GILANI ASKS INDIA TO ACCEPT KASHMIR AS A DISPUTED

Srinagar, August 31 (Only Kashmir): Veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani has declared that the ongoing mass protests in occupied Kashmir will be intensified if India failed to begin the process of complete demilitarisation of the territory.
Syed Ali Gilani addressing a press conference in Srinagar, today, said that the demilitarisation process should be monitored by a credible agency.
The minimum possible conditions put forth by the veteran leader for creating an atmosphere for resolution of Kashmir dispute included India’s recognition of Jammu and Kashmir as international dispute, immediate and unconditional release of all illegally detained Kashmiri leaders and youth, withdrawal of fabricated cases and initiation of a process to punish perpetrators of state violence. Syed Ali Gilani maintained that the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination had been acknowledged not only by the United Nations but India as well.
On the other hand, the authorities re-imposed curfew in Srinagar, Islamabad and Pulwama and restrictions in other cities and towns, today, to prevent people from holding protest demonstrations against the killing of an 11-year-old boy in Islamabad town. The boy was martyred and several other people were injured in indiscriminate firing of Indian police, last evening.
Despite curfew, hundreds of people took to streets in Srinagar and Islamabad and staged anti-India demonstrations. Indian police and troops resorted to teargas shelling in Islamabad to quell the protesters, injuring three more people.
An Indian trooper was killed while another injured during a clash between the troops and Mujahideen in Atwatoo area of Bandipore district. A Special Police Officer of Indian police was killed by Mujahideen in an attack in Kursa area of Kishtwar district.
In Islamabad, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar and Ghulam Muhammad Safi, the Convenors of the AJK chapters of APHC and the forum patronised by Syed Ali Gilani deplored in a joint statement the indifference of the international community towards the death and destruction by Indian troops in occupied Kashmir.

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Yasin Malik’s cousin succumbs, Toll 66

First Blog in the J&K to publish this news

Srinagar Aug 31 (Only Kashmir): The death toll in the present Kashmir unrest mounted to 66 on Tuesday with Yasir Rafiq Sheikh, maternal cousin of JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik, succumbing to his injuries. Yasir along with five others had sustained bullet injuries at Maisuma on Monday when a policeman resorted to “unprovoked” firing.

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India acting through barrel of gun: Mirwaiz to ICS

Srinagar, Aug 30 (Only Kashmir): The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday apprised a delegation of Indian Civil Society (ICS) led by Swami Agnivesh about the unabated killings of Kashmiri youth by troopers and policemen. Mirwaiz told the delegation that New Delhi has spread wrong information about the ongoing struggle for right to self-determination.

“India has been talking peace but acting through the barrel of gun. While over 60 Kashmiri youth have been killed during the past 2-months, not a single cop or trooper has been harmed. It shows that disproportionate force is being used to quell peaceful protests,” Mirwaiz told the delegation. Mirwaiz urged the delegation that the Indian Civil Society should not look at the Kashmir dispute from the Pakistani prism. “It is your responsibility to abreast the India Civil Society about the aspirations and sentiments of Kashmiris,” he said. The delegation assured Mirwaiz that it will facilitate the interaction of pro-freedom leaders with people of various states to aware them about the aspirations of Kashmiris.

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1,00,000 people visit SKIMS for treatment in three months

Srinagar, Aug.30 (OK): SK Institute of medical Science, Soura Srinagar, has been catering to need of the sick in the valley for almost three decades. Initially around one lakh to two lakh patients used to visit SKIMS. Per year. In the last three years more than 14 lakh people have visited SKIMS. In the last three months approximately one lakh patient have visited institute in-spite of hartals and curfews.
During this period a significant number of injured patient have been admitted, treated and operated in the Institute .All these patients have received treatment including investigation like CT Scan/MRI etc free of cost at SKIMS not only has money been made available for this,Govt has also taken care of some financial difficulties that SKIMS had in non-plan budget. Director SKIMS Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar, has expressed his gratitude to the Govt for helping SKIMS to overcome financial difficulties and providing requisite resources.

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Kashmir's stone-pelters may be released before Eid

Jammu : The Jammu and Kashmir government is thinking of setting free more than 700 stone-pelters arrested during the past two months in the Kashmir Valley, as a "goodwill gesture" on the eve of Eid next month, officials Saturday said.
The release of the stone-pelters and their reunion with their families would help calm tempers in the Valley, where voices calling for restraint and understanding the psyche of the stone throwers have gained momentum.
"If we could release militants on such occasions (Muslim festivals as also India's Independence Day and Republic Day), there should be no harm in setting free the stone-pelters," an official, who is behind the move, told IANS.
The idea has been "well received" by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who "is against incarceration of teenagers who in a swirl of anger might have taken to the streets and thrown stones", the official said.
The parents of the arrested youth have also been pleading with the authorities to set them free with some of them even noting that if the chief minister could pardon a policeman who threw a shoe at him during the Independence Day function on Aug 15, why can't he forgive the youth who acted due to anger and frustration of the times.
"They (the jailed youth) are our own people and we cannot treat them like criminals for ever," the official said.
Id-ul-Fitr may fall on Sep 10 or 11, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Most of the arrested stone-pelters who are in their teens were arrested from Srinagar, Baramulla, Bijbehra and Sopore areas of the Valley, which saw heavy stone-pelting in the past 10 weeks. The motives attributed range from anger against misgovernance, unemployment, sentiment for 'azadi' (freedom), to monetary benefits and instigation.
While the government had been maintaining that the phenomenon of stone throwing started with instigation by Kashmiri separatists and Pakistan, the separatists and their sympathisers have called it a "manifestation of resistance against the Indian rule in Kashmir" and also a tool of self-defence against the firing of bullets by security forces.
As many as 64 people, including children aged eight and nine, have been killed and hundreds of others wounded in the clashes that picked up after the death of a 17-year-old Tufail Mattoo in Rajouri Kadal area of Srinagar June 11.

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Death anniversary of Mirwaiz-E-Kashmir Molvi Mohammad Yusuf Shah observed in AJK

Islamabad, Aug 28 (OK): The APHC-AJK chapter organized Quran Khawani and Dua, today, at its headquarters here to pay homage to the prominent Kashmiri liberation leader and religious scholar, Mirwaiz Muhammad Yousaf Shah, on his 43rd death anniversary.The speakers eulogized services of the late Mirwaiz for the cause of Kashmiris’ liberation movement and religion.Kashmiri leaders including Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Ghulam Nabi Noshehri, Syed Yousuf Naseem, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl, Altaf Hussain Wani, Abdul Hameed Lone, Syed Faiz Naqashbandi, Muhammad Rafiq Dar, Mir Tahir Masood, Sheikh Muhammad Yaqoob, Abdul Majeed Malik, Manzoor-ul-Haq Butt, Khadim Hussain and Kashmiri people belonging to different walks of life were present on the occasion.
The speakers paid homage to Kashmiri martyrs and vowed to continue their mission till its complete success.

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Omar sends legal notice for defamation to PDP Leaders

Srinagar, Aug 28 (OK)- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has sent a legal notice settled by Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi a Senior Advocate and former Additional Solicitor General of India for defamation to PDP legislator Nizamuddin Bhat and PDP Spokesman Nayeem Akhtar Andrabi for levelling baseless, fabricated, concocted, frivolous, false and defamatory allegations against his person in a bid to defame him and damage his reputation. The notice calls upon them to publicly apologize and withdraw the allegations made against him within seven days failing which he will be constrained to commence appropriate legal proceedings against them which will include civil and criminal remedies by filing:-
(i) an appropriate complaint under the Jammu and Kashmir Code of Criminal Procedure, 1933, as amended, and
(ii) a defamation suit for recovering damages to the extent of `10.00 crores before an appropriate Court

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Police foil Aali Masjid congregation

Srinagar: Police on Saturday did not allow the Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, from holding a congregation at Aali Masjid in old city. “Police erected barricades and laid a siege around Aali Masjid. They did not allow people to assemble in the Masjid, nor was Mirwaiz allowed to come out of his Nageen residence,” Mirwaiz’s close aide Sofi Mushtaq told Only Kashmir on phone.

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National Conference deliberately failed to acknowledge the aspirations of Kashmiris: Mirwaiz

Srinagar, Aug 27 (Only Kashmir): The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday came down heavily on National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah for ridiculing the Kashmiris’ demand for freedom and accused him to exploiting the sentiments of Kashmiris to appease New Delhi. “By stating that Kashmir’s future lies with India and ridiculing the demand for Azadi, Dr Farooq Abdullah is behaving like more loyal than the king to appease New Delhi. It is ironical that the party which has been in power for over six decades has deliberately failed to acknowledge the aspirations of Kashmiris mainly to show loyalty to India and satiate its vested interests,” Mirwaiz said while addressing the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid here. “It is a shame on leaders like Dr Farooq who say that Kashmiris want to live with India. On the other hand an MP from Hyderabad, Assaud-u-din Owaisi, despite not being a Kashmiri, vociferously and from the core of his heart acknowledged that innocents are being killed in Kashmir and expressed serious concern over it. We want to tell leaders like Dr Farooq that for God’s sake stop exploitation of Kashmiris,” he said. Mirwaiz said if the Members of Parliament were serious over the prevailing situation in Kashmir they should translate their statements into action. On the PM’s statement advocating use of non-lethal crowd-control measures, Mirwaiz said: “Instead of thinking about crowd-control measures, the PM should have acknowledged the sentiments of Kashmiris to pave way for final settlement of the dispute. However, I want to maintain that using force on unarmed Kashmiris to suppress their aspirations will increase the alienation towards New Delhi and strengthen our resolve to achieve freedom,” he added. Mirwaiz termed the killing of a youth Omar Qayoom due to alleged torture by police as worst form of human rights violations. “He was ruthlessly beaten by rifle butts. Omar’s killing is the real face of Indian democracy,” he said. Maintaining that members of the Sikh community were imperative part of the Kashmiri society and ongoing resistance movement, He said Coordination Committee will be soon formed in the areas where Sikhs are living to strengthen the age-old harmony between the two communities. Mirwaiz urged the people of the Valley to offer prayers on September 3 at Jamia Masjid on the occasion of Jamait-ul-Vida. He said this day will be observed as Kashmir Day. “We will pass a resolution on this day to reaffirm our pledge to attain right to self-determination and take it to world forums to garner support for our just cause,” he said. Mirwaiz also appealed the people to donate generously for strengthening the Bait-ul-Maals and lending financial support to the families of those who were killed during the past two months. On the occasion of Youm-e-Badr, he asked people to offer Zuhr prayers at Aali Masjid on Saturday, August 28. Later, Mirwaiz led a massive procession from Jamia Masjid to Naqshband Sahib and staged protests against the human rights violations.

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Kashmiris want ‘azadi’, not jobs, says BJP

New Delhi (Only Kashmir) : Kashmiris are demanding secession from India and not jobs or economic development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Thursday and slammed the government for its failure to handle the unrest in the Kashmir Valley that has seen 64 people killed since June 11.
During a debate in the Lok Sabha on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi asked Home Minister P. Chidambaram to tell Kashmiris unambiguously that their demand of "azadi (freedom) or autonomy is not viable".
"Kashmir is an integral part of India and no force in the world will take it away from India," Joshi said, starting his speech with a flourish with his party colleagues thumping the desks.
"You say there are genuine grievances. I ask what they are. Is India sending forces there... are we occupying Kashmir? What are the grievances? I don’t see any grievances other than the demand of azadi... If that is what you call genuine grievance, then please tell them clearly that azadi or autonomy is not possible, is not viable," he said.
This triggered an uproar in the house with National Conference MPs Sharifuddin Shariq and Mehboob Beg objecting to Joshi’s remarks.
It took Speaker Meira Kumar some time to convince the National Conference MPs to go back to their seats and speak when called to.
Joshi asked the government not to pump money into Jammu and Kashmir and referred to hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani’s statement mocking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s all-party meeting.
"Geelani has said he doesn’t give importance to these meetings because such meetings cannot bring independence of Kashmir," he said, asking the home minister to elaborate what kind of dialogue he has offered to "all shades of opinion in Kashmir".
"Kashmiris say ‘we want freedom from India’... If this is the problem, how are you going to solve it? What will be the framework of the dialogue you have offered?"
If the government was considering autonomy to the state, it should also think what would happen to the northeast, Joshi said.
"Show some courage and tell them that Kashmir is an integral part of India and there could be no compromise on that," the BJP leader said, advocating abrogation of Article 370 that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The debate in the Lok Sabha was held against the backdrop of the latest unrest in the Kashmir Valley in which 64 people have been killed in over two months.
Joshi said the government had pumped Rs.94,000 crore into the state that represents "merely one or two percent of our population".
"And imagine one or two percent of population getting 10-12 percent from our budget," he said, alleging that the state was being ruled by a corrupt administration.
"If local leaders are eating away the money, why are they abusing India?" he asked.

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Sikhs, Muslims condemn killings

Srinagar, Aug 25 (OK): The members of Khalsa Political Committee and Muslim Welfare Committee, Alloochi Bagh, Srinagar, at a joint meeting on Wednesday at Gurudwara Allocho Bagh, expressed deep sorrow and anguish over the innocent killings during two months. Condemning the killings, the members of both the communities demanded immediate halt to these. “The cordial relations between the Sikh and the Muslim communities was hailed and noted with satisfaction. An appeal was made to both the communities to remain united and maintain traditional communal harmony,” said a spokesman of the Khalsa Political Committee, Alloochi Bagh, in a statement on Wednesday.

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Plantation drive by 137 Bn CRPF

Udhampur, Aug-25:-As a part of its endeavors to increase green cover in Udhampur and its peripheral areas, 137 Bn of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) today launched a massive plantation drive.
Deputy Commandant, Mr. O.P Pandey formally launched the drive by planting a sapling of ornamental plant in the premises of SRTC complex Udhampur this morning.
Among others Sub Inspector 137, Bn CRPF, Mr. Bhupal Singh, Range Officer, Social Forestry, Udhampur, Mr. Chuni Lal Sharma, Block Officer, Social Forestry Udhampur, besides Jawans of CRPF also took part in the plantation drive.
Giving the detail of plantation drive, Dy. Commandant, Mr. Pandey informed that as many as one thousand plants of different species including medicinal, ornamental, shady trees and fruit plants would be planted in Jakhani, Batal Balliya and Dhramthal CRPF camps for making the camp sites more environmental friendly.

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Hafiz Saeed calls for jihad to ‘free Kashmir’

The chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, has now said that jihad is the only way to free Jammu and Kashmir from the "Indian yoke".
Saeed, who India blames for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks, made the remarks while addressing a meeting of JuD workers at the Jamia Masjid Mukarram at Daska in Punjab province yesterday.
He said that the sacrifices of "Kashmiri martyrs would soon become fruitful and the sun of freedom of Kashmir will rise soon".
Increasing human rights violations, custodial killings and "genocide of innocent Kashmiris" by Indian security forces, he said, were "enough to shake the conscience of the international community".
Saeed was put under house arrest for about six months after the UN Security Council banned the JuD in the wake of the Mumbai attacks but was freed on the orders of the Lahore high court last year.
Even as India insists that Saeed, who was the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, masterminded the Mumbai terror attack, the Pakistan government has ruled out his arrest, saying India has not provided any evidence linking him to the incident.
Saeed, who has been lashing out at India in recent months, had blamed New Delhi for perpetuating what he called "water terrorism" against Pakistan, and said the next war between India and Pakistan could be fought over water.

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PROTEST CALENDER 25 AUG TO 04 SEP

Srinagar, August 24 (Only Kashmir): Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani Tuesday issued 11-day protest calendar as part of the ongoing "Quit Kashmir Campaign"
"On August 25, people are urged to observe complete strike and stage peaceful sit-in protests from morning to Asar prayers. People are also urged to offer Zuhr and Asar prayers on road besides offer Qunut-e-Nazilla," a statement by the pro-freedom amalgam said here in a statement.
On August 26, people shall observe complete strike and offer special prayers for the respectable release of the detainees, the statement ads.
"On August 27, there would be no strike and people would wear white dress and offer prayers in district headquarters."
On August 28, people are urged to observe complete strike. "Special functions would be organized in connection with Yome-e-Badr on the day. The biggest function would be held in TRC Srinagar where Syed Ali Shah Geelani would address the gathering," reads the statement send to Press Bureau of India.
On Sunday, August 29, the conglomerate has called for complete strike and peaceful protests. "People would stage Dharna from morning to Asar prayers. Zahr and Asar prayers would be offered on road besides organize Qunut-e-Nazilla. From 5 PM to 7 am next morning, there would relaxation in the strike."
On August 30 & 31, there is almost similar program for August 30, and August 31. However on August 30, employees would save Rs 100 in local Baitul Maal while asked for continuing the internet protests.
On September 01, there would be no strike, the statement says. "The day is the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali while there is Hindu festival."
On September 02, there would be complete strike and protests. Besides the day would be observed as Yom-e-Tahafuz Khawateen. There would be a gathering of women at Ali Masjid Eidgah on the day."
On September 03, there would be no strike while Kashmiris living in various parts of world would stage protests, the statement said.
On September 04, the pro-self determination amalgam has called for complete strike. "On each five prayers, people are urged to stage protests for 5 minutes. There would be a complete black out from 7pm to 8:30 pm in the evening while youth would voluntarily clean the respective localities on the day."

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Mirwaiz visits injured in hospitals

Srinagar, Aug 22 (Only Kashmir): The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Sunday visited Srinagar hospitals to inquire about the health of the persons injured in police and CRPF action in the past two months. A Hurriyat spokesman said soon after being released from house arrest, Mirwaiz rushed to the SKIMS Soura and inquired about the health of patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Later he went to SMHS and met the persons injured in CRPF firing at Zampa Kadal on Sunday. “Mirwaiz prayed for speedy recovery of the injured,” he said. He said on seeing Mirwaiz, people shouted pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. Mirwaiz hailed the doctors and hospital staff for looking after the injured even in difficult situation. Mirwaiz was accompanied by Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam, M.Y Naquash, Abdul Rauf Khan, Hakim Rashid and Mushtaq Sofi.

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Police damaged Abdul Ahad Jan’s kidney in custody’

Srinagar, August 22 (Only Kashmir): In occupied Kashmir, the family of local police officer, Abdul Ahad Jan, who flung a shoe at Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on August 15 during a function, has said that he has developed kidney failure after he was beaten ruthlessly by the police in custody.
Talking to media men, Jan’s son, Showkat Jan said that during the custody, his father was beaten to pulp. "They have run over his chest and stomach with boots on. This has caused his kidney failure,"

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Quit Kashmir campaign reaches White House

Washington, August 22 : Hundreds of Kashmiri Americans spent hours on Saturday at the Freedom Plaza under the tent before they marched to the White House for "Prayers for Peace in Kashmir: A 100-Hour Vigil" reminding the world powers that "Quit Kashmir", is the message that the people of occupied Kashmir say loudly to Indian troops.
The participants included people of all ages, representing both sides of the Line of Control and those who would like to see peace and prosperity in the region of South Asia. They wanted to send a message to the world powers that the people of Jammu and Kashmir still continued to hope that the United Nations would implement the resolutions passed on Kashmir by its Security Council. They wanted to convey to the world that the Kashmiri people believed that the time had come that United Nations or the Obama Administration let India know that talks between India and Pakistan must be accompanied by practical measures to restore an environment of non-violence and free from state terrorism in Kashmir.
The Executive Director of Kashmiri American Council/Kashmir Centre, Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, on the occasion said that Kashmir was unmistakably given the pledge by the United Nations that it will be allowed to decide its own future. "Now, bleeding and betrayed, it asks for the pledge to be redeemed," he said, adding that the people of Kashmir expected President Obama to seize the reality of the dispute as the question of people’s life and destiny. "Let not the America’s strategic partnership with India validate India’s war crimes in Kashmir," he said.
Dr Fai emphasized that Kashmir situation had been met with studied unconcern by the United Nations and this had given a sense of total impunity to India. "It has also created an impression that the United Nations is invidiously selective about the application of the principles of human rights and democracy," he pointed out.
Attorney Mumtaz Wani said that the human rights violations being perpetrated by Indian troops in occupied Kashmir were deliberate and officially sanctioned. He reiterated that the killings of youngsters and youth signified only one thing that authorities would like to force the whole population into submission. "The people of Kashmir believe that their cause is genuine which has the international sanctity. India and Pakistan have agreed to the United Nations security council resolutions and Kashmiri people simply want that the future of their land to be determined in accordance with their wishes and will," he added.
Zubair Khan thanked the participants for spending long hours during the candle light vigil to express solidarity with their brethren in occupied Kashmir.
Others who participated included Liaqat Kayani, Sardar Zahoor, Sardar Zareef, Hamid Malik, Haji Mansha, Haji Asghar, Sardar Zulfikhar, Mujtaba Wani, Sanaa Naqash and Ehtisham Kayani.

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IS KASHMIR AN INTEGRAL PART OF INDIA?

By:Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India’s assertion that "Kashmir is an integral part of India” needs to be supplemented by some observations from the viewpoint of the people of Kashmir. This deserves to be borne in mind by all those who wish the conflict to be justly resolved once and for all.When the Kashmir dispute erupted in 1947-1948, the United States took the stand that the future status of Kashmir must be ascertained in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of the territory. The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution on 21 April 1948 which was based on that unchallenged principle. So the idea that ‘Kashmir is an integral part of India’ is in contravention to India’s international obligations. Any such suggestion is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Kashmir. The people revolted against the status quo and status quo cannot be an answer? Also, Kashmiris wish to emphasize that their land is not a real estate which can be parceled out between two disputants but the home of a nation with a history far more compact and coherent than India’s and far longer than Pakistan’s. No settlement of their status will hold unless it is explicitly based on the principles of self-determination and erases the so-called line of control, which is in reality the line of conflict.Secondly, under all international agreements, agreed by both India and Pakistan, negotiated by the United Nations and endorsed by the Security Council, Kashmir does not belong to any member state of the United nations. So, if Kashmir does not belong to any member state of the United Nations, then the claim that ‘Kashmir is an integral part of India’ does not stand. And if ‘Kashmir is not an integral part of India’ then Kashmiris cannot be called separatist or secessionist. Because Kashmir cannot secede from a country – like India – to which it has never acceded to in the first place.My opinion is confirmed by a poll conducted jointly by major news outlets on Aug 12, 2007: CNN-IBN and Hindustan Times in India and Dawn and News in Pakistan. A majority of those polled in Kashmir Valley (87% to be precise) preferred freedom (Azadi). The Azadi means the rejection of the idea that ‘Kashmir is an integral part of India.’.However, there is but one fair, just, legal, and moral solution to Kashmir which was provided by the United Nations. The procedures contemplated at early stage of the dispute at the United Nations for its solution may be varied in the light of changed circumstances but its underlying principle must be scrupulously observed if justice and rationality are not be thrown overboard. The setting aside of the UN resolution is one thing; the discarding of the principle they embodies is altogether another. So the settlement has to be in accordance with the wishes of the people; impartially ascertained; in conditions of freedom from intimidation.Kashmiris are open to a constitutional dispensation that answers all of India's legitimate national security and human rights concerns. With regard to the former, they are willing to explore permanent neutrality for Kashmir along the model of the 1955 Austrian State Treaty and a renunciation of war or the threat of force in international affairs along the model of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution. They are willing to consider abandoning a military force like Costa Rica, Haiti, and Panama. Moreover, they hold no objection to providing community quotas in government offices along the lines of the 1960 Constitution for the Republic of Cyprus to safeguard against invidious discrimination of any religious or ethnic group, i.e., Pandit, Buddhist, Sikh, and Muslim alike.With good faith by all parties common ground leading to a final settlement of the Kashmir tragedy can be discovered. And an appointment of a special envoy by the United Nations or by President Obama, like Bishop Desmond Tutu will hasten the way of peace and prosperity in the region of South Asia.

(Dr. Fai can be reached at: gnfai2003@yahoo.com)

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Autonomy to Kashmir will be post-dated cheque for freedom: BJP

New Delhi (Only Kashmir): Jaitley insisted the situation in Kashmir was the worst in the last 63 years and blamed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the erstwhile Congress governments for the same. "Kashmir policy of India was a Nehruvian blunder... The money being spent today for our security in Kashmir would have been spent on farmers and in fighting hunger (had this blunder not taken place)," he said. The BJP leader maintained that the terrorists, after failing to win Kashmir through terrorism, have now resorted to a new strategy of mob violence. "They have realised that there is no global appetite for terrorism.... So now they are adopting a new strategy of mob violence (stone-throwing)," Jaitley said.

He alleged that while the Central government was weak, even the Omar Abdullah government in Jammu and Kashmir was clueless about how to fight the separatists and stone-pelters. "We told Farooq Abdullah to convince his son (Omar Abdullah) to go to the people to heal their wounds. But Omar chose to visit a hospital just 12 km away in a helicopter to meet those injured in violence," Jaitley said.

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Delegation of Gurduwara Prabandhak Committee calls on Omar Abdullah

Srinagar Aug 21 (Only Kashmir)- A delegation of Gurduwara Prabandhak Committee Srinagar headed by its president Sardar K N Singh today called on the Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah and discussed various issues pertaining to the community. The matter relating to the writing of anonymous letters by some unscrupulous elements was also brought to his notice.
The Chief Minister while interacting with the delegation said that he is proud of secular credentials of the people of the valley, who have always withstood all such onslaughts from mischievous forces when futile attempts were made to create wedge between different communities. He said world recognizes the secular character of the people of the valley where people belonging to different faiths live amicably tied with firm bonds of love and affection. He said the valley where sofi saints have inculcated the spirit of love and brotherhood are still being followed with reverence and respect. Therefore, he said the letters written on computer and printed on printer by one or two mischievous persons should not be construed the voice of majority.

Fully acknowledging the views of the Chief Minster, the members of the delegation also said that their Muslim brethren in the valley have always showered love upon them for centuries particularity during last two decades of turbulence. The delegation said that they have apprehension that some inimical forces are involved in this conspiracy and urged the Chief Minister to bring them to book.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation that his government will trace the mischievous elements involved in writing the anonymous letters accordingly. He also assured the delegation that all necessary steps will be taken by the government for their economic and social security. He advised the delegation that they shouldn’t get discouraged at any stage by such incidents. He said the mature approach of both the communities cordially resolved one such isolated ugly incident at Tral recently. He said similarly all precautions are required to be taken by all right thinking people of all the communities to thwart ill designs of mischievous elements, bent upon breeding hatred in the valley which has been living in spiritual atmosphere for centuries.Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr Mubarak Gul and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar were present on the occasion.

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APCH demanded India to withdrawal of troops & repeal of black laws

Srinagar, August 21 (Only Kashmir): The All Parties Hurriyet Conference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani have urged India to withdraw its troops from occupied Kashmir, repeal black laws and release Kashmiri detainees to create conducive atmosphere for resolving the Kashmir dispute.
The APHC Chairman in a media interview in Srinagar maintained that India’s intransigence was the main hurdle in resolving the lingering dispute. The Mirwaiz, who has been placed under house arrest, emphasised that Kashmir was a political dispute, which could be resolved through dialogue process involving Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri people.
Syed Ali Gilani in a separate interview said that meaningful dialogue was the only way of settling the Kashmir dispute but that was only possible when India accepted Jammu and Kashmir as disputed territory. He deplored that on one hand, New Delhi offered talks, while on the other, it described Jammu and Kashmir as its integral part.

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NO PEACE IN SOUTH ASIA WITHOUT KASHMIR SETTLEMENT: MIRWAIZ UMAR FAROOQ

Srinagar, August 20 (Only Kashmir): The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has reiterated that peace in South Asia will remain elusive if the Kashmir dispute is not resolved in accordance with Kashmiris’ aspirations.
The APHC Chairman addressing a public gathering at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, 20 August 2010, appealed to the international community to play an effective role in settling the Kashmir dispute without any further delay. He demanded immediate release of all illegally detained Kashmiri detainees. Later, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led a big procession from Jamia Masjid to Nowhatta Chowk, where a peaceful sit-in was staged.

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PRAYERS RESUMED IN HAZRATBAL SHRINE AFTER 6 DAYS

Srinagar, August 20, (Only Kashmir): Prayers resumed in revered Hazratbal shrine in outskirts of Srinagar after a gap of six days on Friday. Eyewitness said that hundreds of people offered the Asar prayers inside shrine after it was cleaned afresh soon after the Friday Nimaz. Earlier, thousands of people offered the congregational Friday prayers in the laws of the shrine, on outskirts of here. “About thirty thousand devotees offered Friday prayers at the historic Hazratbal shrine in a serene and spiritual atmosphere. People prayed for peace and tranquility in the State,” an official spokesman said in a statement here.The six day stalemate ended after government agreed to shift the barracks in phased manner. No prayers were offered in the historic shrine since August 14 last, which was only for the second time in the history. As per locals people couldn’t offer prayers during 1993 siege for days together The trouble erupted on the Saturday last after police entered inside the shrine and beat-up a group of people there following pro-freedom slogans. People took exception of the beating and raised the demand of removal of police and troops. Later district administration.

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Osama-Bin-Laden buried in mountainous regions of Pak: Petraeus

Washington Aug-20 (Only Kashmir) : A top US General has said Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, is probably hiding in the remote mountainous regions of Pakistan, even though no one knows where he actually is.
"I think he remains an iconic figure, and I think capturing or killing Osama bin Laden is still a very, very important task for all of those who are engaged in counter terrorism around the world," General David Petraeus, Commander of the US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan, told NBC television's "Meet the Press" when asked about the Al Qaeda leader's whereabouts.
The top American General said, "I don't think anyone knows where Osama bin Laden is. The fact that it took him four weeks to get a congratulatory message out, or a message of condolence in, say, in the course of the last year or so when we've seen these, indicates, literally, how far buried he is probably in the very, very most remote and mountainous regions".

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Agitation to continue till plebiscite: Geelani

Srinagar, Aug 18 (Only Kashmir): The Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Shah Geelani, on Wednesday said the ongoing movement would continue till India sheds its rigid stand on Kashmir and gives right of self-determinations to Kashmiris.
A local news agency KNS said Geelani telephonically addressed a massive rally at Narbal which was part of the 'Quit Jammu Kashmir Movement'. "The troopers and cops have been given unbridled power to kill Kashmiris. They have martyred over 60 unarmed Kashmiris to quell the resistance movement. India is trying to defame our movement by blaming Pakistan and militants for propelling the ongoing movement," Geelani said.
"The ongoing movement will continue till India sheds rigidity and gives right of self-determinations to Kashmiris. We will perish but not surrender," he said.
Geelani condemned what he termed "criminal silence" of the international human rights organizations over the killings in the Valley. "These organizations particularly the United Nations have a moral and legal responsibility to take cognizance of the human rights violations in the Valley. I appeal the UN secretary general Ban Ki Moon to take immediate steps for restoring sense of security among Kashmiris, otherwise its credibility will be at stake," he said.
Geelani said the youth were playing an important role in the ongoing movement. "The youth are at the forefront. They are valiantly fighting against the oppression and even the whole military might of India can challenge them," he said.
"We will fight till last Indian troopers' leaves the Valley. We won't let the sacrifices for the just cause go waste," he said.
Reacting to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh's statement that Kashmiris should abjure violence, Geelani said, the Kashmiris' movement is peaceful. "Kashmiris don't have guns, teargas canisters and grenades but are peacefully demanding their right to self-determination. However it is being quelling by unbridled force by CRPF, RAF and police," he said.
Geelani appealed the people to ensure protection of people from the minority community. The veteran leader termed the allegations by the Government against the Dukhtaran-e-Millat chairperson, Aasiya Andrabi as a handiwork of Indian agencies.
"The role and sacrifices rendered by Aasiya can't be neglected. The agencies were trying to harm her image," he said.
Geelani appealed the people to observe August 19 as Youm-e-Ashiran to express solidarity with the Kashmiris languishing in various jails.
He said scores of pro-freedom leaders including Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Ghulam Nabi Sumji, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Firdous Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Qasim, were lodged in different jails. Besides he said over 1500 people including teenagers have been arrested and booked under various act for staging peaceful protests against the killings.

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Militants kill cop on duty MLA Sopore

(Srinagar, Aug 18 Only Kashmir): A cop was killed and two others were injured in a militant attack on the residence of MLA Sopore late last night, official sources said.

They said militants attacked residence of MLA Sopore, Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie at Dangerpora in Sopore town of Baramulla district late in the night by opening indiscriminate firing on the guard post.
Three cops were injured in the attack and one of them later succumbed to wounds while two others have been referred to a hospital here in a critical condition.
The MLA was not at home when the attack took place but his family members were present and escaped unhurt, the sources said.
This is second attack on the residence of a politician in Sopore area as three policemen were killed in a similar attack on the house of Mohammad Abdullah of Democratic Party Nationalist on August 10.

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Gusul khawani performed at Asar-i-Sharief Hazratbal

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 19 (Only Kashmir):- According to a spokesman of J&K Muslim Waqf Board, gusul ceremony of Asar-i-Sharief, Hazratbal was performed before Zuhar prayers as per the agreement made earlier in presence of Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo and Superintendent of Police, Srinagar.
The ceremony was performed amidst darood Khawani in which large number of respectables and people of adjoining areas participated. On this occasion, Vice Chairman, Muslim Waqf Board, Mr. M. Y. Qadri, Secretary of Waqf Board and other waqf officials were present.
The gusul khawni was performed amicably. However, when carpets and furnishing was being laid, some boys came down from the balcony with two playing card leaves in their hands and attempted to create confusion. They also forced people to move out. Obviously, this seems to be a deliberate attempt to deprive people from offering prayers in the Dargah Sharief on one pretext or another pretext.

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Google 'gives' PoK to Pak again!

Mumbai Aug-19 (Only Kashmir): The world’s most popular search engine, Google, seems to have gifted Pakistan occupied Kashmir to Pakistan once again. Google Insights for Search, a tool which shows search volume patterns across specific regions, shows a truncated map of India with PoK missing from it.
"We are looking into the issue and will alert the relevant product group for further action." A spokesperson of Google said.
This isn’t the first time that Google has goofed up when it comes to the map of India. "A few months ago Google Analytics, a statistics tool for websites, showed a similar map of India with PoK marked in Pakistan’s territory," said a product manager of a leading website.
And, in 2005, Google Earth made headlines over its political map of the sub-continent, which had a clearly defined boundary between Pakistan and India with PoK on the Pakistani side of the map.
Pakistan isn’t the only area over which Google’s maps have caused a stir. A year ago, Google’s satellite maps created an uproar across India as they showed parts of Arunachal Pradesh marked in Mandarin instead Hindi or English, which made them appear as if they were part of China.
Google’s maps are a deviation from the ones published by the Survey of India. "There has been no change in the map of India since 1947. If there is any site with a different image of the map of India, and it is brought to our notice, we will take action against them," a Survey of India official said from Dehradun.
"It is wrong of Google to show PoK as part of Pakistan. If Google did not want to show it as part of India, it could have been shown it as a disputed territory. The Pakistani constitution does not recognise PoK as part of Pakistan, while India has 25 assembly seats reserved in the J&K assembly for PoK,’’ says Vijay Bakaya, ex-J&K chief secretary.

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8 year old boy succumbs, toll reaches to 65

Srinagar: An eight-year-old boy, hit by a bullet during clashes between security forces and protesters, died here on Thursday, taking the toll in the Kashmir Valley since June 11, 2010 to 65. Milat Ahmad Dar was injured on Saturday in Harnagh of Anantnag district. He was playing with his friends when a bullet hit him."The boy was not part of any mob. He had come to his mother's ancestral village from Wanpora village in Kulgam district when destiny cut short his life," said a sobbing villager who did not wanted to be named.As news of the boy's death spread in south Kashmir, tension gripped the area. The authorities imposed curfew in Koimoh and Anantnag towns.

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Sonia Gandhi broke her silence over the Kashmir situation

New Delhi, Aug-19 (Only Kashmir): At last Sonia Gandhi broke her silence over the Jammu & Kashmir situation.UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday appealed for peace in the violence of Jammu and Kashmir. Sonia Gandhi made these remarks while addressing a meeting of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) in the national capital where she outlined her party’s stand on various issues ranging from Kashmir to the alleged corruption in Commonwealth Games preparations and Nuclear Liability Bill.Expressing anguish over unrest in the Kashmir Valley, Congress chief underlined the need to reach out to the people of the state, particularly the youth, and said dialogue and mutual understanding were the key to ending the cycle of violence."The anger and pain that is manifesting itself, especially among the young, needs to be addressed. They are our very own and their suffering is ours. Dialogue and mutual understanding were the key to ending the cycle of violence and tragic killings.""I am anguished at what has been happening there. It is a call to our collective conscience, I feel their grief," she said, expressing her condolences to each family that has lost loved ones. She added that Jammu and Kashmir has a "special place" in the country's polity and "indeed in our hearts".Gandhi said a whole generation has grown up "under the shadow of brutality and conflict".Referring to the recent upsurge in violence, she said the security forces have a difficult task to discharge.On the Prime Minister's meeting with the all-party delegation on August 10, she said that the PM has unveiled a blueprint for reconciliation and reconstruction stemming from a sincere and genuine desire to engage the people of the state. “That is and will remain our agenda," she added.Gandhi also consoled the loss of lives and devastation caused by the flash floods in Leh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress chief also wholeheartedly backed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's initiative in this regard.

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Omar Abdullah reviews security, law & order situation

Jammu, August 18- (Only Kashmir): Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah during his one day visit to Jammu today reviewed the security, law and order situation at a high level meeting here attended by the senior officers from Army, BSF, CRPF, J&K Police, CID, IB, SB and Divisional Administration.
The Chief Minister took brief about various aspects of security scenario and law and order situation in the division.

GOC 16 Corps, Lt. Gen. Rameshwar Roy, GOC 26 Infantry Division, Major Gen. J.P.S. Waraich, IG BSF, S. Chatto, IG CRPF, A. S. Sidhu, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwarl, IG Jammu, Ashok Gupta, Deputy Director IB Anurag Kumar, representative of SB, Tilak Debsher, DIG Jammu, Farooq Khan, DIG CID, Jammu and various SSPs were present in the meeting.

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Dukhtaran chief denies her son wants to study abroad

Srinagar Aug- 18 (Only Kashmir): Syeda Asiya Andrabi, the chief of women's separatist group, 'Dukhtaran-e-Milat' (Daughters of Faith) Tuesday dismissed as "malicious propaganda" media reports that her 18-year old son wanted to study abroad.
"It is malicious propaganda against me since enemies of our freedom struggle could say nothing else to malign my person,"

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Omar pardons Jan, orders his release

Srinagar, Aug 17 (Only Kashmir) :- In a goodwill gesture, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today pardoned suspended Head Constable Abdul Ahad Jan and asked the police to withdraw this case against him.
Releasing him on extremely compassionate grounds, Omar called Jan to his residence and gave him a patient hearing after which he directed the police authorities to release him immediately.
Omar said "the Holy month of Ramzan teaches us to be compassionate and to forgive everyone. My steps are in conformity with the teachings of Islam which does not teach hatred but only love and brotherhood."
Ahad Jan when he walked out of the Chief Minister’s private office at his residence was overwhelmed with the Chief Minister’s gesture and was in tears and thanked the Chief Minister.

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GEELANI DISCHARGED FROM SKIMS, ABDUL AHAD SHIFTED TO POLICE HOSPITAL

Srinagar, 16 Aug (Only Kashmir): Syed Ali Shah Shah Geelani, Chairman of his faction of Hurriyat Conference, was discharged from SKIMS, official sources said on Monday.
Geelani was discharged this morning and taken to his Hyderpora. Meanwhile, Abdul Ahad who hurled shoe at the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during Independence Day function on 15th August was shifted from SKIMS to police hospital. Abdul Ahad Jan was admitted in SKIMS last evening 15th August.

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Army Chief calls on Omar Abdullah

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

Srinagar, August 16 (Only Kashmir): Chief of the Army Staff, General V.K. Singh, GOC- in-C, Lt. Gen. B.S. Jaswal and GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen. N.C. Marwah today called on Chief Minster, Omar Abdullah here.
The security situation in the state was discussed in the meeting which lasted for about 40 minutes.

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OMAR ABDULLAH BECAME THE 8TH PERSON TO FACE SHOE PROTEST

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

Srinagar (Only Kashmir): Omar Abdullah Honorable J&K Chief Minister became the 8th person to face shoe protest. He achieved this mark when a suspended policeman hurled a shoe towards him at Bakshi Stadium when the Independence Day function was on. Below is the list of those eight high dignity persons who have faced this Job of Shame.

14 Dec 2008 USA President, George Bush
03 Feb 2009 Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jia Bao
05 Feb 2009 Israeli ambassador to Sweden, Benny Degan
07 Apr 2009 Home Minister, P Chidambaram
26 Apr 2009 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
10 Apr 2009 Congress MP Navin Jindal
08 Aug2010 Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari
15 Aug2010 J&K Chief Minister Omer Abdullah

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Thousands march towards shoe throwers house

Srinagar (Only Kashmir) : Thousands of villagers are marching towards the village of Abdul Ahad Jan, a policeman who tossed a shoe at Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, during August 15 functions at Bakshi Stadium here on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses told that amid pro-freedom and anti-Indian slogans, people are converging from Safapora, Sopore, Sumbal, and many other neighbouring areas of Bandipora towards the Jan Mohalla at Ajas.
They said hundreds of people have already gathered outside Jan’s houses, who are demanding Jan’s immediate release amid pro-freedom slogans.
However, policemen and paramilitary CRPF troopers who were deployed there resorted to baton charge, teargas shelling, aerial firing and fire rubber bullets to disperse the youth, who offered stiff resistance and retaliated with stones triggering clashes that were continuing when this report was filed.
People attacked SP Bandipora Junaid Mehmood when he entered Peer Masjid and tried to ransack loudspeakers in Bandipora, locals said.
Abdul Ahad Jan, son of Dillawar Jan, resident of Ajas district in Bandipora, was immediately whisked away by security forces personnel from the venue, after he threw a shoe at the Chief Minister.

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Strike Calendar 16 August to 25 August

Only Kashmir: The Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani Sunday issued a fresh 10-day-long protest calendar. Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani said that we have given new shape to the previous calendar which was released yesterday for 21-days.According to the calendar, people have been urged to hold sit-in protests on August 16 after Nimaz Fajr to Asar.Hurriyat (G) also called employees to donate hundred rupees towards local Bait-ul-mall Relief Committees and ‘Go India Go Back’ Slogans will be raised on loudspeakers.On August 17, there will be no strike, however, people have been asked to hoist black flags atop their vehicles. However, people have been asked to visit there local hospitals, where several injured persons are being treated to look after them.On August 18, people of Srinagar have been urged to march towards HMT, people of Baramullah towards Sopore and those living in Kupwara towards Trehgam and same with Anantnag, to express the solitary with the bereaved families who have lost their beloved once in the police and paramilitary actions. Hurriyat (G) has asked people to display ‘Go India Go’ slogans on placards and on internet social networking sites.There will be total strike on August 19 while five minutes protest will be observed after every prayer. People have been asked to observe this day for all prisoners, who are in different jails and reach to their families to express solitary.On August 20, there will be no strike after 12:00 noon. The calendar also urged people to wear white dress and asked people to observe peaceful protests after the prayers.On the same day, Hurriyat (G) have urged the residence of Jammu region to hold peaceful protest after the prayers and offer prayers in Jamia’s of their localities likewise; Rajouri residence to offer prayers at Rajouri Jamia Masjid, Poonch to Thana Mandi Masjid, Doda to Jamia Baderwah and Kishtiwar to Jamia Kishtiwar.On August 21, there will complete strike against the “Quit Kashmir Movement”On August 22, relief will be brought to Srinagar with the complete strike, people from all districts and towns have been asked to reach Srinagar along with relief and Hurriyat (G) have appealed to all youths to clean their locality voluntary.According to the calendar, on August 23 sit-in protests will be observed from Fajr prayers to Asar and prayers will be offered on roads.On August 24, not to observe any strike and work normally.The party has ended the new calendar with complete strike call to be observed on August 25 and sit-in protests will be observed from Fajr prayers to Asar and prayers will be offered on roads.

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India is a Foreign Occupying Power in J & K: Hilal War

Srinagar: August 15, 2010 (Only Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir People’s Political Party (PPP) Chairman, Hilal Ahmad War lashed out Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. He said that Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s independence speech amply reflects Indian ideology and thinking and has exposed the Indian tyrannical face and its colonial policy whereby he said that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Mr. Manmohan Singh should ask a 6 year old child of Kashmir that why he is writing on his slate ‘Go India Go’, it is not the violence but a strong sentiment which has its roots in 63 years long history ever since the Indian troops entered Kashmir illegally. Mr.Abdul Ahad Jan, a Sub Inspector of J & K Police who hurled his official shoes on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and chanted Azadi slogans is an eye opener for Indian Prime Minister that their own cops realized that India is a oppressor and an occupying foreign power in Kashmir. We strongly condemn his statement. PPP reiterate that India is a foreign illegal occupying power in Jammu & Kashmir, said Mr. War. The Statement clearly indicates that Prime Minister of India has lost his vision and wisdom whereby he has forgotten pledges on Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Indian Parliament and in United Nation, Security Council. He has also forgotten that it is the India’s illegal occupation and its pledges at UNO which has made India a de-facto party to Kashmir Dispute.
War said the situation demands that India and Pakistan should come forward with fresh mind and approach with a single agenda to resolve Kashmir dispute which is the bone of contention between two nuclear powers. Unresolved Kashmir is the biggest hurdle for the peace, progress and development of this South-Asian Region. He once again reiterated that war is no solution to any problem and the initiation of composite dialogue between India and Pakistan is must to break the ice.
PPP chairman stated that a lingering Kashmir dispute will strengthen armed and unarmed freedom fighters in Kashmir. It will also invite an onslaught of Muslim groups in India. Muslim groups may spill over from Srinagar to the rest of India. Therefore, Indian decision-makers need to earnestly resolve all disputes with Pakistan, including the core issue of Kashmir, because no sane Indian decision- maker could, any longer, keep the future of over a billion Indians' social and economic well-being hostage to the Kashmir conflict. India needs to break free from its narrow foreign policy on Kashmir now. For that to happen, India needs to move beyond its stance that Kashmir is an ``integral part''. The Prime Minister of India, Dr.Manmohan Singh, needs to enact his role of a bold visionary and consider a solution to Kashmir outside the rubric of Indian federalism. Because unresolved Kashmir issue is causing constant potential threat to Nuclear War hovering over the whole subcontinent and can engulf the whole world at any point of time.
God forbid, if war breaks it will engulf whole world and undoubtedly India will be a Big looser. India is well aware of the Pakistan’s missile programme which is more powerful than India. Therefore, if war breaks out between two nuclear powers the Metropolitan cities of India will be wiped out. This war will prove a waterloo for India. Therefore, let’s hope good sense prevails upon Govt. of India and its warmongers so that they understand the dynamics and consequences of this unfortunate war, and will explore other peaceful options to settle all outstanding issues with Pakistan including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr. War said, the one and half billion people of this region have every legitimate right to intervene as they are the real stakeholders of peace and to discourage warmongers of India and impress upon Govt. of India to give diplomacy a full chance to find out ways and means to settle Kashmir Dispute and combat the enemies of peace by exposing them. In order to prevent the South-Asian Region from erupting to the prejudice and detriment of the global peace the long-standing Kashmir dispute urgently need to be solved amicably within the framework of fundamental Human Rights and justice to the concerned struggling people.
Let’s make it clear that in case India does not soften its Kashmir Policy and continues to demonstrate obduracy on one pretext or other, then the situation in J & K State shall uncontrollably flair up and disturb the peace and security in the length and breadth of Indian soil.

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Shoe hurled at Omar Abdullah

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

Srinagar: A suspended Jammu and Kashmir head constable Sunday hurled a shoe at Omar Abdullah during the Independence Day function here but an unfazed chief minister remarked it was better to throw shoes than stones.
Abdullah, who was taking salute from contingents of marching security personnel at the Bakshi Stadium in the heart of Srinagar, did not stir when Abdul Ahad Jan threw the brown shoe from behind. It landed on the grassy ground in Abdullah’s front, without grazing anyone.
Later, in a clear reference to unending stone attacks on security forces in the Kashmir Valley, Abdullah said light-heartedly that it was better to throw shoes instead of stones as this would not hurt anybody.
‘This is a better way of showing protest,’ Abdullah said in Urdu.
But the incident rattled the chief minister’s security personnel, who quickly pounced on Jan and dragged him away. The man, in civilian dress, was arrested and later branded mentally unsound.
‘Abdul Ahad Jan is a suspended head constable belonging to (south Kashmir’s) Kulgam district who already has a criminal case pending against him,’ a police officer said.
Police said Jan was also involved in a case of claiming fake ex-gratia compensation from the government.
But no one explained how a man suspended from the police force could sneak into the highly-secured stadium.
Jan, who had been seated in the VIP enclosure, tried to wave a black flag when he was taken away.
The shoe incident marred the otherwise peaceful Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar and across the state where militants usually tend to target official Indian functions.
However, a separatist-called shutdown again paralyzed life across the Muslim-majority valley, hub of a separatist campaign that has left thousands dead since 1989.
Authorities had initially described the shoe attacker as an assistant sub-inspector of police.
The main parade continued despite the flutter in the VIP gallery.

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On his first wedding anniversary, people observe Nazir’s Chaharum!

Little did Fata Begum, 65, the most ill-fated mother, know that the date of her son’s Nazir’s wedding last would turn out to be his ‘Chaharum’ (fourth day of mourning) a year later! But this is how it turned out for poor Nazir Ahmed Mir, a baker killed in CRPF’s firing on Friday evening at Pattan, just outside his bakery shop.It was on August 03 last year that Mir got married. But just a year later on the same day, the house that rented with wedding songs and festivities was echoing with wails and shrieks. This time the same friends and relatives once again turned up on the same date but not to celebrate his wedding anniversary but mourn his death ?it was his ‘Chaharum’.No wonder that Nazir’s battered mother was again singing for her son the way she did a year back, but the content of her songs has changed like her fate; and it will remain so for in him the family has lost all it had!Fata can’t believe that her son is dead. “My son Naza (that’s how she called him) is in Pattan on his bakery shop,” she says and then wails loud to call him home.“Wala Maharaza, Mouj Ha Che Gamech Chetta (Come O my ‘bridegroom’, your mother has lost her light…,” cries Fata Begum as even the tears somehow refuse to come out of her old eyes to roll on her wrinkled face.According to the relatives, this poor mother had toiled real hard to bring her son up. Being in abject poverty, she would go begging at times and also worked as domestic help in people’s homes to take care of his son, the only asset she had.It’s been only for past few years that Nazir had taken to work in the bakery to and earn for his poverty-stricken family.Besides his mother’s, Nazir’s death has left behind another sordid tale ? that of his young widow Rukhsana, and their just 22-days-old son, who had just been named Amaan.With no one around to fend for him, the little Amaan couldn’t have got a better name. In Arabic language ‘Amaan’ means ‘protection’, and this is what he has lost in the very first month of his birth ? his father and all the care and protection it brings!

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Gloomy Situation Calls for Administrative Changes

In an important development it is learnt that the Centre recently has suggested to the J&K Chief Minister to change the state police chief and the Chief Secretary.
While the state government has the option of appointing any of the two senior IAS officers — Satinder Singh Sahni of the 1974 batch or Samuel Verghese of the 1976 batch — to replace current Chief Secretary Sham Singh Kapur, it has no such option as far as finding a replacement for DGP Kuldeep Khoda goes.
Khoda, who is under fire for failing to effectively control the stone-pelting mobs, is a 1974 batch officer. One officer, who could have easily replaced him is Khoda’s batchmate P S Gill, who, while he was in J&K, handled many assignments. However, since July last year, Gill is posted as Punjab DGP.
With Gill’s return unlikely, the Omar Abdullah government and the central government both face the difficult task of finding a suitable officer with adequate experience in counter-terrorism and law and order to appoint him to the post.
Pertinently, since 2008 summer till now ,200 kashmiris,mostly young teenagers have been shot dead in order to prevent protests.Most of the martyrs have been hit on head,chest and other sensitive areas,which also calls for revamping the administrative machinery.

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Freelance journalist beaten up by CRPF and J&K Police

Senior Journalist associated with Kashmir Media Watch & other News agencies, Rameez Makhdomi was beaten up ruthlessly by CRPF & J & K Police at his residence located at Buchpora Illahi Bagh. The Press fraternity has condemned this act and termed it attack on the freedom of Press. He appealed all those persons, parties and scribes who believe in freedom of Press should oppose this action and stand with victim journalist.
Eye witness said that CRPF use their power without any rule and regulation and starting beating Rameez Makhdomi after they know that victim is associated with Press.
Meanwhile journalist suffered injuries in left arm while he was brutally beaten up by the CRPF and J&K Police.
Several other localities of Srinagar including Rajouri Kadal, Nowhatta, Mahraj Gunj, Maisuma, Lal Chowk and all most Main Stops of Districts have reported these types of events in the ongoing unrest.

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SHABIR WENT TO FETCH MILK FOR HIS DAUGHTER, RETURNED DEAD

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat

(Courtesy: Daily Greater Kashmir published from Srinagar, Kashmir)

Srinagar, Aug 5: One more Kashmiri family lost its bread winner on Thursday। Shabir Ahmed Malik, 26, of Newa Pulwama a Sumo driver, who was looking for milk to feed his 3-year old daughter, was shot dead allegedly by policemen near Degree College Pulwama in south Kashmir this afternoon.
Shabir’s elder brother, Mushtaq Ahmed had died of a heart attack last year following which the responsibility of the entire family had fallen on his shoulders.
Shabir is survived by his 3-year old daughter Anusha, wife Kulsum and his parents and the family of his late brother, while his elder brother, Ghulam Muhammad lives separately. Shabir’s father Abdul Aziz Malik had sold a few kanals of land last year and brought a Tata Sumo for his son.
He was a shy and a disciplined guy, said the locals. “He was working day in and day out to feed his family,” they added.
Shabir, according to eyewitnesses, was standing on roadside when a peaceful procession passed by. The CRPF deployed in the town allowed the procession to move. “But, Police fired upon the procession from behind. A bullet hit Shabir on his neck and chest,” they said.
“My brother was the lone bread earner of the family. My mother is bed-ridden from the past two years. O Allah! Help us,” Shabir’s wailing brother Ghulam Muhammad screamed.
Back home gazing restlessly at every mourner at her house at Newa, Sitara Begum could not believe that her son had been killed. “He cannot die and leave us alone - please see if he is alive,” she said and rushed outside the house.
Some women tried to console her but in a vain. “She is in a deep shock. Let her cry and understand that her son is no more,” some relatives suggested.
As the word about Malik’s killing spread hundreds of people reached Newa to express solidarity with the bereaved family. “I was eager to see you back home with milk for Anusha but saw your coffin,” screamed his wife, Kulsum and fainted.
“Without any provocation police fired on peaceful protesters and killed Shabir and injured several others,” shouted Aijaz Ahmad (name changed), a local youth. “Now, who will take care of his poor family,” he said.

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