Srinagar: Former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that the decision to restrict the civilian movement on highway on every Wednesday and Sunday is disagreeable.

She said that Jammu and Kashmir is of its people and nobody has a right to restrict their movement anyway and banning the movement of civilian twice a week was none of their business to decide when the people can move on highway and when not.

Mehbooba said it was the right of people to decide anything about their movement.

She however refused to utter anything over the statements made by NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah, saying “he (Dr. Farooq is an elderly person and everybody knows he changes his statements from morning to evening.”

PDP president and candidate for South Kashmir’s Lok Sabha constituency further reacted to the statements over the collapsing of PDP-BJP coalition government, saying that BJP leaders are making different statements over the falling of government but the fact is that she was insisting them to implement agenda of alliance.

“I was insisting them (BJP) not to revoke 370, revoke AFSPA and continuation of ceasefire that created conflict between us (PDP-BJP). PDP was also demanding dropping of two ministers over Rassana case and the step we took regarding dropping the cases against 12000 youth due to which the coalition government collapsed,” she said. (KNS)

Srinagar, Apr 06 : Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik today asked the mainstream leaders to behave like leaders and not erase the line that makes you different from separatists.

Addressing reporters here at Tulip Gardern Srinagar Governor said the mainstream leadership is very important to them and nothing will work in Kashmir without them. “But they should not talk like separatists,” he said.

About the highway ban Governor said they will reconsider the decision and no such step will be taken that will create hardships for the people of Kashmir. He said that the elections will be conducted in a much better way and all the parties who need security for their candidates should reach to the Governor’s office.

“I have spoken to both the leaders and have asked them to send the list of their candidates who need security,” he said.

Governor appealed tourists to visit Kashmir, saying that Kashmir is very safe to visit and is the world’s most beautiful place. “Kashmir is, was and will always remain a safe place for tourists. There can be danger for people like us, but the place has always been safe for tourists,” Governor added. (KNS) 

Srinagar, April 6: Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani has strongly condemned the “economic crackdown” on media particularly some household newspapers and said that for the past so many decades every individual and institution here is paying a heavy price for the “historical blunders of its myopic and self-centered political stalwarts”.

In a statement issued, Geelani said the psyche of every individual here has been eroded; the essence of every institution and even our identity and existence is threatened.

“Throttling and curbing the media houses is part of the vast game plan by the fascist forces, using the mask of so-called democracy to destroy every fabric of it,” he said. “Those thumbing chest to uphold the fourth pillar of democracy are themselves the architects of the undemocratic assault on media.”

Like every institution, media people too have a strenuous and suffocating environment to carry out their professional duties and they too had to face a double-edged sword from the last so many decades.

He said although front pages and lead news is usually reserved for authorities, still, the sentiments of people managed to get some space.

“How pathetic is that after every unrealistic, undemocratic and unethical assault on the basic and fundamental human rights, our highest bureaucracy is there to bail them out, by their explanations,” he said.

Geelani accused Delhi of using its executive and constitutional might to disintegrate every institution of J&K including “our industries, agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare or politics, just to force us to beg them for help”.

Srinagar, April 6:  Kashmiri religious scholars from all Islamic schools of thought and imams, khateebs of Masajids across the valley have expressed serious anguish, concern and deep regret over the continuous “harassment” of Valley’s deeply respected Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema patron Mirwaiz Umar Farooq by the NIA through repeated notices being sent to him, a statement issued by MMU  said.

According to the statement, the scholars include Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, president Jamiat-e-Ahli-Hadith Professor Ghulam Muhammad Bhat Al-Madani, Anjuman-e-Share-Shian president Aga Syed Al Mousivi Al-Safavi,  Karwan-e-Islami International patron Moulana Ghulam Rasool Hami, Itihadul-Muslimeen  patron Moulana Abbas Ansari, head of Darul Uloom Rahimiya Bandipora Moulana Rehmatullah Mir, president of Anjuman-e-Tableegul Islam Moulana Syed Fareedudin  Bukhari, patron of Anjuman-e-Himayatul Islam Showkat Hussain Keng and president Moulana Khursheed Ahmed Qanoongo, Jamiat-e-Hamdaniya patron Moulana Reyaz Ahmed Hamadani, Mufti Abdul Rashid of Darul Uloom Bilaliya, Moulana Ahmed Sayed of Darul  Uloom Qasmia, Molana Bashir Qasmi of Darul Uloom Sopore, Patron Jamiat-e-Ulema Moulana Muhammad Tehseen Qasmi,  representatives of Jamaat-e-Islami, Anjuman-e-Auqaf Jamia Masjid Khateeb Moulana Syed Ahmed Naqashbandi, Muslim Personal Law Board, patron Darul Iftaa wa Qaza Shariat-e-Islami Bijbehara Mufti Ziyaul Haq Nazimi, Khateeb and Imam of Dastgeer Sahab (RA) Moulana Nazir Ahmed Qadiri, Anjuman-e-Ulema-e-Ahnaf president Moulana Asgar Hussain , General Secretary of Mohsin-e-Alam International Bashir Ahmed Kanth,  Sheik ul Hadees Mufti Muzzafar Hussain Sopore, Ghulam Rasool Samoon of Anjuman-e-Nusratul Islam and others.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who represents the three-hundred-year-old institute of the Mirwaizeen – a highly respected and revered institute by the people with which they have a deep religious emotional attachment – was being subjected to such harassment which pains us all, the statement said.

“Efforts to intimidate the Mirwaiz and associate him with some matter that he remotely has no concern with only adds fuel to the already deteriorating situation in the valley,” the statement said adding that Mirwaiz is the social, religious and spiritual leader of Kashmiri people, and associating him with such activities to defame his personal character is highly deplorable.

The people of Kashmir are indebted to the Mirwaiz family as Mirwaizeen have tirelessly worked for the education, social and religious upliftment of the people of Valley since past many decades, it said.

“Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been taking forward the great and sacred mission of his ancestors and issuing notices to him, again and again, is unacceptable. Despite Mirwaiz repeatedly saying that he was willing to cooperate in Srinagar yet he is, again and again, being called to New Delhi to pressurize him,” the scholars said and asked authorities to “immediately stop the harassment and intimidation of the Mirwaiz as people and Ulema are deeply disturbed by it”.

The statement also termed the frequent sealing of historic Jamia Masjid on Fridays as unacceptable interference in religious affairs of Muslims of the valley and a move that calls for strongest condemnation.

Jamia Masjid is the epicenter of the religious and cultural moorings of the people of the valley which is being frequently closed down for worshipers preventing them from exercising their religious rights, the statement said.

The pulpit of Jamia Masjid has preached the message of Islam as the religion of peace and has always reflected the truth about the condition of people, MMU said. “Sadly, repressive measures are being taken to silence this sacred pulpit promoting the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in its true and pristine form,” they said. 

Kupwara, April 6 : District president EJAC and two teachers were suspended on Saturday after they were found participating in political rallies by Peoples Conference (PC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) separately in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Two government employees – Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Fayaz Mir (EJAC district president Kupwara), a lecturer at Higher Secondary School Hatmullah and Zaheer Ahmad Mirchal, a teacher at Government Higher Secondary School Nawagabra Karnah – were spotted in political rallies at two different places in Karnah held by PDP contesting candidate Abdul Qayoom Wani.

The MCC teams confirm the participation of the teachers in political gatherings in violation of model code of conduct, said an order issued by the District Election Officer Kupwara.

The order reads: “The violation of model code of conduct by any government employee is a matter of serious concern as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and deserves punitive action within the purview of guidelines laid down in this regard.

“Ghulam Mohammad Mir, lecturer Higher Secondary School Hatmullah Kupwara and Zaheer Ahmad Mirchal, teacher Government Higher Secondary School Nawagabra Karnah are hereby placed under suspension, the order reads.

“Ghulam Mohammad Mir is attached to the Office of the Deputy District Election Officer Kupwara and Zaheer Ahmad Mirchal is attached with the Office of the Sub Divisional Magistrate Tangdar, Karnah with immediate effect.

“Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara shall conduct an enquiry into the matter of MCC violation committed by Ghulam Mohammad Mir and sub divisional magistrate Tangdar Karnah shall conduct enquiry into the matter of MCC violation committed by Zaheer Ahmad Mirchal. Both the officers will furnish their report within 15 days.”

In another similar order issued by the District Election Officer Kupwara, Ali Gowhar Khan, Master Government High School Gundishart, Karnah was suspended after he was spotted by the video surveillance team participating in a gathering organized by Raja Aijaz Ali Khan, a contesting candidate from Peoples Conference for the Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

The reports from MCC teams confirmed the participation of the accused official in the political gathering in violation of model conduct, the order reads.

After examining the video clip and the photograph furnished by video surveillance team, Tehsildar Karnah confirmed the participation of the accused employee in the said political gathering.

Keeping in view the reports pending enquiry Ali Gowhar Khan, Master Government High school Gundshart Karnah is hereby placed under suspension and attached to office of the Deputy District Election Kupwara, the order further said, a copy of which lies with GNS.

Sub-divisional Magistrate Tangdar Karnah shall conduct the enquiry into the matter and submit his report within 15 days, the order added. (GNS)

Srinagar, Apr 06 : Governor Satya Pal Malik was briefed on the security situation in Kashmir Valley, post Pulwama, at a high level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar today.

After reviewing the prevailing security situation and arising challenges, Governor stressed the crucial importance of maintaining a sustained close watch on the ground situation. He emphasised on the need to maintain and improve synergy between the security forces and the civil administration and uncompromising adherence to procedures which ensure against collateral damages while delivering effective counter-militancy responses.

Governor especially stressed the need of a heightened vigil along the IB and LoC, providing adequate security to all protected persons and all important establishments and installations.

Governor observed that the common people should not be put to inconvenience on account of curbs imposed during the movement of security convoys and suitable framework be put in place so that there is no unnecessary restrictions on the travel of civilians especially in emergencies.

Governor underlined the importance of sustained efforts to bring peace and harmony in the society for the overall benefit of people.

The meeting was attended by K Vijay Kumar, Advisor to Governor; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary Home; Lt. Gen. KJS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps and Sh. Baseer Khan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

Chadoora, Apr 06 : Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday asserted that PM Modi’s rant of collective development ‘Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikass’ had no place for Kashmiris saying that BJP’s ‘Vikas Mantra’ stands truly exposed before the people whose miseries know no limits since BJP took the reins of power in Center.

Party President while addressing an election campaign rally at Bugam Chadoora said, “The much touted development agenda of PM Modi was exclusive and had nothing to offer towards the socio-economic emancipation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Today people are asking questions from BJP as to why they failed to deliver on the promises made during the election campaign of 2014. Today we see how reluctant PM Modi is to talk about his achievements. Nonetheless if anyone humbly raises a question on the attainments of PM Modi, they are out rightly tainted as anti national.”

Dr. Farooq said that the Constitution of India confers upon its citizenry basic rights. “However since the BJP took the reins of power, our basic rights have faced innumerable assaults. Unfortunately RSS-BJP do not visualize an idea of India where in all the people have equal opportunities; where in every one lives with dignity holding ones head high and chin-up.”

Party President said that PM Modi is not willing to give due respect to all communities of India and that his idea of development sans advancement of minorities and other downtrodden people. “Modi’s and Amit Shah’s idea of India is for only the adherents of one particular faith. However let me tell them India belongs to all, be it a Hindu, a Muslim or any one. The nation presents a beautiful mosaic of colors; the need of the hour is to protect the pluralistic visage of India.”

“Had Modi’s idea of development been for all, he would not have shut his eyes on the targeted attacks on our traders, students, and other people putting up across the country following the Pulwama tragedy,” he said.

Dr. Farooq said that PM Modi has miserably failed to deliver on the promises he made while canvassing for 2014 elections. “Modi Ji, we ask you; where are the 2 crore jobs? Where is the black money? What good where you able to achieve with demonetization, other than putting the countrymen to unnecessary duress,” adding, “PM Modi’s imprudent policies have aggravated every single person in the country.”

Dr. Farooq said that our fight with the union of India is in on the quantum of autonomy. “PM Narsimha Rao had attested to our demands of restoring Autonomy to the state in his televised address at Burkina Faso. My father in the run up for Beigh-Parthasarthy Accord had written a letter to Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi impressing upon her that the relation of J&K with the union should be institutionalized on fundamentals of Delhi Agreement. We aren’t asking anything new, PM Rao had unambiguously said that when it comes to granting Autonomy to J&K, sky is the limit.”

Party president while vouching for India-Pakistan friendship said, “India’s development is compliant to a stable and developed Pakistan. Late Vajpayee also thought on these lines, it’s not I who is saying this, Vajpayee also underscored of having affable relations with our neighbor. However PM Modi isn’t thinking on these lines. War in today’s world brings with it plethora of miseries. Both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers; any misadventure in the shape of war will have far-reaching consequences on the people of the two neighboring nations. I hope that the new political dispensation in centre will work towards bringing rapprochement with our neighboring country for the greater good of the people living in the sub-continent. We in our state will benefit the most from the friendship of India and Pakistan.”

Party president asked the people to vote notwithstanding the poll boycott call. “Today we are facing onslaught on our identity, so we should make it a point that right people are send to parliament. National Conference is the only party which unquestionably represents the aspirations of the people of the state. We should know what we are voting for. On one side there is hate, violence, vandalism and on the other there is tolerance, secularism and a progressive idea of nation state.”

Among others party general secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, senior leader Abdul Rahim Rather, party’s chief spokesperson Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi; Ali Muhammad Dar also addressed the gathering. Political advisor to President Mushtaq Guroo, Abdul Ahad Dar were also present on the occasion.