Shaharbeen News Service Kashmir is a news service which covers, gathers, writes, and distributes news to newspapers, periodicals, radio and television broadcasters, government agencies, and other users. We at SNS Kashmir believe in fair and independent journalism to inform our masses or subscribers and readers about the happenings around the world. The prime focus of the news gathering and reporting is focused on Jammu and Kashmir state.
Kashmir Press Club has condemned the assault on two photojournalists by the police who were performing their professional duties in Srinagar’s Downtown on Friday.
The two journalists identified as Shafat Farooq, cameraperson with BBC and Saqib Majeed, a freelance photographer were beaten after protests broke out in Nowhatta area after the culmination of congregational Friday prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid.
“As we were covering the protest, police chased us. A policeman came from nowhere and hit me in my back. I asked the cop why did he hit me. Senior police officials present on the spot apologized for what had happened,” Shafat told Kashmir Press Club management. He complained of severe back pain after the assault.
Shafat said that another photojournalist was also beaten by police. “We were dispensing our professional duties.
However, soon after a police party chased us and one of them caught me by my collar, slapped me several times and even dragged me on the road,” said Saqib after the assualt to a few media outlets.
While taking note of the assault and condemning the police behavior, Kashmir Press Club urges upon the police authorities to sensitize its ranks about its conduct/response towards the press/media persons. Else, it becomes clear that the intimidation, harassment and assaults are meant to stop journalists from doing their duties.
The KPC hopes that the journalists are allowed to conduct their professional duties without fear and coercion.
Pakistan’s election commission on Friday expressed shock and disappointment over Prime Minister Imran Khan’s allegations against it, asserting that the Senate elections were held as per the Constitution and it has ‘never come under any sort of pressure and God willing, will not in future as well.’ The strong comments were made by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in a statement following a crucial meeting of its members to review Prime Minister Khan’s statements against it on Thursday in an address to the nation.
The meeting was summoned by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Prime Minister Khan lashed out at the election commission which he said failed to stop corruption in Wednesday’s closely-contested Senate elections.
‘You (ECP) discredited democracy…you damaged the morality of the nation by doing nothing to stop vote-buying,’ he alleged.
Khan’s criticism of the ECP came after Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday, in a major blow to the Prime Minister who personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague.
According to Geo TV, the ECP in the statement said, ‘this is the beauty of democracy and independent elections and the secret ballot which the entire nation witnessed, which was according to the Constitution.’ Rejecting Khan’s allegations, the commission said it has ‘never come under any sort of pressure and God willing, will not in future as well’.
‘We cannot ignore the law and the Constitution to please anyone,’ said the ECP in its statement.
Urging its critics to bring forward evidence of the ECP’s wrongdoing, it asked them to not indulge in mud slinging on national institutions.
The ECP said that ahead of the Senate polls, it had heard all delegations that had called on it to discuss election-related matters and conducted a detailed review of their concerns and recommendations.
Stressing that it was a constitutional and independent institution, the ECP said that if someone has objections to the body’s decisions or orders, it could take the constitutional way but let the institution work independently, the Dawn newspaper reported, citing the statement.
‘It is a shocking matter that under the same staff in the same (election) under the same roof on the same day, (what they won) is acceptable and (what they lost) is unacceptable. Is this not an open contradiction?’ it said.
Every political party and politician should have the courage to accept defeat, it said.
It said the statements made by ‘some members of the federal cabinet, especially by the Prime Minister are ‘saddening,’ according to the Dawn report.
‘If the constitutional institutions continue to be ridiculed in this way, it is tantamount to their (government’s) weakness and not that of the ECP,’ it said.
Meanwhile, talking to reporters later in the day, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said that the PTI and the prime minister “immensely respect all of Pakistan’s institutions”, including the ECP.
He said that it was inappropriate for the ECP to issue a statement on the Prime Minister’s address as he had said nothing wrong in holding the ECP responsible for the failure to ensure transparency in the Senate elections.
“Institutions show their neutrality and freedom through their actions, not press releases,” Chaudhry was quoted as saying in the report.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Senate elections would be held through a secret ballot, amid a raging controversy among the government and Opposition parties about allowing an open vote to avoid corruption.
Under mounting pressure from the Opposition to resign, Pakistan Prime Minister Khan announced that he will seek a vote of confidence on Saturday.
He also accused the grand Opposition alliance for ‘making a mockery of democracy’ and said that he will never let the corrupt politicians off the hook. PTI
Hiren Mansukh, owner of the vehicle with explosives which had been found parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence last week, was found dead in a creek in neighboring Thane on Friday, police said.
Mansukh, around 45 years old, had gone missing on Thursday night. The body was found on the banks of the creek along the Mumbra Reti Bunder road, a senior official of Thane Police said.
Mansukh’s Scorpio with gelatin sticks inside was found near `Antilia’, Ambani’s multi-storey residence in South Mumbai, on February 25. Police had said it had been stolen from Airoli-Mulund Bridge on February 18.
Crime Branch of Mumbai police had recorded Mansukh’s statement in the case. Mansukh, who was in vehicle spare parts business, had said he had lodged a police complaint after the SUV was stolen.
On Friday afternoon his family members approached Naupada Police Station in Thane saying he had gone missing.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Devendra Fadnavis said the death of aprime witness showed that something was fishy.
“I reiterate the demand that the case be handed over to the NIA,” the BJP leader said.(PTI)
Two photojournalists were allegedly assaulted by the police after sporadic protests were witnessed following the culmination of Friday congregation prayers at historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta in central-Kashmir’s Srinagar district.
The two photojournalists identifying themselves as Shafat Farooq, working Cameraperson for BBC and Saqib Majeed, a reputed Freelance photographer said that many media persons had gathered outside Jamia Masjid after protests were reported from the venue ahead of anticipated release of Mirwaiz Umer Farooq.
“We were dispensing our professional duties however soon after a police party chased us and one of them caught me by my collar, slapped me several times and even dragged me on the road”, Saqib, who also happens to be a recipient of Wisden MCC ‘Photograph of the Year Award’ said.
Shafat Farooq alleged that he too was manhandled by some police personnel. “I was hit with a gun butt in my back by the police while they chased us away from the site”, Bhat said.
However Police could not be contacted for comments(GNS)
Senior Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will not lead the congregation Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid today as he continues to be under house detention, All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) informed here.
In a statement issued to News Agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), APHC has expressed strong resentment and regret that after announcing the release of it’s chairman Mirwaiz e Kashmir Molvi Umar Farooq from twenty month long house detention since August 2019, Government authorities went back on their decision.
APHC said that late last night police officials visited Mirwaiz’s residence to convey to him that he continues to be under house arrest, and will not be allowed to go to Jama Masjid for Friday prayers and Majlis waz o tableeg today. And since early morning additional forces have been deployed outside his house and in the area converting it into a garrison.
APHC strongly condemns this authoritarian flip flop of the Government.
APHC said that recently in the Indian parliament, the Government of India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs had categorically stated that no one in Jammu & Kashmir is under house arrest. If that is so, why does Mirwaiz continue to be detained?
APHC said that this imperious decision of the authorities has hurt the sentiments of people and further aggrieved them, as they were eagerly awaiting Mirwaiz’s release from arbitrary house arrest.
APHC appeals to people that though hugely disappointing they should not lose hope and show patience and at no cost resort to any form of violent protest.
Pertinently, some media houses had claimed that the government has set free Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from house detention. (KDC)
Reportedly Suspected militants lobbed a grenade towards J&K police vehicle near Bus Stand Kupwara in North Kashmir. However, the grenade didn’t explode…. Meanwhile, joint forces have cordoned off whole area to nab the militants.
National conference leader Hilal Akbar Lone, who was booked under UAPA, was released late last night after additional session judge Baramulla granted him bail in a “hate speech” case that was registered against him by Hajin police a month ago.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Hilal Lone, who is also the elder son of member parliament from north Kashmir and senior NC leader Mohammad Akbar Lone was released late last night.
He said Additional Session Judge Baramulla granted bail to Hilal in a hate speech case that was registered against him by Hajin Police, a month ago.
Earlier, Hilal was booked under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for delivering a ‘hate speech’ while addressing a public rally during DDC election campaign in Hajin last year.
The official said that Hilal was granted subject to the condition that he would furnish a surety bond of Rs 2 lakh and remain present during the trial—(KNO)
National Conference leader Javaid Ahmad Dar ,Apni Party Spokesman Javaid Hassan Beigh, Abdul Qayoom Wani, DDC Member Rohama Rafiabad Shabir Ahmad, Peoples Conference leader Haji Khursheed Ahmad Khan, DDC Members from Narwava ,Baramulla, Sangrama ,Adv Shahid Ali Shah and Gh Hassan Rahi have also Condoles the Sad demise of Zahoor Ahmad Mir,
SNS KASHMIR
SRINAGAR MARCH 04 :
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed deep shock and grief over the sudden demise of Zahoor Ahmad Mir, the Party youth leader who died of massive heart attack at SKIMS SOURA.
. The deceased was the nephew of Party senior leader and former minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir and had contested recently held district development council elections from Rohama territorial constituency on the mandate of Apni Party. Describing his demise a personal loss, Bukhari said that the decased was a thorough gentleman and a valuable asset for the Party. “I pray to Almighty Allah to give endurance to the whole family, relatives and associates of the decased to face this difficult time,” he remarked.
National Conference leader Javaid Ahmad Dar ,Apni Party Spokesman Javaid Hassan Beigh, Abdul Qayoom Wani, DDC Member Rohama Rafiabad Shabir Ahmad, Peoples Conference leader Haji Khursheed Ahmad Khan, DDC Members from Narwava ,Baramulla, Sangrama,Adv Shahid Ali Shah and Gh Hassan Rahi have also Condoles the Sad demise of Zahoor Ahmad Mir,
Tourism deptt holds Road Show, Press Meet at Ahmedabad
Dir Tourism invites travellers to Valley’s scenic locations
SNS KASHMIR
SRINAGAR, MARCH 04:
To strengthen and refresh the age-old bond between J&K and Gujarat, the J&K Tourism Department held a road show at Ahmedabad as part of its promotional campaigns across the country to attract tourists.
Director Tourism Kashmir Dr. GN Itoo led the delegation of the representatives of local travel and hospitality sector for the promotion of the J&K’s vast tourism potential and invited travellers to the union territory.
Leading tourism operators, travel agents, destination management companies besides regional and national media were invited at the promotional evening on Thursday who networked with the J&K’s travel agents for business opportunities and promotion of the varied tourism products.
While appreciating the travel fraternity from Western coast of India for their continued promotion of Kashmir in travel packages, Director Tourism Kashmir said Gujarat has remained one of the major markets where a large number of travellers visit J&K.
In his detailed PowerPoint and video presentation, Dr Itoo highlighted the steps taken by the J&K government in mitigating the Covid19 threats and assuring safe journey for the travellers with the implementation of the set SOPs and guidelines.
He assured them that Kashmir is safe for tourism activities and hundreds of tourists are already enjoying their holidays at prime resorts like Gulmarg, Srinagar and Pahalgam.
The Director Tourism also highlighted the huge participation of over 2000 athletes and players in the recently concluded 2nd Khelo India National Winter Games which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narindra Modi virtually. He informed them that the JK and Union Government have already taken up with the airlines the direct flights to Srinagar from major cities including Ahmedabad to facilitate easy connectivity between the regions.
Various short films on known and off-beat destinations were also screened on the occasion.
The J&K Tourism Department also held a separate media interaction in which representatives from over 50 popular media houses attended and interacted with travel fraternity from JK.
During the interaction, the media was also briefed about various steps JK Administration has taken to ensure travellers’s safety post Covid pandemic. They were also informed of various promotion activities conducted and the upcoming events and festivals so that travellers can align their tour programmes as per the festivals.
The travel show was organised in collaboration with J&K Pilgrim and Leisure Tour Operators Forum.
Additional Secretary Tourism Waseem Raja, CEO Tourism Dev. Authorities, Mansar Gurvinder Jeet Singh were also present on the occasion.
Chairman PILTOF Showkat Pakthoon besides various office bearers of the Forum who were present on the occasion had a fruitful interaction with their counterparts.
Ajay Modi – a leading travel agent from Gujarat – hailed the efforts of JK Tourism in opening the region for tourism activities.
He said J&K is one of the prime destinations of the country where travellers always return back with beautiful memories.
The department has already organised several shows at other major cities including, Kolkata, Pune, Puri, Jaipur, Amritsar. The department will also organise more road shows in Bhubaneswar, Bhopal and Bangalore on March 6 followed by Indore on March 8, Chennai on March 12, Raipur Varanasi & Lucknow on March 13, Nagpur on March 17, Mumbai & Hyderabad on March 19, Delhi on March 25, Cochin on March 26 and Mysore on March 27 besides it will also participate in major travel marts like OTM, SATEE as part of its aggressive marketing campaign.
In a condolence message chairman Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum(JKCSF) Ab Qayoom Wani expressed grief and sorrow on the sad demise of Zahoor Ahmad Mir maternal cousin of Ab Qayoom lone senior leader JKCSF from Rafiabad. Wani said that the deceased was a pious man with great qualities of head and heart and was respected by one and all in his area. Wani prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family especially Ab Qayoom lone . Wani along with all senior leaders of JKCSF showed sympathy and solidarity with the whole Mir dynasty of Rohama rafiabad at this difficult time. Chairman JKCSF also conveyed his sympathies to Ab Qayoom lone on phone on behalf of all the leaders of JKCSF.
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