Category: Kashmir

Kashmir

On behest of a non-local Army goes on rampage in Kulgam village

Editor

Locals accuse man from Haryana of eve-teasing, ask him to leave village Army men allegedly ransacked the Kulpora village in Kulgam district here and thrashed dozens of villagers hours after a non-local was asked to vacate the village. Villagers said that a non-local from Haryana, Ram Lal, was turning out to be an eve teaser and an indecent person after a couple of years of his stay in the village. “Besides, the locals had inputs that he worked for the Army and informed them about stone pelting youth and other…

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AFSPA revocation possible after critical security review: Govt

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The government Thursday said controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be revoked in the State only after conducting a critical review of the security situation. “The need and desirability of revocation of AFSPA in various areas of the state require critical review of the security situation and other relevant factors,” Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, informed Legislative Council in a written reply to clubbed questions of legislators Shehnaz Ganai, Showkat Hussain Ganai and Bashir Ahmad Veeri. She said Disturbed Areas Act (DAA), which was enacted in 1997 had been…

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The Ramadan drummers of Kashmir

Editor

Every night, during the month of Ramadan, when most of Indian-administered Kashmir remains in deep slumber, Mohammad Rafiq Wani, a sahar-khan (drummer), begins walking the streets of Pampore to awaken Muslims for pre-dawn meals. Sahar-khwani or calling for pre-dawn meals, is a centuries old Kashmiri tradition during the holy month of Ramadan. Many Muslims do not eat or drink water during daylight in this period. Although announcements are made on loudspeakers to awaken people for the pre-dawn meals, and many use mobile phones and digital clocks to wake up in…

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Protests in Lolab; locals demand exile of ‘Informer’

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Hundreds of angry protesters Wednesday demanded deportation of a local (informer) allegedly involved in the killing of a foreign militant at Warnow village in Lolab region of Kupwara district. The protesters including women carried green flags amid ‘pro-freedom and anti-establishment’ slogans marched towards house of the accused. However, to avoid any eventuality police reached the spot and are tried to control the situation. The situation remained tense as the protesters were adamant to burn down the house of the accused informer. Reports said after Zuhr prayers hundreds of protesters from…

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Protesters warn India against execution of anti-Kashmir agenda

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Leaders and activists of All Parties Hurriyet Conference, the Hurriyet forum led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front held a sit-in protest in Srinagar, today, against India’s anti-Kashmiri agenda. A statement issued by the All Parties Hurriyet Conference said that the protesters led by JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik assembled in Nowhatta area of Srinagar and chanted high-pitched anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. They were protesting against India’s designs to construct separate colonies for Indian soldiers and Kashmiri Pandits and Delhi’s so-called Industrial Policy. The protesters warned…

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Cong, NC protest as locals not hired for Z-Morh tunnel work

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The issue of non-engagement of local technocrats and skilled labourers in the construction work of the Z-Morh tunnel at Sonmarg led to noisy scenes and a virtual confrontation between Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu and National Conference (NC) leader Mian Altaf Ahmad in the Assembly today. Senior NC member and former minister Mian Altaf walked out of the House in protest over the use of “unparliamentary language” by Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu while replying to the former’s calling attention motion. Members of the NC and Congress also joined the walkout. “A…

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Rare Quranic manuscripts on display in Srinagar

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Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today inaugurated an exhibition of rare Quranic manuscripts on the lawns of the Tagore Hall here. An official said that some of the rare Quranic manuscripts were being displayed at the three-day exhibition organised by the Cultural Academy in association with the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Directorate of Libraries and private collectors — Meeras Mahal Sopore and Qazi brothers. Later, Mehbooba, who is also the president of the Cultural Academy, presented the awards for best books to local writers. She said the award money for…

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CM earmarks 100 crore for heritage tourism promotion in Shaher-e-Khaas

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Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today said the Government will create productive infrastructure in the tourism sector in Shaher-e-Khaas to promote the historic Old City of Srinagar as a cherished religious and heritage tourism destination. She said the Tourism Department has been tasked to formulate a comprehensive proposal in this regard. “Rs 100 crore out of Rs 80000 crore Prime Minister’s Development Package would be spent exclusively for building tourism infrastructure in Shaher-e-Khaas in tune with its distinct cultural heritage,” the CM said while interacting with people during her extensive tour…

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Govt orders probe into Humhama land grabbing issue

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Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into allegations of land grabbing at Humhama in the outskirts of the city here. The inquiry was ordered after MLCs in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council, cutting across party lines, created ruckus in the House and demanded formation of a House Committee to probe land grabbing at Humhama by some influential persons. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLC Saifuddin Bhat, who raised the issue in the House after the Question Hour, said around 200 Kanals (10 hectares) of Kahchari (state land) has…

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Kashmir movement has entered into crucial phase: Mirwaiz

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The Chairman of his own Hurriyet forum, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has said that the Kashmir liberation movement has entered into a sensitive phase and Kashmiri people need to strengthen unity among their ranks to take it to its logical conclusion in a more effective manner. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was addressing an impressive religious gathering held at Dastgeer Sahib Shrine in Srinagar. He said that the Kashmiris had sacrificed their lives and properties and continued to do so for the Kashmir cause and they needed to stay united till Kashmir movement…

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