PCC chief GA Mir addressing party workers in Jammu on Wednesday.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 4: Congress would organize a tractor rally on November 9 in Jammu to protest against the new land laws in J&K and three anti-farmers legislations of the BJP Govt at the Centre.
This was disclosed here today in a meeting of the senior leaders of the border belt of Jammu district under the chairmanship of PCC chief GA Mir at PCC office Jammu to discuss the details of the scheduled programme of AICC.
The venue of the proposed rally has been fixed between Miran Sahib to RS Pura, which shall be led by AICC Incharge of J&K party affairs Rajni Patil, Ex-MP, besides JKPCC chief GA Mir and other senior leaders.
The today’s meeting was also attended by PCC vice president and former Ministers Mula Ram, Raman Bhalla, Former MLA Balwan Singh, Former minister Gurbachan Kumari Rana, PCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, senior leaders Manmohan Singh, Shiv Dev Singh, Ch Gharu Ram, Hari Singh Chib, Pawan Raina, Shashi Sharma, Sanjeev Panda, Manjit Singh Jatt, Uday Chib, Gurdarshan Singh and others.
The meeting took stock of the current situation on political and security front in Jammu and Kashmir besides discussing the ongoing protest against the new anti-farmers legislations in the Country against which series of agitations and various modes of protests including the signature campaign have been undertaken by the Congress throughout country including Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting also took serious note of the new land laws for J&K which have come as a great cause of anger and unrest in the entire J&K.
Mir said that Congress party joins all those people who oppose such anti- J&K people and anti-farmers laws of the BJP Centre Govt. and would lead the movement against such moves which are against the overall interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir along with the anti- farmer laws in the country.
He said that a mega tractor rally shall be held at Miran Sahib, RS Pura of Jammu on Nov 9 to lodge strong protest against the new farm laws and the new land laws for J&K whereby outside residents have been given the open license to purchase the lands in Jammu and Kashmir. He lashed out the repeated betrayals and deceit of the BJP against their assurances to protect the rights to land and jobs of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said a memorandum along with signatures opposing these anti farmers and anti J&K laws, shall be forwarded to the president of India after 10 Nov 2020.
MD JKSFC, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, during visit to District Pulwama.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 4: In order to interact with the promising entrepreneurs and loan beneficiaries, the MD JKSFC, Rajesh Kumar Shavan conducted a tour of district Pulwama.
He visited District Office Pulwama and was accompanied by Bashir Ahmed Bhat District Manager, Rajouri and the team of branch office Pulwama.
During the tour, Shavan interacted with number of budding and existing entrepreneurs especially youth who showed keen interest to start their own business with financial assistance from the Government under various schemes through SFC.
The MD assured that the Government is keen to help the unemployed youth as per the policies and the youth should fully avail the benefits of the schemes.”They shouldn’t wait for only Government jobs as jobs are very limited,” he said, adding that by starting own units the youth can become not only job seekers but job providers also in the changing business environment.
He assured the participants that the department will provide hassle-free service to them but will be very firm in recovery of outstanding Government money.
Some of the participants who are beneficiaries of loan schemes demanded waiving of loan interest in view of COVID-19 pandemic and the MD said that it is a policy matter which needs consideration at Government level and not at directorate level.
Sarpanches and Panches of Pulwama also attended the meeting.
The MD also inspected the office of the Corporation & issued certain instructions for the improvement. He desired holding of such camps by the district team on regular basis & identification of the talented youth for starting entrepreneurship under Self Employment Scheme.
NEW DELHI, Nov 4:
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday blamed the Punjab Government’s “inaction” for the disruption of rail services due to a blockade by farmers in the state and said smooth passage of passenger and goods trains was in everyone’s interest.
He said the state’s farmers had sold a record 158 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, which proved that they were happy.
Addressing the media after a Cabinet meeting, Javadekar said the protest is being held at 32 places in Punjab with farmers sitting on rail tracks.
“It is the inaction of the state Government. Law and order is a state subject. The removal of the rail blockade for the smooth passage of passenger and goods trains is in the interest of everyone. For winters, we have to move LPG cylinders and clothing for forces deployed in forward areas,” he said in response to a question.
The Minister wondered whether the agitation was political in nature and in support of commission agents as farmers had benefitted by selling their produce at a higher MSP.
The agitation by farmers in Punjab against the Centre’s three farm reforms began around September 24.
The farmers have expressed apprehension that the recently enacted laws would pave the way for dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the “mercy” of big corporates. (PTI)
MUMBAI, Nov 4:
Actor Faraaz Khan, known for starring in movies such as “Fareb” and “Mehndi” in the 1990s, passed away in Bengaluru on Wednesday. He was 46.
The news of his demise was shared by actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt on social media.
“With a heavy heart I break the news that #FaraazKhan has left us for what I believe, is a better place. Gratitude to all for your help & good wishes when he needed it most.
“Please keep his family in your thoughts & prayers. The void he has left behind will be impossible to fill,” Bhatt said.
Khan, son of late Bollywood actor Yusuf Khan, was admitted to Vikram Hospital in Bengaluru last month after suffering multiple seizures.
His family members, Farhad Abousher and Ahmed Shamoon, had started a fundraising campaign to gather funds for his treatment.
They had said that Khan had been suffering from a cough and an infection in his chest for nearly a year and it aggravated recently.
Khan suffered seizures thrice when he was being taken to the hospital and it was later diagnosed that he had a “herpes infection in his brain that had spread from his chest”.
Bhatt had last month urged people to offer financial support for Khan’s treatment. Following which, superstar Salman Khan had paid for Khan’s medical expenses.
Khan had marked his debut in Bollywood in 1996 with Vikram Bhatt-directed “Fareb”. He found fame after he featured as Rani Mukherjee’s husband in social drama “Mehendi”.
His film credits also include movies such as “Prithvi”, “Dulhan Banoo Main Teri”, “Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya” and “Chand Bujh Gaya”.
Khan also starred in a many TV shows such as “Achanak 37 Saal Baad”, “Lipstick”, “Ssshhhh…Koi Hai” and “Raat Hone Ko Hai”. (PTI)
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole inspecting Dal lake cleaning exercise on Wednesday.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 4: The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir along with Vice Chairman Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) today took an extensive tour of Dal and Nigeen Lake.
He took stock of manual and mechanical deweeding and lily extraction in various sections.
He was informed that about 54600 labourers have been engaged for manual deweeding till date and 152425 cum of weed besides 92444 cum of lily has been extracted during the current year.
The Div Com also inspected various types of Lake cleaning machines viz, operation of water master, weed harvesters and the dredger.
During the interaction and discussion with the engineering team, he was apprised about settling the basin at Telbal nallah and its purpose of arresting silt.
The Div Com also observed lily extraction mechanically being done by newly procured high capacity deweeding machines obtained from DMRC, New Delhi.
He also inspected ongoing works of Doledemb and it was informed that about 28000 sq.meters of area has been cleared in a short span of two months and about 70 to 90 dumper loads of extracted lily have been removed on a daily basis.
Newly elected body of J&K PLTOF posing after a meeting.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 4: J&K Pilgrim & Leisure Tour Operators Forum (PLTOF) elected its new body, in its 15th annual general meeting held today under the chairmanship of Showkat Pakhtoon.
The newly elected members resolved that Travel is no longer a privilege but a right, as the Tourism stake holders serve as the harbinger of good news and peace that travel, hospitality and tourism business which has headed towards a grim future due to pandemic will recover sooner or later.
Nisar A Wani, Director Tourism Kashmir and MD – JKTDC highlighted the role played by the members of J&K PLTOF since all of them are into Tourism business for the last 5 decades and more. He described the members of J&K PLTOF as the Role Model for bringing Kashmir back to its pristine glory and assured the Tourism Trade that Government will work shoulder to shoulder with the stake holders in promotion of Tourism by participating in Road Shows and all the Trade Fairs. He also highlighted the role of Department by giving a fillip to Tourism activity on social media.
Speaking on the occasion, Waseem Raja, Additional Secretary Tourism informed that the Department is projecting many activities to bring back Tourism to J&K, provided we get some relief from Covid in the next 4/5 months. Deputy Directors of Tourism Ideel Saleem and Ahsan Ul Haq Chesti also spoke on the occasion.
MUMBAI, Nov 4:
Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami was today arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of a 53-year-old interior designer in 2018, a police official said.
Goswami was produced in a court in Alibaug, 90 km from Mumbai, and was remanded to judicial custody till November 18.
Two others, named along with Goswami in the interior designer’s suicide note, who were also arrested today, have also been remanded to judicial custody till November 18, Goswami’s lawyer Gaurav Parkar said. Click here to watch video
The Alibaug court ruling came shortly after 11 pm.
The official said a team of Raigad police picked up Goswami (47) from his Lower Parel house in the morning. He was seen being pushed into the police van, and claimed that he was assaulted by police before being taken away.
“Police arrested Goswami under sections 306 (abetment of suicide), and 34 (acts done by persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. This (arrest) pertains to the 2018 case of a man and his mother committing suicide. We have evidence (against Goswami),” the police official said.
“When we gave the intimation (of arrest) to Goswami’s wife, she tore up the paper,” said the official who was present at Goswami’s home when he was picked up by police.
A viral video showed police personnel entering Goswami’s house, while the journalist is seen making efforts to close the door on them. Goswami, ensconced on a sofa, is later heard telling the cops to maintain social distancing, as they come near him and ask him to accompany them.
A policeman is seen catching hold of Goswami’s left arm and asking him to accompany the cops. “You assaulted me and you are physically assaulting my family,” Goswami is heard saying.
In the video, aired by Republic TV, a woman police officer is heard asking Goswami’s wife to sign documents pertaining to the arrest, to which Goswami is heard telling her not to sign them. Goswam’s wife, also a senor journalist, is then seen tearing the papers.
Goswami is also seen repeatedly telling his wife to record the entire proceedings.
Soon after the vehicle carrying Goswami reached Alibaug, he was produced in a local court, which directed police to take him to the civil hospital there for medical check-up, after his lawyer alleged the senior journalist was assaulted by police.
“Goswami was produced before a magistrate court in Alibaug where he complained of physical assault at the hands of the police team that barged into his house this morning, Parkar said.
The magistrate took note of the allegations and directed police to take Goswami to the civil hospital for medical check-up, after which he was brought back to the court for hearing on his remand.
Police sought a 14-day remand of Goswami. The court remanded him and the two others arrested in the suicide case, to judicial custody till November 18, the lawyer said
Mumbai police registered an FIR against Goswami, his wife, son and two others for “obstructing, assaulting, verbally abusing and intimidating” a police officer on duty and for tearing up “government papers” (arrest intimation) at his house, an official said.
The FIR was registered at the N M Joshi Marg police station under sections 353, 504, 506 of IPC and section 3 of the Damage of Public Property Act, the official said.
Police said the earlier investigation officer who first probed the abetment to suicide case will face inquiry.
That officer had submitted a closure report in the case, saying there was no evidence, police said.
The architect and his mother committed suicide over alleged non-payment of dues by Republic TV, police said.
In May this year, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh announced he has ordered a fresh probe in the case after a complaint by Adnya Naik, daughter of the architect Anvay Naik.
Deshmukh said Adnya alleged that the Alibaug police had not investigated the alleged non-payment of dues from Goswami’s channel, which she claimed drove her father and grandmother to suicide in May 2018.
Police said that in a suicide note, Anvay Naik, who owned Concorde Designs Pvt Ltd, had claimed that he was ending his life due to non-payment of his dues by Goswami, Feroz Shaikh of IcastX/Skimedia and Niteish Sarda of Smartworks.
Police said that as per the note, the three firms owed Naiks company Rs 83 lakh, Rs four crore and Rs 55 lakh respectively. The two others named in the suicide note were also arrested on Wednesday, police said.
Responding to the claim on non-payment of dues, Republic TV had in a statement said the entire amount owed to Concorde had been paid.
The BJP and the Congress engaged in a verbal duel over Goswami’s arrest, with the saffron party saying it was an “attack on press freedom” reminiscent of the Emergency, while the opposition party termed it tirade as “selective outrage”.
Reacting to the development, the Editors Guild of India condemned the “sudden arrest” and asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to ensure that Goswami is treated fairly and state power is not used against critical reporting by the media.
The arrest triggered a political slugfest between the BJP and the Congress. BJP president J P Nadda and senior Union ministers slammed Goswami’s arrest, with Home Minister Amit Shah describing it as a “blatant misuse of state power” which reminded of the Emergency.
“India didn’t forgive Indira Gandhi for the Emergency. India never forgave Rajiv Gandhi for his assault on press freedom. And now, India will again punish Sonia-Rahul Gandhi for their brazen and intimidating use of state power to get equal with journalists,” Nadda tweeted.
Reacting to Goswami’s arrest, Shah said Congress and its allies have shamed democracy once again.
“Blatant misuse of state power against Republic TV and Arnab Goswami is an attack on individual freedom and the 4th pillar of democracy. It reminds us of the Emergency. This attack on free press must be and will be opposed,” he tweeted. Several Union ministers, including Prakash Javadekar and S Jaishankar, described Goswami’s arrest as “an attack on the freedom of press” and said it reminded of the Emergency years.
Hitting out at the BJP over its criticism of Goswami’s arrest, the Congress said its “selective outrage” on press freedom is “shameful” and the law will take its own course in the case against the Republic TV editor-in-chief.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said she was “actually very shocked with the selective outrage” of the BJP and of the sections of the Government.
“Why are they silent when Prashant Kanojia is jailed for a number of months just because he exposed a scam where children were being served salt and chapati in Mirzapur?”, the spokesperson asked, referring to the journalist who was arrested by the UP Police.
Addressing a media briefing, she raised several other questions.”Why is the BJP selectively silent when sedition charges are slapped against journalists and when a case has been filed against (Scroll) journalist Supriya Sharma because she exposed the pathetic state of affairs in a village in Varanasi?”, she asked.
“And when a reporter who exposed the PPE kit scam in Uttar Pradesh is jailed and faces serious sedition charges instead of action been taken against those responsible for the scam,” she added.
Many top BJP Ministers slammed the Maharashtra government over Goswami’s arrest and hit out at the Congress.
The Congress is part of the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Government in Maharashtra with NCP as the other partner.
In a series of tweets, Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the arrest of senior journalist Goswami was “seriously reprehensible, unwarranted and worrisome.”
“We had fought for freedom of Press as well while opposing the draconian Emergency of 1975,” Prasad said.
Information and Broadcasting minister Javadekar said Goswami’s arrest is reminiscent of “Emergency days”.
He also hit out at the Congress, saying its “fascist and Emergency mindset” is on display in Maharashtra.
Union Minister Smriti Irani tweeted that if those in free press don’t stand up in support of Goswami then they are tactically in support of fascism. (PTI)
JKNPP activists staging protest against Govt policies in Jammu on Wednesday.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 4: Accusing the Central Govt of contemplating a draconian ‘Rehabilitation Policy’ for the local militants and OGWs operating in J&K, activists of JKNPP spearheaded by Harsh Dev Singh party chairman staged a protest demonstration here today.
The infuriated protestors while raising anti-government slogans torched BJP’s effigy to express their indignation against the duplicitous character of the BJP. Click here to watch
Addressing the galaxy of media, Harsh Dev expressed anguish and deep shock over the trilogy of MHA, MoD and J&K administration mulling a comprehensive Rehab programme for the dreaded militants.
“Are you really making a ploy to wean away the local militants and the OGWs from the menace or making an attempt to appease the secessionist forces and Kashmir centric leaders in the valley? Have previous Rehabilitation policies born fruits for you? Such programmes aimed to bring the dreaded militants into mainstream have only emboldened the subversive and anti-national elements and nothing else”, Harsh Dev regretted.
He said that the upcoming policy entailed amnesty from prosecution for the surrendered militants. If such militant got a job, he would not be disqualified because of his past. Such weird policy conferring immunity upon the dreaded militants would only encourage the radicalized elements to join the ranks and file of the terror outfits without any fear to cause havoc and mayhem, added Harsh.
Asserting that Rehab policy for militants deserved mourning rather than condemnation, Singh said that it has not only sent ripples among the meritorious and aspiring youth of J&K but also left all the patriotic sects of the society aghast.
Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion included Rajesh Padgotra, Gagan Pratap, Surinder Chouhan, Rampaul Sharma, Rajesh Gondhi, Nirmal Kishore, Yashpaul Sharma, Mohinder Singh, Satvir Manhas, Kulbir Sambyal, Rashpaul Singh and others.
PHE workers protesting near Chenani in Udhampur on Wednesday.
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Nov 4: The PHE daily wagers under the banner of PHE Employees United Front held strong protest demonstration and blocked Udhampur – Chenani road near Chenani Domail.
The PHE workers under the chairmanship of Sanjay Kumar and Sat Pal, senior leaders of the United Front, the workers were beating utensils and shouting slogans against the UT Administration and BJP Government at the Centre.
They alleged that BJP has failed to resolve the pending issues of the workers despite long protests. The protesting workers were demanding their regularisation, release of pending wages, implementation of Minimum Wages Act in J&K on Central pattern, clearance of dues of retired daily wagers, biometric attendance for keeping record of un-paid workers.
Speaking on the occasion, protesters said the Government is spending huge money on the rehabilitation of the militants and their families but the workers who are performing their duties with dedication on meager money are being denied their wages.
He said that due to ‘Kaam Chhoro Hartal’ of workers, the public is suffering badly but the Government is neither bothered about starvation of poor workers, nor the sufferings of common people due to the workers’ strike which entered 41th day today.
Protesters appealed to LG, Manoj Sinha to intervene into the matter and solve the issues of the poor workers before Diwali.
Later, BDC chairman Prakash Chand with the Sarpanches also rushed to the spot. They pacified the protestors by assuring that their issue will be taken up at higher level. On the assurances the protestors lifted the blockade and dispersed. The vehicular traffic was restored at about 3 pm.
CEC Kargil, Feroz Ahmad posing with artists who performed on the concluding function of mega festival at Garkone, Kargil on Wednesday.
Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL Nov 4: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan said that traditional festivals are an integral component of the identity of a community or race and holding of such events showcasing the folklore and folk traditions assume great significance in the present era. Click here to watch video
The CEC stated this while addressing people during the concluding ceremony of the five- day long Bonona-Mega Harvest Festival at Garkone Lchangrah on Tuesday where he was the chief guest.
Bonona, Chhopo Strubla or the Mega Harvest Festival is the most popular and eventful festival celebrated rotation wise after every three years in the Aryan Valleys of Garkone and Dah. During Bonona, people of these villages come out in their traditional dress and festive mood to celebrate the festival where the 18 songs about the origin of the Dard Aryans and the history of their migration and settlement in the present Valleys are sung.
CEC Khan while congratulating the local population of Garkone village for having organized the festival appreciated their level of cultural consciousness and stated that this will go a long way in ensuring the preservation of the rich cultural and traditional treasure of the Dard Aryans who are known the world over for their distinct features and traditions.
Underlining the potential of cultural tourism in the Aryan belt of the district to supplement the economy of the local population, CEC Khan assured that all requisite facilities including road connectivity, water and power supply, healthcare, telecommunication and internet facilities will be augmented to facilitate tourists visiting the area.
Local unemployed youth and young entrepreneurs would be extended all out financial support through subsidy schemes to establish hotels, guest houses, camping sites, resorts, home stays and other related facilities, the CEC assured.
The CEC informed the members of AYF that out of Rs 10 lacs sanctioned by the LAHDC Kargil for establishment of Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) in Garkone village, Rs 3 lacs have already been released while rest of the funds would be released in due course of time so that the YEC comes up at the earliest for the benefit of the local youth.
Sadhbhavana Project Officer, Biama Brigade Colonel Dinesh Chauhan, AD Information Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak, Principal Government Higher Secondary School Silmoo, Nawang Sharap, Former nominated Councillor, Miskin Tsering, Sarpanchs, Panchs, Nambardars, folk artists and musicians besides the local people were present on the occasion.
