BSF men caught smuggling timber in Bandipora
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Mir TariqBandipora, Sep 13: The BSF personnel were caught red handed while smuggling illicit timber by the forest officials in this North Kashmir district.Eyewitnesses said that personnel of 51 bn BSF 'A Coy' (TAC HQ) were caught when they were ferrying four green logs measuring 200C cft to their camp located in the premises of tehsil office Bandipora.They said that fearing reprisal the forest officers seized only a single log and let the troopers carry the remaining three logs to their camp.
Forest officials, pleading anonymity told Rising Kashmir that troopers are felling green trees in the North Kashmir for making furniture. “They then smuggle the furniture to their respective states to decorate their residential houses,” they said.They alleged that BSF personnel are chopping green trees in the Khuihama forest range in Bandipora forests. “They are regularly felling trees and thus playing with the fragile environment of Kashmir. Besides chopping green trees in near by forests, the troopers are using the seized timber of the forest department in Khuihama forest range for their personal use”.They said that whenever the forest personnel object to the felling of green gold, they are being intimidated and threatened of dire consequences by the troopers. "I once tried to stop BSF troopers from chopping the trees. Instead of stopping felling of trees, they beat me with gunbutts and warned me of dire consequences in case I exposed it,” said a forest official.Range Officer Khuihama Abdul Rashid Lone while expressing his helplessness admitted that BSF personnel are chopping the trees near the forest area."Today in early morning, BSF personnel of 51 bn 'A' Coy ferried four green logs. Later, in order to hide their ‘crime’ they joined the army convoy to prevent forest officials from stopping them. A forest guard alerted us and a team of officials was sent and the illicit timber was seized from the vehicle,” he said.When contacted, the commanding officer of BSF C L Meena said, "I have no information of it. I will look into the matter.”Repeated attempts to contact DIG BSF proved futile as he did not pick up the phone.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Timber worth lakhs seized, 3 held
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Mir TariqBandipora, Sep 12: Police at Ningli curve on the Sppore- Tarzoo road caught a truck loaded with willow sleepers last night and arrested three smugglers. SHO Sopore Shafiq Ahmed told Rising Kashmir that large number of willow sleepers, which were being smuggled illegally from Ningli plantation, were seized from a truck bearing No JKO5-7653. He said the market value of the recovered wood was estimated around Rs 6 lakh.
Shafiq said the police had been receiving information from the past few months that timber smugglers were active in the area located on the bank of Wular Lake. “On these inputs, we conducted a raid and arrested the three smugglers and recovered the smuggled timber,” he said.SHO identified the arrested timber smugglers as Rafiq Ahmed Malla, Nazir Ahmed Malla and JavidAhmed Sheikh, all residents of Ningli Sopore. He said that the trio had allegedly purchased the illegal timber in Ningli Plantation from some forest employees.He said that the timber was being smuggled towards Baramulla. “A case bearing No 230/08/US has been registered under section 379/RC 6FA,” he said.Police sources said it was the biggest catch of illegal timber during past five months.When contacted, Range officer Ningli Range Shabir Ahmed Sheikh refused to comment.
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Mir TariqBandipora, Sep 12: Police at Ningli curve on the Sppore- Tarzoo road caught a truck loaded with willow sleepers last night and arrested three smugglers. SHO Sopore Shafiq Ahmed told Rising Kashmir that large number of willow sleepers, which were being smuggled illegally from Ningli plantation, were seized from a truck bearing No JKO5-7653. He said the market value of the recovered wood was estimated around Rs 6 lakh.
Shafiq said the police had been receiving information from the past few months that timber smugglers were active in the area located on the bank of Wular Lake. “On these inputs, we conducted a raid and arrested the three smugglers and recovered the smuggled timber,” he said.SHO identified the arrested timber smugglers as Rafiq Ahmed Malla, Nazir Ahmed Malla and JavidAhmed Sheikh, all residents of Ningli Sopore. He said that the trio had allegedly purchased the illegal timber in Ningli Plantation from some forest employees.He said that the timber was being smuggled towards Baramulla. “A case bearing No 230/08/US has been registered under section 379/RC 6FA,” he said.Police sources said it was the biggest catch of illegal timber during past five months.When contacted, Range officer Ningli Range Shabir Ahmed Sheikh refused to comment.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Peace bus fails to reunite 30 Skardu families
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Divided members dying to cross LoC since 1947
Mir TariqBandipore, Jan 19: Despite reopening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road in 2005, the residents of Skardu who are settled in this north Kashmir district for past 60 years, have not been allowed to cross over to Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) to meet their relatives.
More than 30 families of Skardu putting up at Wudar Bagh here have intermingled with Kashmiris and have adopted the Kashmiri culture but they still yearn to cross the Line of Control (LoC) to meet their relatives whom they have not met since 1947.“We were overjoyed on the reopening of Srinagar-Muzzffarabad road. We thought we will be allowed to go to the other side and meet our relatives but our joy was short lived,” says Ghulam Abass Khan Balti, 30, who was born and brought up here. Khan speaks fluent Kashmiri and is also well versed with Balti, his mother tongue.Khan said that along with few others he applied for the travel documents in 2005 but does not know what happened to his application.Khan says he is keen to know about his ancestors and wants to trace his roots. “We are waiting for the permission. Cold response by the authorities proves that opening of Srinagar-Muzaffrabad road was nothing more than a political gimmick,” Khan says.“Before partition we used to move freely between Skardu and Kashmir as there was no boundary,” recollects 85-year-old Ghulam Ali Khan.According to Ali he along with his grandfather used to visit Kashmir with dry fruits and other items. “We used to sell our products here and return to Skardu,” he says.Ali says that he and his grandfather used to trek all the way from Skardu through Gurez and Bandipore was the first town from where they used to start their business.He says that in 1947 he and his grandfather along with other traders from Skardu had come on a usual business trip but couldn’t return as the Line of Control (LoC) was drawn and they were not allowed to return to the other side. “My grandfather died here. I too am very old now. It seems I will never get a chance to return and see what happened to my relatives,” Ali said breaking down.These residents say that they have adopted the Kashmiri culture and language and have become a part of Valley but accuse the government of ignoring them. They continue to live at a Wudar (small peak) chosen by their grandfathers. They say that their area sans electricity, water and other basic amenities. They say that this year their names were included in the voter list. “Officials told us that after our names figure in the voter list we will get the basic amenities.”
SkarduSkardu is the main town and capital of Baltistan district, one of the districts making up Pakistan's Northern Areas (also part of the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir). Skardu borders Kargil district to the east, Astore to the south, Kashmir and Pakistan administered Kashmir to the south east and Gilgit district in the west.
Skardu
is located in the 10 km wide by 40 km long Skardu Valley, at the confluence of the Indus river (flowing from near Kailash in Tibet and through neighbouring Ladakh before reaching Balistan) and the Shigar river. Skardu is situated at an altitude of nearly 2,500 m (8,200 feet), the town is surrounded by grey-brown coloured mountains, which hide the 8,000 metre peaks of the nearby Karakoram range.
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Divided members dying to cross LoC since 1947
Mir TariqBandipore, Jan 19: Despite reopening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road in 2005, the residents of Skardu who are settled in this north Kashmir district for past 60 years, have not been allowed to cross over to Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) to meet their relatives.
More than 30 families of Skardu putting up at Wudar Bagh here have intermingled with Kashmiris and have adopted the Kashmiri culture but they still yearn to cross the Line of Control (LoC) to meet their relatives whom they have not met since 1947.“We were overjoyed on the reopening of Srinagar-Muzzffarabad road. We thought we will be allowed to go to the other side and meet our relatives but our joy was short lived,” says Ghulam Abass Khan Balti, 30, who was born and brought up here. Khan speaks fluent Kashmiri and is also well versed with Balti, his mother tongue.Khan said that along with few others he applied for the travel documents in 2005 but does not know what happened to his application.Khan says he is keen to know about his ancestors and wants to trace his roots. “We are waiting for the permission. Cold response by the authorities proves that opening of Srinagar-Muzaffrabad road was nothing more than a political gimmick,” Khan says.“Before partition we used to move freely between Skardu and Kashmir as there was no boundary,” recollects 85-year-old Ghulam Ali Khan.According to Ali he along with his grandfather used to visit Kashmir with dry fruits and other items. “We used to sell our products here and return to Skardu,” he says.Ali says that he and his grandfather used to trek all the way from Skardu through Gurez and Bandipore was the first town from where they used to start their business.He says that in 1947 he and his grandfather along with other traders from Skardu had come on a usual business trip but couldn’t return as the Line of Control (LoC) was drawn and they were not allowed to return to the other side. “My grandfather died here. I too am very old now. It seems I will never get a chance to return and see what happened to my relatives,” Ali said breaking down.These residents say that they have adopted the Kashmiri culture and language and have become a part of Valley but accuse the government of ignoring them. They continue to live at a Wudar (small peak) chosen by their grandfathers. They say that their area sans electricity, water and other basic amenities. They say that this year their names were included in the voter list. “Officials told us that after our names figure in the voter list we will get the basic amenities.”
SkarduSkardu is the main town and capital of Baltistan district, one of the districts making up Pakistan's Northern Areas (also part of the Pakistani-administered part of Kashmir). Skardu borders Kargil district to the east, Astore to the south, Kashmir and Pakistan administered Kashmir to the south east and Gilgit district in the west.
Skardu
is located in the 10 km wide by 40 km long Skardu Valley, at the confluence of the Indus river (flowing from near Kailash in Tibet and through neighbouring Ladakh before reaching Balistan) and the Shigar river. Skardu is situated at an altitude of nearly 2,500 m (8,200 feet), the town is surrounded by grey-brown coloured mountains, which hide the 8,000 metre peaks of the nearby Karakoram range.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Army camps registering SIM cards
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B’pora subscribers in a fix, army terms it a safety measure
Mir Tariq Bandipora, Sep 09: In fresh diktat, the army is directing Arin, Bandipora residents to register their SIM cards in the nearby camps. Army, however, maintains that the measure is being taken for the safety and security of masses.Villagers in Arin, Bandipora alleged that 14 Rashtryia Rifles (RR) personnel are compelling the locals to register their SIM cards in the army camps. “From past 15 days, 14 RR (Hunter Company) has been using public address system of mosques to direct people to register their SIM cards in the army camps,” said the villagers.
“The 14 RR personnel are compelling our elders to announce through public address system of mosques to register SIM cards issued by Airtel, BSNL and Aircel,” said a local on condition of anonymity as he feared reprisals.He said that the soldiers have threatened the population of dire consequences in case they fail to register their SIM cards with the army camp. The army diktats have created panic among the mobile subscribers in the Bandipora. “People have started registering their SIM cards with army camps after threats to their lives,” said the locals.Jameel Ahmad (name changed) said, “Troopers threatened to arrest us and seize our mobile phones in case we defy their diktats, which is nothing other than a novel type of psychological torture.”Questioning the army diktats, the locals said that army is inventing new ways to unleash terror in the area. “It is known to everybody that mobile companies are issuing SIM cards to a costumer after proper verification. There is no justification in asking mobile subscribers to register their SIM cards with army camps,” they said.All the mobile companies like BSNL, Airtel or Aircel are issuing SIM cards after following the rules and regulations issued by the telecommunications regulatory. The telecom companies are following the proper policy in respect to regulation and acquisition of SIM cards.A Public Relations Officer (PRO) of a mobile company told Rising Kashmir that all the SIM cards are registered and issued the customer after proper verification. “A SIM pack usually comes with a registration form. The issuance of SIM cards is facilitated by the National Identity card after getting consultation from investigative agencies in the State about the subscriber, who wishes to get SIM card from any company.”"A national ID is the main reference number that is pegged to a person and all the transactions can be traced through the reference number. It is easy to trace a person," said a representative of another mobile company.He maintained that he is unable to understand as to why army is compelling subscribers to register SIM cards in their camps.Commanding Officer 14 RR, Col Khurana said, “We are registering SIM cards to prevent population from getting in trouble. This process also helps us to assist the people whenever they call us for help”.He said that people should not worry about it (registering of SIM cards with army camps) as it is “for their protection and safeguard”. Incharge officer of the 14 RR camp at Arin, Bandipora Kevin Pietersen told Rising Kashmir that army was just carrying on the process of registering the SIM cards. “This process has been initiated by other companies like 57 RR and 23 Punjab. There is nothing to worry,” he added.
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B’pora subscribers in a fix, army terms it a safety measure
Mir Tariq Bandipora, Sep 09: In fresh diktat, the army is directing Arin, Bandipora residents to register their SIM cards in the nearby camps. Army, however, maintains that the measure is being taken for the safety and security of masses.Villagers in Arin, Bandipora alleged that 14 Rashtryia Rifles (RR) personnel are compelling the locals to register their SIM cards in the army camps. “From past 15 days, 14 RR (Hunter Company) has been using public address system of mosques to direct people to register their SIM cards in the army camps,” said the villagers.
“The 14 RR personnel are compelling our elders to announce through public address system of mosques to register SIM cards issued by Airtel, BSNL and Aircel,” said a local on condition of anonymity as he feared reprisals.He said that the soldiers have threatened the population of dire consequences in case they fail to register their SIM cards with the army camp. The army diktats have created panic among the mobile subscribers in the Bandipora. “People have started registering their SIM cards with army camps after threats to their lives,” said the locals.Jameel Ahmad (name changed) said, “Troopers threatened to arrest us and seize our mobile phones in case we defy their diktats, which is nothing other than a novel type of psychological torture.”Questioning the army diktats, the locals said that army is inventing new ways to unleash terror in the area. “It is known to everybody that mobile companies are issuing SIM cards to a costumer after proper verification. There is no justification in asking mobile subscribers to register their SIM cards with army camps,” they said.All the mobile companies like BSNL, Airtel or Aircel are issuing SIM cards after following the rules and regulations issued by the telecommunications regulatory. The telecom companies are following the proper policy in respect to regulation and acquisition of SIM cards.A Public Relations Officer (PRO) of a mobile company told Rising Kashmir that all the SIM cards are registered and issued the customer after proper verification. “A SIM pack usually comes with a registration form. The issuance of SIM cards is facilitated by the National Identity card after getting consultation from investigative agencies in the State about the subscriber, who wishes to get SIM card from any company.”"A national ID is the main reference number that is pegged to a person and all the transactions can be traced through the reference number. It is easy to trace a person," said a representative of another mobile company.He maintained that he is unable to understand as to why army is compelling subscribers to register SIM cards in their camps.Commanding Officer 14 RR, Col Khurana said, “We are registering SIM cards to prevent population from getting in trouble. This process also helps us to assist the people whenever they call us for help”.He said that people should not worry about it (registering of SIM cards with army camps) as it is “for their protection and safeguard”. Incharge officer of the 14 RR camp at Arin, Bandipora Kevin Pietersen told Rising Kashmir that army was just carrying on the process of registering the SIM cards. “This process has been initiated by other companies like 57 RR and 23 Punjab. There is nothing to worry,” he added.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Phonsog reviews progress of projects in Bandipora
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Mir Tariq /08 Sept.Srinagar, Sep 08: Advisor to Governor, C Phonsog has stressed on strict monitoring and supervising of developmental projects under execution in the State to ensure completion of work within the stipulated time-frame.
Phonsog was chairing an officers meeting at Bandipora on Monday to review the developmental activities and works programme in the district.
Financial Commissioner Planning, Chief Engineers R&B, PHE and Irrigation departments, District Development Commissioner Bandipora and District officers attended the meeting.
The Advisor inspected the pace of work on various developmental projects in the district including construction work of Papachan bridge coming up at a cost of Rs. 284 lakh. He was informed that so far Rs. 146 lakh have been incurred on its execution. He also inspected the execution of Rs. 46 crore District Hospital building and construction work of Mini secretariat at Bandipora.
On the occasion, Phonsog asked the Chief Engineers to speed up the work and complete various road projects within the targeted schedule. He stressed that all the essential commodities should be stocked in Gurez by the end of this month."The coming two months are very crucial so the officers should stock the essential commodities in every border area of the district honestly and sincerely," Phonsog added.Concerned over the dilapidated condition of Srinagar- Bandipora Highway, he suggested that the road should be handed over to Border Roads Organization.The issues deliberated upon in the meeting included lack of employees in various district offices, lack of infrastructure, lack of proper water supply system, lack of technological support and lack of financial resources.The Advisor directed District Developmental Commissioner to submit utilization certificates at the earliest so that pending funds could be released.Phonsog said that only 20 percent of yearly Budget has been executed in various projects while the remaining is pending.“All the funds should be executed and developmental projects should be completed at an earliest otherwise the funds allotted to Bandipora will be diverted to other places,” he added.He also impressed upon the officers and engineers of all the departments to speed up the execution of on-going water supply schemes, construction of roads, hospitals, schools and improvement of agricultural and horticultural produce. Earlier, a resume of developmental activities going on in the district was presented by the DDC in the meeting. He said during the current fiscal Rs. 4184.56 lakhs are being utilized under district plan on various developmental schemes in the district. He said 22.75 kms road length has been upgraded and blacktopped in the district this year so far whileas completion work of Mini Secretariat and residential block at a cost of Rs. 2.12 crore was expected this year.
The District Development Commissioner informed that upto October 15, 2008 the stock of all essential commodities would be dumped in Gurez tehsil and so far 9456 quintals of rice, 6325 quintals of atta, 1241 quintals of Sugar and 25000 liters of kerosene oil have been stocked in various sale centres of the area.
The meeting was also informed that three model villages at a cost of Rs 3.60 crore are being developed in the district during the current financial year. He said 5000 householders were identified for job cards under Rural Employment Generation Scheme during the year
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Mir Tariq /08 Sept.Srinagar, Sep 08: Advisor to Governor, C Phonsog has stressed on strict monitoring and supervising of developmental projects under execution in the State to ensure completion of work within the stipulated time-frame.
Phonsog was chairing an officers meeting at Bandipora on Monday to review the developmental activities and works programme in the district.
Financial Commissioner Planning, Chief Engineers R&B, PHE and Irrigation departments, District Development Commissioner Bandipora and District officers attended the meeting.
The Advisor inspected the pace of work on various developmental projects in the district including construction work of Papachan bridge coming up at a cost of Rs. 284 lakh. He was informed that so far Rs. 146 lakh have been incurred on its execution. He also inspected the execution of Rs. 46 crore District Hospital building and construction work of Mini secretariat at Bandipora.
On the occasion, Phonsog asked the Chief Engineers to speed up the work and complete various road projects within the targeted schedule. He stressed that all the essential commodities should be stocked in Gurez by the end of this month."The coming two months are very crucial so the officers should stock the essential commodities in every border area of the district honestly and sincerely," Phonsog added.Concerned over the dilapidated condition of Srinagar- Bandipora Highway, he suggested that the road should be handed over to Border Roads Organization.The issues deliberated upon in the meeting included lack of employees in various district offices, lack of infrastructure, lack of proper water supply system, lack of technological support and lack of financial resources.The Advisor directed District Developmental Commissioner to submit utilization certificates at the earliest so that pending funds could be released.Phonsog said that only 20 percent of yearly Budget has been executed in various projects while the remaining is pending.“All the funds should be executed and developmental projects should be completed at an earliest otherwise the funds allotted to Bandipora will be diverted to other places,” he added.He also impressed upon the officers and engineers of all the departments to speed up the execution of on-going water supply schemes, construction of roads, hospitals, schools and improvement of agricultural and horticultural produce. Earlier, a resume of developmental activities going on in the district was presented by the DDC in the meeting. He said during the current fiscal Rs. 4184.56 lakhs are being utilized under district plan on various developmental schemes in the district. He said 22.75 kms road length has been upgraded and blacktopped in the district this year so far whileas completion work of Mini Secretariat and residential block at a cost of Rs. 2.12 crore was expected this year.
The District Development Commissioner informed that upto October 15, 2008 the stock of all essential commodities would be dumped in Gurez tehsil and so far 9456 quintals of rice, 6325 quintals of atta, 1241 quintals of Sugar and 25000 liters of kerosene oil have been stocked in various sale centres of the area.
The meeting was also informed that three model villages at a cost of Rs 3.60 crore are being developed in the district during the current financial year. He said 5000 householders were identified for job cards under Rural Employment Generation Scheme during the year
People suffer due to closure of bank in Bandipora
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Mir TariqBandipora, Sep 01: Pensioners are facing tough time in drawing their retirement fund from the local J &K Bank branch even after lifting of curfew in this north Kashmir district of Bandipora.Thousands of elderly persons, mostly former teachers and other employees have been visiting the J& K Bank (T.P branch) treasury to draw their pension from the last three days after curfew was lifted in the district. But they have to return empty handed as the bank branch dealing with the monthly pay of employees and pensioners’ pension fund is still closed even after the curfew was lifted from the district.
"We have been informed by the district administration that banks will remain open during the curfew time, but the banks here are closed even after of lifting of curfew," said Muhammad Ramzan, one of the pensioners at J & K (TP branch), adding, "We are visiting the bank from previous three days to draw our pension fund, but we are left disappointed to find the bank closed."Besides pensioners, hundreds of employees can also be noticed waiting outside the bank to withdraw their monthly pay.Blaming the district administration, an employee pleading anonymity told Rising Kashmir that it is due to the lackadaisical attitude of the administration that banks are still closed. Interestingly even as the curfew passes have been issued to bank employees to reach their offices in order to serve the needy ones, here in Bandipora, banks are still closed thus posing problems to the pensioners, senior citizens and employees.“After the announcement of deputy commissioner, Bandipora that banks will remain open for the service of employees and pensioners, we left our homes to withdraw pension funds, but from the last three days, the local branch is closed. We informed DC, but to no avail," complained Ghulam Muhammad Mir, a pensioner, adding, "We have no money in our pocket. To my family my pension fund is only hope.""Almost all the employees including manager of the bank are residents of Bandipora residing in close proximity to the Bank office, but they don’t bother to attend office due to reasons best known to them," said a group of pensioners, employees and locals.The district officers of the Bank were not available for comment.
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Mir TariqBandipora, Sep 01: Pensioners are facing tough time in drawing their retirement fund from the local J &K Bank branch even after lifting of curfew in this north Kashmir district of Bandipora.Thousands of elderly persons, mostly former teachers and other employees have been visiting the J& K Bank (T.P branch) treasury to draw their pension from the last three days after curfew was lifted in the district. But they have to return empty handed as the bank branch dealing with the monthly pay of employees and pensioners’ pension fund is still closed even after the curfew was lifted from the district.
"We have been informed by the district administration that banks will remain open during the curfew time, but the banks here are closed even after of lifting of curfew," said Muhammad Ramzan, one of the pensioners at J & K (TP branch), adding, "We are visiting the bank from previous three days to draw our pension fund, but we are left disappointed to find the bank closed."Besides pensioners, hundreds of employees can also be noticed waiting outside the bank to withdraw their monthly pay.Blaming the district administration, an employee pleading anonymity told Rising Kashmir that it is due to the lackadaisical attitude of the administration that banks are still closed. Interestingly even as the curfew passes have been issued to bank employees to reach their offices in order to serve the needy ones, here in Bandipora, banks are still closed thus posing problems to the pensioners, senior citizens and employees.“After the announcement of deputy commissioner, Bandipora that banks will remain open for the service of employees and pensioners, we left our homes to withdraw pension funds, but from the last three days, the local branch is closed. We informed DC, but to no avail," complained Ghulam Muhammad Mir, a pensioner, adding, "We have no money in our pocket. To my family my pension fund is only hope.""Almost all the employees including manager of the bank are residents of Bandipora residing in close proximity to the Bank office, but they don’t bother to attend office due to reasons best known to them," said a group of pensioners, employees and locals.The district officers of the Bank were not available for comment.
Eyewitness narrate tale of Bandipora killings
Mir TariqAloosa (Bandipora), Sep 04: Accusing the army personnel of killing four persons in Bandipora on August 13, an eyewitness, Abdul Hamid Dar said that the troopers did not even spare the injured persons and fired at them too.Dar received bullets on his leg, arm and back and is recuperating.Recalling the fateful day, Abdul Hamid Dar of Aloosa Bandipora told Rising Kashmir, “About 6000 people from Astangoo, Aloosa and Kehnusa gathered at Ashtangoo and marched peacefully towards Bandipora. When we reached near the Paribal camp, the police personnel intercepted us and resorted to tear gas shelling. We tried to convince them that ours is a peaceful march and we don’t want to resort to any kind of violence.”He said that army had placed barricades on the road and people tried to remove the roadblocks to move ahead. “As the roadblocks were being removed, 15 RR personnel deployed there shouted “Bam Bam Bole” and “Jai Mata di” and fired indiscriminately on the unarmed protestors. The bullets killed three protestors on spot while many others received bullet injuries”.Dar further said, “I was rescuing injured persons while police and army personnel were beating me. They along with few others threw me in the near by paddy land and again fired indiscriminately on us. I received bullets in arm, leg and back”.He said that wreathing in pain, they were crying for help. “I and two other injured youth were taken inside the camp by soldiers and we were beaten there. It seemed that they wanted to kill us and later label us as militants.”“An army officer in the camp while pointing to us told a civil officer that they are militants and tried to sneak into the headquarters. The officer showed the fabricated video on his mobile to the civil officer, who, however, told him that media, has been claiming that three protesters were killed and seven others injured in Aloosa. He convinced the army officer that the injured persons should be shifted to hospital. Only afterwards did the army officer allow three of us to be shifted to hospital in an ambulance”.Dar said that as they were being shifted to SMHS hospital, the CRPF personnel attacked the ambulance at Parimpora, Srinagar. “All the injured, doctors accompanying us and the driver were ruthlessly beaten by CRPF personnel for nearly an hour. Due to the CRPF action, one of the critically injured Mehraj-ud-Din died in the ambulance”.Terming it the tragic and unforgettable incident of his life, Dar said, “I consider myself lucky to be surviving and alive. Army and CRPF personnel did everything possible to eliminate me”.
Mir TariqAloosa (Bandipora), Sep 04: Accusing the army personnel of killing four persons in Bandipora on August 13, an eyewitness, Abdul Hamid Dar said that the troopers did not even spare the injured persons and fired at them too.Dar received bullets on his leg, arm and back and is recuperating.Recalling the fateful day, Abdul Hamid Dar of Aloosa Bandipora told Rising Kashmir, “About 6000 people from Astangoo, Aloosa and Kehnusa gathered at Ashtangoo and marched peacefully towards Bandipora. When we reached near the Paribal camp, the police personnel intercepted us and resorted to tear gas shelling. We tried to convince them that ours is a peaceful march and we don’t want to resort to any kind of violence.”He said that army had placed barricades on the road and people tried to remove the roadblocks to move ahead. “As the roadblocks were being removed, 15 RR personnel deployed there shouted “Bam Bam Bole” and “Jai Mata di” and fired indiscriminately on the unarmed protestors. The bullets killed three protestors on spot while many others received bullet injuries”.Dar further said, “I was rescuing injured persons while police and army personnel were beating me. They along with few others threw me in the near by paddy land and again fired indiscriminately on us. I received bullets in arm, leg and back”.He said that wreathing in pain, they were crying for help. “I and two other injured youth were taken inside the camp by soldiers and we were beaten there. It seemed that they wanted to kill us and later label us as militants.”“An army officer in the camp while pointing to us told a civil officer that they are militants and tried to sneak into the headquarters. The officer showed the fabricated video on his mobile to the civil officer, who, however, told him that media, has been claiming that three protesters were killed and seven others injured in Aloosa. He convinced the army officer that the injured persons should be shifted to hospital. Only afterwards did the army officer allow three of us to be shifted to hospital in an ambulance”.Dar said that as they were being shifted to SMHS hospital, the CRPF personnel attacked the ambulance at Parimpora, Srinagar. “All the injured, doctors accompanying us and the driver were ruthlessly beaten by CRPF personnel for nearly an hour. Due to the CRPF action, one of the critically injured Mehraj-ud-Din died in the ambulance”.Terming it the tragic and unforgettable incident of his life, Dar said, “I consider myself lucky to be surviving and alive. Army and CRPF personnel did everything possible to eliminate me”.
Khadeeja: A milk woman
For time being Khadeeja lost hope and withdrew from the world. But then she resolved to take the life head-on and has succeeded so far. She is fighting the daily battles of survival in a dignified manner by selling milk in Bandipore market, writes Mir Tariq
In the markets of Bandipore one comes across a remarkable reality. An old and wrinkled woman can be seen working like a young and agile maid. Khadeeja Begum, a 74-year-old lady carries milk jugs and pots selling milk. Putting up milk for sale in the Bandipore market is a matter of great pride for her as she is the sole bread earner of her family.
Khadeeja Begum, who basically hails from Saderkoot, Bandipore has lost her other-half, her husband when she was just 35. For time being she lost hope and withdrew from the world. But then she resolved to take the life head-on and has succeeded so far. Since then she is fighting the daily battles of survival in a dignified manner by selling milk in Bandipore market. Her struggle spans over almost four decades. It seems that Khadeeja is unaware of her age and that is why at such an old age she is working like a young lady once she was. And she feels proud about her work which she believes is as holy as an act of worship.“No work is big or small provided you have the commitment to do it with honesty and dedication,” she says.Residing with her only daughter in the backward village of Saderkoot Bandipore, Khadeeja’s persona has transformed into a role model and inspiration for the womenfolk of the area that too have begun to follow her path of self-reliance and self-empowerment. “We are learning good things from Khadeeja Begum, she has faced brutal ups and downs in life, but she never lost her sprits and we consider her as our guide and master” said Fazi Begum from same village.Right from stitching clothes, cleaning her house, Khadeeja takes care of her fields, collecting money and keeping record of all transactions. She looks after the entire work at her home. “This work of selling milk in nook and corners of the district has come as a blessing not only to my family but to others also” Khadeeja says. ‘Every morning I collect thirty-fifty Kilo grams of Milk for my customers who are hoteliers and few families in Bandipore from the last thirty or more years”, she adds.Appreciating the honesty and hard work of Khadeeja Begum, Zahoor Ahmed, an hotelier says “Khadeeja is providing us pure milk at proper time; she reaches in time at the market whatever be the situation” “Besides, on hartals or transport strike, Khadeeja comes to Bandipore from Saderkoot, which is a long distance by foot taking due care of her customers” Zahoor Added“Thirty years ago, I lost my husband and responsibility fell on my shoulders. We were almost on the verge of starvation, but since then this job has proved to be a blessing for me,” said Khadeeja.Like Khadeeja, another middle aged woman Fazi Begum, who had also lost her husband a few years ago, opted to sell milk in the other village and towns to earn her livelihood. “What I earn from my hard work is sufficient to feed my entire family. In the absence of any other source of income, I have to look after everything, right from feeding the family to arranging money for educating my younger children,” said Fazi Begum. “I have faced a lot of problems while leaving my house for trade. Army personnel dip dirty sticks in my Milk jugs and pots, but what can I do. After all we are all helpless before them (Army)” said Khadeeja.She faces such problems even now but she still trembles to mention what she calls the Ikhwani terror. “I suffered a lot at the hands of ikhwanis who would take away and drink my whole milk,” she says.“That was a crucial time in my life and they (ikhwanis) terrorized us whenever we denied them anything or went against their dictates” remembers Khadeeja. But now she feels a bit tired also says that she needs some kind of respite and for that she has deposited her application with the department of Social Welfare“I have deposited my photographs and application in the Social welfare office twenty years back and again during last year but department is not helping me, besides approaching higher authorities” said Khadeeja BegumDistrict Social welfare Officer Ghulam Nabi said “If the department has received the application from an applicant, relief should have been provided to her.”“I will personally look in to the matter of Khadeeja Begum and in near future she will receive relief from the department regularly” he added.Having faced all the hardships of life she feels happy for the bright side of life also. “Everyone in the whole district of Bandipore knows me very well and all the people whether poor or rich, leaders or common public; all respect me”, she says proudly.Although life has as many faces as people on this planet, but this one of Khadeeja Begum is certainly not only beautiful but inspiring too.
For time being Khadeeja lost hope and withdrew from the world. But then she resolved to take the life head-on and has succeeded so far. She is fighting the daily battles of survival in a dignified manner by selling milk in Bandipore market, writes Mir Tariq
In the markets of Bandipore one comes across a remarkable reality. An old and wrinkled woman can be seen working like a young and agile maid. Khadeeja Begum, a 74-year-old lady carries milk jugs and pots selling milk. Putting up milk for sale in the Bandipore market is a matter of great pride for her as she is the sole bread earner of her family.
Khadeeja Begum, who basically hails from Saderkoot, Bandipore has lost her other-half, her husband when she was just 35. For time being she lost hope and withdrew from the world. But then she resolved to take the life head-on and has succeeded so far. Since then she is fighting the daily battles of survival in a dignified manner by selling milk in Bandipore market. Her struggle spans over almost four decades. It seems that Khadeeja is unaware of her age and that is why at such an old age she is working like a young lady once she was. And she feels proud about her work which she believes is as holy as an act of worship.“No work is big or small provided you have the commitment to do it with honesty and dedication,” she says.Residing with her only daughter in the backward village of Saderkoot Bandipore, Khadeeja’s persona has transformed into a role model and inspiration for the womenfolk of the area that too have begun to follow her path of self-reliance and self-empowerment. “We are learning good things from Khadeeja Begum, she has faced brutal ups and downs in life, but she never lost her sprits and we consider her as our guide and master” said Fazi Begum from same village.Right from stitching clothes, cleaning her house, Khadeeja takes care of her fields, collecting money and keeping record of all transactions. She looks after the entire work at her home. “This work of selling milk in nook and corners of the district has come as a blessing not only to my family but to others also” Khadeeja says. ‘Every morning I collect thirty-fifty Kilo grams of Milk for my customers who are hoteliers and few families in Bandipore from the last thirty or more years”, she adds.Appreciating the honesty and hard work of Khadeeja Begum, Zahoor Ahmed, an hotelier says “Khadeeja is providing us pure milk at proper time; she reaches in time at the market whatever be the situation” “Besides, on hartals or transport strike, Khadeeja comes to Bandipore from Saderkoot, which is a long distance by foot taking due care of her customers” Zahoor Added“Thirty years ago, I lost my husband and responsibility fell on my shoulders. We were almost on the verge of starvation, but since then this job has proved to be a blessing for me,” said Khadeeja.Like Khadeeja, another middle aged woman Fazi Begum, who had also lost her husband a few years ago, opted to sell milk in the other village and towns to earn her livelihood. “What I earn from my hard work is sufficient to feed my entire family. In the absence of any other source of income, I have to look after everything, right from feeding the family to arranging money for educating my younger children,” said Fazi Begum. “I have faced a lot of problems while leaving my house for trade. Army personnel dip dirty sticks in my Milk jugs and pots, but what can I do. After all we are all helpless before them (Army)” said Khadeeja.She faces such problems even now but she still trembles to mention what she calls the Ikhwani terror. “I suffered a lot at the hands of ikhwanis who would take away and drink my whole milk,” she says.“That was a crucial time in my life and they (ikhwanis) terrorized us whenever we denied them anything or went against their dictates” remembers Khadeeja. But now she feels a bit tired also says that she needs some kind of respite and for that she has deposited her application with the department of Social Welfare“I have deposited my photographs and application in the Social welfare office twenty years back and again during last year but department is not helping me, besides approaching higher authorities” said Khadeeja BegumDistrict Social welfare Officer Ghulam Nabi said “If the department has received the application from an applicant, relief should have been provided to her.”“I will personally look in to the matter of Khadeeja Begum and in near future she will receive relief from the department regularly” he added.Having faced all the hardships of life she feels happy for the bright side of life also. “Everyone in the whole district of Bandipore knows me very well and all the people whether poor or rich, leaders or common public; all respect me”, she says proudly.Although life has as many faces as people on this planet, but this one of Khadeeja Begum is certainly not only beautiful but inspiring too.
DVO Bandipora awarded
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug o2: The District Vigilance Officer (DVO) and Additional deputy Commissioner, Bandipora Bashir Ahmad Bhat, has been awarded "State Vigilance award" 2008 for his meritorious service, outstanding performance and remarkable role in making people aware about the evil effects of corruption. Vigilance Commissioner, Ashok Bhan presented the award to Bhat during a state level function conducted by Vigilance organization of Kashmir. All the district vigilance officers of Kashmir were invited in the function.Bhat had conducted various seminars and cultural programmes in various villages of the newly created BAndipora district to make people aware about the evil effects of corruption.The employees in Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora’s office felicitated Bhat on receiving the award.
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug o2: The District Vigilance Officer (DVO) and Additional deputy Commissioner, Bandipora Bashir Ahmad Bhat, has been awarded "State Vigilance award" 2008 for his meritorious service, outstanding performance and remarkable role in making people aware about the evil effects of corruption. Vigilance Commissioner, Ashok Bhan presented the award to Bhat during a state level function conducted by Vigilance organization of Kashmir. All the district vigilance officers of Kashmir were invited in the function.Bhat had conducted various seminars and cultural programmes in various villages of the newly created BAndipora district to make people aware about the evil effects of corruption.The employees in Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora’s office felicitated Bhat on receiving the award.
Muzaffarabad march
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People exchange SMSs to seek public support
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 04: After successfully agitating against the controversial land transfer, the Bandipora residents are using mobile phones to ask people to join in large numbers the “Muzaffarabad March”.The short messaging service (SMS) of mobile phones are being used as the "carry forward agent" by the mobile subscribers. “People are exchanging messages through mobile to call on people to join the “Muzaffarbad March”.“The phones are flooded with messages, which reflect resentment against the communal attitude of right wing Hindu activists of Bajrang Dal, BJP, VHP and RSS workers,” said a Bandipora youth, Aijaz Ahmad.
He alleged that the right wing Hindu activists are attacking the property of Muslims in Jammu and have created shortage of essentials in Valley by blocking the Srinagar-Jammu highway.The text of one of the messages reads as: "Open our traditional roads, let us break LOC like Germany people broke Berlin wall. Let us cross this bloody line. No body can stop us".The messages appeal people to shun all such political leaders, who are not opposing the policies of Hinduvta parties towards Muslims and Kashmiris.It is here pertinent to mention that Kashmir Fruit Growers Association has threatens to cross the LoC along with there fruit laden trucks on August 7. The continued riots in Jammu have left hundreds of fruit laden trucks stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu highway and fruit worth crores of rupees is rotting in godowns and orchards.
SMS services blocked:The State administration on Monday blocked Short Message Servicing (SMS) for an indefinite period.Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state run telephone services circulated SMS to its subscribers that according to a circular issued by the administration, the SMS services would remain abandoned till further orders.When DGM BSNL, Mushrib Gul Mufti was contacted he said he is not authorised to comment. “The mobile service comes under DGM Mobile Premchand,” Mufti said. Despite repeated calls DGM Mobiles, Premchand didn’t answer the phone. Earlier, the administration had blocked SMS service in Jammu province as rioters used them to spread vicious rumours and ill feeling against a particular community.
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People exchange SMSs to seek public support
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 04: After successfully agitating against the controversial land transfer, the Bandipora residents are using mobile phones to ask people to join in large numbers the “Muzaffarabad March”.The short messaging service (SMS) of mobile phones are being used as the "carry forward agent" by the mobile subscribers. “People are exchanging messages through mobile to call on people to join the “Muzaffarbad March”.“The phones are flooded with messages, which reflect resentment against the communal attitude of right wing Hindu activists of Bajrang Dal, BJP, VHP and RSS workers,” said a Bandipora youth, Aijaz Ahmad.
He alleged that the right wing Hindu activists are attacking the property of Muslims in Jammu and have created shortage of essentials in Valley by blocking the Srinagar-Jammu highway.The text of one of the messages reads as: "Open our traditional roads, let us break LOC like Germany people broke Berlin wall. Let us cross this bloody line. No body can stop us".The messages appeal people to shun all such political leaders, who are not opposing the policies of Hinduvta parties towards Muslims and Kashmiris.It is here pertinent to mention that Kashmir Fruit Growers Association has threatens to cross the LoC along with there fruit laden trucks on August 7. The continued riots in Jammu have left hundreds of fruit laden trucks stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu highway and fruit worth crores of rupees is rotting in godowns and orchards.
SMS services blocked:The State administration on Monday blocked Short Message Servicing (SMS) for an indefinite period.Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state run telephone services circulated SMS to its subscribers that according to a circular issued by the administration, the SMS services would remain abandoned till further orders.When DGM BSNL, Mushrib Gul Mufti was contacted he said he is not authorised to comment. “The mobile service comes under DGM Mobile Premchand,” Mufti said. Despite repeated calls DGM Mobiles, Premchand didn’t answer the phone. Earlier, the administration had blocked SMS service in Jammu province as rioters used them to spread vicious rumours and ill feeling against a particular community.
Protests amid Kashmir bandh
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Mir TariqSrinagar/Bandipora/Baramulla, Aug 06: The ‘civil curfew’ call given by Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani against the land row threw life out of gear in Kashmir on Wednesday.The protests against the continuous assaults on Muslims in Jammu spread to other parts of the Valley, with protestors clashing with police at several places.Geelani had called for shutdown against any bid to revert the revocation of forest land to the Amarnath shrine board.
The strike call evoked overwhelming response and life came to a grinding halt across the Valley. All shops and business establishments remained closed while traffic was off the roads. The government, semi-government offices and educational institutions remained locked and people preferred to stay indoors.The roads in city were presenting a deserted look. The deployment of paramilitary CRPF and police personnel in Srinagar was strengthened to prevent people from taking to roads.Clashes in cityPeople took to roads at Nowhatta, Zaldagar, Bemina, Zaldagar, Sonawar and Chotta Bazar areas on Wednesday afternoon to protest against the continued assaults on Muslims in the winter capital. Raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, the protestors clashed with police and paramilitary personnel, who fired tear smoke canisters and resorted to heavy cane charge to disperse the agitating people. The protestors retaliated by hurling bricks and stones towards the policemen. The clashes between the protestors and policemen lasted for few hours during which 15 persons including some policemen were injured.Police official beaten by CRPF menEyewitnesses said that a police official was critically injured after he was ruthlessly beaten by paramilitary CRPF troopers in Fateh Kadal area in downtown Srinagar.They said that paramilitary personnel were mercilessly beating a youth with gun butts in Fateh Kadal area this afternoon. The police official tried to rescue the youth from the clutches of CRPF personnel. This infuriated the troopers to the extent that they pounced on the police official. They manhandled and beat him. He was let off only after other police men present in the spot intervened.The incident left the people shell-shocked and to express their solidarity with the police official, they raised anti-CRPF slogans.Confirming the incident, IGP Kashmir, Shiv Murari Sahai termed the manhandling and beating up of police official as an ‘accident’. “It was not an intended one,” he said.“There is nothing like a scuffle or beating of police official by the CRPF men. The stone pelting was going on in the area and a stone or something like that may have hit the sub-inspector and injured him,” he added.Protests reach SouthThe protests are spreading fast to other places in the Valley. In south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Islamabad districts, hundreds of people took to roads and staged massive protest demonstrations against the assaults on Muslims in Jammu.Angry protesters attacked a restaurant and a hotel in General Bus stand, Islamabad.Eyewitnesses said that hundreds of youth gathered in the Lal Chowk area in Islamabad Wednesday morning. Raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protesting youth started pelting stones on the passing vehicles. The protesters marched towards the General Bus stand, where they attacked New Mughal Darbar restaurant and Hotel Wular. The protesters tried to set ablaze the restaurant and the hotel, but police intervened and resorted to cane charge and fired tear smoke canisters to disperse the agitating people.The protestors retaliated by hurling stones and bricks towards the policemen. In the clashes, a Santro car of the owner of hotel Wular was damaged.The protestors alleged that ‘New Mughal Darbar’ was involved in selling liquor. “Today when the entire market was closed, the hotel owner was busy in supplying liquor to customers. We acted as police takes no action against him,” they alleged.Meanwhile, in Qazigund people in hundreds came out on roads on Wednesday and staged pro-Geelani demonstrations. The protestors were raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. They demanded stern action against the Hindu elements, who were attacking Muslims and their properties in Jammu.North too affected A group of youth protesting against the killing of a teenage in police firing in Srinagar and assaults on Muslims in Jammu marched through Bandipora on Wednesday. Raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, the protestors marched through the roads leading to the New Jamia Masjid area. The protestors pelted stones on the shops and vehicles, forcing closure of shops and stopping of vehicular movement. A shopkeeper Hafeez Ahmed Kuchay was beaten by up by the mobs. He was let off after the intervention of the elderly persons.The protestors alleged that government was not taking any strict action against the rightwing Hindu elements in Jammu. “The Hindu rioters are given a free hand to attack Muslims and their properties in Jammu while the peaceful protestors are being killed in Kashmir,” they said.Meanwhile, hundreds of people took to roads across the Sonawari (Hajin, Sumbal, Ajas) region of Bandipora. The protestors warned the government that if extremist forces were not reined in, the situation may take a dangerous turn. "If the government is not controlling rioters in Jammu then authorities should be ready to face consequences in Kashmir,” they added.They threatened that if Hindu elements in Jammu don’t lift highway blockade they will have no option but to cross the LoC. However, no untoward incident was reported from Bandipora during the strike and protest rallies.7 injured in BaramullaAt least seven persons including some policemen were injured in clashes between protesting youth and police on Wednesday in Baramulla town. People were protesting against the economic blockade and apprehensions of restoring land back to the controversial Amarnath shrine board. Raising pro-freedom and anti-government slogans, the angry mob pelted stones on the CRPF picket at RTC bridge Baramulla and tried to set it afire. The police and paramilitary personnel fired tear smoke canisters and resorted to heavy baton charge to disperse the agitating people, who retaliated by hurling stones and bricks. The dingdong clashes between police and protesters continued till evening, during which seven persons including some policemen were injured. Reports of stone pelting on vehicles were also reported from Main Chowk and general bus stand, Sopore Wednesday morning.Complete shutdown was witnessed in north Kashmir towns of Baramulla, Sopore, Handwara and Kupwara.
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Mir TariqSrinagar/Bandipora/Baramulla, Aug 06: The ‘civil curfew’ call given by Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani against the land row threw life out of gear in Kashmir on Wednesday.The protests against the continuous assaults on Muslims in Jammu spread to other parts of the Valley, with protestors clashing with police at several places.Geelani had called for shutdown against any bid to revert the revocation of forest land to the Amarnath shrine board.
The strike call evoked overwhelming response and life came to a grinding halt across the Valley. All shops and business establishments remained closed while traffic was off the roads. The government, semi-government offices and educational institutions remained locked and people preferred to stay indoors.The roads in city were presenting a deserted look. The deployment of paramilitary CRPF and police personnel in Srinagar was strengthened to prevent people from taking to roads.Clashes in cityPeople took to roads at Nowhatta, Zaldagar, Bemina, Zaldagar, Sonawar and Chotta Bazar areas on Wednesday afternoon to protest against the continued assaults on Muslims in the winter capital. Raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, the protestors clashed with police and paramilitary personnel, who fired tear smoke canisters and resorted to heavy cane charge to disperse the agitating people. The protestors retaliated by hurling bricks and stones towards the policemen. The clashes between the protestors and policemen lasted for few hours during which 15 persons including some policemen were injured.Police official beaten by CRPF menEyewitnesses said that a police official was critically injured after he was ruthlessly beaten by paramilitary CRPF troopers in Fateh Kadal area in downtown Srinagar.They said that paramilitary personnel were mercilessly beating a youth with gun butts in Fateh Kadal area this afternoon. The police official tried to rescue the youth from the clutches of CRPF personnel. This infuriated the troopers to the extent that they pounced on the police official. They manhandled and beat him. He was let off only after other police men present in the spot intervened.The incident left the people shell-shocked and to express their solidarity with the police official, they raised anti-CRPF slogans.Confirming the incident, IGP Kashmir, Shiv Murari Sahai termed the manhandling and beating up of police official as an ‘accident’. “It was not an intended one,” he said.“There is nothing like a scuffle or beating of police official by the CRPF men. The stone pelting was going on in the area and a stone or something like that may have hit the sub-inspector and injured him,” he added.Protests reach SouthThe protests are spreading fast to other places in the Valley. In south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Islamabad districts, hundreds of people took to roads and staged massive protest demonstrations against the assaults on Muslims in Jammu.Angry protesters attacked a restaurant and a hotel in General Bus stand, Islamabad.Eyewitnesses said that hundreds of youth gathered in the Lal Chowk area in Islamabad Wednesday morning. Raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the protesting youth started pelting stones on the passing vehicles. The protesters marched towards the General Bus stand, where they attacked New Mughal Darbar restaurant and Hotel Wular. The protesters tried to set ablaze the restaurant and the hotel, but police intervened and resorted to cane charge and fired tear smoke canisters to disperse the agitating people.The protestors retaliated by hurling stones and bricks towards the policemen. In the clashes, a Santro car of the owner of hotel Wular was damaged.The protestors alleged that ‘New Mughal Darbar’ was involved in selling liquor. “Today when the entire market was closed, the hotel owner was busy in supplying liquor to customers. We acted as police takes no action against him,” they alleged.Meanwhile, in Qazigund people in hundreds came out on roads on Wednesday and staged pro-Geelani demonstrations. The protestors were raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans. They demanded stern action against the Hindu elements, who were attacking Muslims and their properties in Jammu.North too affected A group of youth protesting against the killing of a teenage in police firing in Srinagar and assaults on Muslims in Jammu marched through Bandipora on Wednesday. Raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, the protestors marched through the roads leading to the New Jamia Masjid area. The protestors pelted stones on the shops and vehicles, forcing closure of shops and stopping of vehicular movement. A shopkeeper Hafeez Ahmed Kuchay was beaten by up by the mobs. He was let off after the intervention of the elderly persons.The protestors alleged that government was not taking any strict action against the rightwing Hindu elements in Jammu. “The Hindu rioters are given a free hand to attack Muslims and their properties in Jammu while the peaceful protestors are being killed in Kashmir,” they said.Meanwhile, hundreds of people took to roads across the Sonawari (Hajin, Sumbal, Ajas) region of Bandipora. The protestors warned the government that if extremist forces were not reined in, the situation may take a dangerous turn. "If the government is not controlling rioters in Jammu then authorities should be ready to face consequences in Kashmir,” they added.They threatened that if Hindu elements in Jammu don’t lift highway blockade they will have no option but to cross the LoC. However, no untoward incident was reported from Bandipora during the strike and protest rallies.7 injured in BaramullaAt least seven persons including some policemen were injured in clashes between protesting youth and police on Wednesday in Baramulla town. People were protesting against the economic blockade and apprehensions of restoring land back to the controversial Amarnath shrine board. Raising pro-freedom and anti-government slogans, the angry mob pelted stones on the CRPF picket at RTC bridge Baramulla and tried to set it afire. The police and paramilitary personnel fired tear smoke canisters and resorted to heavy baton charge to disperse the agitating people, who retaliated by hurling stones and bricks. The dingdong clashes between police and protesters continued till evening, during which seven persons including some policemen were injured. Reports of stone pelting on vehicles were also reported from Main Chowk and general bus stand, Sopore Wednesday morning.Complete shutdown was witnessed in north Kashmir towns of Baramulla, Sopore, Handwara and Kupwara.
T20 Sharjah gold cup Cricket Tournament
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Dar Sports Club Malbagh bets Batmaloo eleven
Mir Tariq 03 AugustBandipora: In the T20 Sharjah gold cup, Cricket Tournament Dar Sports Club defeated Batmaloo eleven by three wickets in the second semi-final in the Ground of Chiternar here in Bandipora today.After winning the toss, Dar Sports Club decided to filed first, invited Batmaloo Eleven to bat first, while bating they scored 154 runs losing all their wickets in 20th over of innings. Meraj of Batmaloo Eleven scored brisk 44 runs only in 23 deliveries and took three wickets also.
Mehjoor took two wickets giving only 4 runs in his spell of four overs with two maiden overs for Dar Sports club. In reply, Dar Sports Club achieved the target in 20th over losing their eight wickets. Abid of Dar sports bagged the man of the match award He took three wickets and score 23 runs.Sharjha Gold Cup tournament has forty teams from all over the valley participating.The organizers paid thanks to the sports correspondent of Radio Kashmir Sajaad Ahmed Sofi and Ahasn ul Haq for managing the commentator box in the district.The sports lovers complained of the poor sports system in the district and demanded renovation of the ground of Chiternar, which is in dilapidated condition."Sports department of the state government is taking interest in developing the sports system in this district which has lot of unexplored sports talent" said Ghulam Rasool Kuchay, adding "government should take deep interest in exploring the talented sportsmen of the district in order to develop the sports spirit among the youth."
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Dar Sports Club Malbagh bets Batmaloo eleven
Mir Tariq 03 AugustBandipora: In the T20 Sharjah gold cup, Cricket Tournament Dar Sports Club defeated Batmaloo eleven by three wickets in the second semi-final in the Ground of Chiternar here in Bandipora today.After winning the toss, Dar Sports Club decided to filed first, invited Batmaloo Eleven to bat first, while bating they scored 154 runs losing all their wickets in 20th over of innings. Meraj of Batmaloo Eleven scored brisk 44 runs only in 23 deliveries and took three wickets also.
Mehjoor took two wickets giving only 4 runs in his spell of four overs with two maiden overs for Dar Sports club. In reply, Dar Sports Club achieved the target in 20th over losing their eight wickets. Abid of Dar sports bagged the man of the match award He took three wickets and score 23 runs.Sharjha Gold Cup tournament has forty teams from all over the valley participating.The organizers paid thanks to the sports correspondent of Radio Kashmir Sajaad Ahmed Sofi and Ahasn ul Haq for managing the commentator box in the district.The sports lovers complained of the poor sports system in the district and demanded renovation of the ground of Chiternar, which is in dilapidated condition."Sports department of the state government is taking interest in developing the sports system in this district which has lot of unexplored sports talent" said Ghulam Rasool Kuchay, adding "government should take deep interest in exploring the talented sportsmen of the district in order to develop the sports spirit among the youth."
70-yr-old dies of heart attack in Bandipora blast
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Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 08: A 70-year-old person died of heart attack after a powerful grenade explosion at Bandipora on Friday.Police sources said that militants lobbed a hand grenade towards a BSF bunker near Gulshan Chowk, Bandipora at 10 am. The grenade exploded with a big bang.
They said that Ali Muhammad Azad, 70, son of Alamudin Khan of Cheki Arsalna Khan Bandipora was purchasing newspaper from a hawker in the area and fell unconscious after hearing the impact of the blast. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. They said that he had died of heart attack. “No injury was found in his body,” they said.Azad, District Treasurer Gujjar Welfare Forum Bandipora, was said to be an activist of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Meanwhile, senior PDP leader and MLC, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat sought inquiry into the blast that lead to death of a PDP worker due to heart attack. He said that the timing of the blast is suspicious as no security personnel were on guard in the market. “Such acts are highly condemnable and needs a full fledged inquiry,” he said.He demanded immediate release of exgratia relief and benefits under SRO 43 to Khan’s family.
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Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 08: A 70-year-old person died of heart attack after a powerful grenade explosion at Bandipora on Friday.Police sources said that militants lobbed a hand grenade towards a BSF bunker near Gulshan Chowk, Bandipora at 10 am. The grenade exploded with a big bang.
They said that Ali Muhammad Azad, 70, son of Alamudin Khan of Cheki Arsalna Khan Bandipora was purchasing newspaper from a hawker in the area and fell unconscious after hearing the impact of the blast. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. They said that he had died of heart attack. “No injury was found in his body,” they said.Azad, District Treasurer Gujjar Welfare Forum Bandipora, was said to be an activist of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Meanwhile, senior PDP leader and MLC, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat sought inquiry into the blast that lead to death of a PDP worker due to heart attack. He said that the timing of the blast is suspicious as no security personnel were on guard in the market. “Such acts are highly condemnable and needs a full fledged inquiry,” he said.He demanded immediate release of exgratia relief and benefits under SRO 43 to Khan’s family.
Uprising Again in Kashmir
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* Clashes, protests rock Valley*
* CRPF bunker demolished in Qamarwari*
* Police gypsy burnt in Pulwama*
* 18 injured in clashes in Islamabad*
* Grand Mufti Bandipora hurt in police action
Mir TariqSrinagar, Aug 11: The early 1990 like situation was rekindled in Srinagar and other parts of Valley on Monday with lakhs of people participating in “Muzaffarabad March” to cross the Line of Control (LoC) in view of the continued economic blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway by rightwing Hindu activists.Thousands of people from different parts of city tried to march towards Baramulla. Carrying placards and banners, the protestors, raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans, reached Qamarwari, where they were intercepted by police and CRPF personnel. The protestors, who were led by Javed Ahmed Mir, Advocate Shahid ul Islam and Ghulam Muhammad Mir were asked to move back by the cops. They, however, refused and continued to march ahead amidst pro-freedom slogans.
Raising anti-India, BJP, Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and Advani slogans, the protestors hoisted white flags bearing “the Islamic Kalima” and name of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and appealed cops to let them move ahead. The cops swung into action and snatched the flag from them and resorted to heavy charge. They also fired numerous tear gas shells to disperse the agitating people, who withstood the ground and refused to leave the place.The infuriated protestors demolished a CRPF bunker in Qamarwari chowk and managed to move towards the Parimpora Fruit Mandi.A convoy of lawyers affiliated with High Court Bar Association also crossed Qamarwari Chowk as protestors provided shield to them.The protestors were again intercepted by police and CRPF personnel near Parimpora Fruit Mandi. The cops lobbed tear gas shells and fired towards the peaceful protestors, causing injuries to scores of people. One of them later succumbed to injuries.Police also opened fire on the procession of Dukhataran-e-Millat at Chota Bazar. Several persons including Dukhtaran chairperson Asia Andrabi were injured. They were hospitalized.Police and CRPF had erected blockades at Qamarwari, Parimpora, Shalteng, Lawaypora, Narbal, Mirgund, Parihaspora to prevent people from marching towards Muzaffarabad. However, they were unable to control the situation as lakhs of people joined the march towards Muzaffarabad.After the news about death of protestors in police firing reached Srinagar, youth took to roads at several places and clashed with police and CRPF personnel. The clashes continued throughout the day.Clashes rock Pulwama, ShopianAt least 42 persons including 10 policemen were injured in day long clashes at different places in south Kashmir’s Shopian and Pulwama districts.The clashes started early morning at Samboora, when police tried to stop demonstrators from Pulwama, who were marching towards Parimpora in response to the call for “Muzafarrabad March”. Raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the demonstrators had gathered inside the Fruit Mandi, Pulwama.Eyewitnesses said that police and CRPF troopers fired dozens of tear smoke canisters and resorted to heavy cane charge to disperse the protesters. They also fired bullets towards the protestors. At least 20 persons were injured in the police action.Angered by the police action, angry mob attacked a police picket at Kakapora and set ablaze a police gypsy parked near the picket. They also clashed with police, who fired tear smoke shells to disperse the agitating people.People in hundreds took to roads in Pulwama and staged massive anti-government rally. Carrying placards and banners, the protestors clashed with police, who prevented them from moving ahead. Dozens of tear smoke shells were fired on the protestors by the police. Scores of people were injured in the police actionFour persons were injured when police used force to disperse the protestors from Trichal, Litter, Tahab, and Tumla Hall areas of Pulwama. The injured were hospitalized.In Murran two persons Abdul Gani Ganai and Khazer Moahmmad Ganai were injured critically when police opened fire on mob, which allegedly tried to snatch weapons from the police personnel in the area.Massive protests were also witnessed in Achhgoz, Kellar, Takan, Beloo, Keegam, Nallah Rambiaarah and Gagren villages.The district hospital Pulwama was packed with injured persons. The doctors said that of the 32 injured admitted in the hospital, nine had received bullet injuries.Meanwhile 13 persons including six policemen were injured in violent clashes in Shopian. The injured have been hospitalized.Reports further said that angry mob threw police gypsy of police station Shopian into water after vandalizing it.In Keegam, Shopian a vehicle belonging to the SP Shopian was set ablaze by the protesters while the vehicle of Assistant Commissioner was damaged.The violent clashes were also witnessed between protestors and policemen at Tral and Pampore. Police and para-military personnel stopped people from marching towards Srinagar.Islamabad witnesses massive protestsAt least 18 persons were injured during the day long clashes between police and protesters in Islamabad.According to reports about 15,000 to 20,000 people led by district president Hurriyat (G) Hafizullah, district president Hurriyat (M) Fayaz Ahmad Saudagar and Mirwaiz South Qazi Yasir assembled near Masjid Noor, K P Road and started marching towards Srinagar.Raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, the protestors were intercepted by police and CRPF troopers near Khanabal and baton charged. The mob dispersed and regrouped later. The ding dong battles between the protestors and police men continued throughout the day.Reports said that thousands of protestors from Kulgam, Damhal Hanjipora were stooped at Nihama bridge, where police and CRPF personnel had placed barbed wire to prevent them from reaching Srinagar and participating in Muzaffarabad March.Protests in Bandipora tooAt least 12 persons including Grand Imam and four policemen were injured in clashes in Bandipora.At least 4000 protesters in Ashtango, Aloosa and Kehnusa area of Bandipora gathered on the roads early morning and staged a protest march in order to reach Sangrama, Sopore.The police and paramilitary personnel intercepted the protestors raising pro-freedom, pro-Islamic, anti-India and anti-BJP slogans at Kehnusa Bridge and prevented them from moving ahead. This infuriated the protestors, who pelted stones and empty bottles on the cop. They retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and resorting to baton charge to disperse the agitating people. The clashes continued for nearly two hours during which 12 persons including four policemen and Grand Imam of Bandipora were injured.Some of the protestors managed to give slip to the police and para-military personnel and reached Sopore. They burnt effigies of BJP, NCP and PDP leaders amid slogans like 'Bandh Rastay khol do khol do (open the closed rood) and Sayast Kari Nahin Chaley Gi Nahin Chaley Gi and we want freedom. They were demanding action against the rioters who destroyed property of Muslims in Jammu and who attacked Kashmiri drivers and their vehicles.The protestors alleged that police used force even on the female protestors. “Police fired tear smoke shells directly on us, injuring scores of us,” they said adding, “They beat the protestors including women with gunbutts"."We will march towards Muzaffarabad. Police are acting as the agents of BJP,” said Ghulam Hassan, 65, who was heading around 5000 protestors towards MuzaffarabadReports further said that people in hundreds participated in protest rallies at Hajin, Sumbal, Arin and Ajas. Police and para-military personnel did not allow them to move ahead and the protestors dispersed off peacefully.
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* Clashes, protests rock Valley*
* CRPF bunker demolished in Qamarwari*
* Police gypsy burnt in Pulwama*
* 18 injured in clashes in Islamabad*
* Grand Mufti Bandipora hurt in police action
Mir TariqSrinagar, Aug 11: The early 1990 like situation was rekindled in Srinagar and other parts of Valley on Monday with lakhs of people participating in “Muzaffarabad March” to cross the Line of Control (LoC) in view of the continued economic blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway by rightwing Hindu activists.Thousands of people from different parts of city tried to march towards Baramulla. Carrying placards and banners, the protestors, raising anti-India and pro-freedom slogans, reached Qamarwari, where they were intercepted by police and CRPF personnel. The protestors, who were led by Javed Ahmed Mir, Advocate Shahid ul Islam and Ghulam Muhammad Mir were asked to move back by the cops. They, however, refused and continued to march ahead amidst pro-freedom slogans.
Raising anti-India, BJP, Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and Advani slogans, the protestors hoisted white flags bearing “the Islamic Kalima” and name of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and appealed cops to let them move ahead. The cops swung into action and snatched the flag from them and resorted to heavy charge. They also fired numerous tear gas shells to disperse the agitating people, who withstood the ground and refused to leave the place.The infuriated protestors demolished a CRPF bunker in Qamarwari chowk and managed to move towards the Parimpora Fruit Mandi.A convoy of lawyers affiliated with High Court Bar Association also crossed Qamarwari Chowk as protestors provided shield to them.The protestors were again intercepted by police and CRPF personnel near Parimpora Fruit Mandi. The cops lobbed tear gas shells and fired towards the peaceful protestors, causing injuries to scores of people. One of them later succumbed to injuries.Police also opened fire on the procession of Dukhataran-e-Millat at Chota Bazar. Several persons including Dukhtaran chairperson Asia Andrabi were injured. They were hospitalized.Police and CRPF had erected blockades at Qamarwari, Parimpora, Shalteng, Lawaypora, Narbal, Mirgund, Parihaspora to prevent people from marching towards Muzaffarabad. However, they were unable to control the situation as lakhs of people joined the march towards Muzaffarabad.After the news about death of protestors in police firing reached Srinagar, youth took to roads at several places and clashed with police and CRPF personnel. The clashes continued throughout the day.Clashes rock Pulwama, ShopianAt least 42 persons including 10 policemen were injured in day long clashes at different places in south Kashmir’s Shopian and Pulwama districts.The clashes started early morning at Samboora, when police tried to stop demonstrators from Pulwama, who were marching towards Parimpora in response to the call for “Muzafarrabad March”. Raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, the demonstrators had gathered inside the Fruit Mandi, Pulwama.Eyewitnesses said that police and CRPF troopers fired dozens of tear smoke canisters and resorted to heavy cane charge to disperse the protesters. They also fired bullets towards the protestors. At least 20 persons were injured in the police action.Angered by the police action, angry mob attacked a police picket at Kakapora and set ablaze a police gypsy parked near the picket. They also clashed with police, who fired tear smoke shells to disperse the agitating people.People in hundreds took to roads in Pulwama and staged massive anti-government rally. Carrying placards and banners, the protestors clashed with police, who prevented them from moving ahead. Dozens of tear smoke shells were fired on the protestors by the police. Scores of people were injured in the police actionFour persons were injured when police used force to disperse the protestors from Trichal, Litter, Tahab, and Tumla Hall areas of Pulwama. The injured were hospitalized.In Murran two persons Abdul Gani Ganai and Khazer Moahmmad Ganai were injured critically when police opened fire on mob, which allegedly tried to snatch weapons from the police personnel in the area.Massive protests were also witnessed in Achhgoz, Kellar, Takan, Beloo, Keegam, Nallah Rambiaarah and Gagren villages.The district hospital Pulwama was packed with injured persons. The doctors said that of the 32 injured admitted in the hospital, nine had received bullet injuries.Meanwhile 13 persons including six policemen were injured in violent clashes in Shopian. The injured have been hospitalized.Reports further said that angry mob threw police gypsy of police station Shopian into water after vandalizing it.In Keegam, Shopian a vehicle belonging to the SP Shopian was set ablaze by the protesters while the vehicle of Assistant Commissioner was damaged.The violent clashes were also witnessed between protestors and policemen at Tral and Pampore. Police and para-military personnel stopped people from marching towards Srinagar.Islamabad witnesses massive protestsAt least 18 persons were injured during the day long clashes between police and protesters in Islamabad.According to reports about 15,000 to 20,000 people led by district president Hurriyat (G) Hafizullah, district president Hurriyat (M) Fayaz Ahmad Saudagar and Mirwaiz South Qazi Yasir assembled near Masjid Noor, K P Road and started marching towards Srinagar.Raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans, the protestors were intercepted by police and CRPF troopers near Khanabal and baton charged. The mob dispersed and regrouped later. The ding dong battles between the protestors and police men continued throughout the day.Reports said that thousands of protestors from Kulgam, Damhal Hanjipora were stooped at Nihama bridge, where police and CRPF personnel had placed barbed wire to prevent them from reaching Srinagar and participating in Muzaffarabad March.Protests in Bandipora tooAt least 12 persons including Grand Imam and four policemen were injured in clashes in Bandipora.At least 4000 protesters in Ashtango, Aloosa and Kehnusa area of Bandipora gathered on the roads early morning and staged a protest march in order to reach Sangrama, Sopore.The police and paramilitary personnel intercepted the protestors raising pro-freedom, pro-Islamic, anti-India and anti-BJP slogans at Kehnusa Bridge and prevented them from moving ahead. This infuriated the protestors, who pelted stones and empty bottles on the cop. They retaliated by firing tear smoke shells and resorting to baton charge to disperse the agitating people. The clashes continued for nearly two hours during which 12 persons including four policemen and Grand Imam of Bandipora were injured.Some of the protestors managed to give slip to the police and para-military personnel and reached Sopore. They burnt effigies of BJP, NCP and PDP leaders amid slogans like 'Bandh Rastay khol do khol do (open the closed rood) and Sayast Kari Nahin Chaley Gi Nahin Chaley Gi and we want freedom. They were demanding action against the rioters who destroyed property of Muslims in Jammu and who attacked Kashmiri drivers and their vehicles.The protestors alleged that police used force even on the female protestors. “Police fired tear smoke shells directly on us, injuring scores of us,” they said adding, “They beat the protestors including women with gunbutts"."We will march towards Muzaffarabad. Police are acting as the agents of BJP,” said Ghulam Hassan, 65, who was heading around 5000 protestors towards MuzaffarabadReports further said that people in hundreds participated in protest rallies at Hajin, Sumbal, Arin and Ajas. Police and para-military personnel did not allow them to move ahead and the protestors dispersed off peacefully.
Doc narrates story of attack on ambulance
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Mir Tariq Bandipora, Aug 13: A doctor, who accompanied the Bandipora firing victims in the ambulance has revealed that CRPF personnel indiscriminately fired towards the vehicle. Dr Asif Iqbal said he and his colleague Dr Parvaiz Khalid accompanied four injured persons to SMHS hospital. “When we reached Paripmpora, thousands of people were on roads and few were injured during clashes with cops. “We carried some of the injured in the ambulance and were rushing towards SMHS,” he said.
The doctor, who works in SMHS hospital, alleged that CRPF personnel fired bullets and tear gas shells towards the ambulance, injuring the driver. “The tear smoke shells hit his face and he alongwith other injured cried in pain while the CRPF personnel continued to target the ambulance. The women of the area after hearing screams of the injured rushed towards ambulance and rescued all the injured. One of the injured, Mehraj-ud-Din Khan succumbed to injuries in the ambulance. The protestors tried to make way for the ambulance so that the injured could be shifted to hospital,” he said.The doctor said that the protestors including women were beaten by the CRPF personnel. "When we contacted district Administration, they warned us not to inform anybody about the brutality done by CRPF. We remained silent and waited for further orders which were against our emotions," said Dr. Asif.“This is the worst brutal and cowardly act that I have seen in my career,” he added.
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Mir Tariq Bandipora, Aug 13: A doctor, who accompanied the Bandipora firing victims in the ambulance has revealed that CRPF personnel indiscriminately fired towards the vehicle. Dr Asif Iqbal said he and his colleague Dr Parvaiz Khalid accompanied four injured persons to SMHS hospital. “When we reached Paripmpora, thousands of people were on roads and few were injured during clashes with cops. “We carried some of the injured in the ambulance and were rushing towards SMHS,” he said.
The doctor, who works in SMHS hospital, alleged that CRPF personnel fired bullets and tear gas shells towards the ambulance, injuring the driver. “The tear smoke shells hit his face and he alongwith other injured cried in pain while the CRPF personnel continued to target the ambulance. The women of the area after hearing screams of the injured rushed towards ambulance and rescued all the injured. One of the injured, Mehraj-ud-Din Khan succumbed to injuries in the ambulance. The protestors tried to make way for the ambulance so that the injured could be shifted to hospital,” he said.The doctor said that the protestors including women were beaten by the CRPF personnel. "When we contacted district Administration, they warned us not to inform anybody about the brutality done by CRPF. We remained silent and waited for further orders which were against our emotions," said Dr. Asif.“This is the worst brutal and cowardly act that I have seen in my career,” he added.
North Kashmir residents distribute eatables among city dwellers
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Relief was also provided to Sikhs and non-Kashmiri labourers
Mir Tariq Aug 14: Expressing unity with the urban population of Srinagar city, people in North Kashmir districts of Bandipora and Baramulla collected vegetables and distributed them among the dwellers in summer capital, who was confronting shortage of essential commodities. The relief supplies were also distributed among the non-Kashmiri labourers and Sikhs in the twin districts.People in various villages of Bandipora were seen collecting vegetables, rice and other eatables for the Srinagar people, who are facing shortage of essentials due to the incessant curfew and blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway.
Muhammad Saidulla, one of the volunteers said, “We collected rice and vegetables for the people residing in Srinagar city who are facing acute shortage of vegetable from couple of days.”Another volunteer, Fayaz Ahmad, said, “The firing on peace peaceful protesters will not make us lose our spirits. We are totally with the people, who are protesting in Kashmir”.In Safapora village of Bandipora youth formed small groups comprising 10 persons and the group visited every village to collect relief for the city dwellers."We collected eatables from various villages and then store it in Safapora. They were later loaded in trucks and sent to various parts of city," said Saidullah Bhat.At several places women were on the forefront in collecting the eatables. Zainab, a resident of Bandipora said, "Collecting vegetables and rice for the people, who are braving bullets gives us satisfaction that at least we are also part of the struggle”.In Baramulla town, people distributed relief among non Kashmiri labourers and Sikhs, who were facing starvation due to shortage of eatables in the town.The vegetables were distributed among the Sikhs at Deewan Bagh, Kanli Bagh, Singhbagh etc. People also distributed the vegetables and eatables among non-Kashmiri labourers in Azad Gunj area of old town.Ashoka Kumar a labourer from Gujarat said that they were facing problems from past three days as they were running short of eatables. "We would like to thank our Muslim brethren for providing us eatables at this hour of crisis," he said. Kumar further said, “Even our relatives would not have been such generous to us. Despite losing their near and dear ones in police firing, people are stilling taking care of us".Nazir a local said that they are taking special care of the non-Kashmiri labourers. “We have asked the relief activists to provide eatables to them on priority basis," said Nazir.In the wake of shortage of essential commodities due to the ongoing curfew and economic blockade, people residing in the adjoining villages of Baramulla town are donating tons of vegetables, rice, flour etc to the town.Ghulam Hassan Bhat of Chakla, Baramulla, who donated a truck full of vegetables on Thursday, says that it's the moral responsibility of the villagers to help the people of Valley who are facing acute shortage of eatables these days.“In the past two days, at least 20 trucks and tractors laden with vegetables have been sent to different parts of Baramulla town from our village. We will not allow our people to starve even if we have to empty our own homes," said Bhat.Some of the relief trucks were also dispatched to Srinagar, where people are facing shortage of essential commodities. Mohammad Subhan Dar of village Ushkura said, "It's the people of towns and cities who stood by us and raised their voice when our fruit produce was rotting. Now it's our turn. We have the capacity to feed our brethren for a year and won’t let them to die of starvation."Muzamil, 21, a college student of old town Baramulla, is happy with the show of unity in these dire circumstances. “It's not only about help but it's about unity. See the way the fellow Kashmiris living in villages are showing solidarity with us. I think if this unity is sustained, nobody can defeat us," added Muzamil.
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Relief was also provided to Sikhs and non-Kashmiri labourers
Mir Tariq Aug 14: Expressing unity with the urban population of Srinagar city, people in North Kashmir districts of Bandipora and Baramulla collected vegetables and distributed them among the dwellers in summer capital, who was confronting shortage of essential commodities. The relief supplies were also distributed among the non-Kashmiri labourers and Sikhs in the twin districts.People in various villages of Bandipora were seen collecting vegetables, rice and other eatables for the Srinagar people, who are facing shortage of essentials due to the incessant curfew and blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway.
Muhammad Saidulla, one of the volunteers said, “We collected rice and vegetables for the people residing in Srinagar city who are facing acute shortage of vegetable from couple of days.”Another volunteer, Fayaz Ahmad, said, “The firing on peace peaceful protesters will not make us lose our spirits. We are totally with the people, who are protesting in Kashmir”.In Safapora village of Bandipora youth formed small groups comprising 10 persons and the group visited every village to collect relief for the city dwellers."We collected eatables from various villages and then store it in Safapora. They were later loaded in trucks and sent to various parts of city," said Saidullah Bhat.At several places women were on the forefront in collecting the eatables. Zainab, a resident of Bandipora said, "Collecting vegetables and rice for the people, who are braving bullets gives us satisfaction that at least we are also part of the struggle”.In Baramulla town, people distributed relief among non Kashmiri labourers and Sikhs, who were facing starvation due to shortage of eatables in the town.The vegetables were distributed among the Sikhs at Deewan Bagh, Kanli Bagh, Singhbagh etc. People also distributed the vegetables and eatables among non-Kashmiri labourers in Azad Gunj area of old town.Ashoka Kumar a labourer from Gujarat said that they were facing problems from past three days as they were running short of eatables. "We would like to thank our Muslim brethren for providing us eatables at this hour of crisis," he said. Kumar further said, “Even our relatives would not have been such generous to us. Despite losing their near and dear ones in police firing, people are stilling taking care of us".Nazir a local said that they are taking special care of the non-Kashmiri labourers. “We have asked the relief activists to provide eatables to them on priority basis," said Nazir.In the wake of shortage of essential commodities due to the ongoing curfew and economic blockade, people residing in the adjoining villages of Baramulla town are donating tons of vegetables, rice, flour etc to the town.Ghulam Hassan Bhat of Chakla, Baramulla, who donated a truck full of vegetables on Thursday, says that it's the moral responsibility of the villagers to help the people of Valley who are facing acute shortage of eatables these days.“In the past two days, at least 20 trucks and tractors laden with vegetables have been sent to different parts of Baramulla town from our village. We will not allow our people to starve even if we have to empty our own homes," said Bhat.Some of the relief trucks were also dispatched to Srinagar, where people are facing shortage of essential commodities. Mohammad Subhan Dar of village Ushkura said, "It's the people of towns and cities who stood by us and raised their voice when our fruit produce was rotting. Now it's our turn. We have the capacity to feed our brethren for a year and won’t let them to die of starvation."Muzamil, 21, a college student of old town Baramulla, is happy with the show of unity in these dire circumstances. “It's not only about help but it's about unity. See the way the fellow Kashmiris living in villages are showing solidarity with us. I think if this unity is sustained, nobody can defeat us," added Muzamil.
Gurez, Bandipora residents barred
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 16: People of Gurez, Bandipora and adjoining areas in this newly created district in North Kashmir alleged that they were barred from participating in the Pampore march.Alleging district administration of stopping them from participating in the “Pampore March”, Gurez residents said that curfew was not lifted till 10 am to prevent people from participating in the “March”."We were keen t participate in the march but administration didn't lift the curfew which was imposed 24 hours back," said Zahoor Ahmed.He said, "We were asked to remain indoors by the troopers as the curfew was not lifted”.The drivers alleged that Deputy Commissioner had directed scores of drivers in the area not to ferry people from Gurez to Pampore. " We were asked by DC Bandipora not to ply vehicles on the roads,” said a representative of Transport Association.The residents said that although they were stopped by the authorities, but they will continue to support the agitation.People in several other places in Bandipora district accused the administration and security agencies of preventing them from reaching Srinagar to attend the ‘Pampore March'
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 16: People of Gurez, Bandipora and adjoining areas in this newly created district in North Kashmir alleged that they were barred from participating in the Pampore march.Alleging district administration of stopping them from participating in the “Pampore March”, Gurez residents said that curfew was not lifted till 10 am to prevent people from participating in the “March”."We were keen t participate in the march but administration didn't lift the curfew which was imposed 24 hours back," said Zahoor Ahmed.He said, "We were asked to remain indoors by the troopers as the curfew was not lifted”.The drivers alleged that Deputy Commissioner had directed scores of drivers in the area not to ferry people from Gurez to Pampore. " We were asked by DC Bandipora not to ply vehicles on the roads,” said a representative of Transport Association.The residents said that although they were stopped by the authorities, but they will continue to support the agitation.People in several other places in Bandipora district accused the administration and security agencies of preventing them from reaching Srinagar to attend the ‘Pampore March'
Woman found hanging in Bandipora
Parents say in-laws killed her
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 19: A 24-year-old woman was found hanging in her house, here at Bandipora, triggering protests with her parents alleging that she was killed by in-laws and demanded probe.Daisy Jan, 24 wife of Mohammad Abbas Waza of Shatulipora, Shelvat, Bandipora was found hanging in her home on Monday evening. Her neighbours, who rushed to the house after coming to know about her death, said that they found Dazy hanging with a rope around her neckDazy's father, Ghulam Mahiudin Sofi and her family members alleged that she was tortured by in-laws for dowry. “I married my daughter Dazy to Muhammad Abass Waza son of Nazir Ahmed in October 2007,” Sofi said.“Soon after the marriage, her husband and in-laws started harassing her. They were asking her to bring dowry of Rs 3.50 lakhs. We fulfilled some of their demands but their list never stopped. They subjected Dazy to cruelty for not fulfilling their demands of dowry”, he alleged.Brother of the deceased lady, Mudasir told Rising Kashmir, “The in-laws were always harassing her. She was repeatedly beaten by husband for not bringing the dowry. They have killed her”.The father, brother and other family members of the lady accused Dazi’s in-laws of killing herParents and family members of deceased alleged that police is not taking the crime seriously. “We submitted an application to SHO Sumbal but police have not registered FIR against her in-laws for killing her,” said one of Dazy’s relatives, Ghulam Hassan.The brother of the deceased said that despite submitting medical report to the police, the officials have not registered an FIR.When contacted SHO Sumbal, Abdul Rashid told Rising Kashmir, “We have not received the medical report so far. FIR cannot be registered unless the medical report is received,” he said.“The post-mortem report is awaited,” he added.The family members of the deceased and the locals of the area staged demonstrations and asked police to register a dowry case against Dazy’s in-laws. They have demanded arrest of her in-laws and stern punishment to them.
Parents say in-laws killed her
Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 19: A 24-year-old woman was found hanging in her house, here at Bandipora, triggering protests with her parents alleging that she was killed by in-laws and demanded probe.Daisy Jan, 24 wife of Mohammad Abbas Waza of Shatulipora, Shelvat, Bandipora was found hanging in her home on Monday evening. Her neighbours, who rushed to the house after coming to know about her death, said that they found Dazy hanging with a rope around her neckDazy's father, Ghulam Mahiudin Sofi and her family members alleged that she was tortured by in-laws for dowry. “I married my daughter Dazy to Muhammad Abass Waza son of Nazir Ahmed in October 2007,” Sofi said.“Soon after the marriage, her husband and in-laws started harassing her. They were asking her to bring dowry of Rs 3.50 lakhs. We fulfilled some of their demands but their list never stopped. They subjected Dazy to cruelty for not fulfilling their demands of dowry”, he alleged.Brother of the deceased lady, Mudasir told Rising Kashmir, “The in-laws were always harassing her. She was repeatedly beaten by husband for not bringing the dowry. They have killed her”.The father, brother and other family members of the lady accused Dazi’s in-laws of killing herParents and family members of deceased alleged that police is not taking the crime seriously. “We submitted an application to SHO Sumbal but police have not registered FIR against her in-laws for killing her,” said one of Dazy’s relatives, Ghulam Hassan.The brother of the deceased said that despite submitting medical report to the police, the officials have not registered an FIR.When contacted SHO Sumbal, Abdul Rashid told Rising Kashmir, “We have not received the medical report so far. FIR cannot be registered unless the medical report is received,” he said.“The post-mortem report is awaited,” he added.The family members of the deceased and the locals of the area staged demonstrations and asked police to register a dowry case against Dazy’s in-laws. They have demanded arrest of her in-laws and stern punishment to them.
Bandipora residents pay homage to slain youth
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Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 21: A large number of people gathered here on Wednesday to offer funeral prayers in absentia for the four youth killed in unprovoked firing on August 13 at Alooosa when they were participating in a peaceful protest march.Besides representatives of Kashmir Mass Movement, a large number of people attended the prayers at Gulshan Chowk raising pro-freedom slogans and condemning the action of troops on innocent civilians.The Kashmir Mass Movement members expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of four youth.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Kashmir Mass Movement, Moulana Bashir Ahmed Mir said: "Troops and paramilitary troops in Kashmir are victimizing innocent Kashmiris, which should be checked by the international agencies."Accusing the troopers of double standards, Mir said, "They are friendly with the people who are killing Kashmiris in Jammu but are spraying bullets upon the peaceful protesters in Valley.”Expressing optimism over the people’s involvement in the agitation, Mir said: "It is the people who make any movement successful. We hope that people will fully support the movement till it reaches its logical end."Mir said: "We are demanding opening of Jhelum Valley road which is the traditional road as rioters have imposed economic blockade on Srinagar-Jammu highway.""It is enough now. Kashmiris are now getting aware about the imperialistic conspiracies of India. India should now let Kashmir free according to the wishes of people reflected in the past days during Pampore and UNO marches," he added. “The leaders have taken an initiative of opening the Jehlum Valley road keeping people’s participation in the protests in mind," said Mir.The members of Kashmir Mass Movement visited the families of slain youth and expressed sympathy with them.
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Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 21: A large number of people gathered here on Wednesday to offer funeral prayers in absentia for the four youth killed in unprovoked firing on August 13 at Alooosa when they were participating in a peaceful protest march.Besides representatives of Kashmir Mass Movement, a large number of people attended the prayers at Gulshan Chowk raising pro-freedom slogans and condemning the action of troops on innocent civilians.The Kashmir Mass Movement members expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of four youth.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman Kashmir Mass Movement, Moulana Bashir Ahmed Mir said: "Troops and paramilitary troops in Kashmir are victimizing innocent Kashmiris, which should be checked by the international agencies."Accusing the troopers of double standards, Mir said, "They are friendly with the people who are killing Kashmiris in Jammu but are spraying bullets upon the peaceful protesters in Valley.”Expressing optimism over the people’s involvement in the agitation, Mir said: "It is the people who make any movement successful. We hope that people will fully support the movement till it reaches its logical end."Mir said: "We are demanding opening of Jhelum Valley road which is the traditional road as rioters have imposed economic blockade on Srinagar-Jammu highway.""It is enough now. Kashmiris are now getting aware about the imperialistic conspiracies of India. India should now let Kashmir free according to the wishes of people reflected in the past days during Pampore and UNO marches," he added. “The leaders have taken an initiative of opening the Jehlum Valley road keeping people’s participation in the protests in mind," said Mir.The members of Kashmir Mass Movement visited the families of slain youth and expressed sympathy with them.
Kalaroos residents prepare for Eidgah march
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Mir TariqKupwara, Aug 21: Ahead of the Eidgah Chalo march, hundreds of people Thursday took to streets in Kalaroos, Kupwara in support of the current agitation.Raising pro-freedom slogans, hundreds of people including children and women staged protest till late night. Enthusiastic about the march, people were seen decorating vehicles which will ferry people to Eidgah, Srinagar.
"We are happy that people are showing unity at this crucial time and we don't want to remain aloof as well," said Muhammad Ashraf, adding, "All the locals, including women and children in Kalaroos are going to participate in the march.""We want to register our protest against the blockade of supplies to the Valley and the killing of our brethren by the police and CRPF. We don't want any let up in the protests," said a group of local youth. Expressing their happiness, protesting women told Rising Kashmir, “We are fallowing men folk who have always sacrificed their lives for Kashmir cause.” A group of youth was distributing vehicles among the locals on Thursday evening. "We are making arrangements in advance so that the jumbling may be avoided when people leave to attend Eidgah protest," said Muhammad Ashraf, a local resident.
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Mir TariqKupwara, Aug 21: Ahead of the Eidgah Chalo march, hundreds of people Thursday took to streets in Kalaroos, Kupwara in support of the current agitation.Raising pro-freedom slogans, hundreds of people including children and women staged protest till late night. Enthusiastic about the march, people were seen decorating vehicles which will ferry people to Eidgah, Srinagar.
"We are happy that people are showing unity at this crucial time and we don't want to remain aloof as well," said Muhammad Ashraf, adding, "All the locals, including women and children in Kalaroos are going to participate in the march.""We want to register our protest against the blockade of supplies to the Valley and the killing of our brethren by the police and CRPF. We don't want any let up in the protests," said a group of local youth. Expressing their happiness, protesting women told Rising Kashmir, “We are fallowing men folk who have always sacrificed their lives for Kashmir cause.” A group of youth was distributing vehicles among the locals on Thursday evening. "We are making arrangements in advance so that the jumbling may be avoided when people leave to attend Eidgah protest," said Muhammad Ashraf, a local resident.
Freedom processions continue in Bandipora
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Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 23: The pro-freedom processions continue to take place in this newly created district with thousands of people coming out on roads on Saturday and demanding “right to self determination”.Thousands of people including students, traders and social workers staged pro-freedom rallies at Ajas, Sumbal, Hajin, Kheniusa, Alooosa, Arin, Safapora and Sidunara area in Bandipora district.Carrying black and green flags, people mostly youth started the pro-freedom march from Bandipora Chowk and marched through different parts of the district.
The protestors were raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans and demanded freedom from “Indian occupation”. They also demanded opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, release of detainees and immediate withdrawal of troops."We want end to the Indian occupation of Kashmir,” said Zahoor Ahmad, one of the protestor, adding, “No one can prevent us from seeking Azadi. We are ready to sacrifice everything for achieving Azadi from Indian rule”.People paid tributes to the unarmed protestors killed in firing by police and para-military personnel during the ongoing agitation. They also remembered four youth of Bandipora killed in unprovoked firing of troopers on August 13.They said that they will follow the programme of Coordination Committee in letter and spirit. “We will respond to each and every call given by the committee,” said a protestor, Mushtaq Ahmad.He demanded that coordination committee should set an ultimatum to the Indian government for opening of Srinagar-Muzafrabdad road and withdrawal of troops from Kashmir.An elderly protestor, Muhammad Afzal said, "We are conducting rallies and protests to make it clear the world that we are against India's occupation of Kashmir."He added, “Processions will continue till the Indian government fulfils our demands" Afzal Added.Reports said that people in remote villages also took out pro-freedom processions in Bandipora.Meanwhile, the whole Bandipora district observed a complete shutdown. All shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the whole district. The work in government offices, banks and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads.
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Mir TariqBandipora, Aug 23: The pro-freedom processions continue to take place in this newly created district with thousands of people coming out on roads on Saturday and demanding “right to self determination”.Thousands of people including students, traders and social workers staged pro-freedom rallies at Ajas, Sumbal, Hajin, Kheniusa, Alooosa, Arin, Safapora and Sidunara area in Bandipora district.Carrying black and green flags, people mostly youth started the pro-freedom march from Bandipora Chowk and marched through different parts of the district.
The protestors were raising pro-freedom, pro-Pakistan and anti-India slogans and demanded freedom from “Indian occupation”. They also demanded opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, release of detainees and immediate withdrawal of troops."We want end to the Indian occupation of Kashmir,” said Zahoor Ahmad, one of the protestor, adding, “No one can prevent us from seeking Azadi. We are ready to sacrifice everything for achieving Azadi from Indian rule”.People paid tributes to the unarmed protestors killed in firing by police and para-military personnel during the ongoing agitation. They also remembered four youth of Bandipora killed in unprovoked firing of troopers on August 13.They said that they will follow the programme of Coordination Committee in letter and spirit. “We will respond to each and every call given by the committee,” said a protestor, Mushtaq Ahmad.He demanded that coordination committee should set an ultimatum to the Indian government for opening of Srinagar-Muzafrabdad road and withdrawal of troops from Kashmir.An elderly protestor, Muhammad Afzal said, "We are conducting rallies and protests to make it clear the world that we are against India's occupation of Kashmir."He added, “Processions will continue till the Indian government fulfils our demands" Afzal Added.Reports said that people in remote villages also took out pro-freedom processions in Bandipora.Meanwhile, the whole Bandipora district observed a complete shutdown. All shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the whole district. The work in government offices, banks and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads.
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