PPP Observed 4th Death Anniversary of Benazir Bhutto

Pakistan Govt. Failed in exposing and punishing the Killers of BB.

Srinagar: PPP observed the fourth martyrdom anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto here today. In this connection a Joint meeting of Bhutto Memorial Trust (BMT) and People’s Political Party (PPP) was held to commemorate Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto’s 4th death anniversary at party headquarters, Rajbagh, Srinagar, Kashmir. The meeting was presided over by Engineer Hilal Ahmad War, Chairman PPP. The PPP and BMT leaders paid rich tribute to the great leader in recognition of her life-long struggle for the stability, integrity and democracy of Pakistan.

Mr. War reiterated its stand that ‘Benazir Bhutto was killed at the behest of American CIA’. He further said that she and her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto vehemently opposed American Policy of making Pakistan a satellite State for its future plans. First America engineered the killing of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and then its Intelligence Agency, CIA killed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto was part of the ploy to create instability in Pakistan in order to the takeover the control of Nuclear Weapons of Pakistan by United States, said War.

Mr.War said in his speech, “PPP Government of Pakistan miserably failed to expose and punish the killers of Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto and it appears that due to vested interest and non concern for the integrity and stability of Pakistan, some prominent members of the present PPP Government are adamant to sell off Bhutto’s of their ‘dignity and honour’ that they earned globally for their struggle to make Pakistan a stronger and “Greater Pakistan”. He further said, “Buzz is that fake Bhutto’s are thriving and acquiring benefits on the glorious sacrifices of Shaheed Z.A. Bhutto and his family”.  

The speakers emphasised that the concept of Greater Pakistan floated by Shaheed Z.A. Bhutto and his Kashmir Policy for realisation of right of self-determination for struggling people of Jammu and Kashmir were and are the source of inspiration for the political and armed activists of Kashmir Liberation Movement. The participants of the meeting urged the Government of Pakistan to formulate a Kashmir Policy in accordance with the letter and spirit of Bhutto's Kashmir Policy.

The participants of the Trust unanimously appealed to the people of Pakistan that they should rise above regional, racial and ethnic prejudices and considerations and unite together in the direction of national and emotional integration because such a course could only save Pakistan from external conspiracies aimed at disintegrating the country once again like December 1971.

After conclusion of speeches delivered by various participants’ special prayers (Fatah Khawani) were offered for the eternal peace and comfort of the souls of Shaheed Z.A.Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. (KMW News)

Kashmir unfinished Agenda of Qaid-e-Azam: War

PPP Celebrates 136th birth anniversary of Quaid -E-Azam 

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Political Party (JKPPP), Chairman, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War today while chairing high level meeting of PPP to Celebrate the136th birth anniversary of the  founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at PPP headquarters, Rajbag, Srinagar, Kashmir. He paid rich tributes to Quaid -E-Azam, the executive members elucidated Qaid-e-azam’s vision of a united Muslim world.

Mr.War stated that the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s dream was to see Kashmir in the bag of Pakistan as its 5th Province and the unresolved  Kashmir issue is his unfinished agenda. Qaid-e-Azam was a true symbol of democracy, rule of law and universal brotherhood. He  had rejected any change by bullet and always favoured the democratic mechanism .“ 

Qaid-e-Azam used to say that after Second World War, power has shifted from brawn to brain , therefore , to resolve any conflict whether internal or  international the leaders of the conflicting zone needs wisdom .  

 

“Let us on this day re-dedicate ourselves to the democratic ideals and principles of the Father of the Pakistan Nation as well as reiterate our resolve to defeat the forces that seek to undermine the nation’s founding principles.”The PPP Chief said the Quaid stood for constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights.

JKANC RTI Application Creates Ripples

SRINAGAR,KMW News:In a significant development, the RTI application moved by JKANC through its Provincial Secretary  Jammu Shri Narinder Dev Chuni seeking information regarding allotment of forest land, barren land, government land, uncultivated land and river embankments to former and sitting Ministers, MLA’s, MLC’s, Public Servants, NGO’s and Businessmen which was allotted to them since Khariff 1996, sought from revenue commissioner J&K Government, has created ripples in the Government machinery. This was stated by ANC Sr. Vice President Mr. Muzaffar Shah in a press statement issued in Srinagar today.

The revenue commissioner J&K Government acted swiftly and forwarded the RTI to Div. Comm. Jammu/Kashmir with directions to expedite the matter within the stipulated time. 

The RTI cells of the ANC have been activated at the Provincial level at Jammu and Srinagar who are monitoring and following all the RTI applications submitted before various authorities of the State Government. A former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court has offered his services to monitor and peruse these RTI’s and take them to their logical end.  If the authorities fail to provide the sought information within the stipulated time, the ANC RTI cells at Jammu and Srinagar will approach the J&K High Court and shall not desist to approach the Hon’ble Supreme Court if the need arises, he said.

Mr. Shah said that ANC is reaching out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Behum Khalida Shah to come up with a clean and efficient political alternative that the people of Jammu And Kashmir State are yearning for desperately. On the other hand ANC has unleashed a war against corruption by pursuing people’s sentiments to unmask the corrupt politician/bureaucrats nexus in the state.

 ANC has undertaken the task to unmask one and all who have indulged in wanton loot of the state exchequer and amassed huge wealth with corrupt means, rendering the entire state at the verge of bankruptcy and unprecedented corruption leaving a dark future to the 6 lakh unemployed youth in the state.

 These conditions always invite dissatisfaction and bloody a revolution. The party has undertaken to use RTI apparatus on a war footing and posed some serious matters before the Government to be answered.

ANC Protests Growing Corruption

JAMMU: Thousand of ANC workers led by their Senior Vice President Mr. Muzzafar Shah Shah  along  with the  top brass of ANC Jammu Province Senior leader  Mr Gulam .Qadir Wani, Provincial President  Sr.Gyan singh,  Distt President urban Vijay Mangotra, Distt President Rural Sant Ram Baghat , Distt President Kathu,  Bakhtawar Singh  , Distt President Samba  Madan lal,    Prov. President  Women wing Pushpa Dogra,Pushpa Sharma, Sunita Sharma,  Vice President Province Thakur  Randhir Singh, Prov. Seccy Kewal Sharma and Narinder Dev Chunni (Head POK Refugee Wing )were barred by the distt. Administration to take out a peaceful Protest  in Jammu , the winter capital of Jammu & Kashmir State. They were raising their voice against the growing menace of corruption , nepotism, redtapism , scandalization  and   misgovernance  in the state , demanding declaration of moveable and immovable  properties   in and  outside the state, of  all people in public life at the helm of the affairs now or  in the past .

The impressive ANC Protest march included  a large Contingent of its  Women Wing and  the Youth Wing , was stoped by Police  as soon as they Started  from Press Club Jammu on way  to the State Secretariat. In spite having informed distt. Adminstration in writing, the large police contingent pleaded before ANC Senior Vice President to call of the protest and didn’t allow the peaceful demonstration to proceed further .A ring of police personnel  ghearoed Muzzafar Shah, virtually putting him under arrest .  The Protest  march  was cheered  and   joined by people on the road  who joined  in support of the demands  made by ANC workers ,who were carrying party flags , banners, Placards  and  shouting  slogans  demanding  employment to six lac unemployed youth, end to human rights violations, good governance without bloodshed, end to  price rise of essential commodities and end to  the failed collation government in Jammu and Kashmir .

Speaking to the ANC Workers outside  the  Jammu Press Club , ANC Senior  Vice President Mr. Muzzafar Shah said that this highhandedness of the collation government in muzzling the voice of the people will by itself be responsible for its death .This cry and war against corruption will take the shape of a cyclone  and the corrupt will have to pay for their misdeeds in front of peoples court .we have started a decisive  War against corruption and  misgovernance  and the people of Jammu and Kashmir  were in search of an efficient , honest and  an experienced political alternative who would put an end to human rights violation and  gross missuse of political power  in the state . we will forcefully raise voice against  injustice meted out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and ensure that the war against corruption that has been launched by the party   is taken to its logical conclusion . Time has come for all politicians and political leaders to come clean before the people and   to begin with, they will have to make details of their moveable and immoveable properties public. ANC is effectively using the J&K RTI act for this purpose, which is being monitored by the ANC Legal Cells in both Provinces of J&K Divisions with a hook up to its Legal Cell in the Supreme Court. More than 2 dozen applications under this Act have been put up by ANC till date, pertaining to very critical areas of Public interest, Mr. Muzzaffar Shah said.

Mr. Muzzafar Shah thanked the ANC Jammu functionaries & workers for mobilizing a grand show and stated that he was looking forward to take this protest all over the state of Jammu and Kashmir,  so that a new beginning could be made to make our state  free from all political , economic and social ills and make it a prosperous and vibrant Jammu and Kashmir where economic, administrative and social justice will prevail . 

PPP, BMT to mark 4th death anniversary of Shaheed Benazir with respect

SRINAGAR, (KMW News): Jammu and Kashmir People’s Political Party (PPP), Chairman, Engineer Hilal Ahmad War, who also heads Bhutto Memorial Trust, would be paying homage and glowing tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on her 4th death anniversary on December 27, 2011.

Pertinently, Benazir was assassinated on this day after addressing a mammoth election rally at Rawalpindi.

ZAB reference case on Monday

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has constituted an-eleven member larger bench to resume hearing from Monday, a presidential reference, regarding revisiting of late premier Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's murder case.

The larger bench includes the Chief Justice, Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan, Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, Justice Nasir ul Mulk, Justice Jawwad S. Khawja, Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Tariq Parvez, Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani and Justice Amir Hani Muslim that will take up the Presidential reference sent to apex Court under Article 186.

The counsels for the parties as well as amicus curiae are being requested to ensure their presence for the case as it is likely to proceed on day to day basis from 12th December to 16th December, 2011 as the Court will have break for winter vacations from 19th December to 31st December 2011.

Notices to all concerned including incumbent president of Supreme Court Bar Association have been issued.

On the last date of hearing on June 29, the matter was adjourned by the larger Bench with the observation that the apex Court would take up the case subject to availability of the Bench.

On April 21, the Court had also appointed amicus curiae including senior advocates/jurists, M/s Ali Ahmed Kurd, Tariq Mehmood, Abdul Hafeez Pirzada, Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim, Khalid Anwar, Makhdoom Ali Khan, S. M. Zafar, Aitzaz Ahsan, Zahoorul Haq and Abdul Latif Afridi.

Khalid Anwar had expressed his inability to assist the Court as amicus curiae by sending a written request which was accepted by the Court and in his place Qazi Muhammad Ashraf was appointed as amicus curiae.

During the course of hearing on June 29, Attorney General for Pakistan also requested more time to prepare further arguments particularly with reference to each question referred by the President of Pakistan.

While Dr Babar Awan, counsel for referring authority had completed his arguments over the case raising five major questions for the apex Court to revisit the murder case.

The amicus curiae would start their arguments in the case.

Besides, the Chief Justice of Pakistan also constituted four benches (to sit after larger bench) at the Principal seat to hear a number of important cases in the next week starting from December 12.

The first bench includes the Chief Justice and Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, the second bench of Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan, Justice Jawwad S. Khawja and Justice Amir Hani Muslim, third bench of Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani and Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, third bench of Justice Nasirul Mulk and Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmani, and fourth bench of Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and Justice Tariq Parvez will take up a number of cases.

According to cause lists, no application for adjournment through fax will be placed before the Court. If the counsel is unable to appear for any reason the Advocate-on-Record will be required to argue the case. Besides, no adjournment on any ground will be granted.

Prominent Jammu Citizens join ANC

Jammu: Several prominent citizens of Jammu including members from Sikh community, educationist, Rtd. Army and police officials, youth and large number of women on Saturday joined Awami National Conference before senior party leaders of Jammu province Sh. Ghulam Qadir Wani (Ex MLA Doda), Sardar Gyan Singh, Provincial President ANC Jammu and Sr. Vice President Muzaffar Shah.

In a short, but impressive function at ANC office Jammu, the joining ceremony for new commers was organized by the party leader to welcome the people in party fold. In his welcome address, senior Vice President ANC Muzzafar Shah said that the aim and objective of ANC is to give transparent and corruption free government to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Shah urged the newly joined people to work with zeal and zest for the betterment of the party, besides strengthening the people to people contact. Mr. Shah said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are fed up with the corrupt and anti people policies of National Conference and Congress government as a result of which people in large number join ANC on each and every day. Mr. Shah said that ANC in coming days will emerge as a major public power in state of Jammu and Kashmir. On this occasion, Mr. Shah also informed the gathering about the proposed march of the party from Press Club Jammu to Indra Chowk on 15-12-2011 against the growing menace of corruption and nepotism in the present coalition government.

Among the prominent that joined ANC at Jammu today includes Madan Mohan Nargotra (Rtd. Xen Reasi) President Gurdawara Prabandak Committee Gadigarh Chata Sardar Seetal Singh along with his committee members Sardar Assa Singh (VP), Balvir Singh Raina (Gen. Secretary), committee members Dasvir Singh, Sardar Charanjeet Singh, Sardar Gurcharan Singh, and Sardar Jasbir Singh, besides Ghulam Hussan Shah (Rtd. Police Officer) Karnah, Mohammad Sarwar Khan (Rtd. Police Officer)  Jammu, Mohammad Bashir (Rtd. Army Capt.) Narayan Dutt Mahajan, Vikas Malik, Iqbal Khan, Mohammad Yaseen (Shopian), Surinder Kour.

Human Rights Day and Kashmir

Time to Ponder

SRINAGAR: Human Rights Day is celebrated annually across the world on 10 December. In parts like kashmir, which is one of the deadliest conflict zone on the planet earth this day assumes special significance. On account of state atrocities of past two decades used to quell the pro-liberation movement of the kashmir; this day has got special significance in Kashmir.

Pertinently, the date 10th December as world human rights day was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on 4 December 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day as they saw

According to expert voices, the people of Kashmir valley are wounded physically, socially, culturally and psychologically due to the long turmoil. The afflictions are deeply engraved in the hearts and minds of the people. Kashmiris (living on both the sides of tunnel) are left with only questions but no concrete answers. The human rights day reminds the people of Kashmir of the enormous atrocities in the shape of custodial killings, rapes, tortures etc mostly by the organs of state to quell the pro-freedom sentiment.

But, what was more painful about the celebrations of world human rights day this year was the complete lack of unity among the Pro-freedom factions. Hurriyat (M) celebrated it in own way, Hurriyat (G) in its own way; the Bar Association in its own way. At least, these days provided the pro-freedom camp opportunity to address cross section of society collectively rather than addressing their pick and choose audience and intellectuals. But, once again the pro-freedom camp has missed the vital opportunity to unite the nation.

Fight militancy for true celebrations of human rights: Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated the pledge to fight militancy and alleviate poverty to usher in peace and freedom for the true celebrations of human rights. “Let us pledge on this day to strengthen forces of peace and democracy and resist violation of human rights at all levels to make Pakistan a peaceful and prosperous country,” he said and added this is the way forward for laying a firm basis for the people to celebrate human rights in accordance with its this year theme. 

In his message on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, being celebrated on December 10, the President said,our religion Islam also teaches us deep respect for rights of all human beings.  It upholds the eternal values of equal rights, social justice and peace, and banishes discrimination on the basis of class, colour or creed. 

He said the International Human Rights Day is a reminder to democratically conscious citizens to reiterate their commitment individually and collectively to make renewed efforts to promote a culture of tolerance, respect for human rights, diversity, and pluralism.

The theme of the Day this year “Celebrate Human Rights” underscores the fact that governments all over the world must regard enforcement of human rights as something to be celebrated and not endured and despised,he said.

Celebrating human rights calls for defeating militancy so that our people do not have to endure the tyranny of religious apartheid and the dictate of a few individuals in the name of religion, he said, adding,ending poverty and working towards equality and non-discrimination are necessary elements for creating a peaceful society. 

The right to representation, to dissent, to justice and the right to food, clothing, shelter, education and health and the right to freely practice one’s religion are all parts of the basic human rights and a cause for celebration, the President said. 

He said the struggle of our people over the decades to achieve these rights is indeed commendable and is worth celebrating but much more also needs to be done.

He said Pakistan is a responsible state fully cognizant of its International Commitments. We have ratified, Convention against torture and International Convention on civil land political rights and most of the reservations have been withdrawn with the exception of a few, he said and added that practical steps are being taken for the implementation of both the instruments.

ANC files 10 RTIs to unearth unholy Babu- Politician nexus

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference (ANC) has filed as many as 10 RTI applications on various issue to unearth the unholy Babu- Politician nexus in the State. A party handout here today said that ANC has launched a crusade against the menace of corruption in the State which has been spreading like wild fire. The handout said that the party has filed an RTI under J&K RTI Act with the Revenue Department demanding the detailed particulars of all MLA's, MLC's Ex MLA's EX MLC's Cabinet Ministers, government officials including NGOs, who have acquired waste land, Nazool, forest and uncultivable government land in border areas and on river embankments in their favour or in favour of their immediate family members after the Khariff and Rabbi year 1996. ANC in another RTI application has sought information from the revenue department to provide detailed particulars of all the plots allotted by housing/ revenue/local bodies including all other authorities in favour of public servants, politicians and bureaucrats and members of the state cabinet, MLAs and MLCs since 1996 in the state along with the names of the beneficiaries with their status. It is to be recalled here that ANC under RTI Act has already asked the status of the total forest area recorded with the forest department in 1947 and what was the area under forest cover as of now and who were the beneficiaries of the forest land and under what criteria was forest land allotted to them.

My struggle was for peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute: Dr Fai

WASHINGTON: Executive Director of Washington-based Kashmiri American Council, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai has said that his struggle was not against any country but for a peaceful solution of Kashmir dispute.

This statement present before the court in Washington, he said that he had arranged meetings between Indian and Pakistani officials for peaceful solution of Kashmir, adding that we had organized a number of conferences on Kashmir issue which were attended by Indian and Pakistani officials and diplomats of Pakistan and India.

He said that we did not closed the doors for Indian officials, while the Indian diplomats given him a message for meeting a day before his arrest.

He said that he wants that the Kashmir dispute should be solved and the people of Kashmir should live freely and the struggle in this response would be continue.

During the proceeding, he admitted the two charges leveled against him in the case and signed a pre-agreement from accepting for making conspiracies and not paying income tax properly.

It would be expected that Dr Fai would face imprisonment for 11 years but in case of pre-agreement the imprisonment would be one and half year, while Dr Fai agreed to pay 0.15million dollars in his account to US government.

It is worth mentioning here that the verdict of the case would be announced on 9th March, 2012, while the counsels would decide if both sentences would be faced at the same time or separately.

Restrain excessive Pepper Gas on humans: SHRC

Srinagar:  State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Wednesday asked police to restrain use of excessive ‘Pepper Gas’ on humans while observing that that if the experts view was considered, its use was without any rebuttal a serious Human Rights Violation.   

SHRC recommendation to police came on a petition filed by International Forum for Justice headed by Ahsan Untoo. 

“….A group of dozens of boys involved in stone pelting could be dealt in a manner which could not endanger health of old, infant and pregnant woman. For a sin of dozens of youngsters, thousands of peace loving people could not be punished and their rights enshrined in the constitution be violated in any circumstances or in any manner. Life is precious and right of life is a fundamental right,” SHRC member said, according to judgment circulated to media men by the petitioner.     

“In case doctor’s opinion and expert opinion is taken into consideration without any rebuttal, it is definitely serious human rights violation. Authorities are impressed to restrain to use excessive Pepper Gas on Human beings.”  

The IFJ in the petition says that on 25th of last month, police used pepper gun gas in huge quantity due to which residents of Nowhatta, Safa Kadal, Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal and adjoining areas were subjected to torture as the infants and elderly persons got unconscious due to inhaling of the Pepper Gas.

“It is further averred that as per experts excessive use of Pepper Gas is dangerous for human life,” the SHRC member said while reading the petition.

As per senior doctors, Pepper gas can cause weakness in eye sight particularly among infants and minors, the petitioner said. “It can cause severe chest pain, infection, which in turn can lead to Tuberculosis and Asthma. The gas is very harmful and risky for pregnant woman.”  

In its petition, Untoo has mentioned the opinion of Deborah Bluam, who writes about the science. 

“She cites 2004 shady health hazards of Pepper spray which found that a douse of some of the chemicals in pepper spray can produce respiratory cardiac and neurological problems and even death.”   

Ignoring Geelani's warning,38 students leave for Bharat Darshan tour

Srinagar: Ignoring breakaway Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelni's warning, 38 Kashmiri students, including 18 girls today left for Bharat Darshan Tour organised by Border Security Force (BSF).

Mr Geelani has warned management and teaching staff of educational institutions in the Kashmir valley not to send their students, particularly girls, on Army's Wattan-Ki-Saiar.

The group from different remote and far flung areas in the valley, left by air on educational-cum-motivational Bharat Darshan Tour.

A BSF spokesman said the students would be visiting Ahmedabad, Gandhi Nagar, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Jaipur, Delhi and Agra.

He said," the main aim of the tour is to acquaint them with varied cultural ethos of our country. It will also afford these students a chance to broaden their horizon and make them aware of the opportunities awaiting them in the country." He said the tour would also help in motivating the students to develop an adventurous spirit and aim higher in life. 

Arundhati, Bose likely to address HR seminar in Srinagar

Srinagar:  Noted social activist and author Arundhati Roy, Indian filmmaker and human rights activist, Tapan Bose are among several intellectuals expected to speak in a Human Rights seminar here on Saturday, organizers—Kashmir High Court Bar Association, said. 

A spokesman of the lawyers’ body told said that the organization was holding a daylong seminar on Saturday at Sadder Court complex Srinagar on Human Rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of world human rights day.

“Prominent intellectuals, academicians, human rights activists members of civil society and lawyers have been invited to participate,” the spokesman said.  

The spokesman said the Bar Association is expecting participation of prominent human rights activists, leading journalists, lawyers and intellectuals including Miss Arundati Roy, Tapan Bose, Vaid Basin, Parvaiz Imroze, Senior Advocate, Z. A. Shah, Ex-Bar President N A Ronga, Advocate Z A Qureshi, Advocate Teesta Setalvad, Dr Hamida Nayeem, Professor Noor Mohammad Baba, Dr Javeed Iqbal, Z G Mohammad, Dr Sheikh Showkat and Miss Qurat-ul-Ain in the seminar. 

In this connection, an extra ordinary meeting of the Bar Association, presided over by the Vice President Bashir Ahmad Dar was held and an 11-member organising committee was constituted.   

The speakers are expected to express their views on one of six topics mentioned topics including, “Denial of right of self determination to the people of J&K, a basic violation of United Nations Human Rights Charter.”

Other topics according to spokesman include De-militarisation and withdrawal of AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act from Jammu and Kashmir a way forward for protection of human rights, Role of lawyers, and members of civil society in promotion and protection of human rights in J&K, Attacks on Media and Human Rights Defenders, cause and effects, Juvenile arrests and teen age killings by the forces, a cause of concern and legal remedies and Extra judicial killings and random detentions under PSA, social and legal concerns.  

Geelani calls for protests on Friday against liquor shop reopening

Srinagar:  Chairman Hurriyat Conference(G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani Wednesday  appealed Islamic scholars and clerics to mobilize public opinion for a complete ban on liquor sale  in Kashmir.

Geelani also appealed people to stage peaceful protests this Friday against National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah's "advocacy for opening of liquor shops in Kashmir."

" Let us send a message to the rulers that we won't allow them to make liqour sale commonplace in Kashmir," he said.

Geelani said there was a need for  mass awareness campaign against the menace of liquor." I appeal Ulema  to apprise people about the ill-effects of liquor from an Islamic and moral viewpoint  and organise public opinion in favour of a complete ban on its sale in Kashmir," Geelani said in a  statement issued here.

" More than economics, a nation's development and prosperity  depends  on  ethics . History bears witness to the destruction of nations which fell into an abyss of moral bankruptcy," he said.

Geelani said despite remaining under foreign occupation and oppression for centuries, Kashmiris "have been able to maintain a high standard of moral values."

" Which is why , having failed to suppress our resistance movement through use of force,   India is now trying to use cultural aggression for the purpose through its pawns in Kashmir," he said.

Geelani said that the National Conference had been at the "forefront of giving practical shape to this strategy."

"  The imprudence with which Farooq Abdullah has called for opening liqour shops in Kashmir is a challenge to the honour of Kashmiris , and if we remain silent at this decisive moment, we will be entitled to the wrath of Allah," he said, adding that "it is our religious and moral duty  to stand up against the sale and consumption of liquor in Kashmir."

Curfew imposed in parts of Srinagar to prevent Muharram procession

Srinagar, Dec 6 (KMW News) Curfew has been imposed in parts of Srinagar city, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of summer capital, this morning to prevent Muharram procession on the tenth day (Youm-e-Ashroo) of Muharram month of Islam.

Situation elsewhere in the valley was normal, where Muharram processions were taken out peacefully.

However, police said restrictions under section 144 CrPC were being strictly imposed in areas falling under police station of Kothibagh and Maisuma.

The situation on the ground was entirely different in these areas where security forces and police personnel were directing people to remain indoors because of curfew restrictions imposed since 0600 hrs this morning.

Even the mediapersons were directed to go back or face the music by the security force and police personnel deployed in the civil lines.

Hundreds of security force and police personnel had sealed the entire Civil Lines area since early this morning to prevent the 'Ashroo'procession, which has been banned by the authorities since 90s citing security reasons.

The otherwise busy Civil Lines wore a deserted look with only security forces and police personnel seen deployed to strictly impose the restrictions.

Both the busy Amira Kadal and Budshah bridges on the Jehlum river connecting uptown with the Civil Lines have been closed with barbed wire and nobody was being allowed to cross them.

"We have orders that nobody should be allowed to move towards Budshah Chowk", a police personnel said at Jehangir Chowk, asking people, including mediapersons to go back to their homes.

Mothers waits sons return from 14 years

Srinagar: Old age has turned her weak but with the hope that her son may return, she (Muglee) sits at the window, looking out at the door to get the glance of his son. When she hears voice similar to her son, she gets thrilled in excitement but it remains only for a short time.

She has still hope that her son would come one day, despite 14 years has  passed, since then, her son was picked up by the security forces and has become an epitome of the struggle of his family members.

Fourteen years ago, when Ashiq Hussain Malik of Peer Bagh Srinagar was picked up by the 20 Grenade Army from his residence, since then, he never returned home again and (Muglee) has been craving to see his son.

Narrating that fateful night, which used to be Ashiq's last night at home,  Mohammad Kamal Malik, elder brother of Ashiq Hussain, told Agence India Press that, "On 23rd,  24th intervening night of May 1997,  clocks were striking to 11pm, Army persons climbed over the gate and barged into our house and called him (Ashiq) out by his name."

“When he (Ashiq) came out, he was wearing undershirt and trouser. They (Army persons) told him to show them the house of Ghulam Qadir Bhat, a local resident of our locality. But they put him in an Army vehicle and took away," shares Kamal.

Kamal claims that they went to the local police station Humhama, Budgam to registered an FIR but the case was registered in an ordinary note book.

Ghulam Qader Bhat, a local resident was also picked by same army company that night, after five days he was released outside his house at 9pm.
" On hearing the news about Bhat's release, our all family members went outside to find him (Ashiq), but we could not find him anywhere in our locality,” says Kamaal in a dejected voice.

While sharing his woeful tale, Ghulam Qader Bhat, said, “When Army picked him (Ashiq)  from his house, I was already in the same vehicle, they took us together to 20 Grenade Army camp Zainakote HMT Srinagar. We were separated in the camp but at the time of serving meals, they opened our handcuffs. I looked at Ashiq Hussain who was badly tortured and his skin was burnt. On the fifth day, when I saw him last time he was wearing army clothes."

"I thought they will release him. I told him to convey my family that I am in 20 Grende army camp. Then, they took him in a vehicle, after half an hour they took me in another vehicle and released me outside my house," says Bhat.

 The family member of Ashiq claims that, they went to 20 Grande army camp to know the whereabouts of Ashiq, but ' they (Army persons) did not allow us to enter inside the camp. Even they refused that they have picked him with Bhat.'

The family members had also approached to Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani, the local MLA and Ali Mohammad Sagar, Home Minister at that time to know the whereabouts of Ashiq, but to no avail.

  "Then we filed a case in the J&K Human Rights Commission Srinagar and filed suit in the Srinagar Wing of High Court. They asked us for FIR copies, when we went to the local police station for an FIR copies, they refused that any FIR has been registered in the station,"  shares Kaleem, family's woeful tail, how much they endeavored to trace the Ashiq.

By adding he said, "The Human Rights Commission asked to present eye witnesses and Honorable High Court referred case to the Budgam Lower Court to listen eye witnesses. We presented eye witnesses including Bhat and then Lower Court Budgam sent report to the Srinagar High Court on behalf of eye witnesses."

On the orders of the Honorable High Court, Police has registered an FIR on February 03, bearing No 18/2005 under section 342,365 P/S Budgam.
"One day Badgam police said that he was jailed in army camp Solina near Silk factory Srinagar and on the next day, police refused that.  We went to Solina Army camp to inquire about Ashiq, but they refused regarding any information about Ashiq," says Kaleem , while agony vividly reflects from his face.

Thereafter, the whole army company was shifted and camp was lifted.  "We went to search him outside the state and even went almost too every jail of India but no one accepted my younger brother was ever arrested,” says Malik.

“Later Human Rights Commission offered us compensation and closed the case but we refused the offer because we cannot sell our brother for few pennies,” he asserts.

Since then, the family is yet to know the whereabouts of Ashiq and are waiting for justice with a silver-lining. While, everyday, she (Muglee) sits at the window, looking out at the door to get the glance of her son, with the hope that Ashiq would return home one day.

War questions Mirwaiz meeting with Er. Rashid

Srinagar: Questioning the mandate of the secret meeting recently held between Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Dr. Umar Farooq and Pro-India politician and member of assembly (Langate constituency) Er. Sheikh Rashid, Chairman People’s Political Party (PPP) Er. Hilal Ahmad War has asked that when Mirwaiz Umar Farooq maintained to stay away from the interlocutors appointed by the Government of India (GOI) in April 2011 and suspended former Chairman of APHC Moulana Abbas Ansari and even derecognized his party as a unit of Hurriyat (M) faction on the same grounds then, on what basis and grounds he held a secret meeting with Er. Rashid who also has accepted the constitution of India and is moreover a Pro-India politician. Er. War asked Mirwaiz that he ought to forward a justification and detailed explanation before the entire nation for this act and appealed the entire separatist leadership in general and Syed Ali Shah Geelani in particular to demand a detailed explanation from Mirwaiz.

In his press statement, Er.Hilal War revealed that a few days back Mirwaiz held an hour long closed door meeting with Er.Rashid. Expressing deep sorrow, agony and annoyance over this episode Er. War said that holding secret and back channel parleys with a pro-India politician was against the principles of separatist leadership and had even no room within the domain of Hurriyat Constitution. PPP Chairman further said that the regional Pro-India leaders and politicians were on their task of very craftily and cunningly vindicating the forceful and illegitimate occupation of Kashmir by India and were trying to the hilt and the edge to dilute the pious struggle of freedom in Kashmir, which was quite evident to everyone. He said Er.Rashid is a part and parcel of this vicious and evil conspiracy who masqueraded as pro-people just to dilute the impact of resistance leadership.

Taking note of sacking of Moulana Abbas Ansari and his Party from the membership of Hurriyat for meeting the GOI appointed Interlocutors by Mirwaiz, Mr. War said that Er. Rasheed adorned the constitution of India by contesting the elections and was doing his political tasks assigned to him by the GOI. War said, Why did not pro-freedom leadership including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabeer Shah and others demand explanation from Mirwaiz and Company for the closed door secret meeting with Er. Rasheed which was organised and directed by Indian Intelligence Agencies. Questioning Mirwaiz, PPP Chief enquired as to why did he hold closed door parleys with Er.Rashid and what all discussions took place therein and said that Mirwaiz should clarify his stand; if a planning to field in proxy candidates in the elections was going on and had Er. Rahsid come to receive the blessings in that regard only. PPP Chairman further said that Hurriyat Chairman must aware the nation of all those issues and dialogues. Meanwhile Er.War asked Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Shabir Shah and other separatist leaders to enquire all these issues from Mirwaiz and endeavour to bring the reality on the forefront.

PPP Chairman further said that Er. Rahsid’s issuance of statements and slogans against the human rights violations of Kashmiris at the hands of armed forces merited no rationale as he himself stood up in the assembly elections conducted by the Election Commission of India further strengthening Indian Occupation of J&K and accepted the constitution of India by taking the oath to abide by the same and after doing all that he was doing a melodrama to gather sympathies of innocent Kashmiri masses and pretended to be a noble, pro-people and pro-Kashmir leader Mr. War said if at all Er. Rashid felt sorry for projecting Indian hegemony over the territory of J&K including its people, he should openly tender an unconditional apology before the people of J&K and relinquish all his monetary and other benefits. He said in case he (Er .Rashid) really wanted to do something for the Kashmir cause and become the well wisher and sympathiser of the people in real sense he should quit the assembly and start his work as a foot soldier in the pro-freedom camp.

Er. War said if Mirwaiz has any plans of fielding proxy candidates, he shouldn’t ditch the nation and should come out in the open rather than patronising stooges like Er. Rashid.

India hints tough measures against new nuclear trade rules

NEW DELHI: India’s top diplomat on Sunday hinted New Delhi could ban nuclear reactor purchases from countries refusing to sell sensitive nuclear technology to it after suppliers decided to tighten such trade against countries like India.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao also said the United States, Russia and France stood by their promises to supply such technology despite last month’s decision by the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) to restrict transfer of uranium enrichment and reprocessing technology which can be used to make atomic bombs.

The suppliers’ decision was seen as a blow to nuclear-armed India, which won a waiver from such trade restrictions in 2008, a move that ended its three-decade-long nuclear isolation.

“I think the latest NSG decision is not the end of the road. It is not set in stone. Let me say that,” Rao told a television channel in an interview, the transcript of which was made available in advance by the foreign ministry.

“There is a balance of interest, there is a balance of commitments, there is mutual reciprocity involved. There are leverages that we can exert from our side also,” she said.

When asked if the leverages meant India would blacklist unwilling countries and ban nuclear reactor purchases from them, she said: “We will defend our interests to the hilt.”

India plans to raise it nuclear power generation capacity to 7.3 GW by end-March from the current 4.7 GW, and hopes to have over 20 GW of such capacity by 2020.

The billions of dollars in contracts up for grabs make India an attractive market for firms like General Electric , Westinghouse Electric — the United States-based arm of Japan’s Toshiba Corp. , France’s Areva and Russia’s Rosatom.

“We have an expanding nuclear industry. This is a great attraction to the rest of the world,” Rao said.

Under NSG rules, to import nuclear goods, all nations except the five officially recognized atomic weapons states must usually place nuclear sites under safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog.

But when Washington sealed a nuclear supply accord with India in 2008, it won a unique exemption after contentious negotiations. India gained access to technology and fuel while it was allowed to continue its nuclear weapons program.

The US ambassador to India has said the waiver to New Delhi is safe and media reports have cited the French ambassador with similar comments.

India has said it is a responsible nuclear power and that it has an impeccable non-proliferation record that has earned it that exemption.

New thinking in Pakistan

Rao, who last month had unexpectedly successful talks with her Pakistani counterpart, said Islamabad’s view on militancy had “definitely been altered.”

She noted that Pakistan now spoke of the need to tackle non-state actors and safe havens and sanctuaries for militants.

“I think that is a concrete development,” she said, adding

The two nations have fought three wars, one of which divided into two the Himalayan region of Kashmir which both countries claim in full. New Delhi accuses Islamabad of aiding militants in Kashmir, a charge Pakistan denies.

Peace talks between the nuclear-armed rivals revived this year after they broke off in 2008 following a raid by Pakistan-based militants on Mumbai. But little concrete has emerged in solving the half-century old dispute between them.

“I am not trying to sound over optimistic about this,” Rao said. “I think we have to be realistic. We have to understand the difficulties in the terrain.” (By REUTERS)

PPP castigate Govt for issuing “flawed” passport Aijaz War

Srinagar:  Peoples Political Party (PPP) Monday accused authorities of political vendetta in issuing “flawed” passport to brother of party chairman.   

Addressing a press conference here, PPP chief, Hilal Ahmad War castigated the Government for denying his entire family right to life. 

“On the directions of Hon’able High Court, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a passport to my brother, Ajaz Ahmad War (a journalist by profession)   on June 04 last from the regional passport Office here. The passport has been issued with a validity of just one year wherein it is enunciated on the passport that Ajaz Ahmad War can travel to all the countries except Pakistan,” Hilal Ahmad said while addressing a Press Conference here.

“This is in violation of Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir and Constitution of India also .This is also in violation to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” War claimed. 

This “unconstitutional action of Government of India”, he said, vindicated party’s stand that “India is an occupying power.” 

He said that the travel document issued to Ajaz Ahmad War was a “legitimate weapon” to be used at the international fora as evidence that India has virtually accepted Kashmir as a ‘dispute’. “This travel document has strengthened our argument that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are de-facto citizens of India not de-jure.”

War also reiterated his party stand about demand of Right to Self-determination as solution to Kashmir issue.” This is neither negotiable nor can be compromised. Nobody whether a genuine head of a political party or leader of any group or conglomerate  is or can be authorized to enter in any sort of compromise on this principle on behalf of J & K people to act as political attorney of J&K people in any conference, bilateral or trilateral talks.”  

STRIKE CRIPPLES LIFE IN KASHMIR

Srinagar: Life was today crippled due to general strike, called by moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) on the 21st death anniversary of Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq, who was killed in his Nigeen house on this day by gunmen.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the restriction free areas in the summer capital, Srinagar and its adjoining areas today.

Government has imposed restriction under section 144 CrPC in most parts of the down town and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) since early this morning to prevent any rally at Eidgah.

However, some private vehicles could be seen plying on some routes in the uptown and civil lines.

Educational institutions wore a deserted look while work in offices, banks and other commercial establishments were affected due to strike.

A report from Baramulla said that life was paralysed with all shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic off the roads in this and other northKashmir towns due to strike.

Government offices, educational institutions and banks were affected due to strike as employees and students stayed away.

Business and other activities were crippled in and other south Kashmir districts and tehsil headquarters, a report from Anantnag said.

Additional security forces had been deployed on both sides of the almost deserted streets in the town, where traffic remained off the roads.

Similar reports were also received from other parts of the Valley.

Police, army working against peace: Geelani

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Tuesday said the police and the army were working against peace and stability in Kashmir as “political uncertainty in the region benefits them in many ways.”
 “They do not want peace and stability in Kashmir because political uncertainty here benefits them in numerous ways. While the army is enjoying the perks of different allowances and continues to loot the green gold in Kashmir, the police are extorting hefty sums from parents of arrested youth,” Geelani said during a meeting at his Hyderpora residence with noted Indian social activist, Swami Agnivesh, today.
He said although many delegations from India and abroad had been visiting Kashmir in the recent past, “there seems to be no change in the ground situation.”
Accusing India of showing inflexibility on Kashmir, Geelani said, “India is firm on its policy of stubbornness on Kashmir and wants to crush the peaceful struggle of Kashmiris through the might its armed forces.”
He appealed “conscientious people in India to come forward and raise their voice against the oppression and injustice being committed against Kashmiris.”
“Our fight is not against the Indian people or any religion. We are fighting for our right to self determination just as the Indians fought for their freedom from the British. India is responding to our peaceful struggle with bullets and random arrests of youth,” he said.
“There are no signs of India’s claims of being a democracy in Kashmir and human rights are violated with impunity. Forces personnel involved in the killing of 118 people last year are not only roaming free but they have been awarded with medals and promotions. All this lawlessness is being projected as a means to maintain law and order situation in Kashmir,” Geelani said.
Terming minorities as an inseparable part of the Kashmiri society, Geelani said Sikhs, Hindus and Christians in Kashmir faced no threat from their “Muslim brethren.”
“We will continue to maintain our centuries old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood,” he said. However, Geelani said, “our non-Muslim brothers should also feel the pain of their Muslim brothers and raise their voice against the oppression being committed against the Muslims, in whatever capacity they can.”
Geelani also expressed concern over the arrest of his driver, Pervaiz Ahmad, alleging that Pervaiz, along with a vehicle (JK01E-8188), was arrested from   Shopian when he comes home on a vacation.

Militants kill cop in civics at Sopore

Srinagar: While as suspected militants killed a policeman with IG squad, unknown gunmen shot at and injured a Sarpanch candidate in Sopore town of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Tuesday.
Official sources told Press Bureau of India that a group of militants appeared in Tujjar Sherief and fired upon at a police Constable Mohammad Shafi Dar (belt No.1761/S) son of Ghulam Mustafa from point blank range this morning at around 1035 hours.
The cop, who was civvies when attacked, was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.  
The cop had joined as Senior Police Officer (SPO) and remained part of special counter-insurgency squad of police. He subsequently attained promotion as Constable in police.
Soon after the attack, police and paramilitary CRPF cordoned off the area to track the attackers who reportedly came in a sumo vehicle.
The constable was presently posted in district Srinagar and is survived by parents, two sisters and a younger brother. He was an unmarried man and an appointee of the year 2006.
A spolice spokesman here said that mortal remains of the constable were laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard. Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, S M Sahai, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Munir Ahmad Khan, Superintendent of Police Sopore, Altaf Ahmad Khan, other Police and civil Officers participated in the funeral.
Meanwhile, unknown gunmen shot at and injured a sarpanch candidate, Mohammad Maqbool Bhat son of Abdul Gaffar Bhat when he was tending kitchen garden at Hajam Mohalla in Wadoora Sopore this afternoon at around 1700 hours. Bhat was rushed to local hospital from where he was shifted to Bones and Joints hospital here. Bhat has sustained bullet injury in his right leg, sources added.     

AFSPA political issue between GoI and JK Govt: Army

Srinagar: Three days after Lieutenant General KT Parnaik, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Lt Gen Parnaik sounded against any amendments in Armed Forces Special Power Act, a senior army officer Tuesday said that the controversial legislation was a political issue to be decided by Government of India and state government.
“It (AFSPA) is a very political issue between government of India and state government. It is not my reach to comment on anything that government of India decides,” Major General Ravi Thodge, general-officer-commanding of the counter-insurgency Kilo Force told reporters in response to a question on sidelines of a function here.
On Saturday last, army had reiterated that it wants continuation of the controversial legislation in the state.  
“As far as the Army’s stand on revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, we have recommended its continuation in view of the situation in the State and the special requirements it entails,” Lieutenant General KT Parnaik, had said.
He was responding to a query about recommendations by army to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“After giving recommendations (to the Chief Minister), we have not heard anything about this issue as yet.”
In the backdrop of last year’s summer unrest, the government had formed two committees to review the applicability of AFSPA in the state. The committees were headed by General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar based 15 Corps and General Officer Commanding of Nagorta-based 16 Corps.
Meanwhile, to a query about infiltration along the line of control, Thodge said, “so far there are no reports about infiltration and if they (infiltrators) came, they will be dismantled at the LoC.”
Regarding last year’s summer unrest in which over a hundred youth were killed, the army officer said that it was “handled by police and paramilitary CRPF while army was involved.” “The killings were never the less were unfortunate and this is all I can say,” Maj Gen added, city correspondent said.     
He said that army has many programs for youth including generation of employment, develop their interest in sports.    
Earlier, speaking at the two-day Peace conference organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Peace Foundation at SKICC here, Maj Gen said that main problem in Kashmir was economical. 
The officer also claimed that the army understands the “pain and anguish” of the people in Kashmir valley.
“We are looking at this year that no human rights violations occur; we support the dignity of people. We will work with the people for betterment of the society,” he added.    

Geelani to address rally in Anantnag on May 21: Hurriyat (G)

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, will address a public gathering in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on May 21, a spokesman said on Saturday.

 “The public gathering is part of the awareness campaign launched by the Hurriyat to secure the release of political prisoners, and thousands of people are expected to participate in the rally, if the authorities do not create any disturbance,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, rejecting the police claim that it had arrested five members of the Hizbul Mujahideen outfit in Pattan area of north Kashmir, the spokesman said the incident was reminiscent of the Machil fake encounter, because “ in this case too innocent youth have been made the scapegoats for the sake of medals and promotions.”

“Lawlessness prevailing in Kashmir and men in uniform harassing the ordinary civilians is an eye-opener for justice loving people. Coercing innocent people to admit to crimes through torture is commonplace in Kashmir these days. These tactics expose Omar Abdullah’s claims that no custodial torture took place during his tenure,” the spokesman said.

“The saddest part in all this is that these false claims are not made by low-rung police officers but by the top police brass in press conferences,” the spokesman said, adding that such “tactics had badly dented the image of police.”

“In civilized societies, police stands for the protection and security of ordinary people, but name of Jammu and Kashmir police conjures images of torture, harassment, arrests, etc.”

The spokesman said Geelani will address a seminar in Anantnag district on May 21 at 2:30 p.m.   

Ups and downs in struggles natural phenomenon: Mirwaiz

Srinagar: Hailing the commitment shown by Kashmiris toward the “freedom movement”, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Monday said prolonged struggles witnessing ups and down was a natural phenomenon which shouldn't disappoint anyone. 

 “Despite their day to day problems and sufferings, people have shown great commitment towards the freedom movement. And every prolonged freedom struggle has its ups and downs; we are not disappointed over that,” Mirwaiz said addressing people in Qasba Khori Batapora, Kulgam, where he had gone to lay the foundation stone of Jadeed Jamia Masjid.

Mirwaiz was accompanied by senior Hurriyat (M) leaders Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Gani Lone, Mukhtar Waza and members of the Awami Majlis Amal.

Terming the inclusion of Kashmiris in the dialogue process between India and Pakistan as imperative, Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat faction was ready to cooperate for finding a solution to Kashmir issue through meaningful talks.

Mirwaiz said the recent uprisings in Middle East had shown that the real power lies with the people and peaceful mass revolutions cannot be suppressed through force.

Hailing the unwavering commitment of Kashmiris towards the freedom  cause despite what he termed gross human rights violations and oppression unleashed by India in Kashmir, Mirwaiz vowed to take the freedom struggle to its logical conclusion.

He said Kashmir was a six decade old issue for which Kashmiris had rendered huge sacrifices particularly during the last 22 years. “Along with the people the pro-freedom leadership has also played its part. We have always raised the genuine political issues and demands of people from the pulpit of Jamia Masjid and would continue to do so,” he said.

Referring to his recent European trip, Mirwaiz said the Hurriyat has always tried to portray the real aspirations of people and presented its principled stand on the Kashmir dispute. “ It is satisfying that the international committee has realized the urgency of finding a solution to the Kashmir issue, which is not only in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiri people but also acceptable to the people of India and Pakistan.”

 “It is because of the people’s great sacrifices that even pro-India leaders have realized that Kashmir is an issue which needs to be resolved,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Abdul Gani Bhat   said that “we will have to accept certain facts and realities in the context of the extraordinary situation in Kashmir.”

 “Kashmir belongs to Kashmiris and they are entitled to decide its future. Hurriyat believes in resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue and is ready to cooperate in this regard provided Kashmiris are included in the Indo-Pak talks as the principal party to the dispute,” he said.  

LeT militant killed, soldier injured in Zaloora gunfight

Srinagar: A Lashker-e-Toiba militant was killed and a soldier injured in a gunfight between militants and joint team of police and army in Sopore town of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, official sources said on Monday.

They said that acting on specific information, police and 10 Garhwal rifles of army launched a joint cordon-and-search operation in Gujjarpati Zaloora area in the Sopore town. 

The militants hiding in the area opened fire on the team which was retaliate by them. Intermittent exchange of fire between the two sides continued throughout the night, they said. One militant was killed in the gunfight while a soldier K Singh was injured and was evacuated to hospital for treatment.

DIG north Kashmir, Muneer Ahmad Khan confirmed to that a militant was killed in the gunfight. 

“One militant, Abu Maaz, reportedly from Lashker-eToiba militant outfit was killed and arms and ammunitions were recovered from his possession,” he said, adding, “Searches in the area were continuing.”    

Army has zero tolerance for HR violation, past record worthy: Lt Gen Parnaik

Srinagar: While claiming that army has zero-tolerance for human rights violations, Lieutenant General KT Parnaik, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Monday commended track record of the Indian Army on the front in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Addressing a seminar titled ‘Evolution of Human Rights in Kashmir and its relevance Today’, Lt Gen Parnaik emphasised the importance of Human Rights not only for the Army alone but for the civil society as a whole. 

The Army Commander commended the track record of the Indian Army, despite overwhelming challenges. 

The General officer stressed on ‘minimum force and acting in good faith’ while reiterating that the army has ‘zero tolerance’ for Human Rights. The General also hailed the role played by the media in low intensity conflict zones.

In his address, General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps Lt General Syed Atta Hasnain said that power does not come from the muzzle of the gun. “It comes from upholding dignity of the people and respecting their sentiments,” he said in his welcome address. 

Gen Hasnain said Army would try to win over hearts and use that as its main weapon in combating militancy in Kashmir. ‘Heart’ is the central concept to the thinking of the Army today,” he added.  

Spread over two sessions, the two-day seminar was participated by former Army Generals, High Court Judges, Vice Chancellors, journalists and writers took part in the seminar.

 The first session deliberated on ‘Kashmiriyat, Sufism and the aspirations of the Kashmiri Awam’, was Chaired by Manoj Joshi, a journalist. The speakers included Ms Sadia Dehlvi,; Dr Riyaz Punjabi, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University and others. 

The second session ‘Human Right Concerns of a society in Prolonged Externally Driven Conflict’, was chaired by General VG Patankar (Retd), a former Chinar Corps Commander and member of numerous National Think Tanks, with eminent speakers as Justice BC Patel former CJ of High Court Jammu and of Delhi Courts who is now a Member of the NHRC; Justice Syed Bashiruddin, a retired judge of J-K High Court; Dr Siddiq Wahid and Col NK Nijhawan.

The deliberation were attended by academicians, members of the intellectia, university students and officers of the Chinar Corps.   

BSF trooper killed on India-Pakistan border

Jammu: A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper, deployed on the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir, was killed in cross-border firing on Saturday, BSF sources said.

The trooper was killed in heavy firing from the Pakistani side on the Indian post of Budwar in Ranbirsingh Pura sector, 30 km west of Jammu, late Saturday evening, the sources said.

The trooper has been identified as Jai Kishan of BSF's 193 Battalion.

The BSF has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan and sought a flag meeting to discuss the issue of firing, the sources said.

This is the first incident of cross-border firing on the international border this year.

Pakistan’s parliament condemns US Bin Laden raid

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament condemned on Saturday the US raid that killed Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden, calling for a review of ties and warning that Pakistan could cut supply lines to American forces in Afghanistan if there were more such attacks.

“Parliament ... condemned the unilateral action in Abbottabad which constitutes a violation of Pakistan’s sovereign,” it said in a resolution issued after security chiefs briefed legislators.

Pakistan has dismissed as absurd any suggestion that authorities knew Bin Laden was holed up in a high-walled compound near the country’s top military academy.

The resolution, however, also demanded that an independent commission probe the debacle instead of one led by the country’s powerful armed forces.

The parliamentary resolution followed a rare, private session with top military officials that began Friday and ran past midnight. During the session, Pakistani intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha indicated he’d be willing to resign if lawmakers demanded it, but no one did.

In fact, it appeared lawmakers from the weak civilian government and the opposition essentially closed ranks behind a military establishment humiliated by the May 2 US Navy SEALs attack on Bin Laden’s compound in the northwest garrison city of Abbottabad. Pakistani leaders have insisted they had no idea Bin Laden was staying in the city.

Few lawmakers were willing to discuss details of the confidential session, but the hours it covered suggested that the generals were questioned extensively — a rarity in a country where the military operates largely beyond civilian control and has staged multiple coups.

Intelligence chief Pasha spoke at length, and defended the military’s record in fighting Islamist extremist movements, some of which have staged numerous deadly attacks on Pakistani soil.

Pasha admitted negligence in tracing Bin Laden, but also noted that Pakistan had cooperated with the US in helping kill or capture numerous Bin Laden allies, severely diminishing Al-Qaeda’s terrorist infrastructure.

Bin Laden was like a “dead person despite being alive,” federal Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan quoted the intelligence chief as saying.

Pasha rarely talks to media on the record. The army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, was present, but there were no accounts of him speaking.

According to Awan, an air force official said the military learned “American planes were loaded with bombs” and in the air in Afghanistan, ready to retaliate if Pakistani planes went after the US helicopters sent after Bin Laden.

The US has said it sent extra helicopters into Pakistani airspace to provide backup for the Navy SEALs.

The military leaders assured lawmakers that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenals are safe and promised to improve the country’s air defenses, Awan said.

The parliamentary resolution that emerged from the gathering termed the US raid as an attack on Pakistan’s sovereignty. It also criticized American drone strikes in Pakistan’s militant-riddled tribal areas, which many suspect Pakistan secretly allows while publicly denouncing.

The resolution also called for an independent body to look into the Bin Laden raid. Earlier in the week, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the military would lead the probe, but that upset opposition leaders.

Awan told state-run Pakistan TV that lawmakers had expressed full confidence in the country’s security forces.

Pakistan became an ally of the US in the fight against Islamist militants after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, but the relationship has long been an uneasy one, with mutual distrust that has only deepened since the Bin Laden killing.

Although American officials have said so far they have seen no evidence the top Pakistani military officials knew of Bin Laden’s whereabouts, the US has long harbored suspicions that elements of Pakistan’s armed and intelligence services provide assistance to some militant groups battling Western troops in Afghanistan.

Pakistani officials deny any links to such groups, including the feared Haqqani network in eastern Afghanistan.

But analysts say Pakistan may be maintaining ties to some insurgents, including the Haqqanis and Afghan Taleban leaders, because it wants leverage in Afghanistan — and a wedge against archrival India — once the US pulls out.