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BJP for scrapping Resettlement Act
Efforts on to unite separatist groups: Shabir
Geelani against sending poor for Haj
Mirwaiz praises Indo-Pak stand on Kashmir
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Indo-China border personnel meeting held
Tourist flow remains
despite TRC attack
7 militants killed
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BJP for scrapping Resettlement Act
Jammu, April 29 The BJP protest has come following a PoK woman staking claim over three properties in the state when she came to Srinagar in the inaugural bus between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad. Addressing BJP activists, Dr Nirmal Singh, president of the state unit of the BJP, demanded that the Resettlement Act should be withdrawn as it had created an uncertain situation for over 3 lakh families that were allotted properties left behind by those who migrated to Pakistan during the Partition. He warned that the BJP would vehemently oppose the move if the Chief Minister reintroduces the draconian Act in the next Assembly session. The Supreme Court had stayed operation of the Act that came into being in 1982. Dr Nirmal Singh demanded that the Evacuee Property Department should immediately be closed and allottees given rights over these properties. He pointed out that the department was closed in all other states once properties of migrants were handed over to refugees who came to India after the Partition. He accused the Congress of playing a double role on the sensitive issue. The Congress opposed the Act in 1982 to win the Assembly elections of 1983, but now it was silent even though it was a major partner in the coalition government headed by the Mufti. Meanwhile, Prof Virender Gupta, President, Jammu Mukti Morcha, demanded that the people coming here from Pakistan and the PoK should not be allowed to resettle in the state and claim properties that their ancestors had left behind. |
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Efforts on to unite separatist groups: Shabir
Jammu, April 29 Mr Shabir Ahmed Shah told this correspondent today that “we have decided to intensify our efforts for bringing about reconciliation among the separatists.” In reply to a question he said the advice given by Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharraf to the separatists to unite had “strengthened our hands and we have decided to continue our search for reconciliation.” Mr Shah said even senior leaders in Delhi had been “suggesting us to unite.” He explained that “as a divided lot our suggestions and advice will not carry weight. If we unite we will be able to represent the people of the state and as their representatives we have the right to be involved in the trilateral talks.” However, a senior APHC leader, Prof Abdul Gani
Bhat, while welcoming moves made from any quarter or corner for uniting separatists, said “Unity is not impossible it Syed Ali Shah Geelani gives up his obduracy.” Judging by the past experience when Mr Malik and Mr Shah had not succeeded in uniting the two factions of the Hurriyat Conference, the outcome of the renewed exercise might again prove futile if Mr Geelani continued to treat APHC leaders as “enemies of the movement.” |
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Geelani against sending poor for Haj
Srinagar, April 29 Mr Geelani said the idea of sending people for the Haj, was an attempt to shield cases of human rights violation by the security forces. He alleged that young men were being killed in fake encounters and there was no decline in the number of custodial deaths and crime against women by security forces in Kashmir. The move, he alleged, was just meant to cover up the war crimes by the security forces in the valley. General Officer-in-Commanding Kilo Force, Maj Gen M.S. Balhara, recently said defence authorities were receiving proposals to finance those who come from very poor families and could not afford Rs 80,000 to 90,000 needed for the Haj. General Balhara was speaking at a function hosted by the Kilo Force in honour of those people from North Kashmir who had performed Haj this year. The defence authorities organise functions every year so that the Hajis spread the message of peace and brotherhood in their respective areas. Gift packets were also distributed among the Haj pilgrims on the occasion. The Kilo Force is involved in counter-insurgency operations in entire north Kashmir.
— UNI |
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Mirwaiz praises Indo-Pak stand on Kashmir
Srinagar, April 29 Addressing a Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid on the occasion of following Friday of
Id-e-Milad here today, the chief priest said that the initiation of composite dialogue process between the two countries and latest statements by the two leaders were “encouraging”. He said these developments were welcomed by prominent political parties of the sub-continent and outside leaders. These parties and leaders had also stressed the need for resolving all issues, particularly the Kashmir issue, through a continued dialogue process. Referring to the unity among different groups of separatist organisations in the valley, Mirwaiz sought all like-minded parties to unite to give a proper direction to the resolution of Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the people. He said he had earlier also sought the unity among the separatist leaders so as to meet Pakistan President Musharraf in Delhi. |
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Indo-China border personnel meeting held
Srinagar, April 29 This Special Border Personnel Meeting was held as a result of the improved relations between the two countries following the visit of Chinese Premier this month. The ceremony began with reception of the Indian military delegation led by Brig Manvendra Singh by the Chinese Station Commander on the Line of Control. Thereafter it was escorted to the Chinese garrison at Moldo to meet the Chinese delegation led by Col Dong Guohua. The Indian delegation leader highlighted the country’s commitment towards the principles of ILO and on the need to continue following the principles of Panchsheel, which has been the guiding spirit for improving Sino-Indian bilateral relations. |
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Tourist flow remains
despite TRC attack
Srinagar, April 29 As of now, there is 40 per cent booking of tourists in hotels and houseboats along the Dal Lake here with a total occupancy of over 3,000 rooms, according to Mr H.U. Mir, chairman of the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA). He said the booking was full for the month of May in hotels, mainly catering to the economy class tourists. “We
already have 25 per cent booking,” said Mr Mohammad Azim Tuman,
chairman of the Houseboat Owners Association. He lamented that the
tourist flow was less than that of last year. “The tourists’ flow
this season will be up to our expectations,” claimed the Jammu and
Kashmir Tourism Minister, Mr Ghulam Hassan Mir, adding that the number
of tourists would be more than last year’s. At a time when there was
a “mindset to visit Kashmir”, stray incidents would not hamper the
progress of tourism flow into the state, particularly the Kashmir
valley, he claimed. “For the economy class tourist, it is a dream to
visit Kashmir,” said Mr H.U. Mir, adding the government must initiate
short-term and long-term measures to fully revive tourism. An increase in flights from other parts of the country and introduction of more trains would help tourism to flourish, according to Mr Mir. Though hotels like Heemal, that was occupied by government officials, had been reserved for tourists, many more were still under occupation of security personnel, he added. |
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7 militants killed
Srinagar, April 29 Jammu:
Two militants were apprehended by security forces at Monubal near Banihal in Doda district on Tuesday evening, Defence Ministry sources said. They have been identified as Bashir Ahmad Sheikh and Ghulam Mohiudin Sheikh. They said one pistal with magazine, 12 rounds, one AK bayonet and one handgrenade were seized from them. —
PTI, UNI |
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Conductor murdered in bus near Kathua
Jammu, April 29 Three masked youth boarded a bus at Chhan Rorian late last evening and stabbed to death its conductor Ashok Singh with sharp-edged weapons. The accused later fled from the spot. The police has registered a case.
— UNI |
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