The Informative Missive Published by PUBLIC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Editorial: -                Work or Virtue

    If a photojournalist sees a person drowning, what will he do, will he take his photograph or save him/her. The controversy on professional ethics of journalism also arouse on the death of Princess Diana in a road accident, when a Paparazzi journalist was busy in taking her photographs while she was dying.

    The local journalists and photojournalists have gained enough experience and perfection in their profession who before the conflict were working as mere stringers. Since the conflict started many photojournalists have received international awards for their exceptional photo coverage of incidents, which is appreciable and has also inspired their colleagues. These photojournalists like ambulance chasers have been rushing to the spots where any kind of killings, encounters, rapes, or any other form of human rights violation has taken place. Their counterparts from outside the valley visiting here also hunt for the victims and in this behalf they invariably seek the help from human rights organisations.

    Initially, people were receptive of facing the foreign as well as local photojournalists but with the passage of time realizing that they are trading into their sufferings an aversion followed towards them. Take the case of Kunanposhpora, a village in North Kashmir, which has become ‘infamous’ because of the mass rapes committed in the year 1990. Several times, the innocent victims facing social and psychological problems had to face the camera and reveal their ordeals and to top it they had to rehearse for every take like walking in queues as if they were actors shooting for some commercial feature film. Even in the cases of half-widows or relatives of victims of enforced disappearances, they have to face the camera and volley of questions and repeat the statement before the camera again and again. Shafiqa, 24, a half-widow living with her three kids, in her mud hut, is fed up with the journalists and often hides from them. Even the editor of this publication many a times has to rehearse for a take, like entering in his office and providing the addresses of the latest victims of the human rights violations. One feels that as if one is running a zoo instead of running a human rights organisation.

    Victims assist the journalist particularly the photojournalist with this belief that reporting is essential, as it exposes the perpetrators particularly the regimes who want these incidents should be buried and become non-events. But what is much resented, is the callous human indifference of these professionals who are obsessed with their professional perfection but not with the sufferings and emotions of the victims. However there have been some exceptions where some of the journalists moved by the plight of the victims have expressed their sympathy, and have even helped them or promised to help (most of them are foreigners). We have the experience that the local and Indian photojournalist are ignoring this humane aspect and even want to monopolize this commercialising of sufferings. Recently after the grenade attack in the city a local photojournalist as usual was busy taking pictures of the injured, a dying lady was crying for help and this photojournalist instead of helping her, demanded the lady to raise her hands for help so that he can take an exclusive picture. One Japanese photojournalist who was preparing a documentary on the present situation of Kashmir was almost physically assaulted by a local photojournalist when he was covering an incident of killing and even the complaint was lodged against him in the police station which reads that “he is on a tourist visa and how come he can cover the incident and thereby compete with them”. Even an endeavour was made that he should leave, but finally the efforts exerted by human rights groups to persuade the local journalist not to press for his vacation, as more and more coverage should be there. In another incident, the members of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) who were commemorating the International Day of Disappeared had requested a local journalist to provide the copies of photographs taken in commemoration (the APDP had no camera at that time) were initially refused and even asked for the money. Somehow, one generous photojournalist finally obliged the organisers of the APDP with the photocopies without charging anything.

    We admire the professionalism of the journalists working in Kashmir. In war, conflict or any social issues, the pictures have become a powerful symbol during campaigns. A nine-year-old Vietnamese girl running in tears and terror having being ripped off her clothing after being burnt by Napalm in 1972 became a symbol against anti-Vietnam war in the world. The photo of the My Lai massacre or in India the photo of a dead child in Bhopal gas tragedy or the photo of terror stricken man (Qutub ud Din) during Gujarat massacre became powerful tools to generate public opinion. Their work is laudable; however, there is some self-imposed moral code of conduct, which they should adhere to while performing their professional activities. They have to remain sensitive towards the victim’s sufferings and emotions and if they are resentful there are certain reasons behind it.

APDP REFUTES GOVERNMENT CLAIMS

January 30: Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) gave a press conference to refute the claims of the government that disappearances have stopped during the Mufti regime and the figures given by APDP were false. The APDP had come up with a list of 116 persons who were disappeared in custody during the Mufti regime in the year 2003. On January 5, 2004 government responded to the status of the disappeared persons saying “at least 43 of the disappeared persons of Kashmir valley have been found at their homes during police investigations into the charges ordered by the government”. The statement further adds, “except for 26 names, 13 of which are still under investigation, everyone else has been accounted for. Twenty-two persons in the list of so-called disappeared persons have joined militancy ranks as per the investigations. Six others have died. Two others have been found in the custody and cases stand registered against them.”

    The APDP organized the press conference to scotch the government claims. The APDP said that the government claims were baseless and unfounded. According to the latest data collected by APDP and as per the versions of the relatives of the disappeared, only three persons presented by them have joined militant ranks. The press conference was held at hotel Taj on January 30. The patron of APDP Parvez Imroz, while talking to media men said, “in its list government claims that one Bashir Ahmad Wani of Bagat pora village in Handwara had joined militancy during the Mufti regime. However, he was an active militant since 1990 and was arrested on March 15, 2003 from the house of his in-laws in Baramulla district. About the six persons claimed by the government to have ‘died’ the government is duty bound to show their bodies and explain the circumstances under which they died”.

    The APDP in a press statement said, “by governments own admission 26 names in APDP list 13 of whom are under ‘investigation’ remain un accounted for. Among the 13 disappeared persons whose fate is being investigated by the government is Showkat Ahmad pal, 23, a part time reporter for local daily ‘Srinagar News’. Showkat was student of third Year of BA course. He was picked up from Moulana Azad road when he was going to his newspapers office after finishing at college. His friend Manzoor who accompanied him at that time said that two vehicles, a Maruti gypsy and a jeep stopped on roadside and some men in civvies pushed Showkat in it. Since then his whereabouts are not known. His parents have contacted every agency. Speaking to the reporters Showkat’s father said that the Mufti government is hoax.

    Similarly the relatives of four persons who disappeared in Zandfaran Baramulla said that their dear ones have not returned back. All the relatives of the disappeared expressed their frustration and agonies while talking to the press. The APDP found some “disappeared men” had returned to their homes but only when the association presented the previous list to the government. The men confirmed they had been arrested by the security agencies and their parents denied their whereabouts.

    Imroz said the government should come up with the list of 3,931 persons which finance minister Muzzaffar Hussain Beig had admitted have disappeared in Kashmir since 1990.He further said that the government should appoint a commission to probe all the disappearances which APDP said are more than 8000.

    The APDP press release further said that the “disappearances in the state had increased during the present governments term. Even the government has acknowledged fifty four persons were reported disappeared during the PDP lead government while 94 persons were reported as disappeared, in the last two years of NC government regime”. APDP reiterated its old stand of constituting a commission to probe the cases of disappearances.

AN INTERVIEW WITH SALEEM ZARGAR
IMPRISONED FOR 13 YEARS

Mohammad Saleem Zargar, a militant of Ikhwan-ul- Muslimeen (now known Kashmir Mass Movement (KMM) a separatist political party), was arrested on 25th April 1990 and released on 29th Dec 2003, after 13 long and arduous years of detention. During his detention, he was shifted from one jail to another. Saleem’s association with “freedom struggle” started way back in his college days. In 1987 he was arrested for the first time on the charges of ‘anti national’ activities which included hoisting the flag of independent Kashmir. In the year 1990, he was again arrested and released after long time. Like some of the other contemporaries of his time, Saleem has given up gun and is involved in non-violent struggle for freedom.

People who compromise are moderates and who refuse to compromise are labelled as extremists: Zargar

    In an interview to Informative Missive, Saleem Zargar spoke about various issues including detention, torture, and present status of Kashmir imbroglio.

Q: IM: How did you get involved in armed struggle? When and where were you arrested?
Saleem: As far as my involvement with freedom struggle is concerned, I got involved in it when I was studying in 1st year (BA) of my graduation. Since I grew up in downtown Srinagar where people were more concerned about the illegal Indian occupation and often protested against Indian rule, I got interested. I was deeply inspired by Shaheed (martyr) Maqbool Bhat who sacrificed his life for Kashmir cause. Bhat’s dedication and commitment for Kashmir was enough to encourage me to resist the Indian rule.

    Earlier, Jammu & Kashmir police arrested me in 1987 for supporting and propagating pro-movement activities, and then after sometime I was released. Instead of distancing myself from freedom movement after my arrest, I embroiled myself fully in this movement. In the year 1989, I crossed over to other part of Kashmir for arms training. After completing the training I joined Ikhwan-ul-Muslimeen (IUM) the then militant outfit to fight against Indian rule. And on 25th April 1990, it was the day of EID, I was on my way to a lunch party at Ram Bagh, Srinagar, where I was intercepted and arrested by the Border Security Forces (BSF).

IM: How were you treated during your 13 years of detention?
    Saleem: Sorry, I don’t want to talk about the treatment meted out to me by Indian authorities during my detention. I remember the words said by Shaheed Maqbool Bhat “Getting freedom is not a cakewalk, you have to face all that from the enemy whatever humanity dislikes, but never reveal the brutalities inflicted on you and the sacrifices you made, as it reduces the value of all that you have done in that path”. Therefore I would rather not talk about it. Only thing I can share with you is that whatever the cruel and brutal tactics of torture, humiliation, and abuses are there they have used it all.

IM: Where did they keep you during your protracted detention? What about other prisoners, how were they treated?
    Saleem: The authorities shifted me from one jail to another from one interrogation centre to another, but within state. Immediately, after my arrest I was taken to PAPA 1, old airport where they put me for sometime. During the first year of my detention I was shifted from PAPA 1 to Talab Tiloo, Jammu and from Talab Tiloo to PAPA 2, Srinagar. During these shifts I suffered the bitterest experiences of my life. I saw the most brutal face of Indian authorities; their barbaric acts. The helpless Kashmiris were tied up by ropes and were subjected to third rate degree tortures like power currents, insertion of rods, canning, rollers were rolled on them and all kind of torture that is unacceptable to humanity. I heard their cries, which are still echoing in my ears.

    Besides, these jails I was lodged in Jammu Central Jail, Srinagar Central Jail, Imphala, Udhampur and Kot Bhalwal jails. But during my decade long detention the worst I faced was in the year 1996, when I was lodged in Udhampur jail. In that year the prisoners were dragged out of their barracks and were forcibly used as labourers. Two of the prisoners who were militants of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) were paraded naked in front of all jail inmates. In each barrack 40 prisoners were locked whereas the space was only for 10 persons. And, whenever, the relatives of the detenues visited them and gave money or clothes to the detenues they were snatched by the jail officials. Cane charging, kicking and punching were the order of the day.

    At times, when some prisoners pooled money for buying chickens, they bribed the officials for allowing them to buy chickens. The meagre amount of Rs. 17 paid by the government was also taken away. One of the jailers, Vinod, who was perhaps suffering from some mental ailment, snatched Rs. 1.75 lac, from the prisoners. They had saved the money from a long time. Later, he told his officers that he recovered Rs. 1 lac from one of the barracks of the jail. His wickedness did not stop there; he further ordered his subordinates to beat prisoners mercilessly and derived immense pleasure whenever he heard the cries of any helpless Kashmiri, a true sadist.

    One day, a Kashmiri militant Sajad alias Afgani and his barrack-mates were accused of digging a tunnel to escape through. The jail authorities dragged all of them out of their barrack and tortured Sajad to death, and beat others up ruthlessly. Some of the injured received 10-12 stitches and some multiple fractures.
Another Kashmiri Prince Salim has not seen daylight for 18 months, as he has been put up in a dark room.

IM: Do you have any idea about how many Kashmiris are lodged in those jails?
    Saleem: Thousands of Kashmiris including minors were lodged in different jails of Jammu and Kashmir, but it is very difficult to say the exact figure. I feel it is worthwhile to mention here that at least twelve Kashmiris including an invalid Fauj Dar, 55, (who later died) were booked as foreigners. The other names of Kashmiris I remember are Manzoor and Aslam both residents of Poonch whom I met in Jodhpur jail. Fauj Dar was arrested when the troops at Karanagar, Srinagar asked him area where he lived. He said Rawatpora, Kupwara. Instead of Rawatpora, he was booked as a resident of Rawalpindi, Pakistan and later the troops claimed that they have arrested an ISI commander. Another handicapped Kashmiri, a deaf and dumb was booked as Naji, a Pakistani national. It is astonishing that how they came to know his identity, as he is not able to speak and hear.

IM: Under which act were you booked?
    Saleem: It is pity on part of Indian system that for nine years I was lodged without any charge. This is the system of justice in the world’s largest democracy. Later I was booked under Terrorist and Disruptive Act (Activities) (TADA) and Public Safety Act (PSA). In year 2000, when I was detained at Kot Bhalwal, I was granted bail from TADA Court, Jammu but was rearrested inside the jail. Thereafter, I was lodged at Talab Tiloo, Jammu where they put me for two months. Then I was shifted to JIC for seven months and PSA was slapped after nine months and was sent back to Kot Bhalwal wherefrom I was shifted to Central Jail, Srinagar. And on 25th December 2003, the PSA expired. As soon as, I was freed, I was again rearrested by CIK who took me to Hari Nawas, Sonwar and finally on 29th December I was released.

IM: What was the role of judiciary?
    Saleem: No justice! Even after long delays. My case is not exceptional there are hundreds of cases where Kashmiris are lodged for years, and they themselves don’t know under which act they are booked, and for which crime. As I told you earlier, that I was booked for long nine years without any charge. Even if you get bail or acquittal from the court you will not be set free until and unless the CIK gets satisfied. The CIK even after expiry of my PSA detained me for four more days, which is ample to expose the judiciary.

IM: Was medical treatment given to the inmates
    Saleem: There were doctors who were doing justice with their job, but also there were doctors who brought disgrace to their profession.

    Few doctors used to mix intoxicating substances in the medicine in order to make prisoners addict to these substances through the medicines. You can draw an idea about how doctors’ work within jails from the death of Fauj Dar who died due to doctors’ negligence.

IM: Did International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) visit the jails or not?
    Saleem: ICRC used to come to the jails but it seems that the organisation is not an autonomous body. They were working at snail pace. Earlier they directed the jail authorities to take care of the prisoners and keep jails neat and clean, which the authorities sometimes did, but that was to hoodwink the international community generally, the impression is that whatever they do is on the directions of Indian authorities. Nevertheless, they are very kind towards the prisoners.

IM: As you know India, Pakistan and breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) led by Abbas Ansari are engaged in dialogue bilaterally? What do you think about it?
    Saleem: When we talk about negotiation, it is imperative that it should be trilateral, not bilateral. It is high time that we learn from the past experiences, as in the past bilateral dialogues always proved a futile exercise. If Indo-Pak are holding talks on their bilateral issues i.e. good, but when they talk about resolution of Kashmir, it is impossible without trilateral talks. How can India and Pakistan find a solution of Kashmir without participation of Kashmiris? As you said, Abbas Hurriyat, as such I know the Hurriyat headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

    The people who talk to India on compromise and sell-out are moderates and broad-minded but those who remain rigid on their stand and do not compromise are labelled as extremists and fundamentalists.

IM: Do you believe gun or talks will lead to a possible solution of Kashmir?
    Saleem: No body loves violence even those who indulge in it. The Mujahideens (freedom fighters) are compelled to choose the path of violence and the role of gun is as important as the political role like talks to resolve the long pending Kashmir imbroglio. Pro-freedom political organisations have their own strategies and Mujahideens have their own policies to struggle for the same cause i.e. what is important. If we see even after the goodwill gestures between India and Pakistan nothing has changed and the Bandipora incident (where five civilians allegedly were used as human shield) is enough to expose the Indian policies and intentions.

JAMMU MOSQUE ATTACKED, 2 DEAD 20 WOUNDED

January 9: Two persons were killed and at least 19 others wounded, one of them seriously in a grenade attack on a mosque here today. The attack on a mosque is first of its kind in the 14-year-long armed insurgency in the state. The injured include Hurriyat leader Muhammad Sharief Sartaj. The dead have been identified as Muhammad Shafi s/o Muhammad Abdullah of Natipora working in Animal Husbandry Department and Abdul Rashid Khan s/o late Abdul Rahim Khan of Soura, Srinagar working in law department.

Sources said some unidentified persons hurled two grenades towards Masjid Ahlihadees in mohalla Jag Tatian here when more than two hundred persons were offering the Friday prayers at around 1:50 Pm. One of the grenades landed on rooftop of the mosque where some persons were offering prayers. Eyewitnesses said that security personnel of the VIP’s fired in air on hearing the explosion. Many persons were hurt in firing by the security personnel. Hurriyat leader was also injured apparently by retaliatory fire of the security guards.

The injured are Mohammad Sharief s/o Shams Din r/o Prem Nagar, Khurram s/o Shabir Ahmad r/o Tallab Khatikan, Head constable Abdul Aziz, no: 194/sec 3 s/o Mohd Abdullah r/o Ponngal Banihal, and Zarina Begum. Police arrived on the spot immediately and searched the area. All major political parties and social organizations have condemned this attack and termed it as an attempt to disrupt communal harmony in the city.

HAJIS STOPPED
    About 60 hajis from different parts of the valley were not allowed to leave for haj. Although, initially the formalities had been completed. But their documents were seized at DC office later. All efforts by Informative Missive to obtain the list of Hajis not permitted at the eleventh hour from performing the pilgrimage, as the authorities at the Divisional Commissioner’s Office did not comply with the list.

    A lawyer from Kupwara district whose father was initially barred from performing Haj narrated his ordeal to Informative Missive: - (Their names have been withheld to protect their identity)

    “Three hajis (pilgrims) hailing from Kupwara district were not permitted to leaver for Haj. Later one of them was allowed and was accommodated in the last flight. The said haji was supposed to leave from Srinagar to Jeddah on 11-1-2004. At the first instance he was cleared by CID Department but later on abruptly stopped through telephonic message and his travel documents were seized at DC office Kupwara, on the instructions of CID Department. The haji, his kith and kin faced many hardships and agony. I went to the office of the SSP Kupwara to know why the Haji has not been permitted to perform the haj.

    Nonetheless, the haji had been given the cover No PP& the Flight No to and fro and he had deposit full amount and was vaccinated BCG. He was further asked to collect travel documents from DC Kupwara on 7-1-04. The haji made all his preparations for haj, when suddenly the documents were seized, he was told that there is something adverse against him and as such he would not be allowed to perform haj. We met Additional Commissioner haj Dilshad ji who expressed her helplessness and said that whenever the CID department will give clearance we will allow him. The SSP of CID was contacted and copy of acquittal judgment was delivered to him who faxed it to Additional D.G CID Jammu. But the DIG CID did not take note of it ultimately the Hajis scheduled flight on 11 Jan was missed. Later on we approached political parties, they too could not help us though they promised help but they could not for reasons best known to them. Ultimately the DC Kashmir took the imitative and permitted him to perform Haj, after he sought clearance from SSP Kupwara about the character of the person. We were informed through telephone on 21-1-04 at 10:30 pm that your Haji is allowed to proceed for Haj but it was an uphill task to contact the Haji at Kupwara who is 20 kms away from Kupwara. The Haji had to leave his home at 1 am at night under police cover. He had to travel a distance of 120 kms in bad weather to reach Srinagar. Neighbours did not bid the farewell to the Haji, which is a ritual in the normal circumstances.

    The Haji during this time faced mental trauma and all the relatives and friends were also worried due to the whole episode. The haji had to approach different authorities during this period from 7-1-04 to 20-1-04 and was asked to wait for the clearance. The Haji has suffered monetarily and mentally. The relatives strived hard for his permission. The Haji even approached the high court to seek directions but holidays frustrated the attempts. Though the vacation judge Justice Kakaroo directed the respondent division of Kupwara & ADD DIG CID Jammu, “They shall take note of the acquittal judgment passed by learned session judge of Kupwara”. The direction was passed on 20th Jan 04 but the same could not be served upon the authorities on time”.

KASHMIRI YOUTH PICKED IN JAMMU

January 26: On the eve of Indian Republic Day number of Kashmiri youth were picked up by the police from various places of the Jammu. The drive was reportedly as a part of the tight security arrangements in the winter capital of the state on the eve of Republic day. Sources said that police raided various hotels and residential houses in Jammu city and its adjoining areas, and picked up a number of Kashmiri youth. However, they were released today in the afternoon after questioning by the police authorities. Parents of the arrested youth alleged that the police action created confusion. A senior police official said that only few youth were picked up on the basis of suspicion and were released after investigations. Meanwhile, Jammu wore a deserted look today amidst heavy security arrangements made on the eve of Republic day.

SOG ARRESTS SIX INCLUDING MOTHER OF FOUR FROM NISHAT

January 28: The task force personnel on Tuesday raided several houses in the area and took seven persons into custody. They were identified as Bashir Ahmad Hafiz s/o Ghulam Muhammad, Bilal Ahmad Hafiz s/o Muhammad Sultan, Abdul Hameed, Abdul Qayoom Bhat sons of Ghulam Rasool, Muhammad Ashraf Bhat s/o Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, Abdul Majid Hafiz s/o Ghulam Mohammad and his wife Atiqa Bano.

The people of the area protested against the arrest and staged a demonstration. Ten persons including four women were injured when police resorted to cane charge and fired several tear smoke shells to disperse hundreds of protestors demonstrating the arrest. The protestors, who were shouting slogans against the task force and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the personnel terrorized people during the raids. “They dragged Atiqa, who is a mother of four, from her house by pulling her hair and subjected her to worst kind of humiliation,” said one of the protestor. The protestors also alleged that the task force personnel during the raids beat up the women folk and took away valuables from the houses. The police personnel associated with Nishat police station had swooped on the protestors who were demanding their release. They also fired smoke shells and cane charged protestors resulting in injury to ten persons.

Nishat protests- follow up.
January 29: SOG today released half-dead two of the six persons it arrested at Nishat Wednesday. The released include Atiqa and Bilal Ahmad. Meanwhile people continued the protests against the arrests for consecutive day. The area also observed a complete shut down. SOG had arrested six persons including mother of four from the area Wednesday.

Task force arrest two in Budgam
January 27: The special task force during a raid arrested two persons identified as Abdul Lateef Rather and Zahoor Ahmad Rather. The incident happened after the minister for Finance Muzaffar Hussain Beig told a local news agency that police officers claiming to have official impunity wouldn’t be allowed to harass the people any more. “Strict action would be taken against any officers found guilty of custodial killing or harassment” he told the agencies.

FAROOQ KHAN CHALLENGES SUSPENSION
Tribunal issues notice to govt. directs to release arrears

January 24: In the most infamous case of fake encounter in the forests of Panchalthan, Islamabad on March 25, 2002 which resulted in the suspension of SSP Farooq Khan, Central Administrative Tribunal has issued notices to the state government and directed it to release the arrears of the subsistence allowance to the accused by February 10, 2004.The suspended SSP has challenged the government order before the Tribunal in its Chandigarh branch. The tribunal bench after hearing both the sides issued notices to the respondents, chief secretary government of J&K, secretary to one man commission of inquiry, commissioner secretary to the government general administrative department and financial commissioner, home department to release the arrears.

It is pertinent to mention that while in suspension Farooq Khan was awarded Presidential medal for gallantry. He was suspended on charges of fudging with the DNA samples of five villagers dubbed as foreign mercenaries.

SOG ACCUSED OF MURDER, PROBE ORDERED

January 9: Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an inquiry into the killing of a shopkeeper in a shootout at Shopian town in Pulwama district on Jan 6, following widespread protests, with people accusing Special Operations Group (SOG) for the murder.

    The decision follows visit of ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti to the bereaved family in the township yesterday where she faced noisy demonstrations.

    Police said the shopkeeper Manzoor Ahmad Malik s/o Abdur Rashid, was killed when he was caught in a shootout between militants and security forces, but the locals alleged that Malik was shot dead by the SOG personnel "without any provocation" when he was closing his shop on Tuesday.

    As a mark of protest, the shopkeepers in the town observed complete shutdown for three days and also held demonstrations to protest the killing. Ordering an inquiry into the killing of Malik last evening, the government has asked Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama to submit a report within two weeks. Mehbooba was confronted by the locals on her visit to the house of the deceased yesterday.

    "Your government has promised to disband the SOG, but what has happened to the promise?" she was asked by the angry locals who also raised slogans against the government.

Tragic family: - COUPLE BLINDED BY DEATH OF TWO SONS
    Ghulam Qadir Malik aged 70 r/o Zandfaran Baramulla is blind in one eye but he was not born this way, the death of his sons rendered him lifeless and the incessant tears that mourned their loss made his eye sight weak. Even his wife Haja has weak vision due to excessive crying. The vintage couple is left with no desire to live.

    Talking to Informative Missive, this old, feeble man says, I was a father of 6 tall strapping sons, but lost two of my bright lads to the ongoing movement. The death of my two sons has shattered our family; our lives have changed beyond compare. Fear and trauma has filled our once happy lives. Losing two sons in quick succession is a pain of lifetime. My wife and I have still not come terms with their death. We often cry with the result our vision has been impaired and we can’t see properly.

    The whole tragedy started when one of my son Sanaullah Malik, who was 20 at the time he went to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) for arms training in early 1990.After 4 months he returned back and was associated with Hizbul Mujaheeden militant outfit. He never killed any body, he had handed his gun back to his organization, and otherwise he was active with militants of the area. Joining of his militancy created havoc in our lives. The army constantly harassed us. They raided our house several times and tortured us. They beat my sons and also did not spare me. Several times we were taken and tortured. We told them we did not know his whereabouts, as he never came home. During one of the crackdowns in the year 1995, my son Nazir Malik who had been tortured by army many times was petrified as he had developed fear psychosis, he was beaten many times and had received many internal wounds .On that day his fear over powered him and he suffered a sudden heart attack. He was taken to hospital where he died, doctors said he had also grave internal injuries which might also be the cause of his death. Death relieved him from the constant harassment meted out to him by troops but dealt a big blow to us. But we had never anticipated there was more to come.

    In the same year in the month of April, Sanaullah was taken into custody by 29 RR posted in the area and later released. He was asked to produce a gun or pay Rs 5000.But gun he did not possess and 5000 was big sum, which we could not arrange. When he was released he told the army that he would not embrace militancy and would lead a normal life. He kept his word and gave up militancy altogether. He started working as a labourer and in the mean time we fixed his marriage. On 12th of May 1995, he was supposed to get married but he was called to the camp. The major of the camp of 29 RR had told the numberdar (Village Head) of our area to ask Sanaullah to come to the camp. The same day on 6th May he went to the Heevan camp, it was the same day Charare – Sharief Shrine was burnt down. Finally on 15th May his body was brought back. It came as a shock, we were making wedding preparations, and little did we know we had to shoulder his coffin. The army later gave the run of the mill story that Sanaullah had fired on the troops and in retaliation he was fired and died. But this is all false. His death took away our will to live and even after so many years have passed, the pain won’t just go. We lodged an FIR in the Boniyar police station. But nothing has been done. We want the perpetrators to be punished for killing an innocent, but that seems to a dream of know. We went to Farooq Abdullah the then Chief Minister (CM) and then to present CM, Mufti Syed, Mehbooba Mufti, and Muzzaffar Beig but to no avail.

    My other four sons are young, only one is earning he is married and stays with his family. I am too old to work and even if I wanted my weak eyesight won’t permit it. We are living in grave poverty. I am a naive person and Sanaullah was like me. He was shy. I can’t even express my pain”, says this 70-year-old man with tears flowing through his cheek. Need he say more?

ISLAMIC SCHOLAR DISAPPEARS IN CUSTODY

Mohammad Yousuf Kumhar who had completed his studies at Madina University had recently returned to his house at Banihal. On 10th of January, the army arrested him along with his brother, although his brother was released later but since then his whereabouts have not been known.

According to the statement made in the FIR by his brother Ghulam Mohammad Kumhar who was arrested and later released: - “On 10th of January I and my brother Mohammad Yousuf Kumhar left for Jammu from the village Pogal, Banihal, en route one Major Dass of 23 RR accompanied by 20 armed soldiers apprehended us and took us back to Pogal. There we were taken in a school where major Dass started interrogating us. Major Dass also searched our homes, at the house they took the film of the camera and again started beating us as a result of which I became unconscious. Meanwhile some influential persons of the area had approached the authorities. My sister-in-law and my wife also managed to arrive at the school and they pleaded for our release as a result of which Dass promised to release us. Next day we were taken in a private matador to Lachane. On 11th of January, Yousuf was taken to separate room and after an hour was brought back in the same room where I was detained.

The police station Rambhan has filed an FIR 15/04 under sec 343 RPC against the disappearance of Yousuf who had completed his degree and had returned from Madina University. He had also applied for the post of lecturer in Kashmir University, the family members said. After his arrest on 10^th Jan by 23 RR his whereabouts are not known. The army denies the version and says after the arrest he was released.

On 13th of January Major Dass locked us in different rooms and on the same night Yousuf was severely beaten, after forcibly taking out his clothes, he was made to sleep in a wet sleeping bag and electric current was passed in the bag. His screams send shivers down my spines. On 14th Jan at about 1 p.m., one of the soldiers posted in my brother’s room said that Yousuf’s condition was serious. The soldier also told me that army has sent a message for a doctor and the doctor is likely to come. I was politely offered a cup of tea and was told that doctor was examining Yousuf. On 15th January, one Captain Chauhan, carrying a file entered the room where I was detained and said, I should endorse that we had been released on 15th Jan, which I refused. I told them I would sign only after we both are actually released. Angered by my refusal, captain threatened me of dire consequences. Though he also said that they had committed a blunder by getting me here, he assured me that he would be released soon. On 16th I was taken to Lachane and was handed over to few influential persons of the area. But my brother was not released and since then his whereabouts are not known.

According to Abdul Aziz s/o Razzaq Kumhar second brother of Yousuf, “after my brothers arrest, I approached the army, I also approached MLA who on 11th Jan contacted the command officer of 23 RR and assured them that my brothers are innocent and not even remotely concerned with militancy. The army assured the MLA that they would be released shortly. I also contacted army officials who assure me safe release of my brothers. But although Ghulam Mohammad was released, the army is refusing to accept that Yousuf is in their custody. They say he fled away after the arrest. There is every possibility that my brother has been tortured to death and his body has been destroyed.”

DISAPPEARANCE

30-YEAR-OLD DISAPPEARED
January 7: Abdul Rashid Bhat, 30, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat of Khaipora, Payeen tehsil Tangmarg, district Baramulla was allegedly arrested by the army from his rented residence at Batamaloo, Srinagar during a predawn raid. Thereafter, his whereabouts are not known.

    His neighbors while talking to The Informative Missive said that on Jan 7, army conducted a predawn raid at Abdul Rashid’s rented residence at Batamaloo and picked him up and subsequently concealed his whereabouts. Despite making tireless efforts by his family nothing has been known about Rashid. The relatives have not been able to ascertain which camp or battalion the personnel who picked Rashid belonged to. Rashid’s relatives approached the Batamaloo police station to file a missing report. But the police said before filing any missing report they have to get the consent from their SHO.

    Abdul Rashid was a surrendered militant of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). Presently, he was working as a labrourer in Srinagar to sustain his family. He made his attendance regular in the Batpora camp Tangmarg where he surrendered his arms years ago, added his neighbours.

TEENAGER DISAPPEARS IN FOREST
    A sixteen-year-old boy Bitoo Baghat son of Krishanlal Baghat of Mathula, tehsil Bhaderwah reportedly disappeared in the forest of Bhaderwah. The militants allegedly kidnapped him, on 24th September 2003.
    Reports said, Bitoo along with his niece and cousin went to the Bhaderwah forest to graze his cattle. Suddenly, two to three armed men, believed to be the militants appeared and took Bitoo along with them.
Soon after the armed men appeared Bitoo made an unsuccessful attempt to flee from their cluster but the gunmen managed to capture him. Both of his relatives who are females were let to go back to their village, reports added.

    And since thereafter his whereabouts are not known. Bitoo’s family members are perturbed about his welfare.

STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION’S ACTIONS OF RECOMMENDATIONS

SHRC ESTABLISHES CUSTODIAL KILLING
January 7: The J&K State Human Rights Commission has directed that a case of murder be registered against the in-charge SOG Jogi Lankar Rainawari, and his other colleagues for murdering one Javaid Ahmad of Tangbagh Nowpora in custody in 1996.

    In a case titled Ali Muhammad Renzoo Vs State, the commission observed the house of the appellant was raided on Aug 20, 1996 by SOG and his son Javaid arrested, in lieu of his militant brother.

    “Javaid was killed within hours of his arrest,” the commission concluded. The killing clearly amounts to a custodial killing for which the Crime Branch of the state is directed to fix the liability and get the guilty prosecuted and punished by the competent court, the judgement by Qazi Muzaffar-ud-Din said.

    The commission, in the meantime, recommended an interim ex-gratia relief of Rs 5 lakhs to the next of kin of the deceased and said an eligible person from amongst the next of kin of Javaid be provided government employment in terms of SRO 43. Police dubbed Javaid as a militant after his killing but CID had smashed the claim.

SHRC RECOMMENDS EX GRATIA
January 7: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has recommended to the state government to pay an ex gratia relief to the tune of rupees 1 lac in favor of next of kin of a disappeared person namely, Khazir Mohammad Ganie who was a surrendered militant and was picked by 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in November 1999.

SHRC RECOMMENDS RELIEF
January 21: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) asked the government to pay Rs. 1 lac and a job to the next of kin of Javaid Ahmad Bhat who died due to torture at the hands of Border Security Forces (BSF).

    While recommending the ex gratia relief SHRC member, GN Mir, in a statement said Javaid was a student of Public Health and Hygiene New Delhi, and was picked up by the BSF 61 BN from Sangrama Chowk. He was subjected to torture. Thereafter, he succumbed to injuries.

SHRC directs government to pay ex-gratia to blast victims
January 13: Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Commission (JKHRC) has directed the state government to pay an ex- gratia of Rs 75,000 to a class eight student who was injured in mine blast at Mattan in South Kashmir. A spokesperson for the JKHRC said a complaint was filed with the commission that the state government had failed to pay compensation to Ambreena Ashraf, D/o Mohd Ashraf, for receiving serious injuries during a mine blast. The commission has recommended to the state to pay the amount to her immediately. Complainant Ashraf was with other students going to excursion on September 8 2001 when a mine blast damaged the bus and caused injuries to several students. The commission awarded the amount for her disability.

SHRC TAKES COGNIZANCE OF "ABDUCTION"
January 5: The State Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Ali Muhammad Mir today directed the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, IGP, SSP Srinagar and Major Pratap of Kilo force to furnish details about Bashir Ahmad Wani of Tengapora who was allegedly kidnapped by some armed persons accompanied by police personnel on November 25, 2003.

    SHRC secretary said that Justice Mir had taken cognizance following a complaint by Ghulam Nabi Wani father of Bashir Ahmad Wani. The father alleged that some armed persons kidnapped his son and demanded a ransom of Rs 2 lakh for his release. However, he failed to pay and lodged complaint before SHRC. In his complaint he has also alleged that Ikhwanis have handed his son over to Kilo Force and feared that his life was in danger.

    The SHRC secretary said justice Mir has given directions to the deputy commissioner and other officials to give detailed report about the case and asked them to safeguard the life of detainee.

    When contacted Justice Mir confirmed that he has taken cognizance of the case. " Though today is no working day, still I took the cognizance on phone because life of a human being is at stake", he said. However, an army spokesman said Bashir Ahmad Wani was apprehended by troops near Woyil bridge, Ganderbal on the Monday (Jan 5) morning and was later handed over to police station Ganderbal. He said 1 UBGL and some explosives were recovered from Bashir’s possession.

VICTIM OF UNABATED TORTURE

    Manzoor Ahmad s/o Ghulam Hassan Khan, a resident of Kaw Mohalla was illegally arrested from his house in the intervening night of 4th and 5th of January 2004. A joint posse of C.R.P.F and S.T.F dragged Khan out of his bed and took with him. Handcuffed and blindfolded, he was taken to unknown destination. He was tortured brutally and later released in a morbid state near Nallamar Eidgah road from where Khan was helped by some passerby who contacted his family.

    Manzoor Ahmad Khan joined militancy in 1994 and was an active militant of HM up to 1997, after which he was arrested and detained for a year. After his release in 1998, vide order no BR/CID-PPSA-7/98, Khan left militant activities and started his own business.

    Though he bid farewell to militant activities and was living a normal life for more than three years, Khan was again arrested in July 2001 and served two more years in the custody for no fault of his. Khan was somehow released in October 2002 after the screening committee set up by the state government cleared him of any serious offence. Thinking that his ordeal was a over, Khan was in for a rude shock when he was again dragged out of his home on Jan 4, 04, by a joint group of STF and CRPF and after torturing him mercilessly released him a day after.

    Speaking to Informative Missive about his ordeal, Manzoor said, “I left militancy the day I was arrested for the first time in 1997. After being released in 1998, I started my own small leather and fur shop to support my family; I am the only bread earner for my family. All the time I used to be in my home and seldom ventured out my locality. When it seemed that my life was back on tracks, the troops again arrested me in July 2001 and put me behind the bars, for another two long years.

    During my detention, the torture I was subjected to finally revealed its ugly head. I developed abscesses on my buttocks and had to be operated in the custody itself. Thereafter I developed severe renal problems. I still suffer from severe abdominal pain.

    In the Special Task Force Camp, Humhama, I was I was kept in solitary confinement for two weeks and during the period I was again subjected to immense torture.

    It was only after screening committee set up by the government found me innocent, I was released after two years on 18th Oct 2003. The committee clearly pointed out that I was never involved in any serious offence, thereby proving my innocence beyond doubt.

    It was only after two months after my release, a joint group of STF and CRPF personnel, dragged me out of my bed and thrashed me mercilessly. After they blind folded me and took me to a remote camp, where they used the cruellest methods to torture me. I was stripped and made to gulp down huge quantities of water with blocked nose.

    The officers were continually asking me for weapons. When I expressed my ignorance, and told them I had left militancy some six years ago, the officers just didn’t listen and tied me to the charpoy and started beating me. After the initial ordeal, they tied me upside down and beat me ruthlessly.

    When I was tortured for the first time I was arrested, I had no reservations, as I was a militant. But of know why am i being continually arrested and tortured when I have left the fold of militancy some six years ago. I am trying to forget my past, but the continuous torture, I am facing at the hands of the troops is not allowing me to do so”.

NHRC APPEALED TO PROBE COMMUNAL POLICIES OF TIHAR JAIL AUTHORITIES

New Delhi, January 11: A group of human rights activists has asked the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to institute a probe into the deplorable conditions inside the Tihar jail, making a pointed reference to the alleged practice of communalism inside the jail perpetrated by prejudiced jail authorities. In a written complaint to the NHRC, Surendra Mohan on behalf of All India Defence Committee for Syed Abdul Rehman Geelani, the Delhi university lecturer who was acquitted by the Delhi high court in Parliament attack case, has emphasized “there is urgent need to recognize this particular pernicious form of discrimination that goes to the heart of democratic and secular edifice of our constitution.” the complaint has been filed on the basis of written letter to The Defence Committee Chairman, Rajni Kothari, by Syed Abdul Rehman Geelani about the conditions in Tihar jail where he spent two years before his acquittal in November last year. The letter has pointed reference to the torture meted out to jail inmates in the high-risk cell, where he was lodged, especially Muslims and Kashmiri inmates. The defence committee in its formal complaint to the NHRC states, “This discrimination against Muslims in general and Kashmiri in particular is in violation of the basic tenets of International Human Rights law.” It has called upon the commission of committee to visit the jail and document the problems and difficulties faced by the detenues in high-risk cells. Geelani in his letter had written that “prisoners in high risk cells complained that apart from beating jail authorities have even tortured the detainees by pushing poles up their anus, making the men drink urine and depriving men of water for several days. It is pertinent to mention that Geelani himself was lodged with other Kashmiri detainees in the high-risk cell.

ANOTHER KASHMIRI ARRESTED IN DELHI
January 24: Delhi police arrested another Kashmiri ahead of Republic day. Police today claimed to have foiled a major militant strike in the National capital by arresting a Hizb-e-Islami militant and recovering 3.5 kilograms of high explosives from him. Ayaz Ahmad Shah who had allegedly planned to strike in the capital to disturb R-day celebrations was nabbed near welcome metro railway station in north- east Delhi yesterday, joint commissioner of police (special cell) Karnal Singh said. Singh said police also recovered three lac rupees from him. Shah hails from Anantnag district in Kashmir. Shah is said to be in close contact with the outfit chief Sarfaraz, Singh said, adding he had been instructed by Sarfaraz to reach Delhi and carry out the strike. The accused is being interrogated to know about his exact plans and efforts are on to establish a proof.

DODA DIARY

CASES OF CUSTODIAL TORTURE
    Riaz Ahmad (28) s/o Mohammad Ramzan Wani r/o Dhar Garhal Bala, District Doda, was arrested by 10 RR on 25th January 04, and taken into custody. He was allegedly ruthlessly beaten in custody. He received serious injuries due to which he had to be hospitalised. After four days of brutal torture, he was finally released on 29th January. Due to the torture he received injuries and is bed ridden. The accused army in their version said that Riaz was a sympathizer of militants and provided logistical support to them. But locals of the area refute this claim and say he is innocent and was tortured without any reason.

    Abdul Lateef Laway (30) s/o Late Ghulam Laway r/o Gorhal Bala, a labourer by profession was picked up by the troops of 10 RR on 28th January. He was taken to Udhampur army camp where he was allegedly beaten brutally by troops with rifle butts. His house was ransacked and damaged by digging the rooms as army were in search of underground hideout. He has been admitted into the District hospital at the time of filing this report. The army said that he was a sympathizer of militants and harboured them in his house, a claim which he vehemently denies. Locals also say he is a labourer by profession and most of the time he remains in Doda town for work.

    Mohd Ramzaan (60) s/o Late Samdhu Wani r/o Gorhal was picked up by troops of 10 RR from his residence on 29 January 04. He was also taken to Udhampur army camp where he was beaten with rifle butts and canes. He was later released a day before Eid ul Zuha after pressure from political activists of the area. The army persons were asking him about the presence and movements of militants.

IMAM KILLED IN CUSTODY
    Jamal Din 51 s/o Mohd Sadiq, r/o village Tantra ,(about 30 kms away from Doda) was allegedly killed by troops in custody of 8 RR after arresting him on 17th January 04.He was a imam of the local mosque.

    According to villagers, he was leading Friday prayers and immediately after coming out from the mosque, he was arrested by the troops of 8 RR. He was taken to the army camp and tortured ruthlessly. In the intervening night of 17 & 18 January shot dead near Gunbna camp of 8 RR. The Imam was handicapped and highly respected in his area for his noble attitude. People protested against the army atrocities and demanded judicial probe in to the matter. According to locals he was not involved in any subversive activities. Army claimed he was killed in cross fire.

SURANKOTE DIARY

MAN KILLED
January 17: A twenty-four-year-old peasant was allegedly killed by the troops of 45 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) inside his house at Harimarote, Surankote. People of the area said he was killed on behest of an Ikhwani (renegade) working for the army.

    Reports said, at around 3:30 pm Abdul Rashid son of Mohammad Bashir r/o Harimarote, Surankote was sitting at his home with his family members when suddenly, the personnel camped at Marhote entered his home and killed him on the spot. People staged a demonstration against the killing. The residents of the vicinity carrying the body of Abdul Rashid chanted slogans against the forces. Locals alleged that he was killed as he had some tiff with an Ikhwani working for the army. They said that Rashid was not remotely affiliated with any political or militant group. His killing is the result of the argument he had with the Ikhwani., they said.

MILITANTS KILL SARPANCH
January 18: Militants allegedly killed a Sarpanch (village head) of village Naka Manghari tehsil of district Poonch after taking him as a guide.

    Reports revealed, a posse of four militants asked Mohammad Iqbal, a Sarpanch resident of Naka Manghari to guide them to some place in the village. The gunmen after taking him to a distance pumped bullets in his body and immediately fled from the spot. On hearing the gunshots few villagers ran towards the spot where they found Iqbal sprawled on the ground in pool of blood. Due to the unofficial curfew in the area and dim-light he could not be taken to hospital immediately. Next day he was rushed to the Mendhar hospital where from he was shifted to Government Medical College, Jammu. As he was not immediately hospitalized, his conditions deteriorated by every passing second. And only after three hours of his admission in GMC he breathed his last.

    Iqbal's family alleged that the militants killed him because of his position as Sarpanch. However, the locals said that sometimes back a militant (who later got killed in an encounter) gave him money for keeping it in safe custody, and when the militant’s comrade asked him to return the amount of the deceased; he denied having received any money. Irked by his denial they killed him.

WOMAN KILLED
January 23: Militants killed a woman and injured her son-in-law at Gunthal, Surankote inside her home.
Militants knocked at the door of Lal Hassan resident of Gunthal area of Surankote. Immediately, after the door was open, the gunmen allegedly fired indiscriminately upon the inmates. Lal Hassan's wife Gulfam Begum died on the spot while his twenty-five-year old son-in-law Neyazim son of Feroz-ud-Din received injuries.

    Gulfam's relatives alleged that she was killed because her son is working with some Indian Agency at Saudi Arabia. However, the locals said that Gulfam had a dispute with the militants (active in their area) over some issue, and that is why she was killed.

WOMAN KILLED
January 31: A woman was allegedly killed by a joint ambush party of Special Operation Group (SOG) and 45 Rashtriya Riffles (RR) at Pagala, Surankote.

    Reports received revealed at about 9;30 pm a joint posse of SOG and 45 RR laid an ambush on a tip off militants' presence in the area. The ambush party on seeing a woman at some distance allegedly mistook her as a militant and without verifying opened fire killing the woman on the spot.

    The deceased has been identified as Ashraf Bi, 40, wife of Mohammad Bashir of Pagala, Surankote. Neither any report nor an FIR has been lodged in this connection as people say it is futile to approach the police to register complaint against army.

DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST YOUTH’S MYSTERY DEATH
January 10: Demonstrations were held at the press enclave here today by the residents of the Badshah Colony Sanat Nagar in protest against the mysterious death of a youth namely Mehfooz Ahmad. The demonstrators alleged that Mahfooz was killed and police is shielding the sons of two police officers in this connection. Body of the deceased was recovered from maruti car at Dalgate few days back. The residents said the sons of the police officers had visited Mahfooz‘s house a few days back and took the latter along with them in a vehicle. Later, his body was recovered from Dalgate.

4 CHILDREN INJURED IN IED BLAST
Jammu January 11: Four children including three brothers were injured, two of them critically when IED exploded in the backyard of Shadara-e-Sharief shrine at Nagal Wani today around 2:30 pm. Sources said the children were playing in the field when the blast occurred. Those injured in the blast have been identified as Mohammad Idris (10), Safer Ahmed (13), Naseer Ahmad (8), sons of Mohammad Sadiq and Mohd Yassen (13) son of Mohammad Lateef. The condition of Mohd Idris and Safer Ahmad was said to be critical.

COUPLE GUNNED DOWN, CABLE TV OPERATOR IN VALLEY.
January 11: Unidentified gunmen last night killed a couple and a cable operator at two different places in south Kashmir. Police said some gunmen last night barged into the house of Farooq Ahmad Mir at Lurgam Tral in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. They segregated his children and locked them in a room. Later they fired at Mir from a close range killing both of them on the spot. Mir was a photographer by profession. In another incident, some gunmen barged into the house of Wali Mohd Shiekh at Channpora, Rajpora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir and hurled a grenade, which caused a massive explosion. They later fired indiscriminately on the inmates killing Firdaus Ahmad, a cable operator on the spot. In the incident Abdul Hamid son of Wali sustained injuries, Police said. A case has been registered and a hunt launched to nab the culprits.

PROTEST AGAINST SOG ATROCITIES IN KREERI PATTAN
January 13: Thousands of people today took to streets and held protest demonstration in Kreeri- Pattan in protest against the atrocities by SOG. A bandh (strike) was also observed. Thousands of people including women and elderly person took to streets to protest. They were shouting slogans against SOG and PDP. The demonstrators demanded shifting of SOG camp. People alleged that SOG men entered into the house of Ghulam Mohammad Shah, Mohd Abdullah Mir, Ghulam Nabi Mir, Abdul Wahab Ahangar and Abdul Salam Ahangar last night.

SHRC’s Suo moto action

January 16: Taking suo moto cognizance of the news report published in a local daily about the atrocities by SOG at Kreeri Pattan, State Human Rights Commission chairman AM Mir directed Inspector of police Kashmir zone and senior Superintendent of police Baramulla to file a detailed report of the case before or on 10^th February. The residents of Kreeri Pattan had alleged that SOG had created a reign of terror and demanded shifting of the camp.

They ransacked the houses and beat the male members and misbehaved with women. The residents said the SOG men have let loose a reign of terror since their camp was set up at Kreeri one month back. They beat the men on one pretext or the other and misbehave with women. The people said they had strongly objected to the setting up of the camp in their area but their objections were taken care of the PDP led coalition government which claims to have disbanded SOG and provided healing touch to the masses. The residents strongly demanded shifting of camps from their area. They threatened self-immolation if the government did not settle their demand.

DEMONSTRATIONS IN SOPORE
January 14: People in Tarzoa Sopore took to streets and held aprotest demonstration after reports poured in that local youth has been buried at Zethan Rafiabad. Protestors including women participated in the demonstration and said the youth believed to be killed in exchange of fire was buried at Rafiabad. They demanded body be exhumed for identification. Later senior officers visited the spot and pacified the protestors, on his assurance the strike was called off.

DSP, 2 COPS, TEACHER INJURED IN UDHAMPUR EXPLOSION
January 15: A deputy Superintendent of police, two police constables and a teacher were injured in a suspected grenade attack on a police vehicle at a military hospital (MH) Morh Udhampur on Jammu Srinagar highway this evening. Police, however said that some miscreants fired upon Dy.S.P with 12 Bore country made gun and the splinters hit the rim of the tyre of the vehicle exploding the tyre with a big bang. The incident took place at 1940 hrs this evening when the police vehicle carrying half a dozen cops including DySP Choudhary stopped at MH Morh for replacement of the guard deployed there. Reports said an unknown object hit the vehicle causing explosion. The injured were taken to hospital for treatment. The police have denied grenade attack.

MASSIVE PROTEST AGAINST YOUTH’S KILLING IN BARAMULLA
January 20: massive protests demonstration today rocked a Baramulla village following the killing of a student by security forces. Abdul Rashid lone, a19 year old student from Shalikoot in Rafiabad was heading towards the local mosque to offer fajr prayers. He was allegedly fired upon by 28 RR causing critical injuries to him. There was a complete panic in the area and Lone was shifted to hospital in a critical condition, he however succumbed to his injuries en-route. The news of his killing caused uproar and thousands of people including women and children raised slogans for Azaadi (independence) .The locals blamed the forces for killing the youth without any provocation. The protestors demanded stern action against the culpable.

DYPM DIRECTS STERN ACTION AGAINST HR VIOLATIONS
Orders probe into 18 Disappearances

New Delhi, January 24: Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani has asked the official machinery both in Delhi and Srinagar to take most strict action against the erring security personnel involved in the human rights violations. The advisory has been issued to fulfil one of the promises, he held out to Hurriyat leaders. He is scheduled to arrive on Jammu on Tuesday to confabulate with the heads of the security agencies and take an on –the – spot review of the situation before proceedings on other confidence building measures (CBM). The Hurriyat leaders, who opened the dialogue with Indian leadership for the first time since formation of their conglomerate back in 1993, had explained the reasons of the hatred of Kashmiris for the security agencies for the routine humiliation they are subjected to.

    Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani is understood to have ordered an inquiry into disappearances of 18 persons in Jammu and Kashmir in an effort to address the Kashmiris grievance of the excesses by the security forces.

DIVIDED FAMILIES ALLOWED TO MEET ON FEB 3
January 29: divided families living on both sides Line of Control in Keran sector have been allowed to meet each other on the eve of Eid. The meeting has been arranged a day after Eid that is on Feb 3 on the banks of river Neelam (Kishanganga)

    Reports from Muzzaffarabad said that the government of India had banned the assembly of people on the banks of river few years ago. The river forms dividing line between the two parts of Jammu and Kashmir in this sector. Wednesday an Indian army officer using public address system announced that families can congregate across the river and have eye contact with their dear ones on the other side of LOC. Civilian and intelligence officials will also be present on the occasion to monitor the exchange of words and shouts, he added.

BSF APOLOGIZES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
January 26: A top BSF officer IGP (Kashmir Frontier) Vijay Raman who took the salute at the parade in Lal Chowk said this would be the last functioning involving BSF in the main square of the city. He apologized to the people of Kashmir for human rights violation that forces might have committed while combating insurgency since 1989. He said his troops might have committed some mistakes for which he sought apologies.

BODY RECOVERED
January 26: Body of a youth was recovered by police from Bulgam- Sopore today. Last evening, militants had ambushed a security vehicle there killing a deputy commandant of BSF Dr Ranjan Paul. This morning body of a 22 year old youth was recovered from there. Local people alleged that he was killed by the security forces after the attack. The identification of the body has not been ascertained.

5 ARRESTED AFTER ATTACK
January 25: Following a grenade attack on Maisuma police station by unidentified persons, Police took 5 persons, employed by a contractor for some repair works in the neighboring veterinary complex, into custody. According to reports chief Animal Husbandry officer Srinagar, Dr Nazir Ahmad Shah was also taken to the police station for questioning. The police also allegedly humiliated other officials posted in the campus. No damage was caused in the attack as the grenade fell short of the intended target.

GIRL KIDNAPPED
January 5: Some unidentified persons allegedly kidnapped a teenaged girl on December 31, 2003 while she was returning along with her family to her native village of Changar in Nowshera.

    According to reports, the entire family in the wake of Pakistani shelling had migrated to Lamberi Migrants' Camp but after ceasefire in place and truce on borders the family decided to go back to their native village of Changar in Nowshera.

    However, reports said that en route the girl was allegedly kidnapped by some unidentified militants and she still remains untraced. The girl has been identified as Ushma Lata, 17. Meanwhile, with ceasefire in place, a huge gathering of devotees thronged Gurdwaras situated close to LOC in Laam Darhal and Nonihal villages in Rajouri district.

18 DETENUES, 6 PRISONERS FREED
January 26: Jammu and Kashmir government today released 18 detenues and six prisoners on the eve of Republic day from different jails across Jammu & Kashmir.

    Director General (prisons) MK Mohanty said, “We have released 6 prisoners on the occasion of the republic day from different jails across the state. We had drawn up a list of 30 eligible prisoners and after screening the list of the 30 prisoners, only 6 were released by the five- member committee,” He said. These releases were made after conducting interviews and other processes and those who had change of heart were selected for the release, Mohanty said.

    The Director General also said, among 18 detenues released, seven were released from Kotbalwal Central jail, two from Srinagar district jail and rest from other places and outside state jails.

    These releases were made after the screening by the committee headed by home commissioner and the process started after present government came to power, he said.

YOUTH TORTURED
January 7: Residents of Gravgund Kolpora, Pulwama in south Kashmir have lodged a strong protest against the alleged torture of several youth during searches in village.
One of the tortured youth identified as Nazir Ahmad Dar has been admitted in Janglat Mandi hospital Islamabad in critical condition.

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FIRING BY TROOPS
January 7: An employee of the Sub District Hospital (SDH) Tral is battling for his life in SMHS hospital here. He was fired upon while conducting a survey regarding the implementation of the Pulse Polio Programme at Lariyar Tral yesterday.

    The employee Ghulam Nabi Sheikh a resident of Lariyar Tral was fired upon at 3:30 P.M yesterday.
"He was returning to his home after conducting pulse polio survey in his native village and was fired upon by the Rashtriya Rifles personnel coming from the opposite side, for no sin of his" wailed his wife.
Admitted in ward 17 of the SMHS hospital Ghulam Nabi is battling for his life. He was operated upon in the hospital after being referred from the SDH Tral, but his condition continues to be critical. According to the doctors his condition is deteriorating and the chances of his survival are very minimal.

MUTUAL FIRE KILLS TWO
Jan 21: Two personnel of central industrial security force, after an altercation fired each other at Gingal, Uri where they were performing duty. The deceased were identified as Sentry Bashir Ahmad of Islamabad and Head Constable Jasbir Singh.

    The doctors added that many of his vital organs including liver and kidney have been damaged and they are not functioning normally. They said they have already informed the attendants of the patient about the grave condition of the patient. The doctors said they are not much hopeful about his condition improving.
The block medical officer (BMO) of the sub district hospital Tral expressed ignorance about the circumstances in which his employee was fired upon. He also said he did not know as to who opened fire on him. The BMO added that an FIR has been lodged in police station Tral.

    Meanwhile, employees of SDH Tral today held protest demonstration in protest against the firing on their colleague. They demanded high-level inquiry into the incident. The employees also threatened to boycott the second round duty of the pulse polio programme scheduled to be held on February 22, unless action is not taken against the guilty cops.

    The employees of the SDH Tral alleged that the forces personnel belonging to the Panchpora camp took Ghulam Nabi along with them and was later fired upon, leaving him in a pool of blood.

YOUTH’S KILLING SPARKS PROTEST
January 6: A complete shut down was observed in south Kashmir Tral against the killing of a civilian at the hands of surrendered gunmen.

    Two days back a group of fake gunmen were busy in extorting money from the locals, when a released militant Nazir Ahmad Bhat of Katchmula objected. Next day he was killed. The inhabitants of the area demanded immediate action against the culpable who they alleged are known to the police.

CHRONOLOGY OF JANUARY INCIDENTS
Jan 1: Two soldiers including a Captain and four militants were killed in different incidents of violence across the state.
Jan 2: Four soldiers including a Captain, five militants, one surrendered militant and a civilian were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 3: A soldier who was injured in a militant attack succumbed to his injuries.
Jan 4: Four militants were killed in incidents of violence while a woman received grave injuries in a land mine blast in Poonch district.
Jan 5: Four militants were killed in different incidents of violence while a soldier committed suicide.
Jan 6: Two militants, two civilians were killed in different incidents of violence, meanwhile; SOG killed a civilian people said in unprovoked firing at Shopian.
Jan 7: Six militants and a civilian were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 8: An injured employee succumbed to his injuries received on Jan 6, in security forces fire.
Jan 9: Eight militants and four civilians were killed in different incidents of violence.
Jan 10: Four militants, a civilian and a former militant were killed in different incidents of violence.
Jan 11: Three militants and four civilians including a woman were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 12: Two militants, a policeman, National Conference activist and a civilian were killed in different incidents of bloodshed.
Jan 13: Four militants, a Special Police Officer and a security man were killed in various incidents of violence.
Jan 14: Incident free
Jan 15: A militant, one soldier and three civilians were killed in different incidents of violence.
Jan 16: Four militants including three commanders were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 17: Two militants and a civilian died in different incidents of bloodshed.
Jan 18: Nine militants, six soldier including two officers and a civilian were killed in different incidents of violence.
Jan 19: Nine militants and four soldiers died in various incidents of violence while a civilian was killed after kidnapping by pro-govt. militants.
Jan 20: Three militants, two police personnel and a civilian were killed in different incidents of violence.
Jan 21: Four militants, two soldiers and a civilian were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 22: An unidentified dead body was recovered from Zainipora, Shopian.
Jan 23: Two militants, a police inspector, an Awami League worker and three civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 24: A militant and two civilians including a woman were killed in different incidents of violence.
Jan 25: Two militants, a BSF soldier and a BSF doctor were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 26: Two soldiers, a militant and two civilians were killed in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 27:Three civilians including two women and two security forces informers were killed in
various incidents of violence.
Jan 28: A militant and a civilian died in separate incidents of violence.
Jan 29: Two militants were killed in different incidents of violence.
Jan 30: Ten militants were killed in various incidents of violence.
Jan 31: Three militants were killed at separate places of the state in violent incidents.

DATE	SOLDIERS	MILITANTS	CIVILIANS	OTHERS
Jan 1	2 (1 Captain)	4	-	-
Jan 2	4 (1 Captain)	5	1	1 surrendered militant
Jan 3	1	-	-	-
Jan 4	-	4	-	-
Jan 5	1	4	-	-
Jan 6	2	2	1	-
Jan 7	-	6	1	-
Jan 8	-	-	1	-
Jan 9	-	8	4	-
Jan 10	-	4	1	1 former militant
Jan 11	-	3	4	-
Jan 12	1	2	1	1 political activist
Jan 13	2	4	-	-
Jan 14	-	-	-	-
Jan 15	1	1	3	-
Jan 16	-	4	-	-
Jan 17	-	2	1	-
Jan 18	6 (2 officers)	9	1	-
Jan 19	4	9	1	-
Jan 20	2	3	1	-
Jan 21	2	4	1	-
Jan 22	-	-	-	1 unidentified dead body recovered
Jan 23	1 (Police Inspector)	2	3	1 political activist
Jan 24	-	1	2	-
Jan 25	1	2	-	1 BSF Doctor
Jan 26	2	1	2	-
Jan 27	-	-	3	2 SF informers
Jan 28	-	1	1	-
Jan 29	-	10	-	-
Jan 30	-	2	-	-
TOTAL	32 (5 Officers)	97	33	8

DATE	EXTRA JUDICIAL EXECUTIONS & CUSTODIAL KILLINGS	WOMEN KILLED	CHILDREN KILLED	ALLEGED DISAPPEARANCES
Jan 6				1
Jan 7				1
Jan 24		1
Jan 26	-	1	-	-

SOLDIERS

Jan 1

TOTAL

Jan 7