Category: Union Territory

Jammu: Cautioning people against nefarious designs of ruling National Conference, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Muzaffar Hussain Beigh today said that following his failure on all fronts the present has been brazenly included into deceitful tactics to hoodwink the people.
According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing a public meeting organised by Punnet Jamwal zonal President at Toph area of Jammu West Assembly segment, befooling people before elections was a history of ruling National Conference. He said that NC leadership has realized that they failed to deliver good governance to the people so that party has been raking up other issues to divert attention of the people towards its failure. He mentioned that recent decision of the cash starved state to create new administrative units was glaring example of the deceitful tactics of NC.
“Gone are the days when NC leadership befooled people”, he said and exuded confidence that people will give a befitting reply to NC in the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections for its failure.
Observing that PDP was committed to establish a new system of justice and equality in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Beigh said that grabbing power was not only aim of PDP. “With the support of people, we want to throw out the present worst ever corrupt and anarchists dispensations”, he said and PDP, during its tenure, had proved how to deliver good governance to the people. He reiterated that PDP was seeking mandate to change destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir as agenda of party was to provide equal opportunity of growth to the people.
He said the people of the state have now a clear choice available to them whether they want to continue with the lawlessness, darkness, repression and corruption of status-quo or give a decisive mandate to the PDP, which has established its honesty of intention and ability to deliver during its brief stint in power. She said PDP will never compromise on the rights of the people.
S. Rangil Singh, Dhaman Bhasin, Ex MLA Shanti Devi, EX MLC Deepender Kour, Dist President R K Bali, SC/ST/OBC Cell Chairman Ashok Jogi, PDP Youth Wing Vice President Rajender Manhas, Co-ordinator Geeta Thakur, Ashok Bhat and others were also present. (KNS)

Jammu: Speaking at Jamia Masjid Peermatha Jammu.Shia Cleric and Member of World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thoughts (Iran) Hujatul Islam Haaj Aga Syed Abdulhussain Kashmiri Highligh the Importance of Unity and Brotherhood In Islam.While Delivering a Lecture He Said “The example of Muslim unity is that of a hand. We can do a limited work with one finger. At the most, we can dial a number with one finger; if two fingers are used we can hold an apple or tomato; if three fingers are used we can hold a pen and can write; if four fingers are used we can lift a full bucket; and if all five fingers are used then there is no limitation. We will be able to do every big or small work with ease. Similarly, if all the Islamic schools of thought unite for a cause then all small and big problems faced by the community will be redressed, He said if a person belonging to a particular school of thought says something that makes no sense, then his/her grand ayatollahs or grand muftis should be contacted to know the original position.
He said there are 90 per cent commonalities among various Islamic schools of thought and 10 per cent differences are purely academic. “The need is to focus on the 90 per cent of commonalities and leave the 10 per cent of differences strictly to the ulemas.

Referring to a question posed to the leader of the Islamic revolution and grand Ayatollah of Shias, Hazrat Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, Abdulhussain said, “He gave the fatwa (edict) that “Insulting any symbol adored by Sunnis is forbidden”. This fatwa not only resolved the misunderstandings, but also foiled the designs of anti-Islamic elements.” Pertinently, Imam Khamenei’s fatwa was issued after a Kuwaiti cleric had insulted a wife of the prophet. Referring to World forum for proximity of Islamic schools of thought, Abdulhussain said Imam Khamenei had established this forum in Iran way back in 1990 with an aim to promote unity and proximity among various Islamic schools of thought.“By the grace of God, today this forum has members all around the world who are working to promote Muslim unity,” Abdulhussain added. Aga Abdulhussain also hold a meet with many Shia Sunni Religious Scholars,Intelectuals. 

Jammu: The day long 24th Police Public Mela held at Police Sports Stadium Gulshan Ground was inaugurated by Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad here this morning. The statement issued t KNS, amid great enthusiasm, after lighting the traditional lamp, the Chief Guest described the event as a bridge between police and public, saying that such events provide an opportunity to the people as well as police to assemble, interact with each other. He appreciated the efforts of J&K Police Parivar for organizing such Melas in a befitting manner since years, which has strengthened the Police Public Relations at grass root level.
Prasad disclosed that the event also provides an opportunity to remember and memorize the sacrifices of jawans and officers of Jammu and Kashmir Police, which they offered while ensuring the security and safety of the people. He said that during the years of turmoil JKP families suffered a lot, as a number of our jawans and officers laid down their lives for the integrity of the State. He stressed that the sacrifices offered cannot be forgotten and it is prime duty of the Police Parivar to take care of their families. “It was due to the sacrifices of our martyrs that peace has prevailed and the people of the State feel secure”, he added.
During the Mela, for the first time, 60 stalls were established by different police units and products of different regions of the State were put for sale to the public. People from all shades of life showed their keen interest in purchase of these items and the children enjoyed the amusement items during the day long Mela. Painting competition for the children was also conducted in the Mela and prizes were distributed among the winners of the competition. Cultural groups presented different items which were enjoyed by the people. Tambola was also the main attraction for the people in the Mela.
After inaugurating the Mela, talking to media persons on the sidelines of the Mela, the DGP disclosed that the receipts realized from the Raffle Draw tickets are utilized for the fabulous prizes, which include cars and other electronic items of different makes, the rest are also also utilized for the welfare of families of police martyrs. “Our aim is to promote academic excellence, augment facilities for education to cater the needs of wards of police martyrs and to add the infrastructure for a wholesome and self-contained education atmosphere with all modern facilities” said the DGP. He disclosed that the Organization is providing facilities to the children of police personnel and martyrs for coaching in professional examinations in order to provide competitive edge among them. To extended holistic support to the police families, assistance to the martyr’s wards for their adoption in different schools within and outside the State is also on our agenda, said the DGP.
Earlier, the Chairperson, J&K Police Parivar, Mrs. Kiran Prasad, briefed about the objectives for organizing such Melas. She said that Parivar has undertaken various fund raising activities to fulfill and nurture the requirements for the welfare of police families with special emphasizes on widows and orphans, besides providing vocational trainings to families of policemen in order to provide support to manufacture and market the products through Police Family Welfare Centres till district level. She appreciated the working of welfare Centres saying that their products have received a good buyer response during the Melas. The efforts have helped to augment the income of these families, she added.
Among others, the inaugural function was attended by MLC, Jehangir Hussain Mir, ADsGP, K Rajendra Kumar, PL Gupta, SP Vaid, Smt. DR Doley, Navin Aggerwal, VK Singh, SM Sahai, former DGP, MM Khajuria, lady members of Police Parivar and other senior police and civil officers. (KNS)

‘Mainstream parties opportunists; shedding tears on Guru   for vote bank’
‘Should draw lessons from Punjab, Tamil Nadu Govts how they saved their men’

Srinagar: Stating that the Kashmir movement cannot yield any fruits unless a sincere and committed Hurriyat leadership forges unity, United Jihad Council (UJC) chief Syed Sallah-u-Din has appealed the separatists to reach out to people jointly making them aware about ‘negative consequences’ of participation in polls.
In a telephonic interview with KNS, Sallah-u-Din said: “It is unfortunate and painful that instead of coming closer, the separatist leadership is day by day disintegrating. I want to emphasize again that the huge sacrifices offered by the people of Kashmir cannot yield any fruits unless there is a uniform direction and a united separatist leadership to channelize it.”
The UJC chief said the prevailing disentanglement among Hurriyat leadership is against the Kashmir’s freedom struggle and the same benefits Indian interests in Jammu and Kashmir. “By chalking out dissimilar programmes, the separatist leadership is not able to give a proper direction to the Kashmir movement. Today, I again appeal the Hurriyat leadership to unite and lead the people with a common agenda and a cohesive programme. This is an important prerequisite for the accomplishment of Kashmir’s freedom,” Sallah-u-Din appealed.
The UJC chief said that Hurriyat leadership knows who the black sheep are within its ranks and the people also know it much better than him. “We must realize; that Kashmiri youth are offering their blood day in and day out. And in honor of the precious lives of our youth, the Hurriyat leadership must unite. The sincere Hurriyat leadership that is sincere to its constitution should recognize each other and show door to the black sheep,” he observed.
When asked to comment on forthcoming parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the UJC chief said:  “The the Hurriyat Conference should not discuss on elections whether it is a non issue or an administrative issue. The concern must be that India capitalizes these elections at an international level saying that people of Kashmir are happy within its dominion. In September last UN general assembly, in his speech Dr Manmohan Singh said Kashmiri participate in elections which is an ample proof of their trust in Indian democracy and through votes, Kashmiris endorse accession with India. This is despite that the UN resolutions on Kashmir have made a clear distinction between elections being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir and the UN supervised plebiscite which is yet to take place.”
He said holding elections in presence of seven and a half lakh army has no credibility.  “I appeal Hurriyat leadership to rise above little considerations and not to confuse people with their different opinions on elections.   Need of the hour is to fight the Indian propaganda vis-à-vis elections. Unless a united Hurriyat leadership reaches out to people with one agenda, and make them aware about the negative impact of elections, people will remain confused. Some will vote and some will refrain from polling but the Hurriyat leadership will be responsible for any negative consequences of elections.”
On union minister of state for home, RPN Singh’s statement in Parliament that government of India was in touch with Mirwaiz led group of Hurriyat Conference, Sallah-u-Din said that people should repose their trust in Mirwaiz in what he has clarified rather than  in what has been stated by Mr Singh in the Parliament. “Mirwaiz sahib is not only a respected Hurriyat leader but a religious leader as well. His words cannot be wrong. Mirwaiz sahib says he met former RAW chief A S Dulat but when the later had retired from service. If Mirwaiz sahib has clarified his position, we should not dig deep in that,” he added.
Asked about his opinion on dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir issue, the UJC chief remarked that he favours dialogue process but the same should be held between the three parties to the Kashmir dispute. “The dialogue on Kashmir must be tripartite between India, Pakistan and Kashmir leadership. We should understand that while talking to Pakistan, India sidelines Kashmiri leadership to give an impression that Kashmir is a border dispute between the two countries and sometimes Indian talks to a part of Kashmiri leadership sidelining Pakistan to give an impression that Kashmir is an internal security problem. Unfortunately, a part of Hurriyat leadership and Pakistani government have fallen victims to the Indian approach adopted on dialogue vis-à-vis resolution of Kashmir issue.”
He added that bilateral talks have eroded the sanctity of Kashmir dispute’s international status. “India has directly benefited out of bilateral talks.  Sofar the bilateral meetings have taken place some 150 times but can anybody show me any results of these meetings?” he asked.
When asked about the suspension of Cross LoC trade, the UJC chief said that for him the cross LoC trade activity is unimportant. “The cross LoC trade is insignificant for me. Let somebody show me that during the last 65 years there was a single protest demonstration by people of Kashmir demanding Cross LoC trade for onions and tomatoes. This cross LoC trade is damaging the Kashmir cause. But if it is there, let it continue. It is in no way related to our basic issue. The basic issue is how to achieve freedom from the forceful occupation of India. Huge sacrifices are being offered on daily basis. Gross human rights violations are being inflicted in Kashmir. So what is the fun to have this cross LoC trade when the blood of our youth is shed on daily basis. I also urge government of Pakistan to represent the sentiments of Kashmiri people in pragmatic basis and harp about trade activities unnecessarily,” the UJC chief added.
When asked about Supreme Court’s decision to commute deaths sentence of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassins, the UJC chief said: “The mainstream parties are dishonest, immoral, without conscience and worst opportunists. Today they shed crocodile tears just for their vote banks. When Mohammad Afzal Guru’s trial was on Farooq Abdullah (NC patron) said Guru should face the consequences. Saif-u-Din Soz (PCC President) said that law will take its course. PDP leadership backed out from the resolution on Guru. If they are so sympathetic towards their victim nation, they all should quit mainstream politics, leave power, leave assembly and display an open support for their people. They should send a message to Indian establishment, army and the Supreme Court that India has double standards vis-à-vis Kashmir.”
Sallah-u-Din further remarked: “Indian president, Prime Minister, Supreme Court, or the media are on the same page to kill Kashmiris. They are prejudiced towards Kashmiris. Guru was on serial number 28 in list of death row convicts. He was not given a chance to go for judicial review. He was not given a chance to meet his family. All the covenants of justice were bulldozed in Guru’s case. Indian Supreme Court is more culprit than Indian army in killing Kashmiris. The pro Indian parties are crying hoarse on Guru just to please their vote banks. The mainstream parties should draw lessons from Punjab and Tamil Nadu governments how they saved their citizens from gallows even if they killed Rajiv Gandhi in broad day light. There was no solid evidence against Afzal Guru. His trial was conducted under most unfair means. Indian president, Supreme Court and government colluded to kill

Guru just to appease the Hindu fanatics in India.  Guru’s execution will remain a blot on the face of Indian till times to come.”
The UJC chief took strong exception to building of roads, bridges, tunnels and railway tracks in Jammu and Kashmir saying that ‘India is creating this infrastructure  to prolong its occupation in Jammu and Kashmir and those who think freedom will be achieved on dialogue table are living in fool’s paradise.’ “The way USA led NATO left Iraq and is leaving Afghanistan; the way USSR was divided through forceful resistance in Afghanistan; the same resistance struggle has become inevitable for Jammu and Kashmir. It is imperative for the people of Kashmir to force India to quit Kashmir from its occupation and a forceful resistance is now the only option available with the Kashmiri people,” the UJC chief stressed. (KNS)

Jammu: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Sunday said that creation of new administrative units in the State has been the historic decision of Coalition Government to take the administration to the doorsteps of the people and help catapult the all-round development and socio-economic upliftment of the people particularly living in far-flung and remote areas of the State. Speaking to a deputation from Pulwama, Rajpora and Shahoora led by Mohi-ud-Din Mir here this morning, the Chief Minister said that necessary paraphernalia for the newly created administrative units would be created alongwith arranging funds so that they become functional as soon as possible.
Omar Abdullah said that in order to accommodate the genuine demands of a few left out areas and satisfy the aspirations of the people of these areas, he has already announced constitution of expert committee to look into these genuine demands and finalize the report within three months so that cabinet will take a decision in this regard.
The Chief Minister said that his Government focused attention on the equitable and holistic development during the last five years and reached out to all areas in the development front. He said inclusive development and the upliftment of poorer areas received added attention. He said thousands of development works in all fields of life were launched, implemented, completed and commissioned during this period while many more are under implementation.
Omar Abdullah said that special thrust of the Government remained on restoration of peace and empowerment of common people besides strengthening institutions and curbing corruption. He said under the path breaking initiatives of Public Service Guarantee Act, the service delivery in thirteen departments covering about eighty services has been made time bound. He said under Right to Information Act general people were also empowered to question the Government on its performance in all fields.
The deputation expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the historic decision of creation of new administrative units adding that this was the long cherished desire of the people.  The deputation also lauded the keen interest of Omar Abdullah to ensure holistic development in the State.
Another deputation from Kulgam in its meeting with the Chief Minister, while expressing thanking for creation of new administrative units and equipping the people with the authority under Right to Information Act to ask questions to any Government department on various aspects of its functioning, conduct, performance and allotment of works etc also highlighted some development demands concerning their area.
A deputation from Ganderbal apprised the Chief Minister of the progress on various development works under implementation in district Ganderbal in various sectors and also presented memoranda relating to the more schemes required in the area to accelerate the growth of development. A deputation of Lambardars in its meeting with the Chief Minister talked about matters relating to the welfare of Lambardars. Legislator and Provincial President, National Conference, Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani was also present on the occasion. (KNS)

Srinagar: Love of their mother tongue has driven two old city siblings here to develop a social networking site on the pattern of Facebook. The site named ‘Connect Kashmir’ is aimed to promote Kashmiri language.
The siblings, Rayees and Suhail Zargar, said the aim of the site is to create awareness among younger generation about Kashmir’s history and its language. The siblings, who are computer literates, said that they got the idea of developing the site from some social networking sites including Facebook.
“Almost everyone in Kashmir is using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. And that is from where the thought of developing our own social networking site came to our mind,” says Rayees. “We developed the Social Networking module with different features which could attract people towards this site,” they said. The duo said the Connect Kashmir has around 5,000 active members and the membership is increasing with each passing day.

“We are providing space to local entrepreneurs to market their products through advertisement on the site. We are looking for sponsor and advertisers which can help our venture to further expand its base,”. Rayees said, adding that the Connect Kashmir is not just a social networking site, “it is a cause by which we will promote language and educate people about Kashmir history.”
“The site has been developed in such a way that people around the world can connect to Kashmir and know about it. In Connect Kashmir our motto is to introduce people to the rich culture of Kashmir, its proverbs, its budding talent its heritage and much more,” Rayees said.

The website features many articles on the history of Kashmir. “The aim of such exercise is to create awareness about the Kashmir language through social networking, which is a craze these days, people from every age group are using it.”
Suhail Zargar, who is doing Master’s in Computer Applications said they wanted to give Kashmir its own social networking site. The duo however had to confront many problems during the process of developing the site. Suhail said: “One of the major difficulties we faced while developing the site is electricity outages and poor internet connectivity.”

Pertinently, Connect Kashmir is the product of Netshell Software Solution, a software company in JK, owned by Zargar brothers.

The Ck was formally launched by the Commissioner Secretary, IT, at Mumbai during an IT show where people praised the duo for their concept. Pertinently, the trend of making android games, applications and developing websites is gaining popularity in Kashmir. Recently, a 19-year-old boy developed an android game based on the basic principles of Physics.
Earlier, a 23-year-old software engineer developed an Android application ‘Dial Kashmir’ that contains over 500 contacts of government and private departments. Previously, another young engineer developed an online platform where people can share and get any information regarding Kashmir.