PDP trade charges on amnesty to youths

 The National Conference and People’s Democratic Party today traded charges on amnesty to Kashmiri youths, mostly the stone pelters, booked under various provisions of law in the Valley.

Raising the issue in the Legislative Assembly, PDP Legislature Party leader Mehbooba Mufti said even after the announcement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on floor of the House announcing amnesty for 5000 stone pelters, only on Thursday 15 youth, mostly minor, were challaned in the court of law for framing charges against them.

"At least in the Assembly, the Chief Minister shouldn’t have spoken lies’’, she said.

Mehbooba said all the boys were minor and school going and their families were perturbed over police decision to produce challan against them for framing of charges.

Later, responding to the charges of Ms Mufti, Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani said the production of challan against the boys was only a legal requirement and the Chief Minister was committed to grant amnesty to youth.

He said after production of challan, the Government would approach the court for closure of cases against the boys.

Mr Wani said 407 FIRs have been selected for withdrawal under an amnesty policy for stone-pelters announced by the State Government.

"As per the amnesty (to stone-pelters involved in 2010 summer unrest) announced by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, 407 FIRs have been identified for withdrawal", he said.

Wani, who was countering the allegations levelled by Mehbooba Mufti that Government had announced amnesty to stone-pelters on one side but on the other side are prosecuting them in court, said that "for the withdrawal of FIRs, there is a legal requirement".

The Minister said that "first there is a need to present a challan (case record) in the court as per the legal requirement. It is the process of withdrawal of FIRs (against stone-pelters)".

"Till March 28, when the Chief Minister had made a statement in the House during the grants of his Home Department, 283 FIRs had been challaned (case records presented in courts) under this process for the withdrawal", Mr Wani said.

He said "other cases have also been put on fast track. We wanted to speed up the process so that those identified get honourable exit in these cases and face no problems in future".

The 15 cases which were reported in the media to have been challaned in the court and pointed out by the PDP chief are part of the same process, he said adding if there is case of any minor involved in such cases, he will have to go through the same process.

Mr Wani alleged the leader of the PDP tried to create a confusion about the amnesty policy and "they are always trying to mislead the people".

PDP MLA Zulfikar Ali, however, said the Government could grant amnesty to youth even without producing challan against them.

Earlier, four MLAs including three belonging to the PDP staged a walk-out in the Legislative Assembly during Question Hour for not being allowed to raise supplementaries to the questions.

PDP MLAs—Zahoor Ahmed Mir, Khalil Band and Mushtaq Shah and MLA Domana, Bharat Bushan staged walk-out in the Assembly during Question Hour.

While MLA Domana alleged that the Government has not given proper reply to his question on degree college, three PDP MLAs said they were not given chance to raise supplementaries.

PDP MLA Javed Mustafa Mir again raised the issue of proposed demolition of a Mosque. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar said he went to the spot and had been directed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that Mosque would remain intact despite expansion plan of the area.

Javed Mir expressed gratitude to the Speaker, the Chief Minister and the Law Minister for protecting the Mosque.

Talking to reporters outside the Assembly, Mehbooba Mufti claimed that the youth of the State see their future in the PDP and feel more secure than with the Congress, the NC or the BJP.

She said, "In Jammu there is a yearning towards PDP."

Replying to a question about Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s statement projecting PDP as anti-Jammu, she said, "It is due to fear and frustration (of the growing popularity of PDP in Jammu) that we are being blamed.

"National parties are being rejected, see the fate in UP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Bengal. Jammu has a political vacuum we are slowly trying to fill, it may not do wonders but we have made a small way out."

Jammu FCI to soon have own campus

Jammu and kashmir budget 2012 13 on Mar 5

Snow lashes Jammu Srinagar highway

PDD disconnects illegal electricity connections

The Power Development Department (PDD) in series of inspections conducted at Akhnoor and Khour blocks of Jammu district on March 17 and 18, to recover huge outstanding of electricity charges and to regularize illegal connections and kundies.

At Akhnoor block power of 20 atta chakkis, five saw mills, three welding sets, four poultry farms and two brick kilns was disconnected for want of huge arrears. Arrears of ` 50,000 on account of electricity charges were recovered from two crushers. Besides power supply of DCM School at Gurah Brahmana was also disconnected due to non-payment of electricity charges.

At Khour block power connections of four domestic, three table saw mills, two poultry farms, one pump set and one welding set were detected illegal and a fine of ` 39,810 was imposed. Power supply of entire village Bhopur, consisting of 100 households was disconnected by switching off two 100 KVA Distribution Stations due to non-payment of electricity charges by the residents in the entire financial year. Besides three power connections and eight domestic connections were also disconnected at village Dhounchak, Datyal and Mattu due to non-payment of electricity charges.

They were warned that their power supply will not be restored till they deposit their electricity charges and regularize their illegal connections. The general public was requested to immediately deposit their electricity charges failing which the disconnection drive will be continued in other areas also.

Christmas 2011 Celebrated in Jammu

Lowest ever night temp 2011 in Jammu

Dying Heritage of Srinagar

Main Oppn party stages walk out

NC-PDP clash to take political mileage on Srinagar

The Lower House of the State Legislature today witnessed clashes between arch political rivals-National Conference and People's Democratic Party with both the parties trying to project themselves as sympathizers of Srinagar district. After heated arguments and clashes, all the PDP MLAs including former Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig staged walk-out after accusing the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs and MLA from Khanyar, Ali Mohd Sagar of misleading the House. "Notwithstanding the long reply given by the Government, the fact is that the major initiatives, which were taken during the tenure of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for the development of Srinagar have not been carried forward by the present regime", said PDP MLA, Abdul Rehman Veeri, who was seeking reply from the Government to the question of Mehbooba Mufti in her absence.

Mufti Sayeed-led Government got funds sanctioned for flyovers, beautification of Jhelum river, development of Idgah and sewerage and drainage projects for Greater Srinagar and Greater Jammu but National Conference, which is claiming to be the lone sympathizer of Srinagar, has not made any further progress on these major initiatives despite availability of funds, Mr Veeri further said.

This infuriated the National Conference MLAs particularly those from Srinagar district with MLA from Idgah constituency and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul started countering Abdul Rehman Veeri. "Aap Kis Khate Main Bol Rehain Hain", remarked PDP MLA, Peerzada Mansoor.

In order to counter PDP MLAs, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohd Sagar said, "your Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig had claimed to have brought ` 1200 crore for the development of Srinagar… where is that money", adding "in your tenure the Dal lake was in the pitiable condition and only we started its proper conservation".

"Don't do politics by making false statements. During your regime only 25 feet flyover was constructed in Srinagar", Sagar further said. The remarks of Sagar infuriated the PDP MLAs, who started protesting against the National Conference.

The Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister received support from MLA Habbkadal and Chairperson of State Women Commission, Shamima Firdous and Peer Afaq, who tried to counter the PDP MLAs by saying "what PDP has done for the Srinagar is open to all and now they are enacting drama to project themselves as the sympathizers of summer capital".

"No new initiative has been taken by the NC-led Government for the Srinagar", Abdul Rehman Veeri reiterated amidst strong protest from the PDP MLAs.

Amidst ruckus, Sagar said, "whatever projects started during the tenure of Dr Farooq Abdullah in Srinagar were stopped by the PDP soon after formation of Mufti Sayeed-led Government", adding "it is only during the last three years that we got several projects started and prepared Detailed Project Reports for the flyovers".

After about 10-15 minutes long clashes and verbal spat between Veeri and Sagar, all the PDP MLAs including former Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig staged walk out amidst slogans "the Minister is misleading the House".

Backdoor appointment of Shafi Uris son

Backdoor appointment of former Finance Minister and National Conference MP, Mohd Shafi Uri’s son in the J&K Sports Council and 35 others, evoked strong protest from the Opposition in the Upper House today, followed by the walk-out by the PDP member as Minister failed to convince on the issue and give satisfactory reply.

The issue in the House of Elders was raised by the PDP Member Murtaza Ahmed Khan during the Question Hour today. Minister In Charge, Youth Services and Sports, Technical and Medical Education, R S Chib was responding. The Government admitted on the floor of the House that 36 appointments were made since January 2009 till now, in the Youth Services and Sports and the Sports Council under different arrangements in the State.

Mr Chib in his reply said that Mohd Shafi Uri’s son Ovais Ahmed, resident of Gharllot in Uri (Baramulla), was appointed as Editor in the Sports Council on probation basis. He however, failed to define the meaning of ‘probation’ and give explanation of this category of arrangement made in the recruitment, despite being pressed repeatedly by PDP members. The PDP member Mr Khan further pressed that if any application was sought or the posts advertised in the Press, Radio or TV for these posts available and whether the posts were referred to the SSRB or any other recruiting agency. The Minister preferred to maintain silence over it due to unknown reasons. He however, kept on saying that proper procedure was adopted by making engagements.

In the first question Murtaza Khan asked whether any person/persons have been engaged in the Sports, Youth Services department or Sports Council, under different arrangements other than SSRB since January 2009, the reply of the Government was total self-contradictory as the Minister concerned said no adhoc, seasonal, casual, need basis employees had been employed/ engaged in the Youth Services and Sports. However, only one person Ameek Ahmed Khan, son of Mohd Khalil of Anantnag was engaged on need basis as Groundsman for a period of 89 days. No extension was granted to him thereafter. But 36 appointments have been made in the J&K State Sports Council since January 2009. One hundred eighty three vacancies of Class IV were available in the department of Youth Service and Sports and six in the Sports Council as on date.

Giving details he admitted that seven persons were engaged on probation basis. They are Ovais Ahmed, son of Mohd Shafi Uri from village Gharllot (Uri- Baramulla), as Editor on 29-4-2010, Jehangir Mir, son of Gh Mohd Mir of Sonwar Bagh Srinagar as Computer operator on 18-2-2010, Joginder Kumar, son of Khazan Chandof Jawahar Nagar New Plot Jammu as Groundsman in August 2010, Jagdish Kumar, son of Titro Ram of Korga Sohal in Jammu as Groundsman in January 2011, Bilguis Dar, daughter of Nazir Ahmed Dar of Kohankhan, Srinagar as Ground attendant in January 2011, Hilal Ahmed, son of Mohd Amin of village Ranbirpora in Mattan Anantnag as Groundsman in February 2011 and Shabir Ahmed Dar, son of Gh Mohd Dar, of Kursoo, Padshahi Bagh Srinagar as Yoga Instructor on 18-10-2011.

Besides this, eleven (11) persons were engaged on contractual basis as coaches and driver. They are Onkar Singh Gill, son of Puran Chand of Bishnah as Volleyball coach, Jagjit Singh, son of Sindhu Singh of Sector 7 Nanak Nagar as Hockey coach, Shakti Gupta, son of Late Bishan Dass Gupta of Nagrota Gujroo Billawar as Judo Coach, Dalwinder Singh, son of Gurmukh Singh of Kaluchak, near SBI Jammu as Hockey Coach, Rachna Jamwal, daughter of S S Jamwal of Shastri Nagar Jammu as Fencing Coach, Vikas Magotra, son of V P Magotra of Shakti Nagar Jammu as Swimming Coach, Javaid Ahmed Sofi, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din of Chhatabal Srinagar as Football coach, Muneer Aalam Mir, son of Mir Mushtaq of Dalipora Kawada Sgr as Volleyball Coach, Rubia Jan, son of Mohd Ramzan of Bijbehara Anantnag as Netball trainer, Mohd Ashraf Parray, son of Ghulam Mohd Parray of Saloora Baramulla as Handball Instructor and Vijay Singh, son of Karnail Singh of village Khushalpura in R S Pura as driver on consolidated basis.

Mr Chib further claimed that 15 persons were engaged as casual labourers on "Need basis’’ and out of them only two belonged to Jammu region. Three others were engaged as part-time sweepers on consolidated salary. They are Mushtaq Ahmed Parray, son of Late G M Parray of Gadoora Ganderbal, Ajaz Ahmed Doomb, son of Ghulam Hassan Doomb of Tujar in Sopore, Mohd Ismail Dar, son of Late Mohd Sultan of Gamroo in Bondipora, Rakesh Kumar, son of Dev Raj of Kanji House Jammu, Mohd Maqbool Malik, son of Late Mohd Ramzan of Dalgate Sgr, Altaf Hussain, son of Gh Qadir Dar of Dalina Baramulla, Zakir Ahmed Malik, son of Mushtaq Ahmed Malik of Boniyar in Baramulla, Gulshan Kumar, son of Batta Ram of Rajouri, Veer Singh, son of Sain Dass, resident of Satriyan in R S Pura, Imtiaz Ahmed, son of Noor Mohd Shah of Qamarwari Sgr, Lovekash Singh, son of Sardar Singh of Ballar in Kathua, Fayaz Ahmed Mir, son of G M Mir of Lasjan in Srinagar, Tariq Ahmed Sofi, son of Ghulam Mohd Sofi of Sgr, Rehana, daughter of Ali Mohd Bhagwan of Rainawari, Sgr, Fayaz Ahmed Bhat, son of Gh Qadir Bhat of Khaniyar Sgr, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, son of Abdul Ahad of Anantnag, Mohd Iqbal, son of Gulzar Ahmed of Khawajabagh Baramulla and Mushtaq Ahmed, son of Sonaullah Sheikh of Mehjoor Nagar, Srinagar.

Murtaza Khan grilled the Minister and brought him to uneasy situation by raising volley of pointed questions and later staged walk out to lodge protest alleging that Minister failed to give satisfactory reply and maintained silence on the advertisements issue and also provided self contradictory response. However, his two other party members Nizamuddin Khatana and Asgar Ali remained seated inside the House.

PDP to create atmosphere for return of KPs to Valley

Reiterating resolve of his party to restore sustainable peace in Jammu and Kashmir, patron of People's Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that PDP would create conducive atmosphere for the return of migrant Kashmir Pandits to their native places in Kashmir Valley.

"Policies and programmes of PDP are formulated by accommodating wishes and aspirations of all sections of the society", he said and asserted that party would work assiduously to implement its policy of peace and reconciliation in the State.

Interacting with prominent citizens at Gole Gujaral area of Jammu city, PDP patron said that it was his desire to make Jammu and Kashmir as an island of peace. "I was comfortable in the Congress but we formed PDP with an aim of restoring lasting peace in this region", he said and sought support of every section of the society to fulfill this dream.

He said that some vested interests have launched vicious campaign against PDP to create misunderstanding. "My political life is an open book. My political life is also crystal clear", he said.

Mr Sayeed, while highlighting achievements of PDP led regime, said that in short span of time PDP had tried to address aspirations of all sections of the society. "Self praise is no recommendations but steps taken during our regime to provide justice to every citizens of the State are indicator of our sincere efforts to mitigate misery of people", he said and added that the previous PDP-regime had set an example of good governance and the people have realized that only this party has the vision and conviction to solve their problems.

"It was the result of the efforts of our party that people's faith was revived in democratic institutions. There was participation of common masses in governance," the PDP leader said. He reminded that PDP led regime had set an example of good governance in the State.

Reiterating that dialogue was the only way to solve all problems, he said the peace process initiated by his Government was an irreversible process and the roadmap laid by his party was the only way to establish sustainable peace in the sub-continent.

He said that present regime has failed to keep its promises and the people were looking at the PDP as an alternative to have their aspirations addressed. "Handling Jammu and Kashmir is not a childish issue. It is a very complicate place to handle", he observed and added that during the last three years the present regime has reversed the process of peace and development in the State.

Pointing towards issues raised by the residents of Gole Gujaral and adjoining localities, he said that solving problems of the refugees of Muzaffarabad and other areas was on the top of party's agenda. He said that his party would vociferously take up issues of refugees on all platforms.

T S Bajwa, Ved Mahajan, Daman Bhasin, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, Shanti Devi, Surjeet Kour, Surinder Sharma, Anil Gour, Falail Singh, Jagjeet Singh Jagga and Amrik Sasan were among others, who spoke on the occasion.

PDP moves adjournment motion

The Peoples Democratic Party, which is expressing solidarity with media persons following their boycott against Speaker’s  remarks had staged a walk out for two minutes also this morning, has moved a Motion of Adjournment of Normal Business for February 28-02-2012 under Rule 56.

The motion moved by the party stated that the normal business would become meaningless without media scrutiny and coverage; thus the same be suspended for February 28, 2012 to discuss the issue and appeal to the press to resume normal functioning.

Text of the motion moved stated:

“Since media has gone on boycott of the proceedings of Assembly against the remarks of some ministers and the Presiding Officer made on the floor of the house by them on 27-02-2012 during the course of proceedings , an ugly situation has been created with a potential danger to divide the 4th Estate and Legislature at peril of the larger legislative practices. Also, it has the repercussions which are likely to cause irreparable loss to the state polity. As an immediate consequence, the normal business will become meaningless without media scrutiny and coverage.

Therefore, we move that the same be suspended for 28-02-2012 to discuss this issue of urgent public importance, which also should precede with an appeal to press to resume normal functioning and facilitate task of legislature to accomplish the constitutional obligation in a desirable and cooperative manner in tune with democratic spirit and public good.”

Mushaira organised
PM appeals to Anna to end fast
Message for Hoteliers

Omar Abdullah enjoying PDPs frustration

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today sought to make light of remarks of his bete-noire People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti that he was running administration like a “headless chicken”, stating this demonstrated their (PDP’s) frustration and he was thoroughly enjoying it.Omar was talking to media after addressing a rally of Panchs and Sarpanchs organised by Rural Development and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs departments at Parade Ground here today.

Though initially the Chief Minister restrained himself from reacting on this statement yet he could not resist the temptation to hit back and scoff at PDP leadership for long.So when he was first asked to respond to the statement, his reaction was, “Have you ever known me to respond to statements like this? I’ve never done it nor do I plan it.”However, when similar question was redirected to him at the end of interaction as whether PDP wanted to irritate or prick him with these kind of statements, he could not exercise similar restraint and mocked, “Neither I get irritated nor I get pricked by their these kind of statements. When they (PDP) use this kind of language for me, I feel very satisfied. Reason I feel as if I’ve done something really great job.”

“Lekin Jab Woh Khamosh Ho Jaatey Hain To Main Ghabra Jaata Hoon Kyunki Khamoshi Mein Mujhe Lagata Hai Woh Khush Hain. Jab Woh Bolana Shuru Kar Detay Hain To Main Khush Ho Jaata Hoon Kyunki Jab Woh Zyada Bolatay Hain To Is Say Lagata Hai Woh Ghabra Gaye Hai, Baukhla Gaye Hain Aur Main Aur Zyada Unko Ghabraaney Aur Baukhlaaney Ki Koshish Karta Hoon (In fact their silence troubles me as this gives me an indication that they are happy. However, when they launch a verbal offensive then I feel happy. Because this indicates their nervousness and frustration which I thoroughly enjoy by redoubling my efforts to increase their anxiety, irritation with our performance graph),” Omar said.

Interestingly even during rally, he did not leave an opportunity to take a dig at PDP leadership which had been lashing out at National Conference in general and Omar in particular over power crisis in J&K.

Criticising (PDP) for “shutting eyes to the revolutionary initiatives and considerable achievements” registered by the coalition during last three years, the Chief Minister said that those who were raising hue and cry over non-availability of power could not even help generate a single MW during their tenure. “They put Baglihar in cold-storage and closed Sawalakote, which was an initiative of Farooq-led government. They did not spend a single penny on power generation. Those who have covered their eyes with black glasses only see dark,” he added.        

Even Minister for Rural Development, Law and Justice, Ali Mohammed Sagar, joining the war of words with PDP on this occasion, said that those (PDP leadership) who had launched propaganda against the coalition government was in fact “very much frustrated by witnessing the success of Omar-led dispensation in all fields of life.”

“These people are jealous of the significant work culture put in place by the coalition and historic achievements registered to ameliorate the lot of masses,” he added and said that during their (PDP) tenure they could not even transfer one service to panchayats and urban local bodies and made these non-entity units.

“There should be some limit for making false propaganda, but opposition is devoid of all such traits and is upset to see the leadership qualities of Omar Abdullah who steered the boat clear of difficult water currents to the shore of peace, stability and progress,” he said.

SALMAN RUSHDIE’S VISIT NON ISSUE: Omar also played down the raging controversy in the country over Muslim organisations’ demand of denying visa to controversial India-born writer Salman Rushdie saying that he (Rushdie) was a non-issue. He said it did not bother Indian Muslims who were more concerned about their day-to-day livelihood issues.

“Is this the first time Salman Rushdie is coming to India? As far as I know has come before this also. Why suddenly is Salman Rushdie becoming an issue? Clearly there are those who are seeking to exploit this for political purposes given that there are elections in five states in the next month. I think we underestimate the intelligence of the Indian Muslims when we try and raise issues like this which have no bearing on the day to day concerns of the Muslims. I don’t believe there are very many Muslims in India for whom a visa to Salman Rushdie will be an election issue. They’re more concerned about their day to day concerns and their future concerns,” Omar said.

“Salman has visited India before. If it was the first time, he was applying for a visa, it might be different. I don’t think this is an issue that anybody (they) should really concern (themselves with). We’re more concerned with the day to day livelihood issues of Muslims in rest of the country,” he stated

READY FOR CAMPAIGN IN PUNJAB FOR CONGRESS:

Responding to a query, Omar stated that he had not received any request or invitation for campaigning in favour of Congress in Punjab or any other state so far. “As and when I get any such request or invitation from there, I’ll definitely go there,” he reiterated. 

PDP holds protest demonstrations

Continuing its campaign against corruption, mis-governance, lack of development, price rise and human rights abuses, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today held protest demonstration at all district headquarters in the Kashmir valley.

Thousands of party workers led by their senior leaders hit the street in large protest demonstrations taken out in Srinagar Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Kupwara. In Srinagar the protest rally started at PDP office and was led by Senior PDP leaders Muzaffer Hussain Beig, Moulvi Iftikar Ansari, Tariq Qarra and distict president Mohammad Ashraf Mir. The demonstrators raised slogans and carried placards highlighting common man’s woes, rampant corruption and failures of the present coalition.

Addressing the rally Muzaffar Hussain Beig said that the Omar Abdullah led government had put the state in a reverse gear at all fronts. “While other states of the country are marching forward, Omer Abdullah, busy in political gimmicks, has put a virtual stop on the growth and development of the state leading to miseries for people, rampant corruption, unemployment and runaway price rise,” he said.

Accusing the National Conference of fooling the people, Beig said “The Abdullahs have resorted to a division of labour within the family to eat the cake and keep it too. Under this arrangement Farooq Abdullah performs the role of appeasing Centre, Mustafa Kamal catering to separatist sentiment and Omer Abdullah half here and half there to stick to chair at the cost of state interests.” He said the people, however, were conscious enough now to see through the NC game and would teach them a lesson whenever an election was held, and PDP would continue to channel their aspirations.

Beig accused the NC led coalition of trying to deflect attention from the corruption in Abdullah family that was exposed by the suspicious death of their close confidante Haji Yousuf and resorted to hollow rhetoric on AFSPA. He said the deceased NC worker had only sought to reconcile the dirty money collected for Dr Abdullah in his meeting with Omar Abdullah and the next thing about him was that he died in a matter of hours. “What ever Omar and his courtiers do to cover up the scandal, justice would catch up with them sooner or later” he said.

He also accused the NC led government of failing to protect peoples’ rights, life and honor. “This government did not even prosecute a single official accused of killing 120 innocent boys last year,” he said .He said the NC would have to account for every penny of the loot they indulged in and every drop of blood they shed of innocent Kashmiris and PDP would work for public accountability of all political parties.

He said the present government is incapable of doing anything let alone removing AFSPA from the state. The removal of APSPA from Budgam and Srinagar, where it is not applicable, is only a political gimmick. “It will have to go from all areas - from  Kupwara to Poonch where this law actually is a source of trouble and not merely Srinagar and Jammu as a cosmetic exercise planned by Omar” he said.

Beig said it was the PDP in 2007 that first proposed the removal of AFSPA. “It was in 2007, when Mufti Sahab wrote a letter to Prime Minister saying there was no need of APSPA in the state. The PM had then set-up a working group to look into the matter.” Subsequently the working group led by the vice president Hamid Ansari recommended scrapping of this law, a development that has been frittered away by Omar Abdullah through his shoddy handling of the issue in panic reaction to exposure of his family’s corruption.

He accused the CM of holding the centre hostage by beating the AFSPA drum for holding on to his CM chair. He questioned “why Omer Abdullah raised the pitch on AFSPA at a time when voices in congress were raised for the rotational CM?”Beig said the last three year governance of National Conference led coalition government has only brought down the quality of governance to a level that common mans trust has eroded from democratic institutions. “The prices are sky rocketing and every minister in this government is involved in scams and corruption.” He said PDP government raised annual plan allocations from 1900 crores to six thousand crores during its tenure. Additionally, it got special packages worth 32000 crores but Omar Abdullah has not been able to even spent this huge  funds properly with the result that no new schemes or projects have been taken up. Even the once started by the previous cioalition have been shelved.

Later while addressing his party workers here at press enclave, Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari said: “We demand the complete revocation of the AFSPA from the entire state and not merely from four districts as proposed by Omar Abdullah. The army does not anyway operate in these areas from where Omar proposes to revoke the AFSPA.”

In Anantnag, the demonstration was led by Abdur Rehman Veeri, Peerzada Mansoor, Mohd Rafi Mir, district president Peer Hussain , Abdul Rahim Rather and Imran Amin including Zonal presidents. The rally was attended by thousands of people and workers who demanded for improved living standard.

In Ganderbal, the protest demonstration was led by Qazi Mohd Afzal, Bashir Ahmed Mir, Abdul Waheed Dar, G R Shaheen. In kulgam the rally was led by Deputy Speaker Mohd Sartaj Madni, Sofi Abdul Gaffar and district president Nazir Ahmed Laway.

In Shopian, the protest demonstration was led by Senior leader and MLC Murtaza Khan,  district president Mohd Shafi Banday, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Wani and others. In pulwama the rally was led by Mohd Khaleel Bandh, Syed Bashir, Zahoor Ahmed Mir district president Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, Showkat Gayoor, Mukhtar Ahmed and others.

In Baramulla the demonstration was led by Mohd Dilawar Mir, Syed Basharat Bukhari, javed Hussain Beig and others. In kupwara the rally was led by Abdulhaq Khan, Sofi Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, Irfan Sultan Panditpuri, Fayaz Ahmed Mir and others.

In Bandipora the protest demonstrations was led by Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and district president Yasir Reshi. In Budgam the rally was led by district president Saif-ud-din Bhat, MlA Javed Mustafa Mir, MLA Mohd Shafi Wani, Agha Syed Mehmood , Ghulam Nabi Hanjoora and Nazir Ahmed Yatoo.