Srinagar, July 5: Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday felicitated the pilgrims descending on the sacred pilgrimage of Haj from Kashmir and urged them to hold special prayers for the Muslim Ummah in general and for the peace, development and prosperity in Kashmir in particular.

He impressed upon all the Haj pilgrims, who are embarking on the pious journey in the weeks ahead, to remember Kashmiri people who have faced immense issues and problems since past many decades and to seek Allah’s mercy on them and end to their miseries and pain in Harmain Shareefain and Madina-e-Toiba.

Addressing the Friday gathering at the historic Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz, according to a statement issued, shed light on the philosophy of Haj.

“Haj is the fifth pillar in Islam which is obligatory for every Muslim who can afford the cost of journey. The pilgrimage should purely be for the supplication and seeking Almighty Allah’s blessings and whosoever performs Haj the way of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the sins of those people will be washed away they would become clean similar to the new born child,” he said.

Mirwaiz said that Haj also recalls the great contribution and sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Prophet Ismail (AS) which was made obligatory in 9th Hijri of Islamic calendar and was followed as the obligation by Muslims across the world after the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) performed the Haj along with more than 15,000 companions.

Mirwaiz urged Hajis to remain cautious while performing the holy journey, especially Tawaaf of holy Ka’abah and other obligatory prayers and to ensure their Haj is done in the same way as taught by the great and revered Prophet (SAW).

Mirwaiz prayed to Almighty Allah to provide a chance to every Muslim to perform Haj in his/her life at least once a year as that will help them to see the Allah’s house holy Ka’aba and also the resting place of our beloved Prophet (SAW) in Madina-e-Toiba. (GNS)

SRINAGAR, JULY05: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved notification of the “Road Accident Victims Fund” along with scheme for realization and disbursal of amount.

The objective of the fund is to provide immediate succor to the dependents/ kith and kins/ legal heirs of the persons killed/ injured in road accidents of passenger cum private vehicles including the vehicles owned by Government/Corporation/Public Sector Undertaking, etc.

Over the years, the volume of vehicles has increased considerably and coupled with other factors like road condition, hilly and difficult terrain, rate of accidents have also increased. Given the average deaths in a calendar year on account of road accidents and injuries to others, it has become essential to provide immediate relief to the victims of road accidents especially in cases of seriously injured person who for want of money cannot afford immediate medical treatment.

The proposal for revival of Passenger Welfare Fund with the Connotation of “Road Accident Victims Fund” shall apart from considerable improvement in its operation and discharge of public services towards welfare of road accident victims, meet the emergent needs of the persons injured in such accidents.

The relief shall be applicable to the victims of road accidents arising out of all types of vehicles including private and public vehicles owned by government/corporation/public sector undertakings including hit and run cases. In addition, it will be applicable to road users/pedestrians.

A District Level Committee has been proposed for expeditious release of compensation to the victims.

Police in a statement today said that On a credible input, a cordon & search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces in Batpora-Narwani area of Imam Sahib in District Shopian.

During the search operation, the hiding militants fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter.

In the ensuing encounter, 01 militant was killed and the body was retrieved from the site of encounter. The identity and affiliation of the killed militant is being ascertained.

Incriminating material including arms & ammunition was recovered from the site of encounter.

Citizens are requested not to venture inside the encounter zone since such an area can prove dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials if any.

Srinagar, July 5: Goverment forces on Friday morning busted a militant hideout amid amid an operation in which one militant killed in an orchards at Narwani area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

Reports reaching said that the joint team of Army and SOG busted a hideout and recovered utensils beside gas cylinder amid the operation.

Earlier, one militant was killed and his body was also recovered from the site of the encounter.

As per the sources the slain militant has been identified as Sameer Ahmad Seh resident of Sugan, Shopian. Earlier he was affiliated with Al Badr later on had joined Hizb.

Meanwhile clashes erupted in the area in which one youth namely Shakeel ur Rehman got pellet injury in his right eye.

Rehman was taken to nearby hospital where from he was referred to SMHS Srinagar for specialised treatment.

Besides, three more persons suffered minor injures after forces used tear smoke shells and pellets to disperse the protesters near the encounter site.(GNS)

Police launches investigations

Srinagar, July 5 : A body of 25-year old youth was found inside a water tank at Achabal area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday.

Reports reaching said that some locals spotted the body inside water tank (water reservoir) constructed by PHE department in forest area of Achabal and immediately informed police about it.

A police team reached the site and recovered the body.

Confirming it, a police officer identified the deceased as Majid Nissar Shah (25) son of Nissar Ahmad Shah of Achabal.

He said that the deceased according to reports was mentally unsound.

A case under 174 CrPc has been initiated and further investigations taken up to ascertain the actual cause of death. (GNS)

Mughal Pora residents protest against constructions on agricultural land

Srinagar, July 04 : Scores of locals on Thursday protested against the ongoing ‘illegal’ constructions on agricultural land along the Mughalpora road in Kupwara district.

Reports reaching said constructions are going on agricultural land while authorities are showing no concern.

“As per the Supreme Court and high court orders no construction shall be done on agricultural land and the court orders are being violated brazenly” a local told.

“These constructions have put the future of our children at stake. We have limited resources and these constructions bound to hamper our yield,” he said, adding, “We have over the years cultivated paddy and now some influential people carrying out constructions and want to snatch our livelihood.”

Appealing the Governor-led administration to intervene into the issue he said: “We appeal honorable Governor to dismantle the illegal constructions while restoring agricultural land.”

Another local said, “If these constructions continue wherefrom our children will cultivate the paddy. We fear for their future. We demand the government to dismantle the constructions so that our next generations receive benefit from the land.”

Another agitated local said that the majority of the people are against the constructions while few influential people manage to get permission.

Urging Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to visit the spot, the people said they will extend all support to the authorities.

The locals also alleged the revenue officials are hand in glove with the constructors.

When contacted, Tehsildar concerned that soon after getting the reports directions have been issued to dismantle the constructions. “No illegal construction will be allowed,” he added.  (GNS)