SRINAGAR : Life was today affected due to curfew like restrictions and general strike in south Kashmir districts of
Anantnag and Kulgam, where a teenager was killed after security force opened fire to disperse demonstrators at Koimoh yesterday. However, official sources said restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed at Koimoh, Kulgam, to maintain law and order.
The breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who is under house arrest since his return from New Delhi in April, has called for a general strike in Kulgam and Anantnag today against the killing of Suhail Ahmad Lone at Khudwani Koimoh after security forces opened fire to disperse demonstrators yesterday.
The demonstrators were protesting against the Israeli air strikes on Gaza that left more than 300 people, mostly women and children, dead during the past more than a week. They were also protesting against security force firing in which a youth was injured on July 18.
Sensing more trouble today after massive protests yesterday, hundreds of security force and state police personnel were deployed at Khudwani and Koimoh since last night to prevent any more violence.
Residents alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses by security forces. “We were being directed to remain as curfew has been imposed,” a resident Abdul Rashid said over phone.
He said even people were not allowed to purchase essentials, including milk, bread and vegetables. Meanwhile, shops and business establishments, which remained open on Sunday, were closed and traffic was off the roads in Kulgam and Anantnag.
Additional security force and police personnel have been deployed to prevent any demonstration. However, vehicles carrying Amarnath yatris were plying normally.
(AGENCIES)
Life affected due to restrictions, strike in south Kashmir
Army to celebrate 15th Operation Vijay Diwas on July 25-26
SRINAGAR : The 15th ‘Operation Vijay Diwas’, victory over Pakistani intruders in Kargil, would be celebrated by organising a two-day function in Drass from July 25. A defence ministry spokespersons today said the Army is preparing extensively to honour the martyrs of the Kargil War of 1999 in a series of solemn ceremonies this year. The primary event, which will mark the 15th anniversary of the Victory, is scheduled to be held at War Memorial Drass from July 25th to 26th.
It will be attended by a large number of dignitaries of the Army and civil administration as well as gallantry award winners of the conflict and families of many martyrs. The conflict was fought in the summer of 1999 to evict Pakistani regular forces who had intruded and occupied winter vacated posts on the Indian side of the Line of Control, violating an unwritten agreement.
The operation cost the Indian Army hundreds of young lives, in whose memory the commemorative function is held every year. He said this year on July 25, the much vaunted Army Bands will present a breathtaking band display, followed by a solemn memorial service.
On July 26, top officers of the Army, martyrs families, war heroes, political representatives and the civil administration will participate in the commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial located at the base of the Tololing feature, the scene of one of the fiercest battles of the operation.
The event is a purposeful attempt by the Army every year to remember its martyrs and solemnly honour their memories and to remind the Nation of the constant sacrifices the men and women in uniform make for the citizens of the country. (AGENCIES)
Govt deploys 2,000 extra BSF troops along Pak border in Jammu
NEW DELHI : To check infiltration bids, nearly 2,000 additional Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and special surveillance equipment have been deployed along the international border in Jammu region for effective domination of the areas.
The additional man-power, surveillance equipment,vehicles and other infrastructure support have been moved into the border along Pakistan to strengthen intelligence network, coordination with sister agencies and conduct special operations along the border.
Home Ministry officials said vulnerability mapping of the Border Out Posts (BOPs), which are sensitive with regard to infiltration, have been carried out and the additional resources have been deployed there.
Continuous efforts are being made to deploy the latest surveillance equipment, fully fitted with day and night vision devices, for further enhancing the border domination, the officials said.
The Home Ministry has also directed for effective domination of the border by carrying out round-the-clock surveillance of the borders through patrolling, border ambushes and by deploying observation posts all along the international border.
The riverine segments of international border being patrolled and dominated with the help of water crafts and speed boats of BSF’s water wings, the officials said.
Security forces have killed five infiltrators and apprehended 13 others in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far.
In 2013, 39 infiltrators were killed and 16 others were apprehended in the state. A total of 16 infiltrators were killed and nine others were apprehended in Jammu and Kashmir in 2012. (AGENCIES)
Pakistan violates ceasefire in J&K again, fires mortars to target Indian positions
Jammu: In yet another attempt to invade the Indian territory, Pakistan troops on Sunday targeted Pital and two other posts of the Border Security Force (BSF) in RS Pura sector of Jammu.
The Indian troops guarding the border effectively replied with similar calibre weapons to the firing which began at 2:00 am today.
The rangers used small arms and mortars which created panic among the villagers situated near RS Pura sector.
As per the reports, the mortars fell in residential areas which killed a few cattle. Moreover, the villagers preferred to remain indoor throughout the day.
It is the second ceasefire violation by the Pakistani Army in RS Pura sector within a week after it opened fire at Pindi outpost.
On June 13, 2014, Pakistan troops had violated the ceasefire by targeting Indian posts along the LoC in Poonch sector of J&K with heavy firing and mortar shelling, drawing retaliation by Indian forces.
In 2013, several Indian Army jawans were killed and dozens got injured in 149 ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops on forward posts, civilian areas and patrolling parties along the India-Pak border.(Agencies)
Another batch of devotees leave for Amarnath from Jammu, One more yatri dies, toll touches 33
JAMMU/SRINAGAR : Amid tight security, the 24th batch of pilgrims today left for the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas from here.
As many as 1,499 pilgrims, including 997 men, 387 women and 13 children, left from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu in a cavalcade of 45 vehicles at 4:15 AM, police said.
The convoy has already crossed Patnitop on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and would reach their destinations at Baltal and Pahalgam base camps by this evening, they said.
With today’s batch, a total of 43,911 pilgrims have so far left from the Jammu base camp for the Amarnath shrine.
Meanwhile fresh batches of pilgrims left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, where so far 2.84 lakh pilgrim had paid obeisance since the commencement of the 45-day-long annual yatra from June 28.
Yatra officials said the weather was pleasant and fresh batch of pilgrim, including women and sadhus left Baltal this morning for the holy cave.
Pilgrims who had night halt at cave shrine after having darshan of the self-made Ice-Lingam also started their return journey to base camp.
Similarly, fresh batch of pilgrims left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on this traditional route this morning. Pilgrims, who had night halt at Chandanwari and other halting station on the track have also started their onward journey towards the cave shrine.
Officials said more than 7,200 devotees paid obeisance before the Ice Lingam yesterday.
With this, a total of 2.84 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave since the commencement of yatra. Majority of pilgrims have since return to their homes after the darshan. However, some of them extended their stay and visited different tourist destinations in the Valley.
An unidentified Amarnath yatri died at Baltal base camp, taking the toll to 33 so far since the commencement of the 45-year-long annual yatra from June 28. A yatra official said the pilgrim died due to heart attack at Baltal base camp.
The deceased was being identified, he said. (AGENCIES)
Govt opens up various channels with China on transgressions
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, July 19: Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today that India has regularly been taking up with China the issue of transgressions by Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) through various channels including diplomatic, meetings at local level and other working mechanisms.
Admitting that transgressions do occur along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Ladakh, Jaitley, however, maintained that there had been no encroachment/incursion of Indian territory by China.
In a series of replies in the Parliament on incursions by China in Ladakh and other parts of North Eastern India including Arunachal Pradesh, Jaitley said: “there is no commonly delineated LAC between India and China. There are areas along the border where India and China have differing perception of LAC. Due to both sides undertaking patrolling up to their respective perception of the LAC, transgressions do occur. However, no incursion/encroachment of Indian territory by China has taken place along the India-China border”.
He added that India regularly takes up any transgression with the Chinese side through established mechanisms such as flag meetings, border personnel meetings and normal diplomatic channels like Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs etc wherein they are guided by provisions of various agreements between the two countries.
Jaitley said the Government is fully seized of security needs of the country and steps as required are taken for strengthening and optimizing the force structure to cater to the external threats envisaged along the border.
“The capability development is a dynamic process and it is the constant endeavour of the Government to keep our Defence forces at maximum level of operational preparedness at all times,” he asserted.
During past fortnight, three transgressions by Chinese PLA have been reported in Leh-one in Pangong lake, where the PLA jawans had intruded deep inside the Indian borders before retreating and two in Chumar.
Jaitley said the Government of India is aware of Chinese participating in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in development projects like ports as well as in anti-piracy operations and deep sea mining.
He said: “the Government keeps a constant watch on all developments concerning the country’s national security and economic interests and takes necessary measures to safeguard them in accordance with prevailing security situation and strategic considerations”.
Asserting that the Government regularly reviews the threat perception to secure the borders and protect national interests, Jaitley said appropriate measures were taken from time to time to maintain and upgrade the country’s defence preparedness along the borders to safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India.
However, he declined to disclose certain information sought in the Parliament on the ground that it will be prejudicial to security of the country.
“The areas along LAC are being kept under surveillance by regular patrolling and other aerial, optronic and electronic means,” Jaitley said.
The Defence Minister said modernization of the Armed Forces is an ongoing process done in accordance with 15 year long Term Integrated Perspective Plan, the five Year Services Capital Acquisition Plan and the Annual Acquisition Plan.
“Adequate budgetary allocations have been made by the Government for modernization of Defence forces,” he added.
A provision of Rs 75148.03 crores has been kept for modernization of Defence forces during current financial year of 2014-15, he said. During 2013-14, Rs 66850.30 crores were incurred on modernization of the forces, he added.
IB calm but people stay indoors
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19: An eerie calm prevailed along the International Border (IB) in Arnia sector today after last two days of intense firing but the people stayed indoors and refrained from cultivation of paddy crop anticipating fresh firing from across the border.
Official reports and eyewitnesses said there was no firing from Pakistan side in entire Arnia sector since last night, which has restored confidence among the panic-stricken people to some extent but still the people refrained from venturing out of their houses except for purchasing essential commodities.
The people preferred to stay indoors in forward villages of Arnia sector including Pittal and Pindi, which had witnessed intense firing on Thursday and the intervening night of Thursday and Friday leading to death of one BSF jawan and injuries to seven others including three BSF personnel and four civilians.
Reports said the BSF remained on very high alert all along the International Border throughout the last night and during the day today but there was no firing from the Pakistan side.
The people said they would move out in the fields to cultivate paddy crop, whose season was on, only when they feel fully safe.
“Presently, we are distressed after Thursday’s heavy firing on the civilians in which several people working in the fields were trapped for two to three hours,’’ the people said, adding they would not risk their lives over the crop.
“Of course, crop is essential for us but we would go to the fields only when the firing is stopped as we can wait for sowing of the crop,’’ they said.
Reports said there had been no contact between the BSF and the Rangers after Thursday’s heavy firing so far.
“There was no flag meeting or hotline contact between the two,’’ they said, adding the flag meeting could be held only once complete normalcy was restored on the International Border.
It may be mentioned here that BSF and Rangers had held flag meeting at the IB in forward area of Chambliyal in Ramgarh sector on Wednesday, a day before the heavy firing erupted on the border.
The flag meeting had discussed previous two incidents of ceasefire violation by the Rangers in Arnia sector and cutting of grown up ‘sarkanda’ (wild grass) along the borders.
Youth killed in firing; dozens injured in clashes
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, July 19: A youth was today killed in an alleged Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) firing in Kulgam district of South Kashmir during protests against Israeli aggression in Gaza. At least two dozen persons including police men were injured in the clashes in the aftermath of the killing.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar told Excelsior that security forces opened fire to rescue Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Headquarter Kulgam, Irshad Ahmad, who along with his escort were encircled by the mob at Qaimoh during protests. The mob tried to lynch a police constable when the security forces opened firing.
Kumar said an 18-year-old Suhail Ahmad Lone son of Ghulam Qadir Lone resident of Huwoora Mishipora in Kulgam was killed in the firing.
Reports said hundreds of people from Khudwani and Qaimoh villages took out an anti-Israel protest rally this afternoon. The protesters were also angry over the yesterday’s firing incident in which a youth had sustained bullet injury during anti-Israel protests in the area.
Reports said that when protesters reached Main Chowk Qaimoh near Government Higher Secondary School, the CRPF resorted to teargas shelling followed by firing on demonstrators in which Suhail sustained injuries in his abdomen.
The youth was rushed to Primary Health Centre Qaimoh and was later shifted to District Hospital Anantnag where doctors declared him brought dead.
After Suhail’s death, thousands of people took to streets and protested against his killing at Qaimoh and Khudwani. The protesters clashed with police at several places. Violent clashes also broke out in Anantnag town against the killing of youth. The clashes were going on till late in the evening in which at least two dozen people including police men were injured.
Thousands of people later participated in the funeral of the Suhail that was held at Jamia Masjid Qaimoh and later the body was taken to his native village in a procession where he was buried.
Qaimoh and Khudwani were partially shut since early morning against Friday’s firing incident in which a youth was injured.
The paramilitary CRPF denied that their men opened fire on protesters. The PRO CRPF Kishore Prasad said that their men have no role in Kulgam firing incident.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hit out at those exploiting the people’s anger against death in Gaza.
“Anger over the death in Gaza is understandable, exploiting that anger is not,” Omar tweeted. He described the death of Suhail in Qaimoh today as “terrible tragedy”.
“The people organizing and orchestrating these protests need to ask themselves whether they feel any guilt over this youth’s death today,” Omar said.
He said the Government will inquire into the circumstances surrounding Suhail’s death and any unnecessary use of force of violation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Declare Azad CM candidate to save party in J&K: Congmen
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, July 19: Perturbed over the defeat of the party in the country as well as in the J&K State by losing all the Lok Sabha seats, grass-root Congress workers today trained guns on their own party ministers and openly spat venom on them alleging that they sacrificed their party agenda and manifesto and caused massive damage to the party at the cost of `coalition partners’.
In presence of AICC general secretary and party incharge for J&K Ambika Soni, former Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Pradesh Congress Committee president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz and AICC secretary Incharge J&K, Main-ul-Haq, many speakers during one day convention of District Jammu (Rural/ Urban) here today, raised voice against indiscipline, neglect of party workers by own ministers, massive corruption, sacrifice of own party agenda/ manifesto at the cost of coalition partners. They said the major issues of refugees/ displaced persons and providing powers to Panchayats were ignored and interests of Jammu region were also over looked. They strongly pleaded to do away with the alliance with National Conference in coming Assembly elections, give mandate to honest, dedicated and clean image candidates with winning potential and of course, declaring Mr Azad as Chief Ministerial candidate to save party from further damage in the State.
The convention was organised by the party leadership to go for self-introspection and seek feed back from the grass- root party workers at Panchayat, Ward, Block and District level and explore and discuss the reasons behind the party defeat during recent Lok Sabha elections. The top leadership also gave enough time to the party workers to listen to their view point and grievances for making further strategy for the coming Assembly elections.
Apparently, Ms Soni and Azad were not happy with the party ministers and declined to comment on the allegations of the workers on the plea that they were here to listen to the party cadre and will take appropriate action after discussing the issues at the higher level. Mr Azad also politely refused to comment when asked whether Congress sacrificed its agenda for the sake of NC in J&K.
Majority of the party ministers from the region including including Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Minister for PHE Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Sports Raman Bhalla, Minister Incharge Cooperatives Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, Minister Incharge Revenue Ajaz Khan and Minister incharge Technical Education, Power and RDD Vikar Rasool, apparently had to feel the `heat’ as many party leaders of lower and middle rung were found firing salvo on them. The workers strongly demanded that Congress should go for polls at its own in the coming elections. They pointed out that those indulging in the acts of indiscipline were being encouraged while the loyalists were ignored.
Strong resentment among the cadre against the ministers was observed, who openly alleged that some of the ministers even did not allow them to their offices/ official residences and refuse to listen to them. The dejected and ignored workers will not be able to campaign for the party under such circumstances. They demanded that only those people who want to deliver to public, work for dedication and are honest and have clean image, should be given party ticket. The corrupt people should be thrown out in the coming elections, if the party wants to see good performance this time, they pleaded.
Pradesh Youth Congress general secretary Manjit Singh Jatt pointed out that people of the country voted against corruption issue this time. Taking lesson from the massive defeat and own mistakes of past, party high command should not give ticket to the corrupt people. He admitted that there was massive corruption in the party and for the transfers in various departments lakhs of rupees are exchanged. Without naming any minister, he said that those who are corrupt, should not be given chance to contest elections. Only honest and clean image people be given mandate.
Another PCC leader Kanta Bhan expressed that women workers are not respected in the party. They are not treated properly even by own ministers and some senior leaders. She alleged that party has to give respect to the women if it wants to grow and progress. She also alleged neglect of the grass- root worker by ministers. She alleged that many of them are ministers for ‘self’ and do not listen and give respect to the party workers. She said party should declare potential and honest candidates at the earlist so that the `opportunists’ in the party get enough time to switch over to the other parties.
Darshan Raina from Jammu Rural, Madan Lal Kashyap from OBC Cell, C L Bhat from Migrant Cell, KL Gupta, Maheshwar Singh, Vinod Sharma, Gurmeet Singh, Gurdarshan Singh, Gambhir Charak, Pawan Raina, Pranav Shagotra vice president PYC and others strongly expressed their view point and said that party has already suffered much damage in `coalition’ and workers would feel dejected if any alliance is forged with any party.
They demanded that Congress should fight elections at its own and clean image, loyalist and honest people be given mandate. Several former Ministers and legislators besides sitting MLAs were also present. District president, Jammu Rural Suman Bhagat and Om Chopra president Jammu Urban also gave their view point and suggestions.
Speaking to the media persons at the sidelines of the convention, Mr Azad expressed serious concern over the incident of violence at Baltal, base camp of Shri Amarnath yatra in Sonamarg and maintained that the incident should not be viewed as `communal’. He said it was just a clash between the two groups of local and non-locals over a petty issue and the mischief mongers tried to flare it by spreading rumors. He said this annual yatra is symbol of communal harmony and brotherhood as mostly Muslims including ponywallas, pithus etc offer their services to the Hindu pilgrims. The situation has been controlled and yatra also restored. He condemned the spat of violence and said that such incidents should not occur. He also sought inquiry into the matter and said that guilty would be punished.
Replying to another question on ceasefire violations, the former Union Minister said during the past two months of NDA rule, many incidents of ceasefire violations and infiltration have taken place in the State. “The BJP leaders used to accuse UPA of weak Governance and weak Prime Minister Dr Singh. A BSF jawan was killed and others were injured two days back in Jammu sector in Pak firing but there is no appropriate response from the Union Government,” Mr Azad maintained.
Commenting on bombing in Gaza in Palestinians, AICC general secretary Ambika Soni said that Congress has taken a stand in the both Houses of Parliament and also stalled proceedings. The innocents are being killed in Palestine but unfortunately Modi led NDA Government was silent spectator. She said Indian Government right from Nehru era stood before top Palestinian leader Yassar Arafat and Congress would continue to support that nation. India should strongly speak against atrocities of Israel on Palestinians, she maintained.
Several senior party leaders including DyCLP leader & MLA Bhaderwah Mohd Sharief Niaz, Mula Ram, Gulchain Singh Charak, Ex-MP Madan Lal Sharma, Janak Raj Gupta, Yogesh Sawhney, MLA Indu Pawar, Ravinder Sharma MLC, Ch Bashir Naz, Kuldip Verma and others were also present.