Millions strike in India over reforms

"This strike is against the central government, this strike is for the cause of the working people," 

Ramen Pandey of the Indian National Trade Union Congress told the AFP news agency.

Millions strike in India over reforms

BBC- 2 September 2016

A "strike" placard is fixed onto the padlocked gate of a public sector bank during a nationwide strike called by 10 major trade unions over wages and economic reforms, in Chennai on September 2, 2016.Image copyright AFP

Tens of millions of workers in India are on a day-long strike demanding higher wages and to protest against the government's economic reforms.

Banks, government offices and factories are shut, while public transport is also disrupted in parts of the country.

The government says the reforms are needed to bolster the economy.

But trade unions say the government has not addressed the demands of the workers in banking, telecommunication and manufacturing industries.

They also oppose a government directive to state-run pension funds to put more money into stock markets.

'Vile conspiracy'

Tapan Sen, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, told the BBC that more than 150 million workers in different industries were on strike.

But there has been no independent corroboration of the numbers given by the unions.

Mr Sen's union has accused the government of a "vile conspiracy... to privatise the public sector and invite foreign capital in some parts of industry".

Indian government and bank employees shout slogans as they participates in a protest during a nationwide strike called by trade unions in Mumbai, India, Friday, Sept. 02, 2016.Image copyright AP

An Indian labourer rests on luggage push carts parked in a market street during a nationwide strike called by 10 major trade unions over wages and economic reforms, in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad on September 2, 2016.Image copyright AFP

Indian passengers wait for a bus on street during nationwide general strike called by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and all trade unions in Calcutta, eastern India, 02 September 2016.Image copyright EPA

A man walks past closed Reserve Bank of India during nationwide general strike called by Communist Party of India (Marxist) and all trade unions in Calcutta, eastern India, 02 September 2016.Image copyright EPA

Banks, shops and schools shut down in parts of the country, including in the southern Karnataka and Kerala states, where public transport was also disrupted, according to reports.

News channels showed flag-waving protesters squatting on railway tracks in the states of Orissa and West Bengal.

More than 20 protesters were arrested after they damaged two government buses in West Bengal, senior police official Anuj Sharma told AFP.

Ten major unions called the strike after talks with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley broke down, with leaders rejecting his offer to raise the minimum wage for unskilled workers, reports said.
"This strike is against the central government, this strike is for the cause of the working people," Ramen Pandey of the Indian National Trade Union Congress told the AFP news agency.

Stranded Indian passengers wait for transport at a railway station during the All India strike in Bangalore, India, 02 September 2016.Image copyright EPA

"Our strike will be 100% successful... we will prove that this strike is the world's largest ever."

Since taking charge in May 2014, PM Narendra Modi's BJP government has initiated economic reforms and is trying to ease labour laws to attract foreign investment and make it easier to do business in the country.

The government also plans to sell its stake in state-owned companies, which are incurring heavy loses.

Source: BBC
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சென்னையில் கழகத்தின் வேலை நிறுத்த ஆதரவு சுவரொட்டி முழக்கங்கள்

அனைத்திந்திய தொழிலாளர் பொது வேலை நிறுத்தம் வெல்க!

All India Strike 2nd September 2016 Demands

Urgent measures for containing price-rise through universalisation of public distribution system and banning speculative trade in commodity market.

Containing unemployment through concrete measures for employment generation.

Minimum wages of not less than Rs 18,000 per month with provisions of indexation.

Stoppage of contractorisation in permanent perennial work and payment of same wage and benefits for contract workers as regular workers for same and similar work.

Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws without any exception or exemption and stringent punitive measures for violation of labour laws.

Universal social security cover for all workers.

Assured enhanced pension not less than Rs.3,000 p.m. for the entire working population.

Removal of all ceilings on payment and eligibility of bonus, provident fund; increase the quantum of gratuity.

Stoppage of disinvestment in Central/State PSUs.

Against FDI in Railways, Insurance and Defence.

வேலை நிறுத்த ஆதரவு கழக சுவரொட்டி

வேலை நிறுத்த ஆதரவு ENB சுவரொட்டி

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