Two more killed, toll in fresh unrest goes to 6

Two more killed, toll in fresh unrest goes to 6

Sanam Aijaz / Marouf Ahmad

Srinagar, July 31:

Two more people were killed in the fresh firing by security forces and police in north Kashmir on Saturday, taking the death toll in last 24-hours to six. About 100 persons including 28 policemen were injured in clashes between police and enraged mob while property worth millions was damaged by rampaging protesters. The fresh killings further vitiated the atmosphere in entire Kashmir Valley which has witnessed 23 killings since the unrest began on June 11 with death of 17-years-old Tufail Ahmad Matto due to police teargas shelling.

Police said two men — Javaid Ahmad Teli son of Ghulam Mohammad of Bungalbagh Baramulla and Mudasir Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Mohammad Lone of Naidkhai Bandipora— were killed and eleven persons including two women sustained bullet injuries in massive clashes across North and South Kashmir.

Official sources said that first death occurred in Bandipore district at around 1500 hours this afternoon when security forces and police opened fire at rampaging mob at Naidkhah Poshwari village in Sumbal area of the district. The bullets hit 20-year-old Mudasir Ahmad, resulting in his on spot death.

“An unruly mob attacked Police camp causing injuries to a number of policemen including SP Bandipora, who suffered head injury, forcing police to open fire, in which a protester died,” a police spokesman said here.

Locals said that the trouble began when security forces after alleged thrashing of several pedestrians sans any reason. Following the news about beating, the protesters took to on streets and stage protest demonstrations. The security forces tried to quell the protesters with force, triggering outrage. “Police and CRPF opened fire, killing Mudasir,” the locals said.

With few hours of the killing, police opened fire in the neighboring Baramulla district killing another youth, a labourer— Javed Ahmad Teli.

They said police opened fire on the rampaging mob at Cement Bridge Baramulla, critically injuring the 32-year-old labouere. He sustained bullet in head and was rushed to SK Institute of Medical Sciences, here. However, he succumbed to injuries.

“The youth succumbed to injuries during surgery. Three more people, including a girl is in serious condition,” Medical Superintendent, SKIMS, Mohammad Amin Tabish said.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of men, women and children took to streets and staged massive demonstrations in Kreeri Pattan in the troubled Baramulla district.

Police said that the violent mobs attacked old Police Station and Horticulture buildings setting both on fire. “The mob also assaulted a security force Jawan and attempted to snatch his weapon. Several policemen received injuries at this place,” police spokesman said.

Later, police opened fire on the protesters after teargas shelling and baton charge failed to disperse the highly discharging mob. Nearly twenty people were injured in the police action while of them –Haneefa, daughter of Ghulam Hassan Wani, Gulshan and Muhammad Ashraf –sustained bullet wounds. The trio was removed to SHMS hospital and later to SKIMS here for specialized treatment.

In Amargarh Sopore, angry protesters set ablaze the newly-built railway station and a vehicle of the fire service department when the bodies of the two youth shot dead by forces yesterday reached their hometown.

In southern Kashmir district, the situation was very tense as security forces and police burst tear smoke shells and opened random fire to disperse thousands of demonstrators who defied the curfew and took to streets in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam district..

Police said, at Pampore, a number of people gathered and attacked police station Pampore. They also attacked 02 vehicles of Airforce and set them on fire. “A number of policemen received injuries in this incident also while rescuing the Airforce staff from these vehicles,” it said. At least nine people were injured in the clashes between protesters and forces in the area.

At Bijbehara and Sangam Bridge on Srinagar-Jammu highway, violent mob violated curfew restrictions and attacked police station Bijbehara and the office of SDPO. “A number of policemen received injuries in this incident. The unruly mobs also cut trees along the highway and blocked the highway,” police said. At least twelve people, two among them were critically injured in the incident as police retaliated with teargas shelling and aerial firing. Condition of one, Tariq Ahmad was stated to be more serious at SKIMS here, where he has been admitted.

At Kakpora and Samboora, a mob crowd attacked a posse of policemen wounding a DySP and several other policemen, a spolice spokesman said here. “A petrol bomb was also thrown at Police vehicle as a result of which it gutted completely.”

Security forces resorted to cane charge and burst tear smoke shells to disperse the protesters. In retaliation, protesters pelted stones, triggering off street battles. Troops and police opened random fire after they failed to quell the demonstration, souces said, adding, at-least least twelve people were injured.

Reports of protests and clashes were also received from twin districts of Budgam and Gaderbal of Central Kashmir.

In Srinagar-the summer capital of the state, the situation remained relatively peaceful as strict curfew continued throughout the day. There was no report about any untoward incident from any where in the capital city.

Police said that 28 policemen including SP Bandipora, DySP Pulwama and SHO received injuries. Several policemen have been hospitalized.

“General public and law abiding citizens are advised to respect curfew restrictions and prevent small minorities in breaking the law,” a police spokesman added..

Meanwhile, Kashmir University and Public Service Commission have postponed all the exams.

A spokesman of the varsity said that all the examinations scheduled upto and including 6th August 2010 (Friday) have been postponed.

The PSC has also postponed all the departmental examinations and screening tests scheduled to be held up to August 8, till further orders, an official communiqué said here

Machil: No hearing in Army

Machil: No hearing in Army revision petition

Srinagar 31 july 2010

There was no hearing in the revision petition filed by army with regard to court martial trial in faked killings of three youths along the Line of Control in Machil sector of Kupwara in April this year.
Principal District & Sessions Judge, Baramulla Gous-ul-Nissa-Jeelani was to hear the army revision petition against the orders of Chief Judicial Magistrate Sopore, Qaunser Ahmad Qureshi, rejecting the court martial trial of the army.
However, sources said that due to the prevailing curfew and tense situation in the north Kashmir, no hearing could take place.
The CJM Sopore, on July 15 rejected the court martial plea by army, observing that trail of the case in relation to the accused persons too was necessary to be conducted by a civil court. “In view of the conjoined reading of the army act 1950, Section 549 CrPC and Court Martial adjustment of jurisdictional rules, the case falls beyond the option of its trial by court martial,” the court had observed.
The court had also directed Brigadier Commander of 53 Infantry Brigade Machil and the present commander of 4 Rajput to ensure the presence of the accused on the next date of hearing in the case on July 29 so that the civil proceedings move forward.
In a separate order, the court had also directed DIG Baramulla to ensure the presence of the accused in the court on the date of hearing. “Any default on the adherence of the order shall compel court to issue non-bailable warrants against the accused army men,” the order says.
Later the army filed a revision petition before the session court who served notice to the state to file objections, if any while called for records on July 29. Later, court listed the case for hearing today.
Police in its charge sheet has indicted a Colonel, two Majors, four personnel besides local Territorial Army personnel and three locals under section 302 (murder), 364 (Kidnapping or abducting), 120B (Concealing design to commit offence punishable with imprisonment) and 34 (act done with common intention).
The accused Army men include Colonel D K Pathania, Major Moriya Ajutant, Major Opinder, Sobidar Sadbeer Singh (belt No2787577H), Sepoy Chander Ban (3007614N), Sepoy Naginder Singh (3008812L), Sepoy Narinder Singh (3004985L) and A man Abbas Ahmad Shah.
Besides, the army men, the other accused in the case include SPO Bashir Ahmad Lone, his brother Showkat Ahmad and Abdul Hamid Bhat, member of government gunmen in connection with the “cold-blooded” murder of three youths from Nadhihal Rafiabad near Sonapindi in Machhil sector of Kupwara district for claiming reward money.
Police has already arrested the locals, who allegedly conspired with army men to lure the three youth - Reyaz Ahmad, Mohammad Shafi and Shahzad Ahmad - on the pretext of giving them high paying jobs in Army.

CRPF, Police opens fire in North, South and Centre, 3 dead

CRPF, Police opens fire in North, South and Centre, 3 dead
147 injured in Valley-wide protests

Srinagar July 30:
Three people on Friday were killed and at least a hundred and fifty
people, twenty five among them sustained firearm injuries when
paramilitary CRPF troops and police opened fire and burst tear smoke
shells to disperse demonstrations across Valley.
Reports from North Kashmir said that hundreds of people after offering
congregational Friday prayers took to streets in Amargarh area of
Sopore town and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations this
afternoon. Chanting " anti-India slogans, the protesters tried to
march through the streets of the apple town.
However, CRPF troops and police, deployed in advance in the area
opened fire after they failed to quell the demonstration with cane
charge. Two people were killed and fifteen others were injured in the
firing. The condition of the four injured people is said to be
critical.
They have been identified as Showkat Ahmad, 20, son of Abdul Majid Dar
and Mohammad Ahsan, 40, son of Abdul Aziz Ganai, both residents of
Amargah.
“My father was the lone bread earner of the family. My mother is
bed-ridden from last two years. My younger brother is physically
challenged. O Allah! Help us,” Ahsan’s wailing daughter said, as her
father’s body, wrapped in a white cloth was being carried away by
people from SMHS hospital.
As the news of the death of two people spread in Sopore, people from
Khushaal Matoo, Arampora, Chankhan, Warpora, chinkipora, main chowk,
Baba Yusuf and other areas poured on roads and staged demonstrations.
The protesters engaged troops and police in pitched battles.
At Potkhah, angry protesters set ablaze police post to give vent to
their feelings.
In neighboring Baramulla town, fierce clashes broke out at Main chowk,
Tehsil road, Azad Gunj, Cement bridge, when the news of Sopore
killings spread. Besides shouting slogans, the protesters hurled
stones and rocks on the CRPF men and Police.
The forces opened fire after they failed to quell the demonstrators
with numerous tear smoke shells. At least twelve people were injured
in the clashes that continued till late evening.
In Pattan, angry protesters torched two vehicles including a police
van and a portion of police station.
Reports said people of Palhalan, Pattan and other areas came on
streets after learning the death of Sopore youth. Shouting slogans,
the protesters marched on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway. CRPF and
police burst teargas canisters and resorted to cane charge to break up
the demonstration. However, the protesters offered stiff resistance
and fought ding-dong battles with the forces.
Police and troops opened fire after they failed to quell the
demonstrators. A youth was killed and fifteen injured in the firing.
“Mohammad Rafiq, a teenager was brought dead to hospital by locals. He
had suffered bullet injury,” Block Medical officer (BMO) Pattan, Dr
Javed Ahmad said.
The death of Rafiq, eyewitnesses said fuelled the demonstrations in
the area. Angry protesters attacked the police station and thrashed
several cops besides setting off several vehicles on fire.
“The people chased away the forces and set-off a police van on fire.
They also barged into the police station and set-ablaze a vehicle and
a portion of the building,” eyewitnesses said.
Mohammad Yusuf, a resident of Pattan told newspoint at SMHS hospital
that forces stormed government hospital and opened indiscriminate
fire. He said, at least fifteen people were injured in the firing.
“We brought six people with bullet injuries to SMHS. Four others were
taken to SKIMS in serious condition,” Yusuf added.
Earlier, CRPF men belonging to 178 Battalion (A Coy) opened fire in
Chanpora locality of Srinagar, injuring at least four people, one
among them critically.
The youth identified as 22-year-old Mohammad Iqbal, son of Abdul Majid
Khan was hit by a bullet in head. He was rushed to SMHS hospital and
later shifted to SK Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura for
specialized treatment.
“The condition of the youth is serious. We have put him on
ventilator,” Medical Superintendent, SKIMS, Mohammad Amin Tabish told
newspoint
.
As the news of CRPF firing on the youth spread, hundreds of youth
appeared on roads in Chanpora, Natipora, Rambagh, Barzulla, Solina,
Bagh-e-mehtab and the adjoining areas and staged demonstrations.
Angry protesters ransacked police post, Chanpora and thrashed several
cops.
Forces again opened fire and burst tear smoke shells to contain the
worsening situation in the area. At least seventeen people, including
five policemen were injured in the ensuing clashes.
Troops and police also used force near Rambagh to quell a procession
that was on its way to Maisuma from Mouchoo. At least five people
suffered injuries in the ensuing clashes..
In South Kashmir’s Tral, troops and police opened fire and lobbed
numerous teargas canisters to quell a procession that was taken out by
people from the shrine of Syed Ameer-e-Kabeer. At least six people,
including a woman were injured in the forces action.
After the incident, violent clashes broke out between protesters and
the forces. Angry protesters damaged several pickets of troops in the
area. In the ensuing clashes twenty more people, including some
policemen were injured.
Four people, including a policeman were injured in ding-dong clashes
in Awantipora area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The policemen,
identified as Mohammad Hussain received head injuries in the stone
pelting. He was rushed to SKIMS for treatment.
Reports of protests and clashes were also received from Kakpora area
of the district.
Police burst tear smoke shells and fired several warning shots to
disperse the protesters. At least seventeen people were injured in the
clashes. A youth identified as Ashiq Hussain, son of Ali Mohammad
Sheikh was hit by a teargas shell. He was rushed to Srinagar in
critical condition.
In Shopian, troops and police burst tear smoke shells and opened
several shots in air to quell people, mainly youth near main chowk
this afternoon. At least four people, reports said were injured in the
clashes between protesters and the forces.
Protests and clashes were also reported from several area of the
Ananatnag district. Five people, reports and eyewitnesses said
sustained injuries in the clashes.
Meanwhile, state authorities clamped curfew in several districts of
the Valley fearing wide spread protests against the fresh killings.

curbs

Sanam aijaz

Srinagar July 29: While the restriction on news transmissions of
various local TV channels District Magistrate, Srinagar bans Sen
Channel and Sen Awaaz owned by site entertainment network.

The J-K government has banned the beaming of two channels in Kashmir.
Sen people have been directed by the authorities to block Sen Channel
and Sen Awaaz with immediate effect.

Wide the endorsement number: DMS/PS-Misc/10/840-52, on July 29, 2010.

In an order letter DC said, these two channels have been giving wide
coverage to the provocative speeches and activities of secessionist
elements, thereby creating law and order problems.

Channels was advised to observe programme code as envisaged under
cable television network (Regulation Act), 1995 in letter and spirit
but the said channels directions have been flouted repeatedly. While
monitoring recent news bulletins and other programmes, it has been
found that these channels are showing stone-pelting, attack on CRPF
bunkers, statements of separatists and Hurriyats strike calls in such
a incite people to create law and order problems, DC said in order.

It has been reported that these channels are not adhering to the
instructions issued from time to time and are constantly violating the
time slot for telecasting the day to day happenings, order reads
further.

Mir Amjad, Director of Site Entertainment Network told Newspoint that,
this is not first time that authorities have seized our equipments or
ban on our transmissions.

I am totally surprised that why the government has ban on our two
channels, when we have never break any rule or order by the
authorities. I should ask government that they should watch and
monitor all the local channels what they are telecasting, and I don’t
think that we have telecast any mischievous things which really create
law and order problems, he said.

Earlier, The Jammu and Kashmir government on August 24, 2008
restricted all local TV channels from broadcasting news and current
affairs programme ahead of March by separatists.

Police files case of ‘rioting’ against MLA

Police files case of ‘rioting’ against MLA

Sanam Aijaz
Srinagar, July 29:

A day after MLA Langate, Er Rashid alleged thrashing by it, police on
Thursday filed a case against the sitting legislator, charging him for
“rioting, assaulting public servant, mischief” and for “unlawful
assembly”.
“A case FIR 149/2010 under section 332, 427, 147 and 149 RpC has been
registered against the Er Rashid,” a police official said.
Under Section 332—voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant
from his duty, he can face a punishment with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine,
or with both.
Besides, under section 427—mischief causing damage to the amount of
over fifty rupees, the legislator with separatist lineage may be
punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years,
or with fine, or with both.
There is almost same punishment of two years terms under the Section
147—Punishment for rioting and Section 149—unlawful assembly guilty of
offence.
Earlier this morning, the MLA called off his overnight sit-in outside
the police station Hanwara while vowed to continue with the with the
protest until action any action was not taken against the police
officer who alleged beat him in the police station.
“I will continue with the protest till state government takes any firm
action against the SHO of the Handwara police station,” Er Rashid
said.
The legislator had alleged to have been severely beaten by Police late
last evening. “I had gone to police station Handwara to lodge a
complaint against unprovoked thrashing of civilian, tipper driver
Abdul Aziz by police, but instead of listening me, a dozen of police
men pounced on me and beat me to pulp.”
He later staged a sit-in outside the Police Station Handwara and was
joined by hundreds of people before he called it off this morning due
to inclement weather.

--

Same Kashmir Same Story: Strike, restrictions continue

Same Kashmir Same Story: Strike, restrictions continue

Srinagar, July 28:

Amid fresh protests at few places, Kashmir valley was again paralyzed today in wake of the strict restrictions and a general strike call by separatists.

After a day of normalcy yesterday, life across the valley was thrown out of gear as authorities clamped tough restrictions under section 144 in most parts of the old Srinagar. The measures, official said, were taken to prevent any deterioration of the law and order in wake of the separatist call for sit-in protests.

Srinagar city wore a deserted look as all shops remained closed. Educational institutes, business establishments, private offices, banks, petrol pumps and financial institutes remained closed while traffic remained off the roads.

Security forces had also erected barricades in sensitive areas including Nowhatta, Gojwara, Rajouri Kadal, Saraf Kadal, Kawdara, Safa Kadal, Nawab Bazar and other areas old city areas to prevent protests.

They said that since morning CRPF and police, equipped with riot gear and sophisticated weapons, maintained tight vigil and confined the residents indoors.

While there were no demos in old city, violent protests broke out in Rambagh, Natipora, Kansipora and Kralpora areas in civil lines of the Srinagar, the summer capital of the state.

Reports quoting eyewitnesses said that scores of people took to streets in Kanipora and Natipora areas in outskirts of the city to protest the arrest of a youth—Sajad Ahmad, by police last evening. The protesters accused police of arresting “innocent youth” on the false charges of stone pelting while demanded his immediate release.

In Rambagh, groups of youth appeared on road and resorted to stone pelting on security forces on charges to disperse the stone pelting youth. One person sustained minor injury, reports added.

Restrictions were imposed on the civilian movement in twin towns of Sopore and Baramulla in North Kashmir.

Hundreds of people took to streets in Palhalan and Azad Gunj area of the district and staged demonstrations against the alleged human rights violations. The protesters were later chased away. Meanwhile, Junior Doctors Association reacted sharply to the government action against few medicos for staging protests on July 24.

“The Junior Doctors Association (Government Medical College and Associated Hospitals) has taken a strong note of the highhandedness of the government against some doctors who participated in a peaceful silent sit-in on July 24 to express solidarity with families of recently killed innocent youth and Human Rights violations,” a spokesperson said. “This protest should have served as a model for peaceful protests in civilized and democratic society.”

The JDA spokesperson said while terming the government action as “highly regrettable” urged it to revisit the policy.

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Day of normalcy in Valley

Day of normalcy in Valley

Police seize 13-vehicles carrying relief, 34 aid-workers held

Srinagar, July 27: While normal buzz returned for a day in entire Kashmir Valley on Tuesday, police detained 34 persons carrying aid to city denizens from southern Kashmir’s Shopian district.

All the markets in this summer capital particularly Lal Chowk—the nerve centre, Batmaloo, Qamarwari and Nowhatta were swarmed by thousands of people, giving the cash starved vendors some joy. Ration depots and provisional shops were in huge demand along with ATMs as people made beeline outside the ventures.

All shops and other business establishments including banks opened and all government as well as private schools, Universities and colleges opened in Srinagar, the summer capital of state, and elsewhere.

The reopening came after the separatist amalgam led by incarcerated Syed Ali shah Geelani call for “relaxation” for a day today in the strike in wake of the Shab-e-Bharat (a Muslim festival). The separatists have already called for protest and shutdowns this week barring ensuing Saturday.

As hundreds of vehicles, both public and private, returned life to the city roads, it simultaneous brought about massive traffic jams. The most severe congestion occurred in Dalgate area, the main entry to capital city, Lal Chowk. Reports of traffic snarls were also received from Jahangir Chowk and Karananagar towards southern part of the city and Moulana Azad road, another busy street in the commercial hub of the summer capital.

Meanwhile, police stopped 13 mini load carriers carrying relief material for residents of Srinagar, particularly Maisuma and old city near Sonwar area in outskirts of Lal Chowk, the commercial hub of the state.

Police said the relief material was seized after the relief workers resorted to stone pelting after they were stopped for normal checking.

“The relief workers shouted slogans and resorted to stone pelting against police,” concerned Station house Officer (SHO) Ram Munshi Bagh, Adil Ahmad said. “To prevent deterioration of the law and order situation, we had detained the workers and seized the material,” he added.

Meanwhile, a protest demonstration was held in Kakpora area in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district as scores of people blocked the highway in demand for release of a local youth, Showkat Lone son of Muhammad Shaban Lone, arrested for alleged stone pelting.

Police also arrested a separatist leader of Hurriyat Conference led by Geelani.

Official sources said that police intercepted a passenger bus near Parimpora in outskirts of the city and arrested the separatist Abdul Ahad Para, also a close aide of the wanted separatists Masrat Alam, man who announces the protest and shutdown calls.

State administration also slapped Public Safety Act (PSA) against two persons including Mohammad Maqbool Sofi, an activist of moderate Hurriyat Conference. The septuagenarian activist, who was shifted to Rajouri in Jammu, has been charged of leading a procession to Sopore last month.

The administration also booked a youth, Shabir Ahmad, son of Mohammad Lateef Bhat of Zainakote under PSA and lodged him in Sub-Jail Kupwara for his alleged involvement in stone pelting.

Restrictions, strike cripple life across Kashmir

Protests, clashes in Srinagar, Baramulla, SHO among 14 hurt

Srinagar: July 26-2010...After a day’s normalcy, life across the summer capital of the state came to a grinding halt on Monday due to restrictions imposed by the authorities and shutdown call given by Hurriyat Conference (G). As many as fourteen people, including four policemen were injured in fresh clashes between protests and the forces.

Reports and eyewitness said that normal life today was thrown out of gear due to the severe restrictions in old city of Srinagar and North Kashmir’s Baramulla district following a call for complete shutdown by the Pro-freedom Hurriyat Conference against the human rights violations.

All shops, offices, educational institutes, banks, petrol pumps, business establishments and government offices across valley remained closed, while traffic remained off the roads in response to the strike call given by pro-freedom Hurriyat Conference against the human rights abuses, particularly the killing of civilians since last month.

In Srinagar, the volatile areas of the old city, particularly Nowhatta, Gojwara, Hawal, Rajouri Kadal, Saraf Kadal, Kawdara, Safa Kadal, Eidgah, and Nawab Bazar were sealed by CRPF troops and Police since early morning fearing pro-freedom demonstrations. Equipped with riot gear and automatic rifles, troops and Police prevented the people from venturing out of their houses.

Similar restrictions were put in place in Khanyar, Khayam, Rainawari, Fateh Kadal, Naid Kadal and other areas. All the entry points to the old city were sealed by forces with iron barricades and spools of razor wire.

In uptown areas, strict restrictions were clamped in Maisuma and its adjoining areas.

Curfew like restrictions was also imposed on the civilian movement in several areas of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

In North Kashmir apart from the four vital bridges connecting old town with rest of the district, CRPF and Police had laid barricades at many places along the Baramulla-Srinagar highway to thwart any attempt of people to stage pro-freedom demonstrations.

Despite restrictions, protests erupted in Delina and SRTC Bridge in the district. Protesters, particularly youth pelted rocks on the CRPF troops and Police. The ding-dong battles continued for nearly an hour. However, no reports of any injury were received.

Meanwhile, violent protests broke out in Rambagh area of Srinagar city this afternoon

scores of women took to streets near Rambagh this afternoon and staged anti-government demonstrations. Chanting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protesters charged the CRPF men and Police of misbehaving with the women while quelling protests in the area. The women alleged that the forces not only used abusive language but also physically assaulted them. The protesting women blocked the Chanpora-Lal Chowk road link and restricted the movement of vehicles.

As the protests were going on, troops and Police reached the spot and lobbed several tear smoke shells to disperse the protesting women. However, the women offered stiff resistance and continued with their protests.

In the meantime, loud speakers’ announcements were made asking people to come out of their homes and stage protests against the highhandedness. Scores of youth came on roads and engaged troops and police in ding-dong battles. Besides raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, angry youth pelted rocks and stones on the forces. In the ensuing pitched battles at least nine people, including Station House Officer (SHO) Sadder, Nazir Ahmad, three cops and two women were injured.

Protests against human rights violations also broke out in Pampore area on the Srinagar-Jammu highway this morning. Police burst numerous teargas canisters after they failed to disperse stone the protesters with baton charge. At least five people, including a cop suffered injuries in the clashes that continued for several hours. The clashes also affected the movement of traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

Reports of complete shutdown were also received from other major towns and districts of the Valley.(curtsy Pbi)

The Page of my Paper

Detained Qayoom wants to contest his case

Court gives a day to Govt for filing objections; hearing today

Srinagar, July, 26: President of Kashmir Bar Association, advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom, today moved an application in Jammu and Kashmir high court to allow him contest his own case.

Sources said advocate Manzoor Ahmad Dar and advocate Mohammad Ashraf Bhat moved the application before Justice Hakeem imtiyaz Hussein on behalf of the jailed KHBA president.

In the plea, Mian Abdul Qayoom has sought permission to contest his own case, seeking quashing of Public Safety Act against him. While entertaining the plea, the court has directed state government to file objections by tomorrow when the case would come up for hearing again.

It was on July 07 last when state administration booked under PSA Advocate Qayoom and shifted him to sub-jail Hiranagar in Jammu.

While the High Court has already directed state administration to consider his shifting to the valley, the case pertaining to the quashing of PSA against him has been listed for hearing on July 29.

Meanwhile, High Court allowed the application by lawyers to allow them meet the jailed General Secretary of the association, GN Shaheen. After an application by the lawyers, Justice Hakeem Imtiyaz Hussein allowed advocate Rafiq Ahmad Joo and advocate Bashir Sidique to meet Shaheen who has been lodged in Rajouri district of Jammu.

The hearing on the writ, challenging the arrest under PSA Shaheen and his shifting to Srinagar from Rajouri jail would come up for hearing on July 29 .

---------------

Detainees insecure: Mirwaiz

Condemns Rafiabad youth ‘custodial killing’

Srinagar, July, 26: Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Faroooq today strongly condemned “custodial killing” of a youth from Rafiabad in north Kashmir Baramulla while as he urged the international human right bodies to ensure safety of detained youth in the state.

“The killing due to torture of a youth from Rafiabad in police lock-up is a worst kind of state terrorism and barbarism,” he said in a statement.

Condemning the alleged “custodial killing”, Mirwaiz said that people are being murdered in cold blood across Kashmir under a heinous conspiracy. On July 18, police had claimed to have solved a firing case within 24 hours, claiming it had nabbed a “Lashkar operative” Tariq alias Jaffar.

He was lodged at Panzala police station after being booked under FIR No. 36/2010 under section 307 RPC, 7/25 Arms Act. While expressing concern over the safety of the detained youth, Mirwaiz asked the International Human Rights organizations to intervene and save their life.

“The international human rights organizations must pressurize India to ensure the safety and release of these youth,” Mirwaiz, who continued be under house arrest, said.

Nearly a thousand youth have been arrested in the last few weeks from various parts of Kashmir during a police crackdown on stone pelters and protesters following the civilian killings in police and CRPF firing since June this year.

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Shifting of detained bar president,

Bar to file contempt plea against Govt

Srinagar, July, 26: The High Court Bar Association today decided to file a plea for contempt court proceedings against the state administration for not considering the High Court orders to shift its incarcerated president Mian Abdul Qayoom from Hirannagar Jammu to Srinagar.

“The honorable High Court has directed to consider shifting of Mian Qayoom to Srinagar and the order was served to the other side on very first day and also the order was passed before the government advocate. But till date they haven’t considered the order and therefore committing gross contempt of the High Court,” spokesman of the bar association, advocate Mohammad Amin told reporters during a sit-in protest here by the lawyers.

“They have no respect for the courts. In this behalf we are filing a file an application seeking contempt of court against those persons who have not considered the orders till now,” he said, adding, “the application would be filed tomorrow or day after.”

Regarding the proposed hunger strike for 12-hours today, the bar association spokesman said while various members have kept fast, the date and the venue for next phases would be announced separately.

The bar association also took strong exception of the statement by National Conference Farooq Abdullah wherein he has reportedly stated to “killing all Kashmiris”. “It is unfortunate that he has been imposed on Kashmiris by his father. We take strong exception to the statement of ‘Goli Maro Kashmir Ko’. This speaks of the mindset and commitment of the man towards his own nation,” vice president of the bar association, advocate aijaz Baidar said, adding, “if he is not sincere to you and me, how can he be sincere to Manmohan Singh (Indian Prime Minister) and his colleagues. It is a message to Manmohan Singh perhaps.”

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EJAC threatens stir after case filed against its leaders

Srinagar, July, 26: The Employees Joint Action Committee (Q) today threatened to launch state wide agitation if the government didn’t revoke the cases registered against its president and general secretary for leading employees’ protest against the recent civilian killings and other alleged human rights violations in the Valley.

A meeting EJAC presided over by the president, Abdul Qayoom Wani was held at the district education institute Office (DIET) Bemina here today.

While condemn the registeration of the case, EJAC (Q) asked the Chief Secretary and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to intervene in the matter. They have also threatened to launch a stir if the cases were withdrawn by August 10.

The EJAC(Q) president Qayoom Wani said an F.IR 80/10 under sections 121, 128 has been lodged against him and Haji Bashir for leading a protest against human rights violations outside the civil secretariat on July 19. “We were only protesting human rights violations. The cases are baseless and must be revoked,” Qayoom said.

Pertinently, the authorities on last Monday foiled demonstrations by the government employees across the valley on the call by Hurriyat Conference (G) led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

While police preempted any move by employees to take out protest rally from the premises of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) at Shaheed Gunj here, a group of government workforce had tried to take out the rally from old-secretariat.

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Fisheries deptt headless

Director on ‘unofficial’ leave

Srinagar, July, 26: In a case of serious callousness towards official work, a senior government officer has been on an “unofficial” leave for the last month severely hampering work in his department.

Sources said that Director Fisheries Department, T. Anchuk left for Kargil on June 25 on a one day leave. However, one month on, Anchuk has been absent from duty and hasn’t even handed over his charge to anyone in the office.

“The concerned director was scheduled to participate in an important board meeting today in district Anantanag.

However, he called up the joint director fisheries Jammu to participate in the meeting on his behalf, who has no idea about the department’s functioning in Kashmir,” the sources said.

When contacted Principal Secretary, Khursheed Ganai assured action if the report was correct. “I have no knowledge about the matter but it will be looked into and necessary action would be taken if the report turned out to be correct,” he said.

Yatri dies of heart attack at Baltal camp

Srinagar, July, 26: A pilgrim died of cardiac arrest en-route the cave shrine of Amarnath in Baltal Base camp.

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Officials said, 80-year-old Lala Ji Bai, son of Mav Ji Bai of Veer Nagar of Panjkote district of Gujarat suffered cardiac arrest at the Baltal Base Camp, en route the cave shrine of Amarnath last night. He died of the stroke instantly.

Rambagh locals demand stern action against SHO Sadder, transfer

Irfan Quraishi

Srinagar, July, 26: Accusing SHO Sadder police station, of continuous harassment to them, locals of Rambagh and its adjoining areas have demanded stern action against what they said self styled officer and also sought his transfer.

Following minor clashes at Rambagh this afternoon which lasted for just few minutes, women alleged that a police party led by SHO while chasing some youth hurled choicest abuses on women and even tried to beat them.

“The officer who was carrying a lathi hurled choicest abuses on us and even tried to beat us with lathis. He asked his men to corner us and beat us like animals,” complained women adding that under the cover of protests, officer was targeting youth and also victimizing women.

They said that for past few weeks, SHO who often leads a party of cops enforces his own law in the localities and dares youth to speak against him a single word. Feeling insecure due to the all time aggressive line of action of the officer, youth said that he has rendered them sleepless and most of them do not sleep at their homes fearing they might get arrested during night hours.

Locals said that during evening hours, officer along with his team conducts patrolling of the localities eyeing the activities of youth. They said that he even asks youth to report in police station on regular intervals.

CRPF cops’ display lawlessness, even children & women not spared
JK media network Sgr head also victimized
Sanam Aijaz
Srinagar July 26: It was CRPF cops’ brutality at its worst late last
evening. Cops went berserk and beat people to pulp at random including
truck drivers at Tengpora bye-pass here. Ironically, seemingly drunken
cops beat people including children and women without any reason.
Truckloads of essential commodities remained stranded along Bemina
bye-pass and Qamarwari as the cops let loose their anger on whosoever
came across. Fearing to become the victims’ of cops’ aggression,
drivers stayed back on the highway along Bemina and Qamarwari.
Those who dared their way ahead had to face the wrath of cops. Some
drivers were ruthlessly beaten by the infuriated cops. Even I was not
spared while on my way back to home. Cops pounced upon me like wild
cats and thrashed me.
Without asking anything, cops rushed towards me shouting Pakdoo isko
be (catch him too) and dragged me out of the cab. They started
beating me with sticks and bruises. I managed to join some other
people who were forced to stay put there and the cops again started
beating the gathering of people at random.
They did not allow any one to move and continued thrashing by, sticks
and kicks. In the mean time, cops caught hold of a women, few children
and a person who were traveling in Alto car and also beat them.
The cops had blocked the road near Tengpora by putting a truck in the
middle. It was a crackdown like scene and whosoever came across
received thrashing. While beating people, the cops were shouting in
excitement Lo Azadi (Get freedom).
I managed to call some officers including the PRO, CPRF requesting him
for help but nothing happened. Finally at least after 40 minutes, cops
let people go ahead after a police team arrived on spot.
Every now and then, CRPF in Kashmir valley has not only targeted
civilians’ by bullets and tear smoke shells during protest
demonstrations but have left no opportunity to victimize common
people.

Delhi finalizes provisions of Kashmir

Delhi finalizes provisions of Kashmir dialogue

Srinagar, 25 July: In an attempt to normalize state of affairs in Kashmir, New Delhi is learnt to have finalized the provisions of proposed dialogue with various shades of opinion in the restive valley.

In the first step towards creating a congenial atmosphere, the central leadership is learnt to have conceded to the state government’s request of releasing all political detainees, in addition to numerous youth who have been detained on charges of being involved in stone-pelting.

Sources said that invitation will be extended separately to each group among the shades of opinion and amendments in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would top the agenda. Modification in AFSPA, an act that shields armed forces from prosecution for any acts of omission and commission in counter-terrorism operations, has been a main demand both separatists as well as the mainstream camp.

Sources in the Centre government have confirmed that Government of India has decided to release all the political detainees, who have been arrested during the agitation. Stone pelters will also be released on the conditional basis under which all the released youth will have to present themselves once in a weak, in the near police station.

Sources also added that there would be an open discussion on the recommendations of the Prime Minister's Five Working Groups that have submitted reports about improving the political and economic situation in the Valley.

Centre Government has also decided to hold a full-fledged inquiry into deaths of 17 civilians including a woman in various incidents of police and CRPF firing on protesters since June 11 Sources said.

A political expert pleading anonymity told newspoint that this is only a time gaining policy, and nothing is practical in it.

The Recommendation of the Prime Minister's Working Groups, which have submitted their reports earlier in 2006, are not being implemented till now, so how we will expect a positive outcome, he added.

It may be mentioned here last week, Chairman of Moderate Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq refused to meet a three-member delegation of eminent individuals which include retired admiral K K Nayyar, former vice chancellor of Jammu University Amitab Mattoo and professor Radha Kumar of Jamia Millia University for discussing the prevailing situation as part of Track-II efforts.

Separatist are also tight-lipped on the matter.

Sources also said that there was also a likelihood of an employment package being announced for the jobless youth in Kashmir, including those who were found to be involved in the incidents of stone throwing.

A day of life

At last a day of life in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 25:

After weeks of crippling strikes and official restrictions, life was full of buzz in entire Kashmir Valley barring northern Sopore town on Sunday.

All the markets in this summer capital particularly Lal Chowk—the nerve centre, Batmaloo, Qamarwari and Nowhatta were swarmed by thousands of people, giving the cash starved vendors some joy.

Ration depots and provisional shops were in huge demand along with ATMs as people made beeline outside the ventures.

Despite being Sunday—a holiday in normal circumstances, all shops and other business establishments including commercial banks opened after about eighteen days of continuous unrest in the Valley. Most of private-run schools, Kashmir University and colleges open in Srinagar, the summer capital of state, and elsewhere to offer some succor to the students who along with other family members remained cooped in homes almost since June 11, when a 17-year-old boy, Tufail Ahmad Mattoo was killed allegedly due police teargas shell.

The spate of killings—seventeen between 11 June and 19 July, allegedly at the hands of security forces and police brought normal life in the valley to a halt, leaving state coalition government with no option but to impose curfew or restrictions in Srinagar and other major towns as separatists continue to call for shutdowns.

The reopening came after the separatist amalgam led by Hurriyat leader syed Ali shah Geelani call for “relaxation” for a day today in the strike and asked people to stock-up essential. The separatists have already called for fresh protest and shutdowns in next week barring Tuesday and the ensuing Saturday.

As hundreds of vehicles, both public and private, returned life to the city roads, it simultaneous brought about massive traffic jams. The most severe congestion occurred in Dalgate area, the main entry to capital city Lal Chowk. Although heavy traffic is not uncommon, the traffic cops were caught unawares. There were long queues of vehicles near Zero Bridge on one-side while traffic was standstill till Khayam— leading towards old city, on other side. Similar traffic grid lock was witnessed towards Sonawar till Mehjoor Chowk, previously Panth Chowk. Reports of traffic snarls were also received from Jahangir Chowk and Karananagar towards southern part of the city and Moulana Azad road, another busy street in the commercial hub of the summer capital.

While as life was full of life in the valley, Sopore town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district witnessed another day of stone-pelting incidents.

Official sources said that as the shopkeepers began to open there venture in the apple town, dozens of stone-pelting youth enforced a shutdown. Even though police reached the spot immediately, they find themselves to battle stones for yet another day. Minor stone-pelting clashes were also reported from Bandipora and Pattan also.

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Protests against UJC chief

Protests against UJC chief in some parts of valley

Srinagar July 24: United Jihad Council (UJC) chief Syed Salah-u-din’s recent statement that frequent strikes in Kashmir would not help achieve the cause evoked protests in some parts of Kashmir valley today.

For the first time in the history of ongoing movement in the valley, people protested in Pattan, Pulwama and reportedly in few parts of Sopore against the statement and burnt his effigies.

UJC chief who hails from Soibugh Budgam is considered to a patron of ongoing movement and his statements have been hailed by one and all these years. Reports said this morning when people read UJC chief’s statement in newspapers, people took to streets and burnt his effigies in protest against his statement. They raised pro- freedom slogans in parts of Pulwama and Sopore and termed his statement as biased and anti-movement. They even shouted slogans against UJC.

“Syed Salah-u-din’s statement has hurted our sentiments as strikes are the only way to divert the attention of world community towards the long pending Kashmir issue and sufferings of people”, said protesters.

Others viewed, “This is a dubious statement on his part. We respect our leaders but we have right to reject them, irrespective of who they are, if they diver from the actual path and speak bias,.”, they added.

Ironically police contingent, which reached the spot where protests were going on did not di

it was july 24

Medicos, Lawyers held protest

Former bar president to go on hunger strike from Monday

Srinagar July 24: Medicos and lawyers today staged peaceful sit-in protests in response to the call by Hurriyat Conference (G) in connection to its ongoing programme.

Lawyers this afternoon staged a protest demonstration at Saddar Court complex here. Shouting slogans, the lawyers, vowed to continue their allegiance to the “on going movement.

Addressing the lawyers, former president of the bar association, advocate Nazir Ahmad Ronga announced to go for hunger strike incase the present president of the association—Advocate Mian Qayoom and general secretary G N Shaheen were not released.

“In the first stage, it will be for twelve hours followed by 24-hours, 72-hours and fast unto death,” he said. Ronga claimed that every single individual in the state is up in arms against governemnt and asserted that the repressive measures wouldn’t deter them “from pursuing ongoign struggle.”

He said that government was mistaken in its belief that it would suppress the people by “suppressive measures.”

“Government has arrested our president and general secretary and slapped PSA in the belief that we will be frightened. The only offense of Qayoom, Shaheen and other lawyers is not they are unraveling the suppression in courts, speaking against murder of incidents, rape of women,” he said.

Meanwhile, medicos too held protest in Government Medical College and the JVC Bemina.

Medicos assembled in the compound of GMC here and also JVC here this afternoon. carrying banners highlighting “Wake-up Amnesty, Human Rights Watch.

Talking to the Newspoint, the medicos said that they are the part of society. “We want democratic solution to the Kashmir issue,” said Dr Adil, . The medicos condemn the arrest of advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom and other political leaders.

2 Kulgam locals found dead in UP

Srinagar July 24: Two persons from south Kashmir’s Kulgam district were found dead in Uttar Pradesh (UP) in mysterious circumstances. Bereaved families have alleged that the duo were murdered for ransom.

Ghulam Mohammad Lone son of Mohammad Anwar of Kuldanag and his grand son Sajad Ahmad Lone were found dead near a railway track in UP while they were on-way to Bihar. While as the police in the state has communicated to their counterparts here that the duo died in a train mishap, the family refuse to buy the argument. The family, who staged a protests in the southern Kashmir district today, alleged that the duo were murder for money they were carrying with them.

“They had Rs 40000 with them as they were heading to Bihar from where they had to bring home the family members and his bridegroom from Bihar,” a family member said. They maintianed, “If we accept the police claim, then where are their belongings including the money. Where is the money, they possessed ?,” they asked.

The UP police is learnt to have recovered a mobile set and empty bag from the site where bodies were recovered. SP Kulgam, K Ram Chaurasiya said that police has deputed a team along with three members of the family to the state. “We have informed here that they died due to accident while police there is investigating the case,” he said.

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SOG cop turn ‘stone pelter’, held by locals

Srinagar July 24: A Special Operations Group (SOG) cop was caught by the locals of Kreeri village in Anantanag for allegedly vandalizing private property.

Azad Ahmad Bhat of Kolgud, Acchabal was held by a group of youth when he along with two other associates was allegedly smashing window panes of the residential houses in Kreeri village last night. Two of Azad’s associates, however, managed to flee under the cover of darkness.

After locals held SOG man, they informed the Dooru police station about the incident. A police party led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Harmeet Singh and Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Yusuf reached the spot and secured the release of the cop. “Angry youth refused to hand over the SOG man to the police. The officers threatened to use force. Fearing trouble, the senior citizens intervened and ensured the release of the stone-pelter ,” a local said.

He said that the window panes of dozens of residential houses were damaged by the SOG men in the last two weeks. The frequent incidents of stone pelting, he said, prompted the locals to constitute a committee of youth for night vigil. “The village was reeling under fear since past fifteen days. Some unknown men were hurling stones on residential houses and smashing window screens of the car. Last night the youth solved the mystery,” he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantanag Bashir Ahmad Khan said that he was not aware of any such incident in the district. However, he assured action, if the locals approach him with a written complaint. “I have no information about any such incident,” he added.

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No curfew

Curfew lifted, Kashmir remains shut

Srinagar, July 24: For the third week in running, normal life remained paralyzed in Kashmir Valley while as stone-pelting clashes were reported in many areas, leaving several persons injured. There is no respite ahead for the state administration also as the separatist amalgam has announced fresh protest calendar, calling for more protests and shutdown as part of its ongoing “Quit Kashmir Campaign”.

Shops and business establishments, educational institutions, remained closed and transport off the roads due the shutdown even as curfew was lifted in Sopore, Pulwama, Bandipora and the Kupwara.

In Srinagar, the summer capital, hundreds of security forces and policemen continued to stand guard on the deserted streets to foil any attempt of the people to stage protests. Late in evening, stone-pelting protesters took to streets at Fateh Kadal and Habba Kadal. Security forces resorted with teargas smoke shells. There was no report about injury to anyone during the clashes.

Tough restrictions prevailed for the second consecutive day in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district and frontier Kupwara district following violent protests and clashes yesterday that left many people injured.

Reports of protests demonstrations were received from Shopian and Baramulla district where at-least a dozen persons were injured.

They said hundreds of people took to streets at main Chowk Shopian this morning and staged demonstrations. The protesters marched through Bon Bazar, Jamia Masjid, Main Chowk before reaching Deputy Commissioner’s Office where some of the protesters hurled stones. Security Forces and the police, deployed in the area, resorted to baton charge and tear smoke shells to disperse the stone pelting youth. At least, five people were injured in the ding-dong clashes that continued for several hours, they added. .

In northern Baramalla district, reports of demonstrations were received from Palhalan Pattan and main town Sopore.

The valley has remained shut for past 39 days since turbulence began on June 11, when a teenager Tufail Matoo was killed by a teargas shell in Rajouri Kadal of the old city.

In the subsequent unrest, 16 more people including a bystander woman were killed by security forces and police, triggering a never ending wave of protests.

Meanwhile, the separatist Hurriyat Conference led by jailed leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani issued fresh protest calendar. There will be no strike tomorrow and Tuesday while shutdown and protests continue for the week ahead upto Friday. There is relaxation on Saturday and strike on August 1 as per the calendar.