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Jammu tense as Sikhs stage protests defying prohibitory orders

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Sikh protesters sit near burning tires during a curfew in Jammu on Friday. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of Kashmir city on Thursday following clashes with hundreds of Sikh protesters after bullets fired by police killed one person and injured two more.

Sikh protesters sit near burning tires during a curfew in Jammu on Friday. Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in parts of Kashmir city on Thursday following clashes with hundreds of Sikh protesters after bullets fired by police killed one person and injured two more.

Jammu: Defying prohibitory orders, Sikh youths took to streets for the third day today as protests spread over removal of posters of Khalistan militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, a day after a youth was killed and seven injured in clashes with police over the row.

Authorities clamped Section 144 of CrPC, which bars gathering of more than four persons at a place, in the entire Jammu district and curfew like situation prevailed in violence-hit areas of Satwari-Ranibagh-Gadigarh-R S Pura belt and elsewhere.

Groups of Sikhs blocked the Jammu-Pathakote highway and burnt tyres. Protests were held at Digiana belt and people raised slogans against the police and the government. Similar protests were held in Poonch, Kathua and Rajouri areas.

Streets wore a deserted look in Jammu city today and business establishments remained closed. Mobile and internet services were also suspended in Jammu. Schools and colleges in several districts of the region were closed.

Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength in sensitive areas of Jammu city.

The situation “is tense but under control” in Jammu city, police said.

Army late last night staged flag march in parts of Jammu following violent clashes.

“Army carried out flag march in the violence hit belt on road from R S Pura to Satwari due to the prevailing situation,” PRO Defence Lt Col Manish Mehta said.

He said that the district administration had requisitioned the Army to instill confidence in the people.

A youth, Jagjit Singh, was killed yesterday and seven others including three policemen were injured in a clash between police and a large group of Sikhs youth who blocked roads here against removal of a poster with a picture of late militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

The condition of the three policemne has been described as critical by doctors, police said here.

The incident sparked off more protests in the region despite appeals for peace by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and his deputy Nirmal Singh.

Singh today voiced confidence that things will be controlled “within a short span of time” and said talks were being held with community leaders.

“Restrictions have been imposed under section 144 CrPC in entire district as a precautionary measure,” Deputy Commissioner, Jammu ,Simrandeep Singh told PTI.
Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said an investigation will be held into the incident and the guilty will face action in accordance with law.

“It is very unfortunate that this situation has emerged in Jammu and in particulare area. The administration is on the job and we are meeting the people there, the leaders of the community and we hope that the situation shall be brought under control,” he said.

“I appeal to the people specially the leaders of the community that they must maintain peace and communal harmony because it (protests) is not in larger interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and India also,” he said

“We are investigating the whole thing and whosoever is held responsible shall be dealt according to law,” he said.

Expressing deep sorrow and anguish over the loss of a precious human life during protests by the members of the Sikh community in Jammu, the Chief Minister had said that while it is the responsibility of the police to maintain law and order, at the same time Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) should be strictly adhered to avoid such tragedies during public protests.

(Agencies)

UPA hanged Afzal Guru for political reasons: Omar Abdullah

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He said no as he had signed the paper and warrant has been issued and asked me to deal with the implications.”

omar-abdullah

New Delhi: The controversial hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru had been carried out for “political reasons” by the UPA government which had informed him “only hours before,” former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said today.

Out for a dinner with his sister at a Delhi restaurant, Omar received a call from the then Home Minister SushilkumarShinde informing him that he had signed the papers for Guru to be hanged early next morning and asking him to make law and order arrangements.

Even as a last minute effort, Omar told PTI, “I asked the Home Minister whether he was sure that nothing can be done.

He said no as he had signed the paper and warrant has been issued and asked me to deal with the implications.”

Pointing out that the cases of assassins of Rajiv Gandhi and Beant Singh had been handled differently, he said, “the fact is whether we like it or not he was hanged for political reasons. It’s a fact.”

“I had said I will not pass judgement on it until I see how Government handles other cases… I have seen other cases. Look how they handled assassins of Beant Singh and Rajiv Gandhi and look how they jumped this guy up the queue.

“Clearly what other conclusion can you arrive at other than this that they wanted to deny BJP another handle to beat them with in the general elections and, therefore, the easiest two people to be hanged were AjmalKasab because he was a foreign national and Afzal Guru. Whether I like it or not, but they did it,” he said.

Guru, who was at serial number 28 in the list of condemned prisoners, was hanged on February 9, 2013. A controversy broke out as his family got news of his hanging on television.

Omar Abdullah’s National Conference was part of the UPA government at the time of the hanging and his father, Dr Farooq Abdullah, was a Cabinet Minister at the Center. The alliance continued till the General Elections of May 2014.

Omar, working President of National Conference which lost power in the December 2014 Assembly elections, termed the Guru issue a ‘sword of Damocles’ hanging over him, saying he had been apprising the Centre from time to time about the implications of Guru’s execution.

“The Afzal Guru execution was something that was discussed all through my tenure. Because we knew it was like a sword of Damocles hanging over us. So from time to time the implications of it were conveyed to the Government of India both to Mr P Chidambaram and to MrShinde,” he said.

The implications were always conveyed to the Centre but the concerns multiplied when Kasab, lone survivor of the terrorist team which created mayhem in Mumbai on 26/11, was hanged, he said.

“The general feeling was this that once they have done this, Guru is going to be next and I did place my reservations on record at the time as to what the implications of this would be,” the former Chief Minister said, adding that he was “told that a decision hasn’t been taken but it is being contemplated”.

(PTI)

India Bans Al Jazeera for 5 Days for Showing ‘Incorrect’ Maps of Kashmir; network condemns censorship

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New Delhi imposes tight restrictions on all printed maps, insisting they show all of Kashmir as being part of India [Reuters]

New Delhi imposes tight restrictions on all printed maps, insisting they show all of Kashmir as being part of India [Reuters]

by Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera English has condemned a decision by the Indian government to take the channel off-air for five days over maps the channel aired of the disputed Kashmir region.

The ban, which took effect on Wednesday, concerned maps which on occasions during 2013 and 2014 did not mark Pakistan-controlled Kashmir as a separate territory.

Al Jazeera in India showed a blue screen on Wednesday with a sign saying “as instructed by the ministry of information and broadcasting, this channel will not be available”.

The maps, produced by external software, gave the same treatment to Indian-controlled Kashmir, though this was not subject to similar complaints.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but both claim the whole of the region and have twice gone to war over its control since partition in 1947.

Al Anstey, the Managing Director of Al Jazeera English, called the ban “disproportionate,” saying it “needlessly deprives Indian viewers of our global news and programmes”.

“This is the latest in a series on ongoing issues. Our journalists have not been granted visas for years now,” Anstey said.

“We approach India like we do any other country – showing the world the positive and the negative, the humanity, and the diversity.

“This can be easily witnessed in the integrity and quality of the output that we have been allowed from India.

“We have though been severely hampered for too long by constraints placed upon us when trying to tell Indian stories to the world.”

The order comes amid a simmering censorship row in India over a series of recent bans that have sparked accusations of a growing climate of intolerance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

They include a ban on screening a BBC documentary on the fatal gang-rape of a student that sparked mass protests in Delhi.

New Delhi imposes tight restrictions on all printed maps, insisting they show all of Kashmir as being part of India.

The government in 2011 ordered The Economist magazine to cover up a map of disputed borders in Kashmir.

The news weekly placed white stickers over a diagram of the borders on 28,000 copies on sale in India.

Masarat Alam says did not wave Pakistani flag, but finds nothing wrong in others waving it

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masarat-alam

by Junaid Kathju, Rising Kashmir

Srinagar: Muslim League chairman and senior Hurriyat (G) leader Masarat Alam Thursday said he did not find anything wrong in people waving Pakistani flags during Syed Ali Geelani’s rally in Srinagar yesterday.

“Even though I didn’t personally wave any flags but if people did wave such flags, I don’t find anything wrong in it,” Alam told Rising Kashmir.

He said waving Pakistani flag in Kashmir has been the part of the “freedom movement” in Kashmir and it has been going on since 1947.

“By seeing the same sentiment, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru promised plebiscite to Kashmiri people which were never fulfilled. Yesterday was only the reminder of that promise,” the separatist leader said.

On FIR being lodged against him for alleged provocative activities and hoisting of Pakistani flag, Alam said many FIRs have been registered against him in past and there was nothing to worry about it.

“What is new in it? I have been booked many times in past also. One more FIR doesn’t make any difference to me,” he said.

About Tral chalo call , Alam said his party has not yet decided whether to join the rally but being a member of Hurriyat (G), he is ready to be part of any program.

Police Wednesday evening registered FIR against Geelani, Masarat, Bashir Ahmad Bhat alias Peer Saifullah and other separatist leaders for alleged provocative activities and hoisting Pakistani flag in Hyderpora.

FIR No 92/2015 under sections 13 Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 120-B, 147,341,336,427 RPC was registered in Police Station Budgam against the trio.

On March 7, government released Alam from jail after four years of detention. Alam was arrested in Harwan area on the outskirts of Srinagar in October 2010 on charges of spearheading summer unrest in the Valley that year. Over 120 youth were killed in police and paramilitary forces firing in during the unrest.

J & K government must investigate alleged extrajudicial execution of youth in Tral: Amnesty International India

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Kashmiri villagers carry the body of Khalid Muzaffar, a civilian during his funeral procession in Tral. Photo: AP

Kashmiri villagers carry the body of Khalid Muzaffar, a civilian during his funeral procession in Tral. Photo: AP

Srinagar: The Indian chapter of the international human rights organization Amnesty International (AI) Thursday Stressed upon the Jammu and Kashmir government to ensure an independent criminal investigation into the killing of a 24-year-old student Khalid Muzaffar by army personnel on 13 April in Tral.

Khalid was killed by Indian army personnel in the Kamla forests in Pulwama district on the morning of 13 April. The Indian army in a press statement said that Khalid was an ‘over ground worker’ for the Hizbul Mujahideen, armed group, and was killed in a gun battle with army personnel.

“The Director-General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, told Amnesty International India that Khalid Muzafar Wani’s brother is a senior member of the Hizbul Mujahideen, and said that the police was investigating whether Khalid Muzafar Wani also had any links to armed groups,” an AI statement said.

Quoting Khalid’s father Muzaffar Wani Amnesty International India, the death of Khalid was a result of a ‘fake encounter’, or staged extrajudicial execution.

“The Jammu and Kashmir government must ensure a swift, thorough and impartial investigation to determine if Khalid Muzafar Wani was killed in an extrajudicial execution. They must also look into the family’s claims that he was targeted because of his brother’s suspected links with a banned armed group,” said Shemeer Babu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India.

Will facilitate complete reintegration of Kashmiri Pandits in Valley: Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

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Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

Jammu: Describing Kashmir as an epitome of secularism and brotherhood that has withstood the test of time, the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the Government is committed to create a favourable environment for return of Kashmiri Pandit community to their homes, so that the void created by their absence in the cultural milieu of Kashmir is removed.

The Chief Minister said his Government is determined to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits as part of the Kashmiri society and not as an isolated community.

Mufti Sayeed was speaking during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly today when certain members raised the issue of return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.

He said the Pandit community provides diversity to the multi-religious ethos of Kashmiri society and the focus of the Government will be to bring them back to their homes.

Describing as misconstrued the impression being created by certain quarters regarding establishment of exclusive habitations, Mufti Sayeed stated that the Government has not acquired any land for setting up any exclusive enclaves. He further said the Government does not favour any clusterization for return of Kashmiri Pandits but their complete reintegration as part of the Kashmiri society. “Some Pandit organizations have also stated that a majority of the migrated community will feel vulnerable if they return to the Valley and live in exclusive zones,” he added.

Urging all political parties to cooperate in facilitating return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, Mufti Sayeed said they are part and parcel of the multi-religious society of Kashmir and their migration over two decades ago was a huge tragedy. “Our emphasis will be on taking all confidence-building measures for their dignified return. We are only taking forward a process which was initiated by the previous Governments,” he said.

Describing Kashmir as a garden with flowers of all hues, the Chief Minister said it is the responsibility of all political parties to play a constructive role in facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. “J&K has a history of cultural integration where Gandhiji found a ray of hope when the entire country was burning in communal frenzy in 1947,” he added.

(KNS)

AFSPA to be gradually scrapped: Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

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Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Monday said his government would initiate the gradual process of scrapping the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state.

His comments came two days after twin terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir killed three security personnel.

“There are certain reservations as far as the Defence Ministry and some army officials are concerned, but we will try to start the gradual process (of scrapping AFSPA),” Mufti told the state Assembly.

“Until you completely revoke AFSPA, make your people accountable,” he said.

Referring to his recent discussion with GOC-in-C Northern Command Lt Gen DS Hooda, Mufti said, “I told him that you have to have a standard procedure.”

(ANI)

AFSPA can't be revoked in Kashmir on political considerations, says BJP's Jitendra Singh

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Protest-AFSPA

Srinagar: Asserting that Pakistan is not ready to mend its ways, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh on Saturday maintained that Centre was following zero-tolerance towards terrorism and said any decisions of AFSPA cannot be taken on the political considerations.

“I think, this is also an occasion for us to do some re-thinking and rise above the political lines and learn that any decisions regarding sensitive issues, like for example Armed Forces Special Powers, to maintain it or withdraw it, to continue it or discontinue it, has to be essentially based on the wisdom and inputs of the security agencies, instead of getting tempted to political considerations,” said Singh, who is a minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office.

He hit out at Pakistan for for failure to mend ways to foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir.

“It is certainly evident that Pakistan is not ready to mend its ways but as the Prime Minister has already stated even on the floor of the House that India, under the present government, follows the policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism and we are committed to that,” Singh said.

“The Centre is fully-equipped to deal with such a situation”, Singh said, who rushed from New Delhi to visit the injured in the terrorists attack for the second time in as many days, at GMC hospital in Jammu. Singh, who condemned these terror attacks, said that Centre and the present set up in New Delhi is fully equipped to deal any kind of situation.

“I wish to pay my homage to the brave soldiers who lost their lives yesterday and are also fighting out today,” he added.

Union Minister appealed to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to see if the amount of compensation to the family members of the martyred soldiers could be increased. The state Health Minister Choudhary Lal Singh, Choudhary Lal Singh, today said that it was not proper to start the process of lifting AFSPA in the state at a time when militant attacks are on the rise.

“How is it possible (to lift AFSPA) when situation has worsened even in the otherwise peaceful districts of Kathua and Samba,” he said. He said that time has come to give them a befitting reply.

Blaming security forces for the lapses, he said adding “how is it possible the infiltration has taken place along International Border”.

The State Chief of Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and MLA, Ravinder Raina also hit out those demanding revocation AFSPA, saying “these twin attacks are eye opener for those who are advocating the revocation of AFSPA. it should not be lifted at all”.

(PTI)

Militants attack Jammu police station, kill two policeman

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Kathua

Jammu: Militants wearing army fatigues attacked a police station in Kathua district of the Jammu region on Friday, and killed two policemen and injured six others in a gunfight which is still on, police said.

“Three to four militants wearing army fatigues attacked Rajbagh police station in Kathua district today (Friday) morning,” a senior police officer told IANS here.

“They used automatic weapons and grenades to attack the police station.

“Two policemen have been killed and six others have been injured in the encounter between the security forces and the militants,” the officer added.

Reinforcements from the army, paramilitary forces and state police have been rushed to spot, the officer said.

Reports said after killing the sentry at the police station’s guard post, the guerrillas entered the police station, 65 kms from here on the strategic Jammu-Pathankot national highway in Kathua district.

Traffic on the highway has been stopped after the attack around 6 a.m.

“The police station is 15 kms away from the international border and it is likely that the group of attackers crossed the border recently,” a senior intelligence officer told IANS.

Twelve people were killed on September 26, 2013 when guerrillas had attacked Hiranagar police station in Kathua district and later entered an army camp on the Jammu-Pathankote national highway.

(IANS)

BJP to quit J&K govt if Kashmir issue not solved: Amit Shah

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Amit-Shah

Ahmedabad: Amidst raging controversy on Jammu and Kashmir government’s alleged ‘pro-separatist’ moves, BJP chief Amit Shah said that his party would not compromise on national interest and could end its alliance with PDP, if “Kashmir issue” is not solved.

“People of this country have blessed us like Lord Shiva and given us very big responsibility. BJP will never compromise on national interest, merely to remain in power in Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah said, addressing BJP workers in his assembly constituency Naranpura yesterday.

“The government (in J&K) has been formed only to solve Kashmir issue and I have full trust that we will find a solution to this issue. If it (solution of Kashmir issue) does not come about, then nobody can stop our party workers from leaving the coalition government,” Shah said.

Shah also said that BJP workers should go to the people to spread the message that the party would not compromise on national interest.

However, BJP’s spokesperson Harshad Patel in Gujarat said that Shah merely said that national interest is the party’s priority and he never categorically said anything about breaking the BJP’s alliance with the PDP.

“He (Amit Shah) merely said that national interest is our priority and BJP will not allow any anti-national activities on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir,” Patel said.

BJP has been facing the ire of opposition parties due to its alliance with PDP with the J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s recent decision to release separatist leader Masarrat Alam, only adding to its woes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also clarified before the Lok Sabha that Alam’s release is not acceptable and that the government won’t tolerate any compromise on the nation’s integrity.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had also echoed the sentiments saying that his government’s top priority was national security and not continuance of the government in the state.

(PTI)

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