Mehbooba urges for calm

Srinagar, Jul 9, 2016, (PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today expressed "profound" grief and agony over the death of youths during protests in the Valley and asked security forces to avoid use of disproportionate force for crowd control besides urging people for calm.
"I express profound grief over the tragic death of the youths and extend my heart-felt condolences to the bereaved family members in their hour of immense grief," she said in a statement issued here.

Mehbooba said disproportionate use of force for crowd control results in loss of precious lives and grave injuries which should be avoided at all costs.

She asked the police and the paramilitary forces to use Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) while dealing with protesters to avoid loss of precious human lives or injuries.

Urging for calm, Mehbooba sought people's cooperation in restoration of normalcy in the Valley.

Violence only brings miseries to the people and tragedies for the victim families, she said and appealed people, especially the youth not to fall prey to the machinations of the vested interests, who play politics over the dead bodies of Kashmiris.

She also prayed for early recovery of the injured including civilians and the police personnel and asked health authorities to provide best possible treatment to them.  

B'desh govt doesn't believe I inspired terror act: Zakir Naik

Mumbai, Jul 9, 2016, PTI:

Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is facing heat over reports that one of the Dhaka attackers was inspired by his speeches, today claimed that no Bangladesh government official had said that he inspired the act of terrorism.

"I spoke to Bangladeshi government people. They told me that they do not believe I inspired this Bangladeshi terrorists to do this act of killing innocent people. That is a different issue that he was my fan," Naik said.

"There are millions of fans of mine throughout the world. More than 50 per cent Bangladeshis are my fans but to say that I inspired him to kill innocent human beings is devilish," Naik said in a video released here.

Naik, who is in Saudi Arabia now, said the only country which had banned him from entering was the United Kingdom.

"The only country that I am aware that I was once banned from entering once was the UK. I don't have any proof that any country has banned me officially. And Malaysia? It is illogical because less than three years back, I got Tokoh Mall Hijrah award and King Faisal International Prize, which is the highest award of Malaysia...," he said.

"In the last 25 years, I was the fourth foreigner to get this award... Can they award a person who promotes terrorism? Indian newspapers picked up Dhaka newspaper report without verifying it," he added.

A Dhaka report has said Bangladesh government was investigating Naik and examining the possibilities of banning his "provocative" speeches in the wake of two brutal terrorist attacks in the country within a week, in which 25 people died.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said its intelligence agencies were investigating the Islamic preacher.

"He is on our security scanner... Our intelligence agencies are investigating his activities as his lectures appeared provocative," Khan said.

Maharashtra government has ordered a probe into the speeches by the 50-year-old Mumbai-based televangelist that has kicked up a storm.

Activities of his NGO, Islamic Research Foundation, are also under the scanner of the Union Home Ministry amid allegations that funds from abroad received by it have been spent on political activities and inspiring people towards radical views.

Bribery case: Present and ex-MD of PSU arrested

New Delhi, Jul 9, 2016, PTI:

In the ongoing probe into the alleged bribery case against suspended Principal Secretary of Delhi Chief Minister, CBI today arrested former and present Managing Directors of a PSU for allegedly favouring a private company in awarding of tenders.

Both R S Kaushik and his predecessor G K Nanda, present and former Managing Directors of Intelligent Communication Systems India Ltd (ICSIL), a Delhi Government undertaking which is a joint venture of Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd (TCIL) and Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, were taken into custody.

The two have been arrested as they were allegedly evasive during their questioning. They will be produced before a competent court tomorrow, Chief Information officer of CBI R K Gaur said here.

CBI also claimed that the duo had been intimidating some of the officers whom the CBI had been calling for questioning in the case involving Kumar, suspended Principal Secretary of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

With these fresh arrests, the number of people nabbed by the CBI has gone up to six. Besides Kumar, Deputy Secretary in Kejriwal's officer Tarun Sharma and two owners of Endeavour Systems Private Limited-- Sandeep Kumar and Dinesh Gupta-- have been arrested by the agency.

All of them have been named in the FIR by the CBI for allegedly abusing official position by "favouring a particular firm in the last few years in getting tenders from Delhi government departments".

The case has been registered under 120-B of IPC (criminal conspiracy), and 13(2), 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act (Criminal conspiracy, criminal misconduct etc) for allegedly favouring a private company in five contracts worth Rs 9.5 crore during 2007-14.

The CBI had also conducted searches at six premises--in Delhi, Noida and Agra--including office of Kumar's Chartered Accountant (CA) in the national capital during which they claimed to have recovered Rs 27 lakh in cash.

The CBI claimed that investigation so far show that the money from the accounts of M/s ESPL was routed to a Noida-based firm and a real-estate company and a publication in Agra.

The arrest of the top Delhi government official had triggered a political storm with the Delhi government accusing the Centre of indulging in "political vendetta" and "paralysing" governance.

6 killed in Maoists-police crossfire, Odisha orders probe

Phulbani (Odisha), Jul 9, 2016, PTI:

Six persons, including two women and a child were killed and five others injured in cross fire during an anti-Maoist operation in Odisha's Kandhamal district prompting the state government to order a judicial probe into the incident.

Police said the six were caught in an exchange of fire between security personnel and Maoists while they were travelling in an auto-rickshaw at Gumutmaha village in a dense forest area near Kuttamgarh under Tumudibandha police station jurisdiction last night.

Five of those caught in the cross fire died on the spot, while another person succumbed to injuries later, Kandamal superintendent of police Pinak Mishra told reporters.

The condition of four others, who were shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital at Berhampur was stated to be serious, said a police official.

The SP said acting on information about Maoist movement in the area, CRPF, Special Operations Group and district voluntary force (DVF) personnel had set up an ambush but the auto-rickshaw carrying the villagers came in between.

"It is unfortunate that the civilians were caught in the cross fire. Those killed included two women and a minor boy," he said, adding the circumstances in which the incident took place were being probed.

Expressing deep concern over the incident, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered a judicial inquiry into it.

"The Chief Minister has also announced Rs 5 lakh exgratia for the family members of the each dead person," a statement released by the chief minister's office said.

Meanwhile, irate local residents blocked Rayagada- Phulbani state highway protesting against the killing of innocent persons in the police-Maoist encounter.

Demanding a court-monitored probe by a special investigating team, the Campaign Against Fabricated Cases (CAFC), Odisha, blamed the police for the killing of people belonging to tribal and dalit communities in the incident.

The organisation demanded suspension of the SP and police personnel responsible for the killings, FIR against them under Section 302 and Rs 50 lakh compensation to bereaved families.

The chief minister also announced that the next of kin of the dead in the cross fire would be provided with government job.

"The families of the victims will also be covered under various social security schemes like housing," Patnaik said.

Odisha PCC vice-president Pradeep Majhi hit out at the state government for the tragedy and dubbed it as "anti-tribal" and "anti-dalit."

Majhi, who was last month jailed over his agitation in Nabarangpur demanding tribal right over forest land, told a at a press conference in Rayagada alleged that similar incidents had also taken place in Kalahandi and Rayagada.

"The government has been targeting the tribals in the name of anti-Maoist operation," Majhi said and warned that a mass movement was taking shape against killing of tribals and dalits.

Shah continues to attack SP, BSP in Uttar Pradesh

Mau, Jul 9, 2016, (PTI)

Likening Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 'Rahu' and 'Ketu', BJP president Amit Shah today said the two parties could not usher in development in Uttar Pradesh.

"SP and BSP are like 'Rahu' and 'Ketu' which are eclipsing the development of the state. Uttar Pradesh's development is not possible in their regimes," he told a rally jointly organised by his party and Bharatiya Samaj Party here, claiming that development of the state would only be possible under a BJP rule.

"The development 'rath' (chariot), which has started its journey in the country, gets stuck in Uttar Pradesh. The reason being the government here does not want benefits of development to reach the people," he said.

Referring to Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on the dais, Shah said even when he was not within the NDA fold during the 2014 general elections, BJP and its allies had managed to win 73 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh.

"Now, he is with us, so Mulayamji, what is on the cards," he asked in a veiled challenge to SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Highlighting various programmes launched by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, includung Jan Dhan and Mudra Bank schemes, Shah pointed at the dearth of job opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.

"Whether you go to Gujarat or Maharashtra, you see a number of youths from Poorvanchal (eastern India) working there. They are forced to leave their families behind and go to other states. The country has prospered but not Uttar Pradesh," he said, adding, "whatever is sent to Uttar Pradesh, will not reach you".

Alleging that jobs were distributed on the basis of caste in the state, the BJP chief said, "We do not discriminate on the basis of caste and religion. Our motto is 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas'."

Shah praised BSP founder Kanshi Ram as "a man with a clear heart".

"But after him, Mayawati has turned BSP into a money-minting machine. If you want development, you have to dislodge SP and BSP who have taken turns to rule the state for 20 years," he said.

Taking a jibe at SP, Shah said "three-and-a-half" chief ministers were currently ruling the state.

"The first Chief Minister is Akhilesh (Yadav), then Netaji (Mulayam), his (Akhilesh's) two uncles and then Mohammad Azam Khan," he said and termed SP's recent merger with Quami Ekta Dal and the subsequent announcement to call it off a "drama".

"First an uncle (Akhilesh's uncle and state minister Shivpal Yadav) announced the merger with Mukhtar and Afzal. Later, Akhilesh said he was against it. If you expel elements like Mukhtar, a day will come when SP will become non-existent," he claimed.

Shah said there were great opportunities for development in Uttar Pradesh. "If you strengthen the arms of Modiji, I promise that within five years, we will lead the state to the number one position in terms of development," he said. 

Himachal CM PMLA case: ED arrests LIC agent Chauhan

New Delhi, Jun 9, 2016, (PTI)

In the first arrest in connection with its money laundering case against Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, ED today took into custody LIC agent Anand Chauhan.
Chauhan was arrested from Chandigarh under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as he was allegedly not cooperating with the investigating officer of the case, officials said.

"Chauhan will be produced in a competent court. As he is not cooperating, his custodial interrogation is necessary," they said.

The LIC agent is a crucial entity in this case as both the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI have earlier found that Chauhan was the one who allegedly insured the said tainted funds of the CM in life insurance policies.

ED had questioned him multiple times in this case earlier.

The agency has also attached assets worth about Rs eight crore against the Chief Minister earlier this year.

The agency has filed a case under criminal provisions of money laundering laws after taking cognisance of a complaint filed by the CBI in this regard in September last year.

ED had also conducted searches in this case last year in three states of Delhi, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

The agency is working to investigate the allegation that Singh and his family members allegedly amassed wealth of Rs 6.1 crore between 2009-11, disproportionate to his known sources of income, while serving as the Union minister of steel.

The CBI FIR (First Information Report) had named Singh, his wife Pratibha Singh, Chauhan and his brother C L Chauhan and they were charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

CBI suspects that during the 2009-11 period, Singh allegedly invested Rs 6.1 crore in life insurance policies in his and his family members’ names through Chauhan claiming this money to be his agricultural income.

It alleged that Singh attempted to legitimise the same as agricultural income by filing revised Income-Tax returns in 2012.  

Incessant rain claims 11 lives in MP

Bhopal, Jul 9, 2016, (PTI)

As many as 11 people have died due to flood in Madhya Pradesh in the last couple of days as heavy rains continued to lash large parts of the state with Army shifted over 400 deluge-hit people in Satna district to safer places.

"Eight people have died due to flood and excessive rainfall in the last three-four days in the state," Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told reporters here today.

Two persons have died in Bhopal, one each in Tikamgarh, Rewa, Jhabua, Betul, Raisen and Panna, he said.

"One more death was reported around this noon when Sourabh Katiyar (21) was washed away in a swollen nullah near Shahpur lake here while travelling on a motorcycle. His body has been recovered," a police official said.

Earlier, one person died each in Mandla and Singrauli districts yesterday after they were washed out in flooded nullah.

The CM said Narmada river was flowing above the danger mark in Hoshangabad.

"Any one in distress, can dial 1079 for help," he said adding officials have been instructed to swiftly act in case of flooding.

Chouhan said he has postponed the scheduled meeting with his cabinet colleagues at Halali dam near here tomorrow and asked ministers to rush to their respective districts and remain there to monitor the situation and help out people in distress.

"Food packets have been sent to Bhopal. To deal with any untoward incident, NDRF team is also present there. In these circumstances we are trying to provide relief and rescue measures so that people may not suffer," the CM added.

Meanwhile, the Army has shifted over 400 deluge-hit people in Raghuraj tehsil of Satna district to relief camps, while the district administration has made arrangements for rehabilitating nearly 300 persons affected by swollen Tamas, Sone and Mandakini rivers.

"Army has shifted 400 flood affected persons to relief camps in Raghuraj Nagar tehsil of Satna district yesterday," an official of Public Relation department said today.

Besides, the district administration has also made arrangements for shifting nearly 300 persons affected with flood in Tamas, Sone and Mandakini rivers in the district.

The relief work is being carried out by Home guard, police and revenue officials and employees, the official said.

Rewa district Collector has also informed the Relief Commissioner Office that an Army helicopter has rescued three persons stranded in the floods in village Sirmour Bhadra in the district.

Many parts of the state have been inundated with incessant downpour in the last 48 hours.

Meteorological department in Bhopal has forecast rain shower likely at most places over West and East MP. It has issued warning that heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over Sagar, Jabalpur, Hoshangabad, Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain and Gwalior divisions.

Meanwhile, since June 1 till date, 25 districts have received more than normal rainfall in the state, 16 normal rainfall, nine less than normal and one is still deficient.

The 25 districts which received more than normal rainfall are Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Damoh, Panna, Chhattarpur, Sidhi, Satna, Umaria, Morena, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Datia, Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, Rajgarh and Hoshangabad.  

Court directs Vijay Mallya to appear, cancels exemption

New Delhi, Jul 9, 2016, (PTI)

A Delhi court today cancelled the exemption granted to liquor baron Vijay Mallya from personal appearance in a case lodged for allegedly evading summons in connection with a FERA violation case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass directed Mallya to personally appear before it on September 9.

The exemption from personal appearance to Mallya was granted in December 2000 in a complaint filed by Enforcement Department (ED) for evading the summons issued to him by it.

The agency had issued summons to the businessman in connection with alleged payment of 200,000 dollars to the British firm for displaying Kingfisher logo in Formula One World Championships in London and some European countries in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

The agency had claimed that the money was allegedly paid without prior approval from RBI in violation of FERA norms.

The order came on a plea of the ED, filed through prosecutor N K Matta, which had also sought issuance of non-bailable warrant against the Chairman of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines to secure his presence in the ongoing trial of the case, which is at its final stage.

The agency's plea had said Mallya was reported to be in the United Kingdom and his presence in the ongoing trial of this case was essential and had sought the court's direction to him to remain personally present in every hearing.

Matta had argued that the court should recall its December 2000 exemption order as a PMLA court in Mumbai has recently issued an open-ended warrant against him in connection with a money laundering case.

According to ED, Mallya was summoned on four occasions for questioning in connection with a contract signed in December 1995 with London-based firm Benetton Formula Ltd for promotion of the Kingfisher brand abroad.

When Mallya failed to appear before ED in response to the summons, a complaint was filed on March 8, 2000 before a court here and later on charges were framed against him under FERA.  

Digvijay sticks to claim on Pragya-Rajnath meeting, posts pic

New Delhi, Jul 9, 2016, (PTI)

Sticking to his claim that Rajnath Singh had met Pragya Thakur, Congress leader Digvijay Singh today posted on Twitter a photo purportedly showing the Malegaon blast case accused seated beside the Home Minister and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

"Do you recognise the two BJP Leaders with Pragya Thakur? Would Rajnath ji and Shivraj ji pl respond ?, the Congress General Secretary said in a series of tweets along with the photograph. However, it was not clear when the purported photograph was taken.

Digvijay's reaction came after BJP termed as "baseless" his claim that Rajnath Singh had met Pragya Thakur in 2008, when the BJP was in opposition.

The Congress leader, who has in the past too made similar claims which Rajnath Singh had then denied, raked up the issue after after BJP targeted him over a 2012 video showing him praising controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who has come under government scrutiny after reports emerged that terrorists involved in Dhaka attack were inspired by him.

Taking a dig over the video issue, Digvijay today tweeted "4yr old issue of my sharing the stage with Zakir Naik who doesn't have a case against him played on the National Media for more than 3 days!  Double standards."

"Modi Bhakts and Sanghi elements in Media have always been very kind and considerate towards me. Thanks for free Publicity and keeping me in News ! Dig out some more such cases. Put your full Team to find everything against Digvijaya (sic) !", he said  in a series of tweets.

BJP has been insisting that Zakir was a "threat" to national security as it was clear from his speeches that he "incited" people.

Digvijay also raked up the issue of journalist Ved Pratap Vaidik meeting JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed in Pakistan by posting a photo of the meeting.

"Does Media and the Modi Bhakts recognise them ? Hafiz Sayeed and Ved Pratap Vedic in Pakistan. We raised the issue in Parliament and Modi Govt didn't react."But the Modi Bhakts were quiet and so were the Sanghi elements in Media," he said.

"Pakistan Govt would have "never allowed' Vedic ji to meet Hafiz Sayeed if he was not a part of back channel Diplomacy between India & Pakistan," he claimed.  

Omar says 'disaffected' have got 'new icon' in Wani

Srinagar, July 9, 2016, (PTI):

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that Kashmir's "disaffected" have got a "new icon" in Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and expressed apprehension that his death could lead to more youths joining militancy than his exploits on social media.

"Mark my words - Burhan's ability to recruit into militancy from the grave will far outstrip anything he could have done on social media," Omar wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

"After many years, I hear slogans for 'Azadi' resonate from the mosque in my uptown Srinagar locality. Kashmir's disaffected got a new icon yesterday," the National Conference leader said.

People assembled in Tral -- the hometown of Wani -- in Pulwama district for attending the funeral prayers.

Yesterday, Omar had said while Burhan was not the first one to take to arms, he would not be last as Kashmir issue is a political problem which requires a political solution.

"For all Burhan's social media activity I don't recall any militancy incident attributed to him while I was in office.

"Not sure after that," he added. Wani, the 21-year-old poster boy of militancy, was shot dead yesterday by security forces along with two of his accomplices in Kokernag area, 83 km from here.

Four killed during demolition drive in Meerut

Meerut, Jul 9, 2016, (PTI)

Four persons were killed today after they were buried under the debris of an "illegal" multi-storey building in Meerut cantonment area as it was being demolished by civic authorities this morning, officials said.

Bungalow No 210, was demolished by the Cantonment Board authorities during an anti-encroachment drive during which a few people, who apparently were still in the building, were buried under the rubble. Four of them died while three were injured. They have been admitted to a hospital, Meerut Division Commissioner, Alok Sinha said. Rescue operation is underway as at least six other persons are feared trapped under the debris.

According to Meerut Cantonment Board's Assistant Engineer, Piyush Gautam, "a prior notice was sent to its occupants to vacate the building as it had been illegally built. The area was marked for demolition and the timing of 3 AM was decided."

"We even gave three more hours to the occupants to take out their belonging and began the demolition at 6 AM only," he claimed. According to officials, the building was a disputed property and the High Court had ordered its demolition.

Meanwhile, family members of the deceased have registered a police complaint against the officials of the Board. The bodies have been sent for postmortem.

Eight killed, 126 injured in clashes in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 9, 2016, PTI:

Eight people were killed and 126, including 96 security forces personnel, were injured today as mob violence and clashes rocked Kashmir over the gunning down of militant commander Burhan Wani even as authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions and suspended mobile internet services to contain the volatile situation.

Amarnath Yatra was also suspended in view of the worsening situation, with police saying it will be resumed "as soon as it is possible to ensure security of yatris".

As Burhan, the poster boy of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, was laid to rest in his native place Tral, violent mobs attacked installations of police and paramilitary forces at various places in the Valley and set ablaze several buildings including three police installations, as a result of which three cops were missing.

Burhan's funeral was attended by thousands of people. There was no deployment of security forces in Tral and adjoining areas to avoid a confrontation with the people coming to participate in the funeral.

"We have had a very difficult day today," said ADGP (CID) of J&K Police S M Sahai while describing the situation "bad in certain segments", "not critical" in areas like north Kashmir and under control in Srinagar.

Eight people were killed in the clashes between violent protestors and security forces at various places in the valley that erupted a day after Burhan's killing. Seven of them were killed in "retaliatory" action by security forces, Sahai said, adding one person died due to drowning.

The militants are trying to "superimpose their attacks" on public protests, he said while informing that there was also a militant attack on District Police Lines in Pulwama which the security forces thwarted.

The camps at Sangam, Larnoo, Seer, Gopalpora, Minority camp Mattan, Kokernag, Dooru and Janglat Mandi were also attacked by the protestors, he said.

"It is very unfortunate that young lives were lost in clashes," Sahai said while addressing a press conference on the situation.

He appealed to the parents to restrain their children from participating in such protests so that young lives are not lost.

Replying to a volley of questions, including why Burhan was not caught alive instead of being gunned down, Sahai said, "We certainly don't want to kill youngsters of our own society."

He said the Hizb commander and two others got killed when security forces retaliated after being fired upon by the trio from a house in which they were hiding. Two security personnel were injured in that firing, he added.

After Punjab, now 'cow cess' proposed in Haryana

Chandigarh, Jul 9, 2016, (PTI)

After Punjab, a proposal has been made to the BJP government in Haryana to levy 'cow cess' to generate funds for the welfare of cows in the state.

Haryana Gau Sewa Ayog has proposed the government to levy Rs 2,100 on booking of banquet hall, 5 per cent cess on collection of entertainment tax, Re 1 per bag of foodgrain and sought 50 per cent collections of donations from state-managed temples for creation of funds for the upkeep of cows in the state.

"We have made proposals to the Haryana government for raising funds for welfare of cows in the state," Bhani Ram Mangla, Chairman, Haryana Gau Sewa Ayog said today.
"The funds so generated will be spent for the welfare of cows," he said, adding, "The proposals are under the government's consideration".

In Haryana, there are 3.20 lakh cows in gaushalas and 1.17 lakh are stray cows, he said.
In Punjab, the Local Bodies Department had already proposed 'cow cess' which included levying cess on the purchase of four wheeler, two wheeler, oil tanker, electricity consumption, AC hall of marriage palace, non-AC hall, cement bag, Indian Made Foreign Liquor and on Punjab Medium Liquor.

Mangla said the state government has decided to set up five cow shelters at Panipat, Bhiwani, Hisar, Sirsa and Yamunanagar to protect and promote "desi" cows in the state.

Under the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Act, cow slaughter would be punishable with rigorous punishment of between three and 10 years, and a fine up to Rs one lakh, he said.

Any person who attempts to export cows for slaughter would be imprisoned for not less than three years and up to seven years. Fine ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 70,000 would also be imposed, Mangla added.

The state government has set up a separate police wing under the charge of an IPS officer to stop the smuggling of cows. A toll-free number has also been launched for this purpose, he said.

Haryana government is providing a subsidy of up to 50 per cent to those rearing five cows and up to 25 per cent to those rearing more than five cows, he added. 

15 Kerala youths suspected to have joined IS, probe ordered

Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi, July 9, 2016, (PTI)

Kerala government today announced a probe after 15 Keralite youths, who had travelled to Middle East, reportedly went missing and were suspected to have joined the Islamic State,with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan saying it was a "very serious issue".

The families of the youths, including a couple, from Kasaragod and Palakkad districts have not heard from them for the past one month and fear that they have been radicalised after having gone to the Middle East for religious studies.

The missing persons are below the age of 30 and highly qualified, including medicos.
The matter came to fore with the families of the youths approaching local elected representatives, including an MP, after suspicion that they may have joined the IS.    "This is a very serious issue. This has to be examined," the Chief Minister told reporters in Kochi.

While 11 youths hail from Padna and Thrikaripur in the northernmost Kasaragod district, others are from Palakkad district.

Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said in Kasaragode that a detailed probe would be conducted into the issue.    "If they are trapped in their (IS) net and reached in (their territory), it would be a very difficult issue. A detailed probe would be conducted on this issue," he told reporters.

Earlier, Kasaragod MP P Karunakaran told PTI in Thiruvananthapuram that the Chief Minister had directed the police to launch a probe into the matter urgently.

Kasaragod District Panchayat member V P P Mustafa said that during Eid, the parents of two missing youths received 'Whatsapp' messages saying "we are not coming back. Here there is Divine Rule. You also should join us".

  "We have joined IS to fight US for attacking Muslims", read another message, he said adding the veracity of the messages has to be checked.    On being approached by the families yesterday, Karunakaran, Thrikarippur MLA M Rajagopalan and Mustafa informed the Chief Minister about the matter.

Rajagopal told PTI that all those missing were below the age of 30 and highly qualified. Hakim, father of Hafesuddin who is among those missing from Kasaragod, told television channels that his son had left a month ago and there was no news from him.

"If he returns as a good man, I will welcome him. If not, I do not want to see even his dead body," he said. Karunakaran said the family members told him that the youths had left for Middle East a month ago stating that they were going for religious studies.

But for the last one month, their families had no communication from them and so they were suspicious, he said. Mustafa said among the missing were Dr Ijas and his dentist wife. They had left home saying they were going to Lakshadweep.

Abdul Rasheed, an engineering graduate, had left home with his wife and a two-year old daughter, stating that they were going to Mumbai for a job.

All the youths hail from middle class families and had been showing keen interest in religious matters since the last two years, Mustafa said.

 Bindu, mother of a young pregnant woman who converted to Islam after marriage, said her daughter was among the missing people.

She said her daughter Nimisha was a final year Dental student in Kasaragod when she met and got married to a Christian youth, who later converted to Islam along with her.

  Bindu, hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, told TV channels, that she had received a call from her daughter on May 18 stating that she was going to Sri lanka along with her husband on a business tour.

She sent a Whatsapp message on June 4 saying "she was ok", but since then there has been no information about her.     The sobbing mother said she was worried as her daughter's delivery was due next month.

  It was from newspaper reports that she came to know that her daughter was among the four missing --two brothers and their wives from Palakkad.

  Bindu also claimed that she had met ADGP Intelligence R Sreelekha, few days ago seeking her help in tracing her missing daughter, but there was no response. 

Kashmir tense, restrictions imposed, Amarnath yatra suspended

Srinagar, July 9, 2016, (PTI)

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, and Amarnath yatra suspended as authorities apprehended protests in the Valley, where tension prevailed following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani by security forces.

Protesters blocked main roads and entry to interiors of the city at many places following a strike call by top separatists leaders who were put under house arrest as a precautionary measure. Public address systems were used in some places today to relay the audio messages of Wani, who had emerged as the poster boy of militancy. Mobile internet across Kashmir has been suspended while mobile telephony services have also been restricted in south Kashmir.

A police official said the situation was by and large peaceful in most parts of Kashmir so far but Tral -- the hometown of the slain militant commander -- witnessed protests by residents following his killing in the encounter in in Kokernag area yesterday.

"Restrictions have been imposed on movement of people in six police station areas of Srinagar city, most parts of Pulwama district and Anantnag town in south Kashmir as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order," a senior government official said.
He said the decision was taken in view of the violent protests at some places last night in these areas after the news of Wani's death.

"A group of youths also started pelting stones towards the camps of security forces who have not retaliated to the provocation so far," he said.

Authorities have suspended Amarnath yatra from Jammu base camp to base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam in the Valley as a precautionary measure.

The train services between Baramulla in Kashmir and Banihal across the Pir Panjal mountain range have also been suspended for the day as the trains have been targeted by mobs in the past.

Top separatist leaders including Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik were placed under house arrest last night as they had called for a shutdown today.

The two factions of the Hurriyat had planned funeral prayers in absentia for the slain militants. Radical women's outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Aasiya Andrabi has called for a three-day shutdown.

Meanwhile, shops, private offices, business establishments and petrol pumps were shut, while government offices and banks witnessed thin attendance, officials said.

They said public transport was off the roads, while private cars and auto-rickshaws were seen plying at some places.

Educational institutions in the Valley were closed on account of the ongoing summer vacations. The reports of shutdown have been received from district headquarters in the Valley, the officials said.

Central University of Kashmir has postponed all examinations scheduled for today, a spokesman of the University said. He said that the new dates for the examination would be notified separately. Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has also postponed today's exams in view of the strike.

Poster boy of Kashmir militancy killed

July 09, 2016, Srinagar, DHNS

In a major setback to Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit, its most wanted commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces in south Kashmir’s in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on Friday evening.
The poster boy of new wave of militancy in Kashmir, 21-year Burhan was killed alongwith his two other associates in Bumdoora village of Kokernag, 82 kms here.

Sources said the encounter began when militants fired at a joint team of the police and Army’s 19 Rashtriya Rifles, who had launched a search operation in the area after they received intelligence reports of militants hiding in the area.

The two other slain militants have been identified as Sartaj Ahmad Sheikh and Bashir Lashakri, both locals.

While confirming the death of Burhan, J&K Director General Police K Rajendra said his death was a big blow to the Hizbul. He said two other militants were also killed in the encounter.

Known as face of new generation militancy in Kashmir, Burhan is believed to have inspired several youngsters into joining the militancy. He joined the Hizbul in 2010 after the street protests, in which more than 100 people died in security forces firing, and went on to become a social media icon for the militant groups.

He never tried to conceal his or his followers’ identities, using it to recruit more youngsters. Burhan, who dropped out just days before his Class 10 board exams, seldom actively took part in militant strikes, but was the brain behind many.

The police had announced an Rs 10 lakh bounty on his head. But till now he had survived, defying all expectations and leaving a trail of stories behind him.

He used his jihadi videos where he persuaded young Kashmiris to join the “holy war” with the “promise of a fulfilled life hereafter”. He addressed in chaste Kashmiri the troubled Valley’s youth through video clips or audio messages. Known as a top motivator and recruiter in the Valley, Burhan was from the latest breed of educated youth to join militancy.

Last month, he released a video warning of attacks on separate colonies for Sainiks  and Kashmiri Pandits if they are set up in the Valley.