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As J&K govt takes over 215 schools of banned JeI, education minister responds

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Soon after the School Education department ordered taking over of 215 schools affiliated with the banned outfit Jamaat-i-Islami (JeI) and Falah-i-Aam Trust (FAT), minister Sakina Itoo responded by saying she had not asked the deputy commissioners to take control of the school.

Speaking exclusively with KNO, the minister said she had suggested in her order that these schools be looked after by the principals of the nearby government schools for three months since their management committee had expired.

She said around 221 schools were given negative verification by the CID, while the management committee of these schools had also expired a long ago. “These schools were facing issues in registration and the future of over 51,000 students was at stake. So, I had mentioned in my order that these school be looked after by the principals of the nearest government schools,” she said.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir School Education department ordered taking over of 215 Jamaat and FAT affiliated schools, asking deputy commissioners to control of management of these schools. The Centre had last year banned Jamaat-i-Islami, a politico-religious outfit in Jammu and Kashmir, for a period of fiver years over its alleged terror links.

The minister said she had ordered that until these schools get new registration and managing bodies, principals of the nearest government schools will look after these schools for three months. “I had even approved the list of principals who were supposed to look after these schools,” she claimed.

She said she has not directed or ordered Deputy Commissioners (DC’s) to take over these schools. “The secretary has wrongly mentioned in the order that these schools be taken over the deputy commissioners. The order that has been issued is not exactly what I had written,” she said.

Meanwhile, People’s Conference chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone trained his guns on the Omar Abdullah led government, saying the schools have forcibly taken over by the government and that the elected government is a party to all acts undertaken.

“The elected government has passed the order. Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government. They are setting new standards in servility. And just to recall the sermons the edicts that this party passed against their opponents. Be under no illusions. This elected government is a party to all acts undertaken. Be it mailings or termination of employees, they are equal partners.

They have been equal partners in the past. And they will be equal partners in the future. This is the A team. This was always the A team,” he said in a post on X. (KNO)

Body of Kashmiri MBBS student to arrive Delhi tonight

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The mortal remains of Kashmiri MBBS student, Late Sabha Rasool, who tragically passed away in Iran, are scheduled to arrive in Delhi tonight, officials informed.

The repatriation is being facilitated by an evening flight from Tehran, expected to reach New Delhi late tonight.

An official said that her body will be transported from Delhi to her native Safakadal, Srinagar, by tomorrow morning, where her last rites will be performed according to tradition.

One of the family members told KNO that they had to bear extraordinary expenses to bring her mortal remains home, while they thank the Indian embassy, who helped them alot.

“We had to pay nearly ten times the normal airfare charges just to get her body back. There was no support from the government, and everything—from documentation to transportation—had to be arranged by us,” a family member said.

Another relative said: “Losing our daughter is already unbearable, but having to arrange her return ourselves makes it even harder. We hope the government helps us in this difficult time, as we had to pay a hefty amount to bring back our beloved daughter’s lifeless body.”

Meanwhile, the Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has called for a formal mechanism to assist families of Indians who die abroad.

“Her body is expected to arrive at Delhi Airport late this evening, from where it will be transported to Kashmir by early tomorrow morning. She will reach her native place in Safakadal, Srinagar, where her last rites will be performed as per tradition,” reads a statement by National Convenor Nasir Khuehami.

The Association urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani to ensure ambulance transportation and other necessary facilities are available at Srinagar Airport tomorrow morning, so that her mortal remains can be taken to Safakadal with dignity.

“However, the grieving family has informed us that no support was extended to them by the government in this difficult hour. Already devastated and shattered by the untimely death of their daughter, they were compelled to shoulder every responsibility themselves,” the statement read.

From completing documentation to arranging transportation, the family bore the entire burden, paying nearly ten times the normal airfare charges for the repatriation of her mortal remains. The only assistance came from the Indian Embassy in Iran, which helped with initial formalities. Beyond that, everything had to be arranged by the bereaved family and community members themselves.

Khuehami said it is heartbreaking that a family struggling with the loss of their young daughter had to simultaneously battle financial and logistical hurdles.

“Such moments of grief should be met with compassion and institutional support, not unbearable burdens,” he added.

He further urged the External Affairs Minister to establish a formal mechanism to assist families of Kashmiri students and other Indian nationals who lose their lives abroad, ensuring that no family is left to fend for themselves during such unimaginable tragedies.

“The Association added that when another Kashmiri student, Arsalan Kanjwal from Sopore, passed away in Iran last year, the MEA facilitated his repatriation and bore the entire expenditure. The same approach should have been extended in Sabha’s case, sparing her grieving family from this painful ordeal. We also request the External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, for personal intervention to reimburse the family for the extraordinary costs incurred in repatriating her mortal remains,” the statement read.

“We urge the MEA to institutionalize a dedicated support mechanism under the Ministry to ensure timely financial, logistical, and humanitarian assistance to families of Indian students and citizens who lose their lives abroad. This compassionate intervention will not only bring relief to Sabha’s grieving family but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to standing by its citizens in their most difficult times,” the statement added. (KNO)

LG Sinha sacks 2 Govt employees for terror links 

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday dismissed two government employees for ‘terror links’ and in the interest of the security of the state.

The government employees including Khurshid Ahmad Rather, a teacher in the School Education Department, and Siyad Ahmad Khan, an Assistant Stockman in the Sheep Husbandry Department, were dismissed from service with immediate effect.

The orders were issued under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of India.

As per an order, a copy of which lies with KNO reads: “Khurshid Ahmad Rather, son of Mohammad Yousaf Rather resident of Nawa Gabra, Karnah, Kupwara, has been dismissed from service.”

The order states that the Lieutenant Governor, after considering the facts and circumstances of the case and on the basis of information available, is satisfied that the activities of Khurshid Ahmad Rather are of such a nature as to warrant dismissal from service.

The Lieutenant Governor is further satisfied that, in the interest of the security of the state, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the matter.

Similarly, the government orders the dismissal of Siyad Ahmad Khan son of Mohammad Afzal Khan and a resident of Keran, an Assistant Stockman in the Sheep Husbandry Department.

The order states that the Lieutenant Governor, based on the facts and available information, is satisfied that the activities of Siyad Ahmad Khan are of a nature that justify dismissal from service. As in the previous case, it has been stated that an enquiry is not expedient in the interest of the security of the state.

The dismissals are in accordance with the constitutional provisions which permit termination of government employees without a formal enquiry in cases where holding such an enquiry is considered against the interest of state security.

These actions follow the legal framework provided under Article 311 of the Constitution of India, allowing for exceptions to the principle of natural justice under specific conditions related to state interest and security.

As per the sources, Khurshid Ahmad Rather was appointed in government service in 2003 (temporarily under Rehber e Talim) and got confirmed as a teacher in 2008. Kurshid was working as OGW for Lashkar e Toiba (LeT) terror organisation. Despite being paid by the government to fulfil his duty and impart education to youngsters, Khurshid became an active conduit for terrorist activities of LeT.

Investigation has revealed that Khurshid was given assignment to procure arms, ammunition and narcotics by LeT handlers sitting in Pakistan for further distribution among active terrorists operating in the Valley. He was in touch with Pakistan based handlers Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh alias Shakoor and Javid Ahmed. The investigators have revealed that Khurshid had received several consignments containing weapons and narcotics through LoC at Karnah, Kupwara. “The weapons were supplied to active terrorists, while the proceeds from narcotics sales were used to fund terror operations. His role was exposed after Law Enforcement Agencies received an input on 25th January 2024 that two Pakistani terrorists were involved in smuggling of arms with the help of 4 associates in Kupwara. These four names were Khurshid Ahmad Rather, Zahoor Ahmed, Ghulam Sarwar and Qazi Fazal. An FIR was registered and Zahoor Ahmed was picked for interrogation. Zahoor revealed the tentacles of his network and his other associates including Khurshid were arrested,” the investigators revealed on the condition of anonymity.

On the basis of sustained interrogation of Khurshid and his associates, a huge cache of arms and ammunition including 5 AK Type (Short) MP 5 rifles, 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 pistol, 5 MP 5 magazine, 2 pistol magazine, 1 AK-47 magazine, 20 AK-47 rounds were recovered. Khurshid was arrested. Currently he is lodged at District Jail, Kupwara.

“Education is what shapes the course of a country. It necessarily gains importance that those who teach ought to be persons of highest morals and integrity. In J&K’s context, several individuals (like Khurshid) played the role of Pakistani proxies in schools, colleges and universities under the garb of ‘teaching’ or ‘non-teaching’ faculty for several decades. If the education system is infected with people like Khurshid, the entire country will be put to real peril,” the investigators observed.

The sources said that Siyad Khan was appointed as Assistant Stockman in the Sheep Husbandry Department in 2004. He willingly started working for Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba  (LeT) and was tasked to receive an infiltrating group of terrorists, sheltering them and transporting their arms and ammunition.

According to investigators, Siyad Khan also started smuggling narcotics to sustain terror activities.

“He was intercepted and arrested on 12th January 2024 at Peer Baba Shrine, Keran, Kupwara by a Naka Party of J&K Police and Army. On search, 1 AK-47, was recovered from his possession which he was transporting for a terrorist. 1 Pistol, 1 Pistol magazine and 5 Pistol rounds were recovered from his associate Rafaqat Ahmed Khan,” the investigators said.

It was further revealed that Siyad Khan was in touch with Pakistan-based handler Basharat Ahmed Khan who used to smuggle arms, ammunition and narcotics through Siyad Khan and his associates at Keran near LoC fence for its further transport to active LeT terrorists to execute terror attacks in the valley.

“People like Siyad, feed on government exchequer as parasites, and by their terrorist activities keep on hurting India. Such elements must be wiped out from the system. Siyad’s disloyalty towards the nation by becoming an accomplice and a ring leader of LeT terror outfit has wreaked colossal damage to the society and the country,” the Investigators said. Siyad was arrested in 2024 and he is currently lodged in District Jail, Kupwara.

The sources said that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has taken a firm stance against terrorism and its ecosystem. His zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is characterized by a multi-pronged approach that combines aggressive anti-terror operations, dismantling of support networks, strict legal action against facilitators, and community engagement to foster peace. By aligning with national security strategies and emphasizing both security and development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s policy aims to eliminate terrorism and establish lasting stability in the region. (KNO)

Fight for J&K’s statehood will begin anew, says CM Omar

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced that the political struggle for the restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir will now begin anew.

“We are going to launch a mission from now onwards. We didn’t expect to put in such efforts, as we believed the promises made to the people would be fulfilled. However, we have now decided to work proactively in this regard,” Omar, as reported by KNO said.

The CM also addressed the Centre’s proposed bills, alleging that most legal actions so far have been targeted at opposition leaders. “If the aim is to eradicate corruption, then the government must clarify what has been achieved since it assumed office in 2014,” he said.

“No law is inherently wrong, but it is often misused. I fear that this law too will be misused. I want to remind my friends in the BJP that they won’t remain in power forever. The laws they are enacting today could be used against them tomorrow. Tampering with laws is never in the nation’s interest,” Omar added.

On the pending legislation, he said the bills are currently with the Parliamentary Standing Committee. “Let’s see what they decide,” he said.

Asked about the terminations of two more government employees today, Abdullah said that the elected government has no role in it. “You need to ask the Raj Bhawan about that,” he said

Notably, two more government employees in Jammu & Kashmir were recently dismissed from service over alleged terror links.

Omar added that his government is committed to ensure that the promises made to the people are fulfilled.

About relief measures for areas hit by recent cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua, the CM said immediate assistance had been provided. “If further aid is needed after assessment, we will ensure that it is delivered,” he added.

Nearly 70 people died and several others were wounded after cloudbursts triggered flash floods in Kishtwar and Kathua villages separately last week.

The rescue operations are still going on in Kishtwar where multi-pronged approach has been initiated to trace the missing persons. (KNO)

Rajanth Singh accuses Pak Army Chief of having “thief-like” mentality

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: Accusing Pakistan Army Chief of having “lottere (thief-like) mentality,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the neighbouring country continues to live in a state of delusion.

Addressing a function here, the Defence Minister, according to KNO said, “The Chief of the Pakistan Army, knowingly or unknowingly, has pointed towards a thief mentality, which Pakistan has been a victim of since its birth…We must break this delusion of the Pakistani Army. “

He said, “Due to ‘Operation Sindoor,’ such a delusion should not have arisen in their minds in the first place. But we must ensure that alongside India’s prosperity, our culture, and our economic prosperity, our defence capabilities and the spirit to fight for our national honour remain equally strong. We must ensure that in our civilisation, in our nation, that fighting spirit remains alive…”

He said, “Just a few days ago, we placed a new order with HAL to manufacture 97 Tejas fighter planes at a cost of approximately 66,000 crore rupees.”

“Prior to this, HAL had also been given an order to build 83 aircraft at a cost of 48,000 crore rupees. Our Tejas aircraft is set to become a splendid example of India’s indigenous defence capabilities,” the Defence Minister said, adding, “It’s not that we aren’t facing challenges in this endeavour, but we have resolved that we will find solutions to every problem and will definitely establish the full capability to build fighter aircraft in India.”

He said, “Today, we have also taken steps forward in the direction of building fifth-generation fighter aircraft. We have also moved towards manufacturing the aircraft’s engine in India itself. We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran…” (KNO)

J&K Govt confiscates 215 schools affiliated with JeI, FAT

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: The government Friday overthrow 215 schools that were affiliated proscribed organisation Jamat-e-Islami (Jel) and Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).

Secretary to government for School Education Department (SED) Ram Niwas Sharma said that the 215 JeI and FAT schools were reported adversely upon by the intelligence agencies.

According to KNO, Sharma in a order said that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in February 2019 and February 2024 issued under sub-section (1) of section (3) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967) declared the Jamaat-e-Islami (Jel), Jammu and Kashmir as an unlawful association

“The Intelligence Agencies (IA) have identified a number of schools which were found to be directly or indirectly affiliated with proscribed organisation Jamat-e-Islami (Jel) and Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT),” reads the order.

Sharma in the order further stated that the validity of the managing committee of 215 such schools has expired and have been reported adversely upon by the intelligence agencies.

“In order to safeguard the academic future of the students enrolled in these schools in exercise of the powers conferred by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Rules 2010 vide SRO 123 of 2010 read with SRO 292 of 2018 and SO 177 of 2022, it is ordered that the Managing Committee of 215 schools shall be taken over by District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner concerned who shall propose a fresh Managing Committee in due course for the concerned schools after getting these duly verified,” it reads.

Sharma further said that the concerned district magistrate and deputy commissioner on taking over these schools shall take appropriate steps in consultation and in coordination with the School Education Department so that to ensure that the academic career of the students enrolled in these schools is not affected in any manner.

“They shall also take all necessary measures to ensure quality education as per NEP norms in these schools,” Sharma said.

Pertinently, in June 2022, the School Education Department had ordered cessation of schools functioning under the Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT).

SED had said that in pursuant to the directions passed by the High Court, all the students presently studying in these banned institutions shall admit themselves to nearby government schools for the current academic session 2021-22.

The government that time had said that approximately 11000 students were reportedly studying in these schools and institutions run by the FAT, consequent to the ban, the students were allowed to take admission in nearby government schools.

It had also said that no new admission shall be taken in these banned FAT institutions and no further registration of these institutions shall be done,

According to the previous communique, the case of FAT was examined in the department and it was found that the government of Jammu and Kashmir has already declared and banned the FAT association, organization to be an unlawful association on 11 May 1990 and October 2019. (KNO)

Pulling 25 crore people out of poverty in 10-years Bharat’s greatest achievement: LG Sinha

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday described the upliftment of more than 25 crore people from below the poverty line in the past decade as Bharat’s greatest achievements.

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony of the Winners of Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS) Awards here, LG Sinha, according to KNO, said, “Bharat’s future is bright as it ranks among the world’s fastest-growing economies.”

He said that the past ten years have witnessed “massive reformations” across sectors, bringing visible changes in the lives of millions.

“After 2014, the country has witnessed unprecedented development. Every Indian today feels proud of the transformation that has taken place. In the past 10-11 years, Bharat has become stronger and is leading through innovative initiatives,” the LG said.

He emphasized that governance is no longer about routine paperwork.

In an apparent reference to the government officials, LG Sinha said, “No file is a mere piece of paper. Any decision taken on it impacts the lives of thousands of people. That is why we must always evaluate whether our actions are right or wrong and how they are transforming lives,” he remarked.

Highlighting the rapid pace of technological change, LG Sinha said no expert can predict the exact shape of governance even two years ahead. “We must keep three things in mind—policy performance, the ability to face challenges, and preparedness for disruptive changes. Policies must be citizen-centric and shaped through feedback from the people, not just within office walls,” he added.

Citing the example of the Akshay Patra Foundation, which provides mid-day meals to nearly 25 lakh children daily, LG Sinha said the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has helped it reduce food wastage by 50 percent. He urged for similar technology-driven innovations in governance and service delivery.

The Lieutenant Governor called for adopting the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s model to bring a significant improvement to the mid-day meal program in government schools.

Pointing out that nearly half of India’s population is still dependent on agriculture, the LG stressed the need to strengthen food security for the future. “Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, and we must ensure that our policies empower farmers and secure the nation’s food requirements,” he said.

LG Sinha said that Bharat’s progress lies in inclusive growth and continuous innovation. “Our collective responsibility is to build citizen-centric governance and policies that not only respond to present challenges but also prepare the nation for the future,” he added.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his heartiest congratulations to all the recipients of the prestigious CIPS awards. “The CIPS Awards acknowledge and celebrate transformative initiatives in public systems to promote rapid social and economic progress and encourage others to become agents of change,” he said.

He lauded the courage and dedication of all the awardees with which they have stepped forward in sectors like health, education, information technology, rural development and bring about a positive change in the lives of a large portion of the country’s population.

“Civil servants, engineers, doctors, scientists, technocrats are administration’s backbone. Their impartiality, honesty, efficiency and fearlessness are our most valuable assets. I am proud that as a team, they have worked to serve the people and contributing in nation building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He highlighted that the leadership of PM Modi has laid a strong foundation, leading to innovative governance initiatives and made the government more sensitive to the needs of the people.

“Prime Minister’s mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ has enhanced ease of living for citizens and ensured seamless delivery of public services. Today, India is not only the world’s fastest-growing economy, but its future is undoubtedly bright among the largest economies. Favourable environment has been created for sustained and rapid economic development across the country.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the officials to work on improving policy performance, managing complex challenges and effectively address disruptive changes that will occur in unpredictable future.

“People’s voice must be the soul of a government policy. That’s why policies cannot be drafted in offices anymore. Policy making should be done on the ground while incorporating suggestions and needs of the citizens,” he said, adding, “Today, in the age of Artificial Intelligence, Change is the only constant. We will have to make decisions accordingly keeping in mind growth and welfare in every sector.”

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted transformation in Government-to-Citizen and Government-to-Business services in Jammu Kashmir. “There is no doubt that in the future, new technologies like Artificial Intelligence will lead to better public policies, improved decision-making, enhanced citizen engagement, and a faster, higher-quality delivery of public services,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated District Administration Ganderbal for its innovative environmental initiatives.

Changemakers like Jairaj Bhattacharya, founder of the EdTech startup ConveGenius, and Shri Swapneel Paul, Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia, Assam, through their determination, succeeded in overcoming challenges to bring about tangible changes on the ground, he added.

He asked the bureaucrats, technocrats to develop new tools, take innovative initiatives to solve the complex challenges and drive change and transformation in the society through technical applications.

He urged the bureaucrats and technocrats to put dedicated focus in agriculture sector through technology transfer from lab to land. We also need to take innovative initiatives to address the problems faced by farmers due to climate change, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the 29 reformative projects under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) can also be implemented as per the requirement in different states/ UTs of the country.

Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr. N. Ramesh Kumar, Director General, Administrative Staff College of India; Dr. Valli Manickam, Director, Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS); M Raju, Commissioner Secretary GAD; Rehana Batul, Director J&K IMPARD; senior administrative officials and domain experts were present at the felicitation ceremony. (KNO)

Custodial torture 8 arrested J&K Police personnel sent to 5 days CBI custody

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: A special CBI court on Thursday here granted five days custody to eight Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel arrested for inflicting “brutal and inhuman custodial torture” on a fellow police constable two years ago, officials said.

The CBI will subject eight officers to exhaustive questioning during the period to ascertain the roles of each accused in torturing Constable Khursheed Ahmad Chohan for six days on suspicion of helping drug peddlers.

The agency had arrested Deputy Superintendent of Police Aijaz Ahmad Naiko, Sub-Inspector Riyaz Ahmad, Jahangir Ahmad, Md Yunus, Shakir Ahmad, Tanveer Ahmad, Altaf Hussain and Shahnawaj on Wednesday night, they said.

They were produced before the CBI court here which sent them to police custody for five days, they said.

In its FIR registered on the orders of the Supreme Court, the central agency had booked five others, who were then posted at the Joint Interrogation Centre, Kupwara, the officials said.

During the investigation, the CBI found the role of two more police personnel for aiding the alleged inhuman treatment meted out to Chohan and being uncooperative in the probe, they said.

The victim, who was posted in Baramulla, was summoned through a signal communication on February 17, 2023, to report before the Kupwara SSP ostensibly for investigation in connection with a narcotics case.

On arrival, he was handed over to the Joint Interrogation Centre, where Naiko, Riyaz Ahmad and others tortured Khursheed for six days with iron rods and wooden sticks, besides inflicting heavy electric shocks on him and mutilation of his genitals, the wife has alleged in her complaint, which is now a part of the FIR. “…finally on February 26, 2023, the private parts of Khursheed were cut off, besides iron rods inserted in his private part continuously for six days. Khursheed was subjected to severe torture and red pepper was inserted in his rectum and also given electric shocks,” the complaint said.

“He was admitted to SKIMS Hospital at 2.48 pm on February 26, 2023 where his dismembered genitalia were brought to the hospital in a separate plastic bag by a sub-inspector, a fact that shocked our conscience,” the Supreme Court had observed while handing over the case to the CBI.

The CBI FIR registered on the basis of the complaint filed by Khursheed’s wife, who was running from pillar to post seeking a probe into the alleged atrocities against her husband.

Khursheed had approached the Supreme Court with a chilling petition, describing his ordeal after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court rejected his plea seeking a CBI probe.

Handing over the case to the CBI, the apex court noted that the high court “grossly erred in failing to exercise its constitutional obligation of protecting the fundamental rights of a citizen, his dignity and right to life”.

“It failed to consider the gravity of offences committed as well as the influence that could be exerted by accused persons being police officials,” a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said.

The apex court also ordered the payment of Rs 50 lakh in compensation to Khursheed, which shall be recoverable from the officer(s) concerned, against whom a departmental proceeding shall be initiated upon the conclusion of the investigation by the CBI.

The Supreme Court outrightly rejected the claims of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir that the injuries were the result of a suicide attempt by the victim.

In a scathing judgment, the top court noted that the “unprecedented gravity” of this case involving “brutal and inhuman custodial torture”, characterised by the “complete mutilation” of the appellant’s genitalia, represents one of the “most barbaric instances of police atrocity which the State is trying to defend and cover up with all-pervasive power”.

“The medical evidence conclusively establishes that such injuries are impossible to be self-inflicted. The respondent’s (UT of Jammu and Kashmir) theory of suicide attempt crumbles under scrutiny when examined against the timeline and the medical evidence,” it said. (PTI)

Satish Golcha, new Delhi Police chief, debunked Pak ISI’s Shopian ‘rape’ lies

Kashmir Leader Desk
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New Delhi: Satish Golcha, a 1992-batch IPS officer who was appointed Delhi Police Commissioner on Thursday, was instrumental in dismantling a false narrative orchestrated by Pakistan’s ISI during the 2009 Shopian rape case in South Kashmir.

The case, which was initially framed as a sexual assault, was later found out to be a conspiracy created by separatists in connivance with others at the behest of their handlers across the border.

The 2009 case that ignited widespread protests in the Kashmir Valley was initially framed as the rape and murder of two women by security forces. Later, investigators found out that it was carefully orchestrated by Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI to destabilise the region.

The narrative, which paralysed the region for 47 days, was dismantled by a dedicated 12-member team led by Golcha, who was posted as deputy inspector general in the CBI at that time.

On May 30, 2009, the bodies of two women were discovered in a stream in the Shopian district of South Kashmir, a day after they were reported missing from a family orchard.

The initial claims — amplified by protests and opposition political parties in Jammu and Kashmir— suggested they had been raped and drowned by security personnel. The resulting public outrage led to a complete shutdown of the valley besides the arrest of five policemen.

With the state’s Special Investigation Team failing to resolve the case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was called in.

The team headed by Golcha took charge and was assisted by renowned forensic experts from AIIMS, including Dr T S Dogra and Dr Anupama Raina, to ensure a thorough and scientific investigation.

Despite immense public pressure and political interference, Golcha’s team pursued the truth and a critical turning point came when they took the courageous step of obtaining a magistrate’s order to exhume the bodies of the two women, more than 40 days after their burial.

The forensic analysis that followed was conclusive showing that the women had not been raped and the duo had died because of drowning.

The investigation also showed that the rape and murder narrative was entirely false and had been deliberately manufactured and the findings pointed to a conspiracy originating from across the border in Pakistan, suggesting the case was a tool used by elements of Pakistan’s ISI to fuel unrest and keep the region volatile.

Later, the CBI submitted a chargesheet in the case saying that the two women at the centre of the controversy were neither raped nor murdered, but died from drowning.

The CBI’s report also led to the filing of a chargesheet against 13 people —including doctors and lawyers—for fabricating evidence and deliberately misleading the investigation.
The CBI has also cleared five police officers, who were previously arrested and suspended in connection with the case, of any wrongdoing.

Besides the Shopian high profile case, Golcha has investigated Ruchika molestation and suicide case, Rizwanur Rahman murder case and 1984 anti-Sikh riots case among others during his tenure in the CBI. (PTI)

Voices of J&K youth now resonate in stadiums, not in streets: LG Sinha

Kashmir Leader Desk
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Srinagar: Calling upon the sports persons to act as “brand ambassadors” of Jammu and Kashmir and tell the world that now the voices of youth resonate in stadiums and not in the streets, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the Union Territory has transformed into a vibrant region during the past few years.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Khelo India Water Sports Festival” at the SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake here, LG Sinha according to KNO urged the participants from across the country to act as “brand ambassadors” of J&K and showcase its transformation to the world.

Welcoming participants, LG Sinha said, “My appeal to all sportspersons is to tell the people how J&K has developed during the past few years. You have to tell them that there are no bandh and hartal calendars anymore; now, Khelo India calendars are issued. The voices of our youth are heard in stadiums and not in the streets. These are the changes the entire nation is proud of.”

Highlighting the new sporting ecosystem that has emerged in the Union Territory, he said J&K youth, who faced immense hardships over the past three decades, are now leading from the front and excelling in every discipline at par with youngsters from across the country.

LG Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Sports Minister for giving a major boost to sports in Jammu and Kashmir. “Under the leadership of PM Modi, sports have thrived in the country. J&K is a glaring example of the efforts made in the last 11 years. A vibrant sports culture has developed here with special focus on water sports and winter sports,” he said.

Recalling the successful hosting of the international Legends League in Srinagar recently, he said such events reflect the immense potential of J&K  in sports. “Water sports have a bright future here. The bonding between players will make this event a grand success,” the LG said.

Referring to recent natural calamities, including the devastating cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua districts, LG Sinha assured the affected families of full government support. “Nature has been testing us for the past few weeks. I assure the victims that all necessary help will be provided to them,” he said.

He also underlined the significance of mega infrastructure projects in integrating the region with the rest of the country. “The rail project from Kashmir to Kanyakumari has completely integrated Kashmir with the nation,” he said.

The LG said that over the next two days Dal Lake will remain abuzz with youthful energy and competitive spirit, showcasing the sporting excellence and cultural vibrancy of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)

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