GST unpreparedness hits traders, leads to shortage of goods

As the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has became a reality in Jammu and Kashmir, several Valley-based traders Saturday said many Multi-National Companies (MNCs) and wholesalers outside the state have stopped receiving any fresh orders for new stocks as these firms are still upgrading their systems for invoicing of goods. Most Kashmir-based traders now fear that fresh stocks wouldn’t be able to arrive here for next one month as outside companies are still in a process to upgrade their systems in tune with the new tax regime. “I…

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Pakistani Army violates ceasefire in Nowshera sector

Using light weapons and medium machine gun (MMG), the Pakistani Army fired on Indian posts. The Pakistani Army, once again, violated ceasefire on Sunday night along the Line of Control (LoC) in Baba Khori area of sector Nowshera, Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Using light weapons and medium machine gun (MMG), the Pakistani Army fired on Indian posts. “The Pakistani Army violated ceasefire by using light weapons and MMGs (medium machine guns) along the LoC in the Baba Khori belt of Naushera sector of Rajouri district at 2230 hours…

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After Mehbooba’s remarks, ‘Victims’ hopeful of debate on Article 35A

Even as Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has given a strong warning against any tampering with Article 35A, people ‘suffering’ due to the provision are confident that a debate will help in highlighting this “discriminatory” clause illegally incorporated in the Constitution to deprive a section of its constitutional rights. Valmikis, West Pakistani Refugees (WPRs) and women married outside J&K, are the victims of the provision which enables the state Assembly to define permanent residents and give them special rights and privileges. “This is what we want. The nation is not aware…

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Now, pay mobile bills at BSNL counters only: GST Impact

No payments to be made at area shops; customers suffer The bill counters of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) are witnessing huge rush these days as all the recharge and bill payment SIM cards of the mobile shop owners have been blocked after the implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) in Jammu and Kashmir. For the last one decade, people avoid standing in queues to pay their mobile bills because the payment could be made at any mobile shop of any locality. However, from this month onwards, the…

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Geelani, his family has no illegal assets: Hurriyat (G)

Hurriyat Conference (G) Sunday said the amalgam has decided to take legal action against the NIA and Indian media on the “character assassination of its leaders and their family members.” According to a statement issued here, the spokesman of Hurriyat (G) said they have started consultations with the legal experts regarding the issue. Denying any unauthorized, illegal or disproportionate property belonging to Syed Ali Geelani, the spokesman said Geelani’s daughters are married while his two sons including Nayeem and Naseem have no illegal assets. “Indian authorities under well thought out…

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Mehbooba welcomes Dalai Lama at Leh, Praises him for statement on Islam

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Leh would give boost to tourist arrivals Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti Sunday welcomed the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, who is currently on a visit to Leh in connection with an annual Buddhist function. Addressing a large gathering here, CM highlighted the pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir and described it as the abode of different faiths and cultures. She said people living in amity and brotherhood is the specialty of the state and underlined the need for strengthening the bonds among various sections of the…

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Central extended three laws to J&K in PDP-BJP rule

After PDP-BJP government came to power in J&K, the government of India has extended three central laws to the state in less than two years amid a continuous push, both at political and legal level, by different right wing groups to get Article 370 scrapped. In December 2015 when the state cabinet led by former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed cleared adoption of National Food Security Act (NFSA) to J&K, the decision snowballed into major controversy. The central Act was however implemented from February 2016 despite opposition from opposition parties…

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Friday prayer not allowed for sixth straight week at historic Jamia Masjid

The state government did not allow mandatory Friday congregation prayers at historic Jamia Masjid, Srinagar for sixth straight week on Friday. The government have also barred Kashmir head priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from leading Friday prayers from last six week. Since early this morning the government has imposed strict restrictions on the movement of people in downtown area of Srinagar to prevent protests and rallies after congregational prayers. Also, Imams and Molvis of various religious organisations and Masjids of Kashmir on Thursday had also discussed the continuous closure of Jamia…

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Curfew imposed in parts of valley to stem protests

Curfew was imposed in parts of Downtown Srinagar on Friday to prevent protests and rallies after congregational prayers. Residents said that police vans announced curfew early morning today. Joint Resistance Leadership has called for “peaceful protest” after weekly congregational prayers to protest the suspension of life sentences of army soldiers involved in Machhil fake encounter and “persecution of pro-freedom leadership”. A military court has reportedly suspended the life sentences and granted bail to five army men, including two officers, convicted for extrajudicial killing of three civilians near Line of Control…

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Chinese Army strategist warns of Kashmir intervention after Doklam

The latest warning came from PLA Navy Senior Captain Zhang Ye, who is a research fellow of the PLA Naval Research Institute and a prominent strategist. Even as National Security Adviser Ajit Doval holds key talks with the Chinese leadership, a prominent strategist of a People’s Liberation Army think-tank has warned that India’s “trespass” into the Doklam region would set the precedent for “a third party’s” intervention in Jammu & Kashmir. While Chinese State media have made similar arguments in recent weeks amid the on-going stand-off, the latest warning came…

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