News Analysis India

Tag: Srinagar

  • Dream Come True: Meet Kashmir’s Nazim Nazeer, PM Modi’s ‘Friend’ Who Got A Selfie With Him During Srinagar Visit |

    NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR: Srinagar witnessed an extraordinary moment as a Kashmiri youth Nazim Nazeer’s dream materialized on Thursday, capturing a selfie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who affectionately dubbed him a “friend.” Nazim’s journey, marked by the establishment of a thriving beekeeping unit, earned him recognition among a select group invited to engage with PM Modi after his public address at Bakshi Stadium. Expressing his aspiration, Nazim sought a memorable snapshot with the PM, which materialized into a shared selfie promptly shared on social media.

    The Prime Minister later posted a tweet along with the selfie with Nazeer. “A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting, he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours,” PM Modi wrote on X.

     

    A memorable selfie with my friend Nazim. I was impressed by the good work he’s doing. At the public meeting he requested a selfie and was happy to meet him. My best wishes for his future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/zmAYF57Gbl
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024

     

    Harbinger Of ‘Sweet Revolution’: PM

    PM Modi, acknowledging Nazim’s exceptional contributions to the beekeeping sector, praised him for instigating a “sweet revolution.” Reflecting on Nazim’s narrative, PM Modi commended his transformative impact, likening it to the green and white revolutions. “We have heard of green revolution and white revolution but you have brought about sweet revolution,” PM Modi said after listening to Nazeer’s story.

     

    जम्मू-कश्मीर में पुलवामा के नाजिम नजीर जी ने मधुमक्खी पालन के क्षेत्र में जो कमाल किया है, वो हर किसी के लिए एक मिसाल है। pic.twitter.com/Laxq36zGz9


    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2024

     

    Entrepreneurial Triumph

    Narrating his entrepreneurial voyage, Nazim disclosed his modest beginnings with two bee boxes evolving into a lucrative enterprise, propelled by strategic government support and financial assistance. His expansion, from 25 to 2000 boxes, alongside empowering fellow youths, underscores his commitment to growth and community development.

    Shaping Nation’s Trajectory

    PM Modi’s counsel to Nazim, urging exploration of Central Asian beekeeping methodologies, underscores a commitment to continuous learning and innovation. Emphasizing the pivotal role of youth leadership, PM Modi commended Nazim for shaping the nation’s trajectory and lauded his contributions.

    Empowering Women Entrepreneurs In J&K

    In a poignant exchange, PM Modi engaged with a group of young women entrepreneurs, celebrating their resilience and determination in establishing a bakery post acquiring food technology skills. Their success story, buoyed by government initiatives like streamlined clearances, exemplifies empowerment and self-reliance.

    Amidst PM Modi’s visit to Kashmir, his first since the abrogation of Article 370, political implications loom large. The event, perceived as a prelude to impending general elections, unfolds against the backdrop of the region’s evolving socio-political landscape. “Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am working hard only to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi ki guarantee and you know that ‘Modi ki grantee’ means, there is a guarantee of fulfilling the guarantee,” PM Modi said while addressing a public gathering in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

    Nazim’s encounter with PM Modi signifies more than a mere photo opportunity; it epitomizes aspiration, innovation, and community empowerment. As Kashmir navigates a complex political terrain, narratives like Nazim’s serve as catalysts for change, embodying the essence of resilience and opportunity in the Valley.

  • ‘Parivarvad has destroyed J&K bank…’: PM Modi targets Abdullah and Mufti in Srinagar rally – The Economic Times Video

    Srinagar, J&K: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says “J&K has been a huge victim of ‘Parivarvad’ and corruption. The previous governments here had left no stone unturned to destroy our J&K Bank, by filling the bank with their relatives and nephews, these ‘Parivarvadis’ have ruined the bank. Due to mismanagement, the bank had incurred so much loss that all of you were in danger of losing thousands of crores of rupees…”

  • Srinagar bans sharp-edged weapons to curb stabbings

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR:  After several stabbing incidents in Srinagar, the administration has banned the sale, purchase and carrying of sharp-edged weapons in public places in Srinagar. People possessing sharp-edged weapons have been asked to surrender them at the nearest police station within 72 hours or face stern action under the law.

    The Srinagar DM on Friday issued an order imposing a ban on the sale, purchase and carrying of sharp-edged weapons in public places. The ban shall be applicable to business establishments engaged in sale/purchase of such weapons. The sharp-edged weapons shall include any object or instrument that possesses a blade, edge, or point capable of causing injury or harm to individuals, including but not limited to knives, swords, daggers, box cutters, and razors.

    The order said the ban shall apply to all individuals except law enforcement agencies, individuals possessing such weapons for legitimate occupational purposes (butchers, carpenters, electricians, chefs etc). There has been a rise in stabbing incidents in Qamarwari, Bemina, Kralpora, Batmaloo, Nowhatta, Kothibagh, Rambagh and some other areas of Srinagar in the last three months.  

    According to the order, possession of sharp-edged weapons “whose blade is more than 9 inches long or whose blade is more than 2 inches wide” for any purpose other than domestic, agricultural, scientific, and industrial purposes is a cognizable offence under the Arms Act 1959. 

    People possessing sharp-edged weapons have been asked to surrender their weapons in the nearest police stations within next 72 hours. “After the expiry of the deadline, the sharp-edged weapons shall be seized and appropriate action shall be initiated under the law,” the order stated, adding that violation of the order shall be dealt with firmly and appropriate legal action will be taken as per section 188 of IPC. The DM asked the Srinagar SSP to implement the order in letter and spirit.

    SRINAGAR:  After several stabbing incidents in Srinagar, the administration has banned the sale, purchase and carrying of sharp-edged weapons in public places in Srinagar. People possessing sharp-edged weapons have been asked to surrender them at the nearest police station within 72 hours or face stern action under the law.

    The Srinagar DM on Friday issued an order imposing a ban on the sale, purchase and carrying of sharp-edged weapons in public places. The ban shall be applicable to business establishments engaged in sale/purchase of such weapons. The sharp-edged weapons shall include any object or instrument that possesses a blade, edge, or point capable of causing injury or harm to individuals, including but not limited to knives, swords, daggers, box cutters, and razors.

    The order said the ban shall apply to all individuals except law enforcement agencies, individuals possessing such weapons for legitimate occupational purposes (butchers, carpenters, electricians, chefs etc). There has been a rise in stabbing incidents in Qamarwari, Bemina, Kralpora, Batmaloo, Nowhatta, Kothibagh, Rambagh and some other areas of Srinagar in the last three months.  googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    According to the order, possession of sharp-edged weapons “whose blade is more than 9 inches long or whose blade is more than 2 inches wide” for any purpose other than domestic, agricultural, scientific, and industrial purposes is a cognizable offence under the Arms Act 1959. 

    People possessing sharp-edged weapons have been asked to surrender their weapons in the nearest police stations within next 72 hours. “After the expiry of the deadline, the sharp-edged weapons shall be seized and appropriate action shall be initiated under the law,” the order stated, adding that violation of the order shall be dealt with firmly and appropriate legal action will be taken as per section 188 of IPC. The DM asked the Srinagar SSP to implement the order in letter and spirit.

  • First woman inspector general of CRPF completes tenure in central Kashmir

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR: The first woman Inspector General (IGP) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Srinagar, Charu Sinha, concluded her two and a half years tenure in central Kashmir.

    Sinha has been transferred to Hyderabad.

    Sinha headed the CRPF’s Srinagar sector comprising three central Kashmir districts — Srinagar, Budgam, and Garnderbal.

    Before being appointed as IG CRPF in Srinagar on September 2020, Sinha, the 1996-batch IPS officer, had served in Bihar, where she handled anti-Naxal operations.

    During her tenure, the paramilitary personnel posted in the Valley were taught the basics of Kashmiri language to have more interface with the local people.

    Besides, the paramilitary personnel started using shoe covers in searches of residential houses in the Valley during anti-militancy operations.

    “The decision on the use of shoe covers by CRPF men during searches of residential houses was taken to respect the local sentiments,” Charu Sinha had told The New Indian Express.

    According to the CRPF spokesman, Sinha was instrumental in bringing a sense of harmony to the local community and contributed immensely towards security and peace in the region.

    “During her tenure, she directed CRPF operations with utmost sensitivity towards local sensibilities,” he said. “Citizen friendly attitude of CRPF remained central to her tenure in Central Kashmir.”

    The spokesman said her efforts in fostering strong relationships with the local community have helped build trust and cooperation between CRPF and the local population.

    “People of this region have been incredibly supportive, and we have been able to establish a strong foundation of trust and cooperation. I am confident that my successor will build upon our success and continue to work towards a safer and more secure future for the people of this region,” Sinha said.

    Sinha expressed hope that the people of Kashmir, with their inherent zest for a spirited way of life, will keep ushering themselves toward an era of unending peace and tranquility.

    SRINAGAR: The first woman Inspector General (IGP) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Srinagar, Charu Sinha, concluded her two and a half years tenure in central Kashmir.

    Sinha has been transferred to Hyderabad.

    Sinha headed the CRPF’s Srinagar sector comprising three central Kashmir districts — Srinagar, Budgam, and Garnderbal.

    Before being appointed as IG CRPF in Srinagar on September 2020, Sinha, the 1996-batch IPS officer, had served in Bihar, where she handled anti-Naxal operations.

    During her tenure, the paramilitary personnel posted in the Valley were taught the basics of Kashmiri language to have more interface with the local people.

    Besides, the paramilitary personnel started using shoe covers in searches of residential houses in the Valley during anti-militancy operations.

    “The decision on the use of shoe covers by CRPF men during searches of residential houses was taken to respect the local sentiments,” Charu Sinha had told The New Indian Express.

    According to the CRPF spokesman, Sinha was instrumental in bringing a sense of harmony to the local community and contributed immensely towards security and peace in the region.

    “During her tenure, she directed CRPF operations with utmost sensitivity towards local sensibilities,” he said. “Citizen friendly attitude of CRPF remained central to her tenure in Central Kashmir.”

    The spokesman said her efforts in fostering strong relationships with the local community have helped build trust and cooperation between CRPF and the local population.

    “People of this region have been incredibly supportive, and we have been able to establish a strong foundation of trust and cooperation. I am confident that my successor will build upon our success and continue to work towards a safer and more secure future for the people of this region,” Sinha said.

    Sinha expressed hope that the people of Kashmir, with their inherent zest for a spirited way of life, will keep ushering themselves toward an era of unending peace and tranquility.

  • PM Modi made it possible for Rahul Gandhi to hoist tricolour at Lal Chowk: BJP

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI/JAMMU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created such an atmosphere in Kashmir that any Indian can hoist the national flag with pride at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, the BJP said on Sunday and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to thank him for the change in the Valley.

    The comments from BJP spokesperson and former Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore came after Gandhi unfurled the tricolour at the historic clock tower of Lal Chowk, popularly known as ‘Ghanta Ghar’, as part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra’, which concludes on Monday.

    “Rahul Gandhi is hoisting tiranga with pride at Lal Chowk. PM Modi and his government had created such a situation in Kashmir that every Indian can unfurl tiranga with pride there. Rahul Gandhi must thank Modi ji after unfurling tiranga,” he said in a statement.

    Echoing similar views, Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina said the credit for Gandhi unfurling the national flag goes to Modi who normalised the situation in the Valley with the abrogation of Article 370.

    Gandhi was able to do it because of the policies of Prime Minister Modi who dealt a severe blow to separatism and terrorism by abrogating Article 370 (in 2019) and strengthened nationalist forces, paving way for the normalisation of the situation and return of peace to the region, he said in Jammu.

    Raina said the Congress ruled the country for the most part of the past seven decades but none of its leaders dared to unfurl the tricolour at Lal Chowk. Modi, along with the then BJP president Murli Manohar Joshi, unfurled the national flag at the same venue when terrorism was at its peak in 1990, he said.

    Today, peace and normalcy have returned to Kashmir due to the efforts of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi was able to move to Lal Chowk and unfurl the tricolour which none of his party leaders could do in the past 70 years, the BJP leader said.

    Referring to the recent statement of AICC in-charge J-K Rajni Patil that Gandhi will unfurl the national flag at the party headquarters rather than Lal Chowk which is the agenda of the RSS, Raina said, “Though late, the Congress has started working on the nationalist agenda of the RSS.”

    “We want to tell Gandhi and his party leaders to learn from the RSS members who have nationalist sentiments in their hearts and work for the nation,” he said in a swipe at the Congress.

    NEW DELHI/JAMMU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created such an atmosphere in Kashmir that any Indian can hoist the national flag with pride at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, the BJP said on Sunday and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to thank him for the change in the Valley.

    The comments from BJP spokesperson and former Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore came after Gandhi unfurled the tricolour at the historic clock tower of Lal Chowk, popularly known as ‘Ghanta Ghar’, as part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra’, which concludes on Monday.

    “Rahul Gandhi is hoisting tiranga with pride at Lal Chowk. PM Modi and his government had created such a situation in Kashmir that every Indian can unfurl tiranga with pride there. Rahul Gandhi must thank Modi ji after unfurling tiranga,” he said in a statement.

    Echoing similar views, Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina said the credit for Gandhi unfurling the national flag goes to Modi who normalised the situation in the Valley with the abrogation of Article 370.

    Gandhi was able to do it because of the policies of Prime Minister Modi who dealt a severe blow to separatism and terrorism by abrogating Article 370 (in 2019) and strengthened nationalist forces, paving way for the normalisation of the situation and return of peace to the region, he said in Jammu.

    Raina said the Congress ruled the country for the most part of the past seven decades but none of its leaders dared to unfurl the tricolour at Lal Chowk. Modi, along with the then BJP president Murli Manohar Joshi, unfurled the national flag at the same venue when terrorism was at its peak in 1990, he said.

    Today, peace and normalcy have returned to Kashmir due to the efforts of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi was able to move to Lal Chowk and unfurl the tricolour which none of his party leaders could do in the past 70 years, the BJP leader said.

    Referring to the recent statement of AICC in-charge J-K Rajni Patil that Gandhi will unfurl the national flag at the party headquarters rather than Lal Chowk which is the agenda of the RSS, Raina said, “Though late, the Congress has started working on the nationalist agenda of the RSS.”

    “We want to tell Gandhi and his party leaders to learn from the RSS members who have nationalist sentiments in their hearts and work for the nation,” he said in a swipe at the Congress.

  • Srinagar Diary

    Express News Service

    Govt redraws social caste listThe Lt Governor’s administration in Jammu and Kashmir has redrawn the social caste list in the Union Territory, and now 15 more groups would get quota benefits. Under the Jammu & Kashmir government’s reservation rules, social castes have 4 per cent reservation in government jobs. The 15 new classes added in the social caste list include Waghey (Chopan), Ghirath/Bhati/Chang community, Jat community, Saini community, Markabans/PonyWalas, Sochi community, Christian Biradari (converted from Hindu Valmiki), Sunar/Swarankar Teeli (Hindu Teeli along with already existing Muslim Teli), Perna/Kouro (Kaurav), Bojru/Decount/Dubdabay Brahmin Gorkans, Gorkhas, West Pakistani refugees (excluding SCs) and Acharyas. The administration also made modifications in the existing social castes. The other change made in Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, is substituting the words ‘Pahari Speaking People’ with ‘Pahari Ethnic People’. The social caste list was redrawn on the recommendations of the Jammu and Kashmir Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission which was constituted by the J&K Government in 2020. Former High Court Judge GD Sharma heads the three-member panel. The redrawing of caste list took place after Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent J&K visit, announced reservation benefits to Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals in the UT.

    200 electric buses to ply in Srinagar, JammuAbout 200 electric buses will soon ply on the roads in the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, in an attempt by the government to establish an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable network of public transport. Tata Motors will be responsible for supply, operation and maintenance of electric buses, 100 each in Jammu and Srinagar. Chalo Mobility will deploy its consumer technology solutions to offer convenience like Electronic Ticket Issuing Machines (ETIMs), Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), mobile app with mobile tickets and mobile passes platform, Smart Cards platform and cloud-based hosting to commuters. Passengers travelling in electric buses can get details like real-time tracking of buses, how congested it is, along with expected time of arrival. 

    City residents asked to register petsAmid a surge in dog bite cases in Srinagar, city residents have been asked by the authorities to register their pets. A circular issued by Srinagar Municipal Corporation has asked dog keepers to give in writing details about the age, breed and source they have got the pets from. “All the owners/keepers of pet dogs residing within the limits of Srinagar Municipal Corporation are required to get their pet dogs registered in accordance with Section-304 (Regulation and Control of Dogs) of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 and Section-3 of Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, in the office of the undersigned,” reads the circular. It warned that anybody keeping a pet dog without registration as required under Section 304 of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000, & Section-3 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, will be liable to be challaned, fined and may lead to impounding of the dog. It also asked pet dog keepers to get their dogs sterilized, especially females. 

    Fayaz waniOur correspondent in Jammu and [email protected]

    Govt redraws social caste list
    The Lt Governor’s administration in Jammu and Kashmir has redrawn the social caste list in the Union Territory, and now 15 more groups would get quota benefits. Under the Jammu & Kashmir government’s reservation rules, social castes have 4 per cent reservation in government jobs. The 15 new classes added in the social caste list include Waghey (Chopan), Ghirath/Bhati/Chang community, Jat community, Saini community, Markabans/PonyWalas, Sochi community, Christian Biradari (converted from Hindu Valmiki), Sunar/Swarankar Teeli (Hindu Teeli along with already existing Muslim Teli), Perna/Kouro (Kaurav), Bojru/Decount/Dubdabay Brahmin Gorkans, Gorkhas, West Pakistani refugees (excluding SCs) and Acharyas. The administration also made modifications in the existing social castes. The other change made in Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, is substituting the words ‘Pahari Speaking People’ with ‘Pahari Ethnic People’. The social caste list was redrawn on the recommendations of the Jammu and Kashmir Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission which was constituted by the J&K Government in 2020. Former High Court Judge GD Sharma heads the three-member panel. The redrawing of caste list took place after Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent J&K visit, announced reservation benefits to Paharis, Gujjars and Bakerwals in the UT.

    200 electric buses to ply in Srinagar, Jammu
    About 200 electric buses will soon ply on the roads in the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, in an attempt by the government to establish an environmentally, socially and financially sustainable network of public transport. Tata Motors will be responsible for supply, operation and maintenance of electric buses, 100 each in Jammu and Srinagar. Chalo Mobility will deploy its consumer technology solutions to offer convenience like Electronic Ticket Issuing Machines (ETIMs), Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), mobile app with mobile tickets and mobile passes platform, Smart Cards platform and cloud-based hosting to commuters. Passengers travelling in electric buses can get details like real-time tracking of buses, how congested it is, along with expected time of arrival. 

    City residents asked to register pets
    Amid a surge in dog bite cases in Srinagar, city residents have been asked by the authorities to register their pets. A circular issued by Srinagar Municipal Corporation has asked dog keepers to give in writing details about the age, breed and source they have got the pets from. “All the owners/keepers of pet dogs residing within the limits of Srinagar Municipal Corporation are required to get their pet dogs registered in accordance with Section-304 (Regulation and Control of Dogs) of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 and Section-3 of Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, in the office of the undersigned,” reads the circular. It warned that anybody keeping a pet dog without registration as required under Section 304 of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000, & Section-3 of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001, will be liable to be challaned, fined and may lead to impounding of the dog. It also asked pet dog keepers to get their dogs sterilized, especially females. 

    Fayaz wani
    Our correspondent in Jammu and Kashmir
    [email protected]

  • ED files chargesheet against Farooq Abdullah

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate has charged Farooq Abdullah, the former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and others for financial irregularities in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. The agency has filed a supplementary charge sheet under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, before the court in Srinagar.

    The charge sheet was filed against Abdullah, Ahsan Ahmad Mirza, Mir Manzoor Gazanffer and others. The court has issued notices to the accused for appearance before the PMLA Special Court on Aug. 27. The supplementary charge sheet was preceded by three provisional attachment orders where movable as well as immovable assets to the extent of `21.55 crore belonging to the accused were attached.

    NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate has charged Farooq Abdullah, the former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and others for financial irregularities in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. The agency has filed a supplementary charge sheet under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, before the court in Srinagar.

    The charge sheet was filed against Abdullah, Ahsan Ahmad Mirza, Mir Manzoor Gazanffer and others. The court has issued notices to the accused for appearance before the PMLA Special Court on Aug. 27. The supplementary charge sheet was preceded by three provisional attachment orders where movable as well as immovable assets to the extent of `21.55 crore belonging to the accused were attached.

  • JeM terror module busted in Pulwama, 8 militant associates arrested 

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Security forces have busted a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror module in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, arresting eight militant associates, police said Tuesday.

    Based on specific inputs, several suspects were arrested and leads were developed, resulting in the busting of the terror module operating in the Awantipora area of the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said.

    He identified the arrested as Mushtaq Ahmad Dar, Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, Manzoor Ahmad Dar (all residents of Wagad); Fayaz Ahmad Rather, a resident of Pastuna; Shabir Ahmad Rather, a resident of Syedabad Pastuna; Mohammsd Latief Rather, a resident of Syedabad Pastuna; Sheeraz Ahmad Mir, a resident of Aripal and Waseem Ahmad Bhat of Pastuna.

    Incriminating materials including ammunition were also recovered from their possession.

    Besides, vehicle used in the commission of the crime has also been seized, the spokesman said.

    Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested terrorist associates were involved in providing shelter, logistics and transportation of arms/ammunition to two active JeM terrorists namely Asif Sheikh, a resident of Monghama, and Ajaz Bhat, a resident of Syedabad Pastuna Tral, he said.

    A case has been registered and further investigation is in progress, the spokesman said.

  • Rahul Bhat’s killing: Kashmiri Pandits take out protest march in Srinagar

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Kashmiri Pandits took out a protest march on Saturday against the killing of Rahul Bhat and staged a shit in front of the famous clock tower in Lal Chowk demanding justice for the slain government employee.

    Rahul Bhat (35), who had got the job of a clerk under the special employment package for migrants in 20120-11, was gunned down by terrorists inside the Tehsil office in Chadoora town on May 12. Kashmiri Pandits assembled near Bund in the Lal Mandi area of the city and held a puja for Bhat on the banks of the Jhelum river, following which they began to march towards Lal Chowk.

    After reaching Lal Chowk, the protesters held a sit-in demanding justice for Bhat and strict action against the authorities in Budgam as well as the assailants. Raising slogans against the administration, they also demanded that Kashmiri Pandits, who got jobs under the prime minister’s package, be relocated.

    Later, the protestors marched to the BJP’s state office in the Jawahar Nagar area of the city, held a sit-in outside it and raised slogans against the party. The protestors dispersed peacefully afterwards. Protests have been held at several places in Jammu and Kashmir over the killing of Bhat as well as the “failure” of the administration in providing security to Kashmiri Pandit employees.

  • Denial of justice would lead to anarchy: CJI Ramana in Srinagar

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: It is imperative for a healthy democracy that people feel their rights and dignity are recognised and protected, Chief Justice of India N V Ramana said on Saturday, stressing that denial of justice would ultimately lead to anarchy.

    Addressing a function in Srinagar, the CJI urged lawyers and judges to create a congenial environment for litigants who are often “under a lot of psychological stress”.

    He lamented that the justice delivery mechanism in India is very “complex and expensive” and the country is far behind in making courts inclusive and accessible.

    “For the functioning of a healthy democracy, it is imperative that the people feel that their rights and dignity are protected and recognised. Expeditious adjudication of disputes is the hallmark of a healthy democracy. Denial of justice would ultimately lead to anarchy. Soon the institution of the judiciary would be destabilised as people will look for extrajudicial mechanisms,” the CJI said.

    The Chief Justice of India was here to lay the foundation stone of the new complex for the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

    “Peace shall only prevail when people’s dignity and rights are recognised and protected,” he said. 

    Chief Justice Ramana said in India, the courts have the constitutional duty of adjudication of rights and upholding the aspirations of the Constitution.

    “One of the major challenges to the protection of rule of law and human rights is the inability of the formal justice system to deliver speedy and affordable justice to all. The justice delivery mechanism in India is very complex and expensive,” he said.

    He said the judiciary must be at its innovative best to ensure that the challenges to its working are met with just and Constitutional measures.

    “Technology has been a strong aid to the judiciary. Now, virtual courts are bridging the gaps of accessibility by reducing time, cost and distance. But in a country like India, where a vast digital divide still exists, much needs to be done in order to harness the full potential of technological innovations,” he added.

    The Chief Justice of India expressed happiness after laying the foundation stone of the new high court complex here.

    “Solving the problems of infrastructure is very close to my heart. I have consistently emphasised the need for the development and modernisation of infrastructure.

    Sadly, post-independence, judicial infrastructure has not been overhauled to meet the demands of the growing needs of modern India.

    “We are far behind in making our courts inclusive and accessible. If we don’t attend to this urgently, the Constitutional ideal of access to justice would stand defeated,” he said.

    He said the district judiciary is the foundation of the judiciary.

    “Only if the foundation is strong, the entire system can flourish. As I have mentioned earlier, the condition of judicial infrastructure across the country is far from satisfactory. Courts are operating from rented accommodations and under deplorable conditions.”

    The chief justice began his over 20-minute speech with a famous verse by poet Ali Jawad Zaidi as he reminisced about his visits to Kashmir earlier.

    “Muddaton baad jo aayaa hoon is vaadi mein Ik naya husn, naya rang nazar aata hai (I have come to this valley after ages. I can see a new beauty, new colour).”

    The CJI said, “I had the fortune to visit this paradise many times, but every time I have been amazed by its beauty and moved by its hospitality. It’s a land where one gets to experience four seasons. The kindness of the people here, and the enriching culture of Kashmir, transforms every soul that visits this scenic land.”

    The chief justice touched on various issues facing the lower judiciary and asked the concerned to take advantage of the 100 percent funding by the central government.

    “The other aspect which I keep on highlighting is the need to fill up the vacancies. Twenty-two per cent of the posts in the district judiciary are still lying vacant. Steps have to be initiated immediately to fill this gap. Appropriate steps are also required to be taken for providing security and accommodation for all the Judges,” he added.

    Chief Justice Ramana said judges and lawyers must take an oath to work hard to make justice a reality.

    “Mere laws are not enough to build tradition in a country. It requires men of indelible character inspired by high ideals to infuse life and spirit in the skeleton of the laws,” he said adding the judges play a very significant role in the Constitutional scheme.

    “Common man always considered the judiciary as the ultimate guardian of rights and liberties… Your swift, proactive and sensitive decision can make a lot of difference in the lives of several people who are in desperate need of justice. Create a congenial environment for the litigants. Often, litigants are under a lot of psychological stress,” he said.