SRINAGAR, MONDAY, 11  MUHARRAM 1434 AH ; 26 NOVEMBER  2012

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‘Kejriwal’s Mission Kashmir to begin next month’

‘To unveil corrupt practices of politicians, officials’

Appeals people to come forward for fighting corruption in JK

Srinagar, Nov. 25 (VOS): In a significant development that could rekindle the anti-corruption debate in the state, former India Against Corruption activist and Chief of newly launched Aam Admi Party, Arvind Kejriwal is all set to launch an anti-corruption campaign in the state.

According to sources close to Kejriwal, the activist along with local civil society activists intends to unveil corrupt practices of Politicians, officers and government functionaries to launch a comprehensive anti corruption movement in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) next month.

Arvind Krjriwal, while talking to VOS confirmed his visit to the state in near future. Declaring J&K as parallel to Bihar in corruption, he announced his visit to Srinagar and Jammu for launching an anti-corruption campaign.

“J&K is badly affected by corruption like Bihar. I’m in contact and in consultation with various members of civil society, lawyers, retired bureaucrats , journalists and religious groups who in return are ensuring every kind of possible cooperation and are eagerly willing to fight against corruption in the State (J&K)”, said Kejriwal while talking to VOS over phone from New Delhi.

He said that right to Information (RTI) act will be utilized to attain critical information necessary information necessary for exposing corruption in the state.

He said that corruption in J&K is in every corner, weather it was civil or police administration, adding “Corruption in politics has become an every day story in J&K”.

Expressing optimism over the cooperation from sincere people of the State, he said that people in the state like other parts of India are in favor of eradication of corruption.

Appealing people of State to come forward as active activist of his anti corruption campaign, he said the campaign needs clean and sincere man power. He appealed youth in particular and people in general to join hands for eradication of corruption and to support the campaign.

“I’ve initiated IAC along with Anna Hazareji but I’m not sure whether he will be able to visit Valley. Launching of an anti corruption campaign in J&K is need of the hour. Unless we fight against it, there (in J&K) people especially unemployed youths and weaker section of the society will not get justice”, he added.

Meanwhile,   local aides of the Kejriwal in Kashmir said that a survey is being done to compile systematic data of the corruption and corrupt officials in the state. “Some corrupt politicians and retired and sitting bureaucrats may be named along with the support of proof and evidence”, they added.

 Pertinently, Kejriwal has been in news over last year for being associated with India Against Corruption and unearthing various scandals in the central and state governments.  He launched a political party which was lately named as “Aam Admi Party”. (VOS)

Omar Lashes out at PDP, separatists

Says, one for ' divide and rule' policy, the other busy in dragging youth towards darkness.
“PDP out for buying voters and serving them Wazwaan”
Srinagar, Nov. 25 (VOS) : Accusing opposition PDP of following the infamous ' divide and Rule' Policy, Chief Minster Omar Abdullah Sunday said, his rival party had lost the credibility among the masses . He
added, that  PDP leadership was struggling to garner support for their candidates in the upcoming LC polls and were thus making every possible effort to 'befool' the village representatives who are to elect their 4 candidates in the next month's LC elections. " they are morally down and don't know where to go." claimed Omar, adding that PDP was also trying to buy the votes and please the voters by offering them special cuisines. " They not only offer money but also serve Punches and Sarpanches with Wazwan." Omar said in his address to the village represenattives at Handwara which was also attended by Congress State President Saif ud din Soz. Omar Abullah while counting his achievements said that Punchayti Elections, Reservation for Women and the overall development were some of the highlights of his tenure as Chief Minster in last 4 years. Omar Alleged that PDP was resorting to hollow sloganeering and was trying to deceive people. Without naming any party or individual Chief Minster said that Punches and Sarpunches were being threatened by 'fake' Posters. He accused PDP Patron and Former Chief Minster Mufti Mohamamd Syed of carrying out, what he said, the Gawkadal,Hawal, Sopore, Handwara and Bijbihara massacres seeking support of the then Governor Jagmohan, and said that some people are still hell bent to fil the hands of the innocent children with stones.
He also lashed out at separatists, accusing them of dragging the youth towards 'darkness' ." The Children we intend to equip with Pen and Pencil are being offered Gun and Ammunition." asserted Omar, adding
that no body will be allowed to put the future of the children into jeopardy. Omar claimed that more than 500 youth from across the LOC have returned to their native homes in recent months and Govt along
with some NGO's was exploring every possibility to help them settle down and live a prosperous life.

NC Spokesperson adds:

NC-Congress ties engulf PDP in frustration: Omar

‘Shading crocodile tears will not absolve PDP of its wrong doing’

Says coalition government’s report card best reply to propaganda  

Dispelling the false propaganda of PDP leadership against the coalition government as sheer frustration of this party, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also working President of National Conference Sunday said that thriving on blame game and pasting their own wrong doings and short comings on others has remained PDP’s trait.

“I have told you that for power sake they can go to any extent, circulate hatred, wage apart the society, use even people’s miseries and even  gun culture  simultaneously to put the state on fire”, he said adding that people have witnessed these attempts and this characteristics of PDP and its leadership time and again. “They cannot astray and fool people again and again”, he asserted.  

“They (PDP leadership) are presently shedding crocodile tears to pretend that they have concern for Panchayats, when actually they opposed tooth and nail holding of Panchayat Elections in the State raising different speculations and advocating various reasons”, he said and questioned how PDP could be friend of Panches and Sarpanches when it (PDP) was against their very existence and tried its best to derail the panchayat election process?

Addressing large gatherings of Panchayat members at Kupwara, Handwara and Langate today in North Kashmir, the National Conference working President told Panches and Sarpanches to beware of the politicking of PDP leadership in the name of Panchayats.

“NC-Congress coalition has rejuvenated Panchayat Raj in the State after over 30 years. We have transferred powers and funds to you. You are to us just like children to parents. Our desire is to develop you and ensure your sustainable growth and strength. Empowerment of Panchayats is our policy and commitment”, he said adding that a powerful and viable Panchayat Raj is only assured under NC-Congress coalition as both parties share the principle of empowerment of grass root democratic institutions.

Omar Abdullah said those (PDP leadership) who talk of democracy today damaged the institutions during their tenure and made them non-functional. “Those (PDP leadership) who talk of RTI Act now, did not allow J&K State Information Commission to be created during their time. They made Accountability Commission dysfunctional and torpedoed every institution functioning in the State for bringing in transparency in government functioning”, he added.

The NC working President said that his government took path breaking measures to make transparency rule the roost, bring the government functioning under full public scan, empowered people to receive public services in a time bound manner , authorised common man to ask questions to administration on every issue besides bringing Chief Minister and Ministers under the preview of Accountability Commission.

Omar said that his government constituted State Information Commission, reconstituted Accountability Commission, implemented Public service Guarantee Act, established Panchayat Raj system, made e-tendering and e-procurement compulsory for government departments, and made 3rd party monitoring of projects permanent feature for transparency. “They (PDP leadership) cannot wipe out these historic initiatives of good governance implemented by the coalition government, by unleashing false and baseless propaganda against NC-Congress government”, he said adding that the performance of the coalition is glaring and cannot be eclipsed by the falsehood propagated by PDP against the NC-Congress government.

“This party’s (PDP) report card is so dim and dark and full of anti-people commissions and omissions, that they feel embarrassed when look towards it as such indulge in blame game and false propaganda”, he said and asked Panches and Sarpanches to vote enemas in favour of NC-Congress joint candidates to help flourish Panchayat Raj in the State and empowerment of Panches and Sarpanches.

Omar Abdullah said that PDP has become highly frustrated by the friendly ties between Congress and National Conference. He said that the holistic progress that has been achieved on both peace and development fronts and the status of inclusive and equitable development in the State achieved by the coalition government during the last about four years has also un-nerved PDP, as such, this party leadership has unleashed propaganda to survive. He said they try their best to damage NC-Congress bond but have failed. “You have to fail them again by showing unity at all levels”, he told NC-Congress workers and Panches and Sarpanches in these meetings.

On the empowerment of women, the Chief Minister said that coalition government provided quota to women in panchayat institutions and paved way there empowerment. He said representation of women in these institutions will help involve women in the welfare of the state particularly those of women. He said coalition government is keen to the upliftment of women along with men and various measures taken in this regard.

Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, Legislatures Ch. Mohammad Ramzan and Mir Safullah also spoke in these meeting

Inept political leadership responsible for mis-governance in J&K: Mufti

‘Selfishness within NC left administration defunct’

Where was natural coalition when NC called Congress 'Gandi Naali Ke Keede': Beigh

Rafiabad, Nov 25: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the incompetence of political leadership and not the administration is responsible for mis-governance in the state. He said it is the same administration which delivered during PDP rule but unfortunately the selfishness within the present dispensation led by National Conference has rendered it meaningless and defunct.

Addressing a well attended public meeting in Rafiabad, Mufti said governance deficit in Jammu and Kashmir has reached to a level where the administration in absence of a pro-people political direction has failed even in providing basic amenities like electricity, cooking gas, safe drinking water, roads and ration to the people. The PDP patron attributed the prevailing administrative inertia in the state to the political ineptitude of National Conference that has not only bartered its own agenda but people’s sufferings in lieu of power. “It is the lust for power that National Conference has never reached out or identified itself with the common masses whose miseries have witnessed a manifold increase since 2009,” Mufti remarked.

He said even if the dismal developmental situation because of mis-governance is same everywhere in the state but people living in rural and far flung areas are the worst suffers of the wrong policies of the present government. Mufti said people are being deprived of basic amenities at the cost of comfort and luxuries enjoyed by the families of the present dispensation led by National Conference. “People are not getting enough rations to feed their families. To add to their woes are the cumbersome procedures adopted in LPG gas registration and its unavailability and black marketing. There is no electricity or any alterative fuel available to people when the people started reeling under the weather vagaries of the winter,” he observed.

Mufti said the prevailing gas crisis has once again exposed the present government which does not feel ashamed to see the people standing in long queues in freezing temperatures to get hold of a gas cylinder. Mufti regretted that a gentleman had lost his life in pursuit of a gas cylinder and that should represent the lasting shame of the present coalition. Criticising the government for introducing an element of discrimination in development Mufti said the previous coalition had extended the development process evenly across regions and sub regions to all areas irrespective of political affiliations. He said though the entire state was facing acute problems on account of rampant corruption, misgovernance and political bankruptcy of rulers the government had singled out areas represented by opposition for maltreatment. He said the planning process had been subverted and the chief minister was utilizing plan funds as if it was his discretionary grant. “This situation will change if  people of all areas use their vote like the residents of Pulwama - Shopian districts which had returned all the PDP candidates in last elections" Mufti said adding that would be a turning point in state's history.

Mufti observed that during the last nearly four years the present regime has eroded and undermined all prestigious democratic institutions, be it Assembly, local bodies or Panchayati Raj Institutions. Pointing towards inordinate delay in holding civic bodies’ elections without any reasons, he reminded the gathering that it was during the PDP led regime that elections of civic bodies were held after a gap of more than two decades. “Civic bodies elections were scheduled to be held in the month of February 2010 but the government has been delaying the elections without any reason”, he said and added that indifferent attitude to give powers to the Panchayats and inordinate delay in conducting civic bodies’ election reflects dictatorial mindset of the present dispensation.

He mentioned that decision to cancel Block Development Council (BDCs) elections was a clear indication that this government does not want to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. PDP patron said that the present regime has dishonoured mandate of the people who had turned out in large number of cast vote in Panchayat elections which were held in the month of April 2011.  “Not only this government has humiliated elected Panchayat members but has also insulted those voters who had cast their votes with a hope to strengthen democratic institutions at grass root level,” had he said. “With its assiduous efforts the PDP had restored peoples’ faith in the democracy but the present government headed by NC is brazenly trying to undermine the democratic institutions”, Mr Sayeed and regretted that this regime has undermined the dignity and sanctity of the highest democratic institution like Assembly. “No discussion is allowed to be held in the Assembly”, he pointed out.

 Speaking on the occasion, Muzaffar Hussain Beigh said the present coalition government has completely failed to reach out to people. “Today we are here not to seek votes from you and it is not any election time that we have gathered here to seek your support. But we want to express our apprehension that people will get disenchanted with the political process if the trend to disconnect with the people set by the National Conference led coalition government continued in future,” Beigh said. Referring to the Omar Abdullah’s visits to different district in south Kashmir, Beigh said that it is not that he is interested in the problems faced by the people but to seek vote for their candidates nominated for Legislative Council elections.  “I wonder with what faith Omar seeks votes from the Panchs and Sarpanchs who have been humiliated to the hilt by his government. Even Omar Abdullah government failed to grant the inherent powers of the grassroots level representatives. This is the worst kind of political opportunism which Omar has exhibited by seeking votes from Panchs and Sarpanchs,” the former deputy chief minister observed.

On the claims made by Omar Abdullah that NC-Congress is a natural coalition, Beigh said where was this coalition when his party boycotted Congress calling it ‘Gandi Nali Ke keede’. “This is all about power. Sheikh Abdullah forged an alliance with Jawahir Lal Nehru for power and with certain differences that crept in the coalition fell apart. Then this party formed a coalition with Indira Gandhi for power that fell apart. Then Farooq Abdullah formed a coalition with Rajeev Gandhi again for power, but that coalition fell spaced out. Now Omar Abdullah is in coalition with Congress just for power and how can they claim it is a natural coalition. Where was this natural coalition when National Conference joined hands with BJP, RSS, Shiv Sena?” Beigh asked.  

Amid stone pelting, clashes Pulwama protests continue on Day 3

PDP terms crisis as ‘CM’s failure’

Srinagar, Nov 25 (VOS): Amid protests, clashes and tear gas shelling, south Kashmir’s Pulwama Township observed complete shutdown for third consecutive day today in protest against acute shortage of electricity and scarcity of cooking gas in the district.

Protestors poured on various roads leading to the district, holding protests and blocking roads by erecting barricades and burning tyres. Clashes between police and protestors continued for the third day today with many people getting injured as police cane charged and burst smoke shells to disperse the agitated protestors.

The protestors raised anti-government slogans, alleging the state government of meting out step-motherly treatment to the district as an action of ‘political vendetta’.

Protestors also demanded action against policemen, for using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, in which 4 boys were injured on Saturday, two of them critically. One of the injured hit by a tear gas canister continues to be hospitalized. The protestors were also aghast over the state Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah giving their genuine grievances ‘a cold shoulder’.

However, the Organisor of Pulwama Coordination Committee, G M Malik told VOS that their demands have been accepted by the authorities and that they had called off their strike on Saturday. “A transformer at the receiving station has been installed, which was our demand. We also met the CM and he has assured us of supplying a new transformer after the LC elections. There is considerable improvement in the supply of power to the town”, he said.

However, he said the youth of the town continued with the strike as a protest against the police action in which several youth were injured on Saturday.

The protests, clashes and stone pelting continued till late in the evening, while this report was filed.

Meanwhile, while strongly condemning the government apathy and police action against protesting people in Pulwama, Peoples Democratic Party has termed the crisis in South Kashmir as a failure of chief minister Omar Abdullah ‘who visited the district to seek votes but did not heard the grievances of public representatives’.

Sharing the sense of outrage of people of Pulwama district who are on strike for the last three days against power curtailment and non availability of cooking gas, party chief spokesperson Naeem Akhter said the chief minister Omar Abdullah who visited the district showed disrespect to the public sentiment by not listening to their demands for which they are on streets for the last three days. “The government led by national Conference has no time for sufferings of people but its only agenda is how to remain in power,” Akhter observed.

He said that PDP realizes that in absence of any other alternative fuel, LPG is the most essential commodity needed by every household in the state. “Even many households have been out of the cooking gas or they are on the brink of starvation,” he remarked. The other PDP leaders said despite being at top in electricity revenue generation, Pulwama is the worst sufferer at the hands of the power development department which is under the control of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Pulwama is 35-years-old district and sofar does not possess a single grid station. The one sanctioned receiving station at Wagum has been kept withheld by the government for the reasons best known to it,” the party leaders said adding that the prevailing cooking gas crisis has increased the problems of people.  

In a statement issued here, the PDP MLAs including Mohammad Khalil Bandh MLA Pulwama, Syed Basheer MLA Rajpora, Zahoor Ahmad Mir MLA Pampore, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah MLA Tral and Abdul Razaq Zawoora MLA Shopian and party chief spokesperson Naeem Akhter have observed that the dismal performance of the present government is directly responsible for the present law and order situation in Pulwama district. (VOS)

Soz backs Omar on Joint Election 'Mantra', says Sonia approved CM's proposal
Softens stand on Controversial 73rd Amendment.
Srinagar, Nov. 25 (VOS):  In what could be interpreted as 'veiled' support to Chief Minster Omar Abdullah's 'desire'  of contesting the 2014 Assembly elections jointly by the two coalition partners, Presdeh Congress Committee Chief Prof. Saifudin Soz Sunday said that fielding candidates for the next months LC contest jointly has sent a strong message among the masses that NC-Congress coalition was the best combinations and it was only this coalition that could redress the grievances of the people of the state. Addressing a joint Public gathering with Chief Minster Omar Abdullah to galvanize the support for the Coalition candidates in the upcoming LC polls, Soz said , "Some times, we do feel that this coalitions won’t last so long, but then we must admit that it is this coalition only which has lived and will live to the expectations of the people."

According to VOS , State Congress President said that AICC President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Ghandi was also willing to see both the parties of the Omar Abdullah led Coalition, putting up a joint face in the upcoming LC Polls. "When Omar Sahab expressed his wish of contesting the LC polls jointly, I rushed to Delhi and informed Sonia Ji, about CM's desire", revealed Soz, adding that Sonia Ghandi seconded Omar's proposal. "Sonia Ji gave a green signal to Omar's proposal, and we have begun a new and landmark journey", Said Soz.

He further added that on Saturday when he was campaigning for the coalition candidates in south Kashmir, he told people that only NC-Congress coalition can help people of the state live a prosperous life. Soz, however, looked mild toned when he reiterated his demand of implementation of 73rd amendments that guarantees greater powers to the village representatives." Some clauses of 73rd amendment need to be implemented." Soz demanded. However he was quick to add that Chief Minster Omar Abdullah who was standing besides him, has written a letter to the Union Minster Jai Ram Ramesh, demanding Centre's help for providing honorarium and insurance cover to the Punches and Srpanches.

Soz also spoke the LPG 'crisis' and said that he has taken up the matter with union petroleum ministry and has demanded an increase in cap to 12 cylinders per year. He however demanded that the traders
involved in the black marketing of LPG should be sent to 'Tihar Jail'. (VOS)

Coalition committed for vibrant Panchayati Raj System: Rather

Srinagar, Nov 25: Asserting that the coalition government headed by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah was committed for a strong and vibrant Panchyati Raj System in the State, senior National Conference leader and Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, A.R. Rather today asked the Panchs and Sarpanchs not to get swayed by false propaganda of the opposition, which for satiating their vested interests try to create misunderstanding and disillusionment among them.

Addressing one-day convention of party workers, Panchs and Sarpanchs at Chadoora in district Budgam, Rather said Coordination Committee of both the coalition partners have agreed to incorporate some appropriate clauses of the 73rdamendment of Indian Constitution into the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act to make Panchayati Raj System more vibrant and broad- based, adding that after this exercise, elections for Block Development Councils will be held to pave way for a 3-tier Panchayati Raj Institution in the State. This model of Panchayati Raj system has been conceived after a hectic exercise to examine Panchayat Systems in the other advanced States of the country including Maharashtra, Andhara Pradesh. “The representatives of Village Panchayats will have definite and pro-active role in District Development Boards.

Appealing Panchs and Sarpanchs to cast their vote in favour of the nominated candidates of coalition government for four vacant MLC seats under Panchayat quota, Rather said it will be their great contribution in strengthening the Panchayat Raj System in the State. He said delegation of administrative and financial powers to Panchs and Sarpanchs is being worked out adding that supervision of 14 Government departments of most public importance have already been brought under the dominion of village Panchayats.  

46 structures damaged in Pahalgam fire incident  

Will provide housing on IAY pattern, Rs 45000 as relief: Altaf

Omar deputes ministers, Mufti expresses solidarity, Mehbooba visits victims

Srinagar, Nov 25 (VOS): During the intervening night of Nov 24 and 25, fire broke out in Frislan village near Pahalgam, damaging at least 46 structures, however, no damage to life or livestock was reported.

“Forty- six structures including residential house and cow shed were gutted in the fire. However, no loss of life or injury was reported in this incident. The fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders”, said a police spokesperson.

Police is on job to shift the inhabitants to safer places. Police has started the investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire, he added.

Sources told VOS, that the fire had started from a house where a large quantity of coal had been stored. “The coal caught fire which spread within no time”, locals told VOS.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep sorrow over the fire incident that took place at Frisalan village in Pahalgam of Anantnag district.

“The Chief Minister has sent a team of Ministers and officers comprising Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf Ahmed and Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo to visit the spot, meet the affected families and assess the loss to the property. The Chief Minister also conveyed his sympathy to the affected families”, said an official spokesperson.

Forest Minister, Mian Altalf told VOS that the government will provide assistance to the fire victims on the pattern of Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) and provide an immediate relief of 45000 rupees each.

PDP Patron, Mufti Mohammad Syeed also expressed grief over the damage caused to the structures and expressed solidarity with the fire victims. He demanded immediate relief to the sufferers in view of the ongoing winter season.

Meanwhile, PDP President Mahbooba mufti along with MLA pehalgam visited Frislan , Pehalgam to express solidarity with the fire victims who  have been rendered homeless in last night's devastating fire . “ While interacting with Mehbooba, women poured their heart out as to how they had lost everything including from valuable items to fooder for their animals . People have been left just with their clothes on , rest all has been destroyed by the fire”, said a PDP spokesperson

“Ms Mufti told the families that she shared their pain and would do everything possible to help them rebuild their homes .She also emphasized on the govt to go beyond routine scale fixed for such losses and provide generous financial assistance to the affected families. She also urged the district administration to ensure hassle free transportation of timber , tin sheets and other building material to the village , so that re building process could be started urgently without any restrictions”.

Mehbooba also appealed to different NGOs and social organizations to come forward in this hour of need and help the families in both cash and kind .Earlier Rafi Mir had reached the village and ensured that some urgent help was given to the families by the district administration.

CPI (M) state secretary, M Y Tarigami has also expressed sadness over the incident and demanded immediate relief to the victims. (VOS)

Ashoora processions taken out despite curfew like restrictions in city

Situation remained peaceful overall: IGP

Srinagar, Nov 25 (VOS): Despite curfew like restriction in Srinagar city to disallow people from taking out Ashoora procession,  mourners after giving slip to security personel at Lal Chowk succeeded in taking out a procession. More than 2 dozen mourners were arrested by police during processions that were taken out today from different localities in Srinagar.

Police and civil administration had already announced restrictions on movement of people from Lal Chowk to Abi Guzar and in down town area from Hawal to Aali Masjid. Roads leading to Lal Chowk were blocked by heavy contingents of police and CRPF personnel and no one was allowed to proceed on these routes. Heavy deployment of security forces were placed on various places including Abi Guzar, Regal Chowk, Ganta Ghar and Ganjlaat Gali.

All entry points connecting the various areas in Srinagar city were sealed and strict restrictions were put in place to disallow the moment of vehicles causing panic in public and passenges.

Scences of confusion and chaos could be seen when leader of Anjuman e Sharyi Shiyaan Aga Syed Mujtuba appeared before the Womens College M. A Road leading the procession of mourners after giving the slip to the forces. Personnel of police and CRPF didn’t allow Processions’ to proceed ahead from Regal Chowk. On resistance from procession, police arrested one dozen mourners.

Meanwhile, Shia Youth Revolutionary leader Aga Mujahid Tanha was also arrested when he tried to take procession in Lal Chowk.

Incidents of stone pelting were also reported from various areas of down town in which various civilians and security personal got injured.

Talking to VOS, Inspector General of Police said that the situation remained peaceful overall in the valley. “Some policemen got minor injuries while dealing with law and order situation in a minor incidents”, he said, adding that police had to face stone pelting incidents during the day.

Meanwhile a police spokesperson in a statement issued here said :”Situation remained peaceful across the valley barring few incidents of stone pelting from Gojwara Chowk and Pulwama Town in which three policemen were injured and a police vehicles was damaged. Police exercised maximum restrained and dispersed the miscreants. As a precautionary measures some restrictions were imposed at few places in Srinagar”

Police said Ashoora gatherings were held at many places in the valley that concluded peacefully.

“Ashoora gatherings were held at Alamgari Bazaar, Balhama, Baarji Harwan, Kral Mohalla Harwan, Gulshanbagh Lal Bazar, Shalina Nowgam in district Srinagar”, said the polices spokesperson.

“In District Budgam Ashoora gatherings were held at Town Budgam, Mirgund, Gazi Manzil Imambada Yousuf Abad, Magam, Askinderpora Beerwah, Sonpah Beerwah”

“In Baramulla District, Ashoora gatherings were held in Hanjivera Pattan. In District Awantipora Ashoora gatherings were held at Wakharwan Awantipora, Panner Tral”.

“In Ganderbal District Ashoora gatherings were held at Bat Kallan and Malik Mohalla Dub. In Anantnag District Ashoora gatherings Chattergul Achabal and Sofipora Pahalgam”

“In Kulgam District Ashoora gatherings was held in Wangam Devsar. Ashoora gatherings were also held in Leh town, Turtuk, Partappora Leh.”, the police spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, JKLF Chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik today addressed a Ashoora procession at Zadibal in the old city.

He said the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in karbala is a lesson for all generations to follow the path of truth, justice and sacrifice. Hussainiat always stands for justice and truth, said Yaseen.

“When it comes to choose between tyrants and those who are oppressed, we should choose oppressed and be on their side”, added Yasin Malik.

He also said that today we are here to show solidarity with our Shia brethren. “We want to convey to them that Kalima la illaha illalllah Mohammad ur rasoolullah unites us all. Our allah is one, our prophet is one, our ka’aba and Qibla is same, that is why we all should be one, united in our love, grief and joy”. (VOS)

Mirwaiz pays glowing tributes to Karbala Martyrs

“Karbala signifies victory of truth”

Srinagar, Nov 25: APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, paid glowing tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussan (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala while addressing a gathering at Narwara in Srinagar. 
He said the Karbala reflects that how the right wins over wrong. Mirwaiz said it taught the whole humanity to rise against the suppression and oppression. He said that Karbal also shows that those people who sarcfice their lives on the path of truth ultimately win.
 On the occasion, Mirwaiz narrated the history of Karbala and said that the incident happened 1500 years on 680 AD. He said from then onwards it represents the struggle of rightful over powerful and between truth and falsehood.
Speaking over the prevailing situation in Kashmir, Mirwaiz expressed his concern and said that it was going from bad to worse. He said that restrictions, arrests, torture, imprisoning people were no solution to
the Kashmir problem. He said that restrictions and other repressive measures could not suppress the  freedom sentiment of Kashmiri leadership and Kashmiri people.
The Mirwaiz said that permanent peace and prosperity in South Asia would remain a far-fetched dream until Kashmir dispute was resolved through tripartite talks involving Pakistan, India and the genuine Kashmiri leadership. His address was punctuated by pro-freedom slogans. Later, the Mirwaiz led a procession from Imam Bargah in the area. He offered special prayers for the liberation struggle of Kashmir and for the martyrs of Karbala.

Rampant burglaries spread panic among Sopore traders

“Security agencies under suspicion”

Srinagar, Nov 25 (VOS): Unabated cases of theft and burglaries have spread panic among the traders of Sopore town who allege that police has failed to unveil the faces behind the rampant cases of theft.

Sources told VOS, over last few months, 40 to 50 cases of thefts have occurred in Sopore, while police remains clueless.

“Burglars broke into Zeenat Textiles shop after cutting the shutter and stole the clothes worth 12 lac rupees during the intervening night of 24th and 25th November”, the traders said.

“We’ve brought the matter in the notice of IGP Kashmir but no arrangements have been put on place for the prevention of these thefts”, said Baramulla Traders Front Chairman Haji Mohammad Ashraf Ganie. “Local Police has also failed and we smell rat and are surprised as to how police won’t get a clue or arrest the thieves”, he added.

He alleged that CRPF bunker in the market having CCTV might be abettor or perpetrator of the crime. “We have apprehensions that security agencies of the area are involved in these crimes”, he alleged.

Ganie demanded immediate arrest and action against the culprits of the offence and threatened of massive agitation in the area if authorities fail to ensure security to their businesses. (VOS)

  

Breadmakers go on token strike

Will extend strike to other areas if authorities fail to revise rates: BMA

Srinagar, Nov 25 (VOS): Kashmiri bread is likely to cost more with the Bread Makers Association (BMA) deciding to go on strike against the authorities for failing to revise rates of bread.

Breadmakers at Banihama, Batpora, Khimbar, Burzuhama, Buspora, Ahmad Nagar, Zakoora, Nagbal, Gulabagh, Alastang, Pandech, khulmullah, umerhair and Wakoora and other areas will be observing token strike against the authorities for failure to revise the existing rates.
Chairman BMA, Abdul Majeed Pampori said that the price of various bread ingredients had gone up while the price of firewood was also touching the sky. “Authorities had revised the rate list of the breads in year 2010 but since then the price of material used in making breads has gone up exponentially,” said Pampori.
BMA has asked authorities to revise the rates on priority basis with immediate effect or else it (BMA) strike would be extended to other districts as well.
 Meanwhile, in various areas bread makers have fixed the rates of various breads on their own and the concerned authorities have been caught napping. A group of people from uptown Srinagar told VOS that the nanwaiees had refixed rates and were selling bread on exhorbitant rates. They appealed the authorities to look into the matter immediately. (VOS)

Mian Altaf, Sakina visits Fraslan Pahalgam

Reviews rehabilitation measures for fire sufferers

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 25: On the instructions of Chief Minister, Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad and Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo today visited Fraslan village of Pahalgam in South Kashmir and took stock of the rehabilitation measures being taken by district administration, Anantnag in favour of 46 fire sufferers of the village whose residential houses were gutted in fire incident yester night.

            The Ministers while expressing sympathy with the sufferers assured them every possible support from the Government for their rehabilitation.

            On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag apprised the Ministers of the measures taken by the district administration. He said cash relief of Rs. 10,000/- was distributed among each family out of Red Cross Fund today morning, while as Rs. 40,000/- to each family would be provided at an earliest. He further informed the Ministers that the sufferers shall be provided free ration for two months. Besides, IAY cases shall also be sanctioned in favour of the fire victims.

            The Ministers were also informed that two water tankers shall remain available in the village while as electric transformer will be installed within a day’s time to restore the electricity.

            It was also informed that department of Forests shall start supply of timber from next week to enable the sufferers to ensure early construction of their residential houses.

            The Ministers on the occasion directed the district administration to constitute of team of officers for monitoring the rehabilitation work in the said village.

            MLA Pahalgam, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Mir and MLC, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri accompanied the Ministers on the occasion.

24^th batch of 532 Hajis received at Srinagar Airport

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 25: As many as 532 Haj pilgrims comprising of 287 male and 245 female after performing Haj Bait-ul-Ullah returned from Saudi Arabia this morning.

            The Haj pilgrims were received at Srinagar International Airport by Director, Airport Authority of India, Executive Officer, State Haj Committee, Srinagar and district administration Budgam, besides officers of civil and police departments.

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