KASHMIR DAY 53: 100 more injured

DAY 53: 100 more injured

Pellets rain on protestors at Eidgah, 2 minors among 30 injured; Forces foil many freedom rallies in South, North Kashmir; Police enforce evening curbs in Srinagar to foil resistance camp’s relaxation; 4 Ganderbal youth booked under PSA, shifted to Jammu jails; Sudden curfew imposed in Baramulla at 4 pm; PSA slapped on aged Jamaat leader in Sopore


ABID BASHIR/KHALID GUL
Srinagar/ Anantnag, Publish Date: Aug 31 2016 1:25AM | Updated Date: Aug 31 2016 1:25AM
DAY 53: 100 more injured

Photo: Mir Wasim/GK

Over 100 protestors including two minors and a few women were injured in day-long protests and clashes across Kashmir on Tuesday. In South Kashmir, forces resorted to pellet firing on people who had assembled at various places to join pro-freedom rallies, resulting in injuries to over 50 people, witnesses and reports said.

Reports said forces fired pellets on protestors at Waniyar, Eidgah in old Srinagar when people alleg¬edly tried to attack a police post there. In the forces’ action, two minors were among 30 injured.

The J&K government has already lifted curfew from entire Kashmir, barring areas falling under two police stations in old Srinagar. Curfew was lifted on Monday after 51 days. However, night restrictions continued across Srinagar, witnesses said.

70 people including two cops have been killed in 52-day-long widespread pro¬tests triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen com¬mander Burhan Wani on July 8, while over 7500 are injured with 500 of them sus¬taining serious pellet inju¬ries in their eyes, in action by police, paramilitary forces and army.


SOUTH KASHMIR

At least 50 people were injured after forces continued to foil peaceful pro-freedom rallies and also went berserk at several places—barging into houses—in South Kash¬mir areas on Tuesday. Amid complete shutdown, several all-women protest rallies were held at various places on  the call of joint resistance leadership.

20 people sustained injuries after forces tried to foil a pro-freedom rally in Wathoo village in Shopian district. Witnesses said early in the morning, forces vandalized the venue where the rally was scheduled and beat up vol¬unteers who were making the necessary arrangements.

“They also fired teargas shells and pellets on people who tried to resist their move, causing injuries to at least 20 pro-testers,” they said. Despite the forces’ action, local residents said, the rally went on.
Forces also tried to foil another rally in Panzath village of Qazigund in Anantnag district. “The forces after setting ablaze tents resorted to intense tear-gas shelling and pellet firing,” witnesses said, adding: “At least 10 people sustained injuries in the police action.” The rally was however held later wherein religious clerics from various sects and local pro-freedom leaders including Tehreek-I-Hurriyat (TeH) district president (Anantnag), Mir Hafizullah spoke. People of Mehmoodabad and adjoining Nathipora villages in Dooru area of Anantnag alleged that forces ran amok in the areas, damaging property and ‘terrorizing’ people.

“There were no clashes or protests in the village. However, forces barged into houses and ransacked household goods and broke windowpanes,” locals alleged. People later hit the streets in protest, triggering violent clashes that resulted in injuries to 10 people including an elderly lady.
“A 55-year-old lady, identified as Sara Begum, received pellet injuries in head and chest and was being treated at Sub- District Hospital (SDH) Dooru,” reports said.

They said 60-year-old Ghulam Hassan Bhat was also detained by police. Locals alleged that forces without any provocation have been “terrorizing” people for the past few days. Six people were injured after forced conducted noctur¬nal raids in Srandoo village of Kulgam, beating up inmates while trying to arrest youth. “As people came out to protest, forces lobbed shells and fired pellets, injuring few persons. A youth who sustained critical injury was referred to a Srinagar hospital.”
Four people were injured in clashes that erupted between forces and protesters in Bathipora-Chogalpora village of Kulgam. Reports of ransacking of houses and beating up of inmates were received from Arigam village of Pulwama.

Meanwhile, Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM) led all-women ral¬lies in different areas of South Kashmir.
In Kulgam, an all-women rally was held at Mohamadpora village wherein—amid pro-freedom slogans—the speakers appealed women to remain resilient in the ongoing resistance struggle. Similar rallies were held in Srigufwara village of Bijbehara which saw participation of many women. The DeM also organized rallies in Tral town and Darsaroo village of Tral.

Meanwhile, complete shutdown as observed in entire South Kashmir. However, police and paramilitary forces were man¬ning the streets in all towns including Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Pampore and Bijbehara, while army was deployed at several places along Srinagar-Jammu Highway, witnesses said.

Curfew was lifted from Pulwama town on Tuesday. Mean¬while, a video journalist, who works with News 24 channel identified as Aijaz Ahmed Dar was injured while covering protests in Wathoo village of Shopian, witnesses said. Forces fired pellets at the protestors while pellets also hit Aijaz while he was performing his professional duties, they said.

SRINAGAR

At least 30 people including two minors sustained pellet injuries at Waniyar, Eidgah, Nowpora, Sekidafar areas of Sri¬nagar when youth tried to attack a police post Waniyar. Wit¬nesses said two minors, Amir and Tasi—both aged 7 years— were also injured in the police action. The injured, according to witnesses, were shifted to SMHS hospital.

Reports said protests erupted in various Srinagar areas including Nawakadal, Khanyar, Noorbagh, Qamarwari, Safa Kadal, Khanyar and others. At Sekidafar, locals alleged forces broke windowpanes of their houses.

Reports of evening protests also poured in from Laway¬pora, HMT, Habba Kadal, Chottabazar, and Gurubazar areas. Meanwhile, inhabitants of Khwaja Bazar area in old Srinagar alleged that forces posted in the locality went “berserk” this evening, and ransacked scores of residential houses.

NORTH KASHMIR

The residents of Baramulla town were surprised this eve¬ning after police re-imposed curfew here at around 4.30 pm.

According to reports, the police reportedly anticipated that traders might resume their business activity after 6 pm (as per resistance leadership’s call) and therefore preferred to impose curfew much earlier. The town has been witnessing strict curfew after 6 pm since the joint resistance camp issued its protest calendar, according to which, people have been asked to resume their business activity after 6 pm.

Meanwhile, a massive pro-freedom march was carried out this evening from Jamia Masjid in Old Town till Azad Gunj Chowk. The rally was held peacefully.

Reports said a complete shutdown was observed in Sopore while peaceful protests were reported from Muslim Peer, Batpora, Arampora and Main Chowk areas. At least 16 people were injured when clashes broke out between forces and pro¬testors after cops picked up some youth in Bandipora district. Scores of people assembled near Kaloosa Bridge to stage pro¬tests against the detentions, but police lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets to disperse the protesters, resulting in injury to at least 16 persons, including two women. The injured were referred to Sub-District Hospital Bandipora. Doctors at the SDH confirmed that 16 injured persons including two women were received “with minor injuries.”

“They were discharged after being provided the necessary medical aid,” they said.
Mild stone-pelting also took place at Watapora area of the district. Police fired teargas shells to disperse the protestors. However no injury was reported.

Meanwhile peaceful protest rallies were also held in Putus¬hai, Onagam and Panzigam villages of the district. Massive protest rallies was also held by residents of Ajas and Saidu¬nara villages of Bandipora against Army’s alleged highhand¬edness on Monday. Witnesses said residents while raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans accused Army’s 13 RR unit camped at Manasbal along with police “unleased terror” in some villages. Women also participated in the protest rallies. Witnesses said angry protestors also burnt effigy of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Peaceful protests were also held in main town Bandipora in the evening that culminated near Gulshan Chowk.

Reports from Kupwara said protests were held in Bramri, Shalpora, Drugmulla against damage to residential houses allegedly by forces. Protests also erupted in Kulangam, and Bohipora, Chotipora, Langate, Kralgund and Yaroo villages of the district.

Meanwhile, reports said that Jammu and Kashmir police has booked senior Jammat-Islami leader Muhammad Yousuf Sheikh of Sopore under PSA and lodged him in central jail Kupwara. Sheikh, the resident of Iqbal Nagar Sopore, as per dossier prepared by Sopore police, besides being an active member of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat has been “leading unruly and violent mobs at least on three occasions in Sopore during the present crisis.” “He has been propagating anti-India senti¬ments and instigating youths against the State,” the dossier alleges.

CENTRAL KASHMIR

Four more youth were booked under PSA in Ganderbal dis¬trict and shifted to Udhampur and KotBalwal jails in Jammu province. They were identified as Tariq Ahmad Sofi (34 ) son of Muhammad Maqbool of Saloora Ganderbal; Nasir Ahmad Wani (28) son of Ghulam Muhammad of Kachhan Ganderbal; Feroz Ahmad Ganai (20) son of Ghulam Muhammad of Baroosa Lar and Tariq Ahmad Malik (32) son of Ghulam Ahmad of Kangan town .

Official sources at DC office Ganderbal told Greater Kash¬mir that two more cases were dropped and returned on health and age grounds.

Police said they were arrested on charges of different offenc¬es including stone-pelting, creating violence and creating law and order in their respective areas under sections 307, 323, 147, 148, 149, 336, 332 and 427 of RPC. FIRs vide No 141,158\2016 stands registered against Nasir at police station Ganderbal while FIR vide NOs 70,74, 80 and 84 stand registered against Malik at police station Kangan. Similarly, FIRs (15, 37 and 40) are registered against Feroz at police station Kheerbhwaani and FIRs (158 and 141) against Sofi at Ganderbal police station.

Wani and Malik were shifted to Udhampur while Sofi and Ganai to Kotbalwal Jail. The number of persons booked under PSA in Ganderbal district has reached eight.

Earlier this month, four youth from Kondbal, Saloora, Beehama and Fatehpora localities of the district were arrested and after being booked under PSA were shifted to Kathua and Udhampur jails of Jammu province.

Locals staged protests against arrest of local youths identi¬fied as Feroz Ahmad Ganai and Muzafar Ahmad Kumar, at Baroosa, Lar. Protests broke out at Wussan against arrest of local youth. Complete shutdown was observed in entire Ganderbal district. Meanwhile the condition of girl injured at Fatehpora clashes day before yesterday is stable at a Srinagar hospital. Meanwhile, three persons sustained during clashes at Ompura, Budgam.

Reports said protests and stone-pelting started at Ompura where forces fired dozens of tear-shells and pellets to disperse protestors.

POLICE STATEMENT

According to a statement issued by Zonal Police Headquar¬ters Kashmir, curfew has been lifted from entire Kashmir, except two Police Stations of Nowhatta and M R Gunj in Sri¬nagar. “Greater movement of private, passenger vehicular traffic and people was observed in major areas of Kashmir including Srinagar city today,” the statement claimed.

It said barring few minor stone-pelting incidents, the over¬all situation “remained peaceful and under control throughout the Valley till filing of this report.”

“The stone pelting incidents were reported from Batamaloo and Bag-e-Mehtab in Srinagar, Chankipora and Main Chowk, Sopore, Mehmoodabad in Dooru and Kaloosa in Bandipora where miscreants in their attempts to disturb the situation pelted stones on police and security force deployments,” the statement said.

(With additional reporting Altaf Baba ,Sheikh Nazir, Ghulam Muhammad and M A Dar)

நாடு தழுவிய இந்திய தொழிற் சங்க வேலை நிறுத்தம்

Central trade unions to give strike call for 
Sept 2

PTI | Mar 29, 2016, 09.30 PM IST

New Delhi, Mar 29 () Central trade unions will tomorrow announce one-day nationwide strike on September 2 to protest against government's unilateral labour reforms and "anti-workers" policies.

However, the RSS-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has decided to opt out of the proposed strike on September 2.

"The central trade unions have reached a consensus to go on a day-long nationwide general strike on September 2, 2016 to protest against government's unilateral labour reforms and anti-worker policies," a source said.

The source, however, said, "BMS will not participate in the strike and thus will not sign the joint declaration to be unveiled at the National Convention of Central Trade Unions tomorrow."

The unions had gone on a strike on September 2 last year also to protest against the amendments in labour laws by the Centre as well as state governments, saying their 12-point charter of demands was not paid heed.

The leaders of the central trade unions including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, UTUC and LPF would participate in their national convention tomorrow.

Unions have been opposing certain proposed labour law amendments which allow hire and fire, make it tougher to make labour unions and dilute existing social security net available to the workers at different fora.

Under the proposed Industrial Relations Code Bill 2015, the employers with up to 300 workers would not require government permission for retrenchment, lay off and closure.

Similarly, there is small factories bill which seek to exempt units with less than 40 workers from 14 labour laws. These units will be able to buy provident fund and health insurance products for their workers from open market. Thus they would not be requried to subscribe to social security schemes run by EPFO and ESIC.

Last year, the government had formed an inter-ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to hold "threadbare discussions" with representatives of unions on their 10-point charter of demands and other issues raised for recommending measures to address those issues.

However, after few rounds of meeting with the trade unions to resolve issues, the panel has not discussed any issue with them after September 2 strike last year.

The ten unions to meet tomorrow, claim a combined membership of 15 crore workers in public as well as private sector enterprises including banks and insurance companies. KKS MKJ

(This story has not been edited by timesofindia.com and is auto–generated from a syndicated feed we subscribe to.)

Kashmir 52nd Day Protests, shutdown continue

Protests, shutdown continue on 52nd day of 

Published at August 29, 2016 07:24:23 Rising Kashmir News Srinagar, Aug 29:

• Many injured in fresh pellet firing • Thousands attend rally in Batengoo, Anantnag• Night curfew imposed in Srinagar• Minor incidents of stone pelting reported from Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Sopore, Kupwara and Bandipora: Police

 Authorities on Monday lifted curfew from Kashmir valley except Pulwama town and two police station areas in Srinagar after 51 days while protests and shutdown continued for the 52nd consecutive day. The curbs were, however, re-imposed in some parts after clashes between youth and cops during which many people sustained pellet injuries.

A police spokesman said following improvement in situation, curfew was lifted from all parts of Kashmir this morning. “However, it remained under force in Pulwama town and the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Police station M R Gunj and Police Station Nowhatta”.

After lifting of curfew, there was an increased movement of private vehicles in some areas of the city today. The attendance in government offices and banks improved. However, shops, business establishments, petrol pumps and educational institutions remained closed due to shutdown called by separatists.

Kashmir has been under curfew, restrictions and separatists sponsored shutdown since July 9, a day after 21-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in encounter with forces.
At least 71 people including two policemen have been killed and thousands others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley.

After curfew was lifted, youth took to roads at Batamaloo, Noorbagh, Safa Kadal, Habba Kadal, Nawapora and other areas of city. Chanting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protestors were demanding an end to civilian killings. The cops fired tear smoke shells and resorted to aerial firing to disperse the protestors, who pelted stones on them.

The cops fired pellets on protestors in Kani-Kadal area after the people took to roads to protest against highhandedness of the force personnel. Many people sustained pellet injuries and were hospitalised.

People alleged that the cops had barged into their houses, ransacked the household goods, beat the inmates and smashes the window and glasspanes of many houses and parked vehicles.

After the clashes, authorities enforced curfew and restrictions in Batamaloo and some downtown areas.

A pro-freedom rally was taken out by people at Kremshore area of Budgam district. However, police and CRPF men intercepted the rally and fired tear smoke shells and pellets towards the protestors. Over a dozen people suffered injuries in the forces action. Some of the injured were hit by pellets and shifted to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital for specialized treatment.

Many people were also injured in clashes with force personnel in Hangigund area of Chadoora in Budgam district. The protests were triggered after people came out on roads to protest highhandedness of force personnel.

They alleged that force personnel had barged into residential houses and ransacked the household goods.

A girl was injured after being hit by a tear gas shell fired by cops to disperse women protestors in Fatehpora, Ganderbal area.

According to locals, police raided a house in Rakh i Harran in Fatehpora area and arrested a youth.
“Women in large numbers came out and protested against the cops. They demanded release of the arrested youth. The cops fired tear gas shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse the women protestors. An 18 year old girl was hit by tear gas shell. She was hospitalised”.

The clashes also broke out between youth and cops at Barsoo area of Ganderbal district.
The police men enforced tough from 7 pm in city centre Lal Chowk and adjoining areas. The cops had placed barricades and concertina wires on the roads to restrict movement of the people.

SOUTH KASHMIR

Hundreds of people were marching towards Gandwini village in Kulgam district to participate in a pro-freedom rally, when they were intercepted by force personnel near Matergam on Nihama-D H Pora road and not allowed to move forward.

The cops fired pellets and tear smoke shells to disperse the protestors, who fought pitched battles with them. At least 10 people were injured in the forces action.

In Achabal area of Anantnag, people came out in large numbers to protest arrest of youth by police.
Chanting pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protestors were demanding immediate release of the arrested youth and end to civilian killings.

Police fired tear gas shells and pellets to disperse the protestors. At least five people suffered injuries in the forces firing.

At least two persons were injured badly after they were thrashed by SOG and army personnel in Liver village of Pahalgam in Anantnag district.

The locals alleged that forces barged in residential house in the dead of the night and apart from thrashing the inmates including women, elderly people and children, they ransacked the houses.
The villagers erected barricades on roads leading towards the village to prevent any movement of vehicles. At one place, a temporary wall was built on the middle of the road, making it
impossible for any vehicle to pass.

The villagers said they have erected barricades to save themselves from the wrath of the force personnel.

In Belov village of Pulwama, where after a peaceful pro-freedom rally was taken by people on Sunday, force personnel conducted nocturnal raids, ransacked the household goods and beat inmates.

“We were ruthlessly beaten by the force personnel besides ransacking our household goods. They had come with an intent to ransack and harass and that’s exactly what they did,” a local told Rising Kashmir over phone.

He said many people fled the village in the dead of the night and took shelter in the neighboring villages.

Forces used force to foil at least two pro-freedom rallies in Pulwama including one at Aglad-Pakherpora.

Clashes erupted in Arham village of Verinag in Anantnag district after force personnel did not allow people to take out a rally. The clashes continued throughout the day.

However, people in thousands attended a pro-freedom rally at Shoal village of Battengoo in Anantnag district. The participants dispersed off peacefully.

In Anantnag, Traders and Manufacturers Association staged protest demonstration today.
“We are ready to incur losses for the fight for Azadi. There should be no turning back now,” the members of the association said.

NORTH KASHMIR

Eyewitnesses said group of youth near Kaloosa bridge in Bandipora district staged a protest demonstration and chanted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. The protestors pelted stones on the force personnel, who fired tear smoke shells to disperse them.

At least three youth sustained injuries in the clashes.

Meanwhile, residents of Watpora village in Bandipora staged protest demonstration against the force personnel for beating an elderly man during night.

The protesters said Muhammad Shafi Bhat (55), son of Late Muhammad Ismail of Bhat Mohalla Bala Watpora was hit with gun butts when he came out of his house at around12:30 am to attend nature’s call.

A female in the locality said that they were threatened by force personnel in uniform if they raised alarm.

The protesters later dispersed off peacefully when Assistant Commissioner Revenue Masrat Hashim assured them that the matter would be investigated and culprits punished.

A protest rally was also taken out in main town Bandipora at evening from Gulshan Chowk to Nowpora chowk. The protestors dispersed off peacefully.

Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital, Dr Nazir Chaudhary, said at least seven people, who had received injuries today, were admitted at the tertiary care hospital.

“We continued to receive the injured at the hospital today,” he said.

POLICE SPEAKS

A police spokesman said minor incidents of stone pelting were reported from Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Sopore, Kupwara and Bandipora.

“These incidents were reported from Guzarbal, Babademb, Saidpora, Batamaloo, Chanapora in Srinagar, Sangam in Anantnag, Gandwani, Shol Batango in Kulgam, Nadihal Chowk in

Sopore, Brambari, Rekhipora in Kupwara and Kaloosa in Bandipora,” he said adding that some miscreants in their effort to disturb the situation pelted stones on police and security deployments in these areas.

The spokesman said except for these incidents, overall situation remained peaceful and under control throughout the Kashmir valley.

He said greater movement of traffic and people was observed across the valley including the city Srinagar.


Meanwhile, mobile internet continued to remain suspended while the outgoing facility on prepaid mobiles remained barred.

Amid talk of replacing pellet gun, number of pellet victims on rise

Amid talk of replacing pellet gun, number of pellet victims on rise

“It continued for several weeks and then there was a period when around 50 percent of injured were those hit by pellets. But for the past many days, the percentage of pellet victims admitted to the hospital has gone up to 65 (of total admission of injured persons),” he said.

MUDDASIR ALI

Srinagar, Publish Date: Aug 29 2016 12:00AM | Updated Date: Aug 29 2016 12:00AM
Amid talk of replacing pellet gun, number of pellet victims on rise
GK Photo

For the past several days, the percentage of pellet victims admitted to general specialty SMHS hospital here is seeing a steep rise, with most of them hit in their eyes, much to the concern of doctors.

A senior doctor said the percentage of victims with pellet injuries was around 40 during the initial few weeks when the hospital began to receive patients with firearm injuries following the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, on July 8.

“It continued for several weeks and then there was a period when around 50 percent of injured were those hit by pellets. But for the past many days, the percentage of pellet victims admitted to the hospital has gone up to 65 (of total admission of injured persons),” he said.

On Friday (August 26), of 32 injured the hospital received from different parts of Kashmir, 23 (71%) persons were those hit by pellets.

Next day, the hospital admitted 14 injured persons, 11 of them with pellet injuries in eyes and other parts of body.

Since Saturday evening, the hospital admitted 11 persons with pellet injuries.

As per the official records, the pattern of pellet victims reporting at the hospital has been similar during the first part of the week as well as its last.

On August 23, the percentage of pellet victims admitted to the hospital was 67 while it was 71 on August 25.

From August 15 to August 22, the percentage of pellet victims treated at the hospital ranged from 59 to 64.

Since July 9, the hospital has admitted a total of 1514 injured persons for treatment out of whom 1440 were pellet victims. While 29 persons, as per the official records, were hit by pellet in both eyes, 513 had pellet injuries in one of their eyes.

“Since Friday afternoon around 30 people with pellet injuries to their eyes have been admitted in the hospital. And for the past (entire) week, the injured received have largely been the pellet victims,” said the doctor.

The State Government has come under sharp criticism for “excessive use of force” by the men in uniform on protestors in Kashmir which has witnessed 70 killings in past 51 days of anti-India uprising.

Of these, at least six have been killed after they were hit by pellets in vital organs. Besides, more than 600 persons have suffered injuries in their one of both eyes due to pellets which have been described as “non-lethal” by the Government.

On August 19, the Central Reserve Police Force told Jammu and Kashmir High Court that it used 1.3 million pellets in 32 days in Kashmir to control street protests. The use of pellet guns has continued in Kashmir since then.

Under attack, the Government of India is reportedly considering PAVA (Pelargonic Acid Vanillylamide) shells as replacement to the pellet guns in Kashmir.

The pellet injuries have been swelling despite repeated assurances from the Government, asking forces to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with the protesters.

Can Kashmir anger be a turning point?

Can Kashmir anger be a turning point?
India extends a strict curfew over the restive region as separatist leaders call for more protests.
28 Aug 2016 19:13 GMT

DAY 51: Clashes continue, 60 injured in pellet firing

DAY 51: Clashes continue, 60 injured in pellet firing

Huge freedom rallies held in South Kashmir areas amid rains | Protests, curfew continue elsewhere | Bhaderwah to observe shutdown today | Mirwaiz remains lodged at Cheshmashahi Sub-Jail | Doda advocate booked under PSA | No restrictions, except in Pulwama town and some Srinagar areas, from today: Police

ABID BASHIR/ KHALID GUL
Srinagar/Anantnag, Publish Date: Aug 28 2016 11:47PM | Updated Date: Aug 29 2016 1:08AM

DAY 51: Clashes continue, 60 injured in pellet firing

At least 60 people including some women sustained pellet injuries in South Kashmir areas and Central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Sunday when forces foiled pro-freedom rallies there, witnesses said.

Photo: Mir Wasim/GK

 Locals, according to witnesses, had called for ‘Dangerpora Chalo’ in Budgam district and people from various areas including those from nearby Pulwama district marched towardsDangerpora where police had imposed strict restrictions. When people from New Khanda, Chattergam, Gangipora,  Kanipora, Wangipora and Kenihama areas reached Dangerpora, aheavy contingent of police and paramilitary forces intercepted them and fired dozens of tear-gas shells before resorting to massive pellet firing.  “Police also detained six youth,” localresidents said.

At least 15 people including three women sustained pellet injuries in the police action.  Clashes were going in the area till last reports came in.

SOUTH KASHMIR

At least 40 people were injured after police and paramilitary forces used force to foil peaceful pro-freedom rallies in several South Kashmir localities, even as curfew and restrictions remained in place in various towns for the 51st straight day.  Reports said police and CRPF raided Nadimarg village early in the morning and beat up volunteers who were making arrangements for a pro-freedom rally there. As people came out to protest, forces lobbed tear-gas shells and also fired pellets, witnesses said, adding: “At least 20 people were injured in the forces’ action with many receiving pellet injuries. The injured are being treated in local hospitals.”

“The forces also vandalized the venue and damaged the Public Address System and the stage,” witnesses said. They said the rally was however held later despite heavy rains and police action.

In Pariwan and Kanchlo villages of Kulgam district, where a similar rally was proposed to be held, forces attempted to foil the procession with force.  “The forces raided the venue and beat up volunteers and also lobbed teargas shells and pellets on people who came out to protest the police action,” witnesses said.

They said at least 10 people sustained injuries, two of them critical, in the forces’ action. “The injured were treated at District Hospital Kulgam,” they said.

A pro-freedom rally was also held in Belaw village of Pulwama and after the rally ended, six people sustained injuries, two of them with pellets while one was beaten, when forces swung into action.  However, due to heavy rains, only 1000 people reportedly attended the rally.

The rallies-cum-unity conferences of various sects have become a routine in South Kashmir during the ongoing anti-India uprising triggered by killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani on July 8. More than 100 rallies witnessing attendance in thousands have been held so far.

Clashes between forces and protesters were also witnessed in Sangam area of Anantnag and Nayina village of Pulwama. 12 people sustained injuries in Achajipora area of Anantnag town during protests.

“Amid curfew people including women came out on roads early in the morning to protest nocturnal raids and arrests in the area. The forces swung into action and resorted to baton charge and lobbed tear-gas shells,” witnesses said.

They said 12 people including few women sustained injuries due to forces’ thrashing.  Forces also allegedly ran amok in nearby Dabruna village, beating inmates and ransacking goods, triggering further protests in the area.

Reports of protests also came in from Dadoo and Marhama village, the native place of Shahnawaz Khan whose body was fished out from river Jhelum when he had jumped into it while being chased by forces. The heavy rains however forced people to stay indoors as a result of which intensity of protests was also less on Sunday.  Curfew and restrictions however, remained in place in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Pampore, Awantipora, Kakpora, Bijbehara and Mattan areas.

NORTH KASHMIR

A massive protest rally was staged under the banner of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat at Ajas in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district in which hundreds of people participated. Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani addressed the gathering over phone and asked people to remain steadfast towards the freedom movement.

In the rally, many Sarpanchs and Panchs announced their resignation, reports said.
Reports from Baramulla said strict curbs remained in place across the district while Bridges—connecting old town with Civil Lines areas—continued to remain closed.  Reports said peaceful protest rallies were held in Rafiabad area of Baramulla while similar protests were staged in Zainageer and Arampora areas of Sopore, amid heavy rains.  Reports said curfew continued to remain in place during the day while authorities enforce night curfew across Kupwara district.

Due to rain, no major protest rally was held in the district, but deployment of forces continued to remain in place.

SRINAGAR

While old Srinagar areas continued to remain under tight curfew, restrictions were in place elsewhere in Srinagar district.

Reports said a major protest rally was held in Batamaloo area against the civilian killings. It culminated peacefully.

Reports of evening protests poured in from Lawaypora, HMT, Qamarwari and Bemina areas.
A torch procession was taken out at Nowgam area after Magrhib prayers. Reports from old Srinagar said majority of shops opened after 6 pm including the Jamia Market at Nowhatta.

In Lal Chowk, many shops opened after 6 pm.

Meanwhile, reports said Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz will continue to remain in Sub-Jail Chesmashahi for some time. Mirwaiz was detained on Friday evening and first lodged in police station Nigeen wherefrom he was later shifted to Cheshmashahi Sub-Jail.

BHADERWAH TO OBSERVE SHUTDOWN ON MONDAY:

Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhadarwah on Sunday called for a shutdown in the area against civilian killing in Kashmir on Monday and detention of youths “at the behest of RSS and BJP in Bhaderwah.”

“Authorities and some communal politicians are hell bent to vitiate peaceful atmosphere of Chenab Valley by falsely implicating and arresting youth under draconian laws,” a statement of the Anjuman-e-Islamia read.

DODA ADVOCATE BOOKED UNDER PSA

Advocate Baber-ul-Islam was arrested in Doda on Saturday evening and booked under Public Safety Act (PSA).

Sources said he has been shifted to Kotbalwal jail. They said more than three FIRs have been registered against the Advocate for “raising voice against the recent killings in Kashmir.”

The administration has also slapped PSA on a medical student for protesting against Kashmir killing.President of Bar Association Doda Advocate Asim Hashmi has termed it as “misuse of power by the Doda administration.”

POLICE VERSION
According to a statement issued by the Zonal Police Headquarters Kashmir, “following improvement in situation, curfew was lifted from Anantnag and major areas of Srinagar this morning.”

“Three stray incidents of stone pelting were reported from Sangam, Ashajipora in Anantnag and Nadigam in Shopian where some trouble-mongers attempted to disturb the situation by pelting stones on police and security force deployments. Barring these three incidents of stone pelting, overall situation remained peaceful and under control across the valley,” it said.

The statement said restrictions under section 144/CrPC remained in force in Kashmir. “However, curfew was imposed under the areas of three police stations of Srinagar, Pampore and Pulwama towns only. Increased movement of vehicular traffic and people was observed in major areas of the valley including city Srinagar,” it claimed.

‘NO RESTRICTIONS FROM TODAY’

“Following improvement in the situation, there will be No restrictions in Kashmir valley from Monday, except town Pulwama and areas falling under jurisdictions of Police station M.R Gunj and Police Station Nowhatta in Srinagar,” a police spokesman said on Sunday evening.

RADIO KASHMIR BACK ON AIR

Radio Kashmir Srinagar once again started broadcasting its scheduled programmes after it went off air from Saturday evening for more than 15 hours, officials said.

(With additional reporting from Altaf Baba and Ghulam Muhammad)

50 Day of Unrest: Kashmir is where it was on July 8

50 Day of Unrest: Kashmir is where it was on July 8
Published August 27, 2016

50 Day of Unrest - Kashmir is where it was on July 8When Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh addressed a press conference on Thursday with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti by his side, he said it was for a first time that a Home Minister had visited Kashmir twice in just a month to assess the situation.

This depicts the grim situation on the ground zero in Kashmir where the state and Central governments in an effort to calm the protesters and contain the situation, have resorted to massive security clampdown following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani. Since then, almost 50 days have passed and the Kashmir lockdown continues. Nearly 70 people have died and over 8,000 have been injured during these days.

Rajnath made his first visit to Kashmir on July 23, the 14th day of the unrest, and his second visit came on August 25, the 47th day of the turmoil.

Before landing in Srinagar on Wednesday, Rajnath invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s much-used three words — “Kashmiriyat, insaniyat and jamhooriyat.” He invited those people for talks who believe in these three phrases. Apart from the mainstream political groups, a few odd unknown civil society groups, no one from dissenting groups — Hurriyat or protesting youth — met him.

While wrapping up his two-day visit which was further muddied by his joint press conference with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti where she lost her cool, Rajnath announced preparation for an all-party delegation and alternative to the controversial pellet guns, without further elaborating. In fact, doubts still persist regarding the mandate of such panel as Kashmir-based political parties insist that it won’t work unless the recommendations of the all-party delegation are implemented without wasting time.

On the ground zero the situation remains same. Since last week, the government has even imposed night curfew across Srinagar and major towns of the Valley in a bid to scuttle the separatist protest programme. Mobile Internet services continue to remain suspended since July 9 while outgoing calling facility is barred on the prepaid mobile telephones.

In the absence of any political initiative to break the cycle of violence, the only option exercised by the governments has been to deploy more forces and use bullet and pellet guns coupled with curfew and restrictions in a hope to tire out the protesters who have emerged from every nook and corner of the Valley, including the remotest villages.

The only intervention, though late, came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 22, who had till then maintained a silence on the happenings in Kashmir. It came when a delegation of Opposition parties, led by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, called on him. Modi said a dialogue was a must for bringing to the unrest to the end and ensuring a permanent solution in Kashmir within the ambit of the Constitution.

However, that message too seems to have been lost in the din of street protests and almost-daily sounds of firing of pellet guns. The streets of Kashmir continue to witness protests and clashes, which are more fearful and loud in south Kashmir.

As the lockdown continues, Mehbooba Mufti statements appear to be “out of sync” with the mood of the people and “reality” on the ground. Though she may have appeared to be having an iron hand, for many in Kashmir that is not the requirement at the present when the aim is to pacify the angry protesters.

Turn of events

July 8 Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani killed in a gunfight in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district along with his two associates. The killing sparks instant protests.
July 9: 12 protesters killed in action of security forces. The authorities suspend mobile Internet services in Kashmir valley while the facility is completely snapped in south Kashmir.
July 12: The Prime Minister reviews the Kashmir situation, appeals for calm
July 15: Printing presses of newspapers raided and printing stopped after which local newspapers fail to hit the stands
July 20: The Army Chief reviews security situation in Srinagar
July 21: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti chairs an all-party meeting in Srinagar, asks Delhi to start a political dialogue
July 26: Rajnath forms an expert team to explore alternatives to pellet gun
July 28: Mehbooba Mufti says nobody knew Burhan Wani was holed up at Kokernag in Anantnag
August 8: Three BSF men and a militant killed in Pakistan BAT team’s action close to the LoC in Nowgam
August 12: The PM chairs all-party meeting on Kashmir, blames Pakistan for unrest
August 14: Pakistani flags hoisted at various places in Kashmir. Militants appear in Kulgam pro-Pak rally
August 15: A CRPF commandant and two militants killed in Srinagar gunfight. Five unidentified militants killed and a senior Army officer receives minor injuries when the Army foils an infiltration bid in the Uri sector of Baramulla district
August 16: Five civilians killed in clashes
August 17: Three security personnel killed in an ambush of an Army convoy in Baramulla district
August 18: Security forces beat college lecturer to death in Khrew, Pulwama. The Army orders probe order.
August 21: Opposition leaders, led by Omar Abdullah, meet the President
August 21: Union Minister Arun Jaitley during a rally in Jammu says there will be no compromise with those indulging in violence in Kashmir
August 22: The PM says a dialogue is a must for bringing an end to the unrest and talks about a lasting, permanent solution to Kashmir within the Constitution
August 22: Mehbooba says 95 per cent want peace
August 22: For the first time after 12 years, the BSF deployed in Srinagar for law and order situation
August 25: Rajnath Singh concludes two-day visit to Srinagar. Says pellet guns to go
Source:Agencies

Kashmir: Arrest of separatist leader causes uproar

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq a leader of separatist conglomerate

Kashmir: Arrest of separatist leader causes uproar
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq a leader of separatist conglomerate, has been arrested in Indian-administered Kashmir.

A Kashmiri separatist leader has been arrested in Indian-administered Kashmir while leading a peaceful demonstration.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, from All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC), was initially held in the Nigeen Police Station after being arrested in front of his residence on Thursday, before he was transferred to Chashma Shahi Sub-Jail on Friday, the APHC said in a statement.

Local media reported that Farooq was taken into custody for violating the terms of his house arrest by trying to participate in a march to the Martyrs' Graveyard along with his supporters to pay tribute and protest against the recent killings of civilian Kashmiris.

Mirwaiz Umar has been under house arrest for nearly two months for speaking out against "the continuing violence and oppression by the Indian Security Forces," APHC spokesman Shahidul Islam said in a statement.

"Speaking out against the Indian state's violations of basic human rights is not a crime, it's heroism," Islam said.

"Especially when India demonises people on the basis of their faith and ethnicity."

APHC spokesman added that they demand Mirwaiz Umar to be released immediately.

"We appeal to the International Community to condemn the political detention of Mirwaiz Umar and we demand his immediate release," he said.

Almost daily anti-India protests are taking place in Indian-administered Kashmir after a popular rebel commander was killed in a gun battle with security forces [Farooq Khan/ EPA ]

"Currently, there is a siege going on in Kashmir," said Muzzammil Thakur, executive director of the Kashmir Institute of International Affairs.

"Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been detained unnecessarily and illegally," he told Al Jazeera. "He is a popular leader who is working for Kashmir's prosperity."

"We want him to be released immediately."

Mirwaiz Umar's arrest also caused uproar on social media, with hundreds of people sharing their anger about the incident under the hashtag #freemirwaiz.


While emphasising that they view Mirwaiz Umar's arrest as "illegal", social media users demanded his immediate release and called for India to respect Kashmiri people's human rights.

Almost daily anti-India protests are taking place in Indian-administered Kashmir after a popular rebel commander, Burhan Wani, was killed in a gun battle with security forces on July

In the backlash over Wani's shooting, 66 civilians have so far been killed, many while defying a sweeping curfew to join banned protests.

Two members of the Indian security forces have also been killed, making it the deadliest chapter in Kashmir's troubled history since a similar spike in 2010.

Schools, shops and most banks remain shut, and normal economic activity has been paralysed.

Residents say the region feels more like a prison than the "paradise" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi evoked recently.

Since Modi's Hindu nationalist government came to power in 2014, there had only been sporadic violence, but tensions have never been far from the surface in India's only Muslim-majority state.

Modi has spoken of his "pain" at the violence and on Thursday, he dispatched one of his top lieutenants to Kashmir's capital.

"Do not question our understanding of the situation ... We know what the problem is, and we'll find a solution," Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters in Srinagar.

Modi has laid much of the blame for the unrest on Pakistan, which has a history of supporting Kashmiri separatists and, like India, lays claim to the whole of the region which was split between the two countries after independence in 1947.


Indian Prime Minister Modi has laid much of the blame for the unrest on Pakistan [Farooq Khan/EPA]

While the Indian-controlled part has guarantees of autonomy, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is officially committed to scrapping that section of the constitution, and critics say its stance is exacerbating tensions.

The BJP is now part of a coalition government in Kashmir, performing strongly in last year's state elections in areas where the state's Hindus are concentrated.

"New Delhi has reneged on its commitments by whittling down the autonomy," former chief minister Omar Abdullah told an AFP reporter.

'Deadly mix'

Despite the government's talk of wanting to restore peace, thousands of security reinforcements have been sent to the region in the last few days, some setting up camp in schools that have been closed.

"Without any political initiatives, it's all coming down to us. And what we do has its own consequences," a senior army officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

A top police officer, who was not authorised to speak to the media, said a "brutal suppression" was likely.

"For the first time, the militants and the public are on the same page. It is a deadly mix."

There is already deep anger about the security forces' routine use of crude pump-action pellet guns, which spray blinding metal shards to break up protests.

The guns are meant to minimise fatalities in protests, although the law gives the armed forces a relatively free hand to use lethal force, especially against suspected "militants".

Hospital authorities say they have treated at least 500 patients with eye injuries caused by pellet guns, many of whom will never recover their full vision.

Source: Al Jazeera And Agencies

More you suppress us, more we will resist: Mirwaiz

More you suppress us, more we will resist: Mirwaiz
2014 floods taught us about self-reliance, resilience, fortitude

BY OBSERVER NEWS SERVICE|AUGUST 21, 2016, 01:17 AM
Srinagar: Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today expressed shock at firing by Indian armed forces at an 80-year old man Abdul Qayoom and his old wife in Tral and wondered how barbaric can the state get.

He expressed deep concern and anguish over blocking of intra district movement of vehicles carrying essentials such as medicines vegetables and milk to Srinagar city especially to shehr-e-khas and imposition of round the clock curfew as a revenge against people  by the antihuman regime.

Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

“If the regime thinks it will weaken the people's resolve and we will be brought down on our knees and will give up, they are living in a fool’s paradise. In fact the more they repress us the more we will resist. Mirwaiz said in this crisis situation created by the vengeful state, each one of us has to redouble our efforts and help and support each other in every possible way. Adversity is a great teacher in a nation’s moral and character building,” he said.

Referring to 2014 floods, Mirwaiz said that the way the people, especially the youth rescued people whom the then government had left to its own mercy and the way they helped in rehabilitation and offering support to the affected was a big lesson that we learnt in self-reliance, resilience and fortitude which today is helping them to stand up against such might and tyranny.

He commended the volunteers for their daring young, for their dedication and commitment in the present crisis.

In connection with the current embargo he said a help line by Dar Ul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil has been set up and those in urgent need should call at 9419017890 for help after getting in touch with the local masjid committee. (PTK)

வடக்கிலிருந்து இருந்து சிங்கள இராணுவம் வெளியேறாது-இராணுவத் தளபதி.

No decision to remove army camps in North: Army Commander
2016-08-25 14:20:22  2  3563

While denying the statement made by a parliamentarian, Army Commander Lieutenant General Crishantha de Silva said that there was no decision to remove any Army camp in the North.

“No decision has been taken to remove Army camps in the North and there is no truth behind this claim,” he said.

While addressing the press briefing at the Colombo Defence Seminar 2016 at the Army Headquarters Colombo today he said the Sri Lanka Army would take any measure to ensure National Security. It will take place at Bandaranaike International Conference Hall (BMICH) during September 1 and 2.

“Everyone should know what an Army camp is. A camp is a permanent facility for the lodging of army personnel. We are going to keep only the required area for the camp, and will release the rest of the land. Army camps will be placed at the right places,” the Army Commander said.

“When considering the security situation in the former conflict areas, those areas are peaceful as any other parts of the country. Sri Lanka Army will ensure that national security concerns are addressed,” he also said.

The Defence Seminar, a provenance of the Sri Lanka Army was devised as an annual international forum in 2011 with the aim of setting up platform of rich intellectual interaction on intricacies of national, regional and international interest.

Aspiring to muster wider identification, the seminar is renamed as Colombo Defence Seminar with effect from the year 2016 on a proposal of the commander of the Army. (Chaturanga Pradeep)

Kashmir: Govt employee was on duty when killed by police

Kashmir Unrest: This Govt employee was on duty when killed by police

Hafizullah said, “One of the policemen from a Rakshak vehicle directly aimed at my father and fired teargas shell at him, leaving him critically injured.”

SHABIR IBN YUSUF

Kupwara, Publish Date: Aug 26 2016 10:53PM | Updated Date: Aug 26 2016 10:53PM

GK Photo

While State Government has been warning its employees to attend their duties, 52-year old Haji Ghulam Muhammad Mir of Kalaroos in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district lost his life on duty when hit by a teargas shell fired by police last month.

Mir, a Road Supervisor in Roads and Buildings Department, had left his home for duty on July 16 when he was confronted by police who were travelling in two Rakshak vehicles from main market of Kalaroos, said his son Hafizullah Mir, who is a constable in Central Reserve Police Force, presently posted in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.

Hafizullah said, “One of the policemen from a Rakshak vehicle directly aimed at my father and fired teargas shell at him, leaving him critically injured.”

Mir was rushed to Srinagar’s SMHS hospital for treatment where he battled for life for four days before he succumbed.

“I was posted in Sumbal in Bandipora when my father was hit. For four days I attended to my father at the hospital, praying for his recovery. My father had been left badly injured after he was hit directly with the teargas canister in the head,” said Hafeez.

Following Mir’s killing, the family has been repeatedly knocking the doors of the police authorities in the district seeking registration of a case into the killing. “But nobody listens to us. My father was killed while he was out on duty. What was his crime?” asked another son of Mir.

Mir is survived by his wife, three sons and two daughters. “Why was he killed and why is police refusing to register case into his killing,” asked Hafizullah. “There is no hand of CRPF or Army in the killing of my father. Instead it is the police which is responsible for my father’s death,” he said.
He said the family was waiting to hear from the police about the action they intend to take into the case. “We will knock the doors of the court if police doesn’t take any action. We will go to any extent to seek justice,” said Mir’s son.

Kashmir protest calendar

Resistance issues new protest calendar; calls for Eidgah march on Friday

Strike extended until September 1

Greater Kashmir
Publish Date: Aug 24 2016 5:05PM | Updated Date: Aug 24 2016 11:17PM

Here is the calendar:

26th  August, Friday

(relaxation from 10 pm to 6 am)

Azadi March to Eidgah Srinagar

Join for Azadi March to Eidgah Srinagar;

Move from every Mohallah, Village, locality, Tehsil and District towards Eidgah Srinagar;

Offer Friday prayers at Eidgah Srinagar;

Play Islamic and Azadi Taranas in Masjids from Magrib to Isha.

27th   August, Saturday

(relaxation from 6 pm to 6 am)

Letter to Indian armed forces (Army, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF)

Joint Resistance Leadership will march towards 14 core of Indian Army at Badami Bagh, Srinagar and ask the GOC to vacate Jammu and Kashmir;

Come to Masjids during night for one hour (10 pm to 11 pm), Offer prayers for freedom of Jammu & Kashmir.

28th  August, Sunday

(relaxation from 6 pm to 6 am)

Assessment Drive

Resistance/Masjid committees in all villages and localities visit each and every household and prepare a list of the needy;

Also visit the families of martyrs and injured , prepare a detailed list of the family and their needs;

Make arrangements for their support

29th  August, Monday

(relaxation 10 pm to 6 am)

Lockdown all government offices except essential service

Except for essential services, lock down all government offices and don’t allow movement of any employee towards these offices for joining. Divisional Commissioner, all Deputy Commissioners and Heads of all Departments are warned not to threaten the employees in any manner. Otherwise list of all such officers will be made public for comprehensive social boycott;

Play Islamic and Azadi Taranas in Masjids from Magrib to Isha.

30th  August, Tuesday

(relaxation from 6 pm to 6 am)

Women’s  Protest

Assemble and occupy local chowks and centers from Zuhr to Asr in the vicinity of your mohallas, villages and localities;

Protest peacefully

31st  August, Wednesday

(relaxation from 6 pm to 6 am)

Occupy Highway and Inter-district Roads

Assemble and occupy highway from Banihal to Salambad Uri and all other inter-district roads from 11 am to 4 pm;

Offer Nimaz-e-Zuhr on roads.

1st September, Thursday

(relaxation 10 pm to 6am)

Stop Propaganda War Machinery of Indian State

Block all the roads towards and around the institutions of propaganda war machinery viz., Doordarshan, Radio Kashmir and Information Department, ensure no employee is allowed to enter the premises by occupying the roads around;

Play Islamic and Azadi Taranas in Masjids from Magrib to Isha.

Directions for all the days

1.      Protests be held across Jammu and Kashmir.

2.      Shutdown across J&K on all days except the relaxation mentioned in the program.

3.      Lockdown all the routes entering your mohallas, villages and localities by every means during night to protect people in general and youth in particular from the raids and arrests by Indian forces and J&K police.

Preface to the protest calendar sent by Hurriyat (M) chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

"As a war has been waged against us by a mighty force, our only means of resistance against the oppression is peaceful protest. The space for that is also highly constricted. Yet individually and collectively we have to find ways and means of registering our protest . The protest calender is our collective voice. Each one of us especially our  intelligentsia, artists,  poets ,writers, painters  have to come forward and use their skills and creativity  to express our pain and sentiment. Every Kashmiris contribution to the  movement counts."
Source:Greater Kashmir

Kashmir Day 49: Forces kill another youth in Pulwama

GK Report
Forces kill another youth in Pulwama, 200 injured in fresh clashes

Teenager Shakeel had bullet injury in chest: Doctors | Govt foils Eidgah Chalo with stringent curfew | Pellets continue to hit protestors’ eyes | Geelani, Mirwaiz detained | Minor hit by pellets in Handwara | Despite heavy rains, huge pro-freedom processions held in South Kashmir villages |

KHALID GUL/ ABID BASHIR GK

Anantnag/Srinagar, Publish Date: Aug 27 2016 12:18AM | Updated Date: Aug 27 2016 1:14AM

Photo: Kamran Yousuf/GK

A teenager was killed at Haal village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district when forces fired bullets and tear-gas shells at protestors on Friday, triggering massive anti-India and pro-freedom demonstrations. At least 200 protestors were injured in the forces’ action on anti-India protests held after congregational Friday prayers across Kashmir, reports and witnesses said.

The slain youth was identified as Shakeel Ahmad Ganai, 19, son of Ghulam Muhammad—a BA student—of Chandipora village of Rajpora, Pulwama.

“Ganai was hit by a bullet near his shoulder that had pierced through his heart. He died minutes after he was brought here at around 6 pm,” said a doctor at District Hospital Pulwama.

Witnesses said Ganaie was injured in clashes in Haal. With his killing, the death toll in the 49 days of widespread protests has mounted to 69 while over 7200 people have been injured—500 of them with serious pellet injuries in their eyes—during this period.

Locals said after Friday prayers, people were holding protests in Haal, Nikas and Aragam areas, when forces resorted to direct firing on protestors at Haal, resulting in serious injury to Ganai.
“Three more youth were hit with bullets and 17 others with teargas shells and pellets. They are being treated at different health facilities in the district,” witnesses said.

As soon as the word about Ganai’s killing spread in Rajpora and Pulwama, people instantly hit the roads and held massive protests.

Men, women and children shouted anti-India and pro-freedom slogans, they said.

At least 12 people were injured in clashes that erupted in Noorpora village of Tral. Police, cops of Special Operations Group and Army cordoned off the village, reportedly after inputs about presence of some militants there. However, locals came out and clashed with forces and broke the cordon, witnesses said. They said 12 people sustained pellet injuries in the forces’ action and are being treated at local Primary Health Center and Sub-District Hospital Tral.

At least 50 protestors were injured in South Kashmir during the day and of these, 30 were injured in Pulwama district alone, sources said.

Intense clashes also erupted in Tahab, Newa and Banura villages where reports of injuries to few protesters also came in.

Four persons were injured after protesters defied restrictions and clashed with forces in Shopian town, after Friday prayers. Witnesses said four persons were injured in clashes at Baba Mohalla and Golchakri areas. One of the youths, who had suffered an injury in eye, was shifted to Srinagar for specialized treatment. Five persons were injured during clashes in Sangam area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district. One of the injured has been referred to Srinagar.

Reports of protests and clashes also came in from Kaimoh and adjoining villages of Khudwani and Redwani areas in Kulgam district. Despite heavy rains, huge protest demonstrations were held in Bugam, Mohanpora, Yaripora, Frisal and Kujar areas after Friday prayers.

In Anantnag, pro-freedom demonstrations were held in Kabamarg, Bijbehara town, Dochnipora villages, Seer, Achabal, Dooru, Verinag, Kokernag and Qazigund. Pro-freedom congregations continued in various peripheral areas despite restrictions and rains. Huge rallies were held in Marhama-Sangam and Dehruna–Kokernag which were addressed by local pro-freedom leaders and religious clerics of various sects.

A strict curfew remained in place in Anantnag, Pulwama, Pampore, Kulgam and Shopian towns for 49th consecutive day. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength and spools of concertina wire were laid to foil attempts of protests and stop gatherings of people.

After Pulwama, political activists from South Kashmir’s Kulgam district publicly announced their resignation from mainstream politics on Friday. Meanwhile, witnesses said, six workers affiliated with Communist Party of India (Marxist) and National Conference announced their resignations that were read out publicly by Imams at Bogam village of the district.

CM’S EFFFIGIES BURNT

Reports said angry protestors set ablaze effigy of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti at Rohomo village in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district to register their protest against her “5% and 95% remarks.”
“Time will prove how many per-cent people are with the freedom struggle,” a group of angry youth at Rohomo said.

In Srinagar, youth set ablaze Mehbooba’s effigy at Koolipora, Khanyar in old Srinagar.  Mehbooba had yesterday stated five per-cent people were “hijacking” the situation while resorting to stone pelting and rest of 95 per cent were for peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.

EIDGAH MARCH FOILED

Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani and Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were detained when they tried to defy curfew and proceed towards martyrs’ graveyard at Eidgah Srinagar. Geelani was lodged in police station Humhama and Mirwaiz at police station Nigeen.

According to a Hurriyat (M) spokesman, Mirwaiz was later taken to an undisclosed location ahead of joint resistance leadership’s call for a march towards Army headquarters at Badami Bagh Srinagar on Saturday.

JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik continues to languish in Central Jail Srinagar.  Meanwhile, senior Hurriyat leader Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari tried to lead a march from Khanqah-e-Soqta to Eidgah, but was detained by police. President of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian and senior Hurriyat leader Agha Syed Hassan Almosvi Alsafvi was also detained by police at Budgam while he was leading a march towards Eidgah Srinagar. The call for Eidgah march was given by the joint resistance leadership. Pertinently, all roads leading to Eidgah were sealed by forces. However, a massive protest rally was taken out from Nawakadal area of old Srinagar after Magrhib (evening) prayers which managed to reach the Eidgah. Witnesses said forces, however, intercepted the rally near Tibetan Colony and resorted to heavy teargas shelling. Dozens of tear-gas shells were fired at the protestors, who later dispersed. At least six people sustained injuries in the forces’ action, reports and witnesses said. The authorities had also sealed all the major roads in Kashmir district headquarters to prevent people from marching towards Eidgah. Forces had placed rolls of concertina wire at various points in city centre Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Dalgate and Karan Nagar areas to foil the Eidgah march.

NO PRAYERS AT JAMIA MASJID AGAIN

The J&K government disallowed congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of old Srinagar for the seventh consecutive Friday since July 8, evoking sharp criticism from Auqaf Jamia Masjid.

NORTH KASHMIR

To prevent protesting youths from marching towards martyrs’ graveyard in Srinagar, the district administration in Baramulla enforced strict curfew on Friday. The highway connecting Srinagar with Baramulla was dotted with army personnel who didn’t allow anyone to move on the thoroughfare. However, after Friday prayers, clashes between police and protesters were reported from different areas of the district. In Hygam area of Baramulla, clashes broke out soon after Friday prayers in which more than a dozen people suffered pellet and tear-gas shell injuries. According to reports, soon after Friday prayers ended, people from Hygam and its adjoining villages assembled in Main Hygam Chowk where-from a huge protest rally was taken out. As the protestors tried to approach the main highway, police and paramilitary forces deployed in strength there prevented their attempts, triggering clashes. Police lobbed scores of teargas shells and fired pellets to quell the protest, resulting in injuries to more than a dozen people. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Meanwhile, residents of Tramgund, Hygam alleged that policemen went berserk in their area and damaged windowpanes of several residential houses.

“Soon after clashes were over, a contingent of police appeared in the area and started ransacking houses. The windowpanes of several houses were damaged and several people were also thrashed by cops,” said Abdur Rashid of Tramgund.

In Palhallan, a joint Friday congregation was held at Eidgah. Thousands of people from dozens of villages participated in the joint Friday prayers. After the prayers ended, thousands of people took out a protest march that passed through different areas of Palhallan. A group of protesters tried to march towards the main highway, but police and CRPF men deployed in the area lobbed scores of teargas shells to disperse them. As the clashes intensified, police fired pellets, resulting in injuries to 15 persons. Two of the injured were shifted to Srinagar hospitals. Meanwhile, sporadic clashes between police and protesters were also reported from Pattan area.

According to reports, after Friday prayers, people from several villages in the vicinity of Pattan tried to march towards the Srinagar-Baramulla highway. However, police didn’t allow them, resulting in clashes. In Rafiabad area of Baramulla district, protests were reported from Rohama, Dangiwacha, Behrampora and Kralgund areas.

Police lobbed scores of teargas shells and fired pellets to quell the protesting youth. Meanwhile, a youth in Kralgund area had received rubber bullet and was shifted to Baramulla hospital, reports said.

In Sopore, reports said, 15 youth were injured in the forces’ action after a massive protest rally was taken out from Jamia Masjid New Colony after congregational Friday prayers.  Most of the injuries were caused by pellet firing. Clashes were reported from Noorbagh, Zainageer, Warpora and New Colony. In Warpora area, six people sustained pellet injuries while protesting the nocturnal raids, reports and witnesses said.

Three of the six injured—Azad Ahmed War, Muhammad Saleem War and Daraaz Ahmed War—were shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar.

The residential house of Muhammad Yousuf was allegedly damaged by forces at Warpora.  Peaceful protest rallies were held at Brathkalan, Hathlongo, Dangerpora where people marched towards local martyrs’ graveyard to pay tributes to martyrs. People were holding placards displaying slogan ‘Plebiscite the only solution.’

Protests were also staged in Tarzoo against alleged atrocities by forces there. At least 30 people sustained pellet and tear-gas shell injuries in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district in clashes that broke out after congregational Friday prayers.

Reports said protests erupted in Langate and Super-Naghmama where 12 protestors sustained pellet and tear-gas shell injuries. Protests and clashes also broke out at Aloosa, Kralpora, and Shumnag.
A pro-freedom rally was held in Trehgam also, witnesses said. Reports of protests also poured in from Siver, Kawari, Kurhama and Lalpora areas.

Reports said nine people suffered pellet injuries in Aloosa, Kralpora and of the injured, two were referred to SDH Kupwara.  A minor identified as Hazif Manzoor, 6, son of Manzoor Ahmed Baig of Baigpora, Langate sustained pellet injuries on his forehead when he was playing in his compound.
Massive protests erupted in Hajin area in Bandipora district against civilian killings in Kashmir, after Friday prayers.

A peaceful protest march was taken out from Jamia Masjid Hajin towards the Main Chowk. People from adjoining areas also joined the rally, shouting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans

SRINAGAR

Evening clashes were reported from various areas of old Srinagar that include Nawa Kadal, Eidgah, Narwara, Rajouri Kadal, Khanyar while similar protests were witnessed in Batamaloo, Nowgam, Hyderpora, Peerbagh and Lasjan. A pro-freedom march was held at Hyderpora after Friday prayers while similar protests were staged in interior areas of Batamaloo.

A pro-freedom protest was staged at Chinkral Mohalla, Habba Kadal while another one was reported from Chotta Bazar area of old Srinagar. Peaceful protests were also reported from Nishat, Harwan, and New Theed, Harwan. Pertinently, old Srinagar areas were placed under stringent curbs. Maisuma and Batamaloo areas also witnessed strict curfew, reports and witnesses said.

CENTRAL KASHMIR

Reports said intense clashes broke out after Friday congregational prayers in areas that include Mrigund, Nasrullahpora, Adina, Beerwah, Doyun, Ropura, Chadoora while peaceful protests were witnessed in Shonglipora, Khag, Charar-e-Sharief, Aripanthan, Raithan, and Arwah villages—all in Budgam district.  At least six people sustained pellet and tear-gas shell injuries at Beerwah and of these one was referred to Srinagar. The rest of the injured were referred to PHC Gondipora.
Reports said eight people sustained injuries in forces’ action at Adina who were treated at PHC Makhama. Two of the injured had serious pellet injuries in their eyes and were referred to Srinagar.
10 people were injured at Narbal and Sozeth areas during clashes. In Kawoosa-Check, intense clashes were reported late in the evening in which 12 people sustained injuries.  Locals of Kawoosa-Check alleged atrocities by forces.

Meanwhile, a youth sustained injuries at Ompora and another was injured in clashes at Mirgund. 36 people were injured in clashes after Friday congregational prayers of which five were referred to Srinagar.

Reports from Ganderbal district said after Friday prayers, locals assembled outside central Jamia Masjid Kangan and staged pro-freedom demos. Chanting pro-freedom and pro-Islamic slogans, the protestors marched from various areas of Kangan market and dispersed peacefully. Peaceful protests were also held at other places including Preng, Manigam and Safapora.

Reports of clashes between youth and forces came in from Garaj, Kujar and Wahidpora. Stone-pelting was also witnessed in Gangarhama and near Power House Kangan.

Reports said four youth were detained by police including two from Kangan, one from Dudarhama and one from Gangarhama.

Masjids of interior Saloora reverberated with Islamic and pro-freedom songs.
Locals at Tawheed chowk and Beehama told Greater Kashmir that they were not allowed to offer Friday prayers in Jamia Masjids due to strict restrictions.

(With additional reporting from Altaf Baba, Ghulam Muhammad, M A Dar, Sheikh Nazir)

Burkini ban suspended by France's court

Burkini தடையை எதிர்த்த லண்டன் ஆர்ப்பாட்டத்தில் ஒரு `குழந்தைப் போராளி`

Burkini ban suspended: French court declares law forbidding swimwear worn by Muslim women ‘clearly illegal’
 Conseil d’Etat ruling suspends ban in Villeneuve-Loubet and sets legal precedent for France

France’s highest administrative court has ruled that “burkini bans” being enforced on the country’s beaches are illegal and a violation of fundamental liberties.

The State Council (Conseil d’Etat) was specifically examining laws brought in by the commune of Villeneuve-Loubet but its verdict sets a legal precedent for France.

In their ruling, three senior judges said the ban “has dealt a serious and clearly illegal blow to fundamental liberties such as the freedom of movement, freedom of conscience and personal liberty.”

They found that no evidence produced in favour of the prohibition proved a risk to public order was being caused by “the outfits worn by some people to go swimming”.

French court to review burkini ban

The ruling was closely watched in France and around the world, after photos of armed police surrounding a Muslim woman as she removed her top on a beach in Nice sparked outrage this week.

A tribunal in the coastal city previously ruled a burkini ban in the commune of Villeneuve-Loubet was “necessary, appropriate and proportionate” to prevent public disorder.

Conservative Mayor of Villeneuve-Loubet, Lionnel Luca claimed after the that “rampant Islamisation is progressing in our country” and with the ruling to suspend his town's ban on burkinis at public beaches “they've gained a small additional step.”

“Far from calming, this decision can only heighten passions and tensions, with the risk of trouble we wanted to avoid,” he said.

Mr Luca, also an MP, said that now only a law can now stop troubles since mayors cannot do so. He suggested he would take action when Parliament returns from its summer leave – but did not say what kind of law he would seek.

In a statement, the LDH welcomed the verdict but said it will not resolve the “ridiculous debate that has made France the laughing stock of the world”.

“What is at stake here is the division of the men and women who live in France by their origin and religion,” activists said. “We reject this vision of France.”

The CCIF greeted the State Council’s verdict with “great relief”, condemning mayors imposing the bans for damaging national cohesion.

“This victory has a strong symbolic resonance that will put an end to the onslaught of stigmatising and Draconian political statements,” the group added.

Patrice Spinosi, a lawyer representing the claimants, told reporters that the decision should set a precedent and that other local authorities should conform to it.

The ruling has suspended the anti-burkini law in Villeneuve-Loubet but the mayor of Sisco, in northern Corsica, said he would not lift his own ban.

Ange-Pierre Vivoni brought in the rule after a fight on a beach originally thought to have been sparked by the swimwear, which covers the body and hair.

“Here the tension is very, very, very strong and I won't withdraw it,” he told BFMTV.

But Mr Vivoni has conceded he does not know whether a woman involved in the dispute between a group of sunbathers of North African origin and local residents was actually wearing a burkini.

At least 30 cities, resorts and communes have implemented bans on modest swimwear this summer and many more are believed to be considering the same move.

None of the vaguely-worded by-laws have specifically mentioned “burkinis” – a slang term describing a range of modest swimsuits covering the hair and body – but several officials have made it clear that Muslim clothing is being specifically targeted.

In Cannes, which was the first city to announce the prohibition, the mayor specifically alluded to the recent attacks by Isis supporters in Nice and Normandy.

The bans have since spread, sparking fierce debate about France’s secular values, women’s rights and religious freedom.

Front National (FN) leader Marine Le Pen said the overturning of the ban on burkinis in Villeneuve-Loubet is “not surprising” but the battle is not over.

The right-wing leader said that MPs must vote “as quickly as possible” on an extension of the 2004 law that banned Muslim headscarves and other ostentatious religious symbols in classrooms to include all public spaces.

Ms Le Pen, who is running for president in the 2017 race, wrote in a statement that: “The burkini would obviously be part of it.”

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is seeking the conservative nomination for the 2017 race, also said he would bring in a nationwide burkini ban if elected to his former post.

Allies of Mr Sarkozy said that they would propose a draft law that would allow mayors to ban burkinis. “We need a law,” Nice deputy mayor Christian Estrosi said on Twitter.

Since conservatives do not have a majority in parliament and such a bill would have no chance of being adopted, Mr Estrosi suggested that Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls, who himself backed the bans, come up with a draft law.

Critics have compared the enforcement of the ban to repression in Saudi Arabia and Iran, arguing that governing women’s clothing is a violation of human rights in any context.

Some rights groups have said the new laws amount to the “collective punishment” of Muslims following the terror attacks and amid friction over immigration and the refugee crisis.

Meanwhile, terror analysts have warned that the dispute will fuel jihadist propaganda as groups like Isis attempt to portray France and other Western countries as at war with Muslims.

According to a survey by Ifpop, 64 per cent of French people are in favour of the burkini bans, while 30 per cent described themselves as “indifferent” and only 6 per cent of respondents were opposed.

French politicians remain divided. Manuel Valls, the Prime Minister, said the garments represented the “enslavement of women” and were not compatible with French values but the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo condemned “hysteria” on the issue and called for more social cohesion.

The UN has supported the court's decision witrh spokesman Stephane Dujarric stating: "We welcome the decision by the court. I think our opinion was expressed fairly clearly the other day on the need for people's personal dignity and person to be respected."

Welcoming the State Council’s ruling, Amnesty International said a line had been “drawn in the sand”.

John Dalhuisen, the group’s Europe director, said: “French authorities must now drop the pretence that these measures do anything to protect the rights of women.

“These bans do nothing to increase public safety but do a lot to promote public humiliation.”