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  • Son of distributor of anti-Islam film Fitna accepts Islam

    Arnoud van Doorn’s son, Iskander Amien De Vrie, was one of the 37 people who converted to Islam during the Dubai International Peace Convention. 

    The son of Arnoud van Doorn, the famous Dutch policy maker and distributor of an anti-Islam filmFitna that caused unrest in 2008, surprised the audiences at the three-day Dubai International Peace Convention by 
embracing Islam.

    Arnoud’s son, Iskander Amien De Vrie, was one of the 37 people who converted to Islam during the convention.

    “I bear witness that there is no God to be worshipped but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is his worshipper and last messenger,” said Iskander in his Shahadah (testimony) to become a Muslim.

    Arnoud van Doorn shot to fame in 2008 as one of the names associated with the anti-Muslim filmFitna, which was released in 2008. The film promoted misconceptions about Islam and Arnoud was one of the film’s distributors.

    Five years later, Arnoud was a changed man having learned more about Islam, which he today calls as ‘a religion of peace’. He converted to Islam after learning more about the religion and his decision shocked the world.

    “I saw my father become more peaceful after converting to Islam. That’s when I realised there is something good in this religion and it made me change my perception of Muslims. I started studying the Holy Quran and going through lectures of important scholars,” said Iskander in an interview with Khaleej Times.

    Iskander, 22, credited his college friend Younis for setting a good example of what Muslims 
really are and how they live their life. “My friend Younis is a good practicing Muslim who taught me something new every day. He was patient with me and there was no way I could be rude to him,” said Iskander.

    Iskander also drew inspiration from his father’s life and how he underwent a transformation to become a more peaceful person.

    Talking about the anti-Islamic movie Fitna, Arnoud called it a “mistake”, which he deeply regretted. “There is a misconception among people that I produced the movie Fitna, but I wasn’t involved in it. I was only responsible for distributing the movie. Today, it is something that I deeply regret.”

    Arnoud hopes to produce a movie about the righteousness preached in Islam and correct his earlier “mistakes”. “I feel an urge and a responsibility to correct the mistakes I have done in the past. I want to use my talents and skills in a positive way by spreading the truth about Islam. I am trying to make a new movie about Islam and the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It would show people what examples the Prophet set in his life and the 
movie would invite younger 
people to Islam.”

    With both the father and son now leading life as Muslims, the astonishing story was talked about by speakers and scholars even after the convention was over.

    Arnoud is now calling on people to support his Islamic Foundation, which is fighting Islamophobia in Europe. Having started the European Dawah Foundation, Arnoud has come a full circle from his earlier days as a member of the right-wing anti-Islam Freedom Party.

    His team of volunteers works towards bridging the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims and helping people clear their misconceptions about Islam.

    Iskander now plans to take a trip to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah and hopes his mother would also embrace Islam soon.

     

  • Elections are not an alternative to right of self-determination of Kashmiris: FO

    ISLAMABAD: Elections in Indian Kashmir are not an alternative to the exercise of their right of self-determination, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said on Thursday.

    Addressing the weekly press briefing at the ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad on Thursday, she was asked whether elections that were being held in Kashmir today are an alternative to the right of self-determination.

    “Absolutely not and this is the position of the United Nations Security Council resolutions as well that any elections in Indian occupied Kashmir are not an alternative to the exercise of their right of self-determination.”

     

  • 28% percent polling in Anantnag constituency: CEO

    Srinagar: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir has said that 28 percent polling has been recorded so far in Anantnag constituency of Lok Sabha in south Kashmir.Addressing a press conference at Banquet Hall, the CEO Mr. Umang Narula said the polling in Anantnag constituency remained ‘by and large peaceful’ barring few minor incidents, the situation was under control. There were total of 1301109 voters in Anantnag constituency.He said Pulwama district recorded 6.32% polling, Shopian recorded 20.43% polling, Kulgam district recorded 36.68% and Anantnag recorded 37.76% polling. The CEO said migrant voters recorded 40% turnout. He said that the percentage may go up.In 2009 parliamentary polls, the Anantnag constituency had recorded 27 percent polling.The CEO, while answering a question over low turnout in Pulwama, said: There were few incidents before the elections which eventually declined the turnout.”On Monday evening, militants attacked village representatives in Tral villages of Pulwama district in which a Numberdar, a Sarpanch and his son were killed. In other attack, a Sarpanch managed to escape unhurt.The CEO said that the deployment of huge forces is done in order to facilitate the voting. (GNS)

  • Defeat falsehood, defeat PDP: Omar

    Omar Addresses election rallies at Dooru, Kokernag ‘Rahul tested friend of J&K’

    Kokernag: Addressing election rallies at Dooru and Kokernag in South Kashmir on Monday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also Working President of the National Conference, said that by defeating PDP in the current Lok Sabha Elections people would be ensuring the defeat of communal forces spearheaded by Narendra Modi.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, he added that defeating PDP would also amount to a defeat of falsehood and deceptive politics.

    “Both PDP and BJP are skilled at flaring up emotions, dividing various sections of the society, polarizing the atmosphere and making false promises which they have conveniently shelved whenever they came to power”, he said while stating that BJP pledge in its manifesto about abrogation of Article 370, enactment of the Uniform Civil Code and constructing a Temple at the site of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya were all indication of the communal mindset of Narendra Modi. He said PDP is an active accomplice and partner of BJP’s conspiracy to divide the people on communal lines and is working day and night to help Narendra Modi in his pursuit to be the Prime Minister of India.

    Omar Abdullah said that bartering the interests of Jammu and Kashmir for Chief Ministership has been the handiwork of PDP in the past. He said PDP’s interests in trading innocent lives and emotions of the people became amply clear when this party came to power in the State. “The hidden face of PDP got revealed before the masses through their anti-people agenda and behavior during its tenure in the power”, Omar Abdullah said and maintained that PDP cannot fool the people again and again by their tactical and deceitful political characteristics.

    The Working President National Conference said that the father-daughter Mufti duo can to any extent for the temptation of self-seeking power even if that meant selling the interests of Jammu and Kashmir as has been vindicated time and again even since Mufti Sahab’s entry into politics. He said yet another proof in this regard is PDP’s tactful support to Modi to become Prime Minister of India despite his known animosity against Jammu and Kashmir and its people.

    Omar Abdullah said that fielding of candidates in the current Lok Sabha Elections particularly in Jammu-Poonch and Undhampur-Doda Parliamentary Constituencies by the PDP to benefit BJP has unearthed the hidden alliance between the two parties.

    Omar cautioned the people against going astray because of PDP’s deceptive and fake sloganeering, falsehood and propaganda. “This has been the habit of PDP all along. You should beware of falling prey in their trap”, he added elaborating that NC-Congress coalition in the State and at the Centre is only capable of ameliorating the lot of people of the State and in ensuring peace, progress and political stability.

    The Working President National Conference said that Rahul Gandhi is a time tested friend of Jammu and Kashmir and his intention to seek all round welfare and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir is clear and demonstrated. He said Rahul Gandhi symbolizes the secular and democratic ethos of the country and deserves to be the Prime Minister and lead the country towards new heights, ensuring inclusive and equitable development.

    Omar asked the people to vote in large numbers in favour of NC-Congress joint candidate Dr. Mehboob Beg and help democracy and secularism to get strengthened in the country as well as the State. He said National Conference MPs have always highlighted Jammu and Kashmir centric issues in the Parliament positively and will continue to do so in the future while the then PDP Parliament Member Mehbooba Mufti’s track record in this regard has been shockingly dismal and disappointing.

    Taking a dig on the performance of Mehbooba Mufti in the Lok Sabha as then Parliament Member, Omar referred to the historic occasion when she was asked to speak in the Parliament on Amarnath Land Row and she insulted every single citizen of this State by laughing and saying “Mei Kya Boloun Yaar”.

    The election rallies were also addressed by Union Minister for Health and Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, President Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz,  National Conference Provincial President Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, NC-Congress joint candidate, Dr. Mehboob Baig and various other leaders of National Conference and Congress. (KNS)

     

     

  • Another record performance by PO Srinagar

    Srinagar: Continuing with its record performance during 2012, Passport Office Srinagar rendered around Sixty Thousand (60,000) Passport Services during 2013 (around 250 per day).

    Record number of around One Lakh Twenty One Thousand (1,21,000) Passport Services rendered during 2012 and 2013. Passports were issued under Tatkaal Service also which after modifications in the application system became transparent and uniform.

    “These are record performances in the history of Passport Office Srinagar and the figures assume significance keeping in view some abnormal situation during the early months of this year and streamlining of Passport Service,” said a statement issued to KNS.

    For the convenience of the applicants and to reduce the processing period some initiatives taken during the year are new Passport booklets with Ghost Image or Letter Screening Image were introduced to overcome smudging problems. This has also provided an additional overt security features to protect travel documents against tampering and unauthorized personalization.

    “Online downloading of Personal Particular Forms by the concerned verifying agencies. The physical movement of Personal Particular Forms from the Passport Office to the concerned was done away with as a result of which substantial reduction in the verification period was observed. Launch of online payment system for Passport applicants to resolve the issue of non-availability of appointments and to reduce no-shows of applicants. This has also eliminated the chances of bogus applicants. The applicants are taking advantage of dedicated time slots, dual facility of monitoring to cross check their details at the time of processing and relief from after visits which were tortuous.”

    Grievance handling became easy and instant. The applicants can now track the disposal of their complaints/passport applications without physically visiting Passport Office.

    The delivery of Passports to the applicants in coordination with the General Post Office Department J&K also showed remarkable improvement.

    Around Twenty One Thousand six hundred and Ninety Seven (21,697) number of Hajj applications were received till 30-03-2013 for Hajj 2013 as per the State-Wise data. The issuance of such number of Passports was possible due to all possible efforts by the officials of Passport Office Srinagar who attended duties even on off days during the said period. To cope with the rush, two day Passport Mela was held on 09th & 10th March 2013. Passport Adalats were also held on 23rd and 30th October 2013.Continuing with this in 2014 around 25000 Hajj Applications were received by State Hajj Committee for Hajj 2014 in respect of applicants falling within the jurisdiction of Passport Office Srinagar which clearly reflects the performance and efforts of this Office in facilitating hassle-free service to Hajj aspirants. A Passport Mela was also held on March 1, 2014 in this regard.

    In addition to the issuance of Passports, Passport Office Srinagar in coordination with all concerned made all efforts to have the hassle-free crossings at LoC at Kaman, Uri (Srinagar- Muzaffar Abad Bus Service) and Teetwal Karnah during the year. The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus plied uninterruptedly.

    The applicants are requested to visit the website www.passportindia.gov.in for online appointments and other information relating to Passport Services. Members of public are also advised to desist from dealing with touts/agents who may be charging exorbitantly for their services and further may be making false promises about arranging assured urgent appointment or faster Passport Service delivery. The Government has not authorized any intermediary/representative to undertake such activity or to give such assurances.  Such incidents of harassment/influence by them may be reported to the concerned Passport Office.

    After the launch of Passport Seva Kendras, the appointments are available to general public through the website mentioned above. Alternatively, certain categories of applicants are allowed to walk-in without appointment, details of which are also available on the website. However, the appointments are allowed keeping in view the available resources and the pre-appointment figures. Applicants falling under this category are therefore expected to attend Passport Seva Kendra Srinagar preferably by 09:30 AM on the working days. Applicants are also requested to visit Passport Office as per appointment date/time for availing satisfactory Passport Services. (KNS)

     

     

  • Mirwaiz lashes out at Farooq over Guru’s hanging remark

    Srinagar: Ridiculing the statement of NC patron Dr Farooq over the hanging of Afzal Guru, Chairman Huriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Monday lashed out at him terming the statement an election stunt.

    In a statement issued to KNS, Mirwaiz stated that the mainstream camp in Kashmir valley has lost faith of people and the credibility on ground and that after the hanging of Guru, the leaders have no right to remain in power.

    Mirwaiz stated that even if it is assumed that pro-establishment parties were not informed about Guru’s hanging, the same proves the very importance of these ‘so called’ representatives of the people. The Huriyat (M) chairman further castigated NC patron, saying after Guru’s hanging Kashmir was converted into a dark prison. “What Dr Farooq and mainstream politicians did to bring back Guru’s mortal remains from Tihar jail.”

    Mirwaiz stated that the pro-India politicians have been unmasked by their acts against people and that there rhetoric is not going to help them at all.   (KNS)

     

  • 3 killed in twin Tral attacks

    Congress Sarpanch his Son, Nambardar among dead

    Srinagar: Unidentified gunmen shot dead a Congress Sarpanch, his son and Nambardar in two separate attacks at Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district late Monday evening, official sources told GNS.

    They said that suspected militants opened fire upon the Mohammad Anwar Khanday son of Sadiq Khanday of Amlar village of Tral in Awantipora at around 9:10 pm. “The gunmen shot him from point blank range outside his residence”.

    Mohd Anwar, who is a Nambardarof Amlar village, was shifted to nearby Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead,” he said.

    Similarly, in another incident suspected militants barged inside the house of Ghulam Nabi Mir, Sarpanch, affiliated with Congress at Batgund, Tral. The gunmen opened fire upon the Sarpanch and his Son Firdous Ahmad Mir.

    Both the injured were immediately shifted to the local hospital where Sarpanch Ghulam Nabi Mir and his son Firdous Ahmad Mir (24) succumbed to injuries, official sources told GNS.

    The incidents occurred within 15 minutes.

    Meanwhile, Army, Special Operation Group of Police and CRPF cordoned off both the areas and launched the hunt to nab the suspected attackers. (GNS)

     

  • Will Geelani-Mirwaiz rift affect their poll-boycott call?

    Srinagar: The latest rift between parallel factions of Hurriyat Conference has erupted at a time when parliamentary polls are days away in Kashmir. Though the rift and war of words between the chief of Hurriyat factions in Kashmir is not new, but this time, it has erupted at a crucial time as they have called for boycott of polls.

    “There is already division in Hurriyat camp and now this infighting. Hurriyat is losing credibility and people are also losing faith in leadership. So, it will weaken their appeal (poll boycott),” Noor Muhammad Baba, who is a Political Science professor at the University of Kashmir, told GNS.

    He said leaders must exhibit to lead people and put their influence. He, however, adds: “Those who are committed to separatist movement will surely not vote.”

    The latest rift between parallel factions of Hurriyat erupted after Syed Ali Geelani claimed that faction headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had met emissaries BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. “Those who said they have expectations from Modi over Kashmir issue and those who said that Modi won’t be hardliner any more after he becomes PM of India have actually met his people and that is why issued such statements,” he had claimed.

    Mirwaiz, hitting back at Geelani, rubbished his claims and termed them ‘baseless and fabricated’. “It is deliberate attempt to mislead the public of Kashmir as well as freedom loving people. Since 1990, people are giving sacrifices and leadership is also giving sacrifices. We want to tell Geelani that this is the same leadership which gave blood to the freedom movement,” he had said.

    A veteran Kashmir journalist, however, has different view on the rift between the warring factions and its effect on the poll boycott appeal. He says: “It is a one-sided affair. The current rift between Hurriyat factions headed by Geelani and Mirwaiz will have no effect on polling. Those who have to vote will vote and those who are with boycott will boycott.”

    He further elaborates: “The Mirwaiz faction has only called for boycott but they are not running poll boycott campaign. The Geelani faction has also called for boycott but they too aren’t running boycott campaign. Geelani himself is ill but his stature has appeal. So, it will not have any effect any polling.”

    He believes that ‘there will be slight increase in poll percentage’ in upcoming Parliament elections.

    The break-away faction of Hurriyat headed by Shabir Ahmad Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front headed by Yasin Malik has been on the fore front of running anti-poll campaign Kashmir.

    But, Dr Sheikh Showkat, who teaches International Law at Central University of Kashmir, said despite the on-going war of words between Geelani and Mirwaiz, the poll percentage will be low as compared to 2009.

    “In 2009, the poll percentage was little bit high because General Musharraf tried to engage mainstream politicians of Kashmir including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti and during that election, they tried to capitalize it.”

    He said: It will definitely have no effect as people are committed to cause irrespective of division between leadership.” He said polling goes high in upper belts of Kashmir due to ‘militarization, illiteracy, backwardness and remoteness’, but in urban areas will people will boycott as usual.”

    A civil society member, whose group on Sunday had appealed Geelani and Mirwaiz to show restraint, also believes that there will be no effect on poll boycott appeal. “It will have no effect. The rift and boycotting of polls are two separate issues,” she told GNS.

    The Anantnag constituency is going for polls on 24 April, Srinagar constituency on 30 April and Baramulla on 30 April.  (GNS)

     

     

  • Farooq has broken all records of dissimulation: Er Rashid

    Srinagar: While castigating the statement of National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah in which he had held former Home Secretary of India R.K.Singh responsible for the secret execution of Muhammad Afzal Guru.,  MLA Langate and Awami Ittihaad  Party (AIP) President Engineer Rashid termed the same as a ploy to hoodwink voters and stated that by this statement Farooq Abdullah has broken all records of dissimulation.

    According to a statement issued to KNS, Engineer Rashid termed NC, PDP as killers of Afzal Guru and said that they cannot rid their conscience of the crimes they have committed against nation of Kashmir. “If the assertions of Farooq Abdullah have any truth in them than it becomes all the more clear that affairs of Jammu & Kashmir are run by clerks of Home Ministry,” stated Engineer Rashid. Pertinently, Engineer Rashid was today campaigning in the public rallies at Handwara and Sangrama constituency of Baramulla Lok Sabha Seat.

    “ NC, PDP adopted criminal silence when they could have saved Afzal Guru and both parties played a key role in framing charges and in sentence against Afzal Guru. These parties have no right to play politics over sacred blood of Afzal Guru and should stop  playing with sentiments of people of Kashmir, added Engineer Rashid.

    Engineer Rashid made it clear that Farooq Abdullah and PDP Leaders cannot free themselves from their brutal act of taking part in murder of   Afzal Guru despite these parties cooking so many false stories. “ If Farooq Abdullah was so serious than why National Conference did not support my resolution to save Afzal Guru? .Although if the childish statement of Farooq Abdullah that Azal Guru was secretly hanged on the orders of than Home Secretary RK Singh has  some element of truth in it than it aptly proves that Jammu & Kashmir affairs are not run by the so called elected government but by clerks of Home Ministry,” observed Engineer Rashid.

    Engineer Rashid affirmed that he had been time and again stating that members of assembly are mere puppets in Jammu& Kashmir while the government is run by clerks of Delhi Darbar. (KNS)

  • Advani’s website hacked, free Kashmir slogans uploaded

    Srinagar: BJP leader L K Advani‘s official website was hacked on Monday  by some unknown hackers- writing the message of Free Kashmir on the portal.

    According to the reports received by KNS, wrote praises for Pakistan on Advani’s website and also called for the demilitarization of Kashmir. The website also mentions the name of BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi saying, “Good Morning Narendra Modi” and went on to raise the Kashmir issue.

    The hackers also claimed to have Kashmir’s freedom as their goal and the reason given by them to hack the website was written that they want Kashmir to become free from ‘military rule.’

    Earlier also the fan website of bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan was hacked and the protest against the hanging of Guru was registered on the portal. The cyber crimes and the number of hackers according to the survey is increasing in South Asia due to the easy availability of the technology. Youth have been reported to be more inclined towards cyber crimes. (KNS)