elections in 1977 on Janta Party ticket.

CM's plea for dialogue finds no takers

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, July 4: As the political crisis deepens in the valley of Kashmir in the wake of mass protests over a spate of civilian killings, chief minister, Omar Abdullah, is vociferously stressing the need for dialogue “to help resolve the issue”.

“We have been strong votaries of dialogue both internal as well as external to help resolve issues,” he said while addressing a meeting of prominent citizens and traders here.

After trading accusations over Mumbai 26/11, New Delhi and Islamabad had shown intention to talk on Kashmir, and even Hurriyat Conference (M), a conglomerate of separatist groups, had expressed willingness to be a part of the much-talked-about dialogue process, however, first the Machil expose and then the spate of civilian killings in the valley put the much anticipated dialogue process on backburner.

Political pundits believe that government of India (GoI) has a challenge before it to create an atmosphere conducive for dialogue.

“Atmosphere seems to have been vitiated. Hurriyat Conference (M), which could be involved in the dialogue process, would be under pressure,” said political analyst Prof Noor Ahmad Baba.

Baba, however, said that dialogue was the only way out in resolving the Kashmir problem.

“The current situation is a big reminder for GoI to start a dialogue process for addressing political issues,” he said.

Talking to Kashmir Times, chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said that talks and human rights violations could not go hand in hand.

“New Delhi is already aware about our stand. The problem is that India has been focusing only on governance and development and ignoring the main issue,” he said. “Kashmir is not a matter of good or bad governance.”

Mirwaiz said that New Delhi must create an atmosphere conducive for a sustained dialogue.

He, however, said that dialogue was not possible “unless and until bunkers and military camps are evacuated from towns and the city”.

Taking a dig at state government, Mirwaiz said that administrative changes would not help in changing the ground reality.

"The state governments are helpless. The onus is on New Delhi to come forward and create a favorable atmosphere for talks,” he said.

The Hurriyat (M) chairman said that all three parties to the dispute – New Delhi, Islamabad and Kashmiri leaders – should be involved in the dialogue process.

“We do not distinguish between internal and external dialogue,” he said. “We want all three parties to come on the table and resolve the problem.”

Pertinently, the chief minister had on June 2 obliquely asked separatist leaders to come forward to find a solution to the Kashmir problem and facilitate a dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad.

“We must work together to find a solution that can lead to a lasting peace in Jammu & Kashmir as per the aspirations of the people of this great land,” he had said.