Srinagar, July 9
A panel of Kashmiri Ulemas (religious scholars), which was formed after the arrest of self-styled faith healer and fake dervish Gulzar, has issued a fatwa against him, terming him an atheist, rogue, liar, and having violated Islamic principles.

Gulzar Reshi, alias Syed Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, was arrested on May 21 after four minor girls accused him of raping them. The girls were students at a bogus religious seminary founded by Gulzar in the Budgam area.

Last week, the police presented a chargesheet against him in a Budgam court under Section 376 (rape) in the sexual exploitation case and also charged 12 of his accomplices, including four women, for abetment to crime under Section 109 of the RPC.

The contents of the fatwa (religious decree), which had been submitted for scrutiny by the panel on June 29, were made public today by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (joint council of Ulemas), which is headed by separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is also a religious leader.

In the full page fatwa, Gulzar and his belief system, which he had devised to lure people to his sect, have been termed as “bogus, fake and violative” of the basic and fundamental principles of Islamic law and jurisprudence (sharia).

In the fatwa, it has been said that Gulzar used to explain certain Islamic beliefs like “towheed” (oneness of Allah), “risalat” (prophethood), to his disciples by way of his “own and so called interpretation”, which is totally against the principles of Islam.

In the fatwa, the people in general have been advised to stay away from the fake dervish and warned of his “self-invented” and “false” belief system.

The fatwa has termed Gulzar as “kazab” (a liar), “makkar” (rogue) and called him as an atheist (mulhid).

The prominent religious scholars who were part of the panel to prepare the fatwa against Guzlar and his bogus belief system included Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Aga Syed Mohammad Taqi, Mufti Abdul Rashid Muftahi, Mufti Mohammad Yaqoob Baba Madni and Maulana Showkat Hussain Keng among others, he said.

Anantnag, July 9
Nasir Aslam Wani, provincial president of the ruling National Conference (NC), today said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be revoked from some areas of the state soon.

“Our party is committed to the cause of revocation of this law and we are not far from achieving our goal,” Wani said while addressing a convention of party workers in the Dooru area of Anantnag district.

He said, “All stakeholders, including the Army, have been brought on to the negotiating table and hopefully, it will be just a matter of time before the Act is revoked at least from some parts of the state to begin with.”

“I hope that the Army will have no issues with the revocation this time around,” Wani said. He blamed the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of conspiring with the Bharatiya Janata Party to abrogate the Article 370, which provides a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. “However, they will face a stiff opposition from our side, we will never allow them to succeed in their nefarious designs,” he said.

Wani said the NC would emerge as the largest party from south Kashmir in the forthcoming Assembly elections, “Our party will be victorious in most of the 16 Assembly seats in the region,” he said.

He said the PDP would be wiped out from the south Kashmir region as people had become well aware of their ill intentions and their rhetoric. “I appeal the party workers to get united and work hard for the upcoming elections,” Wani said. 

Srinagar, July 9
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today warned of adopting coercive methods for seeking compliance of its directions by the government authorities.

These observations were made by a Division Bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur in a public interest litigation by Sofi Arif Maqbool, praying for directions to end unabated stone quarrying within forest areas in Kashmir.

On the previous hearing, the court had directed the state government to file its compliance report with regard to the directions issued by the court in the PIL.

However, as the matter came up before the Bench, it came to light that the government had not filed its status report as directed, which prompted the Bench to pass severe observations about the government.

“If you are not serious, we will keep on adopting coercive methods. First imposing costs and then inviting officers concerned to the court and then adopting any other method available with the court under the law,” the Bench observed.

“This type of slackness cannot be tolerated. Do you think we pass orders for fun,” the Bench observed when Advocate General M Ishaq Qadri sought time to file the compliance report.

However, after passing these remarks, the matter was adjourned on the request of the Advocate General.

The Bench in its orders passed in April this year had asked all Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict implementation of its orders on illegal quarrying in the forest across the state and made it clear that any laxity to implement the directions in letter and spirit would be viewed seriously.

Srinagar, July 9
The Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, today said all arrangements had been completed to make the working of Lakhanpur toll plaza 24x7.

In a meeting with a delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kichloo said the Lakhanpur toll plaza, which remained closed from 8.30 pm to 8 am, would remain open round-the-clock for the convenience of the industry.

“This step will help in quick transportation of perishable goods, besides decreasing the cost of transportation,” the minister said.

An official spokesman said the other issues which were discussed by the members of the CII with the Minister included exemption of entry tax on material handling equipment, import of copper scrap through across Line of Control (LoC) trade, to get exemption from levying of import and export duty like other LoC trade items, VAT refund and making the Inland Container Depot (ICD), located at SIDCO complex, Bari Brahmna, functional.

“The CII members also sought application of industrial incentives to the tourism sector, especially incentives like power tariff a concession, income tax exemption and subsidy on generator sets,” the spokesman said.

Kichloo assured the delegation that all their genuine demands would be fulfilled.

The members of the CII who were part of the delegation included Asif Burza, vice-chairman, CII Kashmir, Shiekh Imran, Chairman, CII Kashmir, Wasim Tramboo, Sanjay Puri, Vivek Bhardwaj, Kurshid Dar, Abid Reyaz Shah, Dr Amit Wanchoo and Balbir Singh.

Srinagar, July 9
The All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC) today threatened to launch a fresh agitation if the government tried to “dilute” the proposed Kashmir Temple Bill, which is under consideration with the select committee of the state Legislative Assembly.

In a joint statement issued here, APMCC chairman Vinod Pandit and national spokesperson King Bharati said their organisation had already warned of a “Kafan Yatra” from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari if the government tried to “dilute the Kashmir Temple Bill in any way”.

The APMCC demanded that the proposed managing committees and the main managing committee, which would look after the temples and shrines, must only have Kashmiri Hindus as members, just like the Muslim Waqf Board and Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

Pandit said “some vested interests” had sent the Bill to the select committee during the last Assembly session.

Earlier this year, the APMCC had launched ‘Porbandar agitation’ under which Pandit had gone for a 15-day fast to press for their demands.

Handwara, July 9
Hundreds of people, including women, from Langate and few of its adjoining villages in Handwara tehsil, protested against the shortage of drinking water for the second consecutive day today. They said that the holy month of Ramadan was a day ahead and they were dying for a drop of water.

The villagers, belonging to Batpora, Bandpora, Harpora and Tulwari, blocked the Handwara-Baramulla road near Langate for two hours till 12 pm. “We are dying for a drop of water and the authorities are watching as mute spectators. Despite repeated representations to the authorities concerned, nothing has been done to solve our problems,” said Mohd Ashraf from Bandpora.

Residents of Batpora said for the past two years, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department had been laying pipes in the village and the residents were suffering for want of water.

They raised slogans against the PHE department for its failure to supply them with drinking water. They said in the absence of drinking water, they were forced to fetch contaminated water from Mawar nullah since the past two months. “The consumption of contaminated water has led to gastroenteritis in the villages while authorities continue to test our patience. For how long will we suffer for such a basic amenity?” asked Wasim Imran from Langate.

Women beat empty pitchers and did not allow any traffic movement on both sides of the road.

The protesters demanded that water tankers be provided to them till the supply was restored to the villages. “We will be forced to intensify our protests if the water division did not restore water supply or provide us tanker service without delay,” said Mohd Afzal from Harpora.

Zarifa Begum said, “We are forced to collect contaminated water from a nearby nullah, which has led to the outbreak of water-borne diseases. The water division should press water tankers into service till the supply is restored.”

Another protester said, “We will be forced to intensify our protests if the supply was not restored at the earliest. We are dying for a drop of water and the authorities are doing nothing to address the problems,” said Bashir Ahmad.

Executive Engineer, PHE division, Handwara, Mohd Afzal said “We have already hired water tankers to provide supply to the villages. We will ensure that they do not face any problem during the month of Ramdan.”

Srinagar, July 9
The police has launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances of the death of a teenaged girl in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

A police spokesman said investigation had been launched into the “suspicious death” of the teenaged girl who was brought dead to a hospital.

Seventeen-year-old Rafeeda Bano, a resident of Chandkot village in Baramulla district, was declared brought dead at the hospital, the spokesman said.

“The police was informed as the cause of death of the girl appeared to be suspicious. The Baramulla police started inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC to ascertain the cause of the death,” the spokesman said.

The girl’s body had been handed over to her family after completion of legal formalities, he said.

Kupwara, July 9
Hundreds of patients availed free medical treatment and medicines at a medical camp organised by the Army, under aegis of Vajar division, at Jumagund village in Keran sector of Kupwara district.

Specialist Army and civil doctors treated about 300 patients, including women and children, at the camp. Dental doctors highlighted the importance of oral hygiene to the villagers and provided treatment to 128 villagers. The villagers were advised on various preventive measures to avoid diseases.

Livestock was also treated by veterinary doctors. They provided specialist treatment to more than 1,085 animals. The doctors also stressed upon regular inoculation and preventive measures to ensure hygiene and health of their cattle. Free medicines for villagers and live stocks were also distributed.

Locals thanked the Army for the move and hoped that more such camps would be organised in the future. 

Srinagar, July 9
The bid of the National Youth Corps (NYC) volunteers to gherao the Civil Secretariat was foiled here today.

A large number of protesters, under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir National Youth Corps Volunteers Association (AJKNYCVA), gathered outside the Exhibition Ground from where they attempted to take out a procession towards the Civil Secretariat. However, their bid was foiled after several protesters were taken into preventive custody.

A protesting AJKNYCVA member said around 8,000 volunteers were deployed to various departments like Rural Development, Youth Services and Sports, Tourism, Finance, Social Welfare and others in 2010. "But now, we are not being allowed to continue our services and despite staging several rounds of protests in the past, our pleas continue to fall on deaf ears," he added.

The bid of the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), an amalgam of various government employees' bodies, to gherao the Civil Secretariat was also foiled yesterday.

Srinagar, July 9
Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Medical Education Taj Mohi-ud-Din today reviewed the pace of work undertaken at several tertiary care hospitals in the city.

The minister reviewed work undertaken at Lal Ded, Bone and Joints, SMHS and Super Specialty Hospital here.

“The minister was told that works at these hospitals would be completed within the stipulated time,” an official spokesman said. Taj asked for coordinated efforts between the Government Medical College and executing agencies -- PWD, JKPCC and UEED -- to achieve completion of work at these hospitals.

The official said the meeting also reviewed the status of upcoming super specialty hospital in the city. The minister directed preparation of project report for landscaping of the hospital complex.

“The minister was told that demolition of old structures at Lal Ded Hospital has been completed and modular theatres are being readied,” the spokesman said.

Taj directed construction of multi-layer parking at the super specialty hospital to meet the traffic rush of future and also directed completion of sewage treatment plants at the earliest at these hospitals to ensure sanitation and cleanliness. — TNS

Srinagar, July 9
President of Belgian Association for Solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir, Paul Beersman met Governor NN Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here today.

Beersman, as per an official statement, informed the Governor that after his arrival in the state about a week ago, he had had meetings and discussions with persons and parties of varied political convictions in different parts of the Valley.

He said after completing his work in Kashmir, he would be visiting Kargil and Leh districts for similar discussions and meetings.

Jammu, July 9
Singh Challengers Club (SCC), Akhnoor, has set up the final clash with the J&K Police in the ongoing 5th Pawan Singh Memorial Twenty20 Cricket Tournament, being played at Government Higher Secondary School ground, Akhnoor.

In the semifinal played today, SCC edged out Singh Cricket Club, Akhnoor, by three wickets. Batting first, Singh Cricket Club set a target of 153 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Chandan Sharma and Shanty were the top scorers with 33 and 22 runs, respectively, for Singh Cricket Club while Sunny Kumar contributed 19 runs. From SCC, Pankaj Kumar was the chief destroyer with five wickets while Vinod, Rajinder Sharma, Jimmy Mani and Ricky snared one wicket each.

Later, SCC overhauled the target in 18.5 overs with three wickets intact. Jimmy Mani and Manik Sharma remained unbeaten on 46 and 43 runs respectively. Firdous, though made a hat trick, could not help his team script a victory. Sham Singh Langeh and Asif took two and one wicket respectively.

Manik Sharma was declared the man of the match for his all round performance. 

Jammu, July 9
Angel Club-A overcame the challenge of Angel Club-B by 1 wicket in the Tri-Series match, being played at Government College for Women (GCW), Parade.

Batting first after winning the toss, Angel Club-B was skittled out for 43 runs in 11.4 overs. Nadia played a fine knock of 33 runs studded with five hits to the fence. Shallu and Aina shared three wickets apiece for Angel Club-A while Sapna and Heena took two and one wicket, respectively.

In reply, Angel Club-A reached the target for the loss of nine wickets. Sunita was the top scorer with 13 runs while Priya and Bhavika chipped in with unbeaten 10 and 8 runs, respectively. For Angel Club-B Nadia was the chief destroyer with three wickets while Isha and Meenu bagged two wickets.

Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Madan Lal was the chief guest at the valedictory function and distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up teams. 

Srinagar, July 9
Narbal crossing on the Srinagar-Baramulla road has become a favourite point for both tourists and locals to relish barbequed corn. While the crossing witnesses a heavy rush of commuters throughout the day, a beeline of corn sellers seen at Narbal are doing brisk business these days.

“I sell around 150 corns at Rs 10 each daily and have also kept an assistant who collects money after handing over corns to both tourists and locals as they prefer to eat corns inside their vehicles,” said Abdul Rashid, a corn seller.

While a large number of commuters wishing to go to north Kashmir areas from here have to pass through Narbal area, visitors travelling to tourist resorts Gulmarg and Tangmarg also pass through this crossing.

Mukhtar Ahmad, a shopkeeper, said he kept his nearby shop shut during the ‘corn season’. “I own a shop nearby but I have to keep it closed as I make more money by selling corn on the roadside these days. Corn is eaten a lot not just by locals but also by tourists, who make it a point to relish the same on the way to Gulmarg or Baramulla and also while returning,” he said.

Hafeez, a Sumo driver, who drives his vehicle through Narbal daily, said barbequed corns could be eaten not just as a snack but also as ‘lunch’. “Corn is very nutritious and filling. While many eat it as a snack, I sometimes eat a couple of them for lunch on the go and I do not feel hungry for the next couple of hours,” he said.

Narbal is located on the outskirts of the summer capital and is nearly 15-km from the Lal Chowk.

Srinagar, July 9
As many as 19 persons were injured in 10 road accidents across the Kashmir valley, a police spokesman said here today.

Three passengers were injured when a vehicle collided with a cab near Mirgund in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. All the injured were shifted to JVC Hospital here for treatment, the spokesman said.

In another accident, an unidentified Army vehicle hit and injured a pedestrian at Pattan in Baramulla. Eight-year-old Tazlan was later admitted to a hospital for treatment.

In central Kashmir's Budgam district, a cab hit and injured a cyclist identified as Firdous Ahmad Khanday at Warpora. The injured was shifted to a hospital for treatment, the spokesman said.

A cab hit a motorcycle at Safapora in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district resulting in injuries to motorcyclist Arshid Ahmad Kailo and two pillion riders Gulzar Ahmad Kailo and Aqib Ahmad Daga. The injured were shifted to the Sumbal hospital for treatment from where they were referred to JVC Hospital in the city.

In north Kashmir's Kupwara district, a cab turned turtle at Nutnusa resulting in injuries to six passengers. The injured were shifted to a Handwara hospital for treatment from where two of them were referred to Bone and Joints Hospital here, the spokesman said.

A pedestrian identified as Mujeeba was hit and injured by a cab at Charsoo Crossing in south Kashmir's Awantipora town. The injured was shifted to SMHS Hospital here.

The driver of a car was injured when his vehicle was hit by a mini-bus near Trumgund crossing in north Kashmir's Sopore town.

In the city, a car and a cab collided at Ikhrajpora resulting in damage to both the vehicles. However, there was no loss of life or injury in this incident, the spokesman said.

An unidentified vehicle hit and injured a pedestrian identified as Mohammad Sultan Tantray of Hund Kangan at Bemina on the city outskirts. The injured was shifted to SKIMS hospital.

An auto collided with an unidentified vehicle at Makai park on the city's Boulevard road resulting in injuries to the auto driver and a passenger identified as Wali Hyder. The injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment, the spokesman said.