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Sajjad Lone expels brother
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Budget session curtailed
NC legislators stage walkout
Govt grilled on free land to private schools
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Police lathicharges protesters
Srinagar, February 17 A worker of the ruling PDP, Ali Mohammad Bhat, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the nearby Magam area of Budgam district last evening. Unidentified gunmen had earlier shot dead a block president of the PDP, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, at Hyderpora in Budgam district. The police sources claimed that there was a link between the killings of the two PDP workers. It was followed by the killing of Abdul Rashid Bhat (45) of the Narabal area later in the night. Abdul Rashid Bhat’s family claimed that he had been taken away from his house by unidentified gunmen in “uniform” around midnight. In the morning, they received information that his body was lying at Kawoosa Khalsa, Magam, in the adjacent Budgam district. The villagers carried the body and converged at the Narabal crossing, disrupting traffic of Baramulla and Kupwara districts. The demonstrators raised anti-government slogans. Senior APHC leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, also joined the protesters. He was, however, whisked away by the police. Abdul Rashid Bhat’s family later alleged that the police had ransacked the house. Elsewhere, unidentified gunmen detonated an IED fitted in a scooter near Silk factory, Rajbagh, this afternoon. However, no damage was caused. Militants also opened fire on a minority postguard at Chatigam, Shopian, in Pulwama district last
evening. The security forces busted four hideouts and recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition during search operations in the valley. Unidentified militants opened fire on security forces in the Kokernag area of Anantang district yesterday. The security forces busted a hideout and found two magazines, two detonators, 18 rounds, five grenades and 140 cartridges. |
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Sajjad Lone expels brother
Srinagar, February 17 Sajjad Lone, who had been appointed chairman of the People’s Conference after the assassination of his father Abdul Ghani Lone on May 21, 2002, said these decisions were taken by a majority vote of the basic members. He claimed that he had the support of all 22 permanent members and that he enjoyed the support of a majority of the party workers. He added that three more members, who were absent in the two-day special session of the party, had already extended their support to him. “We will not indulge in politics of compulsion, but conviction,” Sajjad said in reply to a question on his stand after parting ways with the APHC. The People’s Conference has been one of the basic constituents of the Hurriyat Conference since it came into existence over a decade ago. The leader of “real People’s Conference”, Sajjad Lone, also criticised the role of the leaders of the APHC leaders, Abdul Ghani Bhat and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Copies of the letter addressed to the APHC chairman, Moulvi Abbas Ansari, resenting Mirwaiz’ participation in the funeral of a slain commander of the Al-Umar Mujahideen which led to the differences, were also circulated. Sajjad also blamed former APHC chairman, Abdul Ghani Bhat, for the “conspiracy”. Sajjad was also joined by his mother, who extended full support to him after being appointed the chairman of the People’s Conference following the assassination of Abdul Ghani Lone. She blamed some APHC leaders, particularly Prof Abdul Ghani Bhat, for the differences and using Bilal Lone. |
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Budget session curtailed
Jammu, February 17 The decision was taken here yesterday at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee held under the chairmanship of the Speaker, Mr Tara Chand. The session, which was to continue till March 12, will now finish on March 5 and the Budget will be presented on February 20. However, two sittings of the House will be held almost every day. The Assembly will also meet on Sunday for a discussion on the Budget for which only one day has been fixed. In 15 days, three will be 21 sittings of the House. Only three holidays will be observed during the current session. |
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NC legislators stage walkout
Jammu, February 17 A senior CPM legislator, Mr Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who is supporting the coalition government, also walked out as he was not allowed to speak on the issue. Mr Abdul Rashid, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari and Mr Javed Rana also walked out separately. Pandemonium prevailed for about 90 minutes following rejection of an adjournment motion by the Speaker, Mr Tara Chand. The motion was moved by the members of the NC. Mr Tara Chand, however, allowed half an hour discussion on the issue as the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr Muzzafar Hussain Beig, made the offer. The NC members insisted that the probe should be ordered immediately and action taken against the guilty. There was din when the Speaker moved to the next item of discussion on the Governor’s Address as the NC members indulged in shouting slogans against the government. Ms Mehbooba Mufti, daughter of the Chief Minister, countered NC members. Senior NC members namely Mr Ali Mohammad Rather, Mr Sharifuddin Sharik, Mr Mubarak Gul and Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar accused the government of being afraid of ordering the probe. They alleged that the PDP had now forgotten its election promise of completely ending human right violations. The NC members alleged that Army personnel who were searching the militants used the porters as human shields. Replying to the discussion, the Finance Minister, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beig, said the government would not allow even a single act of human rights violation. The Centre had also assured that such violations would not be condoned. He said the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, had shared the concern of the people and the state government had issued instructions to the security forces to respect the human rights of the people. Referring to the persistent demand of the Opposition for setting up a judicial commission of inquiry, Mr Beig said though the Chief Minister had several options, nothing should be done in haste. |
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Srinagar, February 17 Hilal Ahmad War, Chairman of the JKRF, told reporters before the departure that his party had decided to undertake a token journey to the area to exchange good wishes and greeting with people living on the other side and the armies of the two countries should have no objection in permitting what he called a “bona fide, honest and humanitarian” move. He said the visit was intended to encourage and promote atmosphere of peace and goodwill between the governments of India and Pakistan and convey a message to the people on the other side that people living in this part of Kashmir were “very anxious and eager” to reunite the separated families.
— PTI |
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Govt grilled on free land to private schools
Jammu, February 17 The issue came up during question hour in the Assembly today when the NC members expressed concern over a large number of government schools lying closed, particularly in Srinagar district, and the government offering incentives to the DPS. Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar (NC) pointed out that about 147 schools were lying closed in Srinagar district and no steps had been taken to reopen these. The Finance Minister, Mr Muzaffar Hussain Beig, shared the concern of the members and said steps were being taken to reopen these institutions. Intervening, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said the government had accorded high priority to upgrade the infrastructure and improve the quality of education in the state. He said 20 per cent free seats would he reserved in DPS schools for poor students. He said nursery classes were being started in primary schools from next month and English had been made compulsory. The schools lying closed for the past many years would be reopened. |
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