Friday, April 29, 2011

BE AWARE OF CONSPIRACIES: MIRWAIZ TO KASHMIRIES

Srinagar April 29 (Only Kashmir): The moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said rescinding the orders on Dogra certificate has exposed how mainstream politicians are using legislative Assembly to "devise strategies" against the majority population in the state.
"This (rescinding) is what we wanted. By issuing such orders, the Jammu and Kashmir government wants to divide and sub-divide the state," Mirwaiz said.
He said there is a need to remain vigilant against such orders in the future.
Mirwaiz has urged the people to remain cautious about the conspiracies being hatched to divide them by passing controversial orders like Dogra certificate.
"In future, people will have to keep an eye on all these laws and bills because it seems that the mainstream political parties are using Assembly as a platform to devise strategies against the majority population in Jammu and Kashmir," he said

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23 PERSONS DETAINED UNDER ANTI-NARCOTICS ACT IN KASHMIR

Srinagar April 29 (Only Kashmir): Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon booked 10 persons today while 13 persons were booked earlier under Section (3) of Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 and sent them to Central Jail, Srinagar, for a period of one year.
The accused are Irshad Ahmed Beigh /o Abdul Rehman Beigh R/o Beighpora Awantipora, Ghulam Mohammed Sofi @Muma S/o Rahim Sofi R/o Sofi Mohalla Carligund Awantipora, Ghulam Nabi Wani @Naba S/o Mohammed Abdullah Wani R/o Beighpora Awantipora, Sheeraz Ahmed Lone @Shera S/o Ghulam Mohmmed Lone R/o Lone Mohalla Charligund, Awantipora, Bilal Ahmed Sofi @Bala S/o Gh Mohammed Sofi R/o Hariparigam, Awantipora, Bilal Ahmed Ganai S/o Gh Rasool Ganai R/o Hariparigam, Awantipora, Safdar Ahmed Najr S/o Gh Qadir Najar R/o Hariparigam Awantipora, Sahbir Ahmed Bhat S/o Mohd Sultan Bhat R/o Chursu Kuthupora, Awantipora, Gh Mohammed Makroo S/o Abdul Aziz Makroo R/o Arwani Bijbehara, Mehraj Ahmed Bhat @Mehraj-ud-din S/o Abdul Rehman R/o Reshipora, Awantipora.
Thirteen persons arrested earlier under PSA namely are: Wali Mohammed Bhat S/o Abdul Majeed Bhat R/o Reshipora, Awantipore (Pulwama), Ghulam Mohammed Bhat S/o Late Abdul Ganai Bhat R/o Reshipora Ullar Tehsil Awantipore, Shabir Ahmed Parray S/o Mohammed Kamal Parray R/o Charsoo, Katipora Awantipore, Mukhtar Ahmed Bhat S/o Ghulam Rasool Bhat R/o Kunjipora, Pulwama, Gulzar Ahmed Parray S/o Mohammed Amin Parray, Sajad Ahmed Parray S/o Ghulam Mohammed Parray, Manzoor Ahmed Parray S/o Mohammed Hatam Parray, Nisar Ahmed Bhat S/o Abdul Rashid Bhat and Abdul Hamid Parray @ Nikka S/o Ghulam Mohammed Parray all residents of Chursoo, Katpora Awantipore (District Pulwama), Wali Mohammed Bhat S/o Abdul Majeed Bhat R/o Reshipora, Awantipora (Pulwama), Ghulam Mohammed Bhat S/o Late Abdul Ganai Bhat R/o Reshipora Ullar Tehsil Awantipora, Shabir Ahmed Parray S/o Mohammed Kamal Parray R/o Charsoo, Katipora Awantipora and Mukhtar Ahmed Bhat S/o Ghulam Rasool Bhat R/o Kunjipora, Pulwama.
All the 23 accused were involved in Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and evidence was produced against them by Superintendent of Police Awantipore. Under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 the Central and State Governments are empowered to make orders of detention with respect to any person, including a foreigner, if they are of the opinion that it is necessary so to do, with a view to preventing them from committing illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, which includes cultivation of opium poppy or any cannabis plant, or engaging in the production, manufacture, possession, etc., of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substance. Under the Act, drug traffickers can be detained for a period of one to two years, so as to prevent them from indulging in such illegal activities.

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Thursday, April 28, 2011

GOVERNMENT REVOKES DOGRA CERTIFICATE ORDER

Srinagar, Apr 28 (Only Kashmir): Acting on the Centre''s directive to extend the relaxation for recruitment in paramilitary forces to all permanent residents of the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government today revoked the controversial order on issuance of the Dogra certificate.
"In view of the amendment circulated by the MHA,relaxation in physical standards of height and chest measurement has been extended to all the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir," an order passed by the state''s revenues department said, adding, certain portions of the earlier order stood superseded.
In its January order, the MHA had announced relaxation for residents from Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh regions under the geographical criteria while extending the same relaxation for the Dogra people under the ethnic tribe community.
Taking a cue from this order, state revenue minister Raman Bhalla had directed the Tehsildars and Deputy Commissioners of Jammu to issue the Dogra certificates, a move which prompted angry reaction from separatists and some political parties alleging this was a clear attempt to divide the state on communal lines.
However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had asked the Centre to amend its order and extend the relaxation to the people from Jammu and Kashmir rather than putting them under different categories of geographical terrains and ethnic categories.Hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani had said, "The Dogra certificate order has to be revoked. The Permanent Resident Certificate issued to people of Jammu and Kashmir should be enough for extending any concessions in recruitment."
He claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was not any other state like Nagaland, Himachal or Arunachal Pradesh as mentioned on the website of the Home Ministry.
"This is a disputed territory but India has been making attempts from time to time to bring it at par with its other states," Geelani had alleged.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

GHULAM NABI KHAYAL BAGS BEST BOOK AWARD FOR 2010

Srinagar April 27 (Only Kashmir): The J&K Cultural Academy of Art Culture and Languages today announced the State’s highest literary award known as best book award.
Every year, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in his capacity as Aacademy president presents these awards for excellence in literature to the authors of the best rated books in the constitutionally recognized languages of the state.
The winners of this highest literary award get a cash prize of Rs 51,000/, a shawl and a memento. Ghulam Nabi Khayal bags this award for his English book Leaves of Chinar. The Editor Only Kashmir Bilal Bashir Bhat expresses heartiest congratulations to Ghulam Nabi Khayal for the honour bestowed by Author of the book and his creation (Leaves of Chinar). There is no doubt that you have meticulously crafted a text book that is apt for Kashmiri culture and History, This book richly deserves this award.

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

J&K HIGH COURT SEEKS REASONS FOR DENIAL OF PASSPORT TO JOURNALIST IJAZ WAR

Srinagar, Apr 25 (Only Kashmir) : Jammu and Kashmir High Court has sought to know in three weeks reasons for denial of passport to city resident Ajaz Ahmad War.
In an order yesterday, Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir directed the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) section of the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and also the state police to communicate within two weeks reasons for not recommending the case of War for issue of passport to the Regional Passport Office (RPO).
He also directed the RPO to report compliance within one week after receipt of the recommendation made by the CID(CIK section).
Justice Mir passed the order on a petition by War who claimed that he had been denied passport though he was not involved in any anti-national or anti-social activities.
Counsel for Union Home Secretary and passport officer said War cannot be issued the international travel document unless and untill the state government, CID-CIK and police made the recommendation after varifying the character antecedents of the petitioner.
The state and its concerned agencies have only recommended withholding issue of passport to War without communicating reasons to the passport officer.
CID-CIK, in a written submission, however, requested the court to dismiss War's petition for misrepresenting facts. The state police agency said petitioner's brother Jamail Ahmad War is a released militant of banned Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), and had been inclined towards and had nexus with subversive elements.
CID-CIK further contended that Hilal Ahmad War, another brother of the petitioner, is chairman of Human Watch and a sympathizer and supporter of anti-national elements.
It said it was in view of deep involvement of brothers of the petitioner in militant activities, War's passport case was sent as "Not Recommended" on May 28, 2008.
The CID-CIK further said there have been instances and intelligence inputs that indicates that ISI agents and various groups of terrorists, including in Pakistan, approach such people with militancy-background and motivate them to work against the country.

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Monday, April 25, 2011

TWO POLICEMEN GUNNED DOWN IN NOWGAM SRINAGAR

Srinagar, Apr 25 (Only Kashmir): Two policemen were shot dead by militants tonight near a police station at Nowgam area here.
The heavily-armed militants opened indiscriminate firing on a police party returning to Nowgam police station around 10 pm, police officials said.
Head constable Abdul Khaliq and constable Farooq Ahmad were critically injured in the attack. They were shifted to a nearby hospital but were declared brought dead by doctors, they said.
The militants escaped from the scene in the cover of darkness. Security forces have cordoned off the area.
No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

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Sunday, April 24, 2011

MUZAFFAR SHAH FOLLOWS ANNA HAZARE TO DEAL WITH CORRUPTION

Srinagar, Apr 24 (Only Kashmir): Following the footsteps of Gandhian Anna Hazare, Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference leader Muzaffar Ahmed Shah on Sunday came down heavily upon the state government for ‘practicing corruption’.
He said that corruption, instead of being confronted with courage by those in power, has been given a license, a long handle, as the men in power have their finger in the pie.
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, senior vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference said that it is 'really sorry' to state that Jammu and Kashmir in the whole country is regarded as the most corrupt state.
"People in power as well as bureaucrats are all indulging in malpractices. They are all corrupt. Corruption is rampant in all government departments," Shah said.
"Former chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Haseeb Drabu was removed because he refused to sign cheques worth 12 crore rupees
and I know for which this money was to be used," Shah claimed.
He demanded that disclosure of property details by state officials be made mandatory before they are promoted and the information be put in the public domain, as done for central government officials in the country.
He said that corruption and corrupt practices need to be confronted by a vibrant civil society like the one seen with Anna Hazare in the lead.
"The Jammu and Kashmir needs to be armed with Lokayuktha. We suggest that the members from civil society in Lokayuktha committee be included to make it transparent and vibrant in the interest of the state," Shah said.
He said that mismanagement of funds in the central sponsored schemes, rampant corruption practices in the employment sector and in the transfer of postings have created a fuss in the state and people no longer support the present state government.
He said that his party has taken an initiative and it will make people aware about the implications of rampant corruption in the state.

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FIRST WORLD ISLAMIC CONFERECE HELD IN SRINAGAR

Justify FullReligious Scholars from within, outside country participated
Srinagar, April 24 (Only Kashmir): A grand Dawat-ul-Sunnah International Islamic Conference, first of its kind in the state, was held here at Srinagar today. The conference was organized by Tehreek Karwaan Islami in which about one lakh devotees from all parts of the Kashmir reached Srinagar to attend this grand Islamic Conference.
The conference was attended by not only the Ulema’s of J&K State and country but also from various parts of the world. The conference commenced with Quraan Khawaani and Naat Khawaani. Later the religious scholars delivered their conscience inspiring and thought provoking speeches with regard to Islam, Faith and Teachings of Prophet Mohammad (SAW).
These religious scholars in their speeches said that the Islamic teachings are very much relevant in this modern and scientific age also. They also highlighted the teachings of Prophet and appealed the people to follow the teachings of Prophet in letter and spirit, which is the only solution for the human sufferings. They said that “Aulia Kirams” have always shown the path of truth, brotherhood and tolerance, that is why these Aulias travelled thousands of kilometers to reach the people and apprise them about the teachings of Islam and Prophet Mohammad (SAW). The Ulemas said these Aulias sacrificed everything to achieve this goal.
The ambassador of Tajkistan in India Mr. Syed Ahmad Beigh Sayeedi on the occasion said that such conferences prove helpful in spreading the message of Aulia Kirams in real sense. He said Tajkistan is in near future organizing a conference on Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) and said that the shrines of Mir Syed Ali Hamdani and other Aulia Kirams have been renovated and maintained in a befitting manner. He invited the people to visit these shrines in Khatlan.
The Ulemas who spoke on the occasion include Moulana Javid Rabani, Moulana Wali Mohd Rizvi, Moulana Fazal Haq Qadri, Al-Shiekh Shah Al Hamid Shafaee, Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi, Syed Nadeem Kirmani, Syed Basharat Hussian Rizvi, Qazi Abdul Quyoom, Moulana Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, Ghulam Kibriya Chasti, Moulana Ghulam Rasool Haami, Moulana Taj Mohammad Azhari, Moulana Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Naqeeb, Moulana Riyaz-ul-Haq, Syed Ahmad Biegh Sayeedi (Ambassador) and Moulana Abdul Gafoor Ibrahimi (Saudi Arabia)

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DOGRA CERTIFICATE ISSUE RESOLVED, GEELANI'S PROTEST PLANS GET SETBACK

Srinagar, Apr 24 (Only Kashmir): Efforts by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to resolve the controversy surrounding the Dogra certificates appear to have put a dampener on the plans of hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to launch protests during the coming summer.
Omar visited Delhi earlier this week and met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Congress President Sonia Gandhi to end the uncertainty in Kashmir as Geelani had threatened to launch protests against the state government''s decision to issue Dogra certificates to members of the community.
"The Chief Minister impressed upon the Central leadership the need to modify the order which provides relaxation to certain communities including Dogras in rules for recruitment to paramilitary forces," highly placed government sources said.
The Dogra certificate issue, which was being used by some elements in the state to vitiate the atmosphere, ended Friday with the Union Home Ministry amending its earlier order and announcing relaxation to all permanent residents of the state.
According to the earlier notification of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), residents of Kashmir, Ladakh and members of the Dogra community were eligible for relaxation in minimum standards of height and chest width required for recruitment in paramilitary forces.
Omar argued with the Central leaders that while Kashmir and Ladakh were described as geographical regions, the people of Jammu were granted the same relaxation but identified as a community, which was creating confusion in certain quarters, the sources said.
They said the Chief Minister expressed apprehensions that some separatist groups might take advantage of the confusion to create trouble in the Valley, which has suffered immense losses over the past three summers due to turmoil.

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Friday, April 22, 2011

PEOPLE ANGUISHED AT MOULANA SHOWKAT'S MURDER: MIRWAIZ

The slogans of 'Katilon Ko Nanga Karo' from the stage of the Mirwaiz which were echoed by people in the congregation.
Srinagar, April 22 (Only Kashmir): Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group, Friday accepted that the people in Kashmir Valley had been anguished at the murder of senior cleric Maulana Showkat Ahmad Shah in an explosion outside a mosque here April 8.
Addressing a Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Mosque in old city Srinagar, Mirwaiz said: 'People and parties are depressed in the wake of this murder. It is a travesty of justice that those who kill leaders next day issue statements mourning their death.'
Mirwaiz also said the separatist political leadership was being targeted in a well planned conspiracy to defeat the 'genuine and justified freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people'.
'India could not suppress the voice of the Kashmiri people during the last 20 years and today this voice is being heard throughout the world.
'Whatever the strategies of the occupying forces, no power can defeat the genuine freedom struggle of the people in Kashmir who have made tremendous sacrifices for this cause,' the Mirwaiz said.
There were slogans of 'Katilon Ko Nanga Karo' (unveil the murderers) from the stage of the Mirwaiz which were echoed by people in the congregation.
Commenting on the police claims that the assassins of Maulana Showkat had been arrested and the murder plot unearthed, the Mirwaiz said: 'We neither accept nor reject the police report.
'We will wait for the final report from the government and then analyze it. At our level, we are also trying to probe the murder.'

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Thursday, April 21, 2011

MOULANA ABAAS UNFAZED AFTER SUSPENSION, WANTS PM OF INDIA IN TALKS

Srinagar, Apr 21 (Only Kashmir): Unfazed by suspension from Hurriyat,its former chairman Maulana Abbas Ansari today showed no signs of regret over meeting Centre's interlocutors saying he was ready to interact with the panel again but demanded that Prime Minister be part of the talks on Kashmir issue.
Ansari, whose Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen was suspended from moderate Hurriyat Conference for meeting Centre's interlocutors yesterday, said, "My doors are open for anyone but I make it clear that dialogue on Kashmir issue has to be with Prime Minister of India and not with any employee of the government."
He was asked whether he was willing to meet the interlocutors led by Dilip Padgaonkar again.
Ansari said, "I told them (interlocutors) that the invitation should be addressed to the Hurriyat Conference and not me.

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MIRWAIZ SUSPENDS MOULANA ABAAS ANSARI FOR MEETING INTERLUCATORS

Srinagar April 21 (Only Kashmir): The moderate Hurriyat group led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq suspended its senior leader Molvi Abbas Ansari from the separatist conglomerate taking strong exception to his meeting the three central government-appointed interlocutors here Wednesday.
A press release issued here by the Mirwaiz Hurriyat group Wednesday evening said Molvi Abbas Ansari violated party discipline by meeting the interlocutors as was disclosed by them at a media conference.
The press release said Ansari's meeting was a clear violation of the collective decision taken by the moderate Hurriyat that none of its leaders would meet the central interlocutors.
The statement said the group's chairman, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, had suspended Ansari from the conglomerate and asked him to explain his conduct at the next meeting of the Hurriyat executive.
Ansari has also issued a statement here saying that he was surprised when the three interlocutors -- senior journalist Dileep Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and senior bureaucrat M.M. Ansari -- arrived at his residence Wednesday morning
without prior intimation.
"In line with the traditional Kashmiri hospitality, I served tea to the three interlocutors. They stayed with me for barely twenty minutes during which I explained to them that I could not engage in any dialogue or discussion with them as it had been decided by our group that none of our leaders would interact with the interlocutors," Ansari said in his defence.
Ansari represents the Shia Ittehadul Muslimeen group in the moderate Hurriyat led by the Mirwaiz and has also been the Hurriyat chairman in the past.
At a press conference called by the three interlocuters earlier Wednesday, Padgaonkar said they had "an hour-long discussion with Ansari during which he said he favoured talks with the government of India" to arrive at peaceful settlement in Jammu and Kashmir.
"He stressed that such a dialogue must be held at the appropriate forum and India must take confidence building measures based on the four points already put forward by the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat group," Padgonkar added.
The Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat group had put forth four points to create a congenial atmosphere in Kashmir. These include release of political prisoners and youth, revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and gradual demilitarisation.
Padgaonkar said the deliberations at the two-day-long round table deliberations held here focused mainly on devolution of powers to the state government, restoration of the pre-1953 status, and the significance of maintaining the regional unity of the state comprising its three regions of Jammu, Ladakh and the Valley.
"There was a consensus among those who spoke at the round table that J&K must become a free economic zone, allowing opening of all road links between its parts divided between India and Pakistan, the necessity for continued people-to-people contact and reducing the footprints of the security forces whose presence gave one to believe India was represented in Kashmir by just the security forces," he said.
The interlocutors also said that Jammu and Kashmir needed to be compensated for its water resources, whose use had been limited because of the signing of the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.
Radha Kumar said the interlocutors had met around 450 delegations during the course of their visits to the three regions of the state.

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

MOULANA SHOWKAT'S KILLING: JAMIAT FORMS 10-MEMBER PROBE COMMITTEE

Srinagar April 19 (Only Kashmir): Jamiat Ahli-Hadees Monday announced the formation of a ten-member committee to probe the killing of its president Maulana Showkat Ahmad Shah.
After a meeting with leaders of social, religious and pro-freedom groups at the Jamiat's Barbarshah headquarters, acting Jamiat president, Ghulam Rasool Malik, told reporters that besides himself the committee will have chairmen of parallel Hurriyat factions, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman, Yasin Malik, Aga Syed Hassan Ali Mousavi, Moulana Abbas Ansari , Sheikh Mohammad Hassan, Moulana Showket Hussain Keng, Abdul Rehman Bhatt, and Dr Yusuf as its members.
"After hectic deliberations today, it was decided that the ten-member committee will look at all the aspects of the Maulana's assassination and utilize all resources to expose the killers. The committee will also seek the co-operation of United Jehad Council during the course of its
investigation," Malik, who will head the probe committee, said.
Regarding the police claim, Malik said that the party is not rejecting it. "To be satisfied, we will probe the killing and will try to identify the culprit."

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Monday, April 18, 2011

KASHMIR PANDIT SANGARSH (KPSS) SLAMS SYED ALI GEELANI

Srinagar, Apr 18 (Only Kashmir): The Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) today alleged that visit of chairman of breakaway Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani to migrant Pandits in south Kashmir was a ''cheap political move'' to please Centre and state governments.
In a statement here, KPSS president Sanjay Kumar Tickoo said that visit of Mr Geelani to Kashmiri pandits, who returned in south Kashmir, at Vesu in south Kashmir district of Kulgam yesterday, was a cheap political move.
He said the hardline Hurriyat chairman assured full protection to migrants who returned here after about two decades but did not say anything about those non migrant Pandits, who remained in Valley despite all odds.
The migrants returned to cash the benefit of Prime Minister's package, he said adding but those who stayed back in Kashmir were always ignored by the government and political leadership.
Mr Tickoo said Mr Geelani did not utter a word about a non migrant boy, who is missing since April 4,2011.
It seems that the Chairman Teheek-e-Hurriyat Geelani does not require the persons who lived in Kashmir during the most troubled period, he said adding Geelani has turned his back towards those Kashmiri pandits who refused to leave their homeland and stayed with their Muslim brethern.
He said Mr Geelani favours return of Kashmiri Pandits to Valley but ignores those who stayed with him.
The visit of Mr Geelani to migrant Pandits was more politically motivated than a humanitarian touch.
He said Mr Geelani's ' Return of Kashmiri Pandit Campaign'' should have been started from Sheikhpora, Budgam as it houses the Kashmiri Pandits who lived in Valley.
About Mr Geelani's assurance to Kashmiri Pandits that they will be protected, Mr Tickoo said it was a political statement as there was no trace of missing youth in Anantnag.
After the gap of 22 years, Geelani visited the migrants camps just to please the Delhi and State Government, he said adding it was a move to build faith among those who do not believe in him and his political ideology.
He said Mr Geelani should also assure 651 families of protection and other help, who did not migrate and stayed in Kashmir when others left for different parts of the country.
He also demanded that those responsible for damaging temples and killing of Pandits be brought to book.

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Sunday, April 17, 2011

CELLPHONES RECOVERED FROM CENTRAL JAIL

Srinagar, April 17 (Only Kashmir) : At least seven mobile phones and 15 SIM cards were recovered from Srinagar's Central Jail Sunday, a day after police claimed that a former militant lodged in the tightly-secured prison had hatched the murder conspiracy of moderate Muslim leader Maulana Showkat Shah.
Informed sources said some detainees in the jail, which houses many convicted militants, were being questioned after police made the recoveries during searches in various barracks.
The sources said that a special police team was accompanied by a magistrate to conduct searches in the jail. The team was led by Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) S.M. Sahai.
Police Saturday said they have arrested three people for the murder of Shah as the conspiracy to kill him was hatched in the jail.
The cleric was killed in a bomb blast as he was entering a mosque here April 8.
Sahai said the three arrested and a militant leader in Pakistan had discussed the broad contours of the plan with Ashiq Hussain
Faktoo alias Qasim, husband of Asiya Andrabi - head of radical women's outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat. Faktoo is currently lodged in central jail and the plan was discussed during a visit paid by one of the arrested.
The maulana was the cleric of the Jamiat-e-Ahlihadith - a highly puritanical group of Muslims closer to the Wahabi school of thought in Saudi Arabia, which has gained a large following in the Kashmir Valley in recent years.
He had fiercely opposed last year's stone throwing youngsters during the summer riots in the Kashmir Valley, which led the radicals to dub him as an "Indian agent".

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KNOWN FOR QUOTING QURANIC VERSES, TODAY GEELANI QUOTES MAHABHARATA

By: Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar April 17 (Only Kashmir): Quoting from the epic Mahabharata, hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Sunday sought to reach out to the Kashmiri Pandit families who returned to the Valley after two decades, assuring them that they would be safe. 81-year-old Geelani drove to the transit camp located 70 km, addressed nearly 100 Kashmiri Pandit members who had returned recently after the state government's appeal to the people who fled the Valley in the wake of the outbreak of militancy in 1980s to come back.
While welcoming them, Geelani asked them to move to their ancestral homes and not live in isolated places. He assured them that they would be safe as the fight of the separatists was not against them.
Taking out a leaf from the Mahabharata, Geelani narrated the famous conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna when Pandavas were taking on the Kauravas.
"When Arjuna faltered in the fight against Kauravas, Maharaj Krishna told him that it was a battle based on principles. You have to fight even own brothers for principles," Geelani said while claiming that his struggle was based on principles.
"I welcome you on behalf of the majority community. You are being called migrants, but you are not migrants. You are our brothers, you are a part of this society, you are a part of our body," Geelani said.
Geelani also quoted Quranic verses about humanity and brotherhood.
"Our fight with them (Centre) is based on principles and we will not negotiate on our principles," he said.
Later, members of the Pandit community spoke to Geelani about issues ranging from proper accommodation, salaries to ration.
The Hurriyat leader later visited another Kashmiri Pandit transit camp at Mattan in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
At the camp, while talking to members of the minority community, Geelani asked them to return to their ancestral homes.
"Our stand is that you should not have been put in these separate zones but you should return to your homes where you lived 20 years ago. You should live with your neighbours," he said.
Maharaj Kishan Kaul, who lived in Dal-Seer village in Anantang district before migrating to Jammu in 1990 and is now living in the camp in Mattan, said Geelani's visit is an "important step" for them.
"For a month, I wanted to go to my village but I felt insecure. We were waiting for Geelani's call," he said.
At the Vessu camp, Rohit Singh Jamwal, who was two years old when his family migrated from their ancestral village in Kulgam, said it felt good to be here.
"But we feel insecure.... insecure to move out in the market because you never know. What we want is the support of the majority community and Geelani's visit is a bit of relief," Jamwal, a teacher and an IAS aspirant, said.
As Geelani left the camp in Mattan, he was followed by a large cavalcade of police vehicles, including senior police officials, who were monitoring his movement.
The Hurriyat leader later went to the houses of the four youth who were killed during protests last year.

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INDIA NOT KEEN IN RESOLVING KASHMIR ISSUE

Srinagar, Apr 17 (Only Kashmir): Moderate Hurriyat Conference chief Dr. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today alleged that the India is not keen to resolve Kashmir issue and wants to maintain status quo.
"Kashmir needs to be resolved through tripartite talks among India, Pakistan and Kashmiris. But unfortunately, New Delhi wants to maintain its policy of status quo," Mirwaiz said addressing a meeting of his Awami Action committee (AAC) here.
The separatist leader criticised BJP's stand on Kashmir issue that the solution should be concurrent with Indian constitution.
He also accused that FIRs and Public Safety Act are being misused by the authorities.

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Saturday, April 16, 2011

SOUT-UL-HAQ BEHIND MOLVI SHOWKAT'S MURDER: POLICE

Srinagar, April 16 (Only Kashmir): Within eight days, police succeeded in cracking the assassination case of Moulana Showkat Ahmad Shah.
Three persons have been arrested in this connection. This was stated by IGP Kashmir Mr SM Sahai in a press briefing at Srinagar today.
Giving details of the case IGP stated that on 08.04.2011, Moulana Showkat Ahmad Shah, President Jamiet Ahl-e-Hadith was killed in an IED Blast near Masjid Ahl-e-Hadith at Maisuma Srinagar. Immediately, investigation was set into motion, during which the criminal conspiracy behind the killing has been unearthed. Members of a radical religio-political out fit namely Sout-ul-Haq and some other radical elements have been found behind the conspiracy. Moulana Showkat was perceived as one against sectarianism and helping to defuse sectarian clashes. His work in education field, especially trying to get a university from the government was perceived by them as a compromise with the government when they failed to dislodge him through elections, conspiracy was hatched to eliminate him. Also his proximity with certain separatist leaders was not liked by them.
He said that, one Abdul Ghani Dar @ Abdullah Gazalli and Ashiq Hussain Fakhtoo @ Dar Qasim who is presently lodged in central Jail Srinagar discussed the broad contours of the plan during a visit by Gazalli to Dr Qasim. However, the actual execution of the plan was left to one Javaid Ahmmad Munshi @ Bill Papa resident of Chanapora Srinagar who sought help from
Lashkar Commander Abdullah Uni. He received some material from Abdullah Uni and arranged some of it locally. Various parts of execution were done by various other members. However, the actual triggering of the IED was entrusted to one Nissar Ahmmad Khan @ Ishaq R/O Chanapora. Abdul Gani Dar@ Abdullah Gazalli, Javed @ Bill Papa and Nissar Ahmmad Khan have already been arrested.

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Friday, April 15, 2011

LET GOOD NEWS BE REPORTERS SCOOP: OMAR ABDULLAH


Srinagar April 15 (Only Kashmir): Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Friday highlighted the role of media in the metamorphosis of the society adding that responsible press has always been instrumental to nurture value based social order.
Addressing the workshop of Federation of Press Trust of India (PTI) at SKICC here, the Chief Minister said that the reach of media to the general public has increased manifold during recent years.
Omar said the news circulation through print and electronic media casts larger impact on the people’s mindset and present day world is influenced to a greater extend by the reports about global happenings carried by press.
The Chief Minister observed that the press reports about negative aspects get major coverage in the media encouraging the reporters to flash negative stories. “There are so many good news which could equally hit the headlines and form box items on the front pages”, he said and stressed on full coverage to the positivity prevailing in the society.
Underlining the role of vernacular newspapers in socio-economic and political development of particular areas, the Chief Minister asked the PTI to pay due attention towards this aspect and introduce news circulation in local languages. He said this would help in a big way to provide broader news spectrum to the readers.

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BJP TO TAKE UP MAULANA SHOWKAT'S KILLING WITH MANMOHAN SINGH

Srinagar April 15 (Only Kashmir): Wanting a probe into the killing of Molvi Showkat Ahmad Shah, a team of Bharatiya Janata Party leaders on Thursday said they would be raising the issue with Prime Minister.
The party’s five-member fact-finding team on a visit to Kashmir headed by former party president Rajnath Singh visited the family of the slain leader at Lalbazar in Srinagar.
This is the first time in the recent years that BJP has visited the family of any assassinated Kashmiri leader with separatist leanings.
“The way Molvi Sahab was brutally killed; I want to assure that we will not only raise the issue with Home Minister but also with Prime Minister. The killing should be probed,” Rajnath Singh told the family.
Shah, a prominent religious leader and head of Jamaiet-Ahli-Hadees, was killed in a blast on April 08 when he was entering a mosque for Friday prayers. Shah was also a close aide of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Yasin Malik.
The BJP team including Ravi Shankar Prasad and Shahnawaz Hussain praised the contribution of Shah in education and health sector.
“He was a good man with good intentions. He wanted peace in Kashmir,” Singh said.
The team earlier also visited the Kashmir most revered Shrine- the Dargah Hazratbal on the banks of Dal lake in city outskirts.
The BJP leaders also paid respects at the Chati Padshahi Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in the old city's Rainawari area.

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

LASHKAR BLAMS SHIV SENA FOR MOULANA SHOWKAT'S MURDER

Srianagar Apr 12 (Only Kashmir): The army on Saturday said it has intercepted a PoK-based Lashkar-e-Taiba spokesman's conversation with a Kashmiri journalist, asking him to plant a story about the hand of radical Hindu outfits in the killing of a moderate cleric in Srinagar on Friday.
A defence spokesman said Abdullah Gaznavi had asked the journalist to mislead people into believing that the Shiv Sena and the Bajrang Dal had triggered the blast that killed Maulana Showkat Ahmad Shah. But LeT condemned Shah's killing. "It is the handiwork of the activists of right-wing parties, including the Bajrang Dal and Abhinav Bharat. Indian forces and their agencies have perpetrated these acts," a local news agency quoted Gaznavi as saying.
LeT chief Wahid Kashmiri too condemned the killing, saying it was an attempt to divide Kashmiris. "The separatist leaders should remain united in this hour of grief and isolate the elements that are hell bent on creating a wedge among the people," the news agency quoted him as saying. "It is the responsibility of both factions of the Hurriyat to remove the black sheep. Those who claim to be champions of truth should come forward and identify the killers."

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Monday, April 11, 2011

CLUES FOUND REGARDING MOULANA SHOWKAT'S KILLING: OMAR ABDULLAH

Srinagar, Apr 11 (Only Kashmir): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said some clues have been found in the killing of a prominent religious leader Moulvi Showkat Ahmad Shah in a bomb blast outside a mosque here.
"It will be premature to comment on the issue but we have received some tips about which way investigation should be taken," he said.
The chief minister was talking to reporters during a visit to Asia''s largest Tulip Garden on the banks of Dal Lake.
The Jamiat-e-Ahlihadith chief and close associate of JKLF chairman Yasin Malik was killed when a bomb planted on a bicycle was
triggered outside a mosque in Srinagar''s Maisuma locality minutes before Friday prayers last week.
Omar described as a "big statement" JAH''s stand delinking itself from shutdowns in the wake of the killing.
"JAH''s recent statement where it has delinked itself from strikes and demanded action against the people involved in Shah''s killing is a big (positive) statement. We too want that guilty should be brought to book," he said.
Meanwhile, the Centre feels that the murder was carried out following directives from across the border and it was an attempt to silence moderate voices in the state.
Government sources said in Delhi that the killing of 55-year-old cleric was a major set back to the efforts in restoring normalcy in the state as he was a vocal opponent of violence and had termed last year''s stone-pelting protests as un-Islamic.

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Friday, April 8, 2011

J&K AHLI-HADEES CHIEF MOULANA SHOWKAT KILLED IN BOMB EXPLOSION

Srinagar Apr 08 (Only Kashmir): Moulvi Showkat Ahmed Shah, head of the Ahli-Hadees organisation in Jammu and Kashmir, was killed in a powerful bomb explosion outside a mosque in Maisuma locality near Srinagar's city centre Lal Chowk on Friday afternoon.
A senior police official said, Shah was just about to step inside the mosque when the bomb exploded, injuring him and another bystander critically.
Shah and the other injured bystander were immediately rushed to the SHMS hospital in Srinagar. Despite the best efforts of the doctors, Shah succumbed to his injuries.
High tension has gripped Maisuma locality after the blast, as security personnel are searching the area.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident.

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Thursday, April 7, 2011

OBAMA SHOULD HELP RESOLVE KASHMIR TO AVERT SOUTH ASIAN NUCLEAR ARMS RACE: US EXPERTS

Washington, April 7 (Only Kashmir): While welcoming the recent resumption of talks between Pakistani and Indian political leadership, a prominent American expert has urged Washington to make a diplomatic push towards resolution of longstanding Kashmir dispute, saying it would help stave off a nuclear arms race in South Asia.“After a hiatus of two years, the resumption of talks between Pakistan and India announced in February is good news,” Bruce Riedel, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, wrote in an opinion piece following March 30th meeting between prime ministers Yousuf Raza Gilani and Manmohan Singh on the occasion of World Cricket Cup semi-final between the two regional powers.
In the writing, put online by The Wall Street Journal Wednesday, Riedel, a former CIA officer, who chaired President Obama’s strategic review of policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2009, warns that “despite these diplomatic efforts, however, a huge challenge to peace is brewing: a nuclear arms race in South Asia.” Riedel claims in the piece titled “South Asia’s Looming Arms Race”
that Islamabad is adding fast to its nuclear stockpile. He feels that the renewed bilateral diplomacy between Pakistan and India is not likely to succeed in the face of years of hostility and mistrust between the two nuclear neighbors.
“That makes it urgent for the world community, especially the U.S., to address the budding arms race.”
He criticizes the U.S. policy toward Pakistan and its nuclear program in the last 30 years and calls for a consistent and constant approach. At the same time, the expert notes that former president “Bush’s civilian nuclear deal with India in 2005 left many Pakistanis angry at what they see as a double standard that gives India access to technology denied to them.”
Washington, Riedel says, “needs to help Mr. Singh and Mr. Gilani address the root issues dividing the two nations.”
“President Obama should encourage small steps at first like increased trade and communications, but press quietly behind the scenes to address Kashmir and other tough problems. The alternative, a full-blown South Asian arms race, will seriously threaten global security.”

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GEELANI CALLS FOR PROTEST

Srinagar, Apr 7 (Only Kashmir): Hardline Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani has called for protests against Jammu and Kashmir government''s decision to issue Dogra certificates and its "plan" to impose "burden of taxes" on the people.
"We call for peaceful protests after the Friday prayers tomorrow against the issuance of Dogra certificates and government''s plan to impose the burden of taxes on common people," Geelani said in a statement.
Geelani, who over the last three years led summer agitations on various pretexts, also called for a shutdown on April 11.

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INDIAN MUSLIM CLERICS CONDEM AFRIDI'S REMARKS

Lucknow April 07 (Only Kashmir): Muslim clerics in Lucknow decried Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi's reported remarks admonishing the Indians for not being big hearted as Muslims and Pakistanis.
Afridi's comments created ripples among the Muslim clerics who termed it as an outburst of a losing captain who failed to win the World Cup. The Pakistan team led by Afridi were trounced by India in the semi final of the ICC world cup held on March 30.
"Afridi has no right to pass comments on Muslims in India. We do not need any certificate from him. It reflects his mental state after losing the match to India. He should be more responsible in passing such comments," remarked Naib Imam Aishbagh Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli. Imam of historical Tile Wali Masjid Maulana Fazlur Rehma Waizi went a step further and stated that Indian Muslims cannot tolerate anything which questions their nationality. "We are Indians and will support our country till our last breath. Afridi has no ground in passing comment on us, he should better concentrate over his cricket and ponder over the state of affairs in his country," said Waizi. Both Farangi Mahli and Waizi had organised special dua before the semi-final and finals praying for India's victory.
Spokesperson of the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), Maulana Yasoob Abbas vehemently condemned Afridi's remarks terming Pakistan as a failed state. "We love our country and are not foolish to gift Afridi the World Cup. It is hard earned by our team who had displayed outstanding sportsmanship and cricketing abilities during the tournament. Afridi should not include Indian Muslims in his remarks," said Maulana Abbas.
Several other clerics including Maulana Naeemur Rehman of Islamic Centre of India, Maulana Ameer Haider, Secretary, Ulema-E-Hind, Maulana Tasleen Mehdi, Maulana Saleem Zaidi, Ali Meesam of Meesam-E-Tammar Foundation also condemned Afridi's remarks terming them as comments from a losing captain who cannot reconcile with his team's defeat.

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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY REPORTS REGARDING SEXUAL ABUSE BY SECURITY FORCES IN KASHMIR: UN

New Delhi April 06 (Only Kashmir): The UN on Wednesday said it had not come across any case of sexual abuse by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
"We have not received any report of sexual violence in Jammu and Kashmir. So far we do not have any reports about the issue," UN Secretary General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallstrom said replying to a question. Various separatists groups have been alleging incidents of sexual violence against women by security forces in the state.
Asked whether UN would set up any mechanism to monitor incidents of sexual abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, she said there was no such proposal.
However, she said the UN was in the process of setting up such a mechanism to monitor incidents of sexual violence in various African countries and in Columbia and Bosnia.
The UN official said she has been tasked by the UN Security Council to take steps to prevent sexual violence against women in conflict zones and the world body was taking a series of initiatives to address the issue.
Wallstrom said the world body is "deeply concerned" about growing incidents of sexual violence against women in various conflict zones across the globe and was taking several initiatives to ensure safety of fair sex in the troubled areas.

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

KASHMIR PREMIER LEAUGE COMING SOON: GEN. HASNAIN

Srinagar, April 4 (Only Kashmir): The army is banking on cricket to remake its image in Kashmir.
After India’s World Cup win, the army has decided to launch a Kashmir Premier League in the coming summer, apparently to win over Kashmiri hearts.
The army’s Kashmir chief, Lt. Gen S.A. Hasnain, said the tournament would be launched in consultation with the state administration after April.
Jammu and Kashmir has faced three successive summers of unrest, and the government is trying hard to prevent a repeat this year.
Lt. Gen Hasnain said one or two teams would be selected from every district in Kashmir.
“We will nurture local talent and after screening the prospects, they will be sent to the best national academies, duly sponsored by the army,” he said.
The army had in the past organised some local cricket tournaments but this is the first time it will involve all 10 districts in the Valley.
The men in uniform are often blamed for committing grave human rights abuses in Kashmir and the corps commander’s announcement came in the same area where the troops killed four teenagers who were playing cricket in February 2006.
The state government had ordered a judicial inquiry, which failed to make any headway because of the army’s non-cooperation.
There are growing demands from both mainstream and separatist politicians to withdraw the special powers enjoyed by the forces and reduce their footprint in the state.
The army’s corps commander said he was eager to see a Kashmiri in the national team by next year, aware that no Kashmiri cricketer has ever achieved this feat.
People in Kashmir, like any other place in the country, are enormously fond of cricket but only a few cheer the men in blue.
The army, which had decided to set up big screens to show the India-Pakistan semi-final last week, had to cancel the public screening at the police’s bidding.
Jammu and Kashmir police feared that it might lead to an embarrassing situation for the government and the army or even lead to clashes with the people, who often openly express their support for the Pakistani team.
Kashmir was perhaps the only place in the country where there was hardly any celebration after Team India’s triumph.

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Monday, April 4, 2011

'BITTA KARATE' THE MAN WHO HOUNDED PUNDITS FROM KASHMIR WANTS BACK

Srinagar April 04 (Only Kashmir): He was once said to be responsible for hounding Kashmiri pundits from the Valley. Today, he claims he has undergone a change of heart and wants them to return.
Farooq Ahmad Dar nicknamed Bitta Karata, who was charged with the murder of at least 40 Kashmiri pundits, is now showing signs of a change of heart.Karata’s actions had forced several pundits to flee their homes.
“I am concerned about Kashmiri pundits. I have been trying to encourage them to return,” said Bitta Karata who heads the JKLF (R). “We are incomplete without Kashmiri pundits; Kashmiri culture is incomplete without them.”
Bitta, who spent around 17 years in jail, was acquitted of all murder charges by the Supreme Court.He earned the soubriquet, Karata as he was popularly known for his martial art skills.
Many of the pundits, who fled their homes and took refuge in migrant camps, are now settled in Jammu, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
“The JKLF (R) believes in co-existence and communal harmony. We had earlier appealed to our pandit brothers and sisters to return to the Valley,” Karata told Mumbai Mirror. “We [Muslims] are incomplete without them [pundits].”
‘We don’t need his invitation’However, the ‘welcome’ extended by Karata has not gone down too
well. Ajay Chrungoo, chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organisation of Kashmiri pundits, said, “We are from Kashmir and we need no invitation from anyone. Kashmir pundits are indigenous to the
Valley, we are inseparable from Kashmir.”

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BHUTTO REMEMBERED IN KASHMIR ON HIS 32ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Srinagar April 04 (Only Kashmir): The Jammu and Kashmir based People’s Political Party (PPP) today repeated its demand again of a fresh probe into the assassination of its founder president Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. A high level meeting of Bhutto Memorial Trust (BMT) and PPP was held to commemorate Bhutto’s 32nd death anniversary at PPP headquarters, Srinagar, Kashmir. Paying rich tributes to the late Z.A. Bhutto, the executive members elucidated Bhutto’s vision of a united Muslim world. He was a top notch politician and an intellectual, said Engineer Hilal War, Chairman PPP. Mr. Bhutto rendered many sacrifices time and again to ensure Pakistan became democratically, economically and militarily strong, said War adding it is because of this that the American CIA hatched a conspiracy with anti-democratic in forces in Pakistan and engineered his judicial murder. But his voice lives in our hearts and will keep guiding us through and through.PPP Chief demanded the reopening of the Shaheed Z.A. Bhutto’s murder case, so that the perpetrators are brought to book. Mr. War said Bhutto created thousands of Bhutto’s after his assassination. He was such a strong inspiration that many Bhutto’s were born as a result of his martyrdom, said
War. War said Bhutto not only threw challenge to the anti-democratic forces in Pakistan but he was a thorn in the flesh of the anti-Muslim forces worldwide. The anti-Muslim forces in the world never wanted to see Muslims unite and as a result
they saw Bhutto as the biggest threat, and that is why they connived with various forces within the country to liquidate him, said Engineer Hilal War.PPP and BMT have demanded Bhutto’s murder case be reopened and the culprits be punished. The
PPP leader called for a judicial inquiry into what they called the assassination of the PPP founder. The PPP leader said the Pakistan was facing different challenges and was passing through a critical phase. He said as a result of ill-advised Kashmir Policy pursued by the government of Pakistan damaged the Kashmir case at international level. He vowed to continue his struggle for the rights of self-determination the people of Kashmir in order to translate the dream (Greater Pakistan) of Shaheed Z.A. Bhutto into reality. On the occasion PPP leaders heaped praise on Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for his services to the party and the country. PPP leader vowed to continue the Mission of Shaheed Z.A. Bhutto. The participants and members of PPP and BMT unanimously appealed to the people of Pakistan that they should rise above regional, racial and ethnic prejudices and considerations and unite together in the direction of national and emotional integration because such a course could only save Pakistan from external conspiracies aimed at disintegrating the country once again like December 1971.The speakers emphasized that the concept of Greater Pakistan floated by Bhutto and his Kashmir Policy for realization
of right of self-determination for struggling people of Jammu and Kashmir were and are the source of inspiration for the political and armed activists of Kashmir Liberation Movement. The participants of the meeting urged the Government of Pakistan to formulate a Kashmir Policy in accordance with the letter and spirit of Bhutto’s Kashmir Policy. The participants also disfavored and disapproved the proposed idea of showing any flexibility by government of Pakistan with regard to settlement of Kashmir Dispute.Mr War said that the late PPP leader was the founder of Pakistan’s nuclear programme and his agricultural and industrial reforms laid the foundations of the Pakistan’s prosperity. Several other leaders paid tribute to the late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The tripod of Bhutto’s achievements rests on awakening the people, giving a unanimous Constitution to Pakistan and strengthening defense by giving nuclear programme.“He believed in dialogue and negotiations for resolution of most complex political issues instead of resort to force,” PPP Chief. Hilal War said.” It was through dialogue and negotiations that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto brought back ninety thousand prisoners of war from Indian camps,” the PPP Co-Chairman added. PPP Chief advised the Government of Pakistan to befriend Iran in order to realize the dream of Z.A. Bhutto. The Simla Accord, which brought longest spell of peace between India and Pakistan, also stands as an endless monument to Shaheed Bhutto’s negotiating skills.“Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a thinker, a friend of the poor, downtrodden and oppressed. Fearless in his beliefs he refused to bow before any man or power other than the Almighty,” he said.

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RESOLUTION OF KASHMIR ISSUE MUST FOR INDO-PAK TALKS: MIRWAIZ

Srinagar, Apr 4 (Only Kashmir):In the backdrop of Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan meeting during the cricket World Cup semi-final match in Mohali, moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference today said resolution of the Kashmir issue was imperative to bring a positive change in relations between the two countries.
"Pleasant changes can be brought to the relations between India and Pakistan only after a solution is sought to the Kashmir issue," the Hurriyat faction headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said in a statement after a meeting of the amalgam.
The meeting, chaired by Mirwaiz, was convened to discuss the recent goodwill gestures by the premiers of India and Pakistan and its effects on Kashmir.
"The solution of this issue can no longer be delayed or hijacked by political maneuvering," the Hurriyat said, pressing for inclusion of Kashmiri leadership in the dialogue process to address the long-standing issue.

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Sunday, April 3, 2011

EUROPE WAS POPULATED BY KASHMIRIS 40,000 YEARS AGO: STUDY

Only Kashmir Exclusive
Washington, April 3 (Only Kashmir) : Researchers have found that Europe was populated by people from Kashmir around 40,000 years back and that they carry two to four percent Neanderthal genes – an ancient species of homosapiens.
The study, conducted by the UC Davis Anthropology Department at the US, found that about four percent (ranging from two to five percent) of all modern humans, except African descent, have Neanderthal genes left over from matings between the two peoples in prehistoric times.
“Scientists look for genetic signatures to classify an individual’s mtDNA (mitochondria DNA) into different types, or haplogroups.
These haplogroups represent major branches on the family tree of Homo sapiens. A 30,000-year-old Russian cave man had U2 mtDNA.
And people in Europe today have U2 DNA as well as people living in India,” reads an excerpt from the study, published by allvoices.com.
“You have numerous people with U2e, the European version of U2 living in Europe, especially in Italy today, and Germany as well as other places in Europe. It’s widely distributed throughout all of Europe in current times. And you have India-specific U2i mtDNA living primarily in India, especially NW India and Kashmir,” it added.
So, did people from India, Kashmir, and Pakistan as well as the rest of Central Asia populate Europe?
“Yes. And after that migration, around 40,000 years ago moving West into Russia and then into the rest of Europe came another migration from the Middle East, when climate allowed it to open up, around 45,000 years ago. A lot of those cave people were mammoth hunters or followed the animal herds before the last ice age began.
But U2 in Europe is still pretty rare in modern populations, although it does exist,” read the article.
According to excerpts, it is archeologically proven that Neanderthal man-a long extinct species-has lived in Kashmir.
“Archeologically one can establish that Neanderthal man has lived in Kashmir, Pakistan and Central Asia. However we cannot say whether his genes are still available in these areas or not,” said Prof Aijaz Banday, professor of Archaeology at the University of Kashmir.
“Unless and until we have the DNA profile of the people in these areas, then only it can be properly established. That profiling has not been done so far. One cannot outrightly deny such studies that Neanderthal genes are present in Kashmir, but we can authentically prove it only after going for the DNA profiling,” he added.

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LASHKAR AND HIZB WARNS PUBLIC AGAINST TAKING PART IN CIVIL POLLS IN KASHMIR

Srinagar, April 03 (Only Kashmir): Stung by massive participation in the 2008 assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, militant outfits like LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen have warned the people against taking part in the upcoming Panchayat polls in the state beginning later this month.
Posters of LeT and Hizb have appeared outside mosques and other prominent places in rural areas like Shopian, Sopore and Bandipora in the Valley warning people not to take part in the civic polls, a senior intelligence official said.
He said the anti-election posters have appeared in the areas where there is still significant presence of militants and their sympathizers.
"This seems to be a reaction to the massive participation in the assembly elections in 2008 and a good turnout in the Parliamentary elections held in early 2009," he said.
The security forces across Kashmir and other militancy-infected areas of the state have been put on an alert after these posters appeared, he said.
Although the official put the number of active militants in the valley at around 300 only, he said they were enough to create sense of insecurity among the people, which could affect the voter turnout.
"We have already seen one political killing last week. A National Conference worker was shot dead in Tral area of Pulwama district," he said.
The official said steps have been taken to ensure that the militants are put on the backfoot and that they are not able to interfere in the democratic process.
"Police, paramilitary forces, Army and intelligence agencies are working in coordination on counter-insurgency operations so that we are able to get the militants before they can cause any serious damage," he said.
As part of the strategy, area domination in rural areas is being carried out by intensifying the night patrol and increasing the vigil around security installations and vulnerable persons like political activists.
The effects of militant threats are already visible as in Qoimoh block in Anantnag district more than three dozen candidates will be declared elected unopposed as there was only one contestant for these seats.
Qoimoh block, which had witnessed more than 70% turn out in 2008 Assembly elections, will be going to polls on April 13.
Panchayat elections are being held in the state after a gap of around 10 years with the last polls held in 2001.
Absence of Panchayats has been costing the state dearly as Jammu and Kashmir is losing around Rs 300 crore annually in assistance under Centrally-sponsored schemes.

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Saturday, April 2, 2011

NO LENIENCY THIS YEAR IN KASHMIR: CENTRE TELLS KASHMIR

New Delhi, April 02 (Only Kashmir): The central government has conveyed to the Jammu and Kashmir government that it is keen that the bloody protests of last year do not recur this summer in the valley, officials said on Saturday. According to the officials, the central government has asked the state to keep in check the instigators of the trouble, the separatist leaders and their supporters, and not to show any leniency towards trouble-makers.
The Union home ministry has cautioned the state government against any complacency this year as the trouble in the past three summers in Kashmir has deeply embarrassed the central government, official sources told Media.
The central government has also indicated that it may open direct contact with the people in the valley to ensure they stay engaged in a positive manner.
The central government is keen that there is no reappearance of the protesterss and stone-throwers on the streets of the valley.
Last year, the street violence and police action against protesters left more than 110 people, mostly youth, dead.

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BIRTH CENTENARY OF FAIZ AHMAD FAIZ BEING CELEBRATED IN KASHMIR

Srinagar April 02 (Only Kashmir): The Jammu and Kashmir State is celebrating the birth centenary of late Faiz Ahmed Faiz for which J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages has drawn out a programme and the first event was held on February 21, 2011 at K L Sehgal Hall.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Revenue, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani while replying to a question by Mr. M. Y. Taing in Legislative Council today.
The Minister said more programmes are being held in the shape of seminars, poetic symposia, painting competition on the couplets and a special number of Sheeraza Urdu is being brought out to be dedicated to the life and works of the late poet.

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J&K GOVT CLEARS 250 PASSPORTS FOR MILITANTS KIN

Srinagar April 02 (Only Kashmir): As many as 250 cases related to the issuance of passports to the kin of militants have been cleared, Jammu and Kashmir government said today.
Responding to a point raised by an independent MLA, Engineer Rashid in the Legislative Assembly during zero hour, minister for Law and parliamentary affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar told the house today that as many as 250 cases related to the issuance of passports to the kins of militants have been cleared by the government.
Sagar further said that orders have been issued in this regard on the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
"Chief Minister's orders are being implemented in letter and spirit", Sagar said, adding only those who are themselves involved in acts of militancy will not be issued clearances.
He further said that the director general of police has also convened a meeting to discuss certain relaxations in the rules.
CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami, who also pleaded for the issuance of passports to the "innocent relatives of militants", said that some people in Kashmir are arrested on suspicion and later are not granted clearances on grounds of their name featuring in the record books of CID.

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MANMOHAN GILANI ANALYSIS

Kashmir was involved in our talks: Gilani
Islamabad (Pak), Apr 1 (Only Kashmir): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday emphatically stated his talks with Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in Mohali involved all core and outstanding issues between the two countries including Kashmir. “How we [Pakistan and India] can move forward without resolving the Kashmir dispute. We discussed all core and outstanding issues including Kashmir”, Gilani said while responding to queries of callers in the live monthly television programme “Prime Minister On-Line”. The Prime Minister said he discussed the issue of Kashmir with the Indian Prime Minister not only this time, but during his all previous meetings as well.
The Prime Minister referred to his meetings with the Indian Prime Minister in Colombo in 2008, in Sharm el-Sheikh in 2009 and then in Thimpu, Bhutan, and said it was Thimpu where the two leaders agreed to resume the dialogue process at Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister levels.
Gilani said he accepted the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to witness the Pak-India ICC World Cup semi-final in Mohali, with a view that it would provide a good opportunity of discussion with the Indian Prime Minister.
The two countries have to find the solution of their issues through dialogue, he added.
“It would be unfair to make a comparison of his visit to India with those of dictators’ visits for witnessing the cricket match”,
Gilani remarked in response to a question about the history of Pakistan-India cricket diplomacy vis a vis visits of former
Presidents General Zia ul Haq and Pervez Musharraf in 1987 and 2005, respectively.
Gilani said he is a democratically elected Prime Minister and there were democratic governments in both countries, with leaders having rendered great sacrifices for democracy.
To a question, the Prime Minister said despite the Mumbai incident, he and Prime Minister Singh in their meeting in Thimpu agreed to resume dialogue and not let the dialogue process become hostage to such incidents, as it would only benefit the militants.
Gilani said the presence of Indian Congress President Ms. Sonia Gandhi in the Mohali meeting was also a show of solidarity.
The Prime Minister said the recent Interior Secretary level talks between Pakistan and India in New Delhi remained extremely successful, adding, the forthcoming Commerce Secretary level talks would follow more meetings where each and every issue would be discussed.
To a question regarding the third-party mediation, the Prime Minister said, Pakistan and India can and should resolve their issues through bilateral dialogue, adding, “We have to take ownership of our issues”.

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Friday, April 1, 2011

45% DROP IN MILITANCY IN KASHMIR: KULDEEP KHODA

Jammu April 02 (Only Kashmir): Director General Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda today said that there has been a 45 percent drop in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir from January to March compared to the corresponding period last year.
"In view of stepped up operations of police many top militant commanders have been eliminated. At the same time, the number of civilian and security personnel killings have come down to a great extent," Khoda told media prisons here.
The state police chief maintained, “Overall it has been a 45 percent decline in militancy," adding that efforts were on to neutralize militants.
Khoda informed that there would be no forces coming from outside the state for Panchyat polls beginning from April 13. “The state has not asked for additional troops for the forthcoming Panchayat polls,” he said.
It may recall here that the separatist leaders have called for a boycott of the polls.

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MIRWAIZ FOR ACCELERATION OF INDO-PAK TALKS

Srinagar Apr 01 (Only Kashmir): Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today said there was need for accelerating the dialogue process between India and Pakistan for resolution of Kashmir issue.
"The pace of dialogue process between India and Pakistan is very slow. If we talk in cricketing terms, India and Pakistan are running for singles. Today is the time for hitting fours and sixes," Mirwaiz said at Friday congregation in Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
He said people of Kashmir have been waiting for the last 63 years for resolution of the issue.
"Time is running very fast. Kashmiris are waiting for a solution," he said, adding that a political will and determination is needed for resolution of the Kashmir issue.
In an apparent reference to the killing of an NC office bearer on Wednesday, Mirwaiz said, "Hurriyat condemns if a person is being killed for his political views or affiliations. Hurriyat believes in democratic values and everyone has a right to speak be he pro-movement or anti-movement."

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