Human Shield – The Kashmir Horizon

Advisor to CM meets KCCI delegation

KH Business Desk — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:59:48 +0000

Srinagar | : Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the issues raised by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), in Civil Secretariat, here today.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, S. Vikramjit Singh, Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, Mussrat Islam and President, KCCI, Javed Tenga, amongst others.

During the meeting, President KCCI raised the issue concerning handicrafts and handloom sector, particularly in light of the recent Notices issued by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom to the Kashmir Handicrafts showrooms regarding sale of machine-made products along with handcrafted ite He also raised the issue of expediting testing and certification of GI products at PTQCC lab at Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan.

The Advisor was briefed by the Department about the background of the Notices issued, in light of the formal complaint lodged by tourists for being sold machine-made imitations in the garb of Kashmir Handicrafts. He was informed that in one serious case of unfair trade practice, one showroom was blacklisted for selling a counterfeit product and pasting a fake GI label on it, with the sole intention to dupe the buyer.

Reiterating the Government’s resolve to secure the interests of talented artisans and weavers of Kashmir, Nasir Aslam directed the department to submit a comprehensive proposal for safeguarding the interests of the artisans as well as the business stakeholders associated with the crafts trade. He further advised the KCCI delegation to initiate formal discussions with the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, and to submit a comprehensive proposal at the earliest for consideration of the Government to allow the sale of machine-made products, provided they are properly labeled and segregated as a distinct product category. This would ensure transparency and prevent buyers from being misled into purchasing misbranded goods.

The KCCI delegation was also urged to sensitize all dealers about the importance of protecting and promoting authentic Kashmiri handicrafts. The Government, it was emphasized, will take strict action against mislabeling, misbranding, and deceptive alterations of products that are intended to pass off as genuine Kashmiri handicraft ite

Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce briefed the Advisor about the steps taken by the Department to upgrade the testing labs, in particular PTQCC, which has acquired new digital microscope and is in the process of procuring more high-end machines like SEM and additional HR Digital Microscope to further enhance the rate of testing of GI registered products.

The KCCI delegation also apprised the Advisor to the Chief Minister of the adverse impact on genuine hotels and restaurateurs caused by the sale of sub-standard meat by unscrupulous elements. They urged the Government to identify the suppliers of such harmful meat along with their entire supply chain.

In response, the Advisor assured the delegation that the Government is taking all necessary measures to curb the supply and sale of unsafe food. He emphasized that public confidence can only be restored when those engaged in the trade proactively educate consumers about food safety and the hygienic practices being followed, as public health remains a matter of paramount importance.

Assembly rejects Er Rasheed’s resolution seeking condemnation for Major Gogoi

K H News Service — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 18:18:08 +0000

Srinagar: State Assembly Saturday asked the house that those martyred by the bullets of security forces don’t need any homage or condolence from the house, as if the house doesn’t has the courage to pass a resolution condemning Major Gogoi and Army Chief for using Farooq Dar as human shield and those defending him shamelessly, how would their condolences carry any meaning.
While speaking at the obituary reference in the house Er. Rasheed said “Neither those martyred with the bullets of security forces nor those policemen killed at the hands of militants need condolences from the house of deaf and dumb. If Army Chief calls every Kashmiri taking to roads as OGW of militant outfits, what is the fun of paying tributes to civilians? Let the house understand that wrapping up dead bodies of soldiers in tri-colour does not serve any purpose to the families of deceased soldiers. In fact the policemen and the soldiers also want a time bound resolution of Kashmir dispute, but unfortunately have not the authority to speak for themselves and their top brasses are just adding fuel to the fire for their personal vested interests”. Er. Rasheed reminded Mehbooba Mufti that she didn’t bother to investigate even a single case when police and other agencies compelled youth to take to arms. While pointing towards Mehbooba Mufti he said “You didn’t give any ear to Zubair Turray’s revelations why he turned a militant and you never spoke even a word on Major Gogoi or Bipin Rawat. Those comparing Indian policy with that of Israel are wrong, as Israel is a much civilized county as compared to India and their Army Chief doesn’t threaten the masses as a whole. What the families of militants are facing at the hands of Army and Security agencies is shameful and unacceptable and if top cops really care for their Jawans, they must persuade Govt. for a durable seize fire”. Er. Rasheed clarified that Kashmiris are not begging for talks and warned NC, PDP not to dilute the internationally recognized dispute of J&K. He added “Let everybody be cautious that nobody will own autonomy or even bigger than that, as there is no substitute to right to self-determination. It is New Delhi which begs for talks and now the situation has reached a point where even most hard core political leaders are losing relevance and it is only the militant leadership which can ever take a decision viz-a-viz nature of talks. A day will come when people of Jammu & Kashmir will get right to self-determination”.
Er. Rasheed also put a resolution before the house seeking unanimous condemnation against Major Gogoi for using Farooq Ahmad Dar as a human shield in Budgam and also sought condemnation for those who defended and rewarded Mr. Gogoi. However speaker despite receiving the resolution didn’t take it up for voting. Following this Er. Rasheed lashed out at all the members of the house during their silence to pay homage to those politicians who expired in between the two sessions. While other members were observing silence Er. Rasheed roared loudly asking them to stop displaying Drama as if the house cannot condemn an Army Major and others how their condolence help the deceased families. Er. Rasheed added that NIA raids have not only eroded authority of Mehbooba Mufti Govt. but also proven Geelani Sahab right who would often urge others not to talk to New Delhi, for the want of sincerity and commitment.
He further added that for Kashmiris there is no big difference between Congress and the BJP as congress stabs from the back but BJP stabs from the front. He warned New Delhi that rather playing ISIS card in Kashmir to divert attention from the real issue, it must realise that ISIS is more threat to Indian Muslims rather to Kashmiris as whatsoever New Delhi is doing it is creating a fertile space for radicalisation within India.

Human shield row: ‘I am a small person, why should anyone care’, says Farooq Dar, calls army probe ‘eyewash’

K H News Service — Thu, 25 May 2017 21:25:42 +0000

Srinagar/May,24: Farooq Ahmad Dar, a Kashmiri civilian who was used as a human shield has called the army inquiry into the incident as “complete eyewash”.
“It is a complete eyewash,” he said about the inquiry. “They were never serious. I am a small person and why should anyone care,” Dar said, according to Firstpost.com.
Dar said that he was yet to record his statement with the local police. “It has been over a month since then and I am yet to hear from the local police. Even my statement has not been registered,” Dar told PTI.
He also claimed that Army Major Leetul Gogoi had lied about him being a “ringleader of a stone-pelting gang.”
“The army major is lying to save himself,” Hindustan Times quoted Dar. “Had I been the ringleader of stone-pelting mobs, I would not have cast my vote.”
Dar also reiterated his resolve to never vote again. “I won’t vote again after what they did to me. I will boycott voting,” the report quoted Dar as saying.

Kashmiri civilian who was tied to jeep files complaint against Major Gogoi

Agencies — Thu, 25 May 2017 21:24:14 +0000

New Delhi/May,24: A Kashmiri civilian has filed a complaint against an army officer who tied him to the bonnet of his jeep during the April 9 Srinagar-Budgam by-poll in a village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Farooq Ahmed Dar, a resident of Chill village, has filed a complaint in the state Human Rights Commission against the latter’s recommendation for a Commendation Card by the Indian Army, reported Business Standard. Major Gogoi was awarded by Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Commendation Card for his “sustained distinguished service” in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Human shield: Army denies reports of clean chit to accused officer

K H News Service — Mon, 15 May 2017 18:24:56 +0000

Srinagar/May,15: Army on Monday termed as “speculative” the media reports saying that the army major accused of using a civilian as human shield in Kashmir has been given a clean chit.
“The Court of Inquiry concerned with the incident wherein a civilian was tied to an Army jeep is still incomplete. Reports in some sections of the media of the Army Major being given a clean chit are speculative,” said Defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia. Earlier, various media reports had suggested that the army officer was given a clean chit and “praised” for his “acumen”.
Earlier in the day a media report said an army major who tied a Kashmiri man to the bonnet of a jeep as a “human shield” has been given a clean chit by the Court of Inquiry (CoI.
“No action has been recommended against the Major. A source said, ‘Court martial is out of the question. Not even disciplinary action was recommended against the officer’,” India Today had reported. Army had convened a CoI on April 15, two days after an FIR was filed by J&K Police into the incident, involving a Major from 53 Rashtriya Rifles.
A video of the incident was uploaded by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on his Twitter profile, generating massive outrage and international condemnation.
“Highly placed sources has saod that the inquiry has given a clean chit to the major in question – Nitin Gogoi. A source told MAIL TODAY that contrary to the hue and cry generated by the clipping on social media, senior army officers had appreciated the presence of mind of the officer to avoid casualties or injuries,” said the report. “He was congratulated for his acumen and presence of mind that saved many lives.”
Agencies

Tall claims of probing case ‘merely a fraud’: Hurriyat (G)

K H News Service — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 20:38:47 +0000

Srinagar/ April,15: Hurriyat (G) on Saturday condemned detention of five youth, point blank firing and making a youth as human shield and said that it is shocking that authorities without any delay initiated an enquiry against those accused for humiliation of CRPF personnel, however no action was taken against those involved in these coldhearted actions.
“Tall claims of probing the case is merely a fraud and we are sure that it is one more deceit,” said Hurriyat (G) in a statement issued here Saturday.
“State police is very prompt and active and take offensive actions against innocent Kashmiri but feel helpless while dealing with Indian forces and fail to save life and dignity of common civilians,” said spokesman.
Hurriyat (G) demanded impartial investigation in ‘target killing’ and in ‘a humiliating episode of making a youth as shied by armed forces’, said that “these events though practiced by armed forces since last 27 years were neither investigated nor single personnel were brought to book.”
Strongly criticizing Indian media for its biased approach, Ayaz Akbar said that they don’t follow any standard and while assigning euphoria to case regarding with the army personnel, they maintained criminal silence about target killing and youth tied to army vehicle as a shield.
Referring to the statement of Rajnath Singh, spokesman said, “It is quite strange that he while reacting against the alleged humiliation of forces remained tightlipped about inhuman act of its forces personnel.”
“There is nothing offensive or annoying in said video clip, rather it illustrates our dignified approach and respect for human values,” said spokesman, adding that the video on the other is a live proof that youth are asking their fellow men to let these forces go unhurt.
Spokesman said that despite reading a forgiving message from said clip they are looking it through their specie prism. It is no more hidden and world community realizes that CRPF & other forces are involved in brutal killings and thousands were maimed by these forces.
“We are facing humiliation and as a slave nation there is no guarantee for life and dignity,” said spokesman. “Under well thought plan a genocide is being carried by these forces ,said he and despite all this, the state police and Delhi groomed henchmen don’t dare to speak out their conscience .Police officials and top brass are just serving their interests and working as tool for repression against their countrymen .Power and perks is the main aim for Pro- Indian politicians and they least care about common people,” said Ayaz Akbar.
Taking dig at Omer Abdullah, spokesman said, “His activities are confined to tweets and as soon he gets into power corridors, he will also go the same way as Mehbooba Mufti is doing and will leave no stone unturned to seek blessings from Rajnath.”

Human shield’ video: Rasheed marches towards BB Cantonment against army

K H News Service — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 20:37:43 +0000

Srinagar/ April,15: Independent legislator and MLA Langate Er Rasheed on Saturday marched towards the BB Cantonment to protest against the use of a civilian as “human shield” during Sunday’s by-poll in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
The video of a civilian who was tied to an army jeep and paraded through the village was posted on Twitter by former Chief Minister and MLA Beerwah yesterday.
The video had triggered massive outrage in Kashmir and elsewhere.
Flanked by dozens of his supporters, Rasheed marched towards the gate of BB Cant to protest against the army.
The protesters were carrying a poster, which read: “Do you still claim most disciplined army in the world?”, and “Army goes Israeli way, ties youth to vehicle, Shame on you”, and “Is this why you need AFSPA”.
Hundreds of protestors lead by Er. Rasheed started their march from Sonwar and were shouting slogans, “Human Shield Down Down” “UN wakeup” and “Nayee Delhi say rishta Kya, Jabri Qabza aur kya”. Procession after crossing police and Army barricades proceeded towards Badami Bagh cantonment chanting forceful slogans.
However a large contingent of police and para-military forces stopped the march after reaching near the main gate of Army HQ. Protestors resisted, however forces used force to disperse the march and arrested near a dozen protestors including Er. Rasheed and lodged them in police station Ram Munshi Bagh.
Before his arrest Er. Rasheed while talking to media persons said that Beeru and Pulwama incidents are a slap on Indian Army and the myth of claim of being the most disciplined army has crashed yet again.
Er. Rasheed said “using innocent unarmed civilians as human shields and beating Kashmiris in the worst miserable way, is not a new phenomenon in Kashmir but for the want of evidences Army would often negate the shameful incidents claiming it a propaganda of antinational forces and Pakistani Agents. However Beerua’s incident by the courtesy of Social media has exposed New Delhi’s inhuman operations in Kashmir”. Er. Rasheed appealed world community to wake up and stand by the human rights, self respect and dignity of Kashmiris which security forces have demolished deeming it their birth right.

Human Shield video: CPIM expresses outrage

K H News Service — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 20:32:52 +0000

Doda/ April,15: Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep outrage over reports of a Kashmiri youth being tied on a jeep belonging to central security forces ostensibly to be used as a shield against stone-pelters. The 26 year old Farooq Ahmad Dar is reported in media to have said that he has never been a stone pelter and works on embroidering Kashmiri shawls.
Though the J&K Chief Minister has announced an enquiry, those responsible for this outrage of parading a Kashmiri youth tied to a jeep through 8-10 villages must be made accountable and punished.
This incident followed the anger evoked over a video that went viral on social media showing stone-pelters heckling and attacking a CRPF personnel who was discharging election duties. The CRPF has since filed a police complaint and three Kashmiri youth have been arrested.