Only Kashmir

Friday, October 15, 2010

GEELANI HINTS AT INSTENSIFYING PROTESTS

Srinagar Oct 15 (Only Kashmir): Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Friday hinted at intensifying protests, accusing the Centre of not being keen on normalising situation in the Valley as it had not responded to his five-point formula to resolve the crisis even 45 days after it was offered.
"It seems that New Delhi is not keen on normalising the situation in the valley as there has been no positive response to our five-point formula despite the fact that 45 days have passed," the hardline Hurriyat Conference Chairman said.
Hinting at intensifying the protests, Geelani said he cannot wait forever for the Centre to react to his sugestions.
"We had given the suggestion with sincerity and good intentions but putting the Kashmir issue on the back burner can lead to loss of more precious lives and we do not want to be a party to it," the Hurriyat leader said.
Geelani said October and November months were of historic importance for Jammu and Kashmir as "it was on the black October 27 day that Indian troops landed in Kashmir" in 1947.

Strike Calendar Oct 17 to Oct 26 2010

Srinagar Oct 15 (Only Kashmir): Hurriyat (G) issues fresh protest calendar
17, Oct Sunday: Deal
18, Oct Monday: Complete Strike (Palhallan Chalo)
19, Oct Tuesday: Complete Strike
20, Oct Wednesday: Deal
21, Oct Thursday: Complete Strike (Lal Chowk Chalo where Geelani will address the gathering)
22, Oct Friday: Complete Strike (Bijbhara Chalo)
23, Oct Saturday: Complete Strike
24, Oct Sunday: Deal
25, Oct Monday: Complete Strike
26, Oct Tuesday: Complete Strike

NO PRAYERS IN JAMIA AGAIN FOR 5TH CONSECUTIVE FRIDAY

Srinagar, Oct 15 (Only Kashmir): There were no prayers in historical Jamia Masjid and other major mosques in old city Friday in wake of the Curfew, reports and witnesses told. This is for the fifth consecutive Friday that there were no congregational prayers in the central Jamia masjid.

Reports said Jamia Masjid, in the heart of Srinagar’s old city, remained out of bounds for the people due to imposition of curfew despite a normal day called by Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Hundreds of CRPF and policemen, armed with sophisticated weapons, enforced strict restrictions in Nowhatta and adjoining areas including Rajouri Kadal, Gojwara and Bohrikadal, Mahraj Gunj they added.
Meanwhile Mirwaiz is still under house arrest.

ONE MORE INJURED SUCCUMBS TOLL 112

Srinagar, Oct 15 (Only Kashmir): In occupied Kashmir, one more civilian, who was critically injured after he was thrashed by Indian police personnel in Pampore, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital in Srinagar, today.
The father of four children, Ghulam Nabi Mir, who was severely beaten by men in uniform on October 7 at Kadalabal in Pampore, succumbed to his injuries at Soura Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar.
Hundreds of people including APHC leader, Yasmeen Raja, took to the streets in the area to protest the killing. They shouted anti-India and pro-liberation slogans.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

OMAR CALLS ON N N VOHRA

Srinagar Oct 14 (Only Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called on the Governor N N Vohra here and briefed him about the measures being taken to restore normalcy in the Valley.
The meeting between the two at Raj Bhavan lasted an hour and issues relating to conduct of elections to panchayats and urban local bodies were also discussed, an official spokesman said.
The state government is planning to hold panchayat polls in the month of December with mainstream political parties activating their cadres and hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani urging the people to boycott the elections.
The spokesman said Omar briefed the Governor about the situation in the state and the measures being taken to restore normalcy in the Valley.
Various other issues pertaining to governance, particularly the implementation of the related state laws for establishing full fledged functioning of statutory bodies responsible for enhancing accountability, promoting efficiency and curbing corruption in the administrative system were also discussed, the spokesman said.
He said the governor reiterated his concern about the prevailing situation affecting educational institutions and called for measures on an urgent basis to restore full functioning of the schools, colleges and universities in the Valley.

BOTH FICTIONS OF HURRIYAT REJECT APPOINTMENT OF INTERLOCUTORS

Srinagar, Oct 14 (Only Kashmir):Veteran Kashmiri Hurriyat leader, Syed Ali Geelani and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq have maintained that the Indian government’s announcement of three interlocutors for talks with Kashmiri leaders was meant to mislead the international community.
Syed Ali Geelani in a statement issued in Srinagar urged India to acknowledge Kashmir as a dispute, withdraw its troops from the territory and release all illegally detained Hurriyet leaders and activists. He said that since 1952 there had been talks on the dispute, which could not yield desired results because India had been consistently ignoring the aspirations of Kashmiris.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed the appointment of the interlocutors by India as mere wastage of time. He said that the lingering dispute should be resolved through tripartite talks participated by Pakistan, India and the real Kashmiri leadership. APHC leader, Yasmeen Raja in a statement expressed concern over the continued curfew restrictions imposed by the occupation authorities.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

BSF ON RAMPAGE; STORMS GOVT SCHOOL IN SANGRAMA

Srinagar Oct 13 (Only Kashmir): At least twenty schoolchildren and government teachers on Wednesday were injured after being allegedly assaulted by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Sangrama area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Reports and eyewitnesses told that a BSF convoy on way to Baramulla from Srinagar was pelted upon with a few rocks by protesters near Sangrama on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway this afternoon. The BSF convoy, eyewitnesses said halted their convoy and barged into the nearby government middle school (GMS). The deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) provided them the cover from outside.
Eyewitnesses said that the BSF men went on a beating spree after barging into the school. The troops, they said abused, misbehaved and thrashed the teachers, including female staff. The troops did not even spare small schoolchildren, as young as six. At least fifteen students and five teachers were injured in the troopers’ action, eyewitness said.
Some of the injured schoolchildren have been identified as Shagufta Amin, Masrat Bashir, Sehreena Amin, all seventh standard students, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Ashraf Malik, eighth standard students, Asmat Rashid, sixth standard, Nausheen Akhter and Nilofer Amin, fourth class, Muzammil and Tanveer Nabi, third standard and Kounsar Gulzar, a first primary student.
“The children were attending the classes, when the BSF men stormed the school and thrashed the teachers without any reason or rhyme. They even beat female teachers, including me,” Headmistress, GMS, Sangrama, Kounsar Jabeen told a news agency.
“The ruckus continued for at least fifteen minutes. We urged them not to harm the small children, but they didn’t listen to us,” she added.
Kounsar said that as the BSF men were busy in thrashing her staff members and students, she called up senior civil and police officials, but to no avail. She said 20 students and her staffers were injured in the troopers’ action.
She identified the injured teachers as Javeeda Parveen, Asifa Nabi, Tahir Manzoor and Firdous Ahmad.
“We’ll not resume duty, unless government takes stern action against the guilty troopers,” she added.
After middle school, eyewitnesses said troops barged into the adjacent government high school and roughed up at least a dozen students and a few teachers.
“As the screams in the middle school ceased, BSF troops barged into our school and beat many students. They also thrashed the teachers who objected to their actions,” Ghulam Nabi Dar, a teacher said.
“One of my colleagues, Firdous Ahmad was brutally beaten when he tried to convince the troops. This is the limit of lawlessness,” he added.
When the news of beating of students and teachers spread, hundreds of men, women and children, including the family members of the schoolchildren took to streets and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations in the area. Chanting “We want Freedom,” Islam Zindabad,” “Go India Go Back,” and anti-India, anti-BSF slogans, the people were protesting against the BSF action. The protesters also blocked the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway for nearly an hour to demand action against the guilty troopers.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Baramulla, Muneer Ahmad Khan said that the incident took place this afternoon when some youth pelted rocks on the BSF party that was on way to the town.
“The BSF personnel entered the school. Soon, the teachers and BSF entered in altercations, resulting in injury to a youth. He is being treated upon,” Khan said.
“We’re probing the allegations leveled against the BSF,” he added.

GEELANI CALLS FOR BOYCOTT OF PANCHAYAT POLLS

Srinagar Oct 13 (Only Kashmir): Stating that India has been using elections in Jammu and Kashmir as a justification for its military “occupation” on international level, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Shah Geelani Wednesday appealed for a complete boycott of the upcoming Panchayati elections.
“Although these elections being held on gun point have no bearing on our passion for freedom or the ground reality, yet at diplomatic level, India uses the elections to raise questions over our freedom struggle. Therefore, people must uphold the sacrifices of martyrs and keep aloof from all kinds of elections,” Geelani said in a statement issued here to Press Bureau of India.
Geelani also condemned the Indian representative Charan Das’ statement in the ongoing session of United Nations General Assembly regarding Kashmiris expressing their opinion through free and fair elections in Kashmir as “unrealistic”.
“Resolution 91 passed in the United Nation’s Security Council session of 1951 and Resolution 122 passed in 1957 have made it clear that the state legislative assembly has no right to decide the future of the state and assembly elections cannot be a replacement for the UN supervised plebiscite. India has no moral and legal justification to hoodwink the international community by linking assembly elections to plebiscite,” he said.
Geelani also questioned the temporary membership of India at the UNSC, terming it as an “unjust” step. “ The world community should have taken into consideration that because India is in forceful occupation of Kashmir and its armed forces are guilty of war crimes in the state , it doesn’t deserve a temporary seat in the UNSC,” he said.
The Hurriyat leader also slammed the state government for the “humanitarian crisis” developing in Palhalan in wake of a stringent curfew.

LASHKAR-I-TOIBA ARE FREEDOM FIGHTERS: MUSHARRAF

London: Pakistani militant groups likes Laskar-e-Taiba are freedom fighters waging a campaign for the rights of the people of Kashmir, Pervez Musharraf said.Musharraf, the former Pakistani president, said in a weekend interview with New Delhi broadcaster NDTV that he felt LeT and its counterparts were fighting for a noble cause in parts of Kashmir.”From our point of view anyone who is fighting in Kashmir, your part of Kashmir, is a mujahed who’s fighting for the freedom, for the rights of the people of Kashmir,” he said.
LeT was linked to the deadly raids on Mumbai in November 2008 where more than 100 civilians were killed in a three-day siege.Musharraf brushed off the connection to Mumbai, instead blaming India for targeting civilians in the conflict over Kashmir.”Isn’t the Indian army also a terrorist then?” he asked. “I think we are going to enter into a discussion where you won’t prove anything, I also won’t prove anything.”
Indian and Pakistan have fought two wars over the disputed region of Kashmir. Protesters have stormed government troops for three consecutive summers calling for Kashmiri independence from India or a merger with Pakistan.Musharraf said, however, that he felt disputes over Kashmir were political.”We were very close to finalizing the Kashmir issue,” he said.

FIVE PROTESTERS INJURED IN BANDIPORA

Srinagar, Oct 13 (Only Kashmir): At least five persons were injured when police and paramilitary CRPF troopers used force to quell protesters in Bandipore district. The protests broke out at Nusoo, Saderkoot Bala, Takia and Ajas when paramilitary CRPF troopers beat up two youth and tried to arrest them from Saderkoot bala in the district without any provocation.
Paramilitary CRPF troopers injured five persons including Rameeza Raja, Rafiqa Begum, Showket Ali, Imtiyaz Ahmed and Mudasir when the protesters resisted CRPF’s attempt and did not allow the force personnel to arrest the youth, witnesses told media men.
Anti-India protests were also held at Galwanpora, Hyderpora, Mochou, Chattabal, Qamarwari and Lal Bazaar areas. Paramilitary CRPF men beat up civilians without any provocation at Jawahar Nagar, Nawpora, Rainawari and other areas in Srinagar. “When the paramilitary personnel were leaving the places in the evening, they beat several persons mostly youth without any provocation,” the residents said.
Meanwhile, troops arrested four persons including Mohammad Farooq Didad, Nasir Ahmad Poswal, Mohammad Iqbal Magray and Qasim Jan from Tangmarg in Kulgam district of South Kashmir.

CURFEW LIFTED FROM ALMOST ENTIRE KASHMIR VALLEY BUT STRIKE CONTINUES

Srinagar Oct 13 (Only Kashmir): Barring Sopore town, curfew was lifted from the entire Kashmir Valley on Wednesday but normal life was disrupted due to a strike called by hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference.
"Curfew has been lifted from entire Kashmir Valley this morning except some places in Sopore town," a police spokesman said here.
He said curfew remained in force in Shalipora, Ashpeer, Iqbal Colony, Chankhan and Neharpora areas of the apple town, 52 kms from here.
Curfew was imposed late on Monday night to thwart a planned march by separatists to the Hyderpora residence of hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Tuesday.
Normal life was today hit due to a strike called by the hardline faction of Hurriyat as part of its protest calendar.
Shops, banks, private offices and business establishments were closed while public transport was off the roads, official sources said.
However, private vehicles were seen plying on the roads in large numbers and educational institutions were open in view of the annual examinations.
Security force personnel have been deployed at sensitive spots in the city following reports that some elements were planning to disrupt peace in these areas.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

INDIA ELECTED TO UNSC AS NON-PERMANENT MEMBER

United Nations, Oct 12: After a gap of 19 years, India was today elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, a position which would help it push more aggressively for the reform of the world body's top organ.
India secured an emphatic win, with 187 of the 191 member states in the General Assembly backing its candidature and one member state abstaining from the vote.
India, which is a founding member of the UN, has been on the Council six times earlier, but not since 1992.
In 1996, India lost to Japan by a huge margin of 100 votes. This time, however, it is taking over the Asia seat from Japan, being the sole candidate from the region in the race as Kazakhstan pulled out earlier this year.
In the run-up to the vote, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who was in New York for 10 days last month, met leaders of a record 56 countries on the margins of the UN General Assembly's annual session.
"We have worked hard... we have pushed for every single vote," India's envoy to the UN, Hardeep Singh Puri, said.
In February, India's candidature was endorsed by the Asian Group but it still had to get support of 128 countries, two-thirds of the 192 members of the UN General Assembly.
Other "clean slate" candidates included South Africa that got the Africa seat replacing Uganda with the vote of 182 members in its favour, and Colombia, which secured the seat for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States, replacing Mexico.
The elected members take their spots on January 1, 2011 and will serve for two years.
South Africa has returned to the Council after a break of two years when it had served its first term from 2007-2008. Colombia, like India, has previously served six terms.
The five new countries will be replacing Austria, Japan, Mexico, Turkey and Uganda. The two seats for Western Europe and Others Group were fought for by Canada, Germany and Portugal.
India, which is among the three largest troop contributing countries to the UN, has already highlighted the significance of all the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China) being on the Council together, which could present a united front on several contentious international issues.
It has also underlined that the IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) will also be on the Council together.
New Delhi, which is seeking expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of the UN Security Council as part of its reform, is hoping that change comes in the next two years while it is already in the Council.

196 INDIAN TROOPS COMMIT SUICIDE SINCE JAN 2007

Srinagar, Oct 12 (Only Kashmir): A trooper of Indian paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) committed suicide in Pulwama.
An inspector of CRPF’s 183 Battalion, Ramjeet Ram, fired upon himself with his service rifle at Camp Hall in Pulwama and died on the spot. This raised the number of such deaths amongst Indian troops and police personnel to 196 since January 2007.

KASHMIR SPENT RS 900,000,00 ON MINISTERS

Srinagar Oct 12 (Only Kashmir): In the past three years, the National Confernce-Congress coliation government in Jammu and Kashmir has spent more than Rs nine crore on renovation and face-lift of 42 official residences of ministers, legislators and bureaucrats, in brazen violation of its own rules.
Some Rs 3.4 crore have been spent on renovation of 18 official residences in Jammu and about Rs 5.88 crore on 24 houses in Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Assembly on Saturday.
Renovation of the two official residences of Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather in Jammu and Srinagar has cost the most — a little over Rs one crore.
This is in violation the government’s November 11, 2009 order that states that a maximum of Rs 18 lakh can be spent to renovate a Cabinet minister’s bungalow over a period of six years.
Rs 15 lakh can be spent on the bungalows of junior ministers and Rs 10 lakh and Rs five lakh respectively on the houses of commissioner secretaries and secretaries to the state government.
In the past three years, the government has also spent Rs 59.51 lakh to renovate the Srinagar bungalow of Medical Education Minister R S Chib and Rs 40.88 lakh, including Rs 17.20 lakh in the current financial year, on Minister of State for Haj and Auqauf Minister Ajaz Khan’s bungalow.
The state government has also spent Rs 18.20 lakh to give a face-lift to the J&K Bank guest house at Zeethyar in Srinagar.
The guest house was used by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad as his official residence.

Monday, October 11, 2010

GEELANI ASKES DEOBAND NOT TO SHY FROM REALITY

Srinagar Oct 12 (Only Kashmir): Rejecting the stand taken by Darul-Uloom-Deoband regarding Kashmir being an integral part of India, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Shah Geelani Monday asked the Islamic body not to shy away from the “historical” fact that India forcefully occupied an independent Jammu and Kashmir in 1947.“While the Ulema (clerics) spoke about the excesses committed by India forces, they ignored the root cause of the problem, raising serious questions over the conference itself. The Ulema should have taken into consideration the pledges made by Indian leadership to allow Kashmiri people to decide their future, a right duly endorsed before by the international community,”
Geelani said in a statement issued here.The Hurriyat leader while commenting on Congress’ defence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent accession remarks in the assembly said it had proved speculations about “Abdullah’s speech having been written by New Delhi.“ The speech was made with New Delhi’s blessings to fool Kashmir people. The National Conference has a history of such political gimmicks. When Sheikh Abdullah buried the Plebiscite Front by the accord with Indira Gandhi in 1975, the party projected it as a change in strategy. Now again when New Delhi is losing its grip over Kashmir,Omar Abdullah is enacting his part in New Delhi’s drama,” he said.
However, the Hurriyat leader said Kashmiri people cannot be “fooled” anymore like 1975.He also rejected the demand of more universities in Assembly as useless unless Kashmir remains under Indian occupation. “People particularly those clerics who are welcoming the establishment of this university should first think that the so called rulers are doingeverything in contradiction to the teachings of the great personality in whose name the University is going to be build,” he said.

INDIAN TROOPS INJURE 9 MONTH OLD BABY

Srinagar, Oct 11 (Only Kashmir): A nine-month-old baby was critically injured after Indian troops beat him up in south Kashmir’s Islamabad town.
Eyewitnesses told mediamen that CRPF troops without any provocation barged into the house of Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, proprietor Manzoor Fabrics, in Khanabal and beat up all the inmates including women and children. They said that a nine-month-old baby, Asrar Manzoor, was critically injured as he was also hit with batons in his head while he was in his mother’s lap. Asrar was shifted to the district hospital, Islamabad.
The witnesses stated that Asrar’s seven-year-old brother, Arsalan Manzoor, also sustained grievous injuries after he was beaten ruthlessly by the troops.
People took to the streets in many areas of the town in protest against the incident. Indian police and troops used brute force to disperse the protesters injuring several persons.

INDIA TRYING ITS BEST TO BAIL OUT NATIONAL CONFERENCE: GEELANI

Srinagar Oct 11 (Only Kashmir): Accusing the ruling National Conference of having lost its credibility, hardline Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Monday said the Centre was trying its best to "bail out" the party in Jammu and Kashmir.
"New Delhi is finding it difficult to find a replacement for National Conference and hence started supporting the party," Geelani said.
"This is not 1975 but 2010 and today it is not very easy to deceive the people of Kashmir," he added.

MIRWAIZ REJECTS DEOBAND CLERICS STAND

Srinagar Oct 11 (Only Kashmir): Rejecting the stand taken by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind (JuH), a powerful body of Deoband clerics, on Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz on Monday said Kashmir was an internationally recognised issue and should not be viewed from the Hindu-Muslim angle.

Mirwaiz, however, welcomed Jamiat's stand seeking revocation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
"We do not view Kashmir issue from the Hindu-Muslim angle. It is a political issue which needs to be resolved," moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said.
He said Kashmir was an "internationally recognised dispute" and the problem could be resolved through dialogue among India, Pakistan and leadership of the state.
Mirwaiz welcomed clerics' stand seeking revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. He also appreciated the concern shown by them over "violation of human rights" in the Valley.

CURFEW ON TUESDAY: GOVT

Srinagar Oct 11 (Only Kashmir): Authorities have decided to impose Valley wide strict curfew restrictions under section 144 of criminal procedure code, on Tuesday, following “Hyderpora Chalo” call given by separatists, an official spokesman said.
“However, security forces have been asked to allow those students appearing in the Board examinations and the staff connected with the said exams, on production of their Roll No. slips and identity cards,” he added.

YASIN MALIK INCLUDING SEVEN OTHERS TAKEN TO CUSTODY

Srinagar Oct 11 (Only Kashmir): Eight JKLF leaders including its Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik were taken into preventive custody today in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, official sources said.
Malik was leading a party delegation to Palhallan, one of the areas worst-hit by the ongoing unrest, when he and seven of his senior party colleagues, including the vice-chairman of the outfit Bashir Ahmad Bhat, were detained by police on the outskirts of the village, 30 kms from here, fearing law and order problem, the sources said.
All of them were lodged at police station Mirgund, they said.
Condemning the arrest of the party leaders, a JKLF spokesman said they were visiting Palhallan to meet the families affected by the ongoing unrest.
"The arrest of the leaders is undemocratic. By such measures, the government wanted to put a veil on the excesses committed by security forces in the area," he said.

NOW ITALY BAN ON BURQA

Rome Oct 11: Italy is set to become the next European country to ban the burka after a government report ruled in favour of the proposed legislation.

MPs from the anti-immigration Northern League party, a member of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s ruling right wing coalition, have presented the proposal in a Bill.
It comes just weeks after France banned the wearing of burkas and other forms of face veils – a decision which prompted al Qaeda terrorists to vow revenge.
An Interior Ministry report now being considered by the Constitutional Affairs Commission says that if introduced the law should make clear burkas and other face coverings were being banned not for “religious reasons but for security reasons.”
As part of their investigation the Interior Ministry heard from several leading Muslims on the use of the burka and several pointed out there was no mention of its use at all in the Koran.
Ejaz Ahmed, of the Italian Islam Committee said: “The use of the burka and the niqab does not have its origins in the Koran – in fact it is not even mentioned in the Koran.
“The burka has nothing to do with religion and was being worn even before Islam was founded – it was worn by the Romans, Byzantines and Persians and wearing it is not a religious obligation.
“There is no connection between the burka and the niqab with the Islamic religion – the burqa should be banned to respect women’s dignity and the safety of the public given that in Pakistan many suicide bombers have hidden devices under burkas.”
However others from the Islam Committee ruled that the burka was part of Muslim culture.
Ahmad Gianpiero Vincenzo said: “The government risks inflaming Islamophobia by introducing this law.
“They think that by saying it is for public safety they are washing their hands of it but any ban of the burka will simply be exploited.”
The Interior Ministry report to the Commission said: “The law should consider public safety and consider that wearing such clothing prevents immediate recognition by the forces of law and order and, if necessary being described by witnesses.
“Recognition of a person must be guaranteed especially in light of the risk from international terrorism.
“The law should avoid any reference to Islam or religion in order so as not to fuel controversy.’
Italy has more than one million Muslims but it is rare to see women wearing the full burka.
There have been incidents, especially in northern cities such as Milan and Verona, where women wearing it have been asked to remove at least the face veil.
Technically it is illegal to be seen in public wearing anything that prevents immediate identification and there have been several cases in recent months of zealous officials fining burka wearing women.
Earlier this year Amel Marmouri, 36, was fined £430 for wearing a burka at her local post office in Novara and her husband Ben Salah Braim said he would keep her indoors rather than let her go out uncovered.
There has also been a backlash against the ‘burkini’, a bathing costume that is suitable for Islamic dress.
Several Muslim women who have used swimming pools wearing burkinis in Italy have been asked to leave, with officials claiming the garments are ‘unhygienic’.
The Northern League’s proposal aims at amending a 1975 law, introduced amid concern over domestic terrorism, which bans anyone wearing anything which makes their identification impossible.
The Constitutional Affairs Commission is expected to re port back later in the autumn and the law is unlikely to go through parliament until next year at the earliest.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

SOUTH KASHMIR BURNING 1 MORE KILLED TOLL 111

Srinagar Oct 10 (Only Kashmir): Kashmir has witnessed fresh violence in South Kashmir after a temporary peace from past few days. Today, a protester lost his life while fleeing from the security forces, sources said. Bashir Ahmed Chicken (50), resident of Kadipora in Islamabad, a district of South Kashmir died on the spot today. An eyewitnesses revealed, “The CRPF was chasing him and he fell down and died. He has a son named Abid.” Chief Medical Officer, Mohamed Shafi Mir of Islamabad’s Sub-district Hospital said that Bashir was “brought dead to the hospital around 6 pm”. He added that the post-mortem will be conducted tomorrow.

GEELANI'S AIDE AMONG 12 PSA DETAINEES TO BE RELEASED

Srinagar Oct 10 (Only Kashmir): Firdous Ahmad Shah, president of the Democratic Political Movement (DPM) and close associate of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, is among the 12 persons whose detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) has been reovked by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
An official spokesman disclosed the names of 12 persons to be released after the Unified Headquarters meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed their cases earlier this week.
“On the basis of recommendations of the Review Committee, Government decided temporary release of 12 PSA detenues lodged in different jails," the spokesman said.
He said the terms and conditions, as per the order, have been communicated to the detenues.
Besides Shah, the others to be released include Omar Fayaz Katoo, Sameer Ahmad Mir, Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, Sarwar Iqbal Rather, Mohammad Shafi Kanjal, Aqib Nazir Bhat, Mohsin Shafi Mir, Samiullah Bakshi, Hilal Ahmed Malik, Tariq Ahmed Dar and Mushtaq Ahmed Mir alias Chotto.

AAC STOPPED FROM HOLDING A MEETING AT MIRWAIZ MANZIL

Srinagar Oct 10, (Only Kashmir): Authorities on Sunday thwarted the attempt of the members of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) to hold a meeting at Mirwaiz Manzil in Rajouri Kadal.
Sources said hundreds of policemen were deployed in and around Rajouri Kadal where the chairman of AAC and Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was scheduled to address a gathering.
Mirwaiz was barred to leave his Nagin residence.

OVER ONE LAKH MENTAL PATIENTS IN KASHMIR: REPORT

Srinagar, Oct 10 (Only Kashmir): In occupied Kashmir, the number of mental patients in the wake of Indian state terrorism has crossed the one hundred thousand figure.
This has been revealed in a report issued by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, today.
The report maintains that bombings, beatings, torture, unjustified arrest and detention, extra-judicial killings, and, Indian troops’ sense of impunity from prosecution, are among the violations recounted and such abuses have affected the local psyche adversely.
The report says that enforced disappearance is one of the most harrowing consequences of the armed conflict in Kashmir and during the last 21 years more than 10,000 people have been subjected to enforced disappearance by the troops. Of the disappeared persons, between 2000-2005 a majority were married males. Although men have been subjected to disappearance largely, but women have been badly affected because of being related to them as daughters, mothers, sisters and wives.

LASHKAR MILITANT KILLED IN KASHMIR

Srinagar, Oct 10 (Only Kashmir): A foreign militant of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) was killed in an encounter with security forces in Sopore town of north Kashmir Baramulla district on Sunday.
Ikrama alias 'Topiwalla' was killed while Showkat Ahmad who was acting as his guide was

apprehended by troops of Rashtriy Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) of local police who had laid an ambush in the wee hours after receiving a tip off about movement of militants at Lathishat in Bomai area of Sopore, 60 kms from here, officials said.
As soon as the security forces noticed the militant, they asked him to surrender. However, the ultra opened firing while his accomplice, who was acting as guide, fled from the scene, they said.
The security forces nabbed the guide before taking on the militant.
In the exchange of gunfire, Ikrama alias 'Topiwalla' was killed, officilas said adding he was affiliated to LeT.
One AK rifle and some ammunition has been recovered from the spot.
Ahmad was arrested under similar circumstances during an operation at Marbal in Sopore area couple of months earlier, the sources said adding he is being questioned by police.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

POLICE RELEASED S-I LIST, 520 SELECTED

Srinagar Oct 09 (Only Kashmir): Police have released the list of 520 sub-inspectors who were selected recently. “Candidates who had applied for the post can get in touch with Police Control Room (PCR) Srinagar. The list of the selected candidates is available in Only Kashmir.
For Details Contact: Only Kashmir

UN BODY SHOWS J&K AS SEPARATE NATION

Oct 09: Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh have been shown as “independent entities” by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, which said this was its approach towards “disputed” areas.The categorisation came as a surprise to many here as the UN has been so far only treating Jammu and Kashmir as a dispute between India and Pakistan while viewing Arunachal Pradesh as a part of India.In its report, FAO has shown J-K and Arunachal Pradesh as separate countries along with India.
The Indian states figure in country grouping for East Asia. The names are there in annexure five of the 2010 FAO report to assess greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy sector. FAO representative in India Gavin Wall said the country grouping is based on FAO’s Global Administrative Unit Layers (GAUL), which aims at compiling and disseminating information on administrative units for all countries in the world and it complies with the UNCS international boundaries map.Wall said because the GAUL is developed at the global level, controversial boundaries cannot be ignored.“The selected approach is to treat disputed areas as independent entities not dependent from countries.Arunachal Pradesh has been spelt as ‘Arunashal’ Pradesh in the list, which also shows Aksai Chin as a separate country.
China maintains that Aksai Chin is its integral part while India says it is part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

OMAR ABDULLAH SEES OFF FIRST BATCH OF AAZMEEN-I-HAJ

Srinagar, Oct 9 (Only Kashmir): Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah saw off first batch of 253 Aazmeen-i-Haj at Srinagar airport today, these include 144 male and 109 females of which 180 were flown by Go Air and 73 Spice jet flights.
A total of 6,850 Aazmen-i

- Haj of the State are flying through 27 flights from Srinagar to Delhi and thereon to Jeddah this year to perform the pilgrimage.
Minister for Finance, Mr Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister of State for Hajj and Auqaf, Mr Aijaz Ahmad Khan and senior officers of State administration besides officials of Hajj Committee were present on the occasion.
The Hajj flights will continue to operate up to October 29 and arrival of Hajis will start from November 21.
The Aazmen-i-Haj expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration. However, they emphasized on clearance of customs and immigration formalities at Srinagar airport instead of Delhi to save time.
The Chief Minister told the Aazmen-i-Haj that the matter has been already taken up with the concerned Union ministries and action in this regard is expected soon.

PANDITS CONDEMN OMAR'S COMMENTS IN ASSEMBLY

Jammu: Terming Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks in the State Assembly as “anti-India”, an organisation of Kashmiri Pandits today demanded his dismissal accusing him of speaking on separatist lines.
“We condemn the state statement of Omar Abdullah in the Assembly. It is an anti-India statement. We want his dismissal”, All parties Migrants Co-Ordination Committee (APMCC) Chairman Vinood Pandit said here today.
Pandit said displaced Pandits were shocked by Omar’s speech on the floor of the House “in which he had taken a U-turn to speak on separatist lines.” Criticising the Chief Minister for advocating autonomy to J and K, he said, the clock cannot be put back.
“If Centre grants Autonomy then it should also return the land snatched from Pandits and Rajputs in the name of land to tillers agitation at the time of Sheikh Mohd Abdullah for which they were not even paid compensation,” he said.

KASHMIR INDIA'S INTEGRAL PART: CONGRESS

New Delhi, Oct 8: Amid furore over Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent speech in the assembly, Congress Friday maintained that the state is an integral part of India and asked all political parties to exercise caution while airing their views on the situation there.
“Since 1947 till now Congress has always been firm that the state is an integral party of India and will remain so,” party spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters here.
His comments came two days after Omar’s remarks that J-K had not merged with India but only acceded to it under certain conditions, which invited sharp reactions.
Tewari, however, refrained from commenting specifically on Omar’s remarks.
“I have not had the occasion to peruse his entire speech,” he said, adding sometimes there are extrapolations in what one actually says and in what context.
When pointed out that senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi has flayed Omar saying his remarks give rise to several apprehensions and amounts to backing the separatists, Tewari said, “things have returned to normalcy in Ja

Friday, October 8, 2010

BOTH FACTIONS OF APHC WELCOME MOON'S KASHMIR STATEMENT

Srinagar, Oct 8 (Only Kashmir): Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference Friday welcomed the statement of UN General Secretary, Ban-Ki-Moon expressing readiness to mediate on the vexed Kashmir issue if asked by both India and Pakistan. Chairman of his faction of the Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while welcoming Moon’s offer to serve as a mediator said the United Nations was “morally and legally bound to take steps in this regard in view of India taking the matter to the UN and the subsequent 17 resolutions passed in the international body in favour of the right to self determination for Kashmiris.”
Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, while terming the recent statements of America and United Nations regarding the Kashmir issue as “encouraging”, asked US President Barack Obama and UN General Secretary, Ban-ki-Moon to keep in mind the fact that the issue of Kashmir was not a border issue between India and Pakistan and hence cannot be resolved through bilateral talks.”
Geelani said that both the leaders should understand that Kashmir is an “international dispute” and that India and Pakistan had failed to resolve it bilaterally despite more than 150 rounds of dialogue. “Instead, the issue kept on growing more complex with lakhs of people losing their lives,” he said.
The Hurriyat leader also demanded that India should not be a permanent seat in the UN unless “ it resolves the Kashmir issue for which Kashmiris have laid down huge sacrifices is resolved according to their wishes and aspirations.”
“In the case the UN grants India this position without a resolution of the issue it would amount to murder of democratic principles and also raise questions about the credibility of the international body,” he said.
Geelani also asked America to help Kashmiris get their democratic right, right to self-determination to uphold its claims of being a champion of democracy.
Geelani urged Ban-Ki-Moon to use his good office and play a role in resolving the issue as a “party to the dispute”.
The sacrifices of Kashmiris, Geelani said, had made the international community more sensitive towards the importance of resolving the 63-year-old dispute. “The world has finally begun to realise that peace and stability in South Asia cannot be possible without a resolution to the Kashmir problem,” Geelani said in a statement issued.

NO FRIDAY PRAYERS IN JAMIA AGAIN

Srinagar, Oct 08 (Only Kashmir): There were no prayers in historical Jamia Masjid and other major mosques in old city Friday in wake of the Curfew, reports and witnesses told. This is for the fourt

h consecutive Friday that there were no congregational prayers in the central Jamia masjid.

Reports said Jamia Masjid, in the heart of Srinagar’s old city, remained out of bounds for the people due to imposition of curfew despite a normal day called by Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Hundreds of CRPF and policemen, armed with sophisticated weapons, enforced strict restrictions in Nowhatta and adjoining areas including Rajouri Kadal, Gojwara and Bohrikadal, they added.
Flaying the government for re-imposing curfew in the old city and restrictions on prayers at Jamia Masjid and other major mosques, Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday asked Islamic scholars and clerics in Valley to raise their voice against what he termed a brazen interference in the religious affairs of Muslims.
In a statement issued here, Mirwaiz said the government under a conspiracy was repeating the “black” history of Kashmir. “ Non-Muslim rulers during their occupation of Kashmir have always tried to stop Kashmiri Muslims from offering prayers at the Jamia Masjid in order to weaken its socio-religious and political importance,” he said.
Earlier this year, it was after six weeks that congressional prayers were offered in the grand Mosque on August 13 last.

MASRAT CALLS FOR HYDERPORA CHALO ON 12 OCTOBER

Srinagar, Oct 8 (Only Kashmir): The Hurriyat Conference (G) acting general secretary Masrat Alam Bhat has appealed to the people of Valley to make it to Hyderpora, Srinagar, on October 12, Tuesday, to remove, what he said, the forcible restrictions on Hurriyat (G) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
“The state police have launched a war against its own people to keep their lords in good humour in New Delhi. It has become a routine for police to conduct crackdowns, carry out nocturnal raids and effect arrests. They have placed Geelani sahib under house arrest since -Eid and nobody is allowed to come out or go inside his house. They have literary made his house a jail. We need to rise to the occasion together and resist these atrocities to their plans,” Masrat said in a statement.

OMAR ABDULLAH APPRECIATES MEDIA FOR THEIR EFFICIENT & UNBIASED COVERAGE

Srinagar, Oct 08 (Only Kashmir): While appreciating the role of media in projecting the facts in real perspective particularly covering each event of the Assembly and Council proceedings durin

g its various sessions, Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah said that this fourth pillar of the democracy have proved its credibility.

He said that he is personally watching the role of media in disseminating the information in positive manner and acknowledging during recent days. He has been witnessing their un-biased projection through print and electronic medium. He said legislative Assembly is the main democratic forum were the proceedings remain recorded forever therefore it was the opportunity for the opposition to get their opinion, viewpoints properly recorded but unfortunately they prefer to speak outside the Assembly rather than expressing their opinion through recorded proceedings.
He said the present assembly proceedings became more vibrant, effective as a result of efficient coverage by different prestigious media agencies and establishments.
Highlighting the importance of pro-active opposition and vigilant media in a democratic set up, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that checks and balances in democracy are ensured by these two important agencies.
“In order to strengthen and nurture democratic institutions, the role of opposition in the Houses and media functioning to report proceedings are equally important”.
Speaking at an Award giving function in Legislature Complex here, the Chief Minister said that identification of weaknesses in the functioning of the government and advocating public issues in the legislature is prime responsibility of the opposition.
“But the opposition in our legislature chose to remain away from the proceedings and instead raised issues outside the Houses. Such a practice tells upon the functioning of democratic institutions. It also makes the government functioning easy in the legislature. We want opposition should make the government answerable in the Houses and strengthen the democratic institutions”, he said.
The Chief Minister lauded the role of press in giving due coverage to the proceeding of the Houses and making public aware of the happenings in the legislature. “Your true reporting and commentaries have provided ample opportunity to the people to make opinions about the working of the legislature and the legislators”, he told the media persons present on the occasion.
Omar Abdullah said that the analysis and viewpoints of media on the proceedings and functioning of legislature are also significant in strengthening democratic set up. He appreciated media for the role they played during the current session.
The Chief Minister gave away best legislator award, prizes and mementoes to the Press on the occasion.
Congratulating Ch. Mohammad Ramzan for being adjudged the best legislator for the year 2009, the Chief Minister highlighted his legislative ability and endeavours for ventilating public issues in the House. He said the main duty of the legislators is to raise public issues in the House and work for seeking redressal of peoples’ grievances, making government answerable.
The Chief Minister also greeted the Daily Excelsior, Kashmir News Service (KNS) and United News of India (UNI) for bagging first, second and third prizes respectively for the coverage of proceedings during the 2009. He also congratulated the 31 members of the Press Advisory Committee for receiving the mementoes on the occasion.
Earlier, Speaker, Mohammad Akbar Lone presented the resume of the nature and the objective of awards and said that the best legislator award has been launched in 2000 and since then it is being awarded to the best legislators selected by a Committee comprising of eminent legislators and former Speakers.
The Speaker said that the prizes for the press are also being finalized by Press Award Committee. He congratulated the recipients of the best legislator award and media persons. He also appreciated the role of Press Advisory Committee in helping him in the smooth conduct of session. He also lauded the press in giving full coverage to the proceedings of the Houses.
The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Deputy Speaker Legislative Assembly, Legislators, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, senior civil and police officers and media persons were present on the occasion among others.

OMAR ABDULLAH ASKED TO ACT UPON HIS ASSERTIONS

Srinagar, Oct 08 (Only Kashmir): In occupied Kashmir, pro-freedom leaders have asked the puppet Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to act on what he says in view of his description of Kashmir’s accession as temporary and conditional..
The Chairman of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in a statement issued in Srinagar, while reacting to the statement of the puppet chief minister, urged Omar Abdullah to follow his words.
He said, “It is a fact accepted even by the United Nations that election in the territory do not affect the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir and Omar Abdullah has accepted the fact.” However, he added that it needed to be seen whether he stood by what he had stated in the assembly.
The APHC Chairman said that the United Nations had repeatedly said that elections would have no impact on the status of Jammu and Kashmir and the puppet chief minister too accepted it.
Veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani in a statement said that the remarks by puppet Chief Minister terming Kashmir as an international issue in the so-called Assembly has vindicated the stance of the Hurriyet.
He said the fact that Kashmir is a dispute is a stark truth that even Omar Abdullah had to unwillingly or willingly acknowledge. He said that the Kashmir dispute in its historical perspective was so strong that it kept on reverberating from Kashmir Assembly to the United Nations.
APHC senior leader, Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosvi said that the time had come that the puppet chief minister translated his words into reality. India too should show such an approach, he added.
The chief of Jamat-e-Islami, Sheikh Muhammad Hassan in a statement said that the worth of Omar Abdullah’s remarks would be proved only when the Kashmir dispute was resolved in the spirit of his statement.
Omar Abdulla had told the assembly that Kashmir is an international issue and cannot be addressed through development, employment or good governance and Kashmiris also should be involved in the discussions on their future.

WE INVITE OMAR ABDULLAH TO JOIN PRO-FREEDOM CAMP: ER HILAL WAR

Srinagar, Oct 8 (Only Kashmir): The Chairman of People’s Political Party (PPP), Engineer Hilal Ahmad War, has app

reciated Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah’s statement and his acknowledgment that Kashmir is an International Issue which has its roots as deep as 63 long years in the contemporary history, has vindicated not only our stand but also the stand of J & K Plebiscite Front wherein his grand father had categorically raised an official slogan that ‘ People are masters of their own fate’ .

PPP Chief said “Omar Abdullah’s statement is not only the victory of the pro-freedom parties stand but also the temporary victory of Omar Abdullah’s ‘conscience’. If his conscience has really woken up he must quit his service from Indian Government and resign from Chief Ministership in order to complete the unfinished agenda of his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and join pro-freedom camp and plead the case and cause of right of self-determination of people of entire pre-august 1947 J & K State, said Mr.War. We invite Omar Abdullah to join pro-freedom camp and fight for freedom of Kashmir. If he (Omar) accepts our invitation, we will appoint him as an ambassador and Chief of Foreign Affairs to plead Kashmir case at International level, said War.
PPP Chief, said that Signing of so-called document of Accession is a controversial issue and a debatable question, there are legal provisions and by virtue of Indian Independence Act, passed by British Indian Govt. on July 15, 1947 the Maharaja Hari Sigh was ceased to be a ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, therefore, he had no authority to Sign any document according to aforesaid Act and the relevant provisions International Law. The second argument is that no document of Accession Signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, there was only Bhutan Type Treaty signed by him renewable after every 10 years. According to Indian argument and the fake document of Accession was signed but subject to the ratification by masses directly through referendum.
Elaborating, Hilal War said that at the time of signing of the “so-called” instrument of accession, the then Indian rulers had subjected it to the condition of ratification through referendum directly my the masses of entire Pre-August 1947 J & K State which India has not done so far, therefore, so-called accession is invalid and a dead document. In 1948 Government of India pledges before the United Nations, Security Council to hold a plebiscite in order to ascertain the WILL of the people of Jammu and Kashmir whether they want to stay with India or Pakistan. It is ironic that India has not fulfilled its promises till date and has not conceded the just demand of right of self-determination of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

GEELANI URGED WORLD TO REACT

Srinagar, October 07, (Only Kashmir): After the puppet regime of Occupied State of Jammu & Kashmir (OSJK) had finally acknowledged the detentions of more than 700 Kashmiri protestors.

The Chairman of All

Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani has appealed to various international human rights bodies and watch dogs to send their representatives to OSJK to review the human rights situation in occupied territories.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani urged the international community to take cognisance of the stepped up Indian state terrorism. He denounced the illegal detentions of Kashmiri youth and innocent killings by Indian forces.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani said that the world community should press India to grant people of the territory their birthright of Self-Determination. He appreciated the stance of the Peoples Republic of China over the dispute on Jammu & Kashmir.

FAROOQ ABDULLAH IS LIKELY TO REPLACE OMAR IN JANUARY

Srinagar Oct 07 (Only Kashmir): The stage is all set in Jammu and Kashmir for change of guard and Union Minister for Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah is likely to replace his son in January 2011 as Chief Minister of the State.

Sources close to father and son duo said that Farooq Abdullah has expressed his willingness before the Congress leadership at centre to take charge of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference-Congress coalition government.
It merits a mention here that UPA chairperson Sonia Ghandi and Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh Day had conveyed their unhappiness over the decimal performance of Omar Abdullah led coalition government to Dr. Abdullah on September 14 when the Prime Minister hinted at the “government deficit” in Jammu and Kashmir. After government of India decided to send an All Party Delegation to Kashmir, National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi on September 16, following which he categorically stated that Omar Abdullah would continue as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and he was not going to resign. However, the insiders maintain that Dr. Farooq Abdullah has offered himself for the Chief Minister ship of the sensitive state following severe criticism to his son Omar Abdullah by the central leadership. Highly placed sources revealed that Omar Abdullah has to step down in January subject the improvement in ground situation in Kashmir which is on fire since Jun 11 following the killing of a 17 year old boy by the security forces in Srinagar city.
It was also learnt that the members of All –Party Delegation that visited the state in the third week of September have all in one voice recommended ouster of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stating that the young chief minister has failed in providing a good governance to the state and that it was the mishandling of the situation by him that led to such a large scale public outpouring in Kashmir Valley.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

NEW ARMY CAMP COMES UP IN SOPORE KASHMIR

Srinagar Oct 07 (Only Kashmir): Army on Thursday started constructing a camp in Hardshiva area of Sopore town, at a time when calls for withdrawal of troops are getting louder by the day.
Eyewitnesses told Press Bureau of India that in the wee hours today a contingent of Army’s 15 Rashtriya Rifles carrying bulldozers and truckloads of building material appeared in Pazalpora locality of Hardshiva village of the Apple town. The Army men sealed off a piece of grazing land with poles and flags that was recently allocated to them by the state government to set up a camp to counter militancy in the area.
To begin with, Army used bulldozers to level the ground. The civilian movement near the construction site was also restricted by the troopers.
Government primary school and high school and an Eidgah already exist on the hundreds of kanals of grazing land, a portion of which Army has acquired from the government in August this year. The Eidgah serve as prayer grounds for thousands of residents of Dooru, Sempora, Macchipora, Mundji, Takia Khan Mohammad, Cherhaar, Kawal, Umran and adjoining villages.
Army’s move to set up camp has created ripples in Hardshiva and its adjoining villages. An uneasy calm prevailed in the village, as alert troopers carrying automatic rifles kept a close watch on the movement of the people.
“Around 20 vehicles of Army, early this morning entered the village. They cordoned off the village and started constructing camp on a piece of land near Eidgah,” Mohammad Ismail, a local said.
“We’re deeply worried about the safety of our children, particularly young girls. Army has a very bad track record in the district,” he added.
President, Hardshiva Eidgah, Bashir Ahmad said that the civil administration had assured the villagers that Army will not be allowed to construct a camp that will cause inconvenience to the villagers.
“The government had assured us that no camp will come up in the village. However, their promise has proved to be a hoax,” Ahmad said.
Sub-district magistrate (SDM), Sopore, Mohammad Ahsan said that he has no information about the land given to Army by the district administration.
“The district administration may have provided land to the Army. I have no information about it,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad Bhat could not be reached for comments as his cell phone was switched off.
Pertinently, veteran pro-freedom leader and Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani last year launched a vigorous campaign to protest the occupation of land by forces and to demand their complete troop withdrawal from Kashmir. Geelani, who kick started his campaign from South Kashmir’s Shopian district, claims around 2761140 kanals of land were under the occupation of forces.

UN TO HELP RESOLVE KASHMIR ISSUE IF INDIA AND PAKISTAN BOTH ASK: BAN KI MOON

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said the United Nations would play a role in resolving the situation in Kashmir when India and Pakistan wanted the world body to step in. "As far as this role of good offices is concerned, the United Nations normally takes that initiative when requested by both parties concerned," Ban told journalists during his monthly briefing at the UN Headquarters.

"India and Pakistan, they are neighbouring countries, important nations in that region - peace and security would have important implications," he said.
Kashmir Valley has been in grip of violent protests since June.
"I regret the latest loss of life. I have been calling for an immediate end to violence and urge calm and restraint by all concerned," Ban said. "That is the position of the United Nations at this time."
While India maintains that Kashmir is an internal matter, Pakistan asserts that it is on the UN docket and has been calling for international intervention especially from the United States.
Last week, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told the UN that Pakistan was sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir, and this later led to a strong exchange of words between the diplomats of both nations with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of sponsoring terrorism in the region.
"Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, is the target of Pakistan-sponsored militancy and terrorism," Krishna had said.
On Monday, Pakistan's former president Pervez Musharraf said his country had trained militants to fight in Kashmir. "They (underground militant groups to fight against India in Kashmir) were indeed formed," Musharraf had told German magazine Der Spiegel.
Reacting to Musharraf's statement, India yesterday said the former Pakistan president's assertion that his country had trained militants to fight in Kashmir only confirms what New Delhi had been repeatedly saying over the years.

MIRWAIZ STILL UNDER ARREST

Srinagar, Oct 6 (Only Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee has strongly condemned the continued house arrest of its chairman Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq.
“By placing Mirwaiz under continuous house arrest, the government has put curbs on his religious and political activities,” said a spokesman of the Committee in a statement today.
The spokesman said Mirwaiz was scheduled to preside over an important meeting of AAC office-bearers and members at Mirwaiz Manzil here but the government placed him under house arrest since early in the morning.
“However, the meeting was held and members expressed serious concern over the continued house arrest of Mirwaiz,” he said.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

HIZBUL COMMMANDER AMONG 2 KILLED

Jammu Oct 06: Police on Tuesday said two militants, including the divisional commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, were killed in a gunfight in Jammu’s Reasi district.
“A joint party of police and paramilitary CRPF troopers of 126 battalion cordoned off Deedan Gali in Mahore and launched searches. Militants present there opened fire on the search party which was retaliated triggering an encounter,” a police spokesman quoted Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi as having said.
He identified the slain militants as Mushtaq Ahmad alias Irfan son of Jamaldin of Lar,Mahore,and Shabir Ahmad alias Abu Hamza son of Abdul Samad of Ladh,Mahore.
The SSP claimed that Mushtaq alias Irfan was active from 1999 and was functioning as a divisional commander of Hizbul- Mujahideen.

GEELANI'S CALENDAR FROM 7 OCT TO 16 OCT

Thursday, Oct 7 : Shutdown
Friday, Oct 8 : Normal
Saturday, Oct 9 : Shutdown
Sunday, Oct 10 : Shutdown
Monday, Oct 11 : Normal
Tuesday, Oct 12 : Shutdown
Wednesday, Oct 13: Shutdown
Thursday, Oct 14: Normal
Friday, Oct 15: Shutdown
Saturday, Oct 16: Normal

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

I AM DISAPPOINTMENT OVER THE SILENCE OF UNITED STATES: MIRWAIZ

Srinagar, Oct 05 (Only Kashmir): Hurriyat (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed disappointment over the silence of the international Community particularly the United States over the killing of 110 civilian by troopers and policemen in the last over four months in the Valley.

Mirwaiz made the remarks during an interaction with two officials of US Embassy in New Delhi comprising Pushpinder Dhillion and Kailash Jha who are presently in the Valley to assess the situation.
“We are disappointed over the silence of the international community particularly the US over the killings of 110 civilians by police and troopers since June 11. Kashmiris have been confined to their homes by imposition of continuous curfews and restrictions. The troopers have been thrashing the people and ransacking their houses without any provocation,” Mirwaiz told the visiting officials.
He said thousands of youth including pro-freedom leaders and activists had been arrested during the ongoing unrest and lodged in different jails and Police Stations. “The police and troopers are particularly targeting the youth. Even the pro-freedom leadership has been kept under house arrest. Jammu and Kashmir has been turned into a Police State and there is no respect for human rights,” Mirwaiz said.
Mirwaiz said Kashmiris had been peacefully fighting for their inalienable right of self-determination guaranteed by the United Nations. “But India has been using suppressive policies and military might to crush their resolve for just movement. Kashmiris including aged, women and children have taken to streets to demand the right to live with dignity,” Mirwaiz said.
Mirwaiz maintained that Kashmir was not a border dispute, but a human issue. “To hoodwink the international community, India has been projecting the dispute as an economical and unemployment problem. Instead of addressing the aspirations of Kashmiris, it has been announcing economic packages. I want to maintain that Kashmiris have not been offering sacrifices for jobs or money, but right to self-determination,” he said.
Mirwaiz underscored the need for resolution of the long-standing dispute. “The dispute has to be resolved by India, Pakistan and representatives of Kashmiris in accordance with the aspirations of people of J&K. If the Kashmir dispute is left unresolved, it can have serious consequences,” he told the officials.
Sources said the officials told Mirwaiz that there was no change regarding the policy of US over Kashmir dispute and expressed their concern over the civilian killings in the Valley.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz chaired the Conglomerate’s Executive Council meeting today. Among other issues, the members condemned the continuous curfew and harassment of people across the Valley. The meeting resolved to take the movement to its logical conclusion. The meeting was attended by the Hurriyat’s Executive Council members including Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Agha Syed Al-Safvi Al-Mousvi, Maulana Abbas Ansari and Mukhtar Ahmad Waza.

Monday, October 4, 2010

NO CHANGE IN PROGRAM: GEELANI

Air bar jo mai ne commitment ki toh so ki, per mai apni be nahi sunta

Srinagar, Oct 4 (Only Kashmir): Dispelling rumours about any change in the Hurriyat’s protest calendar, the conglomerate Monday said there will be shutdown on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Hurriyat (G) spokesman Ayaz Akbar said as per the calendar already issued, there will be complete shutdown on Tuesday and urged people to march to Kupwara on the day. The conglomerate urged the people to observe complete shutdown on Wednesday. Akbar said the conglomerate will soon make its future protest program public.

OMAR MEETS MANMOHAN TO DISCUSS KASHMIR INTERLOCUTORS

New Delhi Oct 04 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday separately met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss the appointment of interlocutors for a renewed dialogue with separatist leaders in the troubled valley -- one of the main points in the government's eight-point agenda to bring peace in Kashmir.
"The issue of interlocutors for a peace dialogue in Kashmir was discussed in the two meetings. But there has not been any final decision as yet," an official said.
Abdullah apprised the prime minister of the latest situation in the state and also discussed the appointment of interlocutors who will begin the process of a sustained dialogue with all sections of people in Kashmir, especially the separatists, an official here said.
Sources said the team of interlocutors will be headed by a politician.
Last month, the central government laid out an eight-point agenda for peace in Kashmir, including freeing over 245 youths arrested for stone pelting. The state has seen over 100 civilian deaths in clashes with security forces in the last over three months.
The government is also mulling the removal of a number of security pickets from Srinagar and other towns.
The other big step includes the government's decision to ask the Unified Command of the state to review the disturbed areas to pave the way for removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFPSA) from areas where there has been no militant presence.
Officials said that the chief minister also sought prime minister's intervention for a special arrangement for over 6,700 Haj pilgrims from the state because there would be no direct flight to Makkah from Srinagar this year.
The national carrier, Air India, lost the bid this year to Saudi Airlines for ferrying pilgrims from India. Since Saudi Airlines does not operate from Srinagar, Kashmiri pilgrims will have to come down to Delhi before flying to Jeddah.
The state government hopes for some "special arrangement" for pilgrims from the state, an official with the chief minister said. This has happened for the first time since 2000 when direct flights for Haj started directly from Srinagar.

7670 CASES OF CHOLERA, DIARHOEA REPORTED IN J&K: GOVT

Srinagar Oct 04 (Only Kashmir): Recent flash floods and heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir have led to diarrhoea and cholera outbreak in at least seven districts of the state with more than 7,600 people taken ill, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was informed today.
Rains and flash floods resulted in outbreak of diarrhoea and cholera and as many as 7,670 cases have been reported from the seven districts, state Health minister Sham Lal Sharma said in a written reply to a question in the Council.
The highest 3,381 cases were reported from Doda district of Jammu division followed by 2691 cases from central Kashmir''s Budgam district.
Ramban reported 763 cases, Kupwara 500 cases, while Baramulla, Bandipora and Pulwama registered 260, 55 and 20 cases, respectively.
"No such cases have been reported from any other district," the minister said.
The state witnessed heavy rains and flash floods in August and September. In August, a massive flash flood devastated parts of Leh in Ladakh leaving a trail of death and destruction.

GEELANI URGED AMNESTY'S INTERVENTION FOR RELEASE OF KASHMIRIS

Srinagar, Oct 04, (Only Kashmir): APHC Chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani has urged the Amnesty International to help in release of over 1500 Kashmiris including Hurriyet leaders, who have been arrested during the present uprising in the territory.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani in a statement issued in Srinagar said that at least 1500 Kashmiris including Hurriyat leaders had been arrested and lodged in the jails within and outside the occupied territory for saying that Kashmir was a dispute. He said, by virtue of the international law, the arrested Kashmiris are political prisoners not criminals.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani said that New Delhi was keeping the leaders behind the bars to suppress the ongoing liberation movement. “This has exposed India’s tall claims of being a democratic country. The condition of many detainees is serious. Many of them have been denied medical care and are being provided with substandard food,” he said.

HOLIDAY ON OCT 06

Srinagar, Oct 04 (Only Kashmir): Government has today ordered that the Provincial Holiday on account of Urs Sheikh Noor-ud-Din (Rehamtullah Allahi) shall now be observed on October,06 , 2010 (Wednesday) instead of October,26, 2010 in Kashmir Province.

UNITED STATES HAS BEGUN 'DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS' TO ADDRESS KASHMIR ISSUE: HILAL WAR

Srinagar Oct 04 (Only Kashmir):People’s Political Party (PPP) Chairm

an, Hilal Ahmad War, reiterated that resolving Kashmir requires tough diplomacy of important countries of the globe like USA. UK. United Sates of America has already begun the diplomatic efforts to address the Kashmir Issue in order make South-Asia terror free and a peace constituency. British Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, categorically had said in the year 2008 that Resolution of Kashmir Dispute is very vital for the peace and security of South Asia. This statement gave a significance to Kashmir Dispute and impressed upon the peace lovers of South Asia to rise to the occasion and press India and Pakistan to start a dialogue to resolve Kashmir tangle if they really want to be at peace . Bruce Riedel, Obama’s election campaign advisor, in his recently published book, urged Washington to resolve the Kashmir Dispute and only then can the influence of Al- Qaida decline. The first step towards the Kashmir resolution will have to be the withdrawal of all military and paramilitary forces from the Jammu and Kashmir. Bruce said India should withdraw forces from J & K and Pakistan should withdraw its troops from its administered Kashmir. The withdrawal of the forces from both parts will have to be simultaneous. General David Petraeus who heads US Central Command has confirmed that the United States has begun the diplomatic efforts to address the Kashmir Issue so that Pakistan can focus more effective on fighting Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants. Before taking control of the White House, President Obama, had argued that Kashmir is the root cause of the terrorism in the region and he had pledged to address Kashmir Issue with India and Pakistan. General said together with my great diplomatic wing man Ambassador Richard Holbrook, this effort actually has started. The task-force formed by US- based Asia Society has called on the Obama administration to find the lasting settlement to Kashmir Dispute and encourage behind the scene efforts to deescalate tensions between India and Pakistan over the issue. The independent task force set up last year included Richard Holbrook, the Special US Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, and General James Jones, National Security Advisor. Mr. War said, “in the contemporary world, the political issues should be resolved through dialogue. We want process should be inclusive now onwards. All the resistance groups including Hurriyat factions and JKLF factions should also be involved. The consensus is being evolved in the international community that resolution of Kashmir is very imperative for the world peace.
In order to prevent the South-Asian Region from erupting to the prejudice and detriment of the global peace the long-standing Kashmir dispute urgently need to be solved amicably within the framework of fundamental Human Rights and justice to the concerned struggling people. In this connection the PPP’s Roadmap containing 3 Point Formula advocated by our party since August 10, 1996 is the only tunnel to reach the goal and destination of peace and human-brother -hood which shall in turn ipso-facto close the doors and chances of Atomic War. Hilal War’s Road Map amply reflects his ideology and thinking which is the restoration of peace, international brotherhood and a conducive atmosphere for coexistence and a resolution for all the unresolved issues so that all the obstacles in the way to progress and prosperity are removed.” He further said PPP is not averse to talks but the talks should be meaningful and result oriented. To make talks on the resolution of Kashmir Dispute a success there should be no pre-condition from both sides. Dialogue between Kashmir, India and Pakistan to create mutual trust and understanding is indispensably paramount and this is an important step towards the resolution of Kashmir dispute.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

SOLUTION ACCORDING TO WISHES OF KASHIMIRIS: KPC

Kotli, AJK, Sunday, October 03: Kashmir Peace Conference (KPC) on Sunday urged India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute according to wishes of Kashmiris in order to foster peace and prosperity in South Asian region.

“India and Pakistan should rescind Indus Water Treaty (IWT) to accommodate the Kashmiris and water use charges must be spent on local development under a new justified accord about regional rivers.” the Conference demanded. The KPC was organized by Press For Peace (PFP) which is an independent research and advocacy organization working for the promotion of sustainable peace and human development.In the conference venue various pro-peace slogans and were displayed, which included: ‘No Peace without Justice’, ‘War Is Expensive; Peace Is Priceless’, ‘Give Peace A Chance’.A large number of people, including the heads of political parties, intellectuals, representatives of civil society organisations and lawyers joined the event.Marvi Memon , Member Standing Committee for Kashmir(National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Khalid Ibrahim, President , Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Party), ), Sardar Ejaz Afzal, President Muttihda Majlis e Amal (MMA), Sardar Saghir Khan Advocate, Chairman JKLF, Shoukat Maqbool Butt, Chairman, Kashmir National Liberation Front,, Qayyum Raja, Chairman Justice Forum, Malik Muhammad Nawaz Minister AJK ,Tahir Khokhar Minister Tourism AJK, Cahudhary Muhammad Yaseen ,Vice President PPP, Muhammad Matloob Inqalabi , Information Secretary PPP, Shazia Akbar, Advisor to PM ,Mir Latif Advocate ,Dr.Mushtaq A Sajid ,Dean University of AJK,Syyed Yusuf Nasim, Chairman APHC, AJK),Mrs Saffia , and officials of the PFP; Mrs Tanveer Latif , Dr Nighat Younas, Khalil Gorsi Advocate, Rafiq Mughal, Youaf Kashmiri and others spoke on the occasion.The speakers condemned the recent human rights violations committed by forces in Indian Kashmir and pledged to support the right of self determination of Kashmiri people. They also highlighted the miseries of people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, especially affecteees of Mangla Dam and earthquake 2005 and criticized the negligence of government which ‘completely failed to resolve the public problems’.

A declaration was issued at the end of the Conference, which encompassed the core issues related with three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit Baltistain.Appreciating the peace initiatives between Indian and Pakistani regions of Kashmir, it demanded to rectify the flaws and complicated procedures in Line of Control(LoC) Bus and Truck services to make them people friendly and economic well being of the area as well.The KPC expressed profound concerns over the alleged embezzlement in the funds of rehabilitation of quake affected areas of AJK and urged to ensure transparency and speedy implementation of projects to lessen the miseries of people.

“All mega development programs and Hydro power projects in all units of Jammu and Kashmir must be executed according to the global standards of ecology, development and water conservation and reservations and concerns of local communities must be addressed as well”, it further said, adding that demands of afectees of Mangla Dam Upraising Project and Neeelum Jhelum Hydro Power Project should be fulfilled. The conference asked universities of different regions of Kashmir to grant scholarships to students of local areas to cultivate culture of mutual respect, harmony and understanding.The participants of the Conference also vowed to struggle for merit, rule of law to achieve the goal of a democratic and moderate society.

Member National Assembly of Pakistan, Marvi Memon vowed to support the voice of Kashmiris at every for.“People of Kashmir are striving for a legitimate and unalienable right, which could not be suppressed by brutal force.”

MIRWAIZ STILL UNDER HOUSE ARREST

Srinagar Oct 03 (Only Kashmir) : The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, continues to be under house arrest, Since Eid. Mirwaiz’s close aide Sofi Mushtaq told Only Kashmir on Sunday.
He alleged that government had converted Mirwaiz’s Nageen residence into a sub-jail. He added'

KASHMIR: 42 MILLITANTS KILLED IN SEPTEMBER

Srinagar, Oct 03 (Only Kashmir): The Army has killed 42 militants during its counter-infiltration and counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir Valley in September, a defence spokesman said here today.
"As many as 42 well-armed and trained, both local and foreign militants, have been eliminated in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations conducted by the Army in September," the spokesman said.
He said a large cache of arms and ammunition has also been unearthed during this period.
"In the successful encounters, a large quantity of war-like stores including assault rifles, pistols, rocket propelled grenades, hand grenades, improvised explosive device (IED) equipment, detonators, mines and sophisticated communication equipment have been seized by the Army," the spokesman said.
He said this is the most successful operation in recent years.
"Vigilant troops along the LoC have intercepted, engaged and eliminated 16 militants and while conducting joint operations with the Special Operations group of state police in the hinterland, 26 militants were killed," he said, adding the synergy between the security forces has resulted in these result oriented encounters.

THOUSANDS ATTEND FUNERAL OF MILITANTS

Kangan, Oct 2 (Only Kashmir): Hundreds of people attended the funeral procession of two militants who were killed in a gunfight with troops at Akhal Kangan. Police handed over the bodies of the militants to locals who laid them to rest at a local graveyard at Chuk Akhal.

MINORITIES OF INDIA MAY DEMAND 'SEPARATE HOMELAND' :PPP CHIEF

Srinagar, Oct 02, (Only Kashmir): People’s Political Party (PPP) Chairman, Hilal Ahmad War termed Babri Masjid judgement a politically motivated, simply to appease the fanatic Hindus of India. The judgement is not on the expected lines of justice and has far reaching consequences , in view of the fact that RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal , Ram Sena, Hindu Maha Saba, BJP etc. along with other pseudo secularists will further their design to carry forward their programme of Hindutva, said Mr.War. He sad that this judgement will encourage the Hindu fanatic groups of India to ask for desecration and demolition of many more shrines and mosques and other places of worship of Muslims in various parts of India on the same parameters as fixed in the judgement. ‘The judgement is legally, constitutionally and logically wrong , biased and is against the golden principles of Justice’ . ‘This has resulted in total miscarriage of justice and the minorities have been reduced to irrelevance’, said PPP Chief.

PPP Chief, Hilal War said that the Muslims of India have been all along at the receiving end. They stand driven to wall and their future course of action will depend on the future circumstances of historical events. The only hope left to such minorities was in the judicial system. The unfortunate part played is that the judgement has attempted to dug history of 500 years from Hindu point of view only. This process shall throw open flood gated of digging more and more in history which will provide renewed cause of action to divide and sub divide the Indian society on communal basis which does not go in tune with the concept of spirit of secularism at all .
The judgement has provided deep rooted tremendous and powerful incentive to the communal forces of India for gearing up their strategies. The judgement has reinforced and added fuel to the fire. Therefore, it will result in chaos and confusion in entire India which ultimately will destabilize and India, said Mr.War. This will lead to a chaotic Indian society where every religious minority will feel insecure and unsafe and will have no faith, trust and confidence in the judicial system of India. PPP Chief said if the same is not checked the religious minorities of India including Muslims, Christians and Dalits etc. will be constrained to demand for a Separate Homeland within India.

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