Syed Ali Safvi

Taj-Vakil war of words still on

2012-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

Vakil is a nuisance, a blackmailer: Taj

I've not spoken to Taj for ears: Vakil

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Jan 31: The war of words between two senior Congress leaders – Taj Mohi- ud-Din and Abdul Gani Vakil – refuses to die down with the two leaders continuing to level changes against each other.
Even as Vakil has demanded for sacking of Minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, the latter has “decided” to move court and has sought Vakil’s immediate expulsion from the party “as recommended by the Disciplinary Committee”.
Talking to Kashmir Times over phone from Jammu, Taj said, “He (Vakil) is a nuisance, a blackmailer. Disciplinary Committee has recommended his expulsion from the party. Let the party high command immediately take action on the recommendation so that he (Vakil) is shown the door. The party has been tolerating him for long.”
Taj said that 12 senior leaders of state Congress unit have written to UPA chairperson and president Indian Nation Congress (INC), Sonia Gandhi about the misconduct of Vakil.
“Tara Chand, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, GM Saroori, Haji Nisar Ali, Majeed Wani, Manzoor Ganaie are the signatories to the letter,” he said.
The PHE minister ridiculed Vakil’s claim that he was supported by all state Congress leaders in his “fight” against Taj.
“All the Congress leaders have denied supporting Vakil. Some of them personally called me and some have given written statements in newspapers,” he said. “They said they never attended the so-called meeting.”
Stating that Vakil can not dictate terms to him, Taj said that he has decided to move court.
“I have no skeleton in my cupboard. How can he (Vakil) level charges against me like this? I am collecting all the data, and will soon move the court. Let him (Vakil) prove the charges there,” he said.
Coming down heavily on Vakil, Taj said that Vakil has not won a single election all his life.
“He tries to blackmail all the ministers. He has this uncanny habit of leveling changes against his own colleagues,” he said, adding that before writing letter to him, Vakil had written a similar letter to Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, accusing him of gross misconduct.
“We showed the letter to Ghulam Nabi Azad also. I talked with Azad sahib personally about the matter. He said he was not going to tolerate all this,” Taj said. Referring to the alleged corruption and mismanagement in his department, Taj said that all these allegations were examined and found to be baseless.
“Whenever news about any financial misconduct publishes in papers, departmental enquiry starts. We receive paper cutting from Information department,” he said, adding that Vakil does not understand the functioning of the government.
Taj said that when Vakil had made allegations against him and the departments he head, he had shot a letter to Vakil.
“Though it was not obligatory on my part to write to him, but I wrote a letter to him informing him about the departmental inquiries conducted from time to time,” he said.
Talking to Kashmir Times, Vakil refuted that Disciplinary Committee had recommended his expulsion.
“There are no such recommendations against me. Even JKPCC president, (Prof Saif-ud-Din) Soz sahib has denied making such recommendation against me,” he said.
Stating that he had not spoken to Taj for the last four years, Vakil rejected all the allegations leveled by Taj against him.
“It is his (Taj’s) frustration, which is forcing him to level baseless allegations against me,” he said. “I’m not on talking terms with him for the last four years so there is no question of having sought any favour from him,” he said.
“I will quit politics if he (Taj) will prove that I have send him any letter or even any slip recommending anybody during his tenure as minister,” he said.
“I have launched jihad against corruption. I don’t intervene in anybody’s affairs. Despite being a former minister, I don’t own a vehicle,” Vakil told KTNS.
Vakil reiterated that he would expose all the bungling and scams in PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control departments led by Taj Mohi-ud-Din.
“I will leave no stone unturned till all the scams are exposed,” Vakil said.
He claimed that he was following the mission of Sonia Gandhi and INC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi against corruption.
Vakil alleged that Taj was involved in corruption since he was minister for CAPD in the previous government and corruption case is pending against him (Taj) in State Accountability Commission(SAC), for which, according to Vakil, Taj had sought a High Court stay and that case is pending for investigation in the SAC.
Welcoming the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decision of handing over Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed's case file to Crime Branch, Vakil said that similar inquiry should be conducted in the alleged corruption and bungling in PHE department.
Expressing surprise over the silence of opposition over the issues, Vakil said, "I wonder why PDP (People's Democratic Party) and other opposition parties have preferred silence over these important issues

Internal bickering in Cong gets murkier

2012-01-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Taj, Vakil lock horns

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Jan 28: There seems to be no end to the internal bickering within the ranks of state unit of Congress party with the war of words among the Congress leaders only getting murkier day by day.
A serious war of words has erupted between two senior Congress leaders - Minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din and MLC Abdul Gani Vakil. According to sources, Vakil had dispatched a letter to Congress high command in New Delhi, alleging that Taj was involved in scams in the departments under his portfolio.
Reacting strongly to the accusations, Taj today threatened to file a defamation suit against Vakil “for leveling false allegations” against him.
Talking to a local news gathering agency, KNS, the minister for PHE Irrigation and Flood Control came down heavily on Vakil, terming him “irresponsible person who would always level false allegations against others.”
“Vakil is breaching party discipline and has gone out of control now. He (Vakil) has no standing on ground and has lost all the elections he has contested till now. He is frustrated and disgruntled,” Taj said.
Reacting to Taj’s statement, Vakil has written an open letter to the minister, expressing his dismay over the “threat” of defamation suit to a “senior colleague”.
Talking to Kashmir Times over phone from Jammu, Vakil said that he had only demanded a probe into the alleged bungling and financial misconduct in the PHE department.
“Demanding enquiry into financial mess is everybody’s right,” he said. “I wonder how demanding an inquiry into the bunglings and brazen loot of tax payers’ money calls for defamation.”
“Not only as a Congressman, but as a citizen, I have all the legitimate right to raise the issues of corruption and bunglings by any ministry or bureaucrats in our state,” the former minister said.
Vakil said it was “absurd” and “ironical” that those who had defamed the Congress party were talking of filing defamation suits against those who are working like “watchdogs of the society” and had dared to raise a voice against corruption.
“You intend to file defamation case against those party leaders who have contributed 40 years of their life for building and strengthening the party in Jammu and Kashmir state. It is disgraceful, shocking and appalling that you ignored my forewarnings to bring in transparency and accountability in the system and now are trying to snub me, which is irresponsive, arrogant and uncalled for on your part,” he wrote in the open letter.
In the letter, Vakil accused Taj of maintaining a “criminal silence” over the revelations of reported financial bunglings in the departments under Taj’s portfolio.
“Your criminal silence speaks of your irresponsive attitude and lack of will to fight corrupt practices rampant in your department,” the letter reads.
Vakil said that the issues were brought into the notice of the minister by senior Congress leaders and were also reported in newspapers, but the minister never ordered inquiry into the reported fraud, which, according to Vakil, “speaks of grave injustice and brazen loot of public money”.
“My intention to bring it to your notice the alleged mismanagement in your department was aimed at setting the things right and bringing in transparency and accountability in the system but it is quite ironical that you preferred to threaten me and not get the matter investigated instead,” the letter reads further. “I have always been raising issues of public importance both inside the house as well as outside with the intention to set the system right and bring culprits to book, but in this case instead of appreciating my view point you have threatened me of defamation.”
Blaming Taj for showing “high-headedness”, “callousness”, and “insensitivity”, Vakil said that instead of threatening to file a defamation suit, Taj should have immediately ordered an inquiry into mismanagement going on in his department.
“This type of irresponsive attitude has already badly affected image our coalition government and Congress in particular,” he said.
Taking a further dig at Taj, Vakil said that corruption cases pending against him in State Accountability Commission (SAC), land grabbing case against him and his family pending in J&K High Court and various scams surfacing from time to time in various divisions of PHE and Irrigation departments have already done enough harm to the Congress party.
“And now, you are talking of defamation suits against those who have dared to raise voice against corruption, which is inopportune and regrettable,” he said. “It is undesirable that your dictatorial way of thinking which is evident by this action of yours that instead of talking cognizance of revelations made by media, party workers or senior colleagues of yours, you did not prefer to hold inquiry into the alleged bunglings but preferred to shoot a letter to me.”
Vakil accused Taj of shielding the corrupt officers in his departments by not holding inquiries.
“By not holding inquiries into the alleged bunglings, you want to encourage such malpractices and mismanagement in your department,” he wrote to Taj. “Now since you have taken to choose to take the issue in public domain, I would like to inform you that Congress party has suffered a great setback because of your continuous criminal silence on the allegations of corruption and bunglings in your department.”
“Your (Taj’s) conduct as a minister demonstrates your incompetence, insensitivity and connivance in department, which is why you are peeved and scared of a demand of inquiry by me,” says the letter. “You seem to be scared of getting exposed in public domain as well as in Congress party. As a minister and incharge of the departments under you, you should have been in the know of mismanagement going on but for your reference I would like to cite some newspaper clippings which might open your eyes and force you to act tough on corrupt and save tax payers’ money from going to drains.”

Budgam in throes of sectarian unrest

2011-12-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

DDC convenes meeting of respectable citizens

SAS

SRINAGAR, Dec 20: In order to broker peace between two Muslim sects in central Kashmir’s Budgam district so that peace and normalcy is restored in restive Budgam villages, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, today convened a meeting of responsible persons from both the sects to discuss the measures in tackling sectarian strife, triggered by the surfacing of a porn MMS clip, involving a local youth, who belongs to a Muslim minority sect, on December 15.

The DDC convened a meeting of responsible citizens, including youth, at a Conference Hall here this afternoon. The meeting was attended by senior PDP leader and former minister, Aga Syed Mehmood Al-Moosvi, Moulvi Abid Hussain Ansari, members of civil society, some residents of restive villages of Nasrullahpora, Warpora, Dahpora, Sepdan, Bemina, Qadipora, and other villages. Senior officials of district administration, including SSP Budgam, Uttam Chand, were also present on the occasion. Senior journalists Ahmed A Fayaz and Syed Ali Safvi also attended the meeting.

The meeting condemned the incidents and discussed various measures to restore peace and normalcy in the district. The representatives of both the sects unanimously demanded stern action against the main accused involved in the porn clip. They assured the district administration that they would ensure that no untoward incident of this nature takes place in the district.

On the assurance of villagers and respectable citizens, it was decided that the persons, who have been arrested for allegedly fomenting trouble, would be released.

The villagers also assured the district administration that divisive elements would be reined in.

The representatives of both the sects also apologized for whatever had happened over the passed five days.

SSP Budgam, Uttam Chand, speaking on the occasion, said that the district police had prepared a list of “lumpen elements” and “we are keeping close watch on them”.

Referring to the Budgam Degree College incident where youths of the Muslim majority sect were harassed, the SSP said that such incidents would not be tolerated.

“Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in such activities,” he said.

Pertinently, several villages of Budgam district have been reeling under severe police restrictions for the last five days following violent protests by villagers against a pornographic MMS clip, showing a local youth in a compromising position with a girl inside his truck

The matter took an ugly turn when some residents of Nasrullapora village marched towards nearby hamlet of Dahpora and pelted stones and ransacked the house of the main accused. The tipper of the accused was also torched. After the incident, police and paramilitary CRPF were deployed and curfew was imposed in half a dozen villages of Budgam district.

Meanwhile, rumour mongers enjoyed a field day and escalated the tension between two Muslim sects. Several attempts, according to sources, were made in different areas to attack the nearby villages.

The tension escalated yesterday afternoon when, according to the sources, some youth belonging to Muslim majority sect were roughed up by some youth near Budgam.

Soon after the word spread, two Muslim minority villages –Sepdan and Qadipora - were attacked allegedly by groups belonging to the majority sect in late evening. The sources said that attackers pelted stones and smashed window panes of a house at Sepdan crossing.

Following the incident, police and CRPF personnel were heavily deployed in Sepden area. DDC Budgam, SSP Budgam, and SHO Budgam arrived on the spot to pacify the situation.

The police and CRPF personnel continued to be deployed in the area when last reports came in.

Budgam continues to remain tense

2011-12-17T21:55:00.000-08:00

Don't fall prey to divisive forces: Aga Hassan, Shabir Shah appeal to people

SYED ALI SAFVI

BUDGAM, Dec 17: Curfew continued to remain in force for second consecutive day in parts of Budgam district, disrupting normal life in the areas, even as fears of sectarian strife mounted in the curfew bound villages.
Police and para-military troops are heavily deployed along Mirgund-Nasrullahpora-Chandipora road, restricting public movement in the area. The forces are also deployed at Dahpora, Nasrullahpora, Tekipora, Mirgund, Qadipora, Pymus, and Pathanpora villages.
A strong contingent of police has been deployed at Tekipora, Mirgund, just one and a half km away from the offices of DDC and SSP. The 200-strong police contingent have almost blocked the main road and are preventing even the pedestrians to move beyond Mirgund crossing.
According to sources, police today stopped senior separatist leader and Democratic Freedom Party president, Shabir Ahmad Shah, at Mirgund crossing and did not allow him to proceed to Nasrullahpora.
However, another senior separatist leader, Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi, who is also a senior Shia cleric and heads Anjuman-e Sharie Shian - a Shia religious body - was allowed to go to Dahpora to lead the funeral prayer for a 16-year-old girl who died of cardiac arrest late last night.
The sources also said that the police had partially lifted the restriction yesterday evening, but some of the houses in Dahpora were attacked allegedly by residents of nearby villages following which the curfew was re-imposed in the areas.
Talking to Kashmir Times, SSP Budgam, Uttam Chand, said that situation has been brought under control.
“Situation is normal now. We had a meeting with senior citizens of the areas yesterday and they have cooperated with us,” he said.
Asked why the restrictions have not been lifted, he said, “Restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure. There are elements which will try to create trouble that's why we have asked our men to remain stationed there. The situation is under control.”
Pertinently, authorities had imposed curfew in several villages of Budgam district Thursday evening following violent protests by villagers against a pornographic MMS clip, showing a local youth in a compromising position with a girl inside his truck.
The residents of Nasrullahpora village had marched towards nearby hamlet of Dahpora and pelted stones and ransacked the house of the main accused involved in the clip. The protestors, according o eyewitnesses, torched the tipper of the accused and set ablaze the clothes of his family members and looted the belongings.
Meanwhile, Aga Syed Hassan and Shabir Ahmad Shah have appealed people not to fall prey to the campaign by divisive forces.
In a press statement issued here, Shah alleged that deliberate attempts were being made to discredit the age old Shia-Sunni brotherhood and harmony and to create a wedge between the two communities.
He said attempts to destabilize Shia-Sunni harmony were made even in the past also.
“Only the individuals involved in the act should be held responsible and punished and it should have nothing to do with the community,” Shah said.

Curfew imposed in parts of Budgam after protests over porn clip

2011-12-17T01:58:00.000-08:00

Truck of main accused torched, house ransacked; DC, SSP chip in to defuse crisis

SYED ALI SAFVI

BUDGAM, Dec 16: Curfew was imposed in three villages of central Kashmir’s Budgam district following violent protests by villagers against a pornographic MMS clip, showing a local youth in a compromising position with a girl inside his truck.
Pertinently, this is the second incident of this nature to occur in the district in a month.
After the objectionable video surfaced at Nasrullahpora, adjacent to Budgam district headquarters, yesterday, the irate residents marched towards nearby hamlet of Dahpora and pelted stones and ransacked the house of the main accused involved in the clip. The protestors, according to eyewitnesses, torched the tipper of the accused and set ablaze the clothes of his family members and looted the belongings.
As the situation went out of control, large contingents of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed in the area and curfew like restrictions were imposed by the authorities in three villages – Nasrullahpora, Dahpora, Tekipora – to prevent further damage, loss or injury and prevent the issue taking a sectarian hue as the accused belongs to Muslim minority sect.
The Budgam police had arrested the accused last evening from Dahpora and a filed a case of rape under section 376 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
“The accused has been arrested and a case under section 450, 67 IT, 292, and 376 has been registered against him,” Uttam Chand, SSP Budgam, told Kashmir Times.
SHO Budgam said that the youth had circulated the video clip to his friends. He said that although the girl’s identity has not yet been ascertained, but as per the video clip she appears to be “mature”.
Meanwhile, DC Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, and SSP Budgam visited the curfew bound village of Nasrullapora this afternoon to defuse the crisis. They interacted with the respectable citizens and sought their support in restoring normalcy in the area.
“The villagers assured them that they will ensure that peace and stability are restored in the area,” SHO Budgam, who is stationed at Nasrullapora from last evening, told KTNS. “Situation is under control now and the restrictions have been partially lifted.”
Pertinently, on November 14, as valley was celebrating Children’s day, a video showing a minor school girl in a compromising position was distributed to the mobile users.
The irate protestors had ransacked the house of the main accused. A case of rape under section 376 was registered and the main accused was arrested.
Significantly, the first incident of a similar nature had taken place in August 2006 in the district.
On August 5, 2006 a video showing a minor girl in compromising position surfaced in the town. The video was shot at a local private school and had been shot by the younger son of a senior government employee, posted in the district, and running the school.
The case, however, was taken to a Sharia Adalat (religious court) of Aga Syed Hasan Al-Moosvi, president of Anjumani Sharie Shiayan, a Shia Muslim religious body.

Budgam sitting on environmental time bomb?

2011-11-28T04:55:00.000-08:00

17 brick kilns, 27 stone crushers function illegally, 54 licenses issued in 3 yrs

SYED ALI SAFVI

BUDGAM, Nov 27: Central Kashmir’s Budgam district has also been dubbed as “Buthgam” (village of brick kilns) for its ubiquitous brick kilns that have virtually brought this district on the verge of environmental catastrophe.

In brazen violation of environmental laws and in absence of regulatory guidance, mushroom growth of brick kilns in the district has been threatening the environment and posing a threat to public health.

According to official sources, at least 17 brick kilns and 27 stone crushers are running in the district without license, making a mockery of the district administration.

As per the official statistics available with Kashmir Times, 10 brick kiln owners have been running their business in Budgam Tehsil without any license for the last several years. These illegal brick kilns include two each at Chandipora, Chitroo Dangarpora, and one each at Ichkoot, Waterwani, Hardu Batapura, Labertal, Putlibagh and Wahabpora.

Similarly, as per the official statistics, seven brick kilns are running illegally in Chadoora tehsil, including three at Rakh Shalina, and one each at Qanoongopora, Beegam, Yari Kalan, and Kathigund.
Pertinently, throwing all environmental norms to the wind, the authorities issued license to 54 brick kilns in a span of three years from 2007 to 2009, which include 31 in Chadoora tehsil, 18 in Beerwah tehsil, and five in Budgam tehsil.

According to official sources, Budgam district has a total of 204 brick kilns. However, unofficial sources place this number between 300 and 350. Significantly, finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather’s home tehsil - Chrar-e Shraief, and recently carved out tehsil of Khag are the only two tehsils in the district which have been spared by brick kiln mafia.

Environmentalists are concerned about the mushroom growth of brick kilns and stone crushers in the district. Worried, they have warned that unless urgent solutions are prescribed and implemented to keep a check on brick kilns, Budgam may be sitting on an environmental “time bomb”.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Budgam district administration had in April this year, identified 44 brick kilns for “violation of relevant laws and rules”. However, the much-talked about drive against the brick kilns came to a sudden halt, reasons best known to the authorities.

The official statistics further reveals that there are 27 stone crushers functioning without license in the district. Of the 27 illegal stone crushers, 16 are at Lasjan, 10 at Rakhshalina, and one at Shalina.

The unchecked, mushroom growth of brick kilns and stone crushers speaks volumes about the callous attitude of the district administration that has miserably failed to put the brakes ecological vandalism.

According to official sources, a section of government officials are working hand in glove with the brick kiln mafia.

Is govt discouraging people from using RTI Act?

2011-11-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

Halfhearted implementation of RTI Act -IV

* RTI Application fee is Rs 50 in J&K, Rs 10 in other states

* Photostat charge is Rs 10 per page in J&K as against Rs 2 in rest of India

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Nov 2: The RTI Act was enacted to bring transparency and accountability in the government and bureaucracy, and to enable the common man to monitor the functioning of departments. However, the state government seems hell bent on dissuading people from using the Act.

The state government has fixed very high RTI application fee and photocopy charges as compared to other states, thereby discouraging people from filing RTI applications.

The RTI application fee is Rs 50 in Jammu and Kashmir while in other states of India, it is a mere Rs 10. Similarly, photocopy charge is Rs 10 per page as against Rs 2 per page in rest of India.

Despite Chief Information Commission’s recommendation and chief minister, Omar Abdullah’s assurance vis-à-vis slashing of RTI application fee and Photostat charges, nothing has been done so far.

Chief Information Commissioner, GR Sufi, said that some sections in the bureaucracy are under an impression that high fees would reduce the quantity of applications.

“They are under the wrong impression. If a person gets benefited from RTI Act, he can even pay Rs 1000 as application fee,” Sufi said.

He said that after assuming office, he has been asking the state government to slash the application fee and Photostat charges.

“Since the first day, I have been advocating this. I have written many times to the government and even openly said in public that it would have been proper to keep Rs 10 as application fee,” he said.

Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, convener J&K RTI movement, questioned the reason for fixing Rs 50 as application fee.

“RTI enables people to seek information. It (RTI) is not meant for revenue generation,” he said.

“Jammu and Kashmir is a conflict zone. Our economy has been badly shattered. By charging high application fee and Photostat charges, the government is actually discouraging people who want to seek information under RTI Act,” Muzaffar said. “RTI Act 2004 was a week act, but it had one plus point. The then government had fixed Rs 5 as application fee.”

He said the government of Haryana had recently reduced application fee and Photostat fee from Rs 50 to Rs 10 and from Rs 10 to Rs 2 respectively.

Muzaffar said that a delegation of RTI activists from Kashmir valley and Jammu had called on the chief minister, Omar Abdullah, in January this year.

“We urged him (CM) to get the application fee and Photostat charges reduced and keep it at par with other states,” Muzaffar said. “The chief minister readily agreed and assured us that he will take up the matter in the cabinet, but nothing has been done I this regard.”

Muzaffar said that most of the PIOs and APIOs have no idea about the modes of payment of application fee.

He said that he and his colleagues have faced some technical problems on ground as far as depositing of application fee is concerned.

“There are five modes of payment of application fee, but none of them is proper. For example, Rs 50 stamp paper is sold at Rs 70 in Kargil so the applicant has to pay Rs 20 more than the amount of actual fee,” he said. “Similarly, Rs 50 stamp paper is sold at Rs 55 in other districts.”

He said Indian Postal Order (IPO) of Rs 50 is also not available at all post offices.

“IPOs are only available at district post offices or central post office,” he said. “Even purchasing a bank draft form is not feasible at times. Some times you have to wait hours together in banks.”

Muzaffar said that his organisation had suggested cash as a mode of payment.

“Cash will be the best mode of payment. For that government needs to publish separate receipt books for RTI. Separate account should be created by public authorities at tehsil and district level,” he said.

Govt not keen to conduct workshops; PIOs, APIOs of 3 districts yet to receive trainings

2011-10-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Halfhearted implementation of RTI Act - III

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 24: The RTI Act in the state has turned into a classical case of much ado about nothing with the state government showing minimum interest in promoting and fully enforcing the law in the state.

More than 31 months have passed since the enactment of the RTI Act in the state, the government has done little to train Public Information Officers (PIOs), Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs) and to conduct workshops at district and tehsil levels in the state.
According to the RTI Act, the state government is duty-bound to conduct awareness programmes, workshops to aware public about the law. The Act also obligates government to encourage public authorities to participate and organise awareness programmes and workshops at their levels.

“The government may, to the extent of availability of financial and other resources, develop and organise educational programmes to advance the understanding of the public, in particular of disadvantaged communities as to how to exercise the right contemplated under the Act,” reads Section 23 (1) of the J&K RTI Act 2009.

According to reliable sources, the state government has received lot of funds for giving trainings to PIOs and APIOs and to conduct workshops at tehsil, district level to aware people about the Act.

The law was enacted to empower people, but most of the people are still unaware about the benefits of the Act, courtesy government’s reluctant attitude towards sensitising and awaring people about the rights and usage of RTI Act.

“Not a single RTI workshop has been organised independently by district administration at district level in the valley,” said an RTI activist.

According to sources, the state government has not provided money to district headquarters for conducting RTI workshops for general public.

“The RTI Act is of no use if the common masses are not made aware of the benefits of the Act,” said a senior state bureaucrat.

The sources said last year state government had allotted Rs 5 lakh to Institute of Management and Public Administration (IMPA), which is the nodal agency for implementation of RTI training, for giving training to PIOs and APIOs in every district. However, not a single penny has been allotted for conducting RTI workshops for general public.

Almost a year has passed, there are still three districts in the valley – Anantnag, Pulwama, Baramulla - where PIOs and APIOs have not yet received training.

“We give one-day training capsule to PIOs and APIOs at district level. Hopefully by the end of December, all districts will be covered,” Associate Professor at IMPA, Dr Jehan Ara Jabeen, who gives training to PIOs and APIOs told Kashmir Times.

She said that the central government has been very liberal in funding RTI trainings.

“DoPT is the funding agency for all these courses. Government of India (GoI) has lot of money available for RTI, but the problem is that there are no takers,” Dr Jabeen said. “Most of our training courses are sponsored by GoI.”

She said that the training programmes in districts are only attended by PIOs and APIOs.

“On an average 40-45 PIOs/APIOs attend training programmes in districts,” she added.

Even after 31 months, govt yet to publish RTI user guide

2011-10-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

Halfhearted implementation of RTI Act - II

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 23: The experts attribute partial implementation of RTI Act 2009 to inadequate training coupled with “non-serious attitude” of the public authorities vis-à-vis RTI Act.

Even as the Act obligates state government to compile a RTI user guide in the officical language of the state within 18 months from the commencement of the Act, the state government has not yet come out with such guide even after over 31 months.

Moreover, the government has not published a single pamphlet or advertisement in newspapers, as required under the Act, in the official language to create awareness about the RTI Act.

“The government shall, within eighteen months from the commencement of the Act, compile in the official language of the State a guide containing such information, in an easily comprehensible form and manner, as may reasonably be required by a person who wishes to exercise any right specified in the Act,” reads Section 23(2) of J&K RTI Act 2009.

“In absence of the user guide - which would have information like how to file RTI application, application fees, commission’s address etc – most of the people are still unaware about the benefits of the act,” said Raja Muzaffar, convener J&K RTI Movement. “It speaks volumes about government’s non-seriousness in fully implementing RTI Act in the state.”

When contacted, commissioner/ secretary General Administration Department (GAD), Mohammad Sayeed Khan, said that the guide would be ready within four months.

“CIC (Chief Information Commission) has entrusted the work of translation to university of Kashmir (KU). The translation is in process and will be completed within three to four months,” Khan told Kashmir Times.

Asked about the reason for delay in publication of the guide, Khan said that there was need for orientation and sensitization before compiling a guide.

“This is one of the responsibilities of CIC. They can not only pass directions,” he said. “You are right. It (user guide) requires special focus.”

Muzaffar Bhat said: “It needs political will to implement RTI Act, but unfortunately that seems missing in case of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Associate Professor at IMPA, Dr Jehan Ara Jabeen, who gives training to Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Assistant Public Information Officer (APIOs), said that for the optimum implementation of the RTI Act in the state, Section 4(1) of the Act, which calls for voluntary disclosure, should be properly implemented in all the departments, corporations etc.

“I believe it is the responsibility of public authorities, head of the departments to ensure implementation of Section 4(1). It is not to be done by PIOs,” she said. “Implementation of Section 4 will drastically reduce the number of RTI applications.”

“In rural areas, people mostly seek information regarding BPL list, implementation of NREGA, etc. If these informations are readily available with the concerned departments then people not need to file application for it,” said an RTI activist.

Pertinently, only GAD, Police department and to some extent IMPA have put necessary information, as required under RTI Act Section 4(1), on their respective websites. Websites of other departments, corporations are silent on proactive disclosure.

But even that is not enough. The law says that every information should be disseminated widely through notice boards, newspapers, public announcements, media broadcasts, internet or any other means.

“Unfortunately, even the public authorities have not taken RTI act seriously,” said Dr Jabeen. “Unless Section 4 is implemented, it will be difficult and moreover time consuming for PIOs or APIOs to compile information every now and then,” she said.

She said that state government has to have a separate component for RTI Act in the budget.

“There are some technical flaws. Suppose, information to a BPL applicant is to be given free of cost as per the act, but the PIOs don’t know where to deduct the expenditure from. Because there is no separate budget for such expenditures,” she said.

PIOs have no idea about proactive disclosure

2011-10-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Halfhearted implementation of RTI Act-I

Two years on, govt departments yet to adhere to mandatory Section 4(1) of RTI Act

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 22: Notwithstanding appointments, albeit delayed, of two state information commissioners, the state government has been doing little to implement RTI Act in letter and spirit in the state.
Even as the state government boasts of being the pioneer in enacting RTI Act, the government departments are not fully adhering to this Act.

Call it lack of information or halfhearted implementation of RTI Act, a major chunk of government departments are yet to adhere to the section 4 (1) of the J&K RTI Act 2009, which calls for proactive disclosure.
According to the RTI Act 2009, all departments, ministries, boards, corporations, companies and banks set up or controlled by the state or central governments are duty bound to voluntarily give, within 125 days of commencement of the Act, information regarding name, designation, powers, duties, responsibilities, and salaries of all the officers and employees; list of all categories of all the records available in their offices; proposed budget, allocation of funds and reports about their spending; the manner of implementation of subsidy schemes, list of beneficiaries and amount of funds sanctioned to them; name and designation of Public Information Officers (PIOs), Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs), a directory of its official employees, et al.
The act says that every information should be disseminated widely through notice boards, newspapers, public announcements, media broadcasts, internet or any other means.
J&K RTI Act was enforced in the state with effect from March 20, 2009. Forget 125 days, the state government has failed to ensure implementation of proactive (voluntary) disclosure even after more than two years.
Interestingly, most of the PIOs do not have even a slight idea about the proactive disclosure.
The PIOs, according to the Act, are duty bound to give all information to the applicant on demand. Moreover, applicants need not to submit a written application or pay application fees for seeking information that comes under the ambit of voluntary disclosure.
Convener J&K RTI Movement, Raja Muzaffar, had filed an RTI application with General Administrative Department (GAD), seeking information about the details of government offices which have adhered to the proactive disclosure, section 4(1) of RTI Act 2009.
Although only eight per cent of the departments have responded to the application, but the response given by the concerned PIOs is appalling.
Replying to the question of implementation of Section 4(1) in the department, PIO Directorate of Geology and Mining, who is also Deputy Director Administration Geology and Mining department, vide letter no C-Adm/DGM/RTI/JC/12-14, dated 26-09-2011 writes: “This departments has received 11 applications under RTI Act and all of them stand disposed off.”
To a similar query, Assistant General Manager cum PIO, J&K Handloom Development Corporation vide letter number HDC/ADM/17/707-08, dated 07-10-2011 replies: “J&K Handloom Development Corporation has updated its website with necessary information about working of the corporation.”
The PIO further writes in his reply that the “digitization of records does not apply to Handloom Development Corporation”.
Similarly, PIO Transport department, civil secretariat Srinagar, vide letter no TR-24/GNL/RTI/2006, dated 22-09-2011 writes: “motor Vehicle department, State Motor Garages, State Road Transport Corporation have received so many applications under RTI Act and all of them have been disposed by the concerned PIOs within stipulated period of time”.
The PIO transport department has admitted that the department has not yet digitized its records.
Regarding implementation of proactive disclosure, PIO Soil and Water Management (Command Area development Jammu) writes: “Proactive disclosure pertains to GAD, hence submitted for favour of information”.
PIO Directorate of Horticulture Kashmir writes in his reply vide PUR/231/111/11429-30; dated 22-09-2011: “10 applications have been received by various PIOs and all of them have been disposed off”.
This reporter contacted many senior bureaucrats to enquire about the implementation of Section 4(1) of RTI Act 2009.
When contacted, DDC Srinagar, Mehraj-ud-Din Kakroo, said, “It is in process of getting activated, but it has started.”
“We are preparing to put all the required information on our website. We are just fine tuning it and within a couple of days, you will see all the information on our website,” he said.
DDC Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, said that the instructions were already in place.
“We have issued a circular long back directing all the departments to voluntarily put on display the information of all the ongoing works,” he said.

Rotational CM: More than meets the eye

2011-10-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

JKPCC ‘united’ on mid-term change of guard

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 18: The senior leaders in state and central Congress may be doing their best to brush aside the questions about the possibility of mid-term change of power in Jammu and Kashmir, but the ambitions brewing in the rank and file of the state Congress unit are too strong to put a lid on.
After AICC general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, it was the turn of visiting union minister and former J&K chief minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, to face questions from state Congress leaders and workers on the issue of rotational chief minister-ship in J&K.
Pertinently, as Omar Abdullah-led government is nearing three years, the state Congress has upped the demand for change of power in the state. Interestingly, after being dogged by infighting and bickering for too long, the J&K Pradesh Congress Party (JKPCC) seems united on the issue of mid-term change of power.
The issue of rotation of chief minister has assumed greater significance in the wake of Congress workers’ complaint against “deep-rooted corruption” and “mis-governance” in the state. They also blamed the government for not treating Congress workers at par with NC workers.
Even the state Congress chief, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, has publically admitted that Congress workers were being ill-treated by their coalition partner.
Azad, who was on a three-day visit to the state, was all fire against the Omar Abdullah-led government during his visit to restive Bhaderwah.
According to the party insiders, the state Congress leaders and workers apprised Azad of their grievances with the NC-led regime during his meeting with them at Nehru guest house here.
Sources said that Congress workers told Azad that the government was not treating them at par with NC workers.
“The (Congress) workers also castigated Congress ministers for not paying heed to them,” said the party insiders.
Unlike 2010, the mood at 10 Janpath seems to have changed. This can be gauged from the response of AICC general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, when he was asked about the issue of rotational chief minister-ship during his recent visit to the valley.
Not ruling out the possibility of change of guard in the state, Rahul recently said, “It (rotational of chief minister) is to be decided by the party high command.”
Pertinently, the Gandhi scion had offered all out support for the beleaguered Abdullah scion when the valley was reeling under unprecedented civil unrest last year and thus punctured a campaign to replace Omar Abdullah.
“It is true that most of the decisions within the Congress party are taken mainly by the few top leaders - and this is more true about Kashmir. For this state, the decision lies with the High command only,” says Rekha Chowdhary, noted political analyst. “Unless there is a clear direction from above, one would not know what is going to happen.”
Ever since National Conference-Congress coalition took over the reins of the government in the state, the coalition functioning has been marred by recurrent tussle between the two historically estranged parties.
The Omar Abdullah led coalition government started on a rather uneasy note as the two partied found it tough to sit together to chalk out a common minimum programme (CMP), outlining the goals of the coalition.
The 32-month-old coalition has witnessed the two parties, more often, locking horns with each other on a range of issues including the mid-term change of guard in the state.
“Government seems to be functioning only on papers. State Congress unit is losing its credibility at the cost of misdeeds of National Conference,” president J&K Pradesh Youth Congress, Shoaib Lone told Kashmir Times. “Enough is enough! It’s high time that Congress takes over the reins of the government in its hands.”
Lone said that the constituencies of Congress MLAs have been ignored by the NC led government.
“Direct recruitments by police were done in only three constituencies in the state and all the three constituencies were won by NC party,” he said.
The fate of R&B portfolio, which still lies vacant, can serve as the classical example of coalition (mis)functioning.
The Congress high command had asked then R&B minister, GM Saroori, to step down on August 25 last year following the alleged impersonation of his daughter in entrance examination.
Ever since, the portfolio lies vacant. Thirteen months on, the Congress is yet to decide on Saroori’s successor. The portfolio is presently lying with the chief minister.
A senior state Congress leader said that the party workers were not satisfied with the party’s coalition partner.
“There are genuine development grievances. Even NREGA, IAY are not been properly distributed,” he said.
For Omar Abdullah, nothing seems to be going right. From his personal life to public life, he seems to be dogged by controversies. The ship of Omar Abdullah government already finds itself in troubled waters. If the issue of recovery of over 2000 unnamed graves was not enough, the government landed itself into yet another controversy over the alleged custodial death of ruling NC worker.
The opposition has also upped the ante against the government with state’s principal opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) demanding resignation of Omar Abdullah, NC president, Farooq Abdullah, and MoS Home, Nasir Aslam Wani.

Whimsical implementation of PNDT Act

2011-10-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

Fate of 215 sealed clinics uncertain

No challan yet against 2 centres for performing SDT, abortions

SYED ALI SAFVI/ARVIND SHARMA

SRINAGAR/JAMMU, Oct 15: The fate of 215 ultra-sound clinics/centres, sealed for violation of various provisions of PNDT Act across J&K, still hangs in balance, courtesy the whimsical implementation of PNDT Act by the helmsmen.
Meanwhile, the challan is yet to be presented in the court in case of those two clinics of Jammu province against which criminal cases were filed for conducting Sex Determination Tests (SDT) and abortion thereof.
Under drive for PNDT Act implementation, intensified after the projection of an alarming decline in sex ratio across J&K in Census 2011 report, a total of 215 ultra-sound clinics have been sealed in the state.
In Kashmir, 200 ultra-sound clinics/centres have been sealed while in Jammu province 15 clinics/ centres have been sealed for violation of PNDT Act provisions other than conducting sex-determination tests and abortion.
According to Director Health Services Jammu Dr Madhu Khullar, during the period between April 1 to September 30, the health department functionaries inspected 61 ultra-sound clinics/centres in Jammu province while in Jammu district only 17 clinics/centres were inspected.
Out of 61 centres/clinics inspected, 25 were closed for violation of rules under PNDT Act. Out of 25, 15 are still closed whereas nine were allowed to operate after they fulfilled formalities. One centre in Billawar was allowed to function following a court direction. In the entire Jammu province, a total of 80 ultra-sound clinics/centres have been registered under PNDT Act.
Besides these 15 sealed centres, two centres were closed for conducting sex determination tests and abortions under PNDT Act this year in Akhnoor (June 12, 2011) and R S Pura (September 13, 2011) in Jammu province.
“Regarding the status of R S Pura centre (Mata Santo Devi ultrasound clinic), it is still closed. Case stands registered against the doctor and the parents in this case and the investigation is still on. As far as Akhnoor clinic, which was an OPD clinic, is concerned, the doctor has been allowed to function by the department subject to the outcome of police investigation,” stated the health department authorities.
As per the police version, in case of Akhnor centre, the case is ready for challan as the status report of clinic/centre as whether it was registered or not is awaited from the Director Health. “In this case the arrested government doctor was later bailed out. Clinic is sealed,” the police added.
Similarly in case of R S Pura clinic/centre also, the case is ready for challan. “It is pending due to certain technicalities because we wanted to make the case fool proof before presenting the challan in this case where there are five accused who later got bail from Munsif R S Pura. The clinic was sealed and their licence was cancelled,” the police informed about the status quo.
In case of R S Pura, for the first time in the state, a ‘lady’ doctor was among three persons arrested under the PNDT Act. A Punjab based couple, which got foetus aborted after the sex determination, was also been arrested in a raid in a house in Ward No.9 on September 8, 2011. Two employees of the Health Department namely Santosh Kumari, a nurse posted in a health institution at Dablehar and her husband Ashok Kumar, a Junior Health Inspector, were arrested for illegally conducting abortion at their residence.
From their residence, suction machines and other medical equipments were also recovered and accordingly both were booked under Section 312 and 316 RPC and 3/8 Nursing Homes and Clinical Establishment Act.
Director Health Services, Dr Madhu Khullar, after going through the FIR lodged at R S Pura Police in this regard, placed both the officials under suspension.
During the course of police investigation, Mamta, a resident of Gurdaspur (Punjab), who got foetus aborted and her husband Ajay Kumar were questioned and they revealed that sex was determined at Mata Santo Devi Memorial Ultrasound Center in R S Pura town.
Though the ultrasound clinic was found registered under PNDT Act, 2002 yet the violation of J&K Preconception and Prenatal Sex Selection/ Determination (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2002 was detected. Accordingly, the ultrasound center was sealed and the registration was cancelled.
Dr Monika, wife of Dr Gagan Bhagat, who had conducted the sex determination was immediately arrested. She could not produce any document of her qualification as doctor.
‘Doctor’ Monika and two employees of the Health Department were booked under PNDT Act, Section 312, 309, 316 RPC.
In case of Akhnoor centre, police and health department had raided and sealed Dogra Nursing Clinic at Daskal Morh, Akhnoor and also arrested the owner, Doctor Krishan Lal on June 12, 2011.The police had sealed the clinic and arrested the doctor.
During raid, some medicines meant for government Hospital only were also recovered. The arrested doctor Krishan Lal was posted at Migrant Camp Mishriwala.
As far as other clinics/centres, which were sealed for violation of other PNDT provisions, are concerned, some were sealed on the ground that they did not have stipulated space of 500 square meters “as given in PNDT Act.”
Though there is no mention of the claimed 500 square meters space in the PNDT Act.
“USG clinics should have adequate space to accommodate USG scanner, printer, CVT, table and couch for patient. The room should be large enough to allow trolley to be wheeled in the patient to be transferred to the couch,” reads the Act (Page no 28 (3) Para 1).
Some clinics were sealed as the clinic owners could not produce relevant document for averting their seizure. Many clinics had to face sealing because they were not duly registered under PNDT Act.
Many owners of ultrasound clinics which have been facing government action complained that they had applied for registration for long, but the files remained gathering dust with the advisory committees for the past many years as the same were non-functional.

PNDT Act being observed in breach or at whims?

2011-10-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Notwithstanding the hype created over strict implementation of PNDT Act by the state government, majority of its provisions are either being observed at the whims of helmsmen or in breach.
As per the Act, “to uphold the standard quality of USG clinics, the registration is given to those ultra-sound clinics/centres which have either a well qualified radiologist performing these investigations, possessing DMRD or MD or DNB in Radiology, or an MBBS doctor having sufficient experience and having undergone training in ultra-sonography.” (Page No 28 (3b) para 1)
Yet the statistics vis-à-vis the availability of radiologists and the clinics/centres registered under PNDT Act in the Valley are a pointer towards a mismatch between the words and the deeds of the helmsmen.
The entire valley has 43 clinics/ centres registered under the Act.
While the number of total Radiologists available there is only 41. Even out of them, five are working out of the state. Twenty three Radiologists are posted at Sher-e Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) at Soura and Bemina and private practice has been banned for SKIMS doctors. The remaining 13 Radiologists, posted at SMHS and other state-run hospitals, are doing ultra sonography.
Besides government hospitals, these radiologists are working in the private clinics as well. Though this is not allowed under the Act yet to meet the shortage of radiologists or other competent persons to do the job, through a circular of Directorate Health Services Kashmir the private practice has been allowed within the area specified, (18 kms for MBBS doctors and 10 kms for specialists).
Yet in this case also the rules have been brazenly violated by those `registered’ clinics/centres.
This also raises question as why some clinics/centres have been allowed to operate despite the fact that they too don’t fit the bill under PNDT Act for violation of its different provisions while others have been denied the same `privilege’ for inexplicable reasons.
However when this question is raised by those who have been denied the registration, the official response is that even their (43 clinics/centres’) registration is under review. This ‘review’ is on for the past three years.
“The officials say that USG should be performed by a Radiologist. How come it is possible since we have only 36 Radiologists in the valley and there are more than 250 USG clinics across the valley?” asks President Private Diagnostic Centre Association (PDCA), Umar.
This is also interesting to note that in government hospitals USG is performed by sonologists. The double yardsticks even on this account are inexplicable.
He said that in 2006 Directorate of Health Services had given registration to all doctors, who were running diagnostic centre in the valley, under Nursing Act.
“The doctors, who were given registrations under Nursing Act to perform USG, have now been banned to perform the test,” he said, adding that prior to 2006 not a single clinic was registered under any act “although Nursing Act dates back to 1963.”
Umar claimed that Sonology was not essentially the job of Radiologist.
“Radiologist is only meant for radio diagnosis. It is the Sonologist who is trained for performing USG,” he said, adding that in Police Hospital Srinagar it is the “Sonographer” who conducts USG.
Pertinently, there are about 250 USG clinics and of them 198 were registered under Nursing Act in 2006.
“These clinics can not be run by a handful of Radiologists,” Umar said.
Referring to the diagnostic equipments available in private sector, Umar said that Kashmir has only two nuclear medicine machines: One each in private clinic and public sector.
“There are seven Dexa scanners in private clinics and only one is in government sector. Similarly, 125 Digital X-ray plants are in private sector while government has only one at SKIMS,” he said. “Seven CT Scanners are in private clinics and four in government hospitals. MRI is done at five private clinics while the scan is done at four state-run hospitals in the valley.”
He said that since 2009 his Association had been urging the state government to register USG clinics under PNDT Act.
“We made the initiative, pleading the government to register our clinics under PNDT Act, but the government paid no heed to our frequent pleas,” he said. “Then it (government) dramatically sealed 200 USG clinics in the valley.”
Umar said that the “illegal” closure of USG clinics has made the matters worse for the proprietors.
“Twenty proprietors have become defaulters for failing to pay back the loan to banks. Most of us have sold gold to start USG units, but who cares!” he said.
He said that in order to implement PNDT Act in the valley, the government should take into confidence Private Diagnostic Centre Association.

Pick & choose in registering ultrasound clinics

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 11: Even as the state government recently sealed 200 ultrasound clinics in Kashmir valley alone and an unspecified number in Jammu region for “not adhering to PNDT act”, an official document has revealed that some “blue eyed” doctors have been allowed to operate their clinics despite failing to meet the requirements set out by the health department.
According to the official document, a copy of which is with Kashmir Times, as many as 43 ultrasound clinics have been duly registered and allowed to function in the Kashmir valley. 80 such clinics have got the go ahead in Jammu, Director Health Services, Jammu Division, Dr Madhu Khullar confirmed.
In complete violation of the recommendations of PNDT advisory committee, constituted by the government in 2002, at least in the Valley, the health department has allowed some blue-eyed doctors to run ultrasound clinics who have undergone four to eight months training.
Even as the health department seized 200 ultrasound clinics in the valley and atleast more than 25 in Jammu division on the pretext that doctors were not “fully trained” to do ultrasound, some clinics have been allowed to run their business for reasons best known to the health department.
According to the document, a doctor having undergone four months and 18 days training is also doing ultrasound at a clinic in Srinagar. Similarly, another doctor with six months training has been allowed to perform ultrasonography at Bemina.
The document further reveals that a doctor with four months training has been authorised to perform ultrasound at a clinic in Sopore. Similarly, another doctor with three months training is doing ultrasound at a clinic in Pulwama.
It is pertinent to mention here that Directorate of Health Service Kashmir had issued a circular specifying the area within which a doctor, working in government hospital, can perform private practice: 18 kms for MBBS doctors and 10 kms for specialists.
However, ironically, throwing all the norms and directives to the wind, the director has himself given registration to some doctors who have private clinics as far as 40 to 60 kms away from their place of postings. A doctor is posted at District Hospital Anantnag and he is running his clinic at Batamaloo. Similarly, another doctor is posted at District Hospital Budgam and he is running ultrasound unit at Nawpora.
Another doctor is posted at District Hospital Baramulla and he has been allowed to operate in a clinic at Karan Nagar Srinagar.
“The officials say that the registrations of some clinics, which have been allowed to function, are under review,” said President Private Diagnostic Centre Association (PDCA), Umar. “They have been under review for the last two years.”
According to Umar, in public sector only SMHS hospital is registered under PNDT act.
“All other hospitals including Lal Ded and SKIMS are not registered under PNDT Act,” he said.
Umar said that in June 2006, acting on the directions of High Court, Directorate of Health Services gave registration to ultrasound clinics in the state. However, since 2009, the directorate not only refused new registration, but also refused renewal of registrations.
“About 250 diagnostic centers have applied for registration and renewal of registration for USG, X-Rray and laboratories. Surprisingly, only a few have been registered for reasons best known to the authorities,” he added.
Significantly, in Delhi and many other states in India, any MBBS doctor, physician, gynaecologist, surgeon, neurologist, having six months training certificate from any recognised radiology department can apply for PNDT registration.
A senior doctor said, “I wonder if a doctor having four months or more training in sonography is competent enough to do USG in state run hospitals, how come he is not competent to do the same in private clinics.”
Pertinently, in the wake of disturbing disclosure in Census 2011 about alarming decline in sex ratio in J&K, the beleaguered state health ministry launched a crackdown against ultrasound clinics in the state.
The health ministry claimed in May last, that the sealed ultrasound clinics were involved in conducting banned sex determination tests (SDT). However, the official document reveals that not a single case has been registered in Kashmir against any Sonologist involved in SDT, as claimed by the government. Two cases were, however, registered in Jammu on June 14 and September 15, 2011 after Sonologists were caught red handed by the authorities while performing sex determination tests.
Despite legal experts and J&K Private Diagnostic Centre Association (JKPDCA) terming the clampdown as “illegal” and uncalled for, the state health department sealed 200 ultrasound clinics in Kashmir division and two clinics in Jammu division. Even as the government sealed a major chunk of ultrasound clinic in the state and refused to renew their registrations, the health department showed their generosity towards some ultrasound clinic by giving them license to operate, despite the fact that most of them fail to meet the requirements set out by the health department.
According to SRO, PNDT Act, registration can be given to doctors, who have undergone six months training. While throwing all norms to the wind, the directorate of health services Kashmir has given registration to “blue eyed” doctors who have undergone training of less than one year.
In brazen violation of the health department directives, seven doctors of the “registered” ultrasound units are working in more than one clinic.
When contacted, MoS Health, Javed Ahmad Dar, said that he did “know much” much about it. “Me thehra mamuli MoS (I am a simple MoS),” he told Kashmir Times. “Aap minister sahib se pooch lijiye (You ask minister). I don’t deal with all this.”
Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Saleem, said that the government has appointed Dr Yashpal as nodal officer for PC-PNDT. “He (Dr Yashpal) will be a better person to talk on the matter,” he said.
When contacted, Dr Yashpal too refused to comment on the matter. “I’m nowhere involved in the process. Director sahib has sealed the clinics, so he will be a better person to reply to your queries,” he said.
According to sources, two ultrasound clinics were sealed by the health department in Anantnag district. However, they were reopened within 24 hours.
Some proprietors of ultrasound units this reporter spoke to alleged that the health authorities were asking them to pay Rs 50000 towards them if they want to restart their units.
Pertinently, as per the PNDT Act, even MBBS doctor having undergone training in ultra-sonography can do the ultrasound.
“To uphold the standard quality of USG clinics the registration is given to those ultrasound centers who have either a well qualified radiologist performing these investigations, possessing DMRD or MD or DNB in radiology, or an MBBS doctor having sufficient experience and having undergone training in ultra-sonography,” reads the Act (Page no 28 (3b) Para 1).

Ghost of rotational chief ministerialship comes to haunt again

2011-10-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Is Cong eyeing mid-term change of power in J&K?

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 7: Ever since National Conference-Congress coalition took the reins of the government in the state, the coalition functioning has been marred by recurrent tussle between the two historically estranged parties.

The Omar Abdullah led coalition government started on a rather uneasy note as the two partied found it tough to sit together to chalk out a common minimum programme (CMP), outlining the goals of the coalition.

The 32-month-old coalition has witnessed the two parties more often locking horns with each other on a range of issues including the mid-term change of guard in the state.

As the Omar Abdullah-led government is nearing three years, the ghost of rotational chief ministerialship has begun to haunt corridors of power once again.

The issue assumes greater significance in the backdrop of Congress workers’ common complaint against “deep-rooted corruption” and “mis-governance” in the state. They also blamed the government for not treating Congress workers at par with NC workers.

The complaint was also endorsed by State Congress chief, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, who admitted that Congress workers have grievances against the NC-led coalition government.

“Government seems to be functioning only on papers. State Congress unit is losing its credibility at the cost of misdeeds of National Conference,” president J&K Pradesh Youth Congress, Shoaib Lone said. Enough is enough! It’s high time that Congress takes the reins of the government in its hands.”

Lone said that the constituencies of Congress MLAs have been ignored by the NC led government.

“Direct recruitments by police were done in only three constituencies in the state and all the three constituencies were won by NC party,” he said.

The fate of R&B portfolio, which still lies vacant, can serve as the classical example of coalition (mis)functioning.

The Congress high command had asked then R&B minister, GM Saroori, to step down on August 25 last year following the alleged impersonation of his daughter in entrance examination.

Ever since, the portfolio lies vacant. Thirteen months on, the Congress is yet to decide on Saroori’s successor. The portfolio is presently lying with the chief minister.

A senior state Congress leader said that the party workers were not satisfied with the party’s coalition partner.

“There are genuine development grievances. Even NREGA, IAY are not been properly distributed,” he said.

Amidst all the squabbling and blaming, the state Congress workers of all the three regions have upped the demand for change of guard in the state “just as was done in case of erstwhile PDP-Congress coalition”.

Unlike 2010, the mood at 10 Janpath seems to have changed. This can be gauged from the response of Congress general secretary, Rahul Gandhi, when he was asked about the issue of rotational chief ministerialship.

Not ruling out the possibility of change of guard in the state, Rahul said, “It (rotational of chief minister) is to be decided by the party high command.”

Pertinently, the Gandhi scion had come out in all out support for the beleaguered Abdullah scion when the valley was reeling under unprecedented civil unrest last year and thus punctured a campaign to replace Omar Abdullah.

“The common demand put forth by people, mostly youth, in all the three regions Rahul Ji visited was about the rotation of chief minister,” said another senior leader of J&K Pradesh Youth Congress (PYC).

He said that the at Young Panch Sarpanch convention, one of the Panchs told Rahul Gandhi that the state government had done its best “to sabotage the convention”.

“He told Rahul Ji that despite knowing the state Congress has organised a convention for recently elected Panchs and Sarpanchs, the state government also has organised a parallel meet for Panchs and Sarpanchs on the same day,” he said.

Rahul Ganhdi, who is considered to be a close friend of junior Abdullah, curiously, declined the latter’s dinner invitation during his two-day visit to the state. Rahul also refused to avail state’s hospitality. Moreover, when Rahul arrived in Srinagar, Omar was holidaying in Singapore.

For Omar Abdullah, nothing seems to be going right. From his personal life to public life, he is dogged by controversies. The ship of Omar Abdullah government already finds itself in troubled waters. If the issue of recovery of unnamed graves was not enough, the government has landed itself into yet another controversy over the alleged custodial death of ruling NC worker.

The opposition has upped the ante against the government with state’s principal opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) demanding resignation of Omar Abdullah, NC president, Farooq Abdullah, and MoS Home, Nasir Aslam Wani.

J&K SIC gets 2 more commissioners

2011-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 7: Seven years after Central RTI Act was passed in the J&K State Legislative Assembly, the government today finally made the State Information Commission (SIC) full-fledged with the appointment of two State Information Commissioners (SICs) today.

The appointment of Information Commissioners had been delayed for too long by the government, which had, consequently, adversely affected the implementation of RTI Act in the state.

Pertinently, the government had appointed former Chief Income Tax Commissioner, GR Sofi as the first chief information commissioner (CIC) of the state way back in January 28, 2011.

Even as the chief minister, Omar Abdullah, had assured last year that the information commissioners would be appointed before the start of Budget session of the state Assembly in Jammu, the selection process was delayed wing to frequent postponement of selection committee meetings.

State’s principal opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, had, during a recently concluded autumn session of the state assembly, alleged that the state government was delaying the selection of information officer under a “well planned conspiracy”.

The delay in selection was adversely affecting the functioning of the State Information Commission.

“There are hundreds of cases already piled up in the commission office. It was impossible for CIC to go through all the cases,” sources said.

In exercise of the powers conferred upon him under J&K RTI Act 2009, Section 12 (3), Governor, NN Vohra, today appointed former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jammu (JU), Dr Sudesh Kumar Sharma and Chief Engineer, R&B, Nazir Ahmed as State Information Commissioners on the recommendation of the Selection Committee set up for the purpose.

“The state government has not only been late in appointing the information commissioners, but the government had also dilly-dallied on the appointment of chief information commissioner,” said a senior political leader.

He said that only constituting commissions are of lesser importance unless these commissions are given more teeth.

“Let’s not turn the commissions into rehabilitation centres for blue-eyed retired babus,” he said.

J&K RTI Movement, which has been spearheading campaign on enforcement of RTI Act in the state, has welcomed the decision.

Convener RTI Movement, Dr Raja Muzaffar, expressed hope that the commission would take up “cases of serious importance” which are lying in the office for more than six months.

“Since the commission has been fully strengthened with appointments of state information commissioners, we are sure that the importance cases already lying with the commission are given priority,” he told Kashmir Times.

Guru Resolution: Cong still indecisive

2011-09-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Sep 21: Amid speculations that Congress may abstain from voting, the much awaited Congress legislature party meeting, which was held here this evening, primarily to discuss the party’s stand vis-à-vis the resolution seeking clemency to parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru, ended without discussion.

According to the party insiders, the meeting, which lasted 15 minutes, decided to again meet on September 27 to discuss the crucial issue.They said that J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, told the party legislators to wait till September 27.

“Let’s wait for the party high command’s directives in this regard,” Soz said. “We will meet again on September 27 to clarify our stand.”

The resolution is scheduled to come up for voting in the State Legislative Assembly on September 28.

Pertinently, the meeting was attended by JKDPN president, Ghulam Hassan Mir, and JKPDF chief, Hakim Mohammad Yasin. Both the leaders were invited to the meeting by the JKPCC chief.

However, Congress Legislature Party leader, Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam, Deputy Chairman State Legislative Council, Arvinder Singh Micky, were conspicuous by their absence.

Other Congress legislators who preferred to stay away from the meeting included minister of state for higher education, Manohar Lal Sharma, Viqar Rasool, Naresh Gupta, Subhash Gupta, Haji Ali Mohammad Bhat, and Ashok Kumar.

Pertinently, independent MLA from Langate, Eng. Abdul Rasheed, has submitted a resolution to the Speaker of the state Assembly seeking clemency for the December 2001 Parliament attack convict, Afzal Guru, who has been sentenced to death by Supreme Court of India.

After the mercy petition filed by Afzal’s wife to President was rejected, political parties in Kashmir are afraid that the decision could stir more than a hornet’s nest in the strife torn valley.

The state’s principal opposition party, PDP, has extended its outright support to the Guru resolution, while Jammu based parties BJP and Panthers Party have announced to oppose the resolution “tooth and nail”.

Ruling coalition partners - National Conference (NC) and Congress – are yet to make up their mind.

While speculations are rife that Congress may abstain from voting to avoid angering their vote bank in Jammu and Kashmir, NC is reportedly in a state of dilemma to make its choice.

Meanwhile, according to reliable sources, JKPDF president, Hakim Mohammad Yasin, may vote in favour of the resolution.

In demilitarization din, CRPF eyes 500 kanals of land in Budgam

2011-09-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

BUDGAM, Sep 19: In a move that has a potential of angering public and triggering yet another spell of unrest in strife-torn valley of Kashmir, paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is planning to acquire around 500 kanals of land in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

According to reliable sources, the CRPF wants the land for establishing a training centre and living quarters. The land is a kilometer and half away from the district headquarters.

The move has created panic among residents who are worried about their safety.

“We don’t want to live under constant fear,” said the residents.

Mainstream political leaders and separatists are aghast at the move.

Former minister and MLA Khan Sahib, Hakim Mohammad Yaseen has termed the move as “unfortunate”.

“I don’t understand why they chose only Budgam for this purpose. Humhama, Sheikhpora, ShariefAbad, Damodar Karewa are already under their occupation,” he said.

He said on one hand there are talks about demilitarization and on the other hand more and more land is being acquired by the forces in the valley.

The sources said that the land owners, mostly property dealers who are not the residents of the area, are willing to give land to CRPF while the residents are against any such move.

Pertinently, according to official statistics, 128257 kanals of land have been occupied by security forces in the Kashmir valley. Incidentally, Budgam district tops the list with 55468 kanals of land under security force occupation. Damodar Karewah, occupied the security forces, has around 500 acres of land that belongs to farmers of Budgam district. However, for the last three decades, the farmers have been fighting a legal battle to get their land back or an "adequate compensation".

Moreover, the landowners of Damodhar Karewah, Wathoora and Kralpora villages, had filed a contempt petition in the State High Court wherein they submitted that security forces had "violated and dishonoured" High Court and Supreme Court orders, by "failing to either acquire and pay compensation or vacate around 4000 acres of land in its occupations since 1952 at Old Airport by March 31, 2010".

Minister for Revenue, Raman Bhalla, had on September 2, 2011 directed officials of district administration Budgam to conduct a fresh survey of land under acquisition of security forces in many areas of the district. The survey, he said, would be carried out jointly by a team of Defense, Revenue, ATS and other concerned departments "to avoid any confusion".

Interestingly, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) had on August 10, 2011 alleged that 200 acre land near Indian Air Force station in Budgam district has been grabbed by private parties in connivance with government officials. The BJP had demande a probe by CAG and Ministry of Defence into the matter.

According to established norms, the army camp should be away from civil population, and it should not be constructed on agriculture land or in orchards.

However, in case of Budgam the identified land is very adjacent to civilian population and is an orchard land.

Talking to Kashmir Times, MLA Budgam, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, said that the people are divided over the issue.

“Some are in favour and some are against it. I will go by the will of the people,” he said.

Pertinently, district administration is supposed to get NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the concerned MLA before giving land to the men in uniform.

“If the said land is given to the forces, it will open a Pandora’s box,” Yaseen said.

When contacted, IG CRPF Operations, Dr BN Ramesh, said that they were looking for land in Kashmir.

“CRPF has 17 battalions. We need to develop a permanent battalion sites and for that we need around 200 acres of land,” he told Kashmir Times.

When contacted, District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, said that there are certain guidelines that need to be followed in such cases.

"We need to give some priority in finding appropriate land for security forces who are on internal security. It's not like they asking and we refusing. But there are certain parameters that need to be fulfilled," Rafi said. "First, we have to see that the move is not affecting the agriculture land. The Land Revenue Act prohibits conversion of agriculture land for non-agriculture purposes. Second, it should not result in creating unemployment unless it offers an alternative employment package. Third, in such cases, we have to obtain a NOC from local MLA."

Rafi also said that there was a difference of opinion among the people regarding transfer of land.

"Land owners, most of them absentee land owners, are willing to give their land to security forces, but the residents are objecting it," he said. "Amid stiff opposition, we may not be able to do it."

Significantly, according to government statistics, 55468 kanals of land have been occupied by security agencies in Budgam district, 51992 kanals of land in North Kashmir, while in south Kashmir, security agencies have occupied 20797 kanals of land.

The DDC said that his office has not yet issued legal notification, but the CRPF has been asked to look for an alternative location, which is away from the civil population.

"We are looking for a suitable location for them," he said.

7 Yrs On, New Bus Stand Budgam Yet To Be Made Operational

2011-09-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Commuters Suffer; Shopkeepers Threaten Suicide; Administration Sleeps

SYED ALI SAFVI

BUDGAM, Sep 16: In a case of share negligence and apathy, the state government, even after seven years, has failed to shift Budgam Bus stand to its new location, much to the dismay of commuters, and shopkeepers, who have threatened to commit suicide in the wake of callous attitude of the state government and Budgam district administration.

The state government had acquired 41 kanals of land near Naraspora, one and a half kilometer from Budgam district headquarters, for establishing bus stand. The site was strategically located and ideally suited for the bus stand. The government spent crores of rupees in developing the site and compensating the land owners. However, the money seems to have just been thrown down the drain as the district administration has failed to make the new Bus stand operation even after seven years, for reasons best known to the authorities.

District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, who also happens to be chairman of Regional Transport Authority Budgam, had at a meeting, held on July 6, 2009 asserted that the new Bus Stand would be made functional “soon”.

Assistant Regional Transport officer Budgam had issued a letter No 458-62/ARTO Budgam/ 2011, dated 23.05.2011 directing all transport association owners to ply their vehicles from the new Bus Stand Budgam from May 9, 2011.

Worried over unnecessary delay, the DDC, on record, had brought to the notice of general public and all the transporters that the new Bus Stamd would be made operational from May 12, 2011. However, four months on, the Bus Stand is yet to be made functional.

Chaos: Old Bus Stand

Executive Officer Municipal Committee Budgam vide letter No 09/280-81, dated 02-09-2009 had informed DDC that necessary instructions should be issued to concerned agencies for making new Bus Stand functional.

“Office of the Executive Officer Municipal Committee Budgam has already discussed the said issue with your office vide letter No MC/Bud/07/405, dated 07-03-2007 and suggested for making the Bus Adda functional,” the letter read.

Members of Shopkeepers and Owners Association, New Bus Stand Budgam (SOA) alleged that when they approached to DDC budgam they were told that the Bus Stand would not be made operational “because of some political pressure”.

“We borrowed huge amount of money from banks and other financial institutions to acquire tenancy rights of the shops, but since the Bus Stand has not been made operational our shops are closed down and the burden of loan is increasing day by day,” the shopkeepers, who have acquired shops at the new Bus Stand said. “We have been pushed to wall. We have reached to a stage where there is no option except committing suicide.”

They said that their repeated pleas have only fallen on deaf ears.

The members of SOA had filed an RTI with DDC Budgam, seeking information about the action taken by his office regarding shifting of Bus Stand.

Interestingly, the office of DDC Budgam directed the applicants to Executive Officer, Municipal Committee, Budgam, stating that “this office is neither the appellant authority nor PIO for the concerned matter”. (DCBI/RTI/11/166-68, dated 13.08.2011)

DESERTED: New Bus Stand.

The shopkeepers also shot a legal notice to DDC Budgam on August 27, 2011 urging him to make the new Bus Stand operational “to the satisfaction of your promises within 15 days”.

“Almost three weeks have passed, but we have not received any reply from the office of DDC Budgam,” the shopkeepers association said.

Pertinently, the SOA had, on October 6, 2009 had made a representation to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, seeking his intervention into the matter.

Additional Secretary to CM’s Private Secretariat had directed DDC Budgam to “examine the grievances for its redressal”.

The DDC Budgam had on November 16, 2009 asked Executive Officer Municipal Committee Budgam for report.

When contacted, DDC Budgam told Kashmir Times that there is a certain disagreement between sections of the society vis-à-vis shifting of the Bus Stand.

“It generally happens. If you have an established market somewhere and you want to shift a bus stand, there will be disagreement. This has happened in Ganderbal, Kangan or in the case of even Lal Chowk. So the kind of hindrance we are facing is not unusual. May be the divide here (in Budgam) is deeper, but we should be able to sort it out over a period of time. It’s not that we can not enforce our writ, but the fact of the matter is that we want to solve it amicably where people go with us and we could make them understand that this is not for the benefit of the government, but for the benefit of the people, commuters, passenger traffic and shopkeepers,” he said.

He said that it was unfortunate that Budgam town has not developed over the last three decades.

“It’s as bad or as good a headquarter as it was in 1979 when it was established,” he said.

Asked about the delay in making the Bus Stand operational, the DDC said, “Some people with vested interests were creating hindrance. Most of them are shopkeepers at old Bus Stand. They have basically livelihood concerns. They can not be dismissed of hand. We are trying to address the concerns of both sides,” he said. “A balanced act is required where the old Bus Stand does not get suddenly deserted. Some amount of activity is retained there to the extend that it does not cause hindrance to the commuting public.”

Khomeini, the man who changed course of world history, was a Kashmiri

2011-06-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Syed Ali Safvi

SRINAGAR, June 4: Much has been written and said about the founder of Islamic revolution of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhullah Khomeini (RA), but very few people know that the iconic figure who changed the course of world history traced his family roots to Kashmir.
According to historians, one of Khomeini’s ancestors, Syed Shahab-ud-Din Hyder, had arrived to Kashmir in 766 Hijri and got settled here.
“According to ‘Aasar-e Bastani Azarbaijan’, volume 2, Syed Shahab-ud-Din Hyder was the grand¬son of Safi-ud-Din Ardabili,” says Syed Mohammad Anis Kazmi, a noted historian of Kashmir. “There is also a mention of Syed Shabab-ud-Din and his two brothers in ‘Shajrat-ut-Toyiba’.”
According to Kazmi, one of the brothers of Shahab-ud-Din is buried at Habak Magam while another – Syed Qutub-ud-Din, popularly known as Peer Haaj Mitha - is buried in Jammu.
Moti Lal Saqi has also given a detailed account of Peer Hajj Mitha in “Sheeraza Urdu”, he says.
Kazmi says that the progeny of Shahab-ud-Din lived in Kashmir at Namchibal, Khanqah for a long time.
“Shahab-ud-Din is buried at Namchibal and his shrine is popularly known as ‘Bab Syed Hyder’,” he says.
Shahab-ud-Din’s son, Syed Mohammad Jabalil Amli, is also buried at Namchabal and his shrine is popularly known as “Syed Sahib”, he adds.
“Detailed account of this family is given in ‘Kohl-ul Jawahir’, written by Allama Ibn-e Raza, and published from Lahore in 1264 Hijri,” says Kazmi. “One Photostat copy of the book was sent to Ayatullah al-Uzma Marashi al-Najafi (R.A.) about 40 years ago and another copy is with Justice Hakeem Imtiyaz.”
The family, according to Kazmi, lived in Kashmir until Khomeini’s grandfather, Syed Ahmad, moved to Iran.
“Syed Jabalil Amli’s son was Syed Abdul Gani; Syed Gani’s son was Syed Hassan; His son was Syed Nowroz; Nowroz’s son was Syed Abdul Hadi; Hadi’s son was Aqa Syed Hussain; Hussain’s son was Syed Amir-ud-Din; Amir-ud-Din’s son was Syed Safdar; Safdar’s son was Syed Buzurg; Syed Buzurg’s son was Syed Ahmad, the grand¬father of Syed Ruhullah Khomeini,” says Kazmi.
According to him, all of them, except Syed Ahmad and Syed Safdar, are buried in Kashmir.
“Some of them are buried at Khanqah-e Sokhta, some are buried at Daulatabad, and some at Rang Paristan Surteng,” he says.
As per Kazmi, Syed Safdar and his son Syed Buzurg had migrated from Kashmir and settled in Calcutta (now Kolkatta) where Syed Ahmad was born. However, Syed Buzurg came back to Kashmir, he adds.
“Meanwhile, Syed Ahmad had gone to Iraq for religious studies. After completing his studies, he came back to Kashmir, but left for Iran with one Haji Baqir Khan Irani where he got married with an Iranian girl,” Kazmi says. “Syed Ahmad stayed back in Iran and settled there.”
Pertinently, some historian claim that Syed Ahmad lived in Lucknow and migrated to Iran from there. However, according to a statement of Khomeini's elder brother, Syed Morteza Pasandideh, Syed Ahmad’s point of departure was Kashmir, not Lucknow.
According to Kazmi, from 1261 Hijri to 1390 Hijri, no one knew about the whereabouts of Syed Ahmad.
“It was only in 1390 Hijri when Ayatollah Khomeini was living in exile in Iraq and then Iraqi president had asked all non-Iraqi’s to leave Iraq that Ayatollah Aga Syed Yousuf Kashmiri invited him to Kashmir,” says Kazmi. “To which, Ayatollah Khomeini replied, ‘I would have loved to visit my ancestral home, Kashmir, but I am afraid I can't’.”
Kazmi says after going through the letter of Ayatollah Khomeini, Aga Yousuf wrote back to him, asking for more details about his ancestors.
“In reply to Aga’s letter, Khomeini wrote ‘I only know that my grandfather, Syed Ahmad Kashmiri, had migrated to Iran about 130 years ago. He got married and settled here’,” Kazmi says.
All the letters of Ayatollah Khomeini which he had written to Aga Yousuf are preserved in the personal library of Aga sahib, Kazmi adds.

Sadiq Ali, a nice man to know

2011-05-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Syed Ali Safvi

As the old adage goes, "Those who live in the hearts of others, never die.” Three weeks have passed since Kashmir lost a veteran politician, acclaimed poet, flamboyant writer, and an active environmentalist in Sadiq Ali, but his memories will always live within the hearts of many of his admirers.

Sadiq Ali was among very few Kashmiri politicians who did not allow their political differences to come in personal relationship. Although, he switched from one party to another, he was never heard going public against any party.

Sadiq or "Aseer", as he was known among literary circles, was keen to develop different facets of his personality, which in turn helped him retain a good measure of balance despite having to change political affiliation at times.

He was born into a humble family of Hassanbabad in Srinagar. Jaffar Ali, his father, was a paper machie artist and a rich businessman.

After completing MA in Political Science from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Sadiq plunged into politics at a young age.

He clung to his principles all his life and always held himself aloof from petty political intrigues. He maintained a decent public profile, showing keen desire to make his mark in spheres other than politics.

For his unflinching willingness to call spade a spade and deep political insight, most political leaders held him in good regard.

He contested 1967 election from Budgam assembly segment and lost to National Conference (NC) candidate, Hakim Syed Mehdi.

In 1977, after Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah returned to power, Sadiq was nominated to State Legislative Council on the recommendations of Ayatollah Aga Syed Yousuf Budgami.

This was the time when Sadiq came close to Sheikh Abdullah and Begum Abdullah. After Sheikh’s death, Farooq Abdullah again nominated Sadiq to the state Legislative Council in 1983.

In 1996, he successfully contested as NC candidate from Zadibal assembly segment.

Sadiq remained treasurer of NC working committee for 23 long years, during which he grew close to the party and was always consulted by the party leadership on crucial political and party matters. Though he was considered a balanced representative of Shia community in NC, he never got the ministerial birth.

In 2002 assembly election, Sadiq was initially denied, but later given the party ticket to contest from Zadibal assembly segment.

Being an executive member of J&K Anjuman Sharie Shian and one of the close confidantes of its founder, Sadiq Ali would enjoy popular support in elections particularly from Zadibal segment where the Anjuman had considerable sway over the major chunk of voters.

However, in 2002, things had changed. The party which Sadiq was representing had denied mandate to Aga Yousuf’s son, Aga Syed Mehmood. Consequently, Sadiq was asked to leave the party, which he refused. He contested election and lost to the Ajuman Sharie-backed independent candidate, Shahjahan Dar.

Sadiq accused then senior NC leader and minister, Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, of sabotaging his re-election bid from Zadibal. He said that the NC leader’s supporters had cast their votes in his opponent’s favour.

Sadiq demanded action from the party high command against the leader. However, after he felt that his incessant pleas were falling on deaf ears, he decided to quit the party on moral grounds.

After leaving NC, the dejected Sadiq joined PDP and was asked to handle state affairs of the party.

On March 9, 2008, NC patron, Farooq Abdullah, announced that Sadiq has rejoined the party.

As a legislator, Sadiq was a cut above the rest given his indepth understanding of political, economic and cultural environment of the state.

It was on Sadiq’s suggestion that the autonomy resolution was brought for detailed discussions and subsequent voting in the state assembly in June 1999.

During his House debates, he vociferously opposed the unification of Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) with Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that “adopting the resolution would only increase tensions between India and Pakistan”.

Sadiq had also given some important recommendations to resolve the Kashmir imbroglio. The “Self Rule” report put forth by him has also been widely endorsed both in India and Pakistan and has been regarded as one of the most “workable solutions” of the six-decade old dispute.

Besides being a noble politician, Sadiq was an active environmentalist. His contribution in the field of environmental protection is laudable.

Pained by the pitiable plight of Dal lake and other water bodies, he had written a detailed research paper about the conservation of Dal lake to prevent the waterbody from further degradation. Sadiq had also written a comprehensive paper on the deteriorating condition of the state forests.

Sadiq Ali is survived by his wife and four sons, youngest of whom, Tanvir Sadiq, was elected as a municipal councilor from Madin Sahab constituency. Tanvir had also unsuccessfully contested 2008 Assembly election from Zadibal segment as independent candidate.

Question marks over crackdown on USG clinics

2011-05-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, May 11: Even as the state government continues its crackdown on ultrasound clinics in the state, legal experts and J&K Private Diagnostic Centre Association have termed the clampdown as “illegal” and uncalled for.

Pertinently, the health department has so far sealed nearly 200 ultrasound clinics in Kashmir and Jammu for not adhering to PNDT Act besides not being registered with the concerned authorities.

However, J&K Private Diagnostic Centre Association belies the claims, saying that the health department’s crackdown against ultrasound clinics is “unauthorized”.
The health authorities have sealed the clinics for not having stipulated 500 square meters space. However, according to PNDT act, there is no mention of “500 square meters” space.

“USG clinics should have adequate space to accommodate USG scanner, printer, CVT, table and couch for the patient. The room should be large enough to allow trolley to be wheeled in the patient to be transferred to the couch,” reads the Act (Page no 28 (3) Para 1).

In complete contradiction to PNDT Act, the health department has issued direction that only those doctors can perform ultrasound, who possess post graduation degree in Radiology, feel members of the association.

According to the PNDT Act, even MBBS doctor having undergone training in ultra-sonography can perform the ultrasound.

“To uphold the standard quality of USG clinics the registration is given to those ultrasound centers who have either a well qualified radiologist performing these investigations, possessing DMRD or MD or DNB in radiology, or an MBBS doctor having sufficient experience and having undergone training in ultra-sonography,” reads the Act (Page no 28 (3b) Para 1).
Significantly, in Delhi any MBBS doctor, physician, gynaecologist, surgeon, neurologist, having six months training certificate from any recognized radiology department can apply for PNDT registration.

President of J&K Private Diagnostic Centers Association, Umar Iqbal, said that if the trained Sonologists can perform ultrasound in government run hospitals why not in private clinics.
“Even in SMHS hospital, most of the times house physicians / Assistant surgeons perform the USG,” he told Kashmir Times. “In health department, doctors mostly working as sonologists have not done even house job in radiology from any medical college. So, if an assistant surgeon can perform USG in the state’s premier hospital why not in private clinics.”
Umar termed it “injustice” and “unfortunate” to have unqualified people scanning the patients in state run hospitals and qualified doctors being stopped to conduct the tests in private clinics.

“Even the gynaecologists are being stopped from conducting the tests,” he added.
Umar said that in June 2006, acting on the directions of High Court, Directorate of Health Services gave registration to ultrasound clinics in the state. However, since 2009, the directorate not only refused new registration but also refused renewal of registrations.

“About 250 diagnostic centers have applied for registration and renewal of registration for USG, X-ray and laboratories. Surprisingly, only 20 have been registered for reasons best known to the authorities,” he added.

He said that in all the states of India, PNDT registration is given to the qualified clinics before the purchase of equipments but in Jammu and Kashmir, an NOC is required before the purchase of equipments and the PNDT registration is given in the second stage “which doubles the exercise for both the applicant and the department and making it a very lengthy process which is also not recommended in the PNDT regulation”.

“On one hand the state government is asking unemployed youth to generate employment in private sector and on the other the legally run clinics are being sealed,” he said.
Umar also shot a letter to chief minister, Omar Abdullah, ion May 7, 2011 urging him to take notice and initiate appropriate action at his end.

“An impression was created by concerned authorities in general public that ultra sound clinics were responsible for the illegal disclosure of sex determination. This is done at the behest of some misguided elements and vested interest,” the letter reads.

Meanwhile, a delegation of J&K Private Diagnostic Centre Association, led by its president, union minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah here.

“Being a doctor himself, he understood our problem and directed minister for medical education and minister for health to resolve the problem,” Umar said.

When contacted, minister of state for health, Javed Ahmad Dar, told Kashmir Times that the drive is aimed at eliminating the menace of pre-natal sex determination in most if the ultrasound clinics.

“According to the recent census the sex ratio in J&K has considerably dropped and government is very serious and concerned about it. The ongoing drive against ultrasound clinics is aimed at curbing the practice of sex determination,” he said. “Most of the ultrasound clinics have been found involved in SDT (sex determination test).”

The minister said that some of the diagnostic centres were running illegally.

“They (ultrasound units) were required to submit form ‘F’ after every month. However, they never bothered to submit it. Consequently, action was taken against them,” he said.
Stating that the closure of ultrasound clinics have affected the healthcare system, another senior minister told Kashmir Times on condition of anonymity that the government should have given some time to ultrasound unit holders to complete the registration formalities.

“The ultrasound unit holders have been applying for registration and renewal of registration since 2009. They are not to be blamed. It’s the health department’s fault for not registering them,” he said.

Kashmir to have state of art IT park soon

2011-04-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

IT policy to be sent to cabinet by Apr end: Minister

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Apr 6: With the aim to boost Information Technology (IT) sector and attract multinational companies (MNCs) to set up their units in Kashmir, the state government is mulling over an idea of setting up information technology parks (ITP) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to Kashmir Times, minister for information technology, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, said that a state-of-the-art information technology park would be set up at Ompora Budgam, which would be ready by the end of this year.

“We are also trying to acquire land in Jammu for setting up of information technology park there. We have already asked Industries department to make land available for the same,” he said.

Ruhullah said once the projects are completed, they would not only help to promote IT sector in the state, but also generate employment for educated youth.

He said that the information technology department is expecting to generate 20000 to 25000 jobs through the MNCs, which are expected to set up their units at the ITPs.

“Last year we had persuaded companies like Raheja, Panchsheel, Tata Consultancy to set up their units in Kashmir, but due to five-month unrest, they changed their mind,” he said.

Referring to the much awaited IT policy, Ruhullah said that the policy was ready and would be sent to cabinet by the end of April.

“Once the policy gets cabinet approval, we will invite big outside companies to invest here,” he said. “We will also be able to create more opportunities for local entrepreneurs.”

He said the department is presently implementing central schemes like State Wide Area Network (SWAN), State e-Governance Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG), State Data Centre (SDC), and Common Service Cen¬tre (CSC) in the state.

“All block, tehsil, district level government offices are being be connected through SWAN,” he said. “SWAN will facilitate the working in offices. The applicant will not have to move from one office to another, and any kind of record can be retrieved at any office.”

He said the state government has planned to establish common service centers (CSC) in remote areas, “where IT has to play an important role in making the centers functional for delivery of services”.

“Every effort is being made to expand the ambit of IT and exploit it fully in the state," he said.

He stressed the need for taking IT to the remote areas for larger benefits.

Ruhullah said that around 200 kanals of land at Ompora have already been ear¬marked for the establish¬ment of ITP.

“I have also directed the officers of Industries and Commerce to identify more 200 kanals of land at Ompora for the purpose,” he told Kashmir Times. “We are planning to set up IT parks in Kashmir valley and Jammu to make Jammu and Kashmir IT-friendly state.”

He said a joint inspection of the proposed sites, including Jammu and Samba, would be conduct¬ed to ensure early commencement of work on the projects.

Earlier, chairing a meeting to review progress of the proposed project, at his civil secretariat office in Jammu today, the minister said the IT has given new concept of life globally.

“Technological intervention has become imperative to ensure all round development. In the present era of technology, people feel incomplete without access to IT,” he said, and directed the officers to take necessary measures for development of the sites proposed for setting up IT parks in Jammu and Budgam.

Massive anti-govt rally in NC stronghold Budgam

2011-02-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

* 'Office of DDC Budgam has become NC's den'

SYED ALI SAFVI

BUDGAM, Jan 15: Like in other parts of the valley, a massive protest rally was also held at central Kashmir’s Budgam district today to press the need for a permanent resolution of Kashmir imbroglio and against the “failure” of National Conference led coalition government to provide basic facilities to the denizens of the valley.

The 5000-strong procession, led by senior PDP leaders – Javaid Mustafa Mir, Aga Syed Mehmood, Dr Mohammad Shafi, Saif-ud-Din Bhat, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura – marched from Main Chowk Budgam towards the office of District Development Commissioner (DDC) Budgam at 12:00PM. The processionists, carrying placards and lanterns, raised anti-government slogans as they marched past the residences of Minister for Science and Technology, Aga Syed Ruhullah and senior executive member of Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat Conference, Aga Syed Hassan Al-moosvi.

Large contingent of police personnel had been deployed along the road to prevent any untoward incident.

Pertinently, in May 2009, violent clashes had broken out between NC and PDP activists here after some NC activists had forced a shutdown in the Budgam Chowk to protest the conduct of PDP rally at historic Budgam Chowk, which was scheduled to be addressed by PDP patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, the party president Mehbooba Mufti.

The NC activists had set ablaze the taxi stand at Main Chowk Budgam, and had taken the entire Budgam town hostage with police acting helplessly. The day-long clashes had resulted in injuries to at least 55 persons.

Fearing a repeat of May 2009, SSP Budgam had deployed large contingent of policemen in the area to thwart any untoward incident. However, today’s rally passed off peacefully.

It was for the first time that PDP had managed to gather so much support. The people had mainly come from Beerwah, Budgam and Chadoora assembly segments. Budgam district has always been NC’s fortress, but ever since 2009 Parliamentary elections, there has been a visible shift in the political slant in the district. In 2009 Parliamentary elections, PDP’s vote share in the district was higher than that of NC. Except for Finance Minister’s Charar-e Sharief constituency, PDP candidate polled more votes than his NC counterpart in other four assembly constituencies.

Addressing the gathering today, the PDP leaders urged New Delhi to resume dialogue with Pakistan without any delay. They also demanded release of political detenues and those youth who had been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) on stone pelting pretext.

“PDP has been a strong advocate of Indo-Pak dialogue to help resolve the Kashmir issue,” they said.

Speaking on the occasion, former minister and senior PDP leader, Aga Syed Mehmood, lashed out at NC-led coalition government, saying that the government had failed to provide even basic facilities to people of the state.

“Government has failed on all fronts,” he said. “The inability of this government to provide uninterrupted electricity, adequate ration to the people speak volumes about its failure.”

He castigated the government for not “failing to implement Centre’s eight-point programme in the state”.

Lashing out at the district administration Budgam, Mehmood said that the DDC’s office had become more of a National Conference (NC) office.

“The senior officials of the district administration are acting as NC leaders,” he said. “It has not been able to shift the Bus stand from the present location to the new stand which was developed by PDP-led coalition government keeping in view the space constraint at present Bus stand.”

He also alleged that the district hospital had become a “hub of corruption”.

“I have reliably learnt that doctors at the hospital demand money from the patients before operating them. Patients who don’t grease doctors’ palms are referred to city hospitals,” he said.

He also condemned recent ‘clandestine’ recruitment in police.

Those who spoke on the occasion included, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Saifullah Bhat, Ghulam Nabi Hanjoora.

Similar protest rallies were also held at Sonawari, Bandipora, Baramullah. According to party spokesperson, an “infamous Ikhwani” at Sonawari was commissioned by the district administration to create trouble before the PDP sponsored rally.

“But the local people frustrated the designs of the administration,” he said.

At Baramulla, the senior party leader, Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, led the large demonstration at district head quarter. Speaking on the occasion, Iftikhar came down heavily upon the government for its failure on political and administrative fronts.

He said if the policies of PDP had been carried forward, Baramulla would have become a commercial hub of the entire region including central Asia.

“National Conference is interested only in its family rule and has sacrificed every thing else to secure it,” he said.

At Sonawari, the demonstration was led by the party leaders - Yasir Reshi, Abdul Majid, Imtiyaz Ahmed. At Bandipora, senior party leader, Nizamuddin Bhat led the demonstration. At Pulwama, the demonstration was led by Mohammad Khalil Band, Syed Bashir Ahmed, Abdul Razaq Zawoora, Zahoor Ahmed Mir.

Reports of similar demonstrations also poured in from Reasi, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, Ramban.

Frictions in NC-Cong coalition wide open

2011-02-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

*Cong high command to summon NC, JKPCC leaders to Delhi

* NC to convene party’s core group meeting

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Jan 1: Days after state Congress unit demanded change of guard in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) today asserted that chief minister, Omar Abdullah, would continue to hold the office for full term of six years.

Widening divisions within the NC-Congress coalition have forced the leadership of both the ruling parties to call for emergency meetings to resolve their differences. Meanwhile, according to reports, central high command has also decided to summon the top leadership of both the parties to New Delhi to discuss a way out of the problem.

NC has refused to entertain any move aimed at changing the power sharing deal with the Congress high command.

According to the party insiders, NC is convening a core group meeting to discuss the new strategy, which would be adopted to mitigate the differences within the coalition.

Even as NC is adamant about continuing with Omar as CM, Congress is taking a tough stand regarding change of guard in the state. The party leadership, according to sources, is demanding that National Conference should hold office of the chief minister only for three years.

Pertinently, former deputy chief minister and senior Congress leader, Mangat Ram Sharma, had on December 28 had demanded rotation of chief ministerial post. Sharma, who is also the member of Coordination Committee of the coalition, said this in presence of JKPCC president, Prof Saifuddin Soz. Sharma’s statement further fanned the divisive flames of NC-Congress coalition.

Miffed at Sharma’s “senseless” statement, senior NC leader, Dr Mustafa Kamal, said that as per the agreement between NC and Congress high command, NC would hold office of the chief minister for full six years term.

According to reports, most of the Congress leaders in Kashmir and Jammu were of the opinion that Congress would lose its support base if it allowed NC to hold office of the CM for full term.

They complained that NC leadership was not entertaining the demands of Congress workers.

The Congress high command’s silence over Sharma’s statement has not gone down well with NC, which alleged that Congress was trying to break its own promise.

Amid all the political drama over change of guard, NC today said that the coalition would complete its full term with Omar Abdullah as chief minister.

Former minister and senior NC leader, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, told a local news agency that statements of Sharma and Kamal were not going to affect the working of the coalition.

“As far as chief minister’s term is concerned, the Congress high command is bound by its promise and any kind of change will not be acceptable to National Conference leadership,” he said.

According to sources, NC has decided to convene the party’s core group meeting to discuss the present situation and chalk out the future strategy of the party.

Meanwhile, in the wake of present crisis within the coalition government, Congress high command has also decided to summon top leadership of NC and JKPCC to mitigate their differences.

The reports also said that the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, were in favour of continuing with Omar as the state’s chief minster for full term.

Significantly, unlike the previous Congress-PDP setup, Congress high command had while entering into power sharing pact with NC in January 2009 said that there would be no rotation of chief ministership and Omar Abdullah would hold the office for full six-year term.

2010 - The year of suspense, sensation, lot of political drama

2011-02-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Dec 31: The year 2010 will be remembered for a host of reasons. From umpteen protest calendars to killing of 112 innocent civilians in police and CRPF action; from internal bickering in Congress to verbal spats between National Conference (NC) and Congress leaders; from the separatist-sponsored 'Chalo' calls to Ahad Jan throwing a shoe at chief minster; the year 2010 can be best summed up as the year of sensation, bloodbath, and lots of political drama.

Let's recall here some of the events that hogged the headlines for the most part of this year.

Tufail Mattoo's killing and its aftermath:

On June 11, 2010 a 17-year-old boy Tufail Ahmad Matoo of Saidakadal died after he was hit by a teargas shell fired by police at Ghani stadium in Rajouri Kadal. Tufail, a class 12 student, was coming back from his tuition. His killing sparked off a wave of violent protests across the length and breadth of the valley. Thousands of people took to streets and demanded stern action against Tufail's killers. The protestors were showered with tear gas canisters and rubber bullets.

In the wake of violent protests and clashes between protestors and forces, the government functioning remained only for namesake. In the absence of functioning government institutions and regulations, the valley was virtually turned into killing field where police and paramilitary CRPF men were calling the shots on the battered streets of Kashmir.

Even after daily killings of civilians, the protests didn't die down and continued till September.

When situation in the valley continued to worsen with more civilian killings in police and CRPF firing, most of the ministers shifted their base either to Jammu or New Delhi. Even the media-savvy chief minister, Omar Abdullah, could hardly be seen on television or newspapers. Moreover, when the entire valley was reeling under an unprecedented political unrest, he was holidaying with his family in Gulmarg, besides occasionally traveling to New Delhi.

A horrific killing spree - starting from the killing of Tufail Mattoo to the killings of four civilians at Palhalan on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Highway on September 13 - saw 112 civilians being mercilessly killed in police and CRPF action. Not to talk about hundreds of those civilians who were seriously injured in police firing.

It was only in late September that things started to change a bit in favour of the coalition government, headed by the beleaguered chief minister, Omar Abdullah.

Army conducts flag march:

As Kashmir continued to boil, the struggling chief minister decided to called in the Army. On July 7, six years after Army was withdrawn from Srinagar, Army conducted flag marches through curfew-bound Srinagar in a bid to restore law and order. New Delhi also sent Home Secretary GK Pillai to review the situation in the valley.

Omar's decision for reinforcement to restore order in the grief-stricken valley of Kashmir was castigated by mainstream leaders, separatists, human rights activists, and political analysts, asserting that such a move would add more fuel to a raging fire in the valley.

Pertinently, about 2000 central paramilitary troops were deployed in the valley. As many as 32 companies, which comprises over 3000 personnel, were deployed in 10 most sensitive districts of the valley to strangulate the voice of dissent.

'Quit Jammu and Kashmir campaign':

Sixty four years after the founder of National Conference (NC), Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, had given the call of "Quit Kashmir" against Maharaja Hari Singh, on June 24 Syed Ali Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference called for "Quit Jammu Kashmir" campaign, and raised the pitch of separatist rhetoric.

Senior Hurriyat Conference (G) leader, Masrat Alam, announced in a press conference that the amalgam had decided to launch the campaign against the "growing atrocities of Indian troops" in the state.

"Go India Go Back will be the slogan during the entire campaign," he had said.

As part of the 'Quit Jammu and Kashmir campaign', the Hurriyat (G) started to give protest calendars, which were keenly followed by the people so much so that they were even hanged on the walls of almost every house in the valley.

The slogan 'Go India go back' was written on almost every street and wall, in Kashmir.

All-party parliamentary delegation visits Kashmir:

A 40-member strong all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Home Minister P. Chidambaram, visited Kashmir on September 20 on a two-day visit to assess the ground situation in the conflict-ridden valley of Kashmir.

Although the major separatist leaders - Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Yasin Malik - had decided against meeting the delegation, some members of the delegation dropped at their door steps.

PDP patron, Mufti Sayeed and PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, were the only ones who stayed away from the delegation.

Earlier, chief minister, Omar Abdullah, had convened an all-party meeting to find a way out of the deepening political crisis in the valley. The state's principal opposition, PDP, preferred to stay away from the meeting even after Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, personally urging the PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, to attend the meeting.

The year end saw more delegations from New Delhi comprising politicians, members of civil society, visiting the valley to pave way for a sustained process for restoring peace and dialogue in the state.

Appointment of interlocutors:

Woken up to the ground realities and deteriorating law and order in the valley, New Delhi appointed three interlocutors on October 13, for helping restart dialogue process in strife-torn state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Immediately after the appointment of interlocutors, New Delhi received a major set back as separatist leaders out right rejected the decision and termed it as a "futile exercise". Even some mainstream parties, including BJP, CPI-M, JKNPP, NC, sounded skeptical of non-political team of interlocutors.

After concluding their first visit to Kashmir on October 27, the panel of interlocutors called for immediate and unconditional release of all incarcerated separatist leaders and youths arrested for stone pelting and also hinted at the scope of amending the Indian constitution to resolve over six-decade old Kashmir imbroglio.

Ever since their appointment, the interlocutors have visited the valley twice and are yet to take separatists on board.

Frictions in NC-Cong coalition:

The year 2010 saw a series of verbal spats between senior Congress and NC leaders.

It all started when NC president and union minister, Farooq Abdullah, targeted bete-noire PDP for attacking NC and not Congress over the issue of Indus Water Treaty (IWT).

"Why does not Mufti Mohammad Sayeed or PDP point fingers towards Congress. It was PDP leadership which backed Nehru ji to sign the treaty while Sheikh Sahib was put behind the bars," Farooq had said during Gram Sabha rally on Mar 13, 2010.

Farooq's statement had not gone down well with Congress leaders, who were annoyed with senior Abdullah's "unacceptable" statement.

If Farooq's statement was not enough to upset the NC-Congress bonhomie, soon his brother and MLA Hazratbal, Dr Mustafa Kamal, and NC MP, Mehboob Beg, jumped on the band wagon, only to make the matters worse.

Miffed over NC leadership's assault on Congress, senior Congress leader and former minister, Abdul Gani Vakil, known for his PDP bashing, said the NC statements were unacceptable and against the spirit with which UPA chairperson and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, had handed over the reins of power in Jammu and Kashmir to chief minister, Omar Abdullah.

Besides frictions in NC-Congress coalition, the year also witnessed internal bickering within Congress camp. Although the JKPCC tried its best to brush aside the internal bickering among rival groups in the party, but the animosity brewing in the party ranks manifested itself in several forms on several occasions.

Union minister for health, Ghulam Nabi Azad, during a four-day visit to the state, preferred to maintain silence on the issue.

Pertinently, union minister and Congress general secretary, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and JKPCC chief, Saif-ud-Din Soz had come face to face at Royal Spring Golf Course in April, but they did not even greet each other or exchange a single word.

The bitterness among rival groups in the party 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.

Azad's loyalists, notably Abdul Gani Vakil, publicly castigated Soz through out the year. Vakil remained at loggerheads with Soz on different issues.

Sonia cancels Kashmir visit:

The UPA chairperson was scheduled to arrive in Kashmir on May 29 to lay foundation stone of the colony at Rakh Arath Bemina, however, she cancelled her visit and reportedly expressed displeasure over the state government's decision to rehabilitate Dal dwellers at Rakh Arath Bemina.

After Kashmir Times (KT) exposed the state government's blunder to build a colony for Dal dwellers on a wetland on May 24, Sonia sent the then minister of state in the Prime Minister's office and Congress in-charge for J&K, Prithviraj Chavan, on May 25 to undertake a spot inspection of the colony at Rakh Arath.

According to JKPCC insiders, Chavan had expressed discontent over the government decision to rehabilitate Dal dwellers at Rakh Arath, where almost all the plots inundated with flood water. After flying back to New Delhi, Chavan briefed Sonia about the situation, and she decided against laying foundation stone of the colony.

However, she kept her date with the people of Jammu where she inaugurated a tribal centre.

Pertinently, experts believe that Rakh Arath project would prove a disaster. They are of the opinion that construction of concrete structures is not technically viable at Rath Arath, covering thousands of kanals of wet land. However, without paying heed to the expert opinions, the government went ahead with the project.

Padma Shri Moma Kanna:

Former militant and notorious Ikhwani, Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Moma Kana, 60, of central Kashmir's Budgam district was awarded Padma Shri by Government of India in January, triggering a controversy between PDP and NC over the recommendation of his name for the coveted award.

While the chief minister, Omar Abdullah, rejected to have recommended Kana's name, his father and NC president, Farooq Abdullah, admitted that he had recommended the former militant's name.

Mir defended his nomination, asserting that he had helped in "apprehending or neutralising around 5,000 militants in Kashmir".

"My were brother and nephew were killed in cold blood. My son was shot at. I have suffered a lot for the country," he said.

Geelani rejects talks with New Delhi

2011-02-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Dec 6: A day after chief minister, Omar Abdullah, asked separatists to enter into dialogue with New Delhi, veteran separatist leader and chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani, denied any talks with New Delhi until it recognized Kashmir as a dispute.

“Talks with India are futile until it stops treating Kashmir as integral part and accepts Kashmir as a dispute,” Geelani said.

He, however, said that the separatist leadership would continue to aware Indian masses about the plight of Kashmiris.

“We welcome all non-official delegations that want to meet us,” he maintained.

Lashing out at National Conference (NC) patron and union minister, Farooq Abdullah, Geelani said that the Abdullah dynasty was responsible for the sufferings of Kashmiris.

“He (Farooq) is a stooge of New Delhi. He does not even deserve my reply,” he said. “National Conference is entirely responsible for the miseries and sufferings of Kashmiris.”

Pertinently, Farooq had launched a scathing attack on Geelani yesterday.

“They send their children to foreign countries for education, but people are asked to boycott schools. Geelani takes chicken soup himself, but does not allow people to even have vegetables,” the senior Abdullah had said. “I wish I be there when he (Geelani) faces God.”

Hitting back at Farooq, Geelani said that NC and the Sheikh family had deceived Kashmiris at every crucial juncture.

“Had NC leadership not acted as Mir Jafars and Sadiqs of Kashmir, political instability would never have engulfed the subcontinent and India and Pakistan would have never been at loggerheads over Kashmir issue,” he said.

Asserting that Kashmir dispute was not the creation of Hurriyat Conference or Geelani, the octogenarian leader said that it was the creation of National Conference.

“Every student of history knows the fact that Sheikh Abdullah and National Conference’s treacherous politics gave birth to the problem of Kashmir,” Geelani said.

He said that had the NC leadership not converted Muslim Conference (MC) into National Conference (NC) in 1938 “at the instance of New Delhi”, Kashmir would have been a different story altogether.

“Had it (NC leadership) not validated the accession in 1947 in exchange for power, today our youth would not have been facing bullets,” he said.

He said the “oppression and “tyranny” unleashed by Sheikh Abdullah-led NC government from 1947 to 1953 was one of the most tragic phases in Kashmir history.

“During that period pro-freedom people were tortured or exiled,” he said. “Even tuning into Radio Pakistan was considered a punishable crime.”

Geelani said that during that period a Sopore youth, Ghulam Mohammad Bullah, was beaten to death at Srinagar’s Central jail.

“That was the first custodial killing in Kashmir.”

“It was the loss of power in 1953 that, according to its own leaders, forced NC to opt for political vagrancy for 22 long years,” he added.

The Hurriyat (G) chairman said that the same party accepted the seat of power “given in charity by New Delhi” in 1975 fro burying the public demand for a plebiscite in 1975.

Castigating Farooq, he said that when he was sworn as chief minister, Farooq proved to be a “comedian” instead of a “serious leader”.

Geelani said that it was Farooq who had signed the death warrant of “Shaheed” Maqbool Butt.

“Ironically, Farooq had taken oath with him (Butt) for liberating Kashmir,” Geelani said.

The veteran separatist leader said that when Farooq began to loose support in Kashmir, he “rigged” the 1987 assembly election.

“The rigging forced irate Kashmri youth to pick up guns,” he said.

He said when militancy was at its peak in 1996, Farooq stabbed in the back of Kashmiris by deciding to contest elections.

“Similarly, in 2008 when the entire Kashmir was up in anger against Indian occupation, Farooq again betrayed Kashmiris and without caring about the sacrifices of Kashmir youth, he decided to take part in elections,” he said.

He said that the “dreaded” Special Task Force (STF), responsible for the killings of thousands of innocent Kashmiris, was Farooq’s creation.

“Indian has only one reason for occupying Kashmir and that is Farooq Abdullah and his National Conference,” he said.

Geelani said that as long as he was alive he would continue to raise his voice against the “forceful occupation of Kashmir by India”.

“I will have no regret if I am taken to the gallows,” he said. “I’ll never betray my nation like Farooq Abdullah and NC,” he said.

Delhi team for restarting composite dialogue with Pakistan

2011-02-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Wants Delhi to take separatists on board

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Dec 4: Concluding its three-day Kashmir visit, the delegation of parliamentarians and civil society members today asked New Delhi to respond to separatists’ proposals on confidence building measures and restart the stalled composite dialogue with Pakistan.

Endorsing formation of a Parliamentary committee, as suggested by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference, member parliament and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chairman, Ram Vilas Paswan, who headed the 11-member delegation, accused Indian government of ignoring the recommendations put forth by the all-party delegation.

“Instead of implementing the recommendations, they (New Delhi) appointing appointed interlocutors, which however failed to change the ground situation in Kashmir,” Paswan said in a press conference at Broadway hotel here before leaving back for New Delhi.

Paswan said that the all-party delegation had recommended appointment of a team of interlocutors comprising politicians.

“Rejecting the recommendation, the government appointed non-political interlocutors, who have been unable to address the issue convincingly,” he said.

Expressing concern over unabated human rights violations in the valley, Paswan said that there was a need to look into the draconian laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Public Safety Act (PSA) besides working on withdrawal of troops.

“If demilitarization in one go is not possible, then the security forces can be withdrawn from Kashmir in a phased manner,” he said.

The former union minister emphasized the need for engaging separatist and Pakistan in talks.

“There is need to engage separatists in talks and resume composite dialogue with Pakistan,” he said.

Calling for an enquiry into the recent killings, Paswan said that the victims who were killed during five-month long unrest in the valley were not militants or Pakistanis.

“Had 112 youth been killed in any other part f India, errant forces would have certainly been brought to book,” he said. “It’s very unfortunate that no action has yet been taken against the culprits in Kashmir.”

The LJP president said that there was also an “urgent need” to look into the issue of release of political detenues and other youths, who were languishing behind bars in various jails across the state.

Paswan said that that the delegation members had unanimously decided to build a political consensus in New Delhi on formation of a parliamentary committee to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

“We will propose this issue in the Parliament,” he said.

“We are not interlocutors, but we will work to generate a common consensus on Kashmir across the country to pave the way for its final settlement,” he said.

Paswan invited separatist leaders to participate in various seminars and debates held across India.

“That will help in making people of the country aware of the true picture of Kashmir,” he said.

The delegation left fro New Delhi at 2:30 PM.

Pertinently, Paswan had Saturday said that New Delhi had “completely failed” to implement its eight-point package in Kashmir.

Urging New Delhi to respond to Geelani’s five-point proposal, Paswanhad said: “Government may have reservations to accept Kashmir as international dispute (Geelani’s first proposal), but there should not have been any problem in addressing other four proposals put forth by Geelani sahib.”

Meanwhile, the delegation comprising parliamentarians, journalists, filmakers today also called on senior separatist leader and National Front chairman, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, at his residence.

During his interaction with the delegation, Khan emphasized the need for working on the various proposals floated by Mirwiaz-led Hurriyat Conference to pave the way for dialogue process.

Pertinently, the delegation had on Sunday met chairmen Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Geelani, Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman, Shabir Ahmad Shah, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, People’s Conference chairman, Bilal Lone, and families of youth killed in police and CRPF action during the five-month long unrest.

The delegation had arrived here on December 3 on a ‘fact finding mission’. Shortly after landing in Kashmir, they drove straight to the house of Tufail Ahmad Matoo, 12, who was killed by a tear smoke shell fired by police on June 11 at Rajouri Kadal here and interacted with the Mattoo family. Later in the day, they also met JKLF chairman, Yasin Malik.

Centre's 8-point package complete failure: Paswan

2011-02-01T08:38:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Dec 4: Asserting that New Delhi had “completely failed” to implement its eight-point package in Kashmir, the visiting delegation of parliamentarians and civil society members today asked New Delhi to respond to five-point proposal floated by chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani, to resolve the Kashmir issue.

“After our visit in September, the government announced eight-point package for Kashmir, but there is no visible implementation of the package on ground,” member parliament and Lok Janshakti Party president, Ram Vilas Paswan, who is heading the Delhi team, told reporters after the team’s two-hour long meeting with Geelani at his Hyderpora residence here.

Urging New Delhi to respond to Geelani’s five-point proposal, Paswan, who was speaking on behalf of the delegation members, said: “Government may have reservations to accept Kashmir as international dispute (Geelani’s first proposal), but there should not have been any problem in addressing other four proposals put forth by Geelani sahib.”

The LJP leader said that government should make public the number of youth arrested under Public Safety Act (PSA) and those released after New Delhi’s announcement of the eight-point package.

He also expressed disappointment over appointment of "non-political" interlocutors on Kashmir.

"They (interlocutors) have failed to take the Kashmiri leadership on board," he said.

Emphasizing the need for engaging separatists, including Geelani, in dialogue for resolution of Kashmir issue, he said, “Government must start dialogue on Kashmir and invite all separatists in it. Opening the door to dialogue is need of the hour.”

Extending the team’s full support to “peaceful struggle” of Kashmiris, Paswan said that he would raise in Parliament the continuous arrest of Geelani.

“It’s very unfortunate that he has been kept under house arrest fort he last three months. If it is necessary then the government should at least declare it officially,” he said. “I’ll surely raise this issue in Parliament.”

Paswan said that the team was on a fact finding mission to know the ground realities in Kashmir.

“After the all-party delegation visited Kashmir there was a need to engage with people and address their demands, but the government failed to do so,” he said. “Kashmiris are hurt and that’s the reason the talks, instead of moving forward, are going backwards,”

He said that the purpose of their visit was to find the actual situation in the valley so that they could tell the real story to their people back home.

“People of the country are unaware of the happenings in Kashmir. Indian media does not project the ground situation in Kashmir,” he said.

“The stereotype image of Kashmiris needs to be changed and media has an important role to play in that,” he said. “We will raise Kashmir issue in parliament and other platforms and try to create a public opinion across the country.”

Earlier, in a two-hour long meeting with the delegation, the octogenarian separatist leader, who is spearheading the ongoing “Quit Jammu and Kashmir campaign”, asked the team to raise the Kashmir issue and the stand of separatists in Parliament.

“Kashmir has been a disputed territory for the last 63 years,” he said. “Indian Home Minister has himself admitted that Kashmir is an issue of broken promises.”

Geelani told the delegation that India had promised the people of Kashmir that they would be given right to self determination.

“It was India that took the Kashmir case to United Nations. Eighteen resolutions were passed by United Nations Security Council,” he said.

He said that the UN resolutions should be implemented and troops should be removed from Kashmir to pave the way for resolution of Kashmir issue.

He said that New Delhi should accept his amalgam’s five-point proposal to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Reiterating that he was not against dialogue on principle, he said, “I am not averse to dialogue if they are meaningful and result oriented. There have been over 150 dialogue exercises which have proven to be exercise in futility.”

The delegation comprising parliamentarians, journalists, filmakers today also called on chairman Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, People’s Democratic Party president, Mehbooba Mufti, Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chairman, Shabir Ahmad Shah.

During a meeting with Mirwaiz, the delegation condemned the recent attacks on the Hurriyat (M) chairman at Chandigarh and Kolkata.

“A handful of communal elements can not represent the Indian majority,” they said.

Mirwiaz stressed the need for resolving the Kashmir dispute amicably.

“Kashmir is a political dispute and it should be resolved politically,” he said. “The solution should be acceptable to India, Pakistan and Kashmiris. Delaying resolution of Kashmir issue is not in the interests of India, Pakistan or the sub continent,” he said.

He said that Hurriyat Conference (M) had given some proposals to change the ground situation.

“We had suggested formation of a joint parliamentary group from India and Pakistan to the members of all-party delegation during their visit to Kashmir,” he said.

Meanwhile, during her interaction with the delegation, PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, said that New Delhi’s eight-point package had yet to see light of the day.

She cautioned that the calm on streets should not be taken for granted.

“This was the time to address the grievances of people,” she said.

“Thousands of youth have been arrested after announcement of eight-point package despite the fact that the main thrust in the package was given on release of prisoners, she said.

The PDP president said that the state government had even failed to adhere to the High Court orders.

“Absence of a substantial political initiative from New Delhi has pushed Kashmiris back to the dark ages of violence,” she said. “The state government has failed the people even in providing security to life and property which is the fundamental of any governance.”

She asked the delegation to study the ground situation seriously and try to convey the real picture to their people back home.

During his meeting with the delegation, DFP chairman, Shabir Ahmed Shah, said that Kashmir was a disputed territory and New Delhi should resolve the issue “in accordance with the aspirations of the people”.

“India and Pakistan have fought three wars over Kashmir and its resolution is in the best interest of both the countries,” he said.

The delegation also met families of victims who were killed during five-month long unrest in the valley. The family members told the delegation that they don’t want more bloodshed in Kashmir.

They also raised slogans and told the delegation that they want “Azadi” from India.

“Our loved ones have laid down their lives for freedom of Kashmir,” they said.

Pertinently, the 11-member parliamentary and civil society delegation arrived here yesterday on a ‘fact finding mission’. Shortly after landing in Kashmir, they grove to the house of Tufail Ahmad Matoo, 12, who was killed by a tear smoke shell fired by police on June 11 at Rajouri Kadal here and interacted with the Mattoo family. Later in the day, they met JKLF chairman, Yasin Malik.

11-member Delhi team arrives on 'fact finding' mission

2011-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Dec 3: Beginning its “fact finding mission”, an 11-member parliamentary and civil society delegation led by Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) president, Ram Vilas Paswan, which arrived here today, met the family of Tufail Ahmad Matoo, 12, who was killed by a tear smoke shell fired by police on June 11 at Rajouri Kadal here. His killing triggered five-month long unrest that saw 112 youth being killed in police and CRPF action across the valley.

Terming Indian democratic system a “defunct system” and a “complete failure”, Tufail’s family told the delegation that New Delhi had “unleashed a rein of tyranny” in Kashmir in the name of democracy.

“Police killed my son in cold blood. When he was killed he had a five-rupee coin in his hand, not stones,” Mohammad Ashraf, Tufail’s father, told the delegation. “Hundreds of young boys were mercilessly killed and thousands are languishing behind bars. Is this what you call democracy? Shame on Indian democracy, and its leaders,”

Stating that Kashmiris were the most oppressed people in the world, Ashraf blamed prime minister, Manmoham Singh, and chief minister, Omar Abdullah, for the recent killings in the valley.

“The men in khaki killed our youth at will and with impunity,” he said.

Refusing ex gratia relief, the Matto family demanded stern action against those involved in the killing of Tufail.

“Money can not fill the vacuum left behind by Tufail’s death,” Ashraf said.

Pertinently, a 40-member strong all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Home Minister P. Chidambaram, had visited Kashmir in September to assess the ground situation in the valley, which was then reeling under unprecedented political unrest.

Significantly, Paswan, who was also part of the all-party parliamentary delegation, had expressed disappointment over appointment of "non-political" interlocutors on Kashmir.

The visit of parliamentary and civil society delegation is the brainchild of New Delhi-based Centre for Policy Analysis (CPA).

The delegation comprising Paswan and Shoaib Iqbal of LJP, Gopal Choudary of CPI-M, D Raja of CPI, Namo Nageshwar Rao of Telgu Desham Party, Danish Ali of Janta Dal (Secular), Maheshwar Hazari of Janta Dal (United), Shahid Siddiqui of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RJD), film maker Mahesh Bhatt, journalist Seema Mustafa and academician Prof Kamal Mitra Chenoy, is likely to meet chairmen Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Geelani, senior separatist leader, Shabir Ahmad Shah, mainstream politicians including chief minister, civil society groups, families of those killed in five-month long unrest.

"Kashmir is peaceful now. It does not mean that the problem is solved,” Paswan had said. “Our delegation is not an official one, but we will be meeting common people, youth and political leaders and create an atmosphere of peace."

CPI-M leader, D Raja, told reporters on the sidelines of the delegation’s visit to the Mattoo family that they would meet a cross section of society to grasp the ground situation.

“We are here on a fact finding mission and will listen to grief and grievances of people, and covey it to the people of India and also present a report to the government,” he said.

He said that the team would also asses the reaction of denizens of the valley to eight-point initiative announced by New Delhi for the state.

Earlier, the delegation, after arriving in Kashmir, drove straight to the Matto residence at Saida Kadal in old Srinagr city this afternoon.

Tufail’s father told the delegation that he and his family members were receiving threats from certain quarters to accept the ex gratia relief and stop pursuing the case.

“Several people from intelligence agencies have come to my house, asking us to stop pursuing the case,” he said.

Asking New Delhi to honour the commitment made by Jawaharlal Nehru to the people of Kashmir, Ashraf said, “Nehru’s soul must be restless. India has crushed Gandhi’s principles under its military boots.”

Later, the delegation met JKLF chairman, Yaseen Malik at Maisuma. After the photo op, media persons were asked to leave the meeting room by one of the members of the delegation, Seema Mustafa.

During the close-door meeting, Yaseen Malik, according to sources, told the delegation that he had urged the all-party parliamentary delegation to constitute a parliamentarian committee, comprising of all political parties, to hold talks with Kashmir separatists

He also assailed the appointment of three-member team of interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir.

“Appointment of interlocutors was a big joke with the people of Kashmir,” he said.

The delegation, which is on three-day visit to Kashmir, would also meet youth and families of victims killed during the five-month unrest in the Valley.

From north to south, normal life goes out of gear

2011-02-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Protest in Shopian against police crackdown on youth

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Dec 1: Normal life in Shopian was completely thrown out of gear today as massive protest demonstrations rocked the south Kashmir’s apple-rich town against arrest of local youth by police on charges of stone-pelting. Meanwhile, north Kashmir’s Bandipora town also observed complete shut down today in protest against the killing of a local 'militant’ in an encounter with police at Qamarwari on Monday.

According to reports, massive protest demonstrations were held at Jamia Masjid, Bon Bazar, Aliyal Pora and Bongam in Shopian, 56 kilometers from here, against alleged police highhandedness, amid claims of Shopian police that it had arrested a kingpin of a group of stone-pelters - Moti Gang, which, they said, was active in organizing protest demonstrations in the town

Refuting the police claims, locals said that police had unleashed a rein of terror in the town, and had arrested many youth during nocturnal raids.

“They (police) conduct night raids and arrest our youth on flimsy charges,” said Shamim Ahmad of Bongam Shopian. “Later, they dub them as stone pelters.”

Hundreds of people took to streets in south Kashmir’s apple-rich town, to protest the arrest of the local youth by police. Shouting pro-Islam and pro-freedom slogans, they irate protestors demanded release of all arrested youth and stop crackdown “against innocent youth”.

“We ask police to immediately release all the arrested youth, failing which we will intensify the protests,” they said.

According to reports, police had to resort to teargas shelling to disperse the protestors.

The locals also alleged that the police had arrested a local youth – Yasir – at Srinagar yesterday.

All shops and other commercial outlets, private offices remained closed in the Shopian town and its adjoining areas. Transport was also off the roads.

Earlier in the day, announcements were made from local mosque loudspeakers, urging people to observe complete shutdown today to protest the arrest of local youth by police.

The reports said that police, in civvies, arrested a local youth – Tawseef Ahmad Bhat alias Moti, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat of Baba Mohalla, Shopian.

Tawseef had recently appeared in class 10th examinations.

The Shopian police claimed that Tawseef, 19, was a kingpin of a major group of stone pelters – Moti Gang - in Shopian. They said there were 12 FIRs registered against him. Police also said that the group had been active in organizing protest demonstrations in the town.

“The group was paying Rs 500 to every new member for holding violent protests in the area,” police said.

Another 19-year-old, Imran Ahmad, of Shopian, was arrested enroute Srinagar.

Pertinently, police had, two days ago, claimed to have arrested a ‘stone pelter’ - Sadam Husain, who, they said, was involved in organizing “violent protests” in the town.

Massive protests rocked Shopian town today against the arrest of local youth. Additional forces were deployed on streets. Policemen, in civvies, were also deployed in the town, the reports said.

However, SSP Shopian, Shahid Meraj, out rightly rejected the reports of protest demonstrations at Shopian.

“There was no protest in Shopian,” he said.

Shahid said that the police had arrested a youth today at Singlu Chowk who was threatening shopkeepers to down their shutters.

Asked whether Shopian police had arrested any youth on charges of stone pelting, Shahid said, “We have only arrested two people who were involved in criminal activities.”

“Two days ago, we had arrested one youth who had 28 criminal cases registered against him,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to reports, shops, commercial establishments, government and private offices also remained closed in north Kashmir's Bandipora town, to protest the killing of a local ‘militant’, Zahoor Ahmad Hajam, in an encounter with police at Qamarwari on Monday.

Hundreds of people took to streets at Nabripora and raised slogans against Zahoor’s killing.

They alleged that Zahoor was not a militant and that he was killed in a “fake encounter”. They demanded stern action against errant policemen. The protestors dispersed off peacefully.

Pertinently, Zahoor, 26, who was working as a teacher at Kausaria High School Chak Reshipora, Bandipora, was laid to rest yesterday at Mazar-e Shauda Nasu Bandipora yesterday amid massive protests.

Bodies of 'militants' killed in Qamarwari shootout burried amid massive protests

2011-02-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

KT NEWS SERVICE

SRINAGAR, Nov 30: Bodies of slain ‘militants’, killed in Monday’s shootout at Qamarwari here, were taken to their respective native places amid massive protest demonstrations.

Pall of gloom descended on Bandipora when the body of Zahoor Ahmad Hajam, 26, son of Ghulam Qadir Hajam of Hajam Muhalla Bandipora was brought from Srinagar after he was identified by his relatives. Hundreds of people, beating their chests, assembled outside Zahoor’s residence. Complete shutdown was observed in the area. Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the road.

A large number of people carried out a protest march from Nabirpora to DC office Bandipora and raise pro-Islam slogans.

When Zahoor’s body was brought to his native place this afternoon, massive protests erupted in the area. His body was, in a procession, taken to Mazar-e Shauda Nasu Bandipora where he was laid to rest at around 3:30Pm. Hundreds of people offered his funeral prayers and bid adieu to him with numb eyes.

Zahoor, a graduate from Islamia College Srinagar, was working as a teacher at Kausaria High School Chak Reshipora, Bandipora up to October 2010.

‘He was innocent’

“He wanted to study further and had decided to pursue masters from Kashmir University,” said his father, Ghulam Qadir.

He said that Zahoor had shifted his base from Bandipora to his aunt’s place at Mala Bagh here to prepare for KU entrance examination and also prepare for civil services.

“I was coming out of my home this morning when I saw a large number of people gathering outside the local mosque,” said Qadir. “When I inquired, I was stunned to know that my son had been killed in firing at Srinagar.”

He said that his son was innocent and he had no connection with militants.

Zahoor’s cousin, Mubashir Ahmad said that Zahoor was also doing a computer course.

“He had gone to Srinagar a month ago to submit admission form at Kashmir University,” he said. “He had briefly visited his home on Eid.”

According to Mubashir, Zahoor had on Monday morning at around 10:25 AM informed his cousin on phone that he was on his way to Bandipora to apply for teacher post in state education department.

“When he did not reach home till late in the evening, we tried his mobile number several times but he did not receive our call,” Mubashir said.

He said that he was a pious person and would impart free Quranic education to orphan children at a local Madrassa.

“He was arrested four years ago, but was released after he was given a clean chit,” he said. “He was not a militant.”

Zahoor’s family members said that after their relatives identified Zahoor’s body, they staked claim for it.

“But the police initially refused to hand over the body and instead asked us to tell shopkeepers to open their shops,” they said.

Arshad Bashir

Meanwhile, body of another youth – Peerzada Arshad Bashir of Al-Safa colony Sopore - who was killed in yesterday’s encounter with police, was also taken to his native place.

According to reports, word of Arshad’s killing spread like a wild fire in the apple town, triggering massive protests in the area.

A pal of gloom descended on Al-Safa colony when the body of Arshid was brought there. Hundreds of people carried out a protest march up to Achabal. They were raising pro-Islam slogans and calling the Qamarwari encounter “fake”. They also demanded high level probe into the incident and demanded stern action against the errant cops.

Arshid’s body was, later, taken, in a procession, to local Mazar-e Shauda, falling between Achabal and Al-Safa colony, where he was laid to rest.

According to the reports, complete shutdown was observed in the area in protest against the killing.

‘My son was not a militant’

“Police showed me his (Arshad’s) identity card and mobile,” said his father, Bashir Ahmad. “He was not a militant. He had gone to Srinagar to submit examination form at Bemina Degree College.”

Arshid’s uncle said that he was a student of B.Com Ist year at Bemina Degree College.

“He was on his way to Qamarwari on a bike with one of his friends when some militants opened fire at police,” he said. “In retaliation, police fired indiscriminately killing innocent youth including Arshid, and later dubbed them as militants.”

Ridiculing the state police claim that Arshid had fired at police with a pistol, he said that he possessed a valid election card, which the police returned to them on Monday evening.

“He (Arshid) was killed in cold blood by police,” said his family members.

‘Cold blooded murder’

Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member Parliament (MP), Sharif-ud-Din Shariq, who is a close relative of one of the slain youth, Arshid Bashir, termed the killing of the three youth as “cold blooded murder”.

“The policemen involved in the firing should be arrested forthwith and murder case registered against them for killing the innocent youth,” Shariq told media persons. “I will raise the issue with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah so that the guilty are brought to book.”

Ridiculing the place claim, he termed the encounter as “entirely baseless”.

“Recovery of Voter Identity card and Kashmir University roll number slip from Arshad Bashir is the vivid evidence of his being innocent,” he said. “If police can go to the extent of spilling the innocent blood and brand the youth as militants then God save the hapless people of this state.”

Waseem Ahmad

Meanwhile, body of the third youth killed in Monday’s encounter, Waseem Raja, 24, was also taken to his native village of Seer Jagir in Sopore. According to his family members, he was missing for the last two months.

Waseem’s brother, Aijaz Ahmad Gooru said that Waseem had completed his graduation two years ago from Degree College Sopore.

“He dramatically went missing before two months,” he said. “We tried our best to locate him but to no avail.”

He said after failing to trace Waseem, they had filed a missing report in police station Sopore.

“He never went to Pakistan,” he said. “We don’t know who he met and where he went after he disappeared.”

According to reports, it was learnt that Waseem was a surrendered militant and was trying to join the militant ranks again.

Hundreds of people offered his funeral prayers before he was laid to rest at a local Mazar-e Shauda this morning amid pro-Islam slogans.

‘They acted as Jaish module’

Director General of Police (DGP), Kuldeep Khoda, today said that the slain three ‘militants’ were working as “Jaish module’.

“The three militants were working as a Jaish module, which was headed by Waseem Raja Guru and the rented accommodation of Arshid Bashir was used as a hideout,” he said. “The module was also involved in the killing of two CRPF men on November 10, 2010 in Pattan.”

Giving description about Wasim, he said Waseem had gone for training across border in 1991 and returned in 1994.

“He was working as Battalion Commander of JeM outfit in Sopore. He was associated with JeM commander, Shoaib alias Yasir resident of Pakistan. He was booked under PSA in 2007 and was released in 2008. He restarted his activities in 2008. He was categorized as ‘A’ Category JeM militant in 2009,” Khuda said.

About Zahoor Ahmad, Khuda said he was a local trained militant affiliated with Al-Badar outfit.

“His was working under code name of Tanveer /Imran. He was arrested on August 23, 2004 by 15 RR, at Hospital Road Bandipora. One Pistol with magazine and seven rounds were recovered from his possession,” he said. “He was also detained under PSA for a period of one and a half year in 2004. Zahoor was also found involved in instigating public for agitation in 2008.”

Referring to Arshid Bashir, the DGP said Arshid had close links with militant organizations and his house was raided in 2009 by Police and Army for the presence of Jaish Mohammad militants.

“He had developed liaison with JeM militant, Waseem Raja Guru, in 2008-2009 and was seen with him off and on,” he said.

Frequent, unscheduled power cutts irk Valleyites

2011-02-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Nov 29: Even as the state government claims, ad nauseum, that it would provide uninterrupted power supply to the valley, frequent and long power cuts have only added to the woes of denizens of the valley.

Chief minister, Omar Abdullah, had on record said that the expeditious harnessing of hydel power potential of 20,000 MW would not only make J&K self-reliant, but it would also help to meet the power requirement of India. However, there is no denying the fact that the state power sector continues to be one of the most underdeveloped sectors in the state.

Come winter, Kashmiris not only have to bear intense cold, but have to experience frequent and long power cuts. The entire valley plunges into darkness, making life more miserable for denizens of the valley. Industrialists, hoteliers, student community, house boat owners, and news paper owners face the most brunt of the prolonged power cuts.

Locals allege that there is a proper schedule of power cuts in place, but the concerned PDD employees have failed to adhere to that schedule.

“They (PDD employees) cut power supply according to their choice,” they said.

They also claim that the PDD employees at concerned grid stations are developing a knack of violating the power cut schedule.

“They provide power supply only to those areas where traders and industrialist grease heir palms,” locals said. “Sumbal Sonawari can serve a classic example of the hightening corruption tide in the department.”

Residents of Sumbal allege that areas like Nesbal, Wangipora, Asham, Anderkot Nogam, Batta Mohalla, Wangi Pora, Shilwath plunge into darkness as winter dusk sets in.

“Employees at local grid station, in complete violation of power cut schedule, provide power supply to other areas,” they said.

Similar complaints have been echoed by residents of civil line areas.

“Students, who have to appear in examinations, are worst sufferers as they face lot of hardships in wake of unscheduled and prolonged power cuts,” they said. “Children of affluent persons don’t face problems as they have inverter facility available; however, it is children of poor who suffer the most.”

Residents of north Kashmir and central Kashmir’s Budgam district also face similar problems.

The PDD has also resorted to heavy and unscheduled power curtailments in metered areas, contradicting the claims of regular power supply in metered areas by the government.

“Despite assurances by PDD of providing regular power supply in metered areas, the ground reality narrates a dismal tale of official apathy,” said Basheer Mir, a resident of Sanat Nagar. “Government is only making tall claims, but the ground reality is different.”

Pertinently, the state government had recently sough Rs 5, 851 crore assistance from New Delhi for implementing reforms programme in power sector and improving distribution and transmission system in the state.

However, according to senior PDD official, the state has not yet received “a single penny”.

Significantly, union minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr Farooq Abdullah, had recently targeted New Delhi for denying completion of major power projects in the state.

“I had handed over seven major power projects to the Central government as the Chief Minister of the Jammu and Kashmir and it was assured that these projects would be completed within five years but none of the projects has been completed even after the lapse of 10 to 12 years,” Farooq had said. “Our tragedy is that the projects, which were to be completed in five years, had not been completed in 23 years. Salal project was 17 years behind schedule. Look at the escalation of cost from Rs 3000-5000 crore to many thousands of crores at the time when it is producing just 300 MW power.”

In the wake of government apathy, PDD employees’ callous attitude, the power scenario is unlikely to improve in the valley, at least in near future.

Mirwaiz Umar heckled, again!

2011-02-01T08:27:00.001-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Nov 28: Two days after chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was hackled allegedly by a group of Kashmiri Pandit activists at a seminar in Chandigarh, the Mirwaiz had to face a similar situation at Kolkata today when activists of BJP’s student wing hurled eggs at his vehicle after attending a seminar on Kashmir.

According to reports, the Hurriyat (M) chairman was coming out of an auditorium after attending the seminar - “Kashmir- A Way Out” - organised by Centre for Peace and Progress when some irate student activists of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) started raising slogans for his alleged “anti-India statements” during his addressed at the seminar. The protestors also carried banners, reading 'Bharat Ek Hai' and 'Mirwaiz Murdabad'.

Police personnel swung into action and whisked the senior separatist leader from the spot. The protestors hurled eggs at Mirwaiz’s vehicle as it drove away from the seminar venue. Later, the security personnel reportedly arrested 25 members of ABVP.

Earlier, addressing the seminar at Academy of Fine Arts in Kolkata, Mirwaiz urged the Indian intelligentsia, and denizens of Kolkata to make people aware of ground realities in Kashmir, and build pressure on New Delhi for amicable resolution of Kashmir dispute.

Mirwaiz reiterated that Kashmir was a “disputed land” and that New Delhi should realize the “strong sentiments of 'Azadi' (freedom) of the people of the valley”.

"Until and unless New Delhi addresses the core issue, nothing can be achieved,” he said, adding the core issue was not development or economic packages, but “it is the strong sentiments of the people of Kashmir who want Azadi”.

Accusing New Delhi of “double speak”, Mirwaiz said, “on one hand they claim that they want to resume dialogue process and on the other hand they are arresting Kashmiri youth”.

“Enough is enough, we want a solution,” Mirwaiz reportedly told the jam packed auditorium.

Mirwaiz, who is also the head priest of historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar, told the gathering that he had not been allowed to offer Friday prayers for the last three months.

“I have been restricted to perform my religious duties,” he said.

He said the world community had declared Kashmir as “disputed territory” and it was stressing the need for resolving Kashmir according to the wishes of its denizens.

Stating that resolution of Kashmir issue was imperative for peace in the sub continent, Mirwaiz said, “unless and until Kashmir issue is resolved, the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan can not improve”.

Referring to the amalgam’s demand for complete demilitarization of Kashmir, Mirwaiz said, “Government has over and again stated that infiltration has come down then I wonder what is the use of keeping a much larger number of troops in the valley”.

“Why are the black laws not yet withdrawn? Why is the government using force in the Valley," he asked.

While referring to dialogue process, Mirwaiz said that the dialogue must be “meaningful” and “result oriented”.

“Hurriyat Conference (M) had in 2004 proposed repeal of AFSPA and other black laws, remove of bunkers and watch towers from Srinagar city, release of political detenues, but none of these issues has been addressed so far by New Delhi," he said. “New Delhi must realise the sentiments of people of Kashmir.”

The reports said when Mirwaiz was asked by one of the speakers at the seminar, former army chief General (retired), Shankar Roy Choudhury, if he considered Kashmir a part of India, the Hurriyat (M) chairman said: "No, Kashmir is a disputed land and we want a solution."

Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference (M) has strongly condemned attack on Mirwaiz at Kolkata, and said that the amalgam would not be cowed down by such incidents.

In a statement issued to the press here, the spokesperson of the party said that the conglomerate would continue its struggle for the freedom of Kashmir.

Pertinently, on November 25, the Hurriyat (M) chairman was attacked by Kashmiri Pandits and activists of Hindu groups far an “anti-India speech” at Chandigarh. A criminal complaint was also filed today in a local court accusing the Mirwaiz of “waging a war against the country by making seditious statements”.

CM discuuses coalition functioning with Sonia at Delhi; back home fissures wide open

2011-02-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Nov 27: Even as chief minister, Omar Abdullah, today gave detailed resume of functioning of coalition government to UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, at New Delhi, back home fissures within the coalition government have started to widen again.

The street battles may have shown signs of diminishing, but political battle between the coalition partners – National Conference (NC) and Congress – has once again started hogging headlines after five-month hiatus.

Since the formation of the coalition government, the two parties have often been at loggerheads on different issues ranging from Indus Water Treaty (IWT) to Kashmir’s accession, and now, much-touted rehabilitation policy, aimed at the return of Kashmiri militants from across the border.

Even as Congress ministers have maintained absolute silence over the issue, some of the party stalwarts expressed their disappointment over the decision, fearing a certain political backlash in Jammu region.

“The decision has directly gone in favour of NC,” said a senior JKPCC member. “It seems our ministers have been caught napping by the coalition partner.”

At times the coalition partners have preferred silence, but most of the times they have openly and publicly criticized each other.

On November 25, 2010 senior NC legislator and former minister, Dr Mustafa Kamal, had accused New Delhi of betraying Kashmiris.

“The accords and promises made by Delhi were never kept. They always backstabbed us,” he had said while addressing the party activists at Nawa-e Subha here. “New Delhi is equally responsible for introducing gun culture in Kashmir.”

However, Kamal’s remarks didn’t go down well with the state Congress unit. Vice president of JKPCC, Ghulam Nabi Monga, said that the statement had been deliberately issued to create cracks fissures within the coalition government.

“Dr Kamal has forgotten the 1975 historic accord signed between his father Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi,” Monga had said. “Such remark will definitely affect smooth functioning of the coalition government in the future.”

Pertinently, Kamal’s nephew and the state chief minister, Omar Abdullah, had in his October 6 speech in the state legislative assembly said that J&K had “acceded to India under unique circumstances and it had not merged with India.”

Senior Congressmen at New Delhi had supported Omar’s statement, however, state Congress unit chief and head of J&K coordination committee, Saif-ud-Din Soz, strongly reacted to the chief minister’s remarks.

“I advise the young Omar to go through the book of his grandfather,” he had said while addressing a public meeting at Dayalachak in Kathua district. “Sheikh had, in fact, rejected two-nation theory prior to 1947 when he had a meeting with Jinnah at the latter's residence in Delhi as recorded in his autobiography 'Aatish-e-Chinar.”

A series of verbal fights had ensued between senior NC and Congress leaders on different platforms in the past. It had all started when union minister and president NC, Farooq Abdullah, had, at a function, targeted bete-noire People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for attacking NC and not Congress over the issue of Indus Water Treaty (IWT).

Farooq’s statement had not gone down well with Congress leaders, who were annoyed with senior Abdullah’s “unacceptable” statement.

If Farooq’s statement was not enough to upset the NC-Congress bonhomie, soon his brother and MLA Hazratbal, Dr Mustafa Kamal, and NC Member Parliament, Mehboob Beg, jumped on the band wagon, only to make the matters worse.

After situation seemed to be slipping out of control, it was left to Farooq to do much needed damage control exercise.

Farooq asserted that the two leaders were not eligible to issue statements on behalf of the party. Brushing aside reports of cracks in the coalition, Farooq said that the coalition government in the state was working in close harmony and there were no differences between the partners.

Miffed over NC leadership’s assault on Congress, senior Congress leader and former minister, Abdul Gani Vakil, known for his PDP bashing, cautioned the chief minister against the activities of some elements trying to weaken the coalition government.

The chief minister chipped in and on May 20 urged NC activists to strengthen the bond of NC-Congress coalition at grass root level.

Iran sympathises with ‘oppressed people of Kashmir’

2011-02-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

KT NEWS SERVICE

SRINAGAR, Nov 15: Showing solidarity with people of Kashmiri, supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, has urged the Islamic Ummah to sympathize and provide assistance to Kashmir.

In a message to Hajj pilgrims, Ayatollah Khamenei, said that the major duties of the elite of the Islamic Ummah was to provide help to the Palestinian nation and the besieged people of Gaza, “to sympathize and provide assistance to the nations of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Kashmir, to engage in struggle and resistance against the aggressions of the United States and the Zionist regime, to safeguard the solidarity of Muslims and stop tainted hands and mercenary voices that try to damage this unity, to spread awakening and the sense of responsibility and commitment among Muslim youth throughout Islamic communities”.

He also expressed confidence about the bright future of the Muslim community due to the growing Islamic awakening in the world.

"The expanding wave of Islamic awakening in the world today is a reality that heralds a bright future for the Islamic Ummah," Ayatollah Khamenei said in the message.

Pertinently, Iran had in the past openly extended its support to Kashmir cause. The separatist youth of Kashmir were highly influenced by the 1979-Iranian revolution. However, after the militancy erupted in the state, Iran became cautious. It is after a long time that ‘oppressed people of Kashmir’ have got a mention in the message of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Significantly, Ayatollah Khamenei is believed to adore Kashmir, its culture and people. He had visited Kashmir in early 80s and also delivered sermons at Jamia Masjid Srinagar and Imambara Budgam.

Condemning the “extensive propaganda of the enemy” to spread Islamophobia, Khamenei said their “offhand efforts to create discord among Muslim sects, to incite sectarian prejudices, to bring about pseudo-confrontations between the Sunnis and the Shiites, to create disunity between Islamic states and to aggravate their differences, to change them into hostility and unsolvable conflicts, its employment of intelligence and espionage outfits to propagate corruption and immorality amongst the youth-all these are nervous and bewildered responses to the steady and firm advances of the Islamic Ummah towards awakening, honor and freedom.”

He said that the Zionist regime was no more the “undefeatable monster” of 30 years ago.

“The United States and the West are also no more the unquestionable decision-makers of the Middle East that they were two decades ago. Contrary to the situation that existed ten years ago, the nuclear know-how and other complex technologies are no longer considered inaccessible daydreams for Muslim nations of the region,” he said. “Today the Palestinian nation is an acknowledged paragon of resistance, the Lebanese nation has single-handedly demolished the fake awesomeness of the Zionist regime and emerged as the victor of the 33-day war, and the Iranian nation is at the vanguard of the movement towards the looming peaks.”

“Today the arrogant United States, the self-styled commandant of the Islamic region and the real sponsor of the Zionist regime, is bogged down in the quagmire of its own making in Afghanistan. As a result of all its crimes against the people of Iraq, it is in the course of becoming isolated in that country. It is hated more than ever before in disaster-stricken Pakistan. Today, the influence of the anti-Islamic front which since the past two centuries has acted as a despotic overlord over Islamic nations and states and plundered their resources, is receding before the heroic resistance of the Muslim nations.”

“On the opposite side, the wave of Islamic awakening is steadily advancing and growing in depth day by day.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said that the glorious spectacle and stage of Hajj provided Muslims with an opportunity for the fulfillment of these duties and “summons us to intensify and redouble our resolution and efforts”.

What’s Omar reading?

2011-02-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Nov 8: It seems chief minister, Omar Abdullah, has finally paid heed to the suggestion of Congress’ state unit chief, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz to read “Aatish-e Chinar”.

A photograph circulated by state-run information department in its daily bulletin today showed the English version of his grandfather’s autobiographical book, “Flames of the Chinar” lying on his office table.

The chief minister, in the photograph, is seen holding video conferencing at his Jammu office to review the development as well as law and order situation in the valley. Besides his grandfather’s autobiographical book, his favourite Blackberry mobile phone is also seen on the table.

Pertinently, Soz had, on October 24, advised Omar to read Sheikh’s book.

“I advise the young Omar to go through the book of his grandfather,” he had said.

The chief minister had, in his October 6 speech in the state assembly, said that J&K had “acceded to India under unique circumstances and it had not merged with India.” He had also stressed for inclusion of Pakistan in the 'final settlement of the issue'.

Significantly, India’s external affair minister, SM Krishna, had supported Omar’s statement, saying that the state of J&K had acceded to India just like Mysore.

However, JKPCC chief had strongly reacted to Omar's statement.

“Sheikh had, in fact, rejected it (two-nation theory) prior to 1947 when he had a meeting with Jinnah at the latter's residence in Delhi as recorded in his autobiography 'Aatish-e-Chinar,” he had said while addressing a public meeting at Dayalachak in Kathua district.

A staunch supporter of the Sheikh and one-time NC stalwart, Soz was invited to join NC by the Sheikh himself and asked to contest for his native Baramulla seat in late 70s. However, according to Soz, Sheikh’s family members had opposed his nomination.

Soz remained close to Farooq Abdullah and served three terms as an NC member parliament (MP). However, he didn't like Farooq's style of governing, and finally in April 1999 he was ousted from the party after he had caste vote against NC-supported BJP-led government.

PC links political solution with lasting peace in Kashmir

2011-02-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Reviews security situation in Kashmir

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 31: Directing police and paramilitary CRFP men to exercise utmost restraint while dealing with pro-freedom protestors in the valley, Home Minister, P Chidambaram, today said that only political solution could guarantee lasting peace in the conflict-ridden valley of Kashmir. He also expressed optimism over the resumption of dialogue process between New Delhi and separatists.

Away from media glare, Chidambaram arrived here this afternoon, and reviewed the overall security situation with top civil, police CRPF and Army officials in three most volatile north Kashmir districts, besides chairing a meeting of the unified headquarters along with chief minister, Omar Abdullah, late in the evening. He also reviewed the pace of developmental works in Kargil district and had a detailed meeting with the chief minister before flying back to New Delhi.

Pertinently, in run up to the first ever visit of United State’s president, Barack Obama, to India in November, the visit of Chidambaram to Kashmir is considered very significant, particularly in the light of reports that there might be a repeat of Chattisinghpora like massacre in the valley.

Significantly, some unidentified gunmen had gunned down 36 Sikhs in Chattisinghpora village in south Kashmir's Anantnag district in March 2000, during the visit of then US President Bill Clinton to India.

The visit also assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of the visit of three-member panel of interlocutors nominated by New Delhi.

Stating that restoring peace in the valley was first and foremost priority of New Delhi, Chidambaram assured the people of Kashmir that the promises made to them by New Delhi would be fulfilled and the dialogue process would be resumed to pave the way for resolution of Kashmir issue.

“The Centre has taken an extraordinary measure by appointing interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “We hope that the decision would bear fruits.”

The minister also directed the forces to exercise restraint while dealing with the protestors.

“Forces have been asked to stop human rights violation at any cost,” he said.

Chidambaram said that New Delhi had accepted the fact that political solution of Kashmir issue was imperative for lasting peace in the region.

“The Central government has already extended its invitation for dialogue to all shades of political opinion,” he said.

Earlier, clad in cream shirt, grey trouser and grey and black zip up jacket, Chidambaram, air dashed to Sighpora in north Kashmir from Kargil in Ladakh and in a three-vehicle convoy drove to Dak Bunglow at Baramulla amid tight security bandobast and reviewed the overall security situation in the three districts falling along the LoC.

According to reports, the high-level meeting discussed infiltration bid by militants across the Line of Control (LoC) and steps taken to counter it. Chidambaram also met several political and social delegations and unexpectedly went around some sensitive places in Baramulla town to take on spot assessment of the situation.

Minister for school education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Joint Secretary in Home ministry, Director General of J&K Police, Kuldeep Khoda, Inspector General J&K Police, Shiv Murari Sahai, Special Director General of CRPF, K Vijay Kumar, and General officer Commanding of 19 Infantry Division were present in the meeting.

The reports said that the Home Minister appreciated the role of police, CRPF and Army officials in maintaining law and order n the valley.

“Police and forces should do whatever it takes to maintain law and order in the state,” he said. Chidambaram, however, urged the forces to exercise utmost restraint while dealing with protestors and stop human rights violation “at any cost”.

Briefing the visiting Home Minister on the security situation in the valley, the top officials of police and CRPF assured the minister that the situation in the valley was fast limping towards normalcy.

“Various measures are being taken at appropriate junctures to ensure law and order in the valley,” they said. “Forces are exercising restraint while dealing with any untoward situation.”

In the marathon meeting which lasted for one hour, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, who was also present in the meeting, also briefed the minister on the overall law and order situation in the district.

The reports further said that the police officials urged the home minister to raise the number of police men and police stations in order to maintain peace in the valley. They also asked for more bullet proof vehicles. The minister assured the officials that the issue would be discussed with the Defence Minister and steps would be taken accordingly.

Later, the Home Minister met civilian delegations including those of Congress, National Conference (NC), Fruit Growers Association, Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee and Bar Association, Tangmarg, the reports said.

Earlier, Chidambaram took stock of pace of development works, under execution, during his extensive visit to Kargil district of Ladakh region. He was apprised of the problems being faced by the people who suffered heavily by virtue of recent floods. The union minister also reviewed the steps being taken for reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and assets.

Addressing the meeting, Chidambaram appreciated the people for maintaining peace and brotherhood among various sections of the society. He said that New Delhi was committed to support the state for balanced development of its all the three regions. He said a Task Force Committee nominated to take stock of construction of basic infrastructure in Ladakh is scheduled to visit the region shortly. The Committee would also interact with cross sections of society to gather information about the problem being faced by the people.

The minister assured of all support by New Delhi for speedy development of the region.

Minister for transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon, minister for tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Chief Executive Councillor, Kargil Hill Development Council, Kachoo Ahmad Ali Khan, MP, Ghulam Hassan Khan, MLC, Syed Ahmad Rizvi, Executive Councillors, Kargil Hill Council, were also present in the meeting.

Later, Chidambaram inspected project of Rs 40 crore Counsel Infrastructure, Rs 3.72 crore tourist facilitation centre and Rs 2.40 crore Sports Stadium in the Kargil district. He directed for preparing separate project for supply scheme for counsel secretariat.

Meanwhile, the union minister had a detailed meeting with the meeting with the chief minister in which the two leaders discussed relief and rehabilitation for cloud-burst affected people of Leh and Kargil.

Chidambaram assured the chief minister that New Delhi would provide more funds for permanent rehabilitation of affected people of both Leh and Kargil districts and would also provide necessary funds for reconstruction of public utility facilities.

Issues regarding law and order situation in the state also came up for the discussion in the meeting.

Chief secretary, SS Kapur, GOC, XV Corps, NC Marwah, Principal Secretary, Planning and Development, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, BBVyas, Principal Secretary, Home, BR Sharma, DGP, Kuldip Khuda, Special DGP, CRPF, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Samoon and IG,BSF were present in the meeting.

Darbar move offices close in Kashmir; Turbulent 4-month plagued govt functioning

2010-12-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 29: As part of over century old customary exercise that keeps adding to burden on the state exchequer, Jammu and Kashmir Civil Secretariat and Move offices closed here today and will open in winter capital Jammu in the second week of November.

The turbulent four-month period in Kashmir, which saw authorities clamping strict curfew in the valley to scuttle the voice of dissent emanating from the streets of Kashmir, functioning of civil secretariat and other government offices was greatly affected.

Not only the people, but the ministers and senior officers could not reach to the secretariat due to strict restriction and curfew imposed by the state government, thereby putting the economic development on complete stand still.

In the wake of violent protests and clashes between protestors and forces, most of the ministers remained absent from their offices.

Not a single minister could be seen in public during the most turbulent months of July and August. When situation in Kashmir continued to worsen with more civilian killings in police and CRPF firing, most of the ministers shifted their base either to Jammu or New Delhi. Even the media-savvy chief minister, Omar Abdullah, could hardly be seen on television or newspapers. Moreover, when the entire valley was reeling under an unprecedented political unrest, he preferred to spend time with his family in Gulmarg, besides traveling to New Delhi.

The separatists were holding the centre stage and the government functioning remained only for namesake. In the absence of functioning government institutions and regulations, the valley was virtually turned into killing field where police and paramilitary CRPF men were calling the shots on the battered streets of Kashmir. A horrific killing spree - starting from the killing of 17-year-old, Tufail Mattoo of Saidakadal on June 11 to the killings of four civilians at Palhalan on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Highway on September 13 - saw 111 civilians killed in police and CRPF action. Furthermore, there are over 150 injured in police firing being treated in various hospitals across the valley.

It was only in late September that things started to change a bit in favour of the coalition government, headed by the beleaguered chief minister.

“Over four months were lost due to strikes and curfews. Most of the projects, which were scheduled to be completed in these months, could not be completed due to strikes,” said a senior government official. “Funds could not be spent on schemes as per schedule.”

Pertinently, addressing a function after laying foundation of Rs 24-crore Udyog Bhawan at Bemina, the chief minister while expressing his deep sorrow and anguish had said:

“We could not spend funds on the schemes as per schedule, the huge macamadisation programme in Srinagar city and towns received set back. Progress on the infrastructure development in the sectors of health, education, roads, water supply, power, industry etc. got hampered.”

He had said that the central government had approved Annual Plan of Rs 6,500 crore for the state, “unfortunately a situation was created which hindered the progress and put obstacles in the way of implementing schemes”.

However, despite reports that the chief minister was under pressure from leaders of Congress and National Conference (NC) not to make the annual Darbar move this year till the situation returned to normal in the valley, the Darbar move offices closed here on Friday and would re-open in Jammu on November 8.

According to official spokesperson, the government offices including those in the J&K Civil Secretariat, observing five-day week, closed at Srinagar as per the notification issued by General Administration Department (GAD).

“The state level offices, which observe six-day week, will close on Saturday before shifting to Jammu,” he said.

Significantly, the Annual Darbar Move costs the state exchequer a whopping Rs 20 crore every year for facilitating the movement of nearly 10,000 employees from Srinagar to Jammu at the onset of winter and back to Srinagar ahead of summer.

Meanwhile, to ensure trouble-free passage of Darbar move convoy, the state police has ordered one-way traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway on October 30 and 31 and again and on November 6 and 7.

"There’ll be one-way traffic from Srinagar to Jammu on October 30 and 31st for smooth passage of the Darbar move convoys from the summer capital," SSP Traffic National Highway, Vijay Kumar was quoted by PTI as saying.

He also said that not any traffic would be allowed from Jammu to Srinagar on these days “to allow free movement of the convoy”.

He sought public cooperation with the traffic police for the smooth passage of the convoy.

According to reports, hundreds of trucks carrying office files, furniture, computers, and other office records and movable items of dozens of offices including the civil secretariat, police headquarter, JK Assembly and Raj Bhawan would drove towards Jammu from Srinagar.

Interlocutors for unconditional release of political detenues

2010-12-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 27: Calling for immediate and unconditional release of all incarcerated separatist leaders and youths arrested for stone pelting, four-member panel of interlocutors today hinted at amending the Indian constitution to resolve over six-decade old Kashmir
imbroglio.

Interacting with media persons at Srinagar’s Circuit House after concluding four-day visit to Kashmir, head of interlocutors’ panel, Dilip Padgaokar, admitted the ‘important role” of separatists in resolving the Kashmir issue.

“We are ready to hold talks with them if and when they wish,” he said. Padgaonkar, however, asserted that the panel “cannot end up at their (separatists’) doors”.

“Since they refused to hold dialogue with us, we cannot force them for talks,” he said.

Stating that the panel would submit its report to Prime Minister, manmohan Singh, within 10 days, Padgaonkar said that there was ample scope in Indian constitution to discuss the five-point proposal of Syed Ali Geelani and four-point proposal of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Padgoankar also wished to take leaders of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on board to find the permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.

"We would like to visit PoK to talk to the leadership there to get their point of view on the issue," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, female member of the panel, Radha Kumar, said that the panel could recommend for the amendments in the Indian constitution to “accommodate the discussions on the Kashmir issue and to find the solution to the problem”.

"Indian constitution is a beautiful document and there is room for modification with changing times and we can even recommend for the amendments in the constitution to accommodate the discussions on the Kashmir issue and to find the solution to the problem in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiris," she said.

Pertinently, the three-member panel- Dilip Padgaonkar, MM Ansari and Radha Kumar- is likely to undertake visit to the state every month. At the end of its first visit, the panel is expected to recommend several measures to be taken by New Delhi to restore peace in the region.

The panel hinted at recommending the amendments in the Public Safety Act (PSA) and asked for release of political detenues. The panel also asked New Delhi to allow the peaceful protests in the valley “in line with democratic temperament of the country” Padgaonkar questioned the logic for imposing section 144 CrPC against holding peaceful protests in the valley.

"There is no need of imposing section 144 to quell the assembly of the people for peaceful demonstrations," he added.

During the two-hour long interaction, both the sides discussed the current political unrest in the valley. The mediapersons apprised the panel about the hardships they faced during the recent unrest.

“So many journalists were mercilessly beaten by forces. They didn’t not even honour the special curfew passes issued to the media persons by the government,” they said. “The forces did everything to put restrictions on media.”

The journalists told the panel that they had to suffer due to lack of coordination between civil and police adminstration in the valley.

The journalists fraternity also apprised the panel about the media gag imposed by the state government in recent past during which local news papers failed to hit the stands for several days.

Blaming New delhi for failing to meet the promise made to the successive state governments, the journalists said that New Delhi had not been serious enough to address the Kashmir issue.

“That is one of the reasons for worsening situation in the state,” they said.

They said when Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference government passed the Autonomy resolution in the state assembly, New Delhi cosigned it to the dustbin without even reading it.

“When Mufti Mohammad Sayeed became the chief minister of the state he got Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road opened after several decades,” they said. “However, confidence building measure were not carried forward.”

Referring to the setting up of five working groups on Kashmir by Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, the journalists said that they were left mid-way and their recommendation were never implemented.

The journalists asked New Delhi to first restore the confidence of the mainstream leaders in Kashmir and then talk of holding dialogue with the separatists.

The journalists who met the delegation included Ehsan Fazili of Tribune, Khurshid Wani of Pioneer, Saleem Pandit of Times of India, Masood Hussain of Economic Times, Bashir Malik of Doordarshan, Mufti Islah of CNN-IBN, Jehangir Ahmad PTI, Shafat Ahmad of Headlines Today,
Idrees Lone of News X, Asif Qureshi of Star News, Mansoor Mir of India TV, Manoj Kaul of E-TV, Shafkat Bukhari of Kashmir Horison and Javed Malik of Greater Kashmir.

Pak has important role in K-resoluition: CM Omar

2010-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 25: Echoing the words of head of three-member interlocutors’ panel, Dilip Padgaonkar, that had evoked strong criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), chief minister, Omar Abdullah, today said that Pakistan had an important role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Talking to media persons after his meeting with the visiting panel of interlocutors at his Gupkar residence, Omar lashed out at BJP, accusing it of playing “dirty politics”.

Pertinently, Padgaokar’s statement that Pakistan’s involvement was a imperative for a permanent solution of Kashmir had sparked controversy on Saturday with BJP asking the PMO to clarify “if this was part of the brief to the team”.

BJP spokesperson, Nirmala Sitharaman, had slammed Padgaonkar for his comment that Pakistan had to be involved for a permanent solution of the Kashmir issue. Sitharaman had asked the PMO to clarify “if this was part of the brief to the team”.

Padgaonkar, however, retorted back yesterday, saying: “We have not been briefed by the government of India. What I have said with regard to Pakistan is the obvious. I have not said anything that has not been said before. I have not exceeded my brief as we did not get any brief. The Home Minister has said there are no red lines or boundaries. We know what we are doing.

Referring to BJP’s criticism of Padgaobkar’s statement, Omar said that BJP must be aware of the fact that when Atal Bijhari Vajpayee visited Pakistan he also discussed Kashmir issue with Pakistan leadership.

“Why is it that you people have a problem when the interlocutors want to discuss Pakistan,” he said. “Pakistan has an important role in resolving the Kashmir issue, which cannot be ignored."

Omar also advised the three-member panel of interlocutors that they should meet common Kashmiris instead of political leaders, and said that the panel’s Kashmir visit was a small step towards restoring peace in the grief-stricken valley.

Welcoming their appointment of interlocutors on Kashmir, the chief minister said that it was a fresh attempt of New Delhi to resolve the Kashmir issue.

“The visit of interlocutors will pave the way for initiation of dialogue process,” he said.

Admitting that the visit was not enough to turn the tables in Kashmir, Omar hoped that the interaction of panel of interlocutors with the denizens of the valley would help in creating an atmosphere for dialogue.

Assuring full cooperation and support to the visiting panel, Omar advised them to hold talks with common people of Kashmir.

“To feel the real pulse of Kashmiris, they (interlocutors) must meet common people here,” he said.

He said that the panel of interlocutors told him that they wanted to spend ten days in every month in Kashmir.

“They said that they want to visit Baramulla, Anantnag, and other villages and town in the valley so that they could meet as many people as possible,” he said.

Referring to the statement of Indian Army chief, General VK Singh on AFSPA, Omar said that India is a democratic country and the right to take decisions rested with its political leadership.

“Army is bound to accept the decision taken by the government,” he said.

Taking a dig at Geelani-led Hurriyat faction for issuing shutdown calendars, the chief minister said that the developmental works would not have any kind of impact on the Kashmir issue.

“These strikes, therefore, have no justification,” he said.

He also refused to have had any intelligence input regarding possible militant attack in the state in the wake of United States (US) president, Barrack Hussain Obama’s visit to India next month.

Meanwhile, the three-member panel also met governor, NN Vohra, at Raj Bhavan here last evening. In four-hour long meeting with the governor, the panel discussed political, economic, security, governance and other related issues with him.

The panel also visited the Rawalpora residence of the incarcerated senior separatist leader, Shabir Ahmad Shah and inquired about the health of his ailing mother. They also expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Shah in the jail.

Interlocutors visit central jail; advised to talk to UJC

2010-12-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 24: The three-member panel of interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir today visited Srinagar’s central jail and met the incarcerated youth, most of them arrested for stone pelting, in the jail. However, senior Hurriyat Conference (G) leader, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, who is languishing behind bars, refused to meet the panel.

The panel comprising of veteran journalist, Dilip Padgaonkar, academician Professor Radha Kumar and Information Commissioner of Central Information Commission, MM Ansari arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit aimed at holding sustained dialogue with all sections of the society.

According to reports, the imprisoned separatist leaders suggested the panel to talk to hold talks with United Jehad Council (UJC). The panel met several separatist leaders in the Central Jail here including Shabir Ahmad Bukhari, Shakeel Ahmad Sofi, Muzaffar Ahmad Dar, Khurshid Ahmad lone, Shoukat Ahmad Teli and Feroz Ahmad Najar.

The incarcerated leader stressed the need for immediately resolving the Kashmir dispute.

“If government of India is really serious this time around about resolving the Kashmir dispute then it should hold talks with the UJC leadership,” the leaders suggested the panel.

They said the reason for the unrest prevailing in the state for the last over two decades was that New Delhi had failed to address the aspirations of the people of the state.

“Kashmiris were forced to take to lift the gun due to India’s refusal to give right to self determination to the people of J&K,” they said.

The leaders also emphasized the need for engaging Pakistan and Kashmiris in dialogue to resolve the Kashmir imbroglio.

“If you (interlocutors) have been given the open mandate by the government of India then you should talk to militants,” the incarcerated separatist leaders told the panel.

The panel also met various youth prisoners who have been arrested by police for stone pelting during the recent unrest in the valley.

According to reports, a meeting of interlocutors with the J&K governor, NN Vohra, had also been fixed. The interlocutors were likely to meet students, mainstream political party leaders and even separatists “if they are willing to meet”.

The interlocutors would be visiting the state at least once a month to continue the dialogue with the people of the state and they will submit their recommendations after each visit.

Pertinently, senior separatist leaders including chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF chairman have called for complete boycott of interlocutors. The mainstream leaders have also expressed dismay over non-inclusion of politician in the panel of interlocutors.

Meanwhile, lashing out at BJP, head of the interlocutors’ panel, Dilip Padgaonkar, said that BJP’s criticism over his comments on Pakistan was “uncalled for”.

“We are responsible people. We know what we are doing. We stand by what we spoke,” Padgaonkar told a national TV channel.

Padgaonkar said that the interlocutors have not been briefed by the government of India.

"What I have said with regard to Pakistan is the obvious. I have not said anything that has not been said before. I have not exceeded my brief as we did not get any brief. The Home Minister has said there are no red lines or boundaries. We know what we are doing," Pandgaonkar told a news agency.

“We have been meeting all sections, including militants and youths, here since yesterday. We plan to do the same for a few more days and then move to Jammu to get the Jammu view,” Padgaonkar said.

The interlocutors today also met senior journalist and bureau chief The Hindu, Shujaat Bukhari and printer, publisher and owner Greater Kashmir, Fayaz Kalloo, and discussed the current unrest in the valley and the possible ways and means to break over six-decade-old deadlock over the Kashmir imbroglio.

They also met a delegation of Akhil Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha J&K (ABGM) led by its president, Eshfaq-ur-Rehman Poswal and Gujjars and Bakerwals Scheduled Tribe community, led by secretary Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, Dr. Javaid Rahi.

The delegation apprised the panel of interlocutors about the current situation in Kashmir and suggested the panel not to pay heed to slogans like Autonomy and Self Rule.

“Gujjar and Bakarwal had always been and will continue to be a part of India,” they said.

However, they expressed dismay over the cold shouldered response by the state and central leadership.

“We suffered a great deal during the militancy, but we never endorsed secession,” they said.

The president of ABGM also submitted a memorandum to the newly appointed interlocutors “featuring the communities’ view point and suggestions about the future of the state.”

Poswal urged the interlocutors to visit the Gujjar and Bakerwal inhabited areas in person and see for themselves the “pitiable living conditions of the communities”.

Meanwhile, demanding a separate Pir Panchal region and a Tribal Hill Council in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujjars and Bakerwals Scheduled Tribe community today urged the three-member panel of interlocutors for strong recommendations for an irreversible provision along with constitutional guaranties to reserve categories while deciding the Kashmir issue in their report to be submitted to Prime Minister of India.

In a meeting with the interlocutors, the members of Gujjar Bakerwal community today pressed hard for grant of social, cultural, economic and political empowerment of the community living in far-flung areas of the state.

According to a statement, a delegation of intellectual of tribal Gujjar Bakerwal community, led by secretary Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, Dr. Javaid Rahi, met the panel at Government Guest house and told them that “suppressed Gujjars and Bakerwals deserve special attention of the state and union governments”. He said although Gujjars constitute 20 percent population of the state, but their presence was negligible in the state affairs.

The delegation asked the panel that keeping in view the different identity, ideology and culture the Gujjars were demanding a separate area/ region with tribal council for them within the state on the patron Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) “so that their tribal uniqueness could be protected and preserved”. The delegation pressed the team for special recommendation in this regard.

The delegation also apprised the team about other problems being faced by the tribal Gujjars of the state. A six-page memorandum was also submitted to the team seeking their help through recommendations in implementation and strengthening of schedule tribe status in the state by according them the “much awaited political reservation”.

The other demands, which were presented before the team for recommendation to relevant quarters included providing of shelters and land to the nomad Gujjars who were landless and homeless since 1947. The deputation also demanded the inclusion of Gojri language in the eight schedule of Indian constitution besides strengthening of Gojri wing of J&K State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.

The delegation also demanded a special census of lakhs of nomadic and shelter-less Gujjars and Bakerwals of the state.

Masarat sent to 5-day police remand

2010-12-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Geelani backs Alam; accuses New Delhi of ‘double speak’

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 19: A day after his arrest, acting general secretary Hurriyat Conference (G) and vice-president, Muslim League, Masarat Alam, was today produced before forest magistrate Srinagar amid tight security bandobast. After hearing the arguments, the magistrate sent Alam to five-day police remand.

Alam was produced before the court of forest magistrate Srinagar, Masarat Shaheen. Lawyers of Kashmir Bar Association (KBA) including former KBA president, Nazir Ahmad Ronga, Mir Shafqat Hussain, Rafique Ahmad Joo, Mushtaq Ahmad Makhdoom, Mohammad Amin Malik, and Nasir Qadri pleaded Alam’s case.

Presenting arguments in support of the firebrand leader, the lawyers requested the court to direct the state police to present complete details about Alam’s case before the court so that their client could defend himself.

The lawyers said that according to the police Alam was found involved in 13 illegal activities and there were cases registered against him in various police stations across the valley.

The police advocate informed the court that the police was interrogating Alam on various charges, hence they be allowed to take Alam in police remand. The KBA lawyers objected, saying that if police wanted to interrogate Alam then there was no justification in taking him to interrogation centre of Cargo Special Operation Group (SOG).

The lawyers urged the court to issue orders that Alam should not be taken to the Cargo SOG interrogation centre and instead he should be detained in police station.

After hearing the arguments on both sides, the court sent Alam to five-day police remand and directed the police that the senior separatist leader should in no case be taken to SOG interrogation centre.

The court also directed the police to seek permission of the court in case they wanted to shift Alam to some other location.

Meanwhile, condemning the arrest of Masarat Alam, chairman of the amalgam, Syed Ali Geelani, today castigated New Delhi for “double speak”.

“On one hand there is a talk about dialogue and release of detenues and on the other hand arrest of political leaders continues unabated,” he said.

Stating that Alam's arrest had indeed created a void in the separatist political landscape, Geelani, however, said that arrests were inalienable part of their struggle.

“We will not be cowed down by such gestures,” he maintained.

The septuagenarian separatist leader, who left for New Delhi this afternoon, said that almost all the Hurriyat (G) stalwarts including general secretary Tehreek-e Hurriyat, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, and the conglomerate’s general secretary, Ghulam Nabi Sumji, besides tens of other leaders were languishing in different jails across the state.

“Over 1500 Hurriyat activists have been thrown behind bars,” he said. “Most of them have been shifted either to Jammu or outside the state.”

Commending the contribution of Alam towards strengthening the ongoing agitation, Geelani said the government was trying to project Alam’s arrest as if he was a militant of an armed group who had gone undercover to carry out attacks.

“He is one of the most respected separatist leaders who had been evading arrest only to lend strength to the struggle,” he said, adding that the state police should treat him as a political leader.

Geelani said that the raison d'être behind the ongoing agitation, spearheaded by his Hurriyat faction, was to fight for the liberation of Kashmir.

“My Kashmiri brethren must be well aware of the fact that only India is responsible for the present turmoil in Kashmir,” he said. “We don’t want our people to face any kind of hardships, but when the future and lives of our brothers are at stake we should not be concerned about short-term sufferings and losses.”

He accused New Delhi of sticking to the “worn out” policies “which have proved complete failure”.

He said that future generation of Kashmir would never accept or give legitimacy to “Indian’s military occupation”.

Geelani said it was unfortunate that the policy makers at New Delhi had failed to to read writing on the wall.

“Occupational forces won’t achieve anything by resorting to killings, arrests, torture,” he said.

The Hurriyat (G) chairman said that unless New Delhi addresses the internal dimension of the issue and gives right to self determination to the people of Kashmir, the struggle for freedom would continue in Kashmir.

Ahead of Obama's India visit, Hurriyat (M) seeks US intervention in K-resolution

2010-12-21T08:34:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 17: In the run up to United State’s president, Barack Obama’s first ever visit to India next month, Mirwaiz- Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference (M) has sought America’s intervention as third party in resolving the 60-year old Kashmir dispute, asserting that bilateralism had failed to end the Kashmir impasse.

The executive and general council of the conglomerate, which met at central office here today with chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in chair, discussed present political unrest in the valley and stressed the need for third party intervention in resolving Kashmir imbroglio.

The meeting decided that the conglomerate would launch a signature campaign tomorrow to impress upon the United States to intervene as third party to end the dispute between two nuclear powers of the subcontinent as per the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state.

“We are compelled to call for third party mediation on Kashmir as two parties to the dispute – India and Pakistan – have failed to resolve the Kashmir issue,” said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

He said that the executive and general council of his Hurriyat faction had unanimously decided to launch a signature campaign across the valley tomorrow calling for the US intervention to end the Kashmir imbroglio.

“The signatures along with the passed resolution will be dispatched to the US embassy in New Delhi,” he said, while urging the student community, members of civil society, and scholars from different walks of life to email the content of resolution to the US president office and to the embassies of other countries.

Mirwaiz said that it was high time for the US to appoint special rapporteur also for Kashmir, as it had done in case of several conflict zones in the world.

He said that the conglomerate would step up its diplomatic efforts ahead of Obama's visit to India through various Kashmir centres across the world to highlight the urgency of ending the Kashmir impasse.

The meeting also decided to chalk out the programme to meet ambassadors of different countries in order to project the ongoing peaceful struggle in right perspective.

“We want to make them realise that unless the Kashmir dispute is resolved lasting peace would continue to elude south Asia,” he said.

Appealing to the denizens of the state to observe October 27 as ‘Black Day’, Mirwaiz said that the day symbolized the oppression of Indian occupational forces.

“It was the fateful day of October 27, 1947 when Indian troops landed in Kahsmir and forcibly occupied this land,” he said. “Ever since that day Indian troops have continued to suppress hapless people of Kashmir by force.”

The Mirwaiz said that on the day Hurriyat (M) leaders would lead a procession from different parts of the valley to UNMOGIP office and hand over the memorandum to the UN representatives.

The processions would be led by Mirwaiz umar Farooq from Srinagar, by Aga Syed Hassan Al-moosvi from Budgam, Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat from Sopore, Bilal Gani Lone from Kupwara, Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari from Pattan, and Mukhtar Ahmad Waza from Islamabad.

Mirwaiz said that there would not be any restriction on transport on October 27.

Geelani re-elected chairman Hurriyat (G)

2010-12-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 16: Veteran separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani, was today unanimously re-elected chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) for third consecutive time for a three-year-term through a secret ballot here.

Soon after his election as the Hurriyat (G) chairman, Geelani said that people of Kashmir and its leaders should strengthen the ongoing agitation and remain steadfast in their quest for their inalienable right to self determination.

According to reports, an extraordinary session of Majlis-e Shura of Geelani-led Hurriyat faction was today held here, which was attended by representatives of all constituent parties. The three-year tenure of Geelani as chairman Hurriyat (G) was to expire today. The session unanimously re-elected Geelani as chairman of the conglomerate for next three years through a secret ballot.

The octogenarian separatist leader, who is spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Jammu Kashmir campaign’, was first elected chairman of his faction of Hurriyat Conference in 2004. Then again in 2007, he was unanimously elected chairman of the conglomerate.

According to the reports, the members of Majlis-e Shura had today moved a resolution to elect Geelani chairman of Hurriyat (G) for lifetime.

“The entire Kashmir nation has full faith in him. We want him to hold this chair as long as he is alive,” they said.

However, Geelani rejected the proposal, saying that it was against the institution of democracy.

Speaking on the occasion, Geelani said that every constituent party of the conglomerate should ensure the safeguarding and implementation of Hurriyat constitution.

Geelani said that at a time when the entire nation was going through turbulent times, the need of the hour was to live together in the utmost love, brotherhood and unity.

He asked the Kashmiris to remain steadfast in their quest for right to self determination.

“People must endeavour to strengthen the movement,” he said.

The veteran separatist leader maintained that Hurriyat (G) had been constituted with a particular objective and added that the democratic setting of the party would allow every person to freely put forth his opinion.

He said that the conglomerate was not a forum for the sake of it, but its basic objective was to take the freedom struggle of Kashmir to its logical end.

“Hurriyat (G) was constituted for the struggle against Indian occupation,” he said.

The elections for chairman and other office bearers of Geelani’s own political organization, Tehreek-e Hurriyat, a constituent of Hurriyat Conference (G), are also in final stages.

Meanwhile, Geelani has appreciated the role of lawyers, saying that they have always stood with their Kashmiri brethren through thick and thin.

“Many lawyers were killed in the last 20 years and hundreds of them were thrown behind bars,” he said.

He said that they had fought tens and thousands of cases of innocent Kashmiris.

Geelani condemned the continuous arrest of president Kashmir Bar association and eminent lawyer, Mian Abdul Qayoom.

He said that political interference in judicial affairs had made the matters worse in Kashmir.

“Even selection of judges has become a political issue,” he said.

He alleged that government was trying to bring forth those people who weaken the role of lawyers vis-à-vis the movement.

He expressed hope that the lawyers’ community would strongly deal with the situation and defeat the government’s plans.

Meanwhile, Geelani expressed serious concern over the reports that troopers of 18-RR were not allowing women to wear burqa at Lolab.

“This is a direct attack on our honour and dignity. We will no tolerate it,” he said.

He appealed the residents of Lolab and adjoining areas to protest against the incident.

Geelani hints at intensifying agitation

2010-12-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 15: Hinting at intensifying the ongoing agitation, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani, today said that months of October and November had important significance for the chequered history of Kashmir.

Announcing the conglomerate’s fresh 10-day protest calendar, Geelani said that his faction had offered five-point proposal to New Delhi for resolving the present crisis, but so far they had “failed to respond positively”.

“It seems New Delhi is not sincere and serious to help restore normalcy in Kashmir that’s why even after 45 days there has been no positive response to our five-point proposal,” said the octogenarian separatist leader, spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Jammu and Kashmir campaign’. “We can’t wait endlessly for their response.”

Geelani accused New Delhi of trying to put Kashmir issue in cold storage.

“Such a callous attitude could have dangerous consequences. It can lead to loss of more precious lives,” he said. “When human lives are at stake, one must act swiftly.”

According to the fresh shutdown calendar, the conglomerate has exempted October 17 (Sunday), October 20 (Wednesday), and October 24 (Sunday) from strikes and protests.

The conglomerate has asked people to observe complete shutdown on October 18 (Monday) and October 19 (Tuesday).

“We urge people to march towards Palhallan Pattan on October 18to show solidarity with all those who fell to police and CRPF bullets in the area during the current unrest,” Geelani said.

On October 19, the Hurriyat (G) appealed to the people to offer Namaz-e Zuhar (afternoon prayers) in congregation at their respective tehsil and district headquarters and stage a sit-in protest till Asar (late afternoon).

The people have been asked to observe complete shutdown on October 21 and organize protest rallies in their respective tehsils in protest against continuous police crackdown on youth in the valley.

According to the shutdown programme, the biggest rally in this connection would be held at Lal Chowk near historic Ghanta Ghar (Clock tower). The residents of Srinagar have been asked to march towards Lal Chowk.

“Hurriyat leaders will address the rally on the occasion,” Geelani said.

Similarly complete strike would be observed on October 22 and people have been asked to march toward Bijbehara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

“A historic rally would be held at Bijbehara to remember those who were killed in 1993’s Bijbehara massacre,” Geelani said.

Pertinently, on October 22, 1993 troops of BSF 7-battalion had opened fire on a procession in Bijbehara town, killing 52 and injuring 100 civilians.

On October 23, the Hurriyat (G) has urged people to hold protest demonstration from afternoon to late afternoon on roads and mark the day as “Youm-e Tahafuz-e Namoos-e Khwateen” (Day of protection for women’s honour ).

“People should hold peaceful protest demonstrations on roads to highlight the plight of Kashmiri women,” the Hurriyat (G) chairman said.

On October 25, the conglomerate has called for complete shutdown, and asked the people to cover their faces with white cloth and hold silent sit-ins against the “atrocities of state police and Indian security forces”.

Similarly, there would be complete shutdown on October 26 according to the protests calendar. The conglomerate has appealed to the people to commemorate the “Youm-e Shaheedan” (the day of martyrs) to show solidarity with all those who were killed in the four-month unrest in the valley.

"After paying tributes to the martyrs, foundation stone of the wall of protest will be laid at the Martyrs’ graveyard at Eidgah on October 26,” Geelani said.

Taking a dig at mainstream political leader of Kashmir, Geelani said that they were repeating the “blunders of past”.

“Their policy has increased the political instability in Kashmir,” he said.

He said that the policy makers at New Delhi should realise that Kashmiris were politically conscience people.

“We had offered five-point proposal to New Delhi, but it seems that they are not keen on normalizing situation in Kashmir as they have preferred to remain tight lipped about it,” he said. “

Hinting at intensifying the protests, the octogenarian separatist leader said that the months of October and November had important significance in the history of Kashmir.

“It was October 27 when Indian troops landed in Kashmir without any justification,” he said. “Consequently, Kashmir got freedom from the clutches of 100-year long Dogra rule but ended up becoming a victim of Indian subjugation.”

He said that it was in November, 1947 when, according to him, “Hindu fanatics” in Jammu, helped by Indian troops called from Patiala, killed around five lakh unarmed Muslims and forced the exodus of over 10 lakh Muslims from the state.

Geelani appealed to the people to strictly follow the calendar.

He said that the ongoing agitation was giving sleepless nights to the leaders and policy makers in New Delhi.

“They are mobilizing their agents to weaken our struggle,” he said. “We are keeping close watch on those government agents and they would be soon unveiled and dealt with.”

PROTEST CALENDAR

Oct 17: No strike

Oct 18: Strike; Palhallan chalo

Oct 19: Strike; Protests

Oct 20: No strike

Oct 21: Strike; Lal Chowk chalo

Oct 22: Strike; Bijbehara chalo

Oct 23: Strike; “Youm-e Tahafuz-e Namoos-e Khwateen”

Oct 24: No strike

Oct 25: Strike; Protests

Oct 26: Strike; “Youm-e Shaheedan”

Engage angry separatists: NC, JKPCC to interlocutors

2010-12-21T08:24:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 14: A day after New Delhi announced the appointed of three interlocutors for a dialogue process in Jammu and Kashmir, ruling coalition partners -National Conference (NC) and J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) - today expressed dismay over non-inclusion of a politician among the appointed interlocutors. Emphasising the need for taking separatist leadership on board, the National Conference also suggested to the interlocutors to try and engage in talks those “who are angry and are not part of the mainstream camp”.

Pertinently, both factions of Hurriyat Conference, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), and Dukhtaran-e Millat (DeM) had Wednesday outrightly rejected the decision of appointing interlocutors for helping restart dialogue process in strife-torn state, asserting that holding talks with them would be a” futile exercise”.

Senior NC leader and member parliament, Shareef-ud-Din Shariq, today said that it was essential for New Delhi to appoint a politician, who was well versed with Kashmir.

“Appointing a statesman, who has a good understanding about the intricacies of Kashmir issue and have regard for the feelings of Kashmiris, is imperative for bringing back peace in the strife-torn region of Kashmir,” he said.

Maintaining that the decision of appointing the interlocutors had generated a “ray of hope” among the denizens of the state, Shariq asked government of India to sincerely and seriously address the Kashmir issue.

“Keeping in consideration the sensitive nature of the problem, appointment of a politician among the interlocutors is a must,” he said. “There is a need to choose a politician as interlocutors who also enjoy the support of opposition.”

He appealed to all shades of political opinion to facilitate the resolution of six-decade long Kashmir imbroglio.

“Our party is in favour of result-oriented talks,” he said.

Shariq, who defeated separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone in 2009 parliamentary elections from Baramulla-Kupwara Lok Sabha seat, said that chief minister, Omar Abdullah, had created history by projecting Kashmir as a political dispute in front of high-level central leadership.

“It speaks volumes about his (Omar’s) courage,” he said.

He said that people of Kashmir had been reeling under intense hardship for the last 63 years.

“Dialogue is the only way to resolve the Kashmir problem,” he said.

Taking a dig at separatist camp, the senior NC leader said that on one hand they were demanding withdrawal of troops from Kashmir and on the other hand they refuse to take part in the dialogue process.

“I wonder how on earth such sensitive issues can be resolved except for talks,” he said.

Stating that his party had always been a strong votary of dialogue, Shariq said the National Conference was working for an amicable resolution of the dispute.

“It is very unfortunate that Kashmiri leadership have failed to reach a political consensus on Kashmir over the last six decades,” he said.

Stating that New Delhi should have appointed interlocutors long ago, senior NC leader and member parliament, Dr Mehboob Beig, said, “Nonetheless, it is a welcome gesture”.

“Talks should be meaningful to lend credibility to the institution of dialogue,” he said.

Hinting at the need to take separatists on board, Beig suggested the interlocutors to talk to those “who are angry and are not part of the mainstream camp”.

He appealed to all shades of political opinion to take part in the dialogue process.

“Kashmiris are peace-loving people by nature, they don’t believe in violence,” he said. “Honouring their aspirations is our responsibility.”

He said that people of Kashmir want peace.

“Our youth are victims of unemployment, they want jobs,” he said.

The ruling NC had yesterday welcomed the decision and termed it as a "good beginning".

"Resolving the Kashmir issue is a big task therefore it is a challenge for the interlocutors," senior NC leader and minister for rural development, Ali Mohammad Sagar had said. "Now it depends upon the appointed interlocutors how they would engage Kashmiris in talks."

Meanwhile, JKPCC president and Rajya Sabha member, Saif-ud-Din Soz, also said that a politician should have been included among the interlocutors.

“A political personality should be included among the interlocutors,” Soz said while talking to media persons at SKICC here today.

However, he refused to comment further.

“I don’t want to comment on the issue at the moment,” he said. “Will talk about it some other day.”

New Delhi appoints interlocutors on Kashmir, separatists term it "futile exercise"

2010-12-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 13: Hours after New Delhi named three new interlocutors for helping restart dialogue process in strife-torn state of Jammu and Kashmir and help restore peace in the troubled valley, New Delhi received a major set back as separatist leaders out rightly rejected the decision and termed it as a "futile exercise". Ruling National Conference (NC) welcomed the decision while the state's principal opposition, People's Democratic Party (PDP) hinted at consulting the party leaders before taking a final call.

Both factions of Hurriyat Conference, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), and Dukhtaran-e Millat (DeM) said that the appointment of interlocutors for Kashmir was not going to achieve anything.

Indian Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, earlier in the day announced the appointment of journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, Prof Radha Kumar and information commissioner MM Ansari as interlocutors to hold talks with all shades of opinion, including the separatists, in Kashmir.

Veteran separatist leader and chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani, outrightly rejected the decision and said that the decision to appoint interlocutors had once again shown the non-serious attitude of New Delhi towards Kashmir.

"Kashmir is a very big issue hence India must accept Hurriyat (G)'s five-point proposal to resolve the issue," he said. "Holding talks with interlocutors will be a time-consuming and futile exercise."

The octogenarian leader, who is spearheading "Quit Jammu Kashmir campaign", said that New Delhi must think that why over 150 dialogues on Kashmir failed to yield any results.

"Why the talks lack seriousness?" he rued.

Geelani alleged that New Delhi had never been serious in resolving the Kashmir imbroglio.

"That is the reason why we reject the appointment of interlocutors on Kashmir," he said.

He said if New Delhi was serious to resolve the Kashmir dispute then why it failed to pay heed to the conglomerate's five-point proposal.

"The ball is in New Delhi's court and it must take some proactive initiatives," he said.

He said that Hurriyat (G)'s stand on Kashmir was firm and unchangeable.

"India must understand that the peace is south Asia depends upon the peace in Kashmir," Geelani said. "India must show some kind of sincerity and give Kashmiris their right as has been promised by its leaders."

He said that unless New Delhi acts on the five-point proposal mooted by his faction of Hurriyat Conference situation, the conglomerate's "struggle" would continue.

Rejecting the decision, chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, termed it as an "exercise in futility."

"The interlocutors, which have been apointed by New Delhi are very respected persons, but Hurriyat Conference (M) has always supported meaningful talks," he said.

He said that his conglomerate had always endorsed dialogue process, but the purpose of dialogue must only be resolution of Kashmir imbroglio.

"We have had talks with Indian Prime Minister and have met Indian and Pakistani leadership to chalk out some political consensus in order to resolve Kashmir issue," he said.

Mirwaiz, however, said that New Delhi should realise that it can not keep the Kashmiris away from "genuine struggle".

"India should first and foremost build common consensus and decide once and for all whether they are going to speak to Kashmiris or not," he said. "When Indian Parliamentary delegation arrived in Kashmir, Hurriyat Conference (M) had suggested the delegation to constitute joint Parliamentary committee of India and Pakistan to help chalk out an amicable resolution for Kashmir issue."

He said that "non-serious" New Delhi only resorts to time buying tactics.

"The issue can be resolved through tripartite dialogue," he said. "India must give it a thought."

JKLF chairman, Mohammad Yaseen Malik, termed the appointment of interlocutors as "cruel joke with Kashmiris".

"The decision does not fail to astonish," he said.

Expressing surprise, Malik said that Kashmir was an international dispute that had consumed four generations of Kashmir.

"Educationists have been appointed as interlocutors as if educational institutions were to be set up in Kashmir," he said.

The JKLF chairman said that the Kashmir imbroglio had triggered three wars between India and Pakistan and that speaks volumes about the importance of the issue.

"India must realise the importance of Kashmir and try to hold talks at highest level," he said.

He said that his party had already suggested New Delhi to constitute parliamentary committee of both India and Pakistan to pave the way for initiating meaningful talks with Kashmiris.

"The Indian parliamentary committee would include members from BJP, Congress, Left parties, while Pakistan parliamentary committee would include members from Muslim League, Pakistan People's Party, Jamat-e-Islami," he said.

Democratic Freedom Party and Dukhtaran-e Millat (DeM) have also castigated New Delhi for "toeing the same old line".

"Unless India accepts Kashmir as a dispute all kinds of talks are meaningless," said acting chairman DeM, Riffat Fatima.

Meanwhile, the decision of appointing interlocutors on Kashmir evoked mixed response from the mainstream parties.

Ruling National Conference (NC) termed it as a "good beginning" and said that New Delhi was serious to address the Kashmir issue.

"Resolving the Kashmir issue is a big task therefore it is a challenge for the interlocutors," senior NC leader and minister for rural development, Ali Mohammad Sagar said. "Now it depends upon the appointed interlocutors how they would engage Kashmiris in talks."

Sagar said that New Delhi was reaching out to people of the state and it was now their turn to reciprocate.

"People must come forward for talks," he said.

President of PDP, Mehbooba Mufti, said that the party would like to consult its leaders before taking any final decision.

J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) preferred silence on the issue.

CPI-M state general secretary, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, termed the decision as "unsatisfactory".

He said that the decision would not achieve the desired results.

"Although we have full faith in the integrity and honesty of the people who have been named as interlocutors, but we have been all along vehemently demanding constitution of a parliamentary panel keeping in view the political nature of the present crisis," he said.

Tarigami said that the initiatives taken by the government of India in the past to hold dialogue with the voices of dissent in Kashmir had suffered due to trust and credibility deficit.

"The institution of dialogue deserves a serious approach keeping in view the sensitivities embedded in the Kashmir issue," he said.

He said that his party expected the New Delhi would form the group of interlocutors, while taking into consideration past experiences regarding the dialogue in J&K.

"But it seems a causal approach has been adopted yet again, much to the disappointment of those who are eager to address the issue through the process of dialogue and debate," he said.

Teargas shell hits Sopore youth, critical

2010-12-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Clashes continue; forces target houses, vehicles in old city

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 10: Normal life across the troubled Kashmir valley continued to remain paralysed as the valley observed complete shutdown today in response to strike call given by Geelani-led Hurriyat conference as a part of its ‘Quit Jammu and Kashmir campaign.

Clashes erupted between forces and protestors in old Srinagar city, Baramulla, Shopian, Handwara and several other villages and towns in the valley. A youth was hit by a teargas shell on his head during clashes in Baramulla. He was rushed to SHMS hospital where his condition was stated to be critical.

In old city, paramilitary CPRF men, entered into the residential areas and went berserk. Eyewitnesses said that following their face off with protestors, the CRPF men, deployed heavily on the streets, damaged several vehicles and smashed window panes of residential houses.

Pertinently, markets and streets in Srinagar wore an almost deserted look as traders, shoppers and commuters preferred to stay indoors in the wake of shutdown call given by Hurriyat Conference, led by veteran separatist, Syed Ali Geelani. Unlike in the past, the state government had not clamped curfew in the city.

According to reports, irate youth took to streets at Saida Kadal, Rainawari, Rajouri Kadal, Gojwara, and other adjoining areas and started pelting stones at police and CRPF men and also towards some vehicles parked on the streets.

The forces swung into action and threw back stones towards protestors. They also fired tear smoke shells to disperse the protestors.

According to the reports, residents of the areas where heavy clashes broke out between troops and protestors alleged that the troops, while trying to quell the protestors, entered into the interior areas and smashed the window panes of dozens of residential houses, vehicles, and auto rickshaws. They said that the forces also roughed up several pedestrians.

As the situation in the old city grew tense, additional forces were deployed on the streets, lanes and by-lanes to thwart any attempt of protests.

The reports said that after the clashes at Gojwara and its adjoining areas, police and CRPF intensified the restrictions at Gojwara, Islamia College, Hawal, Nala-mar road, Nawhatta, Rajouri Kadal.

Reports of clashes between protestors and forces also poured in from Saida Kadal, Rainawari. Protestors took to streets at Bulbul Lankar, Rainawari, Saida Kadal, and started pelting stones towards police and CRPF men deployed in the area. The forces swung into action and chased away the protestors. Eyewitnesses said that after the clashes, irate police and CRPF men entered into Bulbul Lankar, Rahbab Sahib, Nawa Kadal, and other adjoining areas and smashed window panes of several residential houses, vehicles there.

The vehicles and auto rickshaws which were damaged included that of Fayaz Ahmad Bhat of Bulbul Lankar, Bilal Ahmad Gilkar (Santro, JK01M - 8822), Farooq Ahmad Ahangar (Maruti, JK01F – 4543), Asadullah Naqash (Maruti), Abdul Rashid Hazar (Load carrier JK01K – 4843), Abdul Majeed Mattoo (Auto JK01E – 3627), Farooq Ahmad Gujree (Tata Sumo), Javaid Ahmad Ganie (Auto, JK01C – 1682).

The situation in Sopore grew tense after a group of youth started pelting stones towards CRPF men at around 11:00AM. Intense clashes broke out between forces and protestors at Khana Khun. The forces swung into action and resorted to cane charge and burst several tear smoke shells to disperse the protestors. Eyewitnesses said that a teargas shell hit a youth, Wasim Akbar, on his head. He was immediately rushed to Sopore hospital and then to SMHS hospital Srinagar where his condition was stated to be critical.

To thwart more protests in the area, authorities later imposed curfew in the area.

According to the reports, troopers of 6-RR forced shopkeepers at Magam Handwara to open their shops. The incident triggered widespread anger in the area and announcements were made through loudspeakers, appealing to the people to hold protests against forces’ highhandedness.

The forces resorted to cane charge and burst tear smoke shells to disperse the protestors.

Protests and clashes were also reported from Bemina, Chattabal, Batamaloo.

Meanwhile, police today arrested brother and father of Umar Ashraf, allegedly involved in the killing of a policeman on September 13, 2010 and detained them in police station Budgam.

According to the reports, a friend of Umar’s brother had visited the police station to meet Umar, however, he was also put behind the bars.

The Budgam police have also received one more remand against separatist leader, Imtiyaz Haider, in the same case.

Significantly, a vehicle had run over a police man on September 13 outside Budgam police station. After preliminary investigation, police charged 21-year-old Umar Ashraf son of Mohammad Ashraf of Housing Colony Ompora for the killing. They said that Umar had deliberately run his Maruti vehicle over the slain cop.

Meanwhile, police had placed chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house arrest to prevent him from taking part in the Majlis-e Amal sponsored “Youm-e Aseeran” (Day of detenues) programme. The police had also seized off all the roads leading to Mirwaiz Manzil.

Mirwaiz termed the police action as their “frustration”, and said that the Eidgah-Lalchowk march had shaken the government.

In a statement issued to the press, he said that the government functioning had remained confined to imposition of curfew, restriction, crackdown, and placing the leaders under house arrest.

Jammu Kashmir Awami Majlis had convened a special session at Mirwaiz Manzil today in protest against the continuous detention of thousands of Kashmiris and showing solidarity with youth of Kashmir. The invitees included Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and other Hurriyat (M) and pro-freedom leaders.

To thwart the programme, police had since this morning cordoned off the Mirwaiz Manzil and seized off all the roads leading to the Manzil.

“This speaks volumes about the frustration of the government,” he said. “I wonder how long they would continue to suppress the aspirations of people by using police and paramilitary forces.”

Kamal all fire against PDP, Geelani, New Delhi

2010-12-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 6: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and MLA Hazratbal, Dr Mustafa Kamal, today held senior separatist leader, Syed Ali Geelani, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and New Delhi’s “politics of betrayal” responsible for the Kashmir imbroglio.

Participating in discussion on the prevailing situation in Kashmir valley, Dr Kamal said that it was high time to expose the forces behind the present unrest.

Castigating successive central governments of India, he said that they can not escape the blame for the present political crisis in the valley.

He said that New Delhi had off and on betrayed the trust and confidence of Kashmiri leadership and Muslims of the state.

“The former home minister of India, Vallabhbhai Patel, had in 1953 moved a resolution in the parliament for granting special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir under Indian constitution. The resolution was seconded by then minister for industries, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (founder of Bharatiya Jan Sangh),” he said. “But, later on New Delhi betrayed us.”

He said that on one hand Kashmiris were given promises like “sky is the limit”, but on the other hand the resolutions passed in the state assembly were consigned to the dustbin by the NDA government.

“Not a single recommendation of working groups was implemented yet,” he said.

“The successive governments at the Centre have failed to honour their commitments made with the people of Kashmir,” he said. “The main stake holders of the state should rise to the occasion and work for permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue,” he said.

Kamal urged India to take a step forward and sort out all impending issues with its neighboring country.

He said there were three elements, which were precisely responsible for the present unrest.

“We must identify the elements which are instigating the youth to throw stones and stopping children from going to schools,” he said.

Accusing the Geelani-led Hurriyat faction of being most responsible for the present unrest in the valley, Kamal said that the head of the conglomerate had taken oath under the Indian constitution.

Obliquely referring to chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani, the former health minister said that he had successfully contested assembly elections in the past.

“I wonder how come a person who has taken oath under Indian and J&K constitution is now asking people to raise slogans of Azadi,” he said. “Three of his (Geelani’s) colleagues had contested 1972 assembly election.”

Kamal said that the shutdown calendar issued by the octogenarian leader had made life miserable for people in the valley. He said Kashmir had come to a virtual standstill that in the last four months of unrest, with education and trade having suffered the most.

He questioned the conglomerate’s demand for separating the Indian state, given the fact that its leaders were the members of state legislature and were still enjoying perks.

Taking a dig at state’s principal opposition, PDP, Kamal said the leader of second largest party in the state assembly was equally responsible for the present situation in the valley.

Without naming former chief minister and PDP patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Kamal said that he had implemented AFSPA in the state, imposed governor’s rule four times, and brought notorious Jagmohan as governor of the state, who unleashed a bloodbath in the valley.

Referring to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference, Kamal said that the Mirwaiz group, according to him, did not believe in violence and bloodshed.

“This group and National Conference were considered arch rivals, but Farooq (Abdullah) sahib bridged the age-old Sher-Bakra divide,” he said.

However, he said that the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat faction was also responsible for misleading the youth and orchestrating violence in the valley.

“They are plotting for de-stabilizing the popular government of Omar Abdullah to settle their political scores,” he said. “PDP and both factions of Hurriyat are painted with the same brush.”

He maintained that other forces behind the present unrest were in fact working against the cause of Kashmiri people.

Kamal claimed that only NC had worked for the progress and prosperity of the denizens of the state “irrespective of caste colour, creed and region”.

Without naming United Jehad Council (UJC) chairman, Syed Salahuddin, Kamal said, “After claiming that 1987 elections were rigged, he lifted the gun and in the bargain one lakh Kashmiris were killed.”

Participating in the discussion, National Conference leader and MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, said termed the four-month-long unrest as “most unfortunate”.

He said it was high time to bring the valley back to normalcy and avoid politicking on dead bodies.

Gurezi said that there were several forces behind the present unrest.

Speaking on the occasion, Congress leader, Ashok Kumar, said that Kashmir problem needed positive approach from all stake holders.

He asked for early rehabilitation of victims of the unrest to stop its further escalation. He expressed gratitude to the central government for initiating several measures to end the crises in the state.

“For the last 20 years Kashmir has been reeling under violence and unrest. Purposeful dialogue under Indian constitution with all the willing parties was a must for bringing normalcy in the valley,” he said.

Ashok also said that unemployed educated youth of the valley should be given “lifetime packages”.

Participating in the discussion, senior BJP leader, Jugal Kishore, said, “Kashmir is not an issue but its government is”.

“Had PDP been in power, NC would have made issues and similarly if NC would be in power, PDP would create issues,” he said.

He said that NC had shifted all blame vis-à-vis present unrest on PDP.

“Kashmir already enjoys autonomy for the simple reason that if a law is passed in Parliament it can not be implemented here unless it is passed by the state assembly,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, senior leader of J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP), Balwant Singh Mankotia, said that Kashmir was an integral part of India and threatened those who want to separate Kashmir from India of dire consequences.

“There are leaders who seek autonomy and self rule, I ask them isn’t this autonomy that even after speaking against India you are provided free ration by the same country,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, chairman People’s Democratic Front (PDF), Hakim Mohammad Yasin, emphasized on making the Nehru-Sheikh-Ayub discussions as the basis for solving all issues.

“While discussing the issue we should not forget the deliberations these towering leaders of the sub-continent had from time to time on the issue,” he said. “These deliberations should serve as beacon light while looking into any solution to the Kashmir issue.”

Yasin said that the Kashmir issue required sincere political discourse for its solution. He said New Delhi should take the issue seriously and involve all stake holders for a purposeful dialogue.

BJP's no confidence motion against govt regected

2010-12-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 5: The J&K state legislative assembly today rejected no confidence motion, moved by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Omar Abdullah-led coalition government, following which irate members of BJP and J&K National Panther’s Party (JKNPP) staged walkout from the House. The House also witnessed noisy scenes over the issue of scarcity of fertilizers in some areas of the winter capital.

After the conclusion of question hour, leader of BJP in the state Assembly, Chaman Lal Gupta, rose up from his seat and asked the Speaker legislative Assembly, Mohammad Akbar Lone, about the no confidence notice his party had sent to the Speaker on September 28. The Speaker informed the House that the notice had some technical flaws and he had sent it back to the BJP members.

Pertinently, a day ahead of the commencement of J&K Assembly session, BJP had submitted a no-confidence notice against the coalition government, accusing it of being a “complete failure”. The no-confidence notice was sent to the Speaker by Chaman Lal Gupta. The Speaker had referred the notice to his secretariat for examination.

Speaking after the question hour, Gupta accused Omar Abdullah-led coalition government of having “failed on all fronts”.

“This is the reason why we had moved no-confidence motion against this government,” he said.

The Speaker asked the legislators, present in the House, to rise from their seats if they were in favour of the motion and want discussion on it.

Thirteen members of BJP and JKNPP rose up from their seats while a major chunk of legislators present in the House remained seated.

The members of BJP and JKNPP raised slogans against the government, which prompted senior NC leader, Mir Saifullah, to ask these members to maintain the decorum of the House.

Rejecting the motion, the Speaker informed the House that in order to take up no confidence motion for discussion, it requires the support of at least 23 legislators.

JKNPP leader, Harsh Dev Singh, said that Omar Abdullah should himself step down from his position without any voting. Meanwhile, all the 13 members of BJP and JKNPP gathered near the front row and raised slogans against the government. After indulging in sloganeering for some time, the members finally walked out of the House.

Earlier, the members of BJP and JKNPP also took on the government over the scarcity of fertilizers. As soon as the assembly proceedings began this morning at around 9:30AM, BJP and JKNPP members rose up from their seats and raised the issue of scarcity of fertilizers in the state, particularly in the winter capital.

The Speaker had a tough time to pacify the members and bring order in the House. He suggested them that the issue would be taken up after the question hour.

Pointing towards the empty seat of minister for agriculture, the Speaker said, “In the meantime, the concerned minister would also be present in the House.”

After the conclusion of question hour, the members of BJP and JKNPP again rose up from their seats and asked the Speaker that the issue be taken seriously as farmers were suffering on account of this.

Legislators representing far off constituencies in Jammu said that farmers in their constituencies do not have fertilizer available even for growing vegetables.

In reply, minister for agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, ensured the members that by October eight, all kinds of fertilizers would be made available in these areas.

Meanwhile, president of People’s Democratic Forum and MLA Khan Sahib, Hakeem Mohammad Yassen, today said that the Kashmir imbroglio was not about development or unemployment, but it was a political issue.

Participating in the discussion on the prevailing situation in Kashmir valley, Yaseen said that the six-decade-old issue would be resolved only through talks.

“Kashmir has been a victim of some historical blunders, but now only sincerity and commitment can restore peace and normalcy in the state,” he said.

Yaseen said that Kashmir issue was hanging fire since 1947, adding that leaders of the sub-continent including Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Mohammad Ayub Khan had also debated over it. He said all the successive regimes at New Delhi had taken the issue on experimental basis, maintaining that time has come to resolve the issue seriously on humanitarian grounds.

Participating in the discussion, JKNPP leader, Harsh Dev Singh, termed the four-month unrest in the valley as “unfortunate”. He said the valley of Kashmir was preferred destination of Rishis, Munis, and the land was known as the “paradise on earth”, but the continuous bloodbath had made life miserable in the valley.

“We need to identify the disease so that it is cured,” he said.

He opposed the notion of holding talks with separatists, saying that engaging them in talks would not yield anything as they were responsible for the bloodshed in the valley.

Participating in the discussion, senior NC leader, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, termed the killings of over hundred people during the present turmoil as “most unfortunate”. He said that New Delhi should think positively for resolving the Kashmir issue.

Ramzan blamed the “handful of Kashmiri people responsible for taking the entire society hostage”. He also suggested New Delhi to widen its scope of dialogue with all sections of people including separatists.

The former minister said that his party had adopted a resolution during its earlier tenure for greater autonomy to the state. Restoration of autonomy, he said, would strengthen centre-state relations further besides proving instrumental in bringing permanent peace and stability.

Speaking on the occasion, senior BJP leader, Ashok Khajuria, said that his party had long ago maintained that a nation could not have two constitutions.

He said that had Jawaharlal Nehru not taken Kashmir to United Nations, the present situation would have never surfaced.

Taking a dig at Congress, Khajuria said that the party had instigated war between former chief ministers Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah and Farooq Abdullah.

“You must be worried about them because they (Congress) can bring down your government,” he told the chief minister. “BJP is your open enemy. You don’t have to worry about us”

Participating in the discussion, leader of BJP in the assembly, Chaman Lal Gupta, termed the present unrest in the valley as “failure of government”.

“In addition to the loss of over 100 human lives, more than 5000 people have been injured,” he said. “They also included over 4000 men of the forces including those of the state police and CRPF.”

He said that the coalition government, instead of accepting their follies and failures, were “beating about the bushes”.

He out rightly rejected the proposal of autonomy and revocation of AFSPA to bring back normalcy in the valley. Gupta said need of the hour was to work together and expose forces behind the present crisis.

Speaking on the occasion, senior NC leader and MLA Kupwara, Mir Saifullah, accused PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, of “fueling unrest in Kashmir”

He said that Mehbooba had said on record that her party’s youth president in Anantnag had lost his life during the ongoing unrest in the valley.

“This implies that their party is orchestrating violence to destabilize the government to fulfill their lust for power,” he said. “The aim of the PDP is to remove the chief minister in the name of the blood of innocent persons who lost their precious lives during current turmoil.”

Saifullah alleged that majority of the youth against whom FIR’s were lodged in police stations were PDP activists, who were given directions to trigger violence and provoke the innocent youth to fuel unrest in the state.

BJP, JKNPP stage walkout from Assembly

2010-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 4: The members of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP) staged a walkout from the House today in protest against the delay in setting up of central university at Jammu, even as some legislators flayed the government for failing to implement the decisions taken at district development board meetings.

The House witnessed pandemonium as a series of heated exchanges took place between opposition and ruling party members. BJP and JKNPP lashed out at the state government over delay in setting up of the central university in winter capital. As soon as the question hour in the Assembly concluded at around 10:30AM, leader of BJP in the state Assembly, Chaman Lal Gupta, got up from his seat and while addressing the chair said, “Twelve out of fourteen central universities are functioning completely, while universities at Jammu and Kashmir are yet to be set up.”

“What kind of justice is this that if in one region is facing turmoil the other will also pay its price,” he said. “If Jammu region is peaceful then what is it that has stopped the government from setting up the university there?”

Gupta said that the delay has proved that Jammu is being discriminated against.

“Ministers are sitting here and they must answer,” he said. “We have every right to know about the fate of both the central universities.”

He said that land had been identified at Samba for the construction of the Jammu central university, but work never started.

In reply, minister for finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, said, “Presently, I don’t have any information about it. Once I will gather the information, I will be in the position to reply.”

However, members of BJP and JKNPP continued to ask for the reply. The issue sparked a ruckus in the House. The members asked the Speaker LA, Mohammad Akbar Lone, that they should be given the reasons for delay in setting up of the Jammu central university.

After failing to get reply from the government, the angry members staged walkout from the House while raising slogans.

After BJP and JKNPP members left the House, MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami chipped in. “Injustice is done to Kashmiris only.”

MLA Langate, Engineer Abdul Rashid, also stood up from his seat and lashed out at the government for launching fresh crackdown against youth.

Meanwhile, the state government has said that Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has been appointed to get the land for setting up of central university in Kashmir. Speaking in the Legislative Council, in reply to the question raised by senior Congress leader and MLC, Haji Ali Mohammad Bhat, minister for higher education, Abdul Gani Malik said that land had already been identified at Ganderbal for setting up of Kashmir central university.

“The government has appointed divisional commissioner Kashmir for fixing the compensation rate with the farmers and take the possession of the land,” he said.

In reply to a question of Jahangir Hussain Mir in the Legislative Council today, Malik also said that 61 kanals of land were identified for Poonch campus of Jammu University at Poonch.

He said University Campus of Jammu University at Poonch was established in February, 2008 and is operating from Government Degree College.

He said an amount of Rs 100 lakh was released as Grant-in-Aid for the development of the said campus during last year. He said during the current financial year an amount of Rs 40 lakh has been approved as Grant-in-Aid for infrastructural development of the campus. He assured work on construction work of the campus shall be expedited.

The heated exchange of words broke out between minister for health, Sham Lal Sharma, and BJP legislator, Jugal Kishore, over Indira Gandhi Dental College Jammu.

The House witnessed pandemonium as some legislators and members of ruling coalition engaged in a heated exchange over non-implementation of decision taken at district development board meetings. The members also alleged that additional funds were being allotted to some districts.

In reply, minister for finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, said that government was committed to strengthen District Development Boards (DDBs) for speedier development of all areas.

He said that decisions taken in Board meetings about district plans are implemented in letter and spirit, adding that, however, decisions are sometimes taken beyond its jurisdiction for which implementation becomes difficult.

Replying to joint questions by Harshdev Singh on behalf of Balwant Singh Mankotia and Sajad Ahmad Kitchloo, the minister gave detailed account of district plan outlays. He said Rs 1632.29 crore have been allotted to 22 districts of the state for execution of various developmental activities under district plan during the current financial year. Of which, an amount of Rs 127.06 crore have been utilized on execution of various development projects, besides other activities in these districts under district plan till July end, he said.

The minister said that over Rs 23.41 crore have been released as additionalities to 22 districts of the state under district plan for completion and accelerating the developmental projects during the month of March 2009.

Rather said that the developmental activities under district plan are to be approved by the District Development Board. He said the development activities taken up in the districts under State Plan and other special programmes do not need the approval of the District Development Boards. He, however, said that additionalities are released by the Planning and Development Department to accelerate the developmental process in the districts and to meet the genuine demands of the members of District Development Boards besides legislators.

Giving details of the action taken report of the decisions taken by District Development Board, Kishtwar during 2009-10 and 2010-11, the minister informed the House that a total of 17 decisions were taken out of which, eight have been implemented and rest are at different stages of implementation.

Rather said that in the concerned DDB review meeting held during December 2009, 17 recommendations were made out of which 7 have been implemented, adding that in the board meeting of July 2010, the DDB besides finalization of the annual plan of 2010-11, 8 decisions were taken and 37 recommendations made. He said minutes in this regard have been issued by the concerned District Development Commissioner for follow up action to the concerned departments and agencies and the action taken report shall be placed before the District Development Board in the next review meeting.

The minister said that district plans are formulated in consultation with concerned members of District Development Boards. He said the post of Area Development Officer for Marwah Block has been created July and Divisional Forest Officer, Marwah has been assigned the charge of the post till it is filled up on substantive basis.

After 15 days, Omar loses battle for life; Toll 110

2010-12-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

Troops go berserk in Palhallah; Srinagar returns to normal

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Oct 2: The death toll from four months of unrest in the valley has gone up to 110 as a teenager, who had sustained critical injuries when police and paramilitary CRPF men opened fire at a group of protestors at Sangrama on September 16, succumbed to his injuries at Sher-e Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) late last night. Meanwhile, even as life across the Kashmir valley returned to normal, massive protests demonstrations were held in curfew-bound Palhallan Pattan, against the atrocities of CRPF men.

Mohammad Omar, 16, son of Mohammad Ismael Sheikh was injured when police and CRPF men opened fire at demonstrators, who were raising pro-freedom and pro-Islam slogans at Potkhah Muqam in Sangrama on Septemebr 16. Omar, who had received bullet in his thigh, was rushed to SKIMS where he was operated upon by a team of doctors. After 15 dreadful days, Omar finally lost the battle for life at SKIMS today.

“The teenager was brought to the hospital with thigh injury on September 16. His blood vessel was damaged due to firearm injury. Last night, he succumbed to injuries,” Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Dr Syed Amin Tabish, was quoted by a local news agency as saying.

A pall of gloom descended on Sangrama when his body was brought to his hometown. Thousands of people, including men, women, children, took to streets and raised pro-freedom slogans. Thousands of people offered his funeral prayers and laid him to rest.

Significantly, Omar’s father was gunned down by unknown assailants in mid-90s in Rafiabad forest range. Omar and his widowed mother had moved from their residence in Uri to Sangrama in Baramulla after his father’s death.

A tenth class student of Government Higher Secondary School Wagura, Omar had dreamt of being a doctor, his friends said.

“He was very studious and was apple of every one’s eyes,” they said. “In him we lost a dear friend.”

While Omar was being buried in his hometown, some kilometers away from Sangrama, people spilled out onto the streets of Palhalan in protests against CRPF atrocities.

Authorities had clamped curfew in the area this morning, and had also warned the residents of stern action if they try to violate the curfew.

According to reports, a joint team of police and paramilitary CRPF men appeared at Tantray-pora locality of the area and thrashed several youths. Following the incident, hundreds of people took to streets. Sensing trouble, the forces pulled out of the area.

In the afternoon, CPRF and police, accompanied by troopers of 29-RR (Rashtriya Rifles), again visited the area. The troops, eyewitnesses said, barged into residential houses and ransacked the household goods. The forces also allegedly misbehaved with the womenfolk.

Announcements were heard from the loudspeakers of the mosques, asking people to take to streets in protest against troops’ highhandedness. Within minutes, hundreds of people poured on to the streets and raised pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. They pelted stones at troops.

According to reports, troopers roughed up some civilians including Mohammad Ishfaq Para, Ghulam Mohammad Tantray and others without any provocation. The window panes of cars and residential houses, they said, were also smashed by the forces.

Protests were also reported from Delina area of Baramulla district, after troops tried to enforce curfew in the area.

Meanwhile, life returned to normal in rest of the valley. Pertinently, Geelani-led Hurriyat Conference had given relaxation through the conglomerate’s recent shutdown calendar. Government had also lifted curfew and restriction in almost all parts of the valley.

After 20 days of prolonged unrest due to imposition of curfew and severe restrictions, market places in Srinagar were abuzz with shoppers today.

Both public and private transport returned to almost all the roads and highway in all the ten districts of the Valley.

Choked roads, traffic jams, unruly scenes were witnessed at many places in the city centre as people swarmed to make necessary purchases. Traffic cops had a tough time while negotiating traffic in Srinagar city.

Meanwhile, uneasy calm prevailed in Kangan area of Ganderbal district where authorities had clamped curfew in the wake of fierce gunfight between militants and a joint team of Army and Special Operations Group (SOG) of police.

BJP submits no-confidence notice against NC-Cong govt

2010-12-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

Day 1 : Advantage opposition

SYED ALI SAFVI

SRINAGAR, Sep 29: A day ahead of the commencement of J&K Assembly session, problems mounted for National Conference-Congress coalition government, already finding itself on a sticky wicket, as opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today submitted a no-confidence notice against the coalition government, accusing it of being a “complete failure”. Moreover, it would be for the first time after 1996 that assembly session would be held against the backdrop of intensified civil and political unrest.

The no-confidence notice was sent to speaker J&K legislative assembly, Mohammad Akbar Lone, by former union minister and BJP’s leader in the state assembly, Chaman Lal Gupta. Confirming receipt of the notice, the Speaker said that he had referred it to his secretariat for examination.

“The decision will be taken in two to three days,” he said.

Claiming that they enjoy the support of some legislators of National Conference (NC), Congress and state’s principal opposition, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gupta said the government had already proven a failure, besides being “absent and invisible” for the last four months of unrest in the valley.

“Taking into consideration all these things, we decided to give a no-confidence motion against the government," he said.

Significantly, in the 87-member House, BJP, with only 11 members, needs support from other opposition parties like PDP and National Panthers' Party (NPP) for introduction of the motion.

Gupta said the chief minister, Omar Abdullah, had lost the confidence of people and added that he (Omar) should have “resigned on his own”.

"This government has not only failed to handle the situation in the valley, but has also made life miserable for people,” he said.

Pertinently, the state unit of BJP had also earlier this month demanded resignation of chief minister, Omar Abdullah.

Gupta said the aim of the motion was to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in the valley.

"There is a Jammu Bandh tomorrow, natural calamity has struck in Ladakh region while the Valley has been disturbed for four months now and this government is still talking about holding (Panchayat) elections. How can elections be held when all three regions of the state are in turmoil?" he asked.

The problems for the coalition government have multiplied. The Babri Masjid verdict coupled with Jammu Bandh tomorrow would only make the matters worse for the government. Moreover, opposition PDP and NPP had made their intentions clear yesterday after they skipped all-party meet, convened by the Speaker. The Omar Abdullah-led dispensation would be already feeling the heat.

Furthermore, it would be a very momentous and hectic day for police administration to ensure the day passes off peacefully. It is to be seen whether government would impose curfew tomorrow to ensure safe passage for state legislators, including ministerial colleagues of the CM.

It is for the first time since 1996 that assembly session would be held amidst high tension and unrest. Understandably, opposition parties would leave no stone unturned to castigate the coalition government.

The stormy session is likely to witness noisy scenes over civilian killings in police and CRPF firing, issue of revocation of AFSPA, release of political detenues, et al.

Kashmir valley has been reeling under unprecedented spell of unrest since June 11, leaving 108 civilians dead so far and over hundred maimed for life.

The first day of the assembly session has been reserved for obituary references, to be moved by the Speaker to pay homage to former vice-president of India, Bhairo Singh Shekhawat, former legislators, GM Bhaderwahi, Shahjahan Dar, Kumari Shanta Bharti and KC Sharma.

The private members’ resolutions, which would be taken up in the House on October 4, 2010 would be moved by Abdul Majid Wani, regarding uniform policy for promotion of all state employees based upon their performance and target achievements; Javaid Mustafa Mir: release of political prisoners and youths detained by police during the recent unrest; Muzaffar Hussain Baig: transfer of all power projects run by NHPC in the state be transferred to the state; Jugal Kishore: effective steps be taken for securing recognition of Govt Indira Gandhi Dental College Jammu; Mir Saifullah: Kupwara district be given the status of Hill Development Council on pattern of Leh and Kargil; Prof Chaman Lal Gupta: extend 73rd and 74th amendments of the constitution of India to the state of J&K for empowerment of Panchayats and Municipalities; Mohammad Sharief Niyaz: state power generation be taken up on war footing basis in order to give boost to the state economy.

Meanwhile, Congress Party Legislators (CPL) meet was held here today under the chairmanship of CLP leader, Choudhary Mohammad Aslam. The meeting chalked out the strategy for smooth conduct of the legislative session.

The members unanimously resolved that the business of both the Houses should be taken seriously and all issues of public interest debated to facilitate public.

The Congress legislators also hailed the eight-point formula announced by New Delhi for bringing peace and normalcy in the state.

“The package is very comprehensive keeping the interests of all the regions into consideration. Its implementation will mark a good beginning towards resolution of state-centric problems for lasting peace and tranquility,” the meeting resolved.

Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister for School Education, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for PHE, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla, Minister for Health, Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Medical Education, RS Chib, Minister of State for Cooperative and Finance, Dr. Manohar Lal, Minister of State for Power and CA&PD, Shabir Ahmad Khan also attended the meeting.