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Two slain teenagers joined militant ranks
recently
Youth must learn to value heritage, says Omar
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Romeo Force GOC reviews security in Rajouri, Poonch
Romeo Force GOC Maj Gen I Narayana chairs a meeting at the Palma headquarters to review security in Rajouri and Poonch districts. A Tribune photograph
Afzal quotes Gandhiji in his book
to justify violence in Valley
Mohan Bhagwat to visit Jammu on Sept 27
Pay full compensation to Kishtwar traders, govt urged
Another truce violation by Pakistan in Poonch
State Cong leaders talk development with Rahul
Curfew likely to be lifted in Shopian
Governor NN Vohra meets a delegation of the J&K Handicapped Association
in Srinagar on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph
Gunshots trigger panic in Hyderpora
Guv stresses expanding NCC activities in J&K
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Two slain teenagers joined militant ranks
recently
Srinagar, September 18 Police sources said Aqib had been active for the last six months and joined militant ranks after it surfaced that he was accompanying the militants who were involved in the killing of National Conference sarpanch Javaid Ahmad Wani of Kalantra Payeen in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Wani was shot dead by militants on February 24 outside his residence at Kalantra Payeen, 55 km north of Srinagar. “During the investigation into Wani’s killing, it surfaced that Aqib was accompanying the militants who were involved in the attack. When we came to know about it, he immediately went underground and joined the Hizbul ranks,” said a senior police officer. The police said the other local militant Bilal was Aqib’s friend. “Bilal had joined militant ranks a few weeks ago,” the police officer said. “On Tuesday when we got information about the presence of the duo, an operation was launched in which the two were killed on the school premises,” he added. The family members of Bilal, however, allege the duo was killed in a staged encounter. “Bilal was missing for the past two days and his body bore torture marks which indicate the two were killed in custody,” said Bilal’s brother Mohammad Abdullah Bhat. Meanwhile, a complete shutdown was observed in the duo’s village Palhalan and the surrounding areas to mourn their killing. Hundreds of people gathered at a prayer ground in the village to attend the funeral of the militants. The mourners raised “pro-freedom” and “anti-India” slogans and later clashed with police and paramilitary personnel in the Palhalan and Pattan areas on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway. Reports said nearly half a dozen persons, including policemen, were injured in the clashes. Security personnel were later deployed in strength to ensure that traffic on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway was not disrupted. |
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Youth must learn to value heritage, says Omar
Srinagar, September 18 Speaking on the occasion, Omar said artists, craftsman, calligraphists, painters, artisans, musicians, writers, poets and scholars had depicted the state’s cultural diversity beautifully through their skill and craftsmanship. The exhibition is being organised by the J&K Cultural Academy in association with the departments of archives and handicrafts. The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of such exhibitions to make people in general and the younger generation in particular aware of the state’s rich heritage, culture, literature and mesmerising craftsmanship. “The people in old days despite so many shortcomings of resources and raw material have used locally available wood, willow, clay, zinc, copper, stone and other such objects artistically and wisely to produce artefacts of everlasting relevance,” he said. The Chief Minister asked the students to visit such exhibitions and enrich their knowledge of history, heritage and workmanship of the highest quality. Secretary, Cultural Academy, Khalid Bashir said the exhibition was part of the new initiatives taken by the academy to preserve the state’s heritage and promote its art, literature and culture. “The exposition is a window to our past and gives people, especially the young generation, a glimpse of old Kashmir,” he added. He said similar exhibitions will also be held about the Jammu and Ladakh heritage. Jnanpith awardee and prominent Kashmiri poet Rahman Rahi and prominent Dogri writer Nilambar Dev Sharma also attended the inaugural function.
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Romeo Force GOC reviews security in Rajouri, Poonch
Jammu, September 18 They chalked out a strategy to deal with important events scheduled for the forthcoming months. The GOC of the Romeo Force appreciated the law abiding nature of the people and encouraged all present at the meeting to overcome contemporary challenges and work towards enhancing confidence among the people. Major General Narayana further emphasised the need to be alive and responsive to the developing situation to maintain peace and enable implementation of development projects by the civil administration. The ADDC, Poonch, expressed satisfaction at the successful conduct of the Buddha Amarnath yatra. The Rajouri DC thanked all concerned for improving the security environment and maintaining communal harmony. DIG Danish Rana briefed the gathering on the prevailing internal security situation and steps initiated for synergy and implementation of ‘joint counter-agitation strategy’ for the overall improvement of the security situation. On April 9, Danish Rana, at a meeting of the Romeo Force had expressed his concern and need for continuous watch on the Mughal Road, which could be used for the movement of logistics, weapon and funds by the extremists.
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Afzal quotes Gandhiji in his book
to justify violence in Valley
Srinagar, September 18 The 94-page book, is originally a compilation of Afzal’s writings which he completed in Tihar Jail on December 20, 2012, before his execution by the authorities on February 9, 2013, says Mohammad Shafi Khan Shariati, who also wrote a controversial biography of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. Shariati, who is currently in jail, claims that he received the manuscript from Afzal on January 14, 2013, for compilation and proof-reading. “Even in this period ‘Taloot’ (Saul) and ‘Jaloot’ (Goliath) are manifesting themselves in the form of Taliban in Afghanistan and America and its supporter NATO,” Afzal Guru writes in his book, trying to draw an analogy between various Islamic movements and Koranic instructions. “That how Taliban (Saul) is fighting America (Goliath) in Afghanistan, which calls itself a superpower….By this way, Islam will always prove itself in every period and every time,” he continues. He further argues that how “materialism” and “consumerism” has eroded human values and relations and blames American imperialism for death and destruction around the world. He further says how the nature has put the Taliban, a weak organisation, before a developed and powerful America. “In this period, the Taliban, which is headed by Amir-ul-Momineen Mullah Omar, is acting like a candle in darkness,” he writes in the book while praising the Taliban and its leaders. Justifying “violence” and “jihad” in Kashmir, Afzal in his book quotes several verses from the Koran and also quotes Mahatma Gandhi, saying, “for great causes, great sacrifices are mandatory.” “When need arises, not only men but also women will have to resort to violence and meet the force with force…when there is only one choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence,” Afzal quotes Gandhiji as having said in his book, Harijan, while referring to a book by Fatima Mansoor, titled ‘The Young India in the Process of Independence.’ He has also criticised Kashmiri leaders who have been advocating a “non-violent” mode of agitation, saying, “these people should first study history…. and come out of their romantic world into the real world”. “This kind of talk (non-violence) is just self deception… It amounts to treason with the sacred blood of martyrs,” Afzal wrote in the book. While supporting militancy in Kashmir, Afzal has also endorsed the cult of suicide bombing by praising Afaq Shah, the first suicide bomber in Kashmir, who blew himself up with an explosives-laden vehicle at the Army’s Badamibagh Headquarters in Srinagar in April 2000. Afzal has also criticised National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah, adding, “Kashmiris are cursing him for his “betrayal.”
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Mohan Bhagwat to visit Jammu on Sept 27
Jammu, September 18 The meeting is likely to be held during the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who is arriving in Jammu on September 27 to review the functioning of the organisation in the region. The decision of the Union government to grant statehood to Telangana has encouraged those who have been demanding statehood for the Jammu region. These groups have been exerting pressure on the RSS to support their demand. The Jammu State Morcha (JSM) has already intensified its campaign in support of statehood for the Jammu region. The Panthers Party, in its convention held recently, has also reiterated the demand of reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir to fulfil aspirations of the people of different regions and sub-regions. Sources said various groups raising the demand of statehood for the Jammu region have decided to avail the opportunity of the visit of the RSS chief to convince the Sangh Parivar to again support the demand. “Although the Parivar has abandoned the demand, some groups are of the view that statehood to the Jammu region is the only option to end discrimination,” a source said, adding that office-bearers of the Leh unit of the BJP were openly supporting the demand of UT status for Ladakh. Hoping that nationalist organisations would support the statehood demand for the Jammu region, convener of the Jammu State Morcha Varinder Gupta said: “There is no reason for the BJP not to support the statehood demand because the party has already declared its open support to the demand of UT status for Ladakh.”
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Pay full compensation to Kishtwar traders, govt urged
Jammu, September 18 “The Chamber may call for an indefinite strike or launch a non-cooperation movement against the government if it doesn’t adopt the trader-friendly policy,” YV Sharma, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu, said while flaying the government for ignoring the demands of the traders. “The government had assured the Chamber that it will assess the losses suffered by the victims of Kishtwar riots within a month. It had also assured that the compensation on the basis of actual loss would be distributed in the next 30 days of the assessment of loss,” Sharma told reporters here. Communal riots had broke out in Kishtwar district on August 9. Sharma, meanwhile, expressed concern over the recent cabinet decision wherein it was announced that in all the cases the limit of compensation will be between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, irrespective of the extent of the loss. “The decision further says that this compensation will be distributed equally between the owners of the shops and the tenants doing business in the shops. We have been given to understand that this order would be applicable retrospectively with effect from April 1, 2013. It is a breach of trust,” Sharma said. Pointing out that the Chamber had called off its strike against the alleged government “inaction” in Kishtwar only after the “expressed assurance” of the Chief Minister and his team of ministers involved in the dialogue, Sharma reiterated that the traders must be paid the full compensation for the loss they suffered. “We reiterate that actual loss suffered by the victims must be paid to them. We appeal to the government to make sure that all the victims of Kishtwar tragedy are rehabilitated in a way that they harbour no ill will or grudge against the authorities,” Sharma said. Sharma also rejected the allegations that the chamber had signed the agreement with the government under political influence. “If the allegations prove correct I will quit from my post,” he said. |
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Another truce violation by Pakistan in Poonch
Jammu/Poonch, September 18 The incident triggered a heavy exchange of firing between the two
neighbouring countries which lasted for over four hours, he said. The source added that the heavy exchange of fire spread up to the Durga Battalion area. The Army, however, denied any fresh firing in the Saujiyan sector. It was the 19th ceasefire violation by the Pakistani troops in this month so far. A BSF jawan and a villager were injured in the Pakistani firing yesterday along the LoC in the Mendhar and Balakote sub-sectors. The Pakistani army had opened automatic fire, including RPGs, mortars and heavy machine gun, on three Indian forward posts yesterday. Interestingly, on September 13, Union External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Pakistan Prime Minister’s adviser on foreign affairs and national security Sartaj Aziz, who met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, had agreed to respect the LoC ceasefire agreement. Meanwhile, a landmine was recovered near the international border in the Hiranagar tehsil of Samba district last evening. The mine was recovered from the fields of Prem Chand, who witnessed it and immediately informed the Border Security Force jawans posted along the fence, an official said. The mine was later defused, he added. 131 ceasefire violations
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State Cong leaders talk development with Rahul
Jammu, September 18 They presented a memorandum to him and said after the elimination of the Congress from the Kashmir valley, the Jammu region had remained a stronghold of the party despite not getting its due. Saroori said due to the recent earthquakes, nearly 90 per cent of the houses in the erstwhile Doda district had been damaged. He demanded Rs 4 lakh for each of the completely damaged houses and Rs 2 lakh for partially damaged houses. Saroori advocated the construction of the Singpura-Vailoo tunnel and added that the pre-feasibility reports stood submitted to the Union Minister for Roads and Surface Transport by the Director General, Border Roads Organisation, Chandigarh. With the construction of the tunnel, Doda and Kishtwar districts will be connected with Kashmir almost throughout the year, besides development of airports at Poonch, Rajouri and Kishtwar districts. He also stressed incorporating the provisions of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments to J&K and holding of block development council elections, district planning and development boards and urban local bodies to strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state, besides improvise the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme. The delegation in its memorandum put forth various demands, including early commencement of work on the Jammu-Kalakote-Poonch railway project and taking up the Gool-Bhaderwah-Kishtwar-Srinagar rail link. The other demands included organising party conventions at the district, provincial and state level for ensuring greater coordination among party workers and making available at the grass-roots level publicity material on historic initiatives taken by the UPA such as passing of the Food Security and Land Compensation Bills. |
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Curfew likely to be lifted in Shopian
Anantnag, September 18 Police and CRPF personnel in large numbers manned the deserted streets and barricades were erected on the main entry and exit points of the town, restricting movement. Locals said the government wanted to overshadow the civilian killings. “The killing of innocent youth cannot be buried under restrictions. Neither can they break our resolve to fight for justice,” said a youth while talking to The Tribune over phone. The continuous restrictions have caused an acute shortage of essentials, including medicines and baby food, the locals said. “We have exhausted our supplies almost a week back,” a local said, adding, “The administration is doing nothing to ensure the supply.” They said the people from some neighbouring villages had shown a sense of community welfare and supplied them with some essentials after the restrictions were eased in the evening today. The locals say it is high time that they be allowed to pick and pack apples from their orchards. “If we are not allowed to move out soon, our apples will rot and we are going to incur heavy losses,” a resident of Shopian town said. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shopian, Bashir Ahmad Bhat said today the restrictions were lifted early after an improvement in the situation. “We will review the situation in the evening and it’s likely that the curfew will not be imposed tomorrow.”
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Guv apprised of demands of physically challenged
Srinagar, September 18 The demands included provision of land for the construction of the office of the association, providing a specially designed vehicle to the association which is suitable for meeting the requirements of the physically challenged, enhancement of monthly pension, free education to the children of physically challenged persons and establishment of an advisory board for the physically challenged in the state. The other demands presented by the 11-member delegation led by president Abdul Rashid Bhat, included bringing the physically challenged under the ambit of the Centre-sponsored Antyodaya Anna Yojana and setting up a separate directorate for the disability affairs in Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesman said in a statement here. Interacting with the delegates, the Governor observed that he would address the Chief Minister with regard to the establishment of an advisory board for the physically challenged in the state as well as about the other issues raised by them, the statement said. The delegation comprised Aashiq Hussain Khan, Abdul Majeed Baba, Mohammad Altaf Bhat, Mohammad Iqbal Naikoo, Javid Ahmad Tak, Mohammad Amin Sofi, Ghulam Hassan Pandit, Abdul Hamid Bhat, Hafeez Ullah Wani and Irshad Ahmad Geelani, besides Abdul Rashid Bhat.
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Gunshots trigger panic in Hyderpora
Srinagar, September 18 The security men fired some aerial shots and it created panic in the area, the source said. The firing continued for a few minutes and people were seen rushing to safer places, as they felt that it was a militant attack on a security patrol. “People thought it was a militant attack and there was a lot of confusion,” said a police officer. However, some people said an Army vehicle that was passing through the area was fired upon in Hyderpora locality. On June 24, a day ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the Valley, eight Army jawans were killed and 16 others injured in a militant attack in the Hyderpora area.
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Guv stresses expanding NCC activities in J&K
Srinagar, September 18 The Governor stressed the need for expanding the NCC activities in the state to enrol a large number of boys and girls, particularly from the remote and far-flung areas of the Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh regions, to instill confidence and discipline in them and prepare them for varied career opportunities in the future. In this context, Major General Verma briefed the Governor about the to-date status of the proposal to add one more Naval Wing and start an Air Wing to the existing NCC set-up in the state. With these additions, the NCC strength in the state would go to approximately 27,500, from the existing nearly 24,000 cadets. Brig NK Khajuria, Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters, Srinagar, was present at the meeting.
— TNS
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Jammu, September 18
A delegation headed by Congress leader and Inderwal MLA GM Saroori today met party vice-president Rahul Gandhi at New Delhi.
Ashok Sharma, former legislator, Vinod Sharma, general secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee
(JKPCC), Darshan Raina, president District Congress Committee, Jammu, and Narinder Sharma, secretary, JKPCC were present at the meeting. The delegation apprised Rahul of the party affairs in the state. The leaders also conveyed the difficulties being faced by them and various issues pertaining to the Jammu region.
