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Students protest CRPF ‘atrocities’
Desecration of Dastgir Sahib to be probed
Separatist battle boosts militancy
Soz flays Rajnath’s statement
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Police told to probe lawyer’s charge
Panthers organise signature drive
NC for relief to daily wage earners
Poonch House a shambles
Two SPOs, 2 jawans killed in encounter
Bhim Singh dares Geelani, Mirwaiz
Nationalisation of Amarnath Route
Political power for Jammu BJP aim
Rift between Jammu, Kashmir traders widens
Militants kill suspected informer
Veth Truvah celebrated
Minor boy drowns
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Students protest CRPF ‘atrocities’
Srinagar, September 15 The situation, officials said, was by and large peaceful and curfew in Shopian was relaxed for a few hours. Students of Kashmir University joined protests and said the democratic rights of Kashmiris were being violated by the security forces that are "punishing" peaceful protesters. The situation in most parts of the valley remained under control and no serious violence was reported from any place. Top separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Yaseen Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq met at Mirwaiz's residence today to chalk out their future plans. Some others coordination committee members like Kashmir Bar's president Mian Abdul Qayoom, Jamiat-e-Ahli-Hadith'a Maulana Shauqat Hussain also took part in the meeting. |
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Desecration of Dastgir Sahib to be probed
Srinagar, September 15 He said the guilty would be punished according to law of the land, adding that the ADC would also look into beating up of mediapersons by the CRPF. Meanwhile, the shrine management said it would not wash the shrine premises till the accused CRPF personnel, who damaged its windowpanes and showed disrespect to holy books, were punished. It also decided to offer the '' Zuhar and Asar'' prayers during the day on the main road till the premises are washed. Yesterday, thousands of people, joined by Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, JKLF chief Mohammad Yaseen Malik, Shrine Imam Moulana Ghulam Rasool Hami, among others, participated in a day-long dharna at Hari Singh High Street against the CRPF. — UNI |
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Separatist battle boosts militancy
Srinagar, September 15 The portends are clear. Official sources say nine Lashkar-e-Toiba militants, including five Pakistanis, held a meeting in broad daylight at Brao Bandana village in Awantipora on August 11 where they deliberated with their local commander, Moin Ahmad Mir, on the future strategy. Such open village meetings were unthinkable a few months back for militants pushed on the defensive by the security forces. "We are refraining from raiding houses or questioning sympathisers as atmosphere is surcharged against us," an official said. Such meetings are not stray incidents. There are reports of movement of arms and explosives from their hideouts in forest and mountain areas to their urban targets, as militants benefited from mobilisation of huge crowds in different parts of Kashmir for separatist rallies. In several cases they joined the crowd and even opened fire at police and CRPF personnel, sparking violent clashes. It has, to large extent, undone the security agencies' success in keeping militants away from prized urban targets like Srinagar, which has been spared any major terror violence for long. Police sources say the movement of militants, who used to be from Lashkar and are now joined by other pro-Pak outfits, has increased in hill and forest areas of Harban, a sleepy locality on Srinagar's periphery, which has witnessed several bloody encounters with Lashkar militants. Officials say if there is no manifestation of increased vigour and strength of militants on the ground yet, it is tactical. Pro-Pak Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, whose words often shape the policies of different militant groups active in Kashmir, has been stressing for peaceful protests as he believes that any fillip in terror acts would give the government justification for a crackdown. "They have regrouped and their ranks are emboldened by the joining of fresh infiltrators. The prevailing atmosphere in the valley is fertile for their activities," an official said. Cashing in on congenial atmosphere, militant outfits have pushed infiltration in the past two months. A government agency has put the number of infiltrators in Kashmir division alone at 225 by the third week of August, with LeT cadres topping the list followed by those of Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad. If the Election Commission announces the dates for Assemble poll in the state, it would certainly push them into the action mode. "An important factor would be how we respond to them. If we can take on them successfully without allowing serious damage, it would be the key to our success," a senior official said. |
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Soz flays Rajnath’s statement
Srinagar, September 15 Soz said in a statement in New Delhi that such remarks from a responsible functionary of a national party could only be aimed at weakening the internal unity of not only Jammu and Kashmir but also of the country. Soz said the BJP was trying to thrive on issues that could generate communal feelings to suit its electoral politics. The union minister said Kashmiri Pandits were an integral part of Kashmir society and every Kashmiri Muslim was keen on their return. The Prime Minister had earlier this year had announced a special package for their return. |
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Police told to probe lawyer’s charge
Srinagar, September 15 The CJM gave the direction on a case filed by Sheikh Sajad Gulzar who alleged that the CRPF beat him up at Lal Chowk without any reason. The court directed the SHO of Maisuma police station to investigate and file a report within 10 days. The case has been listed for September 25. The court also issued notices to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Maisuma SHO and the Union of India through the Lal Chowk CRPF commandant. — UNI |
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Panthers organise signature drive
Jammu, September 15 During his inaugural address, president of the union Mohinder Singh Pandu asserted that delimitation was the only antidote for discrimination with Jammu. |
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NC for relief to daily wage earners
Jammu, September 15 Adopting a resolution during party’s one-day convention at the party headquarters here, provincial president and former minister Ajay Sadhotra said: “It is unfortunate that no organisation has raised the issue of compensation to the daily wage earners, who are poor and living hand to mouth.We demand that adequate compensation, besides free ration for six months, should be given to their families to survive”, he added. He also stressed on the need of strengthening secular forces in the Jammu region. It was high time that the people of Jammu should unite themselves to frustrate the evil designs of disruptive forces, he said. The people of Jammu deserved salute for upholding the traditional communal harmony and brotherhood during the recent crisis, he added. He once again reiterated party demand of appointing a high-level judicial commission headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge to hear the voices of discontent emanating from three regions of the state. |
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Poonch House a shambles
Tribune News Service The nearly 88-year-old yet majestic building is a piece of pristine neo classical European architecture. The building is based in sprawling 20 kanals along the Canal Road. Over the years, it has developed cracks while plaster is peeling off the wall giving it a haunted look. The institute has been conferring degrees in two disciplines, including Bachelor of Music and Fine Arts. As many as eight subjects, four in each discipline are being taught in the institute. “As of now, the ground floor in the building is being used by the Department of Fine Arts, while the first floor by the Department of Music,” said Savita Bakshi, principal of the institute, adding that the building was also running short of capacity. She said, “Dilapidated walls need immediate repairs and patch work to avoid any untoward incident. We reported it to the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages (JKAACL) which is administrative body of the institute.” “The building was constructed in 1920 and was used as transit house by the Maharaja of Pooch. After 1947, the Estates Department took over the charge of building,” said Lalit Gupta, who teaches history of Fine Arts. He said the building was allotted to college in 1983 by the then Chief Minister and president of the JKAACL Farooq Abdullah. He said shortage of studios was making students’ work to suffer. According to sources, the state government funded the JKAACL for the restoration work, but the latter has not taken any renovation measure despite lapse of two years. They said on the behest of administration of the institute a team of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India had visited the building two years ago. Consequent upon it the historic building reaching the point of virtual shambles, they added. The secretary, the JKAACL, said, “The institute has been taken up by the Jammu University (JU) for the last three months and now responsibility of conservation and renovation lies with the university.” |
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Two SPOs, 2 jawans killed in encounter
Rajouri/Udhampur, September 15 Police sources said following specific information from the Draba-based 16 RR, a joint team of the special operation group (SOG) of the Poonch police and the Army launched a search and cordon operation at Traranwali village. When the security forces zeroed in on the hideout, the militants led by LeT divisional commander Abbu Ali, opened fire to which the security forces retaliated. The retaliatory fire prompted the militants to move from the hideout and take position in a maize field. The militants who had laid ambush in the fields, fired upon the security forces and lobbed a grenade. Two SPOs and two jawans were killed on the spot. The militants escaped under the cover of darkness. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Maroof, a resident of Sailaan Surankote, Maqbool Hussain Shah of Gursai Mendhar, lance naik Chauhan Vaishno Hari Datt and sepoy Jarnail Singh, a resident of Punjab. Army trooper hawaldar Om Prakash was also injured in the operation and had been admitted to a Army hospital. DIG, Rajouri-Poonch range, Kamal Saini said four security personnel, including two SPOs, were killed by militants. “The whole area has been cordoned off and a search and destroy operation has been launched”, the DIG said. Meanwhile, a self-styled district commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen was killed by security forces in the Gool area of Ramban district. The slain militant was identified as Munawar, alias Pir, of Sumbal Ramban. DIG, Doda-Ramban range, Hemant Kumar Lohia said security forces launched a search operation after getting information about Munawar’s presence along with three other militants in the area. Although two militants managed to escape, Munawar was gunned down. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines, one hand grenade, one pouch and a radio set were recovered from the spot. |
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Bhim Singh dares Geelani, Mirwaiz
Jammu, September 15 Challenging the Hurriyat leaders Bhim Singh said he would not use any security cover or protection during the election campaign in the valley. Bhim Singh said the Hurriyat leaders had no mandate of the people of Kashmir and that they were exploiting the sentiments of people of the Kashmir valley. |
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Nationalisation of Amarnath Route
Jammu, September 15 BJP state president Ashok Khajuria today said: “Some people with vested interests are opposing the BJP’s rational suggestion to vitiate the state’s atmosphere.” Khajuria said the state was an integral part of India and Hindus had every right to put forth any such suggestion that prevented “communal forces in Kashmir to vitiate the holy Amarnath yatra any more”. “The suggestion made by Rajnath has to be viewed in the context of what Kashmiri leaders did to outrage the Hindu sentiments by opposing the government’s decision to transfer a small piece of land at Baltal to the Amarnath shrine board for setting up facilities for pilgrims”, Khajuria said. Khajuria said: “Hurriyat conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who opposed the demand put forth by the displaced Kashmiri Hindus that a separate homeland be created for them within the valley so that they could return to their original habitat and lead a peaceful life, is fanatically motivated.” Khajuria said Kashmiri Pandits were the original inhabitants of Kashmir and enjoyed equal rights with Kashmiri Muslims as far as their claim to the valley was concerned. Khajuria reiterated the demand of the party that Governor N.N. Vohra should invoke Section 92 of the State Constitution to set up a delimitation commission. Khajuria asked the Election Commission to reject the poll deferment suggestion and hold the Assembly election on time. Regarding cross-LoC trade through the Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawlakot routes, Khajuria urged the authorities in New Delhi not to go ahead with the proposal as the same was fraught with dangerous consequences, including threat to national security.Khajuria also urged the authorities concerned to immediately open the Suchetgarh-Sialkot route for trade between Jammu and Pakistan.
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Political power for Jammu BJP aim
Jammu, September 15 He said hitherto political power had remained confined to the Kashmir valley. Hari Om said three other main issues would be highlighted in the party’s poll manifesto includeding the end of discrimination of the people of the Jammu region. He said in its share in the government services and devolution of funds people in the Jammu region received a raw deal during the last 60 years. Hari Om stated that the poll manifesto would focus party’s favour for setting up the delimitation commission because despite its bigger area and population than the valley the Jammu region had 37 Assembly seats against 46 in Kashmir. He said the poll manifesto would lay emphasis on measures to be initiated by the Government of India for further strengthening national integration so that Jammu and Kashmir remained an inseparable part of the country.
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Rift between Jammu, Kashmir traders widens
Jammu, September 15 Though the traders in Jammu are hopeful that the decision taken by a “faction” of the Kashmir Chambers of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) under the chairmanship of Mubeen Shah would not have a major impact on trade ties between the two regions, traders who had paid money in advance to their Kashmiri counterparts, are a harried lot. According to an estimate, the annual trade of the state is at Rs 52,000 crore out of which the yearly trade exchange between the Jammu and Kashmir province is around Rs 27,000 crore. If the boycott of trade by Kashmiri businessmen continues, the traders in Jammu would incur a loss of Rs 11,000 crore out of the annual Rs 27,000 crore worth of trade between the two regions. Ram Sahai, president, KCII, said: “The traders in Jammu feel the boycott is temporary and trade ties between the two regions will soon be restored.” “If they try to snap trade ties they would be at the receiving end as more than 70 lakh pilgrims, who visit Mata Vaishno Devi shrine annually, spend 40 per cent of the amount buying Kashmiri products”, Sahai said. Sahai said trade between the two regions was going on smoothly and only a separated faction of the KCII had given the boycott call for its “vested interests”. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Jammu-based Bari Brahmana Industries Association, Annil Suri, said: “Trade of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is interlinked and no region can afford to snap trade ties with one another if it wants to sustain”. Suri also expressed hope that the boycott call given by some Kashmiri traders would be short-lived and normal trade would soon be restored between the two regions. |
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Militants kill suspected informer
Srinagar, September 15 The police said it was ascertaining the motive behind his killing but militants might have suspected him of working against them. Meanwhile, the Handwara police has arrested Hizbul Mujahideen militant Mohd Yousuf Ganie, alias Moulvi. The police said he hailed from Spore and was the district commander for Handwara. A PoK-trained militant Yousuf had been active in the valley since 2001. Two Chinese grenades were seized from him. |
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Veth Truvah celebrated
Jammu, September 15 Unlike last year when local Muslims had enthusiastically joined the celebrations, this year, due to the prevailing uncertainty in the state, no Kashmiri Pandit migrant visited Dooru-Verinag in the valley to organise a religious function at the spot wherefrom this river springs out. They, however, lit earthen lamps and the candles along the banks of Ranbir Canal at Rajinder Park here, presuming it to be Vitesta river. Over 1,000 migrants had last year visited the valley’s 5000-year-old holy site housing an ancient spring, the origin of the Jehlum. They celebrated ‘Veth Truvah’ with active support from over 4,000 Muslims of the area. A ‘mahayagya’ was also organised last year at Veth-Vathur village the arrangements for which had been made by then local MLA, G.A. Mir, and members of the Dooru Municipal Committee. “We were expecting to go to Kashmir this year on this auspicious day but could not make it due to continuous bandhs and strikes in the state. We are missing it”, said Rockey Pandita, who had actively participated in last year’s celebrations in Kashmir. Pandita, however, said this year it was decided to celebrate the birthday of the holy river in the house of every Kashmiri Pandit. R.K. Bhat, a social activist, who too had visited the native village on this day last year, said a simple get-together was arranged at Kailash Pati Temple, Durga Nagar, Jammu, to commemorate the event. The community of Kashmiri Pandits has a unique tradition of celebrating the birthday of river Jehlum on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadon. On this day, garlands and eatables are offered to Goddess Vitasta. This finds the mention in Nilamata Purana and Mahabharata also. “The Hindus believe that goddess Parvati after her marriage to lord Shiva came in the form of a water sprout at Vernag- Kashmir at a place called Veth-Vathur,” said a scholar and advocate, Badri Nath Pandita, native of the village wherefrom river Jehlum springs out.
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Minor boy drowns
Jammu, September 15 Soon after the mishap, Ajay’s brother and other children raised an alarm and some residents rushed to the spot, they said, adding, some of them jumped into the canal to trace the boy but they couldn’t succeed due to strong currents of water. A police team also rushed to the spot and searches were launched to fish out the body. However, body had not been recovered when reports last poured in. The boy was son of a class IV employee of civil secretariat Madan
Lal. |
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