News Analysis India

Tag: Jammu and Kashmir

  • UN human rights chief criticises India for ‘frequent’ communication blackouts in Jammu and Kashmir

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: UN high commissioner for human rights Michelle Bachelet on Monday described as “worrying” India’s use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as well as “frequent” temporary communication blackouts in Jammu and Kashmir.

    In her opening statement at the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bachelet acknowledged the Indian government’s efforts to counter terrorism and promote development in Jammu and Kashmir but said such “restrictive measures can result in human rights violations and foster further tensions and discontent”.

    “Indian authorities’ restrictions on public assembly and frequent temporary communication blackouts continue in Jammu and Kashmir, while hundreds of people remain in detention for exercising their right to the freedom of expression, and journalists face ever-growing pressure,” she said.

    ALSO READ | Pakistan releases dossier on Kashmir, alleges human rights violations by India

    “Ongoing use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act throughout India is worrying, with Jammu and Kashmir having among the highest number of cases in the country,” Bachelet said.

    There was no official reaction to Bachelet’s comments.

    India, on multiple occasions, in the past strongly rejected the UN human rights chief’s criticisms relating to Jammu and Kashmir.

    Referring to China, she talked about its new ‘National Action Plan on Human Rights 2021-2025′ which was released this month.

    “I look forward to exploring it for possible areas of engagement and cooperation.

    I regret that I am not able to report progress on my efforts to seek meaningful access to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region,” she said.

    “In the meantime, my office is finalising its assessment of the available information on allegations of serious human rights violations in that region, with a view to making it public by the end of the year,” Bachelet said.

    Talking about Nepal, she hoped the new government will take early steps to restore the independence of the National Human Rights Commission through a transparent process.

    “The authorities’ commitment to prioritise amendment of the transitional justice law is an opportunity for fresh approaches to revitalise the process, in consultation with victims and in line with international standards,” the UN human rights chief said.

  • BJP camp kicks off outreach drive in Jammu and Kashmir

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The BJP has kicked off a major outreach drive in poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir involving close to 70 Union ministers.  The Centre’s outreach to J&K is principally aimed to boost the confidence-building measures, particularly to reassure political workers at the grassroots level of unflinching support of the government, said a senior BJP functionary.

    He added that efforts will be made to motivate Kashmiri Pandits to resettle in the Valley according to the compensations given to them previously. As many as 70 Union ministers will visit the Valley over the next nine weeks to carry forward the party’s outreach. They have been instructed to submit reports of their visists to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister Affairs, which will form the basis for further measures from the Centre, said a senior official in the government.

    The party noted that there has been a decrease in militant activities and linked it with satisfaction in the government and the BJP.  “The BJP, in the recent years, has built a good base of political assets in the Valley. The Centre’s backing of the local body representatives has been a significant political investment, with signs visible of the emergence of alternative leadership in the UT,” said a BJP worker.

  • RSS, BJP trying to break Jammu and Kashmir’s composite culture: Rahul Gandhi

    By PTI

    JAMMU: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the RSS-BJP combine of trying to break the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir.

    “The feeling of love, brotherhood and composite culture exists among you all. I feel sad that the RSS and BJP are trying to break this culture,” Gandhi said in his address to Congress office-bearers and workers at a party function here on the second day of his two-day visit to Jammu.

    “They (RSS, BJP) attack love and brotherhood! You got weakened and as result, they took away your statehood,” he added.

    The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is the ideological fount of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre.

    The Congress leader exhorted the gathering to chant ‘Jai Mata Di’, a day after he paid obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.

    “I went to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine yesterday. There are three symbols of mata (pindis) there – Mata Durga, Mata Lakshmi and Mata Saraswati,” Gandhi said.

    Goddess Durga protects us, Lakshmi is a symbol of power, and Saraswati symbolises education and knowledge, he said.

    “When these three shaktis are in your home and country, your home and country will make progress,” he said.

    However, the BJP government’s policies like demonetisation and GST have weakened their powers, he said.

    Whereas, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act (MGNREGA) and the GDP with a growth rate of 9 per cent under the Congress had increased their powers, he added.

    Pointing towards his hand, Gandhi co-related the Congress election symbol with Lord Shiva and Guru Nanak Dev, and said it was the symbol of being fearless.

    “This hand is the symbol that you should not be afraid of anything,” Gandhi said, adding that the “BJP is afraid of everything”.

  • Amit Shah holds high-level meet to discuss J&K security situation

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level security meet on Thursday to discuss the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir following recent developments in Afghanistan. Concerns about growth of radicalisation and possible rise in infiltration was discussed, sources said.

    National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, RAW secretary Samant Goel, Director of Intelligence Bureau Arvinda Kumar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Lieutenant General of J&K Manoj Sinha, chiefs of paramilitary forces Pankaj Singh (BSF), Kuldip Singh (CRPF) and Dilbag Singh, Director General of J&K Police attended the meeting.

    Apart from the Taliban takeover, a comprehensive anti-drone strategy and misuse of social media from across the border are among issues discussed in nearly three hours. Sources said Shah discussed reports of increasing radicalisation in Kashmir. 

    There are reports that radicalisation is growing in south Kashmir, especially in areas like Sopore, Shopian and downtown Srinagar city. This is the first security meeting chaired by Shah after Kabul fell to the Taliban on August 15.

    Also discussed at the meet was the political and security implications in the Valley following the death of hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani. About reports of radicalisation in the Valley, Sinha said the security situation is continuously under watch. “Restrictions were imposed after Geelani passed away, but now they are lifted and the first Friday after Geelani’s death has passed peacefully.”

    A top security official said, “The situation in Afghanistan has emboldened terror groups in the Valley.  We are monitoring the situation.  There are no confirmed reports of increased radical activities but Pakistan is at an advantageous position with Taliban storming to power. It may intensify efforts to create trouble.”

    According to official statistics, 82 persons have gone missing this year and security agencies suspect they have joined terror groups. As per home ministry sources, around 200 terrorists are active in Kashmir, most belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    Drone attacks talking point​Sources said Amit Shah spent a good amount of time discussing drone attack threats in areas along the LoC & International Border. Reports indicate ISI has secured sophisticated drones from China

    US for unity on Af talks

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar virtually participated in a meeting on Afghanistan organised jointly by the US and Germany. The meeting was called by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is on a tour of Germany, and his German counterpart Heiko Maas. “Blinken urged unity in mitigating a potential humanitarian crisis and in holding the Taliban accountable on counterterrorism, on allowing safe passage for foreign citizens and Afghans who want to leave, and on forming an inclusive government that respects basic rights. Participants agreed on the importance of remaining united in their enduring support for the people of Afghanistan,” US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. Blinken said the US will continue to try and support the rights of the Afghan people.

  • Geelani’s sons behaved differently hours after father’s death, allege Police; release ablution video of late leader

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR: Hours after former Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said the last will of deceased separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani should have been respected and body of a person has to be treated with respect, the J&K police released series of videos about ablution of the deceased leader, who passed away at his Hyderpora residence on Wednesday evening.  

    Police also claimed that three hours after Geelani’s death, both his sons were under “pressure from Pakistan and miscreants, behaved differently and wrapped dead body in a Pakistani flag, made loud sloganeering in favour of Pakistan while instigating neighbours to come out.”

    Police in a series of tweets on Monday evening released the videos about ‘Ghusul’ (ablution) of Geelani.

    The 92-year-old, who was under house detention since 2010, passed away at his residence on Wednesday evening. After his death authorities imposed restrictions in the Valley and snapped mobile and internet services barring BSNL postpaid and broad services.

    Geelani’s body was buried quietly in a graveyard near his residence at Hyderpora before the sunrise on Thursday. The separatist leader’s family had alleged that police forcibly took away the body and buried it in the graveyard with none from the family attending the burial.

    Police in a series of tweets today evening stated that after the death of Geelani, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar along with SP & ASP met both of his sons at their residence at 11pm.

    “They consoled them and requested for burial in the night for the larger interest of general public due to potential major L&O situations. Both agreed and asked to wait for two hours until relatives reach. IGP Kashmir personally spoke to a few relatives and ensured them of safe passage,” police said.

    Police alleged that three hours later, probably under the pressure from Pakistan and other miscreants, they behaved differently and started resorting to anti-national activities including wrapping dead body in Pakistani flag, making loud sloganeering in favour of Pakistan and instigating neighbours to come out.

    “After persuasion, the relatives brought the body to the graveyard and performed last rites with due respect in presence of members of Intizamia Committee and local Imam,” police said adding, “The refusal of both his sons to come to graveyard indicated their loyalty to Pakistani agenda rather than their love & respect for their departed father.”

    The videos of Geelani’s body wrapped in Pakistani flag and commotion in a room where his body was lying had gone viral on social media.

    Geelani’s son Naeem Geelani had alleged police stormed into their house at around 3 am, misbehaved with people present inside including women and forcibly took away Geelani’s body. “The women were dragged out of the room and threatened they will be fired at.”

    He said police did everything themselves – from digging the grave, giving the last bath to Geelani, funeral prayers and burying the body. “All this was done in our absence and none from family attended his burial or funeral prayers.”

    He said IG and SSP Budgam visited their home and they told them that Geelani’s last wish was that his body be buried in martyrs graveyard at Eidgah, which is about 10-12 kms from his residence.

    “They said it is not possible. We told them to give us permission to bury the body quietly in martyrs graveyard Eidgah. However, they did not agree and said they have orders to get the body buried before dawn,” Naeem said.

    The authorities, meanwhile, today restored mobile internet in 8 out of 10 districts in the Valley.  However, the mobile internet was not yet restored in Srinagar and Budgam district in central Kashmir.

  • Over 12,000 students to be tested for Covid in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri

    By PTI

    JAMMU: Ahead of reopening of schools in Jammu and Kashmir, over 12,000 students will undergo the COVID-19 test in Rajouri district, an official spokesman said.

    The decision was conveyed by Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Rajesh K Shavan on Monday while chairing a meeting to review arrangements made by the education department for reopening schools in the district, he said.

    The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday allowed reopening of higher educational institutions and schools for Classes 10 and 12 with certain conditions and decided to retain most of the COVID-19 containment guidelines, including the night curfew.

    The DC Monday directed the heads of the schools to ensure strict adherence to Covid standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of students.

    He directed the authorities concerned to ensure that all the students are tested ‘at the earliest’ and make sure that the schools are reopened in two days.

    He said random testing of the students would also be done regularly by the special teams to avoid the risk of infection.

    The meeting was informed that after a prolonged closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in Jammu and Kashmir are set to reopen for Classes 10 and 12 students with 50 per cent capacity, spokesman said.

    The schools, except for relaxations as provided for students of Classes 10 and 12, shall continue to remain closed for on-site and in-person teaching, he said.

    According to the guidelines, classes for students of the 12th standard would be permitted with in-person attendance not exceeding 50 per cent capacity on a given day.

    There are more than 12,000 school-going students of Class 10 and 12 in the district.

    The DC asked the chief education officers to ensure that all the schools of their respective zones have functional toilets and drinking water facilities.

    It was made clear that the private schools would be allowed to hold classes after all the students are tested for COVID-19.

    The DC issued instructions to college principals for the 100 per cent vaccination of all the college-going students.

    Special vaccination camps would also be organised to inoculate the students and no student shall enter the college until and unless he or she possesses a vaccination certificate with them, according to the guidelines.

    The principals were also asked to tell the students to motivate their family members to get inoculated for COVID-19 at the earliest.

    The Deputy Commissioner emphasised on the need to take care of students’ health, safety and psychological aspects after the resumption of physical classes.

    He also asked the heads of institutions to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation in the educational institutions.

  • J-K administration issues new COVID-19 guidelines, allows reopening of schools for classes 10, 12

    By PTI

    JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday allowed the reopening of higher educational institutions and schools for students of classes 10 and 12 with certain conditions.

    The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary A K Mehta. It was also decided to retain most of the COVID-19 containment guidelines, including night curfew.

    In a series of measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on April 18 had ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including universities and colleges, till further orders.

    In an order issued after a review of the COVID-19 situation, Mehta, who is also the chairperson of the State Executive Committee (SEC), said classes for students of 12th standard would be permitted with in-person attendance not exceeding 50 per cent of capacity on a given day.

    “Consent shall be obtained from the parents of all students who are willing to attend the school. The school premises should be thoroughly sanitised, proper screening regarding vaccination should be done on the school gate.

    “If any student or teacher or other school staff shows symptoms of cough, cold, or fever, they will not be allowed to enter the school. The head of the school must ensure that the guidelines related to social distancing and Covid protocols are strictly followed,” the order said.

    The Deputy Commissioners can allow in-person classes for students of 10th standard following all protocols.

    “The schools, except for relaxations as provided for students of 12th and 10th classes, shall continue to remain closed for on-site/in-person teaching,” the order said.

    It said the coaching centres for civil services or engineering or NEET examinations would be permitted with limited in-person teaching for fully vaccinated staff and students. “All other coaching centres shall continue to remain closed for onsite/in-person teaching,” the order said.

    It said the higher educational institutions would be permitted to commence limited in-person teaching subject to 100 per cent vaccination of staff and students and specific permission of the Deputy Commissioners.

    “Such institutions can organise special vaccination camps in consultation with district administration,” the order said. The order said the night curfew would continue to remain in force in all districts from 8 pm to 7 am, while all deputy commissioners shall intensify testing by making optimum use of available RT-PCR and RAT capacities.

  • Mehbooba Mufti attacks Centre, says basic human rights of dead or alive suspended in Jammu & Kashmir

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said the Centre’s claim that people of Jammu and Kashmir now enjoy equal rights is a “barefaced lie” and the ease with which it imposes a “complete siege” in the valley every time it anticipates a reaction is distressing and deeply insensitive.

    Her remarks come after authorities snapped mobile telephone services, except on BSNL’s postpaid, and internet services, except on BSNL’s Broadband and Fiber, on Wednesday night immediately after the death of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

    GOI’s dubious claims that people of J&K now enjoy equal rights is a barefaced lie as truth is that even their basic human rights dead or alive are suspended with pervasive impunity. https://t.co/xNUmaqAruo
    — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 4, 2021
    “GOI’s dubious claims that people of J&K now enjoy equal rights is a barefaced lie as truth is that even their basic human rights dead or alive are suspended with pervasive impunity (sic),” Mehbooba said on Twitter.

    The former chief minister of the erstwhile state said the ease with which the Government of India imposes a “complete siege”, including communications blackout, in Kashmir every time it anticipates a reaction from people is distressing and deeply insensitive.

    “Their misadventure of creating fear and suppression to eliminate a sentiment is counter productive since feelings and emotions don’t dissipate or vanish into thin air. These feelings of betrayal, subjugation and anger are absorbed and passed on from one generation to the next,” she tweeted.

    The PDP chief claimed that instead of reaching out, every successive policy is undertaken to humiliate and collectively punish Jammu and Kashmir.

    “These punitive actions compound this sense of betrayal and rage,” she added.

  • J&K: Cross-examination begins in 30-yr-old cases of IAF personnel killing, Rubaiya Sayeed abduction

    By PTI

    JAMMU: The cross-examination of witnesses in the three-decade-old cases of the gunning down of four IAF personnel and the abduction of then Union Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s daughter Rubaiya Sayeed in Jammu and Kashmir began at a special court here on Saturday.

    Abdul Rehman Sofi, a prosecution witness in both the cases, and Saleem alias ‘Nanaji’, an accused in the killing of IAF personnel, were present in the court, officials said.

    Yasin Malik of the proscribed Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, who has been charged in both cases separately along with other accused, joined the proceedings through video-conferencing from Delhi’s Tihar Jail where he is lodged.

    Officials said the cross-examination was deferred after some time as many other accused could not appear in the court for what their counsels termed “disturbance” in the Kashmir Valley.

    Senior counsel Monika Kohli, who has been appointed as the CBI chief prosecutor in these cases, led the examination on behalf of the agency.

    Kohli has been representing the CBI as a retainer counsel in the high court for the last seven years and had successfully opened trial against Malik in the two sensational cases which had taken place in 1989-90 when militancy erupted in the Kashmir Valley.

    Malik, currently lodged in the Tihar Jail after he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in April 2019 in connection with a terror funding case, informed the court that he would like to cross-examine the witnesses himself and would not take any help from any lawyer, the officials said.

    The charges were framed against Malik and six others on March 16 last year in the killing of four IAF personnel on the outskirts of Srinagar on January 25, 1990.

    Besides Malik, others accused charged in the killing of IAF personnel are Ali Mohammed Mir, Manzoor Ahmed Sofi alias Mustafa, Javed Ahmed Mir alias ‘Nalka’, Showkat Ahmed Bakshi, Javed Ahmed Zargar and Nanaji.

    The had CBI filed the charge sheet in the killing of the IAF personnel in August 1990.

    According to the CBI, Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were fired upon by terrorists in which 40 of them, including a woman, received serious injuries and four of them died on the spot.

    In the 1989 abduction of Rubaiya Sayeed, the court had framed the charges against Malik and nine others on January 11 this year.

    They all have been charged with murder, attempt to murder and under sections of the now-defunct Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, or TADA Act.

    Decks for the trial of Malik and others in the case were cleared in April 2019 when the Jammu and Kashmir High Court struck down a 2008 order that had transferred the hearing to Srinagar.

    In the abduction case, the court framed charges against Malik and nine others — Ali Mohd Mir, Mohd Zaman Mir, Iqbal Ahmad Gandroo, Javed Ahmad Mir, Mohd Rafiq Pahloo, Manzoor Ahmed Sofi, Wajahat Bashir, Mehraj-ud-Din Sheikh and Showkat Ahmad Bakshi.

    The 10 are among two dozen accused named by the CBI in its charge-sheet filed before the TADA court.

    Of the remaining accused, Mohammad Rafiq Dar and Mushtaq Ahmad Lone — both top commanders of JKLF — are dead and 12 are absconding.

    The absconding accused are Halima, Javed Iqbal Mir, Mohammad Yaqub Pandit, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, Khursheed Ahmad Dar, Basharat Rehman Noori, Tariq Ashraf, Shafat Ahmad Shangloo, Manzoor Ahmad, Gulam Mohammad Taploo, Abdul Majeed Bhat and Nissar Ahmad Bhat.

  • Reports of Kashmir youths joining Taliban ‘totally wrong’: DGP

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on Friday said the reports of some youths from the Valley joining the Taliban “is totally wrong and fake news.”

    Asked whether the situation in Afghanistan would have an impact in Kashmir, DGP Singh said, “There is nothing to worry about, everything is fine.”

    The DGP visited Baramulla and Sopore towns in north Kashmir and Anantnag and Pulwama in south Kashmir.

    “Such fake news on social media is a malicious propaganda by Pakistan and pro-Pakistan agents. Everything is fine. The youth are playing cricket, volleyball, rugby. Don’t you see those pictures? Every child here wants to secure his future and no one is going that way,” he said.

    Dilbag Singh chaired joint meetings of officers of the police, army and the CRPF, and took stock of general security scenarios, deployment and welfare measures of jawans in these districts.

    Addressing the meetings, the DGP laid stress on alertness and said that no room should be given to any anti-peace element to create any disturbance.

    ALSO READ | People of Kashmir cooperative, situation after Syed Geelani’s death absolutely under control: DGP

    He emphasised having elaborate security arrangements to avoid any untoward incident and directed officials to taking stern action against rumour-mongers.

    He also laid stress on strengthening relations with people.

    He said that cooperation of the people with the forces has helped in maintaining peace and these relations should be strengthened at all levels to further consolidate the peace mission in Jammu and Kashmir.

    The officers representing different forces and agencies put forth their suggestions for maintaining peace in the valley.

    They also apprised the DGP of the security measures put in place to meet the possible security challenges and ensure the safety and security of the people.