New Delhi, June 14: Amid the ongoing standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladkah, experts are of the view that India should rethink and revise its ‘One China’ policy and exploit the geographic, ethnic, and economic fault lines within the Asian giant, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

At a webinar jointly organised by the Law and Society Alliance and Defence Capital on the topic, ”Revisiting ‘One China’ policy: Economic and Political Options for India: Hong Kong, Tibet, Taiwan, and Xinjiang,” the experts said India’s non-interference when Tibet was annexed by China 70 years ago, thereby changing its geographical boundaries, has come back to haunt India, since 1962.

In his remarks, former deputy national security adviser and now director of Vivekananda International Foundation Arvind Gupta said ‘One China’ policy was considered as a reciprocity to the ‘One India’ policy.

However, India gave up its influence on Tibet in the 1950s and accept its annexation by China. This situation as far as Tibet is concerned, continued till date.

However, India has taken a flexible approach in the past few years on Tibet, Mr Gupta pointed out, referring to the 2010 India-China joint statement that didn’t mention the ‘One China’ policy, then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s statement in 2014 on the reciprocity on the unity and sovereignties of each other, and the invite to the Taiwanese representative to join the 2014 Narendra Modi oath-taking ceremony.

On Tibet, he suggested that India should be supporting the effort of the Tibetans to have self-rule and should give the Dalai Lama more recognition and position in diplomatic engagements, apart from visibility in India’s political circles.

Along with this, India must begin economic and technological engagements with Taiwan, besides supporting it politically.

He also recommended garnering India’s support to the democratic movement in Hong Kong, even if ”we do not join the western countries’ joint efforts at isolating China in geopolitics”.

StratNewsGlobal and BharatShakti Editor Nitin Gokhale, in his arguments, said China’s actions regarding ‘One India’ policy such as stapled visas to Indian citizens from the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, denying visa to an Indian military commander who was heading the Army in Jammu and Kashmir and Beijing’s opposition to Mr Modi visiting Arunachal Pradesh, were all reasons enough for India to rethink the ‘One China’ policy.

”Taiwan is the low hanging fruit as far as a rethink on ‘One China’ Policy is concerned. We should think of increasing our economic and technological relations with Taiwan. They are wonderful in electronic chip manufacturing, semiconductors, and 5G technologies,” Mr Gokhale said.

”The world is looking towards India for support. It must not necessarily be in conjunction with the Western countries, but standing with protesters will certainly mean a lot and send a message that India means business – democracy promotion is a game India is well-versed in,

”We should keep talking about Xinjiang at global platforms and try to raise human rights issues. The issue of Xinjiang should be further explored,” he added.

New Delhi, Jun 14: Supreme Court on Sunday refused to stay the investigation against veteran journalist Vinod Dua and asked for a status report on the ongoing probe by the police in connection with his alleged posts on youtube.
A bench headed by Justice UU Lalit, said, Dua, if required, should appear through video-conferencing in the case.

The Apex Court also issued notice to the Centre and Himachal Pradesh government, but said that the FIR against, Dua, will not be stayed and the probe can go on.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta accepted the notice on behalf of the Centre and Himachal Pradesh government lawyer and sought two weeks time to file response on Dua’s plea.
Vikas Singh, lawyer for Vinod Dua, asked for staying the FIR. I telecast everyday a show & if FIRs are to be registered like this, only two channels will survive in this country.
Justice Lalit objected, and asked Singh to apologise for naming those who aren’t party to the case. Singh apologised.

Justice Lalit said, We won’t stay the investigation at this stage.

Then, Singh replied, it will send a wrong signal.

Justice Lalit said, whether it will send a right signal or a wrong signal, it is for us to decide.

Singh said that the fundamental rights of freedom of expression will be affected.

Supreme Court also made it clear that at this point in time, the investigation will be allowed to be continued.

The Apex Court said that Himachal Pradesh police can continue with the investigation and interrogate Vinod Dua at his residence after giving 24 hour notice to the journalist.

No arrest till the next date of hearing but Dua must co-operate with the Police and join the investigation, the Apex Court said, and fixed the matter for further hearing to July 6.

The veteran journalist, Dua, had moved the Apex Court seeking protection against arrest and coercive action in connection with FIRs registered against him in two states pertaining to the alleged incitement of communal hatred in his You Tube show/programme.

Srinagar, June 14 : The Kashmir Press Club pays tributes to Rising Kashmir founding editor and renowned Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari on his second death anniversary, who was assassinated on June 14, 2018 outside his office in the Press Enclave Srinagar.

In a statement the Kashmir Press Club said that KPC joins Shujaat’s family and the journalist fraternity of Kashmir to pay tributes to a wonderful soul and a patron to the so many of the working journalists in Kashmir who have had the occasion to work with or under him at the Rising Kashmir, the daily English language newspaper which he founded.

During his lifetime as a journalist, Shujaat always promoted sound journalism and worked hard in creating an enabling atmosphere for the budding journalists in the region by offering internships and job opportunities in the media organization he founded.

It was Shujaat’s dream to lay sound and strong foundations of the journalism in Kashmir and throughout his life he worked hard towards that endeavor. Many of journalists who worked with him at the Rising Kashmir describe and remember Shujaat as an affectionate and caring Editor, who was always in search of news and good stories.

With his killing two years ago, the Kashmir region lost not only one of the most recognizable journalist faces but also an articulate voice and personality who was always full of ideas for the well being of the people of his land.

His funeral reflected his persona when thousands of admirers, friends and acquaintances from all walks of life descended at his ancestral Kreeri village in north Kashmir to mourn his death on June 14, 2018.

The Kashmir Press wanted to organise a function to remember this great journalist on his anniversary but the raging Coronavirus pandemic forced the management to limit our activities to paying the tributes through this statement. The members of the management committee held an online meeting and paid tribute to Shujaat on his second anniversary. The Kashmir Press Club joins his family and all the journalist fraternity to demand an impartial and credible final investigation report into the FIR related to June 14, 2018 incident before the concerned trial court.

Inaugurates Blood donation Camp on ‘World Blood Donor Day’

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, June 14: On ‘World Blood Donor Day’ themed ‘Safe blood saves lives’ Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Pandurang K. Pole stressed for rendering humanitarian services to the people in distress.

He said this while inaugurating a Blood Donation Camp organized by Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Jammu and Kashmir branch to commemorate the birth anniversary of Karl Landsteiner who is credited for his discovery of the ABO blood group system.

In his inaugural speech, Pole welcomed the blood donors and commended the Red Cross Society for playing an important role in rendering humanitarian services to the people in distress, he advocated for continuing such activities in every district of Kashmir division in order to supplement the efforts of the department of health.

He also lauded the efforts of Regional and District Red Cross Society units across Jammu and Kashmir for complimenting the efforts of the Government to mitigate the sufferings of down trodden segments of society due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The Div Com said that it is the duty of every human to serve humanity and we must always do so to extend our contribution towards the Red Cross.

On the occasion, General Secretary, IRCS, Jammu and Kashmir Chapter Kifayat Hussain Rizvi informed that Red Cross has always remained at the forefront in alleviating the human sufferings and stressed the need for organizing more such camps at tehsil and district level in order to support our blood banks that are presently experiencing the shortage of voluntary blood donation in present circumstances.

During the camp several donors donated blood which would be kept available at SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, JVC Bemina, Srinagar.

The event was attended by M.S. Rather Former General Secretary, IRCS J&K Chapter, Honorary Secretary, IRCS, Kashmir Region and staff and volunteers of Red Cross.

M  S Nazki

Poonch, June 14: An army soldier was killed and two others were injured in shelling by Pakistan along LoC at Kerni sector in Poonch district, officials said on Sunday.
A police official told GNS that during the shelling in Kerni sector, one army soldier, identified as Sepoy Luingambui Abonmei of 10 Asam regiment, was killed and two others, Lelienkothein Senghon and Tangsoik Kwianiungar, were injured.
Both the injured have been airlifted to Udhampur command hospital for advanced treatment, the official added. (GNS)

MOEF issues notification; declared as sanctuary in 1987

Nasir Azam

Srinagar, June 14:  Nestled between majestic Pir Panchal forests, Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Southern Kashmir’s Shopian district has find place in the eco-sensitive zone list of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.

In a significant development, the Government of India has issued a draft notification to declare an area from zero to one kilometre around the  sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone to regulate activities within it.

“……..In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clauses (v) and (xiv) of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (29 of 1986) (hereafter in this notification referred to as the Environment Act) read with sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an area to an extent varying from 0 (zero) to 1.0 kilometre around the boundary of Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, in Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir as the Eco-sensitive Zone ,” reads the notification issued by Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change(MOEF& CC),  a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

The sanctuary is home to some of the rare, endangered and threatened species like Markhor (near threatened), Kashmir musk deer (endangered), common leopard (vulnerable), Himalayan griffon vulture (near threatened), bearded vulture (near threatened), Kashmir flycatcher (vulnerable).

It is also home for many migratory and residents birds including species of vultures, raptors and passerines.

Spread over 341.25 square kilometres, the sanctuary got its name from the Village Hirpora, a small hamlet that lies on the north-eastern outskirts of the protected area and forms its gateway.

The sanctuary came into existence  on March 19, 1987 through government notification( FST/WL/San/Hirpora/87 (SRO-153).

While framing the organizational set up of the Department of Wildlife Protection, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir vide its order No 128-F.S.T of 1991 dated May 13,  1991, again notified the establishment of Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary. Later, the government through a notification issued under SRO 424, and endorsed under No. FST/WL/71/2007, dated 18th of December 2007, extended the area of the sanctuary to 341.25 square kilometres.

According to the notification, the union territory shall, for the purposes of the eco-sensitive zone, prepare a Zonal Master Plan within a period of two years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, in consultation with local people.

The notification prohibits or regulates different activities within the eco-sensitive zone. It also seeks constitution of a high-level committee headed by deputy commissioner  Shopian for monitoring eco-sensitive zone—(KNO)

SoPs to be adhered strictly, other precautions including wearing of masks, maintaining social distance to be followed in spirit; night curfew to remain in force

Srinagar, June 12: Nearly after a 3-month long lockdown, markets in Srinagar district will open on Saturday (June 13). The markets were closed in middle of March month soon after first positive case of COVID-19 was reported in the summer capital.
An order issued by the district administration Srinagar headed by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar  Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary reads: “In view of multifarious dimensions involved, suggestions and recommendations were obtained from SKIMS Srinagar, Govt Medical College Srinagar, SKIMS Medical College Bemina and Directorate of Health Services Kashmir , and sector- specific SOPs have been devised taking into account such recommendations and standard protocols notified by the competent authority.”

“Detailed deliberations were held with all trade & business organisations and associations viz a viz notification of containment zones in the district and limited permissible activities therein, mandatory observance of SOPs particularly related to mandatory wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing, hygiene and sanitization,” the order reads. “The SOPs notified by the SEC are to be observed in letter and spirit.
The said organisations undertook to ensure that all SOPs are observed for permissible 50% opening of shops in line with SEC notification cited above. Therefore, in line with the permissible activities and opening of 50% shops provided in the SE notification, consultations held with stakeholders and readiness to observe SOPs and necessary steps for COVID containment expressed by the trade and business organisations.”

The order reads that after such assessment, District Magistrate, Srinagar, by virtue of powers vested and provisions contained in The Disaster Management Act 2005, Section 144 CrPC, and The Epidemic Disease Act, notify the following schedule, in District Srinagar, for opening of shops, w.e.f Saturday, 13th June 2020, subject to the conditions notified: Monday to Saturday following shops will remain open full day—“Bookshops, stationery, Chemists, Medical products, Grocery. Fruits, Vegetables, Milk & Milk products, Meat/Poultry, Farming products (Agri/Horti/Sericulture etc). Repair workshops, e-Commerce & courier, Hotels Restaurants for home-delivery/Take-away, bakery, and other essential products.”

The order further said that  on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (From 11 am to 5:30 Pm), following shops will remain open—Readymade garments, Cloth shop, Cosmetics, Footwear Electronics & Electric Material, Jewellery, Tailors/Designers/Boutiques. Similarly, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 am to 5:30 pm, following shops will remain open— Handicrafts, Handloom, Hardware, Building material, Furniture, Furnishing, Automobiles, Services stations, Saloons Beauty Parlours. Darbers.

“The SOPs contained in Govt of UT of JAK vide Order No.62-JK(DMRRR) of 2020 dated 07-06-2020 for Hotels and Restaurants, Shopping Malls and Salons/Barbershops etc shall be strictly followed. Further, concerned market association shall be responsible for observance of all SOPs,” the order available with the KNO reads, adding that, “Wearing mask and physical distancing shall be mandatory.

Equidistant circle in paint indicating mandatory distance shall be marked outside every shop/establishment. No business shall be transacted in absence of guidelines related to mandatory wearing of masks and physical distancing.  Every shop / establishment shall be properly sanitized before being made operational Hand sanitizers/ hand wash/Soap ete shall also be compulsorily made available at every establishment.”

It said that shopping Malls shall prominently display roster for 50% shops to be opened on alternate days as prescribed in SEC notification quoted above.

“It is strongly advised for all the shopkeepers to download Aarogya Setu Mobile App on their Mobile Phones. While all trade organisations have assured adherence to laid down norms and SOPs in the interest of public health, the Executive Magistrates and SHOs shall ensure strict enforcement and initiate action in case of violations. Market wise undertaking for this purpose shall be mandatory segregation of trades has been done for maintaining the prescribed 50% number of shops. The local market committees shall ensure that in no case the prescribed number limit is violated. Regular inspection shall be made by concerned officials to avoid violations,” the order reads.

The order said that that night restrictions / curfew between 8PM to 5AM as notified vide order dated 19.05.2020 shall continue to be in place and only essential services shall be allowed during the period. “As far the public transport, the order reads that three wheelers with two passengers have been allowed under SEC guidelines. Further guidelines will be notified separately after ongoing capacity building for public transport stall. In compliance of Hon’ble High Court directions and SEC guidelines cited above No Parking shall be allowed on roads except designated/ notified parking places, the order reads.
The above guidelines and SOPs are only indicative and all the shopkeepers and properties shall, in the interest of public health, ensure that every required measure is taken to ensure COVID-19 containment. “Any violation of these Orders/SOPs/ Instructions notified by SEC O DDMA, shall attract action under Section 51 of The Disaster Management Act 2008. Section 188 IPC and/or Section 03 of Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 apart from other laws applicable. The trade and business organisations shall make all efforts to ensure observance of SOPs in markets as has been undertaken by them during the consultation process,” the order reads. (KNO)

Srinagar, June 12: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Friday thanked the Srinagar District Administration for announcing the staggered opening of markets. The trade body also cautioned the business community and the general public to take all precautions before venturing out to open business establishments or to make purchases.

In a statement KCC&I spokesperson stated that Srinagar District being a declared Red Zone was facing an extremely serious and grim situation. “There was no scope for lowering of guard and it was not only the responsibility of the administration but also of the civil society to exercise utmost caution. Any incident of a spike or spread would indefinitely shut down not only the markets but also pose a fatal risk to the vulnerable sections of the community especially our loved ones being our elders and children and those with weak immune systems,” he said.

“All are requested to kindly avoid unnecessary movement to the commercial areas as the basic idiom of “Stay Home Stay Alive” is still the best advice. In addition, measures like keeping a safe distance of 2 metres, frequent washing of hands, proper wearing of N95 Masks, avoiding touching of eyes, nose and mouth, avoiding touching unsafe surfaces had proven to greatly reduce the chances of getting infected. Please take them seriously as mistakes can be dangerous and inflict heavy costs for the whole community,” the statement added.

It added that business establishments are advised to ensure regular sanitization of their premises and also ensure that their employees and customers follow the prescribed protocols. “The administration now having played it role, it was the responsibility of the business community, the civil society and family elders to go through the guidelines and ensure that this does not turn into another circus only with very serious ramifications,” he said.

No decision yet over Srinagar-Jammu route: MD

Ishtiyaq Ahmad

Srinagar, June 12: The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) Friday said that it resumes the intra-District bus services in Kashmir.

Angrez Singh Rana, Managing Director, JKSRTC told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that the buses will run in all the district headquarters except in the containment zones.

He said that the decision to run buses in the Srinagar Jammu route will be taken only after getting a nod from the government.

“Our Intra-district public passenger busses will operate with up to 2/3rd seating capacity. Seating arrangements are made in all buses to ensure physical distancing, the MD said.

Regarding the precautions that need to be taken by the passengers boarding the SRTC buses, MD said that all passengers need to cover their faces before boarding buses.

He maintained that all safety measures and SOPs will be followed.

One of the officials in the SRTC said that as far as possible, people above 65 years and children below 10 years of age will be discouraged to travel and those suffering from slightest symptoms of cough, cold or high temperature above normal levels will not be allowed.

“Face mask is a basic requirement for entry into the bus station and hand sanitization is a must for each passenger before boarding a bus” he said.

Interestingly the district administration Srinagar Friday announced the re-opening of markets and shops in the district for the first time after the pandemic.

As far as the public transport, the order reads that three wheelers with 02 Passengers have been allowed under SEC guidelines. Further guidelines will be notified separately after ongoing capacity building for public transport.

It is to mention here that in the ‘Unlock 1.0′ the Government had given nod to opening of hotels and hospitality services at 50 percent capacity, all shopping Malls except in Red district where they will operate with 50 percent shops on alternate days and movement of intra-district and inter-district public passenger transport with two-third seating capacity for buses and 50 percent for mini-buses on routes to be notified by the Transport Department with only JKSRTC permitted in Red districts.

The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for `Unlock 1.0′  was issued by Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, who also happened to be the Chairperson, State Executive Committee (SEC).(KINS)

Peerzada Waseem

Baramulla, June 12: A woman was killed and two other civilians injured in an intense shelling from across the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Uri area on Friday, officials said.

They said that a mortar shell hit the house of Akthar Begum, 40, wife of Zahoor Ahmad at Batha Gram village of Uri, killing her on the spot.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom, told KNO that a woman was killed and two others sustained injuries in the shelling.

He said five families were evacuated safely to safer place and as a few vehicles and residential houses suffered damage in the shelling.

Army’s Srinagar based Spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, “Today morning at 8:20 am, Pakistan initiated an unprovoked ceasefire violation along the LoC in Rampur sector of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district by firing mortars and other weapons. Befitting response is being given.”