Exiled WOES
Asiya Andrabi, founder and chief of all women outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the nation), is in news again after two of her relatives were arrested by Pakistani police for indulging in anti-national activities.
Asiya, who is known for her fiery speeches and open advocacy of Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan, was in a dock when the news of her relatives arrest in Pakistan made news headlines. Asiya quickly reacted that she cannot even think of doing anything wrong against Pakistan.
Confirming raids by the Pakistan police Asiya informed that Dr Syed Mujahid Gilani, Syed Irtiyaz-un-Nabi Gilani [sons of her sister Syed Rehana Andrabi and Dr Syed Mushtaq Gilani] and Syed Mohammad Shoaib Andrabi [son of her brother Syed Zial-ul-Haq Andrabi] had been arrested after police raided her sister’s house ‘Khayabaan-e-Kashmir,’ in G-15 sector of Islamabad on September 7.
An official at the Tarnol police station in the Islamabad Capital Territory has reportedly said that Shoaib was caught with a cache of arms and ammunition but did not confirm the presence of “remote controlled spy planes” which was reported in the Dawn newspaper last Tuesday.
“We don’t understand what kind of game is being played with us. Our family has sacrificed the comfort our homes and preferred to live in Pakistan than in slave Kashmir,” Asiya said.
Dukhtaran played a key role in closing down a flourishing liquor business, cinema halls and video libraries in Kashmir in 1988-89. Later, Ms. Andrabi married Mr. Ashiq Hussain Faktoo, the founder “chief commander” of Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen who is serving a life term in the Srinagar Central Jail for his conviction in the assassination of noted human rights activist Hriday Nath Wanchoo.
Pertinently, most of Ms. Andrabi’s relatives have shifted home to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, England and Malaysia.
Her son who is currently studying in Malaysia was given a passport only after the intervention of J&K High Court.
Trail FINALISED
Kashmir’s Torture Trail by Jezza Neumann has been nominated as the third finalist under Sony impact for the Rory Peck Award. The film tells the story of the serious and sustained human rights abuses in the Kashmir valley.
As per a statement, judges were impressed by Jezza’s commitment to the story, working in a highly demanding environment, and “how he managed to film on both sides of the line – police and torture victims” to show us what’s really happening. The film was made for Channel 4 Dispatches.
For the Rory Peck Awards, films and footage from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kashmir, Mali, Somalia and Syria are in the line-up for this year. The awards have been dedicated to the work of freelance cameramen and women in news and current affairs, after two years dominated by the middle east.
In the Rory Peck Award for News, Bangladeshi freelancer Al-Emrun Garjon is a finalist for Bangladesh Factory Collapse – in-depth coverage of the Rana Plaza garment factory disaster in Dhakar, shot for AP Television News.
“This year’s nine finalists remind us that the Rory Peck Awards aren’t just about freelancers covering conflict, they’re also about storytelling, filmmaking skill and commitment,” said Tina Carr, director of the Rory Peck Trust. “We all benefit from the determination of freelancers to unearth and tell important stories – often working alone and unsupported – and the Rory Peck Awards are our chance to honour their incredible work and say thank you.”
The winners of the Rory Peck Awards 2013 will be announced on 20th November at the Rory Peck Awards ceremony, held at London’s BFI Southbank.
Suspected SSB
Much to the dismay for job aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir, Service Selection Board (SSB) has left hundreds of candidates in lurch as they are unable to get their admit cards on time owing to defect in the official website of board.
The entrance test is scheduled to be held on September 14 across Jammu and Kashmir for various posts advertised by the board.
The candidates say they were asked to download their admit cards online from SSB’s website. “But the website is not working,” the disappointed candidates while complaining the issue said.
According to some candidates, SSB website is not functioning properly. They say there is irregularity everywhere as some admit cards show different address, parentage and somewhere no photographs are posted.
Another dilemma that these candidates face is returning of question papers after the examination. “I fail to understand why the board has notified that after the end of examination, students will have to hand over their question papers to authorities while as no other agencies including Public Service Commission (PSC) and University Grants Commission (UGC) is doing so,” Faisal Habib, another job aspirant told GNS.
“If any candidate has problem in getting admit cards, he should consult the board office to get their admit card on time,” Shagufta Parveen, chairperson SSB, said.
Grateful YADAV
Janta Dal United President and Member Parliament, Sharad Yadav Monday said that India should always be grateful to late Shiekh Muhammad Abdullah as it was he, who played a pivotal role in making Kashmir a part of India.
“Shiekh Muhammad Abdullah give India what a son fails to give his mother. He served India and made Kashmir an inalienable part of India. So India should always be grateful to that towering personality,” Yadav remarked during his visit to the residence of Awami National Conference senior vice president in Srinagar.
Sharad Yadav met ANC president Khalida Shah and Muzafar Shah and the trio apart from others discussed the prevailing situation in Kashmir.
He said that he arrived in Kashmir to know about the prevailing situation and to get connected with the common people.
“The situation in Kashmir is grim and it was painful to learn that four youth have been killed here. We must come forward to heal the wounds of people. The situation would get out of control if we don’t take correct measures at the right time,” Yadav said.
He said that Armed Forces Special Powers Act should be revoked immediately. Yadav said that AFSPA is the source of disturbance here. This draconian law should be repealed.
Shine BOARD
In 52nd meeting at New Delhi on Sep 10, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board under its chairman Governor NN Vohra has decided to improve the Yatra management for next year.
The Board approved the Detailed Project Report of Medical Institute which will involve an expenditure of approximately Rs 285 crores. The Board also directed the establishment of a Medical College after the Medical Institute has got going, reads the statement.
The Board was informed about the to-date status of the approximately Rs 45 crore project being executed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation for securing the stabilization of the Trikuta mountain slopes and thus ensuring against falling stones and land-slides which have been causing serious injuries to the pilgrims.
“The project for a Multi Purpose Audio System being installed along the entire track from Banganga to Bhawan has the objective of enhancing the ambience for the pilgrims who are moving on the track,” the board was informed. “The state-of-the-art audio system, which would cost around Rs 12 crore, shall also be used to provide linkage for the functioning of several important services, particularly CCTV, LAN, EPABX and for making public announcements in the event of any emergency.”
The Board was also informed about the sustained attention being devoted for enlarging the infrastructure for the progressively increasing Yatra, which crossed 1.05 crore last year. In this context, the Board was informed that the Aashirvad Complex at Katra and Parvati Complex at Bhawan, two major accommodation projects costing over Rs 10.88 crore, had been completed.
The Board has expressed satisfaction on the rapid pace at which the Rs 15 crore Kalika Dham at Jammu is being completed and noted that this excellent facility shall become available for use of the pilgrims by March, 2014.
The Board approved of the CEO’s recent initiative to introduce free online Yatra Registration and endorsed the proposal to establish a photograph based Access Control and Verification System for the Yatra.
The Board approved various recommendations for improving the conditions of service of different categories of employees and the Gratuity limit being raised to Rs. 10 lakh with effect from May 2010.
Produced CHALLAN
Moving ahead in ongoing investigation into August 9 violence in Kishtwar district resulted into the killing of three persons, beside wide scale loot and arson of public and government property, Kishtwar police produces three challan before the court of Principal District and session Judge Kishtwar against 12 persons.
Kishtwar police produces challan in FIR No 146, 149 and 150 registered under section 436/353/336/435/332/427/147/148/149 RPC registered at police station Kishtwar. As per the details available with maximum number of 7 persons were booked in FIR No 149, while four persons were booked in FIR No 146 and one person in FIR No 150.
Police also produce all the accused before the court who sent them to judicial custody till next date of hearing settled for 25, 26 and 27 September 2013. As per the reports, police informed the court that the investigation into the case is still going on as the identification process of involvement of more persons is in progress and same will be furnished in supplementary challan as and when the same will be completed.
According to sources, Kishtwar administration has prepared nearly half dozen PSA case against some persons hailing from both the communities for their allegedly involvement in flaring communal violence.
In another development, Kishtwar police has reportedly achieved a major success in recovery of at least two wireless sets stolen from police vehicles few weeks ago before it was set on fire by the unruly mob at Shalimar on the outskirts of Kishtwar town.
Police and SIT has expedited the search for recovery of the stolen guns robbed from a gun shop on August 9. They have so far achieved success in recovery nearly two dozen guns. Police has also made some arrest in this connection.
Meanwhile Padder police registered FIR No 19 U/S 364 (Kidnapping with intension to murder) at police station Padder in connection with missing of Gujjar youth who went missing soon after clashes broke out in the area in wake of aftermath of August 9 Kishtwar communal clashes.
It is pertinent to mention that Kishtwar police has registered 15 FIRs in connection with August 9 violence, beside government has also constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe into the violence related case. Though the government has also announced judicial probe to be conducted by Retire Justice R C Gandhi, but Gandhi has yet to start the same.
