Anantnag, September 26
Clashes broke out, amid a complete shutdown for the fifth day, in some parts of Shopian town here in south Kashmir region today.

Incidents of violence were reported from outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in the town.

The police fired tear-smoke shells and resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protesters. However, the clashes continued for more than two hours. Some locals said tear-smoke shells landed at their house. "We could not even venture out to our lawns in the fear getting hit by a tear-smoke shell. Besides, these shells suffocated us," said a local resident.

All shops, commercial establishments, colleges, schools and offices remained closed and public transport remained off the roads. Police and CRPF personnel, wearing full riot gear and carrying automated weapons, were deployed all over the town.

People in Shopian have been observing a complete shutdown since Sunday, demanding removal of the CRPF in Gagren, after a 15-day-long curfew was relaxed.

The curfew was imposed in the town after CRPF personnel of the 14th Battalion, housed at the Gagren camp in Shopian, opened fire and killed four people on September 7.

While three of the slain persons were identified as civilians by the police, one of them, the police suspected, was a Lashkar operative.

Following the shootout, one more civilian was allegedly killed by CRPF personnel of the same camp in the same area on September 11.

A decision to replace the CRPF personnel with the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police (JKAP) was taken by the state cabinet on September 12.

Calling the decision of replacement of the CRPF by the police a mere "eyewash", locals said they woul not settle with anything less than a complete removal of the camp.

The traders' federation of the town has decided to suspend all work till their demands are met by the government.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz, South Kashmir, Qazi Ahmad Yasir was detained at Pulwama while he was on the way to Shopian with relief material to be distributed among people.

Srinagar, September 26
Women of Kashmir are increasingly turning to Pakistani designer wear suits due to which textile imports from Pakistan have gone up.

The trend among women, specially of Srinagar, is more conspicuous during festivals such as Eid. These clothes caught the fancy of people during an exhibition in the city last year where works of Pakistan's prominent designer labels such as Junaid Jamshed, Bareeze, Chinyere, Working Woman, Kayseria, Leisure Club, Shahnameh and Urban Culture were exhibited.

"The sales have not dipped since then. In fact, the demand for Pakistani suits is increasing. Earlier, we had such clothes for adults only, but now even children seem to be fond of them," said Mir Imran, the owner of a popular designer wear boutique at Jawahir Nagar in Srinagar.

He said many shopkeepers and textile businessmen in city were in direct touch with Peshawar and Lahore-based designer wear boutiques so that the textile consignments could be speedily brought to the Valley without any hiccups.

"There are usually no intermediaries involved. After we saw the overwhelming response to the Pakistani designer wear collection during various exhibitions last year, we got in touch with designers there and these clothes are imported smoothly," Imran said.

Youth from other professions are also venturing into this business, considering the profits drawn from it.

"Each suit costs Rs 1,000-Rs 10,000 depending on the make, quality of cloth used, fabric, embroidery and import costs. The prices are definitely higher than those of regular suits, but that is due to costs incurred due to transportation. Keeping in view the import costs, we are thinking of establishing our own manufacturing units and employing top-notch tailors and fabric dealers," Humaira Khan, a fashion designer based in Sanat Nagar, uptown Srinagar, said.

For women, Pakistani suits have helped in breaking away from the routine suits. Even men are opting for Pathani suits.

"Women in Kashmir generally prefer wearing salwar suits. For quite some time now, there hasn't been much change in the designs and make of suits in the Valley. The Pakistani suits look exquisite and blends with the culture of the Valley," said Syed Rifat, a lecturer at Women's College.

Srinagar, September 26
Stressing upon the strong role of the writer fraternity of the Gujjar community in the overall development of tribal and nomadic society, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forest and Environment, said the government would provide every possible support for promotion of Gojri language, including its inclusion in the 8th schedule of the Constitution of India.

The minister was addressing a galaxy of writers, intellectuals, poets and artistes at the inaugural ceremony of a two-day state-level Gojri conference organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at the main auditorium of Institute of Hotel Management, Rajbagh, Srinagar here today.

Prominent Gojri writer Chowdary Iqbal Azeem, Secretary Academy Khalid Bashir Ahmad, Kashmiri writer Ghulam Nabi Khayal and Chief Editor Gojri Javaid Rahi were also present at the occasion.

Five latest publications of Gojri section were also released by the minister, which included Gojri translation of Masnavi Moulana Roomi (4th volume), translation of Tareekh-e Ibn Khaldoon (volume 2 & 3), Qadaaver (Israeil Asr Number), The Gujjars (volume 1 & 2). A Gojri book entitled “Khaechal”, written by Gojri writer Naseem Ponchi, was also released while noted Gojri writer Ghulam Rasool Badana read reviews on the books at the conference.

Mian Altaf said the state government was committed to pursue the inclusion of Gojri in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

“The government will take up with Jammu University the matter of opening of a Gojri research centre at the university,” Altaf said. He added that he had taken up the matter with the Education Department.

He also said the government would provide all help to the Academy for promotion of Gojri language and culture in a big way.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, Secretary Academy Khalid Bashir Ahmad said Gojri section was running a vast publication programme and organising literary and cultural programmes in every nook and corner of the state. He said the Academy had organised Kashmiri, Dogri, Punjabi and Pahari conferences and this two-day Gojri conference was another achievement as the institution was providing a rare opportunity to the tribal and nomadic writers, poets and artistes to interact with each other.

Javaid Rahi, while giving details about the publication programme of Gojri, stated that the section had edited 74 books in last three years, containing around 23,000 pages, which is a record in itself. He impressed upon the writer fraternity of the language to come together and develop the tribal language with rich insight and valuable contents.

Iqbal Azeem, in his theme paper presented in the inaugural session, elaborated the process of development of Gojri language in the past few centuries. He urged the participants of the conference to explore new possibilities for development of the language and its literature. The inaugural session was conducted by Mansha Khaki.

Prominent Gojri singer Bashir Ahmad Mastana and Ayaz Saif performed folk solo items which enthralled the audience.

The inaugural session was followed by paper reading sessions.

In the evening, a state-level Gojri mushaira was also held, which was presided over by Naseem Ponchi Fazal Hussain Mushtaq. Prominent Gojri poets from across the state read their kalaam. The mushaira was conducted by Shahnawaz Khatana.

Srinagar, September 26
Speaker of State Legislative Assembly Mubarak Gul has said he would try to raise the maximum issues of public interest and each political party would be given due time to raise their issues during the Assembly session that begins here on Monday.

He was addressing a meeting of the press advisory committee (PAC) in the Legislature Complex here today. Threadbare discussion was held on providing accommodation to Jammu-based print and electronic mediapersons, issuance of entry passes, seating arrangements in press gallery, parking of vehicles and canteen facilities for mediapersons, among other things.

The brief session has seven working days, for which 226 starred questions and 218 un-starred questions have been received, in addition to seven Private Members Bills, 33 Private Members Resolutions, seven pending Bills for introduction, two Government Bills for passing and one for further discussion.

Gul called for a transparent, impartial and honest reporting of the proceedings of the session and sought cooperation from the print and electronic media in highlighting the issues of public interest raised by the legislators in the House.

Responding to the demand of canteen facilities, Gul said the Jammu and Kashmir Tourists Development Corporation (JKTDC) had already been directed to make necessary arrangements for canteen facilities for mediapersons during the course of the session.

While responding to the demands of accommodation facilities for Jammu-based mediapersons, the Speaker said rooms had been kept available at MLA Hostel, Srinagar and Circuit House in this regard.

The meeting was attended by Assembly Secretary M Ramzan, IGP Traffic Muneer Ahmad Khan, Director Information Zaffar Ahmad, Deputy Director, Doordarshan News, Srinagar, Shafiq Ahmed Qureshi, representatives from various media organisations and other senior officers of the police department and Assembly Secretariat. 

Srinagar, September 26
Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) president and Langate MLA Engineer Rasheed today urged the European Union (EU) to use its good offices and play a role in resolving the Kashmir issue.

Rasheed said this while interacting with the members of an EU delegation, currently on a visit to the state. Stating that the people of Kashmir had lots of expectation from the world community, he said the EU and other international organisations should fulfil their duty to bring India and Pakistan to the table for a meaningful, concrete and time-bound dialogue.

He submitted a memorandum to the delegation highlighting the human rights violations in the state and “lack of commitment and will on behalf of leaders to resolve the long-pending Kashmir dispute”.

“People of Kashmir, being the victim of the conflict and turmoil, have a deep desire to have peace. But peace without justice has always been a distinct dream in any part of the world. Though Kashmiris by nature are the most peace-loving people but at the same time, they do not have any reason to succumb and withdraw from their genuine political aspirations,” he added.

The head of the EU delegation, Joao Cravinho, as per the AIP spokesman, said they would “definitely look for ways and means as to how the EU can help in persuading India and Pakistan to settle the dispute within a stipulated time”.

Srinagar, September 26
The Directorate of Life Long Learning, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Humanity Welfare Organisation Helpline, organised a one-day counselling-cum-capacity building programme here today. The programme aimed at making people aware of the rights of the differently abled population of the Kashmir valley.

The programme was held at Zaiba Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education at Bijbehara town in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.

Director, Directorate of Life Long Learning, KU, G H Mir said the directorate was involved in multi-dimensional need-based vocational courses for all sections of the community. He said they would soon offer vocational and job-orientated courses for the differently abled population of the Valley.

“We as a society have a lot of responsibilities towards differently abled people of Kashmir. Our first priority should be to sensitise the society towards their rights and duties so that they are not forgotten,” he said.

He urged the stakeholders to come up with a proposal for starting exclusive courses for the differently abled educated youth of Kashmir.

“We provide a series of continuing education courses and training programmes to equip the talented with self-employment skills, to help them be the best entrepreneurs of the future,” Mir said.

During the programme, the participants were counselled about various trends and innovations in the disability sector. They were also given woollen sweaters and other gift items.

On the occasion, Javeed Ahmad Tak, chairman, Humanity Welfare Organisation Helpline, an NGO, said the status of differently abled people was dismal in the state. He said more and more productive work needed to be done to make their living better.

“We have identity crisis and the government does not seem to be bothered about our sufferings and rights,” Tak said.

“We have to strive hard for getting our rights. We at the same time need to sensitise the administration to bring our demands in focus,” he said.

Stating that the already battered lot needed to create their role models and aware people at the helm of affairs about their rights, Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, project officer, Directorate of Life Long Learning, KU, said “In order to make this lot productive, we have to be sensitive enough about their rights and duties. People like you can create major difference in the society. We have so many success stories of differently abled people, who have become inspiration for all of us. So you have to spot your inner talent and qualities to make a mark in the society”.

Among others who participated in the programme were senior faculty, Department of History, M Y Ganai and Assistant professor, Directorate of Distance Education, Dr Altaf Ahmad. 

Srinagar, September 26
The moderate Hurriyat faction, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, today welcomed the upcoming talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.

In a statement, the moderate Hurriyat spokesman said the development was a welcome step. The talks process between the two countries should continue, he added.

The spokesman hoped that the talks would pave way for the resolution of Kashmir and other issues between the two neighbouring countries. Singh and Sharif are scheduled to hold talks on September 29.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights cell of the moderate Hurriyat faction will soon issue a detailed report about the human rights violation in the state.

The spokesman said the head of the cell, Syed Salim Geelani and other leaders held a meeting with Mirwaiz to give a final shape to the report. 

Srinagar, September 26
Kendriya Vidyalya Number 2, Srinagar, celebrated its annual sports day today. Officers of the Indian Air Force, including B Balachandran, Captain AK Arora and Renuka, Administration and Education Officer, Air Force Schools, were present during the function.

The ceremony started with the welcome of the guest by Amit Walter, principal, KV Number 2. Students later showed their talent through various sports activities. The chief guest gave away the medals to the winners during prize distribution. The programme ended with singing of the National Anthem.

Kupwara, September 26
Five days after a leopard killed a minor boy in Pazipora village of Kupwara district, another minor boy lost his life in a similar incident in Munwan village, 13 km from Kupwara town.

Naveed Jahangir (7), of Pathan Mohalla, Munwan, was attacked by a leopard near his home last evening.

He was critically injured and succumbed to his wounds moments later.

The incident triggered protests against the wildlife department.

People alleged that the department had failed to save people from falling prey to attacks by wild animals.

"The department has failed to trap wild animals on prowl in villages. Had the department laid traps at different places such as orchards and fields, these animals would have been trapped and human lives could have been saved. However, the department wakes up only after a tragedy," said Mohd Shafi, a local resident.

On September 20, a leopard had killed a class V student, Umar Manzoor Dar, near his home in Pazipora village.

His mutilated body was found three days later, about 700 m from his home.

The wildlife department has declared the leopard a man-eater and deployed professional hunters to kill the animal.

"We are on the lookout for the animal and traps have been laid at a few places. We will kill the animal as soon as it is spotted," said a wildlife official.

"People should stay away from fruit orchards and vegetable fields, especially during the evening  hours. Animals often sneak into these places  in search of food and attack whosoever comes across," he said.

Srinagar, September 26
A teenaged boy allegedly attempted suicide in Anantnag district of south Kashmir today.

A police spokesman said Aaqib Ahmad Ganie (16), son of Manzoor Ahmad, resident of Utrasoo Najigund, consumed some poisonous substance at his residence.

The boy was shifted to District Hospital, Anantnag, from where he was referred to SMHS hospital, Srinagar, for further treatment. A case has been registered in this regard, the spokesman said.

Srinagar, September 26
Seven persons were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir valley today.

A motorcycle hit a pedestrian near Sub-District Hospital, Bijbehara, in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. Both the pedestrian and the motorcyclist were injured in the accident. The injured have been shifted to a hospital for treatment.

In another incident, a motorcycle hit and injured a pedestrian at Kandi in Kupwara district. The motorcyclist and a pillion were also injured in the accident. All the injured were shifted to Sub-District Hospital, Karnah, for treatment.

An auto-rickshaw hit and injured two pedestrians near the Abdullah Bridge here. Both the injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment. The driver fled from the scene along with the auto-rickshaw.

Seperate cases have been registered in all the above cases.

Kupwara, September 26
A 21-year-old youth has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor girl in his native Saduganga Kandi village, 14 km from Kupwara town.

The arrest was made after the girl's parents lodged a complaint. Sources said the medical report of the victim was awaited.

They said Jahangir Ahmad Najar had taken the five-year-old to his apple orchard on the pretext of giving her fruits.

Locals said the minor had raised an alarm, following which her parents and some other villagers rushed to the spot.

Jahangir was arrested from Natnoossa while he was trying to flee from the village, they said.

A case has been registered against Jahangir Ahmad Najar under Section 376 of the RPC. The incident triggered protests in Kandi, Natnussa and Sadhuganga villages.

People took to the streets and demanded a strict punishment for the accused.