June 12, 2017 | Kashmir POST

Militants escape 13 times in four month with Stone pelters help

June 12, 2017June 12, 2017 Editor

Notwithstanding the Army chief Bipin Rawat’s warning to people who disrupt anti-militancy operations, stone pelting protesters have helped ultras to escape security cordon on 13 occasions during the last almost four months. An official report reveals that since General Rawat’s stern warning on February 16 that those trying to disrupt anti-militancy operations in Kashmir will be treated as “overground workers of terrorists” and can be fired on, security forces carried out 43 anti-militancy operations across the Valley. Most of these operations have been carried out in south Kashmir districts of…

Uncertainty looms over solar power projects in Ladakh

June 12, 2017 Editor

In solar power potential, Ladakh comes second highest in the country but its villages are still in darkness—courtesy the failure of the Centre and the state government to undertake two prestigious ultra mega solar power projects, having a total generation capacity of 7,500 megawatt (MW). The two mega projects were announced for Ladakh, considered the solar capital of the country, in 2014 but they have remained on paper only. According to officials, at least 19 villages in Ladakh — 11 in Leh and 8 in Kargil — are still deprived…

Street Vendors, Wrong Car Parking choke Hari Singh High Street

June 12, 2017 Editor

We are on job to decongest the city roads: SMC Commissioner Illegal occupation of footpaths and roads by street vendors coupled with wrong car parking has choked the already congested Hari Singh High Street. Despite the clear instructions by the administration that the City Centre, Lal Chowk, must be completely decongested, one could see these vendors dotted along the footpaths and on roads at many places blocking both pedestrian as well as traffic movement to a large extent. The wrong car parking especially in the area from Amira Kadal Bridge…

Is Kashmir headed towards major catastrophe?

June 12, 2017 Editor

After the April 9 “human shield” episode for which Major Leetul Gogoi was rewarded with the Army Chief’s commendation certificate, the ire against the Indian Army has risen manifold. It is a repulsive celebration of hate. It seems to be in competition with hate-mongering aired by TV channels against Kashmiris. This is fraught with serious consequences, which perhaps neither side has calculated. Most of the Kashmiris do understand that the Indian Army landed when the state was invaded by Pakistani troops in 1947. Locals assisted the Army in pushing back…

Tufail Matoo’s 7th Anniversary observed

June 12, 2017 Editor

On the 7th death anniversary of teenager Tufail Matoo, who was killed by teargas shell fired by police, his family pledged to continue their fight for justice. 17-year old Tufail was killed on this day in 2010 when teargas shell hit him on head near Gani Memorial Stadium at Rajouri Kadal in downtown. On Tufail’s 7th death anniversary, people from different walks of life participated in prayers at his grave in Martyrs graveyard at Eidgah. “We observe this day with the hope that perpetrators of such crimes against humanity will…

Treasure trove for art lovers, history enthusiasts : SPS Museum

June 12, 2017 Editor

Kashmir’s lone Shri Pratap Singh museum is a treasure trove for art lovers, history enthusiasts and curious minds as it houses rare artifacts and items of historical significance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state. Situated on the banks of river Jhelum in Lal Mandi area of the summer capital here, the museum was established in 1898 AD by then Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja Pratap Singh, in his summer guest house, largely based on collections transferred from the state ‘Toshkhana’ (palace treasury). A century later, the…

The irresolvable Kashmir ROW

June 12, 2017 Editor

The most devilishly complex issue is Kashmir. Broadly speaking, Pakistan has, with the help of the US, played its Kashmir card better than India There seems to be no cure-all solution that can undo the strained historical dynamics of Indo-Pak relations At the moment, Indo-Pak relations are under a severe strain. Having been ambassador to Pakistan in the early 1980s, I have retained a deep interest in the developments in that country. While writing about Pakistan and India relations, one must keep three things in mind. Indo-Pak relations are accident…

Military solutions can’t fix political issue: Omar Abdullah

June 12, 2017 Editor

The Centre’s decision not to resolve the “political issue” in Kashmir has worsened the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, former chief minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said, stressing that military solutions cannot be used to fix a “political” problem. Abdullah, the working president of opposition National Conference (NC), alleged the Centre has also distanced itself from all promises of the state government’s common minimum programme — Agenda of the Alliance — formally and publicly. The BJP, the leading party at the Centre, is a partner in the ruling coalition government…

Valley bizmen oppose GST, Mehbooba allays fears over Art 370

June 12, 2017 Editor

Discussion with Finance Minister Drabu today, all-party meet tomorrow Top businessmen and hoteliers of the Kashmir valley today opposed the extension of the goods and services tax (GST) to J&K during a meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. A delegation that included Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, J&K Hoteliers Club (JKHC) chairman Mushtaq Chaya and Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) chairman Mohammad Yaseen Khan unanimously opposed the implementation of the GST, saying it would erode the financial autonomy of J&K. “We all opposed the GST…

Catch them young (Stone Pelters), Show them India, Help them dream – Army’s new job

June 12, 2017 Editor

The Army is zeroing in on young stone-pelters in Kashmir – not to lock them up but to take them around India and give wings to their dreams. The Army is zeroing in on young stone-pelters in Kashmir – not to lock them up but to take them around India and give wings to their dreams. A group of 20 boys from restive South Kashmir will be taken on an educational tour to showcase India and its development, a senior Army officer said. The idea struck Major General BS Raju,…